# Question
Title: Disable Bluetooth auto connect for specific devices
**The info**
Android version: 8.1.0
Phone: BQ Aquaris X Pro.
The phone ships with almost-stock Android. I am using Nova Launcher (not sure if important)

**The situation**
I have a Bluetooth headset on my motorbike's helmet wich supports both Bluetooth connection with the smartphone, and direct connection with another headset, but not simultaneously. So if I turn on my headset while my phone's Bluetooth is on, it connects automatically to my phone, before it connects to my partner's headset.

Until now, I was just fine disabling Bluetooth on my phone when needing to pair with another headset. But I just got an smartwatch, and every time I disable Bluetooth on my phone, when I enable it again, the watch connects to my phone and starts a painfully long a-gps updating process.

**The question**
How do I tell my phone not to connect to the headset automatically?

# Answer
> 4 votes
Unfortunately, there is no explicit setting "do not autoconnect" for a Bluetooth device (wish there were). However, there is a workaround (as mentioned in askvictor's answer):

* In Settings, open the list of Bluetooth devices, and click on the cog icon next to a device.
* The detail screen should show a list of all types of connections the device supports, such as "Phone calls", "Media audio" etc. (these represent the supported Bluetooth profiles).
* Now disable *all* profiles.
* The phone will no longer auto-connect to that device, though it will still remain paired.
* The setting will persist even after restarting the phone or switching the other device on/off.

If you do want the phone to connect, open the list of Bluetooth devices, and tap on the device (not on the cog). It will then reconnect, with default profiles. This setting will also persist, use steps above to disable autoconnect again.

*Tested on Android 12, but probably works on other versions, too.*

# Answer
> 0 votes
In the Bluetooth settings for the headset, try selecting disconnect. This should disconnect it, until you connect again manually (I think). If that doesn't work, try switching off 'phone audio' in the Bluetooth settings for that device; but I'm not quite certain if you need to reenable that every time you want to use it.

---
Tags: bluetooth, 8.1-oreo
---


# Question
Title: Fix unable to mount data internal/external/otg USB storage 0MB in TWRP permanently
I have SmartLike Lyf Water 8 LS-5015 with Android 6.1 Marshmallow vendor updated. I want to take NAND backup before rooting through loading TWRP recovery in fastboot mode (`fastboot recovery twrp.img`).

I tried with 3 TWRP recovery images listed below: one is TWRP 2.8.4 recovery image from the official TWRP website and the other two are from XDA.

However, all give the same error of mounting 0MB storage in the backup menu as not able to select any of the destination drives for saving NANDROID backup `system.img`, `boot.img`, `data.img` to storage.

1. Official TWRP - TWRP 2.8.4
2. \[XDA - \[TWRP\]RECOVERY\]\[LS-5015\] For Lyf Water-8
3. XDA - \[UPDATED\] \[Recovery\] \[Unofficial\] TWRP 3.1.0-0 for LYF Water 8 (LS5015)

After searching and googling, I found that it's been encrypted and I have to decrypt it. The solution is as below with links:

1. Appuals - How to Fix TWRP Unable to Mount Storage, Internal Storage 0MB

Above link says

> 1. The first thing to try is if somehow your internal storage became encrypted when using a legacy screen lock method.
> 2. Go to your Android device’s Settings \> Security \> Screen Lock, and change your screen lock method to either Pass or Pin. Create a new one.
> 3. Reboot into TWRP, and it should ask for a password – enter the pass or pin you just created.
> 4. TWRP will attempt to decrypt your device’s internal storage, and if it succeeds, you should not have further issues. However, if this does not solve your issue of “unable to mount data, internal storage 0mb”, continue with the rest of this guide.
> 5. Reboot your device into TWRP again.
> 6. Navigate to Wipe \> Advance Wipe \> Data, and choose Repair or Change File System.
> 7. Press Repair File System to see if this fixes the issue. If not, continue.
> 8. Press Change File System, choose Ext2, and swipe to confirm.
> 9. Now switch back to Ext4 and swipe to confirm.
> 10. Go back to TWRP main menu, then the Mount menu, and check if your partitions can be mounted now.
> 11. If you are still unable to mount your partitions, you need to repair Internal partition, which will most likely wipe your internal storage.

The password PIN I put in the screen lock is never asked if I boot the two recovery images in fastboot mode (`fastboot recovery twrp.img`)

2. XDA - How to fix unable to mount data internal storage 0mb in twrp permanently :

> Note : This will wipe/format your Data partion and your data will be reset.
>
> INSTRUCTIONS :
>
> 1. Reboot your device into TWRP Recovery.
> 2. Go to Wipe menu.
> 3. Go to Advance Wipe.
> 4. Select Data and go to Repair or Change File System.
> 5. Click Repair File System. (If not fix, go to step number 6)
> 6. Go to Change File System.
> 7. Select Ext2 and swipe to confirm.
> 8. Now change back to Ext4 and swipe to confirm.
> 9. Now go back and check if your partions can be mount or not from Mount menu.
> 10. If not fix, repair your Internal partition. (This may wipe your Internal storage).
>
> OR Unlock your bootloader again.

As per the wipe option, I tried to repair the file system of `/data` or external HDD card, it gave the following errors as the screenshot below

Any solution for solving the two mounting problems of decrypting or converting the file systems?

# Answer
I had a similar problem just now, having installed LineageOS on a Xiaomi tablet.
After installing the OS, the device was unable to load into it. It only showed the Mi icon, and shortly flashed black, repeatedly; seemingly stuck in a short loop.

At that point, only my external SD card could be read by TWRP.

What helped me out, was this simple comment from Bartnl on the OnePlus community forum:

> * Restart TWRP (in TWRP: *Reboot* -\> *Recovery*)
> * After having restarted, go to *Wipe* \> *Format data*, and type 'yes'
>
> Now your internal storage is formatted and you can access it from a PC.

In my case I rebooted and the device loaded into LineageOS.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: twrp, storage, mount
---


# Question
Title: Green video using Chrome on Fire 10HD tablet
Android 9, KFMAWI, PS7427 Chrome 113.0.5672.162

Recently, when running Chrome on my Fire 10HD tablet some videos will only display a green screen. Audio does work. **Example**

I have re-installed Chrome from the Google Playstore 3 or 4 times and all of the solutions I have found don't work.

Javascript IS enabled.

Solutions say "disable hardware acceleration". I can NOT find either of those under the Advanced Settings !

# Answer
> 1 votes
You should be able to access those through the browser internal pages (e.g., through Chrome, `chrome://flags/#disable-accelerated-video-decode` and `chrome://flags/#disable-accelerated-video-encode`. On a stock FireOS device out-of-box, there's no access to internal pages but I believe the Silk browser does have a setting for hardware accelerated page loading through the frontend configuration space. Also note that on most reputable video players (e.g., VLC, MX Player, etc.), you can choose whether to use software- or hardware-based decoding.

---
Tags: chrome-for-android, video
---


title: Does Chrome for Android sync passwords?

text:
# Question
Title: Does Chrome for Android sync passwords?
Does Chrome for Android currently sync passwords to Desktop Chrome through your Google Account? I found the issue at https://code.google.com/p/chromium/issues/detail?id=113164, but last they say you need Chrome Beta for it.

I'm asking because I added a few new passwords from Desktop Chrome, and they still are not synced to Android Chrome, so I started to doubt if sync works. Both are signed into my Google Account.

# Answer
Mine works...I have loads of passwords saved on my work computer and they are available on my tablet.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Google Passwords are now synced by default. Ensure Chrome is up-to-date.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Navigate to `chrome://sync-internals`, then hit "trigger getupdates".
> 0 votes

---
Tags: sync, chrome-for-android, password
---


title: How to type "Control" on Termux?

text:
# Question
Title: How to type "Control" on Termux?
There is a good app "Termux" which can provide a powerful shell environment without gaining root permission. However, the touch-screen keyboard doesn't include the "Control" and "Alt" buttons. But some interactive programs (for example, nano, emacs) require these buttons.

Is there any way to add this button or use some other way to replace this button?

# Answer
> 3 votes
You will want to use *Hackers Keyboard* (available on Play Store as well as on F-Droid) for that, which was explicitly written for such purpose:

Hacker's Keyboard (source: Google Play; click image for larger variant)

That would be the most convenient approach – though the app hasn't been updated lately. But if you don't want that, just take a look at the corresponding Termux help page (or the matching Termux Wiki page): *Termux* utilizes the volume keys for "special combos". You can also have the most common keys shown on the screen to be "tap ready":

The docu writes: *To enable the extra keys view you have to long tap on the keyboard button in the left drawer menu. You can also press Volume Up+Q.*

Or, as Death Mask Salesman stated in a now deleted comment: "`Volume Down` equals Control, while `Volume Up` is the same as Alt."

# Answer
> 1 votes
When you slide on the left-hand side of the screen, you get two options:

1. Keyboard
2. New session

Click and hold on the keyboard and all the essential keys will appear on your keyboard. That's all you have to do.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Press VOLUME UP+Q to enable and VOLUME UP+K to disable extra keys in termux.

To edit extra keys and shortcuts in termux

```
nano ~/.termux/termux.properties

```

and add save

```
extra-keys = [['ESC','/','-','HOME','UP','END','PGUP'],['TAB','CTRL','ALT','LEFT','DOWN','RIGHT','PGDN']]

```

You can include shortcuts you like by changing termux.properties.

Reference link

# Answer
> -1 votes
You can use Volume Down + C to get the same job.

---
Tags: keyboard, termux, keyboard-shortcuts
---


# Question
Title: Why do I need a Gmail account to use Android?
I am a new user of Android phone. I used to own an iPhone. I don't remember needing an Apple account besides using it to download applications from app store. Now I need a Gmail account to do even some of the basic stuff like finding my location on Google Map. Is Google violating my privacy? Why am I forced to log in to Gmail permanently to use Android?

Update: From Eren Tantekin's comment, it seems that Apple is using it's own application to run Google Map. That may be the reason why a Google Account is not required. From Richard Borcsik's comment, it seems that Apple is collecting location data as well, this I am not aware of.

With the background knowledge above, I would take eldarerathis's comment as the accepted answer. I apologise if this appears to be a rant to anyone. I just want some clarification. Thanks.

# Answer
I doubt there's an answer to this beyond "because that's how Google designed its apps". Android itself does not require a Google account to use, only Google's proprietary applications do. CyanogenMod and other pure source builds of Android are actually forbidden from distributing the Google apps within the firmware package itself because of their proprietary nature, and if you install such a ROM without the associated Google apps add-on you won't even have the ability to add a Google account in your settings.

If you don't want to be tied to Google then don't use the apps they produce, but also don't be surprised that they want you to sign in when using services that they provide. It's really not that different from any other app or website that requires sign in to use the services it provides, in my opinion, but if you don't like it use different apps.

