# Question
Title: How to recover data from LGE Nexus 4 running on Android Version 4.4.2?
I am using LGE Nexus 4 which is running on Android Version 4.4.2. Somehow accidently i do a factory reset on my phone and in return i lost all my emails, messages, pictures i.e, almost everything. Now i am desperately want to recover them but don't know how to do it.

I tried to find a solution on google but i got more confused by the given solutions on google. I tried a data recovery software(Dr Drone for android) but the software is not able to recover data from those devices which are running on \>Android version 4.2. Technical team of Dr Drone for android want me to root the device but because of complications in the rooting process i don't want to root my device.

Is there any way to recover them?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Here's a couple of things that might help,

* A regular factory reset does not wipe the sdcard partition. Things such as pictures and whatsapp messages should be restorable when you just install the relevant apps again.
* If you are a Gmail user, just sign in again and it will automatically resync. If you are using a corporate email account or general mail app, **and** if the email was setup using IMAP, the messages should still be sitting on the server and adding the email account again should sync the messages back. If the setup used POP, then you might be out of luck here.
* By default the contacts on your phone sync with Google if you were signed in to the phone. Signing in again should sync those back as well.

Good luck!

# Answer
> 1 votes
**Please note:** It is advised to follow this method only if you know what is ROOT and agree that you are doing this at your own risk. I do not hold credit for this technique as this method has been taken from here and 100% credit goes to the respective author.

**Requirements:**

* A Rooted Android phone.
* BusyBox installed on your device.
* Cygwin installed to \[c:\cygwin\] with pv and util-linux from the repo. Make sure to open Cygwin once to make sure that the /bin folder is created. Also, I made a folder at \[c:\cygwin\nexus\] to put the exported .RAW file.
* Netcat (download the ZIP file and extract nc.exe to \[c:\cygwin\bin\]).
* ADB (make sure adb.exe is in your path).
* Enable USB debugging in your device. For Android 4.0 and above do it from: Settings \> Developer Options \> USB debugging. For Android 2.3 and below do it from: Settings \> Application \> Development \> USB debugging.
* VHD tool Put the VhdTool.exe file in \[c:\cygwin\nexus\].
* Piriform Recuva or your favorite data recovery tool, (it appears Recuva only finds the more common file types like images, videos, etc. Those were the file types in which I was interested. If you are after more exotic file types perhaps you might share the software you used).

**The process in short:**

* This has been tested on Samsung Galaxy Nexus though this should work for ANY phone with Internal Memory.
* We will be using a Windows 7 machine to: back up the entire internal memory partition to your computer as a single, massive .RAW file, convert the .RAW file output to a VHD, mount the VHD as a disk in Disk Manager, scan the attached VHD volume for files that have been deleted and recover them.

**Actual Work to do:**

1. It is recommended that you choose to recover your entire memory block instead of just the data partition. In this case that is *mmcblk0*. For our purpose here we are seeking to recover the userdata partition: /dev/block/mmcblk0p12
2. Turn on your phone.
3. Connect the phone in ADB mode.
4. Unlock the screen.
5. Open a Cygwin terminal and enter (This assumes your BusyBox installation is at \[/system/bin/busybox\]. It may be at \[/system/xbin/busybox\]):

* adb forward tcp:5555 tcp:5555
    * adb shell
    * /system/bin/busybox nc -l -p 5555 -e /system/bin/busybox dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p12
6. Open another Cygwin terminal and enter:

* adb forward tcp:5555 tcp:5555
    * cd /nexus
    * nc 127.0.0.1 5555 | pv -i 0.5 \> mmcblk0p12.raw
7. For 16GB or 32GB internal memory this process is going to take 2 to 3+ hours respectively.
8. We need to convert the .RAW file to a virtual hard drive. VhdTool.exe basically just puts a VHD footer on the end of the .RAW file. Open a Windows command prompt, go to \[c:\cygwin\nexus\], and type:

* VhdTool.exe /convert mmcblk0p12.raw
9. Now we need to mount the VHD in Windows. Select the Start button--\>right-click Computer--\>select Manage.
10. Select Storage--\>Disk Management.
11. In the menu select Action--\>Attach VHD.
12. For Location enter \[c:\cygwin\nexus\mmcblk0p12.raw\] and select the OK button.
13. Right-click on the name (e.g. "Disk 1") to the left of the Unallocated space and select Initialize Disk.
14. Select the GPT (GUID Partition Table) radio button and select the OK button.
15. Right-click on the Unallocated space and select New Simple Volume...
16. In the Wizard select Next\>, leave the default for the volume size, select Next\>, select a drive letter (e.g. K), select Next\>, MAKE SURE to select the 'Do not format this volume' radio button, select Next\>, select Finish.
17. A box will pop up asking you to format the drive. You DO NOT want to format the drive at this time.
18. Right-click on the RAW space and select Format... MAKE SURE to change the File system to FAT32. Set the Allocation unit size dropdown to 'Default.' MAKE SURE that the Perform a quick format checkbox is CHECKED. You do not want to overwrite the entire new drive with all zeroes (0's) and destroy your data. Quick Format means that it will only attempt to destroy the index for the drive by establishing a new index. Without this box checked the Windows operating system will write zeroes (0's) across the entire volume, potentially destroying your data. Select the OK button.
19. A box will pop up saying that Formatting this volume will erase all data on it. That would be doubly true if you actually didn't check the 'Perform a quick format' checkbox. Double check that you actually did check the box and select the OK button. (Don't worry. This essentially leaves the volume in the exact same state that your phone's internal memory is living in right now: there is data on the drive...you just can't see it. It's coming back, I promise!)
20. Open the Recuva application. In the wizard select the 'Next \>' button. Select the 'Other' radio button and select Next \>. Select the 'In a specific location' radio button and enter: k:\ (assuming K is the drive letter you chose...) Select the Next \> button. Select the Enable Deep Scan checkbox. This is the magical setting that finds files that have been deleted...but not really deleted. Select the Start button.
21. Finally the application may take about an hour to do the 'Deep Scan.' It's time for more laps around the house! Once the application has returned its results you can choose which files to recover using the checkboxes. Select the 'Recover...' button and choose the location to which you wish to output your files.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Once you do the factory reset the data like messages and other content stored in local storage is lost,except that if you have synced the phone with gmail-account, all those sync supported category contents can be obtained back.

Remember these things, If you use gmail data like contacts, emails, Calendar, Chrome, Drive, google+ are supported to sync with mail-account, enable sync ,so you will have backup of all these contents online, the important thing which gmail provides with sync is app-data, ie data associated with each application you install on your phone, and regarding messages, gmail doesnt provide backup withit, so you can use other apps like hangouts and other,so that its data will be saved on sync.

I hope these tips helps you have backup even if you do factory reset by mistake next time.

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Tags: rooting, nexus-4, 4.4-kitkat, data-recovery
---


# Question
Title: Cannot install unsigned APK file on my phone
I developed an app in Eclipse, and emailed to me the `.apk` file. It correctly downloads to my phone, then I go in `Downloads` and tap it. I choose "Install" and I'm getting `App not installed` message.

What's the problem?

I have a Nexus 4 phone, and "Unknown sources" option is selected. I can successfully install the app through Eclipse. The `.apk` file was exported in Eclipse from `Android tools -> Export unsigned application package`.

# Answer
The `apk` file is also generated in the `bin` folder of the project after running the app at least once.

I've copied the `apk` file from the `bin` folder and installed it successfully on three different phones without any problem both copying directly on phone memory or sending it via email.
> 4 votes

# Answer
Android does not allow installing **unsigned** applications. You will need to sign you APK (with a debug or release key). Don't use `Android tools->Export unsigned application package`, but rather the regular command to export an Android APK.

The different options available to sign you app are well described here: http://developer.android.com/tools/publishing/app-signing.html
> 6 votes

# Answer
Do you already have the application installed on your phone (installed via Eclipse)? If so I expect the exported apk is signed with a different key to the version already on your phone. Android will not allow you to 'update' an app if the signing key is different.

Un-install the app and try installing the apk again. If it still fails it may be that the exported app is corrupt in some way.
> 1 votes

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Tags: installation, apk
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# Question
Title: How can I replace stock download manager that Google Play uses?
Yesterday I upgraded my rooted LG Optimus One (P500) running v20g 2.3.3 to CM10 (unofficial) 4.1.1 through this post.

Since the new ROM is unofficial and is in alpha/beta stage there are few known problems. I am able to live up with those problems just to enjoy the new Jelly Bean. However one undocumented problem about download manager was discovered yesterday, which proved to me nasty.

When I attempt to install any app from Google Play Store, a progress bar appears saying "Downloading..." and the numerical progress indicator 'x/y Kb done' does not come up. At first I thought it should be problem with my WiFi, but other application seems to access Internet correctly. In concurrence to this behavior, the LEDs in my WiFi modem does not blink, which it usually does when there is a WiFi activity. Even small apps in the order of 150 Kb takes long time and eventually ends with error. However, I accidentally noticed that a combination of simultaneous downloads of more than one app, cancelling and starting again etc, made FEW of the downloads to actually progress while other still linger. So, it is clear that the download manager that Google Play Store relies on is trouble some in my case.

My question is how can I replace that download manager? Installing other download manager does not help as Google Play still uses the troublesome native one only.

Any ideas on how I can use some other download manager **for Google Play** or to mend the troublesome one?

BTW, I had tried: Turbo Download Manager, Download Manager for Android. They do not detect the download when i press "install" button in Google Play Store for an app. Trying other download manager is still a big pain as I have to download APK from other sites and transfer to my SD card to install.

# Answer
While you intend to replace the stock download manager, but keep access to Google Play Store, since it's your trusted market, before that, you should try to find the reason as to why are you having troubles downloading apps:

# Troubleshooting Download Issues

1. Is the device supported by Google Play Store?

You can confirm this from the Supported Devices List last updated 2012/06/29
2. Common quick checks:

* Restart your phone, then try downloading the app again.
    * Confirm there is connectivity to either wireless or cellular networks on your device.
3. If behind a firewall, ensure that TCP and UDP 5228 ports aren’t blocked (they are required for Google Play).
4. Clear cache and data of both the Google Play Store app and the Download manager:

1. Visit Menu \> Settings \> Applications \> Manage applications;
    2. Tab over to "All";
    3. Select the Google Play Store app, and then tap "Clear data" and "Clear cache";
    4. Select Download manager and tap "Clear data" and "Clear cache".

