# Question
Title: How can I decrease the font size of incoming messages on the Samsung Galaxy Note permanently?
After the regular update of my Samsung Galaxy Note to Android 4.1.2, the font size in the messaging section is quite oversized.

By using the volume keys I can indeed reduce the font, but this setting is not saved.

My device is not rooted.

# Answer
You could perhaps download a font from the Google play store? I've seen some fonts packs up there.

e.g. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.develop.plugin.font&feature=search\_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDEsImNvbS5kZXZlbG9wLnBsdWdpbi5mb250Il0.

Some of these will more than likely require your device be rooted.

Or you can change the size of your phone's font. To do that go to settings\display\font, You should be ably to manipulate the font.

Wasn't much to go on so I hope this helps.
> 3 votes

# Answer
I notice this annoyance too.

Looks like the best solution is to enable volume key text resizing, and leave it enabled.

Once you disable it, the Messages app resets the text size to the huge (on the Galaxy Note, that is) font/bubble size.

This won't be noticeable on other phones; the real cause is that the GNote is big, which is what all GNote owners like about it. :)
> 4 votes

# Answer
Peculiar. On my GS3 on 4.1.1, it saves the font size (i.e. after closing and opening it again, it is the same size as I set it with the volume key.

This may wipe your messages (find a way to back them up if you'd like them), but have you tried clearing the Messaging app's data in Application Manager -\> All?
> 1 votes

# Answer
I have a GS4 vers. 4.3

I had the same problem. But the use of the volume key solves my issue. Resized using volume key while in the messaging mode. Viola!
> 1 votes

# Answer
Just had the same issue on a Note 3.

I was resizing the font by "pinching" the screen. It would not save; I'm stuck with the huge font.

So, I used the size volume key instead to resize the font. Now, everything works fine.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: sms, 4.1-jelly-bean, samsung-galaxy-note, fonts
---


title: Will Linux overwrite android?

text:
# Question
Title: Will Linux overwrite android?
This is properly a silly question but if I use Complete Linux Installer (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zpwebsites.linuxonandroid), will it overwrite my current system? And if it does, is there a way to dual boot it? Hope you can help me. Thanks!

# Answer
> 4 votes
Looking at the description of the said app on the Google Play Store as referred by the OP:

> Complete Linux Installer is an all in one solution to installing Linux distros on your Android device. Brought to you by the LinuxonAndroid project ***the app is designed to allow you to install a full Linux distro without touching your Android install***.

So, it does not really "over-write" the Android installation. The emphasis in the above quote is mine.

It does pay to read the description on the Play Store thoroughly in order to avoid any confusions. If there is a confusion, the said developer would be *delighted* to receive an email asking for clarification as it shows that you as a customer is interested in the developer's app and might spur them on to improve it etc. :)

---
Tags: linux
---


# Question
Title: Android phone cannot connect to internet via wireless, other devices can
I recently installed a new cable modem. After getting everything up & running, I can connect to the wireless router, and then to the internet, through laptops, desktops, and a Roku device, but I cannot access via my Android phone. It connects to the router, but cannot get to the outside world. If I turn off the wifi, then I can connect via my data plan, but I cannot connect via wifi.

Some details:

* The phone is a Samsung Galaxy S3, and the Android OS is 4.1.2
* I use Comcast for cable internet.
* The (old and unchanged) wireless router is a Netgear device. (I am not sure the model number, but I can get it if that seems pertinent.)
* The new cable modem is also Netgear. It's model CMD31T and it is DOCSIS 3.0, while the old modem was quite old and I have no idea what it's level of throughput.
* I changed to the new modem because the old one was becoming "spotty" -- it would occasionally lose signal. The new modem has so far been consistently on, and with strong signal... it's just that the phone cannot connect to it.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Well, now the phone can find the signal fine after a few days. I did NOTHING different. However, I had taken many steps beforehand, such as updating the firmware, PRL & Profile, restarting the phone, restarting the cable & router. None of those actions worked, however just waiting a few days seemed to resolve it.

This is not much of an "answer", but I am keeping the question & answer so that if anyone else has troubles, maybe theirs will also be resolved by "just waiting".

---
Tags: wi-fi, connection-issues
---


# Question
Title: Error: An application has been forced to stop for an unauthorized attempt to access system in your device.
I am getting the following error message every now and then. As far as I notice, it only happens if my phone has internet connection mostly on Wifi.

```
an application has been forced to stop for an unauthorized attempt to access system in your device. it may be    safe to delete an application obtained from an unauthorized route. Check now?

```

When i click Check Now it just shows me list of all apps but don't tell me which is having problem. It is Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and it is not rooted or i don't remember i installed any application which is not from Play store.

I googled and researched and found other people is getting same problem but i don't see any way to solve it. Anyone here knows how to fix it?

# Answer
When it appears, long press on the message and it shows the app causing the problem. (It probably is Knox.) Clear data and clear cache, that worked for me.
> 1 votes

# Answer
My friend has a note 3 with the same problem. We found a solution here:

http://www.droidviews.com/disable-knox-security-service-on-samsung-galaxy-devices/
> -1 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-note-3, force-stop
---


# Question
Title: How can I split files on the computer and then assemble them on android device?
Would be a simple way to bypass the MTP protocol crap to transfer files to my android tablet. There must be app out there that I can split files in pieces on computer and then reassemble on android device.

Any suggestions?

# Answer
If you're able to transfer the split files from your pc to your android device, which most probably will, you can use **this** app to join the files.

Also make sure you split the file using 7zip on your pc.

Hope this helps
> 0 votes

---
Tags: file-transfer, mtp
---


# Question
Title: How can I stop my phone sending an SMS every time I insert a SIM card?
I have one Samsung tablet and one Samsung mobile phone. When I insert my Airtel SIM in tablet then it automatically sends one SMS to an unknown number, and when I insert the same SIM card into my mobile then it again sends one SMS to an unknown number. So every time an amount is deducted from my balance.

I don't know what is the problem and how to get out from this problem?

Is it a problem with the SIM card or with the mobile/tablet?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Hey I got solution after giving lot of time on this problem. This is the defect of Samsung Software. Actually every software version is linked with some number. But it not send any sms to that number. Because of licence, security reason they need to linked every version to particular number. If some problem occur in mobile phone then only it communicate with this number. But in some particular software there is some defect that's why it send sms when new SIM inserted into mobile.

The solution is go to your nearest Samsung Service Center and update your software.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Before changing the SIM, set your phone to flight mode. Then switch it off, and change the SIM. Switch on after 5 minutes, and disable the flight mode. It will help you save your balance deduction.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I had a similar problem. I had enabled mobile tracker & that why the SMS's were going. Disable the tracker & the sms'es will not be send out on sim change.

---
Tags: sms, sim-card
---


# Question
Title: How to transfer data from android device using MTP and having the ext2/3/4 file format to computer on Windows XP
I'm trying to learn. I have an android tablet from Kocaso. Apparently to transfer files from my computer to the tablet you need to use MTP.

This seems to imply that I need something for Windows XP to detect the file format ext/2/3/4 of the device so I can transfer stuff like a good old usb key.

So what do I need exactly?

# Answer
This is one of the reasons MTP was introduced for: independency of the file system format used "behind it". You can compare it to using "standard SQL" to retrieve data from a database via an ODBC driver: your application does not need to know whether there's a MySQL, Oracle, PostGreSQL, or whatever database behind it. As long as it sticks to standard SQL commands, it simply works.

Similar issue with *MTP*. Other than with using UMS, your computer doesn't access the directly, but uses a kind of "command layer". On the Android device, *MTP* then plays the role of our above *ODBC* driver, translating everything to the underlying file system.

So as long as your computer knows how to deal with *MTP*, you don't have to even *think* about what file system is used. It should simply work.

But on the other hand, *MTP* has proven tricky sometimes: it requires extra drivers on Windows, and doesn't work out of the box on MacOS or Linux systems (also extra installs and adjustments required here). So there are alternatives you might wish to take a look at for file transfer, such as using apps like Airdroid, FTPServer, DavDrive, or similar.
> 0 votes

# Answer
People who designed MTP and those file formats had in mind that in the future, it woudnt be cheapsakes like me with a android device.i mean windows XP and no sd card im a cheapsake indeed.

Answer to my question is using the wifi transfer app from the playstore. Then using this method refered here How can I split files on the computer and then assemble them on android device?. Now i will be able to transfer whatever i want on my android Kocaso tablet.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: usb-connection-mode, mtp
---


# Question
Title: How to get more space by manually deleting unnecessary system files (rooted S2)?
I keep getting warning that apps cannot be installed on their default location since there is too little space.

However, when I check in system there is a bunch of space, especially for small apps of a few MBs.

Screenshots (click for larger variants)

I tried moving some apps on SD card, but again I got a message that there is not space available.

Is there some system space occupied by unnecessary files which I can manually delete?

Or other way to solve this silly bug?

This is Galaxy S2 with official 4.1 OS. I have root access (rooted phone).

# Answer
Aside from Izzy's suggestions, I also find Clean Master helpful in cleaning unecessary files / cache. Check it out. :)
> 1 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-2, 4.1-jelly-bean, internal-storage, insufficient-memory
---


title: Use Reverse Tethering as Wifi

text:
# Question
Title: Use Reverse Tethering as Wifi
The internet obtained via reverse tethering is not detected by my tablet.But i can access the web.But i cant download via the play store.So how to make it recognizable as a **wireless fidelity** connection ?

# Answer
> 0 votes
simply download wifi hotspot. this may help you convert your pc onto a wifi hotspot and then you can share your internet connection on more than one android phone. it even runs on java phone which supports wifi. but if you have windows xp then you might get problems but if you have higher like windows 7 or 8 then it will run very swiftly. here is a link you can use to download it

https://a1-downloads.phpnuke.org/en/c151454/wifi-hotspot-creator-free-download-full-review

---
Tags: reverse-tether
---


# Question
Title: How can I download files if there is no SD card?
I have no SD card in my phone. And I would like to know how I can save pictures in a place where I can access them later because I download them on tumblr.

# Answer
Even if you have no SD card, you can use the apps provided by reputed cloud services to store your data. In order to do this, you have to have at least some amount of memory in your device as you have to download them into your phone before you upload them to cloud services. (There are apps that facilitate remote file downloads1 as well). Some of the best apps out there are listed below.

