# Question
Title: screen cracked android - so I cannot gesture unlock
I have a fairly common issue: a screen damaged android phone. These devices are highly vulnerable to broken screens (this particular phone, the samsung galaxy note 3, had 2 replacement screens before this one) I refuse to purchase another to simply get my data.

As I read about it I am ***disgusted*** at the attitude of the data thieves at google: (I make no bones about it, it is laughable to call it "security" - it is simply deliberate data theft in the guise of obscurity - and I know this because I write systems that do much more security for far less damage)

But forget the disgust, for the purposes of this question just ignore it, just don't try to defend it, or censor that I wrote it. I know what I am talking about.

As I say, I am a developer on Android so I already had adb installed on my pc and already had usb debugging enabled:

First I tried this: 1) Since my Google Account was set up on the phone I went to Google "remote locking" service http:*www.android.com devicemanager* only to discover that while this service LOCKS phones it does not UNLOCK them (...?) (x ANDROID FAIL)

Secondly I tried to : 2) use adb to `adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key` but it is permission denied (x ANDROID FAIL)

Thirdly I tried to root the phone so I could use adb: 3) However even though I have *now* rooted the phone, I rooted it with the lock screen locked, so I cannot get the initial gesture unlock, to work to "confirm click" the root: (x ANDROID FAIL)

Fourthly I tried : 4) the tool "Android Control.exe" http: android-control.software.informer.com/ seems to show the most promise but it only replicates gestures in on gesture vector, i.e. if your unlock gesture changes direction (as mine does) then h will not work - i.e. more than a single direction in a swipe and you have no way in: (x ANDROID FAIL)

Fifthly I learnt : 5) I could use a VNC if I had installed the server on the phone before hand (x ANDROID FAIL)

So, my question is, while locked out of **my** property by a bunch of slack idiots who are paid far too much, can anyone suggest a way out other than the five ridiculous android fails tried and the with I want to wait to try:

Options 6) is to buy a \[micro usb hdmi/ usb mouse dongle\]\[3\] but it is a lot of money for a device that I need to use only once to swipe only once

# Answer
### WARNING: Follow these instructions only, if you are aware of the risks!

### I am not responsible for any hard-/soft-brick! Proceed only if you know what you are doing!

### Possible loss of warranty by triggering KNOX flags, flash counters etc.!!!

### READ THE ENTIRE ANSWER BEFORE FOLLOWING ANY OF THESE STEPS!!!

# Install CWM and Philz recovery.

If you not already have a custom recovery installed:

Use ODIN to flash a third party recovery. I recommend PhilZ recovery, because you can navigate through all menus using only the buttons on your device:

**First:** Download *ODIN*, *CWM recovery* and *PhilZ touch recovery* from this XDA-thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-3/general/n900-one-guide-t3252033 (you may want to read that post, too).
You will need to install Philz with CWM, because CWM does not feature a file manager and Philz can only be flashed through another non-stock recovery.

**Next:** Shutdown your device and boot into the bootloader.
You may use `adb reboot bootloader` or the combination: Power + Home + Volume-DOWN

**Install CWM (this will trigger any flash counter, KNOX warranty void bit etc., only proceed if there is a way to undo this or you will most certainly loose your warranty):**

1. Unpack ODIN and launch the application.
2. In ODIN: Click on the *PDA* button and select the CWM `.tar` archive
3. Now, connect your phone to your PC and click the *Start* button.

You now have CWM installed!

4. Your phone should reboot automatically, so after it finished booting, copy the Philz recovery `.zip` onto your device's storage. You can use either the Windows Explorer or `adb push <zip file> /sdcard/` for this. I'm not sure if the Windows Explorer method works with a locked screen, though.
5. Reboot into the CWM recovery by either shutting down your device and pressing the combination `Power + Home + Volume-UP` or using `adb reboot recovery`
6. Use your volume up/down buttons to select `install zip from sdcard` and confirm it by pressing the power button (it's possible to install a zip through sideload, but sideloading is not very reliable from others' and my experience)
7. Select your philz recovery `.zip` file and confirm to flash it.
8. Reboot the recovery by going into the `Advanced` menu and selecting `reboot recovery`
9. You will now be greeted by the Philz recovery screen.

# Do all sorts of root commands:

1. Use your PC to run `adb shell`. You will automatically be in root mode (check `whoami` -\> `root`)
2. Remove the `.key` files that prevent you from unlocking your device. (`rm /data/system/gesture.key`)
3. Reboot the device by simply selecting `Reboot System Now` and pressing the power button.

You should now have no screen lock, as Android is unable to find the key that is used to compare your input gesture to and will fall back to either no lock at all or *swipe to unlock*.

I can confirm that this guide is working with the Galaxy S6 Edge (SM-G925F), if the proper files are used.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: lock-screens, screen, samsung-galaxy-note-3, broken-screen
---


title: CyanogenMod delete WhisperPush account

text:
# Question
Title: CyanogenMod delete WhisperPush account
This question is about the new WhisperPush-feature in CyanogenMod-ROMs: http://www.cyanogenmod.org/blog/whisperpush-secure-messaging-integration

# Prerequisite:

* Me and a friend of mine have both enabled the new WhisperPush-feature on our CyanogenMod-phones.
* Our mobile plan allows us to send unlimited SMS without extra cost.
* We don't have a constant internet connection (no mobile-data plan)

# Scenario:

1. I currently have an internet connection (via WiFi) and send a SMS to my friend
2. WhisperPush sees, that we're both using WhisperPush/TextSecure and sends my message (encrypted) via TextSecure.
3. My friend does not have an internet connection right now.

As far as I understand the system, my message will not be delivered until he gets online somehow. Correct me if I'm wrong.

---

Since this is not what we want, we both want to disable WhisperPush.

# Question:

How do we do this? If we just uninstall the WhisperPush-App, wouldn't that mean:

1. That our accounts remain active (and the data remains on the servers)?
2. If a third person using WhisperPush sends me a message, it will be send via TextSecure, but never received by me, because I disabled the app?

Since the App does not offer any option to delete my Account, **how am I able to effecively disable my account and delete the app without any further consequences?**

# Answer
I have an answer for you. Cyanogenmod should implement a simple solution! The fix can be found on the final post of this page:

http://forum.cyanogenmod.com/topic/87482-critical-flaw-in-whisperpush/

You'll need android studio installed on your PC to use "adb" in terminal/command-line.

---

These are the steps that are suggested on that site:

> You could try to unregister manually:
>
> ```
> pc:$ adb shell
> phone:$ su # (enable root for ADB first)
> phone:$ cat /data/user/0/org.whispersystems.whisperpush/shared_prefs org.whispersystems.whisperpush_preferences.xml
> # take note of pref_push_password and pref_registered_number
> pc:$ curl -v -X DELETE --basic --user $pref_registered_number:$pref_push_password https://whisperpush.cyanogenmod.org/v1/accounts/gcm/
> # add -k to skip the certificate warning
>
> ```
>
> The HTTP response code should be 204.

Source: http://forum.cyanogenmod.com/topic/87169-disabling-whisperpush/#entry448596
> 2 votes

# Answer
Cyanogenmod now has a website that allows you to unregister from WhisperPush if you forgot to unregister during first setup right after installation. With this you can stop using the service completely or switch to Signal Private Messenger (formerly known as TextSecure).

How to unregister from cyanogenmod whisperpush:

1. Visit the Whispertool website
2. Enter your phone number
3. Enter the verification code they'll send you
4. Done!
> 1 votes

---
Tags: encryption
---


title: How to stop fallback from H+ to 3G data

text:
# Question
Title: How to stop fallback from H+ to 3G data
**Is it possible, and if so how, to lock the phone to using H+ for data and not dropping back to 3G?** I suspect it isn't (firmware of the radio hardware I'm guessing) but there's times where I would be willing to take the battery hit to keep my data on H+ (specific application with data demands that doesn't like dropping back and forwards to 3G).

**I'm not talking about changes in signal quality:** I can be sitting in a single location, not moving, where both H+ and 3G are available. When data is being requested the phone typically goes to H+ as it is faster. Once the data demands reduce it drops back to 3G. I have read in a number of other places that this is on purpose to save battery. However my issue is that one app I use doesn't handle the transitions well so I'd like to stop the auto-fallback.

Android 4.2.2 on Samsung Galaxy S4 mini, Australian networks.

# Answer
> 2 votes
The best thing to do and it worked for me is download the HSPA+ Tweaker from google play store.

I dont know for sure but i think it works by sending extra data packages to trick the provider into thinking you are in need of a higher and faster connection, thus making your phone stay on H+ rather than dropping down to 3g or less.

I had the exact same problem and it is now sorted with this app.

It may use extra data but it is worth it when you need a quick boost, if you have unlimited data allowance you are laughing really.

you can switch the app off within a swipe and a tap so it really is an all round handy app.

---
Tags: 4.2-jelly-bean, data-connection, samsung-galaxy-s-4-mini
---


# Question
Title: Android updates availability in different countries
I am Indian and I just moved in to UK. I have seen some good deals on a mobile and I would like to buy it. But I'm worried if I would get software updates for the mobile that purchased when I reach my country back.I tried googling but I couldn't get hold of anything useful. Please clarify.

# Answer
Well, software updates depend on different things:

1. the manufacturer (if they actually release any updates)
2. the carrier (unless you get the international version)
3. your internet connection (no internet = no updates)

You get the updates from the country where you bought the device from (unless you flash a different one, check on the CSC: Carrier/Country Specific Code).

Note that you might need to make at least a 5 minute call using a SIM originating from the buying location to unlock usage of international carriers' SIM cards. Also make sure all the needed bands for connecting to the network of your carrier (most phones support all bands, so no real problem there).

All these note are also printed on the package, in the user manual or both.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: ota-update
---


# Question
Title: How to make certain apps turn on GPS automatically?
Is there any way to have certain apps automatically turn on GPS when they launch (or at least prompt me if I want to)?

For example, if I use voice commands to ask for navigation directions, and GPS is not turned on, I'd like for it to enable GPS instead of guessing from cell towers. Bonus points if it turns it back off when I close the app.

# Answer
> 8 votes
Take a look at Tasker. It pretty much allows you to automate and set rules for everything on your phone based on times of the day, what apps you are using, your location... You can set a profile to automatically turn your GPS on or off based on almost any condition you can imagine.

# Answer
> 6 votes
Even if you do have GPS enabled it's only used when you are using an application that is actually requiring GPS location services.

So the best way to get your apps to use GPS location is turning on GPS by default.

# Answer
> 3 votes
If you don't want to pay for Tasker or Locale, you can use AutomateIt, which is free and has the same idea, though it offers much fewer triggers and actions, it does allow you to enable or disable the GPS when you start or end an app.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Note that turning on the GPS programmatically seems to be impossible without rooting your device after 2.3 (according to the AutomateIt description).

