# Question
Title: Does the device/charger consume power after charging is complete?
I'm a bit OCD about efficiency and I have noticed that at least one of my two Android devices tells me to unplug it after charging is complete to save energy. My questions are:

1. Is it true that a chargeable USB device may or will continue to consume similar amounts of power if it remains plugged in after fully charging?
2. Does this vary based on hardware and/or software (Is it possible my LG Optimus T phone continues to consume similar power after it is charged, but my Nexus 7 doesn't)?
3. If a device continues to "consume" power after it is charged, where does it go (laws of thermodynamics and all)?

In searching for my answer, I have found the following questions relevant but not entirely applicable to my question:

# Answer
> 11 votes
Like any other device, regardless if the battery is full or need charging it consumes energy all the time. When your device is fully charged and still plugged in then the charger replenishes the energy used by the phone. It uses less energy than when charging but still. This is called Trickle charging It is advised to unplug device because keeping you battery fully charged all the time will reduce its capacity and make your battery die faster. Battery needs to be partially discharged and then be fully charged on a semi-regular basis in order to prolong its life.

The following sentence is from Article on prolonging battery life

> Let’s look at real-life situations and examine what stresses lithium-ion batteries encounter. Most packs last three to five years. Environmental conditions, and not cycling alone, are a key ingredient to longevity, **and the worst situation is keeping a fully charged battery at elevated temperatures.** This is the case when running a laptop off the power grid. Under these conditions, a battery will typically last for about two years, whether cycled or not. The pack does not die suddenly but will give lower runtimes with aging.

You can also read about partial discharging and charging here:

Techrepublic - Five tips for extending lithium-ion battery life

---
Tags: charging
---


# Question
Title: Determing SIM/network/carrier lock status in software
Is there a way to determine if a Galaxy S3 (i747, running 4.1 JB, stock ROM, but with root) is currently carrier locked in software (i.e. without needing to obtain and insert a different network's SIM).

Apparently there used to be a USSD code to do this (\*#SIMLOCK#), but that appears to no longer work.

# Answer
> 1 votes
There is a way to do it but it is way more complicated than borrowing a SIM card. The SIM card does not even have to be activated (have service)... just have different MCC/MNC from your carrier.

To do it the "hard" way you would need to:

1. find, download, install drivers for Qualcomm DIAG interface
2. find, download, install QXDM
3. find how to switch your phone into the DIAG mode (DIAG interface does not enumerate in normal mode)
4. find the QXDM command to query the subsidy lock status
5. find how to interpret the result you would get
6. come back and post the detailed solution

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, sim-unlocking, ussd
---


# Question
Title: How can I use the JXD S7300 game controller with RetroArch?
I want to use my JXD S7300 controllers with the Android RetroArch game emulator. But It seems not to be possible. Anyone has info?

# Answer
> -1 votes
I've solved it!!!

It's easy when you see someone using this tablet. In this video, JDX S7300 testing with ShadowGun, you can see how to set the controls in the 1:30

---
Tags: usb-peripherals, emulators, game-controllers
---


# Question
Title: Tethering Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 (GT-P3110) via Nokia E71
I have a data plan on my Nokia E71 phone, and I would like to share it for my brand new Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 (GT-P3110) which has no 3G. Bluetooth would be fine as would creating a WiFi hotspot, however so far I haven't gotten any method to do the trick. Even wired by USB would be fine, if it just worked.

* On the Nokia E71 I have JoikuSpot installed, but stock Android ICS does not work with the ad hoc network that it creates. I rooted the tab and tried installing different versions of `wpa_supplicant` that I could find, but none of them really worked on this tab.
* I have paired the devices using Bluetooth, which appears to work fine – however, I don't know how exactly I could get connected to the internet. I believe there is something obvious that I've missed here. If I need some app (in either end), please tell me which app. (I guess it basically does not work because Nokia does no PAN while Android is ignorant of DUN, but I might be very wrong.)
* I don't have any cables that I could use to connect the devices by USB or similar, but if a working solution exists, I would be happy to buy some. (I've already used many many hours for this.)

**EDIT**: I no longer have the Nokia phone, nor the Samsung Tab, so I cannot really test the suggestions posted here. As far as I am concerned, this question can be closed. (While I do understand that any answers might be helpful for other people, I still cannot test whether they work or not. Therefore, it also does not make a lot of sense to accept any answer, does it?)

# Answer
> 1 votes
On the android 4 system install BlueVPN.

If your phone has bluetooth and can act as a modem you need to pair the phone and your android device. When pairing enable the option in the phone to let the other device to connect.

Be sure that on your sim card you have a contract that support WAP connections enabled (otherwise it can be very expensive).

Get the provider access point info (some times called APN) and set it into the BlueVPN settings.

If your phone already goes into internet with gprs or 3G, you can get the string directly from the settings of your phone.

On my Nokia (Xpress musik 5800) I went to Settings-Connectivity-Access Points-WAP services and there I found all the needed informations in order to configure BlueVPN.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I had the same issue with my galaxy tab 2 7" and a nokia n900 Solved it by enabling bluetooth dun on n900 and installing 2 apps on the tab : BlueDUN trial ,and BlueVPN ics by Mirko Solazzi ,available on google play. Hope that helps

# Answer
> 0 votes
I got it to work with BlueVPN installed on my Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 and using my Nokia E71 data plan. It is not necessary to install any app on your Nokia phone.

Open BlueVPN on your tab and set the configuration info of your data plan (access point, number, username, password, etc.). Then, pair the devices from the phone and authorize the tablet to always connect to the phone.

In BlueVPN, click the phone device in the list of available devices and wait until it connects. Now you can access internet from you tablet. If the connection fails, try changing the BlueVPN settings for compatibility.

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, tethering, wifi-tethering, bluetooth-tethering
---


# Question
Title: samsung duos s7562 how to see/browse contents of sd card
How can I see/browse the contents of my sdcard on my new and shiny samsung duos GT-s7562?

android ver = 4.0.4

# Answer
> 1 votes
You have to use File Manager program. I think Samsung Mobile comes with one already instaleed. If not install apps like ES File Explorer

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, sd-card, file-management
---


# Question
Title: Transfer *.contact from PC to Samsung Galaxy S 2
How can I transfer my contacts from my PC (win7) .contact (iPhone 4) to Samsung Galaxy S2? I no longer have the iPhone 4.

# Answer
If I'm understanding what you are saying, you synced all your iPhone contacts to Windows and have \*.contact files in the Contacts folder.

So download Samsung Kies and you will be able to sync the contacts from PC to phone.

Alternatively, in Windows export your contacts as a CSV file and then import this into the Gmail/Google account you have linked to your phone. These contacts can then be synced from Google to your phone.
> 1 votes

# Answer
**EASY SOLUTION**

Solution that I found was dumber than expected:

* Make sure the `.contact` files are in your `C:/Users/username/contacts` folder
* Go to Kies, on the top right corner make it "lite mode". (next to the X / close button)
* Click on the Sync TAB
* Sync contacts with Windows Contacts.

Crazy eh!?
> 1 votes

# Answer
If you are going to change your iPhone or just want to take backup of your iPhone contacts, here is a simple way to export your iPhone contacts as csv file in Windows 7 and you can open this csv file in Excel. You just need your iPhone and iTunes running in Windows7. Windows XP users here. Export iPhone contact as CSV file or to Excel Download and install iTunes, after installation Run iTunes. Connect your iPhone with computer using data cable. On the safe side backup your device first, Right-click on your device and select “Back Up” (in-case of any problem with iPhone Contacts you can restore your device later).

When iTunes finish the back up process, Click on “Info” tab

Click on “Sync Contacts with” check box, select “Windows Contacts” from drop down menu and click “Apply” or “Sync” button

Press “Windows + R” keys form keyboard to open “Run” window and type “wab” in “Open” filed and hit OK

Click on tiny arrow and select “Export” as shown below

Select “CSV (Comma Separated Values)” option and click “Export” button

Click on “Browse” button, choose location to save iPhone contacts as csv file

Select iPhone contacts fields that you want to export and hit “Finish” button

You will see this message if iPhone contacts exported as csv file successfully, hit “OK” button.

Now you can use this csv file to import iPhone contacts in any other application or device or you can open this file in Excel to view all iPhone contacts.
> 0 votes

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


# Question
Title: How can I copy content from my SD Card to my PC?
I have an LG Marquee on Boost Mobile and recently my phone started to boot loop. I had not backed up my micro SD Card contents and am afraid I could lose them with my phone acting up like this. Each time my media scanner runs at start up, the phone reboots again, so I cannot access my media content in time to salvage it.

A user on here gave me the idea to buy an SD Card reader, put the contents of my SD Card onto my PC and copy them onto a new card. Then I could insert the new card into my phone and factory reset it in order to save my media content.

My question in a nutshell is: What is the process of copying content from an SD Card onto a PC, and then copying this content to a new card?

My second and last question is: Once I move the contents of my current SD Card onto my PC and copy them to a new SD Card, will my factory-reset phone take the new card and load the contents?

# Answer
> 1 votes
*Answer to your first Question:*

No specific processes needed. When You Connect your SDcard to PC via SDcard reader, you can see a new drive is mounted on you PC. Just copy necessary files to PC and similarly copy same files to new SDcard.

*Answer to your first Question:*

Yes. your mobile will recognize your new SDcard when you mount it to your mobile.

---
Tags: factory-reset, boot-loop, external-sd
---


title: Contacts sync in the opposite direction

text:
# Question
Title: Contacts sync in the opposite direction
I tried to sync my contacts in my phone (Android 4.0.3), and as a result all my contacts in my phone were changed to the old contacts I had in my google accont on the web. For example. if I had changed a phone number to a new one in my cellular phone before the sync, it changed back to the old number that was on the web. Can I restore the up-to-date numbers that I lost? What could have gone wrong?

# Answer
I remember having gone through the same problem years back (on a froyo device). Not sure what caused it, but I fixed it as follows:

1. Exporting ALL your google contacts to a file (make sure everything is in there)
2. Remove all contacts from google
3. Remove all contacts from phone
4. Import the contacts from the file (exported in (1)) to the PHONE
5. Sync the contacts
6. Verify whether the sync worked

After doing this two way sync worked perfectly for me. I can not guarantee that this will work for you, but it may be worth a try. Also, make very sure that the export in (1) is complete (check the contents of the file) - also, export to various file formats for safety.

