# Question
Title: How to add multiple apps to the homescreen(s) at once?
I have a bunch of apps installed. I don't want to add them one by one, but I need many of them directly on my homescreen(s). Is there a faster way? This is Nexus 7 2013.

# Answer
You can't with the stock launcher, but in Nova Launcher you can multi-select apps in the **Add to Home screen** list and add them all at once to either the home screen or a folder. I've also read that LG Lucid's default launcher has a customization that adds this feature. There may be other launchers that can do it, but those are the only ones I know of.
> 4 votes

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Tags: home-screen-shortcuts
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title: Nexus 5 nothing bootable?

text:
# Question
Title: Nexus 5 nothing bootable?
I add Paranoid OTA on my Nexus 5, and I tried to uninstall it.

During the processus, everything totally failed and my phone start rebooting itself all the time.

Now :

ADB is not working. (I tried to end and restart the server but nothing to do) My phone is not recognize on my computer (windows 8.1) I can't install the driver on my computer

And i CANNOT start my phone, I don't have any more any system on it ...

I'm totally lost and I don't know what to do =/

i'm trying to install ADB to install Android 4.4.4 but impossible, my phone is connect to my computer but windows doesn't recognize it (and i uninstall and reinstall the driver with the package manager from android studio)

Someone can help me =/ ?

# Answer
I know Windows doesn't recognize the phone but I still want to try something. Download Wugfresh toolkit from here: (For download links just scroll down, there are some mirrors)

http://www.wugfresh.com/nrt/

Once you install it, click "Full driver installation guide...". This will give you a thorough guide to uninstalling remaining drivers and installing the needed ones.

Hopefully, it will help you install the necessary drivers for the N5. If it does work, Press the "flash stock + unroot" button on the right (I think you should check "**soft-bricked/bootloop**").

Hope it helps :)
> 1 votes

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Tags: adb, clockworkmod-recovery, nexus-5
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# Question
Title: Cannot get MTP to work unless USB debugging is enabled
I have a Samsung Galaxy S3 (i9300) running Android 4.4.4 (CyanogenMod 11-20141008-SNAPSHOT-M11-i9300).

If I have USB debugging **disabled** and I plug it into Windows 7 then:

* I get a connection sound in Windows
* Device manager reports "Google Galaxy Nexus ADB Interface"
* The phone reports "Connected as a media device"
* **but** the phone is not shown in Windows Explorer.

If I have USB debugging **enabled** and I plug it into Windows 7 then:

* I get a connection sound in Windows
* Device manager reports "SAMSUNG Android ADB Interface"
* The phone reports "USB debugging connected"
* The phone is shown in Windows Explorer
* **and** I appear to also be able to copy files to and from the device.

This seems completely backwards to me and, given that I'm doing some development with MTP, I would really like it to work how normal people will have it work (as I seriously don't expect that everyone has to turn on USB debugging just to get it to work).

How can I fix this?

# Answer
> 3 votes
Do you have Samsung Kies installed? Samsung phones don't use the generic Google-provided driver for MTP in Windows, but if you install the correct Kies version it'll also load the relevant driver. This post on XDA-forums explains more about the cause, just don't forget to substitute the Samsung driver for the Google one when following the steps.

If you don't want to mess with Kies you can obtain just the Samsung driver portion here.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Typical, I post the question and then immediately find a solution (of sorts).

One way to resolve it is to go into Device Management, right click on "Google Galaxy Nexus ADB Interface", select "Uninstall" and make sure that the tickbox for removing the drivers is selected.

Once that has completed, install Samsung Kies (ugh) and you'll find that it is now reported as "GT-I9300" under "Portable Devices".

If someone has a solution that doesn't involve installing 72MB of software just to get a driver, then I'll mark it as the best answer.

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Tags: cyanogenmod, samsung-galaxy-s-3, usb-debugging, mtp
---


# Question
Title: How to block/disable WiFiKill effectiveness on WiFi network?
I just gave WiFiKill app to someone I know in the region where the college is and I guided him how to get it work. That was before the ending of holiday.

At these days after holiday ended, he monitored that college WiFi network cutting all bandwidth on other connected devices, although they're connected to network. I hear all of them complain about the Internet while he's enjoying full internet bandwidth, which is not fair at all because that internet is only dedicated for college students only, not for citizens of that region.

How to disable this app affecting college WiFi network? What will happen if 2 users using WiFiKill on the same network and each one of them block internet on the other device?

# Answer
Pretty much.. no. WiFiKill uses ARP poisoning to cause computers on the local network segment to use the wrong MAC address for the router, resulting in all packets being dropped. A second device running WiFiKill would have no visible effect; however, if you could spoof ARP reply packets which have the correct MAC address in them it could be used to mitigate the effects -- maybe. The two devices would be in a race at that point.
> 2 votes

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Tags: wi-fi
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# Question
Title: PC from/to Android voice communication without Internet
I want to call my PC using my Android phone (and vice versa) without internet. PC to Android or Android to PC, not just Android to Android. I think it is possible, but not sure if there is a program like that.

What apps do I need to install both on PC and Android phone?

# Answer
> 0 votes
OK, just use Linphone. That's the app the old answer recommended, as you can just use the same program on Win/OSX/Linux/Android/iOS. You don't need internet, but you do still need to have IP connectivity between the devices (if one can ping the other then you're good to go).

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Tags: applications, 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, voip
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# Question
Title: Is it always possible to recover from a failed installation of a ROM?
in the past I changed the ROM from my phone and the installation was correct. Now I'm currently working in a custom ROM, where I'm doing some alterations on Android Source code. So, my question is: if I flash my phone with my custom ROM e something goes wrong, is it always possible take a stable ROM (that I already have) and install back to my phone? Or my phone can break without having how to recover it?

Once the installation failed on the middle, and I just start it again and everything worked fine, but the ROM were stable and now I'm customizing it. Or even in that time I had luck!

Thank you for now Pablo

# Answer
As long as you have recovery installed you can flash another ROM, stock or custom. The kernel/boot.img would be dependent on the ROM and they would most likely come with the ROM package. So if you have a ***complete*** ROM, with all necessary parts, you will be able to to recover from a bad flash.

---

> ***Always make a backup/nandroid***
> 3 votes

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Tags: installation, rom
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# Question
Title: Drivers for TrekStor Surftab Xiron 7.0 3G
I just bought a TrekStor Surftab Xiron 7.0, and I was trying to use it to test apps. It's the first time I do this, so maybe I'm just doing something wrong. I turned on the developer settings and the USB debug, connected the tablet to the computer and tried to install the Google drivers (The ones in the SDK), it didn't work. Then I tried to search for drivers on the TrekStor website, but they don't seem to have download links. I tried another couple of drivers I found online, but none of them worked.

Does anybody know where I can find working drivers? The Android version is 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean).

# Answer
> 1 votes
I had the same problem! You have to add the vendor-id to adb\_usb.ini !

> echo 0x1e68 \>\> $HOME/.android/adb\_usb.ini

source: https://urbanjack.wordpress.com/2014/10/23/howto-use-surftab-xiron-on-mac-for-development-adb/

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Tags: tablet, usb-debugging
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# Question
Title: Does encryption, factory reset, encryption make a safer used phone?
I recently purchased a used Moto X. I know the person I bought it from so I'm not terribly worried but here is my idea to shore up the security on a used device.

1. Don't put in your SIM card or log into any accounts
2. Factory reset
3. Encrypt device
4. Factory reset
5. Encrypt device
6. Install SIM, log into accounts
7. Enjoy

This seems like a solid way to make sure the device is completely wiped out... except for the boot loader. I'm not sure how the comes into play, or if this method even makes that big of a difference. The process I outlined isn't difficult, it just takes a few hours.

* Is it worth it?
* Can it be improved?
* What about the boot loader?

# Answer
> 5 votes
Factory-resetting twice is pointless. The first factory reset will already wipe all user data: the second won't delete anything that wasn't already deleted by the first. Encrypting the device is also a waste of time, because you've already factory-reset the device.

It might make some sense if you were the seller of the phone, and you wanted to overwrite the internal storage several times to make sure the buyer couldn't recover your data, but that's the opposite of what you want. A single factory reset will delete all the user data, giving you a clean slate.

If you're worried about the previous owner having left a backdoor in the OS, then ensure the bootloader is locked and flash the stock ROM yourself. This way you're sure to have a clean OS.

If you suspect the buyer has enough skill to backdoor the bootloader so that it will also make changes to the new OS as you flash it, and also disable signature verification so that it will still boot but looks like the bootloader is locked, then just don't buy a phone from them. If you think they're that good, and that desperate to get hold of your data, then they'll find a way around whatever you do. You just can't trust the device at all in that case.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Another option to secure delete info on your phone is to get the app IShredder 3 fom the Playstore to securely overwrite any data on empty space.

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Tags: security, encryption, bootloader, moto-x
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title: CyanogenMod emulation

text:
# Question
Title: CyanogenMod emulation
The device is Samsung i9100. I have downloaded the latest AndroidStudio and going to modify or create an addon for AOSP contact app.

The system itself is present on the website https://download.cyanogenmod.org/?device=i9100

Does anyone know how to go about Cyanogen emulation?

Also, what I am trying to do is explained by me at Modifying android system apps.

Guys, do I really need to emulate CyanogenMod? Or can I just modify "aosp contacts app" testing it under any android emulator and then putting my changes into the CyanogenMod package for Samsung i9100?

# Answer
The Contacts app doesn't require any specialized device features, so you should be able to test your modifications in an AVD created from the images you download via Studio's SDK Manager. These are just basic Android images, not Cyanogen, but if you're not tying into some special feature of Cyanogen or i9100 hardware, then it will be adequate.

Once you get things working in an emulator, connect the i9100 to your development box and test the app for real. You'll need to enable the Developer Options menu and turn USB debugging on before Studio will see that i9100 as a run configuration target.
> 1 votes

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Tags: cyanogenmod, android-emulator, android-sdk
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title: Modifying android system apps

text:
# Question
Title: Modifying android system apps
Does anyone know a good articles or tutorials explaining how to go about it?

Do I need to recompile android sources after modifying system apps and then install them on my emulator device somehow?

Or maybe the process is much simplier than I imagine? (What I mean is just creating an apk and then just installing it on the phone?)