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can use the "Auto-Enable GPS for Maps" application, which switches both WiFi and GPS on when you launch Maps, Navigation, Local or Latitude, and restores them to their old state (e.g. switched off) when you quit these apps.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I published a GitHub entry for the GPSToggler quite some time ago.

To enable/disable GPS you need root. Period.

http://github.com/sms2000/GPSToggler

Some antivirus and automatic system backup applications conflict with the GPSToggler. I'm investigating this problem.

---
Tags: productivity, gps
---


# Question
Title: What is a "partial application install" via adb?
Android's `adb` has a *"partial application install"*:

```
$ adb install
Android Debug Bridge version 1.0.32
...

  adb install [-lrtsd] <file>
  adb install-multiple [-lrtsdp] <file...>
                               - push this package file to the device and install it
                                 (-l: forward lock application)
                                 (-r: replace existing application)
                                 (-t: allow test packages)
                                 (-s: install application on sdcard)
                                 (-d: allow version code downgrade)
                                 (-p: partial application install)

```

Notice `-p` is *"partial application install"*.

What is a partial application install?

# Answer
> 4 votes
It is my assumption that the *-p: partial application install* is for installing packages that are an update to an existing package but are not standalone in itself, sort of how Play Store updates an app using delta or smart updates.

`-p` requires a base package to exist and its name passed next to it, else it will throw the error

```
Error: java.lang.IllegalArgumentException: Missing inherit package name

```

If the APK you're passing is not an incremental update to an existing package (`PACKAGE`), you would end up with

```
Failed to finalize session
Failure [INSTALL_FAILED_INVALID_APK: Missing existing base package for PACKAGE]

```

I do not have any incremental update so I can't verify my own claim, neither I have any other solid evidence for the whole claim other than these two:

A comment in Issue:1134353002 thread

> Splits are not normal .apks, and they can only be installed via "adb install-multiple"

And, this code snippet mentioned under the source code of PackageInstallerSession.java

```
else {
  **// Partial installs must be consistent with existing install**
  final ApplicationInfo app = mPm.getApplicationInfo(mPackageName, 0, userId);
  if (app == null) {
      throw new PackageManagerException(**INSTALL_FAILED_INVALID_APK**, "**Missing existing base package for** " + **mPackageName**);
  }

```

---
Tags: adb, installation
---


# Question
Title: YU Yureka freezes and reboots since the last Lollipop upgrade 5.1.1
I have YU Yureka. I upgraded it to Lollipop 5.1.1 last week.

Since then, the screen goes blank most of the time whenever I open any application and then it comes back in few seconds and phone restarts automatically many times.
Please can you help me out about this issue?

# Answer
If this happens after an update you should do a factory reset from the recovery menu and clean your partition cache. Some malfunctions like this is expected in most of the devices after a system upgrade or firmware upgrade. It is always good to clean partition cache after every firmware update.

If you don't know how to perform a factory reset from the recovery menu and to clean partition cache just google it. You should back up all the needed data before factory reset because it will erase everything in your device.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: system-freeze, micromax-yu-yureka
---


# Question
Title: Black status bar icon on Marshmallow making it unreadable on dark wallpaper
Even though the title enunciates the problem, the question is about a solution or workaround to this behaviour.

As I have found, Marshmallow normally colors the status bar icons (Wi-Fi, Battery, Clock) on the launcher (home screens) by taking the colour of the topmost region of the wallpaper currently set and tinting the icons to a darker version of it.

This is all well and good if you have the sky there in your wallpaper, or something light-coloured; but if you have a night-time cityscape as your wallpaper, it colours the icons to be "Darker Than Black" (pun intended). So, magically, your Wi-Fi, Battery, Clock and everything else just disappears from the status bar. Only they haven't disappeared. Set a light wallpaper or a dark one with the top region light, and they're back.

I don't think that this is a problem with the launcher, as I use both Nova Prime and Google Now Launcher, and both have this problem. I also checked the System UI Tuner options for such settings relating to this tinting mechanism, and they're nonexistent (The settings there include what statusbar icons and quick settings tiles to show, battery icon customization, demo mode, and that's it).

I know of 3 possible workarounds to prevent this behaviour:

1. Disable Nova Launcher's transparent statusbar option under "Look and Feel", but I don't want to do that.
2. Use Xposed+FSCB (Flat Style Colored Bars) or similar. Well, Xposed on Lollipop 32-bit was unstable. Marshmallow ARM64? (I really have no idea, but I'm definitely not willing to take the risk.
3. This was a no-brainer. Use a light wallpaper. (Well, then I wouldn't have asked this question, would I?)

The question is: "Can I have the best of both worlds (i.e., my dark nighttime cityscapes as wallpapers and visible statusbar icons)?"

The solutions I'll prefer can involve root but not Xposed, and not 1 or 3 above. Also, it's preferable if the solution tints the icons to white on a dark wallpaper but preserves the stock behaviour otherwise, and doesn't affect apps other than the launcher, because my problem doesn't affect apps other than the launcher.

Background:

My HTC Nexus 9 16GB, Wi-Fi, flounder/volantis running Marshmallow 6.0.0 MRA58K rooted with TWRP 2.8.7.0 ElementalX 4.02

Some pictures:

Click images to enlarge

Light wallpaper:

Dark wallpaper:

Dark wallpaper with light top region (Whaat?):

What I want ( This is from my phone, same Nova Prime, 4.4.2, (Lollipop signal icons courtesy GravityBox KK)):

# Answer
> 6 votes
Based on reddit (and I have tested it myself), apparently it's a feature of Nova Launcher on Android 6.0 Marshmallow called "Dark icons". It seems it's enabled by default for existing users after updating the app (on my case, new installation will have to turn this setting on manually).

The setting can be checked on **Nova Settings - Look & feel - Dark icons**. Note that this is a new feature of Marshmallow, allowing an app to have black status icons for light status bar, and thus, the setting is only available on Marshmallow and above.

As for why it also affected Google Now Launcher, I actually have no idea, since I couldn't reproduce the issue on Nexus 5 running Marshmallow 6.0. Even if I leave the option enabled on Nova Launcher, changing the home setting (on **Settings - Home - Google Now Launcher**) and pressing "Home" button will revert the whole launcher to Google Now Launcher with its default white icon.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Based on @Andrew T.'s research, I understood that this isn't actually an issue with the system, rather it was a feature, "Dark Icons", that Nova Launcher only shows on and enables by default on Marshmallow, not on KitKat or lower (unsure about Lollipop).

The option on Marshmallow devices exists under Nova Settings → Look and Feel → Dark Icons (a switch). Disabling this made the icons go white everywhere, as normal.

I had no idea why this affected Google Now Launcher also, but disabling the option in Nova fixed it there too. The effect on Google Now Launcher made me think it was a system feature/bug, but I'll clarify this was not actually so. This was due to Nova Launcher and some unknown condition which made it affect both launchers. That reason might be system-specific. Thanks for everyone's help.

---
Tags: launcher, 6.0-marshmallow, notification-icons, color
---


# Question
Title: Are there any downsides to using a nandroid recovery?
A **nandroid backup** is designed to provide a backup for an Android device.

Are there any downsides to restoring a nandroid backup (besides losing any changes since the nandroid was created)?

In other words, as an experiment, let's say you take a perfectly functioning Android device *(yes, a mythical beast, but I digress...)*, then create a nandroid, and then immediately perform a restore from that nandroid. After the restore is finished, are you back exactly how things were before you performed the restore? Or are there subtle internal differences? Any affect on root?

# Answer
> 5 votes
A backup is a full device – so you could ask the same question about a full backup of your PC: After restoring the backup, you'd be at exactly the state the device was in when you performed that backup – all changes done between making the backup and restoring it are lost.

Reading between the lines of your question, you're rather asking how a Nandroid backup works or what its pros and cons are. There were some changes in the past years, and I don't know to which custom recoveries they apply (I can only speak for for long-term and for, say, the last year. So let me sum up:

### In the past …

* Nandroid backups were created as images
* there was one image per partition (relevant partitions only, of course)
* those image files were uncompressed 1:1 blockwise copies of the corresponding partitions

2012 example from my Motorola Milestone 2:

```
-r-xr-xr-x 1    8388608 Apr 29  2012 boot.img
-r-xr-xr-x 1      10560 Apr 29  2012 cache.img
-r-xr-xr-x 1  346287744 Apr 29  2012 data.img
-r--r--r-- 1        288 Apr 30  2012 local.prop
-r-xr-xr-x 1        132 Apr 29  2012 nandroid.md5
-r-xr-xr-x 1  301956864 Apr 29  2012 system.img

```

2010 example from my "good old" HTC Buzz:

```
-r-xr-xr-x 1    2883584 Okt 23  2010 boot.img
-r-xr-xr-x 1      12672 Okt 23  2010 cache.img
-r-xr-xr-x 1  112421760 Okt 23  2010 data.img
-r-xr-xr-x 1        222 Okt 23  2010 nandroid.md5
-r-xr-xr-x 1    4325376 Okt 23  2010 recovery.img
-r-xr-xr-x 1  213227520 Okt 23  2010 system.img

```

These two have been created by CWM. So you see, at least from 2010 to 2012 this was what Nandroid did.

As these were full disk images ("physical copies", 1:1 block-wise), restoring them of course meant all contents on the target lost and replaced by the backup, which was restored block-wise as well. Both above nandroids were created by CWM.

### Nowadays …

… things are a little different:

* Nandroid backups are mostly created as tarballs, i.e. logical copies of all files of a partition
* There's one tarball per (relevant) partition, often with the exception of `/boot` which remained an image copy
* those archives are uncompressed

2015 example from my LG P880, created by CWM as well:

```
-r-xr-xr-x 1   10485760 Mai 29 22:48 boot.img
-r-xr-xr-x 1          0 Mai 29 22:50 cache.ext4.tar
-r-xr-xr-x 1      23040 Mai 29 22:50 cache.ext4.tar.a
-r-xr-xr-x 1          0 Mai 29 22:49 data.ext4.tar
-r-xr-xr-x 1  650801664 Mai 29 22:50 data.ext4.tar.a
-r-xr-xr-x 1        390 Mai 29 22:52 nandroid.md5
-r-xr-xr-x 1   10485760 Mai 29 22:48 recovery.img
-r-xr-xr-x 1     136590 Mai 29 22:52 recovery.log
-r-xr-xr-x 1          0 Mai 29 22:48 system.ext4.tar
-r-xr-xr-x 1  947858944 Mai 29 22:49 system.ext4.tar.a

```

2015 example from my Motorola Milestone 2, this time done with TWRP:

```
-r--r--r-- 1  247035904 Sep  6 23:14 data.ext3.win
-r--r--r-- 1         48 Sep  6 23:14 data.ext3.win.md5
-r--r--r-- 1        104 Sep  6 23:39 _original_dir_name
-r--r--r-- 1     184842 Sep  6 23:14 recovery.log
-r--r--r-- 1  287747072 Sep  6 23:15 system.ext3.win
-r--r--r-- 1         50 Sep  6 23:14 system.ext3.win.md5

```

In both cases, we now have `.tar` files for normal partitions (don't ask me why TWRP names them `.win`), and disk images for `/boot` and `/recovery`. Note that TWRP forgot to backup these two partitions; I'd count that a bug, but specific to the build used here (I didn't decide to switch to TWRP, it simply came with the CyanogenMod ROM).

