# Question
Title: Why can't I save new contacts to my phone or SIM?
I just bought the quite new Moto G4+, which comes with Android Marshmallow (6.1) preloaded, without any layer added by the constructor.

Upon the first use of the phone, I linked my Google account. When I want to add a new contact (via the Contacts app), there is no choice for the place where the new contact will be saved. Normally there are (at least) three choices: save (sync) to the Google account, or to the phone (internal memory), or to the SIM. Whatever I do, the contact will be saved in the Google account only. When I disable the synchronization with the Google account, the contacts are saved to the phone, but I have no option to sync a particular contact. How can I do to enable these three choices upon the creation of a new contact?

Thank you for your help.

# Answer
> 2 votes
As you've already found out yourself, this is a well known issue. Looks like your device lacks a separate "local account provider".

To work around that issue, there's an app named MyLocalAccount (from the makers of *MyPhoneExplorer)* providing such, but it seems no longer maintained (last update in 2013) – but after my comment with that, you were able to confirm it still does its job.

Unfortunately, I'm unaware of any alternatives to that. On a second thought: Using a CardDAV provider might work, but most likely will require a valid counterpart to configure. If you want to try that approach, you can find some in my corresponding app listing.

---
Tags: contacts, 6.0-marshmallow
---


title: How safe Skype is on rooted Android OS?

text:
# Question
Title: How safe Skype is on rooted Android OS?
Recently I have rooted my Android phone to third party custom ROM. After rooting, I have gone through many articles which says rooting cause serious security issues.

Now my question is: how safe is my Skype? Can anyone access my Skype account? Can anyone record the video conversation of mine? The provider of custom ROM has any hold or control over my phone?

# Answer
The provider of all the rooting software you use (such as Kingroot if you use a "one-click" technique, SuperSU, and any software you give root permission on your phone), and the provider of the ROM you use (whether it's a custom ROM or the stock ROM) has **complete control** over your phone. They can steal any passwords you type into the phone (in apps, websites, or your Google account details). They can take control of **any** app, including Skype. They can record all your conversations, steal your credit card number, and use your details to masquerade as you. They can lock your phone (as well as any online accounts you logged into) and demand a payment from you to get your files and accounts back.

When you decide to root your phone, you need to have complete trust in all the software you use to do it, which means you also need to trust the person you got it from (e.g. the website you downloaded it from). When an app on your phone asks for root permissions, you need to have complete trust in the source of the app. If you **don't** have complete trust, **don't** root your phone/install the custom ROM/install the app.
> 1 votes

# Answer
As long as you know that the apps you've got on your phone are safe and free from malware, your Skype should be safe as well. But remember: the Internet is not the greatest place for private data anyways.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: skype
---


# Question
Title: How can I debug "Homescreen has stopped working"?
I have an LG L40 D160 Android phone that repeatedly gives me errors. When it boots, I always get the message "home screen has stopped working". This pops up repeatedly and makes it hard to do anything. Not that there is much to do as the home screen is just black. Internet forums have suggested to delete the app files for the home screen via the settings app, but this didn't bring any change.

This same situation happened less than half a year ago. At that time I sent the phone to LG to get the problem fixed. They simply flashed the phone with a new (or even the same?) firmware.

As this has now occured once again, I don't think this is something that can permanently be fixed simply by flashing the firmware. It seems there is something inherently broken in one of the apps or the firmware itself. I would like to find out which app causes the problem and disable that, if possible.

I am a tech savy person, software developer by trade. However, I have never developed on Android and am therefore not too familiar with the architecture.

I have put the `adb logcat` output of one boot and shutdown cycle on a filehoster as it is too large for pastebin: http://s000.tinyupload.com/index.php?file\_id=01407861783018316845

From looking at the log file, it seems this is the relevant error message:

```
[ 11-30 19:02:36.686  1410: 1410 F/libc     ]
Fatal signal 11 (SIGSEGV) at 0xd2305848 (code=1), thread 1410 (m.lge.launcher2)

```

However, I have a hard time deciphering what exactly the problem is. Seems the launcher just dies with a segmentation fault.

I have already tried the following steps but the problem persists:

* Clearing data for Homescreen app
* Factory reset of the phone
* Booting in safe mode
* Official LG firmware update does not let me re-flash the phone because I already have the latest version
* Selecting "EasyHome" as my home screen instead just changes the error message to "EasyHome has stopped working"

What can I do to further diagnose the problem? Are there any more temporary files I should be deleting?

# Answer
> 1 votes
On 8/15/16 , spoke with a Verizon Tech for my "Homescreen is Not Working"issue. The fix is simple:

Hold `Power` and `Volume Down` simultaneously, till the phone powers on

When screen comes back all icons are working.

---
Tags: usb-debugging, system-error, debug
---


# Question
Title: How to solve the "APN settings are not available for this user" issue?
After upgrading my ASUS Zenfone 5 to Android Lollipop, I am unable to access HSPA/3G data. In Brazil we have to manually input APN settings, and when I try to do so, I receive the following message (in Portuguese, here tentatively translated into English):

**Access point Name settings are not available for this user.**

As my phone is rooted, I have tried solutions proposed by this topic and also by this. None gave me results, even provided that I followed every step without any errors or warnings (chmods and chowns were all effective and edits to content://telephony/carriers were persistant). I also tried to re-generate telephony.db file by deleting it (thus forcing Android to populate it again). A factory reset (as suggested here) had no effect as well.

So far I have nothing to celebrate. My only access to internet is Wifi at home and at work. No mobile data access, and I know it is available (this week I had a try with CM12.1 and data connection worked perfectly. Unfortunately had to revert to stock ROM because CM12.1 is still too buggy). No better suggestions came from googling around other sites and forums.

I hope someone can give me some light over this issue, as I should rely on my mobile internet access to perform various things when commuting or away from wifi.

*Heads up: the bounty was automatically awarded by this site yet the problem was **not** solved. Still awaiting a valid response.*

*Final update: please refer to my answer a the bottom of this page. The problem is (finally!) solved by the latest (v. 3.23.40.78) released by ASUS.*

# Answer
The latest stock ASUS update (v. 3.24.40.78) solves the problem.

I had to unroot my phone, apply both 5.3.3.3 and 5.2.2.2 downgrades (in this order), then I applied a FOTA upgrade (97Mb download, received and applied automatically). Then I could install the latest version (downloaded from ASUS website; uploaded via USB to phone's internal storage; unplugged USB and then the update could be applied automatically). APNs are available by default, I did not even have to input my APNs manually (as I had to do in prior versions).
> 2 votes

# Answer
After hours of experimenting, found the reason for this, (it works for me). Nothing too technical about this post in contrast to what these posts suggest.

---

*Step 1* : WiFi turned on, and be in the range of a known WiFi network.
*Step 2* : Reboot the phone (may need to reboot several times, if it doesn't work the first time)
*Step 3* : When the phone reboots, it should connect to WiFi network.
*Step 4* : Go to APN settings and see that you can, now edit APN settings.

---

*Reason* : When phone is turned on, if it's not connected to WiFi, it will try and connect to mobile network thus disabling you from editing APN settings. However if you try the above steps, your phone connects to WiFi instead of Mobile-data.
> 11 votes

# Answer
As you have root permissions, try copy and replace telephony related files from CM12.1 to your phone.

`/data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/` is the path where `telephony.db` exists

**Note: This may harm your normal working of your phone; try it with your own risk.**
> 2 votes

# Answer
1. Remove your simcard PIN
2. Turn-Off Data
3. Turn on wifi
4. Reset the phone 3 times

That worked for me.
> -2 votes

# Answer
Try manually setting the HSPA network. Open Dialer and dial `*#*#4636#*#*` and set it manually.
> -3 votes

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop, apn, asus-zenfone-5
---


# Question
Title: Is there a grayscale mode for the Samsung Galaxy S5 (and other Samsung phones) on Marshmallow?
The Marshmallow update for Samsung phones (mine is a Galaxy S5, but the Note series has the same problem) seems to have removed the ability to turn on grayscale mode when activating power saver mode.

Is there a way to re-enable this feature?

# Answer
> 2 votes
Samsung removed the feature from Power Saving, but you can still activate grayscale mode in the developer options.

Go to your Settings and into the Developer Options.

* If developer options isn't there, you have to manually activate the feature. Follow the steps in this answer.

Scroll to the `Hardware-accelerated rendering` section, and click on `Simulate color space`. Then select `Monochromacy`. Your phone is now in grayscale mode.

This color space option also exists on other phones.

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, samsung
---


title: How to troubleshoot SELinux issues?

text:
# Question
Title: How to troubleshoot SELinux issues?
On standard GNU/Linux computers, SELinux comes with a set of tools allowing the administrator to troubleshoot permission issues.

Such tools allow to:

* Temporarily switch a single domain in permissive mode, thus reducing the security impact on the whole device compared to a global permissive mode (and yes, per-domain permissive mode is supported in Android's SELinux): `semanage`
* List existing SELinux users, roles and categories (AFAIK categories are used for multi-users devices): `semanage`, `seinfo`, `chcat`
* Query the SELinux policy: `sesearch`

I did not find any of these tools in my device.

Is there any equivalent or a way to install them?

# Answer
> 0 votes
As I feared, Google is *against* letting people tweak SELinux. This is stated explicitely in the Android Compatibility Definition Document:

> SELinux or any other security features implemented below the Android framework:
>
> * *\[...\]*
> * SHOULD NOT be user or developer configurable.

However, the good news is that there is indeed a FOSS project porting SELinux tools to Android: setools-android. This tools ports the usual `seinfo` and `sesearch` commands as can be found in the upstream SELinux Tools project, but it also adds the `sepolicy-inject` command which allows to modify the current policy or set a domain in permissive mode.

This however suffer from a big issue: unlike on standard computers, modifications made to the `/sepolicy` file which stores SELinux policy are not persistent and will be lost upon device restart.

In fact, this file as part of the root directory is stored in a RAM disk image which, in turn, is stored in the device's boot image and extracted during the device's boot sequence. To apply permanent modification to this file it is therefore necessary to modify the version stored within the device's boot image.

While the operation may still be possible from the device itself (as far as I know SuperSU for instance updates the boot image as part of its installation procedure), for my use-case I find it more convenient to do the operation from an external computer connected to the phone (here is my detailed procedure). Tools running on the device still remain useful though when frequent checks and updates of the SELinux policy are required (typically during development stages) and for automation (if a project needs a SuperSU-like installer for instance).

