title: Problem With Phone Camera

text:
# Question
Title: Problem With Phone Camera
When I take a picture it says couldn't find file and when someone sends a picture on WhatsApp it says file doesn't exist on the sd card. I have to turn the phone off and back on and they have to send it again. I have ESfile explorer. I know my cousin moved some stuff. I don't know what to do please help.

I have the LG g stylo Android version 5.1.1. I have tried changing where my picture saves and erase es file explorer but nothing.

# Answer
> 0 votes
This is a pretty vague question (if you could modify to explain other details it would help, such as locations where images are working, how long after reboot does it stop working, etc) but it just sounds like an issue with Androids tmp folder used for "caching" images for quicker viewing.

This can be caused by deleting tmp, or by system IO errors on the dom, or a load of other possibilities. Without a more precise question I suggest you try reinstalling affected apps. If that doesn't work try backing up your important stuff (images, whatsapp, etc), wiping your phone, then restoring. If you have to do this DONT use system backup, that also points to the tmp IO handlers, which is probably what you're having an issue with.

Hope this helps

---
Tags: camera, photos, lg
---


# Question
Title: How to determine maximum capacity of a battery in mAh? - received fake battery
Is it an increasable value ? I think its not.

I just bought an extended **`3890 mAh`** battery for my Galaxy S4 `GT I9500`. The original Samsung battery is **`2600 mAh`**.

This is my second purchase from a different seller, after discovering that the 1st was a fraud. In Android tools, the new battery capacities say **`2600 mAh`** only as maximum capacity.

I complained to the seller, and he suggests to do full charge cycles, re-calibration. However, that did not increase the capacity.

The seller is trying to prove that calibration can increase the capacity of the battery he has sold me to **`3890 mAh`** as advertised. However, this doesn't look like it's gonna happen.

Most trusted tools for Android, **CPUZ**, **3CToolbox** also say that the capacity is **`2600 mAh`** only.

# Answer
* Battery calibration is a **myth** and definitely will not help you in any way. For details see my answer Bought a new battery. Do I need to calibrate it
* 3C Toolbox (and maybe other apps, not sure though ) read the **battery information from the ROM files and not from the battery** you have. This I learnt when I sought a clarification from the developer, when the app was showing battery capacity as 4000 mAh whereas the battery is 3100 mAh (Huawei Honor 6). To quote from 3C Toolbox developer mail

> In Android, one can get the stock hard-coded battery capacity from battery profiles, an hidden API in Android. That’s the one of the 2 sources the app uses.
>
> The other source is in the kernel, **usually** under /sys/devices/power\_supply/battery/charge\_full\_design (On my device path is different). To know the path on your device, from 3C Toolbox, tap *request support* from *Help and support* menu. An email will be generated to the developer having information about your device, including *battery\_info.txt*. This file amongst other things specifies the path of second source

When you change your battery and replace with an extended battery, the **ROM information is not updated**. To adjust the capacity of the battery manually (from Battery Manager → Tap the 4 small square icon → Adjust Capacity or use Configuration Wizard). This change is for this app usage only

**How to measure actual capacity using 3C Toolbox** Your concern is on verifying the actual capacity ( which was mine too). This can be done by using the current sensor of your device. If your device doesn't have a current sensor, it derives from voltage sensor and may be less accurate (Edit (in 2020) , in recent Android versions most devices are required to have a current sensor, so you needn't bother checking if your device has a current sensor or not - they have it as a rule). Here is the relevant portion of reply from the developer that should help you.

> So in the end the only fully reliable way to verify capacity would be to pin the battery to an external meter. Less reliable is to use the current sensor when available and using my app you can get the actual capacity derived from actual measures of the sensor. For that the best is to use a 1 minute monitoring while charging, as sensors are often updated every minute using an average value (for the past minute). Sensors often provide very accurate results.

See snapshot below highlighted portion shows charge in 28 minutes.

(Battery Manager →Markers → Choose plug state chargers→ Tap on the notification and set up monitoring settings)

Discharge your battery to say 10% and charge fully-you will know your battery capacity using this method

**Edit:** Neither does OEM description of the phone or apps like CPU-Z, Hardware Info tell you whether your device has a current sensor . You will need to spend time in searching if it has a current sensor. It is better to avoid that search, since we are looking at approximate capacity to determine if it is a fake. Hence, in 3C Toolbox settings, you could set

Battery Manager →Markers → Choose plug state chargers→ Tap on the notification and set up : Record all the time (on); mA retrieval method (automatic, if your device is not listed), Recording Interval -every minute while charging (accurate mAh calculation)

---

**Edit:** For more details , please see Where are the battery capacity files located
> 5 votes

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Tags: battery, charging
---


# Question
Title: "no command" after OTA update of a Wiko Rainbow 4G
My son has a Wiko Rainbow 4G (a French company) which underwent an OTA update. It runs by default Kitkat 4.4. The phone was not rooted not modified in any way.

After the OTA the phone rebooted but is now stuck in a "no command" ("pas de commande" in French) state - the image is of the green Android character laying on the ground with its "front panel" open and an exclamation mark.

I tried to reinstall the stock ROM but the phone is not recognized by the update program (~~despite having correct drivers installed~~ **it turns out I was wrong**, see my answer below).

I have access to recovery mode and could attempt to flash a ROM but the flashable version (a zip) is not available. I tried to do a factory restet from the recovery mode - it worked but the problem is the same.

Is there something else I should try?

# Answer
**It turned out that the drivers which were installed on my Windows machine were not good enough for flashing.** They were OK for normal connection when the phone was working.

I found the correct drivers on the GSM USB DRIVER site. I installed the VCOM version by going into `Device Manager`, clicking on the computer (upper-most entry) and selecting `Action -> Add legacy software`.

The installation failed. So that it goes though the PC needs to be restarted in a mode which allows for non-signed drivers. This is explained in a good video, the steps are to reboot your PC by shift clicking the reboot entry, then `Troubleshoot`, `Advanced options`, `Startup settings`, `Disable signed drivers enforcement`. After the automatic reboot the installation above will succeed, and then the flashing does so as well.

All credit goes to Android MTK for the tutorials and GSM USB DRIVER for the drivers.
> 1 votes

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Tags: unbricking
---


title: How do I undo a close of a tab?

text:
# Question
Title: How do I undo a close of a tab?
I upgraded from Galaxy Mega to Galaxy S6 Edge +.

There seems to be no undo button. In Galaxy Mega, when I use Chrome, I can undo close tabs. However, in S6E+, each tab opened in chrome is part of the list of running apps as seen when pressing the Recent button on the lower left.

How can I undo a close of of a tab in chrome?

Can I undo a close of an app?

# Answer
> 1 votes
I have a workaround that leads to a solution but not a direct solution:

If you have Chrome tabs as separate entities in the Overview (Recent Apps) section, then undoing the closure of a tab is not possible. However, if you open Chrome and tap on the three-dotted menu in the right-hand corner and then tap `Settings` and navigate to `Merge tabs and apps` and move the slider to off then your tabs will appear under a seperate tab switcher inside Chrome (this is, I suspect, how your previous phone handled tabs). When you now close tabs, the option to undo the closure is visible.

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Tags: notifications, menu, recents-screen, samsung-galaxy-mega-2, samsung-galaxy-s-6-edge+
---


# Question
Title: Lollipop - multiple Google accounts, setting the default
I have two Google accounts - one personal, one for work. I added the work account last, and it seems to show up as the default for the OS and apps I install. I'd like the personal account, which I added first, to be the default Google account for he device.

Can I change this without having to remove both accounts and add them again in the opposite order?

Edit: to clarify -- while each app will ask which account I want to use, that isn't what I'm asking about. I'm asking if we can change which account the device assumes is primary, and therefor which account it displays first. One would think the first Google account added to the device would be the default, but instead it seems to use the last instead.

# Answer
> 5 votes
All applications that use Android's internal Google Account system should ask you which Google Account they should use on their first run.
This includes games, but excludes websites as they do not use any Android framework.

# Answer
> 3 votes
When you open the play store or any google application to choose between your logged in accounts swipe from left to open options and then touch on the account name of yours. You will then see all the accounts that you are logged in with. Now choose the one you wish to use.

# Answer
> 2 votes
I had to remove accounts until my preferred one was at the top of the list. I added a couple back and my new default wasn't disturbed.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Well your best choice is to backup the apps using a backup application and then switch account and restore the applications. The apps may ask you to choose account now, and you can choose the right one.

One more idea is to backup all apps and clean the data of the play store and Google play services and open the play store again. Now the play store will ask which account to sync with. You can choose the right account. What I don't know is how this will affect the other apps. They must get removed. So please backup first.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Each google app has a menú to choose the default google account you want to use. However since you added last tour business account, that modified your name in the contacts and therefore also on the account name in the Action Bar (TopMenu). So you might just want to modify your name in thr contacts to your name. I think this is what you are looking for.

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Tags: 5.0-lollipop, accounts
---


# Question
Title: How to remove soft navigation keys in Xperia without affecting Dialer's call button?
I am using Micromax A310 running a custom rom (Sony Xperia).

Whenever I try to remove the soft navigation keys by editing *build.prop*, the soft nav keys are removed successfully, but my dialler's call key also disappears. The only option remain is to switch to some third party dialler, which I don't prefer.

Please provide some pointers on how to remove the soft nav keys without affecting the stock dialler's call button.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Try hiding the soft keys using Gravity Box, a module for the Xposed framework. Gravity box will let you tweak parts of Android without the need for a custom ROM. There are 3 different versions of Gravity Box for 3 different versions of Android (JB, KK and LP). Link for framework: Xposed. Link to modules: Modules. You can then search for the module you want.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can hide navigation keys and at the same time save your dialer by installing a Xposed module - Noverflow. After that edit the build properties and restart your phone Twice.

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Tags: custom-roms, sony-xperia, softkey
---


# Question
Title: System UI constantly crashes after installing incompatible theme on CM13
I installed a theme on CyanogenMod 13 that is incompatible. Now my **System UI** keeps crashing.

I can't find it with the file manager. How can I delete the theme?

Is there any way I could fix this without reinstalling or factory resetting?

# Answer
Although I'm still on CM12.1, I can relate to you.

Reboot to Safe Mode. Go to *Settings \> Apps \> (Your Theme)*. Uninstall it.

