title: How to root the Samsung Galaxy S4 I9505

text:
# Question
Title: How to root the Samsung Galaxy S4 I9505
How can I root the Samsung Galaxy S4? Phone model: GT-I9505

# Answer
Method 1: Root Galaxy S4 and Install Recovery:

> **Note: THIS WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY AND MAY BRICK YOUR PHONE. THE GUIDE BELOW REQUIRES WINDOWS. (FOR ADVANCED USERS: Extract the .tar and flash the img files with "Heimdall".**

1. Download the PhilZ recovery for your device.
2. Download the latest SuperSU package and copy it to your phone.
3. Download the Odin tool and unzip it.
4. Download and install the Samsung USB drivers on your Windows PC.
5. Enable USB Debugging on your Galaxy S4.
6. Now turn off your phone and boot it into the 7. Download Mode by holding the Volume Down + Home + Power buttons together for 2-3 seconds. When you are prompted to press the Volume Up key, do it.
7. Now connect your Galaxy S4 to computer via USB cable.
8. Open Odin folder and launch the program as administrator.

> **Note:** Make sure the message box in Odin shows “Added!” text. If it doesn’t, reinstall the drivers, reboot the PC and the phone and connect it again.
9. Uncheck the Auto Reboot option on Odin (do not touch any other option).
10. Click the AP button on Odin and add the PhilZ recovery file with .tar extension.
11. Now click the Start button on Odin and wait till the installation is finished.
12. When you get PASS!/RESET! message on Odin, disconnect the USB cable.
13. Now long press the power button to turn off the device, or remove the back panel and pull out the battery for 20 seconds. Reinsert the battery and then hold the Volume Up + Home + Power keys simultaneously. When the screen turn up and you see the Samsung Logo, release the Power key. Keep the other two keys pressed until your phone boots into the recovery mode.
14. In PhilZ recovery menu, select Install zip option, navigate to the SuperSU update package (.zip file) and install it.
15. When you are done with installation, return to PhilZ main menu and select Reboot system now option.
> 0 votes

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


title: How to root Moto E

text:
# Question
Title: How to root Moto E
I have a Moto E and I want to root it so I can have more access. I can't link my SD card to my apps or connect SD or hotspot because it says I don't have root permission.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Follow steps below:

**This will void your warranty!**

You need a custom recovery installed like **TWRP**

> **How to Root Motorola Moto E**
>
> 1. From here download the SuperSU app file.Place this file on your computer, preferable on desktop – don’t unzip it.
> 2. Then connect your Moto E with your PC by plugging in the USB cord.
> 3. Up next, transfer the root file from desktop to your phone’s SD card.
> 4. Unplug the USB cord and turn off your device.
> 5. Enter recovery mode on your Motorola Moto E.
> 6. Then from recovery select “install zip from SD card” followed by “choose zip from SD card”.
> 7. Pick the root file which you have downloaded before and flash the same on your Moto E.
> 8. Wait while the installation procedure is being completed.
> 9. In the end select “reboot system now” and you are done.

More information: http://www.android.gs/root-motorola-moto-e/

---
Tags: rooting, 5.0-lollipop, motorola-moto-e
---


# Question
Title: My son's tablet has been stolen and I am trying to locate it..
I had installed the Android device locator on my son's tablet should it ever get lost or stolen and I had tried locating it my several first tries were a failure as it said that the device was unable to be located. But at those points I had three options "ring, lock and erase" so I chose to lock it but was unsure if it worked, so I repeated this step like 2 more times. Checking to see if the device has been located frequently, I had noticed at one point in time the device was turned on and located (was unable to find exact location because the session had expired, so I had to relog in) but then I noticed at this time my options were different saying "ring or enable lock and wipe" so I pressed enable lock and wipe and it said "request sent to lock and wipe admin features..Does anybody know what this means?

# Answer
You can't track the device after factory resetting it, since it removes the Android Device Manager and/or its settings. It is purely for preventing your information from being accessed.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: tablet
---


# Question
Title: How to resize Prestigio PAP4044Duo's partitions?
I have a Prestigio PAP4044Duo with 4.1.1 Android on it. It has a Internal Memory of 786MB + Internal Memory Card of 1.77 GB. Since all the applications are stored in the Internal Memory I'm running fast out of space on it. I have read through forums and most topics are referring to SD cards, and all the applications I've found to moving Apps from the Internal Memory are also referring to SD cards.

So, is it possible to repartition the size of the internal memory and the internal memory card to get the following size:

* Internal Memory - 1.7GB
* Internal Memory Card - 700MB

If it is possible, where should I start, and are there any step by step tutorials that someone with not much experience could follow?

# Answer
> 3 votes
## Is it possible to resize partitions?

Yes, it is theoretically possible, **but** it may not work on your device. If you're ready to take a risk with your device (if something goes wrong, it may be bricked until you find what's wrong with it), go ahead. Also, this modification isn't recommended for beginners. Also notice that by this you will factory reset your device (all app data will be gone). You'll need:

* A rooted device with custom recovery
* Basic knowledge of how ADB works
* Basic knowledge of how partitions and partiton tables work
* Patience and time since this could (and will) probably have some obstacles since you're a beginner and these tutorials aren't made for your specific device.

I successfully resized my partition using this tutorial on XDA, however, I skipped some steps in the way, since they were directed at different devices (Xperia phones), therefore, not all steps are compatible.

***This tutorial may not support your device, so proceed with caution***

I will try to briefly summarize what is going on that tutorial. *What will we do:*

1. We will back up all the files present on the internal SD card (this is optional)
2. We will delete `/sdcard`partition (that's internal, emulated "SD card"), and we will delete `/data`partition (that's where your phone data, including apps, is stored)
3. We will then create new `/sdcard` and `/data`partitions, but this time, they will be resized so that you'd have more space for apps.
4. If we backed up SD card earlier, we will now restore the original content of the internal SD

**I assume you have worked with ADB and that you have a custom recovery present on your device (if you don't fulfil these requirements, get familiar with those before proceeding)**

Okay, before we start, you'll need to download fs-utils.zip from this XDA page. These are file system utilities which we'll use later. Unzip this file and place it a folder, somewhere on the external SD card (e.g. /sdcard/fs-utils) Also, enable "USB debugging" on your phone, located in "Developer Options" on more recent devices, or "Applications" on older devices.

## Backing up files from Internal SD card (optional)

Okay, this one's pretty simple, you copy the files from internal memory to anywhere you want (i.e. PC, external SD card).

## Editing the partition table

This is where it becomes tricky, so be sure that everything is working before starting this, and make sure that your phone has enough battery (just in case).

* Enter the recovery on your phone.
* Connect to ADB
* Execute following commands

```
umount /storage
parted /dev/block/mmcblk0
print

```

This should print out the partition table, like:

`Number Start End Size File system Name Flags
1 131kB 2228kB 2097kB TA
2 2228kB 3801kB 1573kB Boot
3 3801kB 5374kB 1573kB Boot2
4 6291kB 27.3MB 21.0MB Kernel
5 27.3MB 28.3MB 1049kB TZ
6 29.4MB 32.5MB 3146kB modemst1
7 33.6MB 36.7MB 3146kB modemst2
8 37.7MB 40.9MB 3146kB fsg
9 40.9MB 46.1MB 5243kB ramdump
10 46.1MB 54.5MB 8389kB ext4 apps_log
11 54.5MB 71.3MB 16.8MB FOTAKernel
12 71.3MB 2120MB 2049MB ext4 System
13 2120MB 2620MB 500MB ext4 Cache
14 2620MB 5692MB 3072MB ext4 Userdata
15 5692MB 15.6GB 9942MB ext4 SDCard`

In this example, `Userdata` partition is on the 14th place, and `SDCard` is in the 15th. Notice how the `Userdata` starts at 2620MB, and ends at 5692MB, and `SDCard` begins where `Userdata` ends, and finishes at 15.6GB. Mark these numbers, as we'll use them when we create the new partitions.

Following this example, we will remove these partitions:

```
rm 14
rm 15

```

Now, we calculate new sizes of the new partitions. **Notice:** You need to have emulated SD Card on your system, don't completely remove it, it is hardcoded into the system, and removing could break the functionality of the device.

For example, if we want to increase the size of the `Userdata` to 6000MB, we simply add 6000MB to 2620MB (where the partition starts), to get the position where the partition ends. In that case, it would end at 8620MB. `SDCard` follows after the `Userdata`, so it begins at 8620MB and ends at 15.6GB.

So, after calculating the sizes, we enter:

```
mkpartfs logical ext2 2620 8620 (change the numbers for your device)
name 14 Userdata
mkpartfs logical ext2 8620 15.6GB (again, change the numbers)
name 15 SDCard
quit

```

Now, the space is allocated for these new partitions, but they aren't correctly formatted yet. So, in your recovery, format your internal SD card (sdcard0 or whatever it's called).

Now, in ADB, navigate to the folder on the external SD card, where the fs-utils are located:

```
cd /sdcard/fs-utils (change as appropriate)

```

After that, enter these commands, one by one:

```
tune2fs -j /dev/block/mmcblk0p14
tune2fs -O extents,uninit_bg,dir_index /dev/block/mmcblk0p14
e2fsck -fpDC0 /dev/block/mmcblk0p14

```

Now, the partitions are formatted.

You can reboot the phone now.

Try to write something to the SDCard, just to check do you have write permissions on it, and if you don't, enter (via ADB):

```
su
chown -R 2800:2800 /mnt/media_rw/sdcard0

```

That should fix the problem.

After this, you can restore the backed up files to your SDCard.

*Since this is my first community post, I encourage users to edit and expand this post as needed.*

---
Tags: insufficient-memory, partitions
---


# Question
Title: How to "mount --bind" directories in Android 4.4?
I am just wondering is there a way to bind an internal `/sdcard` folder to another internal `/sdcard` folder and normal apps can write into it for Android versions since 4.4?

I have a folder named `./MyPics` in the internal `/sdcard`. I want to bind it to `./DCIM/Camera`, `./Pictures/Screenshots`, `./Movies/Screencasts`. The SD card is mounted in `/mnt/shell/emulated/0` as `sdcardfs`, and it is symlinked to `/storage/emulated/legacy`. Moreover, there is a directory `/storage/emulated/0`, which is neither a mount point nor a symlink. It is a very weird directory.

