# Question
Title: Settings won't open because of Samsung Experience Service after Software Update
I updated my android today and now the settings app won't open. I can access all settings through the search function of the launcher except Samsung specific ones.

I connected the phone to my pc to see the logs and here is the stack trace from logcat:

```
FATAL EXCEPTION: main
Process: com.android.settings, PID: 17254
java.lang.RuntimeException: Failed to call observer method
at androidx.lifecycle.ClassesInfoCache$MethodReference.invokeCallback(ClassesInfoCache.java:226)
at androidx.lifecycle.ClassesInfoCache$CallbackInfo.invokeMethodsForEvent(ClassesInfoCache.java:194)
at androidx.lifecycle.ClassesInfoCache$CallbackInfo.invokeCallbacks(ClassesInfoCache.java:186)
at androidx.lifecycle.ReflectiveGenericLifecycleObserver.onStateChanged(ReflectiveGenericLifecycleObserver.java:37)
at androidx.lifecycle.LifecycleRegistry$ObserverWithState.dispatchEvent(LifecycleRegistry.java:361)
at androidx.lifecycle.LifecycleRegistry.forwardPass(LifecycleRegistry.java:300)
at androidx.lifecycle.LifecycleRegistry.sync(LifecycleRegistry.java:339)
at androidx.lifecycle.LifecycleRegistry.moveToState(LifecycleRegistry.java:145)
at androidx.lifecycle.LifecycleRegistry.handleLifecycleEvent(LifecycleRegistry.java:131)
at com.android.settingslib.core.lifecycle.ObservablePreferenceFragment.onStart(ObservablePreferenceFragment.java:80)
at com.android.settings.dashboard.DashboardFragment.onStart(DashboardFragment.java:266)
at com.android.settings.homepage.TopLevelSettings.onStart(TopLevelSettings.java:192)
at androidx.fragment.app.Fragment.performStart(Fragment.java:2756)
at androidx.fragment.app.FragmentStateManager.start(FragmentStateManager.java:355)
at androidx.fragment.app.FragmentManager.moveToState(FragmentManager.java:1192)
at androidx.fragment.app.FragmentManager.moveToState(FragmentManager.java:1354)
at androidx.fragment.app.FragmentManager.moveFragmentToExpectedState(FragmentManager.java:1432)
at androidx.fragment.app.FragmentManager.moveToState(FragmentManager.java:1495)
at androidx.fragment.app.FragmentManager.dispatchStateChange(FragmentManager.java:2620)
at androidx.fragment.app.FragmentManager.dispatchStart(FragmentManager.java:2578)
at androidx.fragment.app.FragmentController.dispatchStart(FragmentController.java:258)
at androidx.fragment.app.FragmentActivity.onStart(FragmentActivity.java:550)
at androidx.appcompat.app.AppCompatActivity.onStart(AppCompatActivity.java:201)
at android.app.Instrumentation.callActivityOnStart(Instrumentation.java:1435)
at android.app.Activity.performStart(Activity.java:8207)
at android.app.ActivityThread.handleStartActivity(ActivityThread.java:3806)
at android.app.servertransaction.TransactionExecutor.performLifecycleSequence(TransactionExecutor.java:221)
at android.app.servertransaction.TransactionExecutor.cycleToPath(TransactionExecutor.java:201)
at android.app.servertransaction.TransactionExecutor.executeLifecycleState(TransactionExecutor.java:173)
at android.app.servertransaction.TransactionExecutor.execute(TransactionExecutor.java:97)
at android.app.ActivityThread$H.handleMessage(ActivityThread.java:2295)
at android.os.Handler.dispatchMessage(Handler.java:106)
at android.os.Looper.loop(Looper.java:246)
at android.app.ActivityThread.main(ActivityThread.java:8443)
at java.lang.reflect.Method.invoke(Native Method)
at com.android.internal.os.RuntimeInit$MethodAndArgsCaller.run(RuntimeInit.java:596)
at com.android.internal.os.ZygoteInit.main(ZygoteInit.java:1130)

Caused by: java.lang.SecurityException:
Failed to find provider com.samsung.android.mobileservice.profileProvider for user 0; expected to find a valid ContentProvider for this authority
at android.os.Parcel.createExceptionOrNull(Parcel.java:2385)
at android.os.Parcel.createException(Parcel.java:2369)
at android.os.Parcel.readException(Parcel.java:2352)
at android.os.Parcel.readException(Parcel.java:2294)
at android.content.IContentService$Stub$Proxy.registerContentObserver(IContentService.java:1229)
at android.content.ContentResolver.registerContentObserver(ContentResolver.java:2630)
at android.content.ContentResolver.registerContentObserver(ContentResolver.java:2618)
at com.samsung.android.settings.homepage.TopLevelSamsungAccountPreferenceController.onStart(TopLevelSamsungAccountPreferenceController.java:95)
at com.android.settingslib.core.lifecycle.Lifecycle.onStart(Lifecycle.java:124)
at com.android.settingslib.core.lifecycle.Lifecycle.access$100(Lifecycle.java:55)
at com.android.settingslib.core.lifecycle.Lifecycle$LifecycleProxy.onLifecycleEvent(Lifecycle.java:222)
at java.lang.reflect.Method.invoke(Native Method)
at androidx.lifecycle.ClassesInfoCache$MethodReference.invokeCallback(ClassesInfoCache.java:222)
... 36 more

Caused by: android.os.RemoteException: Remote stack zrace:
at com.android.server.content.ContentService.registerContentObserver(ContentService.java:388)
at android.content.IContentService$Stub.onTransact(IContentService.java:482)
at android.os.Binder.execTransactInternal(Binder.java:1190)
at android.os.Binder.execTransact(Binder.java:1159)

```

So the relevant part seems to be:

```
Caused by: java.lang.SecurityException:
Failed to find provider com.samsung.android.mobileservice.profileProvider for user 0; expected to find a valid ContentProvider for this authority

```

What I've tried so far:

* Restart the phone
* Restart the phone in safe mode
* Reinstall Samsung Experience Service
* Reinstall com.android.settings
* Reinstall com.samsung.android.mobileservice

I think because there are Samsung related settings in the settings main menu, it causes a crash. Any ideas on how to get the settings back?

PS: Please don't suggest a factory reset. That is cause for another headache.

PPS: Previously, I had uninstalled Samsung bloatware via "adb shell". But that had never caused problems. So maybe now one missing package could be the culprit?

# Answer
> 2 votes
It's caused by uninstalling `com.osp.app.signin`. If you simply uninstalled the package for `--user 0` (which most debloating scripts do), then you can reinstall it with

```
adb shell cmd package install-existing com.osp.app.signin

```

---
Tags: applications, samsung, settings
---


# Question
Title: Physical keyboard shortcuts that use the "search" key?
According to the physical keyboard configuration on my android phone, there are a number of keyboard shortcuts that involve the "search" key. E.g. "+⏎" for home. I've included a screenshot below showing the complete list. I am running LineageOS 16.0 (Android 9); the screenshot comes from the "Physical keyboard" configuration (System -\> Languages & input -\> Physical keyboard).

What key is Android expecting for the "" key?

I have a keyboard configured with a "Search" key. Using `evtest` on my Linux box, I can see the keyboard is sending the `KEY_SEARCH` keycode:

```
Event: time 1601635686.628475, type 1 (EV_KEY), code 217 (KEY_SEARCH), value 1

```

This comes from the "USB-HID Keyboard Consumer Control" device.

When connected to my phone, none of the shortcuts involving the search key appear to work. I am wondering if I just need to remap the search key to send something different?

# Answer
> 3 votes
The Search key here in Android refers to the OS key(Windows/Command/Super keys), so you would use the OS key + other combinations to activate the shortcut.

On some ROMs, such as One UI, this search key is replaced by "OS".

I guess why this is called the Search key is because when you press on it(OS key), it will activate the Search app(e.g. Google) and on newer systems, this is configured to activate the default assistant app(e.g. Google Assistant)

# Answer
> 1 votes
I've just connected my physical keyboard to my phone for the first time and was also shown that list of shortcuts. I too wonder what the Search key is on my keyboard. As I read you message I thought.... Maybe it's the key normally labeled as "Win" or "OS" etc. It's often considered a special key. Tried it.. Eg Win+C and yup, in opened up my Contacts app! :-)

---
Tags: keyboard
---


# Question
Title: My phone is sending out MMS messages to unknown numbers
My phone is sending out MMS messages without my consent to random unknown numbers and out of my contacts. The message that is sent out on my phone is as follows:

> You have received an MMS message. Read here.

Then there's an HTTP address I won't put it here, don't know what on earth it is.

I've run an anti-virus app. Can someone help me please, do I need to do a factory reset?

# Answer
> 0 votes
I sounds like you have managed to install some malware - check the Application settings for those with permission to send MMS messages and disable MMS functions for any that you don't recognise or need to be able to send messages and possibly uninstall them. It is probably worth doing this periodically anyway.

If you go to Applications in the Settings area, (the gear), and select the options, (the pile of 3 dots on the top right on my version), you can select SMS to get a list of all the Apps that can send SMS, *and presumably MMS*.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I've never had an app that actually sent any messages. I've had some that requested permission to send MMS messages but none ever did. If my device did something like yours is I'd swear it was hacked or even cloned. Whatever is going on with your phone has one simple fix. I'd reset the device to factory.

---
Tags: malware, mms
---


# Question
Title: Google Discover says "Something went wrong" - How to fix?
I'm on a OnePlus 9 Pro using Android 11 and version 12.47.14.23 of the Google App. I really enjoyed the Google Discover tab and would use it many times a day on the phone. A few days ago, it simply stopped working. When I swipe over to the screen now, I get the following error:

I've hit the "Try again" button, as well as swiping down from the top to reload. Same error.

