# Question
Title: Plot twist: could a rooted device be actually safer than a non-rooted one?
For almost 10 years, I have been using Linux based operating systems, so I know very well how giving root access to applications may be a security issue.

However, from my searches regarding Android, I have found the following information, relevant to this question:

1. If you root the device yourself, you generally install SuperSU too, which will ask you whether it should allow root access to applications when requested.
2. There are malware which can root a device from inside, and will use su without you ever knowing. I remember the first time I rooted a device, and it was an APK which would exploit security vulnerabilities.

So, by taking into consideration the two presented points, in the case that a malware is successful in rooting my device, and I don't have SuperSU installed, wouldn't my system be more vulnerable, since now any application can request root access without my knowledge?

# Answer
> 2 votes
You misunderstand the logic of `su` binary.

Android **doesn't** have an `su` command like other Linux distros do. The `su` binaries we use on Android are added to the `/system` (for pre-6.0 versions) and they are customized to work with the GUI application (such as SuperSU)

So when you run an application that wants to run as root, it sends out a call to `su` binary. Binary checks the list generated by the GUI app to see if you have a preset choice for the application such as allow, deny or prompt. If you don't have a preset choice for that specific app then it checks your default choice and acts accordingly.

There isn't one universally accepted `su` binary. Any developer that develops apps like SuperSU or Superuser (GUI apps) crafts their own `su` binary in a way that it'll work with the GUI app.

So if a malware flashes its own `su` binary, it will be customized in a way that it won't ask or notify you in any way whether you are rooted before that or not.

You can check my other answers from here, here and here for extra information about root systematics of Android.

---
Tags: root-access, malware, superuser, supersu
---


# Question
Title: "App Updates is running" warning happening very often
This week I upgraded to Android 7.0 and since then, everytime I turn on mobile data and enter/exit an app, this notification appears

.

> App Updates is running
> Preparing to install apps...

I unchecked all types of notification in Google Play Store, but nothing happens. Is someone experiencing this as well and maybe know a fix? The device it's LG G5.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Open the LG Update Center (on the V20 it's under the Common tab in "About Phone") and set notification interval to Never. If that doesn't do it, reopen Update Center and install every app listed. Then uninstall the ones you don't want.

I'm guessing the update center initially tries to install these apps and isn't satisfied until it's done.

---
Tags: applications, lg, 7.0-nougat, lg-g5
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to copy from SD card reader to USB memory stick directly?
I'm looking for an easy way to backup SD cards full of photos on a trip. I have a 3-port USB hub, and can mount an SD card reader to copy photos to my phone running Cyanogenmod. But if I hook up the USB memory stick to the same hub, it doesn't show up so I can't do the backup from reader to the stick.

The workaround would be to copy the contents of the SD card to phone memory, remove the reader, replacing with the USB stick, and copy from phone memory to the stick. But this is cumbersome as my phone has little memory free, so would have to do multiple passes which is slow and (human) error prone.

I also have a Raspberry Pi Zero running an rsync backup script to do the copying, but the script doesn't work consistently or reliably.

So, is there a way I can copy directly from SD card reader to a USB memory stick?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Found a solution after further research.

Install app USB OTG Helper which requires BusyBox to be installed. I believe both apps require root to function properly. After that I attach an unpowered USB hub with multiple ports. Connect the card reader, and tap on "mount" in USB OTG Helper. Connect USB memory stick, again tap on "mount". Then I can copy directly from the card reader to the stick using any file manager.

Note that the mount points the Helper app shows are incorrect. It claims both drives have been mounted under /storage/UsbOtgDrives, but one of them was under usbdisk instead.

---
Tags: backup, usb, sd-card
---


# Question
Title: Unlocking password-locked RCA Voyager tablet
After setting up a new RCA Voyager tablet, it will not unlock and keep asking for a password. However, there was never a moment when it's asked to have a password.

How to unlock it and get the current unknown password to be deleted?

# Answer
It's possible to unlock the password by following these steps:

1. Switch off the tablet
2. Press the volume up key and power key at the same time
3. After 15 seconds, the screen will turn on, showing "no command" and the Android logo
4. Press the power key, and then the screen will show some options
5. After keeping mind instruction given on the screen, go down and click on format and wipe all data, then it will show the process
6. Reboot the tablet
7. Complete the tablet's profile
8. If there's a problem of entering a wrong email address, enter the email address which was entered the first time in the tablet, and then you will be able to get access to the tablet.

Keep in mind that the whole tablet's data will be deleted when following this process – so first, back up all data after connecting the tablet with any secure PC.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: locked-out, rca-voyager-ii
---


title: Restoring system partition in TWRP

text:
# Question
Title: Restoring system partition in TWRP
I've got an android phone running Android 6.0, with `TWRP`, `Xposed`, `Busybox` & `SuperSU` installed on it *(Not systemlessly though)*. Before I changed anything on the device, I temporarily booted into TWRP and created a `Nandroid backup` of all the partitions.

My device has now received an OTA update to `Nougat 7.0`, so,

Would restoring the system partition in TWRP break anything? *or would it just restore my device to stock Android (allowing the OTA update) with all my data intact?*

# Answer
You need to restore the /system, boot.img, stock recovery also. Your data should be fine, but as always, you should back up just in case. The OTA will check for all three of those things and if they are modified at all (like when rooting), the OTA will fail to flash on your device.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, twrp, restore, stock-rom
---


title: OTG Drivers To non-otg Android Phone.?

text:
# Question
Title: OTG Drivers To non-otg Android Phone.?
My Phone Details :

Android 5.1 Lollipop

Model No - LS-4005

Model- LYF FLAME 6

My phone doesn't support otg drive. Can I install otg support manually ? If yes, please tell me how.

# Answer
> 0 votes
The kernel has to support it, so a custom kernel would have to have the necessary modification/modules to allow OTG (meaning that you would have to download the source, modify it, compile it, flash it to device). Otherwise the manufacturer would have to implement it.

---
Tags: 5.1-lollipop, usb-on-the-go
---


# Question
Title: Stuck on "verification fail" while Rooting Moto G 3rd gen
I am trying to root my moto g 3rd gen.

I am following this guide: http://theunlockr.com/2015/09/09/how-to-root-the-motorola-moto-g-3rd-gen/

I am completely stuck on Step 7: installing SuperSu on the device.

**What I did:**

* Unlock booting
* Start via command `adb reboot recovery`
* Get past no command screen
* select zip browsing the file system
* push the zip using the command: `adb sideload C:\...etc\...zip`

**The Zip I am using is this one:**

https://download.chainfire.eu/696/SuperSU/UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.46.zip

**The Result:**

```
Finding update package...
Opening update package...
Verifying update package...
E: failed to verify whole-file signature
E: signature verification failed
Installation aborted

```

What can I do from here? Are there better ways to root this particular device? How do I get around this error?

# Answer
It seems Moto G 3rd Gen is **very tricky** to root. I spent 2 days trying countless things and having countless problems every step of the way. I drove myself insane with it, however at the end, it worked and my Moto G 3rd Gen is rooted now.

For everyone else experiencing problems with rooting this device here is some info on what to do:

**1. Bootloader Unlock**

This first step of the process is already pretty tricky.

To achive it you need to closely follow the steps on this page: https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/standalone/bootloader/unlock-your-device-a

Keep in mind:

The instructions on this page are potentionally (perhaps intentionally) misleading as to trip up unexperienced users. Some things to keep in mind:

1. on Win CMD you don't actually need to type the $ chars displayed in the instructons on this page. Its best to read some basics about handling cmd before doing this, like how to navigate in cmd.
2. you need to install Android SDK and JAVA and than run the program ADB in CMD prompt using admin. This is the path: C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Android\sdk\platform-tools\adb
3. You need to install USB drivers. You can find Moto G 3rd Gen Drivers here: https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a\_id/88481
4. You need to enable Developer Options on your device by tapping 9 times on "about this phone" in settings.
5. You need to enable OEM unlocking in developer options.
6. You need to enable USB debugging in developer options.
7. You need to be logged in in Motorolla Care in order to get a key, you will need to unlock bootloader, otherwise the form returns a 500.

**2. Installing TWRP**

This step is what ultimately tripped me up. The trick here is, that after installation of TWRP the system restores the old recovery program you want to replace and you always return to square one.

In order to make this one work we need to apply a little bit of trickery.

1. Download TWRP img file and put it somewhere in your windows filesystem
2. Connect your Moto G with USB and start adb in cmd as admin
3. execute this command: `adb reboot bootloader`
4. When the phone reboots into bootloader mode, execute this: `fastboot flash recovery recovery.img` make sure to replace "recovery.img" with the path to your file and the right name of the file. After this one is done, the next step is crucial, otherwise all progress will be lost.
5. Remove your USB cable from the phone
6. Boot straight into recovery without any reboots. To do use the volume keys to select booting mode, select with power button.
7. You should boot into TWRP interface, which is a touch interface with rectangles to click on. If you land on "no command" screen or "system recovery" DOS style screen, you probably need to repeat the installation of TWRP and try to avoid it being automatically replaced / restored to default by the system (this seems to be happening on reboot).
8. In TWRP click Install. Choose SuperSu.zip from your phone file system and install it. Once this is all finished reboot your device, it should be rooted. Use root checker app to check your root status.

Useful tutorial: http://theunlockr.com/2015/09/09/how-to-root-the-motorola-moto-g-3rd-gen/

Only problem with this tutorial is, it doesn't mention that TWRP will be deleted by the system if you reboot. So you need to adjust that part of the tutorial as described here.
> 2 votes

# Answer
I totally understand the situation here as *I just faced it and came out from it.*

The think is simple!

Note many devices will replace your custom recovery automatically during first boot. To prevent this, use Google to find the proper key combo to enter recovery. After typing **fastboot reboot**, hold the key combo and boot to TWRP. Once TWRP is booted, TWRP will patch the stock ROM to prevent the stock ROM from replacing TWRP. If you don't follow this step, you will have to repeat the install.

This is the official twrp site which you should consider

Read the above link carefully. Note again that you must click the key combo before your android recovery boots, otherwise you have to install the recovery again and again.

Hope I cleared your doubt. Thanks all.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: rooting, root-access, motorola-moto-g, superuser
---


# Question
Title: Security risks in case of activation of developer options
Is there is any security risks if I enabled developer options in android phone (by clicking 7 times on build number)? Are there any risks when this option is showed in menu but switched off by toggle button?