1. I tried follows:

```
mount -o bind,dmask=0000,fmask=0000 /mnt/shell/emulated/0/MyPics /mnt/shell/emulated/0/DCIM/Camera
mount -o bind,dmask=0000,fmask=0000 /mnt/shell/emulated/0/MyPics /mnt/shell/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots
mount -o bind,dmask=0000,fmask=0000 /mnt/shell/emulated/0/MyPics /mnt/shell/emulated/0/Movies/Screencasts

```

but it has no use: Apps like Camera failed to write into `/DCIM/Camera`
2. I tried follows:

```
mount -o bind,dmask=0000,fmask=0000 /storage/emulated/legacy/MyPics /mnt/shell/emulated/0/...
....

```

but it has no use either
3. I tried follows:

```
mount -o bind,dmask=0000,fmask=0000 /data/media/0/MyPics /data/media/0/...
....

```

If there is a file named `a.jpg` in `/MyPics`, it appears in `/data/media/0/DCIM/Camera`, but it doesn't appear in `/storage/emulated/legacy/DCIM/Camera`
4. I tried to use Apps like LuckPatcher to do the job, but it failed again

# Answer
> 1 votes
Unfortunately, since Android 4.2 it is no longer possible on most device to mount a folder and make it available to other apps as well. The details on how this works and why this was changed can be found here: Fix for empty app-mounted directories (CifsManager, etc.) in Android 4.2.

The page mentioned above says this:

> ## Originally Posted by Zygote patch commit message
>
> Zygote: Restrict slave mountspace so Dalvik apps can mount system-wide volumes Android 4.2 implements multi-user storage using per-process mount namespaces. Originally, everything under "/" (the entire filesystem hierarchy) is marked as a recursive-slave mountspace for all zygote instances. This is done so that user-storage sandbox mounts under /storage/emulated are hidden from other apps and users. Unfortunately this means that any Dalvik app (actually, any program whose clone/fork ancestry includes a Dalvik zygote, which is everything except services spawned directly from init) cannot mount system-wide volumes. Thus, apps like CifsManager are effectively broken in Android 4.2, since its cifs mounts are only visible to the CifsManager app itself. All other apps see empty mountpoints instead of the mounted volume. Furthermore, Linux provides no provision for a process to "escape" a recursive-slave mountspace in versions prior to Linux 3.8 (setns syscall).
>
> Here, we restrict the slave mountspace to /storage (and, due to a possible kernel bug, /mnt/shell/emulated) so that Dalvik apps can mount system-wide volumes elsewhere (with appropriate permission, as in earlier versions of Android), while retaining full multi-user storage compatibility. This change requires that a tmpfs volume is mounted as /storage in init.rc. If this volume is unavailable, then Zygote falls back to the previous behavior of marking the entire filesystem hierarchy as slave. It also implicitly requires that EMULATED\_STORAGE\_TARGET is path-prefixed by (part of the subhierarchy of) ANDROID\_STORAGE, which is the typical case.

What it comes down to is that if apps mount a directory or block device, the mounted directory should only be visible for the apps that did the mount unless the app has special permissions, which are not generally available to non-system apps. And even if you manage to mount the directory globally, the Linux permissions will still get in your way.

Therefore, mounting is probably not the easiest solution to your problem, but if you really want to use mounts you should be able to add the commands to `/system/bin/debuggerd` and then (as root) enter `start debuggerd` to execute your own script with system privileges.

There is an easier way to work around the read only problems though, either by installing this app or by manually adding the `media_rw` group to the `WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE` in the permissions file. This allow apps that have permission to write to the emulated SD card to also write to the 'external' SD card.

After making your external storage writeable, you should be able to use symlinks (`ln -s /sdcard/MyPics /sdcard/DCIM/Camera`) to allow quick access to these directories.

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, root-access, file-system, mount
---


title: Is Samsung Push Service redundant?

text:
# Question
Title: Is Samsung Push Service redundant?
I would assume the Android OS would handle Push Notifications for applications, since some phones are not Samsung phones. Can I safely disable this push service, and still get push notifications from non-Samsung related apps?

# Answer
### Short answer

If there's no app using it, it should be safe. You can disable it and find out for yourself; but before really *removing* it (i.e. deleting the "service app"), you should be *very* sure. Though: if any app wants to use it, but you don't care about that app: as Samsung's push service isn't pre-installed on non-Samsung devices, the app should continue to work. You'd only no longer get those notifications then.

### More detailed

To understand this, you will first need to know how push notifications work. I will outline this here in a simplified way:

* the app that wishes to receive notifications registers with the local notification service on the device (and then can go to sleep)
* that local service registers "in the name of the user" (verified by account) with the central service on the Internet (in your case, Samsung's servers)
* long time ago, in another universe (kidding), the service sending out those notifications already had registered with the central server, and thus is known to it. So it sends its notifications there. The central service in turn notifies the (still listening) local service on your device, which in turn wakes the app and hands over the notification.

The idea behind it is not every app needs to be "awake and listening" all the time, but just a single "service" does. This saves battery, bandwidth, and other resources.

But now comes the culprit: apps have explicitly to support the given "notification service" – and there is more than one: Google's "GCM", Amazon's "ADM", Nokia, Samsung … No big deal if your apps support all of them and let you chose; but most times they only support one or maybe two of them.

So you need to be sure the apps you want those "cloud notifications" for support a service you have running. Usually you can tell that by taking a look at their permissions:

* `com.google.android.c2dm.permission.RECEIVE` indicates the use of Google Cloud Messaging (GCM), dealt with by the Google Services Framework (GSF) – which is part of the Google-Apps-Package (GApps) usually pre-installed on most devices.
* `com.amazon.device.messaging.permission.RECEIVE` points to Amazon's Device Messaging (ADM); not sure what is responsible here as "local service"
* `com.nokia.pushnotifications.permission.RECEIVE` would be Nokia's corresponding service
* (I currently don't know the permission for Samsung, but Samsung permissions usually start with `com.sec.android`)
> 4 votes

---
Tags: samsung, push-notifications
---


# Question
Title: How to make automatic SIM card selection for specific contacts?
Everytime I call someone I change SIM card to one of them and call from that SIM card. Is it possible to assign a SIM card for each contact, so that when calling a contact the phone select the SIM card automatically based on the settings?

Even if a contact is saved in first SIM card but currently second is active, phone uses second to call.

# Answer
For lollipop versions, Goto

Settings -\> Sim Cards -\> Call settings -\> Phone account settings -\> Make calls with -\>

Under this you will have three options

* Sim 1
* Sim 2
* Ask First

Select `Ask First` option from that menu and when you call someone from the contacts, you will be shown the Sim 1 and Sim 2 option. Select the `Remember SIM for number` checkbox and select the sim card you want to associate the contact to. The next time you call that contact it will automatically call using the sim you configured as default(It wont show you the sim selection iption). Do remember that you can always switch the sim cards while connecting to call by clicking `Change sim` option.

**Update:**

For Kitkat,

First you need to enable this feature in

```
Dual SIM settings -> Call settings -> Automatic SIM selection.

```

The setting for Dual SIM settings-\>Call settings-\>Making calls should be set as “Ask every time I make a call”.

```
Dual SIM settings -> Call settings -> Making calls.

```

Select `Remember SIM for number` and then select either SIM 1 or SIM 2 to make the call. The next time you make a call to that contact it will automatically call using the sim you configured as default based on the call history.
> 5 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-4, sim-card, automation, dual-sim
---


title: Backup Bluestacks

text:
# Question
Title: Backup Bluestacks
How do I backup Bluestacks on one Windows PC to move the install to another while maintaining all installed apps and saved data?

Seems like a simple procedure but I've not found a solution that does not involve installing an app and backing up one app at a time inside of Bluestacks. This would be very time consuming and impractical.

The data for Bluestacks seems to be in C:\ProgramData\BlueStacks, is it enough to back this up and replace this folder on the destination PC with the folder from the source PC?

# Answer
> 2 votes
AFAIK, yes it should backup the apps and its data. I've tried moving bluestacks setup files under (`C:\ProgramData\BlueStacksSetup`) with just copying and moving to another computer but it only moves Bluestacks's setup files from one pc to another. And the Bluestacks will have only preinstalled apps not the apps you have installed in the previous computer. So you'll get just the bluestacks software skipping the initial `Downloading game data` screen so its a big time saver. And the apps and appdata are stored in another location `C:\ProgramData\BlueStacks`.

So try copying and moving the files under both the below,

* `C:\ProgramData\BlueStacks` \- Contains Android and Apps related data
* `C:\ProgramData\BlueStacksSetup` \- Contains BlueStacks setup data directories and hopefully it should work.

---
Tags: backup, windows, bluestacks
---


# Question
Title: If I deleted photo from gallery made backup before flashing, will I get that photo in the backup?
My phone is Samsung Galaxy Grand. If I delete a photo from the gallery and make a backup before flashing, will I get that photo in the backup?

# Answer
> 3 votes
That very much depends on the type of backup you are talking about. As the photo was deleted, none of the usual backup approaches would cover it: a backup only takes what is there, not was was deleted.

How to recover that photo (if possible) depends not at last on where it was stored:

* external SDCard: safely remove it from the device, and use a card reader to check for deleted files with your computer and an application like *PhotoRec*
* internal SDCard: not that easy. You have to clone that partition (a backup usually does this), transfer it to your computer, and analyse it with an application like *TestDisk* or *Scalpel*

Details and further hints can be found e.g. in our data-recovery tag-wiki. See e.g.:

# Answer
> 1 votes
Usually, flashing of the ROMs only affects files that are stored on your /system partition. Photos are stored on a SD card, and won't be deleted when you flash a ROM.

As for deleted photo, once it's deleted it can't be restored by normal methods. You could try restoring deleted files (there are many articles on the Internet regarding that, try searching for "restore deleted photos on android")

---
Tags: backup, samsung, formatting, samsung-galaxy-grand
---


title: Android root HTC ONE M7 infinite boot

text:
# Question
Title: Android root HTC ONE M7 infinite boot
I have HTC ONE M7 and I tried to root it . I did everything but it seems I did something wrong. It stuck at the recovery thing when I reboot it again and again it opens the recovery page. what should I do ?

# Answer
> 0 votes
I'm not familiar with what you used to root, but I know the HTC One M7 has problems reading the ISO boot file provided depending on the version of the phone. However I found very reliable resources you may be able to use... Read everything carefully from the links... First try to fix the recovery with HBOOT

Next I would try to do a factory recovery and then follow one of these methods Flashify or FromXDA XDAforum If not, a hard reset and hopefully the image files are available online. I think HTC has tons of options so don't panic, just be patient... You will get it...

