# Question
Title: How to automate rclone-mount without Termux or Magisk?
I want to use rclone-mount on Android to mount remote directories from my own server as well as from pCloud. I want the mount points to be established automatically at boot time and to remain mounted full time.

I have not been able to install Magisk on this device yet. See How to install Magisk without an unlocked bootloader?

I tried the following rclone-mount method with Termux:

How to mount rclone on Android?

Unfortunately, that results in permissions errors that I have not been able to solve. I posted a question about it here:

scripts - How to use rclone-mount with Termux:Boot?

That remains unresolved. I have worked on this for many hours, so I could add more info to my other question if needed. However, with the assistance of @alecxs I tried another approach and resolved the permission errors. Now `rclone` can now successfully mount both pcloud and my own server when I run the commands at the CLI.

My current question is, how to automate this without Termux:Boot or Magisk? II can't install Magisk and Termux gave me tons of trouble for a couple weeks and I only got this working by ditching Termux. Again, see the above question if you think you know the reason for the Termux problems.)

---

For background, and to possibly help others, I am listing all my steps so far since the commands are working and this might prove to be a useful supplement for Irfan Latif's great answer that helped me get started with rclone-mount on Android.

* removed Termux (& verified all files are gone)
* removed Magisk app (the module was never installed)
* kept original SuperSU v2.82 (& verified it doesn't have trackers)
* gave network access permissions to apps running under root in AFWall+
* used "Simple SSHD" app (from F-Droid) to access device via SSH (from my PC)
* I have a working rclone.conf file already
* my env var `LD_LIBRARY_PATH` is empty and I did not have to modify it with this method
* my device is Arm64
* `echo $PATH` = `/sbin:/system/sbin:/system/bin:/system/xbin` and I put the binaries into `/system/bin` EDIT: @alecxs pointed out that these custom binaries should have been installed to `/system/xbin`.

---

First, I put the binaries into the correct directories on my Android device:

```
cd /path/to/files/gocryptfs_fusermount-ARMHF_2021-01-13/

```

NOTE: the fusermount binary comes from XDA / mirfatif: https://forum.xda-developers.com/m/mirfatif.7805402/ Fusermount on android (rclone mount) XDA Forums

```
$ scp -P 2222 fusermount 192.168.1.123:~/

```

On Android, become superuser:

```
su

```

install fusermount binary:

```
mount -o rw,remount /system
mv /system/bin/fusermount /system/bin/fusermount.termux
cp ./fusermount /system/bin/fusermount
chmod 775 /system/bin/rclone
chown system:shell /system/bin/fusermount

```

check SELinux context and DAC permissions:

```
# ls -laZ /system/bin/fusermount
-rwxrwxr-x 1 system shell u:object_r:system_file:s0 114056 2021-10-25 01:29 /system/bin/fusermount

```

Install the official rclone binary: NOTE: The rclone binary I'm using is from: https://beta.rclone.org/test/testbuilds-latest/rclone-android-21-armv8a.gz

I have it on my phone at: `/storage/emulated/0/Documents/rclone-android-21-armv8a`

```
mount -o rw,remount /system
ls -la /system/bin/rclone
lrwxrwxrwx 1 system shell 42 2021-10-21 19:55 /system/bin/rclone -> /data/data/com.termux/files/usr/bin/rclone
rm /system/bin/rclone
cp /storage/emulated/0/Documents/rclone-android-21-armv8a /system/bin/rclone
chmod 775 /system/bin/rclone
chown system:shell /system/bin/rclone

# ls -laZ /system/bin/rclone
-rwxrwxr-x 1 system shell u:object_r:system_file:s0 62257128 2021-10-26 19:45 /system/bin/rclone

```

Optional (if needed, restore SELinux context -- I did not need to do this):

```
restorecon -F /system/bin/rclone
restorecon -F /system/bin/fusermount

```

Finished, so mount readonly again:

```
mount -o ro,remount /system

```

Check the mount namespace:

```
# readlink /proc/1/ns/mnt
mnt:[4026531840]
# readlink /proc/self/ns/mnt
mnt:[4026531840]

```

If they don't match, run the command below. (Mine match)

```
nsenter -t 1 -m -- "$0"

```

Verify the remote is not already mounted:

```
# ls -la /mnt/runtime/write/emulated/0/mypcloud/

```

Set env var for rclone config:

```
export RCLONE_CONFIG=/data/data/org.galexander.sshd/files/rclone.conf

```

Now manually mount remote using rclone:

```
rclone -vvv mount mypcloud: /mnt/runtime/write/emulated/0/mypcloud --gid 9997 --dir-perms 0771 --file-perms 0660 --umask=0 --allow-other --cache-dir /storage/emulated/0/.cache --vfs-cache-mode full --vfs-cache-max-age 2h0m0s --vfs-cache-poll-interval 5m0s

```

Success!

to umount:

```
fusermount -u /mnt/runtime/write/emulated/0/mypcloud

```

There is really nothing new in the steps above that Irfan Latif didn't already discuss. However, there are differences. For example, I did not need to set `LD_LIBRARY_PATH`. Also, rclone emits this warning:

```
WARNING: linker: /system/bin/rclone: unsupported flags DT_FLAGS_1=0x8000001

```

However, that doesn't appear to be a problem. I also show more info about SELinux contexts and a few other things. There are enough differences from the existing answer that my steps might help someone else with their own troubleshooting.

---

Now, my main question **how can I automate this at boot time without Termux:Boot or Magisk?** I guess I could put a script into init somewhere, but I would appreciate an expert answer. I have reviewed a lot of answers about init.rc and executing scripts at boot. They have mostly sent me to solutions that were obsolete by Android 4.x and they also do not deal with the question of how to handle the case of booting up when a network connection is not available.

EDIT: @alecxs contributed the following idea for booting up when a network connection is not available:

```
until dumpsys connectivity | grep -iq state..connected
do
    sleep 1
done && rclone <...> &

```

My device is running Android 7.0 (US Samsung Galaxy S8). It is rooted, I have true root, it has SuperSu 2.82, SELinux is permissive, and I can remount /system rw (as shown above). I do have the `/system/su.d/` directory.

Also, related question, where is a good / safe location (path) on my Android device to keep my pcloud token and my private ssh key (for the remote SFTP server)?

# Answer
> 2 votes
@MountainX, first of all, thank you so much for this post! It really helped me setting up rclone mount on my phone. To automatically start rclone mount at bootup, I'm using Tasker. It has "Device Boot" event, which can run a task. In that task I'm using "run shell" with root privileges and here is the command I use:

```
nsenter -t 1 -m -- rclone mount OneDrive: /mnt/user/0/emulated/0/OneDrive --daemon --config=/sdcard/rclone.conf --gid 9997 --dir-perms 0771 --file-perms 0660 --umask=0 --allow-other --cache-dir /storage/emulated/0/.cache --vfs-cache-mode full --vfs-cache-max-age 2h0m0s --vfs-cache-poll-interval 5m0s

```

# Answer
> 1 votes
Create a file named `rclone_mount.sh` (or any name you choose). My PC is running Linux, so I don't have to worry about line endings.

Add these commands to it:

```
#!/system/bin/sh

export RCLONE_CONFIG=/data/data/org.galexander.sshd/files/rclone.conf;

rclone mount mypcloud: /mnt/runtime/write/emulated/0/mypcloud --gid 9997 --dir-perms 0771 --file-perms 0660 --umask=0 --allow-other --cache-dir /storage/emulated/0/.cache --vfs-cache-mode full --vfs-cache-max-age 48h0m0s --vfs-cache-poll-interval 2m0s

```

Set your rclone options in the above command as desired.

Send the file from PC to Android device. I use scp like this:

```
scp -P 2222 rclone_mount.sh  192.168.1.123:~/

```

On my Android device, install the file:

```
mount -o rw,remount /system
cp /data/data/org.galexander.sshd/files/rclone_mount.sh /system/su.d/
chmod 700 /system/su.d/rclone_mount.sh
chown root:root /system/su.d/rclone_mount.sh
mount -o ro,remount /system

```

The hardest part of this is probably finding a location for the script where it will get executed automatically when the phone boots. Since I have SuperSU, the choice was easier: `/system/su.d/`.

For all the reasons indicated in the OP, my script was simpler than might have been expected. Since it runs on boot, there is no need to check/unmount the remotes. I don't need to set LD\_LIBRARY\_PATH. I don't need to become su (as it is run by SuperSU), etc. It's a very simple script.

Caveat: I only tested it once so far. I'm open to suggestions and I will be using it extensively over the coming days/weeks, so I may find issues that need to be fixed.

---
Tags: mount
---


title: Implement URL whitelisting in Android

text:
# Question
Title: Implement URL whitelisting in Android
I want to whitelist some URLs been used by my device and native apps for sync and updates.

Other than these few URLs, I wish to block all other URLs being accessed by any chat window and browser. I have my device rooted, and have been looking for a common solution which can be accessed by all native applications and browsers.

I have found a solution to override the API "`shouldOverrideUrlLoading`" in the class WebView Client, but if there are any applications which do not call this WebViewclient and directly calls native APIs (`system/netd`).

I am quite new to the WebView thing, do let me know if anyone has any solutions or suggestions.

# Answer
If you really want to get all traffic of all apps and services you need a VPN solution with traffic interception similar the way Mitmproxy works on PC. As you have root you could install your custom root CA certificate as system CA certificate (see second half of the linked answer) and then decrypt all outgoing TLS traffic, get the URL check if it white-listed and continue or abort the request. Unfortunately I don't know an app that works like Mitmproxy without saving all the data. Most apps that do traffic interception do this for capturing the data like Packet Capture or PCAP remote. But the latter is partly open source so this could be a starting point, assuming you have the necessary development skills.

Even after installation of your root CA certificate some apps won't work anymore as they use certificate pinning. So you have to test if the apps you want to white-list URLs from are affected.

If you would be content with a filtering on domain level you could simply use an app like Blokada. For domain filtering you don't need traffic interception, hence you could skip the custom root CA installation and so on.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: firewall, aosp, webview, url
---


# Question
Title: How can I change the file size of photos uploaded to Google Photos?
I have uploaded my photos in Google Photos with upload size Original. Now only 4.4GB is left out of 15GB. I have deleted photos on my phone after uploading them to Google Photos.

Now I changed my Google Photos settings, I have selected Upload size to High Quality. But still, it is showing 4.4GB left.

I want to keep all my photos in Google Photos as well as I want to get more free space which is occupied by the photos with Original size.