Hope this answers your question.
> 1 votes

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Tags: cyanogenmod, crashes, system, themes
---


title: How to disable Google Now Cards?

text:
# Question
Title: How to disable Google Now Cards?
I find Google Now Cards annoying. How may I disable them?

# Answer
> 5 votes
Open Google app. Go to *Settings \> Now Cards*

Disable both *Show all cards* and *Notifications*.

This should solve the problem.

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Tags: google-now
---


# Question
Title: Get around an app that won't work on rooted device
My bank's app has stopped working after an update. Trying to open the app gets the error "The device is rooted. For security reasons the application cannot be run from a rooted device". Then the app immediately closes.

I'm not really sure how there's security issues from being rooted. Especially compared to accessing the regular website from a desktop computer, which has no such kind of check. However, I don't really care. It's my device. So how can I get around this restriction (without unrooting my phone)?

# Answer
**UPDATE 2 - 6/21/2017**: Most all of the below methods no longer work, especially on devices with Lollipop or higher Android. Currently the only effective method of hiding root access is using Magisk to root the device and use Magisk Manager to enable the Magisk Hide module and hide root from the app in question. Since this is an old question and I am just updating an answer, here is an article describing how to do it and below is a pretty rough guide to doing it.

Summary of steps:

1. Remove old root method complete, this may mean you need to restore stock or reflash your ROM. Some ROMs have root built in, so check with your ROM maintainer/developer.
2. Flash the Magisk installer ZIP using TWRP or other custom recovery
3. Download and install Magisk Manager
4. Swipe from left and go to Settings and enable Magisk Hide
5. Press Back and select Magisk Hide
6. Scroll through the Magisk Hide menu and select the applications you wish to hide root from

Your app should no longer detect that you have root.

---

**Old answer** \- May still be applicable to devices with KitKat and previous Android versions

UPDATE - 9/2016: Most of the methods below will now fail since Google has updates SafetyNet API in how it detects root and modifications to a device. The SafetyNet API is a mandatory part of Google Play Services that auto updates itself regardless of your settings, and many apps are now using this to detect root or modified systems. In fact, in Android 7.x devices, an otherwise stock device with merely an unlocked bootloader can fail the SafetyNet check. More information on SafetyNet API can be found here.

RootCloak will work with most applications to hide root, it is an Xposed module, or RootCloak Plus which is a stand-alone app.

The reason banking and other financial apps don't work on a rooted device is for the potential of private information being obtained by other apps or users with root permissions. Like it or not, there is no denying that having a rooted devices can potentially have security and privacy concerns, even if only in theory. Suhide by Chainfire is another great solution.
> 5 votes

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Tags: applications, root-access
---


title: Xperia SP boot loop into flash mode

text:
# Question
Title: Xperia SP boot loop into flash mode
I have an Xperia SP, and it's stuck in a boot loop after some faulty manipulation. I only see Sony's logo, and plugging the phone to my laptop sets it to `flash mode` automatically for around 20 seconds, before restarting to connect again straight into `flash mode`.

How can I fix my phone?

# Answer
To solve this boot loop issue, start by flashing this kernel via FlashTool, switching your phone into `fastboot mode`. The best is to follow the original guide I guess.

Then, you can follow this tutorial to install a custom .zip file ROM again, allowing your phone to boot again. You might need to upload the .zip file directly onto your SD card.

I hope this helps.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: rom-flashing, boot-loop, sony-xperia, sony-xperia-sp
---


# Question
Title: How do I drag apps from one home page to another?
I upgraded from Galaxy Mega to Galaxy S6 Edge +.

In Mega, I can drag one app from one home page to another without going through the ones in between.

In S6E+, it seems that I have to go through each page. I use folders, but it's still a hassle.

Must I really go through each page? If no, how can I go drag to another page?

# Answer
What you can do is remove the icon, open application manager and drag the icon to the screen you want it at.

You can also leave the icon on the first screen and then remove it after creating a shortcut on the other screen since apps usually don't care how many shortcuts you have.
> 0 votes

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Tags: applications, menu, recents-screen, samsung-galaxy-mega-2, samsung-galaxy-s-6-edge+
---


# Question
Title: Problems with drivers for Nexus 10 when building Android 4.3 from source
I followed the steps in the Android Source web page to download **android-4.3\_r1** and build it for Nexus 10.

**What is the problem?**

* When I download and install the drivers for Nexus 10 for Android 4.3 (JWR66Y) form the drivers web page, the device stucks at the Google logo.

# Answer
> 0 votes
It seems that Google put the wrong drivers in their drivers web page for Nexus 10 for Android 4.3 (JWR66Y). You can get the correct drivers from this page. For more details, see this post.

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Tags: rom-flashing, boot, samsung-galaxy-nexus, 4.3-jelly-bean, samsung-nexus-10
---


title: Samsung S6 Edge Screen

text:
# Question
Title: Samsung S6 Edge Screen
I have a Galaxy s6 Edge and the screen functionas, however the touch screen facility no longer works. I am trying to clear the data prior to sending it off as it holds financial data.

I have tried the manual reset using the up/down and ... options but that just reboots the phone.

Is there anyway I can access the phone using my PC to either force a factory reset or wipe?

Cheers,

Tim

# Answer
You can access your S6 edge remotely on your computer by using SideSync.

However, your phone will need WiFi to be turned *ON* or to be plugged into the computer using a USB cable to allow the connection. Hope this helps.
> 1 votes

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Tags: factory-reset
---


title: Locked out of Tablet

text:
# Question
Title: Locked out of Tablet
I have been locked out of my tablet by someone who is asking for money to unlock it. I was given 3 days to do this. I know it is a scam. How do I unlock my tablet?

# Answer
> 0 votes
The likelihood of you being locked out of your tablet again after entering is very high if it is a virus, you can take your important data such as photos off with a computer. If you have root, adb and USB debugging you can reset the lock by typing this into adb;

* adb shell
* su
* rm/data/system/locksettings.db
* rm/data/system/locksettings.db-wal
* rm/data/system/locksettings.db-shm
* REBOOT

As a last resort you can re-download the system image and flash using something like twrp and then install apps again from the play store. Google now saves app data for some apps so you won't lose everything and some data is synced to your account.

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Tags: tablet, locked-out
---


# Question
Title: How to launch an app immediately after another app is closed using Tasker
I need help creating a *Tasker* profile that will open *Aldiko Sync* **ONLY** after I have ended the main Aldiko Premium app.

So with this profile, Aldiko Sync automatically launches and does its thing immediately after I close Aldiko Premium reader.

# Answer
> 4 votes
You can setup an exit task. An exit task is assigned from the Profiles tab. Expand the entry of your profile, long-press the assigned task there and choose Add Exit Task.

<sub>(Click image to enlarge)</sub>

### Instructions:

* Profile: Application → *your app* (Aldiko Premium in this case)
* Task: (Actions): do anything you want
* Exit task: (Actions): App → *your another app* (Aldiko Sync in this case)

**Note**: It is not mandatory to have an enter task in order to assign an exit task to a profile.

If you don't want an enter task i.e. don't want a task to be run when the profile is triggered, you can choose to create a task (supposed to be used as an exit task) under Tasks tab, assign it as an enter task to a profile and make it an exit task using Move to Exit (see screenshot).

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Tags: applications, tasker
---


# Question
Title: "No application can perform this action" when trying to view a text message image
I’m using an LG Tribute phone (Virgin Mobile) with Android. I’ve noticed recently when someone sends me a text message with an image in it, and I click the image, I get a warning that reads

```
Note
No application can perform this action.  Enable disabled built-in application?
No / Yes

```

When I click the “Yes” button, nothing happens. Previously, I could click on the image and it would open up in some kind of application (I forget which) where I could enlarge the image. What is the built-in application the message is referring to? How do I view a larger version of the image that is in a text message?

# Answer
The application needed to do this is Google Photos. Installing that solved the problem.
> 1 votes

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Tags: sms, photos, images
---


title: Disabled Google play services

text:
# Question
Title: Disabled Google play services
On android tablet I seemed to have disabled my Google play services some how. I'm wondering, can any one simple explain how one fixes this. I'm hoping that it's fixable and that didn't mess things up to bad someone. Help please, Thank you.

# Answer
> -1 votes
Go to *Settings**App manager**All apps**Google play service* → Enable it.

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Tags: google-play-services, tablet-apps
---


# Question
Title: Sharing emails / open in browser from Inbox/Gmail apps?
Is it possible to share emails from the GMail or Inbox apps? The content of the intent isn't incredibly important. It could be the full content of the email or be limited to the subject line or even just be a HTTP link to that email on gmail.com.

**Alternatively:**

Is it possible to open an email in the browser from GMail / Inbox? There are numerous possibilities in that case.

# Answer
> 2 votes
I'm sure there's no feature as such. But there are ways you can "share".

Text: Click and hold to select text.

Images and similar attachments: Click to preview/Download.

Then you can use the *Share* menu to send it to other apps or *Copy to Clipboard*.

Then there's the *Screenshot* option. Depending on your phone model, the key combination to take a shot may vary.

--

Some emails contain a text logically written as *Open in browser*. That's rare, though.

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Tags: gmail, share-menu, intents, inbox-by-gmail
---


# Question
Title: Facebook contact sync, third party or otherwise
Would I be right in gathering that there is now no way to sync Facebook contacts into the Android contact system?

Apps such as Hax seem to have dissapeared or stopped working due to Facebook's API changes, so has Facebook come up with an alternative, or are we just stuck with manualy copying email addresses to to Gmail?

# Answer
As of now, there is **no official way** to see your Facebook friends on your phone's contacts app.

There might be some hacks to get it done though, with some risky apps, which I strongly discourage using.

Facebook has developed an app called **Facebook Hello** as an alternative contacts app. Download it from Google Play Store or APK Mirror. It is actually country-restricted in Play Store, but works if you side-load the APK file. It appears to not have been updated in a very long time and the program is officially "deprecated".

Another option is to use Facebook Messenger. It will show all facebook contacts within itself.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: contacts, sync, facebook
---


title: How does Samsung's "quick charge" work?

text:
# Question
Title: How does Samsung's "quick charge" work?
How do the batteries work?

Will those batteries have a shorter lifespan? Will the "quick charge quality" get worse over a period of time? And why aren't there other companies using this technology?

# Answer
> 1 votes
As seen on Android Police

> You've probably heard of quick charging, turbo charging, adaptive fast charging, rapid charging, and Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 before - or at least one or two of these things. What you may not know is that all of them are actually basically the same thing, based on the same licensed technology from Qualcomm known as Quick Charge.