I've also checked the app settings to see if something got flipped somehow. Here's the general settings:

Here's what I know so far:

* This happened the second I traveled from Seattle to Texas, and took my phone off airplane mode. Right when I went to the Discover page, I got this error. This was 3 days ago. I have no idea if this error is location based or just a random coincidence. I guess I'll find out when I get back to Seattle on Friday.
* I've tried things like clearing the app cache from the Google app, and removing all Google App updates and re-installing them in the Play store. No go.
* If I log off and choose the "Use without an account" option, the feed loads. However, then I would get random links in which 99% of them I couldn't care less about. The links associated with my Google account were generally very useful, except when it would spoil who won on The Great British Baking Show even though the finale hadn't even aired in the US yet.
* If I use without an account, then log on as myself again, I'd get the same error.
* I'm using a paid, Google Suite (I think it's called Google Workspace now?) account with a custom domain name. I do not have have an @gmail.com address of any sort. I'm actually leaning towards this as a primary suspect, even though I haven't changed any settings. Google has made it clear many times in the past that paying users are second class citizens, as many products don't work, and you can't do things like "Rate an app" in the app store even though every app always pops up asking for ratings. I dug through the enabled apps in the admin console and didn't see anything about Google Discover or Google Now. The only apps that were disabled didn't appear to be related. Maybe there's some weird setting buried in there somewhere though. It's also possible Google just decided to disable Discover for paid accounts, which wouldn't surprise me in the least. I'd expect this to have been announced or documented somewhere, which I wasn't able to find.

I'd love any ideas on things to try! I've read just about every link and blog post I could find online, but they're generally fairly useless. It's also been suggested you can get the same feature from the "New Tab" page in Chrome. This is true, but it only shows a few things at a time. I'd love to be able to get the phone working like it did a few days ago.

**Update:**

I talked with a Google Workspace support rep and he has confirmed this should work, and all admin settings in my account are correct. Beyond that, he wasn't able to tell me why this isn't working. Since this is not a Google Workspace issue, he wasn't able to escalate any further.

# Answer
**Fixed!**

The second I got back into Seattle, everything started working again. So, this problem is most definitely location based. Either Google Discover does not work in Texas, or something about my account prevents it from working in Texas. This theory fits in with a reply from a product rep in this thread, saying the issue can be solved by VPN'ing into another network. As VPNs basically "mask" the real location, this is perhaps another way to work around the issue. Now I'm kinda wondering if I could have fixed this by turning off Location services as well.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: google-account, google, google-discover
---


# Question
Title: AVD doesn't work after installing Android Studio
I installed Android Studio, but when I try to run, the emulator is not working. When I googled, I find some instructions in which the

> 1. Open SDK Manager and Download Intel x86 Emulator Accelerator (HAXM installer) if you haven't.
> 2. Now go to your SDK directory (C:\users\username\AppData\Local\Android\sdk, generally). In this directory Go to extra \> intel \> Hardware\_Accelerated\_Execution\_Manager and run the file named "intelhaxm-android.exe".
>
> In case you get an error like "Intel virtualization technology (vt,vt-x) is not enabled". Go to your BIOS settings and enable Hardware Virtualization.
> 3. Restart Android Studio and then try to start the AVD again.

but I don't know where is BIOS setting of my computer. I have HP desktop CPU and try to find the BIOS from start, F10 as well as from change PC setting in Windows, but all in vain.

# Answer
I faced a similar problem recently on my windows 10 laptop and found out that the Intel virtualization technology (vt-x) was disabled from BIOS.

In case you are using a new laptop which comes per-installed with Windows 8/8.1/10 then chances are that you cannot enter the BIOS manually while booting. Reason being they have changed BIOS to UEFI which is no longer accessible through boot but instead you need to do the following steps:

Go to Windows \> Settings \> Update and Security \> Recovery. Then under Advanced startup, click Restart now. The system will restart and show the Windows 10 boot menu. Select Troubleshoot \> Advanced options \> UEFI Firmware Settings. Click Restart to restart the system and enter UEFI (BIOS). from here you can access the UEFI menu (which is similar to BIOS)

Search for the VT-x setting (It may be named as Intel VT or Vanderpool or Virtualization Extensions or something similar depending on your OEM and BIOS.)

Please refer to this link for screenshots on how to access the UEFI from windows 10: http://www.howtogeek.com/213795/how-to-enable-intel-vt-x-in-your-computers-bios-or-uefi-firmware/
> 2 votes

# Answer
If your new Mac M1 is having this problem, as of Android Studio Arctic Fox patch 4, I resolved the issue by adding a new virtual device (for the simulator) which was for ARM architecture. Here are details with screenshots about the steps on ConfessionsOfAnAgileCoach.
> 1 votes

# Answer
When you switch on your device, it starts to boot as your preferences (HDD, Removable drive, Optical drive etc.) set in the BIOS. Before the OS boot starts, if you press a particular key,your device will show a window with options like `Boot menu`, `BIOS settings` etc. You can find the buttons beside each option, by pressing which you can enter those options. For example,

Acer - `F2`

Asus - `Del`

DELL - `F2`

HP - `F10`

These keys may be changed.

After you enter the BIOS set up goto the `Advanced` tab and enable the `Intel virtualization technology`, which may be aliased/called as `Intel VT-x` or `AMD-V`.

Hope this will help.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: avd-manager
---


# Question
Title: Icon is stuck behind google search, and appears on all screens (screenshot included)
I was re-arranging my icons when I accidentally dropped an icon "behind" the google search bar up top.

The icon appears on every screen when I swipe left or right, but disappears when I view all apps.

How do I remove this icon? (see the mis aligned YouTube icon at the top)

Screenshot (click image for larger variant)

# Answer
*Note that my other answer is more of a workaround (but also something recommended by many even without problems) that is almost guranteed to fix the problem. This is a direct fix which will most likely work, but I can't say that with absolute certainty as I can't recreate the situation myself.*

After some googling, I've noticed that your icon (as you point out already) is off-center and missing its text label. Rather than the icon itself being stuck, it looks like what you're seeing is a stuck graphical artifact. This has happened to a few other users on other forums, and **rebooting the device seems to be a fix** for them.

Whether this works for you or not, I'm posting it as an answer for the sake of future internet travelers who stumble upon this question.
> 2 votes

# Answer
*Please note that this answer is more of a workaround than a direct solution. See my other answer for a suggested direct solution (It basically says "Try rebooting", though).*

Since you're on the stock launcher (Which, if I recall correctly, doesn't allow you to remove that search bar), the best answer I can think of is to try installing an alternative launcher. I personally use Nova Launcher (The $4 "Prime" version actually).

After installing the new launcher, most (Nova included) will give you an option to import your old icon layout if you want to. But by default, you're basically given a clean slate.

I usually recommend Nova because it nearly mimics the default launcher (no crazy features or surprises) and adds a few nice features - my favorite is that it has an "Uninstall" drag-area that lets you uninstall an app without going to its settings/info page.

Other alternatives that I've played with include...

* Go Launcher, \[Free, optional $6 upgrade\] supports countless themes and skins, but has a somewhat different look and behavior compared to stock.
* ADW Launcher, \[Free, optional $3 upgrade\] one of the most mature custom launchers available. It is closer to the standard launcher than Go is, and supports a huge number of themes, icon packs, etc.
* Next Launcher, \[Free Trial, full app is $16!\] a very different launcher with 3D effects and such. The full version is pretty expensive, but I guess it would be fun to show off to friends and such (I don't know how user-friendly it actually is).
* Espier Launcher \[Free, $8 upgrade for the new iOS style\] is a launcher that tries to mimic iOS's Springboard, and succeeds to a surprising extent.
> 0 votes

# Answer
In my case I'm using a Pixel 4a.

I was able to solve it by restarting the "Pixel Launcher" app.

To do so, I went under:

```
Settings > Apps > See all apps > Scroll down to Pixel Launcher > Choose Force Stop

```

Slightly better than having to restart the unit altogether.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: home-screen-shortcuts, home-screen, bugs, user-interface
---


# Question
Title: Does the Log4j vulnerability affect Android users?
The new vulnerability CVE-2021-44228 (also known as Log4Shell) is wreaking havoc, but very little of the discussion is voiced about the average android user.

Is the average Android OS user at risk? I heard that Java's JNDI is not implemented in Android, but is that referring to the Java editors available for Android or the Android OS itself? Is Android's native logging mechanism that logs all activity in general susceptible to the Log4j vulnerability?

# Answer
**Google Security Blog statement on Log4j vulnerability** as of 2021-12-17:

> **Android** is not aware of any impact to the Android Platform or Enterprise. At this time, no update is required for this specific vulnerability, but we encourage our customers to ensure that the latest security updates are applied to their devices.

**Original Answer/Background info for context:**

**Q: What is the Log4j vulnerability (also known as Log4Shell)**

JNDI is the Java Naming and Directory Interface. It is not an app, but a library/service allowing for runtime configuration. Log4j is a common library used in server applications. Certain strings when used with the v2.x version of the Log4j library can invoke the JNDI API which can result in leaking of sensitive information and thereby facilitate other attacks. Basically this a variation of input sanitization, except in a logging utility which for reasons had a useful but dangerous feature enabled.

**Q: Input Sanitization?**

You probably heard of so called SQL injection attacks where some specially crafted string can modify the commands given to the database engine. Example:

Here, `Robert '); DROP TABLE Students; --` can be inserted into this query `insert into Students (id, name) values (42, $name)`. When the software directly substitutes `$name` with the name, it becomes this query/command: `insert into Students (id, name) values (42, Robert '); DROP TABLE Students; --)` (insert, and then drop the table, everything else is commented out).

Developers need to *sanitize the input*, that is, check for every possible dangerous value. Developers can for example escape the `'` in the name before substituting. Alternatively developers using SQL can use prepared statements, where no substitution is even done.

In the case of the Log4j vulnerability, developers were expecting the Log4j library to record application/server values, including input strings, with the expectation that those strings were plaintext and not able to invoke APIs.

**Q: Is Android OS vulnerable?**

**A: Not by this particular vulnerability** \- Android OS while parts are written in Java uses its own logging library. Android OS also doesn't use JNDI protocol/service and isolates each app in its own sandbox. While this means that this particular JNDI exploit can't be used on Android, history has shown that Android is not without bugs and exploits, resulting in more security with each version.

**Q: Are Android Apps vulnerable?**

**A: Depends** \- Android apps can either only exist on device OR serve as the front end of a cloud service. Android apps undoubtedly have their own bugs. On older devices apps could access the global logcat where poorly written apps may output username/passwords/other keys which while useful for debugging isn't good in a production app. As of Android 4.1 Android apps can only access their own logs.

The servers which the mobile apps depend upon is a different story as noted in the media.