Unfortunately, the changes you made on the phone will have been overwritten and I do not know of a way to revert that. In the future, if the problem persists, you can disable the sync and do it manually using files - it sucks, but at least you won't lose information.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, contacts, sync
---


# Question
Title: Add an application to the Open With Menu
I'm using a Samsung Note II running Jelly Bean 4.1.2.

I would like to add an application to the open with list. I have downloaded a photo editing app. While in the gallery, I would like to be able to select a picture and open it with this app but it's not in the list.

Thank you. :)

# Answer
Well this is defined per app in its `manifest`. It registers to a certain `Intent`. The app that implemented the 'open with' option checks which applications react to a certain `Intent`, and shows the list of those applications.

I don't think you can modify this at runtime.

(Or you could create a new application which reacts the the 'open with' and creates another Intent which the photo editing app reacts to.)
> 2 votes

---
Tags: menu
---


# Question
Title: Buying from Play store using a credit card with foreign billing address
Is it possible to use a credit card with a foreign billing address to buy items from a local Play store? I have a Visa credit card from a German bank with a billing address in Germany registered in my Google Wallet. I have successfully used my Wallet to pay for online purchases from several online service providers in different foreign currencies so I am sure the credit card is correctly registered in my Wallet account. However, while physically located in the UK, I cannot complete any purchase from the UK Play store. At the point when I need to select my preferred payment method from my Wallet account, it shows my registered credit card greyed out with the text "Unsupported Payment method" next to it.

# Answer
As far as I know Google doesn't allow the use of International cards (at the moment).

I also heard from some other people (and t0mm13b acknowledges it too apparently) that the Play Store looks at your current SIM card to know your home country. So maybe if you could get your hands on a German SIM card (maybe an old one that doesn't really work anymore), you can still pay for applications.

Or you can have a look for some cheap credit card in the UK.
> 1 votes

# Answer
From my own experiences, they do not allow this.

When I am in the US with my Australian google play account \[and Australian credit card\], I am unable to make any purchases from the play store. The reason being the US play store refuses my card details due to it's Australian address.

This may vary from region to region. But generally for the US and UK \[not only Google Play\], they enforce regional restrictions in a more strict manner due to licensing restrictions of the multimedia content, ie: music and movies.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: google-play-store, google-wallet
---


title: MP3 getting mixed up

text:
# Question
Title: MP3 getting mixed up
I am running ICS on my tablet.

Whenever I copy new music files to my tablet, the files get mixed (playing parts of other music files for 5,6 seconds randomly in any file I copied). What should I do?

# Answer
> 0 votes
If you are saving music files to SD card, it may be the problem of the SD card. Change the SD card and try.

Good Luck.

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, mp3
---


title: GPS location log

text:
# Question
Title: GPS location log
I had GPS enabled on my phone one night and I'm trying to find a log on my phone of where I was and when. I didn't have WiFi or data on, so the `cache.wifi` and `cache.cell` files are incomplete. Google Location history turns up nothing either.

My phone runs Android 2.3. Are precise GPS data logged anywhere in the system (I didn't have any GPS logging apps installed at the time)?

# Answer
> 2 votes
If your device is rooted, you might want to take a look at Location Cache or (if your Android version is lower than 2.3.3) also Android Location Cache Viewer. Both apps give you insight into Google's location cache, the first even permits you to clean or disable it.

Location Cache (source: Google Play)

Note that those apps stopped working with Android 2.3.3 (Cache Viewer) resp. Android 4.0 (Location Cache).

---
Tags: gps
---


# Question
Title: Do you have to reformat an SD Card before you can copy its contents to your PC?
My phone has been stuck in a boot loop and I need to safely retrieve the contents via card-to-PC transfer, then PC-to-new card, then new card-to-phone, etc. I read somewhere on here that **you must reformat your SD card before you can connect it to your PC to copy its contents. Is this true?**

If so, **will I lose my stuff from reformatting my card?** Every time I've tried reformatting my card, I get a dialog box that tells me all my card's contents could be destroyed if I go ahead, so I refrain.

Seems like it would be pointless to try and retrieve my card's contents if I must destroy them first. I'm fairly new to this stuff, so please excuse my lack of knowledge for it.

Also, once I get all of my content into my new SD card, **do I need to format the new card when inserted in my phone?** I notice that whenever I put an SD card with files on it into a new phone, I get a prompt saying that all contents could be destroyed if I format, even though I want these files on my phone and certainly *not* destroyed.

Thanks for any and all questions answered, I appreciate it.

# Answer
No, you **MUST NOT** reformat it *before* copying! Formatting a storage device means to *prepare* it to hold files, and it will *delete everything on it* (see the tag wiki of the formatting tag for details). So yes, formatting woul imply losing all contents on the formatted device (in this case, from your SDCard).

New cards usually come pre-formatted, so there's no action needed either: Simply insert and enjoy. I never heard a device prompting you to format a newly inserted card, and I've had some of them. Of course, a warning is issued when you manually select to format a card, so you do not accidentally fall into such a trap.
> 5 votes

---
Tags: boot-loop, external-sd, formatting
---


# Question
Title: How to create a "pipe character" with the HTC Incredible (ConnectBot)?
I am trying to use the | (pipe) character in ConnectBot on my HTC Incredible, but everyone says to use Shift + Alt + ',' but that doesn't seem to work. I have tried multiple different combinations to no avail. Any solutions for this?

Thanks in advance!

# Answer
No worky. HTC is not calling the correct ASCII code for the "pipe" symbol. It seems there are two of them in existence. One is a straight vertical bar (|) (supposed to be ASCII #124 in base-10 and 7C in hex) and one has a small gap in the center, it is also called the broken line or the broken bar and was used in the old IBM EBCDIC character set. The confusion is that I have seen UNIX keyboards with the broken line representing the pipe symbol. However, the broken bar is not part of the ASCII set and I have no clue what HTC used for its ASCII representation. On second thought they must be using an ISO/IEC 8859-1 representation: the vertical bar is 7C (hex) and the broken bar is A6 (hex). There you have it. All I can say is that my invisible wireless network has | in it and as long as I hide it, I can't link to it with my Incredible. Making it visible and joining and then making it invisible again does not work as a trick. Annoying!
> 4 votes

# Answer
Hopefully it's the same as on the EVO: How to type a pipe "|" on an HTC EVO Android 2.2?

Edit: Looks like they may have used the wrong ASCII / UTF-8 code for the pipe, so it looks the same/similar but isn't actually the right character. (Reference: Verizon forums)

I suggest replacing the keyboard then. XDA has a 2.3 keyboard that should work, it requires root and ROM Manager to flash it.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Try activating the numeric keys (I believe this is done by tapping on the "12#" key to the right of the Spacebar), then hit the shift (or ↑) and that should bring up some alt. symbol keys.
> 1 votes

# Answer
You can use chrome to phone and copy the character from the a web page and send it to the clipboard on the phone. Then you just paste.
> 1 votes

# Answer
The wikipedia page at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vertical\_bar has a nice, big pipe symbol right near the top, easy for copy & paste. Bookmark that page.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Another good choice: You could e.g. install (and use) Hacker's Keyboard, which has special ConnectBot support even for function keys etc.:

> This keyboard is especially useful if you use ConnectBot for SSH access. It provides working Tab/Ctrl/Esc keys, and the arrow keys are essential for devices such as the Xoom tablet or Nexus S that don't have a trackball or D-Pad.

See e.g. the following screenshot, and have a closer look at the "\\" key:

Another screenshot is quite self-explaining:

So no need to freak around with copy/pasting from web pages, entering cryptic codes, or the like. Simply use the right keyboard, relax, and enjoy :)
> 0 votes

---
Tags: htc-droid-incredible, keyboard
---


# Question
Title: my google play uninstall by itself.. how can i install it again ?
I have just reset my Samsung Galaxy Ace and now Google Play doesn't shown up. I've already restarted my phone but nothing happens, and I've downloaded a different Play Store but it doesn't seem to open. Before I reset my phone I read that nothing will be un-installed from my application, but how does it come that Google Play doesn't shown up ?

# Answer
Here http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/02/22/download-latest-google-play-store-3-10-14/ you will find download links to the play store in this site
> -1 votes

---
Tags: google-play-store, samsung
---


title: HTC Desire C screen on while charging

text:
# Question
Title: HTC Desire C screen on while charging
My new HTC Desire C screen does not turn off while charging. It is running ICS (Android version 4.0.3, HTC Sense version 4.0). I have went into Settings \> Developer Tools \> Stay Awake (OFF). It doesn't work. Screen timeout is set to 30 seconds.

I also downloaded and installed Extended Controls, but when I try to add the widget to the homescreen it tells me "Please reconnect your SD card first" (which is non-existent at the moment).

p.s. I downgraded from a Xperia Arc S in hopes of a simpler phone, and my god this Desire C is BAD.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I also see this behaviour with my Desire C model. When I reported it as a bug to HTC they responded that it is intentional behaviour as the Desire C lacks a charging LED. Personally I think you should still be able to have the screen turn off and it doesn't make sense to have an option in the settings menu that doesn't do anything.

If enough people request the change HTC may put in the ability to turn off the screen while charging in a future software update.

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, charging, screen
---


# Question
Title: Installing Jelly Bean on Ice Cream Sandwich tablet
I just bought this China-made tablet, Ainol Novo Flame, and it has Ice Cream Sandwich installed on it.

Is there anyway to install Jelly Bean? I Googled some and couldn't find a good source. Do you know any? thanks

I hope this is the right place to ask. I'm new to android overall.

# Answer
This is the latest Official Ainol Novo 7 Fire JellyBean firmware (using the latest Android version 4.2.2):

Google Translation maybe required.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 4.1-jelly-bean, updates
---


# Question
Title: Can a thief unlock or otherwise access the data on my stolen Android device?
If my Android device is stolen, will the person who ends up with it be able to get my data by plugging it into a PC and using some trick? Is there anything I can do to prevent this or make it harder?

# Answer
If you used full-disk encryption, then your data will be accessible until the device unmounted the encrypted disk (e.g. by rebooting) and discarded the decryption key. If you store your sensitive data in encrypted container, then your data will be accessible until the application closes the container and discarded the decryption key.