With those apps, you can save, view/listen, edit and share the files you have, without keeping them in your mobile device.

---

1Remote file downloading allows you to save the files in somewhere without downloading and re-uploading. All you have to do is to paste the file link in the relevant place.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I use Dropbox with its auto upload pictures option. I can then download them from Dropbox on my PC.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Upload to google drive.

download google drive on your device.

Find file in google drive

tap (i) next to file "Download a copy" will dl to internal storage.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: sd-card, downloading, images
---


# Question
Title: Is it safe charging a Galaxy Nexus through a USB 2A port?
This is a newbie question. While travelling, I need to recharge my Galaxy Nexus and my digital camera, both of which are meant to be charged through a micro-USB port, ie. 0,5A.

To reduce charging time, I have an 1A AC adaptor but it only has a single USB port.

Google shows a number of two-port AC adaptors:

* one port is 1A, the other is 2,1A (it looks like Apple devices expect 2,1A)
* this one delivers 2A when using a single port, but 1A when using both ports

In case I only need to charge a single device, is it safe to have it fed 2 or 2,1A? I read that a device only uses the intensity it needs, but will it fry if it's fed too much intensity?

Thank you.

# Answer
Yes, it is fine to charge a device with a higher current charger.

You can think of current like the device pulling rather than the charger pushing. The device will only take as much current as it wants regardless of how much the charger is capable of supplying.
> 4 votes

---
Tags: charging
---


# Question
Title: How to change my phone model if i have root access?
I have rooted my phone and changed the os with CM9.X.

My phone name was Sony Xperia MINI sk17i. after installing of new os then model name has been changed.

So i want to change this this to that name. I have terminal app & have root access how can i do that, Please advice me.

# Answer
> 6 votes
**WARNING:** Messing with your `build.prop` file can have serious repercussions to your ROM. It is a very 'sensitive' file and can cause unforseen consequences. Doing any of the below is done at your own risk. ALWAYS make a backup before messing with a ROM. I learned this the hard way, don't do what I did!

---

This should work, though it depends on CM9:

Download Root Explorer for your phone.

1. Open root explorer, go to `/system`, and Search `Build.prop`
2. Open with text Editor
3. Search your baseband and device model *Don't edit anything except baseband, custom ROM and device model.*
4. Reboot
5. Look in *Settings → About*

**EDIT:** Here is an alternative method for doing the same using ES file explorer. I haven't tested this myself, but it has more detail for a beginner. See XDA Developers forum.

**EDIT 2:** build.prop Editor is an app to modify your `build.prop` directly. I have NOT tested this either so use at your own risk. Link to source code in the description in the play store.

# Answer
> 1 votes
For CM9: Get shell, get root, "setprop net.hostname whateveryouwant" for a temporary change to test. Will reset on reboot. To make this change permanent, you'll need to add it to build.prop. Add it as a new line "net.hostname=NewDeviceName" and you're set.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Use this application. Do the same things but safe.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.model.phonemodelchanger&hl=en

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich
---


title: Playing Music From PC

text:
# Question
Title: Playing Music From PC
I want to be able to listen to songs on my phone via my pc at work. I want my headphones to be plugged into my pc. Is there any application that works with Google Play Music on the pc?

Like when you ply an iPhone into itunes and can play music

Thanks

\** Edit 20/11/2013

At work we can't stream music. Also I'm not guaranteed to be sitting at the same machine so don't want to copy all my songs to the pc each time

# Answer
> 1 votes
You have two options, assuming your using a windows pc:

There is this nifty windows app for the pc:

Google Music Desktop Player for Windows:

http://apps.codigobit.info/2011/10/google-music-desktop-player.html

The web UI:

http://play.google.com/music

https://play.google.com/music/listen

Just a matter of preference, the web UI is easy & accessible from any pc with a internet connection or the app if you prefer a more permanent solution on like your daily pc or something you use frequently...

# Answer
> 0 votes
If you have uploaded your songs from your Android device unto Google Play Music (not sure if it does this automaticly) then you are able to play the music by logging into http://music.google.com from your PC.

The sweet side effect of this is that it doesn't drain your Android's battery. :)

---
Tags: music
---


# Question
Title: transfer custom itinerary from Maps on PC to Android
I have a custom itinerary I prepared on maps.google.com on my PC (forcing some routing) and I would like to transfer it to my android smartphone, then use the navigation features of the Maps app.

The only thing I managed to do is to open this itinerary in a browser (on maps.google.com via the link I get on the PC) but not to transfer it to the Maps app. Is there a way to do this? Does the Maps app even supports custom routes?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Install Google Maps Engine.

> Google Maps Engine on Android enables you to view your custom maps anywhere, anytime.

I'm not sure, but Navigation will probably not work as described here:

> For navigation, searching for local places, etc. please check out the Google Maps for Mobile app.

---
Tags: google-maps, google-maps-navigation, data-transfer
---


# Question
Title: Should the sdcard support case-sensitive files?
I've been testing one of my apps to see how it handles filenames in UPPER-CASE. I *thought* the Android libraries and system was case sensitive for filenames, however I eventually discovered that files on the SD card are matched without case-sensitivity.

Here's an example taken from a Samsung Ace phone (my Nexus 4 behaves similarly)

```
adb shell

$ pwd
/mnt/sdcard/testDaisyReader/casesensitivebook

$ echo "" > NCC.HTML
$ ls -l
-rwxrwxr-x system   sdcard_rw        1 2013-11-19 18:57 NCC.HTML
$ ls -l NCC.HTML
-rwxrwxr-x system   sdcard_rw        1 2013-11-19 18:57 NCC.HTML
$ ls -l ncc.html
-rwxrwxr-x system   sdcard_rw        1 2013-11-19 18:57 ncc.html
$ ls -l
-rwxrwxr-x system   sdcard_rw        1 2013-11-19 18:57 NCC.HTML
$

```

I would have expected the commands `ls -l ncc.html` wouldn't find the file I created, however it seems to do so. My Android app also matches files without case-sensitivity.

Do any of you have any counter-examples? I'd like to know whether it's safe to assume filenames are matched on the SD-Card in Android, like Windows, without case-sensitivity.

Notes: 1. the filesystem on the SD-Cards are FAT32 2. I've found 2 related posts that imply files on the sdcard are case-sensitive:

How can I open an HTML file I have copied from PC to SD Card of Phone?

How can I determine the SD card's path?

# Answer
> 2 votes
Android itself is based on Linux, which is designed for case-sensitive filesystems. Internal storage is usually on an ext or ext4 filesystem, which is case-sensitive. SD cards are usually formatted with FAT 32, which is a case-insensitive filesystem. Although Android can support using other filesystems on the SD card, Windows PCs can't, so it's unusual to format your SD card with a different filesystem, and if you do this, you can't use the SD card in a Windows PC (via a card-reader), nor can you have the phone act as a *USB mass storage* device when connected to a PC.

---
Tags: applications, adb, file-system, files, file-properties
---


# Question
Title: How to change my Google+ connection in "Me" contacts
When I set up the social connection in Me I picked the Google+ account that I share with my spouse. How do I change it to my own google+ account. In messaging, it picking up the photo of the two of us from our shared Google+ account. I want it to pick up the photo from my personal google+ account.

Thanks.

# Answer
A Google+ account is tied to a Google account. So what you can do is using your own account on the Android device instead of the shared one.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: people-app
---


# Question
Title: is it possible to restore back to an earlier date on my samsung tablet 2?
My app crashed. So I uninstalled and reinstalled it thinking that the progress would still be saved on the game, but it wasn't. Is there a way of going back to an earlier date like you can do on a normal PC?

# Answer
You mean like a Windows Restore Point that is created automatically? Android doesn't have this feature. What is normally done for Android devices is to create a manual backup that can be done using nandroid or a third-party application like Titanium Backup. Then, you restore those back-ups.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: data-recovery
---


# Question
Title: Does Google take any of my file data on Android?
I read about syncing photos with Google on Android somewhere, and got a little concerned. It is probably just a special Google service you have to sign up for, but just in case, I want to relieve me of this concern.

Does Google send my photos(files in the gallery) to their servers?

I under no circumstance would like automatic syncing of picture and photo files.

# Answer
Google supports photo syncing, but you can disable this.

* If you have Google+ installed, disable Auto Backup. Open the app's settings, and go to `Auto Backup > OFF`.
* Disable Google photo sync. On your phone's settings, go to `System settings > Accounts > Google > username@gmail.com > Sync Picasa Web albums`. Make sure sync is disabled.

**UPDATE 2013-11-22:** As per Damien Golding, it is also worth noting that the settings of the camera must be checked. In his case, Google photo sync was **ON** in the `Albums` setting.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: sync, gallery, google
---


# Question
Title: How to switch to vibrate mode using only hardware keys
I have a Nexus 4, and I would like to be able to switch it to vibrate mode without having to look at the screen or unlock it. My previous phones had this ability (my iPhone had a switch dedicated to this on the side, and on my flip phone before that I just held down the volume down button). I've found this feature pretty useful in many situations where I realize after the fact that I want my phone to be silent, but I don't want to show that I'm silencing my phone (movie theaters, churches, meetings, etc.). I keep my phone in my pants pocket, and the other two phones allowed me to silence them without even removing them from my pocket.

I've tried holding down the volume up, volume down, or power buttons, but that doesn't do anything. I know that there are apps that I can configure to automatically silence based on my location, time of day, and/or calendar items, and while those are useful they still don't give me a universal way to silence the phone with minimal interaction. A home screen or lock screen widget won't work for me because my work requires that my phone lock itself, and doesn't allow me to put widgets on the lock screen.

I'm also not interested in rooting my phone, but a free or paid app (preferably on the Google Play store) is fine. Really, an ideal solution would be an app or setting that allows me to press and hold the volume down button (while the phone is still locked) to put it in vibrate mode.

# Answer
The following short procedure should work:

* press power button (enable the screen)
* hold power button for 1 second (**new required step on Android 4.2.2**, not needed on 4.2.1)
* press volume up or down until phone vibrates
* optionally press power button again (turn off screen)

The idea is to enable the screen first, because then volume buttons would be enabled to change ringer volume (when screen is off they only work for music volume if it is playing).