# Answer
> 10 votes
**Explanation:**

No, there is no (technical) security problem with developer settings enabled. The reason why they are usually disabled is that they aren't important for regular users and some of the options can be dangerous, if used incorrectly. Not dangerous as in security, but your phone could do weird things because you enabled some option.

**Additionally,**

Sometimes, clicking this automatically enables developer options. **Do not worry.** The steps are easy for disabling.

We assume that you have already clicked 7 times.

1. Click "developer options".
2. Slide the on-off switch at the top to off.
3. Now your phone is like it used to be.

> Note: step 2 might be slightly different depending on the OS of your phone.

# Answer
> 3 votes
No, clicking 7x just shows the hidden menu.

---
Tags: security, developer-options
---


# Question
Title: Bluetooth Battery Level on Android Marshmallow
I'm using LUXA2-Lavi O In-ear Wireless Earphone on my Nexus 6P with latest Android – Marshmallow and I cannot find where I can see battery level for my Bluetooth device, I am however able to see battery level when using same headphones with iPhone, (seems like pretty essential feature to be missing), unless I just didn't find it...

Can someone tell me where I can find that? I do *NOT* want to install any 3rd party apps for that.

Thanks!

# Answer
Quoting from Bluetooth documentation at Android Developers, it appears that this capability is based on **connected device** profile. Android supports this functionality from API level 18 (4.3). How to get Bluetooth Headset battery status in android from Stack Overflow indicate similarly, with vendor specific implementation links

> Generic Attribute Profile (GATT)—The GATT profile is a general specification for sending and receiving short pieces of data known as "attributes" over a BLE link. All current Low Energy application profiles are based on GATT. The Bluetooth SIG defines many profiles for Low Energy devices. A profile is a specification for how a device works in a particular application. Note that a device can implement more than one profile. For example, a device could contain a heart rate monitor and a **battery level detector**

Perhaps, ios ecosystem enforces this as mandatory and hence you can see it on your ios device

Since you do not wish to use a third party app like Potential Beta, it would be better to contact earphone OEM to ascertain

**Edit** I don't have marshmallow so am not sure if this setting tweak will help display-battery-percentage-android-marshmallow
> 4 votes

# Answer
Actually on bare android it's impossible no matter has your device GATT profile with Battery Service or not. This issue has been reported in 2010 and still open. So right now you have only two options:

1. Install Cyanogenmod firmware for your phone.
2. Find suitable 3dparty app I'm working on this one Baton
> 2 votes

---
Tags: battery, bluetooth, 6.0-marshmallow
---


# Question
Title: How to boot in download mode with a Zonda a450
Already googled this, no results, i tried with youtube video tutorial in which you supposedly boot your phone in download mode while holding the volumen down button and the power button, but it doesn't nothing.

I have a Zonda a450 with android 4.4, i want to boot in download to upgrade to android 5.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Okey. As described in the specs, the device has a Spreadtrum chipset (SC7731). There is no boot mode on SPD devices.

To flash a ROM, you need a file in the `.pac` format and use a flasher (ResearchDownload).

You MUST install SPD drivers, otherwise the device won't be detected by the computer.

As there is no download mode, just swicth off and plug the device by holding volume down or up.

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat
---


# Question
Title: I have forgotten my Gmail account password
I have forgotten my Gmail account password but logged in on my android phone. Also it was managed by my college IT Department which don't exist any more.How can I reset my password?

# Answer
You can recover your Gmail account password by following these steps.

1. Login to your Gmail account with the last time remembered password.
2. Click on forgot password link.
3. You will be asked to enter your recovery email address and phone number.
4. Then you'll get a confirmation code on your entered email or phone number.
5. Then you'll be able to reset your new password.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Your Google Account password is the same password you use for other Google products, like Gmail and YouTube. If you forgot your password and would like to reset it, follow instructions from here
> 0 votes

# Answer
While Gmail Sign Up process, Google does ask for contact number and additional email address. If you've provided any of these data then you can easily recover your password using Forgot Password link.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: oneplus-3
---


title: Application Sandboxing in Android

text:
# Question
Title: Application Sandboxing in Android
I came across a line in this page.

> **"The Android system assigns a unique user ID (UID) to each Android application and runs it as that user in a separate process. This approach is different from other operating systems (including the traditional Linux configuration), where multiple applications run with the same user permissions."**

Can anyone please explain what the first line means?

# Answer
> 4 votes
Every single application that is installed on your phone, gets a UID.

It is a number that Android uses to identify the apps so it can check from what app commands are executed and check the permissions of the app to see if that app is allowed to execute the command. Privileges of applications are pretty restricted in Android. They can't see data folders of other apps, they can't modify the system and they can't do anything if user doesn't give them permission.

For example, when **X app** gets installed, it gets the **UID 10000**.

Android creates a data and a cache folder for this app. Whenever an app wants to access these folders, Android checks the UID of the app. If it is not **UID 10000**, then Android denies permission.

This is a good defense mechanism that restricts the abilities of possibly malicious apps that got installed. All apps have restricted access to almost anything that they themselves didn't bring to the device in the first place.

Even more, the user himself has limited access to the phone. So a user that doesn't know what he/she is doing can't do harm.

This is where all the **root** concept comes from. *root* is a special user with **UID 0** and its abilities is not restricted by the OS, making it able to modify system and other apps.

---
Tags: root-access, security, linux, kernel, sandboxing
---


title: Is removing the SIM card necessary?

text:
# Question
Title: Is removing the SIM card necessary?
When solving issues with tech support for various cell carriers, they recommend turning off the Android device, removing the battery, and then removing the SIM card.

Once the battery is out, is there any effect of also removing the SIM card?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Removing the SIM card might help the phone to flush out cached data.

Other than that, I see no reason why removing a SIM card would change anything. The general purpose of those instructions is to hard reset the phone (without any data in RAM).

---
Tags: reboot, sim-card, hard-reset
---


title: Should I play while charging

text:
# Question
Title: Should I play while charging
Is it okay to use my tablet while charging it? I just got a new tablet. I havn't done it cause I wasn't sure.

# Answer
Generally, using a tablet while charging should not drain battery life. Keep in mind that doing that will cause the device to charge slower.

Also, if you do something cpu intensive (like 3d game) it can become a little hot. Don't worry. I had a tablet that became very, very hot (like a container coming out of a microwave), yet it didn't melt.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: charging, motorola-electrify
---


# Question
Title: Why does Android have antivirus apps while iOS does not?
I have a Samsung Galaxy S2 and my friend has an iPhone.

I have downloaded and installed the Norton Anti Virus app. I am at a loss to understand why iOS seemingly does not need protection as such. A smartphone, I have been told, is no less than a computer (even better, faster etc.), so need to be safeguarded.

Or is there another reason why iOS has no AntiVirus apps while Android does?

# Answer
This has some reasons, let's try to sum them up:

* Android has an open app market model (there's the more or less curated Play store but you can install apps from other locations (3rd party markets or self built/downloaded))
* Android may also not need AntiVirus apps (most problems come from pirated rogue apps with added *value* piggybacked)
* iOS has a strictly curated app store and you're not allowed to bypass it (unless you don't jailbreak your device but Apple so far ignores the existence of jailbroken devices)
* Apple doesn't allow AntiVirus apps into their app store (they don't grant the necessary privileges to 3rd party apps and ignore the existence of jailbroken devices)
* AntiVirus vendors want to create a market for mobile AntiVirus solutions
* Apple denies existence/possibility of malware for their platforms as long as it's possible (for PR reasons)

To sum it up: Android is more open than iOS and lets AntiVirus vendors jump in while Apple denies them access to their app store.
> 7 votes

# Answer
The entire philosophy of the two competing "App markets" are different.

The Android Market, known as **Google Play**, allows any submitted application. Apps aren't *really* checked or pre-screened, they're simply submitted, and anyone can download them. Any kind of app can be submitted to the Play store, even one that hooks into the core operating system.

This is a double-edged sword, as a developer can write a malicious app, one that steals your data, disables your phone, and other nasty things. Usually, only when enough people complain will Google take notice and remove an app.

While Google *does* take some measures to protect its users, the protections applied are automated, and apps sometimes do slip through. *(See Bouncer. Stats show that it has been somewhat successful).*

---

Apps submitted to the **iOS App Store** have to go through a strict vetting process. Apple hires testing teams. They will manually inspect your app, to make sure it does what it says, without bugs, doesn't use private or secret functions on the iOS device, and so on. Apps are run in a *sand box* and cannot make any major changes to the way the device works. Since all apps are pre-screened before they are posted on the App Store, there is almost no chance of an application being malicious (virus, data stealing, etc).

---

As for whether or not you actually *need* an anti-virus app, well, this question may help answer that. Personally, I don't think viruses are a massive threat yet, and, although they may be later, I don't think it's worth the potential performance hit. Besides, Bouncer can help with most malware.

I'd be more worried about data-stealing apps, especially if the app holding sensitive data isn't sufficiently protected. Last year, Skype wasn't encrypting its contacts database, and malicious apps were able to simply read the data. This has, since, been patched.
> 5 votes

# Answer
Even if Apple allows Antivirus on the App Store, they won't be able to do much. Each iOS app is lives in a Sandobox and can't access other apps and services. iOS apps can't run forever in a background instead they are hibernated to ensure good battery life. Also if you use passcode your data is encrypted. iOS built with security in mind and doesn't need antivirus.

There's innovative iOS mechanisms (Extensions, Action Sheet) which allows apps to work together and share data. This features are safe from viruses because:

* Each interaction activated by the user, not OS.
* This mechanisms are also sandboxed.

Each antivirus truly acts like a virus, it just works on your side and because viruses is not possible with iOS, antivirus also can't exist there.

Android works like PC where any process can run indefinitely and can access any part of the File System / OS. Android is improving encryption but even the latest Android version 4 years behind from iOS.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: applications, ios, antivirus
---


# Question
Title: Generate a location intent to share to other apps from a Google Maps
Normally, the share mechanism in Google Maps Android App shares text (containing an URL pointing to Google Maps website).

There is though an specific location intent in Android, that any app can catch. When I send such intent from other apps, I can embed a location in messaging apps or open that location in different map apps (including Google Maps).

How do I generate such intent from a pinpointed location in Google Maps, **from the user interface**?

For example, I have installed Maps.ME which does accept location intents too. How do I start a location intent with Google Maps and catch it with Maps.ME, to share a given location? I'm also interested in workarounds if no in-app solution is available.