If you don't use any encryption, then your data is naked in the wild. Many thiefs are simply interested to sell the phone to make a quick buck and so will simply reformat the phone; but if the thief has a specific intent to steal your data (e.g. corporate espionage, identity thief, etc), then you can assume that they can read all your unencrypted data.

If your phone uses SD card (instead of internal memory), then getting to your data in the SD card is trivial. Getting data in internal memory took a little bit more effort, but is still relatively easy. A turned off device with full-disk-encryption is -- for all practical purpose -- a useless brick for your adversary.
> 5 votes

# Answer
In general computing, physical access to a device means all bets are off when it comes to security of data. A determined and knowledgeable thief is likely to either crack the protection, or at the very least copy the contents off the device to try and subvert encryption.

There are several security packages on the Market that can make this job a lot more difficult for the potential thief. These apps can remotely lock the device, wipe its data, and even attempt to "dial home" if the thief was careless enough to let it go online. This will deter most, but the very savvy ones.

Your best bet to safeguard sensitive data is to never have it on the mobile device in the first place. Banking apps that store your login credentials, entering credit card info into web forms on browser, etc. are all points of vulnerability.

In terms of damage control after the phone/tablet is stolen, it's always a good idea to have a list of accounts for apps that are installed, so that you can change the passwords asap. Email, social network apps, etc.
> 3 votes

# Answer
As the other answers already state: *physical access to a device means all bets are off when it comes to security of data* (from Chahk's answer). As this is already made clear enough, I will focus on some counter-measures with my answer.

One thing to make it harder was already mentioned in Lie's answer: encrypting the device will make it harder to access the data. But there are several more things. If you e.g. leave *USB Debugging* on, you make it *easier* for the thief to access your device, so it's a good precaution to keep that turned *off*.

Already named in several answers are several anti-thief apps available on the playstore. There's e.g. Cerberus Anti-Theft (one week free trial, then ~EUR 3) which gives you a lot of possibilities, remotely controlling your device to locate and track it, set off a loud alarm, record audio from the microphone, and even remotely wipe the phone (to destroy all stored data). Similar functionality is offered by Android Lost (available for free -- also see the video on that app's playstore page). Both are even using a "stealth-mode", so a thief can not easily find and uninstall them. A good thing about *Android Lost* is you even can remotely install and activate it if your phone already is lost -- as long it is still online and connected to your Google account.

## Summary

So in short and summed up: Yes, a thief can get access to your data -- but there are means of making this at least very hard, or even limit the time frame he has for his "bad deed". Several things to consider on this background:

* Don't store sensitive data on your mobile device in the first place, if you can avoid it. What's not there cannot be taken.
* Chose secure apps which are proven to encrypt sensitive data (and not store it plain-text). See e.g. viaForensic's appWatchdog (viaForensics is a forensic company which also keeps an eye on mobile security. Andrew Hoog's book *Android Forensics and mobile security* gives a good insight on this topic)
* Don't leave *USB Debugging* always turned on in your device
* Consider device encryption
* Consider using an anti-theft app such as e.g. *Cerberus* or *Android Lost* (there are several more with good ratings) which also uses a *stealth mode* and thus is not easily found and uninstalled. In conjunction with this: Act fast and wise if your device is lost (e.g. first try to locate it before doing a wipe: it might very well be you simply forgot it on the kitchen table)
* Also don't forget the "obvious stuff": Don't leave your Andy alone on the pub table while going to toilet, for example :) It's harder to steal it from clothes you're wearing then when lying around or being stored in a jacket hanging on the warderobe.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: security, password
---


# Question
Title: How to root the LG Optimus 4X (LG-P880)?
I just got a brand new LG Optimus 4X. Feeling naked without the privacy protection offered by apps like LBE Privacy Guard, and missing good backup solutions like Titanium Backup (and no, Carbon Backup cannot really compete here), I want the device rooted.

How can that be achieved?

# Answer
In fact, I never had an Android device where this was that easy to achive! Our friends at XDA-Developers offer a guide and the necessary tools in this thread. Having a "Microsoft free zone" and "only" running Linux machines (yeah, even the Android ones run a Linux kernel), I was able to follow up those steps with a little adaption here and there -- and so I will sum up the results for Windows and Linux users as well:

## Preparation

First you need to download the required tools, all of them available at the linked XDA-Developers thread:

Having everything downloaded, some additional steps are necessary at your computer:

* Windows users only: Unzip and install the drivers
* Linux users: Make sure `adb` is able to detect the device (check with `adb devices`). If it's not, see at the end of this answer for some hints.
* Everybody: Copy `IS11LG_SystemBackupTest.signed.apk` to your Optimus (e.g. after connecting it via USB in MTP mode, copy the file to the internal SDCard)
* Everybody: Create a new directory, unzip `o4xr.zip` there, and change into this directory.

## The rooting process

1. On your Optimus, go to *Settings→Security* and make sure "Unknown Sources" is TICKED (i.e. contains a checkmark)
2. Go to *Settings→Developer Options* and enable "USB Debugging"
3. Now install `IS11LG_SystemBackupTest.signed.apk` (e.g. use a file explorer to find and "launch" it)
4. Open the "SystemBackupTest" app you just installed. Nothing spectacular will happen, so don't be disappointed here.
5. Hold the power button and choose "Power off and restart".
When you can see the lock screen, you may notice that the phone is running very slowly, this is normal.
6. Once the device is fully started up again, connect it to your computer with an USB cable. Make sure the phone is in "Charging Only" mode.
7. On your PC, open a terminal (Linux) resp. command (`cmd.exe, Windows) window and change into the directory you've extracted`o4xr.zip\` into.
(on Windows, you may need admin privileges: right click, run as administrator. On Linux it did fine for me without superuser/root permissions)
8. Now run the rooting script:
    * Windows users: type `root` followed by the enter key
    * Linux users: type `./root-linux.sh`, also followed by the enter key
    * Any Mac users? Type `./root-mac.sh`, also followed by the enter key. Don't worry, it won't root your Mac/Linux machine (Windows users: it is unlikely to root your box, either :)
9. **DO NOT DISCONNECT YOUR PHONE WHILE THE SCRIPT RUNS!** Wait while it does its job. During that process, the phone will reboot automatically a couple of times. The script will inform you about this in your command/terminal window. Once the command/shell prompt returns, the misdeed is accomplished :)
10. Now uninstall `SystemBackupTest` from your Optimus. **Do not launch it again at this state,** or you might have to start over from step 5 :)
11. On your phone, open up Google Play Store and search for "SuperSU". Update the app when prompted, then open it. Press OK to update the SU binary.

You now have root and can safely restore the "Unknown Sources" and "USB debugging" settings back to how you had them! Congratulations! Next steps are to install Titanium Backup, LBE Privacy Guard, and all the other things you might need and which require root!

---

### Hint for Linux users to get `adb` recognize your Android device

These steps should work with all Android phones. The example data of course should exactly fit the *LG Optimus P880* this question deals with.

1. open a terminal window, and make yourself root (`sudo su -`)
2. enter the following command: `lsusb`. Note the output in your mind.
3. connect your device **with USB Debugging enabled** using an USB cable.
4. again issue the `lsusb` command. Now it should output an additional line which has to be the just connected Android device. For the *LG Optimus P880*, this should read like:
`Bus 002 Device 103: ID 1004:61a6 LG Electronics, Inc.`
`1004` is the vendor ID for LG, `61a6` the device ID of the P880 in USB Debugging mode.
5. use your favorite editor (still in root mode!) and open `/etc/udev/rules.d/51-android.rules` (if no such file exists, simply create it). Add the below lines (first line is optional), and then save the file.
6. restart the UDEV daemon: `service udev restart`

Now you just need to disconnect your device. When reconnecting it for the next time, `adb` will see it -- as you can confirm with the `adb devices` command. So here are the lines for your `/etc/udev/rules.d/51-android.rules` file:

```
#LG Optimus X4 P880
SUBSYSTEMS=="usb", ATTRS{idVendor}=="1004", ATTRS{idProduct}=="61a6", MODE="0666" GROUP="androiddev", SYMLINK+="android%n"

```
> 2 votes

---
Tags: rooting, lg-optimus-4x
---


# Question
Title: Galaxy Note II USB connection not working
On my Galaxy Note II (android 4.1.1), any time I try to connect to something over USB, it doesn't seem to want to connect. Specifically:

-iSyncr gives me errors connecting; so does Android File Transfer

-DoubleTwist and EasyPhoneSync can't connect at all

-Odin gets stuck at "Making Connection" (or something, I can't remember the exact wording)

These problems occur whether I have USB debugging on or not, and still persist when I mess around with the MTP/PTP settings. Does anyone have any idea what might be wrong? iSyncr used to work fine, but the others have always been broken.

Note: this is on a mac, and Odin is run through a virtual machine

# Answer
What version of Android?

As of JellyBean 4.2.2, you'd need a newer version of ADB, as there's a security implementation built into JB 4.2.2, in that, any "unauthorised" computer with USB cable plugged in, will show the device as offline, rendering any file transfer/copying etc useless.

With the new version of ADB as downloaded from Google or for your device, you will be prompted to request authorisation and to allow it, based on a cryptographic key generated by ADB so that the computer is "trusted", then the contents can be copied/transferred.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: usb, connection-issues, usb-connection-mode, samsung-galaxy-note-2
---


# Question
Title: How do I get Google+'s notifications into Android's notification list?
From iOS I'm used to seeing app icon badges and notifications concerning actvity inside apps. Android is lacking app icon badges but it does have a great notification menu -- except that Google+ notifications (the red counter in the black Google bar on all Google's web sites) don't arrive there. I do see the counter in the Google+ app (in Android as well as in iOS) but on Android there's no notification outside of the app.

I think it's weird that Google's awesome social network doesn't send notifications to Google's mobile OS.

I am hoping that it's merely some setting I need to enable on my phone to make these appear. Right? I very much doubt that I really have to launch the G+ app to see notifications, given that so many other apps use Android's notification methods so successfully.

