# Question
Title: Trying to solve Problem: Huge Contacts Database
On a HTC Sensation running ICS 4.0.3, something caused my contacts database to rapidly grow.

The DB is now 580 megabytes and growing (sometimes over a megabyte per hour) despite the fact that I:

1. disabled all syncs (I found out that the Google Contacts sync had been not working for the last couple of months)
2. uninstalled all 3rd party sync apps (LinkedIn, FaceBook)
3. removed all all accounts but my Google accounts from "Accounts & Sync"
4. disabled all network access (no WiFi, no Data)

None of the above steps made the problem go away.
Looking with Contacts Remover, some contacts have about 300 LinkedIn contact links and photos.

My goal is to save as much information as possible, sync that to my Google account, then ditch the Contacts database and reload from Google.

The constant memory pressure makes it hard to run applications (I need to move apps to SD to get some storage memory, then run something, and hope that while running the storage memory doesn't run out).

Basically my phone is now useless.

My idea to try solving the problem is this:

1. export the Contacts to VCF on the SD card (success)
2. copy the VCF to a machine that can run the Android AVD (success)
3. install an AVD that allows to add a Google account for sync (success)
4. copy the VCF to the AVD SD card using DDS in Eclipse (success)
5. import the VCF into the People app of the AVD (success)
6. sync the AVD to Google (fail)

The last step fails, but doesn't generate any error.
The AVD is using these settings to be as close as possible to my physical device:

* Target=Google APIs (Google Inc.)
* Platform=4.0
* API Level=14
* CPU/ABI=ARM (armeabi-v7a)

Two questions (given that I want to sync back the contacts to my Google account):

* How can I make the last step work?
* What alternatives can I use if I cannot get the last step to work?

The VCF files total to about 3 megabyte (with about 3000 contacts that is about a kilobyte per contact, not close to 200 kilobyte as in the DB)

# Answer
> 5 votes
You already have a working vCard file (.vcf), just import it using GMail's web interface. If this VCF is still bad, you can apply simple text processing (regex search & replace) to it before importing it to Google.

Here are the steps to import a vCard file into GMail using the web interface.

Here's an excerpt from Google's help:

1. Click Gmail at the top-left corner of your Gmail page, then choose Contacts.
2. Click the More actions dropdown menu and select Import....
3. Click the Choose File button and locate the vCard file you'd like to upload.
4. Select the file and click the Import button.

# Answer
> 2 votes
You could also take a look at the Contact Cleaner app for an initial cleanup. Not sure how much help that will be in your case (with the LinkedIn stuff it doesn't care about).

Another thing to consider: temporarily remove the LinkedIn "provider" from your configuration-\>accounts (if it is still left there after you uninstalled the connected app) may get rid you of all the LinkedIn-connections (at least it works this way with some Xing stuff; not sure about LinkedIn as I do not use it) -- and probably restore them without duplication when you re-add it (make a backup before trying this).

I am aware this doesn't completely answer your question, but it may solve a big deal of your problem concerning the size of your contact database, giving you at least a "partly relieve" and more time to consider a final approach.

---
Tags: contacts, sync, google-account, android-emulator
---


# Question
Title: What Trusted Root CAs are included in Android by default?
There doesn't seem to be a central Android resource that lists the Trusted Root CAs included in the OS or default browser (related question on SO), so how can I find out which are included on my phone by default?

With the number of root certificates that have been compromised, and the number of fraudulent SSL certs created over the last couple of years, this is an issue for anyone relying on SSL for security, as otherwise you won't know if you want to remove any trusted CAs.

*(not listing my manufacturer or OS version as I'm looking for a generic resource or solution that should be applicable to any device)*

# Answer
> 18 votes
On ICS or later you can check this in your settings. Go to `Settings->Security->Trusted Credentials` to see a list of all your trusted CAs, separated by whether they were included with the system or installed by the user.

Earlier versions of Android keep their certs under `/system/etc/security` in an encrypted bundle named `cacerts.bks` which you can extract using Bouncy Castle and the `keytool` program. The summary is to first pull the bundle using `adb` (you need a root shell) then you can use Bouncy Castle to list the contents of the bundle:

```
shell~$ adb pull /system/etc/security/cacerts.bks`
shell~$ keytool -keystore cacerts.bks -storetype BKS -provider org.bouncycastle.jce.provider.BouncyCastleProvider -storepass changeit -v -list

```

There's also at least one app that you can try if you'd prefer not to use the shell: CACertMan (requires root to modify the list, but should allow you to view the list without root). I believe it came about due to the DigiNotar fiasco since there were no particularly easy ways for a user to revoke the cert at the time. Since the certs are stored differently on ICS and later this app will only work on devices running Gingerbread (or earlier), but it is obsolete on ICS/JB anyway.

---
Tags: security, certificates, https
---


# Question
Title: Stop sideway movement of menu revealed from top
On my Galaxy S3, when I slide my finger from the top edge of the screen down, a sort of quick menu is revealed to switch WiFi, GPS, sound...

When it is revealed, the animation goes from top to bottom but also slides sideways. I would like to stop this sideways animation, but I don't even know how this menu is called to Google it and I found no setting for it so far.

# Answer
> 3 votes
I believe you are talking about the notification drawer, and the top row of icons that toggle functionality like wifi, GPS etc.

There appears to be no way to customize what appears in the top row when you are on Samsung's stock software/ROM. You'll have to switch to a ROM like CM9 for that.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, notification-bar
---


# Question
Title: What's the difference between Android Beam vs S Beam?
What is the difference between Android Beam on the Galaxy Nexus and S Beam on Galaxy S3?

Are these two features inter-compatible? Can I transfer data between the two devices?

# Answer
Even though Android Beam and S Beam serve similar purposes, they actually work very differently and are **not** compatible with one another.

Android Beam uses NFC to pair your devices over Bluetooth, then transfers files over the Bluetooth connection. I believe it can also transfer very small pieces of data (contacts, links, etc) directly over NFC, as the Ice Cream Sandwich version highlights page implies:

> For larger payloads, developers can even use Android Beam to initiate a connection and transfer the data over Bluetooth, without the need for user-visible pairing.

S Beam, however, uses Wi-Fi Direct to perform data transfers instead of Bluetooth. Their reasoning for doing this is that Wi-Fi Direct offers faster transfer speeds (they quote up to 300 Mbps). Therefore, this will only work with other S Beam enabled devices, currently limiting it to communication between two Galaxy S3s.

However, the SGS3 *also* supports Android Beam, so you can use that to transfer something between a GNex and an SGS3. Here is a tutorial on Sprint's website (should be essentially the same for other versions of the SGS3).
> 19 votes

---
Tags: samsung-nexus-s, samsung-galaxy-s-3, nfc, android-beam
---


# Question
Title: Why does the STORE button on Amazon Kindle go to the website instead of the in app store?
I have the **Android Amazon Kindle** app installed on both my **Galaxy S phone** and my **Archos 10" tablet**.

I keep the software updated so I'm sure the latest version is installed.

I am logged in with my account on both devices.

When I press the `STORE` button I go to the inprog Kindle store. But when I press the `STORE` button on the Archos it starts the web browser in stead.

Now, I have bought ebooks before from both devices and I am sure that previously, the Archos also displayed the inprog store. It's much easier to use the inprog store display than the full Amazon web site version.

**Does anyone now what could have changed this behavior ?** I looked for some setting but found none.

# Answer
I'm not too familiar with how intents work exactly but this looks like the browser is mistakenly set as the default app for something it shouldn't handle. Try installing DefaultApp Reset and reset your browser as a default app. This will make sure it won't be registered as the default handler for anything at all. Then try going to the store again.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I have a rooted Lenovo A1 that is experiencing the same problem. I cannot say for certain what is causing the problem, but I don't believe that it's being rooted is the issue. I have been able to resolve the problem temporarily by decreasing the screen resolution using an app called "LCD Resolution" which I had installed for other reasons. When the Kindle In App store stops working, I decrease the resolution from 240 to 210. Normally after the device reboots, the In App store in Kindle works again. I then reset me resolution back to its previous 240 setting and all is well... for a while. This fix is only temporary and I haven't figured out what is causing the problem. I'm hesitant to leave the settings at 210 because it has caused problems for some of the Google Apps, like "Play Movies" not to function properly. If I find out anymore, I'll update this post.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: kindle-for-android
---


# Question
Title: How can I make wifi automatically go on when my G1 boots up
I've got CM6 on it, and every once in a while the power goes out, the battery eventually dies, the power comes back and it boots up but no wifi. I have the thing in a faraway place and I get to it via ssh, so it's annoying to have to go manually turn on wifi when it reboots.

Is there a script somewhere I can run in userinit.sh that will turn on wifi?

# Answer
There's an APP to workaround that issue, Wifi Fixer available for Free from Google Play Store:

> Wifi Fixer is a low-resource background Service that maintains your wifi connection automatically and works around several bugs in Android wifi.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi, htc-dream
---


title: Can I delete Zinio pdf files?

text:
# Question
Title: Can I delete Zinio pdf files?
There are password protected page1.pdf, page2.pdf, etc... under mnt/sdcard/com.zinio.mobile.android.reader/9380198313/123123231/32123213 etc... Can I delete them?

# Answer
If you don't need them anymore, then you should be able to delete them. I'm not familiar with Zinio, but is there a way to safely delete the magazines within the application? I would try that first.

Deleting these files may cause app instability if it is expecting them to be there (when they aren't). Try moving them somewhere else (don't delete them just yet) and see how the application behaves with them "missing/moved".
> 2 votes

---
Tags: files, file-system, delete
---


# Question
Title: How to increase speaker volume of HTC Evo 3D
I have just bought HTC Evo 3D and as much I am inspired by phone, its speaker performance is giving me equivalent dissatisfaction, the speaker sound is very low for ringtone as well as for music playback. Hardly can hear sound if its kept in another room. I have done few workaround example installing volume+ and also downloading loud ringtones. But no difference, is it possible I can increase its speaker sound. Thanks

# Answer
This method can be used to increase the maximum speaker output on your HTC EVO 3D, but bare in mind, if you set the output level to high, it might be possible to blow out your phone's speakers.

# Preparation

Note that this method uses software only available for Windows.

1. Install HTC Sync on your computer.
2. Get your 6-digit MSL code, using one of this two methods:
3. Install Qualcomm Product Support Tools (QPST).

---

# Connecting to the Phone and Adjusting your Levels

1. Put phone into Diag mode:

dial this code: `##diag#`
2. Start the QPST service programming:

Access your start menu, select the "QPST" folder, then "Service Programming".