Re: the question about why Maps specifically requires a sign-in on Android but not iOS: the comments about the iOS one being developed by Apple could certainly be correct, and I do agree with those statements. In addition, Apple may not want you to sign in Google's servers with their Maps app. It would create a tie (however loose it may be) between you and Google's services, which I'm sure Apple is trying to discourage as much as possible to prevent customers from jumping ship to Android.

Another angle you have to keep in mind is that Google is pushing pretty hard to tie together all of its online services as much as it possibly can. Based on their priorities and their business model, it makes sense that the Android version would try to integrate as tightly as possible with their other services and with the web. It's in their best interest (from a business perspective) to try to make Android apps and their web counterparts as seamless as possible in order to attract users to Android who are already heavily invested in Google's products. Of course, this is just conjecture on my part, I think only Google could truly say why Maps works the way it does.
> 13 votes

# Answer
You need a Google account only if you want to use Google services. If you don't want to use Google services, you are free not to have a Google account. However, it looks like you actually tried to use one of Google services (Google Maps) and you were suprised that it requires a Google account.

By the way, you can use the rest of Android without a Google account since the operating system itself is free and open source.
> 4 votes

# Answer
A flippant title answer goes: Google is an advertising company, so they want to read your email to help trick you into buying necessary stuff. ;)

I always use phone without google play services installed, but only for public transit time tables. I never give google maps or any browsers location access. I don't want their location based advertising!

Instead, I always use open street maps via OSMAnd~ via F-Droid whenever I want a map that knows my location. In general, open street maps has more precise information than google maps when your doing things off road, like hiking of mountain biking, so you should try out OSMAnd~ anyways.
> 0 votes

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


# Question
Title: Bypass lockscreen PIN with broken screen (Android 7)
I've a Huawei P9 Plus running Android 7 with **unlocked bootloader** and **TWRP installed**.

My screen is broken so I need to mirror my screen with scrcpy.

I've tried ton of guides like this one to **enable USB Debug** and **bypass RSA verification** via *recovery mode* and *adb* but nothing.

I think that *adb* can't detect my phone because I can't enter my 6 digit PIN, in which way can I bypass it or delete PIN request?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Shouldn’t that work ?

1. `adb shell input keyevent 26` (press the lock button to wake up the screen)
2. `adb shell input touchscreen swipe 930 880 930 380` (swipe up to bring the PIN dialog)
3. `adb shell input text XXXX` (`XXXX` is the passcode)
4. `adb shell input keyevent 66` (press OK)

Just a wild guess, according to what I read in the aforementioned question and subsequent replies and comments.

You probably don’t need to send a lock button press via keyevent if the actual lock button still works, especially considering you will have to be quick to swipe up after waking up the screen before it goes off again.

---
Tags: adb, recovery-mode, lock-screens, usb-debugging, broken-screen
---


# Question
Title: Does Android support a default terminal application?
Considering that KDE Plasma and Windows 11 do, and the availability of brilliant terminals like Termux, this seems like it would be an obvious feature, at least configurable via Developer Settings. However, I don't see any obvious method exposed via `com.android.settings`'s GUI.

# Answer
**No, Android does not support a default terminal application.**

According to AOSP, categories that have default apps (as of Android 13):

* Browser app
* Emergency app1
* Digital assistant app
* Home app
* Phone app
* SMS app
* Caller ID & spam app2

A few reasons to consider why there are settings for default apps:

* Features that are considered core for common users, as well as used by other apps (browsing, calling, texting)
* User convenience to change when needed (home/launcher)
* Additional privileges to the selected app, or restrictions imposed by Android to the rest of the apps in the same category (caller ID, digital assistant, phone, SMS)

However, terminal apps are not (yet) considered for the above reasons, as observed that *there is no built-in terminal app even in common stock Android ROMs (including AOSP)*. It is also unlikely that there are multiple terminal apps installed that need to be restricted, or other apps that interact directly with a terminal app.

---

1 On AOSP but not observed on Google Pixel 3A (Android 12) and Samsung Galaxy M12 (Android 13)
2 Not on AOSP but observed on Google Pixel 3A (Android 12) and Samsung Galaxy M12 (Android 13)
> 1 votes

---
Tags: settings, terminal, default-applications
---


title: Adding iptables extensions

text:
# Question
Title: Adding iptables extensions
After a huge hustle I managed to compile the xt\_DSCP.ko kernel module and it can be loaded with no errors.

```
:/ $ su
:/ # insmod /sdcard/xt_DSCP.ko
:/ #

```

I also managed to pull `iptables` external from androidgooglesource and managed to build `iptables 1.8.4`(same version packaged with the device) with `--enables-static --disable-shared` which bundled all extensions inside the executable.

Now expecting everything to go smoothly I get this error when I try to use the DSCP target

```
:/ $ su
:/ # export T=/data/local/iptables/sbin/iptables
:/ # $T -t mangle -A OUTPUT -p udp -j DSCP --set-dscp 0
iptables v1.8.4 (legacy): unknown option "--set-dscp"
Try `iptables -h' or 'iptables --help' for more information.
2|:/ #

```

The whole folder is `chmod -R 777 /data/local/iptables` and `chown -R 0:2000 /data/local/iptables`. I have also tried moving `libxt_DSCP.so` to `/system/lib` and `system/lib64` but with no avail.

I have hit a wall I'm not sure I will be able to climb. External `iptables` was built with `autotools` using `Android NDK r25c`. Help will be greatly appreciated.

```
OS specifics:

Model-name: Galaxy M12(rooted with magisk)
Android-version: 11(stock)
Kernel-version: 4.19.111-22482896

```

# Answer
Well, it seems like insmod was at fault here for giving me false hope. According to this answer by @Irfan Latif 4 years ago, the `xt_DSCP.ko` module can't be loaded since its not one of the modules listed in `/sys/module` and the only way I can get it to work is to build the kernel from scratch.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: root-access, kernel, android-11, iptables
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to emulate iOS on Android?
Some apps are exclusively made for iPhones, thus I would like to know if there is a way to make iPhone apps work on Android. Emulator maybe?

# Answer
> 5 votes
Some Columbia University students have managed to get iOS apps running on Android with their Cider compatibility layer. As far as I can tell this is not something that is available to the public but it shows that there is some development effort into getting iOS apps running on Android.

I wouldn't get too excited yet though as most iOS apps run very very slowly and they also don't have access to most hardware features such as GPS.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can try these three emulators:

1. Appetize.io Online iOS Emulator
2. Corellium Online iOS Emulator
3. RunThatApp iOS Online Emulator

I'm not sure if anyone of them is paid or not. **Source URL**: https://whofixit.com/3-best-ios-online-emulators-for-pc-android/

---
Tags: ios, emulators
---


# Question
Title: How to unlock bootloader of Vivo Y33S - 'Waiting for device' error
I'm facing some challenges with unlocking the bootloader of my Vivo Y33S and could really use some assistance. I have tried a few methods, but I'm encountering two specific issues:

The MTKclient software doesn't seem to work for bootloader unlocking on my Vivo Y33S. I've followed the instructions to enter in Brom mode, but it doesn't recognize my device or initiate the unlock process.

When I use the Vivo Fastboot software and execute the commands `fastboot vivo_bsp unlock_vivo` or `fastboot bbk unlock_vivo`, I receive the following error messages:

```
FAILED (remote: Unrecognized command vivo_bsp unlock_vivo)
FAILED (remote: Unrecognized command bbk unlock_vivo)

```

I have verified that USB debugging and OEM unlocking are enabled on my device. I'm running stock firmware version PD2147GF\_EX\_A\_38.13.0. I've also ensured that I have the latest drivers installed.

Has anyone successfully unlocked the bootloader of the Vivo Y33S? If so, could you please share any alternative methods or potential solutions to overcome these challenges? Your insights and expertise would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you in advance for your help!

# Answer
> 0 votes
The problem with you, as far as I think, is that you did not enter the fastboot mode on your device. As in the error, `fastboot bbk unlock_vivo` is used to unlock the bootloader.

I'd highly suggest you watch youtube tutorials if you are not really into these stuffs. If you can't find a tutorial regarding the specific model of your phone, watch general videos relevant to the company of your phone.

---
Tags: bootloader-lock, vivo
---


# Question
Title: What is "Navigation Bar" option on Unihertz Titan Pocket?
I have a Unihertz Titan Pocket, and when I hold the power button, I see an option for "Navigation bar".

I've pressed it many times, but I don't see what it does. Does anyone know?

# Answer
It's an Android 11, touchscreen phone with a keypad. Interesting design.

**Most probably it is for enabling/disabling the navigation bar** (on the touchscreen) since it already has keypad navigation buttons. Or it might be the opposite; maybe for disabling the keypad's navigation bar and just using the on-screen navigation. Just toggle it from the power menu and see which one gets disabled.

PS. The navigation bar is the bar containing back, recent, and home buttons or a pill-shaped gesture bar at the bottom of the screen.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: navigation-bar, power-options, unihertz
---


# Question
Title: What is “logo” partition on a Lenovo phone?
What is the `logo` partition on a Lenovo phone, and what is the format of it?

The header of the 8MB partition:

```
00000000   88 16 88 58  C2 8A 0A 00  ...X....
00000008   4C 4F 47 4F  00 00 00 00  LOGO....

```

I guess it is a boot screen picture. What is the format of this image?

# Answer
> **1. What is “logo” partition on a Lenovo phone?**

The logo partition (based on my experience with MediaTek devices) contains:

* The very first boot logo (not the boot animation)
* Battery charging sequences (many PNG images).
* Second boot logo (`boot_logo` file).
* Battery charging digits and percentage sign (each digit or sign has its own image).
* (For devices supporting fast charging) Fast charging sequences (many PNG images)

> **2. I guess it is a boot screen picture.**

Not the boot logo only, it contains many images.

> **3. What is the format of this image?**

Not one image only, all of them are PNG files.

> **4. Additional details**

* `88 16 88 58` is the partition **offset**.
* `C2 8A 0A 00` is the partition **size**, this is **little endian byte order**.
* `4C 4F 47 4F` is the partition **name**.

I can't confirm if this is MediaTek-specific or not.

---

# Mediatek MT65xx/MT67xx Logo Editor

If you wish to change the very first boot logo (not the boot animation) of your device based on MT65xx/MT67xx platforms, try LogoBuilder.

LogoBuilder can unpack and repack your `logo.bin` file which contains:

* Boot logo
* Battery charging sequences
* Second boot logo (`boot_logo` file)

LogoBuilder is simple to use:

* Unpack your `logo.bin` file.
* Edit what you want.
* Re-pack it.