---
Tags: rooting, root-access, htc, htc-one
---


# Question
Title: S3 not booting up after being flashed with a stock ROM
I had an S3 with Cynogenmod and I'm flashing a stock rom from here:

http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/GT-I9300/#firmware

The process of flashing, with Odin3, works and in another S3 it worked without any issues, but in this particular one, when it boots, it goes through the process of applying some upgrades, then reboots and shows this:

Any ideas what's going on and/or what to do?

# Answer
Found the solution. I guess Cyanogenmod left something in /data that was interfering with the boot up process, maybe settings for a newer version of some app. Starting by pressing volume-up and home at the same time dropped me in the menu with the factory reset. Doing the factory reset allowed the phone to boot up properly.
> 1 votes

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


title: Malware installed with remote debugging

text:
# Question
Title: Malware installed with remote debugging
Is it possible for someone to install apks without you noticing, using remote debugging? (E.g. over TCP/IP, or on the same WiFi network). I found articles referring to this after a quick Google, but I'm not sure if they are not just alarmist.

EDIT: This paper seems to talk about something similar - "Android’s External Device Attack: Demonstration and Security Suggestions" \- Wei et al.

I was thinking of enabling debugging mode, but this is keeping me from doing it.

# Answer
> 2 votes
The attack (in question) mentioned in the said research paper would work on a device only when your device is running ADB in TCP/IP mode. You have to specifically give the instructions to bind the ADB on a particular port on your device.

Entering `adb help` would give one such entry:

```
adb tcpip <port>             - restarts the adbd daemon listening on TCP on the specified port

```

Until you restart ADB in TCP/IP mode you're safe from said network attacks (there would be no port opened by ADB to allow access to your device until restarted with aforesaid command).

For surety you can use an app like OS Monitor to see if there are any open ports on your device while running ADB over USB only.

You can enable USB debugging safely. However, other attacks like pushing malicious files or installing APKs *et al* would definitely work on ADB over USB, so be cautious while handing phones to others.

# Answer
> 2 votes
> is it possible for someone to install apks without you noticing, using remote debugging?

Yes. First you have to have remote debugging (ADB over TCP/IP) on (typically requires root). Then they have to know your device's IP address and the port number used for ADB over TCP/IP. If done through a malicious app, you would have first had to install the app, and it would need to have a root privilege escalation method to work to enable adb debugging and adb over tcp/ip.

As of Android 4.2, there has been changes to how ADB works. It now requires device Authorization first, over usb. When connected to the right version ADB client, the phone prompts the user to accept the client device fingerprint. Until that happens, the device cannot connect over TCP/IP. After it is authorized once on usb, then it can work over TCP/IP.

Additionally, there is the Verify apps (under security) and Verify apps via ADB (under developer options). This sends details about sideloaded apps to Google for verification, and will block common malware from installing, even via ADB (if checked, naturally). It will not catch everything.

To mitigate this, you just need to follow a few common sense steps. First, use a SU manager, to prevent random root access. Second, keep ADB over TCP/IP disabled until needed. Third, keep Debugging or development disabled. Forth, be wary of any app outside of the Play store.

In short, its possible, but harder to happen since Android 4.2

---
Tags: security, usb-debugging, privacy, debug
---


title: Simplenote shortcut to open a new note

text:
# Question
Title: Simplenote shortcut to open a new note
I would like a home screen shortcut that opens a new note in Simplenote. I know I can easily set up a shortcut that opens up to the list of saved notes where I can open a new note by pressing the pen icon in the lower right hand corner.

I want to launch into a fresh new note each time I press on the shortcut.

* I have already verified that is not available from the list of activities for standard shortcuts.
* I have also searched unsuccessfully for a widget that does this.
* In my extremely limited knowledge, I have tried code my own shortcut with a tool called Manual Intent Shortcuts. It seems doable but requires parameters I'm not familiar with. I tried to locate them but don't know where to find (I have tried further apps: Intent Analyser and **Clip Intent**, and I have decompiled the apk).

But I am still unable to solve my original problem: **How to put a shortcut on the home screen that will open a new note in Simplenote?**

Thanks in advance to anyone who might have helpful suggestions or a solution.

# Answer
> 0 votes
## What this answer would achieve?

* A solution for **How to put a shortcut on the home screen that will open a new note in Simplenote?**
* Three more solutions for something much better than Simplenote but meeting the criteria of the question.

## Notes

* Solutions tested on device with Android 4.2.1 but would work on all Android 4+ and 5+ devices.
* Only **Method #1** requires root access.

---

Simplenote has this AndroidManifest.xml and the relevant activity which opens the editor in the app is:

```
<activity android:name="com.automattic.simplenote.NoteEditorActivity" android:configChanges="1184" android:windowSoftInputMode="2"/>

```

It is easy to launch an activity using `am start <params>` but their seems to be no intent registered with this activity, neither it has any export parameter. It's precisely the reason why you ended up writing:

> * I have already verified that is not available from the list of activities for standard shortcuts.
> * I have also searched unsuccessfully for a widget that does this.

Running this activity on ADB with normal privileges with following command results in permission denial error.

```
am start -n com.automattic.simplenote/.NoteEditorActivity

```

Launching it with root privileges simply crashes the app without throwing any error. I couldn't understand any reasoning behind crashing in logcat's output.

---

# Method #1

However, there is an indirect way to launch into Simplenote's editor by using Tasker. **Note again that this method will require ROOT access**.

See this answer to become familiar with Tasker's normal usage. (The default way of saving things in Tasker is to press back key once you're done with something.)

We'll be creating a task with two actions involving launching Simplenote and executing automatic touch input on the pen icon.

## Instructions

1. Go to **Settings**Developer options(see how to enable it) → check **Pointer location**.

You'll start to see some lines when touching anything on screen, and numbers on the top. Don't panic since it's the feature we just enabled.
2. Launch Simplenote → touch and hold the pen icon and note down (visible over Notification bar) `X:xxx` and `Y:yyy` coordinates.

E.g. In the following image the coordinates are `X:457.0` and `Y:55.9`:

<sub>(*Click on the image to see larger variant.*)</sub>

You can now disable the **Pointer location**.
3. Install and launch Tasker → tap Menu key → Enable.
4. Create a task under **Task** and an action under it through `+`**App → Launch App → Simplenote** and leave the rest fields untouched.
5. Create an another action in the same task through `+`**Code →Run Shell**. Enter following details and leave the rest fields untouched.
    * *Command*: `input touchscreen tap xxx yyy` -- fill `xxx` and `yyy` from what you noted down.
    * Check **Use Root**.
6. Try executing these actions by tapping play icon (at bottom).
7. Go to your Home Launcher → App drawer → Widgets. Otherwise, go to similar "add widget" option available in your launcher/device.
8. Choose the widget **Task Shortcut** → select your task → tap the the square icon (made of 3x3 small boxes) at the bottom → choose an icon, and a shortcut will be created on your home screen with the name of the task. You may have to follow +- few steps to get this done in your launcher.

Tap the shortcut and you will see the editor of Simplenote. :)

**Note**: On my device executing the shortcut first time only launched SimpleNote since auto-input executed before the pen icon was visible on the screen, and Time-out parameter in Tasker seems to have no effect. However, once SimpleNote shows up in recent list the solution works flawlessly. It is also possible that my device being old is slow in executing Simplenote swiftly.

---

# Method #2

I found an alternative to Simplenote named Notes which has similar features and interface. It also easily allows to create the desired shortcut.

## Solution 2.1

Notes app has a widget available to get the job done. We'll use it here.

### Instructions

1. Go to your Home Launcher → App drawer → Widgets. Otherwise, go to similar "add widget" option available in your launcher/device.
2. Choose the widget **New note** and a shortcut would be created on your home screen with the name of the task. You may have to follow +- few steps to get this done in your launcher.

Here we go, simple and easy new shortcut to open a new note every time it is executed.

---

## Solution 2.2

We'll be using a very handy shortcut creator app for launching editor of Notes.

**Note** that there may already be an icon of the Notes app on your Home Screen if you have default settings in Play Store. It is optional but better to delete that shortcut before proceeding for any step in this solution to avoid confusion with the new shortcut having the same name and icon.

### Instructions

1. Install and launch QuickShortcutMaker.
2. Under **Activities** scroll to **Notes** → tap it and select the entry listing:

```
Notes
Edit note
nl.jacobras.notes/
nl.jacobras.notes.activities.EditNoteActivity

```
3. You may tweak it such as changing the icon if you ignored **Note** before these instructions, then select **Create** at the bottom. You'll be taken back to home screen which would be having a new shortcut with name `Notes` and icon of the same app.

Now every time you launch this shortcut you'll find the editor window for a new note. Good work!

---

## Solution 2.3

If QuickShortcutMaker doesn't work on your device as intended (not updated since 2014) then we'll use the Tasker.

See this answer to become familiar with Tasker's normal usage. (The default way of saving things in Tasker is to press back key once you're done with something.)

The goal is to create a shortcut through a task which will be launched by a shortcut available as a Tasker Widget.

### Instructions

1. Install and launch Tasker → tap Menu key → Enable.
2. Create a task under **Task** and an action under it through `+`**System → Send intent**. Edit only the following fields only (taken from its AndroidManifest.xml):
    * *Cat*: `None`
    * *Mime Type*: `text/plain`
    * *Package*: `nl.jacobras.notes`
    * *Target*: `Activity`
3. Try executing the action by tapping play icon (at bottom).
4. Go to your Home Launcher → App drawer → Widgets. Otherwise, go to similar "add widget" option available in your launcher/device.
5. Choose the widget **Task Shortcut** → select your task → tap the the square icon (made of 3x3 small boxes) at the bottom → choose an icon, press back key and a shortcut would be created on your home screen with the name of the task. You may have to follow +- few steps to get this done in your launcher.

Now every time you launch this shortcut you'll find the editor window for a new note. Happy editing!

---

**Status: Objective Completed!**

---
Tags: home-screen-shortcuts, intents, simplenote
---


title: Tap & Go setup missed installed apps

text:
# Question
Title: Tap & Go setup missed installed apps
I have just executed a Tap & Go setup moving from Nexus 4 (Android 5.1.1) to OnePlus One (Android 5.0.2). It seems to be working all fine except for the fact that the setup misses the majority of apps installed on the Nexus 4.