If your phone was successfully set to diag mode it will be listed on the first screen. Select it and press `ok` to continue.
3. Press `Read from Phone` to connect to your phone and enter the code obtained from the second step of your preparation process when solicited.
4. Click the Sounds tab:

Change each level to whatever you want it to be. Level 4 is the loudest
5. After the necessary adjustments, press `Write to Phone`.

Some read errors may be presented, don't worry, its normal.
6. Writing process is done, reboot your phone and try the new settings.

---

Credits to XDA Developers forum thread: How To Use QPST to INCREASE the volume on the Evo 3D.

Some issues are discussed on the thread if you run into trouble.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: ringtone, volume-control, htc-evo-3d, speaker
---


# Question
Title: Recommended Modem for Israel/Middle East with CM9 for GS II
My connectivity randomly cuts out - and after searching the CM9 discussion threads - I understand my modem is likely incompatible with my region.

I couldn't find a sticky or thread in XDA about recommended modems by geography - so I was hoping to get some advice here from your experience.

I have a Galaxy S II.

Thanks!

# Answer
> 2 votes
# Identify the Correct Modem

The Galaxy S II modems files usually contain a reference to the zone where they best apply. In your case, the first reference letter should be "J", that appears just after the phone model.

Official Firmware: July 2012

> **Middle East**
>
> * United Arab Emirates XSG - I9100JPLPF/I9100OJPLPC/I9100XXLPX ICS 4.0.3
> * Israel Cellcom CEL - I9100TJIKG3/I9100TCELKG3/I9100TJIKG1

You can also find out your modem version by accessing the "About phone" menu option. The value of "baseband" is your modem version.

---

# Modem File

The file Modem\_I9100TJIKI2.7z should be the most appropriated for your location.

---

# References

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, connection-issues
---


# Question
Title: Can I use an external bluetooth mic for android applications?
I need to use external microphone (from bluetooth headset) in application with voice input. Is it possible?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Appears that Android still lacks some skills regarding Bluetooth headset to Voice Input capabilities. I couldn't make it work either.

But there's an APP for everything, and this is no different ;)

Skyvi (Siri for Android) available from Google Play Store:

**Key Features:**

> * Voice Texting
> * Fast find and call places
> * Get directions
> * Call Contacts
> * Play music
> * Local weather and time
> * Fun chats, witty remarks, tells jokes
> * Access Facebook with voice
> * Access Twitter with voice
> * **Text by Voice** \<- *what you seek*
> * Tweet or Update Facebook with Voice
> * Ask questions with voice
> * Car Mode

---
Tags: bluetooth, microphone
---


# Question
Title: Samsung Tab P7500. How to upgrade to Ice Cream Sandwich?
> **Possible Duplicate:**
> When will my device get the Android 4.0 update (Ice Cream Sandwich)?

is the update for Ice Cream Sandwich for the Samsung Tab 10.1 WiFi + 3G available yet? From where should I learn about it?

# Answer
No official update to ICS is currently available for your device. However, Samsung says that they will be providing *either* an ICS update (Ice Cream Sandwich), *or* a feature upgrade that provides similar capabilities as ICS.

Source

> NOTE: The following Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) tutorial can support you upgrading your Galaxy \>S II to Android 4.0 ICS. It will be available for other Galaxy devices shortly. For select models where ICS will not be available a feature update alternative will be \>offered giving similar functionality to ICS.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, samsung-galaxy-tab-10
---


title: Force debug in safe mode via USB?

text:
# Question
Title: Force debug in safe mode via USB?
I did something so stupid I'm almost kind of proud of it. I rooted my LG Optimus T (Froyo) using Gingerbreak, cleaned out a bunch of stuff, and accidentally deleted the home screen launcher. No big, I'll just install a new one... but I have a chicken and egg problem now, that requires debug mode to get out of. I can't just open settings on my phone to set debug mode. And the phone only starts up in safe mode.

So the tl;dr is this: I need to force my phone into debug mode via USB, in safe mode. If I can't do this, I will have to buy a new phone. Please help me!

# Answer
> 0 votes
The easiest way to recover your phone is to flash the original factory firmware on it.

After much searching I found a thread at XDA which explains how to do this for the LG Optimus series phones including the P509 (yours).

You can obtain the original firmware by following these directions (substituting P509 which you have for P500).

After you recover, remember that the first thing you should do after rooting a phone is to install a custom recovery (usually Clockworkmod Recovery) as this gives you access to tools to manage situations like this.

---
Tags: 2.2-froyo, rooting, usb-debugging, unbricking
---


# Question
Title: How can I force 3G only on the Nexus S after the ICS update?
In earlier versions of Android there was an option to toggle data between 2G, 3G preferred and 3G only. After the ICS 4.0.3 update for Nexus S, there is no option for "3G only".

Did Google lock down this option or is there a way to force "3G only"? I don't care about connection quality or battery, I just want my data to stay in "3G only" mode.

# Answer
> 3 votes
There's an app for 3G only mode:

However your phone should automatically try and go for 3G if there's a 3G connection available, it will never choose 2G over 3G so I don't see why this would be useful... There's still a 2G only mode to save battery in Settings -\> Mobile Networks

# Answer
> 2 votes
Enter `*#*#4636#*#*` in your dialer and select "3g only" mode on the menu that opens.

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, samsung-nexus-s, 3g
---


# Question
Title: Download Archive of Old Google Apps (APKs) for G1 (1.6 Donut)
Are old APKs for Google Android apps available for download from some official or trusted source?

I just reset my G1, and would like to reinstall some of the (older) Google apps that don't appear to be available in the Market\* anymore.

Google did make some older versions of their apps available, but not everything that I'd like to get back. For example, I was able to update to Google Maps version 5.6.2, though the newest version in Google Play is (I think) 6.9.0, but Google Listen doesn't any longer appear to be available through the Market app on the G1.

**Update:** Though searching for "listen" or "google listen" within the Market app does not turn up a listing for the target app, nor does viewing a list of applications by publisher "Google Inc.", I was able to get the Google Listen app through the Market, by going to the web browser, and navigating to https://market.android.com/details?id=com.google.android.apps.listen, and then letting the Market app handle the redirected Intent.

I'd still like to know if an official or trusted source is available to download old APKs published by Google.

\*It's still called the Market on the G1 running 1.6 Donut. I'm guessing Google didn't bother to make the new Google Play store compatible with old devices/versions.

# Answer
Official? No.

Trusted? Well that depends on who you trust. Rootzwiki has a list of the GApps packages for all Android versions.

<sup>Now for the rant part: Google understandably and thankfully doesn't support old versions. The ROI is getting lower and lower with the older platforms. No person in their right mind would support 1.6 when they have 4.1 out there and a newer version in the works. </sup>
> 2 votes

---
Tags: google-apps, 1.6-donut
---


# Question
Title: How to provide Internect connection via proxy server in Emulator
I am developing an application in my university lab. My lab administration provides a proxy server instead of a real internet connection to our university computers.

I don't know how to configure a proxy server with the Android emulator.

Any ideas?

# Answer
I see this blog post explaining how to configure APN settings to browse through a proxy. At first, I could not believe that the APN mentioned (as TelKila) in the post will be available in my emulator. But to my surprise I find a APN is available though with a different name (as T-Mobile US).

Since I do not have a proxy server environment, I could not check and confirm this. However the comment in the blog seems to confirm it.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Very badly, there isn't a way to do this. Emulators are just like androids - no way to add a proxy, unless you use an external app, and you must be rooted to do so.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: connection-issues, proxy
---


# Question
Title: Email client that restricts certain accounts to particular connection types, e.g. company WiFi at work, 3G/GPRS for personal
Is there such an email account whereby in the account settings, one can choose which connection types that the account can use?

Would like this feature so that checking personal email goes through mobile/3G but does not go through e.g Wifi company workplace network or public Cafe Wifi, for privacy reasons.

It would be useful if one or more connection types or WiFi accesspoints could be specified for an account, e.g. if at home using home wifi - this would be allowed for personal.

Another option would be to have different email clients for different purposes but that might not be as manageable.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I will answer my own question - I don't think there is such an email client yet that provides the facility to choose which internet connection(s) is/are used with each account.

Thanks for the DroidWall mention @FoleyIsGood, but I would prefer not to have to root my device for risks of malware, also because I use some backing apps which will not run on rooted devices.

# Answer
> 3 votes
If you have root access then you could use DroidWall to give different apps, including email clients, access to WIFI and or mobile data. This would require you to use a different client for each account and wouldn't automatically differentiate between WIFI at work or at home. :o/

(It's a pretty rough work around but the best I could think of...)

---
Tags: wi-fi, email, 3g, data-connection
---


# Question
Title: Google Voice: There was an issue refreshing your inbox?
Using Android 2.2.1 (Version.2.3.340.MB810.Verizon.en.US) on a Droid X. I just updated Google Voice to version 0.4.2.34 yesterday and now I continually get an error message that appears as a notification:

```
Google Voice
There was an issue refreshing your inbox

```

Clicking on the notification takes me to Google Voice settings. I have powered off my phone and turned it back on and the behavior persists. How do I fix this?

# Answer
From Al Everett's comment, I decided to try signing out of the application (which gives a warning about deleting all data) and signing back in, figuring that would be a less extreme step than going to manage applications clear data (although maybe it does the same thing). It seems to have fixed the problem
> 4 votes

# Answer
All I did was go to `menu | settings | applications | Google Voice` and selected `Force Stop`. It cleared the issue without deleting the data.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 2.2-froyo, google-voice
---


# Question
Title: ADB status offline when trying to root Kindle Fire
I'm trying to root Kindle Fire but it always show "ADB status: Offline" when I start "run.bat". Could you help me out of this problem? :( I tried to plug, unplug, connect, disconnect the Kindle many times but nothing changes. I'm using Windows 7 x86.

# Answer
I had the same problem with Kindle Fire Utility, and I actually figured this out.

The `install_drivers.bat` *replaces* the driver, which is not what you want! You need both drivers in place, the regular Amazon Kindle one, *and* the ADB driver. To get it to work:

1. Uninstall the Android ADB driver in Device Manager (right click to do this)
2. In Device Manager, right click the Kindle device and select "Update Driver Software", then point it to the included Kindle Fire Utility folder that has the driver `/drivers/kindle`

Then, it finally worked -- both drivers were in place -- then ADB showed up as online and I could get root, and do all the other stuff with KFU.
> 6 votes

# Answer
For those who tried many attempts in re-installing and rebooting but to no avail. This may be an alternative you can consider. This applies to those who ran install\_drivers.bat and saw an error message regarding "./android/adb\_usb".