---
Tags: security, troubleshooting, selinux
---


# Question
Title: Can I use Tasker to activate grayscale mode on my Galaxy S5 running Marshmallow?
The Marshmallow upgrade for the S5 removed grayscale rendering from the Power Saving mode. It can be manually enabled in the developer options as described in this answer.

I would like to use Tasker to easily toggle this setting on and off. Is there a way to do this in Tasker? And can Tasker be used to modify other system preferences?

# Answer
Yes, if you have root access.

Tasker does not have the developer options built-in as something it can manage.

However, the developer options, like most preferences, are stored in a database behind the scenes. They can be modified via command-line, and Tasker is able to run shell commands. You just need to know what command to run.

Unfortunately, the catch is that you must have root access. While these settings can be changed via ADB without root, Tasker needs root to be able to run the same commands.

### Determining Setting Key

To find out which option is needed, the easiest way is to list all preferences, change the preference, then list all preferences again. Then find the difference to determine the namespace and key which must be modified.

One easy way to do this is via ADB. On your desktop computer with Android Development Bridge installed, connect to your phone via `adb shell`.

Run these three commands: `settings list system`, `settings list secure`, and `settings list global`. After each one, copy the output into a new text file and save the files. Next, change your desired preference using your phone, and then run those 3 commands again, saving them into new text files.

Compare the files using `diff` (on Linux) or any other utility designed to compare differences in text files. This will quickly show what changed from 'before' to 'after', letting you know which setting key was modified.

For this example, we find the specific setting is `accessibility_display_daltonizer_enabled` in the namespace `secure`. When it has a value of `1`, it's enabled, and the screen shows grayscale.

### Creating a Grayscale Task

So back in Tasker, create a new Task called "Grayscale On". Add an Action, and go to Code -\> Run Shell. The command to run is `settings put secure accessibility_display_daltonizer_enabled 1`. Check the box that says `Use Root`.

Clone that Task and call it "Grayscale Off". Modify the command to have a `0` at the end instead of a `1`.

Then, you can use Tasker however you like to run either of those tasks to turn grayscale mode on or off.
> 5 votes

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, samsung-galaxy-s-5, tasker
---


# Question
Title: How do you create / copy image to multiple devices of the same type?
I work at a startup and we have a bit of a conundrum.

We need to install the same image on hundreds of devices.

The things we have to do:

* Put the device in kiosk mode (either through system settings or an app)
* Set some system settings (Internet, Roaming, GPS)
* Install an App

Is there a way to do this by copying a complete image of a device and put it on other devices? Can this be done with releatively little interactivty by the developer?

# Answer
> 0 votes
I am sure this can be automated using ADB scripts.

`adb install app.apk` will install `app.apk`.

System settings can be changed via `adb` also (see here for more details: http://andrejfernandes.pt/?p=171).

Heck, `adb input` can even automate entire user interfaces!

If you really, really need to have the phones be exact mirrors and all devices have a custom recovery installed, then you can reboot into recovery on all devices with `adb reboot recovery`. Then get an image of the data and internal SD partition using `dd` in the recovery shell. Finally, push the images out onto the rest of the devices via `adb push` and `dd` them back onto their respective partitions.

---
Tags: rooting, rom-flashing, images, kiosk-mode
---


# Question
Title: Android 5.0 Gapps Flashes in Android 6.0 Genymotion
I just recently installed Genymotion and need to install Google Apps. Now that I don't have 6.0 Gapps, I tried to experiment by flashing 5.0 Gapps in Genymotion and it worked. Nothing is wrong. Is this normal?

# Answer
Try to update google apps through play store and run play games app by google. If it works then great. No problem will be shown in future if you can run latest google play games app successfully.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: google, genymotion
---


title: My phone work but screen is black

text:
# Question
Title: My phone work but screen is black
My phone open normally and it works , but the screen is black!

My phone is galaxy j3 with OP 5.1.1 , Help please ! :(

# Answer
> 0 votes
Possible reasons:

> 1.) Your phone might be in a hanged state. Try a "adb reboot" command by attaching your device to your computer, however, you need to have developer options enabled or else it wouldn't work.
>
> 2.) LCD digitizer (a hardware module responsible for rendering Android's UI) is gone (short-circuited). You need to get it replaced.
>
> 3.) Do a hard-reboot (into any mode: recovery, bootloader/fastboot/any-other-samsung-proprietary-alternative-mode).

If you have tried every possible way to make your display come back, clearly the digitizer is short-circuited. Get it replaced (warranty covers that for free\*)

* - Conditions applied.

---
Tags: samsung
---


# Question
Title: Is there a way to disable the automatic decrease in volume when I put an AUX cable/head phones in?
Phone specs:

* Phone: **LG G3**
* Android Version: **6.0**
* Software Version: **D85230e**

Situation:

I use an AUX cable to listen to music from my phone in my car. The only way to get the volume to the appropriate level is to turn my phone volume up to the maximum then adjust the car volume accordingly. Unfortunately, I have to repeat this process every time because if the volume was at max the previous time I used the AUX cable I get the following warning:

Question:

**Is there a way to disable this automatic decrease in volume so that when I plug the AUX cable in the volume will already be at the previous level (maximum)?**

# Answer
> 1 votes
You can setup a macro on macrodroid that does exactly this (not quite sure how to disable that setting itself but maybe a dev option). When you install the app, add a macro with "Headphones Inserted as trigger and "Volume Change" as the action. Now it will automatically set the media volume to your choosing when you insert headphones.

---
Tags: music-player, volume-control, headphones, volume
---


# Question
Title: Samsung Galaxy J3 SM-J320Y Bootloop Problem
I have a Samsung Galaxy J3 (SM-J320Y) and my friend tried to root it.. he uses Kingo Root Android and King Root but both of it failed to root it.. I already said to him not to bother rooting it but he continues and as he gives uo on trying to root it he unistalled the Kingo Root App and King Root. Then he restart my phone. the problem starts there, my phone has been on bootloop every since.. when its already at the samsung logo it would restart over and over again.. pls. help just bought this.

thanks in advance

# Answer
It seems from what you have mentioned above, that your device was not rooted and thus there is no custom recovery installed on your device. So here are the two methods which you can try -

Method-1

Step-1. Power OFF.

Step-2. Press and hold Power + Volume Up + Home.

Step-3. Select "wipe data factory reset".

Method-2

Download the stock ROM for your device and then flash it using software like Odin. Here's the link to download the ROM- http://www.android.gs/download-stock-android-firmware-files-for-samsung-galaxy-j3-2016/

This will get your device to normal state.
> 1 votes

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Tags: samsung, boot-loop
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to install an newer version of android for an old android device?
I've got a phone with Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean installed on it, and it doesn't have a 'Software update' button. Is it possible at all to somehow install a newer version of Android on this device?

I also looked at a possibility to install CyanogenMod on this phone, but it doesn't have my phone in the list on http://get.cm. The model is the Lenovo A830, so it's not a conventional phone. Is it possible to install some kind of 'generic' version of Android on it?

Alternatively, can I install a mod that uses a more recent Android version?

# Answer
Yes, It is possible to install newer version of android on an old device but if any custom ROM exist for that device. Matter of fact Cyanogen is one of popular custom distribution of android also there are many custom distributions for android that may support your device.
My advice to you is checking xda developers forums to find any possible ROMS for your device.
XDA
> 0 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, updates, rom, lenovo
---


# Question
Title: How to stream audio to my PC from my phone without AUX cable?
I'm trying to use my phone as a soundboard, but i need it to play the sound in my PC when i press a button on my phone

I was wondering if there is a way to do that with USB as i dont have a AUX cable

# Answer
> 0 votes
With this app (Weezzler) you can easily play audio from your phone in your browser as long as you are connected to the same wifi network in the device and the computer.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.weezzler.android

---
Tags: audio
---


# Question
Title: What does this notification bar icon mean in the HexoLibre theme by Cyanogenmod?
The icon in the middle it looks like dancing wobbling phone or something. Totally confused. Not using OnePlus. I'm using Cyanogenmod 13's HexoLibre theme.

# Answer
It's the vibrate icon. Interesting, Android has two vibrate icons. Turning ringer volume down all the way, you can see the other icon one.

Even more confusing, when it's not down all the way it shows a ringer icon
> 0 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, 6.0-marshmallow, notification-icons, user-interface
---


# Question
Title: Stock Nexus 7 2013 stuck at "Google" when booting
stock Nexus 7 2013 4G stuck at "Google" when booting.

I can go to bootloader using `Power + Vol Down` but failed when going to recovery. it goes to "Google" again instead of Android icon.

I also tried to unlock bootloader and flashing 5.1.0 (LMY47O) and 5.1.1 (LMY47V) but both still stuck at "Google" logo and cannot go into recovery mode.

Similar threads with no success:

# Answer
> 0 votes
OH!! Unexpectedly now it works!! Here's roughly what I did:

* Flash 5.1.1, & leave it to try to do normal boot =\> failed
* try to go to recovery =\> failed
* flash 5.1.0, & leave it to try to do normal boot =\> failed
* try to go to recovery =\> failed
* flash 5.1.1, & leave it to try to do normal boot =\> success! but very slow process!

make sure when flashing stock images all steps are successful in the command line, e.g. formatting, updating (some missing .sig files are okay)

# Answer
> 0 votes
I inserted a SIM card, and selected Start from the boot loader menu (power + volume up menu), and it booted right up.

---
Tags: nexus-7, stock-android, unbricking
---


# Question
Title: Are 'Apple/Android Specific' USB charging ports really different?
I have a portable battery with two USB ports. One is labelled Android and one is labelled Apple. Apparently each has charging circuits optimized for that particular type of device. This sounds unlikely to me (both ports appear to charge my Android device just fine), but I don't know much about it, especially regarding Apple devices. Is there any truth behind this? What is the difference between the ports and can I charge any device using either of the ports? I've also seen tablet and phone specific charging ports. Do they simply differ by maximum output current?

# Answer
> 7 votes
There are two USB charging standards; the official one and the Apple one. You can get a copy of the offical one from usb.org. How charging works depends on whether you are connected to a computer, USB hub or wall socket. For the sake of this discussion I'll just talk about wall sockets, what the USB spec refers to as a Dedicated Charging Port (DCP). Per the USB2.0 spec, a DCP shall short the D+ line to the D- line and supply 0.5 to 5.0A at 4.75V - 5.25V. However, a device being charged cannot draw more than 1.5A. (http://www.usb.org/developers/docs/devclass\_docs/BCv1.2\_070312.zip)

Apple tends to do things its own way and the charger identifies itself to the device by the voltage it applies to the D+ and D- lines. A little write up is here https://learn.adafruit.com/minty-boost/icharging. An anecdotal story; I used to work for Nokia so had Nokia phones. I had a car charger that wouldn't charge the phone very fast but it was iPhone compatible. I pulled it apart and shorted the D+ and D- pins so to matched the USB spec and it then charged the phone properly.