# Answer
this app may help you to bridge different map apps. Here

you open Google Maps and share that location and choose this app. You can then open it using other maps which accepts location intent.

Hope it helps
> 0 votes

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Tags: google-maps, intents
---


# Question
Title: I have an unrooted stock Xperia Z Ultra, should the LED turn off when the battery is fully charged?
I got an Xperia Z Ultra unrooted and still running on the stock ROM (Android Lollipop 5.1.1). My question is, when I'm charging it and the battery reaches 100%, is the LED indicator light supposed to turn off to notify that it's fully charged? So I'm kinda asking what behavior I should expect from it.

# Answer
> 0 votes
User guide doesn't say it should be switched off on full. Expected behaviour below

> Battery notification light status
>
> *Green* The battery is charging and the battery charge level is greater than 90%
>
> *Red* The battery is charging and the battery charge level is less than 15%
>
> *Orange* The battery is charging and the battery charge level is less than 90%

Edit: If the LED turned off, you wouldn't know whether it is fully charged or charger isn't connected, color coding this way makes sense

---
Tags: charging, 5.1-lollipop, sony-xperia, stock-rom
---


# Question
Title: Install custom Android version on a foreign phone
I'm sorry if this has already been answered or is obvious, I'm not experienced with Android. I recently got a new Android phone from ZTE, but it turns out that it was made for the local market (China) and as such most apps are in Chinese, and Google Play Store and Services are not installed (I tried manually installing from the .apk several times and the app either did not install or did not launch). I'm wondering, can I just wipe the phone and just install another Android version on it, one that would let me install GP Store?

If it matters, my phone is the ZTE Axon 7.

# Answer
Installing Play Store and other Google Apps requires functionality not give to ordinary use apps thus these apps need to be installed in the `system` partition.

However, the system partition is inaccessible to unmodified phones without root (admin) permissions. Also installing Play Store requires to perform some modifications to the system which cannot be done when Android is running (regardless of Android version). Thus these tasks are done by a special mode known as the recovery mode. The default recovery mode shipped with the phones are designed to prevent modifications to the system and thus the Android Modding community has created custom versions like (CWM, TWRP, Philz, etc).

---

First you need to configure you computer to connect to you phone via ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

Download ADB and Fastboot drivers (Windows | Mac) and install it on your computer. This will also install the drivers.

Then you need to install a custom recovery:

1. Download TWRP recovery for your device here.
2. On your device, go into `Settings` -\> `About` and find the `Build Number` and tap on it 7 times to enable developer settings. Press back and go into `Developer Options` and enable `USB debugging`.
3. From your computer, open a command prompt in the folder you specified when installing the drivers and type: `adb devices`. You should see an entry like: `<Sl. No.> device`.
*Note that you might see a prompt on your phone asking for permission, if so, accept it.*
4. Type: `adb reboot bootloader`. Your phone will switch on and will be in the fastboot mode.
5. ~~Your device needs to be unlocked before it can flash custom images. To unlock your device type: `fastboot oem unlock`.~~
6. Rename the file you downloaded in Step 1 to `twrp.img` and copy it to the folder you specified when installing the drivers and then type `fastboot flash recovery twrp.img` followed by `fastboot reboot`.

Now to install Play Store:

1. Download Google Apps from here after selecting `ARM64`, `6.0.1` and `pico` (I assume you are on the stock ROM).
2. Store it on your phone in an easily accessible location and type: `adb reboot recovery` on your computer.
3. Let the recovery start and when presented with the options press `Install`.
4. Navigate to the location where you save the file in Step 2, select it, and swipe across the slider to confirm.
5. After it is done press `Wipe Dalvik cache` followed by `Reboot System`.

That's all you need for Play Store.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: google-play-store, recovery-mode, installation, google
---


# Question
Title: Almost certainly bricked device, looking for advice
I have a Galaxy S3 (d2att) which had been working fine on CyanogenMod 13 when one day it randomly shut off in my pocket and wouldn't turn on again. It was using a third-party battery, and afterwards, the battery appeared to be slightly inflated. That being said, it still wouldn't turn on even after trying two other batteries. Other than that, here's a list of other random bits of info I found about the device in its current state:

* The batteries are charged. Checked with a voltmeter.
* The batteries are being charged through the phone. Voltmeter used again here.
* If I take the battery out and then plug a usb into the phone, the notification light turns red for a few seconds before turning off, even if I put the battery in. This only works if the battery is out of the phone. For a period of time, putting the battery in before the light turned off would keep the light on until it was unplugged. Sometimes it would even display the Samsung logo before dying again.
* When I plug the phone in without the battery as described above, "qualcomm hs-usb qdloader 9008" shows up as a device in the device manager. Until it dies, that is.
* I've also tried using a USB jig.
* I also checked for a voltage across pins 4 and 5 of the usb while it was plugged into the phone. It displayed a voltage consistent with what would be expected. After using the JIG, this voltage would go away until the battery was removed. However, the phone did not boot into recovery, nor was it recognized by my computer.

So, my question is: is this phone dead for good? I imagine it is, but if it isn't then that wouldn't be so bad either.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Yep 100% sure it's hard bricked as the qloader 9008 shows up.

The whole eMMC is damaged or just the boot partition. But as it was caused by a faulty battery, I guess it is damaged completely and would need to get replaced (eMmC chip).

There is 3 methods that can be used to recover the device:

1. Repairing via an SD Card (for corrupted boot partition)
2. Repairing via JTAG (need JTAG interface, soldering in the main board, etc,)
3. Hardware replacement if the above didn't solve the problem.

After successfully completed the above, yoi should be able to flash a firmware normally.

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, samsung-galaxy-s-3, unbricking
---


title: sd card is empty when using su

text:
# Question
Title: sd card is empty when using su
I have strange issue.

I've just installed **Supersu**.

With regular user (not su ) the sdcard shows all contents as usual,

But on doing **su** , I see (with "ls") that /**sdcard** is empty (though it is not) !, on going back to regular user, I see files again....

Any idea what's wrong ?

Thanks,

# Answer
It is likely due to *mount namespace separation* being unchecked in SuperSU app settings

For an explanation of what it does and how it could possibly affect storage not being read see Mathew's answer here, also the link referred to therein

Aside, sometimes TiBu also asks you to do the same if SD is not recognised
> 2 votes

---
Tags: sd-card, supersu
---


# Question
Title: Difference between Lineage OS and Cyanogenmod : how does it affect current users?
Cyanogen said it plans to cease developing its open-source version of Android and will shutter its services by the end of the month. The company's blog mentions,

> As part of the ongoing consolidation of Cyanogen, all services and Cyanogen-supported nightly builds will be discontinued no later than \[December 31\].

1. Do users get new update as OTA while using CyanogenMod, or do they have to completely erase and flash a new ROM? (That requires flashing new firmware, ROM, recovery etc.)
2. What will happen, if users are continue using CyanogenMod after December 31, 2016?
3. What about bugs, security, stability?

# Answer
> 2 votes
Here are some answer, but as I'm not Cyanogen representative, they only engage me.

1. Users will not receive OTA updates as soon as they stop maintaining their software stack. You keep on using your last Cyanogen ROM and hence receiving no more security updates, or you can change the ROM you install. For changing, you could use an entirely new one and try to wait some guys start a fork of the project (this will, for sure, occur: perhaps you'll be one of them). With a fork it is possible they will choose to support upgrade from the last Cyanogen.
2. Nothing, you just will not receive updates and you will risk more and more because of missing security updates.
3. As you will not be able to update, your phone will keep the same software stack as it is. Bugs, security and stability will stay as it is in your last Cyanogen. For bugs & stability, you don't care but for security it is a pain (as security will go down as time goes on).

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, lineageos
---


title: Voicemail indicator won't go away

text:
# Question
Title: Voicemail indicator won't go away
On my Atrix running 2.3.6, there is a permanent icon in my notification bar saying that I have unread voicemail. I understand that this icon is flagged on the SIM card itself: sure enough, if I pop the SIM card into another phone, the icon shows up there too.

How do I get rid of it? I've tried every suggestion on Google, which amounts to leaving myself a message and then deleting it, or calling customer service. The only kosher method of getting rid of it is to have my carrier send me the special SMS that clears the icon, which is normally sent when you listen to your messages (but it's not happening for me). Customer service reps seem to have no idea what this means so I can't get them to manually send that SMS. For what it's worth, I'm on Rogers in Canada (but my Atrix is running the AT&T build of Android).

Some versions of Android allegedly have a "Clear voicemail indicator" setting, but I have no such thing.

If it's possible through executing code on the Android, then:

* Has someone written an app to clear it from the SIM card? I can't find anything, but I can't imagine something like that would be allowed on the market since it would use hidden libraries.
* Does anyone have experience writing apps that use hidden libraries and can point me in the right direction? I've been able to follow tutorials that set up an Eclipse environment for compiling apps that use hidden libraries, I just have no idea where to start with the SIM card stuff.

If not, then do I just have to live with it?

EDIT: Using standard carrier voicemail, not Google Voice.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Simply long press the notification and select **app info**. Then tap on **FORCE STOP**.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Same issue here with Galaxy S5 on Cricket Wireless. Turns out there was an unknown message sitting in the inbox that never showed itself as "new". Once I completely scrubbed the voicemail of all messages including the hidden one, the icon went away. It now works quite well. Doublecheck your voicemail messages.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Easiest fix is to ask your carrier for a new SIM, but it would be worth reporting it to them as a problem so they can investigate it. It might be a problem at your carrier's end and they just don't know about it yet.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Yes, it's a "message" sent by the network operator. I resolved it by just calling and listening the message.

Yes, this costed me money but the icon disappeared after. (Another "message" was sent by the operator telling my SIM that I have no more unlistened voice messages)

# Answer
> -1 votes
Call yourself and leave a message. Listen to it, then erase it right after. Turn the phone off then on, it will then be gone.

---
Tags: notifications, notification-bar, voicemail
---


# Question
Title: "Sorry, something went wrong" when trying to "Set up nearby device"
I have a new Google Nexus 5X model LH-H790, that's meant to replace an also new Nexus 5X LG-H791.

When I try to transfer the account from phone to phone ("Set up nearby device") I see the confirmation code as expected on both phones. Pressing next gives the unhelpful error message ***"Sorry, something went wrong".***

The devices are next to each other, or nearby, or touching, both connected to the same WiFi, and both machines are virtually new. What could cause "Sorry, something went wrong"?