# Answer
1. Go to https://photos.google.com.
2. Select Options from the top left of this page, then select Settings near the bottom of the Options menu.
3. Change the radio button to High Quality (free unlimited storage).
4. Just under this, you will see two options: "Buy Storage" & "Recover Storage".
5. Select Recover Storage and you will be presented with the option to "Compress".
6. Select Compress and it will warn it could take up to an hour to complete.
7. Go ahead and you will have then compressed all your original-sized photos to High Quality and recover the space.
8. If you don't have the full-size photo's backed up, be aware this option is not reversible.
> 9 votes

# Answer
You already uploaded them as Original size, so changing to High Quality after the fact it'll still report 4.4 GB free. You'd have to make sure the photos were still on your phone, remove them from Google Photos, then re-upload them with the High Quality setting.

Changing to High Quality after an upload won't affect photos already uploaded in Original quality.
> 1 votes

# Answer
You can do it from the Google Photos web app settings page.

1. Go to http://photos.google.com from your browser.
2. Click on the settings button ().
3. Click the Recover Storage button.

That it :)
> 0 votes

# Answer
The size is counted for the photos that are being uploaded from the date the Google announced the storage limitation. Any photo or video that were uploaded in any quality in the past do not count against the storage quota. Thats the reason you dont see reduction in the available limit. The size difference matters after the announcement only.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: google-photos
---


title: Selectively enable private DNS

text:
# Question
Title: Selectively enable private DNS
I've got a local network with associated WiFi where I'm already running a DNS server and I can resolve `somehost.local.example.com` on any machine in that network just fine.

On Android I can only resolve those host names when I turn off "Private DNS" and I understand why. However, I'd like to keep the "Private DNS" feature enabled in general.

Is there some way to *either* disable Private DNS when I'm in a specific WiFi network (either autodetected some way or even manually configured on my phone is fine) *or* to ensure that local host names (within the DHCP servers search domain) are still resolved using the DHCP-provided DNS even when Private DNS is enabled?

My phone is running Android 12, in case that matters.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I guess we can maintain the DNS while connecting to a wifi network by choosing advanced -\> Static IP.

I tried to modify the wifi network on Samsung phone running Android 12 and I can see the option for DNS.

I hope this helps, if that's what you need.

---
Tags: dns
---


# Question
Title: MOTO G4 is not connecting with windows 10
I am using moto g4 plus, Im trying to connect my moto with ma laptop through. My phone got latest android 7.0 update but now also same issue is there. Please suggest some way.

**USB** but its not getting connected.This allow me to charge through the usb. But im tried the most of the method to connect .Please anybody can help me ..

I am also an android developer so my phone allow me to connect with android studio and deploy the app in my phone but it not allowing me to explore the folders on sd card or phone memory through explorer.

# Answer
Try this. First turn on developer options. To do this open settings and locate the 'about phone' and tap this then scroll to build and tap this 7 times then click the back button and go back to settings. With your phone connected to the computer locate 'Developer options' and tap it. From here scroll down to 'Select USB Configuration' and tap it. Tap 'MTP(Media Transfer Protocol)' even though it may already be selected. This should automatically open the dialog box on the computer with the phone's drive listed.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Do you have drivers installed? Check for MTP USB drivers. Also you may need to have a look here

As your phone only shows photo, it's because the USB settings is set to PTP.

To see phone content on PC, pull down notification bar on phone when phone is connected and switch from PTP to MTP mode.
> 1 votes

# Answer
My MotoG4 loses its USB Brains all the time.

Developer Options\>Select USB Configuration.

Even though its already set top MTP (media Transfer Protocol) it really isnt. Toggle the USB Configuration to PTP and back to MTP a couple of times that usually fixes it.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: usb-connection-mode, data-transfer, 7.0-nougat, motorola-moto-g-4g
---


# Question
Title: Where are the official Xiaomi drivers for ADB/USB? (trying to unlock bootloader of Poco M3)
I tried everything from every tutorial about how to unlock my Xiaomi Poco M3 bootloader. I enabled OEM unlock, etc, rebooted into fastboot mode, but then the phone is not recognized in the batch unlock tool provided by xiaomi at https://en.miui.com/unlock/download\_en.html

Well, I found https://developer.android.com/studio/run/oem-usb where it lists this weird forum https://web.vip.miui.com/page/info/mio/mio/detail?postId=18464849&app\_version=dev.20051 for the xiaomi, which contains a .rar file that when I install I get

because the driver is not signed. I don't think I should disable driver signing on Windows, and I find this very weird.

I also tried installing Android Studio and then google USB drivers through there, but I still don´t get the phone recognized on the miui unlock tool.

# Answer
I don't know if the solution posted by Robert works but I downloaded an older MiUi Unlock tool that is listed here: https://c.mi.com/thread-2262302-1-0.html. I tried this one http://miuirom.xiaomi.com/rom/u1106245679/4.5.514.47/miflash\_unlock-en-4.5.514.47.zip and it has an option (in the gear settings icon) to install the drivers. I clicked on it, installed the drivers, and then gone back to the latest version of the unlock tool, and it recognized the phone!

PS: if this does not work try updating the MiUi to the latest one, and also try to do as Robert said. I think the link he gave is for download the driver, but then you have to do into Device Manager, find your android device and install the driver for it. This step failed for me but anyways, worth a try.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: rom-flashing, fastboot, xiaomi, bootloader-lock, usb-drivers
---


# Question
Title: Samsung SmartThings on LineageOS getting "Galaxy SmartTag is only supported on Galaxy devices running Android 8.0 or higher"
I'm trying to add a Samsung Galaxy SmartTag to my install of Samsung SmartThings on LinageOS 10 but I'm getting

> **Can't add this device** *"Galaxy SmartTag is only supported on Galaxy devices running Android 8.0 or higher"*

Is there a way to add SmartTags to a LinageOS install of SmartThings? Is there a way to mock the operating system or otherwise work around this limitation?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Samsung devices are heavily modified by Samsung. LineageOS and "Samsung Android" are different at a large number of points regarding the installed system components and provided APIs. As all those modified system components are closed-source it is not possible to adapt them to LineageOS (if some one would really would try it as this would be a very complex task).

Therefore the only way to get such apps running with an reasonable effort is using a ROM that bases on an original Samsung ROM (or just use the original ROM of your device).

But there is one exception: if the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag app requires Knox, the security feature of Samsung Galaxy devices, then you are totally out of luck, because Knox permanently disables itself once you have unlocked the bootloader.

---
Tags: samsung, lineageos, android-10
---


title: How to install APK on Gabb Z2?

text:
# Question
Title: How to install APK on Gabb Z2?
I would like to install Spotify on my Gabb Z2 phone. The Gabb phone runs a modified version of Android that is programmed to have only default apps and no store. They somehow managed to get their own app on there, which leads me to believe that there is a way to install apps on this phone.

I try to go to Privacy \> Permission Manager \> Search \> Autofill where the developer options are so I can turn on USB Debugging, it does nothing, the bug was found and patched so that there is no way to access the options. As a side note, I also tried going to About Phone and clicking on the build number 7 times.

I have scoured the internet looking for the solution to my problem, I came close but I was blocked. How to install APK on Gabb Z2?

# Answer
You need to downgrade the ROM to an older one with ADB access, disconnect it from Wi-Fi, and remove the SIM card. Then remove com.zte.zdm over ADB. After that, you can reconnect it and put the SIM card back.

To downgrade the ROM, disconnect the Wi-Fi and remove the SIM card, then turn it off. You then take it apart and remove the battery. You can downgrade the ROM using SP Flash Tool and a USB cable.
> 0 votes

# Answer
You cannot flash another ROM, this will brick your phone unless it is an older one.

There are no fixes for the newer phone right now.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: installation, apk, gabb
---


title: SSH server on Shield w/Android 11

text:
# Question
Title: SSH server on Shield w/Android 11
I recently purchased a Shield running Android 11. I want to enable an SSH server on this box.

I tried an SSHd app from the play store but it didn't seem to work. Looking at the websites for a couple of SSHd packages I see lots of warnings that SSH daemons will stop working as of Android 10.

Does that mean SSHd is no longer available on Android 11? Is it possible to add/enable an SSHd service on a non-rooted android 11 box?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Unfortunately, Android 10 brought some substantial privacy changes, like the restriction of access to the /proc/net/ filesystem, which contained info about the device's network state.

So even if you were to simulate Root access with Termux you wouldn't be able to get the IP of your SSH.

As of now, your only option is to get a phone with Android 9 or lower or root your phone.

---
Tags: android-11, ssh
---


# Question
Title: How can I stop my phone from reporting my coordinates and detected devices to Samsung?
Following on the footsteps of this question, *"What application is responsible for reporting seen SmartTags to Samsung?"*

---

Given that *something* is doing this, is there a way with an authentic Samsung phone to opt out of this kind of spyware? Can I stop my phone from reporting SmartTags and other things (including my location) to Samsung?

To be clear, SmartTags work on Bluetooth LE. What sends the result of the Bluetooth LE scan and GPS coordinates to Samsung?

# Answer
According to the Samsung SmartTag web site you have to agree to make your device scan for tags (act as a "Find Node").

> ### How can I join the Galaxy Find network? If your SmartTag is out of the 120-metre range of the BLE (Bluetooth low energy) connection, it
>
> will require the help of the Galaxy Find network to be located.
>
> The Galaxy Find network is made from other Galaxy device users that have agreed for their devices to be used as Find Nodes. Find Nodes receive the signal from lost SmartTags and send the location anonymously to the SmartThings server, allowing for you to find your SmartTag no matter how far away it is.
>
> To help other SmartThings users by using your device as a Find Node, you will need to agree to offline finding in the SmartThings app. This is an option you can select when adding SmartThings Find.
>
> You can also agree to use your device as a Find Node through your settings. You'll be asked if you want to do this when setting up SmartThings Find.
>
> 1. Open the Settings app
> 2. Tap Biometrics and Security
> 3. Tap Find My Mobile
> 4. Tap Offline finding

So the answer should be not to enable this setting.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung
---


title: Remote access to Android local network

text:
# Question
Title: Remote access to Android local network
I have devices connected to Android phone hotspot and phone have internet through LTE. I need access in my phone local network to access all devices web interface.

What solution can you recommend? I think about VPN. I don't want Cloud or paid service.

# Answer
> -1 votes
You can use Servers Ultimate (com.icecoldapps.serversultimate) from Ice Cold Apps to ran VPN Server on your Android device. But it has limitations:

* VNC Server: doesn’t work on most devices.
* ARM based: Caddy, VPN, Port forward, MySQL monitor, Nginx, Traceroute
* Root needed: Port forwarder, VNC, VPN, SMB Native
* Permission SMS: start/stop rules
* Permission coarse location: wifi selector tool

---
Tags: wi-fi, linux, hardware, vpn, accessibility
---


title: google chrome android

text:
# Question
Title: google chrome android
What is the difference between each option of the following flags in google chrome for android?

