# Question
Title: How to tame "Phone Idle" battery drain on unrooted device?
I use `AccuBattery` and `Kaspersky Battery Life` to measure energy consumption. `Kaspersky Battery Life` shows, that all the tasks use minimal energy. `AccuBattery Pro` shows, that phone uses 5-10 mAh. This is a fairly new, 3000 mAh battery. Phone is a `THL T9 Pro`, `Android 6.0` is installed on it.

UPDATE: I deleted all the mentioned applications and installed new one, `GSam Battery Monitor` to get detailed data:

There is data from the built-in usage chart too. I checked applications under Battery optimization, I found there only one, `Google Play Services`.

# Answer
> 8 votes
How to nail **Phone Idle** battery drain is the question, but being unrooted device, it calls for some efforts. Finding the culprit apps isn't as easy as it is on rooted devices but is possible using commands to enable higher privileges 1

(At the time of writing, OP is working on his Linux to detect his device 2. Once done with that, they can follow this answer.)

The primary cause of idle drain is *truant* (s) and the answer is around how to detect apps that cause wakelocks that hurt (Wakelocks aren't bad, they are needed but not such ones). It may help to improve performance but more about that later.

**All methods below are working on my unrooted device running Oreo 8.0.**

# Tracking truant apps that cause battery draining wakelocks

* **Measuring Battery Drain and first level wakelock detection**

Battery usage statistics in Android, unfortunately, don't reveal much and are difficult to interpret (not withstanding the improvements in Oreo). GSam Battery Monitor is arguably the best for stock devices. One needs to enable *enhanced statistics* (Menu → more → Enable more stats) and follow the steps which are

`adb -d shell pm grant com.gsamlabs.bbm android.permission.BATTERY_STATS`**must read 3**

For the PRO version, change 'com.gsamlabs.bbm' to 'com.gsamlabs.bbm.pro' (thanks acejavelin).

The enhanced statistics gives better view of app usage and wakelocks as shown. Long press of *held awake* (which in OP's case is 77%) shows additional information as shown in the third screenshot.

* **Second level bad wakelock detection** (One can optionally start with this step)

Download Wakelock Detector \[LITE\] (XDA thread) which works without root (see this slideshare for details). Two ways to run without root

* As a Chrome extension or on Chromium. OP had issues with this
* A better method is adb again

`adb shell pm grant com.uzumapps.wakelockdetector.noroot android.permission.BATTERY_STATS`

How to use (from Play Store description)

> * Charge your phone above 90% and unplug cable (or just reboot the phone)
> * Give it a time (1-2 hours) to accumulate some wakelock usage statistics
> * Open Wakelock Detector
> * Check the apps on the top, if they show very long wakelock usage time then you found the cause of your battery drain!

While 2 hours is enough to gather the information about top culprits, longer duration obviously leads to more data. During data collection, don't use the device and let it be as you would normally use the phone (with data or WiFi connected as is your normal usage). Screenshots below from my device (not under test but normal usage).

Left to right, they show Screen Wakelock, CPU Wakelock and Wakeup triggers. Check the top contributors to understand what's draining your battery.

# Eliminating the bad apps or controlling them

Once you have identified the culprits, you have three choices

# Taming wakelocks and improving Doze

Greenify is a fantastic app but very powerful so needs to be used carefully. Read the XDA thread and Greenify tag wiki for help.

I will limit to using adb to unleashing a fair part of its power to help rein in wakelocks and enhancing Doze performance.

A word about Doze, which was introduced since Marshmallow. Though it has evolved better, it has some drawbacks from battery saving point of view.

* It takes time to kick in, during which apps are active causing drain (even though screen is off)
* Doze mode is interrupted when you move the device, for example, when you are moving causing battery drain. Doze kicks in again when you are stationary with a wait period

Greenify tackles these problems with *Aggresive Doze* and *Doze on the go* (There are other apps that do this too, like ForceDoze, but Greenify manages both Wakelocks and Doze).

Instructions for using adb

For different features, you need to run adb commands to grant the corresponding permission:

* Accessibility service run-on-demand:

`adb -d shell pm grant com.oasisfeng.greenify android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS`
* Aggressive Doze on Android 7.0+ (non-root):

`adb -d shell pm grant com.oasisfeng.greenify android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS`
* Doze on the Go:

`adb -d shell pm grant com.oasisfeng.greenify android.permission.DUMP`
* Aggressive Doze (on device/ROM with Doze disabled):

`adb -d shell pm grant com.oasisfeng.greenify android.permission.DUMP`
* Wake-up Tracker:

`adb -d shell pm grant com.oasisfeng.greenify android.permission.READ_LOGS`
* Wake-up Cut-off: (Android 4.4~5.x):

`adb -d shell pm grant com.oasisfeng.greenify android.permission.READ_LOGS`

`adb -d shell pm grant com.oasisfeng.greenify android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS`

Background-free enforcement on Android 8+ (non-root):

```
adb -d shell pm grant com.oasisfeng.greenify android.permission.READ_APP_OPS_STATS

```

I will restrict to snapshots of settings from my device to help set it up faster after running adb commands above. I have pro version so ignore those donation settings

With those settings, even when the device is running, you will see a hibernation alert in your status bar with the app icon and in your notification panel. Clicking on that will force close and hibernate the app

You can also hibernate errant apps from Wakelock Detector by long pressing on the app

**Caution:** Be **very** careful with what you want to hibernate. Simple rule - don't hibernate apps that are critical to you. Hibernate you errant apps that are not critical

**Edit**

BetterBatteryStats (XDA thread) is a very powerful tool which has been recently (end Feb 18) updated to work with Oreo and sweeter still is that escalated privileges using adb is possible

`adb -d shell pm grant com.asksven.betterbatterystats android.permission.BATTERY_STATS`

`adb -d shell pm grant com.asksven.betterbatterystats android.permission.DUMP`

On Lollipop and forward, additionally run: `adb -d shell pm grant com.asksven.betterbatterystats android.permission.PACKAGE_USAGE_STATS`

Happy Wakelock hunting!

* **I've done everything you suggested but it didn't help**

It's likely that a system app is causing the Wakelocks for which there isn't much you can do on an unrooted device 4

---

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# Answer
> 1 votes
if you want to just use adb to tune Doze without extra Apps.

you might be interested in https://github.com/easz/doze-tweak

and if you don't want to install extra Apps, you can profile your battery with `adb bugreport` and analyze it with Battery Historian (e.g. https://bathist.ef.lc/). After identifying bad Apps, you can disable or restrict them.

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


# Question
Title: App to wake up WiFi periodically while on sleep
WiFi drastically drains the battery. There is a setting to disable WiFi while the phone is on sleep. However, it's all or nothing: either you are connected all the time (and kiss good-bye to the battery) or you receive notifications from WhatsApp only when you happen to turn on your phone, maybe next week.

Is there **an app that would force the phone to connect to WiFi every, say, 10 minutes while on sleep**, for WhatsApp to check for new messages? This would both save the battery and permit receiving messages (almost) in real time.

As a workaround, maybe the app could just wake up the phone every 10 minutes, though this is a bad solution.

Preferably I would like a ready app, not a programming way of doing it -- I am not good at programming for Android.

# Answer
While this feature is now bundled in most customised ROMs from manufacturers, you could this achieve this with third-party tools available on Playstore.

Personally, I have used CleverConnectivity (no ads version) app (which comes as ad version or the pro), and if you not worried too much about ads, then the free version is sufficient for your needs.

**How does CleverConnectivity work?**

> Details of features:
>
> * Configuration of ON-OFF cycle (Time On, Time Off, Usage Interval Period)
> * Disable/Enable connectivity (Wifi/Data/Sync)
> * Enable/disable management of Data/Wifi/Sync connectivity
> * Sleep Hours: During these hours, all connectivity will desactivated one screen is OFF
> * Auto Wifi-Off: Wifi will be disabled after after a defined period if screen is OFF and no known networks are available
> * Possibility to read logs generated by the app
> * Possibility to deactivate the app while the phone is plugged. The ON-OFF cycle will resume once the phone is unplugged
> * This application will automatically turn on and off connectivity (data/wifi/sync) while screen is OFF. You can turn on/off connectivity (wifi/data/sync) everywhere in the system (settings, toggles on notification bar...) and will be taken into consideration by CleverConnectivity

**Screenshots:**
> 0 votes

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Tags: applications, wi-fi, whatsapp-messenger, automation, standby
---


# Question
Title: Mobile phone internet USB tethering very slow
I have Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+. My download speeds on my phone is 33+ MB/s with my mobile carrier. I connect the phone to my PC and use the internet from the phone with USB tethering enabled. The download speed is now 30KB/s on my computer but still 33MB/s on my phone.

I have tried changing/updating the USB tether driver via Device manager to Microsoft:

* Remote NDIS based Internet Sharing Device, and
* Remote NDIS Compatible Device

but neither helped.

Why has the speed been very limited via USB tethering, and how can I fix this issue?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Mobile network carrier often have transparent gateways installed all mobile network traffic have to pass. Such gateways are able to "detect" (smart guessing) if traffic comes from the Smartphone or a tethered PC.

Depending on the data plan contract, tethering may be prohibited and in such a case the carrier can just forcefully slow down the tethered connection.

As only the tethered connections are slowed down you can end up in a situation where identical downloads get a totally different download speed.

---
Tags: internet, usb-tethering
---


title: Can I delete .com.google.Chrome files?

text:
# Question
Title: Can I delete .com.google.Chrome files?
There are many .com.google.Chrome files in my Download folder (How do you want to open this file?) Is it okay to delete them?

# Answer
> 5 votes
It's safe to delete them. They are caches or incomplete downloads from unknown versions of Google Chrome (judging by name).

# Answer
> -1 votes
yes, you can delete `com.google.chrome` files they are just caches file or sometimes some are files are also present. but you can delete them. They doesn't creates any problem.

Personally i also delete many of com.\* folders. It doesn't create any problem for me till now.

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Tags: internal-storage
---


title: Google Search On Screen does not work

text:
# Question
Title: Google Search On Screen does not work
I have the following problem: when I long-tap home button, a Google Now with search field appears, instead of Search on screen. I've tried to grant all perms to allow it use screen contents, but nothing changes.

I use Xiaomi Redmi 4x with AOSP Extended.