Then depending on what volume you had set you need to press volume up or down:

* if volume was set to silent, press volume up once, the phone should vibrate, now the phone is in vibrate only mode
* if volume was set to regular ringtone, press volume down several times until phone vibrates. Now phone is in vibrate mode. Pressing volume down again would enable silent mode.

So you need to press volume down or up until you feel single vibrate and the you can leave the phone as is and it should turn off screen after short time by default. There shouldn't be much risk leaving screen enabled in a pocket for a while, but if you want you can press power button again to disable screen, but you risk pressing volume keys again which might either put phone in silent mode or enable ringtone.

Full procedure that should always work:

* press power button (enable lock screen)
* press volume down up to 7 times until phone vibrates then stop the procedure (this assumes there are 9 levels of volume, see below)
* if phone not vibrated press volume up (you were probably in silent mode), phone should vibrate
* if phone not vibrated repeat the procedure only one more time (maybe screen was enabled and first step turned it off)
* optionally if phone vibrated, press power button once to turn off screen

Phone changes between following states when pressing volume up/down keys:

1. Maximum volume
2. ...
3. ...
4. Medium volume
5. ...
6. ...
7. Minimum volume
8. **vibration only**
9. no sound, no vibration - silent mode

The procedure was tested on Galaxy Nexus, but since Nexus 4 is very similar (same button layout/number, OS version, nexus brand) it should also work for it.

**Update: Since android 4.2.2 changing volume on lock screen as described above does not work. There is additional step needed: holding power button for at least 1 second when screen is enabled. This will bring the "power off/airplaine mode" dialog and volume buttons will work there.**
> 6 votes

# Answer
I struggled with this for a long while as well.

I found Silent Mode Switcher, which lets you the press power button and shake the phone to switch it to vibrate mode. Easiest way I've found, and it works great on Nexus 5.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Yepp, possible -- TaskerMan is back :) One solution would involve Tasker, available for about EUR 5 at the playstore (free 7 day trial on the homepage). *Tasker* is an automation solution, connecting "events" with "tasks". In your case, the event would be the corresponding hardware button pressed -- and the task to silence/vibrate your phone. Unfortunately, the volume buttons don't seem to be available here, but...

**Condition:** Event → Hardware → Button: Camera
**Task:** Audio Settings → Vibrate On

Optionally you can have it adjust volume settings as well, of course (a task can consist of multiple actions).

There might be alternative apps able to do this, but I cannot tell for sure what they cover (I'm using *Tasker* here for years, so I've lost track about the others ;) But you might want to take a look at the free Llama as well (though from its description, it cannot act on hardware-key-events).
> 1 votes

---
Tags: lock-screens, silent-mode
---


# Question
Title: Is there a Bluetooth earphone that can control the Music being played?
I'm looking for a bluetooth earphone set, or a device compatible with it, so that I can control the music (play/pause & next/previous) without actually touching the phone.

Is there any hardware that does this? The reason is, I'm getting home from work, in a crowded bus, standind, trying to hold on with one hand, and the other hand cannot reach into phone, unlock the screen, find the next button and press it. It's too hard :)

Or any way to use the volume button for previous / next ? This would be much cheaper, and fancier :)

# Answer
> 2 votes
This sounds a bit like a shopping question, which is off-topic here, but as a general answer: Yes, it's possible to change tracks from Bluetooth headphones.

Almost all headphones that support A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile), which is required for better quality music streaming, can also handle AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile) which handles controlling the playback.

As an example, I have a Samsung SBH-170, which has buttons for play/pause, next/previous track, volume up/down and call answer.

Just check that the headphones you're going to buy support A2DP, and most likely they support AVRCP as well.

---
Tags: bluetooth, music, music-player, earphone, earpiece
---


title: I can't find launcher on my apps

text:
# Question
Title: I can't find launcher on my apps
I cant find it in the drawer. I've been experiencing errors and I've found the solution. Problem is, my launcher is missing and I cant clear the data because I can't find it.

# Answer
> 2 votes
If the launcher icon is not visible in the application drawer, go to `System Settings > Apps > Running` select the launcher.

From there you can perform your fix.

---
Tags: launcher
---


# Question
Title: HTC Desire C screen just flashes when I press unlock! Help!
So I turned my brightness all the way down on my HTC Desire C and it just locked itself. Now when I press the lock button it shows me the lock screen for about a second then locks itself!? HELP!!

# Answer
Typically I found this after finding the same problem. I too just turned the brightness all the way down. You can get back in by holding the power for a while and restarting... Might do it again and turn the brightness back up and see. Tracker1972

Edit- brightness back on automatic, now working fine again :-) good luck with yours!
> 0 votes

# Answer
You don't have to reboot your whole phone, just get your battery out once, put it in, restart your phone, go immediately to your brightness settings, put it on high, and keep it always high, solved my problem at least.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: htc
---


# Question
Title: How to enable a PIN but allow quick access to camera?
In Android 4.1, when you set the lock screen security to "slide", you can quickly access the camera by sliding left.

Is there a way to get a similar sliding mechanism, but at the same time require a PIN to access the rest of the phone?

# Answer
This application lets you start the camera app even from a password locked screen. Full disclosure: I developed the app.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aeropic.CameraUnlockFree
> 1 votes

---
Tags: lock-screens, camera
---


title: Launcher without home screen?

text:
# Question
Title: Launcher without home screen?
Is there a launcher software for my Android device (in this case Galaxy S2) that doesn't have a home screen, but only the App drawer?

If I can give example it would be an iOS; you unlock and you are instantly on applications. The reason for this is I don't really use widgets at all, and I don't see the point in having a home screen only for apps shortcuts if I would have only menu (app draw).

# Answer
> 8 votes
Espier Launcher might be the closest thing you can get to an "iOS experience".

I gave it a test run, it does not have an app drawer... It's pretty much exactly like iOS.

Note: Espier Launcher is no longer available in Play Store since 2013.

# Answer
> 1 votes
My just-released TinyLaunch is a tiny PalmOS-style launcher that just shows a (categorizable) list of apps.

---
Tags: home-screen, launcher
---


# Question
Title: Why can't I stop people from inviting me to group chats on kik?
Someone has been harassing me on kik all week by continually adding me group chats that I did not ask to be part of. The person is blocked, but they are still able to add me to group chats against my will - I don't have the option of accepting or not, it just happens.

If I have to abandon the platform and find another way to talk with my friends overseas I will, but I'm hoping there's some way I can stop this. (And yes, I've reported the offending user to kik support, but they're terribly slow and now it's the weekend...)

I apologize in advance if this isn't a good community for this question, I just can't find an answer anywhere else I can't believe that there isn't one.

# Answer
The answer is: you cannot. Either wait out the harassment, don't open the app for a while, or switch discussion platforms with the people you care to talk to. All unsatisfying solutions, but... they are the only ones.
> 0 votes

# Answer
If you want them to stop why don't you make a new kik? I have done the same blocked and it still happens I don't understand why but just make a new one or simply email kik messenger and report that person.
> -2 votes

---
Tags: instant-messaging, kik-messenger
---


title: disable autocomplete on galaxy s4

text:
# Question
Title: disable autocomplete on galaxy s4
I have the Galaxy S4. Is there a way to turn off the Autocomplete on the dialpad so that the numbers that I dont have saved in my phone won't pop up?

# Answer
I'm assuming from the way the question is written, you may want Fixed Dialing Numbers (FDN).

The Samsung Galaxy S4 can be set so that it may only call certain numbers from a set of specified prefixes. This is useful if you only want to call people on a specific network to save additional charges on inter-network calls. To do the restriction, you may need to follow these procedures.

Phone \> Menu \> Call Settings \> Additional Settings \> Fixed Dialing Numbers \> Enable FDN
Follow the prompts to supply the rest of the information needed.

If you have FDN already enabled, and the number list is too broad, you can try disabling it, and using dialing presets instead.
> 0 votes

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


# Question
Title: Creating a custom launch action on the menu
I am trying to cerate a simple icon on my Android tablet to launch, say, the browser, with a specific URL. Under Windows, this is simply creating a shortcut. Under Ubuntu, this is just creating a .desktop file with a couple of parameters, including the actual command line to execute. But I cannot seemto be able to do this under Android, and although I don't mind command line on a desktop computer, this is not a viable option under Android.

Can this be done with the stock launcher that comes with Android, or should I use a special one. I registered a couple of those.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Sure it can be done. I never used this feature, so I'm not sure whether there's an option for "a simple icon", but you should take a look at the "bookmark widget":

First, start your browser and create a bookmark for the page you want to link to. Second, go to your homescreen, long-tap on a free space (where you want the link to be), select "widgets", and then watch out for the "Bookmark widget". Tap it, select your bookmark, et voila! there should be a shortcut on your homescreen.

Alternative to the second step: while still in your browser, go to "bookmarks", long-tap the bookmark you created, and select "add to homescreen" (source: AndroidCentral).

More alternatives:

---

To do the similar thing to open a file with an associated app, depending on the used, explained using an example:

1. Go to your homescreen
2. Long press an empty space where the icon should be placed
3. In the opening menu, select "shortcut"
4. Select your file manager (this won't work with all file managers; in my example, I used ES File Explorer, which perfectly serves this case)
5. Now navigate to the file you want to create a shortcut for (in my example, I selected an EPUB ebook)
6. The icon should appear on your homescreen.

Now, tapping that icon, either your ebook reader opens directly (if only one is installed, or you've made it the default to "always use"), or, as in my case, a popup asks you to chose the app to be used (e.g. Aldiko, Moon+ Reader, FBReader).

---
Tags: adw.launcher, menu
---


# Question
Title: Can't pin Last Added auto-playlist: "This music is only stored on this device"
**Update: Recent versions of Play Music seem to have this issue fixed.**

Recently installed a new ROM on my Galaxy Nexus and am trying to redownload all my music from Play Music (I do have All Access, so I can't just transfer files). I need to keep them offline because I have no mobile data connection, only wifi.

When I try pressing Keep on Device in the options menu of the playlist, it gives me a toast saying "This music is only stored on this device". Also strange, where there should be an image of the pin, it is just blank. You can still press the area and it'll give you the same message. The Last Added playlist is the only thing I can't keep offline for whatever reason. I tried installing older versions of the app, but no dice (up to v5.0, since that's when all the All Access stuff was added, i think). What can I do to fix this?