This error is caused by our user name in windows which has one or more spacing (e.g. "Home User"). This one or more spacing breaks the batch file written to assist you in installing the relevant drivers.

Solution is simple, edit the install\_drivers.bat and include double quotations (" ") to all file paths which has %userprofile% (line 9 & 10)

```
if not EXIST "%userprofile%\.android\" ( mkdir "%userprofile%\.android\" )
copy drivers\kindle\adb_usb.ini "%userprofile%\.android\adb_usb.ini"

```

Before re-installing your drivers, kindly ensure you removed the existing drivers via Device Manager -\> Android Phone -\> "Android ADB Interface" (or) "Android Composite ADB Interface"

Re-run install\_drivers.bat and then run run.bat

Your kindle should be ready for rooting :)
> 1 votes

# Answer
IF you have run the install\_drivers.bat file, and still have this.. Few things to do :

1) Reboot computer/Kindle 2) Re-install drivers through KFU 3) Re-install drivers manually.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: rooting, adb, windows, amazon-kindle-fire
---


# Question
Title: How can I use my Xperia X10 mini pro as an external speaker?
I have an Xperia X10 mini pro. How can I use it as an external speaker?

# Answer
> 1 votes
I don't know of any way to make your phone a remote speaker alone but there are methods that would achieve basically the same result. Without knowing your exact goal it's hard to give you a specific recommendation but here is one way to have audio stored on a seperate device play through you phones speaker/headphones:

Setting up a wireless media server will allow you to stream media from your computer to you phone. So while it's not simply acting as a speaker, you are able to hear media that is stored on your computer on your phone.

There are numerous ways to do this like using **DLNA** or any of the number of apps that **serve media** over wifi or 3G.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I just installed AirBubble which is seen, in iTunes, as an external speaker. Works great.

# Answer
> 0 votes
The headphone jack has 3 channels. 1 mono mic and 1 stereo outputs. While you could modify a headset cord to input the mono channel from another set of headphone cables this would not produce any level of quality sound. I have a Xperia X10 and the frequencies on the mic input are narrow.

Highly recommend you copy the music from the mp3 player to a computer and copy from the computer to your phone. Add a larger micro SD card if necessary.

---
Tags: audio, sony-xperia-x10-mini-pro
---


# Question
Title: Does Galaxy Tab 10.1 USB adapter allow an external web camera?
Does the Galaxy Tab 10.1 USB adapter allow you to plug in an external web camera?

The Samsung site does not appear to say either way (or to even list what you can use with the USB adapter.)

And if it does not, are there any tablets that do?

# Answer
> 2 votes
> Does the Galaxy Tab 10.1 USB adapter allow you to plug in an external web camera?

No

> And if it does not, are there any tablets that do?

`Acer Iconia Tab A500`

It all depends on the kernel configuration. You can install custom kernel on any device to make it to allow external camera. It is a lengthy process and involves rooting the phone.

---
Tags: usb, samsung-galaxy-tab-10, usb-host-mode, webcam
---


title: Changing android.os.build.serial

text:
# Question
Title: Changing android.os.build.serial
In terms of using android.os.build serial as a unique identifier

1. How/when is it generated
2. When does it change
3. Is it possible to manually change the value back to something that I had before
4. Is it something that can be expected to be available across devices and operating systems

# Answer
> 1 votes
most of these properties are in /system/build.prop (or a file like that). But i believe the `android.os.build.serial` is actually set when the device first boots. The system gets the device serial number and adds it to the properties.

I actually found a commit in some cyanogenmod code that you can see how exactly it is set: (now this does say it is somewhat of a hack, but it is set when the device boots).

From Git:

```
57| sprintf(buf, "ro.serialno=%s", serial);

```

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, custom-roms
---


# Question
Title: Change IMAP folder subscriptions on default email client
I've set up an IMAP account in the default email client (android 2.2.1), and have added and removed some folders on the IMAP folder. How do I change the android email settings to subscribe to these new folders?

# Answer
## Email APP

If you are referring to the APP named "Email", you don't have to make any adjustments, the subscription process is fully automated, I just test.

**Ps:** No options available on this application for that type of settings, perhaps the reason as to why its fully automated and by default in sync.

---

## Gmail APP

If you are referring to the Gmail APP, you need to:

1. Open the APP
2. Tap your device "menu"
3. Tap "more", then "settings"
4. Tap your account
5. Scroll down until you find "Sync inboxes and labels", and tap
6. A list should appear with all your folders, tap over the ones you need to Sync and select the desirable option.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: email, imap, stock-email-app
---


# Question
Title: Is there an Android open source alarm clock? I want to log whether or not I press snooze
I want to add custom features to an alarm clock in a way that it logs whether or not I press snooze every day. Is there a good open source alarm clock that I could use as a basis?

# Answer
> 6 votes
I highly recommend the standard android clock as a basis for this: http://android.git.kernel.org/?p=platform/packages/apps/DeskClock.git;a=summary

# Answer
> 4 votes
I know this is old, but there's another called Alarm Klock that is open source as well.. Apache2 license. https://code.google.com/p/kraigsandroid/

---
Tags: alarm
---


title: Wi-Fi won't work on Motorola Droid

text:
# Question
Title: Wi-Fi won't work on Motorola Droid
I bought a Motorola Droid A855. I don't have a verizon plan, but i was going to use it on Wi-Fi only. I turned off the phone radio, I also turned the Airplane Mode on. After I turned the Wi-Fi on. It showed that I'm connected, but I can't go on the web or anything requiring Wi-Fi. I tried going into the market and it said I don't have a data connection, but I don't need one since I'm using Wi-Fi. So, if anyone has any tips pleae help.

# Answer
Many phones will show Wi-Fi as connected, but won't work unless Airplane Mode is turned off.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Wi-Fi won't work if Airplane Mode is on.

This is because Airplane Mode disables ALL wireless communications, for use on a plane.

On Stock ROM's, Airplane Mode also disables the FM Radio.

Solution:

Turn Airplane Mode off.
> 0 votes

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


# Question
Title: Where Can I Get The Latest GApps (Google services framework)?
I need the latest version of GApps for my rom (running Android 4.1.2), however none of the sites that I found allow me to download it (I think it is an issue with my internet).

What is the best place to get them from?

# Answer
> 7 votes
The most frequently used site for downloading Google's proprietary bits is Goo.im (formerly goo-inside.me).
However it can be a little confusing as it list all version so I recommend you check out this Rootzwiki page as it list the recommended versions as well as the changelogs.

---
Tags: google-apps
---


# Question
Title: How do I invoke "su" from a terminal prompt?
I can get a root prompt in the terminal by running one exploits documented elsewhere. (e.g. here: http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/wiki/Motorola\_Droid\_2\_Global:\_Full\_Update\_Guide)

At this point, I can install the "su" binary and give it permissions 4755. This should allow anyone to execute it, and since the owner of the binary is "root" and the sticky bit is set, I should become root. But I apparently have no way of un-become root from the terminal short of rebooting. But, after I reboot, then I can't seem to become root using 'su'.

```
$ ls -l /system/bin/su
-rwsr-xr-x root    app_101    26234 2012-07-09 15:00 su

```

Ok, the permissions look fine, should I should be able to run it to become root, but only in this particular invocation of the terminal.

```
$ /system/bin/su
Permission denied

```

It also fails if i specify the command to run as root, or with any other arguments:

```
$ /system/bin/su /system/bin/sh
Permission denied

```

Why? Is there some other mechanism at work? I don't want to install Superuser.apk, because I just want a way that I can temporarily get a root shell if needed, for instance to delete unwanted files manually. Besides, Superuser.apk relies on the su binary anyway, so it must have some way of calling it, so why can't I replicate that in the terminal?

Edit: I had another thought, so I tried copying /bin/sh to another locattion and made it suid root. But while I can execute the new binary, it doesn't give me root. Is Android doing something tricky/different with suid that regular Linux does not do?

# Answer
> 6 votes
The clue is in the owner/group id...

```
$ ls -l /system/bin/su
-rwsr-xr-x root    app_101    26234 2012-07-09 15:00 su

```

Notice the group id is set to 'app\_101', that should be 'root', but then again, you need the `busybox` binary (which is part of the SuperUser.apk binary, when installed, it copies the relevant said binary into `/system/xbin`) in order to be able to `chown` it.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Try adding the `-c` option. e.g.

```
su -c sh

```

or

```
 su -c 'echo bogus'

```

(for more arguments)

# Answer
> 0 votes
A bit more digging and I think I have turned up the answer. The reason it is not working is because the Terminal app does not request super-user permission in its manifest, e.g.:

```
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.ACCESS_SUPERUSER"/>

```

This extra layer of security appears to be because the terminal application is a java application, although it does a good job of hiding it. The Superuser appears to shim things somehow so java apps can get this permission, even if they didn't know they needed it when they were created.

---
Tags: command-line, root-access
---


# Question
Title: Are there any alternate mirrors for downloading Android Source
Presently I am trying to download the android 4.0 source from

```
https://android.googlesource.com/platform/manifest -b android-4.0.1_r1

```

The package and project paths are accessible here `https://android.googlesource.com/platform/manifest/+/c4e4db1a85b9bea00b9fe8c6a18f9d3357adab0c/default.xml`

Currently I am using ubuntu based curl , gitcore and repo to download the source.

I tried to search but could not find any public HTTP or FTP mirrors that shares the entire source code in a compressed iso or rar file. Is anyone aware of such public mirrors.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Here are the mirrors I know of. GitHub I know is an "up to date" mirror, not sure about the rest.

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


# Question
Title: Is there a reason Google Reader drains this much battery?
It doesn't strike me as normal that Google Reader should drain more battery than even my screen. Is this a known bug, or is it a settings issue? I'm using 4.1.1

# Answer
> 3 votes
Try installing BetterBatteryStats or GSam Battery Monitor Pro. Both apps can provide you granular data about how your phone's battery is being drained. You know the power hog is Google Reader but these apps can help you determine if the app is killing the battery because it's using a ton of data or if it's initiating long or frequent wake-locks...

If I had to guess without any more info, I'd guess that Reader is updating in the background frequently and consuming a lot of data.

---
Tags: battery-life, 4.1-jelly-bean, google-reader
---


# Question
Title: Jelly Bean OTA Update failing on Nexus S ("assert failed")
I've got a Nexus S phone. It was never rooted or modified. It currently runs the most recent version of Ice Cream Sandwich (that was installed as an Over The Air update, without any issues).