Aditional information for troubleshooting can be found at Google Play: Troubleshoot an issue.

---

# Alternatives

### Other App discovery Method

Appbrain, an app discovery service that as per your request still uses Google Play Store as the source for the downloads provide.

It features a great instant download tool (AppBrain App Market), a nice search function, a very clear interface and you can sign-in with your Google account.

*One side note: This app still downloads via the stock download manager.*

### Alternative Markets

Alternative markets have their own download manager. They may be a solution, provided the issue does not lie with your current unofficial ROM:

* Amazon Appstore for Android

While an alternative market, I've received a notice from the website stating:

> The Amazon Appstore is only available to customers located in the United States.
* GetJar

Launched in 2004, it grows every day, counts 600.000+ apps, and 450.000+ registered developers. As an independent app store, not tied to any particular handset or carrier, it comes as an alternative solution for you.
* AndroidPIT

AndroidPIT is a Web 2.0 network and Android blog. Was created to bring together Android experts, enthusiasts and developers. Apps are tested, at least one every day and reviews are published to help users on their decisions.
* SlideME

Founded back in 2008, SlideME provides a 'Managed App-Store Service' and builds solutions as per market requirements.
> 1 votes

# Answer
You can try dettach your google play account from your device in settings accounts, then relog in, Some custom roms you will not get ota updates via google in a rooted device.
> 0 votes

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Tags: google-play-store, download-manager
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# Question
Title: How can I download entire folders/albums or songs from my PC (over wifi, BT, or USB) to my phone to take on the go
I have tens of thousands of songs on my PC organized by artist/album in folders, and would like to be able to view my collection and manage what comes with me when I travel. Ideally I could browse and select what to download to the device over wifi/BT/cable, with some sort of server app running on my PC.

Bonus points for some sort of "sync" type option where it maintains the directory of music that is on the PC (even when offline) so I can queue it for download as I remember music during my travels, then have it download it when I get home. I'm not necessarily looking for it to be a music player - just something to manage my 250GB collection between my phone and computer.

**I'm NOT looking for a streaming app, but for downloading.** In fact, it doesn't really have to just be music - it could be movies, or even docs I guess...

# Answer
> 1 votes
Best variant, combining most of your wishes: FolderSync. I'm using it myself (Pro version after having tested it one day), and I'm very fond of it. You can setup multiple folder pairs (which folder on your device should be synchronized with which folder on the "other end") for multiple "accounts", where an "account" simply identifies "the other end". That *can* be a cloud service such as *Dropbox*, but as well your Windows PC via Samba (Windows Share), or your Linux machine via SFTP (SSH), some FTP server, ... *FolderSync* supports a lot of protocols.

Moreover, the full version has support for , giving you a load of options for when to sync. I use it e.g. to sync my backups: "when charging, and it's 4am, (optionally more conditions), *then* call the task named 'SyncBackups'" (the latter then tells *FolderSync* to sync multiple backup locations with my Linux machine). Well, if you don't have *Tasker*: *FolderSync* also has a time-based scheduler included.

---

**Remark:** My suggestion lacks the "remote management" on your PC. I'm not aware of any all-in solution here, especially for "offline queuing". When you're at your PC, that's not a big deal: simply copy the files to your sync location on the PC's end. For other cases, I might be able to add some "online management" using your data connection (or WiFi hotspot), depending on the OS your PC is running.

# Answer
> 0 votes
With some caveats, unison should be able to do what you want. It's a command-line utility that can be configured with a complex set of filters to transfer or not transfer files according to their location in the directory hierarchy, their file extension, etc.

The caveats:

* There's a fairly steep learning curve, especially if you're not a heavy command-line user. The command-line version works by reading config files in the directory structure that tell `unison` which files to sync. I guess there's a GUI interface for it, but I'm not sure how much easier it makes the process.
* You still need to figure out a convenient way to interact with your phone's file system. An ssh or ftp server app on the phone might be the best option for this, depending on your phone. Most newer phones seem to disallow the USB Mass Storage option that made this sort of thing so easy under Android 2. But then again, maybe MTP actually works on your phone. It is said that some phones don't provide access to the external sd card filesystem via SSH and other means, so this part may actually be the hardest hurdle.
* You'll need to remember to connect to the phone and run unison, unless some scripting system can handle this for you. Unison may ask you to make some decisions in the case of a merge conflict (i.e. when the same file was modified on both your computer and your phone).

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Tags: sync, music, downloading, download-manager
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# Question
Title: Names not shown on WhatsApp anymore; contact details suddenly gone
My phone is Samsung Galaxy Note 2. All of a sudden, halfway using WhatsApp, the names are not shown anymore. Instead, I can only see the number.

I went to my contact list and checked. Most of my contacts appeared to be shown in email addresses. And it's the same person's email address. I clicked in and found that the detail of these contacts is gone.

What happened to my phone and what should I do?

# Answer
> 2 votes
In Settings \> Contacts \> Show all contacts should be disabled which was the case for me but still had the same problem. So I enabled "Show all contacts" and exited WhatsApp. Launched WhatsApp again and disabled 'Show all contacts' and got the names back again instead of just phone numbers. Hope my experience helps.

# Answer
> -1 votes
Just reboot your phone after checking "Show all contacts" in settings, it will work.

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Tags: contacts, whatsapp-messenger, samsung-galaxy-note-2
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# Question
Title: ADB "screenrecord" not working when executed form device
I recently found out about the `screenrecord` feature of `ADB` on Android since API19.

If I try and execute this from Android Terminal Emulator on my device, I get the response from the device I would expect (identical to what I get on my CMD window when executing from Windows) but the file it creates does not work. The file is always ~3.3kb in size and VLC gives me the error:

`VLC can't recognize the input's format:
The format of 'file:///C:/Users/Jonny%20Wright/Downloads/videoo.mp4' cannot be detected. Have a look at the log for details.`

(I have not checked the VLC log as from what has been happening it seems it is a problem with the recording of the video by the device as when executing from Windows it works fine.)

# Answer
> -1 votes
You need to run `screenrecord` as root, type `su` to switch to root (your phone needs to be rooted obviously)

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Tags: adb, screenshots
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title: Deleted OS from my device

text:
# Question
Title: Deleted OS from my device
I accidentally deleted all data from my htc one s, including the operating system. I tried to delete photos,apps and downloads, but it was still showing a memory issue (my phone has 16 giga memory and the "others" were using 10GB of it so i couldn't download more apps) and my phone was running very slow and even had some black outs.

I have team win on my phone. I went to factory reset which lead me to team win, and I choose to delete everything and didn't realize there was operating system in it too.

How can I reinstall my Android OS?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Download an image of Android for your phone on your sd card, and boot into Team Win. There you will find Install button, then choose an image you downloaded on your sd card.

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Tags: system-error, htc-one-s
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# Question
Title: Multi window supported Android devices (without root)
Currently I use Samsung S3 mini with Android 4.1.2. I'm planning to buy an S4 mini or other equivalent small screen phone (HTC One Mini, Xperia Z1 compact).

But I need to use multi-window feature. For example I want to use Twitter and Youtube at the same time. Or Chrome and Facebook from the same screen.

It seems like for S4 mini it is possible with root and Xposed framework. But I need multi-window functionality without rooting.

It seems like Samsung Note 3 and Samsung S4 has this feature. So which Android used mobile phones has stock multi-window support ?

# Answer
I'm not absolutely sure, but I believe that that is a feature of Samsung's TouchWiz (proprietary build of Android) and only works select Samsung tablets/phones, among them the Galaxy S5/4, Note 3. The LG G Flex also boasts to have "Dual Window", and LG G Pro 2 has QSlide for *limited* multitasking.

Other aftermarket Android projects are working on it (OmniROM, ParanoidAndroid) but that still requires a rooted device.

The next best thing are "floating" apps, like Floating Apps (free, $1.99) or Tiny Apps (free, $2.03). These apps create smaller windows that float over all other applications allowing you to interact with multiple apps simultaneously.
> 3 votes

# Answer
Most of the Galaxy devices since the S3 have Multi Window now, some thru OS updates. So that would include the S3, S4, S5, Note 2, Note 3, Note 4, Note Edge, the Mega(s), the Alpha & almost all the current tablets. I don't know why the mini's are left out.

As far as those looking for more apps to use with Multi Window, check out www.MobileMultitasking.com. Lots of good stuff on there.
> 1 votes

# Answer
The Samsung note 10.1, 10.1 2014, and 8 as well as the Samsung note 12 pro are all samsung tablets that support multi window. Also, in addition to the list provided in the answer prior to mine, the note 2 phablet has multi window (note that not so apps can use multi window on the Samsung devices though).

There are also at least a few apps that you can download on most android devices (not sure if they are usable on old versions of android) that give you some multi window functionality, but typically only a few apps are supported and there seem to be many apps labeled multi window that are ripoffs so you have to carefully research each first. A few that appear good based on my research are Multitasking and Ixonos.
> 0 votes

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Tags: stock-android, multitasking, multi-window
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title: Storage space issues

text:
# Question
Title: Storage space issues
I've changed the default install location from my Galaxy 2 but now I can't use the apps because it says: "to open Facebook, you need more free storage on your phone. Please uninstall applications or remove other media from your phone to free up additional space"

I literally have deleted everything in my phone to try free up space... apps, messages, media

About to throw this phone against the wall...

What are my options here to try and get apps?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Using the same steps you applied, Set default InstallLocation to 0 which means the apps will be defaultly installed whether to phone memory or external SD card or set it to 1 to install apps to phone memory, but honestly I don't believe It's effective way since I didn't notice a big difference after applying that, but If you root your phone you will be able to use Link2SD Plus app. (they call it Life Saver for those phones that come with small phone memory built in) which incredibly move the whole installed apps to SD using Linking method which makes the system thinks that the files of app you installed are still stored on phone memory but in fact they're in External SD memory saving for you so much memory of your phone. also you can set the default install location so easily through this app or other app requires root "except for some root apps even if you set the installation location to external they will be installed to phone memory eg. "BetterBatteryState" you will have to move them manually :) Or you can force apps to be moved to External using This app or Titanium Backup pro that both need Root privilges to work but Just a part of the app will be moved In other words, Link2SD is your best choice if you want to save a big size of your precious phone memory which obviously cannot be increased.