**Q: But what about Android Apps which use Log4j**

**A: On device a developer would really need to put in effort** to add in Log4j separately. As seen here Log4j out of the box needs Java classes which Android doesn't support. And while there is a port for Android it is based on Log4j version 1.x which is EOL, it seems that version had it own problems which would dissuade Android developers. Alternatively an Android developer may use slf4j for Android or other actively developed logger shims on top of Android framework's native logging facility.

References:

What is JNDI? What is its basic use? When is it used?

https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/apache-log4j-vulnerability-cve-2021-44228/

Comic strips by xkcd: № 327
> 73 votes

---
Tags: security, java
---


# Question
Title: How to transfer USB debugging authorization permission from one laptop to another?
I have an Android device with Android 5.0. I turned on USB debugging and connected it to one laptop. The android device displayed a pop-up for USB debugging authorization, I allowed it. After a few days, I accidentally broke the Android device screen, it's not sensing any touch input and the screen display is quite broken. I have another laptop, and now I want, connect to that Android device to USB debugging.

* How do I do it?
* Is it possible to force "USB Debug authorization" from the laptop side?
* Are USB Debugging Permission given to one laptop stored/saved in that laptop, like a file in the `android-sdk` folder or `platform-tools folder`, so that I can copy that file to another laptop and make it works, OR transfer RSA fingerprint, or any other ideas?

# Answer
You can simply copy the adb private adb public key file to a new computer or a different user profile:

```
# Windows
%USERPROFILE%\.android\adbkey
%USERPROFILE%\.android\adbkey.pub

# Linux/MacOS
~/.android/adbkey
~/.android/adbkey.pub

```

Afterwards you may have to restart the local adb server if it is running. You can do so executing `adb kill-server`. Afterwards the new adb keys should be used and you can open adb connection to your phone.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: usb-debugging, android-sdk
---


# Question
Title: Samsung Galaxy Ace stuck on boot after failed rooting attempt
I've been formatting my Samsung Galaxy Ace (GT-S5839i) and it worked pretty well. Then for some reason, I tried to root it, which I failed, and now my phone won't turn on anymore. It just stays on the boot logo (the one where Samsung GALAXY Ace is printed) and it never goes any further. Before my phone stopped working, I tried to install some "ClockWorkMod", and I guess I didn't follow the steps as I should've.

I can access the recovery menu, but each time I tried to just wipe data/factory reset or wipe cache partition, it didn't help, so right now I'm stuck with a non-working phone. I can still put files on the SD card. I just don't know how to go back to the Gingerbread version I had before.

So I'd like to know if anyone can offer a solution?

# Answer
If you have had ROM manager before, then you can install any ROM which you will find on different sites.
> 0 votes

# Answer
According to the OP on the 2nd revision of the question,

> I kept searching and I found a guide about ODIN and flashing the phone, and it worked very well! My phone is now working like it never died!
>
> You can find the guide I followed right here (The guide is in french, but if you look for flashing a phone with Odin, I think you can find a guide in English)
> 0 votes

---
Tags: boot-loop, samsung-galaxy-ace
---


# Question
Title: Audio recorder triggered by global long press gesture
A friend who has limited eye sight would like an audio recorder on his Samsung phone. Ideally it starts when he long presses the display anywhere after unlocking the phone.

*Is that possible?*

# Answer
> 1 votes
I'm thinking there are at least 5 good approaches to help out your friend:

1. Take a close look at Android's and Samsung's ***accessibility*** services. I haven't had the best experiences with Samsung devices, but some of the accessibility services they offer are top notch. If you go into Android's Settings UI, you can explore. You may find something exactly like you describe, or something else that you can adapt to your friend's needs.
2. Use a custom launcher like Lightning Launcher, Total Launcher, or Nova Launcher, and configure the entire main home page be one huge button that, when pressed, launches an audio recorder of your friend's choosing. I've used all of those launchers, and Lightning Launcher is by far the best and most flexible, but it has a significant learning curve. Total Launcher is also very flexible (yet not as flexible as Lightning Launcher), but its learning curve is quite steep. Nova Launcher is the easiest to configure, but the least flexible, by far.
3. Using any of the aforementioned launchers, you can program a *swipe gesture* (e.g. 2 fingers swiping up) to launch an audio recorder of your friend's choosing.
4. Install HomeBot from F-Droid and remap the home button long press on to launch an audio recorder.
5. There is a great open-source app that allows you to reconfigure all the physical buttons on your Android device called KeyMapper. You can configure it to start an audio recorder when your friend presses or long-presses a button.

Note that for options #1 and #2 (and perhaps for #3, #4, and #5), if your friend prefers, they can link directly to the *activity* within the audio recording app that begins the actual recording. That way, the recording starts right away.

The biggest challenge I see is for your friend to know that recording is taking place. This partially depends on the limits of their vision. One tip is to enable a sound when the device is turned on. Most modern Android phones have this option, often tucked in with the other *accessibility* settings.

I admire you for being willing to help others. Good luck!

---
Tags: samsung, audio, accessibility, macrodroid, gestures
---


# Question
Title: How to add scramble support for Open VPN for Android Client
Obfuscation is known to bypass restrictive firewalls and DPI of some ISPs. I am wondering why this hasn't been implemented officially in the client, given that its open source.

This has been done for some mac and windows clients (and perhaps android clients which are mostly close sourced).

After a bit of digging, I came across a scramble/xor patch here: https://github.com/clayface/openvpn\_xorpatch/blob/master/openvpn\_xor.patch.

Is there a way to add scramble support for Open VPN client, either by simple decompiling and recompiling or building the client from scratch?

There is another client: VPN Client Pro, which has scramble support but requires a subscription, ideally was looking for a free option to simply to this patch in order to connect to obfuscated servers.

# Answer
I found out that, there is an ics-openvpn-xor project on github by lawtancool.

> This is the latest stable release of https://github.com/schwabe/ics-openvpn compiled with added support for the Tunnelblick obfuscation patch.

APK releases can be found here
> 3 votes

---
Tags: openvpn
---


# Question
Title: unlocked phone can be used for all compatible phone service providers?
There is an Android phone ad like this:

*Due to USA carrier VoLTE restrictions, this phone is only certified to work on T-Mobile and T-Mobile MNVOs(Mint Mobile, Google Fi, etc.) It however is unlocked and will work on any carrier outside the USA. Inside the USA, T-Mobile and T-Mobile MNVOs only.*

I am confused. The phone is unlocked. So it should work for AT&T because T-Mobile and AT&T are both use GSM. And the phone may also work on Verizon if it supports CDMA. Am I right? How is the phone restricted to only work on the T-Mobile network?

**EDIT:**

The phone's spec says it will support almost all networks in the world. From a hardware point of view, this unlocked phone can be used for any phone provider in the US?

# Answer
Irrespective of which bands and network frequencies your device supports, the carriers (in the US especially) are notorious for only enabling VoLTE and VoWiFi calling on devices that have been certified by them.

The phone will work with AT&T's 3G and 2G networks if the bands are compatible with them. However, for 4G, the operator is not going to enable VoLTE services since the device is not certified by them. VoLTE provisioning is entirely operator-dependent even if the device hardware supports it.

You can follow the list of AT&T's supported devices below. Only these devices will be able to use VoLTE services once they shut down 3G services (early 2022).

https://www.att.com/idpassets/images/support/wireless/Devices-Working-on-ATT-Network.pdf

**Edit:** The same is for 5G services as well. They'll only enable VoNR for devices that are certified by them.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications, settings, networking, hardware, location-services
---


# Question
Title: Prevent apps from opening in context of other apps
I really dislike the "feature" where apps can open other apps "inside" their own context. For example, I have a GitHub browser app that has registered the GitHub domain with my phone. When I click on a GitHub link from Chrome, the GitHub browser app opens by itself and is separately closeable (this is good). However when I click on a GitHub link from Yahoo Mail, the GitHub browser app is opened *within* Yahoo Mail, and it's not separately closeable (bad).

Is there a setting where I can direct my phone to only open apps directly, preventing the behavior I see in Yahoo Mail?

# Answer
> 2 votes
> Apps can launch other apps' activities inside their task. This makes it impossible to switch back and forth between the two.

In that case you may use an Xposed module ActivityForceNewTask (You need Xposed Framework installed as well as root)

This module sets the `FLAG_ACTIVITY_NEW_TASK` flag when starting a new activity, which 'fixes' that.

It basically forces activities launched within applications to create a new task, allowing for much easier switching between the two. In this case if you click on a GitHub link from Yahoo Mail, the GitHub browser app is **not** opened within Yahoo Mail but as a **seperate task** with its own window, and it's separately closeable.

---

*Here is an illustration, showing how the module addresses the problem in question*:

<sub>*Credits: https://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/modules/mod-activityforcenewtask-t2646504*</sub>

# Answer
> 1 votes
I solved this issue by using Firefox. You can disable opening links in applications and there is a menu item available called "Open in App".

---
Tags: settings
---


# Question
Title: Chrome unable to read files from SD card
I have some HTML files in the SD card in my phone, which I want to open in Chrome. But, when I am entering the URL of those files in the Chrome's address bar with the `file:///` prefix, Chrome says **Access to the file was denied**. But, I have checked that Chrome has access to the storage. See this screenshot:

Please help me out.
I have Android 7.0 Nougat and please ask if any more information is required.

# Answer
Chrome can read file from the SD card folders it has access to. That folder, if you have set to download pages on the SD card, can be located by clicking Menu, then Downloads, then clicking on the gear. You have unrestricted access to that folder. But if you try to navigate to the parent folder, you will receive an `Access to the file was denied` message (if that folder is located on the SD card).

You can copy your files in that folder and read it from there. Or you can copy them to the internal storage and access the internal storage by typing `file:///sdcard/` from Chrome's address bar. The internal storage is not restricted and you can navigate to any folder.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Am not a devloper but according to my experience -

Actually after an update you can check in your Android Apps Manager Settings you will see Chrome is only allowed to read only MEDIA files not EXTERNAL files. To fix this those who have APK EDITORS in your PC, you can edit the MANIFEST file to change the permission (READ\_EXTERNAL\_STORAGE), otherwise please contact Google to inform this issue
> 0 votes

---
Tags: external-sd, 7.0-nougat, chromium
---


# Question
Title: Can I fix a bootloop for non available storage by mounting a SD card?
I was receiving an alert from Whatsapp saying that my storage went full, so I wanted to clean it up but this morning I saw my phone and it got stuck in the boot logo. The weird thing is it lets me to write the password (and then it freezes).