### Other notes

The original "physical copies" (aka "disk images") had a big advantage: if you accidentally deleted something from your device, you could use file-carving technologies on the Nandroid images to get it back (see our tag-wiki). This no longer works with tarballs. But tarballs can be restored even after partition resizing – while restoring an image file results in the same partition size (and fails if e.g. the partition got smaller). Also, switching to tar made the backups somehow "independent" from the file system – so you could back-up ext3 and restore to ext4 without having the partition put back to ext3.

On the other hand, there's one thing which got easier with tarballs: Looking inside them to retrieve a file or easily evaluate the structure on your PC. Not that I'd count this as a "big pro": with the correct tools (here: TestDisk) one can do the very same with images. It just takes a little longer, as *TestDisk* needs to investigate the structure (partition type, file system) before contents can be accessed.

As for restore, there should be almost no difference from the "users experience with results":

* restoring an image overwrites the entire partition, restoring each block as it was before (including "bad blocks")
* just unpacking a tarball wouldn't overwrite "new files", so this could result in a mess; I'm confident Nandroid takes care for this by wiping the target partition first
* another minimal pro of the tarballs: restoring such a Nandroid implicitly includes a "defrag", with files being written sequentially and without any delete in between ;)

My personal opinion is: Nandroids are backups. Backups are meant to be restored from in cases of emergency. Thus, while the Tar archieves have their conveniences, disk images are preferable – as one can use file-carving to even restore deleted stuff. But pros and cons are rather subjective.

### Verdict

Though there might be "subtle differences" (as e.g. the now "defrag'd" partitions if your Nandroid used tarballs), there are no differences the "normal user" should notice. As Nandroid backups always include the entire partition, everything gets backed up and such restored – including "root and his files".

---
Tags: backup, clockworkmod-recovery, restore, twrp, nandroid
---


title: Rumour About cyanogen mod

text:
# Question
Title: Rumour About cyanogen mod
Some of my friends have been saying that Cyanogen os is inferior to Oxygen os as three former is not 'upgradable' any more but the latter is.I don't know how much is true and what is true. Will anyone help me get things clarified?

# Answer
Both Cyanogen OS and Oxygen OS are skins layered on top of Android. For years, manufacturers of smartphones have put their own software on their phones in order to set their phone apart. Every skin has its pros and cons: OxygenOS bundles various apps like Swiftkey and MaxxAudio, Cyanogen OS bundles different sofware, like AudioFX and Privacy Guard.

I recommend you compare the two roms carefully, but there is no objective winner in my eyes.
> -3 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod
---


# Question
Title: Youtube 5 is always syncing on Android 2
since I updated my YouTube app from the pre-installed version to 5.5.30 on my Android (version 2.3.5, kernel 2.6) which is running on a Samsung GT I9003, YouTube tries to sync something all the time.

I'm logged in with a YouTube account an can play all the videos without problems. But, YouTube uses most of the battery and the sync icon is always there.

Forcing the app to stop with the task manager sometimes fixes this issue.

Removing the update fixes the problem, but the default version is not really nice.

Any help would be really appreciated!

# Answer
> -1 votes
You can also download version 4 of youtube from 3rd party sites. It's more powerful than default version and does not have sync issue.

---
Tags: sync, youtube
---


# Question
Title: is there a way to turn off the edge screen on the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge?
I don't think the edge screen is useful.

Often, its just causing unexpected things to trigger and run.

Can it be turned off?

# Answer
**No**, you can't turn it off.But you can set timeout for it as low as possible to turn it offf quickly. Settings \> Edge Screen \> Edge Screen Timeout
> 1 votes

# Answer
You can't exactly turn it off but b you can turn off all the edge screen features individually if you no longer need them
> -1 votes

---
Tags: samsung
---


title: Unable to remove malware

text:
# Question
Title: Unable to remove malware
I have android tablet and every time i open a browser, any browser, it automatically opens pages with ads or making me download things. Obviously the tablet got a malware but i am not able to remove it. I installed Avast, Avira, Malwarbites, CCleaner but none of them was able to remove this malware. Any other ideas how to get rid of this malware? Usually in which location the viruses for android resides? In Windows most of them are in Temp folder but i am not very familiar with android.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I reset the factory settings: **settings\>backup&reset\>factory data reset** and now the ads disappeared. I also checked "opt out of interest based ads" in google settings app.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Most of the malware removers for Android are of limited value because Android makes things run in their own little sectioned-off area of memory. Sometimes, a malicious app may slip through the protection or trick you into allowing it past. Unfortunately, the same setup that tries to block malicious apps also will prevent "good" apps from trying to fix it.

One of the easiest ways I can think of to force you to default to a malicious web page is either changing the browser's default web page or creating shortcuts on your home screen so that you think you're starting your browser but you're actually going straight to the malicious web site.

First of all, try launching the browser directly from the Apps menu (where you go to see all the apps installed). It may be that the malicious software created shortcuts on your home screen that look like browsers but aren't. If launching it from the Apps menu works normally then delete all the copies on your home page and drag the App from the menu to create a "fresh" one.

If that doesn't work then something may have changed all the browers' home pages. Go into the settings for each browser and look for an option to set your home page (there's a bunch of different terms: home page, default page, starting page. Look for something like that) and set it something innocuous like Google.

# Answer
> -3 votes
The spams and ads didn't just come out of nowhere. Many times it's the junk app that you have downloaded. Crappy apps produce spam, ad, makes your phone act up, lag, etc. Sounds like you have an app that produces needless ads. Go over what apps you have installed, and nit pick through them, and uninstall the app that you would think to be producing the ads. another best way to remove malware from an Android would be to, unsurprisingly, install a malware removal app. Just be sure to install a reputable one. How silly would it be if you accidentally installed malware while trying to install a malware remover? Here are some free ones that you may want to check out: 3 60 mobile security. Avg mobile security. It will surely help you if not then try this Back up all your pictures (and music and videos) to your Google account. Google+ is a great place to store your pictures, drop your videos in your YouTube account, and you can store up to 20,000 songs in your Google Play Music account. Utilize this free space Google gives you, even if it's just to store a few things while you pour digital bleach on everything.

Take the SD card out of your phone if it has one. Visit a computer and wipe and repartition it using the built-in software for disk management. Don't save anything — you need to be brutal to make sure anything nasty gets nuked. But first try Checking your app list. Then use tool if that's not helping.

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Tags: malware, antivirus
---


# Question
Title: Do I lose my data if i factory reset my phone?
If I factory reset my phone, how long will it take for my data to set itself back up? And if it doesn't, have I lost my data?

# Answer
Factory reset will wipe everything in your device and your device will be as when you bought it. You should always backup your data before factory reset if you need it for after use.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Your data does not set itself back up, factory resets remove everything on the phone memory so you should back up your data before you do a factory reset then copy it back to the phone after the reset is completed.
> 0 votes

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Tags: mobile-data
---


# Question
Title: where are my downloaded google play apps? i cannot find them in apps on my surface
I have downloaded several apps from google play on my surface but they are no where to be found. I have tried search and poked around download files but nothing. Should it really be this hard? Seems ridiculous.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Google Play doesn't download .apk files to your phone but install the application. If you want to find the base.apk though you can find it in:

`/data/app/app.package.name`

however, it is off-limits to a non-root user. Your stock File Manager app won't let you browse that partition and third party browsers will return *Access Denied* when try to reach `/data` partition as non-root.

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


# Question
Title: Am having multiple issues with Android 4.4.2 tablet
This is a fairly new tablet. First, I couldn't get page reload to stop coming up while using Chrome and stock (google) keyboard. The manufacturer, Prestige, advised me to use the stock browser because Google was having issues with its products working together. I did, but then the keyboard would not come up consistently, especially in email or Web forms where multiple entries were required. I was advised by the manufacturer to go to SwiftKey keyboard, and all was basically working well, until I started having some of the same problems. I changed to Opera browser, and am still having same problems. I have been to the support and knowledge base sites for all problems, but can't find answers that apply or even address some problems, and I've been looking through here for a couple of hours now. At one point, I did a hard factory reset, and have cleared data multiple times on Chrome, Google, SwiftKey, and stock browser. Nothing works for long, if at all. Thank you for any help.

# Answer
> 0 votes
It is probably an issue with the dictionary. It probably has a lot of words in it and is taking time to load before the keyboard is displayed. Clear the dictionary or back it up if possible.

---
Tags: browser, chrome-for-android, google, swiftkey
---


# Question
Title: Why are all my websites suddenly loaded in desktop mode?
A little while ago my YouTube wasn't working on Chrome on Android tablets, so I hit "Request desktop" and the videos were working fine. But about a month later, Chrome started loading all of my websites in desktop mode, even the search results.

I want all my sites to load in mobile except for YouTube. I don't know why it started happening and I have no idea how to fix it. Please help!

# Answer
> -3 votes
If you are using Chrome, tap on the right side menu icon and uncheck Request Desktop Site.

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Tags: chrome-for-android
---


# Question
Title: stuck on bootloop due to installed xposed framework
i recently installed xposed framework on my X-TIGI A5 china smartphone and on restart got into a bootloop,i have tried on the custom recovery but it seems that my device does not have either twrp or cwmr..anyone help me restore my device??

# Answer
> -2 votes
You could try formatting your phone in stock recovery even if you don't have any custom recovery such as TWRP or CWM installed.

---
Tags: cyanogenmod
---


# Question
Title: How to get permission for directly writing files to SD card from a PC
I need to manage my Android's files from PC with my mouse and keyboard, instead of do it on 5" and 7" touch screens. I did many tries with Google, but all options lead me to only one way:

1. From the PC, write the file to internal storage, (ex: Xender)
2. From Android, using an Android file manager (for example, ES File Explorer) to cut & paste the files to folders I want on the SD card.

The question is: **"How do I set permissions to directly write to the SD card from a PC?"**

I'm using Samsung Core Prime with Android 4.4.x (KitKat) and my PC's OS is Windows 7 64-bit.

Update: I want to do it through Wi-Fi whenever I need instead of using a USB cable. Below is a screenshot for clarifying my question:

Update:

Not only Xender, even ES Explorer can not write to extSDcard. Screenshot from my phone:

# Answer
> 1 votes
Here is the solution: http://shareit.lenovo.com/

1. install ShareIt on Phone.
2. Install ShareIt on PC

Open ShareIt PC, choose "Connect to phone"
Open ShareIt on Android, choose "Connect to PC"
Enjoy.
The app support "Play to PC", "PPT control", "Remote view" and, **most important**, it support to get LARGE file from PC then save directly on extSDcard.