Please, Can anyone explain me what does each option of these flags?

#metrics-settings-android

#web-otp-backend

#lens-camera-assisted-search

#trust-tokens

#enable-google-srp-isolated-prerender-nsp

#use-sync-sandbox

#document-transition-slowdown-factor

#contextual-search-new-settings

#explore-sites

#related-searches-in-bar

#translate-force-trigger-on-english

#webnotes-stylize

#enable-google-srp-isolated-prerender-probing

#web-feed

#omnibox-on-focus-suggestions-contextual-web

#mbi-mode

#enable-resampling-scroll-events-experimental-prediction

#enable-fenced-frames

#context-menu-translate-with-google-lens

#continuous-search

#scroll-capture

#draw-predicted-ink-point

# Answer
You can type in chrome address/location bar this command `chrome://flags` and read about almost all flags. I.e. `#trust-tokens` "Enable Trust Tokens" - Enables prototype Trust Token API (https://github.com/wicg/trust-token-api) - Mac, Windows, Linux, Chrome OS, Android
> 1 votes

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


# Question
Title: Transfer recording from Virgin TIVO box to HUMAX Aura Android TV 4K Freeview Recorder
We are replacing Virgin Media with a basic Internet connection and a Humax Aura Android TV 4K Freeview Play Recorder. How can we transfer the recordings we have saved on our Virgin box?

# Answer
**At present this is a collection of my notes, hopefully it will become an answer that is useful to other people.**

The Virgin TIVO box connects to the Virgin network with a dedicated coaxial connection and runs IP back to the Virgin servers separate from the Virgin internet service. There is an ethernet socket in the back of the Virgin box.

I can't see any Wi-Fi settings on the Virgin menu, hence it looks like our box is too old to have WiFi. I have enabled remove control of the box over the local network on the setup/network menu of the Virgin box.

Plugged in either net cable, can ping IP address shown on Virgin box network connection info page.

---

Where can I find my media access key for my Virgin Media TiVo box?

Your media access key (MAK) is a code which identifies your TiVo box. If you have more than one box, each will have a unique MAK to identify it on your Virgin Media broadband network.

To find your MAK:

1. Using TiVo, go to Home \> Help & Settings \> System Info \> Media Access Key
2. Enter your TV PIN when prompted - if you haven't set a TV PIN the default is 1234
3. You should see your 10-digit MAK in the middle of the screen

---

Install TiVo Desktop on PC

---

Seems Virgin TiVo box does not use the same networking as other TiVo boxes.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: android-tv, video-recording
---


# Question
Title: How can I copy-paste an image into a form field on Chrome for Android?
I use a Google Pixel 6 with Android 12. I tried the following, but it doesn't work:

1. Copy the Android Enthusiasts site logo image
2. Navigate to the Ask Question page
3. Long-hold the form and select Paste

I have the same issue with the two other websites have tried, namely Gmail and GitHub.

How can I copy-paste an image into a form field on Chrome for Android without having to download and re-upload the image myself?

# Answer
Back in January 2022 when the OP asked the question, I had the same issue while pasting images with Chrome using the Paste option after using Copy image (but not with Kiwi browser, see comments).

With the latest Chrome version (98.0.4758.01), the issue has disappeared. Whatever the cause, it seems the Chrome developers have (for now) solved it.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: chrome-for-android, images, copy-paste
---


# Question
Title: Virtualize Android on an Android device and then share the VM image to another device?
I just installed VMOS on my Android phone. Now I have created a virtual machine that I want to run on a different device as well. Usually when you run VM-software you can more or less just copy an image between machines and then execute exactly the same VM on a second device by selecting this image when launching the VM-software.

However, in VMOS I can't find the image file nor find an option to select a specific image file to launch. Am I missing something or does VMOS not support this? Are there any other alternatives for Android that allows me to setup a VM on one device and then use it on other devices?

# Answer
If the images are located on the shared sd-card section you can directly access and copy them using a connected PC and set USB mode to files/MTP mode.

If the images are located in the app-private data folder you don't have direct access to them But Android VMOS app contains the entry `android:allowBackup="true"` in it's manifest so even on unrooted devices you can get all data used by the app.

Connect your Android phone to a PC with installed AndroidSDK or ADB minimal, enable Developer menu and Android Debug Bridge (adb) on the phone and execute the command:

```
adb backup com.vmos.web

```

It will create a file named `backup.ab` that contains all the files from app-private data folder that you can't access directly from a PC.

If you want to copy VMOS to a different phone, enable adb in it and restore VMOS including data using

```
adb restore backup.apk

```

You can also view/modify the created `backup.ab` file by converting it to a TAR archive (and back to an .ab file) using Android Backup Extractor (abe).
> 3 votes

---
Tags: virtualization, vm
---


# Question
Title: Help salvaging data from the Oneplus 6T Clock app
I started using the label/notes section in the OnePlus Clock app for more detailed notes because then I could also get alarmed + reminded about them at certain times during the day. It's a fair bit of notes and reminders, enough to make me try very hard to retrieve them (and then never use the clock app for notetaking again).

I finally updated my Oneplus 6T to Android 11 (the update came out last November I believe) and the clock app updated too... with a 50 character limit on each alarm. I am now locked out of reading all my notes. However, the notes are still there. I know this because the preview text for the label/note is longer than the character limit and shows more than I am able to see when editing the note. If I were to save over the note with only 50 characters though, it would delete all the data and thus I am not touching the alarms at all until I get a fix.

Anyway, here's what I've thought of/tried:

* Any solution involving rooting my phone: would like to avoid this option for now as it seems risky for my given phone based on what I have read but would try if no other option works/if someone convinces me it would be fine
* Using `adb backup` to backup `com.oneplus.deskclock`'s data: although I did this and I believe it was successful, I have no way of verifying what I backed up exactly (the backup file seems too small for what should be in it). I could use the android-backup-extractor on GitHub, but I doubt the data will be in text form (need the app to view the data is my guess) and I also could not figure out how to set it up anyway, so my next steps were...
* Using my `backup.ab` file to restore `com.oneplus.deskclock`'s data in the app on a different device. So far I have tried using BlueStacks (OnePlus Clock APK installs, but when I attempt to open it, it never shows up, likely because not OxygenOS), my old OnePlus 3 (incapable of running the correct version of clock app needed, also tried restoring my backup--does not result in any new alarms showing up on the system clock app as you would expect), an Android emulator (have not even attempted yet because I'm not sure if it would be able to run the clock app since it isn't OxygenOS, mainly waiting for input here before I even bother trying that behemoth-sounding task), and my current OnePlus 6T (too scared to try installing a previous version as I'm worried it will potentially erase or compromise data).

I have already invested a lot of time into this and feel all my leads could be deadends and I don't want to spend more time than I have to do this. So, I'm seeking help here now in hopes someone can help me streamline the rest of what I have to do.

# Answer
This answer is going to disappoint you.

First, do not think of rooting the device. That process entails automatic factory reset of the device, which means, you would end up losing access to files which contains label/reminders for your alarms.

Second, adb backup is completely useless for this clock app because its developers have disabled backup functionality in its manifest (see line 26). So adb backup of this app would be an empty file more or less.

Third, the data you are after is in a database named `alarms.db` located at `/data/user_de/0/com.oneplus.deskclock/databases`. You cannot access that location without root access. And that's a dead end.

Fourth, you cannot even use some accessibility service hack to read upcoming alarm notifications or Alarm clock's label dialogs because complete label/reminder text is not available there.

Fifth, access to that app's content provider requires permission which adb (shell) user doesn't possess. So there is one more dead end.

At last, I have to conclude that without root access or without support from OnePlus you are unlikely to get access to those alarm labels.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: data-recovery, clock, oneplus
---


# Question
Title: Offbrand Android states one OS but shows another in linked apps
I recently bought a generic 10" tablet by E-CrossStu that stated it is on Android 11 with 512GB storage with 4GB RAM. I thought this is a great deal for $100.

I am now going through trying to add the apps I use and many say "incompatible with OS version" or just don't show up in the Play Store at all. I thought this can't be right if it's Android 11. Then I get emails from Gmail and Amazon trying to confirm that it is me signing in from a different device stating the sign-ins are from an Android 5.1 tablet. Did I just get duped?

I cannot find ANYTHING on the web regarding this happening to others. In the tablet settings, it does state Android 11 with specs advertised. When I try System Update, Software Updates, or Wireless Updates, it just goes to the About Tablet page which states:

* Android 11
* Model # & Custom Build: TAB910
* Baseband Version: MOLY.WR8.W1449.MD.WG.MP.V16
* CPU: 10cores2.3GHz
* Kernel: 3.10.72 root@twd-PowerEdge-R720xd
* Build Number: K1008P95\_V1.0.3\_211119.

And None of those lines can be opened to get further settings.

I am just confused and think my device has some fake information locked into it somehow so I'm not really getting what it states even in the System Settings...and I'm a little concerned about privacy/security if that is something that can really be done...

Any thoughts?

# Answer
There are a few questions on forged phones here on Android Stackexchange at least a few per year.

Fake phones usually hide their real hardware spec by manipulating the UI. So the phone info shown by Android settings as well as from system info apps like Aida64 are forged and do not show the real spec.

In your case a phone with 512GB flash but only 4GB RAM for $100 should have warned you. Such a combination is next to non-existent even for a used phone.

The common way to create a fake phone is to use an old outdated, replace some software system components and then sell it with a hardware spec next to high-end phone for a very cheap price.

To identify the real hardware spec of such a phone it is recommended not use an app as the forging the shown value is not that difficult. Not so easy to forge are values directly generated by the kernel. So the best option is to enable Developer options and Android Debug Bridge or use Termux. Then check the output of the commands:

### RAM

Free, used and total RAM size can be displayed using

```
free
cat /proc/meminfo

```

### Flash storage

```
df -h

```

### CPU

```
cat /proc/cpuinfo

```
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 5.1-lollipop, android-11, operating-system, fake-phone
---


# Question
Title: How can I allow mobile data but disable all outgoing texts and all outgoing phone calls?
I have a Google Pixel 6 on Android 12.

How can I allow mobile data but disable outgoing texts and outgoing phone calls?

# Answer
> 0 votes
I honestly can't say regarding the pixel 6. That's one thing I miss about the old mobiles. There is a company " ScaleFusion" that offers this. While it looks like it may be intended for mass implementation , they may have it available for individual consumers.

You could always use a hidden vault or dialer in the interim. Then place this fake dialer on the home screen https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=come.wakeappbase.dialerprank.

