# Question
Title: Notifications enabled on app make the app run on background?
Let me start with an example, Delta's airline app called "FlyDelta" has an option in it settings to enable/disable "Get check-in reminders & status notifications". My question is, if I enable this "Get check-in reminders & status notifications" will the app from that point on run in the background at all times (even after restarting the phone or killing the app)? I'm a bit confused on how notifications work. I know that Google has a very nice infrastructure to push notifications to an app, but does the app has to be running in order to consume the data? any help explaining this specific app behavior will be greatly appreciated.

# Answer
> 1 votes
# Polling for updates

It depends on how the app is written. Most commonly, the app uses Android's `AlarmManager` to run itself at intervals (say, every hour) to check for updates. Some apps might do this to keep themselves in sync with server data regardless of whether notifications are turned on or off in the app, and may (or may not) have another setting to disable syncing completely. Other apps might only run this periodic check if notifications are turned on, and only sync when you start the app yourself.

However it controls that, you should expect that when the `AlarmManager` starts the app in the background, it runs for as it long as it takes to get any new data from the server, and then stops running when it's finished. It will then not run until the `AlarmManager` starts it again in another hour (or however long it's set to wait). There's (usually) no need for the app to be running in the background the whole time, though of course a badly written app may do this.

### Cached background processes

Don't forget that Android keeps background processes in memory even when they've stopped running, unless/until another process needs to use that memory. If the app is 'stopped', it's not using any resources, not even if Android is keeping it in memory.

# Google Cloud Messaging

Apps can use Google Cloud Messaging (GCM) to be 'pushed' updates from servers (i.e. from "the cloud"). Instead of being started at regular intervals to check for data, they're only started when new data are available. This means they use less power, because they're not being started unnecessarily; and less data, because they only talk to the server when they know it has new data.

As above, an app might use GCM to keep its data in sync with the server, even if notifications are turned off. It's an *implementation detail* of the app: it shouldn't affect its observable behaviour, just how much power and data it uses.

Android itself keeps an open connection to Google's servers. There's only one such connection on the whole phone, so installing a new app that uses GCM doesn't use any extra resources. When the Android system receives a GCM message for a particular app, it starts that app in the background to give it the message: the app doesn't need to have been running already.

The app then runs, and reads the message. The size of GCM messages is severely limited, so the app may still need to contact the server to find out more. For example, the GCM message might just say how many new emails there are, and the client then needs to check the server to download the new emails. For flight details, it may be that the message only has a gate number or an updated departure time, so the app might not need to contact the server for more details. As before, when the app has finished processing the update, and it has created a notification if necessary, it can stop itself: it doesn't need to keep running.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I think it might differ among apps. To figure out the app in question runs in background or not, just use system\> apps\> running services.

If it's push notification, it consumes data only when it receives data. Even if it runs in background it does not consume data.

---
Tags: applications, notifications, background-data
---


# Question
Title: how to disable unlock screen sound on galaxy S3
Lately my phone makes an annoying sound when unlocking the screen. I don't have "Screen unlock sound" checked in the setting. I googled and found few people complained about this issue but no solution has been found yet. I tried checking and unchecking the setting and restarting the phone many times but still no joy. A hard reset might help but i don't want to do that if not absolutely essential.

This is not me but just found on youtube and this guy seems to have exactly same issue.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3m2Dyv-jaY

Anyone here had same issue and found a solution?

# Answer
> 6 votes
One of the comments with 9 Likes in the video says: `Settings > More settings > Under file/data transfer, turn off NFC`

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, lock-screens
---


# Question
Title: What is the difference between USB On-The-Go (OTG) and USB Host Mode?
What is the difference between USB On-The-Go (OTG) and USB Host Mode?

They seem to be more or less the same. *Are they?*

# Answer
In the context of Android devices, the terms are often used interchangeably.

# Host mode

USB has two different kinds of endpoint (connected device), like a client-server interface. One device is the computer (or *host*), and it's in charge: it's the server. All the other devices (the *peripherals*) are the clients, and can only communicate with the server. Usually, a device can only act in one of those two rôles: it wouldn't make sense for (say) a keyboard to be the host. That's the way the protocol works, and the connectors are designed to make that easier for users: hosts have the rectangular A connector, and peripherals have either the square B connector or a mini- or micro- version.

*Host mode* is a name for when a device is acting as a host. Every USB connection has exactly one device in *host mode*. PCs always run in host mode. (You wouldn't usually call it that for a PC, because it's not really a "mode", it's always like that.)

# USB-OTG

A phone is a bit different, though. Sometimes you want it to act as a peripheral: for example, so you can plug it into a PC, so the PC can access the phone's storage. Sometimes you want it to act as a host: for example, to connect a physical keyboard or mouse to it. This is why many Android devices now support USB host mode as well as USB peripheral mode: they can act in either rôle. But how can you make this work, when a host's USB socket is different from a peripheral's?

This is where *USB-on-the-go* (OTG) comes in. It adds an extra pin to the micro-USB socket. If you plug a normal A-to-B USB cable, the device acts in peripheral mode. If you connect a special USB-OTG cable, it has the pin connected at one end, and the device at that end acts in host mode.

This can be a little confusing if one cable has seemingly identical plugs at either end, which do different things. But cables with USB-OTG at both ends are uncommon: it's more common to use an adaptor, which has a host-mode USB-OTG plug at one end, and a rectangular USB-A socket on the other. You can plug a normal USB cable into this adaptor, and it will work normally.

# Conclusion

The names refer to two different parts of the USB technology, but they're very similar. After all, if a device "supports USB-OTG," it must support acting in "host mode". The converse is often the case, but not always. Most Android devices that support host mode do so via USB-OTG, but there are a few counterexamples: the original Asus Eee Pad Transformer, for example, has USB-A sockets in its keyboard, allowing it to act in host mode without a USB-OTG cable. And of course PCs support host mode without USB-OTG.

So although the terms are usually used to mean the same thing in the Android world - can I plug a USB stick into my phone? - and for most devices it makes no difference which you're talking about, there is a distinction.
> 33 votes

---
Tags: usb-host-mode, usb-on-the-go
---


title: Frequently changing battery from mobile

text:
# Question
Title: Frequently changing battery from mobile
Is is bad for a device to change battery frequently from mobile?

I have one extra battery when my first battery got dry I removed it from mobile and put the second charged battery. Is it bad for the device?

I am using Samsung galaxy s2

# Answer
> 1 votes
It is okay to use another battery as a backup. But if you switch the batteries frequently, you may end up with damaging your phone. Even though the chance for this a very low, it is still a chance.

When you change the battery frequently, you have to turn on and off the device. When you do this, the inserted battery spends power to start and turn-off your phone which is more of an unnecessary power waste. As a side effect, your phone covers may be at the risk of loosening, as a result of frequent use.

Other than that, there is nothing wrong with the use of two batteries with your device.

Instead of changing them frequently, you can switch batteries after using it for a certain period. (e.g. a week) Your backup battery will always be with you holding a full charge for a week. See the tag for more info on battery usage tips.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-2, battery
---


title: Uninstall from emulator doesn't work

text:
# Question
Title: Uninstall from emulator doesn't work
I'm doing my first steps with Android. I'm using a Mac, and no Eclipse.

I've installed my first toy application with

adb install bin/\*.apk

and verified that it existed in the emulator. Then I made some changes, reran the build, and tried to install again, which brought the error message

```
   pkg: /data/local/tmp/DefaultActivity-debug.apk

```

Failure \[INSTALL\_FAILED\_ALREADY\_EXISTS\]

Fine, so I have to uninstall first. So I tried the following:

adb uninstall DefaultActivity adb uninstall de.rf.DefaultActivity adb uninstall DefaultActivity-debug adb uninstall /data/local/tmp/DefaultActivity-debug.apk adb uninstall de.rf

but all of them just brought the error message "Failure", with no further explanation.

It's not a really big problem, because I can simply restart the emulator and use "adb install ....", but I'm curious: How do I correctly use the "uninstall" command?

My activity looks like this:

package de.rf; ... public class DefaultActivity extends Activity { ... }

# Answer
> 6 votes
You don't have to uninstall, when you install an app already installed, you have to use `adb install -r`. (for more help, juste type `adb`)

To uninstall an app, you have to use `adb uninstall package-name` (e.g. `adb uninstall com.example.app`).

# Answer
> 2 votes
To uninstall the package using `adb`, you need to use the package name listed in the manifest, for example:

```
adb uninstall com.shadowburst.showr

```

You might also want to use the `-k` option to avoid deleting the app's data when uninstalling.

You can also uninstall apps from the **Settings** app: click **Apps**, find your app in the list, then click **Uninstall**. This works even if the app was installed via `adb` or directly from an APK file.

By the way, don't use `de.rf` as a package name, even if you own the internet domain `rf.de`. You want the package name to be something *inside* a domain you control, to ensure that it won't clash with another Java package you write (such as another app or a library).

---
Tags: adb, uninstallation, emulators
---


# Question
Title: Why do my photos look fantastic on my HTC One X, but not that good on a PC?
The photos I take with my HTC One X look excellent on the phone screen, but when I copy them to a PC or laptop and view them on a larger screen, they don't look nearly as good.

Is HTC employing a filter or enhancement to make the photos look better? Could I do the same to the photos after copying them to my laptop?

# Answer
**First**, HTC is not *...employing a filter or enhancement to make the photos look better...*.

**Second**, This is the color settings of the screens. If you transfer a photo taken from a Sony device camera to a Samsung mobile device, you will see a huge difference. That difference is that you can't see the vividness and cleanliness (i.e. *the beauty* ) you saw in the photo of the Samsung phone.

Explanation: The mobile phones has a PPI or DPI more than 300 whereas the computer monitors have around 150 - 200. Since you are seeing the pictures in a lesser pixel density while you are viewing them in your PC, you may fell that *they don't look nearly as good.*

If you want the beauty you saw in your phone, use Photoshop or any other photo editing app to increase the colors a little and adjust brightness and/or contrast or curves. Our fellow SE members of Photography Stack Exchange will be glad to help you.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: photos, htc-one-x
---


# Question
Title: Lost all my contacts after flashing custom rom (sg2)
I got a Galaxy S2 as an upgrade from my HTC Hero around January this year. My phone contacts have always been synced to my Gmail account and the backup worked since I got all my contacts on my SGS2 from my HTC Hero. However, I flashed a custom ROM on my SGS2 and since then only 14 of my contacts have been retrieved. When I try to manually sync the phone with Google it still only shows the 14 contacts. I visited http://google.com/contacts and to my surprise I only have the 14 contacts there as well.