Couple of days ago I received a notification from my phone about Jelly Bean upgrade being available. Unfortunately every time I try to install it there is a problem. The phone reboots and starts the upgrade process, but after about 30 seconds it stops and displays an image of a red triangle with an exclamation mark. When I press power+volume up to see what happened, this is the message it displays:

> Finding update package...
>
> Opening update package...
>
> Verifying update package...
>
> Verifying current system...
>
> assert failed: apply\_patch\_check("/system/etc/gps.conf", "*\[random letters and numbers - probably a hash\]*", "*\[different combination of random letters and numbers\]*")
>
> E:Error in /cache/9ZGgDXDi.zip
>
> (Status 7)
>
> Installation Aborted.

I tried "wipe data / factory reset" and "wipe cache partitions" options, but the issue persists.

# Answer
Hurrey!

After quite a bit of research I am now able to answer my own question. I was able to **clean install** Jelly Bean (in opposite to the usual method of upgrading) using official images posted by Google. This obviously solved the issue.

Here are my instructions how to do this.
> 3 votes

# Answer
This looks like the file didn't download properly. Are downloading the file over wifi or mobile network?

If over mobile network, try wifi, and if wifi try mobile network.

It looks like the file is corrupt and cannot be flashed - try opening the file on your computer or by using a file manager on your device.

You can also try and use desktop update software.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, samsung-nexus-s, 4.1-jelly-bean, ota-update, system-error
---


# Question
Title: How do I use Google Talk with only one Google account?
I have two Google accounts set up on my Verizon Motorola DROID RAZR MAXX.

I wish to use Google Talk with only one of the two accounts, but not the other. But I still want to use Google Talk with the second account when I use it from the desktop and in other places.

Is there a way to have Google Talk sign in to only one of my two Google accounts?

# Answer
> 2 votes
Yes. You chose which account(s) to sign in with and what status they have individually. Just ensure you've signed out of any account you don't want to use.

---

> And how exactly do I do that? There doesn't seem to be any option in Google Talk's settings to sign out of an account

1. Open Google Talk
2. Select your current account, to show a list of all accounts
3. Chose the account you want to sign out of
4. Select your own account
5. Change from Available to Sign Out

---
Tags: google-talk
---


# Question
Title: Google Now and pronouncing/recognising contact names
One of my contacts has an unusual name which Google Now has never been able to understand.

How can I get around this (apart from asking the person to change their name)?

I'm using "send sms to \[person's name\]".

# Answer
> 11 votes
Without changing the person's name in their contacts, adding a "phonetic" name appears to work.

# Answer
> 1 votes
If the contact is synced to your Google account, you should be able to re-name it to anything you wish. The easiest way is to do it via the web:

1. Go to https://gmail.com and login with your Google account.
2. On the upper left click on "Gmail" and select "Contacts".
3. Locate and click on the contact in question.
4. Click on their name, make any edits necessary, and click off the field to save changes.
5. Wait several minutes for the changes to sync to your mobile device(s), or initiate a manual sync via `Settings -> Accounts` then pick your Google account and toggle the "Contacts" checkmark off and then on.

Google Now should now be able to recognize the contact by its new name.

---
Tags: contacts, voice-recognition, google-now
---


# Question
Title: Navigation Buttons (Back, Home, Menu, etc.) in the Notification/Statusbar?
I am remotely controlling an old Nexus One attached and talking to a Lego NXT robot. The Nexus One has a broken Home button. In the past I remember overcoming that by finding an app which added an emulated Home button placed in the Android notification/status bar pulldown.

The Nexus One is running CM7, I am controlling it by pushing/running scripts (ssh and http/https servers) and full GUI control (VNC server). Even with all of that control, I am still missing basic button/navigation control.

Any ideas on how to overcome this? I once used an OSD trackball emulator. Anyone know of OSD buttons or recall what I may have used to get a Home button in my notification menu?

# Answer
> 1 votes
You may be talking about Button Savior, but even if not, this APP allows you to trigger click on your phone buttons:

> **Relevant Features with or without root**
>
> Simulates:
>
> * Home key
> * Power key
> * Volume key
> * Camera key
> * Call key

---
Tags: notifications, buttons, notification-bar
---


# Question
Title: If I root my Asus Transformer, will I still get and install the manufacture updates?
I have an Asus Eee Pad Transformer which I recently upgraded to 4.1 Jelly Bean from the manufacture. If I were to root my device, will I still be able to get updates from the manufacture?

Its great that Asus has been so great about keeping such an old device up to date, but it makes me more apprehensive about making changes like rooting. I need to root it to change the hardware keyboard to the dvorak layout. I still need to find if I can even root it after I've upgraded to 4.1.

# Answer
> 5 votes
When you root your device you're gaining administrator access to it (root). Nothing more nothing less.

So, unless you install a third party ROM, you will continue to receive updates and be able to use the source code you download. One small issue, updates may unroot your phone if you install them.

---

Some useful reading on this subject:

---
Tags: rooting, updates, asus-eee-pad-transformer
---


# Question
Title: Doing a clean install of Android on a Nexus phone or tablet
Recently I had a problem where my Nexus S phone would not upgrade to Jelly Bean. During the upgrade process I was getting an error message saying one of the files on my current system is corrupted, so the upgrade cannot be applied.

I knew clean install (instead of an upgrade) would fix the issue, but I had a really hard time finding clear information on how to do this. Most tutorials require you to download the new OS from untrusted sources (shady download sites) and assume your phone is rooted.

Thankfully as it turned out you can do this **using official Google software only** and you don't need to root your phone (you can - it doesn't matter).

I post instructions for the method I used, as an answer below. This is also useful when you need to do a **true factory reset**. The "factory reset" function in Android only clears user data, leaving the OS as it was - useless if your operating system is damaged or if it was modified and you would like to bring it to an original, stock state. This solves the problem.

This instructions should work for any Nexus phone or tablet.

# Answer
**Beware: The instructions are for clean installing an OS. That means ALL YOUR DATA will be permanently LOST. If your phone was previously rooted it will be brought back to an unrooted state (whether you want it or not).**

**Please, remember to make backups of any important data on your phone. It will be lost.**

---

**1. Turning on USB debuging**

Turn on USB debugging on your device:

Go to *System settings / Developer options* and check "USB debugging".

**2. Fastboot**

You will need the **fastboot** tool. It's an official Google command line tool intended for developers. You can follow the official instructions for installing the tool, but they are pretty complicated. If you are on Mac OS X or Linux you should probably do what I've done and use the adb-fastboot-install open source tool.

Just download it, unzip it and use one of the following command line instructions (depending on your operating system):

```
sh ADB-Install-Mac.sh

```

or

```
sh ADB-Install-Linux.sh

```

Obviously while doing that you need to be inside the directory containing those files.

There are plenty of instructions on how to install fastboot on Windows (for example this one). See also user17512's answer for an alternative method for Windows users.

**3. Going to device's fastboot mode**

You need to connect the device to your computer using a USB cable and then access your device's fastboot mode:

* On **Nexus S**: Turn off your phone. Press and hold Volume Up, then press and hold Power.
* On **Galaxy Nexus**, **Nexus 5** and **Nexus 10**: Turn off your phone. Press and hold both Volume Up and Volume Down, then press and hold Power.
* On **Nexus 4**, **Nexus 6**, **Nexus 7** and **Nexus 9**: Turn off your device. Press and hold Volume Down, then press and hold Power.

**4. Unlocking the bootloader**

Execute the following command on your computer:

```
fastboot oem unlock

```

**Note: this step will remove all your data from the device.**

**5. Downloading the factory image**

Download the factory image for your particular device and your desired Android version directly from Google.

**6. Installing the system**

Unpack the archive *(if you are on Windows you will probably need to download additional software for unpacking .tar.gz files. 7-zip will do the job. Mac and Linux users have all the required software installed already)*.

Go inside the newly unarchived directory and execute the following command:

```
./flash-all.sh

```

**Note: This will wipe all data from your device**

After some time your device should reboot and boot to your newly installed operating system :)

**7. Relocking your bootloader**

This step is not strictly necessary, but it's a good idea for security reasons. Reboot to the fastboot mode again (see step 2 above) and execute the following command on your computer:

```
fastboot oem lock

```

---

This worked great for me, I hope it will be helpful to other people :)
> 13 votes

# Answer
If you have Windows, the excellent Nexus Root Toolkit will automate the process that was given here into a one click 'flash to stock & unroot' plus an additional option to OEM lock afterwards. Of course it will unlock and root just as easily and other advanced features. You can get it at:

http://www.wugfresh.com/dev/nexus-root-toolkit/
> 3 votes

---
Tags: updates, samsung-nexus-s, samsung-galaxy-nexus, factory-reset, nexus-7
---


# Question
Title: How to manage Android's filesystem from a Mac?
Is there some way that I can explore, and possibly modify, my Android's file system from my Mac? IOW, I would like to use my desktop Mac as the interface to access and modify my phone's filesystem, thus benefitting from full-sized keyboard and screen, mouse, etc.

(FWIW, my phone is rooted.)

Thanks!

# Answer
> 3 votes
As your device is rooted, you could try to install come SSHd app:

So all 3 of them should be able to "export" the full file system via SSH. So on a Mac (and Linux/Unix/BSD as well) you could directly connect from a terminal, or integrate the device's file system using e.g. SSHFS or Fish, on Windows you could use the famous WinSCP -- and probably many others.

# Answer
> 2 votes
The answer to my question turned out to be rather trivial (at least for my rooted HTC Incredible). *Trivial to the point that I'm embarrassed I asked the question in the first place!*

To explore/manipulate my phone's file system, all I had to do was connect it to my computer via USB, and choose "Disk drive" as the connection type.

Then the storage on my phone shows up as two additional volumes: one for `/sdcard` and one for `/emmc`, which I can manipulate like any other volume.

**EDIT**

Unfortunately, the approach as I've described it gives access only to those areas of the phone's file system that a user can modify without root access.

This approach is good enough for my purposes, but if you want free rein over your phone's file system, and don't mind going over to the "dark side" to get these powers, see this XDA Forum Thread.

---
Tags: file-system, remote-access
---


title: Unable to Sync Evernote?

text:
# Question
Title: Unable to Sync Evernote?
I have a new Samsung Galaxy Y, I am able to sync in GMail, Google Calendar and also completely use Google Maps, but I am not able to Sync in the Evernote App. What's Wrong?