# Answer
The feature you need is called **Now on Tap**.

According to Google blog, Now on Tap is available only in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian and Korean. All you have to do is set one of those as a secondary language in your phone settings to make it work.
> 1 votes

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Tags: google, permissions, google-search, google-assistant
---


# Question
Title: How can I turn off data when my phone's screen is off and only let data come back on once per hour or so to sync apps?
I have been using an app called Doze which turns off data when my phone's screen is off. I'd like to find a way that would turn off data when the screen is off but would turn on data once per hour or so, sync all apps to get new messages, updates, etc, and then turn data back off. Is this possible or do I need to write my own app?

I found having the mobile data off more than doubles battery life.

# Answer
Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) introduced new OS features called Doze and App Standby to improve battery life. Doze defers data usage to short windows while the Android device is stationary. App Standby reduces the resource usage of applications that you don't use.

Personally, I found the battery life improvement from Doze to be tremendous. I often take my phone out of my pocket when I am not using it to keep it stationary to take advantage of the doze battery savings.
> 1 votes

# Answer
There is an app in the Play Store called Juice Defender which will do EXACTLY what you are looking for, although the time span for turning mobile data on and off is 15 (?) minutes and cannot be changed in the free version, you may have to upgrade to to Plus or Ultimate to get the exact time intervals you are looking for. It works well, at least the last time I used it which was probably the JellyBean era.
> 0 votes

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Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, battery, battery-life, mobile-data, data-connection
---


# Question
Title: Android device stuck in a bootloop and there's nothing I can do about it
I have a Huawei smartphone, which unfortunately bricked and stuck in a bootloop when I flash Magisk. It even got stuck getting into recovery mode. Can't find its firmware for now (Nova 2i - RNE-L22). Factory reset / wipe data also doesn't seem to work. What should I do?

# Answer
> 0 votes
I had a similar problem with a Samsung Galaxy Tab A. From the Internet I got the idea to disconnect the battery, then let the unit's memory discharrge overnight.

This was not as a recommendation from the Internet, just my idea. Of course this involves opening the back cover and fiddling with the interior battery connector. Both tasks are not for the timid craftsman (sorry person). But with due care it is manageable. Although it was just a trail, it did work.

When reassembled and booted into the service mode, it did not go into the auto boot loop. It let me select the factory reset from the menu. Good luck.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Have you unlocked your phone's bootloader? If you have you can flash a TWRP or CWM recovery for your phone, which would enable any custom ROMs to be flashed. Otherwise you have to request (or buy) an unlock code first.
It is very possible to find twrp recovery and custom ROMs for your device.
To search for results, key words "nova 2i twrp" or "nova 2i rom" may be used. If Google don't give enough results also try Baidu since most of Huawei users are in China. Your browser can translate pages into English. pages about how to flash recs and ROMs usually come with such search results.

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Tags: root-access
---


# Question
Title: How to set google now to use the media volume instead of system volume?
For a long time I thought something is wrong with Google now that it doesn't say anything when I ask it questions.

Now I've finally found out the reason - it uses the system volume instead of the media volume (the one that is usually used in games). Since I've set the system volume to be mute and I sometimes set the ringtones to be quite, it makes Google now itself to be quite.

My question: Why does it use it? what is the system volume used for?

According to what i've found , system sound is used for key typing ,lock screen sounds, and camera shutter sound

Can I set google now to use the media volume instead?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Not sure from which version of Android it has changed, but on my Pixel 2 with Android P, it uses media volume.

So it doesn't matter anymore.

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Tags: volume-control, google-now, volume
---


# Question
Title: Media Storage: what is it, and why is it using all my data?
I am only 5 days into my Billing cycle, and noticed that already like 1/3rd of my data has been used (thanks to My Data Manager)... So I looked to see what has used all this data, and it says it is "Media Storage" that has used up most of my data (it's used up over 35 MB!). This is a system process if i'm not mistaken, so my question is: is this in fact a system process? And why would it be using up so much of my data? What exactly does this process do? Would it be safe to deny it network access?

# Answer
> 2 votes
My phone was also using too much data for this process, and the solution for it was to *restrict background data*. You can find this option in *Settings* -\> *Data usage* -\> *Menu*. Just tick the checkbox.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Yes, it's a system process. Other apps may use Media Storage to download, play, and stream audio/video. I don't know specifically which media apps actually uses them though. You might try to block it, and see if any functionalities in the media player you regularly uses stops working.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I had this same issue and i managed to resolve it. here's how:

1. Download the app "GlassWire" from Google play.
2. Go to the options button in the top-left corner and select "Usage".
3. Select "Downloads, Media Storage...".
4. Once it is open, select the settings icon next to "permissions" and clear data.
5. Do this for both "Downloads" and "Media Storage".

This fixed the data consumption made by Media Storage which happens as a result of uploads rather than downloads, and i have no idea what was uploading.

Unfortunately, you will have to do this every time the device is restarted.

I hope this helps.

# Answer
> -3 votes
google photos Picasa may be syncing.

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Tags: system, data-monitoring
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# Question
Title: Can you use USB OTG and charge at the same time?
I have a Google pixel-2.

I like to use a Bluetooth keyboard and wired mouse via the USB-C-OTG canoe that came with the phone... But then I can't charge the phone.

I wanted to buy something... To let me use the USB OTG and charge the phone at the same time.

**Can you use USB OTG and charge at the same time?**

I was thinking get a gadget that does USB-C to USB-A and USB-C... Where the USB-C would be for charging and the USB-A would be for a hub for the quoted keyboard and mouse.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I've found that that feature depends on the kernel. So wether your phone can charge and use OTG depends on the kernel on your phone. If it doesn't support it out of the box, you can try to find and flash a custom kernel with that functionality. The OTG cable also plays an important factor.

However, similar question was asked about the Nexus 7, which doesn't have support, it is highly likely that your Pixel 2 also doesn't support it.

This should answer your question and give you more insights of how and why.

---
Tags: charging, usb-on-the-go, external-keyboard, mouse
---


title: Telegram contact addition problem

text:
# Question
Title: Telegram contact addition problem
I'm trying to add a contact on Telegram, the specified number can be added through other phones, but not the same here:

> Screenshot (click to enlarge)
>
> \[Name\] is not on Telegram yet, would you like to invite them to join?

Any suggestions?

# Answer
You're trying to add a Telegram contact, which **only work** if this user has a Telegram account.

It's not just like adding a contact to your phone.
You can add this number to your regular contact list, and search it (by the saved name) in Telegram. **If the user has a Telegram account - you'll see it**.

---

If you mean that in other phones you can add him as a *Telegram contact* directly, you might want to try and share the contact from one of the other phones with yourself:

* Open Telegram, find the contact, open its details and select share. Send it to your Telegram account. Don't use the contact attachment button, it works differently.

If that's the case, it's very weird. I really can't see any reason it would happen.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Maybe the user you're trying to add doesn't have a telegram account or go to settings app manager telegram clear the cache out only the cache then try again
> 0 votes

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Tags: contacts, telegram
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# Question
Title: How can I use multiple accounts with Telegram?
There is a question here but that is for Ubuntu on PC.
I have the same question for an android device.

> Is there a way to have two copies of telegram app in Android each with a different account?

I'm using the version **Kitkat 4.4**.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Use the Parallel Space app. Using this app, you can run more than one copy of almost any app. Here is a link to the app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lbe.parallel.intl

# Answer
> 0 votes
**TL;DR: It's available officially.**

From version **4.7 of Telegram** (December 30, 2017) it's available officially in the Android app.

> ## Multiple accounts
>
> The Android app already supported multiple themes, so it had to go further with **4.7** by supporting **multiple accounts**. You can add up to three accounts with different phone numbers to your Telegram app, and then quickly switch between them from the side menu. Notifications will keep coming from all accounts, unless you change this in the Notification settings.

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Tags: applications, 4.4-kitkat, accounts, instant-messaging, telegram
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# Question
Title: No wifi for importing google data in lineageos gapps setup wizard
After fresh install of lineageos 14.1 and gapps ROMs, the gapps setup wizard asks whether to perform a fresh setup or to import data from the cloud, e.g. google backup using your google account. Unfortunately, wifi is not setup yet by the wizard ensuring that any import from the cloud will fail. Does this mean it's not possible to directly import your data from the cloud during lineageos gapps setup?

# Answer
This is a silly bug, but it can be worked around by starting the fresh installation which will immediately prompt you to setup wifi. Connect to your wifi then go BACK to the point where the import from cloud option is available and proceed with import of google data / installation of apps.
> 1 votes

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Tags: google, lineageos
---


# Question
Title: How do I edit the urls of the speed dial buttons in Opera Mobile?
How do I edit the urls of the speed dial buttons in Opera Mobile?

For example, I have a url www.economist.com/printedition which redirects to a different url on different occasions. If I use the standard speed dial functionality, I will end up saving the redirected url instead of the printedition url.

Is there some file where these urls can be edited?

# Answer
Touch and hold the icon. A "Remove" and "Edit" should pop up. Drag and Drop the icon on the "Edit". Now do your editing.
> 0 votes

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Tags: opera-browser
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# Question
Title: Sony Experia E5 microphone only produces static when I talk
I noticed that in my last two phone calls noone was able to hear me talk. I tried to send a Whatsapp voice message. When I listened to it, I discovered that when I talk the only thing that can be heard is some weird static noise.

Is this a known problem or has anyone else experienced it? And if yes do you know how to fix it? This happened out of the blue - my phone didn't recently fall or anything like that it worked fine until it just stopped working fine. The android version is Android 6.0 (Marshmallow)

# Answer
> 0 votes
Rub over the microphone hole with a magnet.

This will work if there is metallic dust stuck to your microphone, or if the cone is stuck inverted. The magnet can dislodge the metallic dust and force the cone to move.

If that doesn't work, bring the device in to a repair facility. It might be physically damaged.

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Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, audio, calls, sony-xperia, microphone
---


# Question
Title: How to alter android opera lock screen news?
**How to alter android opera lock screen news?**

When my android os7 is now unlocked there is the Opera browser lock screen news. How can one alter the content displayed there?

# Answer
Find this apk "com.google.android.deskclock-3.0.0.apk" on some mirror that has "old" versions. It's the one with the black clock face, not the white, or light coloured one. Save the apk, and you can then always restore a good size clock widget to your home screen.

Careful, a number of these mirrors have tons of click-bait. apkmirror.com seems to be fine. So Google search the apk. Go to the apkmirror.com result. Then click "DOWNLOAD APK". NOW WAIT, it takes quite a few seconds, but the site does come back to ask where you want to save the file.

