title: Force install apps?

text:
# Question
Title: Force install apps?
I bought a cheap Chinese Android-based set top box for the bedroom. It came with a few apps preloaded, amongst which YouTube and Netflix.

Unfortunately, the developers of this box seem to have missed a few steps, and the device does not seem to be configured properly as an Android TV device. The result is that the installed YouTube app is the Android TV version, but the installed Netflix app is not. Needless to say, in this situation the Netflix user experience is suboptimal. When I try to install the Android TV version of Netflix, Google tells me that the device is not compatible.

Due to the whole lockdown situation, replacing the device by one that is done properly is complicated right now (courier services are in lockdown as well where I live, and the shop where we bought it is not currently in operation until after the lockdown), so I would like to explore the possibility to override these restrictions somehow. I don't mind hacking the device, as long as it doesn't require rooting the thing, as that might mean Netflix won't work anymore at all, which obviously I wouldn't want.

How do I figure out why the Android TV version of Netflix won't install on my device, and is it possible to override this restriction somehow?

# Answer
> 0 votes
I fiddled with this a bit more, but eventually gave up and decided to just buy a slightly more expensive device that's a proper Android TV one. The new one does not have the issues of the other device, and I can use proper Android TV apps now.

---
Tags: android-tv
---


# Question
Title: How can I allow a second user account to unlock my device after a reboot?
I recently damaged the screen on my phone and am sending it in for repair. The repair shop I am using wants to be able to access certain features of the device, like the camera, Wi-Fi, etc, in order to test that they still work properly after the repair is complete. I'd like to give them this option without granting them full access to all the data on my phone, and without having to perform a factory reset, so I created a new user account for the repair shop to use.

Unfortunately, while performing the repair the repair shop will need to power the phone down, and here's where I run into a problem. After rebooting my phone, the lock screen for my main user account appears showing the message "Unlock for all features and data.", and doesn't allow switching to the repair shop's account until after the device is unlocked. You can see the repair shop's user account in the settings pulldown menu, but it is greyed out and tapping it does nothing. This defeats the purpose of having a separate account, as it seems my main account's password is required in order to access the repair shop's account.

I am using a Google Pixel, and disk encryption is enabled. (As it is by default.) Note that the Pixel uses file-based encryption, so in theory it should be possible for different users to use different decryption keys for their files. (Though I have no idea if that's possible in practice, which is why I'm asking this question.)

Is there a way to allow other user accounts to access my device after a reboot?

# Answer
> 2 votes
So I had the same problem with an employee to whom I had given a phone. She kept forgetting to charge the phone, so when it rebooted after charging she had to hand me the phone so I could type in the password and then switch to her secondary account. Tired of this, I read some articles about multiple users. I couldn't find the right answers (or didn't understand them) but here is what I did.

1. I switched to her user account and protected her user screen with a swipe.
2. Rebooted
3. In my admin account, I erased/disabled my screen lock by erasing my admin password.
4. Rebooted
5. In my admin account, I enabled the screen lock again by using a password. The phone then prompted me to accept added security by needing a password before startup. This time I chose NO. Then I re-added my old password.
6. Now after reboot, my employee can swipe the screen down and select the second user herself without having to input the admin password. And if she tries to switch to my admin account, the phone asks for my password.

I really don't know how vulnerable the phone has become after declining the added security, but now I can get back to work faster and have one less thing to worry.

I hope someone still finds this helpful.

---
Tags: encryption, multi-user, google-pixel, disk-encryption
---


# Question
Title: Can Google Drive be deleted from a Samsung Galaxy Express?
I have a Samsung Galaxy Express phone running Android 4.1.2

Is there a way to delete Google Drive from the phone \[without rooting it\]? In the Application Manager, there is no DELETE button for Drive. The only buttons are to FORCE STOP and UNINSTALL UPDATES.

# Answer
You cannot "delete" Google Drive without rooting the device, but you can at least disable the app or force stop it which is like deleting it except that you will ***not*** get the disk space that the app is using up back.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I don't beleive so. Drive (I beleive), along with Gmail, Maps, etc is a required app that Samsung must include with their phones, and it can't be uninstalled - at least not easily without the likes of rooting.
> 0 votes

# Answer
If you see a button labeled "uninstall updates", that's a system app which you cannot remove without root powers. User-installed apps never have that "uninstall updates" button, for a simple technical reason:

* a "system app" has its original `.apk` file installed on the `/system` partition, which is mounted read-only. If it receives an update, it thus cannot simply replace its original `.apk` – so the update gets placed on the `/data` partition (along with the user-installed apps).
* a user-installed app gets installed straight on `/data` – so if there's an update, it replaces the originally installed `.apk`.

Hence, by the simple existence of a button labeled "uninstall updates" you can tell that's a system app. You then can push that button: after uninstalling updates, in most cases it changes its lable to "disable". Push that button again, and the app is "disabled" – i.e. doesn't turn up in your app drawer, on your homescreen, or anywhere else except for *Settings › Apps* (where you could re-enable it when needed). That's the closest you can come to uninstalling without rooting your device.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: delete, google-drive
---


# Question
Title: How can I condense the icons in the quick settings panel on Android?
Icons in the quick settings panel look like:

But instead I would like to make the icons smaller:

How can I condense the icons in the quick settings panel on Android?