**How does Quick Charge work?** **How do the batteries work? Will they have a shorter life span?** **Will the Quick Charge quality get worse over a period of time?**

It's already explained in depth by @beeshyams. It basically works by drawing more power, safely.

> To summarise, normal charging is done at 0.5 to 0.8 C (C is charge rate) and fast charging done at 1 to 3 C. Please note that the exact or indicative charging rate is not revealed in any OEM documentation despite extensive search and it is unlikely that OEMs will reveal such details, deeming it "proprietary"

It affects the battery in two ways:

> A common feature while using fast chargers is raise in temperature of battery (since more current is being pumped in and **power (read heat) is proportional to square of current**) and this is inimical to good health of battery, which is extensively covered here.
>
> * **Short Term (Battery capacity after charging)** Battery is not really fully charged as it does not undergo charging spending enough time in all stages, compared to conventional charging. In simple words battery may deliver typically 85% of performance compared to regular charging. Details on this are available here
> * **Long Term (Battery life span)** Battery life is specified in **Cycles or discharge cycles**. OEMs/ Battery resellers may specify this number, for example, it is 550 Cycles for Samsung Note 2
>
> Quoting from BU-501: Basics About Discharging

**Why aren't there companies using this technology?**

There are several smartphone OEMs including ASUS, BlackBerry, Fujitsu, Samsung, HTC, Panasonic, Motorola that borrows this technology from Qualcomm.

**What about Apple?**

Here's a list of features Apple left out even in their latest iPhone 6S. They don't support Quick Charge yet.

--

*See also:* Qualcomm Quick Charge FAQ , Samsung Fast Charge FAQ

# Answer
> 0 votes
Samsung arent the only ones using Quick charge other companies have a similar technology but it goes by a different name. My phone has Flash charging my 4000mAh battery gets fully charged in less than an hour. I used a phone with this for like an year and the battery life never deteriorated. I upgraded and my phone has the same technology.... Its even faster.

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Tags: battery, samsung-galaxy-s-6
---


# Question
Title: Offline initial setup from previous phone
What's the best way to copy everything (apps and their data, contacts, sms, phone settings if possible...) from a nexus 5 to nexus 5x, both using android 6.x, in offline mode, ie without using any google account or similar ?

# Answer
> 1 votes
There won't be an easy way covering *everything*, but the best approach most likely is:

* using `adb backup` / `adb restore` to cover 95% of the stuff (see Full Backup of non-rooted devices for details)
* catching the remains (SMS, probably also contacts) with a specialised app (as for contacts, you can also use the contacts app itself: *Menu › Export/Import* allows to export to/import from SD card)

Alternatively, you could also take a look at Titanium Backup. This would also be a good idea for later "daily use", to always have an up-to-date backup ready just in case. To use it reasonably on a daily base (and unleash its full power), you'd have to buy the license, though – which is a few bucks, but definitely worth it (this one one of the first Android apps I've obtained, and I'm still using it happily). But in this case, be careful with restoring "system stuff" to a different device/ROM (make sure at least you've activated migration mode), or you might mess up things (which I did once when restoring SMS, as the database structure had changed).

---
Tags: backup, nexus-5, restore, nexus-5x
---


title: What is a "native web app"?

text:
# Question
Title: What is a "native web app"?
I've come across the term "native web app" also known as "hybrid app". I know what "web apps" and "native apps" are, the difference being that the former are downloaded and run within a web browser and the latter are code (not html) and run a little faster without requiring a web browser to interpret them. So what is a "native web app", how can a web app be native?

# Answer
> 2 votes
Unlike native apps, web apps can't access low level API of system (to access hardware etc) unless it is supported by web standards (most aren't supported to maintain web app portability). Here, *native web apps* comes to rescue.

In *Native Web Apps*, web codes (HTML, CSS & JS) run in a native wrapper code. The wrapper code is native (can use low level API) which contains `webview` to render the web app. So, it taps the benefits from both worlds (that's why its called *Hybrid App*).

For example, Facebook app (in Play Store) is a native web app. When you see your timeline, friends' profiles etc in this app, you actually see webpages. But, at the same time, this app can access your camera, Android's system-wide share menu etc.
Another great example is *Google Currents*.

# Answer
> -1 votes
The exact capabilities of each of the individual web technologies is not what matters. This term works whether your markup is HTML 4.01, HTML5 or HTML37. It doesn’t matter, and the term won’t be obsoleted by the next version of any spec. It covers the case where the runtime is a regular browser, a webview, an OS such as Firefox OS or Chrome OS, or something like node-webkit. The key point is that it’s written for the technologies that are native to the web platform. The term makes a clear distinction from the serverside. It even works OK as an acronym if you’re into that sort of thing. ***Other benefits include:***

* Dynamic loading of external libraries Zero configuration installs Expressive, extensible, event-driven native language These runtimes are already installed on billions of devices Can be "wrapped" into "native-feeling" apps on a wide variety of platforms It’s easily the most open and accessible platform on the planet. We don’t have to pay homage at the "walled gardens" of the world, like the Apple App Store.

# Answer
> -2 votes
Native Apps : \- Apps that are fully programmed in the development environment specific to each operating system. \- Stored on a device and require installation. \- Tend to have better graphics and a smooth user experience due to the interface with the device. \- Have full access to the device-specific features, including GPS, camera, gestures, and notifications. \- More expensive to develop, as they need to be developed for each specific operating system \- Take longer to develop. Maintaining apps on multiple operating systems is also expensive and time consuming.

Web Apps : \- Apps that are written entirely with web technologies (HTML5). and the code is executed by the browser and installation is optional. \- Content is a lot more discoverable on the web. \- Platform independent. \- Use features that are available in HTML5 like the GPS, the tap-to-call feature and native features remain inaccessible.

Hybrid Apps : \- Developed partly with the native development environment and partly in WEB language (HTML5). \- These are native apps with embedded HTML. They have most of the benefits of native apps. \- Like native apps, they live in an app store and can take advantage of the many device features available (including GPS, camera, gestures, and notifications) \- Platform independent, Increasingly rising in popularity as operating systems become more fragmented.

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Tags: applications, browser
---


# Question
Title: Can an app installed from Play Store being dropped support due to changing requirement in Android version?
Can an app installed from Play Store being dropped support due to changing requirement in Android version?

If a very low percentage of app users still uses a very old Android version, and the developer decides to drop support for this old version, does the Play Store offer an option to refund the payment?

# Answer
> *Can an app installed from Play Store being dropped support due to changing requirement in Android version?*

App developer (free/paid app) is at complete liberty to support/not support later Android versions, with or without continuing support for earlier versions. You will find many apps not supporting Lollipop or Marshmallow, and on other hand supporting/not supporting earlier versions.

Developers have two choices (nothing is binding), as cited Support Lower Versions of Android as an example, relating to autoback up feature of Marshmallow:

1. Updating an existing app to support auto backup.
2. Giving your new app support for lower versions of Android

**Google Play Store policy doesn't discuss this**, so only *inference* is that the app will be on Play Store:

* As long as it complies to Play Store policy
* As long as developer wishes

> *developer decides to drop support for this old version, does the Play store offer an option to refund the payment?*

**No refund is possible**. See this answer for details and also read the comments, which relate to your question If a paid app stops working, can I get my money back?

**Edit:** An important point of *compatibility* pointed out by Izzy. I have a paid call recorder app bought 4 years ago, which worked fine but is not compatible with current Huawei phone and developer can't fix it since information about chip set (Kirin ) is not made public by OEM. I can't obviously ask for a refund
> 6 votes

# Answer
There is a term called **"Buyer Beware"**. The same way old phones or old operating systems are stopped being supported, the apps can also share the same fate. Especially when considering the fact that apps evolve much faster than phones or OSes.

Technically when you buy something, a contract is made between two sides that both sides are obligated to abide. If they *specifically* don't promise such a support, than neither Google Play nor Dev don't have to pay you back.
> 3 votes

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Tags: google-play-store, android-versions, paid-apps
---


title: No alarm or silent during certain times

text:
# Question
Title: No alarm or silent during certain times
I have used 2 applications, one for alarm and one for setting silent times (so I can not hear my phone during working hours and night time) but experience issues with them not sounding/working.

For years, with my HTC One, I had no problems. I have now upgraded to Huawei P8 and have noticed an issue. Neither 'work' (meaning, the alarm doesn't sound) over a period of time. This means, if I set an alarm for 5 minutes time, it works. It could quite possibly work next day, and even several days, but within some time, it stops.

I've some IT experience and did some testing and have realised that, when using my HTC(s) in the past, if I see what apps are running, I can close them (to free up RAM/resource). Even if I closed the alarm app or the silent application, it would still run in the background (I assume, maybe it automatically restarted) and work.

I assume the issue I have is likely to be down to the design of the different 'flavour' of the OS, despite both being Lollipop. Maybe the HTC would allow the 2 apps to restart them selves but the P8 could prevent this for security reasons (is there a set this type of control per app?). Maybe the HTC didn't "close" the app in the way I thought it did!?

The only thing I've done to this phone is changed the launcher (it's not rooted).

My question is, do I have to keep these type of applications running in the background, meaning when I close other running apps, I just need to be more vigilant with which I close? Or even better, is there a setting I can change so these things keep running even when I close them (as they did with my HTC(s)).

# Answer
> 0 votes
Since I also realised it happens with widgets, I worked out it's due to battery saving.

P8 has option to allow apps to run even screen off (To find this, go to `Settings` -\> `Power saving` -\> `Protected apps`), and it appears this also means in background (so they continue to run even if they're closed)!

It's fixed my email widget and my SMS/bandwidth measuring programs.

It has fixed my alarm, but not my 'silent time' application, but the phone has this option built in. Despite that, I will test another application to see.

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop
---


# Question
Title: Why does my phone on 6.0.1 download the entire app all over again when updating?
I have 2 devices, my Cherry mobile One G1 running 6.0.1 (an Android One device) and my old Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 tablet running Jellybean 4.2.2.

When installing updates on my tablet, only the a small part of the update is downloaded this discussion said they're called "delta". But when on my phone, it downloads the entire app all over again. It's fine for small apps, but some games have well over 100mb of data sometimes and it hurts my data allowance to update them.

Is it a feature of MM 6.0.1 or is it a bug on my phone?