# Answer
> 2 votes
Un-installing the App and Installing it back again, fixed it.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Evernote has their own login-data which has nothing to do with your google-Account. Perhaps you just used the wrong password?

---
Tags: sync, evernote
---


# Question
Title: Removing Apps from "Other apps in my library" in Google Play?
> **Possible Duplicate:**
> How do I remove an app from the “My Android Apps” page?

Is it possible to remove some apps from appearing in "Other apps in my library" in "My Apps" in Google Play when logged in from my Google Account?

# Answer
No. This is up as a 'Known Issue' on the Google website.

See: http://support.google.com/googleplay/bin/static.py?hl=en&page=known\_issues.cs&ki\_topic=1319135

Under 'Google Play Website'

Sorry.
> 0 votes

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


# Question
Title: Why does my Nexus S not see the Jelly Bean update?
My Nexus S is running the stock "soju" build of ICS from Google (build IMM76D). However, I have not seen the OTA update for Jelly Bean. Am I running the wrong version? Do I need to change some settings? Or should I expect the device to see the update soon?

# Answer
You can try forcing your device to ask for a free download slot:

1. Settings \> Apps \> All
2. Find *Google Service Framework* in the list, tap on it
3. First tap *Clear Data*, then *Force Stop*

After this procedure the last checked date under *Settings \> About Phone \> System Update* should have been reset to 1970 or so. Tap the *Check now* button there and see if the update notification pops up now.

If this fails even after multiple tries, you can follow a slightly longer procedure described in this post, which involves taking out the SIM card.

Apart from that, you could just wait (you'll definitely get the update with your current config) or flash it manually.
> 2 votes

# Answer
My hunch is that you will indeed see the update eventually; I think the schedule depends on your carrier.

If you're impatient, you can download it directly from http://android.clients.google.com/packages/ota/google\_crespo/9ZGgDXDi.zip, although I confess I was never able to get that to apply; you might also try downloading the entire 4.1 image and running the "flash-all" script; that worked for me on previous releases and thus I assume it'll work for you: https://dl.google.com/dl/android/aosp/soju-jro03e-factory-c9f5a67d.tgz
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung-nexus-s, 4.1-jelly-bean, ota-update
---


# Question
Title: Why are all contacts grayed out in Google Talk?
I have just noticed that all my contacts in Google Talk are grayed out. I can't chat, see their online status or otherwise use the app. What happened? Any suggestions on how to troubleshoot or fix this?

I have a Nexus S. I don't use Google Talk often, so this is the first time I have noticed the issue. There were a couple of recent events that may be related. A few days ago I received the official Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean OTA update from my carrier (I previously had 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich). Also, there was a major Google Talk outage that affected most desktop and mobile users.

I searched around and found possibly related reports, but with a few differences. For example, I don't have settings for turning off data usage. Also, I can correctly use Play Store and other Google apps. I cleared the Google Talk cache but nothing changed.

# Answer
> 3 votes
I did some tests, and turns out that the contacts are grayed when your phone's APP isn't able to communicate with Google Talk servers.

This is also the behavior when using Google talk on other systems, or even from Google web pages, like Google+.

You didn't noticed this before, most likely because you never had a communication issue with their server, witch is good. I have my grayed contacts all the time :(

---
Tags: google-talk, 4.1-jelly-bean
---


# Question
Title: Android USB tethering to an OpenWRT router
I'd like to USB-tether my Android phone to a local router. I have a tether plan, so that's not an issue.

My reasons why I want it this way:

* the router should expose the internet to all clients, not the phone
* reduced cross-chatter, no additional (second) wifi
* local connections are handled by the router, not the phone

I know there are other devices out there, like ZyXEL's routers and apps like ZoomTether. That last one is almost like what I need — but I want a device, not a computer connected.

Has anybody done this?

# Answer
> 6 votes
Use OpenWRT 10.03 or later. Install the following modules:

```
kmod-nls-base
kmod-usb2
kmod-usb-core
kmod-usb-net
kmod-usb-net-cdc-ether
kmod-usb-net-rndis
kmod-usb-ohci
kmod-usb-uhci

```

Then edit `/etc/config/network`. Under the WAN configuration, change `option ifname eth1` to `option ifname usb0`. Then enable USB tethering on the phone and reboot the router.

This article has some information about how to get the configuration smoother so you don't need to reboot the router each time you want to tether. This article has a simpler way.

---
Tags: usb, tethering
---


# Question
Title: Why does my phone keep telling me it has low storage?
My LG Android phone keeps telling me that it has low storage available. I have looked through the apps and have 5 text msgs on the phone.

It seems like I keep deleting and deleting and it keeps coming back!

Why do my actions not work and what can I do?

# Answer
Many times it is not the apps themselves taking up all the internal storage, but rather data they keep *cached* (i.e. not your mentioned 5 text messages, but rather things like browser cache, temporary files (though the latter should be gone on reboot), and the like).

Now while you can go to the place mentioned by Narayanan to check all apps separately (*Settings-\>Applications-\>Storage use*) for cache used (and tap the delete-cache button where appliable), and you probably have to start that way as your limited internal storage most likely doesn't allow for additional apps being installed, there are apps around to ease these steps:

* eClean is a high-rated app claiming to automatically care for a lot of cache storage like app cache, search- and browser history and more, and even claims it can do so automatically (starting an on-boot service)
* 1Tap Cleaner is a similar, also high rated app
* 1-Tap Clean Cache has a high rating as well, and cares for your apps cache
* Cache Cleaner is another high-rated app caring for caches and history

Many more apps are available on the play store, but the mentioned four give you a good starting point. Of course, if you are low on internal storage, and run at least Android 2.2 or higher, you could also consider moving some of your rarely used app to SD using App2SD. Moreover, uninstalling apps no longer used is always a good idea.
> 1 votes

# Answer
In a normal usage, low storage warning comes up when the internal memory is getting nearly full. The most likely reason for this is the applications count is on the rise over a period of time. To know what are the applications that occupies more space, you can goto Settings-\>Applications-\>Storage use. You can see entire applications that are installed on your phone (both pre installed and that you had installed). Together with the name of the application, you can see its size.

How to get rid of this warning: The only way to get rid of this warning is to free up the internal memory. This can be done in several ways. The best would be to investigate the above said list to spot the applications that you do not need and uninstalling them. The next best option would be to move the application to your SD card. Few applications, they themselves does this during installation and few does not and requires little force. Among the later there are few which are stubborn to work only on internal memory.

There are apps like Link2SD, Apps2SD etc. that will enable you to move apps from internal memory to SD card. I use Link2SD and I would recommend it. It is best to try the application after moving to SD card for its proper working. The system applications are best to be left on internal storage.

SMS/Text messages and contacts do occupy some memory but in par with the applications, their foot print is quite small.

Could you post about the contents of those text messages? Sometimes service provider do send few text messages for APN settings.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: insufficient-memory
---


# Question
Title: How can I deal with unwanted system applications without rooting?
There are a lot of system apps in my mobile that I do not use, and have no intention of ever using. I know that is is possible to uninstall system apps and bloatware with root, but is it possible without root?

Are there any non-root options that will help me to deal with unwanted system applications?

# Answer
No, that is impossible -- as only root can make the system partition writable (which is required to delete a system app, which is stored there). However, using ICS (Android 4.0) or above, you can at least "freeze" them (make it "invisible and unusable") -- and, if you later decide otherwise, also unfreeze them again (see e.g. How to Remove / Disable the Bloatware Apps in the HTC One X or Bye-bye, bloatware: Disable system apps in Android Ice Cream Sandwich).
> 23 votes

# Answer
I agree with Izzy's answer mostly, however *technically* it is possible to do so without.

Background:

* System apps reside at /system/app/\*
* /system is a separate partition that is mounted read-only during normal use
* Some phones (HTC) even lock the flash partition to disallow any write
* Normally one gains root on the normal system to make /system writeable and remove stuff with root rights there
* Rooting is the process of becoming root on the normal Android system and make this persistent by installing some file (/usr/xbin/su and such)

To remove apps without rooting one would have to not root his phone but find another means to remove unneeded apps from /system

* On Google Nexus devices one would unlock and boot a temporary custom recovery to do that (no rooting of the normal Android instance)
* With Samsung devices one could use the same approach like CF-Root does (download partition, modify, write back)
* Or just run an exploit withouth the rooting procedure afterwards and use that temporary root to do all needed cleanup

Bottom line: Rooting and then doing it is far easier. I just wanted to explain that it is indeed possible technically
> 10 votes

---
Tags: applications, uninstallation, system
---


# Question
Title: Android keyboard behaviour changed after updated to Jelly Bean
When I am in ICS, whenever I type a wording, followed by `space`, Android will suggest me several useful punctuations like `,`.

I love this behaviour as it is useful to me.

However, now in Jelly Bean, the behaviour is changed. They no longer suggest me punctuations. Instead, when I type "I" followed by `space`, it will suggest me `am`. This is not something what I want.

Is there any where I can fall back to old behaviour?

# Answer
> 4 votes
This new feature is called Next word prediction. You can easily disable it to restore the ICS behavior but it's a bit hidden:

1. Go to *Settings \> Language & input*
2. Tap on the setting icon beside *Android keyboard* under the *Keyboard & input methods* section
3. At the bottom you'll find *Advanced settings*, tap it
4. There you'll find *Next word prediction*, uncheck it:

After that, typing *I* followed by space will bring up the punctuation again instead of predicted words.

---
Tags: keyboard, 4.1-jelly-bean
---


title: Local web proxy à la Privoxy?

text:
# Question
Title: Local web proxy à la Privoxy?
I'd like to filter some web sites I visit by running a local web proxy like Privoxy to get rid of the ads and simplify the layout.

Does someone know of a good web proxy for Android?

# Answer
As ce4 pointed out, Privoxy just seems have to left the playstore within the last month. At the moment, the probably only candidate left seems to be FilterProxy.

On the other hand, if you have your device rooted, there are some additional possibilities working by manipulating the device's local hosts file. A quite good candidate in that case would be AdAway, with the alternative of using AdFree and several other candidates.
> 1 votes

# Answer
There has been a port of Privoxy for Android, it was available in the Play Store but has been deleted: Old and broken Google Play link.

The author's site has a page still here but no downloadalbe .apk.

You might have luck by asking him for an .apk. I don't know of any other port, alas.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: proxy, filter
---


title: How do I end a voicemail call?

text:
# Question
Title: How do I end a voicemail call?
Apologies if this is an elementary question.