How can I fix this problem? Do I have to flash it back to custom rom or is there any other way?

# Answer
Via your desktop computer, go to the Contacts section in Gmail. Click the MORE button and then RESTORE CONTACTS.

You'll be shown a dialog box where you can pick a particular time to restore to within the past 30 days.

That should restore your contact data.

After that just sync your device.
> 1 votes

# Answer
The solution is very simple, the problem is that the ROM is just reading the phone contacts and you just have to delete a file!

*Caveat Emptor* Your phone must be rooted

* Go download an app called Root Explorer from Play Store
* Launch *Root Explorer*
* Go to this directory `/data/data/com.android.contacts/shared_preferences`
* then delete `com.android.contacts_preferences.xml`

That's the first part done, remaining part is this, now, go into your Contacts app via home screen or application drawer, tap on *Menu*, then tap on *Import/Export*, then import all the contacts from SIM to phone!
> -1 votes

---
Tags: contacts, samsung-galaxy-s-2, sync, rom-flashing, google-account
---


# Question
Title: copy my exchange server settings password
The password field under "exchange server settings" is blocked out. I want to add my business email to another phone. Is there any way to reveal the password?

Thanks.

# Answer
If you are talking about the stock `Email` app, there is no way to show the password. This is for your privacy and security. You don't want people to be able to see your password if you lost the phone, especially if don't use a PIN- or password-enabled lockscreen.

The best way to resolve this issue is to contact your company's IT Support, and request for a password change.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: settings, exchange, password
---


title: Remote activate android app

text:
# Question
Title: Remote activate android app
I have an OUYA with XBMC installed, and watch films using the remote app on my Android phone. To watch a film I have to use the Ouya controller to launch XBMC. How can I remotely start XBMC on my android device (the OUYA) so not needing the controller?

# Answer
> 3 votes
Have a look in the OUYA store for an app called AutoPilot, that allows you to specify an app that will run on boot.

---
Tags: remote-control, ouya
---


# Question
Title: How can I disable the volume warning if you raise the volume too much?
I recently got a Nexus 4, and I've got a question regarding the volume warning that pops up if you raise the volume too much. Is it possible to disable or remove this warning? I want to be able to raise the volume with the phone in my pocket (with the volume buttons) without having to pick up the phone. I listen to podcasts with low or bad audio and need to raise it above the warning level.

# Answer
This is a known issue (or feature) in Android 4.2, and there's probably no fix for now.

**UPDATE 2013-12-10:** According to Marius Hofert, it is still an issue in 4.4.
> 10 votes

# Answer
Android source code explains it perfectly in AudioService.java For any experienced Android hacker, It's quite easy to patch it out though.

```
//==========================================================================================
 // Safe media volume management.
 // MUSIC stream volume level is limited when headphones are connected according to safety
 // regulation. When the user attempts to raise the volume above the limit, a warning is
 // displayed and the user has to acknowlegde before the volume is actually changed.
 // The volume index corresponding to the limit is stored in config_safe_media_volume_index
 // property. Platforms with a different limit must set this property accordingly in their
 // overlay.
 //==========================================================================================

 // mSafeMediaVolumeState indicates whether the media volume is limited over headphones.
 // It is SAFE_MEDIA_VOLUME_NOT_CONFIGURED at boot time until a network service is connected
 // or the configure time is elapsed. It is then set to SAFE_MEDIA_VOLUME_ACTIVE or
 // SAFE_MEDIA_VOLUME_DISABLED according to country option. If not SAFE_MEDIA_VOLUME_DISABLED, it
 // can be set to SAFE_MEDIA_VOLUME_INACTIVE by calling AudioService.disableSafeMediaVolume()
 // (when user opts out).

```
> 3 votes

# Answer
This seems to be an implementation of the European Union regulations to limit the volume to 85db unless the user confirms they want to raise the volume higher (BBC news article).

I guess this does not apply in the US and other regions?

It's possible that some custom ROMs may let you disable this feature.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: nexus-4, volume
---


title: How to unlock a G1

text:
# Question
Title: How to unlock a G1
Yes, I got the G1 the day it was launched in the UK. Swapped it for HTC Desire when that was launched. Now have a Galaxy S4.

Anyway, I moved away from T-Mobile without removing the G1's network lock (because I was using the Desire then). Lately, I've been experimenting a bit and would like to use the G1 for some things.

How can I unlock it?

# Answer
> 0 votes
HTC starting offering their own free unlock tool online some little while ago in an effort to be more hack-friendly, and the G1 (or Dream) is one of the phones you can unlock with it. Failing that you can also contact HTC support to get the unlock code.

# Answer
> -1 votes
If you wish you can check with online unlocking service provider called Mobile-Unlocker.com who will help you in unlocking your G1 within 1-2 working days...

---
Tags: sim-unlocking, htc-dream
---


# Question
Title: High CPU usage from UEventObserver and inputmethod.latin (Nexus S)
I have kept my Google Nexus S up to date with the latest Android O/S since I've owned it and its always had performance problems to varying degrees. I'm currently running:

```
Android version: 4.1.2
Baseband version: I9023XXKI1
Kernel version: 3.0.31-g5894150
Build number: JZO54K
Uptime: 145:35:00

```

Currently the performance is particularly bad. The UI is generally very sluggish, apps can take a long time to open or switch, occasionally the home screen appears empty after switching away from a "big" app (e.g. Bad Piggies or Chrome) almost as if the shell had crashed and restarted. The performance seems to deteriorate the longer the phone has been without a reboot. There is a bug where the phone think its still charging after being unplugged. I am not sure if this is associated with the performance issue.

I tried various performance monitoring apps but none of them told me anything useful. I finally installed a terminal emulator and ran the trusty top. Here are the results:

These two threads: com.google.android.inputmethod.latin and UEventObserver, appear to consistently be using high CPU. I have seem UEventObserver using as much as 40-50%. Regarding the inputmethod.latin I am assuming this is keyboard related but I am only using the standard Android keyboard so the high CPU usage is inexplicable.

Any theories about what is going on?

How can I fix these two threads that are hogging the CPU?

# Answer
You can check "adb shell getevent" to see which events are coming at the time of this high CPU. That may help.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 4.1-jelly-bean, samsung-nexus-s, performance, troubleshooting
---


# Question
Title: Chrome keyboard shortcuts, external Bluetooth keyboard, Samsung Galaxy Tab
There are a lot of Google hits in which people report that the usual desktop Chrome keyboard shortcuts (e.g., ctrl+t for a new tab) work fine on Android Chrome with an external Bluetooth keyboard.

However, none of the shortcuts seem to work in my system. I am using the following setup:

* Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1
* Android 4.0
* Chrome web browser
* Microsoft Wedge Mobile Keyboard
* Nothing strange configured or installed; I have recently reset the tablet

For example, these things work OK:

* System-wide shortcuts (e.g. win+l for Calendar) work.
* If I tap on the address bar in Chrome, I can use the keyboard to enter a URL.
* I can also edit the address as usual when the address bar is active. Arrow keys work, ctrl+a works, ctrl+c / ctrl+v works, etc.

However, these things seem to do nothing:

* Using any of the usual keyboard combinations in Chrome: ctrl+t, ctrl+n, ctrl+l, ctrl+w, etc.

# Answer
Installing **External Keyboard Helper Pro** seemed to fix the keyboard shortcuts in Chrome.

(I have no idea why it helps; this was completely unexpected. I was just installing it to get rid of the onscreen keyboard.)
> 1 votes

---
Tags: bluetooth, samsung-galaxy-tab, chrome-for-android, external-keyboard, keyboard-shortcuts
---


# Question
Title: How to use Android modem without using PC
I have rooted my mobile. I wanted to use modem of Android phone without connecting to PC. How to give AT commands without connecting to PC, because in http://atinout.sourceforge.net/, it is suggesting to use `'/dev/ttyACM0'` file which is not present in Android device. I am not sure, but it seems `ttyACM0` is related with USB, how to use same command in Android mobile, if I have rooted my mobile successfully.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Some devices would have the kernel compiled with ACM serial support (*this is dependent on manufacturer/board/kernel*) so that it could be used as a dial-up modem from a PC via USB cable, that is the functionality behind `/dev/ttyACM` **n** where **n** is a digit as allocated by the kernel.

To check for that, look in `/proc/config.gz` which is the kernel configuration file used, this is a gzipped file detailing the configuration of how the kernel was built, the ones you are looking for is, need to search for it:

* CONFIG\_USB\_ANDROID\_ACM=y
* CONFIG\_USB\_F\_SERIAL=y
* CONFIG\_MODEM\_SUPPORT=y

*again, its dependent, some elect to not include it, others will omit it*

So basing my comment above, I think you're using the wrong device file name, the real modem device file is `/dev/smd0` which is used in conjunction with `/dev/socket/rild` (See my answer on StackOverflow explaining about that). `/dev/smd0` sits in front of `/dev/socket/rild`, `rild` daemon reads from that device and relays it to `/dev/socket/rild` which is then handled by the android layer in both directions.

Try using either of the device filenames, with `atinout` program referenced on sourceforge, to see what outcome you will get.

**Disclaimer:** I am not responsible for messing up your telephony stuff if you carry it out as per on the sourceforge site, if it gets messed, reboot!

# Answer
> 1 votes
As I said in my answer to your first question:

> Be warned that the device file you need to use is different for each model of phone, so you'll have to examine /dev on each device to find out which file to use.

If you can't find a report from someone else who has got it working on the same phone, you'll need to use a little trial and error to find the right device file.

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


# Question
Title: Package file is invalid when trying to load Facebook
When I try to load the Facebook app on my new Samsung Galaxy S3, I get an error of `Package File is Invalid`. I have been able to load other apps via Google Play store. Facebook seems to be the only one I'm having trouble with.

# Answer
This error has been noticed recently. The other day, I was trying to update the `Samsung Push` app, but it kept on failing. So, I just kept trying to update it, despite the frustrations. Eventually, it updated successfully.

Maybe it's just a Google Play issue.

**Update 2013-08-13:** From Al's comments, Google has officially recognized this issue, as is in fact listed in Google Support.

> We’ve received reports that some users are getting "Package File Invalid" while trying to download or update apps.
>
> We’re currently investigating a permanent solution, and there are no workarounds at this time.
>
> We’ll continue to update this page with developments, so check back soon.