One more thing to point out; it is the battery charging circuit in the device being charged that determines how much current it draws, not the charger. Of course if your device can draw 1000mA and you only use a 800mA charger then it won't charge as fast as it could but plugging it into a 1200mA charger won't make it charge any faster.

# Answer
> 1 votes
USB chargers supply 5v and are capable of 500ma. That much is standard. These days we have chargers with higher current capabilities - that is, they are able to supply more current if the device tries to draw more. An Apple compatible USB charger connects to the USB data lines as well, in a way that tells an Apple device what the charger's current capability is; that device in turn, only tries to draw that much.

USB chargers don't "push" current. They are, up to their current limit, (more or less) constant-voltage power supplies. Using a charger with a capacity for supplying more current than the device needs does *not* mean that it will push any more current at the device than the device can handle; that is controlled by the device. Using a charger with a lower current capacity than the device needs will reduce the charging rate, or the charger's voltage will fall as it tries to keep up and the device will be unable to charge properly.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I've done a little research on this (well I read the Wikipedia article on USB) and it seems that for *fast* charging there are two standards: the Apple one, and the non-Apple one. So yes, the two ports on your portable battery are different.

The real question is - does it matter? My experience is that some devices don't care which socket they are plugged into, and others do care.

For example: I just bought a no-brand wall-wart charger and it works great with my iPad (1.5A measured current), works slowly with my Android phone (0.5A) and works not at all with my Windows8 tablet. A bit of investigation with a multimeter showed that it is built to the Apple fast charge spec. Another charger which is non-Apple spec works great with the Windows tablet (1A), the phone (0.8A), and also to my surprise, with the iPad (1.5A).

# Answer
> 0 votes
Yes they are. They may charge normally, charge slower, or not charge at all.

# Answer
> 0 votes
My experience is that it does matter, but it's not so simple, because not all Android devices are the same. Some Android devices will charge just fine from an Apple charger, some will charge slowly (regardless of amperage), and some will not charge at all. Plus, I've found that there is some variability among the Apple chargers.

For example, I have a couple of Scosche USBC202M Dual 10 Watt car chargers that are pretty nice; they are mainly designed for iphones, and they work fine on my wife's iphone, and on my LG G2 (at the full rate, as monitored by Android Tuner Pro), but my Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 doesn't even register it as being connected, even using a charge-only cable or adapter. Yet I have another car charger, also made mainly for iphone, that works on all 3 devices.

I suspect that many newer Android devices may now be compatible, where they were not in the past, although I have no evidence of this.

Traditionally, and perhaps currently to some degree, Android devices will not charge at currents above 500 ma (USB standard) unless you use a charge-only cable, which shorts together certain pins to force it into higher current mode.

So, the bottom line is, it may work fine, it may work at reduced current, or it may not work at all, depending on brand. Much of the time, when people say it works for their device, they don't have a clue whether it's working at full output.

# Answer
> 0 votes
actually every apple device I saw, ONLY charges on apple's chargers and Macs, so I think the port is 'modified' to be used with apple devices, something to identify that the charger is from apple

But when we talk about android, anything with \>4.5 volts will charge the phone, but it depends on the charging current, plus, I have a tablet that doesn't charge on PC because my PC gives around ~350, but that's for a tablet, the original charger is around 2A, the tablet puts a red " mark on the battery to tell you it isn't charging, but actually it's charging but the current is less then the usage.. Actually I notice it to charge some percents after hours, and if you turn the device off, it will charge but a bit slow

> Conclusion

**Android:** will charge on \>4.5 even if it says not charging

**Apple:** need the charger to be verified that it's from apple before it can charge

**NOTE:** I'm not pretty sure about apple devices because I haven't used much, maybe someone will correct me or maybe help you better

---
Tags: usb, charging
---


title: Gallery app disappeared

text:
# Question
Title: Gallery app disappeared
I have a Nexus 5 and I've noticed that the Gallery icon disappeared. I can't find it either in the menu or in the apps settings (running or all). I don't know exactly when it happened, but for sure after the upgrading to 5.0 Lollilop. Now, to open the pics, I have to launch camera and then swipe to the right. Did it happen to someone else? Does anybody know how to solve it? Thanks

# Answer
> 5 votes
Google decided to remove the Gallery app, replacing it by the "Photos" app.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Be sure that you haven't disabled it. Go to Settings -\> Apps -\> All/Disabled and see if you have disabled it.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I have just went to Settings-APPS-ALL-(Check any Apps set under protected Apps ) by selecting preferences.

I have kept Gallery App under protected Apps ..Now its visible on my home screen once i unchecked the Protected Apps

---
Tags: nexus-5, 5.0-lollipop, gallery
---


# Question
Title: Is there a way to remove the stock Google apps without rooting your phone
Hi I'm using Moto X style and most the space consuming apps are stock Google one which I basically don't use at all. Is there a way to remove them without rooting the device. I know it's an hard ask but I'm just taking a chance here ?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Not a chance, sorry. You cannot remove pre-installed apps (System apps) without *write* access to `/system` – which you won't have without `su` (). All you can do is deactivating *parts* if the Google Apps – you probably cannot even deactivate them all, as some will show up as "protected" (aka "I am too important").

Best way to really get rid of all of them is to flash a custom ROM, which usually comes without GApps.

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, moto-x
---


# Question
Title: Karbonn Titanium S1 suddenly switches off
My Karbonn Titanium S1 smartphone switches off when I open the gallery, play any game, listen to music or do anything with the phone without connecting the charger. The screen starts to shrink and the phone is switched off. After restarting the phone battery is empty.

How can I solve this?

# Answer
> 0 votes
> and after restarting the phone battery is empty.

This shows the battery of the phone is dead. You will need to replace the battery to stop the sudden drain like this.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I had the same problem with the same phone . I changed my battery and everything is OK now

---
Tags: battery, karbonn
---


title: SD card root access

text:
# Question
Title: SD card root access
Hey I just wanted to ask how it is possible to access my sdcard data with command lines on a rooted phone ? I tried to `ls` in `/sdcard`, also in `/mnt/sdcard/` but my files are never displayed, yet a simple file manager shows those files exist.

# Answer
One way to do this is to mount the phone onto the filesystem of a Linux computer over a USB connection. You don't even need to root the phone.

`$ mkdir mnt`

`$ jmtpfs mnt`

`$ cd mnt/Card`
> 0 votes

---
Tags: root-access, sd-card, storage, command-line
---


# Question
Title: How do I install Cyanogenmod on my LG L65 Using a Linux PC?
~~I don't know if my device is supported, or how I install Cyanogen mod with a Linux PC (Kubuntu 14.04)~~

Edit1: One year has passed now, and im wondering if this is possible now, with the same phone (LG L65). Using Kubuntu 15.10 now.

# Answer
> 2 votes
I just did it "using Linux". I followed this tutorial that is an English translation from this tutorial in Polish.

In fact, what I realized is that all commands I would use in a Linux machine I can use directly in a terminal in the rooted phone. So I used Linux to put all files in the SD card, and then used the terminal in the phone to mod it.

The steps I followed were:

* Root the phone
* Install BusyBox and a terminal emulator (not sure the BusyBox is needed, but I've installed it anyway because it was in the tutorial)
* Copied all files to the SD card (aboot.img, TWRP recovery, CM, gapps, etc)
* Used the terminal emulator in the phone to run the "dd" commands. It is annoying to type everything, and I checked the "if" and "of" paths several times before entering the command. The contents of the SD card were found in /storage/external\_SD/.
* To reboot into recovery mode I used "reboot recovery". This took me to TWRP recovery.
* There I made the backup of System, Data and Boot to my SD card
* Then I wiped Dlavik Cache, System and Data
* Then I installed CM, and GApps. In my case I installed the Pico version of GApps, since the LG L65 doesn't have lots of internal memory.

A tip if you're new to modding like I am: the things you want to install should be copied to the SD card in their zip files. The first time I extracted them to the SD and then I couldn't install after wiping out the phone. Then I had to recover the system from the backup to be able to copy the compressed file to my SD card.

Hope it helps!

# Answer
> 1 votes
Seems like there's no support at the moment, the L65 is not not listed on CyanogenMod's LG supported devices section.

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, linux
---


# Question
Title: Can I download an apk of an app I have payed for?
So my dilemma is that I paid for Minecraft PE some years ago, but then I deleted my Google Play Store account, and got a **new one**.

* What I'm wondering is if it is okay to download the apk because I'm not paying for it again, and I think it would because technically an apk file is kind of like a rom backup of a cartridge game and those are legal to download if you own a legal version of the game
* My issue is that I'm downloading the apk of the newer update then I bought, so is it legal? Since the version of game is different from what I have purchased

# Answer
> 2 votes
Since you have changed the account from the one from which you purchased the app and are now using a different account , you **cannot**" use the app purchased. Purchases are tied to the account

**Use of a product purchased in one account in a different account**

Add Google Play Apps from Other Google Account?

As You can see in the discussion, you cannot. Google play purchases are tied to the account from which you have purchased and can't be transferred

Google product forums says the same

Second part of your question is not relevant because you can't use the app purchased under a different account

# Answer
> 1 votes
If you deleted your account, you've also dropped everything connected to it. So no, there's no legal way to "download and use that APK" – as the license was bound to your deleted account. You could ask the dev to *transfer* your license to your new account – but how you prove you're the owner of the old one, and indeed have paid for the license, is between the two of you. The dev is in no way obligated to comply: if he does so, it's just out of goodwill.

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


# Question
Title: Lock screen with Nova launcher not showing new icons
I have an HTC One (M8) and downloaded Nova Launcher to customize my layout. I downloaded the Black Glass ADW Theme and it looks great. However, on my lock screen it is still showing the app icons from my HTC Blinkfeed. (Aside from the theme, I have the exact same apps on the launch bar in both the Blinkfeed and Nova home screens.)

I have my alarm on my launch bar so it shows on the lockscreen. When my phone went off this morning, it was the Blinkfeed alarm settings rather than the alarm settings through Nova.