When trying to keep on device:

Invisible button where pin should be:

EDIT: I tried decompiling the apk and that toast string named "toast\_cant\_pin\_side\_loaded". And the function in which it is called seems to imply that the playlist is either unpinnable or had some problem while pinning.

EDIT 2: Just noticed that in the playlist, the latest song added was some song that wasn't part of my library (The Phantom pt. 2 by Justice). I pressed add to library, but that didn't fix the problem. I pressed remove from library and it didn't fix anything, but it's no longer in the playlist. It doesn't seem to be on my device and there should be no reason why it would be on my device. Also, I tried manually creating a playlist with all my music and that pins just fine. That is not a solution, as I want to have Play Music automatically download new songs without me having to manually add them to the playlist.

EDIT 3: Flashed the new stock 4.3 from Google (after wiping of course), and the same problem \>:(. So it seems this is a problem with the app itself, and not my ROM.

EDIT 4: Same problem exists on another Galaxy Nexus and a Nexus 4 I tried.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Found a solution, follow the link and download version "4.4.811H.526848".

Install the old version and pin the last added playlist, then use the play store to update to the latest version.

Your last added playlist will now be pinned, when you update there is no still no pin icon but it is pinned.

# Answer
> 0 votes
If I understand correctly, the message means that you can't set the tracks to be kept on the device, since they are currently on your device, not from Play Music. Even the toast string `toast_cant_pin_side_loaded` suggests this (see Sideloading). Unfortunately I can't confirm this since Play Music isn't yet available in my region.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I think you should try do a full wipe data/factory reset using your preferred custom recovery ..and then re-flash the ROM and tell us what happens.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I wrote to google about this issue and they advised to clear app data (Device Menu \> Settings \> Apps \> All \> Google Play Music \> Clear Data). This worked! However, mind you - you will need to download all your music again if you keep it offline.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-nexus, google-play-music, offline
---


# Question
Title: How can I transfer files between Samsung Galaxy Note 800 and usb pen drive?
Is it compulsory that I need a Desktop or Laptop to transfer files between Samsung Galaxy 800 and a usb pen drive.

# Answer
> 2 votes
No, there are other ways to copy files from a USB pen drive to a phone.

According to USB Host Diagnostics, the N8000 can support the USB OTG (on-the-go) cable, assuming you have the latest firmware. Just plug-in the USB pen drive (or USB stick) into it. This cable will cost you USD1 or less.

If you have root, you can use StickMount to make the mounting of the USB pen drive easier.

---
Tags: file-transfer
---


# Question
Title: Google Maps runs GPS in background even if the GPS radio is off - how do I fix?
*I have the T-Mobile version of the LG G2, running Android 4.2.2, everything stock except the keyboard. I'm not sure what version of Google Maps, but the Play Store says it's up to date.*

Yesterday I noticed that the G2's battery was draining a lot faster than it had been. I had thought it was just because I had been listening to music a lot more that day, but then when I checked the battery app that night it said that Google Maps was responsible for *half* the battery drain. I had used it earlier that morning for directions and it had apparently run the GPS in the background for 11 hours straight. I thought it was a one-off, but it happened again today. I've attached a screenshot.

The GPS on my device is *off* as far as I can tell (i.e. the visual indicator in the tray is dark), so I don't know whether Google Maps is turning it on stealthily and forgetting to turn it off, or whether it's trying to find a GPS signal, can't because the radio is off, and gets stuck in a loop looking for it. I'm assuming the former because there's no CPU activity, just GPS. When I click the "Location Services" button, these are the settings:

* Access to my location: **ON**
* GPS Satellites: **OFF**
* Wi-Fi & mobile network location: **ON**

So it shouldn't be happening. Why does this happen and how can I fix it? I suppose I can just remember to force stop Google Maps every time I use it, but I'm hoping for a better solution.

Screenshot (click for larger variant)

# Answer
*Google Maps* is known for situations like this for years. It doesn't happen all the time and on all devices simultaneously with all versions of maps, but comes often enough. For me, the decision was to disable/freeze *Google Maps*, and use other Map apps (Locus Map, OruxMaps) instead. But let's go into details how an app (in your case *Google Maps*) can be "put on ice":

## On a rooted device

A rooted device gives you the most alternatives. Say you want to use the app from time to time, you could use the following approach:

### Dynamic freeze

1. convert *Google Maps* from system-app to user-app. This can be done e.g. with Titanium Backup – and is of course not necessary if *Maps* didn't ship with your device (but was explicitly installed by yourself, which already makes it a "user-app")
2. Greenify *Maps*. This way the app is kept from running unless you explicitly start it. You could think of this as a "dynamic freeze"

### Static freeze

If you do not need the app anyway, and rather use another replacement, you can freeze it permanently. A freeze marks an app as being "unavailable", so it can no longer be started. There are multiple apps which can handle this, as e.g. before mentioned Titanium Backup or App Quarantine. Using *Titanium Backup* would give you an advantage here: *TiBu* let's you place a shortcut on your homescreen to freeze/unfreeze-start an app, basically emulating the "dynamic freeze" described above. No need to convert the app into an user-app for this.

### Disabling Auto-Start on certain events

Many apps register so-called "broadcast receivers" to be notified on system events they are interested in. The best known certainly is `boot_completed` for apps that want to become active right after the device has booted up – but there are a lot more. Examples include the change of network status (true for our *Google Maps* candidate), battery-low, or the SDCard being mounted. On a rooted device, you can disable those "listeners" with so-called "Autostart managers". One of the best is Autorun Manager in its Pro-Version. If using those, take care to not disable too much, as that might render an app unusable.

## Without root

Without root, I know of only one way to achieve something comparable:

1. Go to *Settings→Apps*
2. Select the "All" tab
3. Scroll to the app in question (here: Google Maps), and tap its entry
4. If you don't see a "Disable" button, but "uninstall updates" instead, it's a system app. Tap "uninstall updates", then "force stop".
5. Tap the "Disable" button

Now the app is de-activated, and *should* no longer run. I explicitly made "should" in italics, as to my experience often this is only a partial working solution: though the app is removed from the drawer, it seems it's still not completely out-of-reach for certain frameworks.

## Pros and Cons

* Disable: Only available solution if your device is not rooted.
    + Pro: does not require root
    + Cons:
    + app not always completely disabled
    + no dynamics
    + requires multiple "taps"
    + requires to always uninstall updates first (if there are any)
    + not applyable to all apps (manufacturer/carrier can "lock" apps against this)
* Static Freeze:
    + Pros:
    + Works on all apps
    + Partly dynamic (using *TiBu* and its "shortcuts" on your homescreen)
    + Con: Requires root
* Dynamic Freeze:
    + Pros:
    + Dynamic
    + app icons remain in the drawer/on your home screens (so from the user's perspective, handling remains unchanged)
    + Cons:
    + requires root
    + doesn't work on system apps (though there are "experimental features" for this AFAIK).
> 3 votes

---
Tags: 4.2-jelly-bean, battery-life, gps, google-maps, lg-g2
---


# Question
Title: Is there an empty/clean version of Android for tablets?
All I want is a tablet that only runs one application (developed by me) on startup. Is there a "clean" version of Android that I can use for this? By clean or empty I mean an OS without all the unwanted features.

Basically, my app needs to connect to the Internet, access the camera within my app, and send and receive data from sensors and other external devices.

# Answer
You can install Cyanogenmod or any number of custom roms, but it sounds like you'll need to develop a specific rom for your situation.

If you only want the user to run a single app, I would imagine you'd have to develop an app that declares itself as a Home Screen/Launcher, and have your ROM only include that app as the main Launcher.

This is basically how Barnes & Noble made the Nook Simple Touch. Their own Launcher is very limited and doesn't let you install apps or see anything that looks like Android. As soon as you get root via an exploit, you can easily install your own launcher that gives you access to the standard android interface and turns the Nook Simple Touch into a fully fledged (if limited) tablet.

A specific implementation is outside the focus of this stackexchange site, but you can get programming advice at stackoverflow.com
> 4 votes

---
Tags: kiosk-mode
---


# Question
Title: Transfer files from recovery on a Nexus 10
My Nexus 10 won't boot, so I need to copy a ROM from my computer to the device. Since it won't boot, I need to copy it via recovery. I can flash recoveries as needed and install software on my computer as needed, but I need to get the ROM on there!

# Answer
> 2 votes
Use ADB on a computer while your device is in recovery. To copy a file from the computer via usb, use this:

```
adb push /path/to/local/ROM.zip /sdcard/

```

This will copy the local file to the device in the specified location. Directories can be created on the device via the shell:

```
adb shell

```

and using the usual shell commands to navigate around and create directories. This beginners guide may also help you.

You might also consider getting a USB OTG adapter. This way you'd be able to put the files you need on a USB drive, plug it into your N10, and flash the files you need. I do it this way on my N7 with TWRP all the time so that I can erase everything on it without worrying.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Have you tried Wugfresh's Nexus Root Toolkit? It should be able to do that.

---
Tags: rom-flashing, recovery-mode, rom, file-transfer, samsung-nexus-10
---


title: Karbonn A1+ CWM recovery

text:
# Question
Title: Karbonn A1+ CWM recovery
I have a Karbonn a1+ and i have rooted it. I want to install CWM recovery plz tell me the method and files that i require. Also my hardware version is 1.1.0 and software version is 2.0.2. Also is it possible to upgrade my phone to 4.0 i.e ice cream sandwich.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Download CWM here: http://www.mediafire.com/download/kf88nz9k9adugqa/A1%2B+recovery.img

Download Mobileuncle tool: http://www.mediafire.com/download/lmd4m939ymahddz/Mobile+uncle+tools%281%29.apk

How to install

1. Download Recovery.img and Mobileuncle tool from given links
2. Rename A1+ recovery.img to recovery.img
3. Copy recovery.img to root of your sd card
4. Install mobileuncle tool
5. Open mobileuncle tool. Click flash recovery from sdcard, allow root permission, and click ok. Thats it.

Information found on XDA Forum (source).