# Answer
> 2 votes
@LongTTH

First of all, I'm not on Kitkat, but on Lollipop, just in case...

You can copy files from you PC to your phone through Xender, it works perfectly.

But first you must get rid of the annoying message in web.xender.com (that you are showing in your picture).

In fact you must do the authorisation process in Xender ON YOUR PHONE, you can't do it in your PC's browser.

* To do this, simply launch Xender on your phone, and go to Settings.
* Then in the first Menu, set the destination to SD Card. It will ask you to choose which Folder you want to point at.
* Simply choose SD Card, so all subfolders will be then authorized to work with Xender.

And voilà, you can now copy files directly from your PC to your SD Card, through Wifi and without any cable connection, and it's blazingly fast :-)

---
Tags: windows, file-transfer, file-management, android-pc
---


title: Missing modem.bin from stock rom

text:
# Question
Title: Missing modem.bin from stock rom
Since I have trouble with reception on my Samsung S4 Mini, I followed this post to upgrade my Modem/baseband Firmware. So I downloaded two firmwares from Sammobile:

I9195XXUCNK1 - Latest for Norway (Telenor)

I9195XXUCOD3 - Latest for Nordic Countries

However, in those .tar.md5-files, there were a *NON-HLOS.bin* file, but no *modem.bin*? Isn't *modem.bin* required, or is it somewhere else (in another file in the archive)?

# Answer
In short: Yes, for the Samsung S4 Mini LTE (i9195), the *NON-HLOS.bin* is the modem.

To flash it with Heimdall, these are the correct steps:

* Extract the NON-HLOS.bin from the tar archive
* Connect the phone and PC
* Reboot into Download Mode using (Vol Down plus Home button combi)
* In a terminal, navigate to the folder with your modem file (NON-HLOS.bin)
* Run `heimdall flash --MODEM NON-HLOS.bin --no-reboot` from a terminal
* Reboot once again into Download Mode using (Vol Down plus Home button combi)
* Run `heimdall flash --MODEM NON-HLOS.bin --no-reboot` from a terminal
* Once done, unplug then reboot device manually.

Source: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=49395354&postcount=105
> 3 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-4-mini, radio-firmware
---


# Question
Title: How to turn off Radio Signal via adb without airplane mode?
As I'm trying to make a script to restart radio signal and I'm not using usb cable for adb, I need to turn off my mobile signal WITHOUT using airplane (because I'm using Wifi Hotspot and Wifi ADB).

Is there a solution for that? I have root and wifi adb running smoothly... and I have seen some solution as disabling mobile data and so on but this is not enough for me. My carrier sometimes stop providing me mobile connection and the only way to get active mobile data is to restart the radio signal (just as I'd do if I type *#*#4636\*#\*# and press the "turn off/on radio" button).

Also if possible, after turning off radio signal, I'd need to wait +- 10 seconds before going on again (I suppose the command for that is sleep 10).

Thanks :D

PS: Android Lollipop 5.1.1 (Xperia Z1)

# Answer
> 3 votes
> I need to turn off my mobile signal WITHOUT using airplane (because I'm using Wifi Hotspot and Wifi ADB).

You can configure your device to not stop Wi-Fi (Hotspot includes) when activating Airplane mode.

(**Note:** I tested the solution in Android 4.2.1, 4.4.2, 5.0.2 and 5.1.1.)

The radios that are supposed to be turned off when Airplane mode gets enabled are saved in the key `airplane_mode_radios` under the table `global` inside `/data/data/com.android.settings/databases/settings.db` (**Settings Storage** app's database).

Set up in PC, enable USB debugging in device, connect it into PC, launch a shell and enter either one of the command

```
adb shell settings get global airplane_mode_radios
adb shell content query --uri content://settings/global  --projection name:value --where "name='airplane_mode_radios'"

```

(See usage of *settings* and *content* command using *adb shell settings* and *adb shell content*)

Given the command you executed you would see something like (either one of the result):

```
cell,bluetooth,wifi,nfc,wimax
Row: 0 name=airplane_mode_radios, value=cell,bluetooth,wifi,nfc,wimax

```

You can choose to remove `wifi` from the value to achieve the final objective.

Enter any one of the commands:

```
adb shell settings put global airplane_mode_radios  "cell,bluetooth,nfc,wimax"
adb shell content update --uri content://settings/global --bind value:s:'cell,bluetooth,nfc,wimax' --where "name='airplane_mode_radios'"

```

**Note:** Do not copy-paste. Note the string that you got in the first output. Then remove `wifi,` from it and then pass the resultant between the double quotes `""` the way I've shown above.

Now you can turn on the Wi-Fi/Hotspot followed by the Airplane mode. Your Wi-Fi/Hotspot wouldn't turn off.

The need for using ADB was meant for once only. If you decide to stop Wi-Fi when Airplane mode becomes active then simply add `wifi` in that key's value.

Answer originally written for Possible to turn on Airplane mode with WiFi on only?

---
Tags: adb, wifi-hotspot, mobile-data, wifi-tethering
---


# Question
Title: How to convert/encrypt WhatsApp .sqlite to .db.crypt8?
I have aa WhatsApp ChatStorage.sqlite file which was taken from an iPhone backup, and I don't exactly understand the structure of the data inside the database, but it's clearly not encrypted. I want to use this file to "restore" the messages it contains into a newer Android phone. From what I know the current format WhatsApp uses to store message databases is .db.crypt8 which I assume is the same SQLite DB, only encrypted (but I may be wrong). WhatsApp (2.12.317) on Android (5.0) doesn't seem to "recognize" the plain .sqlite file as a backed up DB on first setup. Is there a way to make it accept the file as a message backup? Can I somehow encrypt the DB file in the format it is expecting to receive?

# Answer
Ok... at home now.

Don't know if you run unix variant or something else... That doesn't really but all these scripts have been run under Linux.

# create iphone backup (http://libimobiledevice.org)

idevicebackup2 backup

# Reading the backup

git clone https://github.com/PicciMario/iPhone-Backup-Analyzer-2
make build

# then modify main.py on line 1449

-database = sqlite3.connect(':memory:') # Create a database file in memory
+database = sqlite3.connect('/tmp/md.db') # Create a database file in memory

# then just start program and let it parse Manifest.mbdb of the iphone backup

python2.7 main.py

# parse /tmp/md.db and extract names of whatsapp files and media

sqlite3 /tmp/md.db
SQLite version 3.8.10.2 2015-05-20 18:17:19
Enter ".help" for usage hints.
sqlite\> .mode csv
sqlite\> .separator | \n
sqlite\> .output files2.csv
sqlite\> .headers on
sqlite\> select fileid,domain\_type,domain,file\_path,file\_name from indice where domain = "net.whatsapp.WhatsApp" AND domain\_type = "AppDomain";
sqlite\> .out stdout
sqlite\> .quit

# copy files and correct their names (just replace with your UUID):

foreach i (`cat files2.csv | grep Library/Media/ | grep '""' | sed "s/|\"\".\+$//g" | cut -d "|" -f 2- | sed "s/|/\//g"`);do;mkdir -p /tmp/extracted/$i;done

foreach i (`cat files2.csv | grep Library/Media/ | grep -v '""' | sed "s/|/\//g" | sed "s/\/AppDomain/|AppDomain/"`);do;src=`echo $i | cut -d "|" -f 1`;dst=`echo $i | cut -d "|" -f 2 | sed "s/.$//g"` ; cp -v /Path/to/iphone/backup/UUID/0ef862e6faede9b72c75b948f8b5c9663921e796/$src /tmp/extracted/$dst;done

cp 0ef862e6faede9b72c75b948f8b5c9663921e796/ec50dd986a0f35953e40f6ca9602ad78173e254f /tmp/extracted/Contacts.sqlite

cp 0ef862e6faede9b72c75b948f8b5c9663921e796/7c7fba66680ef796b916b067077cc246adacf01d /tmp/extracted/ChatStorage.sqlite

# Now you have your whatsapp media and ChatStorage.sqlite

# install adb (from Android-sdk-update-manager) http://developer.android.com/sdk/

# On android install WhatsApp, become debugger and enable usb debugging. Setup WhatsApp and send at least one message and click backup in whatsapp. Download Legacy whatsapp and possibly also current one:

links https://github.com/AbinashBishoyi/WhatsApp-Key-DB-Extractor-UnOfficial/
wget 'http://www.whatsapp.com/android/current/WhatsApp.apk'

adb install -r -d LegacyWhatsApp.apk

# backup whatsapp (http://www.digitalinternals.com/security/).

# This is the only phase the legacy version needs to be installed:

adb backup -f whatsapp.ab -noapk com.whatsapp

# Extract key (http://www.digitalinternals.com/security/decrypt-whatsapp-crypt8-database-messages/419/):

dd if=whatsapp.ab bs=4096 skip=24 iflag=skip\_bytes | openssl zlib -d \> whatsapp.tar
tar xvf whatsapp.tar apps/com.whatsapp/db/msgstore.db apps/com.whatsapp/f/key k=$(hexdump -ve '2/1 "%02x"' apps/com.whatsapp/f/key | cut -b 253-316)

# Pull whatsapp message backup

adb pull /sdcard/WhatsApp/Database/msgstore.db.crypt8 msgstore.db.crypt8

# decrypt:

iv=$(hexdump -n 67 -ve '2/1 "%02x"' msgstore.db.crypt8 | cut -b 103-134);dd if=msgstore.db.crypt8 bs=4096 skip=67 iflag=skip\_bytes | openssl enc -aes-256-cbc -d -nosalt -bufsize 16384 -K $k -iv $iv | gunzip \> msgstore.db

# merge databases (https://gist.github.com/paracycle/6107205). The script provided here is not complete and trou reading multiple forensicsites I now know how to modify, to get your media also... but that is work in progress

# Anyways:

sqlite3 -init ../convert.sql ../merged.db

# encrypt:

dd if=msgstore.db.crypt8 iflag=count\_bytes count=67 of=msgstore.db.crypt8; cat merged.db | gzip -5 |openssl enc -aes-256-cbc -e -nosalt -bufsize 16384 -K $k -iv $iv | dd of=msgstore.db.crypt8 bs=4096 seek=67 oflag=seek\_bytes conv=notrunc

# Push new backup:

adb push msgstore.db.crypt8 /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases/

# Push current version back to android and start whatsapp to read the backup:

adb install -r -d WhatsApp.apk
> 3 votes

# Answer
Well I've been doing the same thing for 2 days. It was relative simple. I have still not figured out how to include media.