The LogoBuilder can make an `update.zip` to flash your new `logo.bin` file with a custom recovery.

---

Further reading: deflate compression.
> 2 votes

# Answer
The images in the logo partition are raw 32-bit pixel data, possibly bgra or rgba, compressed with zlib but with *no compression header*.

Skip the 512-byte header, and this is what you see (yours will be different, this is from a BLU Dash X2 phone).

```
00000200: 2700 0000 f929 1300 a400 0000 012e 0000  '....)..........
00000210: 3b36 0d00 05bb 0d00 4e07 0e00 4a09 0e00  ;6......N...J...
00000220: d709 0e00 b20b 0e00 060e 0e00 8f0f 0e00  ................
00000230: ac11 0e00 0814 0e00 3c15 0e00 d517 0e00  ........<.......
00000240: 451a 0e00 2b1d 0e00 d82b 0e00 763b 0e00  E...+....+..v;..
00000250: f84a 0e00 a959 0e00 4d67 0e00 3874 0e00  .J...Y..Mg..8t..
00000260: 1382 0e00 4f91 0e00 f6a0 0e00 6bb0 0e00  ....O.......k...
00000270: f90b 0f00 0068 0f00 bcc3 0f00 9b1c 1000  .....h..........
00000280: d573 1000 9cca 1000 6223 1100 647e 1100  .s......b#..d~..
00000290: c8da 1100 f536 1200 ae89 1200 658b 1200  .....6......e...
000002a0: 9cfc 1200 78da ecdd 3daf e458 42c7 e1fe  ....x...=..XB...

```

The numbers are 32-bit integers, and the first one at offset 0x200 is 0x27, or 39, pictures in the logo partition. 0x1329f9 is the total length of the data; the rest of the partition will probably be padded with zeroes. The next 39 integers are the offsets of each image, for example the first is at offset 0xa4, plus 0x200 to account for the header, and you have 0x2a4. So you can see the first 12 bytes of data in the xxd output above, 0x78 0xda 0xec 0xdd...

The size of the image will be the following offset minus "this" offset: in this case, 0x2d01 - 0xa4 = 0x2d5d, or 11613 decimal.

So now you have what you need to extract the first image: `dd if=/tmp/logo.bin of=/tmp/img1.z bs=1 skip=$((0x2a4)) count=11613`

To uncompress it, since it has no header, you have to add one: `printf "\x1f\x8b\x08\x00\x00\x00\x00\x00" | cat - /tmp/img1.z | gzip -dc >/tmp/img1.dat`.

You can then display it using ImageMagick: `display -size 360x$(($(stat -c %s /tmp/img1.dat)/$((360*4)))) rgba:/tmp/img1.dat`

Information is from rigacci.org. Niccolo includes a Python script that extracts all the images for you.
> 2 votes

# Answer
> What is a logo partition and what is the format of it?

Those first 16 bytes are part of a structure `part_hdr_t`:

* `88 16 88 58` is the .magic field (search "PART\_MAGIC" and "0x58881688")
* `C2 8A 0A 00` is the .dsize field, the partition data size
* `4C 4F 47 4F` is the first four bytes of the .name\[32\] field

(contrast with M. A.'s answer)
> 0 votes

---
Tags: partitions, lenovo
---


# Question
Title: Can I implement firewall-like internet blocking from ADB on a per app basis on stock Android?
Instead of using 3rd party app freezers, I've been using "pm disable-user" / "pm uninstall" for years to disable/uninstall bloatware. However, some apps, if uninstalled (or even disabled sometimes), bootloop the device or just break basic functionality.

So, I wish to block internet access to that bloatware which indirectly prevents me from removing it.

Is there an adb command to implement internet blocking on a per app basis, like "pm uninstall" is for uninstalling?

*(Yes, there are plenty firewall apps, but why rely on a 3rd-party app for something you can do yourself?)*

# Answer
> 0 votes
I've found something, which seems to work for Chrome web-browser, and requires a rooted device.

Sadly it seems to work on old Android version (tested on Android 9), but for some reason doesn't work properly on Android 13.

```
@echo off
set package_name="com.android.chrome"

c:
cd\
cd C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Android\Sdk\platform-tools

for /f "delims=" %%A in ('adb shell dumpsys package %package_name% ^| findstr "userId="') do (
  for /f "tokens=2 delims== " %%B in ("%%A") do (
    echo Extracted UID: %%B
    adb shell "su -c 'iptables -A OUTPUT -m owner --uid-owner %%B -j DROP'"
  )
)

```

And to allow connection again:

```
@echo off
set package_name="com.android.chrome"

c:
cd\
cd C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Android\Sdk\platform-tools

for /f "delims=" %%A in ('adb shell dumpsys package %package_name% ^| findstr "userId="') do (
  for /f "tokens=2 delims== " %%B in ("%%A") do (
    echo Extracted UID: %%B
    adb shell "su -c 'iptables -D OUTPUT -m owner --uid-owner %%B -j DROP'"
  )
)

```

If anyone can improve it and tell me how to fix it, please let me know

---
Tags: adb, firewall
---


# Question
Title: Phone blocks call from someone who is not on the block list
I hope I am posting in the right section. I would like to ask support from you to solve an issue with my Samsung A325F/DS (android version: 13). The phone is not rooted.

The issue is: the phone blocks all calls from my wife despite her number is not listed on the block list. Actually, there are not people on the list of blocked contacts. The problem occured first on 3rd June and it is persistent. I have tried the following:

* restarted phone: still blocked
* put her number to the block list and remove: still blocked
* remove her contact and then readd: still blocked
* asked her to call me on the other SIM: still blocked
* replaced Samsung's phone app with Google's phone app: still blocked
* turned off spam filtering: still blocked

Text messages do come through from her. I can call her without any problems. No other numbers are blocked. I am contemplating to try factory reset, but I would like explore other options if you have any ideas.

Thank you very much in advance for your ideas.

# Answer
> 3 votes
Resolved: it was ESET Security that put some numbers on the block list.

---
Tags: call-screening
---


# Question
Title: How to disable kiosk mode or install new firmware on Android tablet running MLS/MAIC?
I am new to the Android programming world. I own an iQR70 device from MLS that is using -if I read well- the kiosk mode for its own application called MAIC (something like Amazon's Alexa, a virtual assistant).

The real pain with this device is that the application is buggy, does not get any updates, and overall does not work properly.

So, my questions are:

1. Is there any way to disable the kiosk mode and work with it as a normal tablet? Or desperately,
2. Can I install compatible firmware? I don't care for the data inside.

---

I tried to install a stock firmware "Version: MLS iQR70 – 7.0\_MT8167\_V1.0\_20180111-B1" from `https://firmware247.com/mls-iqr70-firmware/` using "Format all + Download" using MediaTek SP Flash Tool v5.2052.00 and now it does not power up. It doesn't even connect anymore with the SP Flash Tool.

Is the device completely dead? Is there any way to revive it? I have two of them, can I download/upload the firmware from the good one to the bad one?

# Answer
> 0 votes
I think the only way is to see whether there is a code or secret tap on the Android device to see whether there is a chance of entering the back end. There must be a way, or else it would be difficult.

I found an article that teaches how to revert back to the original firmware - but I guess it needs someone to send you the firmware in order to have access to it.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I found a way to escape from the MLS default app and use this device as a tablet. The process is easy and can be done in a couple of minutes:

1. While you set up the device, you are asked to connect to WiFi. When entering the password, a keyboard pops up. Long press on the spacebar and press "Voice".
2. Then a Voice prompt pops up with a settings gear on the left, click this and a new pop-up will appear.
3. On the top-right side, click Help & Feedback and Browser will open.
4. If you previously connected to WiFi, now you have a fully working browser (you don't need to be connected to the internet). In the browser's top-right corner, click the 3 dots and tap on "Share page".
5. A pop-up will appear with two options.
6. Long press on the Bluetooth icon and go to Bluetooth settings.
7. From there, if you swipe from the left, the setting navigation bar will appear.
8. Now you can unlock ADB debugging, etc.

Notes:

* MLS MAIC 3D app is being used as a default launcher, so you need to sideload another launcher e.g. Discreet Launcher, and use that as the default app.
* Make sure to disable Bot Tester, MLS Updater, Video Calls, and all other MLS-related apps.
* Some things are broken e.g. downloading from the default browser crashes (use Bluetooth, USB sideloading, or another browser)
* Recent button is disabled
* Notification bar is disabled
* There aren't any Google services - so no Play Store. I personally use F-Droid.

Congrats now you have a fully working Android tablet :)

Cheers

---
Tags: rom-flashing, unbricking, device-firmware, kiosk-mode
---


# Question
Title: Trying to (fast) boot: Error verifying the received boot.img
As described in this answer by @irfan-latif, I am trying to boot (without flashing) my Google Pixel 3a into TWRP via the following command:

`fastboot boot twrp-3.5.2_9-0-sargo.img`

This failed with the following messages:

```
Sending 'boot.img' (65536 KB)                      OKAY [  2.028s]
Booting                                            FAILED (remote: 'Error verifying the received boot.img: Invalid Parameter')
fastboot: error: Command failed

```

The only things I found on this topic are:

What caused the error, can it be resolved, and if so, how?

## P.S. Further details:

```
$ adb --version
Android Debug Bridge version 1.0.41
Version 31.0.2-7242960
$ fastboot --version
fastboot version 31.0.2-7242960

```
* I have unlocked the bootloader.
* I also tried booting the LineageOS recovery which appears to work, but continues starting Android normally instead of TWRP:

```
$ fastboot -v boot lineage-18.1-20210608-recovery-sargo.img
Sending 'boot.img' (65536 KB)                      OKAY [  2.004s]
Booting                                            OKAY [  7.085s]
Finished. Total time: 9.156s

```

# Answer
> 0 votes
Don't know if this helps anyone or not but, I had the same issue and after two day's of attempting different things I decided to start from scratch but realized if I used the original factory image (Android 9) from: https://developers.google.com/android/images

It would likely be a lot easier to manipulate. Turns out that was all I had to do. Once I flashed it back to original everything else worked without a problem.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Up to now, the newest factory img for Pixel3 is `SP1A.210812.016.C2 (8618562)` , you can flash it through Android flashing website. I can boot by `twrp_3.7.0_12-0-blueline.img`, you can have a try.

---
Tags: twrp, fastboot
---


title: Phone stuck in sideload mode

text:
# Question
Title: Phone stuck in sideload mode
I am trying to flash stock rom with magdisk, and after executing `./adb reboot sideload`, i tried `./adb sideload file.zip`. however, it showed

```
adb: sideload connection failed: no devices/emulators found
adb: trying pre-KitKat sideload method...
adb: pre-KitKat sideload connection failed: no devices/emulators found

```

now, I cannot get into regular boot. after hard resetting(holding all buttons), it just reboots... into sideload mode. I tried waiting a day, but nothing happend. I have a samsung galaxy a14. SM-A145R, with EUX region code.