# Answer
I had the same issue. Did a lot of things and something finally worked:

1) deleted all known bluetooth devices on old phone

2) physically moved devices that were close and showing up

3) restarted old phone after ^

4) factory restarted the new phone after the failed attempts

5) touched the phones together sideways so their backs perfectly aligned (the camera lens was creating a gap)

I was using android 6.0 on one phone and 7.0 on the new, so that shouldn't be a deal breaker.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I had the same issue today. I had to replace my old (broken) Nexus 5X to a new Nexus 5X.

After unsucessfull tries (same error message as you) I started to all reconfigure manually when I noticed my old Nexus 5X was running Android 7.0 and the new stock Nexus 5X was still on Android 6.0.

So here is what I did: I accepted the update to Android 7.0, then did a factory reset on the new phone and I restarted the procedure and it worked like a charm.
> 4 votes

# Answer
Had the same issue transferring from my old 5x to my new replacement 5x. It turned out the new phone was on OS version 7.0 while my old phone was on 7.1.1. So I downloaded and installed the update to 7.1.1 on the new phone, did a factory reset on the new phone (which still keeps system updates but deletes user data), tried again, and voila! It worked.

**tl;dr make sure both phones are on the newest, most updated version of the OS, do a factory reset on the new phone, and try again.**
> 0 votes

---
Tags: backup, nexus-5, data-transfer, bugs
---


# Question
Title: Why is sound on my Android suddenly increasing?
I am running Android 2.3 on a Samsung Galaxy S 2.

Recently, when I play music, at some random time, the volume will suddenly increase. It's hard to put an exact measurement on the increase, but I'd estimate it's about 20 to 30% louder.

It's quite jarring, and if my volume is already up near maximum, it can be a little painful.

This happens with any application that plays MP3s, so I don't believe it's application specific.

It also happens without any action on my part. When the volume jumps up, I'm not holding my phone or using any interface, or touching any buttons. It's not that volume buttons are accidentally being hit, either. It happened just now, and my Android is lying on the table beside my laptop, without anything touching it.

Is this a bug of some kind?

# Answer
> 2 votes
It could most likely be a bug. I suggest you upgrade your Android via Kies or manually.

Galaxy Nexus is known to have a similar software issue with volume: http://techie-buzz.com/mobile-news/galaxy-nexus-to-get-a-software-update-to-fix-the-volume-bug.html Perhaps it could be the same with your S2, especially since it is on older Android version.

# Answer
> 0 votes
It could be a built in limiter to the audio player. It is keeping the volume below a certain DB and then when the track actually drops below that DB the perceived volume increases because the limiter is no longer active. Annoying, not too sure how you would turn it off but try a different audio player perhaps.

---
Tags: audio
---


# Question
Title: How can I check my battery health (do I need a new battery)?
Is there a way to see if my android phone needs to have it's battery replaced?

# Answer
You can go into Google Play store and download a Battery Manager, most of them show some information, for example how fast battery is draining, also the temperature and other stuff, also it can tell you the battery state/quality
> 1 votes

---
Tags: battery, battery-life
---


# Question
Title: Delete files automatically if certain actions are not taken
Is it possible to delete/wipe files on device **offline**, if on certain time, certain action is not performed?

For example, if my phone is stolen, I would like to have a chance to delete certain sensitive data from device. But regularly, I can "check-in" to prevent the deletion.

# Answer
You can try using a Automation App like Tasker, every day at midnight it sets a variable to true and if you perform the "action" it sets it back to false and if its midnight and the variable is still true, than delete the data or do whatever you like
> 0 votes

---
Tags: automation, files, delete
---


# Question
Title: Idle device and inactive phone consuming too much battery
I just bought a brand new Zonda A450 with Android 4.4. I was quite surprised when the battery started to drain too fast. Even taking a photo with flash could take 3% of the battery instantly. From what I see, the device being idle and the phone being inactive take 50% of the battery!

>

I searched in Google on how to optimize the OS, remove useless apps and widgets, etc., but I just saw a slight improvement.

What I can do to reduce the percent of battery used? Since these two aren't apps, I couldn't find an answer on Google. How can I fix this issue?

# Answer
I found what caused the excessive battery drain was, i changed the Preferred network setting to just use G3(WCDMA)(or whatever network your carrier uses) instead of the auto/global setting it has by default, now the inactive phone drains 28% of the battery, better than before
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, battery, charging
---


# Question
Title: Hey, if I use "Mobile Tethering" and share a network with my computer, will the network admin be able to see my activity on my computer?
if I use "Mobile Tethering" and share a network with my computer, will the network admin be able to see my activity on my computer?? If the Admin can see my activity, is there any other ways to "hide" my activity on my computer??

# Answer
> 1 votes
Yes, Its possible to do so. Here, I am adding a link that can guide you to the process. I am sure that will help you out in the pursuit of getting your query answered without any bias. https://www.quora.com/How-can-I-check-what-people-are-surfing-using-my-WiFi

---
Tags: samsung, tethering
---


# Question
Title: Will restoring a backup unroot my rooted device again?
I have made a full backup of my formerly unrooted android device using Android Debug Bridge, later rooted it and now would like to restore the backup while maintaining root access.

Will this work by restoring the backup with `adb restore` or will my phone possibly be unrooted (just like with a factory reset)?

**Edit:** My *Samsung Galaxy Nexus GT-i9250* is currently running on Android 4.3, the backup was made with the same version using the command `adb backup -apk -shared -all -f`.

**Update:** I restored the update and my device is still rooted (checked with *Root Checker* from *Super User*), though a few apps and some data were not restored.

# Answer
As long as you don't restore the system partition (I don't know whether this is backed up by ADB), your root access should be preserved.

You could just make a backup of the state of your device *now* and restore it, when needed.
> 0 votes

# Answer
If you used systemless root(Android 6.0+), I'm not sure if that will remove your root access. If you used system root(Android 5.1 and below), this will not remove root.

Regarding,

> adb backup -all

If this is the command you ran, this backs up only the /data partition, not any other partitions. For a full backup of /system /boot /recovery /data, etc. you would have to perform a nandroid backup from recovery.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: root-access, backup, factory-reset, restore
---


# Question
Title: Backup the system's "Personal Dictionary" on Android 7 and import on different phone?
I'm using the Google Keyboard (Gboard) on my Nexus 6p. I have a bunch of words in my system's Personal Dictionary (viewed by going to Settings -\> Languages & input -\> Personal Dictionary), and when I setup a new phone (a replacement Nexus 6p), the dictionary did not transfer.

In the Gboard keyboard settings (Settings -\> Languages & input -\> Virtual keyboard -\> Gboard -\> Dictionary), there is an option to "Sync learned words", and after syncing on both the old and new phone, the Personal Dictionary on the new phone is still blank.

I've also tried removing all GBoard updates and data, removing Google accounts, re-installing and re-syncing everything with not improvement.

With the phone currently not rooted, is there a way to backup this data and import it on my new phone?

**Update (12/30):**

* I spent a few hours on the phone with Google Support yesterday, trying some of the stuff above plus some other things, and the end conclusion was that there is indeed a bug with the syncing, so they are going to escalate the issue for developers to look at.
* Some online (on the Nexus forums) reported the dictionary copying over when doing a restore from a different device when initially setting up the phone. I actually did this, but did get some generic failure message during my restore, so maybe that's why my dictionary is missing. I'm going to try a factory reset and restore again to see if it helps.
* As I mentioned below, the 3rd party utility didn't work for me, at least on two separate tries. The exported .DAT file was essentially 0 bytes.
* I also checked my Google Dashboard, and under Android for my original device, there is an entry for "Android Dictionary" under "Applications with backups". This gives me hope that the data is in the cloud, though I'm going to refrain from formatting my old phone as long as I can (Google eventually wants it back since it is an RMA).

# Answer
> 2 votes
It is quite odd that it isn't syncing across devices. I know that recommending an application may not always be the best solution but I did just try Personal Dictionary Backup on my Xperia XZ running 7.0 and it was able to backup and restore my personal dictionary.

Do keep in mind that it backs up to a .dat file on your internal storage. The folders name that it backs up to is "UserDictionaries". This means that you would have to digitally transfer the .dat file in that folder to your new device in a folder with the same name as well as installing the app on your new device.

---
Tags: backup, nexus-6p, dictionary, gboard
---


# Question
Title: why Android Mobile phone drive folder is not visible in my computer?
when i connect my infocus mobile with my desktop through data cable. only Driver Setup file opened. Internal memory drive not visible in the desktop. but till yesterday its working properly. today i have deleted 2 files, after that it's not working and I don't remember what file i have deleted. I tried to repair Phone Driver software but it ask's me to insert disk. i don't know what disk it asked to insert. kindly give me the solution as soon as possible because i kept all of my official files in my phone.

# Answer
> 0 votes
There are too many possibilities and I faced few of them so I'm suggesting here not answering directly. From your description the files you deleted probably the problem but I don't know where did you delete them from !. So, tracing the issue this problem could be simply an issue at the driver and one of the fixes regarding that is to plugin your phone, check the drivers manager (assuming you are on Windows) for the ADB driver or interface (You can use USBDeview instead of the devices manager if it doesn't show there). Uninstall it then plug off your phone and restart your PC and connect now.

Another solution is simply doing same steps but after the restarting step, install your phone usb driver. Search for this one since I have no info about infocus usb drivers. Then plugin your phone.

Another one is to use debug mode. sometimes this method does work. To activate debug mode, go to Settings \> Developer options \> and check USB debugging. Plug in your device. Go to Settings \> Developer options. When a warning about this mode for developers..etc, Click OK.

Las suggestion I can remember is to change the cable and/or try plugging on another computer just to make sure it is NOT the cable.

---
Tags: internal-storage, internal-sd, remote-access
---


# Question
Title: Nexus 5X data recovery with bad recovery partition
I have a Nexus 5X, fully updated to 7.1.1, that I used today to take pictures at a site for my research. The Photos app is set to backup when on WiFi.

Of course, however, the phone decided to randomly crash on the way home (let me tell you, navigating in a foreign country without GPS all of a sudden... not the most fun thing in the world) and subsequently will only go to the `fastboot` screen.