**EDIT #1:** Oops, looks like my UPDATE has been mentioned in bmdixon's answer already.

**UPDATE 2013-08-15:** As of this time, Google has already fixed the issue. Source.
> 2 votes

# Answer
This is a Play Store issue. It has been acknowledged by Google and they are looking at it. There is no fix or workaround at the moment.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: facebook, system-error
---


# Question
Title: Xperia X8 flashtool error: ERR_DYNAMIC="SIN header verification failed"
this is the log from flashtool v0.6.8.0:

```
17/016/2013 20:16:47 - INFO - <- This level is successfully initialized
17/016/2013 20:16:47 - INFO - Flashtool Version 0.6.8.0 built on 2012-02-26 19:26:25
17/016/2013 20:16:47 - INFO - You can drag and drop ftf files here to start flashing them
17/016/2013 20:16:52 - INFO - Device disconnected
17/016/2013 20:16:55 - INFO - Selected E15_nAa-13_2.6.29.6-nAa-13.ftf
17/016/2013 20:16:55 - INFO - Preparing files for flashing
17/016/2013 20:16:55 - INFO - Please connect your device into flashmode.
17/017/2013 20:17:06 - INFO - Device connected in flash mode
17/017/2013 20:17:06 - INFO - Opening device for R/W
17/017/2013 20:17:07 - INFO - Reading device information
17/017/2013 20:17:07 - INFO - Phone ready for flashmode operations.
17/017/2013 20:17:07 - INFO - Start Flashing
17/017/2013 20:17:07 - INFO - Flashing loader
17/017/2013 20:17:07 - ERROR - ERR_SEVERITY="MAJOR";ERR_CLASS="SECURITY_CLASS";ER R_DYNAMIC="SIN header verification failed"
17/017/2013 20:17:07 - ERROR - Error flashing. Aborted
17/017/2013 20:17:07 - INFO - Device connected in flash mode
17/017/2013 20:17:08 - INFO - Device disconnected
17/017/2013 20:17:11 - INFO - Device connected in flash mode
17/017/2013 20:17:12 - INFO - Device disconnected

```

I get this from S1TOOL:

```
Welcome to S1 tool.

TO CONNECT NEXT PHONES
X10 Xperia,E10 Xperia Mini,E15 Xperia X8,U20 Xperia Mini Pro
LT15 Xperia ARC,MT15 Xperia NEO,R800 Xperia PLAY
PRESS AND HOLD "BACK" BUTTON...

PLEASE ATTACH TURNED OFF PHONE NOW

RUNNING S1_EROM VER "R8A029"
SOFTWARE AID: 0001
LOADER AID: 0001
FLASH ID: "0020/00BC"
LOADER VERSION: "R4A045"

MODEL (from GDFS): E15i
SOFTWARE VERSION: 1236-9291_2.1.1.A.0.6
CUSTOM VERSION: 1242-6780_R5B
FILESYSTEM VERSION: WORLD-1-2-5_2.0.1.A.0.47
SERIAL NO: BX902AVHMC

SEMC SIMLOCK CERTIFICATE
Elapsed:10 secs.

```

Why can't I flash my Xperia X8? How can I fix it?

# Answer
> 0 votes
FlashTool has been updated and is hovering near the 1.0 milestone, dated 5th June 2013, presumably its updated.

That aside, the `.ftf` image is either corrupted or the incorrect `SIN` header was accidentally linked in, intending for another Xperia device.

---
Tags: sony-ericsson-xperia-x8, flashtool
---


# Question
Title: Danger of increasing the vibration strength of phone
Are there any dangers or possible negative consequences to increasing the vibration strength of a phone? Ideas were damages to the motor, lower battery life or increased wear leading to a shorter operating life? I don't know how likely or possible these are.

Specifically I want to use Vibration Config to increase the strength of my hopeless Nexus 4's vibration.

# Answer
The problem is not the strength, but the direction. At least my Nexus 4 makes no noise if it vibrates while lying flat on the table. Lay it on the side, and it will wake the dead.

The axis of rotation should be paralell to the screen, not perpendicular. No amount of software will fix this hardware/design error.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: nexus-4, vibration
---


title: Improve Nexus 4 Vibration Intensity

text:
# Question
Title: Improve Nexus 4 Vibration Intensity
This is basically the same question as posed here: Increase vibrate strength

I thought there might be a different answer for the Nexus 4, however, seeing as how it's a different manufacturer and the OS has changed slightly.

I came from using a Nexus S which had a really good vibrate. With the Nexus 4, however, even with nothing else in my pocket sometimes I can't feel it. I'm used to being able to get a slight buzz or something if I set my phone down on my desk but with the Nexus 4, the best I can hope for is a slight buzz if it's on a hard surface. Touching papers or something else? Better hope you were looking at the phone, otherwise you're going to miss incoming calls.

For other Nexus 4 owners, is this a noticeable issue with your phone? Maybe mine is slightly defective. If not, is there any way to boost the intensity or strength of the vibration through settings?

I've seen that the Galaxy phones have a vibration setting that can be adjusted but I can't seem to find something similar on the Nexus 4.

# Answer
> 1 votes
There is an app called Trinity Kernal Toolbox. It helps to adjust Vibartion intensity in Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 4(only).
But the thing is your device should be Rooted. And its a paid App.

**The app supports the following:**
\- Adjusting of CPU Min/Max Frequencies
\- Selecting of CPU Governor
\- CPU Governor settings
\- Selecting of I/O Scheduler
\- Adjusting of Max Screen Off Frequency (Galaxy Nexus only)
\- Adjusting of all CPU Voltages
\- Sound control: High Performance toggle + Volume boost (Galaxy Nexus only)
\- Color control (Galaxy Nexus + Nexus 4 Only)
\- Contrast control (Galaxy Nexus Only)
\- **Adjusting of Vibration Strength (Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 4 only)**
\- USB Fast Charge Toggle (with plug check)
\- Thermal Throttle Toggle (Galaxy Nexus only)
\- Smart Reflex Autocomp Toggles (Galaxy Nexus only)
\- Wifi PM Toggle (Steadier stream or better battery) (GN + N7 only)
\- Menu with utility functions to make common tasks easier.
\- Reboot Widgets to access common options from Homescreen
\- CPU Temperature Widget (Galaxy Nexus + SGS3 + Nexus 7)
\- Statusbar Temperature display on select widgets (GN + SGS3 + Nexus 7)
\- Restores trivial settings on boot
\- Frequency/Voltage settings restored on boot if chosen
\- Crash Recovery (To get you out of boot loops)
\- Optimizes system independent from init.d (Great for stock roms)

May be it will help you to solve your issue. Don't blame me for recommeding a Paid App

If you are interested just flash this Kernal to support it

# Answer
> 1 votes
Vibration Config claims to be able to increase the vibration strength of a Nexus 4 (and some other phones) and a few reviews indicate that it works. It does need root so as soon as I get around to rooting my Nexus I'll give it a go and report back.

# Answer
> 0 votes
The problem is not the strength, but the direction. At least my Nexus 4 makes no noise if it vibrates while lying flat on the table. Lay it on the side, and it will wake the dead.

The axis of rotation should be paralell to the screen, not perpendicular. No amount of software will fix this hardware/design error.

---
Tags: settings, vibration, nexus-4
---


# Question
Title: How do I upload Cyanagenmod when the only things I have access to are Download mode and ClockworkMod recovery?
I have a Samsung Galaxy Tab 7, the UK version. I managed to mess up in the beginning when trying to install CM and now have it in a state where I can either boot into Download mode or ClockworkMod Recovery.

The instructions say to use ADB to connect and upload the zip file, but this doesn't seem to work in either of the two modes I can boot into. I can no longer boot into stock Android to copy the file across there either.

How do I upload the CM zip file? Is there another step I'm missing?

# Answer
> 2 votes
In recovery mode, use this:

```
adb shell mount /sdcard
adb push {filename} /sdcard/{filename}

```

**UPDATE #1:** An alternative suggested by ce4:

> Pull out the SD card, copy all needed files externally, and put it back in

**UPDATE #2:** It seems the user did not install CWM correctly. After fixing this, adb push now works as expected.

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, clockworkmod-recovery, samsung-galaxy-tab
---


# Question
Title: Will I get OTA updates from Vodaphone Australia by flashing stock I9300XXEMC2 ROM on Samsung Galaxy S3?
I have an Australian Samsung Galaxy S3 from Vodafone (GT-i9300T). I want to flash a non-branded ROM to it using Odin. I found a ROM on samfirmware.com called `I9300XXEMC2`. Will I be able to get OTA updates if I install this? It is a stock ROM, but I've read that it might have problems if the modem and CSC don't match up.

Here are the details of the rom:
GT-I9300 Galaxy S III
PDA: I9300XXEMC2
CSC: I9300XSAEMC2
MODEM: I9300XXEMC2
Added: 2013-03-28

# Answer
> 1 votes
> Will I be able to get OTA updates if I install this?

CSC of `XSA` or `VUA` works for Australia. As long as it's stock ROM, you should be able to get OTA update. If it doesn't work, try to update via Kies on your PC.

> I've read that it might have problems if the modem and CSC don't match up.

It's OK for modem and CSC to be different, but CSC must be correct if you want OTA updates.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, rom-flashing, odin
---


# Question
Title: How do I turn off geolocation when taking photos?
Is there a way to turn the geolocation feature for photos off? Is this per application or phone-wide?

*edit* I have a Droid X. I would like to have geolocation off even if my gps is on. Is there a way to do that?

# Answer
> 4 votes
This video seems to cover it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUV31pKOZcg&feature=player\_embedded

To recap:

1. Open Camera app
2. Open Menu
3. Tap "Tags"
4. Uncheck Auto-Location tag
5. Done.

# Answer
> 0 votes
For the camera in Jelly Bean it's a little easier:

1. Open the Camera app
2. Tap the "Circle" in the lower right to open the menu
3. Choose Settings
4. Make sure the toggle for "Store Location" is set to *Off*

I understand the camera for Jelly Bean 4.3 is a little different (it presents the options as an arc instead of a circle) but the steps should be the same.

---
Tags: photos, geolocation
---


# Question
Title: Is there a TTS app that will read me my email or a webpage?
All I can seem to find is apps that read SMS and manually entered text.

# Answer
> 5 votes
For Email there is the DriveSafe.ly® Free SMS Reader available from Google Play Store.

It can read emails, but has mixed reviews. I have never tried it so can't recommend it one way or the other.

> Listen to SMS text (TXT) messages, Emails and Caller-ID while driving. Read SMS!
>
> Listen to SMS, listen to email, listen to TXT messages. DriveSafely® reads text messages, SMS and emails aloud and lets you respond by voice (with Pro). iSpeech Text to Speech (TTS) will speak your SMS while driving. Hands-free.