I've been trying to figure out how to get the icons to match both in the look and the functionality but don't know how.. help please! :)

# Answer
First of all, how are you enjoying Nova **launcher?** There is your problem: Nova launcher replaces the home screen **only**. It does not alter the lockscreen. For that, you need a custom lockscreen. These often come with a lot of..... crap you don't want or need.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Its based off Sense's dock icons. Go to the sense launcher and set the dock icons and then set the launcher back to nova.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: settings, lock-screens, htc-one, nova-launcher
---


# Question
Title: Samsung SM-N910F - What firmware should I use and is there any danger in using a "branded" firmware?
I read a lot before posting here but everywhere I looked I could not get a straight answer for my question.

I have a rooted Samsung SM-N910F (Galaxy Note 4) currently running 5.1.1, N910FXXU1POK1 (Nordic, NEE), LMY47X.N910FXXU1POK1, factory unlocked. I wan't to upgrade to 6.0.1 and have found a lot of threads on how to do this.

However some sites are using United Kingdom (Vodafone) firmware and still saying that as long as the model is a Samsung SM-N910F there should be no trouble updating.

Is this true? If I use a "branded" firmware, will it affect my phone if it is factory unlocked?

# Answer
> 1 votes
True, you just get a different batch of bloatware from that region. Been using European firmwares for many of my Samsung devices from various regions because generally they're cleaner.

And no matter what your final decision is, SamMobile has you covered for firmwares from all around the world.

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow
---


# Question
Title: What is QuadRooter? Are 900 million Android devices vulnerable?
What actually is QuadRooter and how does it work on Android devices?

It is currently in the news that 900 millions Android devices are vulnerable:

> Serious security flaws that could give attackers complete access to a phone's data have been found in software used on tens of millions of Android devices.
>
> The bugs were uncovered by Checkpoint researchers looking at software running on chipsets made by US firm Qualcomm.
>
> Qualcomm processors are found in about 900 million Android phones, the company said.

The article also said that it is something at the chipset level.

Is this true?

And how does this work internally?

# Answer
> **What is QuadRooter?**

Quadrooter is a name for a set of security vulnerabilities including

These are weaknesses in Linux/Android system software provided by chipset manufacturer Qualcomm.

They could be exploited by an app that you download, even one that does not ask for any special privileges. Such an app could exploit these vulnerabilities to gain higher level control of your phone, including access to any private data you have stored on it.

---

The US National Vulnerability Database gives the following description for the vulnerabilities listed above

### 2059

> The msm\_ipc\_router\_bind\_control\_port function in net/ipc\_router/ipc\_router\_core.c in the IPC router kernel module for the Linux kernel 3.x, as used in Qualcomm Innovation Center (QuIC) Android contributions for MSM devices and other products, does not verify that a port is a client port, which allows attackers to gain privileges or cause a denial of service (race condition and list corruption) by making many BIND\_CONTROL\_PORT ioctl calls.

### 2504

> The Qualcomm GPU driver in Android before 2016-08-05 on Nexus 5, 5X, 6, 6P, and 7 (2013) devices allows attackers to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka Android internal bug 28026365 and Qualcomm internal bug CR1002974.

### 2503

> The Qualcomm GPU driver in Android before 2016-07-05 on Nexus 5X and 6P devices allows attackers to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka Android internal bug 28084795 and Qualcomm internal bug CR1006067.

### 5340

> The is\_ashmem\_file function in drivers/staging/android/ashmem.c in a certain Qualcomm Innovation Center (QuIC) Android patch for the Linux kernel 3.x mishandles pointer validation within the KGSL Linux Graphics Module, which allows attackers to bypass intended access restrictions by using the /ashmem string as the dentry name.

---

You can download an app named "Quadrooter Scanner" from the Google Play store - it will tell you if your phone is vulnerable. The app was written by Checkpoint Software Technologies Ltd. I have installed it, ran it and uninstalled it. Other than that, I cannot say if it is reliable in any way.

Qualcomm have issued software fixes to manufacturers

Google have addressed a couple of these in their security bulletins for July and August

```
Issue                                    CVE            Severity    Affects
                                                                    Nexus?
Elevation of privilege vulnerability in  CVE-2016-2503,  Critical   Yes
Qualcomm GPU driver (Device specific)    CVE-2016-2067

```

...

```
Elevation of privilege vulnerability in  CVE-2016-2504,  Critical   Yes
Qualcomm GPU driver                      CVE-2016-3842

```

...

```
Elevation of privilege vulnerability in Qualcomm GPU driver

An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Qualcomm GPU driver could
enable a local malicious application to execute arbitrary code within the
context of the kernel. This issue is rated as Critical due to the
possibility of a local permanent device compromise, which may require
reflashing the operating system to repair the device.

CVE References  Severity    Updated Nexus devices   Date reported
CVE-2016-2504    Critical   Nexus 5, Nexus 5X,      Apr 5, 2016
A-28026365                  Nexus 6, Nexus 6P,
QC-CR#1002974               Nexus 7 (2013)

```

---

I suspect owners of vulnerable phones have a number of options including some or all of

* wait for manufacturer to provide an over the air update to fix this.
* don't download any new apps
* prevent apps from being updated until vulnerabilities are fixed
* uninstall all superfluous apps
* power down the phone until sure a fix is ready

I guess many people would regard at least the last item as overkill.

---

> **Are 900 million Android devices vulnerable?**

Worldwide sales of smartphones are of the order of 1 billion each year.

Qualcomm are a major manufacturer of integrated circuits used in smartphones. They sell a variety of ICs including the popular "Snapdragon" range of ARM-based CPUs. Their annual revenues are of the order of USD 25 billion.

According to Forbes

> According to ABI Research, leading chipset maker Qualcomm remained a leader in the LTE baseband chipsets in 2015. The company held a massive 65% of the LTE baseband chipset market in the year.

There may be 2 billion smartphones in use in 2016. Of course, a lot of these will be IOS devices. There may still be one or two Windows phone users out there :-).

The average lifetime of a smartphone might be two years or might be four years. There is certainly a market in second hand smartphones. It seems plausible that many smartphones older than one year are still in use.

Of course, there are Android devices that are not smartphones. Google estimates there are 1.4 billion active Android devices worldwide. 65% of 1.4 billion is 910 million. This might be how journalists arrived at this figure. If so, it isn't at all accurate.

However, assuming that the vulnerable drivers have existed for several years, it seems plausible that hundreds of millions of devices might be affected. 900 million seems to be the extreme upper end of possible estimates.

---

## Related
> 60 votes

# Answer
More on Quadrooter

Traffic hijacking Linux flaw affects 80% of Android devices -- including Nougat \- extracts

> While there are a huge number of smartphones and tablets at risk, Lookout says that the flaw is difficult to exploit, somewhat mitigating the risks:
>
> * The vulnerability allows an attacker to remotely spy on people who are using unencrypted traffic or degrade encrypted connections. While a man in the middle attack is not required here, the attacker still needs to know a source and destination IP address to successfully execute the attack.
>
> + We can estimate then that all Android versions running the Linux Kernel 3.6 (approximately Android 4.4 KitKat) to the latest are vulnerable to this attack or 79.9 percent of the Android ecosystem.
>     + We found the patch for the Linux kernel was authored on July 11, 2016. However, checking the latest developer preview of Android Nougat, **it does not look** like the Kernel is patched against this flaw. This is most likely because the patch was not available prior to the most recent Android update.

(Emphasis supplied)

> In order to patch this vulnerability Android devices need to have their Linux kernel updated. Fortunately, there are a few remedies a user can do until the patch is released:
>
> * Encrypt your communications to prevent them from being spied on. This means ensuring the websites you browse to and the apps you use are employing HTTPS with TLS. You can also use a VPN if you want to add an extra step of precaution.
> * If you have a rooted Android device you can make this attack harder by using the sysctl tool and changing the value for net.ipv4.tcp\_challenge\_ack\_limit to something very large, e.g. net.ipv4.tcp\_challenge\_ack\_limit = 999999999

Scammers put a bogus Android security patch app in Google Play\- extracts

> Scammers put a fake Android security patch app in Google Play to infect smartphones.
>
> The bogus patch, packaged as an app, was briefly available in Google Play and purported to fix the so-called QuadRooter bugs that were revealed by security firm Check Point last week.
>
> According to security firm ESET, Google has now pulled the two offending apps from Google Play. Both were both called “Fix Patch QuadRooter” from a publisher Kiwiapps Ltd.
>
> ESET researchers said it is the first time fake Android security patches have been used to lure potential victims
> 3 votes

---
Tags: security, stock-android
---


# Question
Title: Edit hosts file from terminal IDE with root accessed
My terminal IDE accessed root but cannot edit hosts file.

```
root@172.16.0.151:/system/etc #vim hosts

```

But vim just opens hosts file as readonly. Where do I missed here?

# Answer
You've missed that the `/system` file system is *mounted read-only.*

```
mount -o remount,rw /system
cd /system/etc
vim hosts
# edit, save, then make /system read-only again:
mount -o remount,ro /system

```
> 2 votes

---
Tags: root-access, terminal, hosts
---


# Question
Title: Can I use my android's wifi to let another device to connect it through wifi?
Im using a terminal-based environment, but connecting to the internet requires a browser-based authentication. Can I use my Android device as a work-around, connecting it to that WiFi and then establishing an "authentification-free hotspot" to use from my computer? My thoughts were:

1. Suppose I have an android phone can access internet through wifi-A.
2. I want my computer to connect to the internet, however it can't direct connect to wifi-A because the computer is using a terminal environment, it can't access to the browser based login system of that wifi.
3. Can I create a WiFi hotspot wifi-B using the phone, to share the internet with my computer? Note that the phone has internet access because it already connected to wifi-A.

In short, can I create a wifi hot spot using phone, but the phone has already connected to another wifi.

# Answer
> 0 votes
No; your phone can only connect to one wifi at a time. (Unless you add a usb-otg AP and write some code to make it work.) Although there are multi band wifi chips in phones it's unlikely the driver has the liberty to make the hardware work that way and writing your own driver is not practical anyway.

A more simple solution is to use curl on your (non-android) computer in the place of a web browser but the details of that are better left to stackoverflow.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Unfortunately this is not possible. If the WiFi chip in your phone is connected to one host (mostly your router), it can't be used as repeater.