Thanks a lot in advance!

# Answer
> 2 votes
If you've got the AOSP source, then just import the app into Eclipse/Studio from `packages/apps` in the source tree. Then you can modify it an run it on one of the emulators (a/k/a AVDs) or a real device connected via USB.

If you want to replace the system app in the build, then put your modified code back into packages/apps and rebuild the system image. Otherwise you can just install and run it alongside the 'real' app.

FYI, if you get into this and have more involved programming questions, you should probably post in StackOverflow with an Android tag.

---
Tags: android-emulator, system-apps
---


# Question
Title: Out of memory errors on S2. Safe to delete all dumpstate files?
My Android S2 is out of memory and unable to update apps. Specifically it is currently using nearly all of the paltry 2gb partitioned for apps.

I'm reading that you can issue \*#9900# in the dialer, and select menu 2, that this will clean the dumpstate files. I get `Unable to process request`.

My phone is rooted so when I go to terminal and ls -l on /data/log, I'm showing no *.log files but several dumpstate*.tar.gz files. Is it safe to nuke these tar.gz files?

# Answer
Data in "log directories" should generally be safe to delete, as they are mainly intended for debugging purposes. The files having an `.tar.gz` extension simply means they are archived (see: tar (computing) at Wikipedia); if you copy them to your computer for investigation (e.g. using Winzip on a Windows machine, or the command-line `tar xzf <filename>`) will probably show those files contain `*.log` files.

If you want to be on the safe side, make a backup first. But I very much doubt you'll ever need those files again.
> 1 votes

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Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-2, insufficient-memory
---


# Question
Title: How does the Orxify app do what not even the official TOR client for Android can?
I was looking for TOR in the Play store a while ago & did not find anything but then today I see that the official TOR site has Orbot for Android but apparently it cannot protect you unless you use apps configured to use Orbot & since I dislike messing with port settings etc. I kept searching to find an app called Orxy with a plugin called Orxify which claims to use the TOR network to anonymize all your Android traffic without any configuring. Now is that even possible? Or is it a false claim? I see no real reviews on the web on Orxify and it seems they changed their name from Anonify...why change it unless they are trying to hide something? Anybody know of this app and the validity of it's claims?

OS: 4.1 S3

# Answer
> 1 votes
Orbot uses iptables to proxy all apps through Tor, which requires root access.

According to the description of Orxify it uses Android's native VPN mode to proxy all apps through Tor.

Apps that use the built-in Android VPN interface do not require root access. This is the primary advantage of Orxify over Orbot.

On Android 4.0 and above apps can create a native VPN connection without root access to send and receive all network traffic. In this case the Orxify app creates a VPN connection to Tor and routes the internet traffic through the VPN. This can be identified by the key icon in the status bar.

I have not used or tested this app and this explanation is based solely on my knowledge of Tor, VPNs, and the Orxify app Play Store description.

# Answer
> 0 votes
It's possible if you use VPN. VPN mode in android redirect all traffic to one app. It's then app decision how to handle it. Orxify did this. And also integrate tor library.

Tor community try this few times but not succeeded so far. https://github.com/guardianproject/OrbotVPN

There is also Drony. Drony also uses VPN but redirect then all to Orbot app.

But apps are not open source. This is not good starting point to be recognized by Tor community as safe to use.

by Drony support

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Tags: proxy
---


# Question
Title: SIM card is not working on Sony Xperia Z (Android 4.1.2)
My friend has a problem using his micro-SIM card on his new Sony Xperia Z (Android 4.1.2)

The problem is: when he inserts the SIM card, the phone display a message that the SIM card has been inserted, and restarts... then after the restart, displays 'SIM card removed' and restarts!

Notes:
1-The SIM card works perfectly on other phones.
2-The shop where he bought the phone has installed apps (mostly games) before he received it.

Any solutions?

# Answer
1. Can you take a look at the SIM and phone SIM socket if they are oxidized/dirty/greasy? If that is the case, you can clean it with a cotton cloth dipped in ethylene alcohol.
2. If the SIM socket pins are somehow are pushed down, that could be also an issue.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Try pushing or more like adding a piece of paper on top of the Sim card! Else, try to contact the company. If you have installed the ROM your self, I mean by rooting and getting a new ROM. Then you might be in an issue! As there are many ROMS that have slight issues. Try going to that forum again from where you got the rom and contact the person who provided.

I read its Sony, so why not use a ROM made by Sony? Sony ROMs wont have an issue at all!
> 0 votes

# Answer
Check that he is using a micro sim card and not a nano sim with adapter. The poles are different size. Nano won't work for z2. Maybe it's the same here.
> 0 votes

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Tags: sim-card
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# Question
Title: HTTPS sites no longer load on my Android after installing cert to truststore
I have a rooted Android 4.3 JellyBean. I was testing something and trying to install the certificate for Charles Proxy so I could sniff some SSL traffic. I was able to push the Charles certificate to /system/etc/security/cacerts and this allowed me to do what I wanted. However, ever since I did this, my browsers no longer load HTTPS sites. For example, Chrome gives me the "Your connection is not private" message.

Also, and not sure if this is normal, but when I look in Settings \> Security \> Trusted credentials, there are no System Certificates listed.

How can I fix whatever I did?

# Answer
> 0 votes
"Whatever you did", you removed all of your trusted CA's (Certificate Authority).

Unfortunately I cannot help other than to say you should have well over 50-60 trusted CA's in that list (where you have none).

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Tags: 4.3-jelly-bean, troubleshooting, certificates, https
---


title: Factory reset problem in LG F160

text:
# Question
Title: Factory reset problem in LG F160
I have installed an English ROM in LG Optimus F160

So, the question is if I soft reset my phone will the installed rom be uninstalled or remain installed?

# Answer
> 0 votes
The system ROM should remain on the device after a "soft" factory reset.

A normal factory reset only clears the user data, applications, and settings from the device. A factory reset does not remove the ROM or other data on the system partition.

Under most conditions the system ROM will usually only be removed when formatting the system partition in recovery mode or installing a new ROM.

---
Tags: applications
---


# Question
Title: How can I add iptables rules that persist across reboots?
I want to add an iptables rule on my Android phone. I used:

```
iptables -t nat -A PREROUTING -p 6 -d 192.168.66.1 --dport 80 -j DNAT --to 192.168.66.1:808

```

...as root. This rule can be checked in adb shell, and I can see that it was added:

```
# iptables -t nat -nL
chain PREROUTING (policy ACCEPT)
prot   opt    source       destination    idletimer_nat_PREROUTING
all    --     0.0.0.0/0    0.0.0.0/0      DNAT
tcp    --     0.0.0.0/0    192.168.66.1   tcp dpt:80 to:192.168.66.1:8080

```

I want this rule to persist after a reboot, so I added an iptabless file in `/etc/sysconfig` with these contents:

```
-t nat -A PREROUTING -p 6 -d 192.168.66.1 --dport 80 -j DNAT --to 192.168.66.1:8080

```

However, when I reboot my phone, no rule is added.

Does Android support the `/etc/sysconfig/iptables` path? I got this path from a PC Linux installation ( I tested `/etc/iptables/rules.v4` as well, it also did not work).

At the same time, I also don't know whether its content is right.

Additionally, I cannot root my testing phone in the future. Is it possible to add persistent iptables rules on an unrooted phone?

# Answer
Running scripts at boot (init) as you are trying to do is only supported if the kernel supports it.

If you are using a stock kernel, you may need to install a custom kernel that includes init support.

There are also apps that start with Android and automatically apply firewall/iptables rules, however keep in mind these require root access.

It is not possible to modify iptables rules without root access. However, you can use a VPN connection to route network traffic which works on any Android 4.0+ device without root access.
> 1 votes

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Tags: firewall, iptables
---


# Question
Title: How can I control my Azpen Android Tablet with a broken screen without root or usb debugging?
I've had this Azpen A700 tablet for a while, but at some point it got the touchscreen broken. I can still see an image but the touchscreen is completely unresponsive. I'd like to still get some use out of it, but it is not rooted and it has USB debugging disabled. Is there any way to control it or root it without the touch interface? I have a USB cable for it, it's just that the USB debugging setting is turned off.

I've tried googling how to control an android tablet with a usb cable and it requires rooting. Then I looked up how to root a device and it requires usb debugging. Is it possible to do it without rooting or debugging?

# Answer
> 1 votes
You could get a USB-OTG cable, which allows you to connect USB devices to Android devices via the USB port (so long as the Android device supports OTG, which the A700 does). If you plug in a mouse you'll get a mouse cursor to work with; you could even use a USB hub to attach both a keyboard and a mouse if you want to type instead of using the on-screen keyboard.

You could also use the USB-OTG cable long enough to pair a Bluetooth mouse/keyboard to the tablet, then go wireless.

---
Tags: rooting, usb-debugging, touchscreen, remote-control, broken-screen
---


# Question
Title: Already S-Off, need root on HTC One M8 Verizon
I'm relatively new to Android and I'm just trying to get root on my HTC One M8 Verizon device. I've successfully used the SunShine utility to S-Off, but I'm just really confused about what to do next to get permanent root. I don't care about custom ROMs and I'd really prefer not to have to install TWRP if I don't have to. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

FWIW, I've got the Android SDK and associated tools (adb, etc.) installed, and I am successfully able to connect to my device. Just don't know what to do from here.

# Answer
Found the answer. There's a support channel, #sunshine-support on irc.freenode.org. Just go in there and type `!info ring`, and one of the devs pretty much instantly responds. Or, you can just type `!info getroot` directly and let them get some shut-eye. Anyways, that will provide you with a link to an apk called SUInstaller. At the time of writing it's at: http://theroot.ninja/apks/SUInstaller.apk. But, if it moves, follow the instructions I just gave to get the current one.

Anyways, you install this app and it will reboot your phone (installing su in the process). Then, just download SuperSU from the Play Store and follow the prompts. Reboot when it tells you to and then give it about five minutes after the phone boots up for everything to finish loading. Then, you can use something like Root Checker (also available on the Play Store) to verify that you have root access.
> 1 votes

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Tags: root-access, verizon, htc-one-m8
---


# Question
Title: How to bootup a Samsung s-duos with bad battery
My phone switched off because of low battery and when I kept it for charging a black screen appeared. It is just blinking on and off. The same problem occurred previously also. I gave my battery to a technician for repair then battery worked, he said that he booted the battery. So how to boot when the battery is bad?