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Tags: storage
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# Question
Title: Which Android version/phone can control per-app access permission?
The only reason I am still using an iPhone is due to the fact that most Android phones did not allow control of per-app access permission. The App Ops feature was once there but pulled.

I know some Chinese Android phones, such as XiaoMi and Huawei, provide the app permission feature. Is the feature available in *mainstream* Android phones, such as the Nexus, Samsung, LG, HTC ... for latest version of Android 4.4.2 or upcoming Android L?

# Answer
> 2 votes
**No, App Ops is not available on Android any more since Android v4.4.2 and probably won't be reintroduced with Android L** but might be resurrected some time later. It was apparently dropped as some apps would stop functioning so the user experience would suffer.

Some optimal solutions:

* Find a device that is supported by a Custom ROM like Cyanogenmod. This aftermarket firmware includes a feature called **Privacy Guard** that works similar to App Ops.
* *My preferred solution:* Buy a phone that is rootable and use the 3rd party solution called **Xprivacy**. It is an Xposed module that has the most advanced permission control with a very dedicated developer. As long as your device is rooted you will be able to use that tool on any ROM \> Android v4.0. Downside: Not easy to handle.
* Use one of the other optional methods for permission management listed and compared by the Xprivacy developer here.

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Tags: security, privacy
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# Question
Title: How to find in page in google chrome mobile?
How to find in page in google chrome mobile? You used to be able to type in the omnibox and an magnifying glass icon would appear on one line. Clicking on that would enable one to find in page. In the new version it has disappeared so how does it work now?

# Answer
> 12 votes
If you click the three dots menu you should see a 'Find in page' option which allows you to enter the text to look for.

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Tags: chrome-for-android
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# Question
Title: Asphalt career performance isn't synced between my PC and Android phone
I am playing asphalt 8 airbone on my pc which runs on windows 8.1 pro and on my android smartphone. I connected Asphalt 8 with my same facebook account but it doesn't show same career performance, my car pack, etc. Help me out with this.

# Answer
According to Ryan from Gameloft, writing on the Touch Arcade iOS forum, Asphalt 8: Airborne doesn't sync save games between different platforms:-

> no, Asphalt 8 doesn't have cross-platform save functions. You won't be able to play on an iOS device and then load that progress on an Android device.

He's writing about iOS and Android, but it's easy to see why the same would apply to Android and Windows too.
> 3 votes

# Answer
Both are being played on different platforms and machines. Whenever you are playing the game from your PC, the player-specific data would probably come somewhere from `Users` directory in your `C` drive, however, for your mobile, it will be stored on your mobile storage in a specific folder. You won't be able to see the same progress since those details are stored locally on the respective storage drives and doesn't get fetched online.
> 0 votes

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Tags: applications, windows, data-transfer
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# Question
Title: Chrome for Android, Note 10.1 2014: Where is the share web address button?
I'm missing the three-dot button in the right end of the address bar.

I am not sure if it even was there in the first place, but on other Android tablets it is, I just checked at the local Samsung store.

Am I really supposed to share url's by copy-pasting into other apps? If so, is there an extension to bypass this limitation?

# Answer
On the Note 10.1, and most Samsung devices, you use the physical menu button to bring up the menu instead of the on-screen three-dots icon. You'll find **Share...** on that menu as usual.
> 2 votes

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Tags: chrome-for-android
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# Question
Title: How to automatically backup everything to a safe location
I would like to discuss the best way(s) to **automatically** backup **all data** on a phone including system, data and sdcard to a server or computer. This should be **scheduled** so that one will loose as little data as possible if the phone or tablet gets lost/stolen.

I don't want to exclude Googles Backup system totally but I personally look for a different solution because I don't want to hand over my data to any cloud service, so if the best way would be the cloud it had to be **encrypted**.

Incremental Backups would be great but I don't see that happening.

My devices are all rooted, otherwise a system backup wouldn't be possible of course.

Tools that come to mind and their respective disadvantages:

* Clockworkmod Recovery / TWRP \> *cannot be automated*
* Online Nandroid Backup \> *would fill up the SDcard because incremental is not supported*
* Bittorrent Sync \> *can only sync folders not the whole sdcard (what about App2SD partition?)*
* Rsync \> *only works for SDcard and hard to automate (on Windows)*
* Airdroid \> *only for SDCard*
* Titanium Backup \> *no SDcard backup, only selected data backup*

**What kind of backup system would you suggest?**

# Answer
> 0 votes
I can only suggest Titanium Backup - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.keramidas.TitaniumBackup, since I haven't really tried any other apps.

I used to use it when I first got Android after I rooted, I used that to do a backup before installing a new ROM. Was incredible. Don't know about the scheduling though, but that wouldn't surprise me if it had it.

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Tags: backup
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title: Can I run apps with similar function?

text:
# Question
Title: Can I run apps with similar function?
Recently I have installed Juice Defender and Greenify.

Unknowingly I ran both of them. The result is pretty great (battery almost stopped discharging). Battery levels stood constant for hours when my screen is off.

Is it good to run both of these apps together?

# Answer
Typically it is advised not to run two apps that have overlapping management areas.

If you aren't seeing excessive activity/drain due to the two apps stepping on each others toes then it is not bad. From your take so far, it does in fact seem good in this case.

You wouldn't, for example, want two anti virus software running side by side in the same environment. That would usually be bad.
> 0 votes

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Tags: battery-life, greenify
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# Question
Title: How to Stop apps from waking other apps?
I've been running xposed on my galaxy note 2 with 4.1.1. I have greenify enabled as well as android tuner with perms blocked. Also, I have everything scrambled with xprivacy. I have facebbok selected for hibernation. Everytime I open Plume, I noticed that facebook app comes out of hibernation. I had this same problem with "Keep" months ago, but was able to cut the directory path through greenify. I don't see that option anymore. I have gone through and set everything I can think of to stop this, yet facebook still wakes when I launch Plume. Also whenever I use SwiftKey (which is everytime I enter text!) it also wakes Facebook.

# Answer
> 0 votes
This is in essence working against the Google cogs' planned L app integration/cross-communication. Integration is usually good/well received.

My first guess is that you have swiftkey set to sign in with facebook and possibly have plume (twitter) linked with facebook. Try to revoke these permissions first to see if it fixes the problem.

One thing that may help you is to get rid of the android facebook account and instead either rely on using the browsers mobile facebook page, or sign in every time. I'm not sure how much this path would muck up facebooks usability.

Another option is to set up automated facebook freezing: How can I automatically freeze and thaw an app on demand?

Freezing is one step beyond hibernation and no app link or background process can thaw without deliberate action.

---
Tags: facebook, twitter, xposed-framework, greenify
---


# Question
Title: Edit default applications to open KML file?
This is a more general question than simply handling KML files, but this is the issue I currently have.

I was looking for an application that could not only download maps for offline use (so I can turn off roaming and avoid paying for data access while travelling), but also display a list of user-defined applications (created on a computer with eg. Google Maps).

MapsWithMe Pro is supposed to be able to open a KML file, but when opening the attachment in Gmail, I'm not given the choice of opening it with MapsWithMe: For some reason, it opens it with MoboPlayer, which handles audio/video files and obviously complains that it doesn't support KML fils. Google didn't help.

Does someone know how to reconfigure Android (4.2.1 on Galaxy Nexus) so that I'm prompted for which application to open KML files with?

Thank you.

# Answer
> 1 votes
To my knowledge, an app has to register for that -- so it's not simply a question of configuration. You might want to try some other apps which are able to handle KML files, e.g. Locus Maps. If it registers itself for this file type, it then should appear in the selection, and you can make it the default app.

As it turned out, this was exactly what happened with Maps With Me, so that's one candidate working for KML files.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Generally, apps register for a MIME type, not necessarily for a particular extension. If the email has the attachment marked as the wrong MIME type, then Android will show apps that handle the MIME type that the email claims it is. Perhaps the sender of this attachment needs to configure his email client to report the right MIME type for the file.

As a workaround, you could try saving/downloading the attachment to your phone and then opening it directly: that way, the phone will detect what type it is instead of trusting the email's claim.

# Answer
> -1 votes
I found a workaround: Move the .kml file manually into the maps.me folder.

---
Tags: google-maps, default-applications
---


title: How to install full Unicode fonts

text:
# Question
Title: How to install full Unicode fonts
The page http://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hammurapi contains several occurrences of the character Ḫ (1E2A;LATIN CAPITAL LETTER H WITH BREVE BELOW), http://codepoints.net/U+1E2A which does not display on Galaxy S3. Neither with the built-in browser, nor Chrome, nor Miniopera.

Similarly, ẞ, Capital Sharp S, http://codepoints.net/U+1E9E cannot be displayed.

Does Android support full Unicode? How can I install full Unicode support?

Edit: I have (so far) not modified anything at all.

# Answer
As t0mm13b had said, Android as a framework does support Unicode. As you are probably aware the vanilla Android is as such available as a stock option only to Google's own devices (The Nexus series). Other Android devices will have some sort of topping layer over this vanilla layers. This topping layer will usually be cosmetic changes by the manufacturer like HTC Sense UI etc.

Even if there are no such topping layer, the manufacturers compile the source of vanilla ROM with suitable drivers of their devices and add slight country specific enhancements.

Take a look at a similar question that I had asked which is not very different from what you had asked, if the language specific features and names are not accounted. That question explains how an Android device displays a glyph (not characters) on screen and the software components that are involved in that process.

To put it in a nut shell, to display a character Android requires a suitable font file and a rendering engine. Absence of former could result in a rectangular box and later will result in improper display of glyph.

In your case the ROM that your S3 has might not have the above said. Try to test with the devices that does display it (probably in some other region, the S3 might display it properly) and find what font files differs between yours and theirs.
> 2 votes

# Answer
If you've rooted your device, the quick and easy way I found was to get Font Installer and search the internet for Arial Unicode MS.ttf -Make sure to do a Nandroid backup before screwing with the system fonts. Bad things can happen.