And do save the file, don't just install it, because the next "update" or "upgrade" from Google may overwrite the clock. Also, I suggest, save it to your SD card, so that, in the unlikely event, when you have to do a factory reset, the file is not lost. Once saved on your device, you can install the apk. Now you have to drag a widget to the home screen. As widget you have a choice of circular face or digital.

BTW, this widget will also give you back the circular "time picker" for setting your alarm clock.
> 0 votes

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Tags: opera-browser
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# Question
Title: ebay://, tel: etc not working out of browser
I'm using Opera as browser. I can remember that in the past, when I googled a restaurant, I could dial the phone number right from the search results.

Now, I see in the title bar `tel:<number>`, but the dialer doesn't open.

In addition, I just noticed that an `ebay://` link does also not open the Ebay app but does nothing.

Any idea what I have configured for achieving this behavior? And even more interesting: how can I restore the original behavior?

# Answer
> 0 votes
When weird stuff starts to happen, I suggest to uninstall Opera, reboot your device, and reinstall Opera.

First, check the version of Opera that you have installed, in case you want to reinstall that version, rather than the latest. You can alway find the older version on a mirror like apkmirror.com.

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Tags: opera-browser
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# Question
Title: Full Google apps access to location needed for maps with GPS?
I have a HTC One S with Android 4.1.1 installed.

I recently got the "google settings" app and checked the settings in there. Under the field "location" is a switch to "Let google apps access your location" with a note that apps may access your location while the app is not being used.

If I switch that off, the GPS is not activated when I start google maps - and therefore renders it pretty useless for me. I even get a message telling me to switch google location on if I want to have a location based map. So here is the question:

When this setting is switched on, do I risk that other apps (google search or whatever else I have installed from google) will take my location from the Wifi connection or cell tower and transmit it to google for storage, or even the GPS data?

Is there any way to enable GPS in maps but not my location for all other apps, too? I am worried that the setting is a "Either you do not use Google maps, or we will know and record whenever, wherever you are". Is that the case?

I have so far only this question here but it seems to say there that the google location service does not affect GPS - but for me it does.

# Answer
> 1 votes
That strongly depends on the app used. Unfortunately, since Froyo (Android 2.2) the options "use location service" and "permit Google to collect" are connected and undividable (before you could chose them separately). So if an app uses the Google Framework's location service to obtain position data, it won't work without that service enabled. If it accesses GPS itself, it would work with or without.

Only way out of this trouble would be to root the device, and then use a permission protector like e.g. LBE Privacy Guard or PDroid Privacy Protection / PDroid Manager, which let you decide on a per-app basis which app is permitted to access a service/certain data (many possibilities here, not only location).

# Answer
> 0 votes
My experience proofs is the same - original google maps are not working without the GPS being ON (on android 6). (But it works without access to the GPS). When the GPS is off it just request a permission. After GPS on - it is working, I don't know what is google doing with my GPS data and why it is not possible to run this app without any GPS - as the desktop/browser version.

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Tags: gps, geolocation, maps, google-settings
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# Question
Title: It the any map app which is using google maps APIs but work perfectly without GPS?
As I have searched - everybody asking about OFFLINE maps, but I am asking about maps which can use just simple google maps, but does not ask any permissions to GPS.

Currently original goolge maps are without GPS location permission, but they are not working until I turn ON the GPS. Maybe there is any option to force google maps working without asking any location data.

Usually, I know my exact location (when I am walking) or I can determine it very fast - just go to the road cross and you know your position +/- 50 meters. Then I just want to find the shortest way to location I choose. I don't need any offline map - it won't save battery. But turning the GPS off - does.

*Edited:* Turn on the battery saving is not an option - the vibration will be turned off. I don't use sound for calls (I even don't know what is the current ringtone). But you gave the nice idea - just turn ON the GPS, launch maps (without any permission) and after that turn off GPS.

# Answer
> 1 votes
If your goal is to save battery life by disabling GPS, then simply disable GPS. In Settings, set location mode to "Battery saving" (WiFi + Bluetooth, but no GPS). This leaves location services on, but disables GPS. Android will still locate your device using WiFi techniques, but not using orbiting satellites, which takes more power.

Further, I can use Google Maps without location services enabled, at least on Android 8.1. Google Maps asks you to enable location services, but you can just say no.

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


title: scp for "Material Terminal"

text:
# Question
Title: scp for "Material Terminal"
OS: 5.0 Lolly-pop Device: Samsung Galaxy note 3

Using the terminal emulator "Material Terminal" is it possible to add an `ssh` command `scp`?

# Answer
> 0 votes
I believe there is a way for rooted devices.

1. You will need a binary executable of the command you want.
2. Rename it (or don't) to what you want to type in the terminal to execute it. (no filename ending)
3. Copy the binary executable to `/system/bin/sh` (root-supported file explorers can do it)
4. Change the file permissions to `r-xr-xr--` (ES FIle Explorer can, and perhaps other root-supported file explorers).
5. Reboot.

I haven't tested it but do believe it works.

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Tags: 5.0-lollipop, terminal, samsung-galaxy-note-3
---


# Question
Title: Substratum themes not applying (Nexus 6P, Dirty Unicorns 12.1 Oreo)
I have the problem of Substratum themes not applying on my Nexus 6P using Dirty Unicorns 12.1 (latest version).

I can choose an installed theme in Substratum, choose all the settings I want, and hit compile - that's all going well. Substratum tells me it compiled everything correctly, then, when applying, it restarts the SystemUI and boom - nothing. Nothing has changed and when I check back in the Substratum app, it neither lists the theme as compiled nor as applied.

This happens for all themes, I've tried a dozen or two. It's extremely sad, as themability is *the* reason for me owning an Android device with custom ROM.

Info about DU: AFAIK, DU 12.1 has native built-in support for OMS.

# Answer
Switching off Play Protect (apparently, there is some kind of issue with the recent version of Play Service) and switching on Firebase did the trick.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: custom-roms, nexus-6p, themes
---


# Question
Title: Endless spinning circle while "Listening" for "OK Google" voice training
I have both a Samsung Galaxy S4 and an S5, as well as a Samsung Galaxy Note II and an Acer Iconia tablet, and I'm having the same issue on ALL FOUR DEVICES: whether I click the cue card "Set up Voice Match" via the Google Home app, or whether I go to the Google Now app's Settings | Voice menu and click on "OK Google detection" and choose "From any screen", either way, when the next screen appears to train the phone to recognize my voice it just sits there spinning a little circular progress icon with the words "Listening..." and never quite progressing past that even though I repeat the words "OK Google" loud and clear!

Something else I've noticed is that at times I get a small toast notification near the bottom of the screen saying, "Trouble with the microphone, please try again in a few seconds."

Has anyone had this issue and resolved it successfully?

Here's what I've already tried:

* Rebooting
* Disabling Samsung S-Voice (both via its settings and also freezing it using Titanium Backup)
* Switching from WIFI to mobile data
* Updating both Google Now and Google Home

None of the above has helped the situation any. There was a time where this worked just fine, but I can't tell when it stopped because it's been a while since I went back to it. Please help! Thanks.

# Answer
What ultimately cleared this issue for me was turning OFF the Accessibility Service (in Android Settings) for my Samsung Level U Pro Bluetooth headset. I learned this after resetting my phone back to factory settings and seeing that voice retraining for Google Home and the Google app all worked fine initially after the reset, and then stopped working after I had set the Samsung Level app to give me voice notifications over my Bluetooth headset. That last act apparently set an Accessibility Service for the app to ON, which seems to conflict with Google's ability to hear my voice when I'm training it to respond to, "OK Google".
> 0 votes

---
Tags: google, voice-recognition
---


title: How to pass commands to ADB shell?

text:
# Question
Title: How to pass commands to ADB shell?
I am trying to create a script to automatize a few repeated things I need to do with adb. I can run most of the commands on my local bash. But at one step, I need to find the list of some files. I then use that list in the steps that follows. What I am doing now is manually going into adb shell and copying the list:

> $ adb shell
>
> $ ls /Path/To/Folder \*.abc
>
> xyz.abc xzy.abc uvw.abc

I copy the resulting list and replace it in my script everytime before running the script.

Is it possible to run this without going into `adb shell` so that I could do something like this:

```
$ file_list="$(adb execute 'ls /Path/To/Folder *.abc')"

```

This way I could eliminate the repetitive manual steps and just run the script every time.

# Answer
> 3 votes
The adb interactive shell only starts if you simply run `adb shell`. If you add a command at the end it will be executed on the device shell and then adb returns (non-interactive mode):

```
adb shell ls /Path/To/Folder/*.abc

```

Of course in the end you can send the output to a `filellist.txt` on your computer:

```
adb shell ls /Path/To/Folder/*.abc > filelist.txt

```

---
Tags: adb, shell, command-line
---


# Question
Title: Sending SMS to Numbers with Five- or Six-Digit Short Codes Are Bounced
The error message I receive is, "Error: this message was not successfully delivered." This happens whenever texting my bank, or other business services that use short codes like this (e.g., 50292, or 22000) for customer interaction. I can receive their messages but I cannot send back any replies to them. They always fail with the same stated error message. I happen to be using a Sprint Samsung Galaxy S5 running on stock firmware. For SMS messaging I've preferred to use Google Voice (it's linked up to my Sprint number and handles my voice-mail too), but the error still happens on the stock SMS messaging app.

# Answer
Ultimately, the solution was to decouple my Sprint number from the Google Voice service. The instructions to stop using the Sprint number are at https://support.google.com/voice/answer/1207070?co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid&hl=en. It says,

> Stop using Google Voice on your Sprint phone
>
> I use my Sprint number
>
> Use a computer to remove the Sprint number from your account.
>
> ```
> On your computer, open Google Voice.
>
> At the top left, click Menu Menu and then Legacy Google Voice.
> Google Voice will look different, but you're in the right place.
>
> At the top right, click Settings Settings and then Settings. Click
> the "Phones" tab.
>
> You'll see your Sprint mobile number with the note "Enabled by
> Sprint." Next to your Sprint mobile number, click Disable.
>
> After you turn off Google Voice, you'll have to record a new
> voicemail greeting for your Sprint phone service.
>
> ```

Now I am able to text those five digit and six digit phone numbers and get a reply back using my stock messaging app without an error!
> 0 votes

---
Tags: sms, system-error, sprint
---


# Question
Title: Oreo 8.0 - How can I bypass root detection for banking app? - Suhide doesn't work
So I just flashed suhide lite onto my nexus 5x after reading around that I could use it to bypass root detection for banking apps and android pay; however even if I set it so my banking app (halifax) can't detect root I open it up and it still states an error code about it being rooted.