When I choose Recovery Mode, nothing happens (but the volume up/down keys no longer have any affect). In effect, the device is frozen, still showing the `fastboot` screen, but not actually in `fastboot` mood since on booting to the `fastboot` screen, my device is visible using the `fastboot devices` on my computer (I develop apps so the developer options have already been enabled). However, after choosing Recovery Mode, the device is no longer visible under either `fastboot devices` or under `adb devices`.

Clearly, there is a problem with the recovery partition.

Is there any way I can dump the hard drive so I can later recover data (I have all the passwords / screen lock codes, if that's necessary to access the data)? Or can I replace the recovery mode partition with a fresh copy? Most guides seem to indicate that this would delete all of my user data.

Is there anything that can be done to salvage the data? While any other day losing a single day's worth of pictures wouldn't be a huge loss, there is no way I can go back to take the pictures again for months, and then requires me having to explain to people of all levels of bureaucracy why I need to be given access again =/

# Answer
> 1 votes
I don't believe flashing a new recovery will wipe your data partition. I would refer to user7610s answer as this seems like a similar issue except that you would like to access the `/sdcard` to recover your pictures. Best of luck! Edit: This is assuming you already have an unlocked bootloader as you seem to know what fastboot mode is.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Sure, you can flash a recovery image at the bootloader using fastboot and not lose anything.

1. Get the factory recovery image from the factory image .zip files from here. Inside of the factory image zip file(s), there will be a file called recovery.img, which is the stock recovery image. You'll need that. Make sure you get the correct factory image that your device is currently running.
2. Boot the phone to the bootloader, connect phone to your computer.
3. Erase the current recovery by using fastboot: `fastboot erase recovery`
4. Flash the recovery.img file using fastboot: `fastboot flash recovery recovery.img`

Now you've flashed a fresh recovery image to your device. You can do this without losing any data, and if you use a custom recovery like TWRP, these instructions apply as well. I do this all the time when I reload the stock software on my Nexus 6.

For adb in recovery not recognizing your device, you have installed the drivers (Windows) which are in the Android SDK located at C:\wherever your sdk is located\extras\google\usb\_driver\\? Device Manager may show a triangle with a ? mark on the device when connected in recovery mode, this should help with that.

---
Tags: recovery-mode, data-recovery, 7.0-nougat, nexus-5x
---


# Question
Title: Simultaneous audio to headphone jack and bluetooth
I would like to output audio both to the headphone jack and to bluetooth headphones *simultaneously*. The purpose is for two people to listen at the same time (and we don't have a headphone splitter at hand).

Is this possible on Android phones?

The phone in question is a Samsung S5 mini with Lollipop.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Unfortunately, this can't be done.

Android can only output media to one of them at a time.

When you plug in a new device, the last one used will be overridden.

---
Tags: audio, bluetooth-audio, headphone-jack
---


# Question
Title: How to open a message database(.db) file from Sony Xperia phone in computer?
So I had backed up my files and messages from sony xperia phone and saved all files in the computer....

Now I need to open the messages file in the backup folder which has the format of .bk...

I tried to use 7 zip to extract the .db file...

**But when I opened the .db file in Notepad it appeared haphazardly with many characters and the messages were there but were jumbled in between the characters...**

**So I want to view them in a proper format..... Any suggestion or advice?**

# Answer
`.db` files are not plain-text files, so Notepad is the wrong approach. Those are SQLite databases, so you will have to use some SQLite browser for the task. The linked Wiki page gives you some more details. SQLiteman would be a good choice, and there's even a portable version available. For an alternative, there's also SQLite Browser.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: sms, data-transfer
---


title: Why are all apps disabled?

text:
# Question
Title: Why are all apps disabled?
All of my apps are gone. All of the built-in, external storage apps had disappeared.

It happened when my phone's battery was dead, and when I turned it on after charging, everything was gone. I can see my apps in the application manager but it shows that all of the apps are disabled and I can do nothing.
I cant even add a picture here.

Phone: Samsung Galaxy Grandneo Plus

# Answer
> 1 votes
All I know about *"disabled apps"* is when the device is booted into Safe Mode.

Maybe your device is on **Safe Mode**. This happened, when you *"accidentally"* pressed a button on your device while booting up. Try checking, if it has a *"Safe Mode"* displayed on your screen, usually at the corners.

Rebooting the device normally would surely fix the problem.

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat
---


# Question
Title: Can't recover data on honor 5x Android 6.0.1
I have done factory reset of my honor 5x Android 6.0.1 by mistake. This phone is rooted and I have tried disk digger pro, desktop applications like easeus recovery via USB debugging. It detects only recent data but not deleted one.

1. I have not overwritten any data ;
2. Phone did not has encryped storage before reset ;
3. It has fingerprint lock before factory reset ;
4. I want to recover phone storage data ;
5. PC applications unable to find any deleted data after scanning all sectors on phone storage.

I have done recovery on Android 5.0 lenovo s850 and it was fine so I have recovery experience.

* Has factory reset cleared all sectors ?
* Does Android 6.0.1 not support recovery ?
* Should I rollback to 5.0 and then try ?
* Any method available ?

# Answer
Android factory reset will erase **ALL DATA**. The chances of you recovering the data are very slim.

If you didn't erase the internal SD Card, you may have your files.

But all game/app progress and data are gone.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: data-recovery, huawei-u8860
---


# Question
Title: whatsapp from old phone to be used in new phone in different country
I was living in Syria in middle east, and I'm visiting USA. I still have my phone with whatsapp installed using my Syrian's number, then I bought a new phone Samsung S7, and I removed SIM card from old phone to my new phone. I installed Whatsapp in my new phone and put my Syrian number with area code and wasn't able to get the verification code to activate whatsapp in the new phone.

is there a way to do so?

# Answer
Yes

* Enabling roaming to receive verification
* Through voice mail

See WhatsApp FAQ for details
> 1 votes

---
Tags: whatsapp-messenger
---


title: Find a malicious app

text:
# Question
Title: Find a malicious app
I have a Google Nexus 5.

Recently i had a problem about WI-FI, it just could not be turned on. I've found many suggestions how to fix that. None of them but turning on in safe mode solved the problem.

As i know, safe mode disables third party apps, which potentially can cause a problem.

I wonder how can i detect exactly which app caused wifi problem ?

What i think now is brute force approach, that is, to delete all the apps one by one and see what happens.

# Answer
Do a brute force approach, but not by uninstalling apps one by one. Do it in the permission control. First go to settings, then go to permission control, then go to wifi and then uncheck app one by one . This may be woks
> 0 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi, nexus-5, safe-mode
---


# Question
Title: Why Does TowelRoot Require Internet / Network Access?
I read a blog post somewhere that suggested TowelRoot does not need internet access, and I've also read that it does. The latest version I tried to run TowelRoot v3 will not work without it. Is it downloading or sending any information? If so, what?

Addendum: I suppose if they were trying to accomplish anything nefarious, they would just do it instead of asking for permission... right?

# Answer
Since TowelRoot's code is not publicly available, I resorted to decompile the latest APK, downloaded from the TowelRoot website, in order to investigate the app's need for the INTERNET permission.

---

## Relevant notes

Upon successful decompilation, it turned out that neither the activities nor the code itself be obfuscated. The developer certainly had anticipated that this app would've been investigated, yet he had left the code to be as much transparent as possible. The most important file we have at this point is `TowelRoot.smali`, which describes all the workings of this app.

*Note: depending on your particular version of ApkTool, the line numbers may vary.*

---

## Initial structure

In lines `13-22`, the code initializes a field called `fingerprint`. The relevant code follows:

```
.field fingerprint:Ljava/util/List;
    .annotation system Ldalvik/annotation/Signature;
        value = {
            "Ljava/util/List",
            "<",
            "Lorg/apache/http/NameValuePair;",
            ">;"
        }
    .end annotation
.end field

```

which is a Java list composed of key-value pairs, to be used when collecting the relevant info from the phone.

---

## Data collected

In lines `56-215`, the code describes a method called `fillInFingerprint`, which is responsible for retrieving the appropriate data to be sent to the TowelRoot website, in order to ascertain whether the device can be rooted via the homonymous exploit. This method makes an extensive use of the abovementioned `fingerprint` field. The collected data follows.

### Device model

The visible device model. Lines `70-80`:

```
iget-object v4, p0, Lcom/geohot/towelroot/TowelRoot;->fingerprint:Ljava/util/List;

new-instance v5, Lorg/apache/http/message/BasicNameValuePair;

const-string v6, "model"

sget-object v7, Landroid/os/Build;->MODEL:Ljava/lang/String;

invoke-direct {v5, v6, v7}, Lorg/apache/http/message/BasicNameValuePair;-><init>(Ljava/lang/String;Ljava/lang/String;)V

invoke-interface {v4, v5}, Ljava/util/List;->add(Ljava/lang/Object;)Z

```

### Device fingerprint

An unique identifier for the OS build. Lines `83-93`:

```
iget-object v4, p0, Lcom/geohot/towelroot/TowelRoot;->fingerprint:Ljava/util/List;

new-instance v5, Lorg/apache/http/message/BasicNameValuePair;

const-string v6, "fingerprint"

sget-object v7, Landroid/os/Build;->FINGERPRINT:Ljava/lang/String;

invoke-direct {v5, v6, v7}, Lorg/apache/http/message/BasicNameValuePair;-><init>(Ljava/lang/String;Ljava/lang/String;)V

invoke-interface {v4, v5}, Ljava/util/List;->add(Ljava/lang/Object;)Z

```

### Device hardware

Likely the processor board. Lines `96-106`:

```
iget-object v4, p0, Lcom/geohot/towelroot/TowelRoot;->fingerprint:Ljava/util/List;

new-instance v5, Lorg/apache/http/message/BasicNameValuePair;

const-string v6, "hardware"

sget-object v7, Landroid/os/Build;->HARDWARE:Ljava/lang/String;

invoke-direct {v5, v6, v7}, Lorg/apache/http/message/BasicNameValuePair;-><init>(Ljava/lang/String;Ljava/lang/String;)V

invoke-interface {v4, v5}, Ljava/util/List;->add(Ljava/lang/Object;)Z

```

### Device serial

Device's unique serial number. Lines `109-119`:

```
iget-object v4, p0, Lcom/geohot/towelroot/TowelRoot;->fingerprint:Ljava/util/List;

new-instance v5, Lorg/apache/http/message/BasicNameValuePair;

const-string v6, "serial"

sget-object v7, Landroid/os/Build;->SERIAL:Ljava/lang/String;

invoke-direct {v5, v6, v7}, Lorg/apache/http/message/BasicNameValuePair;-><init>(Ljava/lang/String;Ljava/lang/String;)V

invoke-interface {v4, v5}, Ljava/util/List;->add(Ljava/lang/Object;)Z