**Update**: Followed TurboFools suggestion. Turns out that restoration is not using the device from the NFC connection. In fact, I missed the new lollipop restoration process on my first try now the new device only restores from its own backup. I am using the proper account. My other devices do not even show up as alternative options. Removing the new device from menu in the play store did not help.

Am I lost?

Any idea how to restore from the other (Nexus 4) device?

# Answer
Seems as of today, it is not possible to restore a 5.1 lollipop backup to a 5.0 device. :(

Backups not showing up for the restore process in Lollipop

Latest CM 12.1 snapshots (Android 5.1) seem to do the trick. I personally decided to skip the restoration and do it manually.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I've had hit or miss luck with this myself. I've had MUCH better results by skipping tap-and-go, causing it to let me pick from a list of previous devices, showing the date they were last used, and then allows me to view the entire list of apps it will download and individually uncheck the ones I don't want, or deselect all and then select the few I do. More granular and seems more reliable.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, 5.0-lollipop, nexus-4, 5.1-lollipop, oneplus-one
---


# Question
Title: How to understand app restrictions set by developers
So I was just looking at are very standard app, - Bank of America and Ally Bank. none of these apps showed up on Google Play Store and in my list of devices they indicated as being incompatible . So I downloaded the other app forgot its name which will make my phone model brand and carrier different from what it is now and hopefully that app would show up. But even after disguising my phone as a Nexus with A T and T it would still not show up on play store . So obviously the developer had set some restrictions based on carriers or brand. What I want to find out here, in this question is how do I find out what kind of restrictions this app may have , so I can accordingly spoof the phone I ended up installing it from a manual apk download , and that is not trustworthy with bank password

# Answer
See Filters on Google Playstore and on How filters work?

> Filtering in Google Play is based on several types of app metadata and configuration settings, including manifest declarations, required libraries,architecture dependencies, and distribution controls set in the Google Play Developer Console, such as geographic targeting, pricing, and more.
>
> Google Play filtering is based in part on manifest declarations and other aspects of the Android framework, but actual filtering behaviors are distinct from the framework and are not bound to specific API levels.

However when you access Google playstore from the web browser with an email id which has not registered with any android device the restrictions are not applied. If you want look at the specific app for restrictions you can download the apk file offline and unpack it and in the manifest file(AndroidManifest.xml) you can see the list restrictions made for that app. Look out for the Filtering based on the App Manifest tags in particular under the configuration.

Consider the following example, an application that is designed to run on older API levels declares a Bluetooth permission, but does not declare the Bluetooth feature in a element.

Result: Google Play does not filter the application from any device.

```
<manifest ...>
    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.BLUETOOTH_ADMIN" />
    <uses-sdk android:minSdkVersion="3" />
    ...
</manifest>

```

In the second example, below, the same application also declares a target API level of "5".

Result: Google Play now assumes that the feature is required and will filter the application from all devices that do not report Bluetooth support, including devices running older versions of the platform.

```
<manifest ...>
    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.BLUETOOTH_ADMIN" />
    <uses-sdk android:minSdkVersion="3" android:targetSdkVersion="5" />
    ...
</manifest>

```
> 2 votes

# Answer
There might be some explicit restrictions (such as availability in certain countries only, and/or a subset of Android versions), and indirect ones. A developer hardly can test an app on all devices that exist, so they usually setup parameters: Android version, device features.

An app might e.g. require a minimum screen resolution – which would rule out all devices "below" that, without any device/manufacturer being explicitly mentioned. It might require a camera being present, or the device having a GPS module (not all tablets have this).

Would be quite a long post to list all possibilities and combinations, but I guess you've got the idea. As for the banking app of a given bank, I very well could imagine it being restricted to a single country (or a small group of countries) – where the bank is working with customers.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: applications, google-play-store, security, compatibility
---


title: Unable to send messages ICS

text:
# Question
Title: Unable to send messages ICS
Whenever I sent a message it is in

> Sending...

status all the time. I've checked the SMSC settings and they are entered correctly. Restarted phone several time. Still the problem is there..

I can receive messages, can make call also

# Answer
The only thing that I can think of is that you're sending a type of message that can not be sent by default (e.g. MMS messages). I had an issue where long SMS messages would automatically be converted to MMS, thus not being not-sendable. Check whether the message type is SMS, and also check whether you can send short SMS messages (that won't be converted to MMS).

Also, try installing different messaging app (like Google's Messenger), to see if that helps.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Remove the SIM card-\> Insert the SIM into another phone and restart the phone -\> Insert in back into your phone and restart and check if it works. This will reconfigure the message center and the settings for you SIM card. If the problem persist contact your network operator for settings.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, sms
---


title: SMS with alphanumeric sender discarded

text:
# Question
Title: SMS with alphanumeric sender discarded
I am working in a company where we host a server to send SMS to mobile phone providers. We have several customers each day who cannot receive SMS we deliver to them because their Android SMS app discards them due to an alphanumeric sender. So, we have the "Delivered to Phone" state from the SMSC, but the customer effectively does not see the message.

We manage lists of customers who need plain numeric senders and circumvent the problem in this way.

Is there a way that might be a possible solution for - at least a good number of - the customers to easily setup their app or phone to accept/allow alphanumeric senders so we can tell them? Note, however that our customers are any average mobile phone customers, not necessarily with any informatic knowledge.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Ok, I give the answer myself. If you find out how to activate it (which is quite easy because the web is full of it), you also know how to deactivate it.

Sorry for the stupid question.

---
Tags: sms-blocking
---


# Question
Title: Cannot root phone by installing superuser.zip CWM v6.0.5.1 Stable
Xiaomi redmi 2 runs MIUI 6.2.4.0(KHJCNBK)

In order to install CWM, I downloaded both the adb and fastboot, I extracted `recovery.img` in the folder, together with them. I entered fastboot mode.

Then, in fastboot I ran:

```
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img

fastboot reboot

```

Now I booted CWM into recovery. It I ran this superuser file, which matches my phone model. It installed, had `done!` at the end:

However, when I exit the menu it asks me whether to root the phone ( with `root access is missing` at the top ), I tried both yes/no, it reboots, but phone is still not rooted. What's the issue here?

# Answer
> 1 votes
You did succesfully installed the superuser framework but you need to install SuperSu what controls everything. Follow steps below to successfully install SuperSu:

1. Download SuperSu from the play store here.
2. Open SuperSu and you should see something like this:

Screenshot - Update SU binary (Click to enlarge)

3. Click continue.
4. Click normal. (If you see message for more then 5 minutes then reboot and try the other option)
5. Reboot your phone and now you should be rooted. Check it with a root checker app like this:

ScreenShot - Root check, Success (Click to enlarge)

6. Consider purchasing the pro version to support the developer here.

Hope my answer helps.

---
Tags: adb, root-access
---


# Question
Title: Preview download size of app on Play Store
I do not seem to be able to see how large an app's download size in the play store is prior to buying it or agreeing to install it.

Is there a means of doing this?

# Answer
> 2 votes
On the application page, press the green dialog, then scroll down to the bottom, and you will find all the infomation there.

# Answer
> 2 votes
In the `Play Store` app on your phone you can find that information by clicking `Read More` option.

And in webversion you can find the app info that you are downloading by viewing the `Additional Information` section where it has `Size` information at the bottom of that app details part.

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


title: Make more internal storage available

text:
# Question
Title: Make more internal storage available
I'm running a SlimKat ROM on Sony Xperia Z Ultra. Officially the device has 16GB storage installed, but only 11.79GB are available to the user. I know that all the rest is reserved for the OS needs. May be the official Sony ROM really needs 3.5GB of space to function properly, but since SlimKat is a very compact ROM, I'm sure it doesn't need so much storage (am I right?).

So is there any way to make more storage available for the user needs and less for the OS? May be there are some ways to repartition the device memory.

When I tried to google the question, I learned that there are some tricks to make the device treat the external SD card as internal storage, but that's not what I'm looking for now :)

# Answer
> 2 votes
Yes. It is possible to have more space allocated for personal use.

First, I would suggest that your download Terminal Emulator and run the command `df` in it to get the memory allocated for each partition (ie `/system`, `/data` etc).

The space allocated to `/data` partition is only space you can use. Rest is for system/firmware that you cant use. There are three ways to get out of this problem-\>

1) **Repartition**

We will reduce the amount of memory allocated to `/system` and give that memory to `/data`. Manufacturers often give `/system` partition a farily good amount of space for future os upgrades. But when you use custom roms, they are relatively lighter and use much less space, so we can shrink this partition. But unfortunately, there isn't any such method made yet for xperia z ultra as far as I know. So this is a rather difficult (almost impossible, considering working of sony phones, the TA partition etc).

2) **Installing as "system app"**

You know that `/system` partition has a lot of unused space. So how to use it? Install apps inside system partition! They will become system apps and you will need special app managers to uninstall them (you can use some app manager to install app and move it to `/system` partition. **Not all apps will support doing this**). Downside is that apps will still store their data in `/data` partition, so again, this isnt a very good option. (You can also just create a random folder inside `/system` partition and probably store a few things like songs inside that? Ok that might be a stupid idea, even though I do practice this on my Nexus 4, which has relatively even less memory).

3) **App2SD**

This leaves you with only one efficient option as this. Use some app like Link2Sd to move apps and their data to external sd card. Hence more space inside internal. Again, not all apps are supported, but most are.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Well u did not specify your Android OS so let's go by the default answer

1. Basically in Android Device the operating system(jelly bean, Kit Kat) occupies a lot of space for the phone to operate(drivers for Wi-Fi, HD display etc.) and remind you its pre determined and can also vary after an update.
2. Due to which the internal memory will decrease after the update takes place.
3. To increase the internal memory there's no way without downgrading the operating system of your phone as the storage space of the operating system is reduced.
4. Another way would be to move all your applications to the SD Card storage which will boost your speed as well as memory.

# Answer
> -2 votes
Look netimen , i particularly don't know much about Slimkat ROM but what works for other android devices is that if you have a spot for micro sd card then what you do is that you transfer every possibly movable app to your sd card. To do that go to SETTINGS\>APP MANAGER. Now choose the apps you want to move and if there is an option for MOVE TO SD CARD click on it. The app had been moved. Now if you want other files also to go to sd card, head over to your FILE MANAGER and simply move the apps. This will make a lot of free space in the internal memory of your device. Hope it helped :D . Thanks is always appreciated.