# Answer
Google Play Store's App Updates vary by device's Android version. It's highly likely that the new updates being installed on your Android 6 device has huge changes in it to support latest Android APIs.

If you're downloading big games, there will be some extra size to be downloaded initially. But if you're updating the app, it usually requires much less data.
> 0 votes

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Tags: updates, 6.0-marshmallow
---


title: Sharing photos between two accounts

text:
# Question
Title: Sharing photos between two accounts
My wife and I use Google Photos to share pictures between our devices. We like it because it has Auto Backup and automatically syncs pictures between our two phones.

To make this work, though, she has had to add my Google account to her phone, which comes with a host of annoyances. Even when we turn off sync for everything but Photos, many Google apps automatically switch her over to my account. The worst is Hangouts -- because I use Google Voice, she gets all of my text messages and voicemail, and I can't find a way to stop that.

Does anybody have some advice for either:

1. A way to sync photos using Google Photos, but without my wife getting all of my messages in Hangouts?
2. A non-Google app that will give us similar functionality for photos (automatic backup and syncing)?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Me and my wife use Picspro android app for Google photos. It allows browser authentification to sign into any amount of Google Photo accounts without having to add the full Google account to the phone itself. Personally, We keep all our photos on her account, using this app I can be logged in and view them and also upload to it so our photo collection is unified. We also use this to upload to our Mum's accounts too and it works a treat. Settings\>accounts\>add account. Untick the box next to "Use phones account"

To fully back up all your Google photos to your PC, just go to Google Takeout and you can download any or all of your photos whenever you like.

Hope this helps :)

# Answer
> 0 votes
I am trying to figure this out as well. I was keeping copies of photos on our respective personal laptops and then using something like Microsoft Sync, but didn't like it. Then went to BitTorrentSync which seemed to work well. Then I would use the desktop app to keep photos in sync with each person's Google Photos account.

Then I decided to setup a makeshift server to save our photos to. But this caused issues with uploading to our respective Google Photos accounts as now there is only one laptop in the server.

So, I may go back to BitTorrentSync. But, I wish there was an easier way to do this. I really like having local copies of my photos, which are backed up on Backblaze without having too many programs running that can crash and to maintain.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I achieved this using Google Photos and Drive. I activated, in Google Drive, the Google Photo folder, then I shared it with my wife. If she do the same you can see each other photos from Drive "shared with you" folder.

Activating also "Google Drive" from Photo settings and adding shared folder in Google Drive (from context menu on the folder) should also bring those photos in each Google Photo app.

You can also create a Google Photo shared album if you don't want to share every photos, but that way you have to manually add photo to it.

---
Tags: sync, google-account, photos, google-hangouts
---


title: Android OS with VR in future

text:
# Question
Title: Android OS with VR in future
I've heard a rumor that Facebook has been working on VR and have successfully launched one product, Oculus Rift. Have any VR projects been released or announced for Android?

# Answer
There are already two VR projects running on Android.

Google Cardboard () provides a cheap way of strapping your phone to your face and a software platform for app authors to add VR capability to their apps. In its original form, it's a template that you make out of cardboard and add a couple of cheap lenses to, but several manufacturers have started shipping low-cost "VR headsets" based on this design.

Samsung Gear VR is a Samsung project developed with Oculus VR. It uses the screen from any of this year's high-end Samsung phones, along with extra sensors provided by the headset device, to provide a mobile VR platform offering more immersion and presence than Google Cardboard. It's a product you can buy in shops now.

Facebook hasn't launched a VR device. Their investment in VR has been to buy pioneers Oculus VR, which is responsible for developing the Gear VR for Samsung, as well as the Oculus Rift, their PC-based VR product.
> 1 votes

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Tags: applications
---


# Question
Title: How to use an older version of an application?
I was using an application. Then the multiplayer mode stopped working, so I decided to reinstall it. After I uninstalled the app, I realised that an update had been made and my Android version is too old to use the new version of the application.

Is there anything I can do to be able to use the application again (except for buying a phone with a newer version of android)?

I checked, there are no updates of the system for my phone.

I downloaded the appplication via Google Play Store.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Clearly, the app's developer has changed the minimum API level for that particular app. So the *latest* version won't work on your version of Android.

You can side-load the APK file of an earlier version onto your device to get it working again.

You may request the app's developer for an older APK or you can download from other sites that provide APKs. APKMirror is a trusted repository, for example.

---
Tags: applications, google-play-store, updates, system
---


# Question
Title: Number displays instead the saved contact name on Samsung note 4
As per the title, its just the number which displays instead name. I've noticed that multiple contact syncs are active and disabled all except for one which I require. But still the problem persists. I've also selected the preferred contacts which needs to be sorted on contact settings which didn't work too.

On a related note, our network provider does not send the CLID with the country code but just raw number... Nevertheless, the contacts on my account stored are with the country code including `+` sign. Whatsoever, the contact app should display the saved contact name despite how it is saved since the number is available.

Are there any work around to over come this issue? or is this really a bug in the OS?

# About the phone

# Answer
> 0 votes
I've not found an answer for this but I've flashed another stock from **SAMMOBILE** using **odin** which did the trick. Now I can see the contact names properly when I receive a call.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I went to my gmail account in settings and turned on the sync in all of it. I also went to settings within the phone app (when the recent, contacts, favorites etc. are at top of calling screen) and imported contacts from the g mail account. Obviously, I'm no expert, but this worked for me.

---
Tags: contacts, stock-android, samsung-galaxy-note-4
---


# Question
Title: Google Hangouts chat not sending notifications
I am using Hangouts for both google chat and for text messaging. When I get a chat message my phone doesn't notify me, but when I get a text message I do get a notification. I have missed many messages via chat because of this. Is there anything that I can do to fix this issue?

This used to work, and all of a sudden it stopped working. I have no idea what happened, if it was an update or if I changed a setting not realizing it would affect this.

I have looked through all hangouts settings and I can't seem to find anything that would be causing the issue.

I have tried clearing the data, and I got a few notifications right away, but it didn't solve the issue.

# Answer
> 0 votes
go to settings/date & time/automatic date and time (enable"Use network-provided time.“) I do this and the notification start coming to me.

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Tags: sms, google-hangouts
---


# Question
Title: how could I know if my phone's been hacked
Someone is telling me every single item of information that I sent via whatsapp

how could I know if it is my phone or only the whatsapp account has been hacked

I use Samsong Galaxy S4 Gt-I9500 android 5.0.1

# Answer
> 1 votes
Check for the whatsapp web feature , from menu select "whatsapp web" , probably they got it authorized in your absence . And they can continue to access unless you log out or cookies are cleared.

you can logout from mobile app itself. choose "log out from all computers"

from home screen of whatsapp , click on the "more" menu "(three dots)" in the top right corner of screen. The drop down menu appears, there select "whatsapp web", then there is list of sessions running, just choose "logout from all computers" under that list.

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Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-4, whatsapp-messenger
---


# Question
Title: Connect Android phone to router via USB-to-Ethernet
I own an HTC Desire HD and it currently has the IceColdSandwich custom rom on it. I also own a usb OTG adapter and a D-Link USB 2.0 Fast Ethernet adapter DUB-E100.

What I want to achieve is to connect my phone on a Cisco Router with that "cable sequence"(Phone -\> USB OTG adapter -\> USBtoETHERNET dub-e100 -\> ethernet cable -\> Router) and be able to sustain a telnet connection between the two in order to give network configuration.

In order for this to work I definitely need to enable the USB host mode on my device through kernel.

Let's say I can get my kernel to work do I need the usbnet driver with my combined hardware for the dub-e100 to work? or maybe there is really no way for this to be done?

any ideas on alternative ways to do this?

-edit- There are many reasons why one would want to do this. For example, testing an ethernet port in an office building without having to lug around a laptop. Another, be able to configure a router that does not have wireless, or one that you can't access the wireless on (maybe you butterfingered the encryption key on the AP) -edit- by Izzy

# Answer
Check out the App Ethernet on Google Play. You will need to root your phone though.
> -2 votes

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Tags: usb, networking, htc-desire-hd
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# Question
Title: Make Google Play Books store ebooks to external storage
I have little internal storage of my Android device; How can I make Google Play Books store the ebooks to external storage?

I use Sony Xperia M (4.3 JB version).

# Answer
You must root your device and move the application to an external storage because the application stores the E-books in com.google.android. file. Unfortunately your application won't work if you move that folder without rooting.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I managed to do this on a Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 7.0 (Android 4.4.2) with Link2SD Plus, which requires a rooted device. Just press "Link to SD Card" and it should be able to move everything.

**Important:** You need to set up your external storage with the appropriate partitions! Here's how to do that.

<sub>(Click image to enlarge)</sub>
> 1 votes

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Tags: external-sd, google-play-books
---


# Question
Title: Samsung Galaxy A5 (A500FU) - Installing Custom ROMs impossible
I took the CyanogenMod for my device (Galaxy A5 aka A500FU) from this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/samsung-a-series/development/dev-help-to-create-cm12-rom-galaxy-a5-t3153129I took the zip file and put it on my sd card, opened up TWRP and wiped all (of course I made backups) and flashed it. But there was the error: error executing updater binary in zip

I tried in Odin, but there comes an "unexpected" error. Of course I've also tried to put the zip in a tar file, but it still does not work at all...

What am I doing wrong? Thank you

# Answer
> 0 votes
I fixed it earlier, but for all others: I downloaded TWRP from another developer, now it works flawlessly.

---
Tags: samsung, rom, twrp, odin
---


title: Root without usb?

text:
# Question
Title: Root without usb?
I searched for something similar to this question already but I'm wondering if it's possible to root an android device without the usb connection. The port itself is damaged so I must use Bluetooth or network connection.