---
Tags: sms, calls, mobile-data, android-12, google-pixel-6
---


title: Pick up phone call with voice

text:
# Question
Title: Pick up phone call with voice
I am disabled (quadriplegic) and therefore cannot press the answer and hang up buttons on my smartphone to answer a phone call. On my Samsung S6 EDGE phone (Android 7), there is a function in the settings to pick up the phone by saying "answer". The problem is that since Android 8, this function no longer exists.

As I would like to change my telephone, I would not like to find myself unprepared. That's why I would like to know if it would be possible that I could make from an application or a script a system that allows me to press the pick up a button and hang up the phone when I say "pick up" or "hang up".

# Answer
> 1 votes
The accessibility app Voice Access might help.

According to Get started with Voice Access spoken commands, some of the prerequisites:

* Only available in English, Spanish, German, Italian, or French.
* Requires Android version 5.0 or later.
* Requires Google app.

According to Use Voice Access commands, after Voice Access is enabled, it is at least possible to answer a call by saying "answer call".

> ### Answer calls
>
> If you receive a call, you can answer it by saying "Answer call."

# Answer
> 0 votes
Another option is a WearOS watch that links to your phone and comes with voice assistant. https://wearos.google.com/intl/en\_ca/#works-on The added bonus being that the phone can stay in your pocket or a belt clip/ holster ! You may even find one that is compatible with your current phone.

---
Tags: calls, accessibility, voice-command
---


# Question
Title: What is this unknown app on Oppo running Android 11?
This app just popped up on my Oppo A74 running Android version 11 and I can't open it, and it doesn't have a name.

I haven't downloaded anything today, and this app only came a few hours ago, so there's no chance of it being an app whose icon the developer forgot to put in. I am also not using an external SD card.

I can move it around while holding but I can't delete it nor remove it from the home screen. Clicking it gives the following prompt "Failed to read app data. Cannot run the app". When I long-press it, only app info comes up, clicking that does nothing, it doesn't show any info.

What is this app? Is it safe?

# Answer
> 0 votes
I hate to possibly be the bearer of bad news, but that is the exact same icon that appeared after i accepted a "system update" which sadly was NOT what it claimed. It's odd that the icon remains on your homescreen though so it may be something harmless. You can read about it here https://blog.malwarebytes.com/cybercrime/mobile/2021/04/android-system-update-malware-steals-photos-videos-gps-location/

---
Tags: applications, malware, home-screen, android-11, oppo
---


# Question
Title: Does "Draw over other apps" permission allow the app the see the content of the background app?
For example, if I have the Messenger bubble open in the foreground and I am browsing through my photos in the background, can an app like Messenger see the photos in the background and record this data? Not only Messenger but other apps that have this permission?

# Answer
The official developer docs do not mention any such possibility with Draw over other app (*SYSTEM\_ALERT\_WINDOW*) permission. Apps with that permission can only receive touch feedback, like other apps.

See:

However, any app with Accessibility Service enabled can read the content of the active window.
> 4 votes

# Answer
According to a Medium article by Jeffrey Yasskin,

> Allowing an app to draw over other apps is incredibly dangerous: By seeing what you press, the app can easily steal passwords. It can present messages as if they’re from other apps or read those messages. You have to trust any overlay app at least as much as you trust any other app on your phone.
>
> It’s great that Android makes overlays possible, but it’s also great that it makes it hard to do accidentally.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: security, permissions, privacy, overlay
---


# Question
Title: Is there a simple offline contacts manager for android?
I don't want to sync all my contacts with my Google account. I would like to just keep my contacts on my phone and back it up myself. I have disabled contacts syncing in the accounts settings on my phone, but when I try to add a new contact through the 'Contacts' app, it tells me that my new contact will be synchronized with my google account.

# Answer
> 1 votes
When adding contacts to the phone via Google's built-in Contacts app, it will give you a choice how to save the contact. While adding a new contact, tap the "Google contact" to expand the drop-down for more choices on where to save it, and choose the option to store it only locally:

Keep in mind that various phone manufacturers such as Samsung, HTC, Motorola, etc. load their own versions of some system apps, including the "Contacts" app. Your Contacts app may look differently, and have this option elsewhere (or may be completely missing it.)

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can go to `App Drawer > Select Phone > Tap on the three dots > Select "Import/Export" > And then select "Export to storage"`. This will back up all your contacts on your phone itself. You can later on import from this backup if needed. However, you need to do this manually every time you modify your contact list.

# Answer
> 0 votes
It may well be the option Chahk describes in his answer is not present on your device. I've noticed some devices coming without a "local account". If that's your case, there's e.g. MyLocalAccount creating one for you.

For other contact tools, you might wish to take a look into my list ;)

# Answer
> 0 votes
In addition to the other suggestions, you can have a look at DecSync and DecSync CC Android app for keeping contacts (and calendars + task lists) on your device in simple text files.

It registers as a contacts provider and the underlying storage files can be backed up or synchronised via a 3rd-party app like Syncthing.

---
Tags: contacts, sync, offline, cloud
---


# Question
Title: How do you transfer contacts from iPhone to Android phone through Bluetooth?
Is it possible to transfer contacts from iPhone to Android through Bluetooth? I don't know there is any technical issue to transfer contacts between iPhone and Android by the Bluetooth. If anybody knows the reason why it's failed, please let me know. If it's possible, and I did wrong it, please correct me how to Sync contacts through the Bluetooth.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I found an article about my question. It's not possible because iPhone doesn't support the function to transfer contacts to another device by Bluetooth.(iPhone has never been able to do that) https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3032996

---
Tags: contacts, sync, bluetooth, ios
---


# Question
Title: Truecaller reads new SMS sometimes even without having SMS permission
I use Redmi 9 Prime. On that, I use the Truecaller app. I want to use Truecaller only for calls and strictly not for SMS. So I never give SMS read permission to the Treucaller app.

But still, sometimes Truecaller read new personal SMS. Till now did not see any service or OTP SMS in Truecaller. Don't know how come.

What can be the reason or source for getting this possible? How can I stop Truecaller from strictly touching my SMS?

# Answer
During app installation from Play Store, you may have given permission. Without it, the app will not install. Uninstall and reinstall Truecaller.

Which app is the default SMS app?

Open app / clear cache and storage. Force stop the app. Restart mobile. Again check permission status.

The last option is to start mobile in recovery mode and clear the cache partition.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Had the same problem with one of my phones.

I had to do a clean install - i.e. before uninstalling, force kill \> clean cache \> clear storage and uninstall the app. Then while reinstalling, only provide access to call, call logs, and contacts. When launching, it will ask for SMS permission \> deny \> and then most important is to select 'never ask again'.

This way, SMS is fully blocked from the intrusive app. It may occasionally ask, but the permission prompt will not come up from Android.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: sms, permissions, truecaller
---


# Question
Title: Android Studio Emulator with both the Google Play Store and Root?
https://developer.android.com/studio/run/managing-avds#system-image says

> To ensure app security and a consistent experience with physical devices, system images with the Google Play Store included are signed with a release key, which means that you cannot get elevated privileges (root) with these images. If you require elevated privileges (root) to aid with your app troubleshooting, you can use the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) system images that do not include Google apps or services.

But what if I wanted both root AND Google services? how could I do that?

Thanks!

# Answer
> 2 votes
First go here:

https://opengapps.org

I selected this option:

| Platform | Android | Variant |
| --- | --- | --- |
| x86 | 6 | pico |

but newer Android should work as well. Then open Android Studio. On "Select Hardware" screen, select a device without "Play Store" icon.

## With Google APIs

On "System Image" screen, I selected this option:

| API Level | ABI | Target |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 24 | x86 | Android 7 Google APIs |

but newer APIs should work as well. You should only need one file from the Zip archive:

```
Core\vending-x86.tar.lz

```

Inside this will be another file:

```
vending-x86\nodpi\priv-app\Phonesky\Phonesky.apk

```

Now, start the device:

```
emulator -list-avds
emulator -avd Pixel_3a_XL_API_24 -writable-system

```

Next, install Google Play Store. Note that you cannot use the normal method of drag APK to device screen, or you will get one of these errors:

```
The APK failed to install.<br/> Error: Could not parse error string

The APK failed to install.<br/> Error: INSTALL_FAILED_UPDATE_INCOMPATIBLE:
Package com.android.vending signatures do not match the previously installed
version; ignoring!

The APK failed to install.<br/> Error: INSTALL_PARSE_FAILED_NO_CERTIFICATES:
Failed to collect certificates from /data/app/vmdl1047870024.tmp/base.apk:
META-INF/BNDLTOOL.SF indicates /data/app/vmdl1047870024.tmp/base.apk is signed
using APK Signature Scheme v2, but no such signature was found. Signature
stripped?

```

Install like this:

```
adb root
adb remount
adb push Phonesky.apk /system/priv-app
adb reboot

```

After reboot, you should then be able to start Google Play Store as normal.

## Without Google APIs

Using the method above with Google APIs image, you still get some apps such as YouTube. If you want to install different version of one of these apps, use this method. On "System Image" screen, I selected this option:

| API Level | ABI | Target |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 24 | x86 | Android 7 |

but newer APIs should work as well. You need these files from the Zip archive:

```
Core\gmscore-x86.tar.lz
Core\vending-x86.tar.lz

```

Then extract these from the above files:

```
gmscore-x86\nodpi\priv-app\PrebuiltGmsCore\PrebuiltGmsCore.apk
vending-x86\nodpi\priv-app\Phonesky\Phonesky.apk

```

Use the same method above to install the APKs. After reboot, you should then be able to install YouTube or whatever app. Note that unlike above, you dont actually need to run the Google Play setup or even start the Google Play app at the end.

## External links

https://github.com/89z/googleplay/blob/f98b78a7/docs/play-store.md

# Answer
> 0 votes
I think thing the best course of action would be to download and install a third-party Android Emulator. If you are on Windows, I would recommend Bluestacks. As it can be easily rooted with this tutorial here. If you need any help, feel free to reply to this message.

Hope this helps you out!

Red Prez

---
Tags: rooting, android-emulator, google-play-services
---


# Question
Title: MTP and ADB on Samsung Galaxy A12 don't work on Linux and Windows 10
A month ago, I've bought Samsung Galaxy A12 on Android 11, One UI 3.1. When I connect to PC, it doesn't work, no MTP, no ADB, only charging.

Tried different cables already. Also tried two cables, two different PC, and two OS; Linux and Windows 10. Tried to reboot, to enable and disable USB debugging, tried with USB configuration under developer settings and the \*#0808# menu, nothing worked.

Can you help me?