Interestingly the two above screenshots were on the same unrooted phone, but it was the first time I saw the small icons, and it reverted back to the normal sized icons the next day. No idea what happened.

# Answer
> 3 votes
The screenshot show the "quick settings panel" with "tiles" for actions.

The number of "tiles" per row is defined by ROM and you can't change that (unless your ROM provides a setting for doing that). If your device is rooted, there could be solutions. This is defined by a system UI property `quick_settings_min_num_tiles` (not sure if it is ROM dependent)

Gravity Box EdXposed module is one way to do this on rooted devices (See this How to install EdXposed on Android 10 without triggering safety net)

---
Tags: notification-icons, android-10, quick-settings
---


# Question
Title: Cant open tar.md5 files to view the .img files
Im trying to open my stock rom file that i downloaded from sam firmware and when I try open it with winrar it says: The archive is either in unknown format or damaged. so i tried taking the .md5 extension away and still no luck? Other people have managed to do this besides me?

# Answer
**Generic Samsung Firmware MD5 Information:**

You can flash an MD5 file via `Odin` for Samsung Devices.

An MD5 file is just a .tar file with a checksum included. Odin can recognise both, and you an even just remove the .MD5 and have .tar on the end, rather than the usual .tar.md5 extension Samsung software has. A tar file is just a \*NIX archive file to all intents and purposes.

Note: MD5 cannot be flashed by CWM or TWRP or any other custom recovery.

For example:

* Lets say I download a new Modem called MODEM\_S6102DXLC2\_REV01.tar.md5
* Open ODIN
* Place MODEM\_S6102DXLC2\_REV01.tar.md5 in the 'Phone' or 'CP' section (Depending on Odin Version)
* Flash Modem.

---

**Opening Tar Files:**

To open a .tar file you can use 7-Zip in Windows.

Link to 7 Zip Page note it mentions Tar explicitely on the page.

Here is a list of free archive software for windows many of which can open tar files.
> 2 votes

# Answer
> What is a MD5 file? Files that contain the .md5 file extension are checksum files that are used to ensure that the data within a file is complete and has not become corrupt. An MD5 file verifies the integrity of downloaded files, discs and disk images. MD5 files use an algorithm that is based on the number of bits that a file should contain. The MD5 file format is used by the IsoBuster CD/DVD copying software to verify the integrity of the copies it creates as well as other software applications. However, there are certain applications that MD5 files are not suitable for, such as SSL certificate programs or digital signature file creation softwares.

Source: MD5 file extension

In other words, you may have downloaded the checksum file for the application/file/etc that you are attempting to download. The reason WinRar can't open it, is because WinRar is searching for compressed archives, not a checksum file.
> 0 votes

# Answer
it is actually kind easy all you have to do is mount the .tar.md5 AP file and **Bam!**

you should find it
> 0 votes

---
Tags: rom
---


title: Floating controls for audio player

text:
# Question
Title: Floating controls for audio player
Is there any way, or any audio player software that has the feature, to play/pause an audio file without opening the player app, e.g. via a floating button (like softkey) or a hard button? I am learning to speak a language. The text is in a PDF file, the audio is in MP3 files. I need to read the PDF (in Adobe reader, ezPDF, etc) while playing the audio, and need to play/pause the audio without having to close the PDF viewer, open the player, then go back.

I'm using a tablet. Its headset doesn't have any button (play/pause, volume control). The tablet only has 2 volume buttons, 1 home button, and 1 power/sleep button.

Thanks!

# Answer
> 6 votes
The (Samsung modified) default Music Player app on the Galaxy S puts the player controls in the Notification Shade (the pull-down part of the Notification bar) while the Music Player is playing in the background. This lets you Play, Pause, Next Track, Previous Track while you're in another app. Doesn't the default Android player do this?

Screenshot of the player controls with the notification bar pulled down:

# Answer
> 5 votes
**Root only solution:** You can use an app called **ButtonRemapper** to remap any of your buttons to a number of functions. I used this to remap my camera button to be a Play/Pause button (but when I was in the camera app it still took pictures). Unfortunately you have to have a rooted device to use this.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I used the remapper app to play and pause my kindle books. We can also customise the volume buttons to only do this when using a specofoc app. My volume button now only pauses the kindle books, but works normally when using other apps. So happy..!!

Here is the link to the google playstore app. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sumyapplications.button.remapper

---
Tags: media-player, audio
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to know the wear level information of a phone, like SSD have with SMART?
Is there a way to find out the media wearout level on an android device? I have a tablet that is acting weird and slow, so I wonder if the internal storage is still ok: it is the Nvidia Sheild (renamed Tegra K1 later on) and probably has eMMC since it's quite old.