```

### Device kernel version

Vital since the exploit is likely to have been patched in the recent kernels. Lines `122-134`:

```
iget-object v4, p0, Lcom/geohot/towelroot/TowelRoot;->fingerprint:Ljava/util/List;

new-instance v5, Lorg/apache/http/message/BasicNameValuePair;

const-string v6, "kernel"

invoke-virtual {p0}, Lcom/geohot/towelroot/TowelRoot;->javaSucksAssReadTheKernelVersion()Ljava/lang/String;

move-result-object v7

invoke-direct {v5, v6, v7}, Lorg/apache/http/message/BasicNameValuePair;-><init>(Ljava/lang/String;Ljava/lang/String;)V

invoke-interface {v4, v5}, Ljava/util/List;->add(Ljava/lang/Object;)Z

```

### TowelRoot version

Lines `168-180`:

```
iget-object v4, p0, Lcom/geohot/towelroot/TowelRoot;->fingerprint:Ljava/util/List;

new-instance v5, Lorg/apache/http/message/BasicNameValuePair;

const-string v6, "appversion"

invoke-direct {p0}, Lcom/geohot/towelroot/TowelRoot;->getSoftwareVersion()Ljava/lang/String;

move-result-object v7

invoke-direct {v5, v6, v7}, Lorg/apache/http/message/BasicNameValuePair;-><init>(Ljava/lang/String;Ljava/lang/String;)V

invoke-interface {v4, v5}, Ljava/util/List;->add(Ljava/lang/Object;)Z

```

### Modstring

The string `modstring`. Lines `202-211`:

```
.local v1, "modstring":Ljava/lang/String;
iget-object v4, p0, Lcom/geohot/towelroot/TowelRoot;->fingerprint:Ljava/util/List;

new-instance v5, Lorg/apache/http/message/BasicNameValuePair;

const-string v6, "modstring"

invoke-direct {v5, v6, v1}, Lorg/apache/http/message/BasicNameValuePair;-><init>(Ljava/lang/String;Ljava/lang/String;)V

invoke-interface {v4, v5}, Ljava/util/List;->add(Ljava/lang/Object;)Z

```

---

## The server request

In lines `227-329` the code describes the method `queryServer`, which queries the server's database in order to find a match with the collected data, and handles the possible exceptions in the code. Such data is transmitted to the URL `https://towelroot.appspot.com/report/` via SSL and a POST request (lines `263-275`):

```
.local v2, "httppost":Lorg/apache/http/client/methods/HttpPost;
new-instance v5, Lorg/apache/http/client/entity/UrlEncodedFormEntity;

iget-object v6, p0, Lcom/geohot/towelroot/TowelRoot;->fingerprint:Ljava/util/List;

invoke-direct {v5, v6}, Lorg/apache/http/client/entity/UrlEncodedFormEntity;-><init>(Ljava/util/List;)V

invoke-virtual {v2, v5}, Lorg/apache/http/client/methods/HttpPost;->setEntity(Lorg/apache/http/HttpEntity;)V

.line 88
invoke-interface {v1, v2}, Lorg/apache/http/client/HttpClient;->execute(Lorg/apache/http/client/methods/HttpUriRequest;)Lorg/apache/http/HttpResponse;

move-result-object v3

```

---

## make it ra1n

The method `buttonClicked` (lines `333-426`) contains the code that makes the app work when you push the button. Amongst others, it calls the methods `fillInFingerprint` to gather the required info, and `queryServer` to see if the device can be rooted.

It then proceeds by analyzing the server's response. If said response is empty, TowelRoot prompts you about the necessity of an Internet connection (lines `369-378`):

```
invoke-virtual {v0, v2}, Ljava/lang/String;->equals(Ljava/lang/Object;)Z

move-result v2

if-eqz v2, :cond_1

.line 115
const-string v2, "Please ensure you are connected to the internet"

invoke-virtual {v1, v2}, Landroid/widget/TextView;->setText(Ljava/lang/CharSequence;)V

```

If the response is not empty, then TowelRoot proceeds by checking if the abovementioned equals the string `nyet` (lines `391-402`):

```
const-string v2, "nyet"

invoke-virtual {v0, v2}, Ljava/lang/String;->equals(Ljava/lang/Object;)Z

move-result v2

if-eqz v2, :cond_2

.line 117
const-string v2, "This phone isn\'t currently supported"

invoke-virtual {v1, v2}, Landroid/widget/TextView;->setText(Ljava/lang/CharSequence;)V

```

If the response equals `nyet`, then the phone isn't officially supported.

Finally, if the response is both non-empty and different from `nyet`, TowelRoot starts the rooting procedure by calling the native method `rootTheShit`, defined at line `448` and probably contained inside the library `libexploit.so`.

---

## For the brave ones

TowelRoot includes a special mode for users with unsupported devices. This mode, whose code is defined inside the method `titleClicked` (lines `451-504`), is accessible by tapping the red `welcome to towelroot v3` title inside the app, and will allow the user to try different modstrings in order to try to root the device anyway.
> 7 votes

---
Tags: rooting, root-access, security
---


title: Android as WiFi adapter?

text:
# Question
Title: Android as WiFi adapter?
How do I use my phone's USB hotspot to transfer my WiFi network connected to my phone to my laptop? Is it possible? I'm running CyanogenMod 12.1 on my Galaxy Note II. Thank you.

# Answer
Yes, this is possible.

* Plug your phone into your laptop
* On your phone, go to settings
* In the wireless & networks area, more -\> Tethering & portable hotspot
* Enable USB tethering
> 1 votes

---
Tags: wifi-hotspot, tethering, wifi-tethering, usb-tethering
---


# Question
Title: Auto boot when charger connected (for HTC Magic)
I want to let Android OS to boot automatically when the charger connected (for HTC Magic) without pressing power button I found this guide:

---

# Complete boot when charging

If your phone only gets one of those ugly battery symbols when a charger is connected to a powered off phone this is because the init process is interrupted by /system/bin/chargemon. That file is a binary ARM program, I replaced it with a simple script containing only a single line: echo skipping chargemon The file was created and installed with the following steps:

```
echo "echo skipping chargemon" > chargemon.script

adb pull /system/bin/chargemon chargemon.backup

adb push chargemon.script  /sqlite_stmt_journals

adb shell

$ cd /sqlite_stmt_journals
$ su
# mount -o remount,rw /dev/block/mtdblock0 /system
# cat chargemon.script > /system/bin/chargemon
# chmod 755 /system/bin/chargemon
# reboot -p

```

When the command su is given above, it might have to be acknowledged in a dialog on the phone screen. The final command reboot -p shuts down the phone. As the USB cable is still connected it will power on again, and if everything has gone fine the phone will complete its boot process without halting with any battery symbol.

---

But I can't find "chargemon" in System/bin

# Answer
> 1 votes
I got it working - auto boot when charger is plugged in - on my HTC Desire 200. There is no *playlpm/lpm/idot/chargemon* on these HTC devices. Fortunately there is something similar, **/system/bin/zchgd**. This is a service that takes care for the charging animation. On this specific device, the charging animation is played even though the phone is powered on (on the lockscreen), it is also played when the phone is powered off while it's on a charger. (BTW: the images for the animation can be found at */system/media/zchrgd*.)

As I found out, the **zchgd** service is started differently when the phone is powered off or on. I just grep through the init scripts, in my case **/init.gtou.rc**:

```
service zchgd_offmode /system/bin/zchgd -pseudooffmode
    user root
    group root graphics
    disabled

service zchgd_onmode /system/bin/zchgd -onmode
    user root
    group root graphics

on property:dev.zcharge=true
    start zchgd_onmode

on property:dev.zcharge=false
    stop zchgd_onmode

```

So, I created a fake **zchgd** service, a simple *sh* script that replaces the original service.

Steps:

```
adb shell
su
mount -o rw,remount,rw /system
cd /system/bin
ls -l zchgd*
mv zchgd zchgd_original
touch zchgd
vi zchgd # <- insert content
chmod 0755 zchgd
chown root.shell zchgd
ls -l zchgd*

```

Content of my fake service:

```
#!/system/bin/sh

log -p v -t "zchgdwrapper"  "Starting fake zchgd service; args='$@'"

if [ "$#" -eq 1 ]; then
    case $1 in
    -pseudooffmode)
        log -p v -t "zchgdwrapper"  "PseudoOffMode service"
        while true; do
           sleep 60
           enabled=$(cat /sys/class/power_supply/battery/charging_enabled)
           log -p v -t "zchgdwrapper"  "Checking battery charging enabled; enabled='$enabled'"
           if [ "$enabled" -gt 0 ]; then
               log -p v -t "zchgdwrapper"  "Going to magic-reboot"
               su -c "echo 1 > /proc/sys/kernel/sysrq"
               su -c "echo b > /proc/sysrq-trigger"
               ret=$?
               log -p v -t "zchgdwrapper"  "Magic-reboot issued ret='$ret'"
               sleep 120
               exit 0
           fi
        done
    ;;
    -onmode)
        log -p v -t "zchgdwrapper"  "OnMode service"
        while true; do
          log -p v -t "zchgdwrapper"  "Sleeping beauty"
          sleep 3600
        done
    ;;
    esac
fi

log -p v -t "zchgdwrapper"  "Not gonna happen - starting the original service"
/system/bin/zchgd_original $@
exit $?

```

When the service is stared with *-pseudooffmode* argument, then it checks the battery status periodically (every minute in my case). If the phone is being charged or the battery is full then it will automatically restart the phone. I could not use **/system/bin/reboot**, I got permission errors, even though I had them... So I restart it with a hack, that two echo lines. The *-onmode* is there only because, I don't want to see the charging animation even if my phone is powered on.

You can debug the script with **adb logcat -s zchgdwrapper**. I hope this was helpful!

**IMPORTANT**

For this to work, you **MUST** enable **Settings/Power/Fast boot** option. It won't work if it is disabled, I think without the fast boot option another firmware is booted, but not sure about that.