# Answer
To me it sounds like you soft-bricked your device, I think you'll have to either do recovery through your recovery system (if you can get to it) or factory reset
> -2 votes

---
Tags: adb, samsung, side-loading
---


# Question
Title: disable keyguard, statusbar and navigation bar on AOSP Android 11 system
How do we disable the Keyguard to appear on the device after the boot up on Android 11 onwards. Also how should I remove the Status bar and navigation bar to appear from the device always.

I do not want to add any Full screen flags through my applications. I want the screen to be in kiosk mode always.

Are there any flags or properties in AOSP Frameworks or device make-file which we can override to achieve this.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can hide navbar and status bar by setting the height of these dimens to 0dp.

* `status_bar_height_portrait`
* `navigation_bar_height`
* `navigation_bar_height_landscape`
* `navigation_bar_width`

For disabling the keyguard by default, you can set the following bool in Settings Provider to `true`

* `def_lockscreen_disabled`

---
Tags: android-11, aosp
---


# Question
Title: Gboard's "Spell check" does not work: why and how to fix?
I have an Android 10-powered smartphone with Gboard (v12.9.20) installed. In Gboard, the "Spell check" is enabled. The problem is that the spell check does not work: if I type in the Gmail app "hellowx" (for example), it isn't marked with red underlines.

What I've tried so far:

* clear Gboard cache
* clear Gboard storage
* force stop Gboard
* restart the smartphone

No effect: if I type in the Gmail app "hellowx" (for example), it isn't marked with red underlines.

Any ideas why the spell check doesn't work? How to fix it?

---

UPD: It works in Gmail in "Subject" input field. It does not work in Gmail in "Compose email" field:

Very unexpected. Is it a bug in Gmail?

---

UPD2. In Gmail desktop web version I selected "Spelling suggestions off" (UPD3: AND clicked the "Save" button at the bottom):

The spelling keeps working in Gmail Android app in "Subject" input field, but keeps not working in Gmail Android app in "Compose email" field:

The Gmail Android app was re-opened. Any ideas how to proceed?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Gmail has a setting on the web for spell checking which, ironically, disables the checking done in the Android app (presumably by Gboard). If you go to Gmail on the web, open settings, and turn Spelling to "Spelling suggestions off," this should allow the Gmail app to show the red lines for misspelled words.

Interestingly, this seems to be using the system spell check rather than Gboard (see the different underlines and spelling suggestions), but will at least achieve spell check within the Gmail app.

---
Tags: gboard, spell-check
---


title: Where are Chrome tabs stored?

text:
# Question
Title: Where are Chrome tabs stored?
I've noticed that, if I have multiple Chrome tabs open and restart the browser, the tabs are still open. This suggests that the tab info is stored on the hard drive somewhere. Where is this information?

# Answer
The information is found in `/data/data/com.android.chrome/app_tabs`. On my phone, with two tabs open, I see

```
0/
    tab17
    tab20
    tab_state0

```

You can confirm this by deleting those three files and restarting the browser. The tabs will all be closed.
> 1 votes

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


# Question
Title: How to get mDNS working for Chrome on Android?
Is there a way to connect to http://mylaptop.local/ using Chrome on Android, or is there another browser that works?

I travel from network to network with my laptop and my phone and I often have to connect my phone to a website on my laptop. With Safari on an iPhone I can simply use http://mylaptop.local/ (usually hitting reload on an open browser window), but with my Android device I always have to figure out the current IP of my laptop punch it in by hand and connect to it (I don't control many of the networks I'm on and they don't seem to ever have DNS integrated with DHCP).

I've searched a for an answer and it seems most people simply hack around the issues using static DNS, or they control DHCP and DNS, neither of which apply for my situation. Also I see code libraries for supporting mDNS (and other zeroconf stuff) in a specific Android application, so perhaps there's a Chrome add on out there, or some other browser that supports it?

Also, is there any official word on device wide support for mDNS and the .local domain on Android? I had trouble finding that as well.

# Answer
> 24 votes
I don't think so.

The system DNS resolver in Apple's platforms has in-built support for mDNS, so that pretty much any app eventually winds up using the core `getaddrinfo` function and supporting mDNS in URLs and hostnames and whatnot.

On Android and other platforms, even if there is a Multicast DNS daemon running and libraries available for using it, "typical" DNS lookups do *not*. So while recent Android releases do give developers some mDNS features as part of the platform, most do not go out of their way (as they would need to do) to use them.

It's a bummer, but AFAIK there's nothing short of rolling your own custom Android build (or convincing Google to change it) that could really solve this.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Starting from November 2021, Android resolver supports mDNS .local resolution

Source: https://source.android.com/docs/core/ota/modular-system/dns-resolver#mdns-local-resolution

# Answer
> 0 votes
That's not a fault of the browser, but of the way Android handles DHCP: it simply ignores the offered DNS server and sticks to its pre-configured Google DNS -- which of course does not know your local hostnames. So here is how to work around this:

1. Open *Settings*
2. Navigate to *WiFi*
3. Navigate to your WiFi network's entry.
4. Long-Tap the entry, chose to edit.
5. Activate *Advanced settings*
6. Switch from DHCP to static, and replace the first DNS server (usually `8.8.8.8`) with your own
7. Save

(optionally you could try to switch back to DHCP after having changed the DNS server, and see if the latter is kept)

Now Android should use your DNS server first, and switch to the secondary only if yours cannot resolve. Which means, your "mylaptop.local" should be found now -- from Chrome or any other browser and also any other app.

Before you ask: This setting (as described above) would only apply to the modified WiFi AP. So no worries you could affect any other. If anything goes wild, you anytime can simply delete the AP and re-create it.

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


# Question
Title: Google prompt won't show up after I flashed my phone
2-Step enabled, and I keeped backup codes.

This is what I did:

* Before I flashed my phone, I logout my google account.
* Then after I flashed my phone, I logged in google accout from my phone by using backup codes.
* In Google - Your devices page I signed out old devices.

But when I checked the Google prompts page, it still showed my old phone(the name is the old one).

And when I tried to log in somewhere, the "Google prompt" didn't pop up. I have to use backup codes or Authenticator.

**Is there a way that I can fix this? or just disable "Google prompt"?** I'm OK with using Authenticator and backup codes when phone is not available.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Logging out should have stopped the prompts on the old device. Check under logged in devices and log it out manually.

You can check the prompt-supported devices you are logged into right now at *Manager your account**Security**Google Prompts* → enter your password.

When your new device is considered "trusted" and supports prompts, you'll start receiving prompts on it automatically.

About turning it off: you can't, as far as I know.

Also, see How to disable Google Prompts? on Google Help.

---
Tags: google, 2-step-verification, find-my-device
---


# Question
Title: Can Google Lens or other app translate separate words or phrases rather than whole sentences
I need to translate puzzles/exercises where one need to insert missing words, translating sentences result in rubbish.

I think translating texts word by word could be more useful.

Is it doable with Android device? Perhaps, Google Lens or other app can be configure to translate separate words or phrases individually rather than whole sentences?

I think one solution could be apply OCR, copy text and ask chatGPT translate word by word. Are there any better alternatives?

# Answer
I don't think that is possible because there's no such setting in any translating app. Translating a partial sentence often results in inaccurate and even absurd translation when translated to another language that's why it's not practical.

The only thing you can do is scan the first half before the blank and then the other half, sacrificing your accuracy and any hope of solving the puzzle (kidding, this should help since human is but the best AI. Goodluck)
> 0 votes

---
Tags: translate
---


# Question
Title: How do I get my 3 button controller on Wired Headphones to work/get enabled in Android 12?
I have just acquired a **Lenovo M9 tablet** running **Android 12**.

It has a **3.5 mm** port for audio output. All my **wired headphones** of various brands that have worked on all my previous Android devices, do not work with this tablet.

I can get Audio out but I **cannot use the volume+/-, PLAY/PAUSE hard buttons** on my headphones. They don't work at all. Bluetooth headphones work OK.

My main reason for using wired headphones is so I can doze off and my ears don't have something sealing them, and I have a hand disability so find it hard enough to find my ear let alone trying to tap a sequence out. I can operate a controller though.

Lenovo couldn't help me but somewhere in the Android O/S **there must be an option to enable external device to take over controls using wired 'phones?** Or, does it require the port to be of a particular type?

My workaround has been to use the Accessibility Shortcut to have a menu at side of screen to tap on, then I can use volume up/down but I still have to go to the notification shade to play/pause media. And that is still delayed with my awful dexterity.

I also searched for both the Headset Droid and Headset Controller Button apps which were both recommended on this forum 3 yrs ago but neither of those apps appear in Google's Play Store. I do feel this could be remedied with correct drivers, but not a clue how to do that. I would be most grateful if someone could give me a fix to enable a hard controller. Or even a way to get play/pause/volume in an accessible but discrete floating button on-screen would help. I've tried loads of apps that just weren't that easy to use. Sorry, I can't remember which I used, they were all called volume control with no play or pause . Thanks :)

# Answer
Try using a settings database editor (e.g., SetEdit — you'll likely need to grant it additional permissions via ADB, per the instructions included within the app description on G Play market — and check your `Secure Table` for the following key/value pairing: `media_button_receiver` : `ComponentInfo{com.mxtech.videoplayer.pro/com.mxtech.videoplayer.MediaButtonReceiver},0,1` The included example value is for MX Player, you may need to research the value you need for your specific use case.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: buttons, headphones, volume
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to do a full image backup of an android 11 phone?
Most manufacturers require a factory reset before sending away to be repaired. However if it's not a software fault then you are inconvenienced.

Is it possible to do a full image backup of the phone? I've read through a few of the answers here but they're a few years old.

# Answer
> 0 votes
So let's create a new fresh answer then. As mentioned in another answers \[\] \[\] one can do a full backup of

* boot
* system
* data (there is a trick to include the Internal Storage)

by booting into TWRP and doing so called NANDroid backup (IDK, it's just a big "Backup" button on the main screen)

Once you find a TWRP image for your device, the process looks like this.

```
adb reboot bootloader

# when device at the booloader screen
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img

# be ready to press a key combo
fastboot reboot

```

Before the tablet/phone boots up hold **Volume Down + Power** buttons. This way we end up in the same bootloader, select **Recovery Mode** and it will load TWRP.

For more details read here

---
Tags: backup, images
---


# Question
Title: Why does `chrome://flags` return google.com?
Why does `chrome://flags` return `google.com`?

# Answer
> 24 votes
`chrome://flags` should still work on all versions of Chrome (confirmed on v114).

You probably tapped the search suggestion instead.