# Answer
> 2 votes
According to this resource: http://eyes-free.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/documentation/android\_access/apps.html#em "K-9 Mail" is an accessible e-mail program. I have not used it so I can't vouch for its quality or suitability.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Talking Clipboard available from Google Play Store, can read everything from your clipboard, and additionally it directly reads EPUB, TXT and HTML. It even can look-up your links collected with Pocket (formerly known as "Read it Later").

> Make your android device read text from any application using clipboard.
>
> Talking Clipboard for Android is a text to speech application for Android 2.2 and higher, that can read ePub Books or any text or html files. It can also read text copied from any application, using Talking Clipboard: Read Clipboard feature available through the notification/status bar. You can also open Read It Later saved bookmarks and can read it in Talking Clipboard. Talking Clipboard can also convert any webpage article to text and can read it for you.

# Answer
> 0 votes
The Read My Email Lite application should help:

> Read My Email application will read out new emails from user’s inbox.
>
> This state of the art application will help users to track their emails while on the go. With simple instructions the mail account can be configured and tracked from then on. New mails will be polled every 10 minutes and will prompt the user of any new mails in their inbox.
>
> Upon selecting the option to read the emails, the application will read aloud 10 new emails.

And there's the Read My Email Pro version with greater features:

> Read My Email application will allow the users to safely keep track of their important emails while on the go.
>
> Once configured and started, the application will read out aloud the new mails details from the inbox. The mail details includes "From", "Received on" and the "body of the email". There are various options to configure the service available with the application, like Locale for reading the email, Frequency of polling the email server, stopping the email, skip the current email, go back to previous email, configure number of new emails to read and managing various email services.
>
> This application comes with standard email services and allows the user to add their own email services. Currently this application supports IMAP protocol.

Both applications are available from appbrain.com and Google Play Store:

# Answer
> 0 votes
I have just loaded *Web Page Reader*. It works great on web pages, even though Android's standard voice output is very tinny (up to Android 4.0). I loaded the Ivona voice (Amy) which is the most natural I have found, and it is brilliant. Works exceptional on the Samsung Galaxy Tab.

# Answer
> 0 votes
There's a new app out for android called AudioMail. Maybe you could give that a try.

---
Tags: text-to-speech
---


# Question
Title: Orbot not starting on rooted Samsung Galaxy S4 (Verizon)
I have recently rooted my Samsung Galaxy S4 (Verizon) using the method found here.

I am trying to run Orbot(Tor) with the Tor Everything option enabled.

The application will not get past "Orbot is starting...". I am connected to WiFi and am on Verizon's service.

Unfortunately I had not tested this prior to rooting so I am not sure if the problems lies with running on an S4 or running on a rooted S4.

I have tried to uninstall and reinstall Orbot and have not had any luck.

I have tried to connect to 4G instead of WiFi, no change.

I have tried to turn off the Request Root Access, no change.

What is causing Orbot to not connect to the Tor Network?

# Answer
I just installed Orbot awhile ago, and I got it working on my rooted **Samsung Galaxy S4**. You need to set the proxy for your APN.

Go to `System Settings > More networks > Mobile networks > APN`. Open your existing APN, and take note of the settings. You need to make a clone of this APN (so that you will still have the original APN, and have another APN that goes through TOR). Go back to the APNs page, and create a new APN, copying the settings from the other APN.

Then, set these:

* Proxy: localhost
* Port: 8118

After that, make sure you select the newly-created APN as your new APN. Your network will refresh in a bit. Open your browser and open `check.torproject.org`. If it was successful, you should see something like this:

**WARNING:** If you use the GMail app (or in my case, Kaiten configured with my GMail), it may detect unauthorized access, and you may be asked to reset your GMail password online.
> 1 votes

# Answer
If you deny superuser access it works. At least on my VZW S4 it does.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: root-access, samsung-galaxy-s-4, tor
---


# Question
Title: New Google Maps - how to launch quickly navigation
Recently released Google Maps doesn't have a standalone app for Navigation which was quick to use - only one tap and voice recognition to start. It takes at least four taps in new Maps to navigate, which is not good to operate while driving. Google Now is not on devices with ICS and below (still majority).

How to start navigation quickly by one tap in current Google Maps? (Google Now is not supported)

```
Observed on: Google Maps version: 7.02 (700021001), Android ICS 4.0.4, Sony Xperia Active

```

Previous standalone app on left started navigation immediately after speaking the destination. New Maps app on right takes 4 taps to small nav icon, edit, mike, start and doesn't show alternatives if voice recognition is poor.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Solution for english is to use Voice Commands. Tap on a mike of a Google Search widget and say „navigate to ‚desired destination‘“.

In other languages you can find a voice assistant like Antelli for Czech who can launch the navigation for you the same way but in your language. (Set it to listen immediately after launch.)

Or with English UI language you can say the command phonetically in your language set for Speech recognition (at least on Android 4.4). If you tell it well so the recognition writes the english word, the voice command will work.

---
Tags: google-maps-navigation, navigation
---


# Question
Title: Boot HTC Desire S into recovery mode without power button
Hi Android Enthusiasts,

The power button of my HTC Desire S is broken (no response whatsoever), so I have to connect my phone to a usb cable to get it out of stand-by mode. I understood that with a custom rom I can use a volume button for instance to get it out of stand-by mode. However, for flashing the rom onto the HTC Desire S I have to boot it into recovery mode. Which involves pressing the power button...
Any alternative ways to boot the phone into recovery mode?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Yes:

1. Make sure ADB is installed on your PC (see e.g. Is there a minimal installation of ADB?)
2. Make sure you have *USB debugging* enabled (*Settings → Development*)
3. Connect your device to the PC via USB
4. On the PC, open a command prompt and type `adb reboot recovery`

Your device should now reboot into recovery mode.

# Answer
> 0 votes
If your device is rooted then you can download an application called Quick Boot from the Google play store.

Check this https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.siriusapplications.quickboot

This app will let you quickly boot your device in various modes (including Recovery).

Thanks

---
Tags: recovery-mode
---


# Question
Title: Samsung Knox For Non Pre-Installed Devices?
I heard about Samsung Knox recently. I have a simple question about it: how to download Samsung Knox and install it to my Samsung device which doesn't have Knox pre-installed? I believe the pre-installed Knox is only on Galaxy S4 device.

# Answer
According to the official KNOX website, Samsung KNOX is tightly integrated into the operating system. It uses hardware support to verify the bootloader integrity, a custom bootloader to verify the OS integrity, and a custom kernel at runtime. It changes the layout of the device's filesystem to add separate encrypted storage for the business-related files. It also relies on hardware support through ARM's TrustZone technology.

Depending on how much of the hardware support already exists on other Samsung devices, it may be possible for Samsung to later backport the KNOX feature for older Samsung phones with a device update, but it's certainly not possible for anyone else to do so, not even by installing a custom ROM. (That wouldn't add the bootloader support to ensure the ROM isn't changed later.)
> 2 votes

---
Tags: samsung
---


# Question
Title: How can I tell if a car stereo's controls can be used with my Android phone?
I'm thinking about getting a Pioneer DEH-2200UB, which advertises itself as having controls compatible with iPods. I will be using it with my Samsung Fascinate in my 2005 Honda Civic. Is there any way to tell if a car stereo is compatible with Android Phones (by compatible, I mean the controls can be used to control my Winamp player, or as a last resort, the default player)?

Note: I am asking for a general solution, not one specific to my particular car/stereo/phone combination (though feel free to give me a specific solution in the comments).

# Answer
> 1 votes
If the car unit support the A2DP and AVRCP Bluetooth profiles, it should be able to control your Android music player app; both my Droid (FroYo 2.2.2) and my Bionic (Gingerbread 2.3) honor the play/pause and forward/back controls on my Sony MW600 headset.

The Android 2.3 Compatibility Definition states:

> 7.4.3. Bluetooth Device implementations SHOULD include a Bluetooth transceiver. Device implementations that do include a Bluetooth transceiver MUST enable the RFCOMM-based Bluetooth API as described in the SDK documentation \[Resources, 32\]. Device implementations SHOULD implement relevant Bluetooth profiles, such as A2DP, AVRCP, OBEX, etc. as appropriate for the device.

A2DP provides for streaming stereo content, AVRCP provides for remote control support.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Unfortunately, there currently aren't any decks that allow you to CONTROL the music (skip songs/albums/etc) FROM the deck. You'll need to do that on your phone. However you can stream the music from your phone to the deck so it plays through the car speakers over bluetooth (with compatible devices) or by using a direct audio cord. Here's an article that talks a little more about it: http://www.droidforums.net/forum/droid-general-discussions/57050-android-ready-car-deck.html

@matthew it depends on what kind of music files you have, typically Bluetooth streaming isn't extremely lossy, but if you're using flac or wav files there may be SOME loss (nothing noticeable) mp3s would stream at full quality though, no matter how you do it, BT should suit you just fine

@matthewread what kind of deck does your dad have? if you can find a deck that can control the Android music player I'd love to see it becauseI looked high and low for one before I installed my system last winter

# Answer
> 0 votes
I can tell from my own experience. My father's Renault Scenic got a integrated bluetooth module built in.

I could successfully pair an iPhone and control the music through the car's radio controls. I think the radio's display even showed the track title.

With my new Xperia mini pro I can also successfully pair with the radio but it's not possible to control the the music tracks through the radio's controls. Also the track names do not display. I need manually select the music track on the phone.

# Answer
> 0 votes
The car audios which advertises compatibility with ipod/iphone(**ipod direct control**) are **not compatible** with android. If the head units are compatible with **android**, they will advertise it in features. I am writing this from personal experience.

While connecting my Galaxy S2 to my pioneer x3590ui the system displays unsupported or no audio(in media device mode). If you switch the usb connection to mass storage mode, the system can detect the phone as a USB storage and can start playing media files on phone's mass storage or SD card.

I am mentioning about the music compatibility through **USB**. But if you have a unit with **Bluetooth**, you can control music or even make calls on your phone with the head unit.

# Answer
> -2 votes
I suspect the Android phone will just mount as a mass-storage device and play audio on the unit itself.

The reason a lot of headunits state that they can control iPods, is because it's not as straight forward as treating an iPod as a mass-storage device because the files are encrypted and the device may not even be formatted as a FAT formatted device. Therefore, the easiest(only?) method for the headunit manufacturers to access the music on an iPod is to implement the control protocol via the iPod connector.