Device: Galaxy Centura SCH-S738C(GP) Android 4.0.4

# Answer
> 1 votes
I did a quick Google search and found this: How To Root Most Qualcomm phones without pc on XDA. The SAMSUNG GALAXY CENTURA - SCH-S738C is on the list of tested devices. Here are some details from the XDA post I am referencing:

> 1) Download and Install poot.apk.
>
> 2) Now open the poot app then it will require you to install Ministro II, Simply follow the link to Google play store.
>
> 3) Then you will be required to update ministro library, please update it.
>
> 4) Once you updated the Ministro Library then you will be faced with two options; 1. “Press here to Poot”. 2. “Built in root check”.
>
> 5) Click on the first option which is “Press here to Poot” and after a while, You are going to face with three options: 1. Get Superuser. 2. Get root-checker. 3. In-built rootchecker.
>
> 6) Press Get superuser and download superuser app.
>
> 7) And finally do a reboot to take effect.
>
> Tested Devices:
> MICROMAX A54
> MICROMAX A56
> MICROMAX A57
> MICROMAX A87
> KARBON A21
> Huawei U8860 Honor
> HUAWEI ASCEND Y
> SAMSUNG GALAXY MINI 2 S6500
> SAMSUNG GALAXY CENTURA - SCH-S738C
> SAMSUNG GALAXY DISCOVER - S730M
> Samsung Galaxy S Duos S7562
> Samsung Galaxy ACE 2X
> LG Optimus Sol E730
> Alcatel OT-908
> Gygabyte GSmart G1345
> Sony Ericsson WT19i Live with Walkman
> Sony Xperia Tipo (Single/Dual)
> Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray
> HTC Desire Z
> ZTE V790
> Ninetology Pearl Mini i5350
> Kyocera Hydro C5170
> And still counting...

Please note that I did not write these steps nor have I tested this process. I take no responsibility for what this does to your device or for the grammar in the quote above. All credit goes to dhinesh77 on XDA.

---
Tags: rooting, bluetooth, networking
---


title: Protecting Android Phone

text:
# Question
Title: Protecting Android Phone
Is there a way like how Apple has icloud but for Android where if you lose your phone someone is not able to wipe it and then resell/reuse it?

And does Android also have builtin tracking like how iCloud does too?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Android does have similar tracking/security features that you can access remotely if you lose your phone. They call it `Android Device Manager`. I do not know which Android phones have this built in. If it is not built in to your phone, you can download the app.

To locate your phone, simply visit this link and log into your Google account.

I know that the application supports:

* Locate Android devices associated with your Google account
* Reset/Enable your device's screen lock PIN
* Erase all data on the phone
* Ring the phone for 5 minutes if you've misplaced it

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Tags: hardware
---


# Question
Title: What does the Eye icon mean on LG phones?
I see an eye icon at the top of my screen, but without the phone around it, what does the eye icon mean, just the eye icon.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I see that you are using an LG device and it looks like you have "Smart screen" enabled.

Here is a YouTube video about smart screen that might help you understand what is going on. The icon on the top of the screen is not someone hacking you (not saying no one is possibly watching, but this icon does not mean someone is)

Hope this helps.

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Tags: lg, notification-icons
---


# Question
Title: Moved apps to SD. SD was full, Apps are vanished now, but phone storage stays clogged. What should I do?
Phone: GT-I9100 A: 4.1.2

I tried to move Apps from my phone to the SD card with root permissions enabled.

I missed the point that the SD card was running out of space during the process. A warning did not take place.

Afterwards the Apps seem to have been disappeared, but the Phone storage is still clogged with only 200 MB free. I thought that I could perhaps reinstall the broken apps to make them available again and move them again when the SD-Card is cleaned properly. But this seems unviable because the phone claims about missing space every time I try to fetch the app from the store.

If I enter the setup section for memory it takes eternal to sum up the memory consumption for the different categories (apps, pics/videos, audio, downloads and so on)

Questions: Is it a valid assumption that due to the failed move to SD card the apps got rendered disfunctional but are still lingering on the phone memory? How can I verify that and what to do then?

What might prevent the phone to calculate the memory usage in finite time?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Sometimes the OS misinterprets files inside of the sdcard. However, it is possible that the applications failed to move. I would suggest trying to try reading the contents of the sdcard from another device (another phone or computer). Then try seeing if the applications are in there. If they are, chances are the sdcard isn't mounting properly. I would suggest backing up the sdcard and then formatting then restoring the files. After doing this try inserting the sdcard into your phone again and see if your applications load.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Had a LG G2 do (looks like) precisely the same thing, I finally connected to a friends laptop via USB the laptop had some type of factory software that recognized the phones OS and actually gave me the option to backup everything,when I clicked backup da da! There before me was actually even stuff that I had deleted months ago along with all the apps, songs, pics,videos even a few text messages. Wish I could tell you the name of it. There is hope

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Tags: 4.1-jelly-bean, app2sd
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title: Undo app updates?

text:
# Question
Title: Undo app updates?
How to undo app updates? I was on terraria while it was updating, after that I lost my character and my world! It says the save file of my character was created with a newer version and could not be loaded, help!

# Answer
> 0 votes
Nerd explanation: Look for the APK of the old version on a site like Apkmirror.com

If you didn't understand that here's the long version.

1. Go to settings-\>security and check "Allow installation from unknown sources"
2. Go to settings-\>apps-\>terraria
3. Look for the version and write it down/remember it
4. Go to Apkmirror.com and search for the app.
5. Download the file with the version number below the one you wrote down.
6. press on the confirmed download and click install

Note: This will only work with free apps.

**Disclaimer: Installing APK files from the internet can be dangerous. Only install APKs from reputable sites.**

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Tags: updates, uninstallation
---


# Question
Title: Samsung S4 mini - Android is optimizing app
I have Galaxy S4 mini and it showed a message that the Android is optimizing apps, then it hanged at second app, later the phone is not able to boot/Start. Nothing gets displayed on the screen, it just shows a blank black screen. I tried the Volume up + Power + Home button but nothing happened except that the phone vibrated. I need to reset the phone, how do I do it? I think the cache/RAM is overloaded.

# Answer
> 0 votes
If want to Hard Reset your phone Keep in mind that you will **lost all your Installed Apps, Accounts and Messages**.

1. Power off your phone by holding the Power key or taking the Battery out.
2. Then press and hold together buttons **Volume Up + Home button + Power button**, and release this when you see logo Samsung.
3. Choose using Volume buttons option **"wipe data/factory reset"**, and confirm that using **Power key**.
4. Next confirm **"yes"** previous operation using Volume keys and Power key.
5. When this operation is completed, select option **"reboot"**.

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Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3-mini
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# Question
Title: How notifications work with multiple users?
When there are multiple users in an Android device, how the notifications work?

* The notifications are simultaneous for all users?
* There are only notifications for the active user and notifications for other users are disabled until the other users log in?

# Answer
* Notifications appear for all accounts of a single user at once.
* Notifications for other users do not appear until they are active.

Source: Supporting Multiple Users
> 3 votes

# Answer
The current session is suspended before switching to the new user profile. This is what I noticed at least for the guest profile.
> 1 votes

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Tags: 5.0-lollipop, multi-user
---


# Question
Title: How can I stop Google photos to show images from my google drive
So I have some private images that I would rather not like to show up on google photos, I have them on my google drive but today I wanted to show some pictures of my office to a friend of mine when some other pics showed up that I uploaded on drive the day before,

Is there anyway to hide those images from google photos?

# Answer
> 1 votes
You may choose to show or not *all* images from Drive to Google Photo, not individual one. There's a **Google Drive** setting in Photo for that.

There's also an analogue setting in Drive, to show images from Photo. You may turn off the setting in Photo and turn on the Drive one, so you may upload images in Drive if you want to not show it in Photo or upload them in Photo to show them also in Drive.

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Tags: photos, lg, google-drive
---


# Question
Title: I am unable to send out Whatsapp messages
I am not able to send out any more messages while using Whatsapp. I found that there wasn't anything wrong with my phone, just the app alone was not working. What is wrong with the application?

# Answer
On 25-26 January 2016, WhatsApp had a problem with their server.

From Africanews - WhatsApp faces brief technical problems,

> Messaging application, WhatsApp, has been facing intermittent technical disruptions worldwide since Monday, January 25.
>
> ...
>
> The first set of technical problems were recorded in countries including Japan, India, Malaysia, Colombia and the United States which began around 0200 GMT.

From MalaysianDigest - Whatsapp Was Down And There Was Chaos,

> Popular social messaging app, WhatsApp went down this morning, leaving users worldwide frustrated.
>
> ...
>
> The server, which is used by more than 900 million users worldwide reportedly, went down at around (26 January) 10.00am local (Malaysia) time.
>
> Malaysians were not spared by the outage as seen by the flood of complaints seen on social media, Facebook and Twitter.

Lastly, my friend also had the same problem at the time you posted this question.
> 1 votes

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Tags: whatsapp-messenger
---


# Question
Title: samsung galaxy a3: block all notifications except email and sms
```
Device: Samsung Duos (SM_A300H) Android version 5.0.2

```

I want something very basic: that my samsung galaxy a3 works like a phone and makes sound only for call, sms and alarm. No more FB nor email nor whatever notifications.

I googled and found some answers that doesn't suit my device. They say: `Go to Settings -> Device -> Sound -> Default Notification Sound -> Silent. Next, set your text message sound to whatever you want.`

I have `Settings -> Sounds and Notifications`, and there I can silent notifications, but there is zero options for message.

Smartphones are so smart that they aren't phone anymore :(

---

This is what I see when I press sound button + options:

# Answer
For most phones with Android Lollipop: on any home screen (while music is off), press the phone's volume down button, then select **Priority**.

<sub>(Click image to enlarge)</sub>

**NOTE:** If you choose *None*, then you will not be notified of any call, message, reminder or even alarm.

If the volume button shortcut doesn't work, try going to *Settings → Sounds → Interruptions*. There will be an option to select *Allow only priority interruptions*. The wording may be slightly different though.

---

For some Samsung devices, this FAQ will be helpful.

*See also:*
> 0 votes

# Answer
There's a "blocking mode" in Samsung phones, in which you can select the apps you want to get notifications from. You can select the apps you want.
> 0 votes

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Tags: sms, samsung, notifications
---


# Question
Title: how to reduce vibration density in my htc one m8?
whenever i have a message or incoming call my mobile upper speaker is making much vibration disturbance. I need to vibrate my phone but only to be normal?.It is making loud vibrations

# Answer
If you are rooted you can install kernel adiutor (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.grarak.kerneladiutor). This has a direct setting in the miscellaneous tab for decreasing vibration intensity.

Without root, I'm afraid it is next to impossible. You can flash the regular supersu.zip, it should work fine. More details on rooting can be found at xda's website.
> 0 votes

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Tags: htc
---


# Question
Title: Backup/flash system and data without unlocking bootloader?
I was wondering if I can make a full backup of my system partition via fastboot or adb and re-apply the backup to a different phone of the exact same model? Or is this only possible if the bootloader is unlocked? Right now it sounds to me that the locked bootloader only prohibits flashing a new bootloader or recovery.