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


# Question
Title: Does Google still have the ability to uninstall apps without user permission (in 2023)?
In the past, Google has admitted that they have the ability to uninstall apps without user permission Exercising Our Remote Application Removal Feature

This post is almost 13 years old, Android was at a completely different stage, Google Play was still called Android Market back then. There is no more information or documentation on the internet about this "feature" other than this blog post.

Does anyone have any information about Google's "Remote Application Removal" feature and the latest status in 2023? Are there any known instances where Google triggered this feature (beyond the two apps the blog post admitted)? Does this feature still exist on modern Android versions? If so, is it possible to disable it (on a rooted phone)?

# Answer
**Yes, the feature has been known as Google Play Protect since 2017.**

As per Google Play Help - Use Google Play Protect to help keep your apps safe and your data private, one of its features is to remove harmful apps from the device:

> Google Play Protect checks your apps and devices for harmful behavior.
>
> * \[...\]
> * It may deactivate or remove harmful apps from your device.
> * \[...\]

This is explained further in Google Play Protect - On-device protections:

> ## PHA scanning services
>
> Google Play Protect leverages cloud-based app-verification services to determine if apps are Potentially Harmful Applications (PHAs). Google Play Protect scans Android devices for evidence of PHAs.
>
> ### Daily PHA scan
>
> Google Play Protect's Verify Apps service scans devices once everyday. If a PHA is found, a notification asks the user to remove it. **In cases where the PHA has no benefit to users, Google Play Protect can remove the PHA from affected devices and block future installs.** \[...\]
>
> \[...\]
>
> ### Automatically disable PHAs
>
> Some PHAs are more harmful than others and we treat them differently depending on the PHA classification. **The most harmful PHAs are automatically removed from the device**, while less severe PHAs are disabled. \[...\]
>
> <sup>(Emphasis added)</sup>

---

One of the known occurrences is when the Handcent Next SMS app was flagged by Play Protect in 2022 and removed on some devices:

---

To disable this feature:

> ### How to turn Google Play Protect on or off
>
> **Important:** Google Play Protect is on by default, but you can turn it off. For security, we recommend that you always keep Google Play Protect on.
>
> 1. Open the Google Play Store app.
> 2. At the top right, tap the profile icon.
> 3. Tap **Play Protect** \> Settings.
> 4. Turn **Scan apps with Play Protect** on or off.

However, there were a few reports that disabling only Play Protect still didn't prevent the apps from being removed.

---

*Additional reading: Verify Apps, the previous feature before being integrated to Play Protect, Business Insider - How To Protect Your Android Phone From Harmful Apps.*
> 12 votes

---
Tags: applications, google-play-store, security, google-play-services, uninstallation
---


# Question
Title: What exactly does it mean that Android 12 notification is set as silent?
I have realized today that I haven't seen any kind of notification that there are app updates available for months. And the only way to actual know about this fact is to (accidentally or not) visit Google Play app:

If so then how should I understand this part:

What exactly is "notification drawer"? Where should I see those notifications?

The truth is that the only way (other than described above) to learn that some app has an update available is when that particular app has "update check" and warns me upon opening it that I should update it.

How can I "see them in notification drawer" if I don't see them absolutely nowhere through the system (except for Google Play app an the app in question itself)?

What am I missing here?

# Answer
According to the description by Google the **notification drawer** is the common section where all notifications are visible after swiping down from status bar:

> Users can swipe down on the status bar to open the notification drawer, where they can view more details and take actions with the notification.

Therefore silent notifications should appear just like regular notifications but without any hint to you outside of the notification drawer. So if you don't swipe down the status bar you won't recognize that there is a new notification.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: notifications, android-12, realme
---


# Question
Title: Screens wakes up right after timeout for no apparent reason
There's a strange situation on my new phone where as soon as the screen turns off due to inactivity, it wakes up again by itself after a couple of seconds. (However, if I turn it off manually, it stays off.)

I noticed that this stops when I disable "Wake screen for notifications". However, there are no notifications coming in when this happens or even an active notification that can be dismissed but hasn't; the display just wakes up at a very regular, short interval after it goes to sleep.

Other similar problems I found mentioned on the Web don't seem relevant; e.g.,

* it happens even if the device is not moving (but "Lift to check phone" is off just in case).
* "Screen attention" is off

**Question**: I would like to stop this from happening but still have the display wake up when an actual notification comes in. Any ideas / previous experience? If not, is there a way to find out exactly what's causing it to wake up?

**Device details**:

* Pixel 6 Pro
* Lineage 20-20230331-NIGHTLY-raven (Android 13)

**UPDATE**

I found what seem like the most relevant entries from logcat at the time of waking up: https://pastebin.com/yUCqFegF

Specifically, some of the entries have `reason=WAKE_REASON_GESTURE`, which seems to suggest (I couldn't find an explicit description/definition online) that a "gesture" is responsible for waking up the display.

However, the device is not moving and I'm not touching it or even near it when this happens. Also, it sounds to me that this is not really consistent with the fact that this behaviour stops when I disable "Wake screen for notifications".

From the UID (10204), it appears that `com.android.systemui` is the offending package:

```
$ adb shell pm list packages --uid 10204
package:com.android.systemui uid:10204

```

Here's a screenshot of the Gestures settings for reference:

# Answer
I believe, and it's what happened to me also, that you will still receive some system or possibly Play Services (in my case) notifications, even if mute/DnD or lock screen is enabled if the "Show as popup" isn't toggled to on in the App \> Notification Settings and if not marked to "Hide in screen lock", which will wake the device. Not a gesture per se, just from my user experience. Worth a try.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: notifications, lineageos, google-pixel-6, android-13, screen-timeout
---


# Question
Title: Is is possible to use an app pass the Downtime in Google Family Link?
**EDIT**: After contact with the Google Family Link support it was revealed that the below is an effect of misunderstanding. There is no bug at all. **Kid has secretly gained access to my phone** and has used *Parental Access* code on her own phone to rule down all the limitations until midnight.

Keeping for future reference. Feel free to close or delete , if you find it having no actual value for the community.

~~Yesterday (today?) I have caught my 14-years old daughter listening to Spotify at 00:30 AM. This is something that per my knowledge is impossible :)~~

~~We are using Google Family Link and even though both Spotify app and Google Chrome are set to be used without any limitations:
As the screenshot above shows, pass the Downtime using it should be impossible. And the Downtime is set at 11:30 PM, so an hour and a half before she was still using Spotify:
Please, help me understand what could or what has happened in here.
~~ ~~- Did the fourteen years old girl truly brought down *the greatest* Google Family Link system?
- Is this some kind of bug in Family Link and this situation should not happen in your opinion?~~2. ~~Or is there something else (maybe blatantly obvious) that I don't understand in this picture?~~

# Answer
> 1 votes
**EDIT**: After contact with the Google Family Link support it was revealed that the below is an effect of misunderstanding. There is no bug at all. **Kid has secretly gained access to my phone** and has used *Parental Access* code on her own phone to rule down all the limitations until midnight.

Keeping for future reference. Feel free to close or delete , if you find it having no actual value for the community.

~~As per information provided by *beeshyams* in comments, this is most likely a bug.~~

~~Greetings! You have a fundamental bug in Family Link that denies usage of this system. Kids are able to use applications pass the Downtime:
https://support.google.com/mail/thread/209844350/family-link-my-child%E2%80%99s-daily-limit-and-downtime-gets-cancelled?hl=en
Is is possible to use an app pass the Downtime in Google Family Link?
Is this recorded in your internal bug system? Are works on this in progress. Otherwise we must switch to another solution ASAP because yours isn't working anymore.
~~

~~This was already reported to Google Family Link support team (with the above text, hence the circular reference to the very same question).~~

---
Tags: google-family-link
---


# Question
Title: What does a small "two white rings inside orange circle" icon mean on an app icon?
I am using a Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. Why do I have some apps doubled up such as Settings, Chrome, Android System Web View, and Google Play Services? They have a small orange icon with two circles.

# Answer
As mentioned by Andrew, the newer models support Dual Apps. On my system I can see other apps such as:

* Chrome
* Whatsapp

If you search for Dual in Settings, you will see the option **Dual Messenger** that allows you to use a second copy of select social apps with a second account.

If you press it, you can see the following, where you can select which apps you want to use. And you can use a separate contacts list for these.

To disable this:

* click on the three dot menu at top right;
* press **Delete all my data**.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: samsung, app-icons
---


# Question
Title: how to remove moist on the camera in my phone?
I've managed to fall into the lake three times last week.
Yes, I'm trying to learn to sail a Laser dinghy

The cameras on my Samsung S21 Ultra now contains small droplets, and cannot take proper photos.

**How** do I get the **moist** to go away?

# Answer
> 2 votes
I would put it in an air-tight sealed box with some silicia gel. If this is not available, rice is also working fine. Let it sit for a couple of days and check it. If the water is still there, look for a possible repair shop.

---
Tags: camera, water-damage, samsung-galaxy-s-21
---


# Question
Title: Does the MTK preloader reside in the same flash as system or data?
I was just curious as I don't understand the MTK preloader that much. Considering if a wrong one is flashed, then you are left with unrecoverable brick (correct me if I'm wrong). So, it seemed odd to me that it would be kept in the same flash as other partitions like system, data, cache, etc.

I have tried checking some partitions directly from the phone which seem to indicate that it might be sharing the same flash memory as other partitions, but the scatter files that I have seem to indicate otherwise. I also did some search on XDA Developers, but it left me even more confused.

Any help will be appreciated.

# Answer
The eMMC has what's called "hardware partitions" or **regions** that the full flash memory pool is divided into by the memory controller.

These regions operate at a lower level than the usual logical/software partitions we're used to, like the ones that might be listed in a GUID partition table. So when you read from something like `/dev/mmcblk0`, you're already being limited to the **user region**, and won't see the preloader.

What other regions are there? New specs mandate different regions, but on my device there are four: user, rpmb, boot1, and boot2.

The preloader is in boot1 and/or boot2 region. Your system may have it as `/dev/mmcblk0boot0` and `/dev/mmcblk0boot1`.