# Answer
> -3 votes
Kenwood just released head units compatible with Android. the kdc-252 is the cheap model

---
Tags: music-player, music, audio
---


# Question
Title: Phone memory shows as nearly full in PC, but is not
ATT version of Galaxy S3 running cm-10.1.2-d2att.zip

http://download.cyanogenmod.org/?type=stable&device=d2att

I seem to be having a storage issue. I'm guessing it was while I was changing to a new a ROM. I wiped the device and did a fresh install, but used titanium to restore settings.

the 12 gig internal reports having less than 1 gig free, but I can only find ~3 gig of information. (see pic)

# Answer
Try reflashing the Rom with full wipe again but don't restore anything with Titanium Backup.

similar problems usually happen when I used to restore *data* with **Titanium Backup** especially if the android upgrade from Rom to another is significant (e.g 4.1 to 4.2).

please try this and tell what happens :)

Edit: added my comment to the answer.
> 0 votes

# Answer
How about your internal SD and emulated SD card free space? Sometime your phone has duplicate files on emulated SD and internal SD. Sometime it may be an issue with the setting restore. When you're switching ROM (different android version), it's not recommended restore data using old ROM backup.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, 4.2-jelly-bean, internal-storage
---


# Question
Title: How do you disable geotagging for stock camera?
I have stock (i.e. pure Google with no manufacturer customizations) Android 4.3 and I use the built-in camera app. I searched around on the camera app settings but couldn't find any mention of GPS or geotagging. I also searched around the settings → location but didn't find anything specific to the camera.

How do you disable geotagging for the built-in camera app?

# Answer
Follow these steps, if the icon in (3) has a line through it then it will not store your location in your images.

1. Open the menu
2. Choose settings
3. Tap the location icon
> 8 votes

---
Tags: gps, camera, 4.3-jelly-bean, geotagging
---


# Question
Title: Where did Wikipedia Pro app disappear to?
There was this Wikipedia Pro app (paid app; official app by Wikimedia Foundation) coexisitng with the free Wikipedia since long ago app that I purchased. Suddenly, it just seems to vanish from the surface of the earth. Googling hasn't helped me yet.

Anyone with any ideas?

A few bucks is not a big deal but I don't feel like getting fooled.

The sneaky part about his act is that the Wiki Encyclopedia Pro app disappeared from Google search results as well. I understand if some nobody contributes a free app and decide to pull out for whatever reason but big names doing things in secrecy behind their paying customers' back is different.

**Updates**

I've doubled-checked and the app was not made by Wikimedia Foundation so apologies. It appears Excelentia did it and their account got shut down by Google. So apparently 9 million users don't matter to Google.

# Answer
If an app you've been using isn't offered on the Play Store for some reason (other than being removed for legal reasons, or if it's malware), you can usually still find and install it from your install history.

From the web version of the Play Store, click on Apps, then click on My Apps on the left which should take you to https://play.google.com/apps which should show a list of all of the apps you've ever installed, including ones which have been discontinued, and you can click through to install them:

Alternatively you can do the same thing on your phone, open the Play Store app, go to My Apps, and then change from the "Installed" tab to the "All" tab and scroll down until you find your app (I think they're listed in the order that you first installed them):

*(I'd advise using the web page, as you can normally find what you're after quicker than when doing a lot of scrolling down in the app)*
> 2 votes

---
Tags: paid-apps
---


# Question
Title: Google+ Location Sharing: How to share only city level locations
For some time, Google+ contains the possibility to share your current location with your friends. This feature is similar to Google Latitude but uses a different permission-system: Where Latitude uses a seperate friend list (the Latitude Friends), Google+ uses the people from your circles to check, who can see your location.

In the settings of the location sharing (in the Google+ App, in the drawer "Locations", Settings), I can select which people can see "who can see your best available location". All these people see my exact location, so determined by GPS (if available). If a person is not included in this list, the person does not see my location at all.

**Question: How can I select which persons can only see my city, but not my exact location? Just like it was possible on latitude? As expained above, I only see the possiblity to share the exact location or to share no location at all.**

# Answer
This is now addressed in Google+ v4.1

> **4. Location sharing includes more controls**
> Starting today you can share your pinpoint or city-level location with others (if you want), and you can do so on a circle-by-circle basis. For example: you can share your pinpoint location with family, and your city-level location with co-workers. You can also use circles to filter who appears on your “Locations” map.
>
> It’s rolling out to Google Play over the next few days (goo.gl/xaxMx)...
> 2 votes

---
Tags: google-plus, location-services
---


# Question
Title: When taking pictures with GPS enabled, is the 'has the "GPS searching/locked notification icon" been disabled?
Background:

In stock (i.e. pure Google with no manufacturer customizations) Android 4.3 using the built-in camera app, I am using the geotagging feature of the camera app.

Description of the problem:

When the geotagging is turned on I don't see any GPS status in the notification bar. Previously when in the camera app on older version when geotagging is turned on I would see an icon appear in the notifcation bar. The icon that appears would indicate your GPS model is in use and a circle would indicate 'searching for GPS' and then the filled in circle would indicate 'GPS acquired and locked'.

Question:

**When you enable geotagging in Android 4.3 built-in camera app, has the 'GPS searching/locked notification icon' been hidden even though GPS is being used?**

Motivation:

The reason I ask is because the previous method is akin to a video camera's red blinking light . Where the red blinking light tells you that you are recording and then you can take appropriate action. Without the red blinking light on the video camera you would have all sorts of recordings when you didn't want and other problematic scenarios.

Returning back to the Android camera app scenario, if the GPS icon doesn't ever appear to the user... even if GPS is actively being used --\> that would lead to situations where I would record the GPS location for a photo when I didn't want to record the GPS location.

# Answer
> 2 votes
I've just tried on my Nexus 4 and it does show up, although very very briefly.

I had GPS turned on, took a photo and quickly opened the app switching 'menu'. I saw the GPS notification show up for about 1 second and then it disappeared. I guess this is because it quickly grabs your location and stores that with the image, and then "doesn't care" where you are so doesn't access your GPS location again until you take another picture.

---
Tags: gps, camera, 4.3-jelly-bean, geotagging
---


# Question
Title: What are the android versions suitable for Samsung Galaxy Pocket?
Why can't samsung galaxy pocket GT-S5300 be upgraded to android version of jelly bean 4.1.2? It's just being upgraded to 4.1.1 why so? I've rooted my mobile, but its getting upgraded to ICS 4.1.1 only. I want JB 4.1.2. How can I get it?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Are you sure GT-S5300 supports Android 4.1.2? According to sammobile, the latest version for GT-S5300 is 2.3.6, and it was relased on August 2013.

Maybe you are talking about JellyBlast ROM, which is a custom ROM, and not a stock ROM. Coincidentally, JellyBlast ROM has version 4.1.1.

---
Tags: updates, samsung-galaxy-pocket
---


# Question
Title: Why is there Messenger icon in App drawer?
I have Google Plus app installed on my HTC One X. In the App drawer it shows icons for Google+ and Messenger. Both these belong to same Google+ app. The Messenger icon opens up Google+ app with message displayed `Update to Hangouts. Go to the app` and I have Hangouts installed.

The Messenger app icon looks like this:

I tried to uninstall Messenger and it uninstalled the updates of entire Google Plus app. It seems the Messenger icon is created by Google Plus and it only asks user to go to Hangout.

Why is this extra icon present? Is there any way to get rid of it?

# Answer
No need to worry. As of Google+ v4.1, this is going away.

> **5. Messenger is going away, Hangouts is sticking around**
> Now that Hangouts provides messaging and video calls across Android, iOS and the web, we’re removing Messenger from the Google+ mobile apps (first on Android, then on iOS). Later today you'll be able to download all of your Messenger conversations (including text and photos) from Google Takeout.

The new app is rolling out now and you should have it in the next few days.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: google-plus
---


# Question
Title: How to switch to Developer mode in Android 4.2.*
If you get the Android 4.2.\* version phone, you will notice that there is no Developer mode any more.

How can you switch to Development mode?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Open Settings, go to phone details (where u can see kernel, Android-version, Model number etc).

Tap 7 times the Build Number (ALPS.JB2.MP.V1.3 in my case)

If you already in developer mode, the tooltip with message: "No need, you are already a developer." will appear.

---
Tags: developer-options
---


title: Get list of filenames via Tasker

text:
# Question
Title: Get list of filenames via Tasker
I'm using Tasker and have a step of List Files. I grab that result and stuff it into `%files`. I then go into a For loop reading `%files` and under items `%files()`. However, this is giving me the full path to the files such as `/storage/emulated/0/Tasker`. All I'd really like is the file name. Is there a step I can do before I enter this loop to truncate the variable results?

Goal would be to just get a list of file names and not the full path.

# Answer
You can use a `Variable Split` action with a splitter of `/` to get the pieces, then use `%VAR(<)` to get the filename. If the fact that the full filename is in an array already gives you problems, copy the array element into a non-array variable first.

From your comments, it sounds like you have this code:

```
List files Dir /storage/Tasker/project/test/ Variable %files match *.wav
For Variable %files Items %files()
  Variable Split Name %files Splitter /
  Popup Text %files(<)
End For

```

It's probably not a good idea to use %files as both the "Variable" and the "Items" portion of the For loop. Try using %file for the Variable, then replace all references to %files inside the loop with %file.

Please correct me if I've not captured your code correctly.
> 4 votes

# Answer
I just used the replace function but left the replace string blank. I chose to replace the directory path with nothing and that left me with an array of filenames.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: tasker
---


# Question
Title: Can I restore an app I removed from list on my Droid Razr?
I just got a Motorola Droid Razr M. I've deleted some apps by accidentally tapping `Remove From List` rather than just swiping them off the screen. Is there a way to get these back?

# Answer
You probably haven't actually deleted the app, as that would have to be done via the Play Store or Settings menu. `Remove From List` should only remove an app from the multi-tasking list, or at most close the background process.

Check the list of apps in your task launcher and you should still find it available.
> 2 votes

# Answer
If they are the apps came originally with your device (and are not available for download in the Play Store), you can back up your phone and go for a factory reset. Restore everything afterwards. This option would be fine since your device is still new.

If the apps are available for download at Google Play Store, simply go there and install them. This option will save some trouble for you.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: applications, motorola-droid-razr
---


# Question
Title: How can I convert Google+ to a system app without buying Titanium Pro?
The *Locations* feature on Google+ running on Cyanogenmod is not showing a Map. I am not sure what's the cause of this, but as of CYAN-1193 the fix is to convert Google+ to a system app. I did this successfully with Titanium Pro with just one click. After Google+ became a system app, the map was shown.

Now I have a dozen other devices without the pro version of Titanium where I want to do the same. Surely there is a way with *root* and `adb`. Can you guide me?