Also I have this config in **SuperSU#**, I don't think it is necessary but, here it is:

* Default Acces \< Grant
* Enable su during boot
* Trust system user

Further info: https://github.com/tomicooler/htcdesire200autoboot

---
Tags: charging, boot, bootloader, system, htc-magic
---


title: Android VPN (PIA) and Location Settings

text:
# Question
Title: Android VPN (PIA) and Location Settings
I am currently using a Private Internet Access (PIA) vpn on my S7 Edge.

If I leave the location/GPS function on while surfing the web "anonymously", will having the location feature on make my VPN useless by providing my location?

# Answer
> 0 votes
I also use PIA for Android. Through my experience and also from my knowledge of networks, yes, the location of your phone is still your actual location. The only difference using the VPN would have is that the location would be associated with whichever external IP address that has been assigned to your session by PIA.

The only way to hide your location would be to turn it off or spoof your location through developer options. There is currently no option in the PIA for Android app to hid location.

---
Tags: vpn, geolocation
---


title: Monitoring my android phone

text:
# Question
Title: Monitoring my android phone
My friend's gmail I'd is logged in my mobile I think he is monitoring my call logs ,is there any way to monitor my call logs?

# Answer
> 0 votes
From my experience with flashing different roms on different devices over the years, it is highly unlikely or even impossible that they are monitoring your call logs.

Google accounts do not keep track of your call logs unless you are a Google voice user. If your friends account is the primary Google account on the phone, they would have access to any information synced with Google from your device. I would be more worried about other information they could access such as your location, installed applications, synced contacts, etc.

Now if their account is only signed into your Gmail application, they would not have access to any information on your device.

I highly recommend removing their account from your system accounts. This can be done in system settings.

`Settings > Accounts & Sync > Google > select friends account > Remove Account`

For a little bit of background, I have found that the only way to access call logs on a device is to extract them with a third party app or by contacting the network carrier.

---
Tags: applications, gmail, calls
---


# Question
Title: The songs I downloaded online do not show up with the same name in the player
I download music from various sites offering music for free (because I lack any sort of disposable income to legitimately download them). After changing their names into ones that make sense on my computer, I load them onto a memory card and then try to play them. They play just fine but their titles seem to be totally different from what I changed them to on my computer. For example, I renamed a file to "The Chainsmokers-Closer" on my computer, but in Google play music it reads "TERGOS. RU". What is causing this and how can I solve it? Should I format the memory card as input? Should I put the renamed files directly onto my internal memory? Re downloading the song doesn't seem to help

# Answer
> 0 votes
Google Play Music is most likely reading the MP3 tag instead of the actual filename. There are two ways to edit the MP3 tag.

To do it on your computer, I have used in the past mp3tag. To do this from your phone, you can use the application iTag - Music Tag Editor. If you prefer neither of these methods, you would have to find a music player that does not read the MP3 tag but instead reads the filename. I use Poweramp and in the settings of that application, under `Look & Feel > Player UI`, you can set the player to read the titles from the file names.

---
Tags: downloading, troubleshooting
---


title: Where'd the Google camera app go?

text:
# Question
Title: Where'd the Google camera app go?
I have a Motorola Moto Z but I can't find the official Camera app by Google. Can anyone provide me with the Play Store link?

# Answer
As @beeshyams said in their comment, the Google Camera app is not available in some regions on the Play Store. This link is to the listing on the Play Store. If you can access the listing from that link, then you're one of the lucky few countries that can. If you cannot, you will have to download it from a reputable third party website such as APKMirror.

Do take note of the minimum supported Android version when using APKMirror as well as the fact that there are two variants for different processor architectures. If the minimum version is too high, I recommend moving to the most recent one that supports your OS version. If there are two variants available for whichever version you choose and if your first download doesn't install, try the other variant.

DISCLAIMER: You will have to enable Installation from Unknown Sources in order to install from a third party site. This is highly recommended against as it enables the possibility of malicious applications being installed on your device.
> 4 votes

---
Tags: applications, google-apps, google-camera
---


title: Removing contact's number from Whatsapp

text:
# Question
Title: Removing contact's number from Whatsapp
I have removed a contact's number from Contacts. Also blocked the number on Whatsapp but number is still there in Whatsapp. How to remove it from there as well?

# Answer
This question is a duplicate of this one posted 3 years ago. I verified that the steps outlined in that answer still work by deleting a contact on my phone and following the instructions.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop, whatsapp-messenger
---


# Question
Title: How to save a edited PDF opened from google drive with Adobe Acrobat Reader
My problem is long to read, but elementary:

**Introduction, not the actual problem:** suppose we have a downloaded file **in internal storage** "file.pdf", we open it with Adobe Acrobat Reader. We edit the file, for example by adding annotations. Now in order to save it (to the same location in internal storage where it was when opening, as opposed to saving to Google drive or adobe document cloud) we just close it and **it says "saved" in grey text, and indeed that works**, the edits are saved, replacing the old file there is the new one.

Now the problem: I'm actually **trying to do that**, except with a file in **google drive**. That is, I open google drive, I look for my file2.pdf, then I choose "open with" adobe acrobat reader. I edit the file. Now when I want to save it, there are two options that don't work:

-If I just close like before, **indeed it says "saved" but, it doesn't save!** Changes are lost. Why this happens?

-If I choose "share" and then choose share to my own google drive, instead of saving it creates a new version and puts it in the root google drive folder. Then I have two files, the old one and the last edited one, and this is very messy. I would want instead to save in the same place and replace the old file with the new one edited.

**Important note: This procedure works FINE (without the problems described) in my PC (windows 10)** using the analogous programs, that is Google drive for desktop and adobe acrobat reader DC. That is to say I open pdf from the google drive folder in windows, edit them, save, and the changes are saved.

# Answer
> 2 votes
When you open a file from Google Drive with Adobe Acrobat, it doesn't actually open it **in** Google Drive because that is another computer that you can't access.

The file that you open with Acrobat on Google Drive is actually downloaded to your device and is stored in temporary memory. When you **save** the changes you make, they are not applied to the actual file in Google Drive, but to temporary file in the memory, which gets deleted once you are done with it.

**Share** option is different. Due Android's sandboxing and user restrictions, Adobe Acrobat actually never even accesses your Google Drive storage. It tells Android that the user gave a command to share this file to Google Drive. Then Android takes the file in temporary memory that had its changed saved and loads it into your Google Drive storage. So your complaints are not originating from Adobe Acrobat but due the way AndroidOS works and its could-have-been-better calibration for Google Drive.

---
Tags: google-drive, adobe-reader
---


title: Microphone extremely quiet

text:
# Question
Title: Microphone extremely quiet
For some time, my microphone is extremely quiet when doing things like making voice messages on WhatsApp or when calling someone. I searched the internet for a solution, but I couldn't find anything except for some apps which didn't work (or only worked in the app itself but outside did nothing). Is there a config file with the microphone volume so I can adjust it myself or some script or so?

Wired headset microphone is also extremely quiet.

---

Information that could be relevant to this problem:

Samsung G900f (S5)

Android 6.0.1 / Cyanogenmod 13

Baseband version G900FXXU1BOD3

# Answer
I know this is going to sound a little low tech, but have you tried blowing out or using a strong adhesive (like gorilla tape) to clean out the microphone holes? I've personally encountered the same issue caused by months of dust and pocket lint clogging up the microphone holes on a Note 4.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung, audio, samsung-galaxy-s-5, microphone, telephony
---


# Question
Title: Nexus 7 2013 screen won't come on. When to give up?
My Nexus 7 2013 is no longer working properly: I cannot get the screen to come on, and I don't see any evidence of back-lighting even in a dark room. I believe the device starts up and shuts down properly because when it's connected to my computer via USB, I can browse the files on the tablet.

On two occasions, I was able to see the boot screen ("Google" logo with an open padlock at the bottom of the screen). The 2nd time it happened, there was an unusual white horizontal line (typically the background is solid black) crossing the screen. That was two days ago; nothing since.

I suspect it's a hardware issue, but I don't know how to test. So I have two questions:

1. What can I try to fix the problem? I'm open to using ADB, fastboot etc, but need detailed instructions (am noob).
2. If the problem can't be fixed, how can I safely clear all my info from the device before I dispose of it?

The Nexus is on Android 5.1.1, and is rooted with an unlocked bootloader. The device is also fully charged.

**More info**:

When I plug the device to my TV's HDMI, the Nexus outputs the Android UI to the television, and the tablet screen can sense my touch (I can navigate the touchscreen, although nothing is displayed on the tablet itself). So if any diagnostic or fix requires me to see what's on screen, it's doable

# Answer
This is hardware damage. Your local electronics repair shop can probably replace the screen if you would like. The manufacturer is a possibility too, but it will be expensive.

As for recovering data, most of what you will need to save is stored to the SD card (emulated most of the time), and you said you could view the internal storage. Save whatever you feel you want (always downloads folder and DCIM). Most other data is saved to the cloud by Google and can be automatically imported into a new device.

If you were able to access ADB, you can take a full system backup using the backup command. When it requests access, tap the bottom left corner of the screen after unlocking the screen as if it worked correctly. It's okay if this doesn't work, what you can already access should be sufficient.

You're lucky. Most people cannot access the internal storage when this occurs.

As for wiping the device, you have access to the screen! Navigate to Settings-\> Privacy -\> Factory Reset. This will delete all data on the phone.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I had this happen to a Nexus 8 (which is the same, basically), though mine would not show files from the PC. I could see enough on my screen to know it was booting, with weird lines and shapes changing as it did so.

But I was able to see the screen output on the HDMI output. So I connected a regular mouse to the USB port and went into the backup/restore section of settings and there is an option to reset it to factory.

Upon contacting the reseller, I found they would exchange the unit for $40 if I shipped it back to them. That is more than half what I paid for it.

So then I decided to explore fixing it myself. To replace the screen and/or digitizer is very intricate. The digitizer alone was about $20 on Amazon.

There is a very detailed Youtube video on the process. I suggest you watch it and decide for yourself what you want to do.

After watching that video, I canceled my order for the digitizer and never even looked up the price for a replacement display portion of the screen. It wasn't really beyond my skill level, but I already didn't like the memory limit and decided to look around for other options.

## My answer:

I put it in a junk box then bought a refurbished 10 inch RCA Viking Pro with 32GB and 1GB Ram, from Walmart, for about $80 or so, then a nice soft black carry case with a handle on Amazon for about $15, and have not looked back.

In the end I am glad my Nexus broke. I could still use it with a mouse and HDMI if I wanted it, but at least I got my personal info erased from it, and all my personal apps and settings came right back from Google onto the new device. I use my phone as my Google Authenticator for the 2FA security.