Software you need:

Openssl Adb (android debug bridge) Sqlite3 legacy version whatsapp +common unix tools

The work flow is like this:

Extract all media from iPhone backup. Filenames are hashed and indexes are in Manifest.mbdb and can be ten just copyed to right locations. With adb install legacy version of WhatsApp and retrieve key from android with adb backup. Uninstall legacy whatsapp. With adb download msgstore.db.crypt8 from android. Strip header and iv and decrypt with key and iv using openssl. Then gunzip and you have the msgstore.db

Merge msgstore.db with chatstorage.sqlite with standard SQL commands.

Gzip and encrypt msgstore.db using the same key and any iv. Store the header + the iv and the encrypted data in a file concatenated together and named msgstore.db.crypt8. Move the file to android /sdcard/WhatsApp/Database/ with adb and install WhatsApp.

I can I've you the sources but not at home rigth now.. So will do it later...
> 0 votes

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Tags: whatsapp-messenger, sqlite
---


# Question
Title: Combine/merge/concatenate/unsplit long SMS/text messages?
I've Googled and searched the market and can't believe there's no such app. Maybe some other SMS management app has this simple function, to unsplit messages longer than the 160-character limit that were broken into more than one part? Handcent and GO SMS Pro don't mention it.

For some reason (see the answers posted before Feb 17, 2013) people don't quite seem to "get" the problem. Here's a screenshot:

For whatever reason (incompatibilities between carriers in following the Concatenated SMS protocol etc.), I receive messages split in parts of \<160 characters. What I'm looking for is a very simple app that would let me select two messages and join them into one, specifying which should be first.

SMSes are stored in a SQLite database, and it would be pretty trivial to append to one field the the contents of a few other fields based on a drag-and-drop interface. I'd code it, but I'm not experienced with Android development, and others could make such an app far faster.

I posted a request on xda-developers but the bozo admin there moved it and nothing happened.

# Answer
> 4 votes
SMS message concatenation seems to be a function of your phone's network technology (CDMA/GSM), the SMS application's support for the standard, and the message's origination/destination carrier combination.

Some carriers don't like long messages (over 160 characters) coming from other carriers and will not allow the correct message headers through to your phone, meaning your phone can't piece things together. A quick pulse of opinion on the issue also seems to indicate that CDMA networks are worse at transmitting concatenated messages, although the facts look to lean more toward the idea that CDMA was just behind the standards adoption curve. Your phone, of course, also has to know what to do with a long message when it sees one; mileage will vary.

Personally, when my dinc was stock it was very obviously up to Verizon to decide to give me a long message in one big piece - long messages from friends on other carriers were the only ones not concatenated. Now that I'm on MIUI the built-in SMS app seems to do better at it, but I don't text like I used to so I can't say for sure. I recommend trying various SMS apps, but you may be stuck under forces you can't control.

**tl;dr - Many factors play into how long SMS messages are displayed on your phone.**

(Info gathered from Wikipedia, research, blogs, and forum posts, among other places)

# Answer
> 1 votes
I've encountered similar problem and thought I might share my solution with the others who are having trouble with split messages. Maybe it's not the easiest and most "user friendly" workaround but it worked for me. Mind you that I've repaired (?) like this only about 40-50 messages - I wouldn't recommend my way for bigger amounts of SMS.

My solution:

1. Download SMS Editor app by Ray Y (big THANKS for the author!)
2. Find each split/corrupted SMS and by simple copy-paste and deleting chosen messages you should be able to put thing back in the order.

Hope this helps!

# Answer
> -1 votes
I am confused what you are looking for. SMS messages are no longer then 160 characters. If you type a message longer then that, SMS apps, like the "core" sms app, or handcent show then like they are 1 message, but, in the background, they are still sent as multiple messages.

If you send a message that is 170 characters, you are sending 2 SMS messages. One that is 160, and one that is 10.

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Tags: sms
---


# Question
Title: Make the photos taken by Android Camera app and Google Camera app smaller when created?
The photos taken by either Android Camera app or Google Camera app are too large when created. Is it possible to change some settings in the two apps to make the photos smaller when created? Thanks.

# Answer
> 2 votes
For the Google Camera app:

1. Drag from the left screen edge to show the menu
2. Select the settings "gear" icon in the lower right
3. Select "resolution & quality"
4. Select which camera you want to change the resolution and select a smaller size

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Tags: camera, google-camera
---


# Question
Title: How to change lock screen due to VPN settings
I just faced this problem.. i turned on my VPN last night and a pop up told me to change my lockscreen settings to either password or fingerprint (I'm using Samsung Galaxy Note 4), so i did. Ever since that, I cant change my lock screen settings back to none.. i have tried deleting all my VPN. I have tried to choose the Clear Credentials option but its grayed out. I have tried entering my google account at the forgot password section on the lockscreen but it shows that i had entered incorrect username or password (but I'm sure of my google account email and password). So what else can i do?

# Answer
Are you using Android for Work? Try this:

1. Go to Settings \> Security \> Device administrators
2. Deactivate the entry that has installed security policies
3. Now go back and see if you can change your screen lock settings
> 0 votes

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Tags: lock-screens, vpn
---


# Question
Title: I lost my option to use a key that allows me to speak my text or emails
I have a samsung galaxy s5 - my email and text keyboard has dropped the key that allows me to speak my text and I can't find a way to get it back.

# Answer
I don't have access to a Galaxy S5, but one possibility is that you have somehow disabled the voice input method, typically Google voice typing is provided as the default.

Try going to Settings \> Language & input, and check whether the Google voice typing input method is disabled and if it is, enable it and try again.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: keyboard
---


# Question
Title: Nexus 7 tablet won't show files when connected to pc
Having read several threads, let me endeavour to outline the problem.

My computer: laptop running Win 7-64 bit
Tablet: Nexus 7 with latest update (which seems to have caused the problem)

Attempted solutions:
Uninstall the driver
* done this twice
* there are five driver files
* WpdMtpDr.dll (c:\windows\system32\drivers\umdf)
* winsub.sys (c:\windows\system32\drivers)
* wudfrd.sys (c:\windows\system32\drivers)
* WpdMtp.dll (c:\windows\system32)
* WpdMtpUS.dll (c:\windows\system32)
* attempting to delete the file winsub.sys results in a message saying permission is required from TrustedInstaller. I don't know what that is, nor how to get permission. So, while I have been able to uninstall the driver, I have not been able to delete it.

NOTE: wpdusb.sys is designated as obsolete by Microsoft

Restart the devices
* first thing tried - to no avail

Use different cables
* done - no effect

Connect through different USB ports
* done - no effect

Change the Storage and USB settings on the tablet
* accessing the menu in the upper right corner only gives "Help and Feedback" as an option. There's nothing about MTP (whatever that is)

Yell, scream and swear
* done - gave me a headache

The device worked properly before the last system update for the Nexus tablet. The device now connects to the PC, and is recognised as being connected. It simply does not display any files.

I am an author and use my tablet extensively for writing. It is important for me to be able to connect the tablet to the computer and move files between the two. Please do not suggest work-around solutions such as Drive or Dropbox. I prefer to have devices that work properly.

Thank you for taking time to read this through and consider the problem. Please let me know if there is additional information that would be useful. Also, please be aware that I am not a developer and do not understand the jargon or shortcuts used by developers. Please be explicit when suggesting a resolution.

# Answer
Connect your Nexus 7 to the PC, then on the android screen swipe down the icons from the top left side of the screen. One of the boxes shown will say "USB for Charging". Tap that box and select "Transfer files (MTP)". Now your Nexus files will show up on the PC as they used to do before the upgrade.

BTW, you have to do this every time you connect to the PC.
> 2 votes

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Tags: nexus-7
---


# Question
Title: How do I set Google Photos to ignore videos?
I only want to back up photos and not videos.

# Answer
> 2 votes
In the official Google Photos app, you can't disable backup of videos per se, but you can exclude folders having videos from being backed up. That can be done like this:

1. In the "Device Storage" view (accessible from the swipe-in sidebar), look for the "cloud" icon to the right of the folder name.
2. If the Cloud icon is blue with an up arrow on it, backup of that folder is enabled. Tap on the icon to disable backup for that folder.
3. The Cloud icon should now become white with a slash through it. Congratulations! Backup of a folder has been disabled successfully.
4. It might happen that your videos are intermixed with your photos, especially if they have been shot on your camera. Move the videos to a separate folder using a file manager app, usually "Videos", and disable backup for that folder from the "Device Storage" view.

This will disable Google Auto-Backup for the selected folders only, leaving the rest unaffected.

Click on image to enlarge

Image Credits @ mobilesiri.com

---
Tags: google-plus-photos, google-photos
---


# Question
Title: Local media players won't play audio on movies
I have a generic Android set top box. It works fine mostly, except it won't play audio for .avi, .mkv, mp4, etc. files. I can successfully hear audio on movies via NetFlix and YouTube, but if I download a movie, there's no audio.

I have tried multiple media players, including MX Player and VLC but neither works.

I haven't knowingly changed something to cause this. Any ideas what it could be?

# Answer
Android, MX Player, VLC do not have full codec compatibility due to licensing problems. I think the audio on your movies is an `ac3` or `dts` codec which is a 5.1 audio system, so it doesn't play natively on Android because Android uses 2.0 stereo. As I said, it can't be played natively, but there is a codec for MX Player that can play such audio formats. Follow those steps :

1. Go to this thread on XDA
2. Download the codec that matches your device's processor type (if you don't know which one to choose, search for an app called **Phone Info** on the Play Store. It will give you your device's type. Download the right codec)
3. Put the downloaded zip somewhere on your device. Example: `/sdcard/download/codec_arm_V7_neon`
4. Open MX Player and go to Setting \> Decoder. Scroll all the way down and click Custom Codec, navigate to the downloaded zip location, and choose it
5. You may be asked to close and then reopen the MX Player, do so
6. You are good to go. Now your device can read AC3 and DTS sound format
> 0 votes

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Tags: audio, media-player
---


# Question
Title: Factory reset on merged storage - Shall I lose my data
As we know, merged storage (that is, an internal SD card partition emulated by FUSE in the data partition (`/data/media/0``/storage/emulated/0`) is a common thing to be found on recent devices running Kitkat and higher. Now, since this is my internal storage and contains all app and non-app data, will doing a factory reset be true to its name and wipe all of `/cache` and `/data`, including `/data/media`? Or, will it be considerate and keep the things under `/data/media`?

Note: I am asking this question to clarify a doubt and because I am not willing to do a factory reset to check this on my Nexus 9, which is the only device I have which has merged storage; but note that I asked this question for all devices with merged storage in general, which implies *most stock devices with stock Android recovery on Android 4.4 and up*. Please do not take the question *just in context of Nexus devices*. To prevent the question from being considered too broad, here are the constraints:

1. The device must have a standard processor (Snapdragon)
2. It must be AOSP stock. No OEM customized ROMs (Touchwiz, ZenUI, ColorOS) needs to be considered.
3. Devices are not rooted and have stock AOSP recovery.
4. AOSP version can be considered for 4.4.4 and 5.0 to 5.1 .
5. It must have merged storage.