I have called up the voicemail service and I listen to the first message; I'm then invited to press a key to save, delete, and so forth, but the screen has gone blank and there is no key to press. How do I recover the keyboard so that I can select an option?

A second problem then presented itself; that not only is there no key to select an option, there is no key to end the call either. The only way I could do this was to take the battery out of the back.

This can't be what the designer intended, but there is no guidance given any of the manuals I have been able to find.

Can anyone give me a pointer to an idiot's guide?

Edit: It is a Samsung Galaxy (can't say what model number), and it has no protective devices attached to it.

# Answer
> 3 votes
By what you describe, this is more likely to be related with the proximity sensor.

It is located at the top right corner of your screen, outside of the touch area.

If anything is blocking that sensor, the screen goes black. This happens to prevent the users face from touching anything on the screen during a call.

What works for me, is either using the home button or the power button to bring the screen back on.

---
Tags: voicemail
---


title: Download stuck in Gmail

text:
# Question
Title: Download stuck in Gmail
I had started downloading a attached file from GMail app, suddenly it hang. When it resumed, notification bar was showing download process but it was not being downloaded in the app. i retried and downloaded it. Its been 3 days but notification bar still shows the file is being downloaded. I have tried switching off the phone but doesn't work. Can anyone tell me what I should do. Thanks for the help.

# Answer
> 8 votes
You might need to clear the cache of the Download Manager. Go into:

```
Settings -> Apps -> All (tab) -> Download Manager

```

Here tap `Clear cache` and for good measure `Clear data`

---
Tags: gmail, downloading
---


# Question
Title: Camera app is missing from my Galaxy Nexus
I ran bigxie's 4.1 jellybean for a while, worked great, switched to the same brand but 4.1.1 instead (I always do a full wipe) and since then I have issues with my camera. I think the installation of Camera 360 might have done something to cause my regular camera and Gallery app to have problems (both of them simply crash upon start).

I just installed the latest AOKP (4.1.1) and tried two separate gapps, the most popular one from somewhere in april that some forums claim fix this issue, and also the absolutely newest one. Both give me the same issue as the 4.1.1 bigxie ROM.

Is it possible that Camera 360 did this? What can I do to troubleshoot this? When I go to "manage apps" and then "all" I can't even find an app called "Camera", and also nothing called "com.android.camera". Are system apps even included in gapps? Can I find the system app "Camera" from somewhere and just install it to fix this issue?

Thank you in advance.

# Answer
> 0 votes
This issue was resolved by **reinstalling** bigxie's 4.1.1 ROM from scratch (with a full wipe). I suspect that fiddling around with TitaniumBackup caused me to remove the system camera app, and for some reason this was not put in when I installed AOKP + gapps.

Please note! Full wipe and complete reinstall of a ROM that is missing the Camera app will not help. Therefore, choose a stock ROM or a ROM close to stock that you know include the Camera system app.

If this does not help, try reseting the phone completely to locked bootloader, unrooted stock ROM and so on as you will probably want to return it anyway if the Camera app is still gone in the stock installation :)

---
Tags: custom-roms, samsung-galaxy-nexus, camera, 4.1-jelly-bean, gallery
---


title: How to set Home country for Google Now?

text:
# Question
Title: How to set Home country for Google Now?
I'm living in UK and all my apps understand it. All except Google Now. It keeps showing me cards about the rate between $ and £ or time in US (supposed to be time at home).

I checked all my settings and UK is set every where even for my Google account. I've got a Nexus S running Jelly Bean that I bought in UK.

How to make Google now understand that I live in UK? Am I missing something?

# Answer
Google Now by default will think that you're in the USA.
The app pulls your home address from Google Latitude. This is also how it knows when you're home and it is the basics for traffic info.

To change this go into:

```
Maps ->  Location History (tab)

```

Here you can set both your home and work address.
> 8 votes

---
Tags: geolocation, 4.1-jelly-bean, google-now
---


# Question
Title: I lost my phone but need to find it's IMEI. What places can I look?
I had a Nexus S but lost it or it was stolen. I need to find it's IMEI. I don't have the box or documentation either.

I've checked exif data from photos taken with the phone.

What other potential sources are there for it's IMEI?

# Answer
> 19 votes
Got it!

Sing into your Google Dashboard. Here scroll down to the section titled `Android devices`. You'll see a list of all devices associated with your account. Choose the one that you're looking for and click on the expander arrow. This will bring up a nice block of text that contains your IMEI and a last-seen time.

# Answer
> 2 votes
If your phone is still on contract, you can contact the carrier, may be they will help you. However, without proper proof that you are the owner of the phone, I doubt they can do anything helpful.

So the first thing is to try if you can find some paper or receipt to prove you are the owner.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Have you not thought about using Plan B and install it remotely, to email you back the coordinates. Even Locate My Droid is another option to find out if its nearby.

All of this a gamble - was there sufficient charge? did it have wifi? Furthermore, the sooner you apply that software the better result, as the minutes are counting, the chances of retrieving it back gets smaller.

# Answer
> 1 votes
You could try the following idea but it's a long shot.

There is an app for Android called AndroidLost . The best part about it is that you can install it remotely, register it and then send a command from their site in order to get the status of your phone (including the imei code).

On their site are guides how to install the app, how to send commands to the phone and a lot more.

I'm not sure if it will work because even if you schedule an install command on google for the app, it will be installed only when wifi or networking is on.

I said it's a long shot because in 2 days a lot could have happened to that phone, including a reset, sim change and so on.

---
Tags: imei
---


# Question
Title: How to set up tablet to use a local DNS server thru VPN rather than Google's DNS?
I have a Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise server running in our home network. It has VPN functionality installed and fully working.

If I connect with a computer, the computer will get right DNS servers. If I connect with Android tablet (Asus Transformer Prime), the tablet will still use Google's DNS servers.

The problem with this is that I can't resolve local website addresses such as intranet. Getting the access to that site is more than necessary.

I want the (non-rooted) Android tablet to use the DNS servers provided by the VPN server.

How can I fix this?

# Answer
> 6 votes
You can solve this issue either from the Android side or from the Windows side:

## From the Android side

1. Tap your device "menu" button, and select "settings";
2. Tap "Wireless & networks";
3. Tap "Wi-Fi settings";
4. Tap your device "menu" to bring up extra options and select "advanced";
5. Tap "Use static IP";
6. Fill in your local network static IP details and dns server details;
7. Tap your device "menu" to bring up extra options and select "save".

---

## From the Windows side

1. Open the DNS management;
2. Add a new Forward Lookup Zone for the Google DNS and set a Host A record to your local IP.

# Answer
> 4 votes
This is really a continuation of @Zuul's answer, to cover the DNS settings in Android 4.0+ (ICS), which is a little harder to find IMO. AFAIK Zuul's answer covers Android \<2.3 settings.

## From the Android side (Android 4.0+ ICS)

1. Settings
2. WiFi (click on word "WiFi", not ON/OFF switch)
3. Press and hold (long tap) your wireless network until dialog pops up
4. Select "Modify Network"
5. Check "Show advanced options" checkbox at the bottom
6. Switch "IP settings" to "Static"
7. Fill in your local network static IP details and DNS server details
8. Tap "Save"

*(Whoever made long-taps a standard interface feature is a dummy!)*

---
Tags: windows, asus-eee-pad-transformer, vpn, dns
---


# Question
Title: Do some running apps not show in Task Manager?
I was using the Navigator app and I was still hearing voice directions even though Task Manager showed no apps running. How can Task Manager show no apps and there could be an app still running?

# Answer
Not sure which task manager you are using -- but some devices/Android versions distinguish running apps from services. On my Droid2 running Gingerbread, I find running apps at *Apps-\>Apps* in the "Running" Tab, while services show up at *Apps-\>Active Services*. Parts of Google Maps (which is the navigation app you probably refer to) are implemented as services, as e.g. the "location service" which keeps checking your GPS or Wifi based location in the background. I never used navigation itself, but I imagine this is handled similarly.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: task-management
---


title: Connect to laptop's localhost websites

text:
# Question
Title: Connect to laptop's localhost websites
is it possible for me to connect to `http://localhost` websites on my laptop from my phone without any internet connection?

Phone is Samsung Galaxy W. Laptop Acer with Windows 7. The server I'm using on the laptop is XAMPP at the moment, but this can be changed if another program is easier.

Basically, I want to connect to my laptop server from the phone without router or internet connection.

I know the phone is supposed to have hotspot functionality, does this work without internet (just bought it so I don't know much about it yet)?

# Answer
One solution to your problem probably is Reverse Tether:

Other than your hotspot functionality (which lets you use your phones Internet connection with other devices via Wifi), this allows you to use your computers network via USB, as the screenshots imply. Thus your phone gets a (configurable) IP address (pic1: "Desired IP") matching your computers (pic1: "Gateway IP"; it is important that both are part of the same subnet), and then you can access your computers web services from your Android device as described before (using the computer's IP).

Drawback: This solution requires your device to be rooted. I will check further, maybe I find a similar solution not requiring root, and then will update my answer with that new information.

**UPDATE:**

If your computer is equipped with Wifi, an "adhoc connection" could also provide a solution. You might want to take a look at the question How to connect android wifi to adhoc wifi? for details on this. And there is a brand new article just published today at PC Advisor: Connect Android phone to Ad Hoc network, which might be even more helpful to you.
> 4 votes

# Answer
Assuming the phone and your laptop are on the same network AND the web server is listening on the right ports, you should be able to just use the local IP of your laptop.

`http://192.168.1.100/` (or whatever the IP address happens to be)
> 3 votes

# Answer
Can be done through a bluetooth PAN network using the internet sharing feature on smartphone. As soon as both belong in same PAN network, smartphone can navigate host's web server.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: networking
---


# Question
Title: Use Android Phone like an iPod Touch (without SIM)
I'm using a Motorola Atrix 2 for testing at work, don't want to use my SIM with it.

When I startup the phone I get an emergency calls only page and I can't get past it.

I have had a look at this very related question:

Can I use a Motorola Atrix without a SIM card?

but I seem to have a different experience than the suggested solution says I should.

When I try to boot with the volume down button pressed down and then press the volume down button again, I never end up seeing "Boot Android (NO BP)". The top of my screen only ever says "AP Fastboot Flash Mode (S)". Any suggestions?