# Answer
> 0 votes
So,finally solved the problem, the phone type c port was broken. I've taken phone back to manufacturer to do an rma today.

---
Tags: adb, samsung, mtp
---


# Question
Title: Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 (SM-T210R) won't turn on or charge
I have a Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 and for years it worked very well until last year, out of a sudden, it stopped working. It didn't want to charge or turn on.

When I plugged it to my PC, the PC wouldn't detect that it was connected.

I returned back on the issue to try to fix it but the problem is that I don't know what I can do to fix it.

# Answer
1. Open up the back cover of the tablet.
2. Disconnect the battery from the motherboard.
3. Plug in the charger and let it attempt to charge for 30 seconds.
4. Disconnect the charger and hold the power button for 30 seconds.
5. Connect the battery again and close the tablet back up.

This worked for reviving my Tab 3 Lite 7.0 with the same chipset, but *it has not been tested on the Tab 3 7.0*.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: charging, samsung-galaxy-tab-3-7
---


# Question
Title: TWRP stuck at splash screen - Nexus 6P Android N
I am following this guide: \[GUIDE\] Unlock/Root/Flash for Nexus 6P

The bootloader is already unlocked. Now I'm trying to flash the **TWRP recovery**. (Section 2). As the device runs Android N, I first flashed the modified `boot.img` (like in the guide, also tried it with stock boot.img) and then I flashed the **TWRP recovery** like this:

```
username@my_pc:~/Android/Sdk/platform-tools$ ./fastboot flash boot '/home/username/Downloads/boot.img'
target reported max download size of 494927872 bytes
sending 'boot' (12272 KB)...
OKAY [  0.333s]
writing 'boot'...
OKAY [  0.185s]
finished. total time: 0.518s
username@my_pc:~/Android/Sdk/platform-tools$ ./fastboot flash recovery '/home/username/Downloads/twrp.img'
target reported max download size of 494927872 bytes
sending 'recovery' (16932 KB)...
OKAY [  0.453s]
writing 'recovery'...
OKAY [  0.251s]
finished. total time: 0.704s

```

Then I rebooted to the **bootloader** again, and then booted to the **recovery mode**, like explained in the guide:

> Use the volume keys to scroll and power key to select the Reboot Bootloader option. Once the phone has booted back into the bootloader you can use the volume keys to scroll and the power key to boot into your newly flashed recovery. It's now safe to disconnect your usb cable.

However, it just hangs at the TWRP splash screen:

The phone still works and can successfully boot to Android N. I know the bootloader is unlocked because of the unlock symbol at boot logo, and I rooted it (same guide) on Android Marshmallow.

About phone (click for larger image):

# Answer
Please update to the latest version of TWRP for your device *(3.6.0\_9-0)*. Around ***4 thousand*** changes have been made since 3.0.2-0 *(around 800 files)*.

*Source: GitHub Comparison*
> 0 votes

---
Tags: recovery-mode, twrp, nexus-6p, 7.0-nougat
---


# Question
Title: How do I factory reset this Chinese device?
I have a Pritom M10 tablet I bought from Amazon a week or so ago, it's essentially a Chinese cheap thing based on the Lenovo M10. However, the audio quality is absolutely awful and that has really put me off. So, as it is new, I was going to send it back to Amazon, but want to do a factory reset to wipe anything I have put on it like pictures, login info etc, just to be safe.

I followed the instructions for the Lenovo version, which is turn the device off, hold both volume buttons along with the power button and you'll get a menu, one of the options being factory reset. Of course, this is in Chinese and I can't read it. I have done some Googling on resetting Chinese tablets and the option that is chosen in the examples I have seen doesn't match any option on mine. This is the screen I am faced with:

Does anyone know which option I have to select? Or should I be asking this question elsewhere?

# Answer
you accidentially entered the wrong mode (Spreadtrum Factory Test Mode)
volume up is for recovery mode, volume down for download mode, do not press both

google translate for last two options

重启 - reboot
恢复出厂设置 - factory reset
> 2 votes

---
Tags: factory-reset, tablet, chinese-language
---


# Question
Title: Use an Android tablet as a Wacom drawing tablet for a PC?
Since a nice Wacom tablet is a bit pricey, especially for someone like me who doesn't do much graphic editing, I was wondering if it is possible to use a tablet (i.e. my Nexus 7) as a Wacom-esque drawing tablet when connected to a Linux computer?

I did a bit of searching, however most of the info I found is for using a Wacom tablet on an Android device. I've never used a Wacom device, however I have been doing some graphic editing in Gimp, and think it would be much easier than just using a mouse. And since I have a Nexus 7, it seemed like the logical place to start. I would have to use the Nexus as a USB peripheral for the computer, and I don't know if it is possible to transmit the touch screen coordinates to the PC.

If anyone can point me in the right direction, I'd appreciate it!

# Answer
> 33 votes
The GfxTablet project should allow you to do this. It's network-based rather than USB though.

# Answer
> 13 votes
A touchscreen tablet is not like a Wacom tablet. Drawing tablets use a stylus with one or two pressure-sensitive tips and several buttons. The stylus is also sensitive to the angle you hold it at, and the tablet can detect when the stylus is hovering above the tablet, even with no contact. A drawing tablet has a resolution of a fraction of a millimetre. You can wield the stylus like a calligraphy pen, an airbrush, or anything in between.

A capacitive touchscreen such as you get on a Nexus 7 is designed to detect fat blobs like finger tips. It can't react to you hovering over it, to the natural pressure changes you get over the course of a stroke, or to the angle. Samsung's Note series has a pretty advanced stylus, and it makes a nice drawing tool, but it still lacks the advanced features like angle sensitivity.

Sure, you can use a touchscreen to draw and to create artwork, but asking it to replace a Wacom tablet is like asking finger-painting to replace the whole range of artists' paintbrushes. You'll never be satisfied with the results.

# Answer
> 12 votes
The Virtual Tablet app is free on the Google Play Store. It works with some flaws but overall good. See the developers site for more information

# Answer
> 8 votes
I had the exact same wish as you, and I eventually found a solution I was happy with. It does not solve it in 100% the way you had envisioned, but let me see if it helps you.

At first I was thinking to use the Android device as a remote desktop control (for example, via TeamViewer of Chrome Remote Deksktop) for my computer, and then open drawing software on the desktop computer and control that using the stylus on the Android device.

That worked. However, there are some issues with cursor sensitivity, and (depending on which remote software you use) you usually have to make a custom "gesture" to draw. Not very elegant. Also, there was usually considerable lag.

The solution I found was to simply use a collaborative drawing app called Explain Everything" that runs on both desktop (Web) and Android (app). Then I just collaborate with myself on both the desktop and the Android-device.

It looks like this:

The device in this photo actually has en e-ink display, but in practice that has no significance, as it runs Android and is for all intents and purposes just an Android tablet with different display technology than most.

Now, I realize that you may have some specialized software on the desktop, and that may be your whole reason for asking this question. Thus, you may not wish to use this particular drawing solution. Therefore, I admit that my answer is not perfect. However, you can export whatever you draw in Explain Everything as vector graphics, and import it into whatever software you prefer for further processing.

I have not yet used Explain Everything for serious drawing, so I can not vouch for its quality. However, there are a multitude of collaborative drawing apps that work both on desktop and on Android, so you can choose whichever suits you best.

Actually, I found that Microsoft Office for Android actually has decent drawing capabilities, and it can sync live with the web or desktop version of Office. A bit laggy with the sync, but good enough for me. I am switching to that now because I found the interface of Explain Everything to be a bit confusing.

# Answer
> 3 votes
A Samsung Note II has all of what you are looking for. It uses pressure sensitivity like a Wacom, and it even has a Wacom digitizer built into it! Doing some research now, apparently there is an app that allows connection to a PC for that purpose exactly.

# Answer
> 1 votes
There is this recent project: Weylus. From the description:

> Weylus turns your tablet or smart phone into a graphic tablet/touch screen for your computer!
>
> ## Features
>
> * Control your mouse with your tablet
> * Mirror your screen to your tablet
> * Send keyboard input using physical keyboards
> * Hardware accelerated video encoding
>
> The above features are available on all Operating Systems but Weylus works best on Linux. Additional features on Linux are:
>
> * Support for a stylus/pen (supports pressure and tilt)
> * Multi-touch: Try it with software that supports multi-touch, like Krita, and see for yourself!
> * Capturing specific windows and only drawing to them
> * Faster screen mirroring
> * Tablet as second screen

# Answer
> 0 votes
http://youtu.be/xG7I11DYlDg

This video gives some great ideas, but simply, all you need is a art program \[gimp is free\] and a way to control the program with your tablet and pen tool \[ teamviewer \]. While probably not for the advanced pro digital artist, a great idea for anyone just learning.

# Answer
> 0 votes
For this I use AIRDROID which turns a tablet in a third display for me, on which you can diplay your 'edit' window of the programs you like to use

# Answer
> 0 votes
The answer is a combination of YES and NO. You can use your android tablet to simulate a secondary display, and control it using the touchscreen. Twomon (http://www.easynlight.com/en/twomonusb/) is a software that I personally use to connect my tablet to my computer as use it as a secondary display. Twomon works over USB, so you don't need any additional hardware adapters to get it working.

However, graphic tablets, like Wacom are built for precision drawing, and general-purpose tablets are not. So, I am not sure that this makeshift solution would be as effective as a Wacom (or other) graphic tablet.

---
Tags: usb, tablet, nexus-7, linux, drawing
---


# Question
Title: How is it possible to hack/steal the data of a stranger's Android phone by holding it by hand for a while?
Several years ago, I saw in my university a demonstration that someone wearing a special finger ring can transfer the data of a stranger's (Android) phone to somewhere without the owner of the phone knowing anything.

How is it possible? Is it possible to somehow check whether a phone is compromised in some way in this way?

# Answer
Over the years, there were some vulnerabilities affecting the Android Bluetooth stack (sometimes on all devices, sometimes only on devices with a specific chipset). If the vulnerability allows remote code execution, then this can lead to information extraction.

Technically, a vulnerability in the NFC stack could also allow an attack as described in the question. But the NFC stack is much more simple which makes vulnerabilities less likely.

If that special finger ring contained a Bluetooth chip triggering such a vulnerability, it could make the phone execute code that connects to a server on the internet, receive more code from this server and then allow to remotely control the phone.

Once such vulnerabilities are found and reported to the device/chip manufacturer, they usually get fixed. The main problem is that the number of used Android devices that receive regular updates is too low. Some devices never get security updates, some only every few months, and the period all devices are getting updates is still shorter than people are using their devices.
> 5 votes

---
Tags: security, data-transfer, data-monitoring
---


# Question
Title: Samsung A21s software fastboot is disabled
I have a Samsung Galaxy A21s phone that I am trying to install Android 12 on. I have unlocked the bootloader, I go into the recovery mode and I select bootloader, however when I get there, it is just some red text saying "Entering fastboot mode..." and then it gets stuck there.