**How can I see Google+ notifications in Android's notification list?**

# Answer
Uhhh...I get Google+ Notifications all of the time.

Check:

* `Settings | Apps | Google+ | Show Notifications` is checked
* In the Google+ app, `Overflow menu (three vertical dots) | Settings | Notifications` is ON. Tap that entry and choose which types of notifications to get. I see
    + POSTS AND MENTIONS
        - Mentions
        - Shares
        - Comments
        - Comments on a post after I commented
        - Circle subscriptions
    + CIRCLES
        - Adds me
    + PHOTOS
        - Tags me
        - Comments on a photo I am tagged in
        - Comments on a photo I tagged
        - Photos added from Instant Upload
    + EVENTS
        - Invitations or updates to events
        - Reminders about events I'm invited to
        - Activity on events I created
    + COMMUNITIES
        - Invites me to a Community
> 3 votes

---
Tags: notifications, notification-bar, google-plus
---


# Question
Title: How to disable virtual keyboard when in landscape mode?
I have a Droid 2 (on Gingerbread); The device has a physical keyboard.

I use virtual keyboard in portrait mode *sometimes*, but never in landscape mode (since I have physical keyboard.)

Is there a way that would allow me to disable virtual keyboard when in landscape mode, but leave it available for portrait mode?

# Answer
> 2 votes
There is a way but not an easy way. You can use keyboards like Null keyboard.

> A keyboard that does nothing. Yes, really. This keyboard is useful if you have an external bluetooth keyboard paired with your phone and you want to stop the on-screen keyboard from popping up all the time.

The problem is every time you change mode you have to change the input method.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Don't touch the screen. Instead, use the tab and the arrow keys on the bluetooth keyboard to navigate. This way, the pop-up keyboard will never come up.

It is a challenge. There are a lot of shortcuts and tricks to learn, but it's more convenient once you get the hang of it. I guess the simplest answer would be to get a bluetooth mouse as well. Use that to select things instead of touching the screen.

---
Tags: keyboard, orientation
---


# Question
Title: Is the terminal emulator app essential to CyanogenMod 10?
My Galaxy S2 is rooted and running CyanogenMod 10.

Amongst other apps, it comes with an app called *Terminal Emulator*, which I do not use. Is this app essential for CyanogenMod so I have to keep it -- or can it be deleted without causing any trouble?

# Answer
The *Terminal Emulator* coming pre-installed with CM 10 (IMHO it is Android Terminal Emulator) is intended to let you access the command line. People using a custom ROM usually have use for such things -- and it is very helpful for certain kinds of troubleshooting, as via the command line you can directly access the necessary Linux tools to check certain things.

Aside from that, I cannot imagine it being "essential" to the system, so removing it should have no side-effects. But it would not bring you any benefit either: residing on the `/system` partition, uninstalling wouldn't give you more space in the "internal storage" -- and as the app only consumes other ressources when you start it, there's nothing to gain here as well.

It might prove very useful at some future point, so I'd recommend you keep it. If you really want to get rid of it: as with any other app you don't know whether it might be needed, first "freeze" (disable) it and watch carefully for possible side-effects (none to expect here), and after a week or so, if no side-effects appear, you can go ahead and drop it.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: applications, cyanogenmod, samsung-galaxy-s-2
---


# Question
Title: Issues with the TouchWiz music app on my Galaxy Note 2
I've recently received a Galaxy Note II, and am still in the phase of getting to know Android and Touchwiz. I've managed to sync some music onto it with iSyncr, but am having some problems playing it. I have two main issues:

Half the time when I'm in the music app on the now playing screen, clicking the back key or song list button takes me to the current artist/album I'm listening to, and clicking back from there (presumably to go to the full list of artists/albums) takes me back to the now playing screen. So I have no way to choose another song to listen to. Sometimes it does this, sometimes it doesn't. It's weird.

Second, I can't seem to find a way to get lockscreen music controls (short of installing a new lockscreen) that works. Supposedly TouchWiz puts music controls for you if you have a pattern or passcode, but that didn't seem to work. I tried as a replacement using the notification bar's music controls, but those sometimes just weren't there (I have no idea why).

And one other thing- is it possible to set a volume limit as you can on iOS? Because when I listen to music anything above half is too loud and the increments below that are too big.

These are pretty specific issues, but if anyone could help that would be great.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Well, since no one answered, I'll answer with what I eventually figured out.

1. I just installed a new music player, because I hate Samsung's.
2. I used WidgetLocker to put widgets on my lockscreen, and Phantom Music Control to get a better-looking widget to put on my lockscreen.

---
Tags: lock-screens, music, music-player, samsung-touchwiz, samsung-galaxy-note-2
---


# Question
Title: How can I update the default stock browser (com.android.browser)?
I have version 2.3.3 of the stock android browser on my phone. I know there are newer versions out that support features that I want which are not available in 2.3.3. However, I do not see any upgrades available, and in fact the stock browser does not even show up in the Google Play store.

I figure I probably need to manually install from somewhere, but where do I find the necessary files and how do I perform the upgrade? Note: I am not interested in upgrading to a newer version of Android.

# Answer
Check this XDA post. It has an APK for a 4.2 AOSP browser.

**NOTE:** Install at your own risk.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: updates, stock-browser
---


title: Scanning with Android

text:
# Question
Title: Scanning with Android
There are a few apps that seems to act like document scanners?

How do they work? Is it more than a lot of posprocessing of one shot?

Are they actually "scanning" or utilizing more several shots?

What kind of phone specs do I need to have quick and reliable document scanning?

# Answer
> 2 votes
In my opinion, the word scanning in this context is a misnomer. Basically the camera and the flash are the key hardware components involved in this operation. The camera doesn't go into burst mode and instead takes only one good shot. The rest are the magic of software algorithms that straighten, finds boundaries and brightens and de speck the image.

The app Camscanner supports creating documents either from image or capturing with camera.

Higher camera resolution, the ability to autofocus and presence of flash (in absence of ambient light) are the features that are to be looked for. For shooting an A4 size with text printed with font size of 12, a 5 mega pixel resolution is needed and with 3.2 mega pixels, I am able to capture A5 sized papers with very decent quality - observed from my experience.

---
Tags: document-scanner
---


# Question
Title: Able to play only few mp4 files in Samsung Galaxy Y?
Why is it that I am able to play only a few .mp4 files in my New Samsung Galaxy Y Mobile but not he rest. What should I do to make even the other .mp4 files to play?

What should I do to make .mkv, .avi and other video formats to play?

# Answer
> 2 votes
Deriving from the link given in Comments:

Answer by Richard

> You are not able to play the high resolution videos in your mobile. Your device should be able to handle videos up to 640\*360, this is the resolution of HQ YouTube.
>
> Note that there's absolutely no point in watching HD videos on your phone. It has a screen resolution of 240 x 320. Anything above this will be scaled down to fit the screen.

Comment by ce4

> In General, HD videos need to be decoded by a specialized companion chip (h264 decoder) because the CPU is not powerful enough. For price reasons, only a subset of h264's Features may be supported leaving you without HD support

# Answer
> 2 votes
Try MX Player from Google Play. It can play almost all the video formats in my Samsung Galaxy Y Duos. Review

# Answer
> 0 votes
Just install MX Player on your Android phone. Then, you can play any video format on your Samsung Galaxy Y Duos.

---
Tags: video, samsung-galaxy-y
---


# Question
Title: Can't install AIR on Galaxy Android device
I'm doing some AIR for Android development. When I try and launch my app, I am told I need to install Adobe AIR. After being taken to the Google Play site, I get the message that "Your device isn't compatible with this version."

I updated my OS on my Galaxy Tab 10.1 to Android 4.04, but I still get this message. How can I get Adobe AIR installed?

# Answer
> 1 votes
From the system requirements for Adobe Air 3:

* ARMv7 processor with vector FPU, minimum 550MHz, OpenGL ES 2.0, H.264 and AAC HW decoders
* Android™ 2.2, 2.3, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, or 4.0
* 256MB of RAM
* Android web browser

---
Tags: adobe-air
---


# Question
Title: How to block my mobile provider from showing their ads?
Whenever I use apps that have banner ads (I guess that thing is called AdMob?), I get ads from my mobile service provider. This happens only when I connect using the mobile data.

I don't have branding or any apps from my mobile service provider. In fact, I'm on a rooted vanilla stock froyo ROM.

The ads are very annoying. Most of the time, it is about Value Added Services (VAS) and hence If I accidentally click those, I get charged instantly. (for subscription to whatever that stupid ad displayed).

Please don't give me solutions to block the ads completely. I want the normal ads, just not the ads from my service provider.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Both works the same way. While the usual AdBlockers block all ad-related servers/IPs, you can do the same for selected ones.

Provided your device is rooted, you can block their specific IPs via your `hosts` file. Just add the server name one per line, and send it to an "invalid" URL such as e.g. `0.0.0.0`. An example entry would look like:

```
adserver.myprovider.com  0.0.0.0

```

Of course this would mean you have to figure out the URL of the ads displayed. Here apps like OS Monitor might prove helpful, as they show all open network connections:

<sup>*OS Monitor*: Open connections and WhoIs information (source: Google Play)</sup>

When such an ad is displayed, immediately open the *connection* tab in *OS Monitor* and check the list. The first screenshot shows the app in charge is displayed along with the corresponding entry. The status column will most likely hold either *CLOSE\_WAIT*, *LAST\_ACK*, or (less likely) *ESTABLISHED*. Tap the entry which seems fitting to get the WhoIs information. On that page you see the hostname right on top ("DNS"), which is what you then put into your `/system/etc/hosts` file as described above.

Don't forget to clear the app's cache afterwards, as otherwise cached ads might still be displayed. Continue until you caught them all :)

Another solution is available for certain providers (at least here in Germany): Opt-Out of provider billing, either completely or for given companies. Of course you still need to pay your contract (that's not what is meant here), but you should no longer be automatically charged for ads etc. via your phone bill. Which does not mean nobody might scare you with accuses of a subscription you "bought" -- but that would no longer work for *those* ads.

---
Tags: data-connection, mobile-network
---


# Question
Title: How to install a ROM with CWM when /data (and /sdcard) are encrypted and I can't reformat them?
I used to run CyanogenMod 9.1 with device encryption on my Galaxy S3, and decided today that I wanted to try a CM 10 nightly.

A problem with device encryption that I didn't know about before is that it's impossible to turn off. ClockworkMod Recovery (5.8.4.3) can't mount the `/data` partition (and, by extension, `/sdcard`). This means that I can't use CWM to factory reset or install a new update.zip, since the update.zip must lie on the internal sdcard.