# Answer
> 0 votes
If you claim that you took it to a technician to repair it, are you sure the problem of your battery was solved? Have you considered replacing the battery with a new one? Or using another Samsung's battery on the phone?

Once you have a good battery you can know check for other issues that could be affecting your phone.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-duos
---


# Question
Title: Confusing internal memory folder structure - Galaxy S3 (I9300)
I am using Samsung Galaxy S3 (I9300) for a while now. I have rooted the device, removed the stock ROM and replaced it with CM11. Of late, I have been having Camera FCs, poor battery back up and slow down in apps (I though it was due to low availability of internal memory - 1 GB out of 11.5 GB). I tried clearing several folders from internal memory. Since the results weren't satisfactory, I decided to re-install the OS by doing a factory reset.

Now that I have done it, to my surprise, the internal memory was still not completely cleared. Android was still reporting as 4.5 GB available, out of 11.5 GB. When digging little deeper, I found that it was due to my old user data folders still residing on the phone. They were available under `\emulated\0` and also `\emulated\legacy`. I initially assumed it would be present in my external SD card and \emulated\0 possibly could be just a symlink to it. To clear up the doubt, I removed the SD card from the phone and rebooted it. But, I still see the files in `\emulated\0`. I again tried to do a `Factory Reset`, but nothing has changed.

Though, I can just delete the `\emulated\legacy` folder and go about installing a different ROM. I am trying to understand what actually has happened (how to correctly fix it) and if it could happen again, or if it could be something due to me fiddling around with any OS level settings. Any explanation as to why/how the duplicate files are created and how to fix it for good, will be much appreciated.

# Answer
> 2 votes
The folders you are referring to are for multi-user purposes: `/emulated/legacy` is a symlink pointing to the *internal SD* folder of the "current user", while `/emulated/0` is that folder for the owner (the number at the end will be incremented for additional users created thereafter, so e.g. if you created an additional user, his place would be `/emulated/1`, and logged in with that user `/emulated/legacy` would point there).

There are sometimes issues when updating from older Android versions, where content gets duplicated from the old single-user place to `/emulated/0` during the conversion process (i.e. the content is *copied* to the new location instead of being moved, and not deleted afterwards). As a usually doesn't touch "user storage" (external/internal SD cards), it offers no relief to that, so you'll have to clean that up manually afterwards (if it happens).

As to your question in your comment: If this happens, it does so only when converting from "single user" to "multi-user". So your next upgrade would already start with a "multi-user ROM", which means the same issue will not happen again (as no conversion is required in this context).

---
Tags: internal-storage, cyanogenmod
---


# Question
Title: Battery drains even when plugged in while using Nav app on long road trips
I have a Nexus S running Android 4.0.3 and Google Maps 6.8.1.

When I use the Google Maps navigation app, the battery slowly drains, even when plugged into my car charger. After 5-6 hours, the phone will shut down due to loss of power.

I have already tried:

* Using only 2G mode
* Configured all of my (configurable) apps not to check for updates, fetch mail, etc, except when I tell it to.
* Reduced CPU speed, changed CPU governor, etc

I've had limited success reducing the CPU speed too much, as it makes the nav app unresponsive when I set it too low.

I have not tried dimming the screen much, as I can already barely see it when driving with sun glasses on.

Is this normal behavior, or is my phone faulty (or misconfigured)?

What else can I do?

* Perhaps there's a better way to charge my phone (different charger/USB cable?)
* Perhaps there's some way to automatically disable the screen except when within a certain distance of a turn? I.e. if the screen auto-blanked after 5 minutes, then would re-activate whenever there were spoken instructions, that would be fine with me.
* Perhaps there's another nav app that's more friendly on the battery?

**EDIT** Even in my car, I use an A/C charger with a DC/AC inverter, rather than one of the round cigarette-lighter style chargers.

# Answer
It's probably your charger.

I tested my Nexus S with the following:

* dumb charger (only had +/- lines connected), capable of 2Amps (2.000mA)
* Inlined voltage meter to measure currents
* Brightness maxed, set CPU to 1.2GHz, performance governor, benchmark running

The device adhered to the USB standard and never draw more than 500mA (0.5A), although the charger is capable of 4x more current. It lost 2% percent during \<5mins when the benchmark ran.

I know that apple encodes power settings into their wall chargers by setting voltages to D+/D- pins of the USB connector. I'm not aware of how to tell the phone to just draw more power and dismiss the USB's 500mA safety regulation.

If you have such a charger, give it a try.

EDIT: I could fix my own Nexus S' charging behaviour by using a kernel with force AC fast charge option enabled (for example Trinity kernel for Nexus S / Android 4.0-ICS) and this Fastcharge widget.
> 2 votes

# Answer
I have had this happen to me.

What I did that helped a bit was to turn the screen off when I was on a long stretch and didn't need to see my next direction for a long while.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I believe this is a combination of two things, as I used to experience this with my EVO as well.

1. Crappy charger

* as ce4 stated, car chargers are often USB trickle charge, and will not do much. Going for the good, sometimes more expensive powered car chargers or DC/AC converters might help you out there
2. HEAT

* my phone would get so hot just from being in the car and being on (*I do live in Florida..*) that the battery would function **very** poorly. Heat also degrades the battery in the long run, so bummer there too.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I just noticed, after a recent update to Google Maps, that there is now an option for Screen dimming when in navigation mode. The description reads:

> Screen dims between instructions to conserve power

I have not gone on a long enough trip to test the functionality, but it looks promising.

## Update

This feature appears to only be available when not plugged into the charger, so not very useful in my scenario.
> 1 votes

# Answer
it might just be the cable you use, I recently got a powerbank and I found out that my device charged slower when I use a regular USB cable with it (even drains faster than it charges when using the phone at the same time) but when I plug in the cable supplied with the powerbank it charged as fast as it does when I use a regular AC charger, I tried the same thing with my Computer and the result was the same.

I would suggest you swap your USB cable (which supports data and charging) for one that can only charge the device.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Buy a power inverter for your car and a 10Watt 2amp charger with dual usb ports and plug your charger as you would at home. That is what works for me.

I can use pandora and Google maps or waze at the same time while surfing the Web at times. It makes no difference.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Buy this from Amazon: Powergen White 2.4-Amp (12 Watt) Dual Usb Wall Charger W/Sviwal Plug Designed For Apple And Android Devices

Plug this in to a power inverter and you can use your phone to its full potential. 100% brightness. Gps, YouTube, Pandora, surfing, etc. You won't ever run out of power.

My only issue is sometimes i have a bad Android cable. Make sure you have a good Android cable and your set.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: battery, gps, google-maps-navigation
---


title: Installing system apps on Android 4.4

text:
# Question
Title: Installing system apps on Android 4.4
I've installed apps on the system partition on Android 4.1 and it's as easy as moving an APK to the /system/app/ folder and restart the device. The PackageManager (I assume) will recognize a change in the directory and will install the application.

Now I'm trying to do the same thing on Android 4.4 and it's not working. I'm seeing the APK on the /system/app/ directory but I don't see the app on the launcher. I also tried moving it to the /system/priv-app/ folder but the end result is the same.

Does anyone have a clue of how to do this?

By the way, the 4.1 device was a Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7" Wifi and the 4.4 device is a Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 7". Both are rooted.

# Answer
When copy/move files to system you need to change permissions using **`chmod 644 file_name.apk`**. The apps will then show back up.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 4.1-jelly-bean, 4.4-kitkat, 4.2-jelly-bean, root-access, system-apps
---


title: Enable Wi-Fi tethering via Bluetooth?

text:
# Question
Title: Enable Wi-Fi tethering via Bluetooth?
Bluetooth uses low power, and hence I keep it enabled indefinitely for whenever I want to tether with my laptop.

Wi-Fi is much faster and thus I prefer it over Bluetooth, but I can't keep the access point enabled indefinitely as it drains my battery too quickly.

Is there some way for me to enable & disable the Wi-Fi access point via its permanent Bluetooth connection to my laptop so that I can get faster tethering without having to keep the Wi-Fi access point enabled (and without having to touch my phone to enable/disable it)?

# Answer
Performing actions whenever a certain Blutooth device is in reach *and paired* (and reverting them when it gets out of reach) can be done e.g. with (see the tasker tag-wiki for details on the app):

* **Condition:** *BT Connected* (parameter: name or address of the device)
* **Task:** *WiFi* (parameter: *On*)
* **Exit-Task:** (optional; *Tasker* should revert automatically to the previous state when the condition is no longer met) *WiFi* (parameter: *Off*)

This would similarly work with NFC when using the NFC plugin. More features are also offered by other plugins. Also see my Collection of Tasker Ressources for tutorials and available plugins.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi, tethering, wifi-hotspot, wifi-tethering, bluetooth-tethering
---


# Question
Title: Android tablet not auto-updating applications
I have an android tablet that is leveraging an internal company network. It appears that this device and all others similar to it are not auto-updating applications from the Play Store even though all the appropriate settings are correct.

I can see there are apps to update and I can even manually update an app but the auto-update never runs for any apps.

The same tablet in my home network will run the auto-update.

Could the companies internal network somehow be blocking the auto-update? If so how does the auto-update work so I can add exceptions to the firewall.

**UPDATE**

This device is a HP Slate 21 Pro All-In One and has both a WiFi and an Ethernet (wired) connection. We found that when the device is connected on the company network using a WiFi connection it DOES auto-update but it DOES NOT when connected using the ethernet connection.

My guess is that the Playstore (GMS) is checking if there is a WiFi connection and if so downloading the updates and if not a WiFi connection it does not download the updates. Similar to how a true mobile device behaves where there is either a wifi or cellular network connection.

# Answer
This issue has been reported to HP and has been confirmed it is an issue on their end or with the Play Store software.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: google-play-store, application-autoupdate
---


title: App page sorting after app uninstall

text:
# Question
Title: App page sorting after app uninstall
My Galaxy S3-alpha runs Android version 4.1.1. Recently I uninstalled some of the apps I didn't use. But when I go into the "Apps" page, with all the apps lined up, the places of the old apps (that were un-installed) is still empty! So there is a lot of empty space between the apps that make navigation between them hard. I have also tried restarting the phone several times, the OS has also been updated once, but the empty space in the apps page remains! I wanted to see if there is a way that once an app is un-installed its place won't be left empty in the apps window.