The firmware being backed up would always be an official firmware.

My case right now is about a Sony phone but it would be good to know if this is something that's generally possible or not.

# Answer
> 3 votes
As Firelord asked me to sum things up, here we go:

First, you cannot do a backup using . Fastboot is like a one-way road: you can only use it to *write* partitions (either by flashing a corresponding image, or by wiping it) – but you cannot "pull" a partition.

Which leaves ADB. Yes, it's possible via ADB – but it will require root. As Firelord pointed out, to create a disk image one has to access the corresponding block device, which can only be done with root permissions, as root is who owns them. On rooted devices, one then can use the dd tool. My tool Adebar can prove helpful in identifying the partitions you might need, even creating a script for you to back them up (and to restore).

Whether that's possible with the bootloader locked *might* depend on the device. For some devices, directly replacing the recovery partition is even the recommended way to get a custom recovery running on it, while on others even that doesn't work. Certainly, the *backup part* would be possible in any case – but what you'll get is not a "pure stock ROM", but a "rooted stock ROM" – for the reasons pointed out. Only way around this would be doing so while booted into using a custom recovery (as stock recoveries usually don't ship equipped with ADB or other means to access the shell).

---

**1:** short for "data duplicator", "disk duplicator" – or "disk destroyer" (as you easily can end up that way if not being very careful)

---
Tags: adb, fastboot, bootloader-lock
---


# Question
Title: prevent google play from showing books only
I want to prevent google play from showing any books because there are some inappropriate books and google play's parental control didn't work perfectly(as they said not 100%).

I don't want to disable all google play, I still need to install apps .

I've seen this question and looked under Settings -\> Apps -\> All, I see google play store and google play services but I don't see "google play books" or anything like that(I see "content share" but I don't know if this is what I want).

I have device sony xperia P android 4.0.4 but I need instructions for a Samsung device as well(my aunt's one, don't recall device version).

I prefer not to "root" the devices(but I'm ready to do this if it's the only option).

# Answer
> 1 votes
If the Google Play Books app is installed then you can disable that using the method you linked to in your question. However, the store-front of Google Play Books is part of the Google Play Store and cannot be disabled. Maybe it could be hidden with some root modification but I doubt whether such a modification to do this exists. I suspect much of this is managed on the server-side (as Andrew T.) mentioned and so hiding it would be the only possibility.

You can make sure that no books can be downloaded without the password for the Google account by opening up the Google Play Settings and setting `Require password for purchases` to `For all purchases through Google Play on this device`. Note that this also affects apps, music, etc.

Sorry this isn't possible! I suppose you could always send a feedback request to Google...

---
Tags: google-play-store, parental-control
---


title: Nova Launcher -Google problem

text:
# Question
Title: Nova Launcher -Google problem
I have a problem with Nova Launcher. When I go to Google and press "`home`" , it always asks me to choose between launchers. This happens only when I use Google, it's really annoying.

**Model:** Alcatel one touch pop c2
**OS:** Andorid 4.2.2 jellybean
**Nova Launcher version:** Nova Launcher Prime 4.2.2
**Root access:** yes
**Launchers:** Launcher, Nova Launcher

Here is video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICJSZB0SEso

# Screenshot:

# Answer
Fixed, thanks to XDA thread-Default launcher resets every time i use the google now pointed out beeshyams.

As recommended in that thread, I installed an app called Launcher Switcher and I found one app acting like launcher (in addition to Nova and default launcher), in my case that was "MMITest", I just removed that app with System app remover (ROOT)
> 2 votes

---
Tags: google, launcher, default-applications, nova-launcher
---


title: How to Root Sprint Galaxy S6 5.1.1

text:
# Question
Title: How to Root Sprint Galaxy S6 5.1.1
How to Root Sprint Galaxy S6 5.1.1 with build G920PVPU3BOL1?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Flash the following kernel to get root

Uni Kernel

Updating the answer based on comments. Download latest version of Odin (Google for download link) Turn on USB debugging mode on your phone (Google again) Install Samsung USB drivers (Locate your phone on Samsung support site to download) Restart the phone in download mode. Connect your phone to the computer and turn on Odin Once Odin recognizes your phone, select the kernel by choosing AP. Flash the kernel.

---
Tags: rooting, samsung-galaxy-s-6, sprint
---


# Question
Title: How to reset a Nikon COOLPIX S800c camera?
I have a Nikon S800c. I forgot my unlock pattern and now the camera asks for my Google account. I'm facing two problems:

* I can not set up Wi-Fi since the device is blocked. Being a camera, it has no other way of communicating other than with Wi-Fi.
* The (poorly created) manual states how to set up Wi-Fi the **first** time you use the camera. It does not mention how to do a factory reset. There are no Volume up or Volume down buttons.

If I hold the Home button the camera turns on but after which, it shows the screen where Google account credentials are to be provided. If I turn it using the Power button I can use it as a normal (very good) camera.

How can I fully use my camera again (the Android part)?

I've talked to Nikon support who never fully understood the problem and promised an email with further instructions that never arrived. I have also looked for firmware updates but the product never got much attention and nowadays is discontinued and therefore there are no new firmware. I have tried all button combinations in order to do a factory reset.

# Answer
To do a factory reset on the Coolpix S800c Camera follow the steps:

1. Go to settings by powering on the camera
2. go to Privacy Settings
3. Finally do the Factory Data reset...
> -1 votes

---
Tags: factory-reset, locked-out, nikon-s800c
---


# Question
Title: Apps crash when tryin to go online, /data/data/hotplug/cmd is missing
All of the sudden, some of my apps (not all of them) have started crashing and crashing the entire OS when trying to go online. The logcat shows: E (675) could not open '/data/data/hotplug/cmd' file is missing

This happens with facebook messenger, Gett, facebook itself ( who doesnt crash but cant go online), and more. Browser, whatsapp and others arent affected.

Another issue started at approximatly the same time, where my wifi switch widget refuses to go offline. Turning wifi off through the settings shows to be ok, but the outside widgets stays on, and suddenly finds new networks and the wifi goes live again by itself.

Any ideas or other information I can provide?

Cheers

BTW a rooted thl 4000, but there was a long time since I rooted.

# Answer
In respect to your first question try changing your CPU governor with No-frills CPU Control app. Change it to performance for higher performance. Just be careful as you could cause harm to your phone if you play around too much.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: root-access, internet
---


# Question
Title: Open firefox and start typing to the address bar immediately
Is it possible to set up firefox such that whenever it opens, it is "focused" to the address bar? So that whenever I open firefox, the keyboard opens as well and I can immediately start writing to the address bar?

# Answer
> 0 votes
If you use Google search you can start typing and web address and it should open in your default browser (Firefox if you have it set like default)

You can also add the Firefox search widget to your home screen as well if you want to get Firefox search suggestions.

---
Tags: firefox-for-android, search
---


title: Android google play no connection error

text:
# Question
Title: Android google play no connection error
About a month ago my application updates ate all of the memory of my phone (samsung galaxy young), so I decided to uninstall, or disable and downgrade applications. I did this to google play as well. Now I need to install an application so I need google play. I enabled it, but it writes a "no connection / retry" message.

* I restarted the phone many times, it did not help.
* I installed the google+ application, which can log in to my account successfully, so I think there is no problem with the credentials.
* One of the applications wrote me, that I have to update google play, but clicking on that link lead to the same no connection message. It has currently the version 4.1.10 (I guess I purged all the updates when I disabled it).
* I cleared the data and the cache of google play.
* I checked the date & time settings, they are okay.
* There is no Freedom application on the phone.
* There is only `127.0.0.1 localhost` in the hosts file, nothing else.
* I did not travel, I live in the EU, and try to access to the service from home.
* I installed the google play 4.8.20 from here, and google play services 4.4.48 from here but there is no change.

I read about how to fix this error, but nothing worked for me so far, and I am sure I won't factory reset my phone... Any suggestions?

# Answer
I feel your pain, this has happened to me. It's very frustrating. I tried clearing cache for apps, removing them using the application manager and a bunch of other unsuccessful attempts. The only thing that helped was a factory reset. Luckily I was able to backup my data prior to doing a full factory reset. I know you mentioned that it's something that you don't want to do. The only other option would be to root your device and flash your device with a new ROM - but doing this would essentially be a pseudo reset, so if this seems like a valid option, I would play it safe, backup and reset.

Also, you mentioned that you were able to read the host file? Do you see any specific URL's or IP addresses in the "hosts" file? If so, you want to clear anything that says Google play. Leave only the first two lines - which should be something like:

```
127.0.0.1    localhost
x.x.x.x:port*

```

*Where x is variable and :port would be defined*

I found a thread on XDA forums that might help - but it requires *Root*.

Tested FIX for Google Play Connection Error

Let me know if this helps.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I was also struggling to get an old HTC Flyer tablet, running a Honey Comb ROM (LeeDroid v4.3.0), to connect to Google Play after a factory reset. I tried many many things, but this was what resolved the issue:

1. Downloaded and installed the latest version of both Google Play Services and Google Play Store available for Honey Comb, which as of today (Jan 27, 2016) was:

* Google Play Services 8.4.89 which I downloaded from this link
    * Google Play Store 6.1.12 which I downloaded from this link

Then, I followed these steps to install them:

2. Force stopped the installed Google Play Store I had on my tablet (4.8.20), cleared cache, cleared data, etc.
3. Installed Google Play Services
4. Installed Google Play Store and DID NOT open it.
5. Reboot
6. After reboot, everything ran smoothly.

I hope this can help someone else, because it took me some time to overcome this error!
> 0 votes

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


# Question
Title: Cyanogen dialer not working after flashing C-apps bundle
Recently I installed CyanogenMod on my phone. I also decided to flash Cyanogen's new C-apps bundle.

After I did that, the new Cyanogen dialer keeps crashing whenever I try to make or receive calls. Does anybody know what's going on?

# Answer
The wiki mentions that in order to use capps you need Cyanogenmod 12.1, what doesn't mention is that is not compatible with Cyanogenmod 13.

The wiki also comes with uninstall instructions. (You don't need to wipe and flash add I thought first).

**Uninstall**

Note: Requires Root

You will need to enter the following commands to remove C-Apps.

Connect your device to your computer and open a terminal or command prompt.