---
Tags: wi-fi, 4.1-jelly-bean, wifi-hotspot
---


title: Cyanogen nightlies updates

text:
# Question
Title: Cyanogen nightlies updates
There are daily nightly updates on CyanogenMod, and I have some waiting.

Can I just omit the older ones and update straight to the newest one?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Unless the maintainer of your device states otherwise, this can usually be done with no issues as long as it's the same version (CM13 to CM13, but not CM12.1 to CM13).

CyanogenMod's update system contains a script which "saves" Gapps from being overwritten, and writes a new /system partition, then clears caches, essentially just refreshing the core operating system... Basically the same way as doing it manually. Skipping is not only safe general, it is actually quite common as many people do not take well to the idea of flashing their phone daily. Many users often do it weekly or monthly, or just as they deem necessary.

You can always post in the official forum for your device and reference your current build and what you want to update to, if there is an issue the maintainer or other users will likely let you know.

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, updates
---


title: Block A Number From Leaving Voicemail?

text:
# Question
Title: Block A Number From Leaving Voicemail?
I keep getting spam calls from a number every night at midnight. I've blocked it, but now it just goes to voicemail and I have to delete the voice messages every morning. It's annoying. Is there an option to block it from leaving voice messages, or just automatically answer then hang up? I haven't found one in Android itself (my phone has ICS). I've also tried Mr. Number, which I thought would do this, but it doesn't. **It does work, see update below**. I've also talked to my carrier about it, but apparently I'd have to add "smart number blocking" or something to my plan for about $5 a month. If possible, I'd rather just get an app answer & hang up than have another fee to pay.

**Delayed Update**: I followed the directions eldarerathis provided below for Mr. Number and it does what I was trying to do; I must have just done something wrong before. The phone will still ring for a few seconds though, so it may be best to silence it if the call comes at a consistent, inconvenient time like it does for me.

# Answer
Not for Ice Cream Sandwich, but in Marshmallow, the stock call blocking also deletes voicemail.

Phone-\>Menu-\>Settings-\>"Call Blocking"

> Calls from these numbers will be blocked and voicemails will be automatically deleted.
> 1 votes

# Answer
The free App call control works pretty good. You can have a number blocked and set up so it picks it up and hangs up. It doesn't let them leave a message and your phone don't ring. However If you go where you don't have service it will still send it to voicemail, but works great otherwise.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: call-screening, voicemail
---


# Question
Title: What does the report in "block and report" do?
In the August Marshmallow 6.0.1 update, there appears to be a new feature called "block and report", which is triggered for some new calls. In this case, it was actually spam. Blocking adds the number to the phone application block list. What does the report do?

I normally file call complaints with FTC Do Not Call Registry. Does report do this for me?

# Answer
"Report" does what it says, report the phone number as spam *to Google*. This will help users of Google's caller ID (e.g. Nexus device users) in the future, since number reported as spam will be shown as "Suspected spam caller" or "Spam" as caller ID.

From Nexus official support,

> ### Mark calls as spam
>
> You can mark all calls from a number as spam to keep from getting any more and report the spammer.
>
> **Spam detection**
>
> If you see "Suspected spam caller" or "Spam" as the caller ID, the call might be spam. You can answer the call, or block and report the number.

---

> I normally file call complaints with FTC Do Not Call Registry. Does *Report* do this for me?

I believe no, because DNC is country-dependent (e.g. FTC's National DNC Registry in US), and I've never heard Google working together with these kinds of government instance.
> 11 votes

---
Tags: calls, call-screening, spam
---


# Question
Title: how to remove password lock when Google keyboard is uninstalled
I was creating space by uninstalling some apps.by mistake I uninstalled Google keyboard and kept quite. After sometime security Password lock was locked.when I tried to open the password lock ,the key is not displaying

# Answer
> 0 votes
Try connecting a usb keyboard to your phone.

---
Tags: google-search
---


# Question
Title: alt tab taken over and trying to get it back
I am running a Galaxy Tab A with Android 6.0.1, but it differs from my cell phone in one regard.

On my cell phone I can press-and-hold the "Home" button center bottom, and get a list of open applications, and can then select one.

On my Tab A, I get Google.

I want to get Google out of the Alt-tab feature WITHOUT removing Google itself from my tablet (as I have Gmail etc.). How do I do this?

# Answer
> 1 votes
The feature you describe is the "recently used apps". Most recent devices have a separate key assigned to that, looking like two intertwined rectangles:

Seeing some screenshots of the Galaxy Tab A (and finally approved by you), this button is located to the left of the "Home button" on your device.

---
Tags: applications, 6.0-marshmallow, tablet
---


# Question
Title: Android w/o gapps. How to get purchased apps
I'm thinking of wiping Google from my Android phone using cyanogenmod w/o gapps using alternative app stores.

The problem is that i have puchased already numerous apps in Google play store, which I don't want to loose.

Is there a possibility to download and install manually the apps I bought at Google play? How to get the newest updates?

Thanks in advance.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I like to use this: GooglePlayDownloader

Though I had to edit the source code to get it to work for me.

You can browse the play store from your pc and also search for any updates to your apk's you have downloaded. I then adb install the apk's I downloaded.

I run it under linux but it is written in python so should be cross platform.

As said in your comments you use your google account but this software is local and not on a web server. Plus it is open source so you can trust in what your account is being used for.

You will need:

* Google Email
* Google Password
* Android ID
* Laguage Code (example: en\_US)

---

You may also be interested in a project called microG. It mocks the gapps but doesn't actually provide any functionality.

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


# Question
Title: How to make my iOS (iPhone, iCloud) notes available on my Android phone?
I'm looking for the easiest way to make my iOS (iPhone, iCloud) notes available on my Android phone.

It seems that there's no way to move them to Google Keep, for example.

I'd be fine with using any apps for notes which would allow me to import them from iCloud and put them on my Android phone.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Apple provides no official way of moving your notes off of iCloud. Here's their support article on exporting your data off of iCloud (hit `Notes`).

However, you can do it with unofficial tools. My method of switching over all of my notes from iCloud Notes and Gmail Notes in the OS X Notes app to Evernote was using Notes Exporter to export all notes to `.txt` files, then dragging each created file over the Evernote app to import. However, if you don't have a Mac, you'll have to use copy and paste (sorry).

---

**Edit**: If your notes are not in iCloud Notes but actually in Gmail Notes (let me know if you can't tell), this If This Then That recipe might help.

---
Tags: ios, notes
---


# Question
Title: Clicking a checkbox to an app using a script
I need to automate accepting a terms & conditions on a 3rd party app installed on the Android device. I just need to click a checkbox on that app's T&C UI. Can someone please guide me how I can do that? I assume I need to write a script??

Any advice would be highly appreciated.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can simulate touch event with an `adb` command: `adb shell input tap <x> <y>`, where x and y are the coordinates of your checkbox.

More about `input`:

```
$ input
input
usage: input ...
       input text <string>
       input keyevent <key code number or name>
       input [touchscreen|touchpad|touchnavigation] tap <x> <y>
       input [touchscreen|touchpad|touchnavigation] swipe <x1> <y1> <x2> <y2> [duration(ms)]
       input trackball press
       input trackball roll <dx> <dy>

```

To the `adb` you have to enable `Developer settings` on your device and accept your computer's fingerprint.

With this you can write a script to tap on the box.

---
Tags: applications, scripts
---


# Question
Title: keep getting a spam voicemail but phone never rang
i keep getting a spam voicemail but phone never rang and it is always the same spam message, i'm on t-mobile with a moto g 4th gen.

tried searching for apps with adware, nothing found ran lookout antivirus, nothing found

# Answer
It's probably auto-sent to voicemail because either Moto or T-Mobile detects its spam. Nothing to worry about here, spam voicemails happen *all the time*. Consider blocking the number.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: voicemail
---


title: Hardware reset screen

text:
# Question
Title: Hardware reset screen
My Samsung Galaxy SII has not been used for a while, and whenever I try to plug it in to charge, it doesn't seem to start charging, and instead loops between the battery charging icon, and a screen with an image of the android icon. This screen has, in red writing, what appears to be a value for RST\_STAT at the top of the screen (This is always 0x10000), and in larger text beside the android icon, the words 'Hardware reset' (without the quotes). Does anyone have any idea how I could get this phone working again?

# Answer
> 0 votes
**Problem solved.**

I'm still not certain what the problem was, but my best guess is that the battery was completely dead. Anyway, I got a new battery, which completely solved the problem.

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, samsung-galaxy-s-2, charging, power-on
---


# Question
Title: Not able to access internal memory after setting SD as default
My phone is **Huawei Mate 8 (NXT-L29)**, latest version of **Android Marshmallow** and **Emotion UI**, not rooted, bootloader locked. Today I plugged in a Samsung 128GB level 10 microSD card I got from *Amazon*. Everything works, speed is good and I loaded some movies on it with my PC. I then switched default storage from Internal Memory to Samsung SD Card in the phone settings. I managed to move my photos and music to the SD Card using Huawei File Manager. Now, every third party app I try (including *PPSSPP, ES File Manager Pro, EMUI Theme Editor, Debian noroot for Android* and more) only detect the SD card as media (even if the most apps themselves actually are in the Internal Storage along with their data). With *ES File Manager Pro*, going in either `/storage` or `/storage/emulated` I only find the respectively the SD Card as a folder and nothing in `emulated`. Why is this happening? I still have some files (including Minecraft PE saves) that I'd like to open (not copy) directly from Internal Memory. The only app seeing my Phone Internal Storage is the Huawei pre-installed File Manager. How do I mount/access Phone Internal Memory without rooting?

# Answer
I am answering to my own question. First of all, on Huawei, SD Card support is very limited. You can barely use an SD to store files, to save camera pictures, to store some app data in limited circumstances. Setting default media as SD Card does do not much of a change either. Since Huawei is not very open, they don't want you to mess with your phone's data, so if there is a memory card for data storage as an alternative, it prefers dedicating internal memory (the `data.img` file in the System Flash) to app data, which shall not be accessible by other apps, only by the app that is using the data. I think this is what Huawei would like as ideal configuration, but since not always you can use an SD Card, you also have the "all-accessible" mode.

**Moral:** If you want to use an SD card with Huawei (for recording video, storing a great deal of music, having movies) **NEVER** tinker with default storage. After setting default storage back to "Internal", ES and other apps are displaying Internal Memory as "*0*" and SD Card as "*E43A-A70F*". If device is rooted, you can create the needed symlinks and not even touch Storage settings.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: internal-storage, sd-card, huawei
---


title: How to root Samsung S4 SGH-M919V

text:
# Question
Title: How to root Samsung S4 SGH-M919V
Title. It has 4.2.2 android

Does the method for the sgh-m919 works?