Does anyone know why this is happening, and if there is any way to fix it without carting it off to Samsung?

# Answer
Samsung devices only have a placeholder Fastboot mode. It doesn't actually serve any purpose. Please use Download Mode instead.
> 1 votes

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


# Question
Title: How to turn off Firefox Android autocomplete ads?
On a previous version of Firefox for Android, I was able to turn off the address bar ads. By address bar ads, I mean that, e.g., if I type in "al" into the address bar, the site "allrecipes.com" pops up.

I've not been to this site. I don't want this site recommended. Mostly, I don't want this site recommended, because it seems to take precedence in the autocomplete over a site that I *do* go to that starts with "al". I want *that* site to be recommended.

How do I turn off the address bar ads in the latest Firefox for Android (v97)? (but still keep autocomplete for my browsing history)

# Answer
That isn't possible without turning off the suggestions feature alltogether which would obviously hide suggestions based on history too.
> 1 votes

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


# Question
Title: WeChat app keeps auto-opening on phone unlock
Since this morning, whenever I open and unlock my phone, it buzzes quickly upon unlock and opens the Wechat app, even though I have force closed it and cleared the cache. I have also restarted my phone and tried turning off notifications. Neither has changed the issue.

I'm on a Samsung Galaxy S20, have not installed any new apps to my knowledge since this behavior started happening. Googling the issue, a lot of folks mentioned a virus through a blank app causing similar behavior, but I was unable to find it. I ran Kaspersky and it didn't detect a virus.

Is this an app setting, a Wechat issue or do I have a virus?

# Answer
Just figured it out myself but if you have a wallet phone and a chip card, the NFC is what's triggering wechat to come up. Try turning off NFC and see if it helps.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: lock-screens, virus, wechat
---


title: Disabling randomized macs on Android 11

text:
# Question
Title: Disabling randomized macs on Android 11
Trying to set up a new Moto-G Stylus with Android 11 on an internal wifi network with mac authentication and a hidden ssid. To provide the expected mac, I selected "Use device MAC" (which is correctly displayed in the connection setup), but the phone continues to send random values.

No problem connecting when mac authentication was temporarily disabled on the AP. Repeated forget/re-entering the AP info and resets of the Android networking haven't changed the random behavior. Seems like a bug where the "Use device MAC" is simply being ignored.

The phone will be useless without a fix and I can't think of anything else to try. Any suggestions or workarounds would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

-Tom

# Answer
Android has three MAC modes:

### Persistent MAC randomization

This should be the default mode. For each Wifi a new random MAC address is generated. But if you reconnect to an already known Wifi the same random MAC address is used.

### Non-persistent MAC randomization

In this mode for each Wifi a new random MAC address is generated and this MAC address only persists unless you disconnect from the Wifi. If you reconnect to a known Wifi again a new MAC address is generated.

### No randomization (device MAC)

Disables all randomization for the specified Wifi, only the device MAC is used.

From your description I would assume that on your device non-persistent MAC randomization is active. As you have seen persitent randomization and device MAC can be activated in Wifi menu, but the non-persistent randomization is missing there.

You can find the non-persistent randomization option in the Developer menu. Most likely this option is active on your device and thus overrides all the other settings you do in Wifi menu.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi, networking, motorola-moto-g, mac-address, authentication
---


# Question
Title: How to see Android from "Windows Remote Desktop Connection" if Android is connected to Windows via USB?
I have Windows 10 computer C1 (home computer) and I have Windows Server computer C2 (work computer) and I am running "Windows Remote Desktop Connection" from C1 to access C2. I have quite sophisticated applications on C2 (e.g. my office programs like https://www.embarcadero.com/products/delphi for developing and debugging Android applications).

I have physical access to computer C1 (home computer) and I have connected Android tablet via USB cable to C1 and I can see in C1 Windows Explorer that tablet is available for file transfers, debugging etc.

My question is - how can I share this USB connection so, that it can be accessed from Remote Desktop Connection, i.e. from C2 (office computer) as well? Currently C2 (as accessed from RDC session from C2) does not show table in "This PC" Windows Explorer and there is no notification about connected tablet device in the notification area either.

I have tried https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/how-do-i-enable-a-usb-device-in-remote-desktop/113af42e-5b99-4f6b-bc6f-f8bc1007e34f There are 2 answers: 1) about "Allow Remote access to your Computer" and 2) about group policy editing. I followed both advices but my Android tablet is still not visible in RDC C2.

Google search suggested https://www.net-usb.com/android-remote-access/ but it is Remote Desktop access to/from Android device and not about RDC between two windows computers. This search https://android.stackexchange.com/search?q=%22remote+desktop+connection%22 gave non-relevant results, so, my question will not be duplicate certainly.

# Answer
> 3 votes
The device types Windows Remote Desktop Connection supports for forwarding through it's connection are very limited and can AFAIK not be extended. But even if your tablet would be visible in Windows Explorer this would not help you as for development you need the USB device part that speaks Android Debug Bridge (adb), a protocol that is never visible in Windows Explorer. Visible in Windows Explorer is only MTP protocol that is not used for development and debugging.

If you want adb access on the remote server (C2) and the phone is connected to your local PC (C1), you need to redirect adb traffic from C2 to C1, e.g. using an SSH tunnel.

Or you can try use new remote debugging feature available on Android 11+.

The old plain ADB over Wifi is theoretically also possible but I would not use it unless the computers C1 and C2 are connected using a VPN or something similar because ADB over Wifi is for a security perspective like telnet: all data are transmitted in plain text without any protection or encryption. So any computer between the phone and the used development environment can read and modify all transmitted data.

---
Tags: usb, usb-debugging, windows, remote-access
---


# Question
Title: Removing entry from Google Authenticator
I'd like to remove one of the items from my Google Authenticator app but I cannot find any option to do so.

There is a Q&A on the Apple Stack Exchange which suggests there should be a Pencil icon to edit them. However, on my phone (Pixel 6 Pro), there is only an option to Add a new item, and Settings only shows the option to adjust the date/time correction.

# Answer
Long-press the entry to select it, then tap "Remove" (trash bin icon) on the top-right corner.
> 10 votes

---
Tags: google-authenticator
---


title: One-time-only alarms?

text:
# Question
Title: One-time-only alarms?
I would like a way to set one-time-only alarms, that is, alarms that would self delete after being dismissed.

It seems there's no way to do that with the native Clock app by Google (I'm using a Pixel phone). Is there?

Alternatively, do you know any apps on Google Play that have that feature?

# Answer
> 3 votes
With the Google Clock app, the alternative is to set an alarm with Google Assistant.

Saying "Set an alarm at \[hour\] \[minutes\]" will set a one-time alarm, and it will be automatically removed after dismissing it.

---
Tags: alarm, clock
---


# Question
Title: Is there a way to run adb as host on android without root?
I have an android phone and an android tablet. Both not rooted. I want to use adb as host on the tablet and as client on the phone, using an USB-OTG adapter.

I downloaded connectbot as terminal emulator on the tablet. I also downloaded the ARM binary for adb onto the tablet. However I'm getting the following error when I try to execute the binary:

```
user@tablet:/storage/sdcard0/download $ ./adb-arm-binary.bin devices
/system/bin/sh: ./adb-arm-binary.bin: can't execute: Permission denied

```

Is there anyway to get ADB as a host to run on an android 4.4.2 tablet without root?

OR: Is there any way to root said tablet without a PC?

The whole reason I need this is because I need to access `dumpsys` logs from the phone but I do not have a PC or laptop. A way to get `dumpsys` logs directly on the phone without root would suffice too, but AFAIK `dumpsys` is impossible to access for non-system application.

# Answer
Alright, I got it to work, here is what I did:

# 1. Rooted the tablet

I was able to use kingroot to root the tablet.

# 2. Install adb on the tablet

I basically followed these instructions, however the files in the OP there are outdated and not downloadable anymore. So I used a file someone posted much later in that thread, this file seems outdated though, but I'm unsure about that and will open a new question about that.

1. Downloaded the `adb.bin` file on the tablet (in `/storage/sdcard0/Download`)
2. Downloaded `Connectbot` from f-droid and setup a local shell connection to the tablet
3. Ran the following commands (everything after (including) the `#` is just a comment)

```
su # gain root priviledges
cd /storage/sdcard0/Download # change working directory to download folder
mount -o remount,rw /system # re-mount /system partition so we can write on it
cp adb.bin /system/bin/adb # copy it to bin folder so it's accessible as a command
chmod 755 /system/bin/adb # make it executable

```
4. Rebooted tablet

# 3. Enjoy adb as host on android!

This worked for me and got me an executable adb running. I still can't connect to my phone but since this is another issue I opened a new question.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Previously root may be the only option to use an Android device as an ADB host. However, there are applications that allow us to do this without root now.

You can achieve this through ADB through WebUSB. Chrome (including Chrome Android) supports WebUSB, which is a protocol for websites to access USB devices.

Note: I'm not the creator of this platform.

Make sure you're using Chrome, if not this wouldn't work.

* Go to https://webadb.com
* Click "Start"
* Click "Add device" in the side menu
* Connect to your device
* Press the "Connect" button next to the "Add device" button.
* Allow the ADB prompt on your client device
* Press interactive shell at the left sidebar.

Enjoy your ADB access!

Edit: I found an ad-free version here: https://yume-chan.github.io/ya-webadb/
> 0 votes

---
Tags: adb, root-access, usb, linux, shell
---


# Question
Title: How to clear Google Play Store & Google Play Services data / cache without allowing Google to force-update all apps on the Android device?
I find the Google Play Store and Google Play Services to be quite buggy. As such, I frequently need to delete the data and cache for each of them.

The trick is figuring out a way to do this without allowing Google to update all the apps on the Android device (sometimes new app versions are buggy, remove important features, introduce unwanted bloat, or are not truly compatible with the device).

In the past, this wasn't too difficult. One could follow these steps:

1. Enable *Airplane Mode* on the device
2. Clear the data and cache for the Google Play Store and Google Play Services
3. Open the Google Play Store
4. Go into Google Play Store's settings, and instruct it to not auto-update apps
5. Disable *Airplane Mode*

Now, *in their infinite wisdom,* Google appears to have made this impossible. If you try to open the Google Play Store in *Airplane Mode*, Google will not allow you to access the Play Store at all. Google even prohibits the user from changing any of the Google Play Store's local settings.