(An answer relating to Motorola Moto devices and the Nexus 5 & 9 will be enough)

P.S. : I know that TWRP preserves `/data/media` while doing a wipe of `/data` and `/cache`, but I am referring here only to the stock recovery's behaviour in case of a factory reset.

# Answer
According to the article Reset your Nexus device to factory settings (Nexus 5 and Nexus 9 listed too) by Google,

> By performing a factory data reset, all data will be erased from the device. While any data stored in your Google Account will be restored, all apps and their associated data will be uninstalled. Make sure you **back up your data** before you do a factory data reset.

The testimony of a Nexus 4 owner, coupled with supporting arguments from other Reddit users confirms that factory data reset will nuke everything.

As per AndroidPIT on How to factory reset the Nexus 5 for better performance

> Since the release of Android 4.4, the ‘factory data reset’ option (accessible in the settings menu) performs the same job as a ‘hard’ reset. All of your user files, apps, etc will be deleted and your device will revert to a factory fresh state.

Their hard reset is not our but our using mode.

Guide To Perform Hard Reset Android HTC Nexus 9 on *guidebelajar* blog (has useful screenshots) confirms that factory data reset for Nexus 9 would also remove every user file created or moved into the device.

---

As per the article How do I reset my phone? by Motorola

* if you decide to factory data reset using Settings app, you would be given a choice to erase media (files under `/data/media/` such as music, videos, pictures),
* should you decide to boot into recovery mode, everything would be deleted

The information is also valid for Moto G (1st Gen, 2nd Gen, 3rd Gen) family of devices.

<sub>(That's all for now)</sub>
> 2 votes

---
Tags: factory-reset, data-recovery
---


# Question
Title: How do I switch to ART runtime on my Samsung Galaxy S4?
I have Galaxy S4 and I'm trying to find the menu to switch to ART runtime, but I can't find it. The Android version is KitKat 4.4.2. Does Samsung disable this feature?

# Answer
> 4 votes
ART is not in the GS4 Developer Options. It's not compatible with the TouchWiz UI, so it was left off the GS4 update.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Go to settings \> about phone \> press build number / kernel version 7 times \> back to settings and you find developer options \> developer options \> Runtime \> ART \> ok. That works for me.

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, samsung-galaxy-s-4, art
---


# Question
Title: Which charging cable should I use? Short or long, and why?
I have a 7" Android RCA VoyagerII tablet. The instructions say I must use the very short cord charger that came with it and not even try anything else. Is this true or can I use a regular long corded phone wall charger that matches the connector?

# Answer
> 2 votes
Why the OEM is advising you is to use the charging cable that was supplied since

1. Shorter cables are normally thicker and offer less resistance
2. Impedance of the cable is matched to the charger

On the other hand, longer cables are generally thinner and offer more resistance for charging current and takes longer to charge, besides the impedance mis-match at phone and charger ends for charging to happen as rated.

You can measure the current output of OEM cable using apps like Ampere and 3C Battery Monitoring Widget

Do stick with OEM recommendations, unless you find a long cable that matches same performance as cable supplied.

**Edit:** For a detailed explanation which answers "why short cables are better and how to select a USB cable", see my answer How to choose micro USB cable for my device?. I believe that would fully equip you in making a right choice

---
Tags: charging, rca-voyager-ii
---


# Question
Title: How much disk space (GB) does Android 5.0 OS take up? Is "System memory" the OS? Is 5.5GB typical? Can I free any of it?
I've been a proud owner of an Android for all of ~6 hours now. I just upgraded from my dumb phone, to a smart phone, for the first time ever, this afternoon. I know, a little later than most...

I have a 16GB Samsung Galaxy S5 from Verizon.
Phone Name: SAMSUNG-SM-G900V
Model Number: SM-G900V
Android Version: 5.0
Kernel Version: 3.4.0
etc etc...

I put in a 16GB micro SD card, turned it on, configured it, installed a half-dozen apps, took two pictures, moved over all eligible apps to the SD card (via Settings --\> Applications --\> Application manager --\> SD card menu), then I looked at the memory usage.

Settings --\> Storage shows only 7.13GB free on the internal memory, out of 16GB. This seems pretty shocking to me. The only things that stand out are: Applications, 2.45GB (ok, I suppose I understand that...), and "Miscellaneous Files", 5.47GB. **Of the Misc. Files, 5.46GB is "System memory."<br>What exactly is "System memory?" Is this the Android 5.0 OS? Is it normal to be this large?** (I would have expected the OS to be more like ~2GB, and certainly \< 4GB). **Is any of it space I can free up?**

With normal usage, installing another couple dozen apps over the next couple yrs, and trying to store all photos externally on the SD card, do any of you foresee me running out of memory really soon?

Thanks for any insight.

PS. Here is the info exported from the DiskInfo App, per the request in the comments.

---

## Internal Storage (MMC)

* System \[mmcblk0p23\] (/system) \[ext4\] Used: 2.5 GB, Free: 455 MB, Total space: 2.9 GB
* Cache \[mmcblk0p24\] (/cache) \[ext4\] Used: 32.6 MB, Free: 991 MB, Total space: 1 GB
* Data (userdata) \[mmcblk0p26\] (/data) \[ext4\] Used: 4.6 GB, Free: 5.9 GB, Total space: 10.6 GB

## SD Card

* External SD \[mmcblk1p1\] (/mnt/media\_rw/extSdCard, /storage/extSdCard) \[vfat\] Used: 204 MB, Free: 14.5 GB, Total space: 14.7 GB

## Memory

* RAM Used: 1.3 GB, Free: 421 MB, Total space: 1.7 GB
* Swap Used: 966 MB, Free: 313 MB, Total space: 1.2 GB

# Answer
> 3 votes
Firelord gave me the tools to answer my own question, by asking me to post a screenshot of DiskInfo, which I have now added below my question. Corrections (if any) to my answer here are welcome.

Looking at my DiskInfo, according to my understanding of Linux, I'll make the following deductions:

Android 5.0 (ignoring the SD card) consists of the following 4 partitions:
1. mmcblk0p23, for System, 2.9GB
2. mmcblk0p24, for Cache, 1.0GB
3. mmcblk0p26, for Data (userdata, incl Apps), 10.6GB
4. Swap, 1.2GB (equivalent to the Windows "virtual memory" file, for instance)

Partitions 1, 2, and 4 must be what comprise "System Memory," which is what I asked about in my question. Their sum is 2.9 + 1.0 + 1.2 = 5.1GB My "System Memory" however is 5.46GB. Why the 0.36GB difference?\* I'm not exactly sure, but I've answered my question essentially: Android 5.0 is **5.1GB** if you use these "default" partition sizes.

**Answer (thanks to @user1958698 below): Android uses true, base-2 memory size, where 1 GB = 1024^3 = 1073741824 bytes, whereas DiskInfo uses the rounded off base-10 memory size, where 1 GB = 1000000000 bytes. The ratio is 1073741824/1000000000 = 1.074. DiskInfo's sum (base 10) is 5.1, so multiply by 1.074 to get the base-2 equivalent, and we have 5.1 GB x 1.074 = ~5.48 GB, which is almost the same as the 5.46GB of "System memory" reported by the Android Storage settings. Now, the minor discrepancy between 5.46GB and 5.48GB must certainly be due to some rounding error in the initial 5.1GB value reported by DiskInfo.*

Can it be shrunk? Sure, you could shrink Swap, and and shrink System by \<455mB, but it's prob. not worth it. Shrinking Swap could reduce performance, and shrinking System could require expanding it again the first time there's an upgrade.

**Update, 13 May 2016:**

FYI, I've now run out of internal storage memory for apps, and I *have* cleared all the cache. It turns out the 16GB version of the phone is NOT big enough for my needs. I will now figure out how to get apps to install onto the SD card by default, so I can free up internal space. This will probably require repartitioning the SD card, using gparted on a Linux computer, and/or rooting the phone. We shall see.

**Nevertheless, here is a key piece of information for Android 5.0 users: once you get down to \<*~600MB* free space on internal storage, you will no longer be able to sync gmail, update apps, or install new apps. You will instead consistently get an error that says, "Insufficient storage available."** Therefore, ~600MB seems to be the magic amount of free internal storage that *must be available* for stable operation of the phone. Note: for some small apps, I was able to get down to 200~300MB free and still update them, but to update my bigger apps, like Facebook, gmail, Google Photos, etc, I had to free up to ~640MB or so before they would update.

# Answer
> 3 votes
I know this is a bit old, but I thought I would add my 2 cents on the discrepancy between what DiskInfo says and what Android says (the 0.36 GB)

but my guess is that DiskInfo is representing sizes in Base 2 GB notation (1073741824 bytes/GB) and the Android UI is displaying in Base 10 notation (1000000000 bytes/GB)

5.1 * 1.073741824 ~= 5.476. With rounding errors factored in it should put you right at the 5.46 Android shows

# Answer
> 1 votes
Looking at my 32gb Nexus 5, it says that I have 26.8gb total space, so about 5gb sounds right. Samsung is also know for having a lot of bloatware on their OS which could be taking up some space.

To my knowledge the only ways to free up space from the Samsung apps would require you to root your phone.

In terms of running out of memory, it really depends how much you use it. If you keep all your media (music, photos etc.) on your SD card and download a modest amount of apps, 7gb should be plenty. If not I usually find I have a lot of apps on my phone that I never use anyway so you could delete those if it comes to that.

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop, internal-storage, sd-card, operating-system
---


title: How to block private numbers

text:
# Question
Title: How to block private numbers
I am getting way to many calls from marketers these days. I have listed my number on no call list and they still keep calling. Most of the time I can't be bothered to report everyone.

**How to block callers from private numbers that are hiding their Id?**

# Answer
> 5 votes
On Android version 5.1.1 (Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge)
One way to do it is go to `Phone` (like you would make a call) then click on the `More` in top right of the screen and choose `Settings` then `Call Settings > Call rejection > Auto reject list` and select the "**Unknown**" option.

Hope this saves you some time.

---
Tags: call-screening
---


title: Redirect wi-fi to a proxy

text:
# Question
Title: Redirect wi-fi to a proxy
i have a such following LAN: there is a PC that running proxy server on it. My Android phone is on that line. my wi-fi hotspot is on. i want to redirect my wi-fi to proxy? is it possible? my phone is: Android 4.4 Samsung Galaxy S4 mini

# Answer
Each Wi-Fi network has settings in it. There's an "Advanced settings" option there ( I can't say how exactly it's called on 4.4 as I have only 5.x devices now). In Advanced settings you can specify a proxy address for this connection. Note, that the browser settings can be different from the proxy you configure in network settings.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, wifi-hotspot
---


# Question
Title: How fast can CPU governors change their frequency?
All CPU governors descriptions that I could find use subjective words such as slow and fast to explain how the frequency changes over certain conditions.

What are the typical values here, are we taking about over or under 1ms?