---
Tags: root-access, internal-storage
---


# Question
Title: Transfer contacts with multiple numbers from Android to Windows Phone
I have transferred all contacts from the Android phone (Moto G) to the Windows Phone (Microsoft Lumia 540). I have multiple numbers for each contact in Android, but I can see only one number for a contact in my Windows phone.

For example, Sachine has two numbers: 999-999-9992 and 888-888-882.
In Windows, it shows Sachine: 999-999-9992 only.

Please help me out with this problem.

# Answer
If you're transfering contacts just to back them up, you could try adding your contacts to your Google account, where they are automatically backed up, and you can also view them online, on contacts.google.com
> 0 votes

# Answer
Try to export them in vCard format (instead of CSV) from Google Contacts and import them into your Windows Phone.

If that doesn't work, then try to export contacts from your Contacts -\> Export. This will be saved as `.vcf` file on your SD card. Transfer the file (via Bluetooth) and import this `.vcf` file into your Windows Phone.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: contacts, windows, data-transfer
---


# Question
Title: How do I get rid of "Network may be monitored" in KitKat?
Ever since I've installed my own CA in the key store I'm getting warnings that the network may be monitored. Well, I guess that's a valid warning if I don't trust these certificates, but I really trust my own CA here; even more than the ones preinstalled.

How do I get rid of this warning I see at least once per day popping up?

This is on stock Android 4.4 KitKat on a Nexus 5.

# Answer
I was looking into the same issue, and it was answered on XDA http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2537794

In short - it is possible if your phone is rooted to move the certificate to the System section.

Very annoying that it is not possible to exclude certificates from this warning - it only produces noise when I know that the cert is OK to use.
> 9 votes

# Answer
I have the same problem, can you try putting the certificate into the "System certificates" as shown here:

http://nblock.org/2011/09/03/how-to-update-the-android-certificate-store/

I don't have a linux system on hand at the moment, so I cannot really try it out. Let me know if it works!
> 0 votes

# Answer
The easiest way is to install the certificate using Settings -\> Security , and then go to a terminal window and do this:

```
$ su
# cp /mnt/ext_card/data/misc/keychain/certs-added/* /system/etc/security/cacerts/

```
> -4 votes

---
Tags: security, certificates, 4.4-kitkat
---


# Question
Title: How to backup the entire or parts of android without 3rd party/cloud?
How can I take two separate backups?

* Contacts only
* Full backup

I do not want to install any 3rd party program. I do not want to store my information on cloud. I just want to store it directly from phone to PC.

I use Android on Samsung G5.

# Answer
This is a rather difficult and strange task to do without any utilities or cloud. You can check your phone's contacts app if it has some option to export contacts into some external file. Otherwise you will have to use some app from playstore like Super Backup which can save contacts in your sdcard.

By full backup, if you mean apps and data and contacts, sms etc, then Titanium Backup (pro recommended) is your one great chance.

Otherwise if you are rooted, you can use custom recovery to backup whole android including system and data (nandroid backup). But other then these, there's practically no way to backup without using 3rd party program (referring to ADB (which would need root, but can create an ultimate all in one backup of \*everything you will ever need) and vendor softwares like Samsung Kies).

Otherwise if you are referring to without using any apps on phone, pc or cloud, thats basically impossible. Because:

1) App data-\> There are lot other things. You can get APKs, and you can even try copying data from app data `/data/data` and `/sdcard/Android/data` or `/sdcard/Android/obb` (for games) for which you will need root to get into /data directory (since we arent using any other app or program). But thats not it and you will probably end up in a corruption and ultimately reinstall app if you try manually copying/pasting the data, hence ultimately loosing that data. plus there's cache too which is a totally separate partition, so lets not take that into account either.

2) Contacts-\> There isn't a simple txt where contacts are stored. You can though manually try extracting contacts as they are inside `/data/data/*.providers.contacts/databases/*.db` (location varies phone to phone and vendor to vendor), but it would again need third party app such as some sort of SQL Editor to open it since they are in database format.

So it is practically impossible to do these tasks without using any external app or program.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: backup, storage, samsung-galaxy-s-5
---


# Question
Title: Space Issue on data directory Android using Galaxy Note
I am using Galaxy Note 1 and have 2GB of data directory in which i install and use thirdparty apps. But the data directory was almost always full, so I rooted my device to find out what was taking the space. i.e 500 MB is taken by apps and have 200 MB free but cant account for the Rest.

I have deleted stock apps from system/apps directory using no bloat but it dosent free space on data directory.

I know how to use adb shell but doing ls -l at every directory dosent sounds v good. How can i find out whats taking my space. And can we delete files in dalvik cache?

# Answer
It seems that Diskusage did the job for the questioner here. Diskusage can help you to analyze the usage of your storage in hierarchical format with intuitive and live diagram.

<sub>(Click any image to see its larger variant.)</sub>

* Default screen would ask for the storage/directory you want to analyze:

You can select any directory under **\[Root required\]** for analysis if your device is rooted. For a normal user, the default analysis should be for **App Storage**, **Storage Card** and **/storage/sdcardX**. (Note that some options may differ for Android 4.4+ or 5.+.)
* A live diagram for **App Storage** would look like:
* Live diagram zoom in (select an entry and tap **Show** to open the Android Settings for the app) :
* `/system` usage in my device:
* Select an entry and tap **Show** to open it in default File manager into the the directory:

---

Diskusage app would do the trick, otherwise ES File Explorer, Titanium Backup and Storage Partitions can also show the diagram among other things, but they are not as easy and intuitive IMO as Diskusage is.

---

## About Diskusage

> DiskUsage provides a way to find files and directories on storage card which consume a lot of space. Displays diagram with directories/subdirectories proportional to their size.
> 2 votes

# Answer
If by "data" directory you mean internal storage, then it doesnt have anything to do much really with system apps. System apps use space from `/system` partition which you cannot use for storing normal data anyway. And whatever used/free space in this partition has nothing to do with your space in data partition (or space you can use, in other words).

Infact, `/data/media/0` is whats used for storing personal files or as internal memory.

Now how to find out whats taking space. First, run the command `adb shell df` inside adb. This will list you the total space allotted to every partition. Out of this, you can use the space allotted to `storage/emulated/0` or `/data` (names may change according to android version). Check there the amount of space allocated to data directory. Unless you repartition, you cannot gain any more space than this for storing personal files and downloading apps.

> And can we delete files in dalvik cache?

Dont do it. Its useless. Dalvic cache has to be present for sure. Even if you delete it, it will be recreated with almost same size. So deleting this wont gain you much storage.

This leaves you with only two things that can use data, your apps and their cache, and your own data inside internal memory.

**What can you try to free up space?**

* Most mainstream method, delete useless apps.
* Try clearing cache (although it will be recreated, but sometimes there is cache of things that no longer exist or are needed, for instance deleted photos or play store cache or even themer apps cache).
* Do not use any cleaner apps. They are hoax.
* Remove useless files.
* You can also try moving apps to external storage using apps like link2sd. But this may not work for Every app.

Hope this helps.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Check insufficient-memory tag info, you may find some useful guides on how to free up your memory.

The most radical way, but also the most efficient (it fixes your storage in the long-term) is changing the partition table, by reducing the "internal SD card", and increasing /data partition. If you're wiling to take a risk, here's how to do it.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: rooting, internal-storage, insufficient-memory
---


title: Backup ALL Android files to PC?

text:
# Question
Title: Backup ALL Android files to PC?
I've had this issue with both my GS3 and now my N5. I routinely wipe my phone and start over fresh, so using apps like TitaniumBackup and Helium does not help me since I don't plan on restoring any of my apps in the future.

My problem arises when I connect my phone to either my PC or my Mac laptop, and attempt to just backup ALL of the files ("Backup ALL the files!") to my computer or an external hard drive. The computer will start copying the files, but then the progress bar disappears after a few seconds (well before hitting 100%) with no errors or messages. Upon checking the copied files, some folders and files are completely backed up with a simple drag and drop, but other folders don't.

I have the phone set on MTP and debugging is enabled, and all of the files show up. I realize that some folders don't allow you to just drag and drop them (possibly the "Android" folder?), but others, like my "Downloads" folder, shouldn't have any restrictions, right?

How can I simply make a full backup of all of the files that are on the phone? I've done this successfully in the past, but cannot remember what method or program was used.

# Answer
MTP might not be reliable enough for that. Several approaches I can offer:

## using on-board capabilities via ADB

This requires ADB tools being available on your computer (see e.g. Is there a minimal installation of ADB? for how to meet this). Now let's see how to get the files over.

1. open a command prompt, and (optionally) switch to the directory your `adb` executable is in
2. Make sure is activated on your device
3. connect your device via USB
4. assuming your SDCard is mounted/available as `/sdcard` on your device, let's copy it with its contents:

```
adb pull /sdcard /home/chris/android/sdcard

```

Just adjust the path to your needs ;)

## using an app with a more user-friendly GUI

I use FolderSync to keep several directories backed-up. The big pro of this approach is: even if your device hard-crashes one day, you still have a quite up-to-date backup of all files on your computer.

<sup>*FolderSync:* Main screen, folder pairs (source: Google Play; click images for larger variants)</sup>

*FolderSync* supports a lot of services and protocols – not only cloud storage. You can easily use it with Windows shares (aka Samba aka SMB), or via SCP on Linux, or FTP with any server, amongst others. Simply define folder pairs (which directory on your device shall be kept in sync with which remote directory), and setup a schedule (e.g. whenever connected to your home WiFi, at 3 am), and there you go. With the Pro version (which I use) you can even set it to "manual only", and trigger it via .

Of course, you also can set it to "manual", and then initiate the transfer whenever you find it useful. Being a "Sync tool", it will always only copy those files needing to be copied – if the same file exists on both ends with the same content and timestamp, it doesn't need to be copied again ;)

## Other options

Plenty of them. More sync tools. Or a remote manager like *AirDroid*. Or using a file manager with remote capabilities, like *ES File Explorer*. Just to give you some ideas ;)
> 4 votes

# Answer
There is a way to create one in all backup at once using ADB (will include your own data as well as apps data etc).