Someone in Facebook told me that was because my phone ran out of storage and tries to write some logs (and since it hasn't space it keeps trying)

Can I fix this problem mounting a SD card so the phone can write the logs? is there another solution (except doing a hard reset)?

It's a OWN FUN 7

# Answer
> -1 votes
Since I can't enable the debugging option, I gave up and went to hard reset. Thanks anyway

# Answer
> 0 votes
try airplane mode or remove sim card and try to reach developer options/usb-debugging at least. then you can free up disk space from `adb shell`

another method is readback `boot.img` with SP Flash Tool, modify it and flash it back to device

---
Tags: boot, storage
---


# Question
Title: How can I see how much electricity a device connected via USB is drawing from my phone?
I have connected a device to my phone via an USB cable so that it receives some electricity from the phone. How can I see how much electricity a device connected via USB is drawing from my phone?

I use Android 12 with a Google Pixel 6

# Answer
For little money there are USB-Amperemeters. They measure the current \[mA\] that flows through them and also cummulate the energy, measured in milliampere-hours \[mAh\]. Just search for Usb Ampmeter or Usb Powermeter.

I don't know about your cabling, but probably you will need an adapter additionally, as the ones i know use standard size Usb Ports.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: usb, charging, android-12, google-pixel-6
---


# Question
Title: Bluetooth -- is there a regional difference in implementation?
I have a new Sony Xperia 5 III

The bluetooth on it acts really funny. For example, when I get into the car, the car often fails to pair up with it, and I often have to go into the phone and manually connect the bluetooth. (No other phone, Android or iPhone, has this issue in my car.)

When I paired up with a megaboom speaker today, it took two tries, which never happens with the megaboom.

What do we think is going on?

# Answer
> 0 votes
**Answer**: The Sony Xperia 5 III just has bluetooth problems with some systems.

There does not seem to be a fix. The fix is to use a different make and model of phone.

---
Tags: bluetooth
---


# Question
Title: New Phone > Videos received via Whatsapp play in Gallery but not in Whatsapp anymore
I've spent hours on this and am amazed there is no obvious answer from googling.

I got a new phone, a Google Pixel 4a. I am transferring data and settings from my old phone, an HTC One M8. I made a Whatsapp backup that saved to Google Drive then installed Whatsapp on the new phone, it detected the backup and I have all my chats, photos and animated gifs.

This is where it gets confusing...

In Whatsapp \> Settings \> Chat backup I have NOT enabled "Include Videos" yet somehow all videos that were sent to me via Whatsapp when I was using it on my old phone ARE in my new phone? Maybe that was because of how I transferred data between the old and the new phone during the initial setup? I used the Google Pixel app and both phones were connected via a cable. I can play these videos on the new phone in the "Files" app.

In Whatsapp \> Manage Storage .. it only sees about 300MB of used space. But when I connect the phone to the laptop and browse the Whatsapp media folder all the videos ARE in there in the Whatsapp Video folder, taking up almost 2GB. Yet they will not play IN Whatsapp, only via the "Files" app.

This is what I have tried:

1. Clearing Whatsapp cache.
2. Checked my internet/network connection and I am connected (although this is un-necessary in my case because the videos ARE already in the phone and they do play on the phone from the "Files" app.
3. Restarted the phone.
4. Whatsapp has FULL permissions to do whatever it wants on the new phone.

**Possible solution?**
It's like Whatsapp doesn't see the videos even though they are there? Maybe it's because of how those videos got on the new phone in the first place? Did that Google Pixel Setup Wizard put them in the wrong place? They were originally in the internal storage of my old phone and my new phone only has internal storage also.

This post speaks about renaming the Whatsapp folder in internal memory then downloading an image from a chat which forces Whatsapp to create another Whatsapp folder to be created in internal memory?

As an example of a video that was originally sent to me via Whatsapp on my old phone but does not play in Whatsapp on the new phone but DOES play in the "Files" app... From the "Files" app I can see its location is: `/storage/emulated/0/Whatsapp/Media/WhatsApp Video/ViD-2021.....mp4`

An example of an image that does display in Whatsapp on the new phone when I check it in the "Files" app its location is: `/storage/emulated/0/Android/media/com.whatsapp/Whatsapp/Media/WhatsApp Images/IMG-2021.....jpg`

So do I need to drag all the videos from:
`/storage/emulated/0/Whatsapp/Media/WhatsApp Video/...`
into
`/storage/emulated/0/Android/media/com.whatsapp/Whatsapp/Media/WhatsApp Video/...`

??

## Update

I tried that idea and copied a video from:
`/storage/emulated/0/Whatsapp/Media/WhatsApp Video/...`
into
`/storage/emulated/0/Android/media/com.whatsapp/Whatsapp/Media/WhatsApp Video/...`

Now when I go back in to Whatsapp this time the thumbnail of the video is no longer greyed out suggesting that I just have to click on the thumbnail for the video to play but when I do I still get the same error message:

> Sorry, This media file appears to be missing...

I tried clearing the Whatsapp app cache and restarting the phone but this made no difference.

Any help gratefully appreciated,

Flex

# Answer
> 1 votes
Turns out I was doing the right thing... moving those videos into.. `/storage/emulated/0/Android/media/com.whatsapp/Whatsapp/Media/WhatsApp Video/...`

DID make them play in Whatsapp... What was confusing me is the first few videos I was testing to playback within Whatsapp had been deleted by the original sender at their end so they weren't playing but for an entirely different reason!

As to why I had all my Whatsapp videos on the new phone even though I had not enabled Whatsapp to backup videos that was because the Pixel install wizard transferred them over from my old phone. Whatsapp \> Manage Storage.. was only seeing about 300MB of used space because the Whatsapp videos were copied over from the old phone to the wrong place on the new phone where Whatsapp wasn't looking.

I guess that's just a feature of how Whatsapp works: if someone sends you a video via Whatsapp and then subsequently deletes it at their end from their Whatsapp conversation with you it will no longer play from your Whatsapp... EVEN if you still have the video in the Whatsapp media folder in your phone!

---
Tags: whatsapp-messenger, video
---


# Question
Title: Can an Android phone with no SIM card make an emergency call?
Can an Android phone (specifically, the Huawei Honor 5X) that has never had a SIM card in it make an emergency phone call to 911?

The Honor 5X (which is GSM Unlocked) will be on WiFi and within range of T-Mobile and AT&T towers, but will not have a SIM card. Can it still make an SOS call in the event of an emergency?

# Answer
This is actually independent of whether a mobile phone is Android.

In the United States, the FCC requires wireless service providers to provide 911 service to all phones, regardless of whether they currently have paid service or not.

> The FCC's basic 911 rules require wireless service providers to transmit all 911 calls to a PSAP, regardless of whether the caller subscribes to the provider's service or not.

...

> If your wireless phone is not "initialized" (meaning you do not have a contract for service with a wireless service provider), and your emergency call gets disconnected, you must call the emergency operator back because the operator does not have your telephone number and cannot contact you.
> 7 votes

# Answer
Same in Europe (wireless service providers transmit all emergency calls to a PSAP, regardless of whether the caller has a subscription). The only difference is that the number is 112.

You even get emergency SMS notifications sans SIM.

You just have to (1) activate Android's emergency call/notifications settings and (2) have a dialer app and an SMS app (or a combined dialer/SMS app).
> 0 votes

---
Tags: calls, emergency-calls
---


# Question
Title: How to force dark mode on Firefox for Android?
I am looking for a way to force dark mode on Firefox for Android.

I tried using Dark mode add-on, but it doesn't work.

Is there another way?

# Answer
Try Dark Background and Light Text add-on.

This is how it looks like using the mode (it's night time for me as I write). By toggling the `Aa` icon on the address bar, you can enable or disable it, select the global or select sites you want affected as also modify the default scheme
> 1 votes

# Answer
@beeshyams' answer does not work as the add-on doesn't work on the android phone I have (Samsung Galaxy S10).

Dark Reader is the only add-on I can find which works
> 0 votes

---
Tags: firefox-for-android
---


# Question
Title: Mosquitto broker on android 9 hotspot = random broker address
after some years of great and reliable service, my old Android 7 phone, used as hotspot and mosquitto broker, has decided to retire himself.

In my previous setup, Mosquitto runs in a termux shell on boot, and with an app/tasker plugin -mqtt client-, I can intercept messages sent from an esp32cam client (I use it as a PIR alarm), then send me sms through tasker and a mail with the captured image through wifi.

On android 7 the hotspot address is always 192.168.43.1 and for months I had no problems.

Now I have a new phone as hotspot, with Android 9, but I can't replicate my setup: the gateway address, so the mosquitto broker address, changes randomly at every new connection, and I can't fix it on the esp32 and on the mqtt client app.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Solved after thinking about it a bit more:

On mqtt client app (that runs on the android hotspot) i've set the broker address as "localhost".

On the ESP32 cam alarm add this lines after the wifi connection

```
int mqtt_server = WiFi.gatewayIP(); //ugly but works
client.setServer(mqtt_server, 1883);

```

hope this helps others that want to run mqtt broker directly on their android hotspot

---
Tags: wifi-hotspot, ip-address
---


# Question
Title: `fastboot oem unlock` results in unknown command (Alcatel 1s)
I have an old Alcatel 1s (5024d) with Android 9 and I wanted to try my hand at rooting it. I've been following a tutorial that's supposed to let me flash a `boot.img` patched by Magisk Manager.

I've enabled USB debugging and OEM unlocking in the developer options, installed the necessary drivers, and have downloaded the official `platform-tools` to be able to use `adb` and `fastboot`. Additionally, I also have the original cable that came with my phone.

I have zero problems finding my device with and `adb` with `fastboot`, but when I try to use `fastboot oem unlock` (when my phone is in fastboot mode and connected to my PC), it just shows

```
FAILED (remote: 'unknown cmd.')
fastboot: error: Command failed

```

I have also tried `fastboot flashing unlock`, but that shows

```
FAILED (remote: 'Not implemet.')
fastboot: error: Command failed

```

There's frustratingly little information about rooting this 1s version, so I'd be grateful for any advice on how to unlock the bootloader.