Trying "choose zip from sdcard" gives "E:Can't mount /sdcard/" and choosing "apply /sdcard/update.zip" gives "E:Can't mount /sdcard/update.zip". This happens even if I've used `adb` to put the update.zip in the `/sdcard` mountpoint.

Factory resetting from CWM gives these two errors: "Error mounting /data!" and "Error mounting /sdcard/.android\_secure!". Factory resetting from CM9 didn't work. I've since tried to flash CM10 with MobileOdin, which didn't work, and now I can only boot to CWM.

Does anyone have any idea about how I could mount `/data` or otherwise get a working ROM?

I've taken backups of everything. The tools I suppose could help me, but I haven't tried because I'm new at this and don't want to hard-brick my phone, are fastboot and heimdall.

TL;DR: S3 only boots to CWM, but CWM won't mount `/data` and so can't flash zips.

# Answer
I fixed mine right now. Using Odin, load the original image of your phone from the exact provider in pda. *Now, it's like brand new.*

P.S. You have to unrar the image file, or Odin won't see it. After you unrar, it should have a MD5 file.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Have you tried to reboot to the bootloader? You can do so using `adb reboot bootloader`. From there, you can flash `boot.img` and `system.img`. Look at fastboot options.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, rom-flashing, clockworkmod-recovery, rom, unbricking
---


# Question
Title: Is there a way to download ALL app updates at once in Amazon App Store?
Device: Verizon Droid X
Androrid: stock Froyo 2.2 ROM
Amazon Market app: latest version (updated 3/3/2013)

When I open the list of apps to be update in Google Play Store, there is a button on top right which lets me download and install ALL updates at once, instead of doing it app by app.

Is there such a capability in the app for Amazon App Store?

# Answer
On the Kindle Fire, on the list of apps to be updated, there is an Update All button at the top right. You can update one-by-one or all-at-once, but there's no facility to update a selected group.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: amazon-appstore
---


title: Bash terminal on tablets

text:
# Question
Title: Bash terminal on tablets
I would like to buy a tablet and use it as a netbook to work using a keyboard dock (I still like the touchscreen and stylus options over buying a netbook). I work mostly on linux machines where I need ssh, vpn and the ability to open X windows remotely. Are there terminals for the Android tablets that can do that ? Anyone with comments about Ubuntu on tablets ?

# Answer
Yes, to an extent. I know there are apps that will create an SSH terminal. Most likely there are other apps that can process other types of protocols.

There are only few tablets that compatible with Ubuntu (At least work well with). The Nexus 7 and/or 10 being a prime example. From what I hear, it works very well and is almost no different from the desktop version.

In my opinion, from what you are looking for, I'd get a Nexus 7/10 and try out Android OS, and if it can't do everything you want it to, then install Ubuntu.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, tablet, linux, bash
---


# Question
Title: How can I decrypt an encrypted SD card (HTC Evo 4G) on a different device?
I encrypted both my phone and SD card upon purchasing my HTC Evo 4g LTE. Recently the phone died (would get to the login screen and then reboot).

After a factory reset the SD card shows up as damaged. I've tried mounting it in various ways, but neither the phone nor a computer will attempt to mount the drive - they just ask to format it.

Is there any hope of recovering the contents?

# Answer
> 2 votes
The simple answer is: **You Can't**

The volume is already encrypted and can only be read as random hex because the required key is stored in your phone in order to decipher it. Unfortunately there is no way for you to recover your sdcard contents because the key on your phone is also lost when you factory reset.

Just reformat it if you still want to use your sdcard.

---
Tags: encryption, data-recovery, htc-evo, external-sd
---


# Question
Title: Samsung Galaxy S3 not connecting via USB
Since about a week, my S3 doesn't connect anymore via usb to any computer. I don't think it's driver related as it was working before and I didn't change anything on the computers. It now runs Jelly Bean but it didn't happen right after the update (only after a week or so it stopped working).

The S3 doesn't even show the notification with the usb icon nor the possibility to switch between PTP & MTP...

* I tested with 3 different usb cables, on vista, win 7 and mac os x.
* Tried to activate / deactivate usb debugging, restart the phone and event done a hard reset, it's still not working.
* Phone is not rooted

Maybe it's hardware, but the phone didn't fell or anything like that...

Do you have an idea ?

# Answer
I just had the same problem tonight. All of a sudden my pc wouldn't recognize my S3 when I connected via the USB. I tried the USB debugging first and restarting...didn't work. I popped the battery out and restarted, and the USB icon showed up. Hope that helps.

Thanks for all the helpful troubleshooting ;)
> 6 votes

# Answer
Here's what worked for me. I don't know what caused it, but I suspected an Exchange server policy triggered it. I deleted those accounts just in case. Then I rebooted into recovery mode (volume up + home held down at boot). From the recovery menu, I wiped the cache partition. When it came back up, it saw the USB connection just fine again.
> 4 votes

# Answer
I've had the same problem with my S3 ever since the update to JB 4.1. My PC would not recognize my s3 and the phone would not go into the usb debug mode only charging indicator when I plug the usb into the phone.
I've solved mine by erasing all cache for apps. Not sure which app it was but right after I cleared all my cache I plug it into the pc and it started working again. Kies works and usb debugging works.
> 2 votes

# Answer
I had this problem after updating as well. I can only presume it was from updating; I had no issues earlier.

My problem was the USB ports on my keyboard and the front panel of my PC would not recognize my S3. So, I plugged it into the back, and it reinstalled the drivers.

It works fine now; not sure how or why but who am I to argue.
> 2 votes

# Answer
You can transfer music to your device using Windows Media Player on Windows 7 and Windows Vista.

1. Connect your device to your PC using the supplied USB cable.
2. On your Galaxy S3, Go to `Settings > Developer Options > USB debugging`.
3. Open Windows Media Player and click the Sync tab on the right. Your device should be shown in the sync screen.
4. Drag the music tracks you want to sync to your device to the sync list on the right. When you have added all of the tracks, click the Start sync option at the top of the screen.

When the synchronization is complete, you can disconnect the cable from either your computer or your device.

Source.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Have you checked permissions on your machine? I have had problems accessing my device over usb because of permissions when I connected a device over usb to a linux box.
> 0 votes

# Answer
If you pull down the context menu from the top, and select the notification that it's plugged in with the USB device, you should be presented with different options for how you want the phone to treat your USB connection.

Select the Media device (MTP) option and you should now be able to browse the files on your phone just like you would any other usb data device.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I had the same issue and removing my battery and power cycling the phone allowed the computer to recognize it again.
> 0 votes

# Answer
A few days after I got the Android 4.1.1 OTA update and rooted it my Galaxy S3 failed to recognize the USB connection.

Removing and then reinstalling the battery allowed my Galaxuy S3 to recognize the USB connection. The Android File Transfer still didn't work until I uninstalled Kies. Now it is working.

I appreciate the posts.
> 0 votes

# Answer
What seems to work for me is ticking the *USB Debugging* box in the **Developer Options**.

I've been trying all sorts of tricks (including some of the above, and more), but nothing helped.

This one does!

Hope this will solve your problem...
> 0 votes

# Answer
From within JB, unplug cable from handset and follow this:

* Go into Settings \> About Phone
* Scroll down to the bottom
* Now tap on the ***Build number*** 7 times, to activate the *Developers Options*.

Now the Developer's options is activated (*it is deliberately hidden from Settings*), back out of that screen, *Developers Options* should be present, then tap that, look for **Debugging**, tap on *USB Debugging* to put a check-mark on that.

Then try plugging in the USB cable to handset... :)

Addendum:

Even if the USB Debugging is selected, un-select it and re-select it. This worked for me.
> 0 votes

# Answer
This won't help the OP, but may help others. I had the same problem, no help with battery removal/power cycling or developer mode USB debugging, etc. Finally realized I was using a third-party USB cable (freebie from costco). When I used the Samsung cable from the box, it started working again. Costco cable still doesn't work.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I had a cable which worked well (charge and data transfer) until the upgrade to Jelly Bean 4.1.2. Since the upgrade it won't work and I have to change the cable to labelled DATA TRANSFER ONLY, so I suggest trying a different cable.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I had the same problem with the phone not being recognised by PC. I tried EVERYTHING (uninstalling, USB cable, debugging, Kies etc, etc).

It finally worked after turning off phone and taking out battery! Couldn't believe it (but happy now).
> 0 votes

# Answer
I tried a different USB cable and it all came together and started working.
> 0 votes

# Answer
If you haven't figured it out by now. The easiest way to fix this is to power your phone down, remove the battery, wait about 30-60 seconds, then put the battery back into the phone. I have had a similar issue and this has fixed it just about every time.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: usb, 4.1-jelly-bean, samsung-galaxy-s-3, usb-connection-mode
---


# Question
Title: YouTube app on Android "signing in" forever
I use my Nexus 4 with a Google Apps account outside USA. There's no YouTube option in my GApps dashboard, as confirmed by this support page:

> YouTube is not an available service for Google Apps in countries where YouTube has not yet launched. If you're a domain administrator in one of these countries, **you will not see the option to enable YouTube as a service with Google Apps** for your domain in your Google Apps Control Panel. http://support.google.com/youtube/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=1074205

I can visit YouTube in the web browser and that works fine, although I can't sign in. (I might be able to sign in with a dummy Gmail address but that would defeat having a Google Apps account.)

When I launch YouTube app on my Nexus 4, it promptly shows a banner "signing in..." but for the reason I just mentioned, this never finishes.

**Does this mean I will never be able to use the YouTube app?! Does this really cause me to be completely locked out of YouTube on Android?** That can't be right!

# Answer
I recommend you to use a **VPN Client** to mask your original IP and circumvent lockout from youtube.

VPN clients I personally use are:

1. HotSpot Shield
2. Droid VPN
3. One Click VPN

All of it are Free but with some downsides. *Hotspot shield* gives you a US IP but will put small ads when you are browsing. *DROIDVPN* free version is limited to 100MB a day and requires to registration. *One click VPN* free has no ads and no limit, but you cannot choose your preferred country IP, it will be randomly chosen.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: nexus-4, youtube, google-apps
---


title: Galaxy Note 2 JellyBean update

text:
# Question
Title: Galaxy Note 2 JellyBean update
I have a Galaxy Note 2 GT-N7100 running on Android 4.1.1 JellyBean. The 4.1.2 update has been released a while back, but I still am reluctant to upgrade. I have read over the Internet that it causes the battery to drain faster than normal. Is there any truth to this?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Yes there was Issue with Battery drain but they had solved the issue and you can go for 4.1.2 and performance is good.