1. adb root
2. adb remount
3. adb shell rm /system/addon.d/01-cyngn.sh
4. Reflash CyanogenMod zip for your device

https://wiki.cyanogenmod.org/w/Cyanogen\_Apps
> 2 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, crashes, phone-app, force-close
---


title: Nexus 4 end of support

text:
# Question
Title: Nexus 4 end of support
I think I've read that Nexus 4 will not receive monthly security updates any more. But I couldn't find the official information, other than this general page. Can you help me with this ?

# Answer
> Nexus devices will also receive updates for security issues documented in our Public Nexus Security Bulletins for at least the following periods:
>
> * Three years from when the device first became available on the Google Store
> * Or, 18 months after the device stopped being sold on the Google Store

Source

As Nexus 4 was released on November 13th 2012 it is outside this time frame and will likely not receive many more monthly updates.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: updates, nexus-4
---


title: Samsung Galaxy GT-P7510 won't charge

text:
# Question
Title: Samsung Galaxy GT-P7510 won't charge
I have a Samsung Galaxy Tab GT-P7510/M32 32 GB. I can't get it to charge. I plugged charger in one time and showed the battery was empty and had a yellow triangle with exclamation point point in it. I tried a different charger and that didn't work either. It did power on and go off because of dead battery.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Basic things to check:

* Is the charger broken? (try a different charger)
* Is the charger the correct voltage and current for the phone? (check your phone specs and see if they match what's written on the charger, try a wall charger and a usb charger)
* Is the battery broken? (try a different battery if you can find someone with the same tab)

---
Tags: battery, charging, samsung-galaxy-tab-10
---


# Question
Title: Lockscreen is missing, can I reinstall the lockscreen somehow?
On boot my mobile phone goes to the lockscreen background but doesn't show the unlock symbol.

I've tried dragging the button blind but it's not just that it's not visible, it's not there. Neither does the "emergency dial" button show. The rest of the UI shows; the time, alert bar with wifi symbols and such. I've also tried using the Google **Android device manager (ADM)** code reset, the numbers don't show to allow input of the code; **Safe Mode** doesn't show the numbers either.

The phone is an **Acer Liquid E3 (E380) running Android 4.4.2** (Kitkat?) and somehow I've managed to remove the lockscreen - I think perhaps it was with \[correction:\] System App Remover when trying to remove wallpapers after rooting with Kingo Root; but I had just changed to allow voice unlock so it may have been that.

How can I unlock if the buttons don't show? **I know the passcode and the voice unlock commands.**

The phone is online, Wifi is activated. When entering Safe Mode it showed it was downloading something, for example.

**Developer mode** is active but I think that USB debug is off (`adb devices` shows the device but says "offline" next to it).

I can access the **recovery menu** (power + volume-up at boot) - is it possible to "adb sideload" something that will help (like a replacement lockscreen?). Like I said it's not the code I have problems with, just the UI not showing.

I've seen use of `adb shell input text 1234` to enter codes, but presumably this needs USB debug to be enabled; can I force send text that way? If I plug in a USB keyboard is there a button press that operates the "unlock" onscreen button?

Occasionally when I bring up the power off menu the number keys will show underneath (suggesting the software to show them is installed still) but touching the screen dismisses them with the menu leaving me on the broken lockscreen.

Any suggestions other than a factory reset? Thanks.

Edit: sometimes the voice unlock screen is shown behind the "power off" dialog, again it is dismissed as soon as one closes the dialog.

**Edit2**: I did a full data wipe \[ie **factory reset**\], ensured PIN access was set, used a different theme, etc., am now in same position but have managed to enable USB debug. However, using `adb shell` to provide input doesn't unlock, it will turn screen on but entry of unlock code appears to fail.

**Edit3**: tried again with **ADM**, it puts up a black lockscreen with a padlock symbol that looks like a drag-button but I can't interact with it. Also since wiping I put a widget (messaging) on the lockscreen which I can interact with.

# Answer
Now that you have USB debugging enabled, you can try resetting some of the database flags associated with the lockscreen...

You will have to `adb push` sqlite3 to your device, the only independent binary that worked for my devices I pulled from here: XDA - sqlite3 binary June 2015

```
adb shell
cd /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases
sqlite3 settings.db
update system set value=0 where name='lock_pattern_autolock';
update system set value=0 where name='lockscreen.lockedoutpermanently';
.quit

```

If you happened to accidentally delete Keyguard.apk and the above does not work, you will have to get another Acer Liquid E3 off ebay or the like (about $80, all we need is the apk, then resell) and `adb pull` from the source phone and `adb push` to the destination phone.

I would recommend just flashing stock firmware, or pulling the apk's from stock firmware, but unfortunately that does not exist.
> 1 votes

# Answer
So I downloaded the OS zip given on the Acer website and trawled the /system/app and /system/priv-app files looking for image files that matched the lockscreen. They turned up in `/system/priv-app/AcerLiquid.apk`.

From there I did `adb install ./AcerLiquid.apk` (initially I tried with `adb shell pm install ...` but that failed with a permission error). On rebooting the phone I was then able to see AcerLiquid listed in the system apps; then enabling the lockscreen worked and the phone is returned to full working order.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: adb, lock-screens, locked-out
---


title: Problem with zeki tablet: no space

text:
# Question
Title: Problem with zeki tablet: no space
Ok, so my tablet is a 4 gig and has no space. I factory reset it because it had some major problems. Anyways, when I go into the settings I go into the apps part and it says 147mb free yet I have nothing installed or downloaded so I don't know what to do. It's stupid and pissing me off. I've tried alot of things. I've taken all the updates out of the apps and still no space. Please give me some direction. Is there a program to root, because if so I need it bad because this tablet sucks.

# Answer
Try moving your apps off tablet drive and put them on the internal sd card. Go to settings-Apps. Slide the screen to "on sd card" (upper right of screen). Check box the apps to move. Then go back to "downloaded" screen. Click each app and clear data, clear cache. That freed up 100mb on mine. Good luck
> 0 votes

---
Tags: internal-storage
---


title: Removing Cheshire Police virus scam

text:
# Question
Title: Removing Cheshire Police virus scam
My Android tablet is locked by a Cheshire Police virus scam ransomware.

How can I remove it? I am in safe mode as I write this.

# Answer
> 1 votes
From Naked Security by Sophos (it's detected as Andr/Koler-A),

> **Booting into "Safe mode"**
>
> Method 1
>
> (Reported to work on Google devices and various Android Open Source Project, or AOSP, derivatives like CyanogenMod.)
>
> * Press and hold the power button as you would to power down or reboot.
> * A menu will pop up.
> * Tap and hold the “Power off” option.
> * If nothing happens try the same with “Reboot”.
> * A dialog should appear offering you to reboot in Safe Mode.
>
> Method 2
>
> (Reported to work on Samsung Galaxy S4.)
>
> * Power down.
> * Turn on and repeatedly tap the soft-button for “Menu.”
>
> Method 3
>
> (Reported to work on Samsung Galaxy S3 and others)
>
> * Power down.
> * Turn on, then press and hold Volume Down (Galaxy S3 and others), Volume Up (HTC One and others), or Volume Down and Volume Up together (various Motorola devices) when the vendor’s logo appears.
>
> If you have managed to select Safe Mode, you will see the text “Safe Mode” at the bottom left corner of the screen.
>
> To get out of Safe Mode, try simply rebooting.
>
> If that doesn’t work, try rebooting using one of the button-press options listed above, starting with the one you used to engage Safe Mode in the first place.
>
> **What to do when "Safe mode" is active**
>
> This variant of the malware installs itself under the name BaDoink (apparently the name of a well-known online porn service), like this:
>
> After booting into Safe Mode, third-party apps will no longer show up on the Apps page, as you can see here:
>
> Go instead to the Settings menu and choose Apps:
>
> This will bring up a list of downloaded (third-party) apps, including the Koler-infected BaDoink:
>
> Tap on BaDoink; this won’t run it, but will open up the program’s App Info screen:
>
> Tap on Uninstall, and you are almost home:
>
> Choose \[OK\] to uninstall and you are done.
>
> You may now reboot out of Safe Mode.
>
> Hope this helps!

# Answer
> 0 votes
Staying in safe mode, go to **Settings \> Application manager** and remove **suspicious** applications from your device and **reboot** your device to normal mode.

Note: If you are unable to detect suspicious Apps try **Factory/Hard Reset**.(backup your data before performing reset otherwise data may lost).

---
Tags: malware
---


# Question
Title: How do you backup your stock recovery from an unrooted Android device?
### TL;DR

Okay, so for the past month I have been researching how to do this, either on Windows or Linux..

I have yet to find a direct answer, or anything which is relevant.

I am a lot more comfortable doing this on Linux than I am on Windows, as I am a lot more familiar with Linux than Windows.

I'm relatively new to this whole thing(as well as Stack Exchange).

### Question

If there is a relatively universal way of backing up your stock recovery from an ***unrooted*** Android device (on Snapdragon and MTK chipsets) that would probably be preferred, unless that is something that *is* dependent.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Afraid there is no such thing:

* stock recovery itself doesn't offer any backup options
* other means of backing up a partition (and we're speaking about the `/recovery` partition here) always require root, as no other user has the required low-level access to file systems

Creating a real complete backup of a virgin device before attempting any system modifications (such as root, flashing custom recovery) is a hen-and-egg issue: you cannot create images of the device's partition without root – and the partition ends being "virgin" as soon as you root the device:

* to create images from partitions other than `/recovery`, you'd need a custom recovery (to run `dd` or do a backup)
* to create an image of the (stock) `/recovery` partition, you'd need to root the device (in order to run `dd` from within the running Android system)

**To sum up:** if you want complete stock images, you'd need two similar devices. One you root to obtain the stock recovery – and the other you flash a custom recovery to obtain images of the other partitions. Hen and egg get a little bit smaller only, though, as in many cases1 installing a custom recovery again requires a rooted device.

---

**1:** there are exceptions to that, but I can't give you a complete list. To my knowledge, e.g. Samsung seems to permit flashing alternative ROMs and recoveries. Plus some stock devices seem to accept `update.zip` files to flash from recovery even if those are not signed with the manufacturer's key.