# Answer
> 2 votes
For the process to work, requirements are:

1. Titanium Backup zip file, *see below*
2. The license key file `TitaniumBackup_license.txt`.

The idea being, is copy the license file and install the app onto the new device.

# Caveat Emptor

* This is only for legitimate licensed Titanium Backup owners.
* Device is rooted
* USB cable plugged into device
* Functioning copy of `adb`.

## Step 1.

Easiest way, is to generate the Titanium Backup zip file,

* Tap menu
* scroll to the bottom, titled 'Special Features'
* Tap on "*create 'update.zip'*"
    + Scripting Type - **Edify** *Default*
    + Titanium Backup will be installed as - **User application** *Default*
    + Select the name of the output file - **TitaniumBackup-6.1.0.zip** *Tap that selection*

This will create the appropriate zip file on the `/sdcard`.

* Pull that zip file across to your PC, as in `adb pull /sdcard/TitaniumBackup-6.1.0.zip`.
* Unzip it, the file to look for is `data/app/com.keramidas.TitaniumBackup.apk`

## Step 2.

Pull the license file across to PC, as in `adb pull /sdcard/TitaniumBackup_license.txt`

# Final step.

Now with both steps completed, it's a matter of:

* pushing the license file across to the new device as in `adb push TitaniumBackup_license.txt /sdcard`. *It must be the root of the SDCard, anywhere else, it fails!*
* install the apk, as in `adb install data/app/com.keramidas.TitaniumBackup.apk`

Now launch the Titanium Backup, it **should** pick up the license file and treat it as Pro version. In the event it does not, its likely a very weird glitch in the application, try reboot the device, to see if it works, if not, report it to the developers. (*I have this problem on my Xperia Mini, have a valid license, and it does not recognize it despite having the license in the root directory of the SDCard!*)

# The hardcore way

This will apply to any app. Gist of these steps, is to move the application to `/system/app`.

* Remount the system as re-writeable, `adb remount`
* Shell in via `adb` and invoke `su`, `adb shell` followed by `su`.
* Move the app from the `/data/app` to `/system/app` directory

For example:

* an app called `fooBarApp`
* its underlying name is `/data/app/fooBarApp-1.apk`

So without further ado:

* `cp /data/app/fooBarApp-1.apk /system/app/fooBarApp.apk` (*we need to drop the `-1` part of the name as system apps do not have them*)
* `rm /data/app/fooBarApp-1.apk` (*To avoid duplication!*)
* At this point, the ownership may get clobbered, or the permissions, for that matter, so make it `chmod 644 /system/app/fooBarApp.apk`
* Reboot

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, google-plus
---


title: How to Hide an Application

text:
# Question
Title: How to Hide an Application
I have a Samsung Galaxy S3 Plus and I have one application listed in my Settings - Manage Apps list that I want hidden from the user. This is not an icon - it is the application name in the list of apps on the phone under the setting section. Is there a way to either 1. hide the app (make it not visible on the app list) or 2. lock the app list so the user cannot open it to see what apps are listed there. I do not want to password protect the whole phone or individual icons, just the Manage Applications section under Settings.

Best solution is to figure out how to make that app name hidden from the Manage Applications list, but I am not sure that is possible without either deactivating or removing it. Any help is appreciated.

# Answer
If you don't want to remove or deactivate the application, then either:

* you can install a 3rd party launcher (like Nova) and hide the application from the app drawer.
* you can download Hide it pro and basically you can anything in your phone.
> 2 votes

# Answer
On 4.3 you could create a *restricted user profile*, and block access to the Settings app from that profile (and to the app you want to hide, presumably). If you're not on 4.3, or you're not willing to create a restricted user profile, you're out of luck.

Hypothetically, you could replace the Settings app with one that's programmed to hide the app you're interested in, using a custom ROM (or if you're rooted, by just replacing that package), but I don't think someone has already patched the Settings app that way, so you would probably have to do a bit of programming to achieve it. Such a piece of software would be very like what's known in the PC world as a *rootkit*, a type of malware, so you should think very carefully before searching for or attempting such a thing.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications
---


# Question
Title: What do the different coloured bars on the 1x1 widget in Better Battery Stats app mean?
I understand these are supposed to signify ratios of different phone states but I cannot get my head around which is supposed to be which.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Are you talking about this?

Source.

---
Tags: battery-life, app-widgets
---


# Question
Title: Incredible 4G LTE: Things I need to do after getting s-off
I went through the tutorial found here and was able to unlock the bootloader, get s-off, get CWM installed, and superuser. Here are the questions I am having now.

1. Should I relock the bootloader after getting s-off? Will that prevent me from doing anything?
2. In that tutorial under the facepalm instructions, do I need to do step 7 if I already got s-off using facepalm?
3. How can I remove *** TAMPERED *** from the bootloader?

# Answer
> Should I relock the bootloader after getting s-off? Will that prevent me from doing anything?

No. You can't flash unsigned ROM nor alter ROM (e.g. get permanent root). Source.

> In that tutorial under the facepalm instructions, do I need to do step 7 if I already got s-off using facepalm?

Yes. It is needed so you can flash the `/boot` partition from recovery. The stock HBOOT blocks access while in recovery. Source.

> How can I remove * TAMPERED * from the bootloader?

**UPDATE 2013-08-16:** From OP: After following the steps he mentioned in the guide, `TAMPERED is gone and has been replaced with the -- DirtyRacun -- label. There also is nothing that says UNLOCKED anymore`.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: htc-droid-incredible, s-off
---


# Question
Title: Keyboard disappeared after updating HTC Desire X software to 4.1
I updated my HTC Desire X software to 4.1 and restarted my phone. When my phone turned on again, I tried using the search bar but there was no keyboard. So I thought I'd search the internet using my phone to see why my keyboard hadn't come up before, but even when I clicked on the search bar on Chrome, the keyboard still didn't come up. I then went onto my text messages and tried typing there but still no keyboard. I tried looking through the phone's settings and didn't find anything there.

Has this ever happened to anyone else? If so, how did you get your keyboard back?

# Answer
Have you checked if there's anything set in `Settings > Language & Keyboard`?

Let me know if it works.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: updates, 4.1-jelly-bean, keyboard, htc-desire-x
---


# Question
Title: How to copy file from PC to android tablet?
When I connect the android tablet to windows 7 I get 2 external devices, one of them (H) doesn't open.

When I open G:, I get this

If I want to copy an app (adobe reader) to the tablet, to which folder should I copy it?

This is the screen of the tablet:

Where should I access the folders and files from?

# Answer
> 2 votes
If you have the Android Development Kit (See Bottom) then there is a super easy way to install an application from a file. All you need to do is start up a Terminal and type:

```
adb install -r <your.apk>

```

the `-r` function will replace an existing application with the same name.

No fumbling around with SD cards and no searching your phone for transfered files. If you are an avid Android user then I recommend getting the ADK.

How to install just ADK Binaries

# Answer
> 1 votes
You can download ES File Manager from Google Play Store. Here is the link

# Answer
> 0 votes
just download adobe reader from Google Play store to get the correct version. if you want to copy over PDF files. just create your own directory under g:\Download and copy to the mapped drive on your PC. Make sure you turn on allow to be used as a USB Drive.

---
Tags: usb, file-transfer
---


# Question
Title: Does the Secure Random bug affect apps besides Bitcoin?
The Bitcoin Project recently announced a bug in the SecureRandom implementation on Android, which caused Bitcoin wallet apps to generate weak private keys that leave bitcoins vulnerable to theft. The major wallet apps have released updates which apparently include their own RNGs instead of using SecureRandom.

However, in principle, weak random numbers could cause vulnerability in any crypto system where they're used. Thus this could affect any app that uses this function for secure communication: perhaps pgp, ssh, remote access and tracking, or even the built in ssl and https implementations.

Is there any information about other affected apps? Has Google announced an OS update to fix the bug, or otherwise responded to the issue?

# Answer
> 3 votes
I do not know of any specific apps, but it certainly CAN (on probably does) affect other apps. Read here for Google's notes on the problem, as well as info for developers on how to avoid the bug. They have also issued patches and sent them to their OHA partners, but it is up to each of them to roll out the update.

---
Tags: security
---


title: How do I remove a data restriction?

text:
# Question
Title: How do I remove a data restriction?
A couple of months ago I set my phone to have a data limit so that it would stop at 1GB. I have a plan that I share with 2 other people so I thought 1GB would keep my usage down. After a couple of weeks it just started turning my data off, even if I was just using Wifi. I disabled the data limit because it was super annoying.

Now, I get notifications that tell me that I have a data restriction (not limit) set. I don't know how to turn it off and it is super annoying. It says:

```
Data Restriction Enabled
touch notification to remove restriction

```

How do I turn this off?

---

Device: Motorola Droid Razr M
Android Version: 4.1.2 (JellyBean)

# Answer
> 2 votes
Try this:

Setting \> Data usage \> (Data usage Action bar menu) \> uncheck 'Restrict background data'

hoped it helps.

---
Tags: mobile-data
---


# Question
Title: Bug Report and Power menu - Bug Report function not working on Nexus 7 Android 4.3
I need to gather log info for QA testing. The settings menu "Bug Report" and the power menu "Bug Report" functions don't work for me on my Nexus 7 running Jellybean 4.3 (don't know if it ever worked because I just found out about the function). I get a popup saying "this will take a while..." and after that nothing. Scanning the file system, I don't see anything that looks like a screen capture, and no mail is sent out.

(I can't get the magic {power/sound up/sound down} button combo to work either). The only way I can collect app logging info is by tethering the nexus 7 and using ADB.

Any idea how to get the new bug report mechanism working or why it's not working would be appreciated.

# Answer
I have discovered the solution (at least for my Nexus 7)! Here's what happens:

1. Tap Take Bug Report
2. Take bug report "take a while" popup displays - Tap report
3. After about 30 seconds, the words "bug report captured" appear for about 2 seconds on the left side of the top menu bar (the one with Time and Wi-Fi and other icons)
4. An Android icon then displays on the left side (where downloads and other status indicators display)
5. Swiping down on those icons displays an item "Bug report captured"
6. Tapping on the item brings up a "Complete action using" popup that includes Gmail
7. Tapping the Gmail icon allow you to send the bug report text and its associated screen capture to yourself

Pretty nice, but very easy to miss.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Based on what I've read, `Make Bug Report` is supposed to e-mail the bug report to the GMail account that's tied to your device.