The Viking Pro (with the keyboard) is so nice it was worth going through all that. It is 10 times the machine for just a few dollars more than trying to cobble together a fix for a broken one. What really makes it shine is the full detachable keyboard. It is not a cranky bluetooth keyboard, either. It has a back button and a screen-off button, and it does copy/paste and all the other control characters just like my desktop - (and that makes it work much better for Lastpass - without the paste function you might as well not even try to use it, and there goes your security).

The carry case is what really makes it work out well. I can still carry it to church and use it as my Bible. One more thing: superb battery life, and easy access to airplane mode when you want.

## --EDIT: More info based on comments:

Here is the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2O5Dt1ITD0

Here is the Viking Pro: https://www.walmart.com/ip/134784177

Here is the carry sleeve: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HJCUBZ6

Another interesting development: Since it has so much memory I was able to get my Google Voice running on it, and there is an app that allows it to make phone calls and do SMS messaging via WiFi with no voice or data plan. All using my Voice number which rings on my home computer, the cellphone and the tablet. That alone has saved more than the unit cost.

Plus, the sleeve has a pocket in which I carry my phone for authentication.

That 32 GB storage (plus the 32 GB SD Card) makes a huge difference. It integrates well with Google Drive and with EF Explorer I can move things around however I want, including some fairly large videos, so I don't have to play them directly from Drive. And Netflix allows you to download Netflix Originals onto the card, too. All in all, it makes me wonder why I bothered with the Nexus in the first place.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: factory-reset, 5.1-lollipop, nexus-7, screen, unbricking
---


# Question
Title: Added lock screen pin to encrypted device - can't unlock on boot now
I have an encrypted cyanogenmod 13 device. I set the password manually via the command line using a guide like this. More recently I added a lock screen pin, and I *think* I set it to not ask on boot but I'm not certain now. I rebooted the device for the first time since adding the new pin but I can't unlock it now.

When it boots, it's loading the same disk unlocking screen as before, but it's asking for the pin instead. Entering it doesn't work, however. Since it's expecting a pin all it presents is a number pad - can't type the encryption password in case that's what it wants.

The question is, obviously, how can I unlock it. I know both the encryption password and the lock screen pin so I could do it via the USB+command line but neither ADB nor fastboot detect any devices.

Some users elsewhere have suggested trying the sim pin but a) same thing happens when sim is removed and b) the sim pin doesn't work anyway.

I'd like to get this unlocked soon, if not possible I need to do the whole setting up from scratch process as soon as possible.

**Note**: I have access to the device via the teamwin reovery thing which has a filemanager and terminal. Is there some command I can run to set the unlock type/keyboard back to normal?

---

Edit: I was able to use ADB when in recovery mode, but obviously changes made to `settings.db` don't propagate. What do I need to do to regenerate the "initramfs" or whatever android uses that contains all the necessary data to boot when encrypted? I assume that it has it's own copy of settings.db.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Since I have access to the recovery, I simply backed up everything, did a full-format (which wipes the encryption), restored, disabled the damn lock screen pin and then added the encryption again.

Not the ideal solution but hopefully helps someone in a similar situation.

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, lock-screens, encryption
---


# Question
Title: Can I wipe a Galaxy S4 Mini with dead screen and digitizer?
I have here a Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini (GT-I9195). It has met a terrible fate on a parking lot, and is damaged beyond repair: broken screen and digitizer, battery bent out of shape.

Apart from these terrible wounds, it appears to still be working fine: it boots and vibrates, the side and home buttons work fine, and USB access is operational. In particular, I was able to backup all that I wanted using MTP.

We are going to buy a replacement of course (though finding a good 4.3" phone is not easy nowadays). **My question is: can I wipe this phone? If yes, how?**

Obviously, anything involving reading or touching the screen is a no-go: that part is truly fully dead. I am hoping I can access and blindly use some kind of boot menu using only the side keys, or that I can somehow perform that over USB, or that I can press or short some internal reset switch inside the phone.

(Software would preferably be run from Linux, but Windows 7 or 10 is also possible.)

# Answer
Take the HardDrive Out Burn it

Also if Your google account is Connected: 1.Go to google.com Enter "Find My Phone 2.There should be a little Window with the last known location of your phone 3.There should also be 2 little buttons there a "Ring" and a "Recover" 4.Once you click on that all the way at the bottom there should be consider erasing your phone (The page where it should send you) 5.USe that and follow the instructions. Good Lucj
> 1 votes

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


# Question
Title: How do I wipe the data from a hard bricked phone
I think I've hard bricked my Android, and the phone had sensitive private data on it while it was still functional. I plan to try and get it repaired, but is it possible to wipe this data first?

# Answer
The very definition of bricked is that the phone is totally inoperable. But on the off chance that it is just a screen problem there are a couple of possibilities.

Try the HDMI output. See if there is any sign of life. If so, then either using the screen digitizer or an external USB mouse, do the normal Settings, Backup/Restore/Set to Factory thing.

Another idea is to try booting up a PC with a Linux LiveCD of your choice and see if you can access the phone at all. If so, then go about deleting what you can.

If it is truly bricked, then perhaps it is time to go shopping. Walmart Online has some good deals.
> 1 votes

# Answer
DO THIS ONLY TO WIPE IT THERE WILL BE NO RECOVERY!!! Try the Google Lost My Phone Method to wipe the phone clean:

1.go to https://www.google.com

2.Simply type "Lost My Phone" or "Find My Phone"

3.Click On Recover (You may or may not need to log in, MAKE SURE TO LOG INTO THE SAME GOOGLE THAT IS ON THE PHONE)

4.A page should appear, all the way at the bottom there will be "Consider Erasing your phone"

5.Click on that and follow further instuctions Good Lucks.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: unbricking
---


# Question
Title: Automatic time on Nexus 5X says it's 2017 already, one day ahead
This morning I woke up to my phone, a Nexus 5X, telling me that it was already 2017, by saying the date was 1 January 2017. The time was/is still correct to the second, but it is only one day ahead.

My girlfriend had the same issue on her Nexus 5 this morning. Is there more people with the same problem? Can this be fixed or should it be reported?

EDIT: The problem was automatically resolved when I tried a day later

# Answer
> 1 votes
I was just reading this article:

http://android.wonderhowto.com/how-to/set-your-android-atomic-time-for-perfectly-synced-clock-0170500/

It suggests your phone is using the NITZ service to sync time, which relies on good carrier service.

The article says that if this service is bad, it might take your phone out of properly synced time.

You can try installing the suggested app.

Without root, you won't be able to sync automatically, but you can sync manually every week or so.

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Tags: clock, nexus-5x, date-and-time
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title: How to remove the contacts

text:
# Question
Title: How to remove the contacts
My daughter (7 years old) has a tablet. However, Google won't allow her to create an account due to her age. As such, she is using mine.

The issue is, she has access to all my contacts. I would like to only allow her access to the contacts she adds and not the ones I have associated with the account she is using (seems counter intuitive when I write this).

Whilst the obvious answer is create a new account and lie about her age, my question is if I can remove access to the shared contacts and only provide her local contacts. EG, she can't access any contacts under Google Contacts but can from her local device (such as her parents and friends email address).

# Answer
Yes, it's possible. Probably creating your second email ID or creating her fake email ID will be the easiest solution. But try this -

With each Google account you have privilege to Sync only thing you want. I better recommend you to go to Settings on Android, then tap on Account \> select Google and tap on your email ID and turn off **Sync Contacts**. I read it on Selective Sync Google Account Settings and I believe that should work.
> 1 votes

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Tags: contacts
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# Question
Title: USB Drivers for Samsung Galaxy Grand Neo Duos GT-I9060I?
I can't find the USB drivers for the Samsung Galaxy Grand Neo Duos, GT-I9060I, on the Samsungs Official site or anywhere else?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Try ADB drivers and see if it works.

The download link is here - http://adbdriver.com/downloads/

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Tags: usb-drivers
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title: Android Factory Reset

text:
# Question
Title: Android Factory Reset
After a factory reset on my Note 5 the first step after selecting language Google requires is the previous email account entry, I've entered my gmail account and password 10 times and it keeps telling me to use the original. It is the original. Except for an updated password. It is an endless loop; how do you get out of it?

# Answer
> 0 votes
If you are completely positive that that email is correct, try these things:

1. Resetting the password to the original (if you know it).
2. Make sure you're using a Google account (Or Gmail).
3. Contacting your service provider's help line or contact support.
4. Contact Samsung here.

Good Luck. I would recommend contacting Samsung **BEFORE** your service provider.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You are doing something wrong here. When you enter your Google Account credentials, there you will be asked to enter email and password. Once that is filled, in the next screen you will be asked to type your recovery email. That's it. Only the recovery email, Google doesn't ask password for it.

You did something wrong.

Anyways, you can change your email password right now. Here is the official Google guide - https://support.google.com/mail/answer/41078?hl=en

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Tags: factory-reset
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title: Ghost Touch Issue in Moto G4 Plus

text:
# Question
Title: Ghost Touch Issue in Moto G4 Plus
My mobile phone (Moto G4 Plus) shows Ghost Touch (erratic/random behavior) while charging. Other than the time of charging, the phone works normal.

In my view it is software issue. Require solutions of curbing this issue.

I have attached the Ghost Touch behavior Video for clarity of my issue.

Video Link Showing my Issue: Ghost Touch Issue

# Answer
It's hardware issue. You can try different cables or chargers, or contact manufacturer if your phone have warranty. Sure you always can turn off screen when charging ant don't use phone until it charges, but it's uncomfortable.
> 1 votes

# Answer
First of all, that's not a serious issue that may happen with any of the devices with touch display. I will not go in deep working of screens but the work with the potential difference generated by our touch or sticks/stylus. The Turbo-Power brick which is bundled in the box is the culprit, (Only for those users who are facing ghost touch while charging.) Hereby I will like to say that "You may try using a normal charger and that check if the problem persists."

P.S.- Those users who don't have ghost touch problem while using Turbo-Power brick they will experience the same after 8-10 months. So Prevention is always Better than cure..

And I think, That bundled brick is just for emergency usage..

You may go for Samsung/Micosoft micro-USB pinned charger, they are best in class..
> 1 votes

# Answer
Set the brightness level at 10% - 60% then use your phone , ghost touch problem solved
> 0 votes

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Tags: touchscreen, charging, motorola
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