Custom ROMs for the Karbonn A1+ are few, but I found this XPERIA Rom forum. More can be found elsewhere. Do your research and you'll find some more.

---
Tags: recovery-mode, karbonn-a1+
---


title: local cloud storage solution

text:
# Question
Title: local cloud storage solution
I have got a 1 terabyte external hard drive, and I would like to find a seamless way for my android device (an HTC one mini) to be able to access that hard drive.

In the old days when I wanted to do "cloud", I would plug such a device into my always-on-always-connected-to-the-internet linux and just share the device -- let other machines mount it. Of course this still works fine -- but I don't know how to do this via Android, or via Windows.

Nowadays we have cloud solutions like Dropbox, which works great on my Android device, but I have limited storage space (unless I pay -- but I already paid for the external hard drive).

Ideally I am looking for something with the simplicity of Dropbox but with everything under my control. I considered git for a while, and there are ways to get an android device to run git, but you seem to only have a limited end-user experience, and you seem to have to actually upload projects rather than being able to access them from afar -- and my android device doesn't have that much memory.

I tried sparkleshare, but I can't find a client for Android.

I tried every option that ES File Explorer offers, but they all seemed to involve losing control of the cloud storage.

Is it possible to do this via LAN somehow? The problem is that my Android device will typically be moving from wireless network to wireless network and will not always be on the same network as the external drive.

Basically I think I am asking for a way to plug a terabyte hard drive into my phone in a wireless way. This problem has surely been thought about seriously!

# Answer
> 2 votes
Did you take a look at OwnCloud and similar solutions? Not (yet?) as comfortable as dropbox, but open source, runs on Linux (so you can stick with your Linux-mount solution), and it has an Android app. For a quick overview, you might want to first take a look at this Wikipedia article. If that sounds interesting, next source to investigate might be e.g. How to Set Up Your Own Private Cloud Storage Service in Five Minutes with OwnCloud :)

---
Tags: linux, storage, cloud
---


# Question
Title: Intents in a grid instead of a list on Android 4.4 KitKat
I have just received the Nexus 4's Android 4.4 KitKat OTA. One of the first things I remarked was that the intents layout for choosing an application is now a list instead of a grid just like in Jelly Bean:

(click for larger image)

I find this list layout ugly (I don't want to go back to the good ol' ICS days) and I would like to get my intents in a grid again. How can I retrieve the grid layout for intents on Android 4.4 KitKat?

# Answer
So you want something like this:

*AppChooser* (source: Google Play; click for larger variant)

Freely configurable, including the possibility to...

* switch between list and grid
* hide apps you never use, but still having them available quickly with a single tap
* sort alphabetically or by last-used

Then take a look at AppChooser Pro, available for a single buck. There's also a free version on Play if you want to test it first. I went immediately for the payed version a couple of months ago, and never regretted the decision. Still you might wish to pick the free version first, as I didn't test it on 4.4 (I'm still on 4.0 on my phone).
> 2 votes

---
Tags: nexus-4, 4.4-kitkat, intents
---


title: android rooting and security

text:
# Question
Title: android rooting and security
I read here that the way to become "root" in an Android device(Galaxy S3) is to use **Rooting**. However it has been said that if we do that, even normal applications will be running with root privilege. Is that the case ? For anyone with a Unix background, I am sure that allowing all applications to run as root is quite odd and dangerous. So my question is, isn't there the concept of **Users** as we have it on a \*nix system ? For eg: in a normal operation as what user the Android apps run ? (we are not logging in as we do on a \*nix system, so is there a default user ?).

Also, is there no way to restrict or to run apps without root privilege ?

Since I am a Linux/Unix guy, I would really like to get the command line. That is why I want to do the **Rooting**. However, I dont' want to make my mobile phone that loose and make it a Virus system like Windows.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Every app is under its own user (this is how permissions are enforced). When you "root" a device, you add an SU binary which runs tasks as the super user. Any app can run the SU binary but they have to explicitly do so. Without explicitly doing so, they continue to run as their own user.

Most (if not all) rooting methods will have an additional APK for managing what apps have access to SU, such as SuperSU. In my experience, the first time an app tries to use SU, you'll get a notification asking for access. This will allow you to deny root to apps that request it.

EDIT: I'd also like to add that you can get command line access on Android without rooting. I highly recommend Terminal Emulator if you want access from your phone. If it's connected to a computer you can use ADB to run things on your phone by running `adb shell`. To get ADB, you'll need to get the Android SDK and find ADB in it.

---
Tags: linux
---


title: Locating My Files in Android 4.0.4

text:
# Question
Title: Locating My Files in Android 4.0.4
I have bought a new Android phone (Intel Yolo Smartphone) and it runs on Android 4.0.4. However I can't seem to locate the My files (It is called that way in Android 2.3.6) folder so as to access the internal memory storage files.

In Android 4.0.4 the folder is called by which name?

# Answer
> 1 votes
You can download ES File Explorer. It's a free file explorer for android.

Download from Google Play

It's quite easy to use and doesn't require root access.

# Answer
> -1 votes
Look for a folder named `sdcard` using a file explorer app.

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, usb-connection-mode, file-management
---


# Question
Title: How to select a power supply for a given Android device
There are a variety of products on the market which provide a power supply for Android devices through the ubiquitous MicroUSB 2 port. These include adaptors for 12V "cigarette lighter" car DC power supplies, adaptors for AC (120-240V) domestic power supplies, solar power supplies, AA battery power supplies, and so on.

One consideration with all such products is the maximum current they can supply. This is generally 500mA at a minimum, but I have seen up to 2 A.

How can we know what current our device will draw, so as to select a power supply which will maximize its recharge rate? What is the maximum current that can be supplied via a MicroUSB connection? How can we know if our device is able to safely use a power supply which can supply more current than it draws?

# Answer
> 2 votes
I'm not aware of any way to find out the maximum current the device will use except checking the charger that came with the device and assuming that the manufacturer suppied the most efficient charger suitable.

The maximum current for USB connection is 5A, but usually the range used by phone/tablet chargers is between 0.5A and 2A.

Note that the amperage of the charger only tells what is the maximum current that the charger can supply, so it's safe to plug a 2A charger to a device capable of 0.5A current.

---
Tags: usb, charging
---


# Question
Title: How can I disable the notification sounds while playing music?
I don't like the notification sounds overlaying my music playback, but I can't find any setting to disable notification sounds while playing music.

I also don't like the way the sound overlay works. The IPhone handles this much better.

Is there any way to set this up to behave more like the Iphone or turn off the notifications while playing music at all?

# Answer
> 6 votes
First install Quick Settings: http://www.appbrain.com/app/quick-settings/com.bwx.bequick

With that under volume control you can control the following volumes seperately:

* ringer
* notification
* media (this would control the music)
* alarm
* voice
* system

On top of that you can install Quick Profiles

...which will let you create a sound profile with the settings you want and easily activate it with one click.

# Answer
> 3 votes
You don't need to download anything. Go into Settings and Volume, then turn off ring tone and notifications. Now, huzzah! Play music, still receive emails and messages but no irritating butt in of sounds!

---
Tags: settings, notifications, music
---


# Question
Title: Issues with Galaxy S3, S4, Note 2 destroying or being unable to use SD-cards
Reviews for some products, as well as some forum threads, claim that the Galaxy 3, Galaxy 4, and Galaxy Note 2 will not play well with some SD cards.

The first of the above links mentions that Kingston had posted this as a known issue on their website; a Google search for the quoted text brings up no such page.

Is this a known issue? Is it advisable to avoid or prefer certain brands, models, capacities, or speeds of SD cards because of this?

This question seems to be related.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Abruptly forcing your phone to shut-down (holding power button until forced shut-down, pulling battery, etc.) can cause a corrupt SD card on any device if it is currently reading/writing to the SD card. It is known that some Samsung devices try to read the SD card during some random times such as when the phone is starting up. Also running applications that are saved to the SD card and forcing a shutdown is asking for trouble. I'd always recommend shutting the phone down properly whenever possible to minimize these issues.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, samsung-galaxy-s-4, samsung-galaxy-note-2, internal-sd
---


# Question
Title: nfc tag compatibility with google nexus 5
does anyone know if samsungs tec tile 2 (note the 2!) are compatible with the google nexus 5? in fact, does anyone have a list of compatible nfc tags?

(i thought the whole idea of nfc tags is that they are compatible, but it appears that the tectile 1's are compatible with even the newest samsung phones)

# Answer
According to this article Tectiles 2 tags are based on the NFC Forum Type 4 tag standard (though the article does not mention an exact chip). Also Samsung explicitly released Tectiles 2 for use with devices that have non-NXP NFC chipsets (like Galaxy S4). This means that these tags are compatible to all current Android NFC devices including the Nexus 5.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: nfc, tectiles
---


title: Connecting through authenticated proxy

text:
# Question
Title: Connecting through authenticated proxy
I have an Unrooted Sony Xperia tipo running 4.0.4.
I have a Wi-Fi at home which uses an authenticated proxy. I have managed to apply the proxy and also have managed to use authentication.
The trouble.
Any app on my phone is unable to use the Wi-Fi.
Is there any way I can at least get Google Play running without rooting my phone?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Use Drony. If you need any help regarding how to configure, this can help.

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, wi-fi, proxy
---


# Question
Title: When will I get Android 4.4 KitKat update on Nexus 4 in Romania?
I am in a bit of worry because I own a Nexus 4 device, and I noticed many articles on the web stating that an OTA update to 4.4 is out but I didn't receive any notification on my device. Also, when I check for updates, the update is not showing up.

Should I be concerned about this, or does it just takes more time for the update to get to me? I am in Romania.

**UPDATE**

For those of you who are really eager to install the new update you can check up this link: It's still an OTA, nothing will be wiped on your device and the update files are the official ones provided by Google!

Link: http://phandroid.com/2013/11/21/download-the-nexus-4s-android-4-4-kitkat-krt16s-ota-directly-from-google/

# Answer
You just have to wait. It will eventually come.

If you read the Checking for updates won't get you KitKat faster, says Google employee article, it says:

> According to Dan, the updates are first sent out to 1 percent of devices. If it goes smoothly, it is sent to 25, 50, and 100 percent of users over what he says is “a week or two.” So if you’re waiting for that update, quit mashing that update button and regulate yourself to around once a day.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: nexus-4, ota-update, 4.4-kitkat
---


# Question
Title: Can I root my Nexus 5 without a custom image?
Is it possible ?

So far I've found 2 images that would allow me to get root, either cloudfire or team win recovery project (twrp).