Or more generally, is there a way I can sort the apps in the apps page so for example they can be sorted by their name or date installed?

Thank you very much in advance,

# Answer
> 2 votes
Chances are you are using a stock launcher (maybe Samsung's TouchWiz) that leaves empty spaces when you uninstall an app.

If you are using Samsung Galaxy S4 (using stock launcher), you can go to the Apps screen, and `click on left menu key > View type > Alphabetical grid`. If you are not on an S4, see if you can find something similar to this.

If you do not have the `Alphabetical grid` option, you can install a 3rd party launcher like Nova. Nova can sort your app drawer alphabetically.

# Answer
> 0 votes
If your phone is Samsung then try this: tap over the menu icon (down left) then tap `Edit`. Now you are in **edit mode**, you can tell because there are markers at each corner of each app icon. In this mode you can drag and drop the icons, they do not need to be in alphabetical order.

Note: I think Edit is only present if you are in **custom mode**. You can switch to custom mode at any time going to `Left menu > View Type > Custom`.

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, applications, uninstallation
---


# Question
Title: Always-On VPN option does not list my PPTP VPN
I have successfully connected to a PPTP VPN on Android. It is configured simply with an IP address, and no MPPE encrpytion. However, it does not show up under the Always-On option.

I am running Android 4.3 on a Nexus 4.

# Answer
I was having this issue too. Apparently Google doesn't deem PPTP secure enough, so they disable it from the "Always On" menu.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Setup DNS options for VPN connection. You may use any public-available DNS servers, for example 8.8.8.8

Note: Android 4.4+ have bug in the Always-On VPN feature: VPN stay connected, but all traffic is blocked because bug in system firewall. For fix this issue search AlwaysOnVpnFix application on Google Play.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: networking, vpn
---


# Question
Title: How can access on an android device be restricted to applications or widgets on the home screen only?
This is a rooted Nexus 7 with 4.4.4 (factory image from Google).

I'd like to restrict access to anything that's not on one of the home screens.

Apps and widgets on one the home screens should be the only thing accessible without entering a code. Ideally, just activating the apps button that shows the full list would ask for a code. The link to the full settings page from the drop down menu by the clock should also be locked.

This does not need to offer a high level of security against experts, just a basic level of protection.

Strong preference for open source solutions, but let's see what's available in general. Maybe some kind of a launcher?

Existing kids mode solutions are not a good fit. I didn't look through all of them, but they seem to limit the number of available apps, and would not be suitable for an adult due to their interface.

Kiosk and app lock solutions: I reviewed quite a few options. Some are geared towards showing a web page only, others have odd intentional characteristics such as not starting on boot. Most, however, have a long list of permissions that have nothing to do with their functionality. This is a common problem that open source apps tend not to have, hence my preference for them.

Thanks in advance.

# Answer
It turned out that there's a solution without using additional apps, at least on 4.4.4.

Settings -\> Users -\> Add user or profile -\> Restricted profile.

From there, it's just like an app locker, where the apps that should be accessible are turned on. Once the restricted profile is active, the apps that are not active are just not visible in the apps list.

The best thing about about this is that it's a built-in solution that doesn't require questionable permissions granted to an app.

Negatives: the main settings app can't be restricted for some reason and the system apps that are supposedly disabled, suddenly become active, which is particularly bad as the description for the feature says that it restricts access to apps from your account, so you'd have to do it all over again.

Advanced: Restrict Me module for Xposed is supposed to enable turning off settings as well. Not tested.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: security, home-screen, kiosk-mode
---


# Question
Title: What's a quick way to turn on the torch?
In my accessibility settings on my Samsung Galaxy Ace Plus (GT-S7500), there is an "Assistive light" option that "Turn\[s\] on torch to see better". It activates the light on the back of the device.

Is there a way I can activate the light quickly without having to go through the accessibility settings?

ps: If someone could tag this with "torch" and possibly also "gt-s7500", that would be great.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Theres a Torch app in the market that toggles on open.

Do you want a single button on home screen? Then you need to shortcut it.

Do you need it on your lock screen: swipe for widgets.

Do you need it on voice activation? "Ok google, open app flashlight/torch"

Do you want it on your shortcut bar? Drag it from programs.

Im not really sure what you want.

# Answer
> 0 votes
There are a few apps named "Nexus Torch" (as per the suggestion by @TardisGuy), but the one by Ben Buxton is nice and simple without having advertising or needing access to more than is sensible.

On my previous phone, the torch could be turned on through the Accessibility menu, but that option seems to have disappeared on my newer phone. Instead, I can select Apps, then select the Widgets tab, and there is an Assistive Light widget I could tap-and-hold then drag to create a shortcut for (the widget had some Asian letters on it, but the shortcut it created was in English).

# Answer
> -1 votes
Try adding it as a Widget to your devices screen

---
Tags: settings, samsung-galaxy-ace-plus, camera-flash
---


# Question
Title: How to install app in playstore without Google playstore in android emulator
I had installed AndroVM to use Android apps in computer. But when it comes to games like shadow fight even with OpenGL support enabled, AndroVM couldn't run many games such as Hill Climb racing, Gunship battle etc. Hence I tried Genymotion. When I installed Genymotion, it automatically detected AndroVM installed in Virtual Box. And I could only run Hill climb racing and rest of them didn't work. So I finally installed Android SDK and followed all instructions to add packages(Tools, extras and System Images). Even if I have installed Google play services and Google repository, I couldn't find Google playstore in the android emulator. Even this post suggests how to install Google playstore in emulator,it also have discussions about piracy and legal issues(in comments) and the apk's (GoogleLoginService.apk , GoogleServicesFramework.apk , Phonesky.apk) are not official packages. Hence

1. Can any one suggest how can I install apps inside emulator without using Google playstore, and
2. Why can't I find playstore even after I install Google play services and repository.

These are the packages I've installed. And I'm using Ubuntu 14.04

**Update** If you cannot open the image. Here I've copied exact names of the packages.

```
Tools:

Name                              API   Rev      Status
Android SDK tools                       23.0.5   installed
Android SDK platform tools              21       installed
Android SDK build tools                 21.0.1   installed
Android SDK build tools                 20       installed

Android 5.0(API 21)

documentation for Android SDK     21    1        installed
SDK platform                      21    1        installed
Android TV ARM EABI v7a System    21    1        installed
image
ARM EABI v7a System image         21    1        installed
Sources for Android SDK           21    1        installed

Extras:

Android support Library                 21       installed
Google Play services                    20       installed
Google Repository                       12       installed

```

# Answer
I assume you have only one emulator running, then you can install an apk file by using adb

```
adb -e install <apk file>

```

You get more options by

```
adb -h

```
> 1 votes

---
Tags: google-play-store, android-emulator, google-apps, android-sdk
---


title: How can I factory reset my Android TV?

text:
# Question
Title: How can I factory reset my Android TV?
Is there any way to do a factory reset somehow from the welcome screen as I can go through to do anything?

After prompting me to choose the language it keeps returning to the Welcome page to start over. Yes I tried every possible combination (wifi, cable, buttons, etc) but there is no way to go through so maybe a factory reset will do the trick.

# Answer
Try going to `Settings --> Privacy --> Factory Data Reset`

For More Detail You can check Here:

www.allview.ro/uploads/tx\_allview/Manual\_AllDro\_TV.pdf
> -1 votes

---
Tags: factory-reset, android-tv
---


title: xolo q1011 can't root

text:
# Question
Title: xolo q1011 can't root
I have a xolo q1011. I tried to root but none of the methods vroot,towelroot,pieroot,sideload,cwm worked. Is there any other way to root my phone so that I can install cm ROMs. Its in version 4.4.2 it have the Google sync problem as well

# Answer
> 0 votes
Finally I found it. The 1.7.8 version of Vroot can root my phone

# Answer
> 0 votes
Kingoroot.

http://www.kingoapp.com

I hope it will work for you

---
Tags: rooting, 4.4-kitkat, sync
---


# Question
Title: Locked out of Android Vortex MID *permission denied with ADB
Here's the back story:

I bought an used Android tablet. The guy said the power connector was broken so the tablet wont be charged. I took it apart and figured out the battery was dead. I have an adapter from the wall powering the device.

My problem:

There *was* a pattern lock. My daughter thought she would help me, and exhausted the 20 attempts, so it's now only giving me the option to use the Google account to unlock. I emailed the guy and he gave me his Google account info, but it didn't work on the tablet. It is the correct info for Gmail, as I tried it on my PC.

I have been trying to use ADB to get in to the tablet to no avail... I'm denied permission when I try to use `wipe_data`. I can't understand what the problem is.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

# Answer
> 1 votes
I know I'm a bit late, but you can remove the lock by performing factory reset. To do that:

1. Shut down the tablet
2. Hold volume up key and power button at the same time
3. Recovery boot menu will open. With volume keys select wipe data and press power button. The tablet will do a factory reset, all data will be lost and pattern lock will be removed.

You probably got denied permission on ADB because debug mode wasn't on.

---
Tags: tablet, adb, factory-reset
---


# Question
Title: Changing contact to canonical form (adding + country_code)
I am using Samsung Galaxy S2. Is there any automated way or app to change all my contacts with appropriate country code into canonical form.

I just found that lot of my contact are there without the country code. And few apps like whatsapp, viber etc does not recognize the contact unless + is appended with country code.

Is there any better way to do it than editing all my contacts?

# Answer
You can try syncing your phone contacts with Gmail, preferably into a group.

Then use Gmail's web interface to export that group into a Google CSV format, use a text editor to replace ",00xxx" with ",+xxx" (and do any other editing while you're at it) in the CSV file, and reimport into Gmail.
> 8 votes

# Answer
In case you want to append country code to your contacts or append +91, here is best way to do and be sure of it done:

1. Open the CSV, XLS, or XLSX file as Google spreadsheet
2. Edit \> Find and replace
3. Select the option `Search using regular expression`
4. Find ^91 will search all numbers in sheet beginning with 91. In replace, put +91
5. Similarly, do for all contacts of yours with other country codes
> 1 votes

# Answer
There is an Android app called Right Number (source available) to do exactly what you want. It reformats all the numbers to a canonical form, and then automatically adds the local prefixes whenever you do a call.