I know that a SSD is not the same as a phone storage chip. I read about eMMC and UFS and I am interested about wearout on both generations of storage!

https://www.dignited.com/23879/emmc-or-ufs-mobile-phone-storage/
https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/what-is-ufs-3-0-storage/

Here's a link to Unix/Linux SE for more info about media wearout:
https://unix.stackexchange.com/questions/106678/how-to-check-the-life-left-in-ssd-or-the-mediums-wear-level

I know that one way to estimate the storage wear is to run a storage benchmark app, but I am interested about storage wearout.

Thanks!

# Answer
> 13 votes
SMART was originally designed for ATA devices and extended to SCSI and PCIe/NVMe later to cover almost the whole range of HDDs/SSDs. Trying to send SMART commands to eMMC, e.g. using `smartctl` would throw error: `Unable to detect device type. Please specify device type with the -d option.`

Unlike SATA or SAS, eMMC communicates over parallel links and has a different command set. One of these commands (`CMD8`) dumps the Extended CSD (Card Specific Data) register which holds card's internal information and device capabilities including ***Life Time*** Estimation and ***Pre EOL*** (End of Life) Estimation. `EXT_CSD` register can be read (requires root) using `mmc` tool from mmc-utils:

```
~# mmc extcsd read /dev/block/mmcblk0 | grep -E 'LIFE|EOL'
eMMC Life Time Estimation A [EXT_CSD_DEVICE_LIFE_TIME_EST_TYP_A]: 0x03
eMMC Life Time Estimation B [EXT_CSD_DEVICE_LIFE_TIME_EST_TYP_B]: 0x03
eMMC Pre EOL information [EXT_CSD_PRE_EOL_INFO]: 0x01

```

<sup> * `0x03` indicates health status is estimated between 20% and 30% of the device lifespan.
* `0x01` indicates Normal pre-EOL status. </sup>

Depending on your MMC driver, the above information is also available through `sysfs` interfaces:

```
~# cat /sys/devices/soc/7824900.sdhci/mmc_host/mmc0/mmc0:0001/{life_time,pre_eol_info}
0x03 0x03
01

```

<sup>* Path may differ depending on eMMC vendor.</sup>

Another option is to read ECSD register from `debugfs`:

```
~# cat /sys/kernel/debug/mmc0/mmc0:0001/ext_csd

```

But parsing ECSD raw output is an extra job.

For UFS part I'm not sure at the moment if the health/wear estimation is available through HCI Capabilities Registers or not. Also unlike eMMC, UFS operates over a serial communication link and supports a subset of SCSI commands. So it might be providing SMART (or SMART-like) monitoring system. Someone else may update the answer if some authentic source of information is available.

---

**REFERENCES:**

---
Tags: internal-storage, storage, hardware
---


title: Why is my WIFI always on?

text:
# Question
Title: Why is my WIFI always on?
I have turned off WIFI in the settings, but it's still always running. Doesn't this graph indicate that WIFI is really on all the time? How can this be when it's definitely "off" in Settings?

I'm worried that this constant WIFI use drains my battery and I want to avoid this.

This is a Nexus 4 running Kitkat 4.4.4.

I have also installed the Llama automation app which can optionally turn on WIFI every *x* minutes, but I have made sure that option is definitely turned off. This behavior continues even when Llama is not running. I don't think there's any other app on my phone that would have the capability to turn on WIFI on its own.

Is there some way I could find out whether one of the installed apps is responsible for this?

# Answer
Android is automatically keeping Wi-Fi on while the phone is sleeping (`Keep Wi-Fi on during sleep`) and always scans for available networks (`Scanning always available`). They must be keeping it on. Try disabling them from `Settings > Wi-Fi > Advanced`.
> 1 votes

# Answer
WiFi always on is caused by you granting access googleto always being able to check for WiFi at any given time in googles point of view that means ALWAYS You can disable it by going to your GPS settings and clicking the 3 dot menu \> advanced unchecking the WiFi scanning hope this helps
> 1 votes

# Answer
Found the solution. Go to location. Select scanning options. Disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth scanning. Problem solved.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I found that Spotify or any media related control app seems to always be chatting over the network keeping it awake and active.

A Google Home assistant type device like Home Mini can cause the same issue, especially with the 'Let others control your cast media' option.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi, 4.4-kitkat, battery, battery-history
---


# Question
Title: Battery drain issue on idle phone, how to find out the culprit?
Overnight, starting from a 100% charge, all apps closed, even from a fresh reboot, screen of course off, my phone (Redmi 6) ends up with a ~90% charge. I know this is abnormal, as my previous phone (Redmi 5A, with worn out battery) ends up with ~99% in the same situation.

That's quite annoying to know that *something* needlessly drains my battery! I'm pretty sure it's due to some software bug. Encountering the issue as well on MIUI 10 and 11.

I'd like to find out the culprit in order to fix the issue. What can I do?