I tried it, but I didn't get any emails. I will update this answer if I find anything new.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: nexus-7, 4.3-jelly-bean, bug-report-feature
---


title: Speed of Nova or alternative launchers?

text:
# Question
Title: Speed of Nova or alternative launchers?
I'm thinking of getting the GS4, but plan to use Nova Launcher. When using an alternate launcher, will this negate any slowness or lagging introduced by TouchWiz? Or is the damage done deeper in the ROM?

# Answer
> 0 votes
I have a Samsung Galaxy S4, and Nova is surprisingly snappy on it. You can change how fast the animations / transitions are. In my case, I set it to `faster than light`. If you're not content with that, you can go further and disable animations / delays via the phone's `Developer options` settings.

---
Tags: launcher
---


title: Which apps do gapless music playback?

text:
# Question
Title: Which apps do gapless music playback?
Are there any apps around that are good at gapless audio playback? I listen to a lot of music that continues from one track to another and the stock app puts a small but noticeable gap between tracks.

# Answer
> 3 votes
Try the latest Museek player. It has support for gapless playback. You need to enable it from within the ADVANCED settings in the app.

There's also PowerAmp and Winamp which seemingly offer decent gapless playback quality.

# Answer
> -1 votes
The *Amazon MP3* player adds gaps. Luckily you can play songs downloaded to the device with any music player, and *Google Music* does gapless playback out of the box.

---
Tags: applications, music, audio, mp3-player
---


# Question
Title: Netflix refusing to log in, tried all the typical solutions
Just got my new tablet, tried to get netflix running. I took the following steps.

1. Installed netflix, got 15001 error
2. Ran system update, I am now completely up-to-date, error no longer occurs
3. attempted to sign in, got the following error message:

"we're unable to connect you to netflix please try again later"
4. cleared cache, deleted local data, got the same error message
5. uninstalled app, reinstalled, got the same error message
6. uninstalled app, restart tablet, installed app. Got the same error message

I only get this error message when using the correct username/password, using a bad one gives an appropriate error. So it's not a connection issue, just an authentication one. I have no idea what else to try.

# Answer
Netflix has a troubleshooting guide for Android devices.

See if any of them works. If not, share your findings.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: nexus-7, 4.3-jelly-bean, netflix
---


# Question
Title: In a bluetooth connection between Android phone and health device which one is the master device?
The health device is Omron Bluetooth Blood Pressure Monitor. The bluetooth profile can be either Serial Port Profile (SPP) or Health Device Profile (HDP).

I'm writing an Android app to read information from the health information from the health device.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Android's documentations only mention client and server relationship so it's more important to determine which device is the client and which is the server. The device that initiates the connection is the client while the other is server.

Someone says that the master is usually the client while the slave is the server but I'm not sure if that applies for all cases.

---
Tags: bluetooth
---


# Question
Title: YouTube app won't display the same search results as the desktop version
The main problem I've been having is that searching for "Stairway to Heaven" and a few other songs on the app returns only covers, live performances, etc; Only when I search on my laptop do I get the actual song. Is there any way to get past this issue?

I'm using an Xperia Miro ICS 4.0, and the default YouTube app.

# Answer
Some videos on YouTube are not available to mobile devices. This restriction applies via the website (when accessed through a mobile device) as well as the YouTube app. This happens when someone has filed a "copyright claim" against a video (that is, they believe the video infringes their copyright, or "Content ID" matched the video against some copyrighted content, most likely the latter given that you're searching for a commercial music recording), and the alleged copyright-holder has told YouTube to allow their content to be used on desktops but not on mobile.

Even if it's possible to work around this, it would probably be illegal for us to make this information available to US citizens, because that's circumventing a technological restriction under the meaning of the DMCA. This applies regardless of whether the copyright claim is well-founded.

You can get the actual song by buying a recording of it, or by downloading it through some music-pirating service.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: youtube
---


# Question
Title: How do I open a text notification from lock screen on S4?
I have given up on my iPhone 5 and now I have the Samsung Galaxy S 4. So far I love it with one exception:

I get the notifications in the lock screen and the preview in the lock screen, but I can't figure out for the life of me how to just open text message directly from lock screen in one action.

I have a couple friends with S3's and they can open text notifications with a swipe from their lock screen and they can't even figure out what I'm doing wrong. I know there must be a way to swipe the text notification on lock screen that will bring me straight to text message.

# Answer
> 1 votes
From XDA:

> Just swipe the message box down to open the messaging app directly, same for missed calls.

I think the message box here refers to a transparent message box that appears when you click on the message in the lockscreen.

---
Tags: notifications, lock-screens, samsung-galaxy-s-4
---


title: Nexus 4 bricked by OTA upgrade

text:
# Question
Title: Nexus 4 bricked by OTA upgrade
In early august, both my nexus 4 and my nexus 7 got the OTA upgrade. The nexus 7 one worked without any problems. The one for my phone actually bricked my phone.

First it was stuck on the X-logo screen. I reflashed 4.2.2 and suddenly the phone had problems it never had before: random shutdowns, sudden locking of the SIM card, not booting unless plugged in.

I also did all the wipes and factory resets Play support told me to do, and a factory reset and everything. I even replaced my SIM card and flashed 4.2.0 and it still has the same problems.

I found a way to get 4.3 to get beyond the X screen, by flashing the radio back to an older version, but the above problems persist.

Is there anything that isn't overwritten when you reflash an older version? (I'm thinking drivers or something like that) If so, what could it be? And how can I get them back to an older version?

Since I voided my warranty (screen was broken and repaired by third party), I'm wondering if I can hold Google (or at least Android) responsible for breaking my phone...

TIA

# Answer
> 1 votes
If you've wiped everything you have probably wiped the system partition meaning there is nothing to boot up to. Try following the steps here to install a factory image which will wipe your device and completely re-install everything.

If this doesn't work then it is likely that there is a hardware issue, which due to you having the screen replaced is unlikely to be covered under warranty (nor will Google/LG take responsibility for it)

---
Tags: nexus-4, unbricking, 4.3-jelly-bean
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to change which output the audio is played through?
Is it possible to reroute audio (i.e. music) through the phone earpiece instead of the speaker? I've searched this site and Google extensively and haven't found anything yet.

If it matters, I'm on the HTC Evo 4G LTE (Sprint). I'm also rooted and have CM10.1 on my phone.

# Answer
You can simply use an app like **Earpiece**. It does what you want to do. You can pop Earpiece up on top of another application simply by holding down the SEARCH key. then check `Audio through earpiece`

On a side note, USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Playing audio at high volumes, especially for a prolonged amount of time, *can damage speakers and/or hearing*.
> 9 votes

---
Tags: audio, htc-evo, earpiece
---


# Question
Title: Is there a way to detect that SMS text messages have been deleted, or is there a text message deletion history?
I don't know if this is possible, but is there a way to detect that SMS text messages were deleted on an android phone, specifically the Samsung Galaxy S4 phone, Android OS 4.2? I'm not looking to find the content of deleted text messages. I'm curious if you can, essentially, see a text message deletion history. For example, you deleted 5 text messages on this day from this person. Is this possible? Has anyone ever heard of something like this?

I would appreciate any help.

Thank you.

# Answer
I heard a while back that all of the text messages you send get kept on your SIM card. I just did some quick research and I guess it is true:

These devices will allow you to see the contents of the text messages and also the sender and receiver. If you are looking for a way to do it through your Android device, then it would be a lot more work. You would have to try to do a data recovery on your hard drive (which is a lot of messing around). Even if you did do a data recovery, the chances of you getting any of your text messages back are slim, and if you have encryption enabled forget it.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 4.1-jelly-bean, sms, 4.2-jelly-bean, samsung-galaxy-s-4, delete
---


# Question
Title: Accessing and transfer sim contacts to Droid 2 global phone
I have a Droid 2 Global and I can't seem to access the contacts on my sim card. How do I access them and transfer them to the phone?

# Answer
You can use an app such as SIM contacts manager or SIM Contacts to manage your contact on your SIM card, including accessing and transferring them to the phone.

If you have Android 4.0+, you can do this straight from your contacts app. `Open Contacts > Menu > Import/export > Import from SIM card`
> 0 votes

---
Tags: contacts, motorola-droid-2
---


# Question
Title: Galaxy S2 screen is black, but touch-screen still functional.
No idea what happened, last night it was working till it ran out of battery and turned off. Woke up this morning and kind of rolled over on it with my elbow, no big deal it seemed like though. A little while later after I charged it the phone would turn on, make the sound etc but nothing on the screen, I can still feel the vibration when I try to move an icon for example. And it the computer still recognized it when plugged in, any solutions? Or am I outta luck?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Based on the comments, this looks like a hardware issue, and not a software/Android issue. I would suggest sending it to a service center for repair.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-2, touchscreen
---


# Question
Title: Unexpected random shutdowns in Galaxy S2
Recently my Samsung Galaxy S2 has been doing this very strange thing, it just switches off on its own. However the screen flickers like two or three times really quickly before it switches off.

It all started when i went on holiday and the signal was poor up in the mountain (not sure if this helps but i'm gonna type it anyway). so since then I've had it on flight mode accessing WiFi only and making use of Bluetooth, yet it still randomly does it. are there any logs I can check to maybe see what the problem is!?

# Answer
Automatic shut off can mean any of these;

* too many running applications running in the background. (Start your your phone in CLOCKWORLD and select to clear CACHE)
* refrain from charging your phone while playing games and running so many applications as this may speed up the aging of your battery.
* maybe its time you replace your battery if the above doesnt seem to work.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-2, shutdown
---


title: SD Card Unexpectedly removed error

text:
# Question
Title: SD Card Unexpectedly removed error
I have a Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 which I bought 4 months ago....love it! Decided to add an external SD card......so I bought a 16 G. After a couple of weeks, I got a notification "SD Card Removed Unexpectedly!" Of course I never removed the card but I could not get the tablet to recognize my SD card. In doing research, I noticed that the instruction said I need a Class 10 card, so not being sure I had a class 10, I went out and bought a 32 G Class 10. Worked beautifully for a week and the error returned......intermittently In turning on the tab, I never know if the message is there and I can see the card on my tab (at times).....other times I can't.

If I put the SD card in a reader connected to my PC, it is fine. I complained to Samsung and they said I can return it for repair since it is under warranty. Do anyone know if Samsung CAN repair this problem? I don't want to waste the money or time if it is not going to do any good..... Also have anyone discovered a fix or cause of this problem?

# Answer
> 0 votes
The problem is withe SD Card slot on the device. Return your device to SAMSUNG for repair or replacement.

---
Tags: sd-card, samsung-galaxy-tab-10
---


# Question
Title: Sony Xperia Ray contacts lost after deleting the contents of /data/log
I have an Xperia Ray.

It showed low internal memory. So, I freed up memory by removing the contents of `/data/log/`. Unfortunately, my contacts got deleted. To add to my misery, my laptop crashed. I lost the backup file for contacts.