Here's a test page that contains Unicode characters not supported by Android's default font set: http://users.otenet.gr/~gmcr/bible/LK.htm The first verse should show: Επειδήπερ πολλοί επεχείρησαν αναταξασθαι διήγηση περί των πεπληροφορημενων εν ημιν πραγμάτων, (edited to be visible on stock Android).

Update: I think Microsoft's Arial font is copyrighted, so consider getting a font from http://unifoundry.com/unifont.html Their font is more complete and it's free.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Based on the likelihood that you're using the default browser? I know that Firefox supports "ẞ", and does show the "H" without a circumflex. Maybe try it out? I'm on HTC One with Ice Cream Sandwich, the default browser seems to support these but Opera doesn't -so yes Unicode is supported, but not necessarily by all browser implementations, rooting your phone is not the answer I suspect.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, fonts
---


title: Wifi, connected but not connected

text:
# Question
Title: Wifi, connected but not connected
I have a peculiar problem with my Kobo Arc, which runs on Android 4.1.1. When this device connects to my Dynex router, it goes through the whole "Authenticating" "Obtain IP address" "Connected". No problem so far on the Wifi screen.

But now when I go online, I get "drops" almost on a pattern, every few seconds the connection will drop (a Youtube video on Youtube app will load, then run 3 sec then never load again until you constantly refresh or reseek, and sometimes that doesn't even work.)

Wifi connection bar remains full and remains "Connected" throughout the entire time, because Router is right next door, and this happens when I'm sitting right in front of it. I switched Channals from 1-11, I tried different encryption. To no avail.

So what's the problem here? It's not signal, and my desktop computer using a USB wifi thingy don't experience this drop.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Un-plug your router for 30 seconds and try again. If it still happens then your router might be going out other than that your device might be buggy and you need to get a new one.

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Tags: wi-fi, router
---


title: Wanting to use only one email

text:
# Question
Title: Wanting to use only one email
I have to use 2 emails on my phone at all times cause some apps I purchased on one email and some I got on my other email. Is there a way to put all my purchases on to my primary email so that I don't have to use 2 emails forever?

# Answer
There is currently no way of doing it. You can download apps again to the same userid account on different devices, but you cannot transfer those licenses to other userids. So you'll have to rebuy the apps on one account which you wish to keep if you want to stop using both accounts.
> 4 votes

---
Tags: applications, email
---


# Question
Title: Contact still visible in Whatsapp after deleting out of my contactlist from my phone
I deleted a contact/number out of my contact list from my smart phone. But if I open WhatsApp I can still see that same contact/person that I deleted earlier. How is this possible?

# Answer
> 3 votes
According to WhatsApp's FAQ, you may need to refresh the list. You also will still see the deleted contact if there are past chats you've had with that contact.

> **How do I delete a contact?**
>
> The contacts that you see in WhatsApp come from your address book. There is no way to directly edit the Select contact screen.
>
> To delete a contact from the WhatsApp contact list, you will need to delete the contact from your phone's address book.
>
> In order to find the WhatsApp contact in your phone's address book:
>
> * Find the contact in the Select contact page.
> * Tap on the contact.
> * Then tap on the name at the top.
> * On the Contact info page, go to \[Menu button\] \> \[View in address book\].
> * From there you can find the option to delete the contact from your address book.
>
> Then, refresh your WhatsApp contact list by opening WhatsApp \> \[Compose button\] \> \[Menu button\] \> \[Refresh\]
>
> If you still see the contact, it is likely that you are seeing the conversation on your Chats screen. Simply tap and hold on the contact and then select \[Delete chat\] to delete a chat.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Deleting a contact from the list still may not be of great help, because, the contact's new messages will show up in with his/her unsaved contact number. The best choice would be to block the contact.

---
Tags: contacts, whatsapp-messenger
---


title: How can I free up storage on my SGS II?

text:
# Question
Title: How can I free up storage on my SGS II?
I got a notification on my SGS2 today that said the phone memory is nearly full.

So my question is: How can I move apps to the internal USB storage? I don't have a micro SD card in my phone.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I believe you can move apps to the "internal SD card" by going to `Settings -> Applications -> Manage applications`, selecting individual apps, and choosing "Move to SD" if it's supported. Though honestly I keep all my apps off the SD, so I don't know whether it tries to move them to external or internal SD.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Check the space used up by your text messages, which is stored in internal storage. Whenever I receive the "memory full" notification, I delete all text message threads, and that always fixes the problem, especially if it's been months and I've received pictures, etc. I also use SMS Backup + to backup all of my text messages in my Gmail before deleting all of my text messages.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I don't think the actual internal storage is full on the SGS II. It's probably the data or cache partitions that are full.

You can go in to the `settings -> applications -> manage applications` and clear the cache/data for the "high use" apps.

I have a lot of apps installed but still have tons of "internal storage" space left, but I only have 11% (19.3M) left in my /datadata partition. it was at about 2MB the other day, but I removed a lot of apps that I don't really ever use anymore.

My /data partition, where the applications are installed, has a max size of 1.8GB, but my cache partition, where temporary data is stored, only has 80MB. The cache could fill up quickly if you use apps that cache a lot of data.

# Answer
> 1 votes
There is no solution to this problem. On the SGS2, the Move to SD button actually moves the apps to the external SD (/mnt/sdcard/external\_sd) and NOT the interal USB (/mnt/sdcard). This means that the application's data is still on internal USB, but the application itself gets moved to external SD.

The only solution to install large applications on the internal storage is to repartition the 16GB so that you have a much bigger phone partition and smaller internal USB partition (they are both partitions of the same physical disk).

# Answer
> 0 votes
I was also facing the same issue and the below link helped :)

http://forums.androidcentral.com/samsung-galaxy-s-ii/272384-galaxy-s2-cannot-download-updates-new-apps.html

This works!!

# Answer
> 0 votes
Try one of the following:

1) Dial `*#9900#` and tap the second instruction (Delete dumpstate/logcat). This procedure freed about 400MB of my (internal) phone storage.

2) Or check out this link for lasting solution: http://techotv.com/samsung-galaxy-s2-internal-storage-apps-space-tutorial/

I hope you will find these very helpful.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-2, storage, ram
---


# Question
Title: Android L Preview After device unlock Contacts app open
In My Nexus 5 after I unlock my device ervery time contacts/people app is open up automatically. Do I Need to change any settings??

# Answer
> 3 votes
Is it possible that you are swiping sideways? the contacts app is on the left of the lockscreen, the phone app on the right, and to unlock you must swipe up

# Answer
> 1 votes
I've found this is a feature

Swipe up = unlock normally

Swipe down = notifications

Swipe right = contacts

Swipe left = camera

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Tags: applications
---


# Question
Title: Notification symbol that looks like a droplet in a circle - what is it?
Is anyone able to identify this notification symbol for me?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Could be a GPS or location service as they tend to have similar features.

---
Tags: notification-icons
---


# Question
Title: App continues to consume battery long after its closed
I use tunein radio app in the morning. After my use, I close it via exit button, and don't use it for rest of the day.

But hours after the use, I have observed it draining over 10% of my battery. I have tried options like force stop, and even reboot - but issue still persists. Notifications for this app are turned off. No other alarms / reminders set.

I'm on kitkat 4.4.4 / CyanogenMod 11s

# Answer
> 0 votes
One more way- Install AIO Toolbox, its a nice tool, freely available. From there remove the app from startup/boot list. Use your radio app only when you need. Also you have to clean up your memory on regular interval for refreshing RAM.

**Update:** **Not sure but might be a help.** Download JRummy Rom Toolbox and from there goto StartUp Manager. From there You can see the threads opened by the radio app. Disable all threads. I am not sure , If free version of the app has feature as I am using paid version, downloaded from BlackMart.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Ending the application by "closing it" may kill the process, but it may have several services running. I'm on my phone, so I cannot add the references, but having multiple apps in memory isn't that bad- I don't think it really effects the life of your battery.

In this instance, if you think (or know) that a particular application is being a pain, I would suggest you first download the application "Watchdog". This gives detailed information about applications, and then let's you kill them when they become too consuming. Watchdog is very good for analysing the running services. If you do find your application is misbehaving, then you have a problem.

If Watchdog does not mark the application as misbehaving, then we may need to dig deeper. If possible, try to run tasker with an automated script to kill the services of this application, which should in turn kill all instances. Whether this is what you want, or is safe, is another question.

One thing to take into consideration is did the application consume so much when your phone was not rooted? Perhaps SU has removed the restrictions the application once had..

# Answer
> 1 votes
Use Greenify for hibernating your tunein radio,this works fine for most apps. If it not works properly, need to freeze the app using ROM toolbox and then defrost when needed. I am using this method mainly for Facebook,truecaller,google play services which consumes more battery usage.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I found the following delete option in the battery usage status tool:

Note that it is different from REFRESH button. I clicked on it and bam! Here are the new usage stats:

As it can be seen, this button basically killed on other apps except essential android services. (Correct me if I am wrong, but I think it is CM11 specific feature. I would like to know more about exactly what it does and if it is reasonably safe to do it daily. Will google /check CM website / forums and update here)

# Answer
> 0 votes
I second Basil Then's suggestion to use Greenify. It's meant for exactly this kind of situation, and it's really easy to use. It does require root, but you already have that since you're on CyanogenMod.

Another option that's already built into CyanogenMod that might help is a feature called App Ops that was briefly part of stock Android but removed. This feature is still part of CyanogenMod, and you can access it by going to *Settings**Privacy**Privacy Guard*. From there you can scroll down to TuneIn (or any other app) and long-press it to control specific permissions. There are a few that will directly affect battery life, such as *Keep awake* and *Wake up*.

One other option that's also built into CyanogenMod: go to *Settings**Developer options* (enable Developer options first if you don't see it) then scroll all the way to the bottom and check *Kill app back button*. Now when you're done using TuneIn you can long-press the back button and it should kill it.

Since each app is different (some run as a service, some wake up the phone repeatedly, some keep it awake), you may need to try more than one of these options, and it might even be a combination of them that ends up doing what you want.