I'm curious about a) how fast can the hardware go from min to max and vice versa and b) what would be a reasonably conservative number such as in a on demand cool down?

Are there any typical values for say an open source ROM or any other, in such and such device, available anywhere? Or in the lack of it, is it feasible to measure my own device over adb/ndk/sdk tinkering?

# Answer
> 0 votes
This is what I got on my S4 international with CyanogenMod Rom 4.4.4 nightly build from 2015-06-14 with an on demand cpu governor.

On this test I opened the coursera app then browsed for some section. So it's a typical one touch action what you're going to see here.

So I did an adb shell and started tinkering. I found nothing usefull on /proc/cpuinfo, then I headed for dmesg.

Note: to run dmesg you need to be root.

Note 2: dmesg -c clears the buffer, so you can be sure you won't see the same thing twice. It helps because it's kinda confusing because it's going up and down all the time.

```
root@ja3g:/proc # dmesg -c | grep -i clock
<6>[74960.230777] B0  23943 PVR_K: SGX change clock [177] Mhz -> [266] MHz req [266] MHz / M[800] / B[0]
<6>[74960.330888] B0  23943 PVR_K: SGX change clock [266] Mhz -> [350] MHz req [350] MHz / M[800] / B[0]
<6>[74960.431147] L0  23943 PVR_K: SGX change clock [350] Mhz -> [480] MHz req [480] MHz / M[800] / B[0]
<6>[74960.630002] L0  23943 PVR_K: SGX change clock [480] Mhz -> [350] MHz req [350] MHz / M[800] / B[0]
<6>[74960.930147] B0  23943 PVR_K: SGX change clock [350] Mhz -> [266] MHz req [266] MHz / M[800] / B[0]
<6>[74961.229909] B0  23943 PVR_K: SGX change clock [266] Mhz -> [177] MHz req [177] MHz / M[800] / B[0]
<6>[74962.330790] L0  23943 PVR_K: SGX change clock [177] Mhz -> [266] MHz req [266] MHz / M[800] / B[0]
<6>[74962.734868] L0  23943 PVR_K: SGX change clock [266] Mhz -> [177] MHz req [177] MHz / M[800] / B[0]

```

My interpretation of the data is the following: I touched the screen and it started transitioning about 74960.230777 seconds from boot, when the governor kicked in. It went from min frequency (177) to 266 then 350 and finally 480 Mhz at 74960.431147 seconds, meaning about 200 ms after it started throttling up.

Then it started slowing down on 74960.630002, reaching minimal speed on 74961.229909 (600 ms later). I have no clue what happened after that, probably it was still building something on the screen and throttled up and down again.

I don't even know if this makes sense, I have 4 slow processor and another 4 fast/power hungry processors, maybe I should run some heavy lifting tasks to be more sure of what happens.

It's funny though to notice that even incoming unread hangout text messages make a small bump from 177 to 266 to 177 MHz.

---
Tags: rom, setcpu
---


# Question
Title: How to check if a device can be made root-able
There are many similar questions to what I am asking, but from my searches so far have not pointed this out:

> What keywords on the device advertisement or how can I tell prior to purchasing a device, if it can allow root access to applications?

For instance, is there a brand or a model, or even OS version, that comes with an "allows Switch User" application by default?

Is there a way for me to direct possible customers to "easily" check if a device can be made rootable...

Long story:

I built a device to help users without mobility to control an Android device. The users are usually illiterate, have no Internet access and have low resources.

My application requires root access, however, my users are very uninformed about technology, and thus I need some sort of pointer or something to help them purchase Android devices (currently, they send me an e-mail **that they usually can only check/reply once every 3 weeks**, then I check that product, and give yes/no replies to that device.... this scenario is not working out, and giving out lists with all possible/know devices is also troublesome, since most shops will sell an Android device, but will not be able to tell the client the model.

As an example, we had the D2212 Sony E3 model working (this was my local testing device)... but clients keep on asking if the "Sony one", "the black one", "the `telephony dealership` one", etc.

# Answer
Rooting is not something endorsed by vendors (otherwise they would provide official instructions for doing this, or even ship the phones already rooted). Sony provides instructions to turn your device into a developer tool by unlocking the boot loader and changing the OS to a custom build. Motorola once offered the same. Also Nexus devices are friendly to rooting.

But in general there's no simple way to answer your question. Every user is on his own with this problem. Yes, I know this is disappointing.
> 4 votes

# Answer
> How to check if a device can be made root-able\[?\]

If you go to a retail store and finds a device unknown to you, *you, in virtually no fashion, can come to know whether the Android there can be rooted or not* (exceptions reserved for 1-click root methods). The reason is simple. There are three common techniques to root a device:

* unblock the bootloader, flash or boot into a compatible custom and use it to place the superuser binary
* exploit a vulnerability when booted into Android OS and push the superuser binary, known as 1-click root access
* interface at low-level to flash a pre-rooted and device specific ROM

As you can see, the first method requires interfacing with bootloader which you can't do at retail store; the second is of course not allowed either (though you may be in luck); the third is usually not supported for all devices either and always requires a PC.

Since Android's security model is almost useless against a process running with root privileges, it explains why a device (if has to be shipped with Google Apps, it must be compatible with Android and hence, should abide by guidelines under Compatibility Definition Document) wouldn't be having a switch to change the user to superuser or give access to superuser privileges.

## Is it all hopeless than?

Yes and No. The only good option I see is the Web. Use it to search about rooting your device.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: rooting
---


# Question
Title: How do I disable the google voice typing/voice search 'ding' sound?
Whenever I open google voice typing, it plays a rising ding sound, then a falling ding sound when it stops.

This is very annoying to me. I have a rooted stock S5 on Lollipop. I searched for the sound file but couldn't locate it, it may be wrapped up in the apk file.

Is there a way to stop this irritating sound? If I install the Xposed Framework, will that help?

Edit: Someone has suggested turning the media volume down to zero. This will work, but is not appropriate for me, as I am using the language learning app duolingo while I am using voice typing. So I need the app to send out audio via the media channel, simultaneously with using voice typing. Coming at it from another angle, I have asked if there is an alternative application which meets my requirements.

**edit**

**Using app settings 1.15, you can mute voice typing by muting the Google app in Marshmallow (and maybe above). However, voice typing now mutes other audio ( regardless of its configuration on app settings) so I asked a question about it here**

How do I stop voice typing from muting/pausing other playing media?

# Answer
I have a solution that may be useful ,if not for the OP I hope it will be useful as a reference for shutting the volume of a particular application OFF.

This method will mute all sounds coming from Google App but will not affect the other apps. It works on 4.1 up to Lollipop, but the questioner found that the App Settings Xposed module doesn't work on Marshmallow.

**Requirements :**

**Method :**

* make sure app settings is activated in `xposed installer` under "**modules**" reboot after activating for the first time.
* now open App settings and type `Google` in the search field.
* You will see in the list the `Google App` click on it.
* on the Activity Bar you will see a toggle button toggle it `ON`.
* A view with lots of settings will show up ,look at the bottom of the screen just above the permission button there is a check box that say "**Mute audio**" check it.
* now click on the save button in the right side of the activity bar and confirm the pop-up message.
* Now open the voice typing and enjoy the full silence :)

> (!) For Samsung devices under Lollipop Follow carefully the thread you must have a deodexed Rom.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Automation is my solution.

There are plenty of automation apps, but I use MacroDroid, since it is easy to learn (that's why I use it) and the behaviour can be easily customized to get the result you want. Besides,free version allows you to create up to 5 macros and so for the task at hand, free version suffices. I prefer automation as a first choice when I need to get something running the way I want rather than depend on an app.

MacroDroid uses macros to perform desired actions.

Macro for your requirement would look like this:

(I am **thankful to OP for testing** o on his Lollipop based device and confirming behaviour as expected, since my device runs on KitKat and Google has implemented API level changes differently in Lollipop)

### Main Macro (working as tested by OP)

### Trigger

Application Launched → Google

### Action

Volume Change → Configure

Here you get 7 options which can be chosen singly or in combination on a sliding scale from 0 to 100. Options are-
1. Alarm
2. Music
3. Notifications
4. Ringer
5. System Sounds
6. Voice Call
7. Bluetooth Voice

Choose ((2) Music and (5) System Sounds) and set them to 0 for **Lollipop**

Choose ((3) Notifications and (5) System Sounds) and set them to 0 for **KitKat**

( Reason for different selection is explained in Note below)

You can set the (6) Voice call level as desired ( select by testing voice typing comfort level)

### Constraints

None

(Macro runs only when constraint is *true*, so here it runs always)

Save the macro and ensure it is enabled before testing

### Optional Macro (Awaiting OP to test)

(In case you need to change volume manually for voice typing, the "ding sound reappears, as reported by OP. This macro is to kill the "ding sound". This macro is not required if you are fine with the voice control level in the main macro and do not need to manually change voice typing volume)

### Trigger

Volume Button Pressed → Volume Up → Update Volume

(Followed by)

Volume Button Pressed → Volume Down → Update Volume

### Action and Constraints

Same as in the main macro

( Triggers work as logical *OR* and the action for muting the "ding sound" is triggered whenever the volume is manually increased or decreased for voice typing )

### Why this should work for everybody

1. My search hasn't shown an app or Xposed module that can do this ( not denying the possibility, though)
2. This macro **doesn't require root** unlike Xposed approach.
3. **Granular control on different Volume settings**. MacroDroid permits you to alter sounds, with a flexibility that is beyond what normally is available in ringer / volume sound control as this example illustrates. My Huawei Honor 6 has only 6 types of volume settings (which is more than some devices offer) but not Bluetooth, which can be controlled through a macro
4. **Customization**. You can set "modes", which are like global variables akin to setting profiles. As an example, you can set this macro to run while at home (by mapping cell towers of your home location) and have the "ding" sound active elsewhere. Possibilities for customization are pretty much as you wish
5. Last but not least, **it is free :-)**

### System Settings

1. Do not Greenify MacroDroid and exclude it from task killers, if you use them.
2. Enable MacroDroid in "Auto Protect"(Huawei phones) or "Stamina Mode" (Sony phones or "Power Nap" (Stamina Mode Xposed module for non Sony devices). Also, if you update to Marshmallow in the future, exclude MacroDroid from Doze. Refer this: Is there a way to exclude an app from Doze?

These features prevent app(s) to be active when the device is not awake, conserving battery. May not be pertinent to your phone but adding this as a general precaution.

3. Enable MacroDroid in accessibility settings and also allow it as device administrator in security settings.
4. For Lollipop, enable notification access from notification settings

### Note

Google Voice Recognition functionality that creates the "ding" sound was streamed as notification stream in KitKat. In Lollipop this is switched to music stream. Hence, in the macro, settings differ.