Disclaimer: I know personally one of the authors of that app.
> 0 votes

# Answer
How about Easy Prefix Country Code?. This adds country code to all contacts selectively.
> 0 votes

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


# Question
Title: Sounds for Charging the Samsung galaxy s 3
Can someone tell me how to turn( on) the sound for when my Samsung galaxy s 3 is charged. Please, than you!

# Answer
> 1 votes
I think you can use Tasker to do this. I haven't checked it by myself. But from the tutorial, it is possible to change profile(ring/vibrate/silent) at a particular battery level (using %BATT variable) or a battery full event(if there is one).

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


# Question
Title: What is "composite" in the Android Composite ADB Interface?
What's the difference between the Android ADB Interface and the Android *Composite* ADB Interface?

# Answer
> 6 votes
Android Composite interface is higher level interface that includes Android ADB (Android Debug Bridge) interface, Android MTP (Media Transfer Protocol), PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol), Mass Storage Protocol etc. depending on what you need to do with connected device and on type of device as well.

---
Tags: usb-drivers
---


# Question
Title: cell phone make screechy noises while on call
I'm using Sony Xperia J , Why does my cell phone make screechy noises while on call? sounds like a dial up modem
also , my cellphone is not rooted

# Answer
There are three reasonable possibilities:

1. Your phone has a problem, most likely hardware.
2. Your service provider is having problems.
3. Your phone is not fully compatible with your service provider.

Possibility #1 is the most likely.

To check for #2, call your service provider and see if they are having issues. To check for #3, ask your provider if your phone is compatible with their network.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: settings, calls
---


# Question
Title: How can I change the ringing noise when I place a call?
I'm not asking to change the ringtone for contacts (what plays when they call me). Now am I asking how to change the outgoing ringtone--so that when people call me they hear a custom ringtone while waiting for me to pickup.

I just want to change the sound when I place a call and it rings while waiting for the other party to pickup. I'm using CyanogenMod 7 on a rooted T-Mobile MyTouch 4G. The reason I want to do this is that the ringing noise is quite loud. If I have the Phone Call Volume all the way up, so I can clearly hear people on the line, then the ringing is loud enough to be painful. If I have it turned down so the ringing noise isn't overpowering, I can't hear people on the line after they pick up--and don't want to have to turn the volume up and down every time I place a call.

(I did consider using Tasker to change the Phone Call volume when ringing and when the other person picks up, but I didn't see the right states/events to be able to do that).

Is there a way to change what ringtone is used, so I could just pick a quieter tone?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Your question is a touch confusing, especially due to the use of the word 'ringtone', but I think this is the crux of what you are asking:

> I just want to change the sound when I place a call and it rings while waiting for the other party to pickup.

The answer is no. That sound is generated by the communications network, and your phone is just playing it to you. Your phone has no native way to differentiate between that sound and the sound of the person on the other end (or their voicemail).

In theory, an application could be written that would listen to all the sound during a call and adjust volumes depending on what it hears. I performed a fairly exhaustive search, and found no applications that currently do this.

# Answer
> -1 votes
Music, what played at line hold/conference waiting are set by operator, and at most cases it not allowed to change it (except corporate virtual phonebox).
Music, what caller hear, when waiting for connect, can be changed by operator, but it usualy costs money for people, whom you call.
You can only decrease call volume.

---
Tags: calls, ringtone
---


title: root cannot list files in /data

text:
# Question
Title: root cannot list files in /data
```
1|shell@maguro:/ # ls -l /system/xbin/
-rwxr-xr-x root     shell       59816 2013-07-11 02:12 dexdump
-rwsr-sr-x root     root        67008 2013-10-08 17:24 su
shell@maguro:/ # ls /data
opendir failed, Permission denied

```

The permissions on `su` are correct right? I get the hash prompt, but I can't list the files in /data (or do anything that requires superuser permissions). I don't have Superuser.apk installed, I don't want to install it because of that grant/deny access dialogue that pops up if you wipe the device. What does Superuser.apk do that I can't do when I unpack the \*.img files?

# Answer
> -1 votes
Enter `su` first.

> \> su
> \> ls /data

Make sure your device is rooted.

# Answer
> -1 votes
For some operations, adb must be running as root as well.
You can easily restart the adb daemon with root permission by running `adb root`.
Then you can enter `adb shell` again, switch to root with `su` and navigate wherever you'd like.

Worked for me when I had exactly the same problem.
(Samsung Galaxy Nexus, Custom AOSP-based KitKat 4.4.4)

Small addition for others:
Certain superuser apps have an option in configuration to allow root access to either apps, adb or both. The default is not necessarily to allow adb root access.

---
Tags: adb, superuser
---


# Question
Title: Android OS using a lot of background data
My phone (Xperia P running Jellybean 4.1.2) is consuming a lot of background data (about 70 MB in just 15 minutes) Since, I have a restricted usage of 2 GB, it's causing a great problem. I've already disabled auto sync, background data and other related stuff. Don't know the reason. Please help!

# Answer
Are you rooted? If yes, then try Droidwall. Its an android firewall app which will give access to only those apps which you want thereby saving a lot of data. Hope this helps.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 4.1-jelly-bean, background-data
---


# Question
Title: Rooted phone, but can't pass "Install" dialog
I am running Android 4.4.4 with the LiquidSmooth ROM and SuperSU. All these components work flawlessly, as far as I can tell. I am also able to use TitanicBackup (to demonstrate Root is working).

However, whenever I try to install an app that queries for special permissions (like Xposed from XPrivacy), the installer presents me with a "Cancel" and "Install" button at the lower end of the screen, but I can only tap "Cancel", but not "Install" (which seems to be disabled).

Any idea what's going on and how to fix this? I can workaround by manually defining permissions in SuperSU, but if I need to install a temporary download from the browser, for instance, the app/apk name doesn't show up in SuperSU, so i can't enable it to allow installation... :-/

# Answer
> 4 votes
This happens, when you have installed some kind of overlay app like Twilight. It is a security feature against screen manipulation. Solution: Find that app and disable it. After that you will be able to hit the Install button.

---
Tags: rooting, 4.4-kitkat, security
---


# Question
Title: Google Voice Search no longer automatically takes action
I was recently using my phone and noticed something odd. Previously, when I used Google Voice Search, and I said something like "Set a timer for 10 minutes", my phone would recognize that I wanted to set a timer, and if I took no action, would automatically start the timer after a short duration. Now, when I take this action, the phone recognizes the voice command, but only has a button labelled "Start Timer".

I'm not sure what in particular has changed, but I haven't found any similar problems via Googling. The only thing I can think of is that I recently upgraded to Cyanogenmod M11.

How can I regain the previous behaviour of Google Voice Search?

# Answer
Same here on Xperia Z2..

If you uninstall updates to the Google search app functionality is restored so it is definitely a Google update
> 0 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, google-now, google, google-voice-actions
---


title: How to flash a ZIP file with Odin?

text:
# Question
Title: How to flash a ZIP file with Odin?
I can't boot my Galaxy Tab 8.9 / P7300 anymore, but Odin still detects a USB connection. So I'm trying to flash a new ROM onto it using Odin. However all I can find on the web are ZIP archives containing boot.img, META-INF etc, while Odin apparently needs .tar or .tar.md5 files.

Can I convert one into the other, or is my idea completely wrong?

# Answer
`.zip` files are generally flashable from recovery, Odin's `.tar`s are indeed a completely different format. If flashing a kernel you can convert them relatively easily (thought I won't get into it here) but it won't work for a whole ROM. You'll need to find an Odin package. XDA is your best bet, but see also: Where can I find stock or custom ROMs for my Android device?
> 5 votes

# Answer
Anyone reading this that is also late to the discussion: If you found the Zipped Rom in question on XDA, it was probably originally a tar file that someone renamed zip in order to use a file hosting website with a restriction against tar files. (As this simple rename just worked for me.)
> -1 votes

---
Tags: rom-flashing, rom, odin
---


# Question
Title: How can I restore all my backed up data?
I wiped my old phone and got a new one today, and on my old phone I had all of Google's back-up options turned on, but it didn't sync any of my app data when I installed the apps on my new phone.

Just in case something like this happened, I also copied and pasted the files of my old phone into a folder on my PC. However, nothing changed when I copied all those files onto my new phone. What am I doing wrong?

# Answer
Copying and pasting folders from the old phone to the new one doesn't link it to the app installed in the new phone. Instead, try backup apps such as Titanium Backup, and make a complete backup of all the apps which you require from the old phone. Now, a folder named TitaniumBackup would be created in your SDcard. Copy that folder and paste it in the new phone. Install Titanium Backup in the new phone and try to recover the apps with data. Your issue will be resolved.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: backup, google-backup
---


title: downloading the google play services

text:
# Question
Title: downloading the google play services
This app won't run without google play services, which are missing from your phone. it's asking me for a code for redeem, setting and or \_________ please help me reinstall the google play services that was on the phone it an LG trac phone through page plus

# Answer
Try intalling Google play services from play store. If play store is not working without it, try to download Google Play Services from external sites. There are many mirrors available on internet. Once done, try rebooting your device. This must solve the problem if some app requires google play services to be installed.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: google-play-services
---


# Question
Title: Can I recover Android for Galaxy S4 after installing other operation system?
I want to try to use ubuntu on my Galaxy S4 Active. Is there possible to recover Android from Samsung for Galaxy S4 after my using Ubuntu?

# Answer
You must make a nandroid backup of your android before making any changes to it. If you made a nandroid backup, then yes.. You can recover android later anytime you want.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-4, factory-reset
---


title: Can't mount ext4 with StickMount

text:
# Question
Title: Can't mount ext4 with StickMount
I have a 2nd generation Nexus 7 running Android 4.4.4. I rooted it, got an OTG cable and tried to mount something using StickMount. It always says it mounts things successfully, but in the case of ext4 partitions, I just find an empty folder at the mount point. Fat32 partitions work fine. What could be the problem and how to check?