---
Tags: battery
---


title: Restore SIM Card details to PC

text:
# Question
Title: Restore SIM Card details to PC
I have my SIM card from the back of my Samsung Galaxy S5. However, I do not have the phone anymore. I will not be getting a new phone for quite sometime. My question is; is there a way to retrieve the entire contents of my SIM card, without having a phone? Maybe there is a way to download the contents to my pc. Please advise

# Answer
> 2 votes
You can buy SIM card readers for PCs, which will come with Windows software to retrieve any phone numbers and SMS messages from the SIM card. Just search your local Amazon site or eBay for *SIM card reader*. Be careful not to get an SD card reader by accident!

Do bear in mind that most Android phones don't store contacts on the SIM card by default, but on the phone itself. The SIM card can only store very limited information about contacts: just a name and a number. Unless you're sure you've moved all your data onto the SIM card, you might put a lot of time into finding a reader only to find the SIM card is empty.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Your carrier, if they have a store, should also have the equipment for this and should do it for free.

You can back them up and probably use a dummy phone or gateway to sync them somewhere so this isn't an issue in the future.

If you currently do not have a carrier, they may still do it for free or for a small fee depending.

---
Tags: sim-card
---


# Question
Title: Removed an Xposed module but still causing conflict
I installed Disable Location Consent and have been having GPS issues where I cannot actually use High Accuracy mode so I removed this module but the problem still remains. Are there remnants of the modules modifications somewhere? How can I find them? I've already tried wiping Dalvik, Data, and Cache.

# Answer
The other answers are more useful for the question but unfortunately in my case the problem was something different.

It just so happens that the pioneer radio I have has a GPS that I didn't bother installing because I didn't want to use it however the phone is attempting to use the pioneers GPS and doesn't fall back to the phones GPS at all.

So if I use the GPS anywhere else (wifi or data) when bluetooth is deactivated, it works just fine.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I had a similar problem where my SMS wouldn't send to my contacts. That day I had made a few modifications one included a Xposed module, I uninstalled the module and other modifications, but the problem persisted I resorted to restoring an old backup of my phone and the problem went away. I assume as our using a Xposed module your phone is rooted try restoring to a previous backup, it's always good practice to back up your phone before attempting any modifications. If you don't have a backup, then I'd suggest the only option is to restore your phone using Odin (If your using stock ROM) or to Flash a custom ROM
> 1 votes

# Answer
Very often happens something strange: if you activate the effect of a module and then you remove the module, then the effect will still be there.
It's the same way of acting as Freedom (for example).
Try installing again the module, deactivating the effect and uninstalling again.
This should work. Tell me if it works :)
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, gps, geolocation, location-services, xposed-framework
---


# Question
Title: How to setup a Tasker profile to switch ariplane mode at night UNLESS I actually use the phone?
I'd like to switch all radio communications off for night, that is airplane mode.

However, sometimes I drive during night, sometimes I stay awake for late. So it is difficult to set it up just with specified hours. My clever idea is to use more conditions (contexts) than just time.

## **PROBLEM - definition**

How to setup a Tasker profile to keep all radios off during specified night hours UNLESS I actually use the phone?

In a simplistic example, the "*usage of phone*" could be defined as "*screen is ON*". But how about if I'm downloading something, or making a phone/skype call while driving on a motorway during night (and I wish the screen to be off to save battery).

So a more specific **definition of "*phone in use*"** would be a combination of:

* screen is on OR
* pending GSM phone call OR
* pending skype call (or I'm logged into skype account) OR
* pending download via GooglePlay store (or a downloading manager) OR
* at least one active Bluetooth connection.

---

So the tasker profile should do the **following actions**

* run within, say, 22:00 and 07:00, and
* check if one of the above conditions are true.
* if false (i'm not using the phone), switch all radio communications off
* if true (I'm using the phone) then do nothing
* however as soon as ALL of those conditions switch to false, switch all radio off

---

Please let me know how you would approach it. I know each phone is different, and I know I need to play around with a Tasker for a while, but as much as I'm good in logical thinking, doing this in a graphical mode instead of text mode seems a bit non-intuitive at the beginning...

## **MY PHONE SPECIFICATION:**

* Samsung galaxy s4 GT-i9505
* Android 4.4.2
* device not rooted (I want to double check one thing with the retailer before I can root the phone).

# Answer
> 1 votes
I would create a Profile for each of your preconditions, as well as an entrance Task for each one. The task would simply set a variable (separate for each task).

Then, have an exit task for each precondition. It would clear its own specific variable, and then run the "Airplane Mode" Task.

The "Airplane Mode" task would check all precondition variables. If any are set, do nothing. However, if they are all clear, and the current time is between 22:00 and 07:00, it can safely activate airplane mode.

Finally, have another Profile for the time. When 22:00 rolls around, it will simply run the "Airplane Mode" task. Another one for 07:00 will run "Normal Mode" which would simply deactivate airplane mode.

---
Tags: tasker, airplane-mode
---


# Question
Title: how do I save all my texts before I reset it?
I have an android HTC 660 how do I save all my texts before I reset it? Not for sure how to send to my SIM card

# Answer
> 1 votes
HoverChat has an SMS backup feature. It saves all your SMS in a .ninja file, then you can send it in a mail. You must have HoverChat if you want to restore your backup afterwards.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I have looked up on the web there's a couple of applications such as :

* SMS Backup+
* G Cloud Backup
* SMS backup restore

Personally,I would take a couple of screenshots and send them into my PC(as backup). Then reset my cell phone and re-transfer my pictures into it.

But if you want them as a txt form, use an application to back up them.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Install Superbackup and make backup of contacts , texts and call logs and you can move it local SD card to your inbox.

---
Tags: sms
---


# Question
Title: tablet won't permanently keep or remove apps
I have an 8" android tablet running Android 2.2 (froyo). It works fine, except anything installed will not be retained when you re-start the device. Plus, if I want to remove the one and only app I put on this thing it re-appears after I delete it and re-start the device.

Nothing gets saved and no app gets deleted that is already on there. The app in mention I put on is marble solitaire plus for anyone that wants to know.

I can still find use for the tablet if only I could fix this problem. I have even tried a factory reset and nothing. When I do I get "md5 file error 1. Any ideas would help!

# Answer
> 0 votes
It sounds like you have a tablet with locked system/data. Kind of like a PC with deep freeze, you can make changes but they are reset after a reboot.

You may have just made an unlucky purchase as many cheapo tablets will do this as a sort of self-protection.

What is likely happening is the system reverts to a copy of the image stored in flash so fixing it is going to require finding wherever the source copy is.

The md5 file error likely means the original copy is corrupt. This is the tough way to learn to avoid cheapo tablets because when something goes wrong you are usually SoL.

Depending on the tablet, you may be able to:

1. unlock the bootloader
2. install custom recovery
3. find a compatible rom and flash it

I'd recommend you just cut your losses, sell it as defective on Craigslist or something similar, and use that money to put towards a decent tablet.

---
Tags: storage
---


title: Colour of the letters in contacts?

text:
# Question
Title: Colour of the letters in contacts?
What is the meaning ot the different colours of the letters in android contacts?

I use Nexus4 with standard 4.4

# Answer
> 3 votes
Nothing Special. Multiple color for single Letter is to differentiate multiple contacts starting with similar letter.

---
Tags: contacts, 4.4-kitkat, nexus-4, google-contacts
---


title: Improve scrolling lag in Android

text:
# Question
Title: Improve scrolling lag in Android
I am not referring to the App opening/closing animations (that can be modified in the launcher or the Developer Options changing the animation scale) but the actual scrolling of websites, webviews, and within applications.

I am noticing this on a few flagship devices, but it occurs far less on Nexus devices. I'm assuming the OEM skins or the 1080p screens on these devices (or both) are contributory factors.

I've tried changing goveneors and I/O schedulers to no avail. This is persistent lag across a range of browsers (Chrome, Samsung, HTC, Dolphin, Boat, Firefox) and across other apps such as Google Plus, the Play Store and Facebook.

Is there any way to improve this scroll lag, it is severely degrading the performance on several devices including S5, M8, Note 3 and others.

Edit: Devices are rooted so all suggestions welcome.

# Answer
> 2 votes
First I would jump into the developer options and play around with rendering settings in there. This is going to pertain to the GPU probably a lot more than the CPU.

You can also enable some helpful rendering overlays to get visual feedback regarding touch areas, rendered areas, and gpu utilization.

Unfortunately I can't say that one particular item or another will fix it so you will have to play around with them until you see some improvement. Things to try:

* High performance mode
* Force GPU rendering

The next step would be to try to overclock the GPU's which is going to vary by device.

I would suspect that a mobile friendly site would have much less of an issue rendering all the scrolling than a full desktop site. Another option would be to zoom in more and see if that alleviates some of the lag.

Yet another option would be to try out some custom roms on each of the devices that boast smoother performance. The trade off you're looking for is more performance which is usually at the cost of more battery drain. Efficiency is a great thing but I would always prefer stable smooth performance first and then efficiency.

Do you see any difference if you start scrolling from a still screen vs continuous up and down scrolling? (ie not letting the gpu stop rendering) If so, bumping up the minimum clock at least temporarily may improve this area. The performance governor is your best bet for now.

For the M8, I would recommend ViperOne. I run it on my M7 and its very smooth. You can overclock the GPU with built in software. The only thing I see some lag on is when there are a ton of complex button/slider items that need to be loaded which happens to only be on a few pages within the ViperTweaks sub-app.

---
Tags: browser, performance
---


# Question
Title: Why does the in-call volume change on its own on my Samsung Galaxy S3?
I have a Samsung Galaxy S3 (SCH-I535) running Android 4.4.2 and I'm having an extremely annoying issue: Whenever I make or receive a call, if I adjust the in-call volume to the desired level (usually somewhere between 80% - 100% if I am in a noisy place) then during the call, the call volume will suddenly drop to roughly 25% - 35%

This happens repeatedly during a call. I am not using a headset of any kind: I am simply holding the phone up to my ear. I am positive that I am not pressing any buttons on the side of the phone, and I press the lock button to turn the screen off before holding the phone up to my face, so I'm sure I'm not triggering any on-screen functions with my cheek/ear.