* First setup ADB from above link (make sure you install proper drivers first).
* Enable USB Debugging on your phone and connect it to pc. You dont need to go in recovery or fastboot mode. Connect it while its normally powered on.
* Open CMD/Terminal and run the command `adb devices`. If it returns some output that means that phone is successfully recognized by ADB. Otherwise if there's no output then you will need to reinstall correct drivers.
* Once the phone is recognized, we now begin real process. First, to tell you what we are going to do, we will use `adb backup` to backup entirely everything! Including internal memory, system, apps, data etc etc (you have options to choose what you want to backup).
* The base command syntax for `adb backup` goes like this-\>

adb backup \[-f \] \[-apk|-noapk\] \[-shared|-noshared\] \[-all\] \[-system|nosystem\] \[\]

---

To explain parameters:

1) `f`: This switch determines your backup location. For instance, `-f D:/Backup/mybackup.ab` will save the backup file inside D:/ drive and then inside a folder called `Backup` and with file name `mybackup.ab`.

2) `-apk|-noapk`: This switch is responsible for including APKs (to include APKs, or not that is). By default if you do not specify any option, it uses `-noapk`. Personally, I suggest you turn it on so you dont have to download APK from market while restoring. If you decide not to include APKs, only app's respective data will be backuped without APK itself.

3) `-shared|-noshared`: This is used to enable/disable backup of `/sdcard` contents. Although I suggest that you manually backup your personal photos, music etc since sometimes it doesn't backup everything. Default is `-noshared` if not specified.

4) `-all`: This is used to backup ALL apps. Unless you are backing up some specific app, I would say just keep it on.

5) `-system|-nosystem`: This is to include system or pre-installed applications in your backup too. Default is `-system`

6) `<packages...>`: This allows you to backup specific apps/packages. Just mention the name here (for ex-\> com.facebook.orca (just an imaginary name)).

---

* Once you have chosen your command and swiitches and what you want to backup, run the commmand in cmd. For ex, for me, I used the command `adb backup -apk -shared -system -all -f D:/DroidBackup.ab`.
* You will see a dialog box on your device asking a password for encryption. Enter the password (if desired) and **RETAIN IT TO BE ABLE TO RESTORE DATA**.
* It may take quite a time depending on what you decide to backup.

***NOTE:*** Depeding on what you backuped, you may need to root your device to restore. For ex, if you backup system apps, then you can do that without root. But you will need root while restoring the backup. Since we need root to write to `/system` partition.

**How to Restore:**

Connect to ADB the same way as above. Then use command `adb restore PathToBackupAndFileName.ab`.

You will get a prompt on your device, enter the password you chose in previous step and press `Restore my Data` button on phone.

***NOTE:***

This does **NOT** backup Messages, so use some external app to manually do that.

When I performed this about a 2 years ago, it didn't work unless I gave it a password. So try not to leave that password field blank (although that bug is likely to be fixed now. Just telling in case its still there...).
> 1 votes

---
Tags: backup
---


# Question
Title: Will running virtual machine on Android completely turn my Android into Windows phone
I have heard about the BOCHS app which can run a virtual machine created by us on android. So we can run Windows OS on Android (please refer to this link). I want to know that if it's just a virtual machine opened by an app then we can click back button it will close the app and bring us back to the Android screen or it will turn our Android completely to Windows?

# Answer
No we cant. BOCHS is a single thread program. And till now, individual processor cores aren't that strong for any android till today to run any modern OS as intended.

Infact, even you you managed to install just the os, the hardware wont be enough t or run any app and interface will be far too pain.

You can install older OSes like windows xp (on phones like s5-s6 or similar) or windows 98, but again, no real softwares could be run. Forget games, even mugen doesn't run properly. Even if the android hardware is good enough, BOCHS hasnt developed to that level yet.

So until BOCHS supports multi-threading and some other things, its almost useless to try that. Plus you can install only older OSes. New ones will hang a lot. I have personally tried Ubuntu 12.04 and a stripped off version of windows xp. But they were no use.

The only thing its good for is that you can say "Hey look! I got windows in my phone". But other than that, there's no purpose, atleast for now.

> Will running virtual machine on Android completely turn my Android into Windows phone

Its not what you think it is. As I already said, you wont be able to make use of any major function. Its like using virtualisation programs like virtualbox on pc. Your pc wont turn in to that os, but both OSes will run simultaneously. SO no, your android wont be replaced. And android and that OS will both run together until you exit the app. Thats all it is to it.... The article is over-exaggerated. Infact, you will get bored of this in less than a day.

Again, feel free to try.

Finally, its not the os from windows phones. Instead, it is the *actual windows we run on pc*. You can imagine what it would be like in such a small sized screen like phone right?
> 3 votes

---
Tags: windows, virtualization
---


# Question
Title: How can I remove the SIM Lock on my Samsung S2 LTE (SC-03D) Japan Docomo?
I am looking for a way to make the phone sim free without going to the company's shop and paying for them to unlock it. Anybody know how it can be done? The SC-03D does not have an nv\_data.bin file that most galaxy unlocking tools require so I'm at a bit of a loss. It does have an /efs/ partition though.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I found a way and posted a solution to xda-dev:

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=60964832&postcount=2

In order to sim unlock the SC-03D it is necessary to first flash a "special" radio. Flashing the radio is possible with a CWM based recovery. Get the latest version of CWM-recovery from this forum and flash it using ODIN/Heimdall: http://android.slateblue.tk/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=73

Then get the radio to flash from this XDA thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=37564563)

This radio is from the Galaxy Note (SC-05D) so it made my phone very very slow. However, you need this radio because it has options to make the phone sim free. Options which the original SC-03D radio does not. As soon as you flash this new radio boot the phone, run the dialer application and dial:

\*#9090#

it might be very slow but eventually you should get to the service menu. To access more options press \[menu\] then \[Input key\]. Then into the text box type:

Q0 (Q Zero, not QOh)

It should bring you to another menu after a second or so. Select these options:

\[1\] DEBUG SCREEN \[8\] PHONE CONTROL \[5\] SIMULATION \[6\] NETWORK LOCK \[3\] PERSO SHA256 OFF Wait for 30 seconds , press MENU then BACK. Select: \[4\] NW LOCK NV DATA INITIALLIZ

Wait 60 seconds. Reboot. Congrats you're sim free. You should remain sim free no matter what radio/firmware/rom you flash.

partial credit to FAB: http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/fab4\_boys/26754215.html And HomuHomu for the recovery.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-2, sim-unlocking
---


# Question
Title: Video stopped recording after ~31 minutes
I attempted to record a long video with my Nexus 5, only to discover that the video stopped capturing partway through. I searched for a possible explanation, but nothing I found seems to match this particular case:

* It doesn't appear to be a **file size** limitation, because the recording stopped at 3891MB (4,081,007,519 bytes), a ways off from 4GB.1
* It doesn't appear to be a **storage capacity** limitation, as I had ~10 GB of free storage before the recording began
* It doesn't appear to be a **time-based** limitation, as the recording stopped at 31:50, not a "rounded" number like 30:00 or 60:00
* It doesn't appear to be a **battery** limitation, as I had ~47% battery after the recording had finished
* I am not inclined to suspect a **heat** limitation, as I don't remember the phone feeling particularly warm when I picked it up -- although that wasn't until a couple minutes later

*1 Additionally, the Nexus 5 stores to internal memory rather than an SD card, and I understand that the filesystem is ext4, which supports files well over 4GB*

**For what other reason would video stop recording?** And how could I prevent this issue from occurring in the future?

This question and this question suggest installing a separate camera app; that will be the next thing I try. However, both of those questions solve a slightly different problem and do not offer an explanation as to why my video stopped recording.

For more information: I am running OS version 4.4.3 and I am using the default camera app. When I returned to the phone, the screen was still on, the app was still running, and I was able to record more video. The video saved properly and does not appear to be corrupt. I am fairly certain that the screen was not touched during the recording process. I was recording in 1080p from the back-facing camera.

# Answer
This issue of video stopping at the size ~3.80GB seems to be **file size restriction** embedded in the camera app, irrespective of the filesystem your SD card has, or the space left in it. (Note that some camera apps also has a default limitation of 1-hour video duration, however, it is not related to the relevant issue here.)

My default camera app in OnePlus One device gives me a toast "File size limit reached" when this file limit is reached by the camera recording 4k video for duration 8:20. Depending upon the resolution of your video the duration will vary.

It is also to be noted that the industry wide standard of 1GB is 1000MB compared to 1024MB of computer science, and so, (4000x1000x1000) / (1024x1024) = ~3815MB or ~3.8GB → where the video seems to stop finally.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: video, video-recording
---


# Question
Title: How to stop "permission denied" app toasts after denying permissions?
I often like to deny app permissions that I think the app does not need but yet they keep requesting for the permissions even after Denying, resulting in lot of toasts `[package name] has been denied [permission name] permission`.

How do I permanently suppress these toasts?

I am using android **Kitkat**.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I believe your primary aim is to turn off some permissions. So I will form my answer to that direction.

***If you are rooted:***

**Choice 1:** Since you are referring to toasts, there is a way to turn them off using the xposed module Untoaster. I wish I could tell you how to use that, but I currently cant use xposed due to compatibility issues. SO this, you may have to test and figure out your self.

**Choice 2:** You can also try using lucky patcher. It can disable permissions. To do this, open lucky patcher and grant it root rights. Then browse to app/package name whose permissions you want to block and tap on it. Then select the option `Edit Permissions` and tap on permissions to enable/disable them. Be careful though, you may end up messing up the app.

***If you are not rooted:***

In this case, we will modify app permissions to the core. We will edit a minor code/xml so app doesn't even know of those permissions. *Yes, it is a very DIRTY trick. There are consequences.*

* Firstly, download APKTool. Refer this guide on how to use (you will be using the compiling/decompiling and signing features).
* Firstly, get the app's apk. You can either use some app backup program or use Terminal Emulator. If you decide to go with terminal emulator, open it and run these commands:

`mkdir /sdcard/apps123`

`cp /data/app/*.apk /sdcard/apps123`

This will copy all the APK files installed by you inside `apps123`folder in your internal sdcard.

* After you have got the apk and decompiled it, go to `apktoolDirectory/projects/[package name you decompiled]` folder and open AndroidManifest.xml with some editor (Notepad++ recommended.
* After you have opened the file, look for permission lines. They will have the format:

(In this case, its permission to write internal storage).

* Delete out lines corresponding to permissions you do not want. All permissions are defined at beginning of xml so you dont need to explore the whole manifest.
* After you are done, compile app again and sign it. Put it to phone and install.

------\> You can also have a look at this documentation to see what each permission does.