I'm a little uneasy loading an unknown bootloader to my device.

Or maybe some information beyond "run this program", "double click here" and such. I work as an embedded engineer so I like to know what I'm doing

EDIT :

Usually embedded devices have a 3 stage loading. First they execute hard code in ROM when power comes up. Then this code loads the boot loader, then this boot loader brings the actual linux kernel up. It is my understanding that I will be overwriting the boot loader with twrp. By image I mean a fully compiled binary that will overwrite what is already present. If it is not an "image" to you then fine, it is not. I want to know if it is possible to root the device without overwriting the default bootloader.

# Answer
29 January 2015: TWRP can no longer install official updates past 5.0 on Nexus devices. Updating my language here to say "install unofficial updates" instead of "official".

---

*Since you specifically mention TWRP in your question, I'll just use it as my example. Note that CWM or any other possible Android Recovery project will also apply.*

It looks like there's a slight misconception at play. I'll just drop a few clarifying notes here:

* TWRP is indeed an image to be flashed.
* Flashing TWRP does not overwrite your bootloader.
* TWRP is not a bootloader replacement - it is Recovery software. It is a drop-in replacement for Android's stock open-source Recovery Mode, and therefore has the access needed to do things like

+ Create/Restore backups
    + Root devices
    + Install unofficial (and some official) updates

So the short answer is: **Yes! It is indeed possible to root without overwriting the stock bootloader!**

A few more notes:

* TWRP (And CWM Recovery) is a mature (Several years old and quite stable) Open-source project that is used by a huge portion of the Android community and considered very trustworthy.
* Flashing TWRP will replace the contents of `/recovery/`.
* You generally need to use the stock bootloader in order to select the boot-to-recovery option in order to use TWRP.
> 5 votes

---
Tags: rooting, nexus-5
---


title: PIN enforcement with MDM solution

text:
# Question
Title: PIN enforcement with MDM solution
I have a technical question to the android os. A phone doesn't have to have some PIN or other unlocking options but what exactly happens when you take this phone into a MDM solution such as MobileIron? It gives you some policies and somehow you are forced to take a PIN. Is this because of the policy or because of the android OS which says: "oh you want to use certificates, well I do not allow you to use them without a PIN". the phone uses wpa2-enterprise

# Answer
> 1 votes
The MDM solution can require that you set a PIN.

The Google Apps Device Policy app, for example, can require you to set a PIN. This is described in the Google Device Policy for Android if you want more details.

---
Tags: lock-screens, wpa2
---


# Question
Title: how do i deny a caller the option of leaving a voicemail?
I don't want to completely block a #. I want to be able to answer, but, if I don't answer, I don't want that particular caller to be able to leave a voicemail.

can this be done? the only apps I find allow you to either send directly to vmail or it auto-answers and hangs up.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Sending to voicemail is a carrier service, and what you can configure depends on the features your carrier offers.

If you're able to configure this, it'll be via the "call forwarding" settings. On my Nexus 4 running stock KitKat, you can access these by opening the Phone app, tapping the menu icon, then Settings, then Call settings, then Call forwarding.

On UK mobile networks (I presume it's the same worldwide, but I'm far from certain), the behaviour when you deny a call is controlled by your "forward when busy" setting, so you'll want to disable call forwarding for that case. That'll also, obviously, disable voicemail when someone calls you and you're already in another call.

For contrast, "forward when unanswered" configures what happens if you let the call ring out, and "forward when unreachable" covers your phone being turned off or out of signal.

Some networks don't respect how you configure this through the phone menu. This may be because they don't support letting you have that choice, or it may be because you need to configure it a different way. This is frequently by dialing your voicemail number and pressing `*` or `#` to get a menu, but each network operator will have their own ways.

---
Tags: voice-message
---


title: Rescue data from an application

text:
# Question
Title: Rescue data from an application
I was using Secret of Happiness for about three months, and created some notes during this time period. At one point when I wanted to add a new note, the application froze, and I had to force close it.

I tried to look for the directory where it stores data. I hoped it would be some database, XML, or CSV format so I could view the notes data, but wasn't able to find it. I also tried to copy the app's data to the SD card but it's not there either.

How can I find out where this app stores its data, and how can I view my notes again?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Each app gets a storage directoy assigned in `/data/data/<package_name>`1, so in your case that would be `/data/data/com.soh`. However, without root privileges, you cannot directly access that directory.

A possible work-around (for non-rooted devices) would be to create an "ADB backup" of the app (see our adb tag-wiki for details), and then "disassemble" that2. You should then find databases (SQLite) as well as "shared\_prefs" (XML files) with additional information.

---

1 see also: Where in the file system are applications installed?
2 see: How do you extract an App's data from a full backup made through “adb backup”?, Is there a way to look inside and modify an adb backup created file?

---
Tags: applications, internal-storage, data-recovery
---


# Question
Title: Why do apps require a certain minimum Android version?
All android apps require a specific Android version. Why is that so? Can't we use any ICS app on GB? For example, touch-to-focus is a very simple feature – but it wants Android 4. What can I do to use it on GB? Or *Wolfram alpha*, which is a browser-like app. Why does it require at least ICS?

# Answer
You can compare that to other OS's versions as well: A program designed for e.g. Windows 8 does not necessarily run on Windows 95. Development goes on, and that includes the APIs they provide. With each new version, new interfaces are available to the programmers, saving them from "re-inventing the wheel": Why code an entire library yourself, when it's much easier to access one that's already available? But if a specific feature was introduced with version 4.1, and the developer made use of that in his app, that app would not work properly on versions 4.0 and below, obviously.

So depending on the APIs used, such an app might not even start on a lower version, or some core functionality would not be available at all or even crash. To prevent the user from such mishap, developers must declare a "minimum required API level" in the Manifest1 of their apps. As each "API level" corresponds with a specific Android version, this makes the app "incompatible" with lower versions.

---

1 The Manifest is an XML file included in every Android app, declaring the app's requirements.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: android-versions, compatibility
---


# Question
Title: What is Google's OTA phase deployment strategy?
I have always wonder what is Google's deployment strategy for OTA for latest software updates.
I do know that they do it in phases but, do they do it base on time zone? model's serial numbers? In other words how do they pick who gets it first or not. I have a 2013 Nexus 7 and it has been about 2 weeks since the release of Kit Kat 4.4 and I have not received it yet.

# Answer
It appears to be random chance.

In this reddit thread, Google Employee Dan Merrill says of OS update rollouts and "mashing" the "check for updates button":

> Rollouts are conducted in phases. Typically they start at 1% of devices for around 24 - 48 hours; we watch the return rates and resulting device checkins and error reports (if any), and make sure nothing looks wrong before sending it to more. Then typically it goes to 25%, 50%, 100% over the course of a week or two.
>
> What the percentages mean is that when your device checks in, it has a 1% chance (for example) of being offered the OTA. If it doesn't (randomly) get an offer, it will never get an offer until the next batch.
>
> IOW, once your device checks in and gets turned down, that's it until the next batch. Mashing on the "check for updates" button just causes your device to check in again, and get automatically turned down again. Think about how that makes your device feel! WON'T SOMEONE PLEASE THINK OF THE PHONES?!
>
> That said, once the new batch does start, hitting that button does give you a new roll of the dice -- but once. Since devices usually only check in for system updates every 24 hours (I think? Certainly on a many-hours basis) this can get you your shot sooner than it would happen on its own.
>
> So, mash away. :) Just be patient, and mashing on it more often than once or twice a day isn't going to gain you anything.
>
> Edit: also, keep in mind that this isn't first-come/first-served. You're not racing other devices to get your slot in the current batch, or something.

He also warns against the "clear data on the Google Services framework" trick, as all that does is make the network think that it's dealing with a factory-reset device and makes you lose all the tokens used by apps that use it. It will not necessarily get you the update faster. (It might, but it might not.)

Source(s): Android and Me, Android Community

p.s. He also states in another message that if you're really impatient you should do an ADB sideload.
> 18 votes

---
Tags: updates, ota-update
---


title: gmail application logout

text:
# Question
Title: gmail application logout
I let my friends log into my gmail app to check their mail, and have since, have NOT been able to get rid of their accounts. I'm sick of seeing their names and I'm sick of being tempted to read their inboxes ;P

PLEASE tell me there's a non-factory reset option to log just the two of them out for now, or a way to reset the whole app - I know I have to log myself completely out, but I can't even find this option and I feel Android-ignorant. HELP PLZ - I have an HTC 4G LTE, ftr.

# Answer
> 2 votes
You don't manage the accounts within the Gmail app, but rather at the OS level.

You need to go to `Settings > Accounts` on your phone and remove the accounts from there.

---
Tags: gmail, google-account
---


title: Tab bar in Chrome browser

text:
# Question
Title: Tab bar in Chrome browser
I have a Galaxy S4. I use Chrome browser. Anytime I play with an Android tablet, Chrome has a tab bar like on a desktop OS. I want to enable this on my phone, but I can't find an option to enable it. I tried looking into the prefences file but didn't see anything pertaining to this. Is there a way to enable this? I'm rooted, and don't mind messing around so I don't mind if there's a "hackish" way to do this.

It seems like Chrome is a universal app, so I don't see why it acts different on a phone versus a tablet. Or at least provide an otion for it.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Yet to find a way for chrome without installing a tablet ui rom. Boat browser has this feature. After initial install it will dissapear if you scroll down the page. If you go to settings and lab, just tick the top option to show nav bar.

Dolphin browser also allows this but used too much battery and ran more sluggish to be worth it.

I dont understand why chrome doesnt allow it. Im on a note 1. Its a deal breaker browser feature for me.

---
Tags: root-access, samsung-galaxy-s-4, chrome-for-android
---


title: Text communication with iphone users

text:
# Question
Title: Text communication with iphone users
What are the non-voice options for communicating with iphone users to and from an android phone? Strengths and limitations of said options?