# Answer
I don't have a Motorola Atrix 2 at hand, but as far my memory goes, you can go past the "No SIM/Emergency Dial Only" screen if you boot the phone while holding the camera button pressed.
> 6 votes

---
Tags: sim-card
---


# Question
Title: Why is Google Music preinstalled outside of the US?
I've noticed on many phones in Canada and I think in the EU nowadays come with Google Music preinstalled. If Google Music is only available in the USA, then why bother putting it on the phone?

# Answer
> 11 votes
Google Music (or Play Music as it's called now) isn't just used for music purchased from the Play Music store, or for music stored in its cloud service, it can also play music stored locally on the phone, or on inserted SD cards.

My UK Galaxy Nexus has it pre-installed, even though the Play Music Store and cloud storage service aren't available here. It is just the latest version of the built-in Android Music player, and works perfectly well for playing MP3s saved on the phone, even if you never use any of the cloud services or the store.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You would wonder what else comes pre-installed. Some phones have been seen in Germany with software special to some Russian mail providers -- almost causing panic being suspected of a malware attack.

As it is, it is easier for manufacturers to maintain one installation type, which they can ship internationally. As long as they don't exaggerate, and keep the system image in a decent size, this should normally not bother anyone -- most of those apps are either hidden and only show up with a matching SIM card being inserted. Unfortunately that (hiding) is not true with some other apps as e.g. google music -- but still it serves the purpose of "production ease".

# Answer
> 0 votes
Every Android devices comes with many apps already installed.

On one hand, these are useful and enhance the functionality of your device. But on the other hand, like in your case, they are useless apps that use resources, aren't available on the user's country, and some times can't even be uninstalled and.

This is better clarified below, but it's all about deals that have been made...

---

## What apps come with the device?

* **Built-in**

Almost every device comes with essential apps to allow the user to use the device instantly. Some examples are: Browser, Camera App, Email, Clock, E-mail, Music Player.
* **Carrier Specific**

It's common to find apps to access the wireless carrier services, either to entice you to subscribe or to access information about your account.
* **Google Own Apps**

Apps developed by Google may or may not be pre-installed in your device. This is decided by the device manufacturer or wireless carrier. One can always install or uninstall as desired.
* **Bloatware**

Wireless carriers or device manufacturers, bundle sample apps as part of a deal made with vendors. Usually this app can't be uninstalled.

---
Tags: google-play-music
---


title: USB synchronization security issues

text:
# Question
Title: USB synchronization security issues
I've got an Android phone. I have just reset it to its factory default settings and set a password for unlocking the phone. However, even when it is locked and the screen displays a text box with a text entry keyboard, hooking the phone via USB to Ubuntu Linux 12.04 LTS out of the box causes a popup to show up above the password request screen, which allows you to confirm the mounting of the phone's SD Card onto the filesystem in location /mount/328D-1EEE . Of course, the SD card could be removed from the phone and read using a card reader anyways, so perhaps this isn't as much of a security concern.

On the other hand, is it possible to read and transfer files to and from the phone's "internal, rather than external, memory", and to and from that little bit of space that is present on the phone's SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card? If yes, then is this possible by mounting the internal memory or SIM card onto the Linux /media directory? I don't see these ones automount when I connect the USB cable, so I'm wondering if there is a way to do it manually.

# Answer
> 1 votes
What memory is offered on USB-Plug differs between devices. Most of them offer the external SD-Card (if present), some the internal eMMC card. Some even seem to offer a virtual CDRom drive (probably containing some device-specific stuff like drivers). But I've never heard of any giving access to the SIM this way, or even to system ressources. Of course, at least the latter is possible using 3rd party utilities (see Zuul's answer for an example). But access to the SIM should be almost impossible this way.

This all applies to Android up to Gingerbread. Starting with ICS (4.x), things become a bit different as UMS (USB mass storage) support was swapped in favour of MTP (Media transfer protocol). But basically, above said should still be true as to what is possible to access and what is not.

# Answer
> 0 votes
# FTPServer

It's available from Google Play Store free of charge. I'm able to connect to my phone from Windows, Linux and MAC, visualize my entire device contents performing download and upload operations. The best part is, you don't need to use USB.

Just set the mount point (default dir) to `/` and you're good to go.

**Note:** Some operations require ROOT as to fully manipulate files, like system files.

## Features:

> * UTF-8 support
> * Restrict connections to selected wireless networks
> * Access while on 3G (if supported by the mobile network)
> * Restrict access to specific folder
> * Verbose log output to trace connections/access and help in error solving
> * Remote shutdown with custom ("SITE SHUTDOWN" command)

### Screen Shots:

---
Tags: 2.3-gingerbread, security, usb, file-transfer
---


# Question
Title: How to I upgrade my Galaxy Fit from 2.2 to 2.3 using Ubuntu?
> **Possible Duplicate:**
> How do I upgrade firmware on my Samsung Galaxy S without using windows?
> How do I update the OS on my device?

I have a Samsung Galaxy Fit (GT-S5670) running Android 2.2.1. I'm trying to upgrade it to 2.3 on an Ubuntu machine.

I tried to run Samsung Kies using Wine, and below is the output I got:

```
fixme:advapi:LookupAccountNameW (null) L"thillaiselvan" (nil) 0x32c264 (nil) 0x32c268 0x32c25c - stub
fixme:advapi:LookupAccountNameW (null) L"thillaiselvan" 0x1449b8 0x32c264 0x14d270 0x32c268 0x32c25c - stub
fixme:advapi:LookupAccountNameW (null) L"thillaiselvan" (nil) 0x32c264 (nil) 0x32c268 0x32c25c - stub
fixme:advapi:LookupAccountNameW (null) L"thillaiselvan" 0x152638 0x32c264 0x150b18 0x32c268 0x32c25c - stub

```

Then Kies stopped. What is the problem here?

# Answer
> 3 votes
The process is explained pretty well on Samsung's official page, found here. Just download Kies, install it, plug in your phone, wait for it to be recognized and upgrade.

---
Tags: 2.2-froyo, 2.3-gingerbread, updates
---


# Question
Title: How do I semi-automatically guess Wifi passwords?
In some travel destinations, free wireless APs with simple WEP or WPA PSK passwords are common place. Every hotel, cafe, and so on has one. However, language barriers can make it difficult to communicate the password. Common mistakes include "A" vs. "a", "y" vs. "i", "c" vs. "z", "1" vs. "7", "O" (letter) vs. "0" (number). Frequently, you'll find travellers guessing and discussing passwords. Is there are more efficient solution than manual trial-and-error?

I'm looking for an app or other solution, that

* saves the hassle of retyping the same password and variations thereof by remembering previous guesses,
* gives faster, better feedback if the connection with the current password fails (weak signal or wrong password?),
* can efficiently try a number of passwords (variations of the password I entered or default passwords from a dictionary).

I'm not interested in cracking a network with strong security. I want to get connected quickly if the waiter tells me "It's just oh, one, two, a, be, zee" while he's on his way to the next table. An efficient WEP or WPA2 cracker would get the job done, but for this purpose it's not required to crack strong passwords.

# Answer
> 1 votes
EDIT:

There's now a project that got monitor mode working on the **Galaxy S2** and the **Google Nexus One**.
See http://bcmon.blogspot.de/

As far as I know there's currently no WEP/WPA cracking app. The fact Android is open and Linux based would allow this basically, however most (all?) wifi chipset drivers don't allow the necessary monitor mode and solutions would be tied to single makes/models with supported chipsets. Using known working USB wifi adapters with OTG ready devices would allow to circumvent this restriction but there has not been a project to do so yet. Update: There's some effort by the author of Kismet.

This is not covering your question but is somewhat related:
You might however have luck using these 2 tools (root required): Element53 and ProxyDroid

Background:
Many paid access points allow DNS resolution. Element53 is a TCP-over-DNS tunnel app (DNS has port 53, hence the name) to exploit this. The free version has 10MB traffic limit, here's the explanation from the Google Play:

> Element53, the DNS tunnel for Android.
>
> Element53 is a ready-to-use DNS-tunnel for Android. It can be used for penetration testing (other uses are not supported).

---
Tags: wi-fi, password, wep, wpa2
---


# Question
Title: Can I set a default address in the "To:" header for outgoing mails in the EMail app?
On my phone I mostly send emails to myself and I'd like to save the few clicks from selecting a recipient.

Is there a way to prepopulate the "To:" field with my address?
Or any other email client which supports this? It has to support Hotmail.

# Answer
You could create a shortcut on your home screen to your Contact info.

First make sure you've got an entry for yourself in your Contacts with your email address (not the "Me" Contact, but an extra one).

Then go into your Applications screen, tap the Widgets tab at the top, find either the 4x1 or 1x1 "Contact" widget and add that to an empty spot on your Home screen, when prompted find your Contact in the list.

Now when you want to create a new email just tap your Contact icon on the Home screen, tap the EMail icon and it should open up a new email, with your email pre-populated in the To box.
> 6 votes

# Answer
I know it's a workaround, but I frequently use SelfMail, which adds itself to the pretty-much-universal "Share" action. As an example, open a picture, select Share, and pick it from the list.
> 5 votes

# Answer
* You could just save drafts (with GMail), no need to send the massage at all.

or

* You do not need to use the "To:" header to send yourself mail at all but instead can send email to a \`default-BCC field and leave the "To:" empty.

K9 allows this:
> 5 votes

---
Tags: email
---


# Question
Title: Show battery percentage on Nexus 7 (Jelly Bean)
Is there a (preferably built-in) way to show the remaining battery percentage in the status bar on the Nexus 7 (4.1.1)?

# Answer
> 5 votes
## Jelly Bean

Unfortunately, there is no setting that you can enable to show battery percentage on the system icons tray. Without using an app, all you have is:

1. Battery indicator on the top right corner of your screen.
2. Access to the battery settings, level and usage details:

Go to: Settings \> Device \> Battery

---

## App

Using the Battery app by MacroPinch available from Google Play Store, you are able to get the percentage on your status bar:

---
Tags: battery, 4.1-jelly-bean
---


title: App optimization on every reboot?

text:
# Question
Title: App optimization on every reboot?
I received the official OTA Google update to Android Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0.3 on my HTC Sensation. Every time now when I reboot the device, the system displays a notice stating that it is optimizing the installed apps. This should be just on the first reboot after the update and not every time?

# Answer
This seems like it may be a bug in the update that HTC has released for their phones. It's been reported on the Android issue tracker and appears to affect various HTC models only. You can star the issue if you want, and some people have suggested that enabling the "Fast Boot" option in your settings may help (something like `Settings->Power`, I believe). On other devices it should only run at first boot or when the Dalvik cache has been erased.