NOTE: There is also an android version of APKTool. You can install and use it in phone itself. Its much more easier to use but takes longer time to complete tasks.

----\> This method wont give you toast notifications like now.

**Drawbacks of this method:**

* You wont be able to update app from play store anymore.
* Whenever app tries to access that feature whose permission is missing, it will cause a security exception and app is likely to crash unless developer has handled it (which they normally dont).

---
Tags: permissions, toast-notifications
---


title: samsung s4 heat issues

text:
# Question
Title: samsung s4 heat issues
my phone is a samsung galaxy s4 I9505

after a little use e.g. browsing, scrolling through the phone, the top part of the phone gets pretty warm which is where the cpu is

the top part of the phone also gets quite warm when charging but the battery remains cold

in all instances the top part of the phone gets very warm

I have seen the display s4 s in a shop and they don't even get a little warm

is this a hardware problem, should I get a replacement

# Answer
> 3 votes
Galaxy s4 has a lot of heating issue with both android 4.4.2 as well as android 5. But the temperature can be decreased if you follow some steps as described belowdecks the link:

http://www.androidpit.com/galaxy-s4-lollipop-problems-and-how-to-fix-them

Now if you have not updated the device and still it heats much then ask for refund. Despite being said all these I would suggest you not to go for s4 because it's Not what you think of this 2014 flagship model.

* it lags too often.
* It's battery backup is very less (don't see 2600 mAh)
* it heats very much (temperature goes beyond 62 degrees) .

These are quite few problems , there are still lot of bugs too which will definitely let you ask for refund.

Here is a screenshot of what i mean.

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


title: CWM bypass md5 checking

text:
# Question
Title: CWM bypass md5 checking
Is there a way to bypass the md5 checking before restore in CWM?

This is **not** an issue with an md5 mismatch (the solution to which can be easily found via google/search)

The idea is that I am performing many restores (currently tinkering with some of the inner workings) and am not too concerned that the recovery has been altered/corrupted since it's probably been not too long since I last reflashed) and checking the md5sum takes up a fair amount of overhead (2x the read operations).

It's not a huge deal but if anyone knows a solution please let me know!

# Answer
hmmm, if you can i would highly recommend just using TWRP it has alot more features and allow you to skip all the md5 stuff. plus it has a built in file manager for swapping out systemUI.apk ext.

AND it has a command mode to allow for more advanced scripting and modding.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: clockworkmod-recovery
---


# Question
Title: Android not responding, screen off and battery drop
I have a Lenovo s890 that sometimes stop responding and back after about 1 minute. I have checked the screen and seem there is no problem with the screen. On the other hand when the cell phone stops working, then the battery indicator drops significantly that is really annoying. Do you have any solution for that?

Here you can a similar video that shows the problem. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FB\_w4WvDiUY

# Answer
> 0 votes
I played more than 3 months with the mobile phone and this is how to solve the problem. I Guess this solusion works for other mobile phones.

If you have a lenovo s890 (or other cellphones with similar symptoms) that sometimes stops and not responding or if your battery drains suddenly or if the screen goes off and does not back, then the problem is not with battery or screen. I have seen some people that asks for help and there are loads of solution that none of them work. The solution is a problem in the kernel of OS that manages CPU of the cell phone.

First install a CPU manager app from google play for example (link). Then Decrease the maximum CPU frequency to one level down and set the governor to Ondemand (like screenshot).

I have tried other setting that none of them worked for me.

---
Tags: touchscreen, lenovo, setcpu
---


title: Color Scheme with Vim on Android?

text:
# Question
Title: Color Scheme with Vim on Android?
I am trying to get a "solarized dark" colorscheme to work with Vim on android. Vim itself runs, and the plugin itself runs, but the colorscheme comes out wrong. I am using jackpal.androidterm app (usually the first one you see if you search 'terminal' on google play). I have tried exporting nearly every terminal type, both through the app and throught a script and I have the app's colorscheme set to "solarized dark", however, the backround doesn't display properly.

Here are the Screenshots for it.

Due to limitations on new users, I pasted them in OneDrive. (They were packed in a document due to an odd bug when uploading with Dolphin.)

Also, It is worth noting that solarized "works" on the Android Terminal when TERM=xterm-256color. However, the limited solarized colorset has too little contrast and is just plain ugly. In addition, both systems have the same plugins and .vimrc:

(~/.vimrc)

```
syntax on
set number
set ruler

set nocompatible              " be iMproved, required
filetype off                  " required

 " set the runtime path to include Vundle and initialize
 set rtp+=~/.vim/bundle/Vundle.vim
call vundle#begin()
" alternatively, pass a path where Vundle should install plugins
call vundle#begin('~/some/path/here')

" let Vundle manage Vundle, required
 Plugin 'gmarik/Vundle.vim'

 Plugin 'altercation/vim-colors-solarized'
 Plugin 'bronson/vim-trailing-whitespace'

 " Unite
 " "   depend on vimproc
 " "   ------------- VERY IMPORTANT ------------
 " "   you have to go to .vim/plugin/vimproc.vim and do a ./make
 " "   -----------------------------------------
 Plugin 'Shougo/vimproc.vim'
 Plugin 'Shougo/unite.vim'

 Plugin 'rking/ag.vim'
 Plugin 'airblade/vim-gitgutter'
 Plugin 'tpope/vim-fugitive'
 Plugin 'junegunn/vim-easy-align'
 " All of your Plugins must be added before the following line
 call vundle#end()            " required
 " filetype plugin indent on    " required
 " To ignore plugin indent changes, instead use:
 filetype plugin on
 " "
 " " Brief help
 " " :PluginList       - lists configured plugins
 " " :PluginInstall    - installs plugins; append `!` to update or just
 " :PluginUpdate
 " " :PluginSearch foo - searches for foo; append `!` to refresh local cache
 " " :PluginClean      - confirms removal of unused plugins; append `!` to
 " auto-approve removal
 " "
 " " see :h vundle for more details or wiki for FAQ
 " " Put your non-Plugin stuff after this line

 " -- solarized personal conf
 set background=dark
 try
     colorscheme solarized
     catch
 endtry

 " Highlight 80th column
 if (exists('+colorcolumn'))
     set colorcolumn=80
         highlight ColorColumn ctermbg=9
 endif

 " bindings for unite--------------------------------------------------

 let g:unite_source_history_yank_enable = 1
 try
   let g:unite_source_rec_async_command='ag --nocolor --nogroup -g ""'
   call unite#filters#matcher_default#use(['matcher_fuzzy'])
 catch
 endtry
 " search a file in the filetree
 nnoremap <space><space> :split<cr> :<C-u>Unite -start-insert file_rec/async<cr>
 " reset not it is <C-l> normally
 :nnoremap <space>r <Plug>(unite_restart)

 " Bindings for Ag ------------------------------------------------------------
 " --- type ° to search the word in all files in the current dir
 nmap ° :Ag <c-r>=expand("<cword>")<cr><cr>
 nnoremap <space>/ :Ag

 " Easy align interactive--------------------------------------------------
 vnoremap <silent> <Enter> :EasyAlign<cr>

```

# Answer
> 1 votes
As per the screenshot of the desired color scheme, I can confirm that you can have such color scheme in Android. This is a rather indirect way but works fairly well.

Rather than using a terminal emulator I'm using an SSH client having color schemes. Three useful apps I found are JuiceSSH, Serverauditor and Reflection for Unix. I tested the first two apps.

Why SSH client you may ask? Because I stumbled across one of them and this question struck me as well. Anyhow, we need to host a simple and easy SSH server on your Android device.

I prefer Servers Ultimate Pro(paid) but you may use SSH Server(free) too. Both offered by same developer, though feel free to use any server app that can setup SSH server.

### Instructions

1. Open any of these server apps and make an SSH server with credentials. It's extremely easy so no instructions are required here. However, you may take a look at this answer(**Method #3**) for basic *know-how*.

A thing to note that free version will make your server available on all network interfaces (including cellular network) which one won't prefer for some reasons. That's why I use the paid version as it can limit it to `127.0.0.1` or Wi-Fi easily.
2. Install and launch JuiceSSH and enter SSH server details:

* *Addresss*: `127.0.0.1` (Only for Pro app, for free app the IP will be listed)
    * **Identity → New** → type **Username** and **Password** you created in step 1.
    * *Port*: you entered in step 1.

Save it.
3. Tap the new entry in connections and select **Accept** to accept server fingerprints.
4. **Solarized dark** is available under its **Settings → Theme/Colors**.

A look of this app in the said theme:

(*Click image to see larger variant.*)
5. If you want more options in color scheme then try Serverauditor(Solarized default) app. Its options are straightforward, but it did not work in my device on `127.0.0.1` (no error, just blank toast).

You may try it running on said address; could be device specific problem on my side. Otherwise, either use the cellular IP or if you're connected to Wifi/hotspot then use that one.

A look of Serverauditor in Solarized dark theme:

(*Click image to see larger variant.*)

---

## About JuiceSSH

> The all in one terminal client for Android including SSH, Local Shell, Mosh and Telnet support.
>
> Features:
>
> * Full colour terminal / ssh client
> * Popup keyboard with all those normally hard to find characters
> * Use the volume keys to quickly change font size
> * External keyboard support
> * Local Android terminal support
> * Dark, Light, 80's hacker, Molokai, **Solarized Dark** and Solarized Light terminal color themes ...

## About Serverauditor

> Serverauditor is the most innovative SSH client ever designed for a mobile device. With Serverauditor you can easily manage UNIX/Linux servers from your Android device on the go.
>
> * XTerm, VT100 and vanilla terminal types support
> * SSH key and password authentication
> * Built-in RSA/DSA key generator
> * Multiple SSH connections to the same host
> * Bluetooth keyboard support
> * Associate volume button or shaking gesture with actions, e.g Ctrl-Z or session closing
> * **8 awesome color schemes and adjustable font size**
> * Automatic UNIX/Linux OS recognition, e.g Ubuntu, Fedora, CentOS, Mac OS X etc ...

---

Perhaps all of this can be avoided if only we can have a Terminal app with color schemes. Do let me know, otherwise this solution should be enough. :)

---
Tags: terminal
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to force enable the battery saver mode in Android Lollipop?
It is possible to automatically enable battery saver mode in Android 5.0 when the battery hits 5 or 15%.

However sometimes it would be nice to enable this mode by hand. e.g. when the battery is still half full.