For the record, my syslog receives the following two errors *a lot* (several per second):

```
BoostFramework() : Exception_1 = java.lang.ClassNotFoundException: com.qualcomm.qti.Performance
BoostFramework() Ux Perf : Exception = java.lang.ClassNotFoundException: com.qualcomm.qti.UxPerformance

```

(then, just in case, I went to the Developer options and fully disabled logging, who knows! But it didn't fix the battery issue.)

Also for the record, I have already done a lot of googling about that battery drain issue, and tried the following fix: Go to "Settings \> App \> Permissions \> Autostart" and disable everything (in my case I only had "Camera" enabled). Sadly, it didn't fix the issue.

**Update:**

I've had run "Battery usage stats" during the day, and it reported me that the screen was most (like 90~95%, as I recall) using the battery, followed by a few % by the networks (cell, wifi).

But here I just looked at "Battery usage stats" and it gave me interesting results: Screen 35%, Cell standby 31%, Wifi 24%…

This is something I was also suspecting. It's highly possible the battery drain is caused by network (both cell and wifi) activity, which in turn could be caused by some software bug. Even though I made sure that no apps or widgets are running. What could I do to investigate further this path? Maybe there is some setting (possibly advanced) that could fix the issue?

**Update 2:**

As suggested in the comments, I tried "airplane mode" (i.e. cell and wifi networks disabled) and it seems to solve the issue. I think that both, cell and wifi, cause battery drain.

However, that adds an annoying handling step, and I cannot receive calls while in airplane mode. I wish I could avoid that extra handling. I usually don't use wifi, so I'll try disabling only wifi and see if it's sufficient.

The MediaTek chipset of the Redmi 6 definitely seems to be a bad pick. This chipset forbids almost any custom ROM, and now I discover it's not energy-efficient at all for networks…

**Update 3:**

Some feedback after an extensive period of testing. I can keep cell network and mobile data always on, turning the wifi off seems to be sufficient. Overnight, the battery goes down to barely 99%, it reaches 98% at the very worst… sometimes it even stays at 100% :)

Coupled with a good mobile plan, I just keep the wifi always off, and no longer think about this issue :)

# Answer
> 0 votes
I had this same issue, it seems to be related to media control apps like Spotify and Google Home mini always staying on and keeping wifi awake. Also check for any other network connected devices that could be spamming. Could be a printer, or a laptop even, anything on the network is a suspect.

Also try this which seems to have helped:

* Removing fingerprint unlock. Perhaps I had 3 fingerprints, before I had 2, maybe that affected battery life and device being active.
* Removing one of the themes from the miui Themes app, it seems dodgy, using default theme seems to be helping too.

Network changes:

* Some routers and your phone's wifi chip might be a bit funny, so perhaps switch to Static fixed IP address for your phone instead of a dynamic DHCP ip address.
* Also try fixing the Wifi Router's Channel to a specific channel instead of leaving it on automatic. (Use WirelessNetView on PC to see which channels are quieter in your neighbourhood, choose between 1, 6 or 11 only)

---
Tags: battery, xiaomi, redmi
---


title: Add rows to table in Google Docs

text:
# Question
Title: Add rows to table in Google Docs
Any way to add a row to a table in Google Docs? I've tried to click everything, but I find no button to add a row;)

# Answer
> 1 votes
Highlight a cell (long press) in Google Docs and you would see at bottom option to "add row below" ; slide menu to reveal "add above" (not in pic)

---
Tags: google-docs
---


title: Flashing galaxy s5 issues

text:
# Question
Title: Flashing galaxy s5 issues
I am having issues flashing my Samsung Galaxy S5 with a new firmware.

Whenever I use odin to flash the new firmware it would say `Failed (size)`

This lead me to issues with the PIT file, alas flashing that by its self did little other than make the phone stay on the splash screen.

Following more information I was told the issue could be with hidden.img.ext4 which I should flash separately as a .tar file.

However if I flash the tar.md5 and then flash the 'hidden' the tar.md5 still fails and the flashing of hidden puts me back to the continuous splash screen.

Any idea what I should do?

# Answer
> 0 votes
So what worked for me was to flash it, let it fail, extract the rom file (tar.md5) flash the system.img and then the hidden.img after the first. Reboot in safe mode (volume up + home button + power) and boot from /system

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


title: Integrate CalDAV to Android Outlook

text:
# Question
Title: Integrate CalDAV to Android Outlook
Is it possible to integrate the CalDAV calendar into the Android Outlook app?

Usually, CalDAV calendars don’t appear in the Android Outlook app, so I search for a way to integrate CalDAV into Outlook. I know there is a software called Outlook CalDav Synchronizer but it's only for desktop (Windows).

There is another app called DAVx5 to synchronize CalDAV, but it's a paid app and I don't want to waste it.

Does someone have the experience?

# Answer
> 0 votes
According to my research, Outlook for Android does not support the CalDAV feature so far. There was a feature request on the deprecated Outlook UserVoice (archived since Microsoft has moved away from UserVoice).