I've even tried accessing the Google Play account from a non-Android device, but Google does not seem to make the auto-update setting available outside of the local Android device. And since Google blocks access to their own app if you don't have an active internet connection, **Google has created yet another impossible and frustrating situation for their customers**.

The closest thing I've found to a workaround is to disable *Airplane Mode* and try to access the Google Play Store's settings before updates begin. Unfortunately, that isn't usually possible.

This leaves the user with trying to figure out more extreme workarounds, such as trying to trick the Google Play Store app into thinking it has an internet connection without actually giving it one. I would really prefer not having to spend my time trying to figure out hypothetical workarounds like this just to deal with Google's problems.

How can one clear the Google Play Store and Google Play Services data and cache without allowing Google to update all apps on the Android device?

# Answer
Setting up an HTTPS intercepting proxy like Fiddler Classic or mitmproxy on a PC and then set it as http proxy on the phone would it make possible to allow only certain domains. I know that from Fiddler, Google Play does not trust the certificate of fiddler so you only see the initial CONNECT requests containing the domain name (if you have disabled privacy DNS on the phone).

Those CONNECT requests fail because of the non-matching certificate but they allow you to recognize the domain name and then add this domain to the HTTPS intercepting domain list (in Fiddler there is text field named `Skip decryption for the following hosts` there you can place a space separated list of domain names).

I would assume that you have to have to add the major domains used by Google Play before it detects that you are online. Most likely you have to skip decryption for the following domains `connectivitycheck.gstatic.com play.google.com accounts.google.com android.googleapis.com`. But luckily the actual downloads of apps are served from different domains (Google has a large number of download servers on `*.googleusercontent.com`). So even if Google Play would detect that there is an update available it will fail to download the download so in worst case you would have to open the app update list and abort each scheduled download.

But as far as I remember Google Play is usually not that fast in starting automatic downloads.
> 0 votes

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


# Question
Title: Photos and videos not showing up on Windows in DCIM\Camera for Galaxy S21 Ultra
Often I can't see any files in DCIM\Camera on my Galaxy S21 Ultra running Android 12. Last night it worked and I copied multiple GB of videos / images, then it didn't work the next times I tried.

I've tried the following steps:

* Rebooting phone and computer
* Uninstalling the phone in Device Manager under Portable Devices
* Updating the USB driver using the ... menu in Smart Switch
* Updating the USB driver by downloading directly from Samsung
* Enabling USB Debugging mode and rebooting (this made things worse so I had to turn it off)
* Changing the USB mode to charge only and then back to "USB for file transfer"
* Changing the USB mode to "USB for image transfer"

Any ideas on how to fix this?

# Answer
> 1 votes
This was able to be solved using the Files app to move a bunch of images to another folder and move those off the device and then the DCIM\Camera folder worked again (read online that the image count can be a cause of this issue).

As a tip, pressing and holding and dragging allows selecting a bunch of files relatively easily.

---
Tags: usb, file-transfer, windows, usb-connection-mode, samsung-galaxy-s-21
---


# Question
Title: How can I run SetupWizardTestActivity on a rooted Nougat from the phone?
I'm trying to run `com.google.android.setupwizard/.SetupWizardTestActivity` as a solution to the following...

Moto C Plus phone suddenly turns off while in pocket. Turned it on. Turns back off. Plugged it to charger. Battery at %17...hmmm weird.

Phone turns on but now I see...

1. The icon size went to default from the small that I'd set it at. The screen time out went to 30 secs from the 2 mins it was set to.
2. The keyboard went to the phone's default keyboard from the one I'd installed.
3. The home and recent buttons - although they are registering the touch - are not doing anything when I press them.
4. The back button is working and is now the only way I can exit the current screen.
5. The screen lock pattern doesn't come on.
6. The notification bar cannot fully be pulled down.
7. The developer option now says "Developer options are not available for this user". Pressing Build 7 times doesn't activate it.

I came across this (first answer) as a solution in a couple of places. The solution they say is to basically run `com.google.android.setupwizard/.SetupWizardTestActivity` through NovaLauncher. But the problem is, I'm not seeing SetupWizardTestActivity where it's supposed to be. I'm guessing perhaps it's because I'm rooted?

So now I'm looking for another way to run it from the phone (because I can't connect the phone to a computer because the data pins in the charger port are missing from a botched charger port replacement job).

I came across this as a way to run SetupWizardTestActivity without NovaLauncher. It's...

> 1. adb shell su pm enable com.google.android.setupwizard/com.google.android.setupwizard.SetupWizardActivity

> 2. adb shell settings put secure user\_setup\_complete 0

> The first command is case sensitive (SetupWizardActivity)

However, I'm not sure if the above is to be done through a computer or on the phone. If it's through the phone then i need a little help as how to exactly do it.

I'd REALLY appreciate if anyone can guide me through this in layman's terms. A simple step by step on how to go about accomplishing this would be hugely appreciated. Emphasis on "layman's"

Thanks in advance!

# Answer
> 0 votes
Figured it out!

I wasn't able to do it through Nova Launcher as described here (because I don't see SetupWizardTestActivity on my phone, like you can see here).

So I found another app where I could - Activity Launcher.

Here's what you do...

1. Download and install Activity Launcher on your phone. You most probably won't be able to do so through Play Store because your phone won't allow you in the state that it's in. It'll just say pending when you click install. So what you'd have to do is download the apk and install it that way. A trusted website for downloading apks is apkmirror.com.

How to download...

Step 1:

Go here

Step 2:

Step 3:

Step 4:

Step 5:

Step 6:

Step 7:

**Note**: The latest version you see now might be different than the one posted above.

2. Install it. Pretty simple. Just follow the instructions.
3. Launch the app. .
4. Scroll down and find Setup Wizard. Tap on (select) it (not the dots next to it).
5. Select the three dots next to com.google.android.setupwizard/.SetupWizardTestActivity. Alternatively you could long press it to get the same result (which is to see the menus in step 6 below).
6. Select "Launch activity as root" (needless to say, your phone has to be rooted to select this option. I have no idea if it works without root. You could select this option if you're not rooted and let us know how it goes).
7. If you have SuperSU (or other variations) installed, grant (root) access.
8. A screen like this will pop up:
9. Select GET STARTED.
10. Follow the prompts.

It will ask you if you want to restore your account or create a new one. I'm assuming you're reading this guide because you want to restore your account so select "Keeps your apps & data).

It will want to connect to the internet to set up your account. If it takes a long time, click back and opt to proceed without pulling up your account. You'll get a prompt asking if you're sure, say yes and Viola! Everything will be the way it was before the problem started. You might have to renter your wifi password and change back your keyboard and some personal customizations that went back to default, but nothing major. Everything will be there the way you left it, even your recent and browser tabs.

---
Tags: adb, scripts, setup-wizard
---


title: Battery Protect Mode: On or Off?

text:
# Question
Title: Battery Protect Mode: On or Off?
I have a Lenovo Android tablet that I intend to be plugged in 24/7. I have either two options:

1. Battery protect mode OFF: the device will occasionally discharge to 99%, then be charged back to 100%.
2. Battery protect mode ON: the device charges to 60%, then stops, discharges down to 40%, then charges back up to 60%.

Which method actually will prolong my battery life/health in the long-term?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Lithium-ion batteries are best kept around 50% charge. The number of charge cycles is not that important if you only charge/discharge it around 50%.

**Especially in your case as you want to keep it connected 24/7 the battery protect mode is a perfect match, I strongly recommend to enable battery protect mode.**

Because without this battery protect mode the phone would always charge the battery from about 90% to 100%. Then charging would stop and the battery would drop to 90-95% where charging starts again.

Charging a lithium-ion battery between 90% and 100% is the fastest way to degrade and even destroy it. I also has some devices connected 24/7 which is a real battery kille. I already has quite a few devices with blown-up battery in a way that the device disassembles itself from the inner because of the swollen battery.

---
Tags: battery, lenovo
---


# Question
Title: Google Play does not download application when VPN connection is active
I use OpenVPN Connect. When VPN connection is active Google Play can show pages, pictures, video, but does not download the application: "pending...". To begin download I need to disable VPN, then it works. Tell me how to research a problem and make GPlay work over VPN?

# Answer
> -1 votes
After all, I found Aurora Store. It is like Google's Play Store, but has some cool features like anonymous apk download, sharing, version selection, etc.

# Answer
> 0 votes
"Since VPNs basically spoof your location, it may lead Google Play Store to think you aren’t in the country where you should be according to your device, and it can pause your downloads.

If that’s the case, there really isn’t much you need to do to fix the issue. All you need to do is disable the VPN app on your phone and you should be good to go." Source

It is my experience that google play store DOES block your downloads if you are using VPN. (in my case openvpn)

What you can do:

1. disconnect your VPN (you do not need to disable your app, only disconnect while you are downloading)
2. turn off mobile data (even if you are connected currently via WIFI, this can help too)

---
Tags: google-play-store, vpn, openvpn
---


# Question
Title: Galaxy S tablet won't add app shortcuts to home screen
I have just bought my first tablet, Samsung Galaxy S. Two days after it stopped adding downloaded apps shortcuts to home screen. Apps still work, they are accessible through some digging inside tab, but it obviously is some kind of bug?

# Answer
You probably disabled it in a setting.

Go to Play Store -\> Settings and click "Add icon to Home screen" under "General"
> 1 votes

# Answer
In my case: **in the LAUNCHER activity must not be** category android:name="android.intent.category.DEFAULT"
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications, tablet, home-screen-shortcuts
---


title: How to use scrcpy with a server?

text:
# Question
Title: How to use scrcpy with a server?
is there a way to access an android via scrcpy and a server from anywhere?

I am looking for a way to help my parents around their android phones when I am not with them... I was wondering if I can broadcast the stream/screen from their phones via scrcpy to my server and view it on my PC or from the web, while not being on the same network?

This can be done with any solution, just that I can control the device remotely.
It doesn't need to be `scrcpy`, it can also be some spyware tool or rootkit for all I care.

Thanks for the help in advance.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You could for example use TeamViewer, free for private use.

---
Tags: remote-access
---


# Question
Title: Why does the "What's new" section in the Google Play Store now indicate "No information from the developer"?
In the Google Play Store, the *"What's new"* section for every Android app with an available update now claims "No information from the developer".

This is happening even when developers spend their time writing text for the *"What's new"* section for the apps they publish.

I've tried clearing cache and data for both the Google Play Store and Google Play Services. I've also tried restarting the Android device. None of this fixed this issue.

What gives?

# Answer
> 0 votes
This appears to be (another) Google bug.

The Google Play Store system seems to be broken in yet another way (it also thinks updates are available for apps when there is no compatible update available).