Anyone able to help me figure out an alternative or if I'm missing something?

# Answer
There're apps like VirtualApp, VirtualXposed and Parallel Space that can clone your apps into a "sandbox" environment. I've just tested cloning my root management app SuperSU into VirtualXposed and it didn't detect the device has been rooted.

I guess that banking apps may also fail to detect root, but it's not guaranteed. All those apps can be used free and VirtualApp **was** open sourced. VirtualXposed won't be available for you because banking apps detect not only root but also xposed.

**But anyway keep in mind that sandbox apps are always able to see all app's private data inside it.**
> 3 votes

# Answer
Ended up switching over to Magisk instead and now it all works and can use android pay and halifax banking app by simply using magiskhide.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: rooting, nexus-5x
---


title: What is in a backup.ab file?

text:
# Question
Title: What is in a backup.ab file?
Using ADB tools for Android (my device had root), I executed the following command:

```
adb backup -all

```

After confirming the backup operation, I got a file titled backup.ab that is 350MB. A month later, my device booted with a System UI crash, and would not let me access anything on it. I got a new one (same model), and it is unrooted. What would running the command

```
adb restore backup.ab

```

restore to my Android? I want to know what is in the backup (and what restoring it would do), because I want to keep my current userdata. The new device also has a more stable system, so I would not want to restore that, either.

NOTE: This question was marked as duplicate and then ignored, so it has been deleted and reposted.

# Answer
> 1 votes
**.ab** backups only apps data and their apks as well as system settings.

What **is** contained:

* apks and their data
* user vocabulary
* wallpaper
* launcher settings

What is **not** contained:

* contacts
* sms
* ringtones and custom sounds
* activated input layouts

More detailed is here.

---
Tags: adb, backup, restore
---


# Question
Title: Does Chrome run in separate processes/sandboxes?
On Windows/macOS Chrome runs in separate sandboxes to prevent the whole application from crashing mostly.

This does theoretically use more memory.

I have not been able to establish how this works on Android. It seems to use one RAM slot from what I have gathered.

I was hopefully that it separated them into separate processes like on the PC so that Android can dispose of unused apps when aren't using them to save RAM usage. It may just be my phone but it appears to get slower the more tabs I have open.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Yes. Chrome runs in separate processes on Android.

This is what I get from `ps -aux | grep chrome` in a root Termux session:

```
u0_a128  14180  5.5  2.2 1530600 175948 ?      Sl   13:04   3:55 com.android.chrome
u0_a128  14418  2.2  1.0 1412520 84168 ?       Sl   13:06   1:31 com.android.chrome:privileged_process0
u0_i9    21115  3.0  1.1 1428008 91124 ?       Sl   14:07   0:13 com.android.chrome:sandboxed_process6
u0_i14   22492 16.2  1.2 1548252 100956 ?      Sl   14:14   0:13 com.android.chrome:sandboxed_process11
root     22686  0.0  0.0   8748  1524 pts/2    S+   14:15   0:00 grep --color=auto chrome

```

---
Tags: chrome-for-android, sandboxing
---


# Question
Title: Wrong language in a new Chrome private window and in integrated data
I have a problem with my Motorola G1 smartphone. Recently, I did a factory reset and since then I have a problem with the language. My phone is set in English and I live in the Netherlands, but when I search something using the search bar in Chrome in a private window, Google is set to French. This is weird, since I do not have anything in French: not the language of my smartphone, nor the keyboard, nor my IP. And when I search, Google is set to google.nl, so the IP localization is right, but there is something wrong with the language, that is set to French. You can see this in the first picture.

I noticed that I have the same problem when I have "integrated data" (I don't know if there is a better expression for this), for instance when a website reports an Instagram or Twitter post. An example is in the second picture. There you can see an Italian website, with my phone set in English and with a Dutch IP, however, you can see that the Instagram post reported in the website is in French.

I have really no idea how to fix this. I checked in Google settings, I changed the search language in Chrome to English, but every time I open a private window I see the results in French. Any clue on how to fix this?

# Answer
I actually solved my problem myself. On the Chrome app, I clicked on Settings-\> Languages (in the Advanced category) and then I removed French from the language list, which apparently set to be my first language, I don't know for what reason. Now pages do not display anymore in French, so the problem is solved.

I would like to keep the answer on the website, it might be useful to someone, but admins can delete it if they think it is not useful.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: settings, chrome-for-android, languages
---


# Question
Title: Security tags on library book interfere with phone operation
I've just noticed that the security tag that's usually found on books from library is somehow the cause to my phone (HTC M9) sending out notification sounds incessantly when it's nearby. Google searches lead me nowhere so I'm asking the question here. I'm assuming it's because of magnet. Has anyone else noticed this and how do I solve this sort of problem? Thank you for any help.

# Answer
> 1 votes
After trying out other related searches, I've discovered that turning off NFC (Settings \> Wireless & networks \> More) will solve this particular problem.

---
Tags: hardware
---


title: Firefox hijacks YubiKey NFC

text:
# Question
Title: Firefox hijacks YubiKey NFC
I'm using a YubiKey Neo configured as an one-time-password generator. I'd like to use it with the YubiClip app but every time I pass it next to my phone, Firefox (my default browser) opens with a blank tab.

Any idea how to make Firefox stop reacting to NFC events? I don't need NFC for anything else than Yubikey so it's okay if some other functionality is broken by doing this.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Figured it out. LineageOS 14.1.

Go to Settings -\> Applications -\> YubiClip. Click on "Open by default". Change "Open supported links" to "Ask every time".

Then place your yubikey next to the phone. Phone will ask you about the app to be used, choose YubiClip and click Always.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I solved this problem by opening the authenticator app before putting the key near my phone.

---
Tags: firefox-for-android, nfc, yubikey
---


# Question
Title: How can I see the full charge capacity of my battery?
I have a Samsung Galaxy S running Android 2.2.

Is there any way for me to see the full charge capacity of the phone's battery, so that I can compare it to the spec?

What I have in mind is something like what Lenovo's Power Manager tells me about my laptop's battery:

Is there anything like this for Android?

# Answer
> 3 votes
Without special measuring equipment and some kind of a reference - no you can't (not in mAh). There is no app that would provide you with that kind of information, at least not accurate enough.

# Answer
> 1 votes
There is an app in the market that claims to do this for HTC phones (search "battery mAh" to find it) so I believe its theoretically possible. I'd guess that instead of actually measuring the enery stored, its making estimates based on the phones specs and actual use. I don't know how accurate it is and I'm pretty sure it would not be accurate on your phone. One problem is that even an estimated battery capacity in mAh is very hardware dependent so you'd need an app specifically for your device and there isn't one at the moment.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Open the case and look at the battery. It should say 1500 mAh.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I use 3C Battery Monitor Widget to measure what is my *real* capacity. It monitors the state of charge of the battery (charging and discharging).

I can check that the original capacity was 2100 mAh, and the current capacity it's about 1400 mAh, two thirds of the specification.

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


title: Notification vibration of Nougat system

text:
# Question
Title: Notification vibration of Nougat system
In the Nougat version of the Android system is it possible to disable the notification vibration?

# Answer
Yes, there are 2 ways to achieve your goal:

* Hold the notification and select `Show notifications silently`, then press `Done`
* Go to `Settings` -\> `Apps` -\> choose the app you want to mute -\> `Notifications`, then toggle `Show silently` option.

You have to do this for every app you want to be silent, as notifications are handled per app. This will prevent them from making sound, vibration or peeking.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 7.0-nougat
---


# Question
Title: When I move apps to SD card, it said "App has stopped"
Everytime I move an app to SD card, it will say "App has stopped" and the icon changes.
I keep on retrying to uninstall and install it again and again, but it's still the same.
I don't want to lose my data again.

I bought this phone last year.

```
Device: Samsung Galaxy V
Model: SM-G313HZ
Android version: 4.2.2 (KitKat)

```

# Answer
Did you unmount an SD Card (internal or external) before selecting "Move to SD card? After unmounting an external SD card on Android 4.4.2, I selected "Move to SD card" on an app (because I had an internal SD card). I was told `com.unity.3d.UnityNativePlayer had stopped`.

The solution is to reboot. Your SD card will be automatically remounted, and apps will function normally.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications, 4.4-kitkat, sd-card, android-versions, google-apps
---


# Question
Title: Accessing Gmail Password from Android Device Remotely
I was using a Nokia 5 and I lost it over the weekend. I have the gmail app stored there that has sign ins to 3 of my emails `s*****@gmail.com`, `r******@gmail.com` & `r1*****@gmail.com`

Unfortunately I have no access to the last mailing address because apparently I forgot the password. It was a fairly new account so when I try to recover the password, google cannot verify its my account. The account is linked to my local bitcoins account therefore I cannot log in and have access to my bitcoins.

I have the following question, if I get a new phone and restore android, will the gmail app appear with the accounts logged on? and if not, is there a way for me to find out the password? I am not sure if this is allowed but I will spare some few bitcoins to the person who can help out.( if not allowed, I will edit and remove this part)

# Answer
> If i get a new phone and restore android, will the gmail app appear with the accounts logged on?

When you log in on your new phone using some account, only this account will be present on this device. To read mail from other accounts, you will need to sign in to those accounts as well.

> Is there a way for me to find out the password?

When you log in, your password is sent to Google servers, and they check if provided password is correct. If authentication passes, the server returns session token and no password is being stored on your phone. So **no, there is no way to find out the password**.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: applications, gmail, nokia-5
---


title: Google Play Games

text:
# Question
Title: Google Play Games
For me and my friends the Google Play Games App always laggs whenever you're trying to view achievements. Since we all have a Nexus 5X, I can't get any feedback whether it is a common problem.

I am wondering, does anybody have the same issue? It is rather annoying that whenever I want to look at my achievements, I can't because of the lagg

# Answer
> 0 votes
I believe there is a problem with the Play Games app itself.

I have encountered this issue, too, and it looks like the app loads images in its main (UI) thread. This means, that this thread won't be able to render frames until the image is ready. As processing those images takes long time to finish, some frames will be skipped. This will result in laggish effect.

So, all we can do is wait for Google to fix this issue.

---
Tags: applications, google, google-play-games, lagging
---


# Question
Title: Can I play 1080p HD video on a phone which supports only 720p videos?
I have a phone (Micromax A089) which supports any 720p HD video or movie. But when I try to play any 1080p video then the video runs well but there is no sound.

I am using the latest version of MX Player. I also tried many other players but still got the same result.