# Answer
> -1 votes
Minimal ADB Fastboot

For Alcatel 1S (5420J), the following commands unlock the bootloader:

```
adb devices
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot devices
fastboot oem unlock

```

---
Tags: rooting, fastboot, bootloader-lock, alcatel
---


# Question
Title: How to execute “reboot recovery” in recovery mode?
I need to run `"reboot recovery"` while in Android recovery mode without using PC.

My recovery didn't accept recovery parameter `"recovery"`.

`adb reboot recovery` \- reboots recovery to recovery.

`rom shell "reboot recovery"` \- just reboot to system.

Trying to push normal reboot to `/tmp` and run it, but `sh` says that it couldn't find `/tmp/reboot`.

# Answer
TWRP make it like below, maybe this can help

```
case rb_recovery:
            check_and_run_script("/sbin/rebootrecovery.sh", "reboot recovery");

```

GitHub ref
> 0 votes

# Answer
Press the power off button and the volume down button at the same time before turning it on. The system will then enter the device reset mode.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: recovery-mode, reboot
---


# Question
Title: How to get Assistant to look for music only on my phone
I have about 60 gigs of music on my Samsung Galaxy S8. I normally uses Pi Music Player, and am very happy with it. But that's not so convenient while driving, so I'd like to control my music through Google Assistant.

However, when I ask Google assistant to say, "Play John Prine from my library", it's hit or miss whether it starts playing my John Prine collection or whether it offers up some random John Prine video from YouTube. I can't seem to find any way to tell it reliably that I only want music from my phone.

I was about to buy a new car and enjoy the pleasures of Bluetooth voice commands so I don't have to fiddle with my phone while driving (my existing ten-year-old car does not offer me this option). But it now appears that there's no way to do that; unless I pick up my phone and use the touch screen, the system is going to play whatever it feels like playing rather than the music that's right there on the phone. I've put the car purchase on hold until I figure out whether there's a solution to this. (I've also just spent an entire very frustrating day trying and failing to find settings I can adjust...) Is there in fact a solution?

# Answer
> 1 votes
I solved the problem by installing a different music player, namely Pulsar, which I believe is designed to play only local music. I also did a bunch of other stuff, like disabling YouTube and uninstalling Google Play Music, which might or might not have contributed to the solution. But Pi Music Player is still installed and the voice commands still fail to control it properly.

I (once only) told Google Assistant to "play Steve Goodman on Pulsar", it did what I asked, and ever since, it's been defaulting to Pulsar for all of my music requests, just as I wanted it to. Following the exact same strategy with Pi Music Player does not work.

# Answer
> -1 votes
Edit: 1/3 Music - Bose QC Buds - Google's Assistant - Android Enthusiast Website

Solved the problem:

I'm using Samsung Music Player

I say, "Hey Google, Play Samsung Music "

And it worked

I shall have to split my answer into probably 3 posts because I will have to take more than 2,500 limit to properly deal with the topic.

1: Probably, the problem isn't what car you are driving, but the quality of the installed radio system, earbuds, earphones, headphones, and apps being used.

2: Google Assistant doesn't know what music player you want to use -unless you are inside the correct music player that you want to use, and also the music player will actually play the music and also is compatible with the Google's Assistant that are compatible with the latest voice commands.

3: If you weren't inside the correct music player - Google Assistant will probably have to guess, which place to go to, for example, to play the music requested.

4: I shall tell you how I managed to solve the problem eventually, but you should replace the things that I use with the ones that you use.

5: But I don't know if the things that you are using are good enough (have the latest software) for Google Assistant to take advantage of the voice recognition commands.

6: Make sure that you are using the latest updates with products.

7: Replace my items with the ones that you use.

8: I use the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra phone - You should replace it with your phone each time that I mention my phone, S20 Ultra.

9: I've got the latest Android 11 version that should be good enough to operate Google Assistant voice.

10: I've got plenty of spare storage space on my phone, because as far as possible I save data onto my relatively fast read and write SanDisk Extreme Plus, V30 128GB, MicroSDXC Card inside my S20 Ultra's Phone (Ccleaner app may help to increase storage space).

11: I transferred data from my phone using Myfile that either came with my S20 Ultra's Phone or that I installed from Google's Playstore.

12: I then moved (cut and paste) data using Myfile inside my S20 to the SanDisk Extreme Plus 128GB MicroSDXC Card.

NB! (Note well)!

NB! If necessary used Samsung's (phone's) Technicians to solve any compatible problems with; Samsung Music Player, and Myfile, to allow Google Assistant to be able to automatically find all the relevant music, and play them.

I, shall check that commands work in 2 and 3.

Divide notes in Google's Doc App into half and hope that both halves are within the limit - copy and paste into this forum.

Hopefully, these 3 posts will help people to use voice commands within their products.

---
Tags: music-player, voice-command, google-assistant
---


# Question
Title: What is the URL of the bookmarks or favorites section in Chrome for Android?
I need to add my bookmarks window to the main page. For that, it asks me for a URL which I don't know what it is. I know that the URL for the history list is `chrome://history`.

I tried with the PC or desktop's `chrome://bookmarks`, but it didn't work.

What is the URL of bookmarks or favorites

# Answer
There is no such URL for Chrome for Android as of version 80.0. All Chrome specific URLs are listed and can be accessed from `chrome://chrome-urls`. Bookmarks related URL is not listed there.

Second, for a user to access their Bookmarks a separate activity is launched named `org.chromium.chrome.browser.bookmarks.BookmarkActivity`, but this activity cannot be launched outside of Chrome.

In short, what you are after and specifically in the manner you are after is not possible on Chrome for Android.
> 6 votes

# Answer
If you're trying to set the home page URL, try this one (works fine for me in Android 11 Chrome):

chrome-native://bookmarks/

This will directly open your bookmarks when you launch Chrome (i.e. if there isn't already a tab open).
> 0 votes

---
Tags: chrome-for-android
---


# Question
Title: Playing instead of streaming M3U files (media playlist) on Android
I have Xperia Z3 running on Android 6 (Marshmallow). The phone is rooted and Xposed.

I need a way to play `.m3u` or `.m3u8` files on Android, not streaming them, and I want to be able to shuffle the songs.

Tried "MortPlayer Music", but the interface is terrible and there's no shuffle feature.

Are there any ways to do this?

# Answer
> 1 votes
These apps can play the M3U files:

* **Poweramp Music Player**: A little messy too; Having storage glitches on an i9505 TouchWiz.

Personal score: 8/10
* **MortPlayer Music**: No shuffle, disorganized, ugly interface.

Personal score: 5/10

# Answer
> 0 votes
M3U and M3U8 aren't playable media files, they are playlist files. Open them in any text editor to see what they tell your media player to access.

---
Tags: music-player
---


# Question
Title: Intermitent SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR when using Android Wi-Fi hotspot
When browsing the internet using the Wi-Fi hotspot of my Android phone (**Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro**), some requests fail with the following error: `net::ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR`

Here is a screenshot of the error I'm getting in Chrome for Mac OS:

I noticed that it is happening only on specific websites (I have no issues on Stack Overflow for example). This also seems to be happening regardless of the LTE network quality.

I tried using the Wi-Fi hotspot from another phone, and everything is working as intended.

I'm using a Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro running MIUI 12.5.6, and I'm browsing on Chrome on Mac OS 10.14.6.

Anybody have an idea on how to debug this issue? Thank you

# Answer
> 2 votes
I fixed the issue, turns out the default APN was not correctly configured.

I re-configured my APN with the configuration given by my phone provider (for Orange in France, the config is here: https://assistance.orange.fr/mobile-tablette/tous-les-mobiles-et-tablettes/installer-et-utiliser/se-connecter-et-parametrer-un-reseau/se-connecter-a-un-reseau-mobile-3-4g/comment-ajouter-un-point-d-acces-internet-apn-sur-votre-mobile-xiaomi-sous-android-\_321636-856633)

---
Tags: wifi-hotspot, xiaomi, miui, https, redmi-note-10-pro
---


title: Where can find older versions of Apps?

text:
# Question
Title: Where can find older versions of Apps?
**Is is possible to download older versions of Android applications?**

Is there some kind of online archive for all versions of Android apps? Like how you can find older versions of some Windows app.

# Answer
The site Freeware Lovers collects freeware Android apps and has old versions for many of the apps they host. (Also for BlackBerry, Symbian, and Palm OS.)
> 16 votes

# Answer
Some alternative repositories, such as F-Droid, allow you to choose which version you want to download; all versions ever offered are in the repository.

For most other sites, including the Android Market, the latest version is all that is available.
> 18 votes

# Answer
The safe and correct way to get an older version is contacting the developer. Maybe they will just give it to you or maybe not - there is a reason why they updated it in the first place. Most importantly they will want to know why and you won't get any hacked malware version as is possible from other sources.
> 13 votes

# Answer
APKMirror from "Android Police"

You can find previous versions of some common apps installation files such as Google Play services, WhatsApp, and Google Play Store.

Note that what you may recall as different versions of the same app might be actually listed as two separate apps. For example, Google Calendar and Google Calendar (old) are listed separately.
> 8 votes

# Answer
I found this site: apkpure

From about:

> APKPure.com is a website providing smartphones software downloads founded in 2014 by APKPure Team\[...\]
>
> \[...\]We offer one of the most comprehensive collections of Apps, Games, and history version list. All download works guarantee 100% no extra extension needed.\[...\]
> 6 votes

# Answer
I have a tool that can do this \[1\]. However it is limited, in that you must provide the version number. Here is example getting YouTube version 4123 (October 2014):

```
googleplay -a com.google.android.youtube -v 4123

```

I havent found a way to list the available versions, so you would need to find the version number somewhere else.

1. https://github.com/89z/googleplay
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications
---


# Question
Title: Why is there NO files in TWRP recovery in adb?
Without TWRP, adb devices shows no device connected. "fastboot devices" also produces nothing in Samsung Galaxy.
But in TWRP recovery, "adb devices" show "52034c5afabcc377 recovery".

adb shell ls at root shows directories. But adb shell cd /system and adb shell ls shows **no files**.

Question: why devices in recovery in TWRP fail to list files?