# Answer
I was not able to mount ext4 with stickmount alone, but I had some success using USB OTG Helper with stickmount still installed. If I use USB OTG Helper to do the mounting, it mounts ext4 successfully (even if it says "no drives mounted"). Both apps need to be installed at the same time for this to work.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: usb-on-the-go
---


# Question
Title: How can I buy apps from unsupported countries?
What can you do if you are located in a country that still does not support paid apps? Please include solutions for non-rooted users as well.

# Answer
> 12 votes
**Requirements**

* a google checkout account with valid credit card (this has no country limitations)
* pre-paid SIM card from supported country (for me pre-paid Three UK SIM worked just fine)

**Steps for purchasing**

* insert the pre-paid SIM
* enter google account that is associated with google checkout (account will be asked because of SIM change)
* connect over Wi-Fi
* purchase the wished application
* just download and install

***Questions***

**What about roaming charges?** As a rule pre-paid SIMs do not work in other countries, so the only way to browse the market and download applications is connecting over Wi-Fi.

**Why is a SIM required?** Market detects Your location by SIM cards home country. By using a SIM from supported country You are effectively faking Your location.

**Isn't it required for Google Checkout account or credit card used to be in supported country?** It seems that not. For me these were both located in Estonia and everything went without problems.

**What if application is using some weird copy protection that locks it to a specific SIM card?** Would the app not stop working when real SIM is swapped in? To prevent this kind of copy protection on locking to the incorrect SIM the easiest option is to cancel the download after purchase has been complete. Swap the real SIM in and complete the download. If there is some kind of SIM check, it can be only done after installation has been complete.

**Where can I get a pre-paid SIM card?** Check eBay :) There is no actual credit required on the SIM, so these should be pretty cheap.

*--credit: the poster himself (JaanusSiim)*

# Answer
> 7 votes
For rooted phones:

There is an app called Market Enabler that allows you to fake which country and carrier you're on when you're browsing the market so that you can easily browse markets from other countries or carriers. using this you should be able to connect to other European markets (I don't know which country you're in but many European markets such as UK do allow paid apps, you don't have to go to the US for them).

# Answer
> 5 votes
I think you'd need to have a credit card that has a billing address in the US (or other supported country).

In Europe apps can be bought by users in Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, the UK, and Switzerland.

Hopefully the number of supported countries will be increased when Google announces its apparently imminent Market improvements. The recent change to the terms and conditions to allow for carrier billing and rumours of Paypal support suggest that there will be new payment options in the near future, potentially for countries where Google Checkout is not currently available.

If you can't use the official market you could use AndAppStore, SlideME or one of the other third party app stores. The app selection and user base is considerably reduced however.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You could also use Entropay for obtaining a Virtual Card to make payments in Google Play Store wherever you are. I was able to buy games and apps for my Moto X using the Virtual Card from Entropay as I live in India and Google Play Store doesn't accept my debit card.

Thanks to Mr. Narendran for sharing this info. https://android.stackexchange.com/a/65739/77738

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


# Question
Title: How do I download an app from another country?
I have a Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini and when I go to download certain apps and it will not let me because 'it is not available in my country', however other people within my country have these certain apps and I am confused.

# Answer
Try using the Hola Android app yo spoof your location with the Google Play Store application. Never used it for this, but I imagine it should work fine.
> 0 votes

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


# Question
Title: Modifying Samsung ROM and flashing it on a device
I downloaded a Samsung firmware for my Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 (SM-T230) device and would like to remove certain applications and files from the firmware and then load it into the mobile device using Odin.

Is this possible? How do I extract the files from the firmware, modify them and then compress it again to use it with Odin?

Thanks for the help.

# Answer
Try looking at this Removing files from & repackaging CyanogenMod ROM zip files. It doesnt deal with Odin, but provides you with valuable working information. You should be able to use an archive program on PC and recompress to .tar, .gz, and others. Dont forget to re-sign the archive. Keep a copy of your untouched ROM until you have the modified ROM tested and running.

The ROMs are signed with a signature. When repacking if they don't get signed they will fail in flashing. This link will help explain it.

So basically after downloading the firmware you have to rename it so you can extract the files, change them as you need, recompress them again and re-sign them, so you can flash them using Odin. Its as simple as that.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 4.1-jelly-bean, custom-roms, device-firmware, odin, stock-rom
---


# Question
Title: I can't connect my phone as a debugging device
I have a newer phone (an LG G2), and I'm trying to develop on it using a new laptop for the first time (I've done this before w/ other phones and other computers).

I've installed all of the Android SDK and Java SDK components on the laptop. On my phone, I've enabled Developer Options, and I've checked the "USB debugging" checkbox.

However, when I connect my phone to the laptop, I only get the standard dialog box for charging vs. viewing-files, etc. I don't get prompted to accept an RSA Key... nothing happens.

I've run "adb devices", and the "List of devices attached" is empty. I think I really need to purge my laptop of whatever driver it's using for this phone. Charging and transferring-files works fine, but not debugging. Any ideas?

EDIT: I've also checked Device Manager, and I don't see an "Android" section in my devices. My phone is only listed under "Portable Devices" as "VS980 4G".

Also, When I connect my phone to my computer, I don't see the debugger icon in the notification tray of my phone.

# Answer
I ultimately got my phone to enter debugging mode by switching the USB setting to "Internet Connection". Once I did that, I found MORE issues w/ my new Eclipse install, so I just switched to Android Studio and moved on w/ my life.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: windows, usb-debugging, lg-g2
---


# Question
Title: Will WhatsApp deliver a message that was accidentally sent while data was off?
I'm using Whatspp on a Moto G (1st Gen) mobile. Today I've accidentally sent a message to my friend while my mobile data was in off mode. I have deleted that message immediately. Now will the message be delivered to my friend if i turn on the mobile data?

# Answer
> 3 votes
Assuming that you didn't have any access to internet at that time (No WiFi and mobile data was turned off) and deleted the message (by tapping and holding the message, then choosing "Delete"), it's very likely that the message was not sent.

This is a result by self-testing:

1. Send message while not connected to internet, then try to connect to internet: Message sent
2. Send message while not connected to internet, delete the message, then connect to internet: Message is not sent

Lastly, the best way to ensure it is to ask the recipient.

# Answer
> 0 votes
No, because message has not been sent from your device to server.

---
Tags: whatsapp-messenger
---


title: can't uninstall app

text:
# Question
Title: can't uninstall app
My Samsung Galaxy Mega with Android 4.2.2 will not allow me to uninstall an app (Gravity Screen 1.80.8) even when I stop its running service. When I select it from downloaded apps the Stop and Uninstall buttons are greyed out, even after waiting for over a minute. How may I remove it?

# Answer
Download ES File Explorer and uninstall Gravity Screen by going to App Manager then select Gravity Screen and uninstall it.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Found this on YouTube:

Go to Settings -\> Security -\> Phone Administrators, then un-check this app and proceed to uninstall it by the usual means.
> 4 votes

# Answer
Open the Gravity Screen application. On the lower bottom there is uninstall button. You can uninstall from there.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: 4.2-jelly-bean, samsung, uninstallation
---


title: Enabling ART on android

text:
# Question
Title: Enabling ART on android
How much time it takes to enable android run time on Nexus 4.4.2 kitkat. I have near 90 apps installed.

I start it and screen comes that displays optimizing 1 of 90 apps. After it got completed (all 90), screen with 4 colored circles revolving appears(i think that's the boot screen or something same when the phone is switched on), but keeps on for more than 1 hour.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Sounds like you are in a bootloop. If you've enabled android debugging, you can probably use logcat via `adb logcat` on your computer to read what's happening during the boot and figure out where/why it's crashing. You'll usually see a crash message, and if you're in a boot loop, you'll frequently see a repeated cycle of text.

If googling samples of the log doesn't help come up with an explanation/solution, you might copy/paste that text, and (after verifying that it has no private information you don't want shared), paste it to a site such as pastebin.com or gist.github.com so that it can be easily shared.

Next, visit IRC (you can do this from the web and try one of the android support channels such as #android to see if you can find someone to help "live". You can show them the link to your bootloop log, and they will hopefully have a suggestion for you or redirect you to more information.

You can also update this question with a link to the logcat and maybe someone can help you as well.

As a last resort, you can always boot into recovery mode and do a factory wipe (or merely wipe the cache), which may help as well.

---
Tags: art
---


title: How to set getExternalStorageState()

text:
# Question
Title: How to set getExternalStorageState()
I have rooted a B&N Nook Glowlight running Android 2.1. The device does not come with an SD card, so I symlinked to another directory from `/sdcard/`. Now I need to set the `Environment.getExternalStorageState()` value so that apps will be able to find the "card". How does one set this value?

Note that other devices, such as the Nexus S, also do not have an SD Card, yet they do return a `Environment.getExternalStorageState()` value for applications that require it.

**Note that I am not writing an Android application which uses this value. I need to set this value device-wide so that other applications (such as Anki and Opera will be able to find it.**

# Answer
> 1 votes
The source for eclair's `Environment.getExternalStorageState()` is here. It looks like `getExternalStorageState()` comes to this:

`return SystemProperties.get("EXTERNAL_STORAGE_STATE", MEDIA_REMOVED)`

I think you want to take a look at the `/system/build.prop` file and check for a line like:

`EXTERNAL_STORAGE_STATE=removed`

If it's there, try changing it to:

`EXTERNAL_STORAGE_STATE=mounted`

To do this, `adb pull /system/build.prop`, modify the file on your computer, then `adb remount` to make `/system` writable (or `adb shell`, `su`, `mount -o rw,remount /system`)... then exit back to your computer and `adb push build.prop /system/build.prop` to push the modified file to `/system`). Then reboot.

You can try temporarily (from root shell):

`setprop EXTERNAL_STORAGE_STATE mounted`

...if that works, you might then programmatically try:

`SystemProperties.set("EXTERNAL_STORAGE_STATE", Environment.MEDIA_MOUNTED);`

Hope this works out for ya.

---
Tags: root-access, external-sd, internal-sd
---


title: Does CyanogenMod include a kernel?

text:
# Question
Title: Does CyanogenMod include a kernel?
I've installed CyanogenMod 10.1 stable for S III LTE (i9305), and noticed that my kernel version is 3.0.64 (I expected it to be 3.4 or something higher).