Release notes for *all apps* seem to be broken in the Google Play Store.

A discussion on XDA Developers Forums indicates others having problems with Google's Play Store.

Similarly, a discussion on Reddit talks about people having the problem with Google Play Store that you identified. A member of that discussion postulates a hypothesis as to why this may be happening:

> Google strongly encourages turning on automatic updates and just blindly accepting every update. Sure seems like they've decided that if they blind us to what the updates contain, we'll just turn on automatic updates since we can't make informed decisions about them without the update info.

From the data I have gathered, this Google bug seems to be affecting all versions of Android.

---
Tags: google-play-store, updates, google-account, google
---


# Question
Title: What is the meaning of "Unfortunately, the process android.process.media has stopped."
It keeps popping up when I start using the phone, shortly after it has booted. The phone is a Samsung Galaxy Note 3 (SM-N900), running Android-5.0

I flashed the phone and installed a fresh copy of the stock Android-5.0 the one I got it with (OTA update). What could be wrong with it. I need an interpretation of this error message. Thanks.

# Answer
android.process.media appears to be, as the name suggests, "Media Storage" crashing. Clearing "Media Storage" cache doesn't work when *another* app is causing it to crash -- and this app is almost always "Download Manager". Clearing the cache of both apps fixes it:

* Settings -\> Application Manager -\> All apps.
* Find "Download manager", and select "clear cache".
* Find "Media Storage", and select "clear cache".

Some odd websites suggest disabling "Media Storage". Well of course it will get rid of the errors... But you won't even be able to access the pictures you took from the Samsung "Gallery" app, or even take photos or screenshots.

Source: I had this problem again with my good old Note 3. Writing this to help others because most websites don't help much.
> 0 votes

# Answer
android.process.media is a common issue which can occur anytime and is caused mainly because of two applications, the Download Manager and the Media Storage.

try the following

1. Go to Settings \> Applications \> Manage Applications and make sure to look under the ‘all’ tab. Scroll down and find Google Services Framework and clear the cache and data for this one.
2. After doing that, scroll down and find Google Play. Tap on it and clear cache+data for this one too.
3. Now press the back button and choose Google Services Framework from all apps \> Force stop \> Clear cache \> OK
4. Now open Google Play from you app drawer and when given an error, click OK.
5. Turn off your device by holding the power button and clicking on Shut down/ Reboot
> -2 votes

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop
---


# Question
Title: Fix ADB "Performing Streamed Install" Taking Long Time
I'm testing my app on my real device. Just a day ago `adb install .apk` works perfect. But now it takes a lot of time just about 5-10 minutes for installing 7 MB of apk.

Note: I'm not using wired connection, I'm using `adb tcpip 5555` to serve without wire. As it works grate when connect with cable.

I have done every thing which i know: Restarting Device, Revoking Certificates, turning on-off USB debugging and reconnecting over network.

If i am doning anything wrong please guide me.

# Answer
I JUST GOT MY ANSWER!!

I was connecting my phone with internal ip (`92.168.*`), i don't why but this was issue and when i connect my phone over public (`25.43.*`) it just work!! :D
> 1 votes

---
Tags: adb
---


# Question
Title: How can I disable FRP Lock on my Samsung Tab A6 without the ability to start the device?
When I try to start my device it's in a boot-loop. And I also can't access the recovery menu (which you can enter with Power + Home Button + Volume UP). So I can only enter the download mode.

Thanks!

# Answer
> 1 votes
Enter the download mode using Home + Volume Down + Power and flash stock ROM using odin... That's the only solution to get your device working back.

---
Tags: odin, frp, samsung-galaxy-tab-a
---


# Question
Title: Force 3G mode on dual-SIM Android One phones
I want to forcibly enable 3G mode on a dual-SIM Micromax Canvas A1 (Android One) running Android 5.1 Lollipop.

I've already searched the net for answers, but all I came up with was using \*#\*#4636#\*#\* which unfortunately is disabled by the manufacturer.

So what else can I do to force 3G?

# Answer
> 0 votes
So it's a dual SIM phone. Only one SIM can be set to use in 3G mode and the other in 2G. It is your wish which one uses 3G. Common method is to open Settings / More networks / Mobile networks / Network mode (for Sim1 or 2) / WCDMA only.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Your hardware doesn't support 3G network on both SIMs at the same time. So there's nothing you can do at the moment

---
Tags: 3g, android-one
---


# Question
Title: How to find out learned words in Gboard?
Where can i find the words learned by google keyboard? I can't find nothing on the internet about where it is saved or how to find saved words that GBoard learned automatically.

# Answer
Unfortunately it isn't possible. If you're talking about personal dictionary rather, it is in GBoard settings\> Personal dictionary
> 1 votes

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Tags: privacy, gboard
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# Question
Title: How to flash Lenovo Yoga Book that doesn't boot into the OS?
I've acquired a Lenovo Yoga Book (YB1-X90F) that doesn't boot into the OS. I can access the bootloader and recovery environment.

I've followed the guide over at XDA that uses Intel Platform Flash Tool, but I get errors straight away. Another person has the same problem--2nd to last poster.:

```
02/20/22 15:54:20.155  ERROR  : [Port 1/7] Command `"C:\Program Files (x86)\Intel\Platform Flash Tool Lite\fastboot.exe" "-s"
"YETIDD2E4EC8" "flashing" "unlock"` failed
02/20/22 15:54:20.155  ERROR  : [Port 1/7] Flash failed (Command type: Fastboot)

```

I've also installed **Minimal ADB and Fastboot** but I don't know what I'm doing.

```
C:\Program Files (x86)\Minimal ADB and Fastboot>fastboot devices
YETIDD2E4EC8    fastboot

C:\Program Files (x86)\Minimal ADB and Fastboot>adb devices List of
devices attached

C:\Program Files (x86)\Minimal ADB and Fastboot>

```

The ROM I got (YB1-X90F\_USR\_S000196\_1611040312\_WW06\_BP\_ROW-flashfiles.zip) from some random site includes what looks like some info or installation steps in the .zip, but even with Word auto-translation into Chinglish, I don't understand what is being said.

Original: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oSLs0o5x1UMwNULU33W8f150-CXcP8a0/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=105608869882772012095&rtpof=true&sd=true

Translated: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rspmYkqhzcx0Muu3QoFPmjWz9mRsO6CE/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=105608869882772012095&rtpof=true&sd=true

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

# Answer
Solved. I ran 'flash\_update\_from\_user.json

Just waiting for the battery to charge to 30% to hopefully enable the Halo Keyboard.

Here are the files needed in case other links void in the future: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1gD9FyA03GbLZ7ZcjkyMDlhVPs4\_em2rY?usp=sharing
> 0 votes

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Tags: stock-android, unbricking, lenovo-yoga
---


title: Phone stuck at 0% battery

text:
# Question
Title: Phone stuck at 0% battery
I have a Moto G phone. I'm using LineageOS. Yesterday I notice my phone went dead. When I press power button, a white light in the camara flashes three times, which I understand to be no battery. It did have enough battery though.

When I connect the phone to charge (using PC), the 0% battery charging screen shows up. But it's stuck there at 0%. I can get to the boot menu (power button and volume down), which shows me "battery low", but when trying to boot recovery or any option, the phone restarts but is again stuck at low battery.

My guess is that the battery is gone. Since it cannot be charged, the OS doesn't have the power to load anything. However, it should load when the phone is connected and "charging". Perhaps the problem is not the battery itself but the phone recognising that the battery **does have enough charge**. Is this possible? Anyway, any idea is more than welcome.

# Answer
**SOLUTION:** I have same problem on Moto G6 running Android 9. My phone was on charger all night but showed 0% in the morning. However, it appeared to have some charge as I was able to make and receive phone calls and texts. The battery status icon was just stuck on 0%.

**Here is the FIX that worked for me.**

1. If your phone is working but shows 0% battery all the time, proceed to #2.
2. Hold down the (Vol-) + (Power) buttons until you see the bootloader screen. (Note: do **NOT** release buttons until you see the bootloader menu screen. Also, do not worry if the camera takes a screenshot. Just keep holding the (Vol-) + (Power) buttons until the bootloader screen appears).
3. Use (Vol-) or (Vol+) button to change menu option to **\[Qcom\]**. \[pressing (Vol-) or (Vol+) scroll through options\]. I pressed (Vol-) 7 times or (Vol+) 3 times to reach **\[Qcom\]**. Your phone may be different. Just stop when you see the **\[Qcom\]** option.
4. Press (Power) button to choose the **\[Qcom\]** option.
5. The phone should reboot automatically and the battery icon will display the correct %.

I hope this method works for you. it worked for me. GOOD LUCK :)
> 2 votes

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Tags: battery, charging, motorola-moto-g, lineageos
---


# Question
Title: Android dialer does not show call history
I am using a One Plus 9R and somehow I cannot see the call history for callers.

In all my past Android phones I used to be able to get a list of past call times and durations etc by clicking on a particular caller name.

Any idea what could be wrong? I seem to be having the "Phone by Google" app installed and presumably that's my dialer.

I tried clearing the cache for that app. Anything else I should be trying?

# Answer
**Solution for:** ... can't see call history for callers.

I'm not familiar with One Plus 9R, However I can say that stock dialers on most phones are feature lite. My advice if you want to see call history for callers is to replace your stock dialer with a dialer app from playstore etc.. The advantage of replacing your stock dialer with a 3rd party app dialer is that whenever you get a new phone you can install the same dialer app you are familiar with. FYI: I used the Free version of the following dialer for years. I liked is so well i did buy the premium version, but that is up to you. This dialer has call history, time of day, how long you talked, if person called you or you called them, even shows calls I missed or that did not get picked up on the other side + so much more. There are other dialers too.. but for me.. I like this app called: **\[True Phone Dialer & Contacts & call Recorder by Hamster Beat\]** There are other dialer apps. See which one you like the best. The one mentioned above is just the one I liked.

**Note:** After you download this or any phone app.. be sure to change the **{Default App Setting\]** on you phone.

**goto** your phone **\[Settings\]**.. usually the icon that looks like a gear.

#1 Press the Gear icon to access settings.

#2 near top is a magnifying glass for SEARCH

#3 Search in settings for **\[Default apps\]**

#4 On the Default Apps page, tap on **\[Phone app\]**

#5 Select the App you want to use as your default phone app

#6 then back out using the arrow on top pointing left..

#7 exit the setup section as you normally would do.

Replacing your stock phone app with a 3rd party phone app will solve your call history needs + the advantage of having the same familiar dialer on any future phone you use. Hope this answer is Helpful.. Good Luck :)
> 1 votes

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Tags: phone-app, call-history, oneplus
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