My boot1 looks like:

```
│00000000 43 4F 4D 42 4F 5F 42 4F 4F 54 00 00 01 00 00 00 │◆│COMBO_BOOT......│
│00000010 00 10 00 00 FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF │▒│................│

```

Mediatek headers start at 0x1000:

```
│00001000 4D 4D 4D 01 38 00 00 00 46 49 4C 45 5F 49 4E 46 │▒│MMM.8...FILE_INF│
│00001010 4F 00 00 00 01 00 00 00 01 00 0C 05 10 0F 20 00 │▒│O............. .│

```

And the actual preloader code is just below:

```
│000010F0 00 00 00 00 05 00 00 EA 80 21 10 00 88 DF 10 00 │▒│.........!......│
│00001100 00 00 27 00 A8 65 27 00 00 00 20 00 F0 1D 25 00 │▒│..'..e'... ...%.│
│00001110 C4 61 9F E5 00 40 86 E5 00 00 A0 E3 00 10 A0 E3 │▒│.a...@..........│
│00001120 00 20 A0 E3 00 30 A0 E3 00 40 A0 E3 00 50 A0 E3 │▒│. ...0...@...P..│

```

The boot ROM ("brom") is separate from the preloader and does not exist in writeable flash, but in read-only memory. Its main job is to read the boot0 region from eMMC to RAM, authorize it, and transfer control to it.
> 3 votes

# Answer
It's present in the **Boot ROM**, not a directly visible partition in the eMMC.

Source: **MediaTek details: SoC startup**

The Boot ROM will be embedded inside the processor chip in generic chipsets. (read more) (no idea about MTK)

Further Technical details on working of Preloader: **MediaTek details: Partitions and Preloader**
> 1 votes

# Answer
Preloader is most certainly a partition visible in a smart device's partition index/filesystem. This partition is present on virtually every Lenovo device manufactured today. It is not embedded in the processor chip, but rather is located within the eMMC SD internal storage. So to answer your original question, yes, the MTK preloader is in the same eMMC flashable storage card as /system, /boot, /data, etc.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Preloader is present in eMMC.

`/dev/block/mmcblk0` is located in eMMC as linear `address.mmcblk0` starts with mbr, not including preloader. You can easily check by putting this `mmcblk0` in **eMMC raw tool** and by clicking *Load partition structure* button.

But preloader is located as logical address.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Yes, it is stored on the same storage as the rest of the partitions, except in its own partition. Think of it like three partitions or regions:

1. Boot0: holds your preloader
2. Boot1: from my personal experience, usually holds nothing
3. EMMC: is like an extended partition (a partition that holds more partitions) and holds your system, data, cache, etc.

---

You can use SP Flash Tool to check this yourself by making a readback of the different regions and inspecting them with a hex editor.
> 0 votes

# Answer
You can buy special dongles or flash boxes such as Infinity CM2 and read the firmware. This way, you will be able to dump the firmware in factory format and do some debugging.

Usually, the preloader file is located in boot0 or recently in Boot1.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: rom-flashing, partitions, flashtool
---


# Question
Title: How to prefer networks from a specific country to avoid roaming charges?
I've recently moved to the Geneva area on the border between France and Switzerland. I live in France where I have a French mobile (and home) phone contract, but work just over the border (within a mile of it!) in Switzerland.

The Swiss networks are stronger near my work than French ones, but I can usually get a French signal. I can use several French networks without incurring roaming charges for phone/SMS/internet use, but any of the Swiss ones will cost me a small fortune.

In Android (actually Cyanogenmod versions based on Gingerbread and ICS is what I've tried so far so far) I seem to have two options:

**a)** *Only* allow to join my home network and ignore all others, both French and Swiss. In this case I often have no connection at all.

**b)** Connect to *any* network, in which case the phone will often choose to connect to a Swiss network and hence incur costs. (And in practice will render me unable to use the mobile data connection since I've disabled data roaming).

Is there a way that I can rank networks in order of preference so that French networks (if joinable) will be preferred to Swiss ones, even if there are Swiss networks with a stronger signal? I've looked for settings and apps to do this, but without success... other than some rather dangerous looking stuff with the Preferred Roaming List (PRL), which doesn't seem to be exposed to the normal UI.

I guess most people don't live/work on borders so this feature hasn't been that much in demand -- but the network operators unfortunately don't have any cross-country deals to help frontier-dwellers either, so a technological solution is probably needed!

# Answer
no, the phone will choose the strongest signal and there are no options since the phone doesn't know where it's connected and this scenario is so rare that it's unlikely to get fixed, maybe consider free roaming or using the work wifi if there is one.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: roaming
---


# Question
Title: I deactivated Android System Webview. What can go wrong?
I'm a day 1 Firefox user. I recently faced lots of changes in Google's apps like News or Google (Now) that forced me to use Chrome from within the app, against my will.

I read that I could deactivate Chrome to have taps on Google's apps open links in my Firefox as they used to. So I did and it worked. But sometimes there's that video that Firefox can't read but Chrome can so the solution was only half good.

Today I learned about Android System WebView. It's the component that allows Chrome to run in other apps, amongst other things I think. I decided to deactivate this one instead and everything seems as I want again.

But what are the consequences of this action in the long term? Are there side effects I should fear?

# Answer
> 1 votes
The Webview is used to open websites in apps so that you are not redirected to the internet browser every time an app tries to open a url (this includes sign-in urls) and apps that run off a website might not operate properly if the Webview is disabled.

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow
---


# Question
Title: What are the absolute minimum required Permissions I need to download from Play Store?
I have a tablet I bought for work, and as I don't really need most of the apps on it, I am shutting down and disabling all the Google/Android Services I don't need.

Seeing how I need to download some apps I need for work, I need to know the absolute minimum requirements in terms of Permissions (e.g., do they need access to Files and Media, and Contacts?) and Connectivity (would cutting access, e.g., to Contacts make a difference if I were connecting by Mobile Data or WiFi?) that I need to allow Google Play Store and Google Play Services, as well as any other apps/services that I need to allow at the time I am downloading apps to allow me to install them.

Another really important reason I am doing this, is for security, since thus far, almost every device I have used has been hit by some kind of infection, and I'm hoping that shutting down and disabling Services and Apps I'm not using will making it harder to infect my device.

If there is a general answer that applies to all Android versions, I would prefer that. Otherwise, I am looking for answers that apply to Android 10 and over.

# Answer
> 4 votes
**Play Store has an irrevocable `INSTALL_PACKAGE` permission that allows it as a system app to install apps without other assistance.**

Based on quick testing by disabling every possible permission on Play Store and Play Services from the app info, it is still possible to purchase, download, and install apps from Play Store.

Referring to the Open GApps Pico package for the absolute minimum GApps installation:

* Google System Base (invisible?)
* (Google) Android Shared Library: no permissions requested, cannot be disabled
* **Google Play Store**: only requires Files and media
* Google Calendar Sync: unrelated to Play Store
* Dialer Framework: unrelated to Play Store
* (Google) Package Installer: no permissions requested, cannot be disabled
* **Google Play Services**: only requires Physical activity, though unrelated to Play Store, cannot be disabled
* Google Text-to-Speech: unrelated to Play Store
* Android Auto stub: unrelated to Play Store

Note that **this only guarantees app purchase and installation**. Apps that rely on Google Play Services might not work correctly without additional permissions allowed.

---

Additional reading:

---
Tags: applications, google-play-store, installation, permissions, google-play-services
---


# Question
Title: Android Auto not "bundled with OS" error when trying to connect to a vehicle
I installed Android Auto from the Play Store the same as everyone else. However, when I tried to connect Android Auto to my vehicle, it says

> ### Android Auto encountered an error
>
> Communication error 22 - Android Auto was not preinstalled on this device. Android Auto must be bundled with your operating system to work correctly. Please contact your phone manufacturer for assistance.

Also, Android Auto works fine on every other Android phone I connect to my car, just having trouble with this one.

Why does it give me this error? How can I circumvent this to use Android Auto?

# Answer
> 1 votes
It means that **Android Auto needs to be installed as a system app to work correctly.**

Some Google-certified ROMs may already bundle the Android Auto app as a system app, thus it will work out of the box. However, for phones that don't have Android Auto preinstalled, the choices are:

**Caution**: both approaches require an unlocked bootloader. If this is the first time, then the process will force the user to do a factory reset, thus potentially losing all the data on the phone if not already backed up.

---
Tags: android-auto
---


# Question
Title: Can I connect to Wifi after flashing GSI
My old phone is running Android 10. I wanted to install Android 14 beta on it. Bootloader is locked.

From what I know, unlocking bootloader would reset the device. Therefore Wifi passwords are gone. This is ok as I know them. The problem is my router admin has setup something so when using randomized MAC address it doesn't connect. But fron what I Googled, it seems MAC address is hardware based so resetting phone wouldn't change it.

So, my question is, does MAC address reset in unlocking bootloader or flashing GSI make me unable to access the network? If possible, please actually try because I don't want to mess up I have no experience in this area.

# Answer
I confirmed myself by unlocking BL, flashing ODIN with magisk patch. Still same MAC address
> 0 votes

---
Tags: rom-flashing, bootloader, android-10, mac-address, treble
---


# Question
Title: Cannot find recorded video that I recorded. How can I dig it out?
Earlier today I used Google Camera to record four videos. I clearly hit the record and stop buttons both time. When I got home only two of those showed up in my gallery. The two longer ones did not. Is there some directory, temporary folder or hidden files wherefrom I can retrieve these two missing videos?

Thanks a bunch!

# Answer
I know I came probably too late, but since I had the exact same problem today, and this page is the first result that came, so if it can be useful for anybody :

In my case the videos were in the **DCIM/Camera** folder but hidden, filename started with **.pending-** and I've been able to copy them by connecting my phone to a PC and showing hidden files
> 1 votes

---
Tags: camera, data-recovery, video, google-camera
---


# Question
Title: How do I distinguish apps with in-app purchases from completely free apps on Google Play?
As far as I can tell, Google does not provide a mechanism for searching for completely free apps in Google Play. When using the `FREE` filter, you get both completely free apps and apps with in-app purchases, where some elements are unavailable without paying, so they are not completely free. In some categories, most of apps' content is available via in-app purchases only, so it's misleading to have such apps in the free list.

In the Google Play application, I am able to detect that an app isn't completely free If I open the details page and see "In-app purchases" on the left side. It is inconvenient having to open every app page just to verify this, but at least it's a workaround. Is there some way to include that criteria into the search function?

Additionally, when searching Android apps through a desktop browser (Chrome) instead of the Google Play app on the device, "in-app purchases" does not appear to be displayed, even in the details page of the app.

The question: How to detect or filter out apps that are not completely free, on Google Play?

# Answer
> 0 votes
I'd say we've waited it out – as meanwhile this issue seems solved:

Screenshots (click to enlarge)

As the first screenshot (top of the page when visiting with the web browser) clearly shows: If an app offers in-app purchases, it is marked such (look where my arrow points to). At the bottom of the page, you can even see the prices per item (second screenshot).

# Answer
> 1 votes
With ***App Finder***, you can filter for free app, apps without in-app purchases, and also apps without ads. Also, directly in the result list it is indicated for each app if it contains in-app purchases.

It has 2,380,000 apps from Google Play indexed currently.

Available from Google Play here.

For more information see the thread on XDA, and here.