As I've said in this question, the kernel I had before was also from the 3.0.\* line.

Which is quite weird - why is my kernel always staying on that version?

Could it be that CyanogenMod doesn't come with a kernel, but that the kernel is flashed somewhere else?

If not, what's the reason for such a low version number? Is it because my phone isn't all that well-supported? Should I manually flash a new kernel for my phone?

# Answer
Looking at the repository for that device, I can see that the specified kernel is built from source using the source found here and the `cyanogenmod_i9305_defconfig` configuration file.

You can tell that the kernel is not the stock one by going to the terminal app (or from `adb shell`) and typing `uname -a`, which will tell you the build date of the kernel. If it's the same as the creation date for the whole OS, then you know it's a custom-built kernel just for CM.

The CM11 branch also uses the cm11 branch of this kernel repo...
> 3 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, kernel
---


title: No Default SMS App!

text:
# Question
Title: No Default SMS App!
I have a `Huawei Honor 3C` with android 4.2.2.

I can't specify an app as default SMS app. In settings for `Messaging` (the standard SMS app in this phone) the `clear default` button is disabled!

I turned on SMS in Google Hangout, but still in settings of it the `clear default` button was disabled.

When I say `text someone some text` in `Google Now` it says `No SMS app installed`!!

How can I set the default SMS app for this phone?

# Answer
> 3 votes
My phone is running on Jellybean 4.1.2, which means the solution to your problem may be a different solution for mine.

But, what I can suggest for you is to either disable Google Hangouts, as well as the SMS function therein, hopefully isolating Google Now's default SMS setting to Messaging, i.e. the stock Android messaging app.

Other than that, you may find doing a Factory Data Reset may do the trick. Just keep in mind, you may want to go into your settings and manually back up all of your personal data, like contacts, musics, photos, etc. as well as your Google Account just to make sure.

I've done this before to fix my Android phone a little while ago. If done right, you should still have all of your personal data automatically synced and ready to go by the time the phone resets itself. I'm going to do the same tonight, just to see if it helps.

If it doesn't, though, and you MUST HAVE a way to text message people using your voice, execute web searches, or anything else like that, then "Dragon Mobile Assistant" by Nuance is a more than viable alternative. I have it currently set to a double press of the home button thanks to a third-party app called "Home2 Shortcut". It works very well and is easy to set up. I really hope this helps.

---
Tags: sms, default-applications
---


title: Can't download any app why?

text:
# Question
Title: Can't download any app why?
Okay i can't download any app to my phone without it alway sayrERROR DOWNLOAD APP THERE IS INSUFFICIENT SPACE ON THE DEVICE. I'VE ONLY GOT 1 APP MYSELF DOWNLOAD TO MY PHONE IT CALKED VAULT FOR MY PICTURE SO HOW DO I FREE UP SPACE I'VE CLEAR A THE CACHE I HAVEN'T CLEAR THE DATA BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW IIF I'M SUPPOSED TO PLEASE HELP ME

# Answer
> 0 votes
It means you device doesn't have sufficient memory to help you in getting more apps. What you can do is:

1. Get and SD card from your nearest store and move apps to SD card.
2. You can also try various cleaner apps available to free up your temporary memory.
3. You can also try un-installing apps that you don't use.

Note: If you are rooted user then only you can get rid of the bloatware loaded over your device.

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


# Question
Title: Where is my ROM backup made in recovery mode saved?
yesterday I had mz first experience with android phone - Samsung galaxy S4 mini. I followed this instructions Installing Cyanogenmod and in recovery mode I made a backup of stock ROM (as is recommended).

I wonder where is this backup saved? I would like to transfer it to my PC.

In my PC I go to Internal/clockworkmod but there is only RECOVERY\_VERSION File which has 42 bytes, so I guess it is not it :)

Thx.

# Answer
On your SD card (external, if available), a directory named `clockworkmod/backup` will be created, and on successful ROM backup inside that your nandroid backup lies. If the backup folder is not present inside the clockworkmod folder, it seems you have not taken backup successfully. In that case, try to take a complete backup using CWM properly.
> 1 votes

# Answer
If you select 'Backup to sdcard1' location while made nandroid backup, check folder /storage/extSdCard/clockworkmod/backup/
> 1 votes

---
Tags: backup, clockworkmod-recovery, cyanogenmod
---


title: My Samsung Galaxy S3 Is Hard Bricked

text:
# Question
Title: My Samsung Galaxy S3 Is Hard Bricked
**SPH-L710 Virgin Mobile**

Flashed from MOAR to Stock SGS3 ROM

I flashed a ROM and I wanted to get back into **recovery mode** to flash a zip file using **ROM TOOL BOX** and when I did that it never turned on again. There's no lights or any sort of life on the phone. I've tried,

1. Turning the phone off for 30 seconds or more
2. Holding the power button while battery is removed for over 1 minute
3. Charging the phone while battery is inserted and pressed the power button
4. Charging the phone without the battery inserted and pressed the power button
5. Connecting the phone to my PC with and without the battery. Instead I get a light (red or orange, I can't differentiate the 2) and my computer beeps stating it's connected.

I've read a couple of stuff but it seems like I would have to buy certain things for it. I saw a "Jig" that could help it but I don't think it would work on my phone since it's Virgin Mobile and it's meant for Sprint or buy a Class 10 MicroSD Card.

Any ideas on how I can get it fixed without buying anything? Unless I have no choice...

***-Side Note-***

***If anyone understands this, I think since I flashed d2lte or dlte instead of dspr it gave me this headache.***

# Answer
Try holding down the home button, the volume up button and the power button for a few seconds. If that doesn't work, try the volume down button. Vol up will try and boot into recovery, vol down into download mode. Source
> 0 votes

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


# Question
Title: How can I send an SMS message to a group?
I want to send an SMS message to a group of people either in a contact group or maybe selected from a list of contacts.

How can I do that?

# Answer
> 5 votes
Since things vary slightly from UI to UI, this may depend on which phone you have. For instance, on Stock Droid X (Motoblur) I believe that if you are composing a message, hitting the Menu key will provide the "Add recipient" option. On Liberty ROM 2 on Droid X, using the stock messaging client, you can simply add users in a message "To" field by separating them with commas.

# Answer
> 3 votes
Handcent SMS allows you to choose multiple users or a previously defined contact group.

# Answer
> 2 votes
I recommend getting the SMS app hello sms because it is the only third party app I'm aware of that deals with both group messages and sending pictures well. The crucial aspect from a group texting perspective is not just sending the message to a group but also making sure people can reply to the group... On the sms app on my Samsung note II, for example, I could send a group message but if someone responded, it would only go to me and would show up as a conversation just between me and the responder.

I had to test a bunch of third party sms apps when I got my nexus 5 because it only took about five seconds for me to realize I hated using hangouts for texting. I used hand cent for awhile but I didn't like the UI at all... I can't remember whether it had both group texting and picture sending, but I think it did. Anyway I switched to hello and I am happy to report that it handles group texting and picture sending like a champ. I recommend getting a scrollable SMS widget for your home screen that has compose new message and reply buttons on it. Happy texting!

# Answer
> 1 votes
The "Hangout" app will still handle multiple sms sending, and I have found it maintained previously setup groups, but during a recent update it stopped allowing you to setup group conversations; only allowing you to do so with "Group conversation by MMS" checked, which obviously costs money as I don't get those included in my monthly bill.

So I found you can trick the system...

1. in SMS Settings \> Check Group conversation by MMS (I have never found this to work anyway)
2. Create your group, as you start adding "anyone else?" you will see the message type switch from SMS to MMS.
3. in SMS Settings \> Uncheck Group Conversations.

You will retain the conversation you just created, but the send type will show as SMS.

If you want to add more people or setup other bulk sending you will need to repeat the steps above.

I know it is a faff, but it does work.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Normally when you are creating a new message, when you are adding a recipient you can normally add more than one person, thus sending that one message to a group of people. The method of sending one message to multiple people however varies from phone to phone so unless I know what phone specifically you have then I can only give you what most phones are capable of doing regarding to sending a message to a group of people.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can try GoSMS app which is very user friendly and you could directly send SMSs to groups directly (groups can be created easily)

---
Tags: sms
---


# Question
Title: Unable to reach Google Play does not recognize my device
I have the HUAWEI G520-5000 mobile phone which was bought in April 2013 from China during a business trip. The device, despite of being locked for China Mobile carrier, is working properly for my carrier (Cosmote) in Greece. I don't have problems with talking or accessing the internet. My problem is that my Google account does not recognize my device and I can not use the Google Play store and it is impossible to install even the simpliest application. I suppose that the problem is the Android OS on my device which seems to be modified by China Mobile and Huawei (only Chinese apps are accepted by the device and the s/n of the OS is also pretty strange (something like 123456ABCD). I would appreciate if somebody could help me out with my problem. Thanks

# Answer
> -1 votes
The following worked for me, but requires root:

1. install Total Commander
2. open it
3. browse to `/system/etc`
4. look for a file named `hosts`
5. long-press the file, then chose to edit it via the CMD editor
6. comment out the second line (place a `#` in front of the digit)
7. save the file (approve superuser request for *Total Commander* when asked for)

Now the problem should be solved!

---
Tags: google-play-store, huawei-g520-5000
---


title: Stop vibrations

text:
# Question
Title: Stop vibrations
How do you stop the phone from vibrating when you use those system buttons (back, home, recent apps) in kitkat.

I tried perusing the settings, but could not find any information relating to the same.

Or is this something in the design of the phone?

# Answer
Go to `Settings > Sounds` and uncheck `Vibrate on touch`.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, vibration
---


title: ls: <filename>: Cannot allocate memory

text:
# Question
Title: ls: <filename>: Cannot allocate memory
I'm having out of memory problems with `rsync` in CYM11. However, I realized now that the problem is more serious. For some files, when I simply try to list one single file with name `somefilename` in the terminal emulator, I get:

```
 $ ls somefilename
 ls: somefilename: Cannot allocate memory

```

If I do `ls` over the `somefilename` parent folder (with 30 files only), I see several files but not `somefilename`.

But then, after a wile, the error is gone...

Clues? Maybe a card problem?

Thanks!

L.