This makes it doubly annoying because the volume buttons don't appear to work reliably when the phone is in this state. So after a few minutes at the desired volume, suddenly I can't hear he other party and I need to ask them to please wait, bring the phone away from my face, unlock the screen, adjust the volume back to maximum using the volume buttons (ever time I see the volume slider has dropped from where I last had it set) lock the screen again and then resume my call.

This will happen repeatedly, every few minutes while on a call.

I have the stock Verizon/Samsumg OS, phone is not rooted, and I can't find any setting which might be causing this. I don't have any custom volume adjustment apps installed. Looking for any assistance! Why does the in-call volume drop on it's own on my Samsung Galaxy S3?

# Answer
The problem was caused by an app that I installed for allowing the company I work for to page me. This proprietary app had a bug that caused it to drop the in-call volume during a call; Updating the app fixed the problem.
> 1 votes

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Tags: calls, volume-control
---


# Question
Title: Samsung Galaxy S I900 Bootloop in Recovery after flashing custom ROM
My friend gave me his old rooted Galaxy S running android 4.0.x (or 4.1.x probably) asking me to restore its official ROM on it.

**Context**

1. Downloaded and installed Odin
2. Downloaded Galaxy S stock ROM
3. Downloaded and installed Samsung USB drivers
4. Removed SIM and MicroSD cards from phone
5. Cleared cache and data
6. Put the phone in download mode using the Vol down/up + Home + Power key and connected it to PC
*Although the phone had "Download" option in it's "shut down popup" (The phone was already rooted and had some sort of recovery installed, CWM probably?) but Odin won't recognize the phone while in \_that\_ download mode.*
7. Flashed the ROM having only "Auto Reboot" and "F. Reset time" options checked
8. It apparently went OK, phone rebooted a couple times and finally I could see the OS configuration screen

**The problem**

* Right after I started configuring the phone, a "com.android.acore" (or similar) error appeared which I "force closed".
* I restarted the phone (just for a fresh start in configuration)
* After the phone started I got "com.android.phone" error which I force closed.
* At this point I felt that something was wrong with the phone, so I turned the phone off with intentions of clearing the cache
* Then I booted into recovery (Vol up/down + Home + Power), navigated to "wipe cache..." option and pressed OK, but noting would happen. No matter what key I pressed, it was not the "OK" key.

**Now**

1. The phone only starts in recovery mode, no matter if I press power button alone or any key combination
2. There is no key that performs the "OK" function in recovery mode
3. I cannot reflash the stock ROM because Odin requires the phone to be in download mode (but my phone only starts in recovery mode)
4. If i connect the phone (running in recovery mode) with my PC, windows displays two removable devices in "My Computer" which show "please insert disk.." error on double click

It is a kind of deadlock situation which I've been unable to resolve. I would like to get to the bottom of this issue

**Questions**

1. What is this problem called in android dev. circles? (soft bricked?)
2. How can I resolve the problem?
3. Are there ways other than Odin to flash a ROM on Samsung Galaxy S?

I've tried to search through xda and other famous android forums but all solutions to similar problems I could find require the phone to be in download mode.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

P.S. I'm not a regular android rooting guy so I'm not versed in its jargon but I can read instructions and am waiting anxiously for help.

# Answer
Step 7: Don't have auto-reboot checked. (unless it says otherwise somewhere that I'm not aware of)

Can you get into download mode with `power` \+ `volume down` ?

`power` \+ `volume up` should go to recovery and if there is no OS to boot it likely defaults to recovery.

If you can get into download mode, try finding a different compatible recovery like TWRP. I find it preferable to CWM personally. There is an ODIN flashable file: http://teamw.in/project/twrp2/117 (**I'm not sure if this is the exact right recovery - definitely verify yourself**) If you can provide additional model details, I can help narrow it down. The worst that will happen if it isn't the correct recovery is that flashing roms will not work and you will have to find a working one and reflash with ODIN.

1. The soft-bricked term applies to a wide range of conditions but yes this does fall under that category since you cannot actually use your device as intended.
2. There's several ways to resolve this problem. First try some of what I mentioned already.
3. You should be able to flash new roms with TWRP. In your state, I would highly advise trying it as you have nothing to lose. *(I'm not a fan of Samsung/ODIN myself but have worked with them before. While I can personally confirm that backup/restore works in TWRP, I can only say I would be very surprised to hear that installing a custom rom does not. That is to say that TWRP absolutely should by all accounts work just fine for installing custom roms on Samsung devices yet I have not personally done this.)*
> 1 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s, recovery-mode, unbricking, odin, stock-rom
---


title: uninstalling WhatsApp

text:
# Question
Title: uninstalling WhatsApp
I want to uninstall WhatsApp from my phone fully so there should not be any data left, as it was preinstalled its not removing fully. I have only 2 options, force stop or disable but they're not helping. I want to remove it with cache memory as while installing WhatsApp its showing error.

Also its showing low internal memory space

My device is Karbonn S2 Titanium (1.2 GHz Quad Core Processor and 1GB RAM).

# Answer
You can't remove pre-installed apps without root access. These system apps are stored on the system partition, which is generally mounted as read-only and prevents non-root users from modifying it.

However, the system partition is also usually separate from the user partition where you install apps. That is, the system apps by themselves don't take up any usable space. As long as you `clear data` (instead of just `clear cache`), you can disable the app and it won't take up any usable space.
> 3 votes

# Answer
Go to settings \> storage\> cached data and clean it, also in misc select whatsapp this will erase all images l, audio remember to back up it in other folder first
> -1 votes

---
Tags: whatsapp-messenger, uninstallation, karbonn
---


title: Contacts Sync problem in Android 4.4.2

text:
# Question
Title: Contacts Sync problem in Android 4.4.2
I'm using Samsung Galaxy S4 with 4.4.2 Kitkat version. Currently my phone is showing that all the contacts (phone numbers) are in sync with my Gmail account, however when I check in Gmail Contacts, I could not find even a single contact synced. I also checked whether the sync is enabled properly or not, but it is "checked and enabled".

Does anyone know of a solution for this?

Note: All other stuff like photos, calendars, are properly synced and reflected in my Gmail.

# Answer
It could be that the contacts are added to your Google account, but they are not in the "My Contacts" section but rather the "Other Contacts" section.

If you go to contacts.google.com, on the left sidebar is "My Contacts" with groups underneath. At the very bottom, just above "Import Contacts" and "New Group" is a section called "Other Contacts".

These contacts are usually auto-added from Gmail, but they can also be contacts added from your phone that weren't synced quite right. Try looking in there for your contacts. If they are there, you can select all and add to "My Contacts".
> 1 votes

---
Tags: sync, google
---


# Question
Title: What happens when displaying through Miracast using low resolution device and high resolution external display?
I am considering purchase of an Android tablet with 1024 x 600 screen resolution and Android 4.4 KitKat. I believe it will support Miracast to cast its display to a Miracast receiver.

The Miracast receiver will be attached to a 1920 × 1080 native resolution TV.

Will Android take full advantage of the full 1920 × 1080 resolution of the Miracast destination device?

What are my options and what would happen on the tablet's screen? What happens on the TV's screen?

**OR: Do I need a tablet / phone with 1920 × 1080 resolution in order to Miracast at full 1920 × 1080 resolution on the external display?**

# Answer
> 0 votes
> Will Android take full advantage of the full 1920 × 1080 resolution of the Miracast destination device?

No. You will end up with a stretched yet aspect-intact mirror of what is on your android.

> What are my options and what would happen on the tablet's screen? What happens on the TV's screen?

Tablet screen remains the same. TV will appear as indicated above. You don't really have options aside from tilting the device to switch between portrait/landscape.

> OR: Do I need a tablet / phone with 1920 × 1080 resolution in order to Miracast at full 1920 × 1080 resolution on the external display?

Nope. If the device supports miracast, it will display on whatever screen the miracast dongle is set up with.

---
Tags: external-display, screen-resolution, screencast
---


# Question
Title: Prevent Android ICS downloading updates automatically
Can I prevent automatic update(system and app updates) downloads on **Android ICS** in order to reduce the bandwidth usage while using volume based internet data packages?

# Answer
You can disable Automatic updates from Google Play Store app. Head over to Settings → Auto-update apps.

You can also set it to Update over Wi-Fi only, from the same settings page
> 5 votes

# Answer
To prevent app updates over your data plan, go to the Google Play app \> Settings \> Auto-update apps \> Auto-update apps over Wi-Fi only.

To prevent system updates over your data plan, go to your phone's Settings \> Connections \> Data usage \> select Google Play Services from the list of apps \> check "Restrict background data".

By doing both of these, you will still be able to get app and system updates over wifi (when connected) and you will save a lot on your volume based internet data packages.
> 3 votes

# Answer
There's two ways to deal with this:

* Try Droidwall to block outgoing connections on 3G data, in that way, if in the vicinity of the wifi network, Droidwall will allow data over Wifi.
* The other way is to go into Settings \> More... Tap on that, Mobile Networks \> uncheck Data enabled to prevent 3G data in and out.

Only ***caveat emptor*** with Droidwall, it requires rooted handset.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, application-autoupdate
---


# Question
Title: How can I disable Google Voice Commands on an Android phone?
I prefer not root my phone, but I'd be willing to, if it's necessary.

Google Voice keeps popping-up *Search* and *Voice Dialer* randomly (about twice a minute). They enter random commands into *Search bar* and I can't turn them off. The problem might be caused by inexpensive headphones.

I'd like to just completely remove the software from my phone. If I can't do that, I'd like to get them to stop randomly popping up.

# Answer
Here's how you can turn this off in most Android builds:

Look for an app called "Google Settings." By default, the icon will look like this:

From there, choose "Search & Now" → "Voice" → "'Ok Google' hotword detection" and turn that setting off.

If that doesn't apply to your phone's OS, you'll need to provide more info. If you are running the OS that came with the phone, provide the make and model. If it is rooted, provide the name and version of the custom ROM.
> 7 votes

# Answer
I also think the voice recognition is a nuisance. On my phone (running CyanogenMod) the only setting I found was "Settings", "Language & Input" -\> "Voice Search" then disable "Ok Google" detection. I think it was mishearing my saying "Ok Google" when it would pick up random voice commands.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: google-voice, google-voice-actions
---


# Question
Title: Enable screen auto-rotate for specific applications but not globally?
So I'd like to enable screen auto-rotation for YouTube and Chrome, but not for other anything else. How do I do this?