# Answer
When you only see empty directories, it is probably because the system partition is not mounted yet.

Mount `/system` either using twrp (I don't know exactly, but there is somewhere an option to mount system, maybe under settings or advanced) or using adb shell: `mount /system`

Same applies to `/data`: if it's empty too, use `mount /data`
> 1 votes

---
Tags: adb, twrp
---


# Question
Title: Using sponge to act as a stylus pen for Android phone and tablet?
I am amazed that one can create a DIY stylus pen for Android phones and tablets using the sponge as shown in this video.

Is it true or it is simply just a fake video?

# Answer
> 4 votes
It is true. But not all touch screen phones work well with this.

The capacitive touch screens that we find in most android phones these days work by detecting electrical disturbances from our body. The 'sponge' used in these DIYs are electrically conducting foam and they transfer the charge of our body through it, thus registering touches.

On the other hand, these sponge tipped styluses obviously won't work well with resistive touch screens unless you apply some amount of pressure.

# Answer
> 0 votes
ANY conductive material will work! A battery in your fingers; a piece of tissue, wet at the tip; AND an alcohol prep pad! just to name a few...

---
Tags: touchscreen, stylus
---


title: Open website using Android Webview

text:
# Question
Title: Open website using Android Webview
I have a custom Rom on my phone and I didn't install Google Chrome; I'm using Firefox instead. However, once in a blue moon there's a site that complains that it doesn't work with Firefox and suggests using Chrome instead.

I have Android Webview installed and as far as I know it is a browser engine based on Chromium. I believe that apps that want to show web content use Android Webview for that. Am I right about this?

Is there a workaround to open a website using Webview without installing Google Chrome or other browser?

# Answer
Yes, the Android System Webview "app" (package com.google.android.webview) contains everything needed for displaying a web page.

But this app is designed to be used by other apps only so it does not has an own UI. The only activities it provides are for some sort of developer UI and a license dialog.

So you need at least a second app that shows a WebView to make use of Android System Webview app.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Try Brave: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.brave.browser It's based on Chromium, it has all benefits of the Chrome browser.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: webview
---


# Question
Title: I cannot stop my Google contact addresses from displaying in Maps
On my phone (Note 8, Android 7.1.1), when I go into Maps and Your Places, I see hundreds (around 400) of addresses from my contact list under the Labeled tab. Everything I've read says that if you don't want these address to display, you should go into Settings | Personal Content | Google Contacts and move the slider to the off position. I did that (Google Contacts is now grayed out), but all of the contacts are still showing. Hiding them one at a time would be a nightmare.

I've tried forcing the Maps app to stop hoping that would force the app to refresh the address list, but that didn't work either. I have even tried clearing the cache and saved data for the Maps app but these Contact addresses are still showing up. Any suggestions?

# Answer
The setting you are talking about will only remove contacts from showing up in the actual map.

To remove contacts from showing in *my places* tab, do the following:

settings → Google → \[general\] → Personal info & privacy → Activity controls → Web & App Activity → Turn "Web & App Activity" off
> 1 votes

# Answer
Tip: To hide all of your Google Contacts' addresses on the map, open the Google Maps app Google Maps and then tap your profile picture or initial Account Circle and then Settings and then Personal content and then next to 'Google Contacts', turn the switch off. The switch will turn grey when it's off.

https://support.google.com/maps/answer/3131570?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid
> 1 votes

---
Tags: google-maps, google-contacts
---


# Question
Title: How to share VPN connection with devices on hotspot?
I use a VPN on my Galaxy S8+ and I am looking for a way to be able to share my ExpressVPN connection via hotspot to be able to connect devices such as Xbox One and a Smart TV. Currently cannot use a PC and my router is trash so my phone is the last resort. What can I do? What are some workarounds?

# Answer
Android doesn't redirect hotspot traffic through VPN network as far as I have tested on Pie ROM (almost stock; custom ROMs might have different implementations or some specific settings). The reason is `VPNService API` works in Java framework of Android to redirect traffic to VPN's `tun` interface based on UIDs (and/or SOcket MARKs) of apps. While tethering works in native code; `dnsmasq` is the DNS server (up to Pie) while the rest of traffic is handled by kernel directly. Also using same internet connection or VPN for multiple devices may break terms of contract with service providers. So it's left disabled by default.

A workaround is to modify routing table **but it requires root** and is a bit complex on Android. This works for me:

```
~# ip rule add iif wlan0 lookup table 5000
~# ip route add default dev tun0 table 5000
~# ip rule add to 192.168.43.0/24 lookup table 5001
~# ip route add default dev wlan0 table 5001

```
* First command adds a rule to RPDB to send traffic coming on hotspot (WiFi) interface to table 5000.
* Second command adds a route to routing table 5000 to send all traffic on `tun0` interface i.e. the one used by VPN app.
* Third and fourth rules do inverse i.e. send traffic coming from VPN to tethered devices.

Firewall works above routing policy. Forwarding rules and source NAT should already be set with hotspot but just to make sure:

```
~# echo -n 1 >/proc/sys/net/ipv4/ip_forward
~# iptables -I FORWARD -o wlan0 -i tun0 -j ACCEPT
~# iptables -I FORWARD -i wlan0 -o tun0 -j ACCEPT
~# iptables -t nat -I POSTROUTING -o tun0 -j MASQUERADE

```
* First three commands instruct kernel/firewall to forward traffic in both directions in between VPN and hotspot interfaces.
* Fourth command sets SNAT i.e. keeps track of hotspot traffic leaving VPN interface and coming back.

Make sure interfaces names and IP address are correct as on your device.

Also there is VPN Hotspot but I haven't tried. For non-root devices there exist some Wi-Fi Direct (ad-hoc) based solutions like PdaNet which require setup on both sides.

**RELATED:** How to use Private DNS on Android Pie for tethering?
> 4 votes

# Answer
Another option would be to use a raspberry Pi as the router with one of its USB ports connected to your phone with the VPN-based internet connection. To provide the internet to other devices, the ethernet port of the Raspberry Pi can connect to a router/switch/bridge and/or also the Pi's own wifi could be used to broadcast it for wireless devices. Or a wireless access point could be added to the router attached to the Pi.

Here is an answer for using a Raspberry Pi tethered to a phone to enable its mobile network to be provided as an internet connection other devices:

Answer to: 4G LTE Device \[USB Tethering\]--\> Raspberry Pi \[Ethernet\]--\> Router, is this possible?

What this answer assumes is that your phone will support USB tethering and the VPN at the same time and that the VPN-based internet connection can be routed over that USB tethered connection to the USB host to which your phone is attatched.

If that is possible, then I can't foresee any other blockers, assuming that the steps described in that answer are correct (I haven't yet tried them).

If successful then that means you would not need to do any particular adjustments to your phone - *possible examples* of reduced hassle could be: less involved, less risk to 'bricking' the phone, less risk to banking apps stopping working due to rooting, also can use another phone without having to redo the steps on that.

**Update**

*(Following a comment from @Irfan Latif here, I added a response comment, and updated my answer with it, here):*

However, if VPN is not supported at the same time as USB tethering on your phone, then the next option you could try is to run the VPN on the Pi itself Other VPN providers, such as speedify.com also support the Raspberry Pi \- and Speedify in particular can bond different network connections together should, say, the original poster want to use multiple phones etc as internet connection sources. I don't work for ExpressVPN nor Speedify nor have a financial interest or affiliation with them.

It's worth also noting that if you try this, then the settings in that linked answer above might need adjusting because they might have been written for a scenario that doesn't use a VPN. I say *might* \- because they might still work - I don't know - I just want to bring your attention to it to minimise any frustration :) . With that in mind, the approach could be to get the steps working on your setup with the Raspberry Pi, without the VPN running. Then install ExpressVPN on the Raspberry Pi and see if it still works. By having tried without VPN first, you'll know that the Raspberry Pi *can* work as a router, so you have that and use that as the basis to get it working with the VPN. Maybe the VPN provider can support you, or at least they might be interested as there maybe others who want to do what you're aiming to achieve, so it saves them time supporting everyone on this as well giving them the edge on support and appealing to those who appreciate the adaptability - all good for their offering in the market.
> 1 votes

# Answer
In my case I have a Samsung tab which got bricked and lost its mobile network functionality. Now I wanted to tether the vpn connection to the phone that that wifi hotspoted to me. Turns out android specialises tethered packets(I mean connections from tethered clients cant be connection tracked by the system itself or blocked by normal android firewall apps but iptables can block it) so I used this to my advantage.

Turns out the solution is simple. Works on customizable vpns over tcp( for udp maybe u need to run a socks proxy server havent tried that).

1. Download any proxy server apps on playstore.
2. In my case I was using openvpn so you need a customisable openvpn client and go to the exclude routes options and enter the ip address of the phone that needs to connect to my proxy server.
3. Simply start the vpn connection and change wifi settings and add the ip an port of the proxy server and your are good to go or simply run a vpn over tcp using that proxy server on the phone you want to tether.

Note: In step 2 excluding routes is for my case or simply when you want to tether to the access point but if you are the one tethering there is no need to change routes. Also In my case I was able to run a vpn on my access point with it not cutting off my connection on the client phone like a vpn over a vpn.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: wifi-hotspot, privacy, vpn, wifi-tethering, samsung-galaxy-s-8
---


title: WhatsApp on two phones

text:
# Question
Title: WhatsApp on two phones
I installed WhatsApp 2.11.431 on LG G4 phone with Android 8.1 Oreo, made a backup with Helium and ADB, after that reinstalled the latest version, and everything is ok, continue working as usual.

To clone WhatsApp without verification, moved the backup to a phone with Android 4.0.4, installed WhatsApp 2.11.431 with Helium, restored the backup, reinstalled the latest WhatsApp, and works really well, both phones with same WhatsApp.

Yesterday, made the same steps on a Samsung Galaxy A6 with Android 10, but when installing the latest WhatsApp, it requested phone verification, but the other 2 phones continue working ok.

Made similar test with other WhatsApp numbers in the same Android 10, backup, restore in Android 4.0.4 and work well.

I am really lost. I want to move my WhatsApp to the Android 10 phones. I can't do the verification because I am out of my country and the line don't have signal.

Android 8.1 rooted, Android 10 not rooted, Android 4.0.4 not rooted.