Is there any way to play a 1080p video in my phone with the help of an app?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Your sound problem is most likely caused by missing the codec needed to play the sound. Try VLC player app.

# Answer
> 1 votes
If you are using MX player, their is a button on the top saying 'HW'. Click on that HW and change it to SW. This works with me. I have played a 4k video using this setting. Though it might lag a bit.

---
Tags: video
---


title: Developer Mode Dangers

text:
# Question
Title: Developer Mode Dangers
I want to enter developer more, How do you see Memory usage in Android O?, but am wondering if there are any dangers in doing so. Obviously I could change things and mess up, but will I open security holes to other apps by being in developer mode? Or are there other issues I need to consider?

I am using a Sony XZ1 compact.

Thanks,

Fed

# Answer
> 1 votes
No, it's completely safe to enable developer options.

Doing so only lets you access these options from your phone settings. Some of them may be dangerous under some circumstances, but they have to be explicitly enabled by you, as they are not activated automatically.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Developer mode is nothing near to the "REAL DANGER" on android. It's safe for most part unless you click or change something you should not. If you are just a casual android user go ahead. If you want really very very technical insight (and probably thilling work) on android, you can try rooting your phone.

**I neither recommend nor force to any harm done to your smartphone especially by rooting it. Remember, Rooting your phone voids it's warranty.**

---
Tags: sony-xperia, 8.0-oreo, developer-options
---


title: How to recover bloatware

text:
# Question
Title: How to recover bloatware
I root my panasonic eluga A and delete some bloatware now my google map has stopped navigating my location. My google map search location and everything is working but gps not working. Please help me what to do now.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Try to flash your's device again. And you can try Osmand navigation app.

# Answer
> 2 votes
download factory firmware and refalsh it it will restore the system apps you have deleted which will bring back the bloat

# Answer
> 0 votes
1. Unroot your phone.
2. Do a factory reset.

**If Step 2 does not work:**

3. Flash your device's Original Stock rom. (You can find it from your device's website)

**A friendly suggestion: Don't Delete any system app, that you don't know about. It might be an important one.**

---
Tags: rooting
---


# Question
Title: Do I need a smartphone with more RAM or one with a higher processor in order to load a big excel file faster?
As the title says, do I need a smartphone with more RAM or one with a higher processor in order to load a big excel file faster ?

For instance : Snapdragon 835 with 8GB RAM vs Snapdragon 845 with 6GB RAM, which is faster to load a big excel file ?

# Answer
RAM should not be an issue with smartphones that have 6GB or 8GB of it (I have 1GB and Excel workbooks load fine - not really large ones) . So, in that case, it would be the processor. Also, a factor not mentioned in your question: the RAM speed. A lot of smartphones have RAM at 1033Mhz or 1.6Ghz, making a really fast processor pointless without RAM that can support those speeds.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Normally 3GB or 4GB Ram coupled with the 1.5 GHz processor is enough to open a medium size excel document file. If you use a 8GB ram smartphone device with snapdragon 845 CPU So there is a slight difference in opening Excel file.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: hardware, ram, processor, microsoft-excel
---


# Question
Title: "Unknonwn Artist" only on Google Music with corred ID3 tags
So, before you dismiss this question please continue reading for all the details. I have my music collection on an SD card on my phone. All my music is very well organized, I'm almost OCD about it. All my music is properly named: AlbumArtist/Album/track# - title.mp3 All my files are mp3s, all of them are using only ID3v2.4.0 with no ID3v1 (some people use both \[itunes?\] ID3v2.x and ID3v1, not me). Every single tag field is using UTF8 encoding. All my music has an Artist and an Album Artist field, genre, track number, album art (properly encoded), date, and album, strictly no other field. None of my file-names contain special characters either. I've gone even to the extreme of creating scripts on my computer to make sure that every single mp3 file on my collection is stored with the previous parameters.

Now, there are a couple of songs the Google Music keeps showing as "Unknown Artist", no track-number, no album art, etc. even after all the previous efforts. Other music apps (i.e. Rocket Player) show the correct info without a problem. I've clear Google Music data, reinstall it, reboot phone, but nothing fixes this issue.

I've searched online and this forum. There are two other questions related:

The first is totally the opposite of me, where I'm very knowledgable of the ID3 tag standard, how to edit it (I've created Python scripts to automate the process) its version, encoding, and fields. The second is related to FLAC and none of my files use any other format besides MP3 (with ID3v2.4.0 and UTF8)

Does anybody have any idea of what's going on? Why doesn't Google Music want to read the ID3 from the files? It feels like it's getting its info from an old database and not the files themselves.

PS: I'm using Android 7.0 and latest version of Google Music at the time of writing (v7.10.5022-1.T4178353)

# Answer
Bit late, but maybe I can help someone else who finds this.

I also had this apparent problem and in my case it seemed to be related to album art. I managed to fix the relevant files by re-saving the album art in GIMP (without changing it) and embedding it back into the MP3 file. I had to do this for four files in my library (all of which used jpeg for the album art).

Files with these particular images embedded in them seemed to completely break ID3v2 parsing. Could also be a file size thing, more testing required. Here is one image that gave me some trouble.

The music apps could however, read an ID3v1 tag if it was present, regardless of the image.

This was a problem across the built in Xperia music app and Google Play Music (I'm guessing they use the Android API to enumerate music?), however Poweramp and Rocket Player didn't seem to care, nor did anything on my desktop.

Hope this is of help to someone.

Cheers.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: music, google-play-music, id3-tag
---


# Question
Title: The back, home and menu buttons are not lit
but they work. How can I make them backlit again? I have an ALCATEL ONETOUCH IDOL 2plus Thanks and regards

# Answer
Please check through these steps.

1. Just reboot and see whether it functions or not.
2. Goto recovery mode and clear cache data and check.
3. Do a factory reset and check.

After all these if no response, it may be a hardware issue, take the device to manufacturer's service center and check.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: screen, alcatel-one-touch-idol-s
---


# Question
Title: How to update HTC desire 630 to Android 7 without rooting the phone?
I would like to update my HTC desire 630 to Android 7 without rooting it. I currently have 6.0.1 installed.

Have anyone done it? Are there any good articles? I found this one, not sure if to try it out.

# Answer
> 0 votes
No, you won't, just because HTC does't support it anymore.

---
Tags: updates, htc-desire, 7.0-nougat, htc
---


# Question
Title: Marking email as unread issue in Outlook app
If I want to mark an email as unread in my Outlook app, I have to do it twice, because after the first time it changes back to the 'read' status (after a few seconds).

The problems occurs on a OnePlus 5T phone running Android 8.0.0 and I haven't found anyone else online reporting this small but annoying issue. It looks like a bug to me, but maybe someone else has encountered this as well or has some ideas to solve this?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Outlook's support team helped me. They suggested to delete my account, subsequently clear the application's cache and then to add my account again.

Update: This seemed to work in the very beginning, but the issue actually persists.

Update2: The Outlook development team is investigating the matter. We'll have to wait for an update.

Update3: The issue is resolved since some time, presumably because Outlook fixed this bug and updated the app.

---
Tags: outlook, oneplus-5, oneplus-x, oneplus-5t
---


# Question
Title: Is there a launcher or some software which would ignore top 1 cm of the phone screen?
Our infant son threw me wife's phone. Since then the top 1 cm row of the screen is no longer responsive to touch. The display works perfectly, but touching it has no effect. Because of that she can no longer swipe down the notification tray in portrait mode. She has to open some app, rotate to landscape orientation, and swipe down.

Some apps which do not rotate or reorients the buttons in such a way that it is always in unresponsive zone are impossible to use. We can use split screen as the last workaround sometimes.

Anyway. I was wondering if there is any app for Android which force the whole OS to render in the responsive region only. I can manually select the responsive rectangular region. (Buying a new phone or changing the screen is not an option right now.)

# Answer
When I had this problem, I think I learned from this answer.

---

One option is to use `adb`, i.e., the command line client/tool that comes with the Android SDK. It does a variety of things, but the thing that is most relevant here is the ability to use it to reconfigure your display.

Specifically, you want to access the shell commands to change the window manager's overscan setting with `adb shell wm overscan L,D,R,U`.

So you will want to use `adb shell wm overscan 0,0,X,0` to push the top of the screen down by `X`dp.

You can revert to normal with `adb shell overscan wm reset` or `adb shell overscan wm 0,0,0,0`.

If you don't know how to `adb`, it doesn't take much to get to the point where you can type that command in. I can relate because I used to have a device that had a partially functioning screen and I spent a lot of time rotating the phone and using this!

Within **Settings \> Developer Options** is some options that will help you diagnose the problem, such as **Show Pointer Location**, or perhaps **Show Touches**. Or you could create a small app that simply displayed touch input.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: applications
---


title: Locating a bluetooth device in a room

text:
# Question
Title: Locating a bluetooth device in a room
There is a bluetooth device out of sight in a room that is paired to my Android smartphone, and I can connect to it when I am close by. (It is a muted audio device.) Are there any methods to locate that device within the room with the use of the smartphone? Say, by dynamically measuring signal strength so that I can move the device around to see where it gets stronger.

Both App downloads, Android Studio( with Java), and other sorts of answers are welcome. (But AS is more appreciated.)

# Answer
Not really, with a standard Bluetooth device and antenna, there's a lot of really big technical problems, and even physics is against you

You may or may not be aware of BLE and Bluetooth Beacons - there is a BLE Specification called Proximity that allows small bits of data to be sent as Bluetooth Advertisements. Devices can be calibrated and made to interpret these and the RSSIs etc and give a fairly reliable (depends) proximity

There are lots of libraries out there for working with them- and apps. I suggest taking a look at Radius Networks' Altbeacon library, it does all the maths and device specific calibrations that you would otherwise have to do yourself. All the big Beacon Manufacturers have their own though (Kontakt.io, Estimote etc)

Be aware, unless you have a directional mic, BLE should not be considered directional without using some kind of triangulation technique (otherwise you can just say "I am X meters from the device" without knowing if that was up, or behind or whatever)

Also be aware, it's incredibly open to being confounded by other sources of EMF and materials that absorb your waves.