---
Tags: calendar, outlook, caldav
---


# Question
Title: Is there a way to hide an app from the Play Store without uninstalling it?
Is it possible to remove an app from the Play Store's "installed" list but keep it installed? I can't seem to find a workup on this.

# Answer
That is possible, but requires a rooted device. Some apps provide a feature to accomplish that, e.g.:

Note that, even once achieved, Playstore refreshes those "links" – usually within ~24h. The first app takes care for that itself, and with *Titanium* you can setup a corresponding schedule to repeat the action (hint: use a filter, store the filter definition, and use that for the "scheduled task").
> 2 votes

# Answer
yes you can but you just have to follow a simple step *WARNING* it will not show some other apps too... for example i want to hide a app that is for age group 12+ (this rating you can see after searching for that app and see the age recommendation)... so now you have to go in parental control in play store and then add a pin... now just select the age group below the one of 12 years and set it... now if you search for that app it would not show it (but now you wont be able to see other apps that of category 12+) however if you have downloaded that app it would show in updates section
> 0 votes

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


# Question
Title: How to disable wallpaper blur effect on Samsung Galaxy S9 home screen?
I've set an animated wallpaper on my Samsung Galaxy S9 (one that was included with the device). It displays correctly on the lock screen, but somehow gets blurred on the home screen.

**Lock screen (no blur)** | **Home screen (blur)**

Is it possible to disable this blur effect?

# Answer
It's not blurred wallpaper, it applied two wallpapers, one for the lock screen and the other for the home screen.

To set the wallpaper (single wallpaper for both screens):

1. Open the wallpaper app, and select any wallpaper, and select this option set as **Home screen and Lock screen** OR set **Both** (option in Google Wallpaper app).
2. Press and hold the home screen, the screen will show three options, Wallpaper, Widgets, and Settings (home screen). Tap on Wallpaper, and select any wallpaper, the select set as HOME screen and Lock screen OR Both as options mentioned above.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Press the home screen. On the bottom, press launcher themes. Disable the blur effect to all.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung, wallpaper, samsung-galaxy-s-9
---


# Question
Title: Can I access my Android through ADB if the phone can only get to the fastboot menu?
I would like to recover message attachments from a Pixel 3 that died recently. (Yes, I should have had them saved and backed up, but I missed that option for message attachments.)

However, the phone is minimally functional. If the phone could turn on, I could sync those files and be done. It also appears that I need to turn the phone on to enable usb debugging for ADB. I can reach the fastboot menu by holding the power and volume down buttons, but if I try to go past that into "Start" or "Recovery Mode" or even "Rescue Mode," the phone powers off again.

While in the fastboot menu, I can see that a Pixel 3 device is connected by usb to my computer. I have installed Android Studio, Android SDK, and the Google USB drivers. The phone appeared as "LeMobile Android Device" at first, but after changing the driver to Google's it is now "Android Device"--"Android Bootloader Interface."

Running adb devices returns an empty list even while Device Manager shows it is attached (probably because I can't turn the phone on and enable usb debugging).

I'm out of ideas, and am looking for ADB tips to try. What can I try next? How can I get the phone to start or to get access to the phone without leaving the fastboot menu?

Thanks.

# Answer
> 4 votes
No you can't access your phone via `adb` while you are in fastboot menu.

While in fastboot menu only the `fastboot` binary + driver can access your device.

ADB is only available when the device is booted (adb is usually already available from a certain boot stage on while the device is still booting).

Also certain recovery ROMs provide full ADB access. Simple recovery ROMS only provide limited ADB access, for `adb sideload` \- it allows you to upload ROM images so that the recovery can install it.

---
Tags: adb, data-recovery, fastboot
---


title: What is com.coloros.safecenter?

text:
# Question
Title: What is com.coloros.safecenter?
I am using Oppo F11 Pro mobile phone. When managing my Google account, under my activities I see "Used com.coloros.safecenter".

What is that?

# Answer
> 1 votes
This is the security center of your Oppo phone. It's a pre-installed app where you can hide your apps and photos and do much more.

---
Tags: google-account
---


# Question
Title: How much of the Android filesystem is visible over MTP?
When I plug in my Android device to my computer it gets connected as a media device under `MTP` mode. I can browse a bit of the folders on my device via my computer. I'm wondering how much of the device am I actually able to see? What sort of folders and content specifically is *not* visible over MTP? Does MTP have a corresponding set of file permissions associated with it?

# Answer
> 4 votes
MTP - an extension to PTP - is a client-server protocol, roughly like FTP. MTP client on PC sends operation requests (like GET\_OBJECT, SEND\_OBJECT, DELETE\_OBJECT) to server running on Android device and gets responses back.

Unlike USB Mass Storage (UMS), MTP doesn't expose filesystem at all. Instead contents of shared external storage (`/sdcard` \- a subdirectory of `/data/media/` \- and physically external SD card) which are indexed in database of `MediaStore` Content Provider are shown to PC. Everything else (including `/data`, `/system`, `/vendor` and other filesystems) is not visible over MTP.