How do I recover these contacts?

# Answer
> 0 votes
If you syncronised yor contacts with google then turn sychro on in settings you will get back all your contacts

```
 or

```

Just log in to your gmail adress and press contacts on the left side pane then show all contacts.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can also do the following

Make sure no External SD Card is inserted. \- Go to MY FILES \- Touch the SEARCH Button \- Type "vcf" in the search box. \- Start searching. \- Click "vcf" button that appears. \- Follow instructions that appears.

---
Tags: 2.3-gingerbread, contacts, sony-ericsson-xperia-ray
---


# Question
Title: How can I resume cancelled app dowloads after attaching a Google account?
I got a new phone and I signed in with my existing google gmail account. To my surprise, the phone started redownloading all of the apps I had on my other phone over my cellular data connection. Conveniently enough it was the exact same versions of the older apps I had on my old phone, and in some cases the same data preferences.

I cancelled the auto downloading, and now I can't figure out how to resume it. On the play store under `My Apps` under `all` it shows me the apps I have downloaded under that account at one point in time, but no way to mass resume downloading them. It seems to only have options for individually installing the apps

# Answer
> 0 votes
Switching the primary account on Google Play seems to continue the auto-update process

# Answer
> 3 votes
There is no way to resume a cancelled download queue in the play store. You will have to trigger a restore again.

The only way to initialise a restore is via the setup app, so you would have to wipe again, and then let it restore. Make sure you connect to WiFi in the setup this time however.

# Answer
> 0 votes
If you go into Play Store app, tap on Menu \> Settings, there's the option to '*Auto update apps*' and also, '*Update over Wi-Fi only*' (This is important so not to chew up your data plan and end up with a massive phone bill), it should be noted that this is in Play Store version 3.10.10.

In that way, it will only do it over the Wifi network, and update automatically.

Unfortunately, there's no way to do a mass-resume of apps in bulk, the alternative solution is to use Titanium Backup and backup the apps to the cloud or dropbox, and let Titanium Backup do its magic in restoring from there onto the new handset, which has resumable download feature.

# Answer
> 0 votes
It seems to be possible to re-trigger the app sync by going to accounts in settings, then removing your Google account and adding it again from the same menu.

---
Tags: google-play-store, updates, sync, backup
---


# Question
Title: Will google accounts automatically update my friends addressbooks
I was with Verizon Wireless when I had my HTC Eris (now due to issue with VZW and upgrading my phone I cancelled with VZW). I moved over to sprint and to a phone OS that shall not be named, but now I am on the verge of getting the Samsung Galaxy S4. During my switch, I did NOT keep my phone number and took a new number with Sprint. The problem is that my friends may still have my old number in their Google contacts and I am concerned that switching on the Galaxy S4 would cause Google to update my number to anyone who has my number in their Google contacts.

So my question is, if I link my Google account on to my new carrier/device, will Google update anyone who has my number in their Google contacts automatically?

# Answer
> 1 votes
NO. Their contact list (that is synced with the Google account) is based on the GMail contact list. It is a local copy; so any changes must be made from their side.

However, if they synced/merged that GMail contact to your Google Plus account, and you updated your contact information in Google Plus, it's still possible for them to know your new number.

---
Tags: contacts, sync
---


# Question
Title: Pin deleted but pin lock screen still comes up
I was fooling around with VPN on my non-rooted Galaxy Note II and created a PIN as required. When I was done I disabled VPN and disabled the PIN by entering my PIN again. Later on my screen locked and it now requires a PIN to unlock. My old pin does not work and there is no new pin. I cannot get the prompt to unlock via my Gmail info after entering the wrong pin 50 times.

How can I get into my phone? I am hoping for an answer other than wiping my phone.

# Answer
> 0 votes
There ONLY way to get into your phone is to wipe all downloaded applications but keep all data on your internal sd card. This can be done by switching off the phone. Then hold the volume up button and press the switch on button. Select to delete all user data. Do not worry as this will not delete data on your internal SD Card. Select reboot. The proccess of selecting is done by volume buttons. You confirm using the MENU button. If backed your apps with ES File Explorer you can have them back without any internet connection. Select the back app file in MY FILES and install all your apps back again without any internet connection.

---
Tags: lock-screens, samsung, vpn, locked-out
---


# Question
Title: How to take screenshots from a generic ICS 7" tablet?
I want to know how to take a screenshot on a generic Ice Cream Sandwich tablet? I believe this certain model is called the XTOUCH X708S. I already tried pressing `power button` \+ `volume down` and it just does its respective functionalities without taking any screenshots. The owner isn't very literate when it comes to Android devices so she doesn't know how to either.

# Answer
Hold down the back button for 3 seconds. Still holding the back button press the power button once and release both buttons.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, tablet, screenshots
---


# Question
Title: Share mouse and keyboard between multiple androids
I'm new to android but I have an application in mind that I'm willing to work long for: setting up three or four android tablets upright, as if I were looking at a four-monitor desktop pc, and use one bluetooth mouse and keyboard between the four of them.

Where should I start. I'm sure that some combination of android packages must allow me to do this... :)

# Answer
AFAIK it isnt possible, because Bluetooth protocol currently allows just one-to-one connection. You have to create "master" device which next share keyboard and mouse throw diffrent protocol, eg. WiFi. But I still do not see any use for this :)
> 0 votes

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Tags: keyboard, mouse
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# Question
Title: How can I disable automatic Facebook photo sync?
Device: XPeria P Android: JB 4.1.1

I recently enabled automatic photo sync, but I could not remember how I did it. Now, all of my photos gets synchronized to Facebook, and my data/3G charge is skyrocketing as the photos are always get synced.

So, how can I disable this feature?

# Answer
> 5 votes
Open the Facebook app and tap the top right (*hamburger*) menu item in your sidebar. Scroll to the bottom and select `Account > App Settings > Sync Photos`. Choose `Don't sync my photos`.

Source.

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Tags: sync, facebook
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title: How to change Moborobo's SMS time

text:
# Question
Title: How to change Moborobo's SMS time
I'm currently using the Android Smartphone Management Software Moborobo and was amazed of what it can do. But I noticed that everytime I send a SMS, the time in my message is not synchronized to the one either in my PC or in my smartphone.

Please help, Thanks! :)

# Answer
The time issue seems to be a known bug has already been reported and fixed in Aug 2012:

I suggest you update to the latest version, currently at 2.1.3.767 Beta. If that still doesn't work, I suggest you report it.
> 2 votes

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Tags: sms, 4.1-jelly-bean, settings, date-and-time
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# Question
Title: App to automatically download and view a list of web pages offline
I have a very specific workflow that I can't find a simple solution for.

I want to be able to make a list of web pages to read offline. Not articles, whole web pages. And I want to keep them up-to-date.

I really want an app for Android (my phone: Galaxy S2) that does the following.

1. Lets me enter a list of webpages and maintain that list.
2. Hit a button in the app, and it'll update every page on that list and store a complete offline copy so I can pursue it while on the train.
3. Still maintain links, so I can click on them (so, no PDFs or whatever).
4. Optionally have the ability to set readable fonts.
5. Even better, if there was a way to export this list and modify it on my computer, share it, manipulate it etc. (or if there were a web serivce with an API).

My personal use case is very simple. I'm a Wikipedia administrator, and there are a variety of public noticeboards for discussions of interest to administrators, like the administrators' noticeboard and the usually drama-filled administrators' noticeboard for incidents. I'd say there's probably about 10-20 pages I want. I'd rather like it if I could get either my phone or iPad, wake up in the morning, push the "update" button, go brush my teeth and by the time I'm leaving for my commute, have all the pages up-to-date and readable on the train.

Answers you may suggest that are wrong up-front:

* Instapaper/Readability/Read It Later: those are for saving things broadly like newspaper articles for later reading. They are optimized for extracting text. They are fantastic, but don't actually meet the use case.
* Some combination of Evernote, Google Docs, AppleScript/Python/Ruby/Perl and sticky tape: I've got enough pain and broken software in my life already.
* Anything involving RSS. Again, look at the links above. There are RSS feeds for individual changes to the page, but I'm interested in saving the whole page, not getting an RSS feed.

Basically what I'm looking for is an Android version of what they referred to as an "offline browser" back in the early days of the web. Is there such a thing that doesn't suck?

# Answer
> 3 votes
Offline Browser app sounds exactly like what you are looking for. You can specify a list of web pages to download for offline reading, along with a per-page configurable link depth (so that it doesn't just pull down the home page.)

# Answer
> 0 votes
Its too late, but might help somebody landing on this page. I using Android PaperSpan app for this and it downloads original whole page (no article/pdf). So can click on a link from offline page if Internet is back. To read them on computer, I copy from phone to computer, then can read as any saved web page. Hope this helps.

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Tags: browser, offline
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# Question
Title: Why doesn't Chrome recognize mobile Blogger templates on the Nexus 7?
I use Chrome on a Nexus S and a Nexus 7, both with Jelly Bean 4.1.1. When I visit Blogger blogs that use mobile-optimized templates provided by Blogger, Chrome on the phone correctly displays the mobile version of the site, while on the Nexus 7 it apparently doesn't recognize the mobile option and displays the desktop version. To force the visualization of the mobile version I have to append *?m=1* to the blog's URL.

Why doesn't Chrome display the mobile version on the Nexus 7 by default? Is this a Chrome/Nexus 7 issue or a Blogger one?

Here is an example Blogger blog exhibiting the issue:

> http://avventureplanetarie.blogspot.com

It's my blog and uses a Blogger-provided template, with very little customization. All such Blogger blogs I tried behave the same with the Nexus 7, i.e. the desktop version is displayed by default.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Without seeing a concrete example, I can't really tell, but it is likely it's because of the way mobile detection works is usually by screen resolution/size. Nexus 7 may have a screen large enough that the it is being detected as a normal desktop/laptop.

With certain designs, a separate tablet layout may be unnecessary if the site are usable with both mouse and touch input.

# Answer
> 1 votes
When you request a web page using a web browser, your web browser sends `User Agent` string with this request too. Using this string, a website can detect technical specs of user viz. web browser, OS, device etc. In case of Nexus 7, Blogger isn't pushing mobile version. So, better contact Blogger dev team for that. Its a Blogger issue.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can force the mobile version to load by appending `?m=1` to the URL: `http://avventureplanetarie.blogspot.com/?m=1`

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Tags: nexus-7, chrome-for-android
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