PS: \[rant\] I'm having too many problems with CYM11! \[\rant\]

# Answer
Cyanogenmod 11 is extremely buggy on the Galaxy Note I (N7000), and this seems to be one more of its bugs. I solved it by reformatting the card to `ext4` (reformatting to `exfat` didn't solve the problem).
> 0 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, insufficient-memory
---


# Question
Title: Does using uTorrent for Android wear out the phone's SSD?
When you use uTorrent for Android, does it trash the SSD with multiple writes? Since most phones' internal memory and SD cards are flash based, and torrents do multiple writes, are they especially harmful for the lifespan of SSDs?

If so, are there workarounds?

# Answer
First I'll play dumb.

According to this, a torrent file should have around 1000-1500 pieces. But let's take an especially poorly made torrent; a 4GB file (FAT32's maximum allocateable file size) split into 16kB pieces; that is ~250 000 pieces, so 250 000 write cycles. Common SD cards (and phone internal memories too) endure approximately 100 000 write cycles; so if you calculate this, you'll reach the conclusion that your card will fail before half of this torrent downloads. **But this reasoning is wrong.**

**Each cell** in flash memory endures 100 000 write cycles, and **different chunks get written to different cells** (overwriting the previous chunk with the next would be kind of dumb) - so even by downloading this one torrent, you will **only use up 1 write cycle** of this 4 GB area. So what counts is **not the total number of writes, but the number of times a single cell has been written.**

(Also, it can be noted that on most storage devices the computer does not write/read arbitrary lengths of data; it reads/writes a *single 512-byte block* at a time. So even if you write this file in one single pass, it will get written to the card *divided into 512-byte blocks* \- so that means 500 *million* writes, but it's spread over 500 million blocks, so the wear is *still one write cycle*.)

Another thing to take into consideration is that SD cards and most flash controllers often do **wear leveling**, which means if the controller notices one block to be worn more than another, it swaps them internally to wear them equally, without the host system noticing. Also they include **spare blocks** to replace worn-out blocks - so even if you single out a block and try to wear it out, you'll find it will endure a lot more write cycles than it should, because halfway into the assault the controller remaps it. The whole card fails only when it runs out of spare blocks.
> 3 votes

# Answer
I am highly sure using torrent download on Android phone will wear out the phone's SD card, although it's not confirm-able because there is no direct evidence. Because I used to do BT downloads (about 1 years ago) using my phone, and my phone wears out two of my SD cards during that time period (even using dd\_rescue can not read it's content so no evidence). After that I stop BT downloading and since then my SD card never get wear out.
> -2 votes

# Answer
Look I use utorrent and yes this may occur sometimes. So what i do is that i only download huge files from utorrent if available as it's usual work was to transfer big files. By downloading big files from utorrent , the app does not get full access because what utorrent does is that it first downloads the file and then after downloading it does the multiple writing.

So what you can do to stop this is just wait for the download to start and after 5 seconds of starting pause the download. Now to start it again choose 'force start'. Now after the download is complete, pause the download. This would not let utorrent fetch extra information for the server.

And there you have it. Hope it works. If not then let me know what problems you encountered.

A positive vote is always appreciated :D
> -3 votes

---
Tags: internal-storage, torrents
---


title: Account, paid for Apps and new account

text:
# Question
Title: Account, paid for Apps and new account
My children have nexus tablets. They have their own google accounts with email adresses. My ex-wife has changed the google passwords so i cannot set up a new android phone for the children. If i set up new account/email addresses on the phone or for their tablets, how can I install the paid for apps which are connected with their previous accounts whilst at the same time giving them credit to purchase apps etc on the new accounts?

Any help or advice would be appreciated. Seamas

# Answer
Could you ask your ex-wife for the password? That would be the easiest way.

If that doesn't work, you could start a password recovery procedure on a PC, in some cases it uses a registered Android device to verify ownership, which you have access to. Just click on the "I forgot my password" link at gmail.com.

Sadly there is no way to transfer paid apps and in-app purchases between Google accounts.
> 1 votes

# Answer
You'll have to either get back access to the Google account that was used to buy the apps or buy new copies. It's no different to if you bought software that came on a physical disk and your ex-wife took the disk.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications, google-account
---


title: Force Close loop.. need help

text:
# Question
Title: Force Close loop.. need help
I have a force close loop on my galaxy s2.

I want to retrieve my data which isnt stored on an sd card. But I cannot get into my phone.

I tried plugging into my laptop but it doesnt pick up the phone. I tried booting in safe mode to disable the apps. But the phone just turns off again even in safe mode.

I dont care about the phone, only the data, which I stupidly havnt backed up anywhere.

Would appreciate any help.

# Answer
Well, if you care about data, its a good practice to backup always. In your case, anyway, you don't have backup available with you. So, the only option available for you to avoid 'force close loop' is to goto recovery and flash it with the appropriate rom. Please note that you will lose all the data present on your sdcard, however, the data present in memory card would remain intact.
> 0 votes

# Answer
If you have flashed a custom recovery, you can access the files on the internal `/data` partition from the recovery through ADB.

I have found this site; there are recovery images which can be flashed via ODIN if you didn't already install a recovery; as far as I know it doesn't wipe internal data.

When you're in the recovery, connect your phone to your PC. Install ADB on your PC, then you can use `adb shell` to log in to your phone and look around in the file system; then you can `adb pull` the interesting files.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-2, force-close
---


# Question
Title: How to transfer pictures from hangouts onto my computer
How can I transfer the pictures that are on my android hangouts (sent and received messages), so that I can preserve them before I clear my android for space?

# Answer
I think those are saved at Google and synced across all your devices. Try and log in from a PC, go to gmail.com, then look your hangouts to the left. If you can see your pictures there, it's safe to wipe your phone. You can also save the pictures from there to your PC if you want - but they're safe where they are.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: storage, images, google-hangouts
---


# Question
Title: Can I get rid of "Sound Search for Google Play"?
An app called "Sound Search for Google Play" is apparently eating all of my battery. Can I get rid of it? I tried clicking it, disabling it and "uninstalling update", but it still seems to eat away at my battery. Right now it shows me a disabled "Force stop" button and an "Enable" button.

Screenshot (click image for larger variant)

This is on the latest version of Paranoid Android for Oppo Find 5.

# Answer
Download wakelock detector from the google play store, try to reproduce it for a day, open wakelock detector and it will show you cpu and partial wakelocks (will only show partial wakelocks if you enable advanced mode), if the largest cpu wakelock is "PowerManagerServiceWakelock" this means the largest wakelock is the combination of all the items listed in partial wakelocks.

I would suggest (if it happens again) looking for anything over 7% and doing a web search for the wakelock name, and seeing what you can find.

If it doesn't happen again, problem solved.

This is probably not sound search for google plays fault, rather another app is calling it, or it is something different entirely.
> 1 votes

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Tags: audio, google
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title: how to populate external SD for Android

text:
# Question
Title: how to populate external SD for Android
Contrary to advice given here I'm not observing LOST.DIR folder created in cases of corruption. Here's my sequence of steps:

1. Unmount external SD card in Android.
2. Put it into external card reader for faster file transfer.
3. Eject from external card reader. (Using "software eject" of the drive in Windows should which is equivalent to "safely remove hardware".)
4. Put SD card back into Android phone and let it "scan media files".
5. Directories end up read-only through Android and some files cannot be read because they're reported to be "modified or deleted".

This is sad, transferring files through my phone is very slow which is why I'd like to use my external reader for this.

It appears that Android remembers only the files that were indexed last time and rejects files added externally. Media scanning is suspiciously fast when I insert back the card.

# Answer
Files that are put externally have different permissions from those that you put through MTP. You should use MTP or change file permissions.
> 0 votes

# Answer
It sounds like your filesystem is being corrupted by whatever else you're using to write to it with the external card reader. Probably you need to be sure to unmount the device correctly before removing the card from the reader. For example, in Windows you need to select "Safely remove hardware".

When you write files to the SD card, from any kind of computer, the writes happen in the background: like when you're noting down what someone tells you, you're always a few seconds behind them. Removing the card before the write is finished is like snatching the paper away as soon as you're finished talking, before you write down the last few words. The "safely remove" operation, whatever it's called on your OS, ensures all writes are finished.
> 2 votes

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Tags: 4.1-jelly-bean, external-sd, file-system, file-transfer, windows
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title: How to change default homepage

text:
# Question
Title: How to change default homepage
My GSM provider hijacked my default homepage and I want to change it. There is no option in android ( nice open system right ? ). So does anyone know how to change it ? Device is rooted.

# Answer
I assume you are using the default browser that is provided in the android mobiles.

If so, Open your browser, go to settings by pressing the menu button, now go to `General` option and then `set home page` to whatever you like.

```
settings-->General-->Set Homepage

```
> 0 votes

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Tags: settings
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# Question
Title: Bluetooth not working for Samsung phone when iPod connected via aux cable
Okay so my hands free Bluetooth connection works fine in my car for my galaxy 4 mini when playing CDs or radio. I can make and receive calls no problem at all. However when I connect my iPod via aux cable the phone stops connecting to the Bluetooth. Any ideas?

# Answer
It sounds to me it's the car that is disconnecting the bluetooth device when it detects an aux cable connection. If that's the case, you can try manually reconnecting with your Android phone.

If you can reconnect, then you could try setting up an automation schedule where the phone tries to reconnect to your car when that connection is lost.

If you cannot reconnect, your problem lies with the car. There may be a setting somewhere in the car settings that lets you keep bluetooth devices connected even if it detects an aux device. Or you may be out of luck; it's all dependent on the auto manufacturer's operating system.
> 0 votes

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Tags: bluetooth, samsung
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title: Samsung S4 and Kies error

text:
# Question
Title: Samsung S4 and Kies error
I am trying to connect my Samsung galaxy S4 to Samsung Kies, yet it says it is not compatible and to download Kies 3 - which I did and then it says the device isn't supported - so both versions of Kies won't work - any ideas its driving me mad :( I have uninstalled and re-installed several times.

thank you

# Answer
> 0 votes
Is the phone in Odin download mode? If you connect the phone when it's in Odin mode, Kies detects it, but gives you exactly those messages. You can't use Kies with Odin, it only works when the device is booted. To use Odin, you need the Odin desktop app for Windows.

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Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-4, samsung-kies
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