Even more be aware, Smartphone BT Adapters vary wildly, they all log differently, have different nuances and react differently in different situations, but typically it's really good. Some devices like the Nexus 4 should not be used for BT, some hardware kink means the WiFi and BT don't effectively share the Antenna well enough and conflict (also I think the form factor just interferes too)

The best way to position a person or object in a room is by using a mixture of processed and aggregated readings from the device sensors and perhaps even some other hardware in the room. If you look at Google Maps, it doesn't wholly rely on GPS, just like indoor navigation using BLE Beacons shouldn't wholly rely on Bluetooth. Beacons just apply context,

Source: Microlocation developer
> 1 votes

---
Tags: bluetooth
---


title: Strange debugging mode

text:
# Question
Title: Strange debugging mode
I put my Motorola XT912 (ICS) unlocked in my pocket and it started some kind of debug mode. There is bar on top which shows coordinates and every swipe is marked with a blue line.

I don't know how to turn it off, it's there even after reboot.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Go into Settings - Developer Options - scroll down to Input and turn off Pointer Location. I don't have a Moto phone (instructions based on Pixel 2 XL).

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, motorola
---


# Question
Title: Google Keyboard 'remove suggestion' not working
I'm having an annoying issue with the Google Keyboard app on Android 6.0 (and on an HTC One M9 if that matters).

I like to be able to remove erroneous suggested words by long pressing on them and dragging them into the 'remove suggestion' trash can. That used to work fine, but recently when I do it nothing changes - the word is not removed, and keeps being suggested. I'm not entirely sure when this behaviour started. It was certainly after I upgraded from an HTC One M8 to an M9. But I can't remember whether it ever worked on the M9.

I've looked through the settings many times over, and searched Google for a solution, but I can't find anything of help.

If you can offer any advice that would be great. Ideally I'd really like to keep my personal dictionary intact, if possible.

Thanks for your help

# Answer
On Gboard v7 (Nougat) I've noticed that this long press and drag gesture doesn't work in chrome but seems to be working as expected in Messengers such as WhatsApp. Give that a try
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, keyboard, gboard
---


# Question
Title: Difference between drive, file manager, and downloads on my android phone?
I know that Google photos access my pictures, no matter what device I get on, as long as I enter my email address. But, my question is that, what's the difference between drive, file manager and downloads app on android phone?

# Answer
> 0 votes
With **Drive** you can view and manage files stored on your Google account. Those files are also accessible on Google Drive website.

**File manager** lets you browse your phone's internal storage, SD card and USB OTG storage, if supported by your device.

**Downloads** app only shows files inside default downloads directory (which is usually called Downloads and is placed in your default storage). So you can access files you have downloaded earlier using both Downloads and File manager.

---
Tags: downloading, file-management, google-drive
---


# Question
Title: Can i connect my androidphone to the LAN from outside to reach the TV-box?
I have a TV-box from a cableproveider, wich comes with an app to watch TV directly on the phone, but only if the android-phone is connected through wi-fi on the same LAN as the TV-box. I am hoping there is a way to make my phone "beleive" it is connected to that exact LAN when i am logged on to another network. Even if it is in another country. Is that possible, and if so, how? My router is a ASUS RT-AC66U.

# Answer
Usually this should be possible, however it can get a bit complicated:

1. Check your Internet provider if you really get your own IPv4 IP address when connected to the Internet. If you are sharing the IP address with other people you can just give-up here.
2. Set-up a VPN server in your LAN (an old PC or a Raspberry). There are a lot of potentials servers and configurations. Make sure you choose a secure on and protect your account with a strong password.
3. On your router forward the VPN port to the Internet. ***Warning: If you set-up the VPN not well secured anybody on the Internet can connect to your home network and connect to all your devices that are usually not visible from the Internet***
4. When not at home you must be able to find your VPN server. Usually you use a dyn-dns service. On the computer running the VPN service ayou can also install the dyn-dns client. It updates the dyn dns record in case your public IP changes.
5. Configure your Android device to connect to your VPN server. After the connection has been established the Android device is visible in your home network and video streaming should be possible.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: android-tv, lan
---


# Question
Title: How can I restore a Whatsapp backup without uninstalling it (Whatsapp is a system app)?
Could I just go to app settings and click clear data?

# Answer
If you have a WhatsApp backup in Google drive or a local backup, and you'd like to restore it, all you have to do is clear data for WhatsApp. To do that, go to settings → apps → WhatsApp → storage → clear data.

Now, when you open WhatsApp, it well be as if you have just download the app. It will ask to verify your phone number, and it will then give you the option to restore your chats.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: whatsapp-messenger
---


# Question
Title: How can I restore a Whatsapp backup while retaining stuff from after the backup?
For a number of reasons, I just deleted my entire Whatsapp images folder by accident. I backed Whatsapp up yesterday morning, but yesterday night I had a sentimental conversation with a friend about some issues I've been having, and I don't want to lose that either. How can I go about doing this without losing that conversation?

# Answer
> 1 votes
You actually could have a perfect backup that was automatically created after night conversation and before accidental erasing. Whatsapp creates local backup files at 2 am (up to 7 states), also it saves data to Google Drive (if configured). Check dates of files in `sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases` as well as in Drive interface (again, if Drive backup was configured). If automated backup was not performed in a desirable timeframe you will need to mess with local backup files and apps reinstallations to get your old, yesterday state, copy images to safe folder and restore a backup with night conversation. Official FAQ states that you can force an app to restore a particular backup file:

> **To restore a less recent local backup**
>
> Your phone will store up to the last 7 days worth of local backup files (Google Drive will only have the most recent one). If you wish to restore a local backup which is not the most recent one, you will need to do the following:
>
> 1. Download a file manager app.
> 2. In the file manager app, navigate to `sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases`. If your data is not stored on the SD card, you may see "internal storage" or "main storage" instead of sdcard.
> 3. Rename the backup file you wish to restore from `msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12` to `msgstore.db.crypt12`. It is possible that an earlier backup may be on an earlier protocol, such as crypt9 or crypt10. Do not change the number of the crypt extension.
> 4. Uninstall WhatsApp.
> 5. Install WhatsApp.
> 6. Tap Restore when asked.

Sources: https://faq.whatsapp.com/en/android/20887921/?category=5245251 https://support.google.com/drive/answer/6305834?co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid&hl=en

---
Tags: whatsapp-messenger
---


# Question
Title: google device find locked a galaxy tab 8 at walmart
Ok, that title might cause a wt? well its not as it seems to be.

About a week ago I was at a restaurant and went to write a review via google map. Well just before typing in my review I noticed that my display icon and screen name had been change to something..well that I wouldn't use. so next I had google ping the device and saw it was at a local wal mart. hmmm kids must have my tablet, so finshed eating and went to Walmart.

when I get there I rang device remotely and wasn't hearing it or seeing anyone I knew react. so I figured i'll just lock it and go home and check to see if my tablet is at home. got home and hmmm, my device is at home. powered it up and noticed that I have a tab 4 not an 8. looked back at my phone and saw Walmart wifi and 100% battery, didn't notice battery state first time. so back to Walmart knowing that its a display on my account.

Checked phone area in front, no tabs, went back to electronics and found it.

I let the manager know about things and tried to unlock device but I couldn't.

I don't feel too bad that its a store device, but was wondering how are they going to unlock that device. Also anyone know of a way for me to kick that device off of my google account?

# Answer
> 0 votes
> how are they going to unlock that device.

Starting from Android 4.0 and up, when locking a device using *find my device* it will not give you the option to choose a password, rather when unlocking the device you will have to enter the regular password/pattern that was used on the device till now. Therefore, all they have to do, is enter the password they always used.

If however, there was no password till then, and when locking the device, you chose a password, then they will have an issue, and they'll probably have to use some other method to enter.

> Also anyone know of a way for me to kick that device off of my google account?

Being that your account was registered with a public device, I'd suggest you wipe the device using *find my device*. Just log in, and choose the option to erase everything on the device.

---
Tags: google-account
---


# Question
Title: How do I turn off the notification sound for when apps request the current location
Today, my HTC 10 was updated to Oreo 8.0.0.

Now, whenever an app requests my location, I get the location icon appearing, and a default notification sound plays. "System UI: Finding Location" is what the notification displays.

The sound never played before the update.

I've looked everywhere to try to turn this notification sound off, and I cannot find it.

I did go to Settings \> Sounds and Notifications \> Advanced \> Notifications. When I see the list of apps, I've also clicked on the options menu to include System apps. I assumed I had found it with Location Services, and turned off "Allow Sound" which was turned on. It did not turn off the sound. I also restarted the phone.

I would like to turn off the sound while continuing to allowing apps to request my location. For example, when I go into Instagram, or the camera, I get the notification. I don't care if it shows me the icon for a second, but the sound has got to go.

---

Edit: Verizon Wireless is my carrier. I didn't think that was relevant, but once I found the solution, I realized it was.

# Answer
Go to Settings \> Sounds and Notifications \> Advanced \> Notifications.

Click on the three dots up in the right corner and tap **Show System**.

Scroll down to **System UI**.

Under *Categories*, tap on **VZW**, then tap on **Importance**, select **Medium: No sound**.

---

Why is the GPS location notification in the VZW category of notifications? I don't understand.

I debugged by setting the category sounds to one other than the default, and when going into an app that requested the GPS location, I heard that unique sound, and that let me pin it down to the VZW category.

I do not know what other notifications fall into the VZW category, but they won't be making a sound when the notification shows anymore.
> 6 votes

---
Tags: notifications, 8.0-oreo, location-services
---


# Question
Title: Enabling WIFI hotspot from a computer without usb debugging
Is it possible to enable WIFI hotspot from a computer without usb debugging being enabled?

I got a phone with broken LCD and i'm unable to enable usb debugging.

# Answer
> 0 votes
No. ADB doesn't work without debugging.

However you can try your vendor native app, like LG PC Suite or Samsung Kies. It probably can have phone management capability and enabling/disabling its features.

---
Tags: adb, fastboot, broken-screen
---


# Question
Title: Can you extract files from a Google Drive Whatsapp backup?
I have accidentally deleted hundreds of pictures from my Whatsapp files in my phone, but I can't restore the backup, since Whatsapp is a system app and I can't uninstall it.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Answering your main question - no, you can't. As for having Whatsapp in a phone firmware, I think reseting an app through deleting its data in Android settings could do the trick, but it may also delete local backup files - so "backup the backups" first (sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases). Sources: https://support.google.com/drive/answer/6305834?co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid&hl=en https://faq.whatsapp.com/en/android/20887921

---
Tags: whatsapp-messenger
---


title: Problem with music pausing

text:
# Question
Title: Problem with music pausing
I've recently been having problems with my samsung j3. At first I thought that my earbuds were broken because the music paused every time the plug moved but that isnt the problem.