Since there's no filesystem level access, there're no filesystem permissions. Related details:

---
Tags: file-system, mtp, file-permissions
---


# Question
Title: Why does screen turn off when making calls on speakerphone?
1. This is not a proximity sensor issue. The proximity sensor works as expected during normal calls and speakerphone calls.
2. This is not a screen timeout issue. The screen timeout is set to 10 minutes. It always turns off within \<45 seconds.

as expected during normal calls and speakerphone calls.

This is infuriating. I don't understand why the screen should turn off after any amount of time other than the screen timeout setting when on a speakerphone call. Usually I'm navigating automated menus and it goes out a second or two before I'm ready to input the option. A simple tap doesn't wake it either I have to pick up the phone and press the power button.

This is with a Samsung Galaxy S10e.

How can I make the phone respect my screen timeout settings when on speakerphone calls?

# Answer
> 0 votes
My LG 3 Auto updated to a 3 seconds screen timeout. I was unable to change it in any Settings menu. The solution I found is to download a *Screen on* app. I use the Keep Screen On Free app that works perfectly and allows you to change the timeout too.

# Answer
> 0 votes
The reason why the screen turn off when making calls is to prevent keypad press and high battery consumption during the call so that you're not suddenly got cut halfway in the call.

As for how to keep the screen turn on during the call, there are a few ways you can do it. I suggest Screen On Call app. If the app doesn't work, try to use a headset on call.

---
Tags: calls, screen
---


title: App not installed for this user

text:
# Question
Title: App not installed for this user
I see App in my Apps section of settings which says `App not installed for this user`. It's completely greyed out and I cannot uninstall it. When I install the same from play store it says incompatible version is already installed.

I just want to remove this App from my device.

Doesn't get uninstalled from adb either

> C:\Users\athakur\>adb uninstall com.osfg.rintonesetter.main Failure \[DELETE\_FAILED\_INTERNAL\_ERROR\]

and

> C:\Users\athakur\>adb shell pm uninstall -k com.osfg.rintonesetter.main Failure \[DELETE\_FAILED\_INTERNAL\_ERROR\]

Any suggestion is appreciated.

# Answer
in that App Info (though grey out), click the three vertical dots and use Uninstall for All Users.
> 13 votes

# Answer
You might be able to uninstall the app,but by doing so the related data will be left over.Here is what you need to do:

1. Go to setting -\> apps -\>
2. Select the greyed out app (that's the app info section)
3. scroll down to App details at the end and click/tap on it this will take you to the play store(the the particular app).
4. Click on install
5. after the installing is finished you would be able to use the app or if you still want to uninstall it,the go to setting -\> apps -\> Select the greyed out app-\> click/tap on storage -\>click/tap clear data and the uninstall the app.

Note if you do not follow the above steps you would'nt be able to "clear data" of the app.

thank you
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications, adb, uninstallation
---


# Question
Title: Bluetooth input for video recording : Android 10, One Plus 7
I have seen this question Record video with external bluetooth mic (ie headset) posted 8 years back and app solutions do exist but not with Android 10,so it's not a duplicate of this question or other questions which suggest apps (they don't work for me)

I am helping my wife record instructional videos on OnePlus 7, running stock Android 10 (*not rooted*).

I want to use Bluetooth audio input instead of the device mic, as it would provide better flexibility.

* I don't find any settings to enable Bluetooth in camera or elsewhere and internet search hasn't helped.
* Blogs recommend apps but surprisingly none seem to work reliably with Android 10. BTmono works *sometimes* and is not a reliable solution, and similar story with Camera fv5

Any suggestions, including apps, ~~accessories~~ are welcome **except**

* Separately recording audio and sync with video, that's too much work
* Involving signal processing hardware
* Root
* Laptop
* Accessories like mic (I have asked for accessory advice on SE.Video Production and hope to get better answers there)

# Answer
> 6 votes
Finally cracked it! Using any Bluetooth headset (even supporting BT 5.0) like Crossbeats and recording with stock camera app or with Open Camera with audio source set to external doesn't work.

---

# Solution

* I had a Bose BT2 Bluetooth headset, which I haven't used in the last 7 years and surprisingly charged up and gives me about an hour of usage time which is more than enough. I wanted to use this to improve the quality of recording since it has excellent noise cancellation. You may as well pick up any recent BT headsets of your choice and of recent vintage. Profiles supported by Bose headset are `HSP, HFP, A2DP - SNK, AVRCP`
* Download Bluetooth Mono Router. Blogs and YouTube videos recommend BTmono but it hasn't been updated for Android 10 and won't work. Both these apps have the same functionality - they let you play BT audio to those old headsets which only support voice calls and not media. I am not clear as to how this let's you overcome the limitations of recording but it works and asked a question here.You can use either stock camera app or Open Camera (audio as external in settings)
* In case you can't record, activate developer options and from Bluetooth settings try `AVRCP 1.3 and SBC codec` combination (you need to enable Bluetooth to be able to change these settings). These seem promising. In my case I used default.