---
Tags: updates, 4.1-jelly-bean, samsung-galaxy-note-2
---


# Question
Title: How use the Samsung Galaxy S3 stock contact/phone app with custom ROM?
I have a Samsung Galaxy S3 with Verizon with the custom ROM Cyanogenmod 10.1. It has it's own people app and dialer.

Previously, before I rooted my phone and installed the Cyanogenmod, the S3 comes with Samsung's TouchWiz along with all of Samsung's built-in apps. One of the apps was their dialer and contacts app.

Is there anyway, while using the Cyanogenmod, to replace the Cyanogenmod's default phone app with the original S3's phone app? Is there an apk file of the phone app I could install?

Thanks!

# Answer
> 1 votes
You need to get a stock ROM of the same Android version. In this case 4.2 JellyBean, since its the base of Cyanogenmod 10.1.

Once you get the stock ROM, you can open it with any zip viewer and get the apps you want from `/system/app`, then you just connect the phone via USB and `adb push` the apps to `/system/app` in the phone. Be sure to wipe cache/dalvik and reboot to apply the changes.

Another easier way is if you have a nandroid of your last stock ROM (and its JB also). You can open the nandroid with WinRAR and get the needed apps from `/system/app` without searching for the stock ROM.

---
Tags: contacts, samsung-galaxy-s-3, custom-roms
---


title: Change WCDMA to GSM automatically

text:
# Question
Title: Change WCDMA to GSM automatically
I have **Samsung Galaxy S II** with **Android 4**.

If I configure my phone to **GSM/WCDMA (automatic)** mode, I have problems when I receive or make a call. Usually I lost the call or the other person cannot hear me.

In my city 3G network is not very good.

I solve this problem changing the mode to **GSM only** (manually) and then make the call.

Is there a way to configure my phone to change from WCDMA to GSM automatically when I make or receive a call?

I've installed **2G/3G OFF** application, but it is still manual.

# Answer
> 8 votes
If you constantly get a poor 3G signal, you may want to switch the signal preference to favor 2G instead of 3G. Here's a way to do it on ICS:

1. In dialer, press `*#*#4636#*#*`
2. Go to 'Phone Information'
3. Swipe to this 'Set preferred network type'
4. Assuming it is 'WCDMA preferred', change it to 'GSM Auto (PRL)'

Screenshot (click to enlarge)

This setting will change its signal quality threshold, allowing it to switch from 3G to 2G 'earlier'. Use at your own risk though...

To address your question of automatically switching signal *when you make a call*, you might be able to hammer something out on Tasker if you are so inclined (I may give it a try later to satisfy my own curiosity xD).

One problem is forsee though, is that I believe it takes a bit of time to switch signals, so it might affect your call (or its quality).

# Answer
> 1 votes
I would say that the practical anwser is no. Although you could theoreticaly make an appliction/script that would swith to 2g before a cal, the script would have to wait a few seconds before making a call while the phone switches signals. This will make it no faster than manualy changing it before calling.

I suggest you put the 2g/3g widget near your dialer and press it before you enter the dialer, by the time you choose a contact the phone should be ready to call.

Another option has to do with rooting and voiding your warranty: flashing different modems(radio images) from xda. Some modems hold to signals much more aggresively (but use more battery).

The last and most obvious option (the one that I would choose in your place) is to just stay in 2g mode when in the city. Since the signal is so bad you drop calls I would guess that data speeds are slow and dropping too. You will also gain in battery life beacuse the phone won't be constantly searching and droping signals.

In any case I would consider changing the carrier if there is a better option where you live.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I think I've got the solution to your problem, rather our problem. I've been facing this issue for a couple of weeks now, during which I was not able to make any calls when my network mode is set as WCDMA or GSM/WCDMA auto.

I called up my network operator, and they were able to provide me a solution. In the call settings menu, inside Additional Settings, there is a setting for displaying the Caller ID in outgoing calls. I had changed this setting to 'Hide number', and that was the reason I wasn't able to make any calls in the WCDMA mode. After I changed it to 'Network default' or 'Show number', I was able to make calls even in the WCDMA mode. :)

Hope this helps you too.

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, samsung-galaxy-s-2, cellular-radio
---


# Question
Title: ADB unable to connect my Nexus 7 on Ubuntu
I want to be able to connect my Nexus 7 in order to test my applications from Eclipse on the physical device.

I followed this Google guide.

My `/etc/udev/rules.d/51-android.rules` file contains this :

```
SUBSYSTEM=="usb", ATTR{idVendor}=="18d1", ATTR{idProduct}=="4e42", MODE="0666"
SUBSYSTEM=="usb", ATTR{idVendor}=="18d1", ATTR{idProduct}=="4e40", MODE="0666"
SUBSYSTEM=="usb", ATTR{idVendor}=="18d1", ATTR{idProduct}=="4e41", MODE="0666"

```

The device is configured to use `"Camera (PTP)"` and `"USB debugging"` is checked too.

But `adb devices` lists no device.

What have I missed ?

# Answer
The fact that the "Connected" message only appeared sometimes and that `lsusb` was unable to detect the Nexus casted a doubt on the cable.

I just tested with another cable and it works. My other cable seems to have a damaged connector.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: adb, nexus-7, linux
---


# Question
Title: Samsung Galaxy S2(Format or restore factory setting through pc?)
I accidentally sat on my Samsung Galaxy S2 and it has resulted in screen crack. I am planning of repairing it instead of buying a new one.

The phone with the cracked screen works (except the screen) and contains personal and sensitive data.

I do not want to expose it in any way while I give it for repair. It would be nice if I can factory reset or wipe the phone before I give it to service.

# Answer
> 0 votes
A hard reset restores the original factory settings and erases content, including downloaded ringtones, images, programs, and contacts stored in the internal memory. This feature allows for resetting of sound profiles, display settings, and phone or memory card settings.

To perform a hard reset using the hardware keys, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press and hold both Volume Up and Volume Down keys at the same time.
3. Press the Power key only until the phone vibrates once, then release only the Power key.
4. Continue to hold the Volume up and Volume Down keys until the Android System Recovery screen appears.
5. Press the Volume Down key to highlight Wipe Factory Data.
6. Press the Home key to select.
7. Press the Volume Down key to highlight Yes - Delete all user data.
8. Press the Home key to select. Press the Home key to reboot.

But as you said, your screen is broken. Check the screenshots and see how many times you want to use down and up volume key, so that the according to number position you can do it.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-2, factory-reset
---


# Question
Title: Can I get my phone back, given some information like model, IMEI, etc?
I lost my Android. I have no tracker.

Luckily, I do have some inforomation. I know my model, IMEI, last time used, registration date and more. Can anyone offer advice for getting my phone back?

# Answer
> 1 votes
If you know the IMEI of the phone it could be possible to track it and find it. The problem is that network operators are very unlikely to do this without a police order, and the police doesn't seems to like hunting lost phones very much (unless you are an important person or politician). I read about a stolen Mac case when the police didn't make too much effort for recovering it even after the real owner bought them photos of the stealer.

So, unfortunately, there aren't big chances to get your phone back...

# Answer
> 0 votes
If your phone still has power, you can install and start androidlost remotely.

---
Tags: lost-phone
---


# Question
Title: Lost my Samsung Galaxy Ace Duos. No app Installed. Sim also not working. Can anyone help how to trace it
Lost my Samsung Galaxy Ace Duos. No app Installed. Sim also not working. Can anyone plz help how to trace it.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Unfortunately, there is no way for you to trace it when all wireless options are nill. The best that you can do is to report the IMEI of the phone to your network so they can block it, becoming only a useless brick.

I don't know if some network operator have the ability to track phones thru IMEI. You should ask them, its worth a try.

edit: I think my thinking went overboard about your case. Have you simply lost it in the house or a familiar place?

---
Tags: lost-phone
---


# Question
Title: What's "creation mode" in the Galaxy S's offical messaging application?
If you open the official messaging App, go to menu then settings, there is a setting *"creation mode"* which has the following options (in that order):

* restricted
* warning
* free

**What does this change? Is this documented somewhere?**

# Answer
> 12 votes
From a Google search for "mms creation mode" I found this (among others) which says:

> **MMS creation mode** — Select **Restricted** to have your device prevent you from including content in multimedia messages that may not be supported by the network or the receiving device. To receive warnings about including such content, select **Guided**. To create a multimedia message with no restrictions on attachment type, select **Free**. If you select **Restricted**, creating multimedia presentations is not possible.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Messages longer than 3 texts in length get sent as MMS (picture messages) rather than SMS (texts), thereby costing more than texts, or being outside your contract (if you have pre-paid texts).

* If you leave this setting on 'Free', this conversion to an MMS will happen with no warning.
* If you leave this setting on 'Warning', you get a brief flash of a warning message on your screen when you type a message that is longer than 3 texts in length.
* If you have it on 'Restricted', you shouldn't be able to type a longer message in one go, but I have to say that my Galaxy Ace is set on 'Restricted' and I have still managed to inadvertently send a long message as an MMS.

---
Tags: sms, samsung, mms
---


# Question
Title: Galaxy Nexus does not charge when turned on
Galaxy Nexus does not charge when powered **on**, but it charges properly when powered **off**. Phone doesn't detect USB connection also. This happened without any reason. Phone is not rooted.

Tried different cable, charger, everything.

# Answer
> 2 votes
That sounds to me like a hardware issue. If you're still under warranty, I'd get it repaired. If not, you'll have to decide whether you want to live with it or pay for repair (or replace the phone).

# Answer
> 2 votes
Do you happen to be using a 3rd party charger?

500mAh chargers cannot charge the Nexus while on, 1Ah chargers can but might struggle. I recommend chargers with 1.5Ah for charging high-end devices

Alternatively, the problem might lie with the power management of your ROM. Have you also installed an app recently before this happened?

---
Tags: usb, samsung-galaxy-nexus, charging
---


# Question
Title: Application for remote-wiping a lost phone without handing access to my data to a third-party?
Or having to pay a subscription?

I have an idea for a hypothetical Android app. Tell me if such a thing already exists.