Every time I move the ear plug-in the musc pauses and most of the time the phone plays the music out of the speaker instead of the earbud connection. What is the problem here? I constantly have to leave my phone still and move around the earbuds plug-in in order to get a good connection.

# Answer
> 3 votes
You said that when you plug in the earphones the music pauses and when you resume it starts playing on the phone speaker. That is because the connection between your earphones and the headphone jack in your mobile isn't established. The main reasons behind this is maybe there is some dirt in the headphone jack. You can remove it with an earbud. In some other cases usually the headphone jack is damaged and needs to be replaced. I have this same issue and I didn't find any solution to this. So I bought a pair of bluetooth headphones.

---
Tags: samsung
---


title: ViPER4Android not processing

text:
# Question
Title: ViPER4Android not processing
After a couple of times of trying many solutions I found on the internet, I still couldn't fix the problem. I think, I have tried almost everything.

---

Actually, before this problem, I also have one more problem, which is now fixed. That problem is that the `Driver Status` is "Abnormal", and the `Audio Format` is "Unsupported", like this:

```
Driver Version: 2.5.0.4
NEON Enabled: No
Enabled: No
Status: Abnormal
Audio Format: Unsupported
Processing: No
Sampling Rate: 0

```

Well, that problem is fixed now (solution here), but I still got a problem.

---

ViPER4Android is not processing, even if I'm playing a song. I'm pretty sure that the music player that I'm using is supported. I am using Google Play Music as my music player.

The problem is that, whatever I change (a setting) on ViPER4Android, it is still the same. It doesn't do anything, but the stock equalizer does. The stock equalizer is still working, which should be not.

Here is the driver status:

```
Driver Status: 2.5.0.4
NEON Enabled: Yes
Enabled: Yes
Status: Normal
Audio Format: Supported
Processing: No
Sampling Rate: 48000

```

---

Some things you might ask:

**Have you tried turning it off and on again? (ViPER4Android):** Yes.
**Have you tried turning it off and on again? (Android device):** Yes.
**Have you tried disabling the stock equalizer? :** I "tried", but it didn't work.
**What sites have you found on the internet for solutions? :** I can't remember 'cause there are a lot, but it's mostly on XDA.
**Have you flashed a flashable zip? :** Yes.
**What device are you using? :** See below.

---

Device:

> Device: Samsung Galaxy J7 Core
>
> Model Number: SM-J701F/DS
>
> Android version: 7.0 Nougat
>
> ROM: Stock ROM
>
> Recovery: TWRP
>
> Rooted: *Of course!*

# Answer
The issue is found on "audio\_effects.conf", which contains unnecessary things that needs to be removed and some to be changed, in order for it to worked.

> For Samsung devices, "audio\_effects.conf" is found in `/system/etc`.

---

# Remove these:

**Libraries**:

```
output_session_processing {
  path /vendor/lib/libLifevibes_lvverx.so
}

mysound {
  path /system/lib/libmysound.so
}

myspace {
  path /system/lib/soundfx/libmyspace.so
}

soundalive {
  path /system/lib/libaudiosa.so
}

soundalive_sec {
  path /system/lib/soundfx/libaudiosaplus_sec.so
}

soundbooster_plus {
  path /system/lib/libsamsungSoundbooster_plus.so
}

```

**Effects**:

```
soundalive {
  library soundalive_sec
  uuid cf65eb39-ce2f-48a8-a903-ceb818c06745
}

lmfv {
  library output_session_processing
  uuid 989d9460-413d-11e1-8b0d-0002a5d5c51b
}

fens {
    library output_session_processing
    uuid cbcc5980-476d-11e1-82ee-0002a5d5c51b
}

dha {
  library mysound
  uuid 263a88e0-50b1-11e2-bcfd-0800200c9a66
}

sa3d {
  library myspace
  uuid 3462a6e0-655a-11e4-8b67-0002a5d5c51b
}

soundbooster_plus {
  library soundbooster_plus
  uuid 50de45f0-5d4c-11e5-a837-0800200c9a66
}

```

**Output Session Processing**:

```
output_session_processing {
  music {
      sa3d {}
  }

  ring {
      sa3d {}
  }

  voice_call {
      fens {}
      lmfv {}
  }

  sec_voice_communication {
      fens {}
      lmfv {}
  }
}

```

---

# Change these:

**Libraries**:

From:

```
pre_processing {
  path /vendor/lib/libLifevibes_lvvetx.so
}

```

To:

```
pre_processing {
  path /system/lib/soundfx/libaudiopreprocessing.so
}

```

**Effects**:

From:

```
bassboost {
  library soundalive
  uuid a926a540-418a-11e1-b2f1-0002a5d5c51b
}

```

To:

```
bassboost {
  library bundle
  uuid 8631f300-72e2-11df-b57e-0002a5d5c51b
}

```

From:

```
virtualizer {
  library soundalive
  uuid c747f6a0-418a-11e1-a621-0002a5d5c51b
}

```

To:

```
virtualizer {
  library bundle
  uuid 1d4033c0-8557-11df-9f2d-0002a5d5c51b
}

```

From:

```
equalizer {
  library soundalive
  uuid c117b70-f97f-11e0-be50-0002a5d5c51b
}

```

To:

```
equalizer {
  library bundle
  uuid ce772f20-847d-11df-bb17-0002a5d5c51b
}

```

---

> For Samsung devices, after doing those things above, also copy the modified "audio\_effects.conf" to `/system/vendor/etc`.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: audio, samsung-galaxy-j7, equalizer
---


# Question
Title: Flashed addonsu-arm-signed.zip on LineageOS, still no root
I just installed LineageOS 14.1 using TWRP.

Then, following this guide I downloaded addonsu-arm-signed.zip to my SD card and installed it, also using TWRP.

PROBLEM: Then I installed Titanium Backup from Play Store, an got this message:

Is there a mistake in my procedure?
Is there a missing step?

# Answer
1. Go to Settings.
2. Click on About phone and then tap 7 times on the Build number.
3. Navigate back, open Developer Options.
4. Tap Root Access.
5. Select `Apps` or `Apps and ADB`.

Now you have root and Titanium Backup finds it:
> 6 votes

# Answer
I just found I had to switch from ADB only to Apps and ADB. Not sure why, since the issue was with ADB itself.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: rooting, nexus-5, titanium-backup, lineageos
---


# Question
Title: How to associate a file extension with an app?
I have a number of files with some extension and I have an app that can open the files - it is not the default format of this app, but it can import and display it.

At the moment when I attach USB stick with these files File Manager display error message "This file cannot be opened".

I need to open the app, choose "File -\> Import" navigate through fairly complex directory structure and only than I can see the content.

How to create file association so I can immediately open the file from File Manager?

# Answer
After trying various options I finally found the app that works for me. Total Commander has a number of associations and also allows you to associate a file with any app. Therefore I simply always use tc for browsing files and voila, it works.
> 4 votes

---
Tags: applications, usb, file-management, files, default-applications
---


title: Bricked Vodafone smart 2 (Alcatel V860)

text:
# Question
Title: Bricked Vodafone smart 2 (Alcatel V860)
I accidentally erased boot and bootloader. download mode nor recovery works and my pc recognize it like Broadcom USB. Any solution?

# Answer
here is a tutorial how to fix your alcatel

the tutorial is a video on youtube its in spanish but dont worry i fixed mine even thoght i dont understand spanish

ok here is the video link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxZYcs6mSMA

and here is the files you need to fix your phone https://www.mediafire.com/?gyhxb15ojb6dq6t try to watch the video first after you download the file unzip it to your desktop first thing you need to do is to shutdown your phone remove the battery and put the battery back into your phone press and hold the VOLUME UP button and turn on your phone then connect your phone to pc using the usb cable now open the folder you unziped to your desktop and double click Romeo.cmd now you can see som thing like this type 1 and hit Enter once you see press any key to return to home type 2 and hit enter again ......do that for all rest steps once you reach the 7 step your phone will restart unplug your phone from usb cable dont worry if it looks un usual now try to enter recovery mode and select recover user data once done reboot your phone and enjoy I hope this was helpfull
> -1 votes

# Answer
When a thing like that happens you need to install the driver "Broadcom Usb to Serial" and you need to use SPFlash tool with the correct scatter file for your model . Scatter file includes the addresses for all the partitions in the phone memory , like boot , bootloader , recover , data , system ,etc .. The Scatter file have the Hex addresses of each partition and its size . Here you can find the driver : (Note: This driver is for windows XP 32bit , it does ot work in 7 or later , create a VM for this )

http://www.mediafire.com/file/phbd8epz92u6dw2/Broadcom\_smartphone\_USB\_Driver.zip

The firmware you can find it here , download the stock rom Eglish: https://github.com/peterpt/Alcatel\_V860\_smart\_2/tree/master/Roms

SPflash tool ca n be downloaded here : https://spflashtool.com/

Now the most important thing (Scatter file) i am unable to get it for you because i am also looking for it :) .

Let me know if you find it . The manual in how to do all the process can be found here : https://www.gogorapid.com/flash-stock-rom-alcatel-v860/
> -1 votes

---
Tags: boot, boot-loop, fastboot
---


title: Samsung J5 2017 in water.

text:
# Question
Title: Samsung J5 2017 in water.
I dropped my Samsung J5 2017 in water. I tried to turn it off straight away but it wont turn off. I cannot access the battery as it is built in. My touch screen does not work and nor do the power buttons or volume buttons. Is there anything I can do?

# Answer
Is it fully powered off currently? If not, there is luck.

METHOD 1: Requires screen lock to be None or Swipe.

1. Plug in USB cable to computer.
2. Find your phone in "This PC" in Windows, "Devices" in Linux, or download Android File Transfer (android.com/filetransfer/) for Mac.
3. Copy files. If your phone does not show any storage when found it does not have a None or Swipe screen lock. Try something else.

METHOD 2: Requires USB-OTG supported mouse and keyboard (can be Bluetooth if paired before accident).

1. Plug in a keyboard and mouse (requires USB-OTG splitter, but also means your kernel has to support multiple USB ports).
2. Press the "zzz" key on the keyboard to turn screen on.
3. Use the mouse as you would a touchscreen. Remember: hold down left mouse button to right click.
4. Use some sort of wireless transfer to copy your data to a computer.

METHOD 3: Requires USB debugging to be enabled for your computer.