Tip: Make sure to disconnect Bluetooth when playing back the video, else, you may find no / low audio and think it doesn't work

---

Permit me a little rant about One Plus tech support with interactions over several mails. YMMV. Documenting it just in case it helps others.

* They do not respond when you ask them how to record using Bluetooth.
* Using wired Lavalier solutions need an extra adapter in some cases and even then no guarantees. Reason : **Non standard implementation** of USB C to audio adapter (Shades of wrong resistance used in early models) . They claim on mail that TRRS is *not supported* , being a *third party* affair and when confronted with standards do not reply

---
Tags: bluetooth, video-recording, oxygenos, oneplus-7
---


# Question
Title: Why Were My Timezone Definitions Updated?
I just got this update notification

> Update time zones
> New time zone definitions are available. Time zones will be updated the next time your phone restarts.

Did any real time zones actually change or was this a bug fix? What changed?

\[

# Answer
See Android source for Time Zone Rules

Thanks to wbogacz who pointed out in comments the latest change (Morocco) which is likely the cause of this update or the IANA update of 23 Apr 2020

# Update Mechanism

**Time zone updates (Android 8.1–9)**

* APK-based mechanism to push updated time zone rules data to devices without requiring a system update.
* Android core libraries team provides the necessary data files for updating time zone
* OEMs can choose to use these data files when creating time zone updates for their devices or can create their own data files

**Time zone updates (Android 10+)**

Updates use the following process:

* IANA releases an update to the Time Zone Database releases an update in response to one or more governments changing a time zone rule in their countries.
* Google or the Android partner prepares a Time Zone Data module update (APEX file) containing the updated time zones.
* The end-user device downloads the update, reboots, then applies the changes, after which the device's time zone data contains the new time zone data from the update.

Edit : For latest changes as of date, see APEX-based module update mechanism and Time Zone Data
> 7 votes

---
Tags: updates, time-zones, samsung-galaxy-s8+
---


# Question
Title: How can I stop the Music app from launching when headphone is plugged in?
I have a Moto Droid, running Android 2.2 (Froyo), although this behavior also existed on 2.1. Whenever I plug something in the headphone jack, the Music app will start up (sometimes with a bit of a delay) and start playing something (generally Christmas music). More often than not, I'm plugging in headphones to use Google Listen to listen to podcasts... if Listen is already running, I may end up with both apps playing at the same time.

The Music app doesn't seem to have any settings that would affect this behavior. Is there some way, short of deleting all of the music so that there's nothing *to* play?

# Answer
It's been reported as a known issue on code.google.com. There's a long list of 79 comments which seem to indicate that rooting and adding a program called "Autostarts" fixes the problem. This is obviously not something everyone is going to want to do... be careful if you go that route.
> 3 votes

# Answer
You can use the Headset Blocker widget to disable that behavior.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Fixed! Go to: Settings; General Select: Context Awareness Select: When earphones are plugged in Then click the slide to disable.
> 1 votes

# Answer
When you plug in your headset click the Music On The Go Event in smart connect and then go to the options and disable Smart Connect. Worked on my Sony Xperia Z3 on Droid 5.0.2
> 0 votes

---
Tags: motorola-droid, music
---


# Question
Title: how to create a watch later list for netflix app?
Til now we can only: add to list, like or dislike a video.

Adding to a list is not really useful because netflix app wont hide items we have already watched, so we lose a lot of time browsing a long list of things we have already watched, almost pointless, I dont do it anymore...

Like or dislike makes no difference either, doesnt help (each of) us, wont hide, not even mark/highlight, the item either...

Do you know any tricks?

# Answer
I found 2 pseudo ways:

**Easier and reliable:** Just share the movie link with some app that you can delete later, eg.: share it with whatsapp (better if you have a 2nd cellphone to do that), but then you have to use an external app.
Tho, the best app I found for this is "Keep notes": create a label on it "Watch Later". On netflix app, share the link to keep notes with that label. On keep notes, search notes with that label.

**UNRELIABLE** (I kept this here so you can try, but as soon the netflix app restarts for any reason, the "pseudo watch later list" will be lost, unless they "fix" it...)
more complex, inside netflix app (only works with videos that can be downloaded):
1 - opt to download videos
2 - opt storage as the external sdcard
3 - fill up sdcard with trash (like a copy of 100MB files, i suggest using x-plore to make copies) in a temporary place that is easy to delete later (the trick step)
4 - try to download a video, **it will fail**, the item will remain on the download list as being unable to download it, won't use storage space, it is pseudo-perfect :), the item will remain there (let's hope they dont change this...)
5 - before watching or downloading, just delete some of the trash if needed
Obs.: starting a download and pausing it only allow us to "continue all downloads" after, what is messy.

any more tricks?
> 0 votes

---
Tags: netflix
---


# Question
Title: How do I know if my phone's touchscreen supports Electro Magnetic Resonance (EMR) technology?
I am planning to start sketching on my Android Device - Nokia 6.1 Plus - using Apps like AutoDesk SketchBook, Bamboo Paper or Adobe Sketch. For that I am thinking of buying a stylus - Noris Digital.