I use a Galaxy S5.

# Answer
> 3 votes
Have you tried a 3rd-party app like Smart Rotator?

> Are you tired of switching auto-rotate setting back and forth? This tool can help you auto switching it.
>
> You can set auto-rorate/portrait/landscape setting for each app, when you open those apps, it will help you set screen orientation to auto, portrait, landscape automatically.

---
Tags: applications, samsung-galaxy-s, auto-rotation
---


title: Lost All Contact On My Nexus 4 Device

text:
# Question
Title: Lost All Contact On My Nexus 4 Device
I decided to make a new gmail and replace it with my old gmail on my phone so i removed account and then what i put my new gmail id all my contacts are lost and in my call log i only see numbers no names. Can anyone please suggest how i can reverse this?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Your contacts might have been synced with the old Google account. You can try doing this:

1. Login on your computer with the old Gmail. Go to "Contacts" and see if you have all your contacts visible over there. ("Contacts" option will be available on top left, where there is a caption of "Gmail" along with an arrow).
2. If you find your old contacts in the above step, login to your phone with old Gmail Id. You will probably see all your contacts again.
3. Export all the contacts to your phone memory.
4. Login with new Gmail Id.

---
Tags: nexus-4
---


# Question
Title: Are APK files saved on my device when I install from the Play Store?
I used a Nexus 7 for a couple of years and got a Nexus 10 earlier this year. I installed a number of kids books/games on the 7 and wanted to transfer them to the 10. Now I can't find some of them at the store. Would the APK files still be located on the 7?

# Answer
Try ES file explorer

Under settings select App Manager and select all apps. And select backup on the action bar below.

A backup of all apps apk is created to your SD card probably under backups folder(or check /set backup folder on your es file explorer, settings-\> directory settings )

Now you've got all apps apk.. You can either transfer them through Bluetooth/Wi-Fi /USB connection

You can select system apps too if your phone's rooted
> 7 votes

# Answer
If you are rooted you can go to `/data/app` in your file manager and can copy the files. If you are not rooted you can use any one of the following app

1. APK EXTRACTOR
2. BLUETOOTH APP SENDER
> 5 votes

# Answer
I strongly recommend using AppMonster (or rather AppMonster Pro) not only for this issue, but in general. It can create backups of all your installed apps, and the Pro version even offers to do so automatically on each install/update. That way you cannot only transfer `.apk` files to another device (as in your current case), but also have a fall-back available in case an update breaks stuff (or removed features): As *AppMonster* keeps multiple backups (one per install/update), you can easily revert to any version previously installed. Saved my day more than once.
> 3 votes

# Answer
Everything you've bought or installed from the Play Store is listed under your account. A lot of the time apps that have been withdrawn from the Store are still visible to people who've used them before in this list:

https://play.google.com/apps

If you look down that list then you should be able to see the apps that you've installed before and push them to any of your devices.
> 0 votes

# Answer
If you're root, use any root browser and go to the path: /system/app/, there you'll find the apk files.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Download the app "ShareApps" from playstore and then share all the apps which you want from the older phone to the new phone using any of the sharing methods such as bluetooth, etc...
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications, installation, apk
---


title: What doesn't data usage show?

text:
# Question
Title: What doesn't data usage show?
I was recently helping someone try to figure out were the data usage was coming from since recently it has sky rocketed from under 8GB to well over 30GB. Anyway, they went to the data usage under setting (I believe the phone was a Galaxy S 3 or 4) the total data usage essentially agreed with the carriers usage but the apps below did not add up anywhere close to what was said. This was over the phone so maybe I missed something.

Anyway, is there anything that is not shown by the data usage that comes with the Galaxy S III (or any android devices)?

Is there a way to get that info, maybe with a different app?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Usually it won't happen that the total data usage is inconsistent with each app's data usage. However, you may try installing some of the data usage monitor apps on PlayStore:

---
Tags: data-monitoring
---


title: Vanilla Android

text:
# Question
Title: Vanilla Android
I hope I don't post this in the wrong place.

It's been known for the life of Android that upgradability of the device is one of main reason when deciding to buy a device. Among the main stream brands, I have owned Samsung Galaxy (the first Samsung Galaxy), LG Optimus G and first generation of (ASUS made) Nexus 7.

Nexus 7 still receives updates until now. I received one or two updates for my Samsung Galaxy and I never got any update on LG Optimus G. According to media, Kitkat update for LG Optimus G is coming (or has come in some countries) but I have not seen it so far.

I have also owned and used few Chinese brand Android devices and they are good for the price but again the version came with the device is pretty much what you will end up with.

My question is: how hard it is to produce an Android phone that can run Vanilla Android and some future updates (within reasonable time frame). I don't know anything about OS level programming but I would imagine that Google must have some guideline and roadmap about OS Android. If Nexus devices are updatable, why can't other manufacturers choose the same kind of hardware? Can anyone who knows about how OS/hardware working share their knowledge?

It would be awesome if Chinese devices run Vanilla Android and are updatable just as Nexus ones.

\[EDIT\] I guess, my other question is: is updatability (or lack of it) more a technical or business reason?

Thanks.

# Answer
> how hard it is to produce an Android phone that can run Vanilla Android

It's not possible at all. Every device (including Nexus devices) needs Android to be *ported* to that device. This means setting it up, from the source code, with the correct drivers, configured correctly for that device. Even if there are no other manufacturer customizations (such as HTC Sense), it needs to be done to make Android work at all.

Even if the device is similar to or shares some components with an existing device, it still won't be compatible with that device's ROMs.

This work needs to be repeated by the manufacturer for each new Android version. This costs money, and for unbranded devices where repeat custom and reputation aren't important, there's really no advantage for the manufacturer, or way for them to recoup their costs.
> 2 votes

# Answer
It is a business reason. Each OEM (manufacturer) wants to stand out in the market through their hardware AND their software. The next time you go to upgrade will you consider learning a new OEM overlay or just a shiny new version of what you already know? (A lot of people go for the latter, they don't care about the OS, their phone is a "HTC" or a "Samsung" not an "Android" device.) There is also another, slightly underhanded reason too.

Also note that EVERY device has its own kernel, drivers etc so there isn't really a 100% vanilla android, it must be ported to each device **including the Nexus line**.

By way of an example: Samsung have their Galaxy S5 flagship running Android, with the Touchwiz overlay. Every Samsung Android device has the Touchwiz Framework. Users get used to the look and feel and general 'Touchwizzyness' of the device. Now in the meantime they develop the Tizen operating system, and skin it to be almost identical to Touchwiz. Now to a user, the underlying operating system is kind of invisible to the user, and functions much the same, except Samsung now have you on their hardware and their own OS.

Here is a Tizen Screenshot

Here is a Touchwiz screenshot

See what I mean?
> 1 votes

---
Tags: updates, 4.4-kitkat
---


title: Call app needs long time to start

text:
# Question
Title: Call app needs long time to start
The call app on my Samsung Galaxy Ace takes a really long time to start (about 20 seconds). When it finally starts and I cancel the call and call again, the app launches normally. When I turn off the screen and turn it on again, the app starts again delayed. I was watching the LogCat output, and it gives me this:

```
07-21 21:11:08.710: D/PowerManagerService(1502): releaseWakeLock flags=0x1 tag=ActivityManager-Launch
07-21 21:11:11.390: D/BatteryService(1502): update start
07-21 21:11:14.703: W/PowerManagerService(1502): Timer 0x3->0x3|0x0
07-21 21:11:21.421: D/BatteryService(1502): update start
07-21 21:11:22.531: W/ActivityManager(1502): Timeout of broadcast BroadcastRecord{407bdff8 android.intent.action.SCREEN_OFF} - receiver=android.os.BinderProxy@40bd2f18, started 20000ms ago
07-21 21:11:22.531: W/ActivityManager(1502): Receiver during timeout: BroadcastFilter{40bf3618 ReceiverList{40bd2f88 23024 com.google.android.youtube/10057 remote:40bd2f18}}
07-21 21:11:22.554: I/Launcher(19091): ACTION_SCREEN_OFF
07-21 21:11:22.578: D/PowerManagerService(1502): acquireWakeLock flags=0x1 tag=GeofencerStateMachine
07-21 21:11:22.578: D/PowerManagerService(1502): releaseWakeLock flags=0x1 tag=GeofencerStateMachine
I think it has something to do with this line:

07-21 21:11:22.531: W/ActivityManager(1502): Timeout of broadcast BroadcastRecord{407bdff8 android.intent.action.SCREEN_OFF} - receiver=android.os.BinderProxy@40bd2f18, started 20000ms ago

```

but I don't know how to fix it.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I have experienced the same issue on my Galaxy S2(Android version 2.3.5). It was cause by Youtube, not the call app. When I saw the log related to youtube, I tried to start youtube by touching its icon, but it failed to start. You can try to see if you can start youtube now.

Then I went to "Settings/Application/Manage Applications" and found "Youtube". Cleared its data and cache. Now try to start youtube again. If it cannot start, check if you has disabled data sync. Enable it in "Settings/Account and Sync/Background data". Try to sync your data to allow youtube to update. After youtube is updated, it should be ok for the call app to work properly.

Hope this can also fix your problem. Cheers.

# Answer
> 0 votes
It is all about cache memory.

Whenever you load any application, it will be loaded in cache memory first and then Android will load that app on your screen from that cache.

If the call app was recently used, it might be stored in cache still, and thus it will load on your screen quickly.

Once you go out or lock the screen, cache memory will be cleared and when you start the call app, Android will have to load it again in cache memory as it is the first time. It will take some time to appear on screen afterwards because of this.

The trick to this situation not to kill the call app if you use it very often. Just leave it in your recent app list or background apps.

---
Tags: calls, samsung-galaxy-ace
---


# Question
Title: Reinstall default apps on Galaxy S3 before updating to Jelly Bean
I want to update my Galaxy S3 to Jelly Bean but after downloading the firmware using Kies, it starts updating, but then it stops with a "dead" Android with a red triangle icon.