1. Plug your phone into your computer.
2. For Windows or Mac, download ADB tools and unzip to your user folder. For Linux, run `sudo apt-get install android-tools-fastboot android-tools-adb android-tools-adbd`.
3. Open a terminal (or command prompt) and type `adb devices`. If your device is listed, continue. If not, retry or stop.
4. Type `adb shell input keyevent 26` or `adb shell input keyevent 224` to turn on the screen.
5. To "tap", run command `adb shell input tap x y` (x and y are coordinates to tap, replace them with numbers)
6. Once your phone is unlocked, use Method 1 to transfer files.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung, samsung-galaxy-j5
---


# Question
Title: Can I turn on my Android phone from my computer?
I have an Android phone (Moto Z) and for some reason the buttons stopped responding. This wasn't an actual issue until one night I let the battery die... the phone accepts the charger AND charges but since the buttons don't work I can't turn it on.

When I plug the phone into my computer, and I can see it as a USB device (lsblk). What now? Is there a way to issue a command to the device from my computer (Arch Linux) telling it to turn on?

# Answer
> 0 votes
I was in a similar situation where the button didnt work. I actually managed to clean the button and make it work again. It will require some patience, but in this state you got nothing much to lose.

The button consists of 2 layers of conductors where 1 layer is actually a sphere and when pressing it bends down, touches the other layer and its registered as a click.

What happened is that somehow dirt got between those layers causing the 2 layers never to touch. If you carefully open up your phone, and then open up the layers and clean the dirt, you can fix your phone yourself.

Ofc there is no guarantee that this is the actual problem or that the fix will fully work, but if you can't do anything else I think its worth a shot.

# Answer
> 0 votes
There is a way if your phone is found when connected via USB (and has USB debugging enabled for that computer). First, get ADB tools.

```
sudo apt-get install android-tools-adb

```

Then, try one of these commands.

```
adb shell input keyevent 26
adb shell input keyevent 224

```

The screen should turn on or off with these commands.

---
Tags: power-on
---


title: One WhatsApp account, 2 phone numbers

text:
# Question
Title: One WhatsApp account, 2 phone numbers
Let's say I have a number in my country and WhatsApp account associated with it. I want to travel far away, where roaming would be ridiculously expensive. Is it possible that I can buy a SIM card local to that country I choose to travel to, and still be able to use my home country's WhatsApp number?

# Answer
> 2 votes
Yes, you will be able to use Whatsapp with another SIM card and your old account, but do not reset or reinstall the app to not provoke number verification. Source: personal experience; https://faq.whatsapp.com/en/30028016/.

---
Tags: whatsapp-messenger, roaming
---


title: Change the user in Skype

text:
# Question
Title: Change the user in Skype
I have several Skype accounts. How can I change the account used by the Android Skype app? I don't see a way to log off/log on. Should I de-install & re-install from scratch?

# Answer
Ok, so the secret is that there is a settings page but to get there you have to tap your avatar/icon at the top of the chats history. Then the "Disconnect from Skype" option is at the bottom.
> 2 votes

# Answer
According to skype support, all you have to do, is open the menu on the top left, and you'll find a *sign out* button on the bottom of the menu.

You will then have an option to sign in using a different account.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: skype
---


title: Controlling IR in Galaxy S8?

text:
# Question
Title: Controlling IR in Galaxy S8?
I wonder if I the front-facing IR led of the Samsung Galaxy S8 could be used for different purposes (e.g., building my own facial recognition and depth sensing apps). But I couldn't find a way to access the front-facing IR led of the device from Samsung's developers' page: http://developer.samsung.com/galaxy/sensor-extension

Is there any way to control the front-facing IR led in a custom-built Android app?

# Answer
Honestly I doubt it will be able to do the activities you seek.

For example the IR grid sensor on Project Tango which does the depth sensing:

https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Project+Tango+Tablet+Teardown/28148#s68068

Quoting IFixit:

> From Google: "The IR projector is from Mantis Vision, and designed specific to our specs for field of view and resolution. It is custom designed to work in partnership with the 4MP RGB-IR camera on the other side."

iFixit looks like there were able to independently run the IR projector to show off the field of dots: https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Project+Tango+Teardown/23835#s62129

While the teardown for a Samsung Galaxy S8+

https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Samsung+Galaxy+S8%2B+Teardown/87086#s164374

\[right most photo\] notes an IR emitter, I'm incline to say that it would be tuned for iris scanning or other declared feature and work more like a IR flashlight than a grid.

For comparison iFixit shows off the front facing hardware of a Samsung Galaxy S9+ compared with a iPhone X:

https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Samsung+Galaxy+S9%2B+Teardown/104308#s195687

And you can note that the depth sensor assembly on the iPhone X is similar to the Project Tango tablet as a single assembly rather than a collection of separate cameras/projectors (probably for tolerance reasons during assembly).
> 1 votes

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Tags: samsung, samsung-galaxy-s-8
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title: list disable package feature/component

text:
# Question
Title: list disable package feature/component
we can use `pm list packages -d` to list disabled packages.

but how can I list disabled feature/component inside a package?

for example I disable all fitness related stuff from gms

`pm disable com.google.android.gms/.fitness.sync.FitnessSyncAdapterService` and so on

and I want to have an overview again which feature I have disabled

# Answer
> 2 votes
Not as straight-forward as listing packages. Here's an except (Bash code) on how my tool Adebar does it (for all apps on a device, spooling results to a file as `pm disable` comands in the way your question quotes it), to be found in `lib/scriptgen.lib`:

```
  local comps
  local myline
  scriptname="${OUTDIR}/deadReceivers.sh"
  echo "#!${BASH_LOCATION}" > "${scriptname}"
  echo -e "\n#\n# Disabled components for ${DEVICE_NAME} as of $(date '+%Y-%m-%d %H:%M')\n#" >> "${scriptname}"
  for pkg in $(adb ${ADBOPTS} shell "pm list packages 2>/dev/null"); do
    pkg=${pkg//[$'\t\r\n']}
    pkg=${pkg##*:}
    [[ "${pkg}" = "android" ]] && continue
    comps=$(adb ${ADBOPTS} shell "dumpsys package ${pkg}" | grep -E -A99999 "disabledComponents:" |grep -E -B99999 "enabledComponents:")
    if [[ -n "${comps}" ]]; then
      echo >> "${scriptname}"
      echo "# ${pkg}" >> "${scriptname}"
      for myline in $comps; do
        myline=${myline//[$'\t\r\n']}
        [[ "${myline}" = "disabledComponents:" || "${myline}" = "enabledComponents:" ]] && continue
        echo "adb ${ADBOPTS} shell \"pm disable ${pkg}/${myline}\"" >> "${scriptname}"
      done
    fi
  done

```

In short: You'd have to parse the "disabledComponents" section from the output of `dumpsys package <package_name>` ("comps" in above code fragment). As you can see, that segment is followed by a list of *enabled* components, in case you want to know where to find those.

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Tags: adb, usb-debugging, disable-app
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title: How to disable Google Apps in Mi Phones

text:
# Question
Title: How to disable Google Apps in Mi Phones
I observed in case of Mi phones like Redmi Note 4 & Mi Max2.

We’re not able to disable Google Apps like Chrome, Play Music, Play Movies & TV, etc.

Please let me know, how to disable Google apps?

# Answer
> 1 votes
If you can't disable it normally in settings or the disable button has been greyed out for some reason then I'd suggest you'd follow this procedure given in this MIUI form thread: Disable Google Apps In MIUI 8 (and 9) which I too confirm to be 100% working (tested).

1. Install Quickshortcutmaker from Playstore
2. Select normal search - under input box type **manage apps** and click search

3. In search results it will show settings click it, you will find "manage apps" under click then click **try** (or create shortcut by pressing create).

4. From here a list of installed applications is shown, navigate to the desired google app(s), select the app, and now you can click **disable** button to disable the app.

**NB: No root is required!**

Acknowledgements

# Answer
> 0 votes
I will tell you how I achieved this on my Redmi note 5 pro:

1. Get adb
2. Enable usb debugging, connect your phone to pc.
3. Use adb shell to give this command:

```
pm uninstall --user 0 package_name

```
4. This must work, tested on miui 9.2.7.0
5. The apps will come back after factory reset

More info: XDA Developers

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Tags: google-apps, disable-app, mi
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# Question
Title: Blackberry Priv won't connect to Windows 7 for file transfer
I posted this question before but it was "protected", so I can't answer it. So I'm reposting it so that I can answer my own question.

I can't get my Blackberry Priv to connect as anything other than charging via USB. My PC isn't recognizing that a device is connected. I've downloaded and installed the Tethering and USB drivers here. I restarted after installing them. On the phone, it never gives a notification that it has connected as a charging device, and I know that's what you'd normally click on to change to file transfer. Also, in the settings options, in Storage and USB, there is only information about device storage, nothing about the USB connection type. I've enabled developer options. In there, I've turned on "USB debugging" and "Allow USB debugging in charging mode". I'm at a loss as to what else would need to be done to get file transfer working, and honestly I'm completely confused as to why it's not showing up in the Storage & USB options. I'm having a hard time finding anyone else mentioning this issue.

# Answer
This was a hardware issue rather than a software issue. I had the same problem with two different Privs, so I thought it must be something to do with the Android system. But it turns out that, for some reason, my phone didn't like using a USB 3.0 port. That only charges it. Switching to a USB 2.0 port finally got me the charging notification, so I was able to switch. As a side note, setting it to "File transfers" (MTP) didn't work. I had to use "Photo transfer (PTP)" to get it to see the device. And in that case, it only sees the onboard storage, not the memory card. So it's an imperfect solution, but since my photos are on the phone storage, not the card, and I can copy from the card to the phone if I really need to, it works well enough to solve my issue.
> 0 votes

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Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, windows, blackberry
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# Question
Title: MotoG5s encryption switch "on" but doesn't ask for pin on restart
I've had encryption turned on on my MotoG5s since I bought it last year. It used to ask for a pin every time it was turned on and at every restart.

Since updating to 7.x.x (currently on 7.1.1) it's never asked for this pin *but* the switch in settings says encryption is on.

Do people think my phone is encrypted? How can I check?

# Answer
> 1 votes
An Android device can be encrypted without a PIN or password.

In such a case and if the encryption is "hardware based" the data is just bound to your device. The advantage of an encryption without PIN/password is that it can be erased very quick by just throwing away the key. No need to overwrite the all the data.

Therefore the question is not if or if not your device is encrypted - the question is what risk or attack do you expect the encryption to resist?

If you want to avoid other people to access your data when you loose your device you have to set a pin or password (not only because of the encryption). It will then also be used for the device encryption, making it harder for an attacker to access your data.

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Tags: stock-android, encryption
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