1. You install a server in a machine you have total control of, and is (preferably, but not obligatorily) online 24/7.
2. You install the client app on your phone. You configure it to connect to the hostname/port the server you installed in #1 is listening to.
3. The client app does a connect every 5 minutes or so. (Configurable.) It backs up your data to your server machine if you configured it to do so.
4. Your phone is lost or stolen.
5. You connect to yourcomputer:yourport and feed it the Nuking Password. The server app hashes your Nuking Password and stores it at a predefined location (i.e. yourcomputer:yourport/Nuke)
6. Like in every watchdog connect, your phone tries to download yourcomputer:yourport/Nuke - but this time it succeeds. It then hashes its own locally stored copy of the Nuke Password and, if it's a match, it nukes all data in the phone. Before doing the pieces of nuking that will kill Internet access, it reports to the server that the nuke command went through.

Can be improved, of course. But tell me, is there a FOSS app like that somewhere? I imagine it would be especially neat for businesses that issue smartphones for a number of employees.

# Answer
I don't know of an app that meets your exact requirements. But a simpler version that's (in my opinion) equally secure is an Android app that listens for a specific SMS message, and wipes the phone. Remote Wipe does this. Of course, it doesn't entirely kill the phone's software (that would be very device-specific and require a modified bootloader in most cases); and it might be useful to use one of the apps that reports the phone's physical location too, if you want to recover it.
> 2 votes

# Answer
This is pretty much what happens if you connect your phone to a corporate MS Exchange server.

I think it's possible with other Exchange Active Sync compatible servers that support the Exchange mobile device security policies. If any of the FOSS Exchange/messaging clones currently implement the security policies, then this would all be possible on any Android 2.x phone without needing anything other than built-in software on the client.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Try Cerberus app for Android.

This app works on both rooted and non rooted devices (giving some additional options to rooted devices)

You create account, and login, which allows you to fully control your phone, even so that no one notices that you are doing anything (even if he who stole your phone is using it at the moment).

Some of the main features are taking GPS position every few secs, and posting it to this server as soon as it gains any kind of internet connection. You can even send SMS to your phone with special codes and messages won't appear on your phone, but it will answer you with SMS with GPS coordinates and other information without the user holding your phone knowing it.

You can take front camera or back camera photos. You can record voice, etc. It has many more features. If you are interested, you should totally check this app out.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: security, privacy, lost-phone, remote-wipe
---


# Question
Title: How to improve the security on my Android phone?
When I use Android in business I have some secret data on my phone. So if I lose my phone this can easily be stolen.

Is there any way I can secure my phone? E.g. adding password for unlocking it. Any recommendations? apps? or best-practice?

# Answer
> 5 votes
Check out a piece of software such as Mobile Defense which gives you remote tracking and wiping of your phone.

# Answer
> 7 votes
You should also be able to add a lock-pattern that makes it slightly-more-difficult to open the phone

# Answer
> 5 votes
Don't store data on the micro SD card. It's easy to take out and insert into another device.

# Answer
> 3 votes
The most common way to hack your phone is thru insecure WiFi spots. (Mark Zuckerberg was hacked that way.)

I'd recommend to install Y5 application, which enables WiFi only for spots you trust.

# Answer
> 2 votes
The best way to protect your phone is to encrypt the whole data on it. I know Nexus devices have option to encrypt devices under security settings. What this will do, is every time you boot up your device it will ask for your password, if you don't know it, you will not be able to recover any data on your phone.

You will need to set up some password or lock after you turn of your screen as well, so no one can access your phone if you leave it on table or somewhere else.

If you are often using public access points to connect to internet via your Android device, you should always use https sites.

Most common attacks against smartphone users are man in the middle attacks, this will allow attacker to intercept your session with the current server you are gaining informations from (for example Facebook) and it will be able to login to your account and make changes to your account, post on your behalf etc etc, there is no good defense against this, but you can use DroidSheep Guard.

It will detect if anyone on the network is using this kind of attack, and if so, it will automatically disconnect you from that network, therefor preventing an attack.

There are also some viruses being made lately against android devices, which can harm your device in different ways, I have found out that the best thing you can do against this is, use only play store to download your apps, and check what other people say about application, before downloading it,a lso latest android update has additional security, so if you are installing app from other sources, it can check that app for any malicious code in it.

I don't recommend installing antivirus software on android device, it won't help much, and it will slow your device.

I hope this will be helpful for you and others having concerns about this kind of stuff.

---
Tags: security, lost-phone, authorization
---


# Question
Title: How to replace Cyanogenmod dialer/contacts/messaging(texting) apps?
I have a Samsung Galaxy S3 with Verizon. I've recently rooted it and installed Cyanogenmod 10.1.

Of ocurse, when you buy the phone brand new, it comes with all the built-in apps from the manufacturer. With the Samsung Galaxy S3, I prefer their original dialer/contacts/messaging apps vs. the ones that comes with Cyanogenmod.

Is there anyway to get back the original dialer/contacts/messaging apps and replace the ones on Cyanogenmod? Is there anyway to change custom ROMs to your liking? Is there a apk of the original dialer/contacts/messaging S3 apps?

I'm new to the world of custom ROMs and rooting Android, so please, if you could, be specific and detailed as, most likely, I won't know where your coming from.

Thanks!

# Answer
The problem with most manufacturer specific apps is that they are tied very closely with their specific framework, and will not work on "vanilla" Android OS.

In your example, Samsung's Contacts app relies heavily on features of their TouchWiz UI that ships standard with Galasy SIII, and will not function properly (or perhaps even at all) on custom ROMs that are not based on Samsung firmware. CyanogenMod is based on AOSP (Android Open Source Project) and none of the TouchWiz apps will work there. The same holds true for most other manufacturers' apps that ship with their proprietary UI overlays, such as Motorola's BLUR (or whatever they renamed it to,) or HTC's Sense for example.

Even if you manage to find an APK for a given app, installing it onto a system that doesn't have the required framework could potentially cause issues ranging anywhere from force-closes, to even not being able to boot the device. **Always** have a backup of your device before attempting any such modifications and/or installations, so that you can restore your device to a working condition should something go wrong.

As an alternative, you can try and find a 3rd-party replacement app that mimics the functionality of a manufacturer-specific app you're interested in. In most cases, Android will allow you to set the downloaded app as a default instead of the built-in app. For example, there are a myriad replacement Contacts management, Dialer, and Texting apps available in Google Play Store (both free and paid varieties.) I'm sure some of those will have features that you like from Samsung's corresponding app.
> 9 votes

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


# Question
Title: When did my phone power off due to low battery? Is the information recorded somewhere?
I'd like to know when my Android phone powered down due to low battery. Is there a log or way to see this? I am running a new program that makes use of BlueTooth and I suspect that's the problem. I ran the program over the weekend and when I recovered the phone, it was dead. Of course I have no way of know if the phone died after 1 hour or 23 hours. I'm guessing the operating system logs it somewhere.

The phone in question is a Sony Ericsson Arc, but I'm hoping the answer generally applies to all Android phones.

# Answer
> 1 votes
You should install Watchdog Task Manager Lite. It will monitor all your apps and tell you which apps are consuming the most battery and why.

For all your logging needs, install aLogcat (free) - logcat.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I am using Battery Widget Reborn (Free Beta version).

Among its useful features is a charge/discharge graph.

You can use multitouch to expand or compress the graph, too. It'll show about when the battery went down to 0.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You might want to take a look at SystemPanelLite Task Manager. While the free version only allows live monitoring, the full version (SystemPanel App / Task Manager) features background monitoring. Monitored data such will be recorded, and not lost on power-off. Take a look at this screenshot:

Here you can clearly see what time the app was active, how much battery it consumed, if you actively used the device during that time (or how much of the usage was done in background without you watching it), and more. Have this app running and recording in the background for a while, and then check the recorded data -- this should let you figure out which app was responsible, and also what time the device powered off.

---
Tags: battery-life, power-on
---


# Question
Title: How to install Cynogenmod on a Galaxy S w/ Android 2.1
I got a Galaxy S today. It shows a *"Firmware version 2.1-update1"*, which I suppose is Android 2.1.1. I want to install an up-to-date Android version on it, so I thought I'd turn to Cyanogenmod. I have never done this. (In fact, I am still at the state where I am a bit hazy about what terms as "rooting", "flashing" etc. exactly apply to.)

I have found this step-by-step guide to install Cyanogenmod on a Galaxy S and tried to follow it, but I failed miserably. I got as far as #5, where I would put the ClockworkMod recovery file onto the phone, but there
`heimdall flash --kernel zImage --no-reboot`
gives me a
`Initialising connection...
Detecting device...
Claiming interface...
ERROR: Claiming interface failed!`

I have put several hours into this, but now I am stumped for good. I used to get `failed to detect compatible device` when I started this. After lots of searching the web, installed Samsung's Kies software, because it is supposed to allow the phone to be updated to Android 2.2, which some guides seem to presume as a starting point. However, I was unable to get Kies to even recognize the device. But its installation seems to have gotten me past Heimdall's error. At other places, however, I have found statements saying that one should *uninstall* Kies in order to get Heimdall working...

So what did I do wrong? How am I to proceed? What should I try next?

# Answer
If you are **NOT** rooted, you can root your phone with this

When you are rooted, try this -

1. Install ROM Manager

1. Flash ClockworkMod Recovery (Via ROM Manager)
    2. Download Cyanogenmod (Via ROM Manager)
    3. Install ROM (Via ROM Manager)

That's it, very simple and easy.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Your phone need to be rooted, otherwise you can't install ROM Manager because it needs root acces.

If you rooted your phone just download cyanogenmod and install it trought CWM (ClockWorkMod Recovery)

Download CM: http://get.cm and search your device or go to http://cyanogenmod.com an click on get cyanogenmod and click on your device.

I think you should download an Stable mod because your are an custom rom noob as i see.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, samsung-galaxy-s, rom-flashing
---


# Question
Title: What is the exact difference between user and eng binaries?
What is the exact difference between user and eng binaries for a phone (mobile device)? These are two of the build variants. I want to know the exact difference between them.

# Answer
> 4 votes
"Eng" is short for engineering AKA developer build. Those builds have various logging facilities enabled which you do not see on regular "production" builds. Normally you do not want to flash such builds on to your phone.