It's not a duplicated question, I checked. Thanks everyone

# Answer
The easiest method to get root on your device is called CF-Auto-root.

Follow these steps:

* Flash the CF-Auto-Root package as PDA in ODIN, and your device should reboot into a modified recovery (signified by a large red Android logo) and it will install SuperSU for you and restore the stock recovery, and reboot back into Android.
* If you don't get to the red Android logo, boot into recovery manually (`adb reboot recovery`, or boot while holding Power+VolUp+Home).
* Using this root increases your flash counter. You should run Triangle Away after rooting to reset the counter. Note that if you want to run custom kernels or custom recoveries, your flash counter will be set to 1 at every boot. Either configure Triangle Away to reset the counter at every boot (Play version only) or only reset the counter when you need to go into warranty.
* Did you see the red Android logo during rooting, but SuperSU does not appear? This may sometimes occur due to left-over files and settings, however, you can usually install SuperSU from Google Play at this stage and it'll just work.

Detailed ODIN steps:

* Download and unzip the CF-Auto-Root.zip file for your model (eg.: SGH-M919)
* If you end up with a recovery.img and cache.img file, you've extracted twice. You need to end up with a .tar.md5 file - don't extract that one
* (USB) Disconnect your phone from your computer
* Start Odin3-vX.X.exe
* Click the PDA button, and select CF-Auto-Root.tar.md5
* Put your phone in download mode (turn off phone, then hold VolDown+Home+Power to boot - if it asks you to press a button to continue, press the listed button, or run adb reboot download command)
* (USB) Connect the phone to your computer
* Make sure Repartition is NOT checked
* Click the Start button
* Wait for Android to boot
* Done (if it took you more than 30 seconds, you need practise!)

**NOTE**: Sometimes the device does *not* boot into recovery mode and root your device. Just do the entire procedure again if this happens. If it still will not install root and such, make sure that in Odin "Auto Reboot" is not checked. Then after flashing, pull the battery, and boot with VolUp+Home+Power button to boot into recovery manually. This will start the install process.

You may now optionally want to install and run `Triangle Away` to reset the flash counter.

If you have SIM locked device (AT&T, VZW, etc) do not use this method due to its locked Bootloader.

If your device Bootloader is locked do not use this method.

*Disclaimer: I am not responsible for any kind of damage you do to your android device (This doesnt really mean you will damage your android device, theres a really rare chance something bad happens, but thats only if you do something wrong)*

Source
> 0 votes

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


title: iOS Passbook equivalent for Android

text:
# Question
Title: iOS Passbook equivalent for Android
When I would board planes on airlines like Delta and United during my time with an iPhone, I would load the boarding pass into the Passbook app (which became the Wallet app with iOS 9) and would not have to print out my boarding pass. Now I have an Android phone and a United flight tomorrow. How can I use a United boarding pass digitally on my Nexus 6P? Is there a Passbook-like app for Android or do most airlines support in-app digital boarding passes, so I can board the flight with just the United app and no printed pass maybe?

US domestic flight, if that matters. Android 6.0.1.

# Answer
In the end, it was not necessary to use any other app; the United app itself allowed me to store the boarding pass digitally. And I assume it's the same for other airlines' Android apps (you just need to download them). Easy enough.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: nexus-6p
---


# Question
Title: Samsung 4 left in rain and now black screen - can i recover files?
My Samsung S4 (in an otterbox) was left in a downpour for about 10 mins. I brought it in, shook water out (only a little came out) and then (not knowing) plugged it into USB to try to upload files (I KNOW NOW DUMB) within a few mins, screen went black. So then I put vacuumed it and put it in a combo of rice and silica gel for two days. It has power but has a black screen and I was using the lock screen feature and had a password on it..... Is my data on my SIM Card? Can I get my SIM card reprogrammed for another phone and try to get to my files that way? I don't care about my phone just want the data recovered...

# Answer
> 6 votes
If you know for sure your phone can be powered on, then there might just be another doable (albeit technical) way. I've extracted photos and contacts from another S4 of my classmate a while ago using this. I'll describe it and let you decide whether you can handle it.

* While in the blind, get to Download Mode by using the key combo.
* Load a custom recovery onto the phone via Odin. If the phone is recognised in Odin then your blind operation is successful, otherwise reinsert battery and try again.
* Immediately boot into recovery by using another key combo.
* Connect phone to PC and try `adb devices` to detect the phone. If the device is listed, you can proceed to extract stuff from the internal storage using `adb pull`.
* If other data from `/data/data` (e.g. contacts, app data) are needed, navigate to the corresponding recovery menu item to mount `/data` and then `adb pull` what you want.

The above steps in practise are *much* harder than it sounds. You need to know how to use Odin and ADB; you need to get the right custom recovery for your device and Android version; the key combo has to be carried out precisely in time; you also need to know about Android file structure when using `adb pull`. Even though I'm quite skilled at those, it took me roughly 40 minutes to get the data I wanted for my classmate.

It's up to you to determine if your data is worth *all* the hurdles and risks above, or if you just want to hand the job to a repair shop.

P.S. The SIM card only holds your cellular details, not your data. Don't even think about it.

# Answer
> 2 votes
If it has power then try connect your phone to the computer via USB again. Any files stored on the sim card or expandable storage will stay there (that is if that isn't broken as well). Contact your sim provider if you plan on changing the sim.

# Answer
> 2 votes
You could try buying an hdmi/mhl cable to hook up to an external monitor or TV. If the touch part of the screen still works, you could then see what you're doing.

Or try using a USB OTG (on-the-go) adapter to plug in a keyboard. Use that to blindly type your pin or password to unlock the screen, and then try plugging it into your computer to access the files.

---
Tags: samsung, recovery-mode, screen, password
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to mount on a PC an SD card that has been encrypted by an Android Marshmallow device?
I have a Samsung Galaxy S5 duos with stock Android Marshmallow, and I'm considering encrypting my SD card to prevent access to its contents in case I lose my phone. The main reason of not doing this is that I'm not sure if there's a way to mount an encrypted SD card on Windows (or other desktop OS's)

When I encrypt the SD card on my Samsung Galaxy S5, is it using a known implementation of encryption, or is it something that only works on Android (or perhaps Samsung) phones?

I do not want to use USB connection to my phone to access my SD card, it's terrible. Mounting the SD card is much easier and faster and less annoying.

EDIT: just to clarify, I am NOT talking about adoptable storage. I want a portable encrypted SD card that can both be read on PCs and Android phones (i.e. I want to be able to remove the SD card from my phone, plug it into my PC, provide a password to decrypt and read/write it like any other SD card)

# Answer
> 14 votes
Marshmallow has two ways to treat the external SD card :

* *Portable Storage :* In this the entire memory of the ext.SD card is available for use, if it is not encrypted (natively) and you can mount it on your PC to read/ transfer contents
* *Adoptable-storage:* In this the ext. SD is treated as a part of the phone and when you encrypt the phone, the ext. SD card is also encrypted. Once it is encrypted, it can *only* be read through USB and *cannot* be read independently by using a card reader to mount on your PC. You can read more on this at tag and it's *wiki* has questions to answer the common concerns. So, for all practical purposes encrypted ext. SD card cannot be read on PC independent the device. However, if your device is rooted, you can try the method suggested here How to decrypt Adopted Storage?
* Full Disk Encryption details different encryption modes on Android Marshmallow. Whether OEMs implement it with additional security features is not known and surely won't be shared on public domain

**Edit:** Answering OPs query in comments and edit to question

See How does Samsung implement SD card encryption?

1. Samsung implements proprietary encryption as evident from the question and also this Reasons for full disk encryption differences between Nexus & Samsung
2. **Encrypted card cannot be read without the device** as on the first question linked

So, it would be not possible to read the card on your PC, by mounting it via card reader on your PC as you propose to do. To clarify further, it can be read if you connect your device using USB

**Edit:** For a technical understanding, see the excellent answer here How does Marshmallow encryption work technically?

# Answer
> 2 votes
The encrypted SD card cannot be accessed in a PC unless you are connecting via a USB cable with the parent phone.

**Android Marshmallow (6.0+) have a unique feature to format SD card as internal storage** (I think this carries some encryption along with the formatting process). I have tried this, and after it is formatted to internal storage, the SD card is useless without mounting in the same phone in which it was formatted.(**Edit:** Unless you have root access.)

However SD card can be accessed from a PC, after formatting the SD card.

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, external-sd, sd-card, encryption, disk-encryption
---


# Question
Title: I imported my Android contacts to Google contacts, and now they are all duplicated
I was under the impression my Android contacts are not syncing with my Google contact list, but after importing them to Google contacts they are all duplicated in Android.

Any tips how to undo this mess?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Check if you're contacts are duplicated by logging on to google on a browser...

If they are duplicated there then that means the back up screwed up...

If they are not duplicated there, then, delete all your contacts on your phone then back up from google again.

Hope I helped,

Sid

---
Tags: contacts, google-contacts, import, vcard
---


# Question
Title: List of Android devices with their current version APIs
I have been trying to find a list of Android devices with their *current* Android version that their manufacturers upgraded to. Not the ones that the were released with. Most of the lists I find are either incomplete or out-of-date.

Does anybody know of such a list?

# Answer
> 1 votes
I guess this is the most complete list: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison\_of\_Android\_devices

If you wanna see in % -\> http://developer.android.com/resources/dashboard/platform-versions.html

# Answer
> 0 votes
This?

`Marshmallow 6.0 API level 23
Lollipop 5.1 API level 22
Lollipop 5.0 API level 21
KitKat 4.4 - 4.4.4 API level 19
Jelly Bean 4.3.x API level 18
Jelly Bean 4.2.x API level 17
Jelly Bean 4.1.x API level 16
ICS 4.0.3 - 4.0.4 API level 15, NDK 8
ICS 4.0.1 - 4.0.2 API level 14, NDK 7
Honeycomb 3.2.x API level 13
Honeycomb 3.1 API level 12, NDK 6
Honeycomb 3.0 API level 11
Gingerbread 2.3.3 - 2.3.7 API level 10
Gingerbread 2.3.0 - 2.3.3 API level 9, NDK 5
Froyo 2.2.x API level 8, NDK 4
Eclair 2.1 API level 7, NDK 3
Eclair 2.0.1 API level 6
Eclair 2.0 API level 5
Donut 1.6 API level 4, NDK 2
Cupcake 1.5 API level 3, NDK 1
(alpha?) 1.1 API level 2
(beta?) 1.0 API level 1`

Source: https://source.android.com/source/build-numbers.html

---
Tags: android-versions
---


# Question
Title: How do I allow countdown timer alarm to go off while phone is in vibrate?
I upgraded from Galaxy Mega to Galaxy S6 Edge +.