---
Tags: recovery-mode, stock-android, 5.1-lollipop, linux
---


# Question
Title: Hide device information pop-up on Galaxy S3
In my Samsung Galaxy S3 (GT-I9300, rooted, SuperUser installed), I have a static pop-up that shows some information about my device hardware and doesn't hide. The pop-up has a background color and yellow text. It has some information like:

```
PDA:blah
Phone:blah
CSC:blah
and more...

```

How can I hide the pop-up?

# Answer
It seems your device is in *Factory Mode*. To exit from it manually:

1. Open file manager that can access root folder (e.g. Root Explorer, ES File Explorer)
2. Go to `/efs/FactoryApp/`
3. Open `factorymode` file as text file. Change the content to `ON` and save the file
4. Open `keystr` file as text file. Change the content to `ON` and save the file
5. Reboot the device

---

Alternatively:

1. Install Terminal Emulator
2. Type `su`
3. Type (or copy-paste)

```
rm /efs/FactoryApp/keystr
rm /efs/FactoryApp/factorymode
echo -n ON >> /efs/FactoryApp/keystr
echo -n ON >> /efs/FactoryApp/factorymode
chown 1000.1000 /efs/FactoryApp/keystr
chown 1000.1000 /efs/FactoryApp/factorymode
chmod 0744 /efs/FactoryApp/keystr
chmod 0744 /efs/FactoryApp/factorymode
reboot

```

---

You can also exit factory mode and remove the annoying message without root, but it won't fix it:

1. Go to **Settings \> Application manager \> All**
2. Search *Factory Test* and "Clear data", "Clear cache"

---

Reference: ZiDroid - How to Exit Factory Mode for Samsung Galaxy Devices
> 2 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3
---


# Question
Title: Upgraded to Marshmallow, now I can't merge my conversations in Hangouts
I have a 2014 VZW Moto X that I recently unlocked the bootloader on. So I upgraded to CM 13. Previously, when I was on Lolipop I used Hangouts as my default texting app. The majority of people I was talking to from within Hangouts was over SMS, but a a few Google Chat conversations were in there too. I was always able to send and SMS from my phone number to any other phone number.

Now, on Marshmallow, it seems I need to switch over to my "SMS" profile in order to see my texts and to send texts via my carrier number, and to see my Google Chats conversations I have to switch over to my gmail account. The account switching it all from within Hangouts, at the top of the sidebar. Also, to access the Hangouts dialer I need to be switched over to my gmail account. This was never the case before. I think back on Lolipop I was always signed in as my gmail account, so I had access to the dialer, google chats, but also my carrier SMS messages.

I have "Merged Conversations" enabled, and Hangouts is my default texting application. Is there some way I can get back to how I was using Hangouts before? With all my SMS and Google Chat messages in one list?

Thanks!

# Answer
> 0 votes
Of course, as soon as a I post this I figure out the answer.

I ahd to go into my SMS settings from within Hangouts and change the "Default SMS messaging account" to my gmail and "Send SMS from" to my carrier number.

Now there are no longer two accounts to switch between in the menu, and all my Google Chat and text messages are in one list. I also have to ability to switch over to the dialer.

---
Tags: sms, gmail, google-hangouts, instant-messaging
---


title: How do i reinstall the android OS?

text:
# Question
Title: How do i reinstall the android OS?
I accidentally wiped my tablets systems firmware in recovery mode which deleted Android it self. ***But* what do I do now?**

more info

Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 7.0

Android version: KitKat 4.4.2

TWRP recovery

That was my Stock Rom. I just need it so that i can revert to it if need be.

# Answer
> 0 votes
There are many things you can do. But first you have to identify which tablet you are using, if its samsung then install kies and recovery will take you through the process. Second check your model number xyz whatever.Download the rom to your pc and Transfer the downloaded ROM from your computer to your device. You can use the USB cable to perform this task,leave the ROM ZIP file in the root of your phone's SD card; it will make it easier for you to find the file when you need it. visit this link you will understand more. http://androidmtk.com/flash-stock-rom-using-smart-phone-flash-tool

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, recovery-mode, rom, twrp, operating-system
---


# Question
Title: SuperSU app gives "No SU binary installed" error
I have a *(partially)* rooted Samsung Note 2. I can't access the SuperSU app.
Whenever I try to open it, I get the error *No Su binary installed* and it doesn't install it.
I used Root Checker App too and it says the phone is not rooted completely.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Couple of things you can do here try to uninstall all the applications that are related to super user. first install" System app remover and uninstall the applications restart your phone and install root checker-supersu. Ping me in if you find any more issues.

---
Tags: rooting, root-access, supersu
---


# Question
Title: Google Apps crashing, Play services crashing
On my Kyocera Hydra phone (model number c6725) running Android 4.4.2 on Virgin Mobile. When I start Gmail (although notifications from gmail work) I'll get the message "Unfortuantely, Gmail has stopped". If I click "report" I then get the message "Unfortuantely, Google Play services has stopped" with only an "OK" option.

When this first happened, I cleared the cache and data for both Gmail and Play services and I was able to open Gmail again, but now that doesn't seem to work. Worse, I noticed the problem also happens with the YouTube app, Play Music and Play Games.

Any idea what the root cause might be and how to fix it?

**Edit**: This seems to be getting worse and has now started effecting maps making it crash when I try to do turn-by-turn directions. This moves it from annoyance to a real problem. It seems if I uninstall updates to everything Google related (play services, gmail, play music, play games, play *whatever*) and go back to factory versions it'll work for a while (until it forces it's updates back on and starts acting up again).

**Update**: According to this on Android Forums, Kyocera are now testing a *long* overdue fix. Tweet them and you might be able to get it for testing. For my phone, maps has completely stopped working altogether now and I had to install an alternative mapping app (I'm trying out Here Maps right now). Gmail is only not broken by virtue of an update needing more permissions, so it's blocked from updating for the time being (and still works).

# Answer
Ryan Radford found a fix for this. Kyocera forgot to include libpredtm.so in system/lib, which causes these crashes. Ryan took the time to upload his copy and another user posted his fix on Android Forums. You need to root your phone then add Ryan's libpredtm.so to system/lib. That's it.
> 1 votes

# Answer
If you have installed a paid app without purchasing it from Google Play Store: go to Google setting → Security → Verify app → disable it.

Alternatively, try to uninstall updates, clear data and let it update again.
> 0 votes

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Tags: gmail, youtube, google-play-services
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# Question
Title: Disabling email notifications from Android Hangouts app.
I have Hangouts on my Android Phone (S3) and I get emails of my incoming messages in my corresponding email associated with the same account as my Hangouts. It seems unnecessary and hard to turn off. I'm also not sure if this is a random thing that might have been left in for some reason, can't find anyone else with the same issue.

# Answer
I figured this out myself and I'm posting the instructions below in case others have trouble as well.

1. Login to your Google Voice account.
2. Click on the cog near the top-right of your screen then select "Settings" from the drop-down.
3. Click on the "Voicemail & Text" tab.
4. Under the "Text Forwarding" header, uncheck "Forward text messages to my email:"
5. Click on "Save Changes."
> 2 votes

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Tags: email, notifications, google-hangouts
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# Question
Title: Ringtones incompatible with custom rom. How to improve compatibility?
I have been using Samsung Galaxy s4 stock firmware up until now. Yesterday I switched to AOKP 4.4.4 (18/10/2014 build) and I've noticed that none of my old ringtones work (12 unrelated ringtones). I tried converting some of them to ogg, mp3 and wav formats with audacity. Whatever i do, they do not appear in ringtone list when moved to system/media/audio/ringtones. They cannot be selected with ES explorer - I get "Wrong file type, please select again" message. If I select them with root explorer the ringtone is set to "None".

Some mp3 files in my music library work, but not the ringtones.

I assume it has something to do with ringtone format, however, I have got no idea where to start looking.

Is there any setting I could change or an app I could change / install to add the compatibility? Is there any particular app responsible for sound playback in android?

EDIT: I am running AOKP on Samsung Galaxy S4.

EDIT2: I recently installed latest official firmware. During instalation I tried resetting to phone default firmware and ringtones worked. Now that I am on new official firmware, old ringtones do not work again. Also, On the new FW I used official ringtone selection tool (that creates a ringtone file). The ringtone created works in ringtone selector list, but cannot be added to list if removed from the list or if moved.

This leads me to believe problem is with some update all newer firmwares (including AOKP) have.

No real answer to this question, I am forced to use a 3rd party app to use my old ringtones.

# Answer
In my OnePlus 2 running OxygenOS 2.2 (Android 5.1.1) the problem was solved by removing `.nomedia` in the root of the SD card, copying the audio folder from the media folder to the root of the SD, and then moving it back to the media folder. Don't ask me why but it worked again.
> 1 votes

# Answer
It's weird that your ringtones are still incompatible after conversion to the Ogg Vorbis format, because it (as you probably already know) is what Android's native ringtones come in.

Since you mentioned that you put your files in `/system/media/audio/ringtones`, it is worth a try to check and set the permissions of your files. It's as easy as

> chmod 0644 /system/media/audio/ringtones/\*

in a terminal emulator or through ADB.

If you want, you can also put your ringtone files in `/sdcard/media/ringtones` and do a reboot. You should be able to see, preview, and set your ringtones in Settings. (This works with regular MP3 files, as I've tested months before.)

P.S. Since you also said you've tried using Audacity, it's worth noting that Android doesn't repeat *custom* ringtones when they stop playing (as is the expected behaviour with call ringtones) unless you include a tag named `ANDROID_LOOP` set to `true` in the ringtone's metadata.
> 2 votes

# Answer
I dont know why it works, but re-namimg a file from \*.mp3 to \*.wav makes the file work as a ringtone.

If you then rename it back to \*.mp3, it still works.

No idea why.
> -2 votes

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Tags: root-access, audio, ringtone, compatibility, aokp
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# Question
Title: Can files be renamed within Droid Explorer
I want to rename `otacerts.zip` in a KitKat install on an LG G2 LS980 ZVD and can see no way to do this within Droid Explorer. Is there a way to do this?

# Answer
> 0 votes
*As the Developer of Droid Explorer*:

If the file lives in a location on the file system that is mounted as readonly you will not be able to rename a file. This is for security reasons. The same thing goes for deleting a file. This is something I look to address in the future, but have not found the best solution to allow this safely yet.

Otherwise; you can select the file, and click F2 to rename. Or select the file and click it a second time. There is not a menu item to do this action, which there probably should be, I will get that into the work items and prioritized.

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Tags: 4.4-kitkat, droid-explorer
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