---
Tags: system
---


title: Move to SDCard option Disabled

text:
# Question
Title: Move to SDCard option Disabled
I have a Samsung Galaxy Music Duos GT-S6012, which I got 2 days back. It has android 4.03.

The problem is I am not able to move my games and some apps to the SD card. The move to SD card button which is normally visible in the application manager is not visible in my phone. Please help me.

Is it default behavior on the phone, or is there a problem?

I even tried the `move2sd` app, but it did not work.

# Answer
> 1 votes
That's normal. Some apps will not work if they are moved to the SD card, because of some dependencies with the internal storage. So, expect some of those apps to have disabled `Move to SD card` buttons.

# Answer
> 0 votes
The Galaxy S Duos have the same problem.

To solve this, root your phone, and try moving the apps. If you have no success, then try a custom ROM (I'd recommend CyanogenMod).

---
Tags: app2sd, samsung-galaxy-music-duos
---


title: Nexus 4 Notification bar unresponsive

text:
# Question
Title: Nexus 4 Notification bar unresponsive
My notification bar has suddenly become unresponsive. I have been unable to swipe down the bar no matter the orientation of my phone (regular and in landscape). I've played around with chrome to test the touch screen responsiveness and everything works fine. Is there a way I may have accidentally turned my notification bar off? Has anyone had this issue and know how to fix it? Thank you!

# Answer
> 1 votes
Try doing a hard reboot (Power off the phone and power it back on). I had this problem just two minutes ago and that seemed to resolve it. Cheers!

---
Tags: 4.2-jelly-bean, nexus-4, notification-bar
---


# Question
Title: Unable to connect Galaxy S3 to PC via USB
I've had my Galaxy S3 for a few months now, and have always been able to connect to my PC via USB. A few days ago, it suddenly stopped working. I've found many other Android.SE threads, but none have been able to answer my question.

**Symptoms:** when I plug the phone in via USB, the phone beeps, I get a lightning bolt on my battery, but that's it. There are no USB options in the pull-down status bar, and the PC does not recognize that a device has been plugged in. Click screenshot for full size.

**PC System:** Windows 7 x64 with the latest drivers and Kies software from Samsung.

**Phone info:**

* Samsung SGH-i747
* Android version 4.0.4
* Baseband version I747UCLG1
* Kernel Version 3.0.8-704434-user
* Build number IMM76D.I747UCALG1

**What I've tried:**

* My wife has an identical Galaxy S3--I plugged her S3 into the same cable, and it was recognized immediately. So I know the PC and cable are both working correctly.
* Uninstalled and reinstalled the drivers several times anyway -- alone AND with the Kies software.
* Every USB port on the box
* Factory data reset--both from the setup menu, and the diagnostic bootup menu
* USB debugging mode, both on and off.
* Changing the UART and USB settings in the \*#7284# PhoneUtil. After my last factory reset, it's set to PDA/MTP+ADB.

Anything else I should try? Is there a way to determine if the USB plug on the phone is bad?

Edit: screenshot from my wife's phone, using the same computer, same cable:

# Answer
Update: Try cleanup and reinstall of drivers as mentioned here. Seems to have worked for others.

This seems to be a known issue, and many have had success by using a different cable, connecting to a USB 3 port etc, but clearly, those won't work in your case.

Not sure what your usual usage is, but for file transfers, you can use Airdroid, which connects through wifi.
> 6 votes

# Answer
I had same problem and endlessly researched and did everything except hard reset. Then, when testing the usb cable on another phone, I realized that I wasn't using the usb cable that came with my Galaxy S3 i9300. Once I plugged in the "stock" usb cable, my phone was instantly recognized. Why this is I don't know as the cable I had been using works on all other devices I tested. It even charged my Galaxy S3 i9300. Perhaps, you could be using your wife's usb cable on your phone.

To avoid frustration and countless hours of testing, resetting and reinstalling I would recommend to everyone to first make sure you are using the usb cable that came with your phone instead of a generic one or one from a different model Galaxy S3.

Hope it works for you! Good luck.
> 6 votes

# Answer
Also experienced the same problem. In my case, discovered that the cause was from doing a backup in QPST and forgetting to revert the USB settings.

i.e. `*#7284# to access PhoneUtil > "Qualcomm USB Settings" > set it to "MTP + ADB"`
> 3 votes

# Answer
1. Download MPT (Media Transfer Protocol) Porting Kit and then install it to your computer. You can download the MPT Porting Kit installation file through the Microsoft’s official website directly.
2. Reboot your computer.
3. Reconnect your mobile phone to your computer by using the USB cable.
> 2 votes

# Answer
just faced exactly the same problem with my motorola defy mini.....so was researching what to do....luckily found a solution....when nothing comes in the notification bar and pc doesn't recognize then\>\>

1. go to device manager \>\> my comp\>properties\>\>device manager(left bar)
2. look for your device (it should be under portable devices and should be marked with yellow exclamatory sign)
3. uninstall all of them (you may more item there other than your phone)
4. after that go to usb tether mode from your mobile from settings and turn it on.
5. then the "turn on usb storage" with a android bot standing screen will appear.
6. tap to turn on. you have to do it twice. first time turn it on it will automatically turn off. then again tap the button and this should solve the problem. (that moment you will see another notification about tethering in the bar, don't do anything with that).

I'll be happy if the problem is solved..... :)
> 1 votes

# Answer
I had the same problem as everyone else and tried EVERYTHING listed as a resolution. I then did the following and it worked:

1. Type in code \*#7284# which will bring you to the phoneutil screen with PDA, Modem, and QualComm USB Setting options.
2. Click the Qualcomm USB Driver option and select the MTP + ADB option a little message will appear @ the button of the screen saying saved, now just press the back button all the out to the normal screen.
3. I then powered off my phone, took out the battery, sim card (tmobile) and micro sd card, put them back in, powered the phone back on and then plugged it in using the usb cable (not original that came with phone) and it started installing the usb drive and then worked. This had been bugging me for 3 months and I finally got it to work. Hope this works for everyone else as this issue was frustrating.

Addon Note (from a user with a VZW Galaxy S3): This worked for me but I had to activate the hidden menu by dialing \*#22745927 and changing the hidden menu option to "enable" and then entering the above code. Dial this in the keypad without calling it. It should bring up the menu after entering the last number.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: usb, samsung-galaxy-s-3, connection-issues, troubleshooting
---


# Question
Title: Created a Walled Garden with WiFi Hotspot
I want to create a WiFi Hotspot that can only access either a few files on my Android or a webpage run on my Android. This is so that when I am playing at gigs i can offer my music for free to people who connect. I know I can do this on a Windows machine but don't really want to drag around a laptop to every gig considering the amount of instruments, etc., that need to be transported.

I was hoping I could just set up a WiFi Hotspot and a walled garden so that when people connected it would force them to a page stating there is no internet connection only news and music by my band.

Has anyone got any ideas how this could be achieved or if I am being blind and there's an app that will already do it? (I have spent the last 3 days researching but so far I have not found much.)

# Answer
You might like to try KWS Android Web Server

This is like LAMP, XAMPP, WAMP but for Android

This is not a simple file server, you need to create a webpage first to make it work.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: wifi-hotspot
---


# Question
Title: Second ring tone for my Google Voice phone number
I'm considering adding a second phone number to my android phone by using Google Voice. Can I have a different ring tone to indicate that a call is coming from that second number and not from my first number?

# Answer
The only way I can think to do this would be to set up Call Screening and Caller ID like so:

Then set up a contact for your Google Voice number with a custom ringtone.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: ringtone, google-voice
---


title: Phone restarting again and again

text:
# Question
Title: Phone restarting again and again
I am having samsung galaxy ace GT-s5830i.
The phone is restarting again and again after installing a game from 4shared.com.please help me out.
Phone is rooted one.

# Answer
Yeah, I had a similar problem with my Samsung Galaxy Nexus after downloading some apps I had developed without testing them on an emulator first (whops). Take a look at this question:Phone restarting over and over after rooting Samsung Galaxy Ace S5830i. I know there is not an accepted answer but you might have some luck with it. I had to reset mine and that seem to do the trick but if not I would recommend the safe reboot described in the linked question. The actual problem is probably caused by an over load maybe of to much memory required for the graphics (as it was in my case). I would just be careful when downloading apps not from Google Play, especially any sort of game that uses a lot of ram and CPU. Hope this helps. Cheers.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-ace, boot-loop
---


# Question
Title: Settings -> About phone -> Battery use bug?
When I open the "Battery use" screen it says that the phone is on battery for 14663d 4h 34m 53s, which is clearly wrong. The graph shows a linearly descending line. What is the problem? Why does the phone display these values? As far as I can tell the feature has been working correctly so far.

I have tried restarting the phone (I've removed the battery for a short time too). The phone is a Samsung Galaxy S Plus with firmware version 2.3.5.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Have you tried plugging it in, letting it charge a bit, then unplugging it? That ought to reset the battery statistics.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Perhaps you should attempt to re-calibrate your battery.

Google Android battery calibration and have read. There are a number of sites that describe the process and even some apps that claim to do it (I haven't tried any, so I can't vouch for them).

# Answer
> 0 votes
If you are rooted you can use Battery Caliberation App to recaliberate your battery.
It will reset your battery status.

---
Tags: battery, battery-life, samsung-galaxy-s-plus
---


# Question
Title: Creating a .dd image of a Galaxy S3 without rooting the phone
I'm working for my university's CS Department, and we've got a Digital Forensics project which requires us to create a one-to-one .dd image of a T-Mobile Galaxy S3 (Jellybean 4.1), so that we can recover some deleted data. I've done some Googling, and called Samsung, but I haven't been able to find any way to create an uncompressed image without rooting, and we can't root the phone without dealing with some legal ramifications.

Does anyone know of a program that can get the image without rooting?

# Answer
> 3 votes
It's impossible to obtain block level access to a block device without root, since all of those files grant the write permission only to root. At least I have never seen it any other way and I doubt that the S3 is an exception here.

It's not because it's technically impossible, the default permissions simply forbid it. A this is done for a pretty good reason: It would be a major security issue if this was possible: The normal user could get a dump of *all* the filesystem data.

# Answer
> -1 votes
Try Concepts like JTAG ... As far as i know, It is the only method to take a complete image of a non-rooted Device. Correct me if i'm wrong

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, data-recovery
---