Why a backup from Android 8.1 doesn't work in Android 10 but work in Android 4.0.4? Any help?

# Answer
> 0 votes
You need phone verification to do authentication. If you can't do it, there is no solution for you except do phone verification.

---
Tags: backup, whatsapp-messenger, restore
---


# Question
Title: How to split Partition External SD card for adoptable & Portable without rooting?
My mobile device have

> OS Android 6.0.1 Marshellow Processor Qualcomm Family cortex a53 Machine arrch 64 Architecture arm cortex a53 External memory card 64GB ROM 16 GB MOBILE NOT ROOTED

It have option to formatting external card as internal but when I install user apps and move not all apps move to the internal formatted external as card some installs still on internal card. And occupies internal memory.

I tried to partition Micro SD card from PC mini partition wizard and created two three partition

first one of 20GB Fat32 Second one 20GB ext2 Third one 20 GB ext2.

When I connected it to mobile it doesn't show any partition and asked.for.formatting in portable or internal when I said to format as internal it formatted and deleted all partitions.

After searching googling founded some posts and answers in many forums and found the commands for and shell or terminal all emulator

```
adb shell sm list-disks adoptable
sm partition disk:179:160 mixed 25
adb shell sm format private:179,3
adb shell sm mount private:179,3
adb shell pm set-install-location 2
adb shell pm get-install-location

```

But will these commands for partitioning 2 portions and I want 3 dedicated partitions

1. First fat32 one mountable viewable for photos videos of fat32 partion readable in Windows to
2. Second ext2 one as apps moving ext2 partition for fast apps functioning
3. Third ext2 For backup of stock from or custom ROM a can't support more than 4gb file size

I tried these commands from Windows adb shell but 'SM' file not found error come

**Now my queries are :-**

1. Do SM & PM: command solve my problem to dedicated partitions for proper functioning. Of adoptable storage. In my case of Android 6.0.1
2. Does the SM & PM commands needs to be turned in terminal emulator or Windows DOS and shell
3. Does SM & PM command compatible in Android 6.01 do it function in it or not
4. Does SM & PM command need rooting the mobile first
5. Does super user command SU should be running before SM & PM command but sinus not functioning to do SU function without rooting.
6. Where to get binAry files SM & PM & SU commands and how can we infuse or download in mobile system folder or can work without infusing in mobile by running bootloader recovery tarp image can we run it .... command help please
7. How to mount and view browwse ext2 external partions in Android as whenever I format it in ext2 it's unreadable from file manager or any app which app or command we can view or mount the ext2 partitions from Android mobile

As I am novice and new to Android adb commands Linux commands to. So I need advice help to modify the command and precious advice. Kindly guide step by step?

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can do this without root but the method is much simpler out of necessity since in my experience, there are some exceptions but you did research and found the closest solution. I used the sm mixed partition method. You need to find a legitimate guide to it. It is extremely important what order you do things in. Also, you will have 3 storage partitions technically, an emulated sd that adopts the first partition, after performing the mixed partitioning, eject and safely remove sd card, -or what I would try is to leave unallocated space unpartitioned and then do the mixed partitioning. Then, these steps you should really google a confirmed working guide there are many with the wrong order of operations but it goes, format mixed safely remove and eject. Power off android, insert sd card boot, allow it to adopt the sd card as fused storage increasing your emulated sd card. it's been so long since I did it so please do google I am very fuzzy on some details. But I will say it was kinda unreliable for me, for a while my apps would be there, then .asked would disappear or suddenly my apps would be missing, as well and no real explanation. And then I'd have to install it all again. Also, apps that want to be on internal will move back after an update or reboot if I recall from my experience. And then you need to move them again. The way I have been getting around that has been root. Although it's possible you can find a rootless solution that has the functionality of apktool m which lets you edit the apk of an app that will not allow itself to move to sd card you can quick edit that and set the apks preferred installation as auto, internal or external preferred.

If you can edit apks rootlessly then set external preferred and voila it now will allow move to sd card. Do not do this with google apps. Globally setting external as your default installation medium doesn't work right? That's a deprecated thing from KitKat or am I wrong?

Anyway I would try it that way, also, you can use rikka's shizuku to allow sai to work rootlessly, and then you can try it's option that let's you choose.default installation media but I don't think it will work

But I was on 7,8 and 9 and was lacking so much knowledge Which is ext 4 right? Now, reboot, and this time the other portable storage partition has to be set up as your extsd or media\_rw partition and it'll be a fat or vfat partition. Not sure if you can mount or bind folders without root but that's another thing to look into. And finally, you may have tried to leave unallocated space unpartitioned and inactive now I would try to format that space however you prefer, if it's ntfs android may not bother with trying to get you to format it, or maybe ext 2 would do that no idea and you can mount it with paragon a total commander plugin and a standalone app. That way it's kinda guaranteed to be available to you in documentsui and such when making your recovery. I personally think you could just do that on the portable storage partition. That's what I do and upload to drive is an option or even a secondary old small 16gb sd card would work if you dont need that partition available all the time. Or if you need all of them at the same time for the process to work you could get a cheap old sd card reader. Just for after something bad happens. I'm not sure what your method is so I might be making dumb assumptions. Anyway too much typing my head hurts. Good luck. And if you can root do it man and then you can be frustrated with app2sd like me lmao pretty much as equally unreliable as the rootless mixed partition method. But yeah, it's super imperative that you let android adopt and then create the portable storage partitions or it will keep saying it's corrupt and try to repair it and not see it.

Oh, su is not needed for sm command are you sure you are following a good guide like on xda. I don't remember using the pm command just the partitioning part Try solid explorer, try fx file manager, try paragon, or some other partiotn5 mounting tool. Those commands won't do the trick as far as I know. But again I may be very wrong since it's been so long. But setting partitions yourself with the pm command is not what I did and I never tried to set a preferred install Location and have it work. Okay so tired. Gotta go. my brain is failing me.

---
Tags: sd-card, partitions, app2sd, internal-sd, link2sd
---


title: Run a batch file in Android

text:
# Question
Title: Run a batch file in Android
I have WhatsApp installed, and the notifications from one group that I am admin for are driving me mad.

WhatsApp has the facility to "mute" notifications for 8 hours, but I have to do this manually every night. I would like to be able to just let a script do that every night at a set time.

Is that possible?

# Answer
WhatsApp group messages can be muted for 8 hours **or** one week or forever, why not just choose one of those?

Or better yet, just look in the app's notification settings in Android... one of the granular options is \[all\] "Group chats," and what you set there will take precedence anyway. "Default" with the notification sound set to None; or set to "Silent," with or without notifications appearing on the lock screen; or best yet, just go with Silent + Minimized = any such notifications are shrunk to a single (but expandable) line + display on the lock screen is disabled automatically.

i.e. still no need to open the full app to check for new messages -- just pull the notification shade down when you care to look, but otherwise they'll stay completely (and permanently) silent & out of sight.

HTH
> -1 votes

---
Tags: whatsapp-messenger, automation, scripts
---


# Question
Title: How can I get Google Maps on Android to show metric units?
Google Maps always shows me distance values for direction results / navigation in miles, although it does show me a scale on the map itself in metric units. I rather prefer to get my direction distances in metres/kilometres. Is there any way to achieve this in Google Maps? I searched a bit for this and suggestions seem to be to change locale in Settings \> Language and Keyboard. Mine is currently set to English UK.

# Answer
> 3 votes
It's 2015. In Android I can choose distance units for Maps. It defaults to automatic. For some reason, automatic gives my results in miles (I live in Australia). Navigation is metric. But anyway, if I choose Kilometres instead of automatic, I get kilometres.

# Answer
> 6 votes
I'm in Canada and recently made a road trip to the states. When I'm planning a trip starting in Canada, the whole trip is in km, even if it crosses into the US. If the trip starts in the US, however, it shows everything in miles, even if it crosses into Canada. It appears that it's not the location set in your phone but rather the location of the phone itself (if using "my location" as the departure point - otherwise it's just the departure point).

You can try this out by plotting a trip from a "miles" country to a "km" country and then clicking the reverse trip. The units changed with me.

# Answer
> 3 votes
Unfortunately, I saw no way to post a comment to your question though this is not really an answer:

I am spanish and therefore my Samsung Galaxy Tab is configured for my country. When using the measure ruler from the labs tab of Google maps I get all the distances in metres/kilometres instead of miles.

So it seems that changing the locale might help

# Answer
> 1 votes
Open settings:

There is a parameter to configure the distance units:

# Answer
> 1 votes
You can just change the language for example from English US to English NL, a country with different metrics.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I am Spanish and therefore my Samsung Galaxy Tab is configured for my country. When using the measure ruler from the labs tab of Google maps I get all the distances in metres/kilometres instead of miles.

# Answer
> 0 votes
On Xiaomi poco M3 settings there is no option for units in settings. After changing language, Maps still showed distance in ft miles. I had to go to settings / apps /maps /storage and delete data. After that distance changed to m / km

# Answer
> -1 votes
Try changing in the Google search bar: `Settings -> Google now -> Weather -> Change from Fahrenheit to Celsius`.

---
Tags: google-maps, localization
---


# Question
Title: "Could not find a part of the path 'C:\ProgramData\DroidExplorer\assets\[DEFAULT].png'" error message when trying to run Droid Explorer
I installed Droid Explorer. When trying to run it, I got an error that says

> Could not find a part of the path 'C:\ProgramData\DroidExplorer\assets\[DEFAULT\].png'.

I put it manually at `/ProgramData` folder, but it doesn't work.

How to fix this?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Install Droid Explorer

Copy all the contents of c:\program files\droid explorer folder

Go into c:\programdata folder

Create a new subfolder: droidexplorer

Paste the contents into this new folder

---
Tags: installation, droid-explorer
---


title: Capture TLS handshake

text:
# Question
Title: Capture TLS handshake
I would like to capture TLS handshakes coming from Android. I was able to install a certificate using this instruction, then I started a server:

```
openssl s_server -key my_site.key -cert my_site.crt -msg

```

and I set a proxy in the Android Emulator:

```
127.0.0.1:4433

```

but if I browse to any pages on the Android device, I get this result:

```
ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED

```

and this result in OpenSSL:

```
<<< ??? [length 0005]
    43 4f 4e 4e 45
ERROR
24500:error:1408F09B:SSL routines:ssl3_get_record:https proxy request:../
openssl-1.1.1l/ssl/record/ssl3_record.c:325:
shutting down SSL
CONNECTION CLOSED

```

What am I doing wrong?