I think it's because I have removed some default apps like ChatOn and Yahoo widgets.

Is there any way to get them back or to install the official Jelly Bean update without a factory reset? I don't want to reinstall my apps again and lose my settings each time I need to update the OS (I also don't want bloatware apps that are pre-installed).

**EDIT:** I have ClockWorkMod recovery installed. I think that might be the problem. Is there any way I can flash the stock recovery only?. My operator is vodafone from Portugal.

Any ideas?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Depending on what network you are on the official OTA update may be your easiest answer. When I updated my razr m from ICS to JB 4.1 on verizon with the offical JB OTA update, none of my data was lost, didn't have to reload any apps, or reset options.

Also when you clear your user data your phone may automatically re-download apps that you previously had. In my case when I cleared my user data to root my phone, it re-downloaded all the apps I had before the clear but unfortunately the options for the apps were reset.

You may want to try clearing only your cache first (that will not erase any contacts or apps) and try reinstall again.

# Answer
> 0 votes
If you do not disable but uninstall system ROM apps, resetting won't make any difference. You need to download a stock rom (try sammobile for instance) and flash it via odin.

This is the best method I recommend. Get the DBT (germany) rom as it has no bloatware. Also, avoid using KIES to update. Really untrustworthy.

---
Tags: updates, 4.1-jelly-bean, samsung-galaxy-s-3, samsung-kies
---


title: Retrieving a URL from Facebook app

text:
# Question
Title: Retrieving a URL from Facebook app
Is it possible to get the URL of a post from the Facebook app and copy it to the clipboard? If so, how to do it?

# Answer
only way is to open the link in browser and copy the link from the address bar.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: facebook, url
---


# Question
Title: my stored contacts that have the country code prepended doNOT get matched to existing calling contacts
due to travelling frequently I tend to store every contact in my phones (current and the ones I had in the past) along with the country code in which it resides. so I can still call them when I'm away.

The problem is that with my latest android phone a `Samsung GT-S6310` with `android OS 4.1.2` when someone calls me from the same country I'm in right now, the number that shows up on my screen does not have the country code prepended. As a result, the number is not matched to one of my existing contacts and I see just a `10digit number calling` instead `X calling`.

Now this is not the 1st android phone I have owned and I know this was not a problem with the old one. Is there any way to avert that?

# Answer
> 1 votes
If you want a quick answer (two in reality) here is what I would do:

1) Go to Settings \> Accounts \> remove the Google account \> add it back.
I tried it once and it worked...
2) Go to Gmail on a desktop \> Go to Settings (the gear icon in the top right) \> Under General, go to 'Phone Numbers' and select your default country code from the dropdown list.
This way your device should automatically recognize incoming call from your country...

I'm not sure if one of these is the solution to your issue, but I know that many people solved the same issue using them. Just try and tell me if they work. If not, we'll look for another solution ;)

# Answer
> 0 votes
I know this is not a perfect solution, but it is just an workaround - you can try Truecaller app. However, this requires an Internet connection active during the time of receiving the call.

---
Tags: contacts
---


title: need to undo an imported calendar file

text:
# Question
Title: need to undo an imported calendar file
I accidentally imported an iCalendar file 2x to my tablet from work. I now have 2 of every event. How do I undo this without manually deleting them 1 by one. there are years worth of events.

# Answer
> 0 votes
The only way I found was one by one...a better choice would have been to create a new calendar in google calendar which could have been deleted in whole.

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat
---


# Question
Title: What does zipalign mean and how does it fit into how we use our Android devices?
What does "zipalign" mean and what is its significance?

When a ROM claims to be "zipaligned" what does that mean and what the difference from a ROM that is not "zipaligned"?

# Answer
This mechanism is described at the Android developers site as follows:

> zipalign is an archive alignment tool that provides important optimization to Android application (.apk) files. The purpose is to ensure that all uncompressed data starts with a particular alignment relative to the start of the file. Specifically, it causes all uncompressed data within the .apk, such as images or raw files, to be aligned on 4-byte boundaries. This allows all portions to be accessed directly with mmap() even if they contain binary data with alignment restrictions. The benefit is a reduction in the amount of RAM consumed when running the application.

In short: `.apk` content can be easier/faster/more optimal accessed due to the order of data inside the packed file.

For deeper information, there's a "complete guide" available at AddictiveTips: What Is Zipalign In Android And How To Make Apps Zipaligned, which answers the second part of your question:

> Quite understandably, situation would be reserved for unaligned application packages. Resource reading would be slow and memory usage would be on the higher end of the spectrum. It would also depend on how many unaligned applications are present. For example, if less number of applications with an unaligned home application, you’d see slower application launch times. This is the best case scenario. For a worst case scenario, having a number of unaligned applications will result in the system repeatedly starting and killing processes, struggling with lags and huge battery drain.
> 21 votes

# Answer
To add to above how exactly zipalign works -

> In an Android operating environment, data files stored in each application package are accessed by multiple processes, for example, the installer will read the data manifest to determine the associated permissions; the system server can read these resources for multiple reasons, like displaying notifications; the Home application, for example, will read resources to get the application’s name and icon. Since Android is based on a a true multi-tasking operating infrastructure, these files are continually and repeatedly accessed. Finally, but not least, the application itself reads the manifest data.
>
> As Android is Linux-based, memory-mapping plays a key role in efficient handling of processes. Essentially, the optimal alignment for the Android OS’ resource-handling code is 4-byte boundaries. What this means is that, if APKs are memory-mapped to 4-byte boundaries, and aligned accordingly, the OS will not need to ‘read through’ the whole application package to get to the desired data manifest. Every system process will know in advance where to look for it’s desired resources, and hence will execute much smoother and faster.
>
> Summing it up, zipaligning an APK results in all uncompressed data within the package to be aligned on 4-byte boundaries, allowing all portions to be accessed directly with the memory-map. RAM consumption is lowered while execution because the querying code doesn’t have to read through the entire application package.

Source
> 1 votes

---
Tags: custom-roms
---


title: Android remote factory settings restore

text:
# Question
Title: Android remote factory settings restore
My friend has asked me about the possibility of doing a remote "factory settings restore" in his android devices. He works with android tablets and needs to do an automatic factory-reset every day.

Do you know if it would be possible?

# Answer
Here are some general ideas your friend could try. None of them are fully fleshed-out solutions, but they may point him in the right direction.

### Custom Rom

If you can install custom Roms, you could set one up that automatically does a factory reset when the device is rebooted. And you could easily use a scripting app to automatically reboot the device at a certain time (ie 3AM).

### Tweaked Stock Rom

As long as your device(s) can get root, you could temporarily root them and add a script or app to the system partition. This way, you could do a factory reset without wiping out your script. Once it is on the system partition, you could also remove root if you want.

There is an XDA Thread that has some useful scripts you could use. One of them, ROMReset, should be able to reset the device to factory settings when run. If you have Tasker or another automation app (also installed on the system partition), you could simply call this script every day at 3AM to reset the device.

Note: This also requires a custom recovery. With the scripts in the link, you specifically need ClockWorkMod (CWM).

### Limited User Profiles

Instead of resetting the entire device, you could set up a limited user account that lacks the ability to install apps. Then figure out how to automatically remove and readd the user (at a certain time of the day).

### Other

There doesn't seem to be anything existing to easily provide a solution. Even for desktop computers, you have to install custom software (such as Deep Freeze) in order to get a similar result.

You will need to make something custom in order for everything to be streamlined.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: factory-reset, remote-control
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to preserve the Device ID while doing a factory reset?
Does factory reset restore the Device ID or create a new one?

I have a rooted device that I would like to restore but want to keep the ID so that I won't have the issue of creating new accounts on apps that were in use.

Is it possible to preserve the Device ID while doing a factory reset?

# Answer
It is possible to restore the Device ID with Titanium Backup (root required). If you have this app installed before you wipe, you can make backups of your apps and data, as well as the Device ID.

When you factory reset your device or install a new Rom, you get a new Device ID. Install Titanium Backup and make sure it has access to its backups (usually the external SD card; internal memory will usually get wiped on a factory reset).

It will automatically detect that the Device ID has changed and ask if you want to restore it.

There may be other apps that can do this. The main requirement is that you save the previous Device ID before wiping. If you don't do that, you can't reset the new Device ID to the old one.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Android\_ID is stored in the settings database and will be deleted by a Factory Reset.

As far as I know most apps are tied to your Google account and not to your Android\_ID. (Although I know at least one app which tied to your Android\_ID)
> 0 votes

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Tags: factory-reset
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title: Check the source of a toast message

text:
# Question
Title: Check the source of a toast message
Notifications have a handy feature where lo g pressing brings up the **App Info** option, which let's you track down the source of strange notifications.

I keep getting toast messages and I can't figure out where they're coming from. Is there any way to track down what app is sending them?

# Answer
This is possible on rooted devices with Android 4.0.3 or later. It requires installation of Xposed framework and a module called "Buttered Toast". This module appends the name of the app to the text of the toast message.

1. Download and side-load the latest version of Xposed module installer from here.
2. Open the Xposed Installer app, tap on "Framework", and tap on "Install/Update" button. This copies all the necessary libraries and scripts to the /system partition.
3. Reboot your device.
4. Once the device boots back up, open the Xposed Installer app, tap on "Download", tap the search button (looks like a magnifying glass) on top-right, and type in "buttered toast" (without quotes).
5. The module should be listed under the "Not Installed" section. Tap on the "Buttered Toast" module, tap on the "Versions" tab, tap the Download button. This downloads the module.
6. Once the module downloads, it will attempt to install itself. Tap the "Install" button on the presented dialog, and then tap the "Done" button to get back to Xposed Installer app.
7. Go back to Xposed Installer's main screen, and tap on "Modules". Tap the empty check-mark next to the "ButteretToast" module to activate it.
8. Close the Xposed Installer app and reboot your device.

Once the device boots up again, all the toasts will have their corresponding app's name added in the beginning. You may also want to install a similar "Burnt Toast" module (repeat steps 4 through 8 for this module,) which also adds the app's icon into every toast.
> 3 votes

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Tags: toast-notifications
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