I don't have a smart phone but am thinking of finally taking the plunge. At least half of my family and friends are iphone users, and have been extolling the virtues of apple messaging. Watching them use it, especially involving multiple people at once, I see the attraction. However I don't want go the iWhatever route as I don't like the lock-in, but if by using a non-apple device I'm exiled from their conversations I may not have much of a choice.

So how about it, are there usable gates in the walled garden?

# Answer
> 1 votes
SMS works on any phone. On Android, your phone will have an SMS client built-in (probably called "Messaging", but it varies between manufacturers), and you can also choose from many third-party SMS clients.

As well as plain old SMS, there are many instant-messaging systems that work on Android and iPhone, and other platforms too. Your iPhone-using friends may well have one or more of these installed already. Some examples are Skype, Jabber, Whatsapp, Google Hangouts, and Facebook Chat.

What you describe as "apple messaging" is probably what Apple calls iText: it's the SMS app on iPhone. It also has its own closed chat system built-in, so that if it knows the recipient of an SMS is an iPhone, it'll silently send the message through Apple's servers instead of through the SMS system. It still uses SMS for people on other phones, so you don't need to worry about being exiled.

# Answer
> 1 votes
You mention iMessage, which is important to understand that it's a *proprietary solution* from Apple. There is no way to communicate with iMessage from Android, and there probably never will be. That said, there are a very large amount of third party cross-platform messaging apps, and if your friends and family would accept getting these (they might already use them), you could communicate via these. There are probably hundreds of them, but some of the most popular ones include WhatsApp and Viber — both of which offer iPhone as well as Android versions of their software.

The obvious strengths of any kind of IM software like this, whether it's iMessage, WhatsApp or Viber, is that all of your data is sent via your data plan, or even via WiFi if available. You'll be able to send images without paying an MMS fee, you'll be able to send audio without being charged for a call (VoIP) and you'll be able to send text without being charged for an SMS (via e-mail or IM).

There are no drawbacks as I see it, except for maybe backwards compability with non-smartphones, SMS definitely has the edge there.

---
Tags: sms, ios
---


# Question
Title: KitKat "new" Launcher - non English (US) language
I have a Nexus 4. It was updated to KitKat last night.

From what I've gathered from the reviews, I should have a new Launcher. But my phone is still using the old one.

Does anyone know if the launcher is not available for pt-br phones? Or I am missing something?

Thanks!

*Edit*

Forget it. It seems that the new Launcher (and some other stuff) are exclusive to te Nexus 5. :(

http://www.droid-life.com/2013/11/22/psa-what-some-device-owners-wont-see-in-their-kit-kat-update/

# Answer
Well... it seems the best features (at least for me) will be exclusive to the Nexus 5:

http://www.droid-life.com/2013/11/22/psa-what-some-device-owners-wont-see-in-their-kit-kat-update/

From that list:

* Google Experience Launcher
* Translucent Nav Bar and Notification Bar
* Smart Dialer

That's really a shame!
> 0 votes

---
Tags: launcher, 4.4-kitkat
---


# Question
Title: How do websites know if the device being used is an Android phone?
I was browsing a website on Chrome on my Android 4.3 phone. The website immediately showed me a popup telling me to download its Android app. So my question is how does the website know what device the user is using? And is there a way to hide the identity of my device?

# Answer
Generally, a browser will have what's called a User Agent which will tell the web site what browser is currently accessing the site.
These user agents will generally tell the website whether they are a mobile device or not.

A website can then serve up different pages or make pop ups show up when the browser that is accessing the website identifies itself as a mobile device.

Depending on the browser, you can tell the browser to present itself as a Desktop browser rather than a Mobile browser. On Chrome for Android, this can be done by tapping the menu button and ticking "Request Desktop Site"

Check out the this wiki article for some more indepth information - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User\_agent
> 9 votes

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


# Question
Title: Why does Google Now display my "Home" and "Work" locations inaccurately?
I'm in my home all day, every day, as are my internet-capable devices such as phone, Chromebook, etcetera, etcetera. Yet, when I click the magic wand at the bottom of Google Now (settings), it displays my home address and work address as two different places, both of-which I've never even been, muchless worked or lived.

Any ideas why this would be happening? Anyone seeing anything remotely similar?

# Answer
> 2 votes
Google Now is guessing, based on where and when you spend your time.

If it's wrong, simply edit it. Once manually set it won't guess anymore.

---
Tags: google, geolocation, google-now
---


# Question
Title: Can one app read text field(s) of other apps?
I was wondering if it is possible in Android to write an app that runs in the background and gets the text entered into a TextField of another app. More concretely, is it possible to have an app run in the background that allows to obtain the content that is typed in the textfield for sending messages in WhatsApp or gtalk? Imagine for instance that before sending the content through WhatsApp, I want to preprocess the text and only then send it, but this pre-processing shall be somehow automatic.

On a desktop this is possible to build but I am not sure if one can build this for Android phone devices. Maybe one could catch all inputs done with a keyboard that are sent to a certain app, but I guess this is not possible to prevent keyloggers etc. Is there any alternative to achieve this goal?

I would like to do it without rooting the phone.

Essentially, what I want to do is to have a keyboard where the user can type using the standard english letters but the typing is automatically translated to hindi text + some annotation added after each word.

# Answer
A keyboard can do this - that's how a keyboard works, after all. Not only that, but for some scripts, what you describe is the most common way to enter text. For example, in Japanese, one enters む by typing "mu" (the Latin characters representing the same sound).

You can't do it with a normal app without rooting. Anything else would be a big security flaw.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: keyboard
---


title: Jelly Bean resource Usage

text:
# Question
Title: Jelly Bean resource Usage
I have a phone with 512MB of ram. The company has launched the Jelly Bean update for the phone. Currently my phone is running Android ICS 4.0.4 which has alot of lag and frameloss issues, So I am thinking to update to JB. However I am concerned about the memory usage of JB. So my question is:

Whether JB uses more ram than ICS?

# Answer
Jelly Bean uses pretty much the same amount of RAM. There's not much of a difference.

Performance-wise, Jelly Bean is much better. It will even make phones with 512MB RAM feel smooth, with some lag still, cause you know.... 512MB RAM, but it should feel much better than ICS.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Jellybean will use the same amount of RAM like ICS. But one thing, Jellybean using "BUTTER PROJECT", a project from google that beats lag.. So basically, the update from ICS to Jellybean will give much faster and smooth experience..
> 0 votes

# Answer
512 MB RAM is too little for gingerbread, let alone ICS. And you're thinking of jelly bean. Jelly bean is meant for phones with around 2 GB RAM. Ofcourse Jelly bean uses a whole lot RAM than ICS. You should downgrade to gingerbread or possibly froyo so that phone works well without any lag and freezeups. Even if you downgrade to gingerbread, you should not install more apps from google play because 512 is just enough to run gingerbread without more apps. BTW, why did you buy a 512MB RAM only phone? Should have purchased at least 1 GB RAM phone. Android is becoming a heavy resource consuming system and 1 GB is minimum the way applications are being launched. Its becoming more and more bloated by the day
> -3 votes

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, 4.1-jelly-bean, ram
---


title: Re-installing Android

text:
# Question
Title: Re-installing Android
Mobile phone technology has been growing rapidly. Nowadays, we have mobile phones with the same configuration as a Pentium-1,Pentium-2 processor + 1 GB Ram 20GB Hard disk as we had a few years ago for Desktops.

For eg: I have just ordered for Galaxy S-III, which as 1 GHz CPU, 1 GB RAM and 16 GB Permanent storage.

So, my question is : can we format (same thing as we do on a Desktop) such mobile devices and install whatever OS (Android only for now) we like ? If so, I would like to install latest Android version on my mobile. Similar to the CD-Rom drive that can hold the OS that we are going to install on our fresh Desktop, for mobile devices can't we use any USB storage drives that has the latest Android (installation source) ?

# Answer
> 1 votes
It depends on the device you are using. Some devices have a locked bootloader, meaning you cannot boot into a mode which allows you to overwrite the part of the persistent memory which holds the operating system image.

The steps you usually take are the following:

* Flash an advanced Recovery Image
* Use that recovery so you can upload an alternative Android version to your ROM

Let me clear up some of the terms:

* **ROM** is the part that contains the operating system and cannot be written to while the device is running. You have to override it by flashing over USB or using an aforementioned Recovery Image
* **Recovery** is an alternative mode you can boot into which enables you to create backups of your system or write to the ROM to install a different operating system

Every alternative Android version comes with tons of tutorials and help. So just search for your device model in conjunction with "cyanogenmod" or "custom ROM".

**Edit:**

I just saw that you have ordered a Samsung Galaxy S3, so you will have little trouble installing an alternative Android.

---
Tags: 4.1-jelly-bean, samsung-galaxy-s-3, installation
---


# Question
Title: Native email app showing email account password on lock screen of Galaxy S2
Dear Android community,

Recently I have set up a personal email account on the native email client that comes with the version of Android I have (4.1.2). After I have set it up and could receive/send/sync emails and all, I have decided to remove that account from the native client.

Now, the password that I used with that email account via that native email client is being displayed on my lock screen, under the time.

I want to not see it there anymore (obviously!). Has anybody had the problem before ? Any idea on how to solve this ?

Thanks in advance for your input :)

# Answer
Look in **Settings -\> Security -\> Owner Info**.

It is the only one place, to my knowledge, where you can set up text under the clock on the lockscreen before 4.2.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: email, lock-screens, password
---


# Question
Title: My Nexus 4 always recognised as ADB device instead of MTP
I plugged in Nexus 4 to my windows machine(XP Service Pack 2) and it didnt recognise or install any software automatically. I downloaded some ADB drivers from google and now it shows up as recognised device(that is ADB device) in the Device Manager, but it is not recognized as MTP . because of this i am not able to tranfer data into my phone or vice versa...

# Answer
Uninstall the device from Device Manager, then plug it out and in again :)
> -2 votes

---
Tags: nexus-4, usb-connection-mode
---


# Question
Title: Cannot unpair YouTube app on my smartphone from LGTV (SmartTV)
I cannot unpair my Android smartphone YouTube app from my LGTV.

**On LGTV:** I went on YouTube app and log-off my account. I also disconnected all mobile devices from it, what should (?) suffice in case my cell phone is stolen or something else happens, but...