***Disclosure: I am from Skyica LLC, the developer of App Finder***

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


title: Wi-Fi direct vs. Nearby Share

text:
# Question
Title: Wi-Fi direct vs. Nearby Share
I wonder which is a faster way to share large files: Wi-Fi direct or Nearby Share.

# Answer
You should always use Nearby Share.

Nearby Share uses the fastest possible connection it can establish with both devices. If it is not possible to establish a stable or secure proprietary Wi-Fi Direct connection, then it may fall back to using Bluetooth only. That will always be a magnitude slower.

> Nearby Share uses Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, WebRTC, UWB, and peer-to-peer Wi-Fi to allow users to share files and links between devices. It was first released on August 4, 2020

Have you used the Nearby Share app on Windows?

I'm able to send a 1.2GB file from my phone to my PC at 60MB/s and I'm about thirty feet and four walls away.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: file-sharing
---


# Question
Title: How do I share files on my mobile over WiFi?
I have an Android phone. Can I share files on my smartphone with all devices on the home network? Which app will let me do this?

# Answer
> 4 votes
File expert app can do this using both HTTP and FTP.

# Answer
> 2 votes
This app can share files over wifi by providing access through a browser WebSharing

# Answer
> 2 votes
Easy and simple way is just download application Wifi file Explorer which is free in android market. It enables you to connect to your phone via WiFi. The app gives you the local ip and port for your phone that you can type into your browser from your computer.

For example: if ip is 10.0.0.1 and port is 8080, write down "10.0.0.1:8080" in your browser

Then you can view your files over your wireless! And with the paid version, you can download whole folders and send files to your phone :)

# Answer
> 0 votes
The easiest way in 2023 is to use Nearby Share which all Android phones and tablets have.

Have you used the Nearby Share app on Windows?

I'm able to send a 1.2GB file from my phone to my PC at 60MB/s and I'm about thirty feet and four walls away.

> Nearby Share uses the fastest possible connection it can establish with both devices. If it is not possible to establish a stable or secure proprietary Wi-Fi Direct connection, then it may fall back to using Bluetooth only. That will always be a magnitude slower.

> Nearby Share uses Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, WebRTC, UWB, and peer-to-peer Wi-Fi to allow users to share files and links between devices. It was first released on August 4, 2020

---
Tags: wi-fi, file-sharing
---


# Question
Title: Can I share files over WiFi as a Windows share with my Nexus One?
I have a Nexus One full of songs and when I go to my friend's house I would like to play songs off of it. Since I have my phone connect to my friend's WiFi, the phone has a local IP. If my phone's IP address is 192.168.1.101, I would like to be able to navigate to the phone via:

\192.168.1.101\Music

And have it open up a windows folder like any other share. Then I could copy my songs, play songs off the share, etc. Is something like this possible? Is there an app I can buy?

# Answer
> 3 votes
WebSharing: http://www.appbrain.com/app/websharing-file-media-sync/nextapp.websharing.r1

# Answer
> 2 votes
There are a few apps that will give you similar functionality to what you're looking for. I'd take a look at this article, it may be able to point you in the right direction.

SwiFTP would probably be your best bet, although I don't know if you could STREAM music, which it sounds like is what you're trying to accomplish. Might just have to copy to his computer via FTP, then open from there.

EStrong has a Samba (Windows File Sharing) client, but I don't believe you can serve files, so that will more than likely not do what you're looking for.

And the other one listed there, On Air, I'm the least familiar with. Haven't used a Mac since the screens came in several shades of green, and never had any experience with using the WebDAV protocol in Windows, but based on the description it looks promising.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Yes, all Android devices gained a new feature called Nearby Share back in 2020.

As of 2023, there is an app for Windows that adds Nearby Share to your PC.

I'm able to send a 1.2GB file from my phone to my PC at 60MB/s and I'm about thirty feet and four walls away.

Nearby Share uses the fastest possible connection it can establish with both devices. If it is not possible to establish a stable or secure proprietary Wi-Fi Direct connection, then it may fall back to using Bluetooth only. That will always be a magnitude slower.

> Nearby Share uses Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, WebRTC, UWB, and peer-to-peer Wi-Fi to allow users to share files and links between devices. It was first released on August 4, 2020

---
Tags: wi-fi, windows, files, file-sharing
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to port an Android application to Android Wear?
How can I port a native Android application to Android Wear OS? I know that this is not really possible, especially in the case of complex Android applications. What could be the main drawbacks of the porting process?

# Answer
> 1 votes
They are so different, it would not be easy to emulate the items missing on the watch such as the keyboard, size of the screen. And there are watch versions of some android apps. I tried some, but it was a pointless pain act.

You can however, mirror almost any widget from the phone home screen to the watch. I have been using Wearable Widgets

> **Widgets you can wear:** Put virtually any home screen widget from your Android™ phone onto your Wear OS watch.
>
> Take a look at the home screen of your phone – you probably have a number of widgets that you refer to all the time. Now imagine how useful they would be if you could see them on your watch: weather, news, sports scores and much more, all at a glance without having to drag out your phone.
>
> Wearable Widgets creates a bridge from your phone to your watch for the widgets you already use. Thousands of Android apps support a watch-sized display right now, under the guise of widgets. You don't need to wait for developers to support smartwatches; get your apps on your wrist now. Get Wearable Widgets.

I am not associated with it, in any fashion.

---
Tags: applications, android-wear
---


# Question
Title: APK's AndroidManifest.xml looks to be binary
I'm not sure if this is a problem with my unzip tool, or not but I'm looking into the APK file structure and I see a file called `AndroidManifest.xml`. Inside that file there is no XML? It actually looks like a binary dump,

What does this file do, and should it look like this.

I'm using the official VLC nightly, I'm trying to troubleshoot this problem

# Answer
It seems AndroidManifest.XML is a binary xml file, here is a tool to extract Binary XML. You can confirm that by using `file`

```
$ file AndroidManifest.xml
AndroidManifest.xml: Android binary XML

```
> 2 votes

# Answer
apktool can decode the binary XML format, and much more: https://ibotpeaches.github.io/Apktool/

It is available in many repositories, for instance on Ubuntu: `apt install apktool`
> 1 votes

---
Tags: files
---


# Question
Title: adb pull - copy whole folder to computer
How do I copy a folder from my Android device to a certain folder of my computer?

If I use this command:

```
adb pull efs

```

It copies the contents of the `efs` folder to my computer's root directory. I want to copy the whole folder with its contents to a certain destination on my computer.

I have tried with the following for instance, without success:

```
adb pull efs C:\Users

```

*(my Android device is rooted)*

*I am using a window shell*

# Answer
To pull files to the `C:\Users` directory with `adb` you would need to be in an elevated command prompt. If it is not a necessity to have it in the `C:\Users` directory, you could pull the files elsewhere. Ex: `adb pull C:\Users\[your username]\Desktop`.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I can do it, without difficulty or elevated command prompts. This does require reasonable familiarity with the Windows Command Prompt shell commands. If you're trying to use commands as scripts without understanding them, you'll have trouble with this.

I start with a directory `c:\android` with two subdirectories `c:\android\bin` where I have put `adb` and the rest of the platform tools, and `c:\android\pushpull` for test data.

# Set up PATH

```
c:\> PATH c:\android\bin;%PATH%

```

# Create some test data

```
c:\> cd c:\android\pushpull
c:\android\pushpull> mkdir test
c:\android\pushpull> cd test
c:\android\pushpull\test> echo foo > foo.txt
c:\android\pushpull\test> echo bar > bar.txt
c:\android\pushpull> cd ..

```

# Push it to the test area on the device

```
c:\android\pushpull> adb push test /data/local/tmp

```

# Look on the device to check it's there:

```
c:\> adb shell
$ cd /data/local/tmp
$ ls -R
.:
test

./test:
bar.txt  foo.txt
$ cat test/foo.txt
foo
$ cat test/bar.txt
bar
$ exit

```

# Remove the Windows version of the test directory

```
c:\android\pushpull> rmdir /s /q test

```

# Check it has gone

```
C:\android\pushpull>dir
 Volume in drive C is Local Disk
 Volume Serial Number is REDACTED

 Directory of C:\android\pushpull

25/06/2023  14:25    <DIR>          .
08/06/2023  20:25    <DIR>          ..

     Total Files Listed:
               0 File(s)             0 bytes
               2 Dir(s)  REDACTED bytes free

```

# Pull the Android copy back to the Windows machine

```
c:\android\pushpull> adb pull /data/local/tmp/test .

```

The second argument to `adb pull`, which is just a ".", is the necessary detail.

# Check the copy

```
C:\android\pushpull>dir /s test
 Volume in drive C is Local Disk
 Volume Serial Number is REDACTED

 Directory of C:\android\pushpull\test

25/06/2023  14:25    <DIR>          .
25/06/2023  14:25    <DIR>          ..
25/06/2023  14:25                 6 bar.txt
25/06/2023  14:25                 6 foo.txt
               2 File(s)             12 bytes

     Total Files Listed:
               2 File(s)             12 bytes
               2 Dir(s)  REDACTED bytes free

```

# Notes

The key detail is realising that `adb` is a UNIX-heritage program, and really prefers you to specify where the files you'll pulling (or pushing) are to go. Trying to default this doesn't work well. Google do their Android development on Linux, and tend to assume that if you're using adb at the command line you have some experience with shells and Linux.

# Software versions

Windows 11 22H2, Android 13, Android Debug Bridge version 1.0.41 from Platform Tools version 34.0.3-10161052.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: adb
---


# Question
Title: Remove devices from 2FA of Google sign in
I have 7 devices (mostly tablets and smartphones) where I am logged in with my Google account. However, 4 of those devices I usually take to shows/concerts and I am afraid of someone stealing them or I losing them (I cant set password/pin on them for several reasons).

The problem is this: when I try to sign in another new device, Google usually sends a 2FA authorization message to all 7 devices. I dont want Google to send authorization requests to those 4 devices that can be stolen. I dont care if the thief will access my files, photos... in the stolen tablets, HOWEVER I dont want the thief to see the authorization messages (2FA).

TLDR: I would like to be signed in on 7 devices but I want 4 of those devices to not be "trusted" to allow/deny new sign in on other devices.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Surely this is only a problem if you lose both a good and a bad device simultaneously to the same person. The chances are very small.

You can't stop the Google 2fa, it is annoying and silly for other reasons as well. Google tells you here that you have to log off them !

If those devices are not to be trusted then perhaps you shouldnt use your normal Google account on them. I use a different account.

---
Tags: privacy, security, google
---


title: Google passkey not working

text:
# Question
Title: Google passkey not working
I have the passkey enabled for my Google account and, so, for my Samsung device.