Is this possible?

# Answer
Yes it's possible. You can turn on the battery saver mode anytime.

Goto `Settings -> Battery -> Battery Saver -> On`

You can easily turn off anytime by opening the notification and selecting

`TURN OFF BATTERY SAVER` option.
> 5 votes

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop, settings, battery-life
---


# Question
Title: My android phone location history shows locations not visited
My Android phone is enabled for home WiFi as well as cell tower connection. My location services have been enabled as well to use Google Maps for tracking Location history. Whenever I go to my balcony of my apartment I find lot of secured WiFi connections available in addition to my connected home WIFI. Others are secured and not connected.

The are lots of blue dots for various locations in location history closer to my home where I have not even visited but shows up in the location history.

Is it possible that wrong locations appear in my location history?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Yes its possible because the location tracking is not always accurate. It's based on your GPS reception, Wifi Hotspots etc. Please take a look at the answers for more information. Make sure you set your location settings to `High Accuracy` for better location reporting results.

---
Tags: google-maps, google-location-history
---


# Question
Title: How can I tell at what rate my battery is charging?
I've been told that different charging sources charge my phone at different rates, and have been told that some car chargers act at a normal USB rate instead of a rate closer to an AC outlet.

When I plug into my car charger, is there a way for me to see at what rate my battery is recharging? My phone is an HTC Evo.

# Answer
> 3 votes
Battery Indicator Pro will tell you or you can go into Settings -\> About -\> Battery and look there.

# Answer
> 1 votes
The System Panel app has a nice historical chart of battery usage so you can see how quickly it charges as well as how long it takes to drain.

# Answer
> 1 votes
If you're looking for the actual current draw of electricity coming in to your device, the app Ampere will display this. Note that it may require some tweaking for certain devices.

# Answer
> 0 votes
CurrentWidget does the trick for me.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can check the amount of current(in mA) passing to your device via some applications like:

These apps are available for free on Google play store. They will tell you with what rate is your phone charging.

For example:-

If they show less than 500 mA then the device is charging slowly and may take a lot of time to be charged. But if it shows more than 1200 mA then that's good. For my device I get 1600mA.

---
Tags: battery, charging, htc-evo
---


# Question
Title: My phone doesn't always charge at full speed, even with certain 2-amp chargers. What are the necessary conditions for it to charge at full speed?
I've noticed that my Samsung Galaxy S4 doesn't always charge at its maximum rate of charge, even when it seemingly should. For example, car DC adapters that claim to provide up to 2.0A current only provides 500mA. I've also tried connecting the OEM AC adapter to a car inverter\**, with the same result of a ~500mA charge rate. On the other hand, when connected to an AC outlet through the same charger, the device draws 1200mA\*.

I previously owned an Galaxy S3 which I think started having similar issues at some point, possibly after a system update.

What conditions are required for Android devices to draw greater than the 500mA current provided by a USB 2 data connection? Have these conditions changed with successive versions of the Android OS?

\*: Measurements of current draw made by Ampere

\**: I asked this question a few days ago and it has attracted very little attention, so I'm now asking a more general question.

# Answer
I would recommend you to change the USB wire and replace it with a good USB wire.

I have seen that over time the wire gives lower charging value and it's unable to give output as of newer cable. There is no issue with the charger in this case ( 2A or 1A charger).

* just change the USB wire
* connect it to phone and charger.
* check the values of the current flow in application like galaxy charging

I am sure that you would get desired output if you follow these step

This same method worked for me. And also make sure that you give full cycle to the battery when charging.
> 0 votes

# Answer
The OS isn't relevant to charging speed, but the internal hardware differs heavily between phones. One thing you'll experience is that nearly all chargers that advertise themselves as 2.1A are optimized for iProducts, which require a different grounding scheme in the charger to reach their full speed, and that same scheme limits Android devices to 500mA. So counter-productively you'll find that most 1A chargers will charge your Android device FASTER than 2.1A chargers. You'll also see a lot of multi-chargers that have one port dedicated to 2.1A, and if you move your phone to the other port it'll charge faster. Most label these ports as A and NA, for Apple and Non-Apple.

The way around this is to buy a charger that's specifically designed to adapt to whatever device you're using. One example, which I've used myself, is the Anker 4.8A 2-port charger. Unlike most two-port chargers which dedicate one port to Apple and one to non-Apple, this uses Anker's PowerIQ tech to sense, on either port, what your device wants from it and adjust accordingly. This charged my device at full speed quite easily. I've since switched to one from Choetech that's a 4-port simply because my Nexus 6 supports Quick Charge 2.0, and that one had a port for that, but it advertises their own version of the same concept as PowerIQ for the other ports. Both companies make a ton of wall/desk chargers with the same technologies in them, and I have multiple Anker chargers and external batteries. Aukey seems to be another supplier who's probably using the same OEM as those other two companies, with similar results. And they all seem to give good warranty support via Amazon.

The other factor, as mentioned in the other answer, is the cable. I used to think "USB is USB," and that's true for data, but not for power. Cable quality, and unknown factors, will change what you can pull off. I've had two cables of the same length produce as much as an 800mA difference from the same charger. Also, some just combine with certain chargers better. The cable I've had the most consistent luck with, across all devices, is the Cable Matters Premium Gold-Plated cable. I used to buy the MonoPrice-branded ones, but they stopped making them, and I found these identical ones on Amazon. They're quite cheap, and they've worked exceptionally well for me. They give me over 2A on Quick Charge 2.0, and 1.2 on everything else when all other conditions are optimal and I'm using a good charger. Length matters, too. The shorter the cable, the better it can hold onto its current.
> 4 votes

---
Tags: charging, hardware
---


title: Sending as Unknown number in Hangouts

text:
# Question
Title: Sending as Unknown number in Hangouts
In Hangouts 3.1.89134953 I get a "Sending as Unknown number" message at the top of my texts. I googled for this message and found nothing.

What does this message mean?

# Answer
> 0 votes
You most likely are not registered for hangouts. Try navigating to hamburger menu -\> Settings -\> \[your email\] -\> Scroll to Account section, and check to see if your phone number is confirmed.

---
Tags: sms, mms, google-hangouts
---


# Question
Title: Is there any quick way to delete the standard emails trash files.
I have had a Galaxy S3 for some 3 years and I have recently noticed that I have in excess of 45,000 emails in the standard email's trash folder.

I have tried selecting the trash folder and then using the "delete all" option but the speed of deletes is staggeringly slow, one every five to ten seconds.

It is synchronised with an Office365 account, and I have checked on the server side to see if the same folder exists but it doesn't, it is only on the phone. (Note that this is the standard email app, it is not Gmail or anything similar).

Is there some quick way to empty the email trash folder, either through a file app, or a third party app?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Keep in mind that your phone's name for certain specialized folders, such as trash, differs from what Office 365 will call it. In Office 365's web interface, and Outlook, the folder is named Deleted Items, and they are kept in sync with your phone's comparable Trash folder. So look there to see the correlation. And yes, deleting from your phone will be dramatically slower than deleting from your computer or the web, the latter being fastest as it's connected directly to the server.

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Tags: email
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# Question
Title: Bluetooth keyboard pairs but does not appear as an input device?
I purchased a bluetooth keyboard to use with my lenovo ideatab a2107 which runs android 4.0.3. The specific keyboard is the:

Anker® Ultra Slim Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard for iPad Mini, iPad 4, New iPad 3, iPhone 5, Android 3.0 and above Tablet - Black

I am able to pair the keyboard with my tablet and the it has a keyboard icon next to it in the list of bluetooth devices. When this happens I am asked to type a 4 digit code and press enter on the keyboard. This works fine.

The Keyboard does not show up in tablet's keyboard & input devices list and I am unable to input text using the keyboard. How can I get the keyboard working properly with my tablet?

Thanks

# Answer
Found a possible solution from Android Central questions give it a shot.

Specifically, this post says to do the following:

> When pairing the keyboard with your device, it will prompt you to enter a pin and say "try 0000 or 1234." You need to:
>
> Step 1) enter "0000" on your android device (tablet or phone keyboard)
> Step 2) hit "okay"
> Step 3) type "0000" and hit enter on your BLUETOOTH keyboard
> 1 votes

# Answer
I have the same problem. I'm using Apple wireless keyboard and Android ICS 4.0. I can pair and connect them both, but there is no additional IME in the input list. Checking and unchecking the `use as input` option does not change anything.

I'm not sure if there should be one but some say bluetooth keyboard is supported out of the box in ICS. Also, some YouTube videos show users who managed to connect them and typing right away without choosing any IME or anything.

I'm using BlueKeyboard JP (works well for me) for the time being until I find a way to get it work natively without a third-party app.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Unpair it first and do it again inputting the requested numbers. Also unpair any other 'Bluetooth Keyboards' on the list. That worked for me.
> 0 votes

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Tags: bluetooth, keyboard, external-keyboard
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title: find command says: unknown group XYZ

text:
# Question
Title: find command says: unknown group XYZ
This question is the next part of this question. I'm trying to use `find` command (Android 4.2.1; Busybox installed, have root access) to list files owned by a specific group under `/`, but every time I use it I get the same reply. E.g. I'm trying to find all the files owned by group `adb` using `find / -group adb` and the output says:

> find: unknown group adb

I tried both single-double quotes but no effect. Tried for other groups but no effect again.

How should I use `find` then?

# Answer
The method of using find is correct.

However there is no group "adb".

Run `id -p` to get all groups. You will get

> groupid(name)

Then run `find / -group <groupid>`.

> The groupid is an integer.
> 0 votes

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Tags: files, command-line
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title: Car charging at below 500mA

text:
# Question
Title: Car charging at below 500mA
I've plugged the AC charger for my Samsung Galaxy S4 into an inverter connected to my car's DC outlet. The inverter is able to power my laptop AC adapter without issues. The S4 charges, but not at full amperage.

The app Ampere shows that power input is at or below 500mA instead of the 1200mA shown when the adapter is connected to a wall socket. Charging happens at a rate comparable to what is shown by Ampere, and similar to that seen when the phone is connected to a USB port on a computer.

Does Android or the Galaxy S4 refuse to allow charging at over 500mA if the quality of current is different from what would be provided by a wall socket?

# Answer
I realised thanks to an answer from another question that the problem was actually with the cable. I had been using an old Samsung cable and when I replaced it with a new one the displayed milliamps went up to 1200.
> 0 votes

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Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-4, charging
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