If it's of interest, the details regarding what the optimization is actually doing have been covered in What kind of app optimizations do newer Android versions do at the first reboot?
> 3 votes

# Answer
This issue has now been fixed in a recent OTA update. This updated the HTC Software version (*NOT* Sense) to **V3.33.401.6**. Applying the upgrade removes the issue.

This is further corroborated by other users previously experiencing the same problem: , , , .

Took them long enough!
> 2 votes

# Answer
In general, the "application optimisation", which I assume is JIT compilation of all the installed APKs, should only happened once during the first boot (and probably also during the first boot after flashing.)

Why it is running every time, I do not know. Sounds like an error.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, updates, optimization
---


# Question
Title: Android devices shows up in wrong account on Google Dashboard
I noticed today that my Android device shows up in the Google Dashboard for my work (Google Apps) address, as opposed to the Google Dashboard for my personal address.

I am wondering if this is even an issue? Of course I would prefer to have it associated with my personal account dashboard.

I have not tried to remedy the issue yet. Maybe my first step would be to delete the work account on my Android and see if it would default to a different account. As far as I can tell there is no option for changing a "default account" with which your Android associates.

Thoughts?

# Answer
The default account is the one that you logged in with first. If this was your Apps account and the "Remove account" option doesn't work than on a non-rooted device the only way to remedy this I to perform a Factory reset. However the device will still show up on your dashboard, I have devices I stopped using two years ago still there.

One other thing to note is that your phone should show up on **all** accounts that you're logged in with. If it doesn't, try downloading a free app with that account.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: google-account, accounts, google-apps
---


# Question
Title: Where can I check how much Internet bandwidth did my HTC Desire use?
A newb question, as I just received my wife's HTC Desire: Where can I check how much bandwidth it uses (or used during certain time period)? Her contract only includes 500MB a month, so she needs to be able to monitor this.

# Answer
> 6 votes
Mentioned 3G Watchdog probably is the best choice. Alternatively, you might want to take a look at...

...which also cover your needs. Might be you like one of them more :)

Talking about more, I obviously missed...

# Answer
> 4 votes
Have a look at 3G Watchdog. You can add a homescreen widget, and even disable 3G once you get to a predefined limit.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Really surprised this wasn't posted already, but check out My Data Manager.

I am very happy with it! It has a notification view of data used on both network and wifi that only shows when you expand the bar (so it's not annoying).

It has support for how much data your plan is for, when your bill comes, and has great graphs of each application's usage, and even time running!

# Answer
> 0 votes
Onavo has generally been well received, both on iOS and Android. It has widgets and some fairly nicely drawn bar graphs to make the data easier to digest.

You can also pair it with their other offering, Onavo Extend, which will compress your requests and route them through a proxy server in order to save bandwidth (similar concept as Opera Mini). It's worth noting, though, that if you're truly concerned about privacy issues then you may want to steer clear of Extend, as all of your data will pass through Onavo's servers (though they say they don't monitor/collect it, of course). They claim up to 5x compression rates.

# Answer
> -1 votes
Reto Meier did a talk during last Google I/O where he spoke about it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwC1OlJo5VM

Watch around 25 minutes.

He suggested:

* Logcat logging
* ARO tool from AT&T
* Network Statistics in DDMS

---
Tags: htc-desire, bandwidth
---


# Question
Title: Installing G2X firmware on the LG P990 O2X?
I saw that EaglesBlood released a pre-alpha of Jelly Bean for the P999. Is it possible to make this boot on the O2X P990? I live in Europe.

# Answer
You may be able to boot, but the likely hood that things like the camera, wifi and other things, working are slim. Even when it is "the same device", just a variant (like the vibrant, captivate, galaxy s, fascinate, for example) flashing a ROM not made for the specific device will not work.

The differences in the hardware causes modifications to the ROM. Everything from the wifi chip, to the camera can require custom drivers.

Most likely, you wont even be able to boot though.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: custom-roms, 4.1-jelly-bean, lg-optimus-2x
---


# Question
Title: Are there any video players with commercial skip for Android?
I have a TiVo Series 3 and the TiVo Desktop Plus software, which I use to convert shows for playback on my iPod Touch. I'd love to find a video player that would have 30 second/commercial skip for an Android phone (future purchase). It's hard for me to adjust the slider on the video player with that degree of precision.

# Answer
> 2 votes
It's not an actual 30 second button, but MX Player has a feature to slowly adjust forward and backward (a full screen swipe typically does ~45-60 seconds), making it very easy to precisely navigate a video.

---
Tags: video, media-player
---


title: Does ROM Manager need S-OFF?

text:
# Question
Title: Does ROM Manager need S-OFF?
I want to try the CyanogenMod9 Alpha builds for the T-Mobile myTouch 4G Slide \[MT4GS/Doubleshot\] and all the instructions say I need S-OFF. The problem is that I have HBOOT 1.55 so software solutions like Revolutionary do not work and I am left with the JuopunutBear wire trick. I am not up for that so I will stay S-ON for now.

Then, I found ROM Manager that claims to easily install custom ROMs easily, but I can not find if ROM Manager requires S-OFF for HTC devices. Does anyone know if I can install custom ROMs through ROM Manager with S-ON?

# Answer
> 3 votes
ROM Manager doesn't do anything particularly special to install a custom ROM. It essentially makes a call to the `recovery` binary that allows it to save instructions for your recovery partition to run the next time it boots, thereby automating the process of flashing whatever zip file you choose. You could do the exact same thing manually.

Therefore, if your device needs to be S-OFF to flash a custom ROM from recovery, it will also need to be S-OFF in order for ROM Manager to flash a ROM. It will not work on an S-ON device since it won't be able to write to the NAND, and you won't even be able to get a custom recovery to stick in the first place, most likely, which it will ultimately need to flash the ROM.

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Tags: cyanogenmod, rom-flashing, htc, rom-manager, s-off
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# Question
Title: How can I upload photos from my Android (4.1) to Picasa without resizing to 2048 resolution?
I am paying for additional storage, so the storage limit doesn't concern me. I would like to upload full-resolution pics from my phone to my Picasa albums, but when I choose to upload a picture from my Android to a Picasa album, the picture ends up being resized to 2048 pixel max resolution. Is there any way to disable this or bypass it without using something like Dropbox instead?

Using Nexus S running Jelly Bean.

# Answer
That is described at the Google Support page for Picasa as a limitation, even if you're currently paying for extra space, that doesn't allow you to have image files larger than 2048 pixels on their longest edge:

* Picasa and Picasa Web Albums - Free storage limits

> ## Free storage limits
>
> Photos up to 2048 x 2048 pixels and videos up to 15 minutes won't count towards your free storage.
>
> ## Automatic resizing
>
> All photos uploaded in Google+ will be automatically resized to 2048 pixels (on their longest edge) and won't count towards your free storage quota.
>
> All photos uploaded from the Picasa software or in Picasa Web Albums over the free size limit will count towards your 1 GB of free storage. When you reach your storage limit, any new photos you upload larger than the free size limit **will be automatically resized to 2048 pixels** (on their longest edge).

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* Picasa and Picasa Web Albums - Account upload limits

> + Maximum photo size: Each image can be no larger than 20 megabytes and are restricted to 50 megapixels or less.
>     + Maximum video size: Each video uploaded can be no larger than 1GB in size.
>     + Maximum number of web albums: 10,000
>     + Maximum number of photos and videos per web album: 1,000
>     + Total storage space: Picasa Web provides 1 GB for photos and videos. Files under certain sizes don't count towards this limit.

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You can refer to the How Google storage plans work, to confirm that what you pay only affects the space you have, not the service characteristics.

*As a side note: Try and talk to their customers service to work a solution.*
> 1 votes

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Tags: photos, 4.1-jelly-bean, picasa
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# Question
Title: Do I need to "unroot" my Evo 3D to get the ICS update?
Android 4.0 just came out for my phone today (a Sprint-version HTC Evo 3D). I didn't get the update yet, but I guess Sprint is doing it in phases. Anyway, I'm wondering whether I need to unroot my phone before installing the update. I used HTC's method to root it.

Another thing I should mention is that I currently do not have the ability to install "Firmware updates" from the "System Updates" settings menu. There is a pending update now (not the ICS update), but when I try to install it, the phone restarts, then shows an error (what seems to be a green robot with a triangular warning sign above).

Does this mean I need to unroot before installing any firmware updates? If so, how can I unroot it, when it still has HTC's bootloader?

I am aware that there are ICS ROMs I can download and install, but these all have problems, and I'd rather stick with the update from HTC. What do you guys think I can do?

# Answer
> 4 votes
ROM Updates from vendors/manufacturers/carriers usually evaluate checksums of at least the system partition -- which fails in case of applied modifications, such as required by rooting (rooting needs to place at least the superuser apk on the system partition, and other root-apps may then add to it). I'm not sure how this is handĺed by HTC for devices "unlocked" via their "service" -- but in all cases I experienced, OTA-Updates failed due to the CRC check.

"Un-rooting" will probably not help much: the system partition remains "tainted". The only thing I know which should definitely help is flashing the original ROM locally.

As for me, I ended up using CyanogenMod on my devices, which runs quite smoothly (HTC Buzz as well as Motorola Droid 2). If you either have to flash (the original stock ROM), you might want to give CM a try. A good backup with Titanium Backup should take care for your data and make migration easier.

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Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, updates, ota-update, htc-evo-3d
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title: Restore contacts from nandroid backup

text:
# Question
Title: Restore contacts from nandroid backup
I got a nandroid backup of a stock android froyo firmware. The device (GT-I9003, Galaxy SL) is now running cyanogenmod 9. how can i transfer the contacts (and sms/mms optionally) from the backup to the running system?

# Answer
> 3 votes
If you had contact sync enabled and you added the account on this rom too your contacts should appear. If they don't, try Titanium Backup Pro. It's a terrific backup solution and it's pro version allows you to restore individual items from CWM backups.
It costs more than your average app but it's super well worth it.

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Tags: contacts, cyanogenmod, backup, nandroid
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# Question
Title: Can't figure out how to play steaming video from a url with MoboPlayer
How can a video player like MoBo Player play content from a URL?

I am not seeing any option after installing the app. Also, the search icon does nothing.

# Answer
> 1 votes
## Four steps:

1. Open the MoboPlayer app;
2. If you don't see a small menu with icons at the bottom of your screen, tap "home" to bring that up, then tap "...";
3. From the white extra options board, scroll to see the far right side. There you will find "Streaming", tap to access;
4. Enter URL and enjoy the show.

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Tags: video
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