The problem is that if I try to log in through MS Edge, it displays the QR code, I scan the code (`FIDO:/XXXXXXX`) but on the device, all is blocked (in fact I can see that Google Play services is opened, but nothing happens).

Does anyone know if the problem is on my side or what?

# Answer
You can try the following workaround that could possibly fix your concern:

* Clear browser cache and cookies
* Disable browser extensions
* Update browser and Google Passkey app
* Check the internet connection
* Disable VPN or proxy
* Use incognito mode
* Reset Google Passkey
> -1 votes

---
Tags: samsung, google-account, google-play-services, passkey
---


title: Cast on LineageOS 20

text:
# Question
Title: Cast on LineageOS 20
LineageOS 20, which is based on Android 13, has settings for some screen cast technology, even without having GApps installed. They settings can be found at **Settings \> Connected devices \> Connection preferences \> Cast**. The UI simply refers to it as Cast, without giving any details on the technology involved or how to set it up.

As per my research, there are two technologies that Android has supported over the years:

* Miracast, an open standard, introduced with Android 4.2–4.4 and gradually phased out starting with Android 6, ending with Android 9,
* Google Cast, a proprietary protocol, which requires GApps on the device.

The UI simply tells me no nearby devices were found. I don’t see any controls to search for supported devices (in fact I don’t have any, because I don’t even know which technology they would need to support).

Does LineageOS 20 without GApps come with a complete stack for any screen cast technology? If so, which? If not, can this functionality be added? What would I need to install? If so, is there a way to achieve this without installing any proprietary add-ons?

# Answer
I got my hands on a device with Miracast support today, and here is my experience. Setup is not 100% self-explanatory.

AOSP had Miracast support up to Android 9, though some vendors started phasing it out earlier. LineageOS benefited from this until LOS 16.1. LOS 17.1 has no Miracast support, but it was backported starting with LOS 18.1 for select devices. As of LOS 20, it is still available. The following was tested on a Fairphone 4:

* Prepare your display so it announces itself over the air.
* On your device, go to **Settings \> Connected devices \> Connection preferences \> Cast**.
* Tap the three-button menu and enable wireless display.
* You will see a bunch of options appearing; make sure **Enable listen mode** and **Enable autonomous GO** are on. (They reset themselves if you leave the screen.)
* Available devices should now appear at the bottom of the list. Tap your device to connect to it.

Cast is not perfectly stable. The first time I connected to the external display, it would just give me garbage. After I disconnected, I was unable to reconnect; disabling and then re-enabling wireless display fixed this for me. The second connection attempt finally worked.

Be aware that wireless display is just as prone to radio reception/interference issues as WiFi itself. Especially videos may appear jerky, freeze briefly or show compression artifacts if bandwidth is impeded.

All in all, it works if there is no other option and/or you are mostly displaying still images. I wouldn’t recommend it for watching movies, though.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: lineageos, chromecast, miracast
---


# Question
Title: Can any other programs affect receiving WhatsApp messages when in use?
Curious as to why one gray tick happens when sending a WhatsApp message, as well as why calls are not being received.

Is it possible that another program conflicts with WhatsApp and the ability to receive text messages or telephone calls when using any other program? Or is it strictly an issue with data?

I ask because sometimes my messages and calls are not received over WhatsApp. My end will only register one grey tick, and I am told the phone never rang on their end sometimes when I call.

Just wondering if any other programs like Skype or Google Meet or like programs interfere with WhatsApp and cause the messages to be held in transit, leaving one gray tick, or calls not to go through.

# Answer
> 1 votes
One app can't influence another in this fashion. I have seen this on my phone on these conditions

1. Airplane mode is on
2. Mobile data is off
3. The phone has dicey or no connection to the mobile network.

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Tags: whatsapp-messenger, internet, network-signal
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# Question
Title: Is there a way to block the flexible update flow monits?
There are apps I don't want to update for some reason, like missing features, new unwanted features, or tons of video ads with newer versions. Often when I launch some apps, I get the monit asking me to update such an app. As I found out, it's so called "flexible update flow" that came with Android 5.0 (API v21). Is there a way to block it without patching such an app? Like blocking some Google service/app drawing on top?

# Answer
I dont know if this feature is available on 5.0. But it has been available for a while. You can disable updates per App.

1. Go to PlayStore
2. Select Manage Apps tab
3. Select the required App
4. Press on 3 dots on top right corner
5. Uncheck the box for `Enable Auto Update`

It may not stop the message from all apps.
> 0 votes

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Tags: applications, google-play-store, updates, google-play-services, application-autoupdate
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# Question
Title: How to disable the magnifying window function while holding on the text?
Recently, I changed my phone to Nokia 6.2 with Android 11 system and I find a new feature that is really user-unfriendly to me. In my old phones when I press and hold on the text in an address bar(or any place where a long line of text is displayed in a single row), I can slide the line of text to find the exact part that I want to edit, but this doesn't work in my new phone, for when I hold on the text now, a magnifying window will appear (as showed in the screenshot below) instead, and I cannot make the texts that's not fit into the screen appear.

This is really annoying. Is there any way to disable this useless magnifying function?

# Answer
This works on my phone running 11, so my guess is that the Accessibilty option is enabled.

Check

1. Settings
2. Accesibility Options
3. Disable magnification / Zoom options
> 0 votes

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Tags: system, android-11, accessibility, text-editor, nokia
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# Question
Title: New Google accounts don't show up in Calendar app
I added a Google account to my phone and turned on calendar sync for it.

When I went to the Google Calendar app, that new account is missing from the list and also missing in the "Manage calendars" settings.

How do I get my calendar to show up for the new account?

# Answer
You have to add it to the Google Accounts in Setup

* Setup
* Accounts and Backup
* Manage Accounts
* Add Account

It should pick it after that.
> 0 votes

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Tags: calendar, google-calendar
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# Question
Title: How to forbid/ block Android from connecting to a certain phone provider
I need a way to block my phone from connecting to AT&T since my service provider in Canada only has a roaming plan in the US that uses T-mobile's network. I can force my phone to lock onto T-mobile while I'm roaming in the US, but then I need to change this back to my Canadian provider when i cross back into Canada. I cross daily, so this is a royal PIA. It's a 50/50 chance which provider it decides to connect to when I cross into the US. Would be great if a developer could write a script that allows the user to exclude certain networks to be connected to in Automatic mode.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Suggestions, both require two sims, one for each country.

1. Get two phones with individual sims and block roaming.
2. Get a dual sim phone and stop roaming. Every time you cross the border, disable the other sim.

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Tags: mobile-data, roaming
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# Question
Title: Where is my wallpaper stored- Galaxy S20, Android 13
I'm in the process of switching from a Galaxy S20 to a Pixel 7 Pro. Both are running Android 13. I completed the data transfer, but my old wallpaper (a picture I took a long time ago which I really like) didn't transfer. I cannot find it in the wallpaper and style control on either phone, and I've tried looking everywhere in the data folder I can think of when the S20 is connected to my PC. This is a picture that I believe I had on a Galaxy S8 and it transferred to my Galaxy S20. I'm trading the S20 in and need to get it in the mail soon. I appreciate any help/advice you can give me.

# Answer
> 0 votes
On my Samsung Note it is at

`Android\data\com.samsung.android.wallpaper.res\files`

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Tags: wallpaper, android-13, samsung-galaxy-s-20
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# Question
Title: How to reactivate wallet quick setting tile?
I have been using my phone to make contactless payments for about 2 years now. I could always access my virtual cards through the quick settings menu. To be honest I don't remember exactly how I set it up initially, but I didn't have the Google Wallet App installed before this issue occured.

When I wanted to pay today, I realized that the Wallet tile is greyed out. A quick online search did not provide any information other than it may be regionally locked.

After that I installed the Google Wallet app and upon opening it both my virtual cards show up just fine. I just can't get the Quick setting tile to work. I've also tried clearing all Google services' caches to no avail.

My phone is a Nokia XR20 with Android 13 and Quickstep as Launcher (Android One)

How can I activate my quick setting tile again?

# Answer
> 1 votes
It seems that the Payback App set itself as default payment provider despite not even being a payment method. After uninstalling the Payback app, the wallet was working again.

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Tags: quick-settings, android-one, android-13, google-wallet
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# Question
Title: Remove internal storage from locked phone to read data?
family of a close friend who died recently asked me (technically IT guy, but not even remotely my field of expertise) whether it is possible to retrieve data from the locked phone of him.

I d'ont know the exact model yet, but I guess the only option that comes to mind is to desolder the internal storage and read the data externally.

But I have no idea if android phones these days have disk encryption enabled by default? I've read stuff about File Based Encryption being the default now, which I guess would also prevent this approach?

My gut feeling at least tells me, it is not possible to retrieve the data like that, but I guess asking does no harm. Does anyone have experience with that, is it a feasible approach?

Thx for help!

# Answer
Assuming its a recent Android phone, it is already encrypted

> As for encryption, Android devices are already encrypted by default, so without your PIN the data on your phone is essentially unreadable. But in Android 11 the encryption is applied immediately after an over-the-air update, before you've even logged back in. It's a small change, but it closes another loophole that could have been used to get at your private information.

From The Android 11 Privacy and Security Features You Should Know

And so is Apple

> Even if you don't think about it often — or at all — you benefit from encryption every day. It protects your identity, your family photos, your home Wi-Fi network and your finances. If you're one of the world's 700 million iPhone users, it's very likely that encryption protects everything on your smartphone, as 95 percent of Apple's phones are encrypted when their screens are locked.
>
> That default protection ensures your phone keeps your data safe from intruders. This is especially important when you're traveling, but your phone could go missing at any time. It's vital to make use of the encryption when you aren't using your phone. Fortunately, it's easy to encrypt an iPhone with a few simple steps.

From iPhone Encryption

More Info at apple.com

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You might have better luck trying to guess a pin, if one is being used
> 1 votes

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Tags: data-recovery, locked-out
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# Question
Title: Unable to make calls, but MMS/USSD and SMS works
I am running a Moto G Stylus 2021. Currently, I am not able to make any phone calls, not even access my voicemail. I am though, able to receive phone calls and make and receive text messages and use USSD codes. I do not know why this is happening as it did not happen before. It is not a carrier issue because I reached out to them and they told me that they have detected no issues with my device but either way sent out a SIM refresh to my device. Even so I was still unable to make phone calls.

Recent changes to my phone was someone going in and messing around with the MMI codes and settings.
Does anyone know what may be the issue?

# Answer
Apparently, it seems as if my carrier has issues with the caller ID. Typing in `*31#` breaks phone calls, and seems to enable some form of outgoing call barring.

Typing in `#31#` seems to disable it and allow me to make phone calls once more.
> 1 votes

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Tags: calls, motorola-moto-g, dialer-codes, ussd
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