**Source**: https://stackoverflow.com/questions/21701432/continues-speech-recognition-beep-sound-after-google-search-update
> 3 votes

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


title: Will un-rooting return stock apps

text:
# Question
Title: Will un-rooting return stock apps
I've recently rooted my phone - mainly to remove a bunch of the stock apps that I never use, e.g:

* Google+
* Google NewStand
* FM Radio
* Google Books

I'm wondering, can I now un-root my phone, and if so will this leave these off my device? Or will un-rooting return them back to my phone?

# Answer
**Yes.**

You can unroot your phone. Use the method that GUI app (SuperSU, Superuser etc.) you use offer you to do it.

**No.**

It won't bring those apps back. Rooting is just a process of adding a binary in the `/system` partition that will let the apps approved by the GUI app execute commands as the **root user**, a user that is not an object to the standard rules other users are. This process is completely unrelated to the presence of the stock apps (assuming what you mean by it are the apps sit in `/system/app` directory of the phone) If these apps are **deleted** then the only way to get them back is to install them again. If you want them to be stock apps again you need to move them (or install them in the first place) to `/system/app` directory.
> 8 votes

---
Tags: unrooting
---


# Question
Title: How to downgrade from Lollipop to Kitkat?
I am using Spice AndroidOne. When I purchased it, there was Kitkat in it. It automatically requested for Lollipop update which I have granted. Later it has requested for Marshmallow update. When I tried to update it, it has given an error.

Now Android OS is eating all my data (3G) in one day without my permission.

How to rectify it. And also I want to go back to Kitkat version.

Kindly help me.

# Answer
Unfortunately you cannot downgrade from the newest version of Android to an older version, unless you root or modify your device's permissions. Ask your carrier to see if they can flash a new ROM to your device.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop, 6.0-marshmallow, downgrade, android-one
---


# Question
Title: I can't get my device supported by Google Play Services to get my Snapchat to work
I recently updated my phone, before updating Snapchat was working fine but now it logged me out and I can't log back in as it says " Google Play Services which most applications rely on, is not supported by your device. Please contact your manufacturer for assistance."

I have downloaded Google Play Services onto my phone but it says it need to be updated otherwise it will not work. When I go to Google Play Services it says "Authentication is required.You need to sign in to your Google Account", which under Settings → Accounts I am signed in. But I cant access the app.

# Answer
> 0 votes
This may be an authentication issue with your account and connecting to the Google Play servers. Go ahead and try removing your account from the device, and re-adding it. Make sure you remember the password!

---
Tags: google-account, google-play-services, snapchat
---


# Question
Title: How to get files from a Galaxy S6 Edge with Android 5.1 to a computer with Windows 10 by USB
How is it possible to transfer file over USB from an Android phone to a computer?

Situation: Windows 10, Galaxy s6 Edge on Android 5.1.1.

(I've read articles, followed dozens of tutorials, installed drivers, on differents winX computers, upgraded a lot of things, and it still doesn't work.)

# Answer
> 0 votes
Windows 10 is currently not compatible to galaxy s6 edge.

I've made it works on some windows 10 computers sometimes, but sometimes there is nothing to do to make it works.

If you want to be able to connect your phone to your computer, do not *upgrade* to windows 10.

---
Tags: usb, 5.1-lollipop, windows, file-transfer, samsung-galaxy-s-6
---


# Question
Title: my file manager uninstalled accidentally
i have xolo a500s jellybean version cellphone...i give root access... and by accidentally my file manager uninstalled... and i have a backup apk of my file manager...i try to install it but after some install processing it says “×app not installed",i need my file manager back...and i don't like and don't want to use other file explorers so please give me suggestion what can i do for it..?? :-(

# Answer
> 1 votes
This file manager app is a system app thus you will not be able to install it as a user app (using the default package installer) due to extra permissions that can be granted only for system apps.

To fix this you need to push that app to `system/app` using one of the methods below :

# 1. ES File Explorer (or any other root explorer):

* Install ES File explorer from the Google Play Store
* Open it and swipe right to open the left panel containing the the settings list.
    + Scroll down and toggle root explorer
    + Grant root access then click on `root explorer` item.
* You will be prompt with a set of settings. Locate system and choose `rw` (`rw` stands for read/write)
* Locate your backed up apk file and make sure the file name contains no special characters or spaces.
* Long tap on the apk file. The file will be selected. Now click on the copy icon in the top bar.
* Navigate to `/system/app` and paste the apk file.
* Reboot your phone the file explorer will be installed

# 2. ADB (root and a computer needed )

* Make sure `adb` debugging is on under settings \>\> developer settings
* On your computerm make sure you have `adb` in your path and drivers are installed if you are using windows or `udev rules` if you're using Linux. `adb` works out of the box for OSX.
* Plug your phone to the pc and copy the backed up apk to your pc (in the example I will assume you put the apk under `c:\myApk.apk`
* Fire up a command line/terminal and type the following commands.

Make sure your phone is unlocked

```
adb kill-server
adb remount
adb push c:\myApk.apk /system/app/fileExplorerStock.apk
adb reboot

```

After the phone reboots the apk should be installed

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Tags: root-access, recovery-mode, apk
---


title: mount.exfat-fuse mounts drive r/o

text:
# Question
Title: mount.exfat-fuse mounts drive r/o
I'm mounting an external exFat drive on a rooted Android device (Amazon Fire TV/2) using the mount.exfat-fuse program.

```
mount.exfat-fuse -o rw,umask=000 /dev/block/sda1 /system/test

```

directory permissions are 777, but permission denied for anything root tries.

Thanks for any help.

# Answer
It turned out that SELinux policy on the Amazon Fire TV/2 caused my exFat drive to be read-only when mounted, despite mounting arguments. The SELinux command setenforce can be run with an argument of 0 or 1, setting SELinux to permissive or enforced, respectively. When set to 0, the drive can be used normally.

So, I check for the presence of setenforce in my mount script and set it to 0 if found. The unmounting script does setenforce 1, putting things back as they were.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: mount, exfat
---


# Question
Title: What is /system/bin/mediaserver on Android, and why is it pegging the CPU?
I noticed that my Motorola Droid, running rooted 2.2 Froyo, has been acting sluggish sometimes. I fired up the terminal emulator, and ran `top`, and noticed that `/system/bin/mediaserver` is using around 90% of my CPU.

What does this program do? Is it safe to kill it? How can I prevent it from slowing down my phone in the future?

Some quick Googling has turned up other people with the same problem, but not really any answers.

# Answer
> 3 votes
The media server is responsible for indexing the images, videos and music files on the device. It then is queried by programs like the media gallery or the music player for filtered lists of certain media types.

I think that it would be restarted pretty fast after killing. I would assume that somehow there are many write options on the sd card and the media server will constantly reindex your mass storage. But I don't know a solution for that.

# Answer
> 0 votes
As Janusz explained, this program scans and indexes media files on the internal and removable storage. Sometimes the media scanner using a lot of CPU can be a result of it trying to scan one or more corrupted files. This is usually a symptom of your SD card starting to fail. Try scanning your SD card's filesystem for errors on a proper computer (e.g. using `fsck` on a GNU/Linux system, or Scandisk on Windows). If any errors are detected and fixed, put the SD card back in your phone and see if the problem goes away.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Simplest solution is, if you can identify where in memory card you have junk image files, then just place a .nomedia file. Which avoids scanning that perticular folder for indexing media files (Note: It will also not appear in gallery).

In my case I did that to Whatsapp images folder, which had hell lot of images but I dont want it to be appearing in my gallery. So I thought it would work for me.

Same way you find out such content and then try to clean up unwanted stuff, also look for any corrupted media files also and remove them.

This is a dirty hack, not permanent fix.

# Answer
> 0 votes
In my particular case the `mediaserver` process was spinning with scanning the temporary/junk files cached by the browser and other programs. As long as I started running a junk file cleanup program at least daily I no longer have this problem.

# Answer
> 0 votes
> What is /system/bin/mediaserver on Android ?

as you may already know it's a binary file it is used by android to scan the phone's storage for media files (images , sounds and videos ) android usually run it on boot and on media storage changes (like sending new files from pc via mtp ,removing and inserting SD card or usb OTG storage devices ,downloading new media files ect .. )

> why is it pegging the CPU?

Now that can be for multiple reasons I will list some of them

1. SD card ,media Storage ,USB devices corrupted file system : in some cases the storage gets corrupted which make the `mediaserver` use more resources to scan and in some cases the process gets stuck with an i/o error that it can't handle.
2. some third party applications may abuse the use of `mediaserver` in so many ways ,like forcing the android system to rescan explicitly or passively ,explicitly is when the application developer made it so in this case only removing that app or contacting the developer may solve the problem but when the app passively make the media server run like when an app writes junk or cache media files (images ,sounds ,video ) in directories that are not exclude by the media scanner which forces the android system to rescan more often to prevent this you need to find the folder where this app puts junk files and exclude it from the media scanner by creating an empty file named `.nomedia` inside that folder in fact you can use this methode to exclude any folder from being scanned my the media scanner.

the point is ,the problem is not in the `mediaserver` binary it self because this binary can be used by any third party app which makes it difficult to determine who is abusing it's use.

I hope this answers your question

---
Tags: performance
---


# Question
Title: Windows 8 does not recognize HUAWEI Y536A1 for debugging
**The problem:** My device (HUAWEI Y536A1) isn't getting detected in Android Studio

**The solution:** Install the correct usb drivers

**The problem that arises to the solution:** I am not able to...and here are the details:

I have recently system wiped my computer due to slowness. This brings me back to the tedious task of setting up my computer for Android Studio. I have tried **everything** to get the USB drivers to work in Android Studio, but for some reason, I can't update my USB driver:

Now, here is the annoying screen that always pops up when trying to update my usb driver:

My usb driver **is installed:**

This is pretty pathetic. I have tried everything. **I even tried to go into my computers BIOS and disable Intel xHCI. I also checked, and the virtualization (VT-x) is enabled** I remember when I first started Android, I had this same problem, and the solution was to do something in the computer's BIOS, but the problem still persists.

By the way, I have done lots of research on this topic, and this is a code 28, which means it doesn't have the correct drivers:

I have been on this for 3 hours now (3 HOURS!) and would really appreciate **any** help. How can I get my phone recognized on my Windows 8 laptop? I have done it before, so I know my phone is compatible. I remember doing something with the bios before I had system wiped my computer...

# Answer
> 3 votes
First make sure that you have virtualization on in the BIOS.

Next, make sure you have done what I have done in my question.

What I forgot to do was install the `android_winusb` file in the usb\_driver folder. The path should be `sdk\extras\google\usb_driver`. In my case, `C:\Users\Ruchir\AppData\Local\Android\sdk\extras\google\usb_driver`

After doing that, go **back** to device manager and go to the install as path. At the bottom of that should be another option:

> Let me pick from a list of devices on my computer

Select your Android phone; it shouldn't have a yellow exclamation point over it any more. After that, select `Composite ADB Interface`. THAT'S IT.

---
Tags: adb, windows, usb-debugging
---