There is no menu button. In Galaxy Mega, part of the menu contains changing the settings of the countdown timer alarm.

One setting I had was that I could **set my phone to vibrate while the countdown timer alarm rings when the countdown finishes.**

So texts and notifications from apps make my phone only vibrate, but my countdown timer rings.

In Galaxy S6 Edge +, it seems like my phone vibrates iff my countdown timer alarm vibrates.

How can I allow the countdown timer to ring while my phone is set to vibrate mode?

---

Galaxy mega has option in timer to change volume. The timer indeed goes off even when the phone is in vibrate. This does not seem to be allowed in s6e+

<sup> Click on picture for larger version </sup>

Bounty note: I think there's something in sounds and notifications, but I can't seem to find it.

# Answer
Click on the volume button, you will see your ringer volume slider, drag that to vibrate, then click the arrow pointing down then you will see app volume and alarm alarm volume...

Set alarm volume to whatever you want, that is what you are looking for...

Hope I helped,

Sid
> 0 votes

---
Tags: vibration, clock, menu, samsung-galaxy-mega-2, samsung-galaxy-s-6-edge+
---


# Question
Title: How to make Samsung Tab 2 10.1 screen always on?
In settings, they only give 15 secs to 30 mins options. But in my scenario, I need make it like an ads screen to present information forever, until the screen dead.

Is there any way to achieve that? Do I need unlock the bootloader?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Download tasker from play store

Import the following task to tasker (save as .xml ) and then import

Download tasker task.

You will get the following screen on time 23 hrs 59mins 59 secs

Put a profile to run everyday, so it gets repeated everyday.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Wake Lock does the job without going through extra setup (Tasker) and is tiny in size. Just use FULL\_WAKE\_LOCK to stay awake and NO\_LOCK to disable.

---
Tags: lock-screens, samsung, screen, samsung-galaxy-tab-2-10.1
---


# Question
Title: Xperia Sola- Whatsapp Web not being able to scan the Bar Code
I have successfully managed to chat on whatsapp web two times, but since yesterday it just won't read the bar code. I have tried it horizontally and vertically, placed it for minutes and also tried moving the phone throughout the code so that it reads at least somewhere, but it just would not work. Advise.

# Answer
Make sure your internet is working smoothly. As after scan it need to send data to server and then it get connected to web. I think your device is scanning clearly bt reason its failing is due to poor internet.. Let me know you succeed connecting??
> 1 votes

# Answer
I've got the problem solved today, while I was PRT SCRning the problem.

All you have to do is move your phone more Left, because of that black half screen bug it scans blank space near QR code.
> 0 votes

# Answer
when you are at whatsapp web screen on your phone that view on 1/4 of screen is wrong get a screenshot you will see where you really are and then center qr code due to screen shoots its a lot easier :D
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, whatsapp-messenger, barcode
---


title: Compass not working on Doogee T6

text:
# Question
Title: Compass not working on Doogee T6
I have a new smartphone: Doogee T6. According to Sensor Box, it has both a magnetic sensor and an accelerometer sensor.

My installed spirit level works fine, but no compass app seems to work.

Any ideas as to how I can get a working compass... and if possible a working AR on Pokemon Go where it tells me that it does not detect the orientation of the phone :-)

# Answer
Unfortunately, I assume, your phone does **not** have a magnetic compass.

Some sources do confirm this assumption:
> 1 votes

---
Tags: orientation, compass, doogee
---


# Question
Title: App sending spam messages to my contacts
My phone sent the following message to all of my contacts:

> Install this voice messenger just to talk http://mrv.withmechat.us/Cun

I know I didn't send this message and not to mention it sent it to all of my contacts at exactly 9:41AM. Is there a logger that can help me find what app or process sent that message?

# Answer
I just ran into this same problem today. It was sent by the Imo app itself. Don't use or install this app!

I recommend leaving a bad review on the Play Store and reporting the app on the Play Store.

To find out which app sent the spam, you can use Android App Ops if it works on your phone.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I would also suggest you go to settings -\> Apps -\> Click on the app -\> Then uninstall. You could also just disable all permissions for the app if you wanted to keep it installed for some reason.
> 0 votes

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Tags: sms, security, spam
---


# Question
Title: Does an android app show all permission it can access?
Generally when you install an application, a list of permission is shown what thing that app can access in your phone. But do they show all the permissions? The app developer don't want you to know some things their app can access like an app can read your contents in SD card but what if it can also read your device ID and MAC Address, will this be written in the list of permissions specially when the developers intentionally want to hide this? Does google allow such apps on play store which hide some app permissions?

# Answer
I've recently picked up Android development myself so I can tell you what I know.

Generally when an app needs access to features it has to declare it in `AndroidManifest.xml`, or else the system throws exception when the app tries to access the feature. Also, even if the app declares permissions in detail (e.g. it wants to send/receive SMS), Android and Google Play will show the permission groups those permissions belong to (e.g. "phone calls and messaging", or something like that). In that sense when you look at the permission list displayed in Google Play or when installing you gain yourself a knowledge of the *maximum* this app is capable of doing.

There can be some exceptions, for example a feature not yet natively implemented in Android but by certain manufacturers, but as Android version grows later, these permissions should automatically get added to the apps requirement, even if the app does not explicitly state it. You still get the *maximum* knowledge.

If any veteran developer spot mistakes in what I said, please do point out, as I'm only a beginner in this field.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: permissions
---


# Question
Title: Why does a factory reset keep the operating system updated?
I recently did a factory reset to my phone and to my surprise, the operating system remained to the last updated version (6.0.0) and not the version I had when I bought the phone (5.0.0).

Why does this happen? Doesn't a factory reset reset the operating system too?

# Answer
System updates overwrite `/system`. Factory reset wipes `/data` and `/cache` but doesn't touch `/system`. Simple as that.
> 16 votes

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Tags: factory-reset
---


# Question
Title: google play won't allow my Australian credit card whilst in Indonesia
I have a Nextbook and have just set it up with my Australian credit card. I am living in Indonesia temporarily at the moment. Google play store won't allow me to purchase movies etc, stating 'unavailable in current location'. How do I fix this? Thanks for your help.

# Answer
Create a paypal and link the credit car to it. then use paypal as your payment option in the play store.
> 0 votes

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Tags: google-play-store
---


# Question
Title: Removing a device from Android Device Manager for a specific account
I work at a small phone repair chain. When I'm logged into the Gmail or Inbox apps with the company's shared Google e-mail account on my private phone, my phone is listed in Android Device Manager for the work account. This allows any and all of my colleagues to Lock or Erase my phone. No thank you.
My phone is an LG G4 running Marshmallow.

How can I remove (not hide) my phone from the Android Device manager for my work account and still receive e-mail on it?

# Answer
> 1 votes
* As pointed out by OP signing out of work account signs out of the *Gmail app and any other Google apps*. So there is **no way** to receive work mails *using Gmail or Inbox app*
* But you want to sign out to be outside the control of Android Device Manager, yet access company mails. For this, you would need to sign up on your device using your personal gmail account and use a *browser* for work account. You would need a *browser* that can send you notifications when mail is received on your work account.
* Firefox can do this . Install X-notifier lite add-on to receive notifications. There are a couple of other Gmail add-ons but they did not get installed (you may like to try). This is a basic notifier that shows messages received in your notification tray
* Snapshot on left shows add on showing up in Firefox menu and on right the notification appearing in your notification tray

* This is verified by creating a test Gmail account and sending a mail to my personal (linked to Google Play) and it showed up on the notification. Further accounts are *not* added to Play Store or listed in the *accounts* section of *settings* as OP had commented for another solution

# Answer
> 4 votes
Actually, it is very straightforward.
Remove the work Google account from your phone and then add it to Gmail app as an **IMAP account** instead of a fully functional Google account.
If it is added as an IMAP account, it doesn't get linked to ADM or any other Google app, for that matter.

From How to add Gmail account without adding Google account on Android - Gmail Community

> Instead of adding the account as a Google account, add it as type Personal (IMAP). That way only Gmail will be connected. The settings are:

```
Incoming servername:imap.gmail.com
Port: 993
Encryption: SSL
Outgoing server name: smtp.gmail.com
Port: 465
Encryption: SSL

```

# Answer
> 1 votes
I think this is what your after.

> To remove devices from your account: Use your phone's browser to go to myaccount.google.com. In the "Sign-in & security" section, touch Device activity & notification. In the "Recently used devices" section, touch Review devices. Touch the device you want to remove \> Remove.

Source

# Answer
> -1 votes
add your own account to your phone, remove the work account, then add the work account as a secondary email, not the playstore email.

---
Tags: google-account, android-device-manager
---


# Question
Title: Android Studio (Windows 7) does not detect ASUS Zenfone. Cannot run my app
So, I will list the problems one by one. Please help.

1. I plug phone into laptop's USB using Phone's own data/ charger cable. Everything is ok. Phone is in `MTP` mode.
2. Android Studio does not detect the phone when I try to run my app.
3. Device Manager shows an `exclamation mark` on ADB Interface, but my ASUS is connected as a portable device. (I downloaded the exact drivers for the phone, however, manually trying to select those driver to update the ADB interface fails)
4. ADB Wireless (No Root) is installed on phone, but my computer fails to do a detection with the adb commands: `devices`, `tcpip 5555`, and `usb`, giving the message `Error: device not found`.
5. As some solutions suggested, switching to `PTP` mode does not help either.
6. The ASUS phone always wants to install a Share Link software when it's connected. Is this what is blocking a simple USB data connection?

**Question:** What might be the problem, and the workaround?

# Answer
> 2 votes
You need to turn on the USB debugging for ADB to work. To turn on USB debugging: Navigate to Settings \> About Phone \> scroll to the bottom \> tap Build number seven 7 times. You'll get toast saying that you're now a developer. 2. Go back and now you can see the Developer options in settings, check 'USB debugging' and click OK. Some times you may need to install drivers for your phone. You can download it from manufactures website.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Sometimes when the phone driver does not install try using http://pdanet.co/a/ Install the app when the phone is connected to the laptop. Even if the installation fails for some reason you still might get the driver for the phone ins

---
Tags: usb-debugging, android-sdk
---


# Question
Title: Cannot download an app on my Android tablet
I thought if I deleted the internal SD card info it would help and I have downloaded apps since but the Facebook messenger app says application cannot be installed in the default installation location error 20 troubleshoot and I have plenty of storage space.