**On Phone:** I cleared all app data and cache for YouTube app. But still, after starting the YouTube app, my LGTV is still registered *and* I can make YouTube videos play on LGTV.

**On YouTube account:** I removed the LGTV from YouTube configuration, but still any account on the phone can make videos play on the LGTV.

There is something that is being left on my smartphone that still allows it to control the LGTV.

The next step (that I am holding) is: completely reset my phone and research some way to completely reset my LGTV (if it makes any difference).

# Answer
I don't have a TV paired with my YouTube account, so this is really just another setting to look at.

1. Go to your YouTube account: https://www.youtube.com/account
2. Click on the **Connected TVs** option at the bottom of the left hand menu.
3. If available, disconnect the TV from here.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: youtube, smart-tv
---


title: Decrease icon size on nexus 4

text:
# Question
Title: Decrease icon size on nexus 4
I got the ota update for kitkat and after that installed the android launcher ripped from nexus 5 rom. The result is that my icons look too big. Is there any way to decrease that or use a custom rom to change the size?

# Answer
> 0 votes
EDIT: Just came across KitKat Launcher, a clone of the stock KK launcher with some mods. More info on their XDA thread.

Jboi explained:

> Unless you write you own Homescreen launcher or use an existing one from Goolge Play, there's no way to resize icons.
>
> Well, no way does not mean its impossible:
>
> * As said, you can write your own launcher as discussed in Stackoverflow.
> * You can resize elements on the home screen, but these elements are AppWidgets. Since API level 14 they can be resized and user can - in limits - change the size. But that are Widgets not Shortcuts for launching icons.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Use another launcher (for example, Nova Launcher).

---
Tags: nexus-4, 4.4-kitkat
---


title: I want to root my phone

text:
# Question
Title: I want to root my phone
Can anyone tell me what is the easiest way to root my phone. I have a Samsung galaxy note 2. And what does it mean to flash a new Rom?

# Answer
> 0 votes
There are many methods to root your device.

I just did a quick search and came up with this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2143479. Try following that and see if it works (the process I took for rooting my tablet was pretty much just 'try every guide that I can find until something works', so really just keep looking through guides on the internet).

The term ROM is traditionally used to mean Read Only Memory. Over time, it has come to mean (in the Android world) the OS that your device runs, because the OS is thought to be read-only by some people. Flashing a new ROM just means replacing stock Android with something else.

---
Tags: rooting
---


# Question
Title: Is there some SSH server for android-x86?
I am using Android ICS x86 build for debug purposes in VMware Workstation, but I can't find any ssh server, so how can I install ssh server on it? I've tried SSHDroid, Dropbear SSH and some others - all they doesn't work, because they request ARM architecture.

# Answer
You can have a look at Servers Ultimate on Play. The SSH server itself works on all devices and command line works on ARM and x86.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.icecoldapps.serversultimate
> 2 votes

---
Tags: ssh, android-x86
---


title: Prevent ANY sound from Android phone

text:
# Question
Title: Prevent ANY sound from Android phone
I have the Galaxy S4 and would like to be able to ensure that, when on silent/vibrate mode, the phone makes absolutely no noise. I haven't been able to find a way to prevent the alarm from making noise when going off in silent mode, and though I could set the alarm type to vibrate, I'm concerned that if the alarm can go off in silent mode, other things can make noise as well.

Is there a way to ensure the phone makes no noise? Is it really only the alarm that makes noise in silent mode?

# Answer
Check out Volume Control +. This app lets you control the volume for the following: Media, Ring, Notifications, In-call, alarm, system. Each sound profile (e.g. Silent, Vibrate, General) can be configured.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: audio
---


title: How can I create a file from My Files?

text:
# Question
Title: How can I create a file from My Files?
This seems like a silly question, but how do you create a file in My Files? I've been searching for a while on Google and this site, but I cannot find out how!

When I pres the "menu" key, I can see an option to create a folder, but there's no option to create a file. So, how can I create a file, for example, "filename.html", from the My Files viewer?

I am using a Galaxy S4.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I think `My Files` does not allow you to create files. You could try a 3rd-party app like File Expert though; this app lets you create both files and folders.

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


# Question
Title: How can I open an epub+zip file on my S3?
I got some files that say "epub+zip" undrr Properties and I wanted to know how can I open it?

OS: 4.1.1

# Answer
You need an ebook reader that reads EPUB files. Aldiko (http://www.aldiko.com/) is a great ebook reader that supports EPUBs. Or, you could rename the extension to zip and extract the file. Inside, you will see some folders. Within one of the folders are HTML files that can be viewed in a web browser.
> 1 votes

# Answer
you can use kobo. It is an app for reading. I usually email myself the epub file then go into the email where the file is located on the right hand side there will be 3 little dots click that to save and then go into the kobo app and click the phones menu button to import the epub files to your kobo app and then it should show up in your kobo library.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3
---


# Question
Title: APN Requires mcc and mnc but my carrier requires none
I used to specify only the Name and APN fields whenever I needed to configure my carrier's APN. I've just rooted my Galaxy Nexus with Cyanogemod and whenever I try to set the APN it prompts me to enter the mcc and mnc number's which my carrier doesn't specify.

How can I resolve this?

Thanks in advance

# Answer
> 1 votes
Aha! Ok I'm no where near a cellular expert but based on a wild guess I searched for carrier APNs and found here a list of APNs per carrier per country. I guess these are always required but somehow cyanogenmod is not configured to determine these codes automatically.

While this may help others facing the same problem, I hope someone with real insight shares the knowledge

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, 3g, apn
---


title: Android lag issues in Galaxy S3?

text:
# Question
Title: Android lag issues in Galaxy S3?
I know I have previously asked a similar question and I am asking again : why does my Galaxy S3 lag when doing routine tasks ?

1. When pressing HOME button , the screen is supposed to smoothly fade away. Instead, it fades away in a stammering manner. Sometimes, it just stays and then disappears in an instant without the gradual fading effect. This was in case of Mozilla, Chrome and some other apps.
2. The drop down menu on the top of the screen also stammers when I open it. I do not drag my finger all the way to the bottom, I just click and flick and let the menu go down on its own.

**Is it a hardware issue ?**
I do clear my cache once in a while. No task killer. No root.

*As a side note, I play Real Racing quite often and I DO notice an occasional lag when there are like 20 cars driven together. Apart from that, game works like a charm.*

# Answer
> 1 votes
With as advanced of a phone as the S3 is, you shouldn't be experiencing much, if any, lag at all. Chances are, it's something you have or haven't done to the phone. 1. Try restarting it. Often times, RAM will remain in use even when applications are no longer being used. Restarting it will bring your phone back to where it's not using ram from all the apps you've been using since the last time you restarted it. 2. You said that you clear your cache... I'm assuming you mean RAM cache, versus data cache. Android's way of memory (RAM) cache "clearing" isn't always (or even often) entirely effective. An app I've fell in love with for cleaning out RAM (as well as it's anti-virus abilities) is 360 Mobile Security - Antivirus, which you can download from the app store. It'll force out memory in ways many apps don't, and also gives you the benefit of having an anti-virus program built in. Root gives more functionality to it, but you said you don't use root, but I thought I'd throw that out there for anyone reading this that might have root. 3. Update your android system. 4.1.2 is not known for it's "buttery smooth interface and performance". Settings --\> About phone --\> Update (may be in status tab) will likely be able to update Android's platform for you. If not, outside of rooting and changing your rom, guess you'll be stuck with 4.1.2 unless your carrier provides an update service for you. 4. Check your settings. THere's things in the developer's options menu that'll effect transition speed, which can give appearances like lag. Developers options --\> window/transition animation scale is the place you want to check. x1 seems to be a standard setting, but the lower you go, the faster the system will react visually, and (when available), I set mine to x.25, but that's not always an option (in ROMs), where-as x.5 usually is available. Use x.5 if x.25 isnt available. There's a couple other things in developer's options that could help you out too, take a look around. 5. Keep on researching the issue if this doesn't help. The answers are out there.

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Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, performance
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# Question
Title: How to access to my folders on android nexus 4 without OS
I have a problem : I tried to install the last update of Android 4.4 on my nexus 4 But It didn't work... My phone didn't want to turn on. So I tried to uninstall everything an install the update manually. But now I can't access to my phone on my computer... he "sees" it but I can't go into it... I tried to install differents drivers like : adb, google USB driver, MTP. But nothing. Some poeple say that sometimes it works by using PTP, but I don't know how to install it...

Thank you for you're time

tbille

# Answer
If your phone won't turn on, I don't think installing drivers will help. And yet you say that the computer "sees" the phone. In my case I found that after successfully upgrading to 4.4 that my windows PC could no longer "see" my phone unless I went into storage and changed the USB settings to ptp. However, on my Linux machine I can access all folders and storage. So if you have a Linux machine or at least a live disk you may be able to access you internal storage that way. But if the phone isn't turning on, I'm not sure what you can do from that point. Hope something in my ramblings helps. :-)
> 0 votes

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Tags: nexus-4, unbricking
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title: ADB won't recognize Sero 7 Pro

text:
# Question
Title: ADB won't recognize Sero 7 Pro
I just bought a refurbished HiSense Sero 7 Pro tablet.

I have enabled Developer options and turned on USB debugging. When I plug the tablet into my Win7 PC, it fails to install proper drivers (which seems normal from the Sero7Pro rooting threads), but my computer can still see it as a media device or camera.

I have the Android SDK installed and have the Google USB Driver. I have added the vendor ID (`0x109b`) to .android/adb\_usb.ini.

When running `adb devices`, the list of connected devices just won't show the Sero7Pro. It has no problem showing other devices. Similarly, the tablet will not appear in the Device Chooser menu when trying to "Run as Android Application" from Eclipse.

I've tried connecting it as Media device (MTP) and Camera (PTP) with no difference. I've also installed the SDK and ADB on another computer and had the same issue.

Any ideas? Could something be wrong with the tablet? It seems to be working just fine otherwise.

\__

EDIT: The PDAnet ADB driver (http://pdanet.co/a/) finally seemed to work. Issue closed.

# Answer
> 0 votes
The PDAnet ADB driver (http://pdanet.co/a/) worked.

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Tags: 4.2-jelly-bean, adb
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