# Answer
I ended up writing my own proxy to solve this \[1\], inspired by another project \[2\].

To capture TLS handshake, go to Android Chrome App info, then Storage, then MANAGE SPACE, then CLEAR ALL DATA, then OK. Then start the server, and go to Android Emulator Extended Controls. Choose Manual proxy configuration, then enter:

```
127.0.0.1:8080

```

and click Apply. Then start Android Chrome.

1. https://github.com/89z/rosso/tree/v1.47.3/cmd/proxy
2. https://github.com/spritesprite/proxychannel
> 1 votes

---
Tags: android-emulator, proxy, certificates, android-studio
---


# Question
Title: Setup new device - old phone won't find the new one
I'm trying to use the Google "setup new device" feature to transfer my SMS, apps etc to my new phone. The old phone however won't recognise the new one. Bluetooth is on on both devices, both are connected to wifi, and Location is enabled.

The old one is a Nokia 3 with Android 9 and the new one is an Alcatel 1X with Android 8.1.

I've also tried creating a backup on the old phone and using that to set up the new phone, but the new phone says it can't find any backups.

Is the Android version discrepancy the reason for this? If not is there anything else to check?

# Answer
> 2 votes
I suspect a misbehaving wifi router might have been the cause of this. A router reset fixed the problem. It seems Bluetooth isn't enough for the two devices to see each other; a functioning internet connection is needed on both.

The restore still isn't working, but that's another question...

---
Tags: data-transfer, setup-wizard
---


# Question
Title: Why were some of my contacts automatically merged without notice?
I found several questions here where people want to merge several of their contacts into one.
I'm having exactly the opposite problem:

On both my Android devices (Google Nexus 4 and Nexus 7), two of my contacts were automatically merged, without noticing or asking me first.

I noticed this when I didn't find my mother anymore in my contacts. After some searching, I found that my father's entry now had two cell phone numbers (his own and my mother's) and two dates of birth (again, his own and my mother's).

Now I understand how it's possible that they were recognized as "similar" (both share the same last name, street adress, non-cell phone number and e-mail adress), but it's beyond me why on earth it would just merge them automatically, without any notice?

Please note that they are still two separate contacts in the GMail web interface.
They are just merged in the contact apps of both my Android devices.

I had another Android phone until a few days ago (HTC Wildfire with Android 2.2), but I don't know if they were already merged there too or if this is a new bug in Android 4.2.

Finally, I compared my complete contact list on my phone with the one in GMail, on order to find out if more contacts were merged.
But my parents were the only ones, even though I have a few more married couples with the same names and adresses in there.

Any idea why this happens and how I can separate them into two different contacts again?

# Answer
I found a solution that kind of works, but IMO it's still unsatisfying.
After some googling, I found that this is a known bug in Android.

Apparently it's fixed (the issue is closed), but I don't think so, because not only do I have these problems *now*, there are also comments with complaints which were posted after the date when the issue was closed.

One of the comments had a solution that works for me, but it's not ideal:

When I edit the contact (which has my father's name, as mentioned in the question) it shows **both** contacts to edit...still on the same screen, but clearly separated as different contacts.

On this screen, I can separate or merge them in the options menu. When I choose to separate them, they become two different contacts again...but only on this device. I have to repeat that on the other device in order to separate them there as well.
> 6 votes

# Answer
If you want to keep your Whatsapp and Gmail contacts separated. Go to settings accounts take off auto sync. Make sure Google or Whatsapp is NOT running in the background (very important)Delete Google and Whatsapp account from settings/accounts, there only (Only on settings/accounts). Open google/gmail and login/Sign up. It will ask you to put on auto sync, let it auto sync and load you email and contacts. Close all running background again. Go to setting/accounts, take off auto sync. Now open Whatsapp, it should only have your phone contacts only (whatever your set to show as phone contacts)

Hope it works for you, running Android 6.0
> 2 votes

# Answer
I have tried the Separate Contacts option on my ZTE Valet Android 4.1 phone. If I perform it for one contact, it applies to ALL merged contacts. I like this, but it does not seem intuitive. To separate merged contacts in Android: Open Contacts. Select a contact that is merged. Do NOT edit the contact, instead at this point click the menu option (lower right). Then click Separate Contact. As I said, for me this separated ALL merged contacts, not just the selected contact.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I solved it by disabling the WhatsApp contact sync.

Go to **Accounts \> WhatsApp \> Sync \> Disable**

Maybe WhatsApp and Google are conflicting with each other when both sync.
> 1 votes

# Answer
First make sure that all contact are back up with gmail then close mail sync. Then Go to settings \>permission \>permission \>contact \>contact and dialer first deny permission And allow permission again And then on your Gmail sync you will get all your contacts properly.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I found a 'near' solution for my Moto-X (2014) running OS 5.1.

1. Go to Accounts, and turn off Auto-Sync Data
2. Go to Apps, find Contacts Storage and Clear Data
3. Go to Accounts, Google (all of the sync toggle should be off at this moment)
4. Sync only the Contacts by touching the Sync toggle button, and wait patiently until the sync arrow symbol stop (meaning sync is complete). It took me about 15 minutes for me as I have 1000 contacts with many pictures on each contact.
5. Go back to Accounts, and click Auto-Sync Data

With this, I still see few accounts that are merged, but it is way cleaner. If you have photos on contacts, some photos will also be screwed up, but at least it solved the auto merge issues 90%.

Hope it helps.
> 0 votes

# Answer
The best solution for all android phones is to:

1. Goto Contacts app
2. Click on the three dots near the search button.
3. A list menu will display , click onto Manage accounts.
4. Delete the other accounts showing here like Whatsapp (It will delete only contacts of Whatsapp, not data of Whatsapp, just relaxed), Duo etc, expect Google.
5. After deleting the other accounts, restart your phone.
6. Now your contacts is showing ok. Waw...
> 0 votes

# Answer
I solved this issue in my Realme 2 Pro phone this way:

* Open Accounts & Sync
* Goto Gmail and open it. Removed all the other accounts except my Gmail account.

Automatically it solved the issue.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: contacts, sync, google-account, 4.2-jelly-bean
---


# Question
Title: Bluetooth Keyboard + Facebook Messenger loses focus constantly
With a Galaxy Note 8, Android version 8, latest of Facebook Messenger. I am trying to use my Keyboard K780 in Messenger and the focus is lost constantly after typing one letter.

The only way I got it working is by putting focus in the textbox on Android, switch to another computer (F1), switch back to Android (F2) then the focus stays in the box. Not quite the best experience to start typing on Android. Any clues? settings?

# Answer
> 1 votes
1. Settings
2. General Management
3. Language and Input
4. Physical Keyboard
5. TURN OFF -\> Show on-screen keyboard Show the on-screen keyboard while a physical keyboard is being used.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Make sure your keyboard is ON and paired. Go to

* SETTINGS
* GENERAL MANAGEMENT
* PHYSICAL KEYBOARD K780 KEYBOARD
* Turn OFF the SHOW THE ON-SCREEN KEYBOARD option

# Answer
> 0 votes
When the text box is at the bottom of the screen press and hold in the text box until "Auto Fill" appears. You can then enter text from the keyboard.

---
Tags: external-keyboard, facebook-messenger
---


# Question
Title: Android 10: unable to change AppStandbyBucket status for any apps
I have two OnePlus 7Pro devices, both running OOS 10.3.8 and both rooted.

On one of these devices, I can go to ***Settings=\>System=\>Developer options=\>Standby apps***, and in the resulting list of installed apps, I can successfully change the status of any app from "ACTIVE" to other values ("WORKING\_SET", "FREQUENT", "RARE").

On the other device, when I go to ***Settings=\>System=\>Developer options=\>Standby apps***, I also see the list of installed apps, but all are showing as "ACTIVE", and when I try to change that status for any app, the status does not change, and it remains "ACTIVE". This unchangeability persists after reboots.

I have been trying to deal with doze-related issues on the second device, and I'm guessing that one of the many things I was experimenting with might have caused AppStandbyBucket values to become unmodifiable. What could I have done on this second device to prevent the Standby-app status from being changeable? ... and what can I do on that device to enable those status values to be changed?

Thank you in advance for any thoughts and suggestions.

**PS**: I'm wondering if there might be some config file somewhere on the device which should be writable, but whose permissions might have gotten changed to read-only. Is that possible? If so, what could be the file (or files) in question?

# Answer
I have no idea what the exact cause of this problem was, but I fixed it by doing a nandroid restore from a recent backup (via TWRP).

Apparently, one or more files got hosed on my device from all my fooling around with doze management. The restore must have reset them back to a proper state.

Now, all the App Standby Buckets are functioning normally again.

All's well that ends well.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: settings, standby, doze-mode
---


# Question
Title: Why did the account sync became so delayed specifically for the Google account?
Until recently Gmail messages arrived to my Nokia 9 PureView instantly.

But recently unacceptable sync delays appeared in the Google account, especially in popular services like Gmail.

Nokia suggested to delete Gmail's cache and do a soft reboot (power+volume up), but it didn't help whatsoever. Likewise neither did Safe Mode. Their next suggestion - factory reset - was enough to send me here. If I manually click the 3 dots and choose to sync now, it solves it...for that moment.

The following screenshot was taken at 18:30, almost half a working day after some of these syncs took place. WhatsApp, in comparison, syncs its contacts every hour without any misses.

Can anything bring back the Google Account sync to what it used to be?

# Answer
Google's Fix sync errors with the Gmail Android app's last resort ("Only follow these steps if the above steps didn't work") solved it for me!

However, it initially led to confusion since it seems to refer to obsolete settings.

The **correct** "last resort" steps are:

1. Open your device's **Settings** app.
2. Tap **Apps & notifications** \> **See All Apps** (not "App info").
3. Tap **Gmail** \> **Storage & cache** (not "Storage").
4. Tap **CLEAR STORAGE** \> **OK** (not "Clear Data").
5. Restart your device.

Not sure step #5 is mandatory, but I guess it's better to be on the safe side.
> 0 votes

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Tags: sync, gmail, google-account, push-notifications, nokia-9
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