# Answer
I had deleted everything from the SD card, and it popped out asking me to mount the card and put a new one in. I just put in the old empty card and then I disabled play store and enabled it. After that I moved so many apps to the card I have a lot of space and the play store works perfect again – but this took me 4 hours to figure out! Hope this can help someone else oneday!
> 1 votes

---
Tags: tablet
---


# Question
Title: What's the difference between an AOSP ROM and a stock ROM?
I'd like to know what's the difference between these two.

What are the Advantages or Disadvantages of using a AOSP ROM vs a Stock ROM?

Is it just the Theme/Skin/UI and Bloatware that's different or is there something else?

# Answer
> 32 votes
A stock ROM is the ROM that comes with a device; the device is "stocked" with that ROM by the manufacturer. Android is generally customized by the manufacturer to some degree; at minimum there needs to be device-specific drivers and so on for Android to work on a particular device. As Flow notes, customizations may include a custom theme, launcher, and default apps like HTC Sense does.

An AOSP ROM is a ROM based on the Android Open Source Project. In the purest sense, AOSP refers to unmodified ROMs or code from Google. The name is often co-opted for custom ROMs that are very close to the original AOSP, since these ROMs still need to be customized; for example, I can't download/compile the Android source code and run it on my Samsung Vibrant without doing a whole lot of customizations. The name is often abused to refer to ROMs that don't have a custom launcher or many of the other modifications carriers make with Sense, TouchWiz, Motoblur et al., although they may still be themed. A more accurate name for plain, mostly-unaltered ROMs for non-Google devices is probably "vanilla ROMs". (This distinction is part of our tagging policy here; see this Meta discussion for more info.)

Techncially, stock ROMs are all AOSP ROMs apart from the versions of Android that haven't been released. Honeycomb ROMs aren't AOSP, but (for example) Gingerbread ROMs are AOSP since the 2.3 source code is available at http://source.android.com/. (That assumes Google hasn't hidden parts of the code and given it to manufacturers secretly.)

To further add to the confusion, a "custom ROM" does not refer to customized ROMs in general. That term specifically refers to ROMs that have been customized by third parties (i.e., not the manufacturers or carriers). For example, I'm running a custom ROM that is just a re-themed and tweaked stock ROM. CyanogenMod is another example, and it has many features built from the ground up rather than mere tweaks. Most AOSP ROMs you'll find for a specific device are stock ROMs that have been customized to remove some of the manufacturer/carrier tweaks and make them closer to the pure AOSP experience.

# Answer
> 4 votes
It depends on the manufacturer. One does more customization then others. Prominent examples are TouchWiz from Samsung and Sense from HTC. While the two are mostly UI changes, there are also cases where additional functionality is added to the ROM, like Bluetooth Tether and full system encryption, which nowadays are features provided by AOSP. Others make only small changes to vanilla Android.

But in general I would say it mostly the theme, skin, UI and the pre-installed apps that differ from ASOP. On the other hand, it is nearly impossible to make a absolute statement. The differences vary from manufacturer and model.

# Answer
> 2 votes
I think sometimes a practical answer helps clear things up, this will not be as technical as the other answers, but more so a real world example.

I have a T-Mobile Galaxy s5.

The XDA page can be found here

http://forum.xda-developers.com/tmobile-galaxy-s5

When looking for Roms there are 2 main categories :

**T-MOBILE GALAXY S 5 ANDROID DEVELOPMENT**

This category is all **"stock" roms**. The code base is the TouchWiz Samsung ROM usually stripped of bloatware and optimised in some way.

**SAMSUNG GALAXY S 5 UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT**

This category is all **"AOSP" roms**. All the ROMS here are built from the Android Open Source Project Code and modified/optimized for the Galaxy S5 (Any Variant). The reason it is "unified" is because any AOSP ROM for an S5 should work on ALL S5's, but with heavily modified roms like the "Stock/TouchWiz" they are generally optimized/driver specific for each model of the samsung galaxy s5.

---
Tags: custom-roms, vanilla-android
---


# Question
Title: Is there any way to root Galaxy Tab A 9.7 (SM-P550) 6.0.1?
As far as I know Kingo and CF-AUTO root are not compatible with the current time galaxy tab A. Any suggestions?

Side Note TWRP and CWM are not compatible with my device

# Answer
> 1 votes
When you say "TWRP and CWM are not compatible with my device", I reckon you didn't search hard enough, so here's something for you.

\[ROOT\]\[TWRP\]Samsung Galaxy Tab A SM-T550/T555/P550/P555/T350/P350/T355/P355

There are also brief steps in the thread. Basically just load up TWRP in Odin and flash a compatible SuperSU from there and you're good.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Do the root manually,

Google it to get more info, I will describe shallowly,

Get Odin, get bootloader, download bootloader into phone from download mode... (Do it through Odin)

From the bootloader, download root apps, or get Cyanogenmod so you can get root permissions by enabling developer options

Sorry for the vague answer, I am in a bit of a hurry, you can google it and trust me, you will get a lot of answers. Be careful, rooting will void your warranty and may brick your device.

Hope I helped,

Sid

---
Tags: rooting, samsung-galaxy-tab-a
---


# Question
Title: ES File Explorer Pro: root access error on Android 6
When I try to enable **Root Explorer** in ES File Explorer/Manager PRO 1.0.7 there is a error toast notification saying that...

`Sorry test failed. This feature cannot run on your phone.`

I'm using a rooted OnePlus Two with OxygenOS 3.0.2 / Android 6.0.1.

Can this error be solved somehow by the user?

# Answer
> 0 votes
I found a solution:

1. Install Busybox and Android Terminal Emulator.
2. Open the terminal app and write these commands "enter" separated: `su`, `mount -o remount,rw /system`, `touch /sbin/su /system/bin/su /system/xbin/su`, `mount -o remount,ro /system`, `exit`.
3. Reboot

Now you can enable the **Root Explorer** feature in ES File Explorer without any error!

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Tags: root-access, 6.0-marshmallow, es-file-explorer
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# Question
Title: How to save backups taken with Titanium Backup?
I used Titanium Backup to backup an app and its data. I will be flashing my phone with a new ROM/firmware. How do I ensure I can latter recover the backup? I would like to copy the files to the computer but am not sure what to look for. Does anyone know where Titanium Backup stores the backup files and what files to look for?

# Answer
* Titanium Backup (TiBu) saves the files it has backed up by default on your *internal or device storage*, unless you have specifically pointed it to save on your external SD .
* Saving on *External SD* is the preferred option, since you can do a factory reset or wipe your device as you would do now to flash new ROM
* OP has confirmed that the initial directory of backups was in internal SD `/storage/emulated/legacy/TitaniumBackup`

Now it is required to be saved on the *external SD* for transfer to PC

**Steps to create a backup directory on Ext SD and copy the earlier backed files from internal storage**

1. *Menu → Preferences → Backup Settings → Backup folder location* to display the current backup location (in pic below `/storage/0000-0000/moto titanium` is my current back up location, where `0000-0000` is my external SD)
2. *Press `Back` key (to jump to parent folder of device) →Create a new folder → by name Example*
3. Select *Use the Current folder* and on the nest screen accept the prompt *to move all earlier backups to new folder*. (takes some time depending on the number of backups and it may look like app is doing nothing, be patient, it is working)
4. You are done ! To confirm that the location has changed refresh the application by hitting `Back` or reload to go to the home screen and see the changed location
5. Now you are set to transfer the files to PC or upload to cloud - ( TiBu also has uploading to cloud options)

Aside, you can set up the frequency of backups by scheduling them . Additional details and steps to schedule here

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Note: An alternate way of specifying a backup folder is shown by OP in comment. That is also fine but requires to create a folder using a file explorer before and then specifying it. Method suggested above, reduces one step of using file explorer to create a folder but that's not a big deal
> 3 votes

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Tags: titanium-backup
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# Question
Title: Stuck at Google screen, recovery mode just turns the screen black
I have rooted my Nexus 5 and installed CyanogenMod (Android 6) a few months ago.
It has always been running fine, but today while scrolling a web page it froze, so I long-pressed the power button to reboot it.

The phone started rebooting, showing the Google logo and unlocked lockpad, then the CyanogenMod robot head, as usual.

It then rebooted by itself, once again the Google logo and robot head, and got stuck there.

After 5 minutes without visible progress I long-pressed the power button again.

Now it does not go further than the Google logo screen. I tried again rebooting it a few times, it is always stuck at that screen.

Starting in recovery mode just turns the screen black (the screen is active but only showing black pixels).

```
#> fastboot oem device-info
...
(bootloader)    Device tampered: true
(bootloader)    Device unlocked: true
(bootloader)    off-mode-charge: true
OKAY [  0.003s]

#> fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.0.2-0-hammerhead.img
target reported max download size of 1073741824 bytes
sending 'recovery' (14524 KB)...
OKAY [  0.665s]
writing 'recovery'...
FAILED (remote: flash write failure)
finished. total time: 44.721s

#> fastboot erase cache
******** Did you mean to fastboot format this partition?
erasing 'cache'...
FAILED (remote: failed to erase partition)

#> fastboot erase cache
target reported max download size of 1073741824 bytes
erasing 'cache'...  [stays like this forever]

```

Running `fastboot boot twrp-3.0.2-0-hammerhead.img` starts TWRP, which shows that Data and System are 0MB:

How to fix it?

# Answer
```
FAILED (remote: flash write failure)

```

Indicates your hardware is dead, so replace the main board or the whole device.

It was designed with a built in limited lifetime of maybe 100,000 writes. LG had to cut some corners to make the Nexus 5 so cheap which is maybe why they die a bit sooner than a flagship device of more then 3 times the cost.

You could try heat annealing the memory but you would need some electrical engineering toys to recover from the resulting hard brick (the firmware would be wiped).
> 0 votes

# Answer
As of now one of the last resorts you have is to flash a factory image via fastboot. If that also poses `remote: flash write failure` then it's highly likely that your NAND is borked.
> 0 votes

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Tags: cyanogenmod, 6.0-marshmallow, recovery-mode, nexus-5, boot
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