Noris Digital only works if the touchscreen has electromagnetic resonance (EMR) digitizer. I am unable to find out if my mobile device has that feature. Any idea how do I find that out.

If my phone does not support that then can I use Wacom's Bamboo Tip, again the issue is finding if its supported or not. Moreover this does not have pressure levels. How do I know which pressure level and palm rejecting stylus will work for my phone.

# Answer
If you scroll down on your linked page to the Noris Digital stylus, there is a section on compatibility which links to this pdf document

The only mobile device I recognize are the Samsung mobile devices supporting S-Pen.

Your alternate Bamboo Tip link also has a compatibility document: https://www.wacom.com/en-us/comp which lists support on all of Bamboo's devices. The Bamboo Tip section lists a number of Android devices: like the Google Nexus 5X, Amazon Fire HD 10 (7th generation), Samsung Galaxy S8 as well other manufacturers. This tells me that the Bamboo Tip is capacitive and should work with most phones (unless using the older resistive screen for speciality devices).

As to how the Bamboo Tip can handle palm rejection, I can't be sure, but expect that it is still limited to what the device is capable of, as app developers typically depend on the system to handle errant touches.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: touchscreen, touch, stylus, drawing, autodesk-sketchbook
---


# Question
Title: Internet Access unavailable in browsers and mail. But Youtube and Google Play worrk fine
\[EDIT\] after further diagnosis I observed that I am unable to access my router via its (local)ip address in chrome but I am able to access my router via edge browser.

Chrome in my android device is unable to access any website(can't open this page error) but at the same time, it works in the Microsoft Edge app. The chrome gives some suggestion link but when I click on the suggestion link a screen overlay comes up Similar to the image below, but the overlay quickly vanishes(I suspect whatever process was called, it crashes).

I observed similar behavior in my Gmail app, when I load an click on an email it tries to open it and quickly crashes(after showing loading similar to the image below). Although I am still able to open attachments in Gmail app.

Almost all other apps like youtube, google play are working nicely.

I am using an Android device with Android Pie(9). This problem happened Suddenly whilst the phone was idle.

I have tried disabling these apps, clearing storage, starting in safe mode.

Chrome error:

Loading screen after which crashes take place look something like this:

# Answer
> 0 votes
I have now disabled my chrome browser and which has allowed me to use Gmail and other apps that were crashing. There is some problem with Google Chrome App, which leads to other apps crashing(maybe they use chrome\[or its API\] as a default backend).

---
Tags: browser, bugs
---


# Question
Title: How to add a shortcut to the 'My Apps & Games' screen of the Google Play Store?
I'm looking to create a shortcut that links straight to the 'My Apps & Games' screen of the Google Play Store.

Either that, or configure the Google Play Store to always open in the 'My Apps' screen.

I've downloaded and installed AnyCut 1.0 but I'm unable to find the activity for opening Play on that screen.

AnyCut 1.0

Thanks.

# Answer
> 7 votes
You'll need an app like Tasker than can assign actions with activity launches. Create a New Task, name it, and Add an action. Go to **System****Send Intent**. Then fill out these fields:

* **Action**
    + `com.google.android.finsky.VIEW_MY_DOWNLOADS`
* **Package**
    + `com.android.vending`
* **Class**
    + `com.google.android.finsky.activities.MainActivity`
* **Target**
    + Select "Activity"

Assign an icon from the lower right. Leave Tasker. On your desktop, create a new shortcut, Task Shortcut, and select the task you named.

# Answer
> 0 votes
*The following will work *only* in Android 7.1 and later:*

It should be possible to go directly to the My apps section of the Google Play Store by long pressing the Play Store icon and dragging the My apps shortcut out to the home screen.

It is described in this article on Android Police:
https://www.androidpolice.com/2016/12/28/android-7-1-tip-get-rid-play-store-home-screen-use-apps-shortcut-instead/

---
Tags: google-play-store, home-screen-shortcuts
---


title: Android Oreo autofill on chrome

text:
# Question
Title: Android Oreo autofill on chrome
I know android Oreo has an auto fill feature, and I like that it can be integrated with a third party password manager. However what is unclear is whether that auto fill feature works within a browser like chrome.

Does it work? Are there browsers that support it? If not, is it on a roadmap?

Full disclaimer: I am using keepass2android and it doesn't seem to work. Google has made them remove the accessibility feature that worked and keepass2android claims that they have now implemented Oreo autofill integration, but that doesn't seem to work with chrome.

I've read around that the chrome team was planning on making android autofill work within chrome, but I don't know how trustworthy it all is and/or how old. I am curious if it is even possible to have an app that tells autofill where it's fields are and what it's app name/ URL is... Or whether autofill is a one way system.

# Answer
Turns out that Keepass2Android did the work correctly, it works on Firefox like a dream, but they have not implemented it in Chrome even to this day which is sad. The best I can do is to share the page to Keepass2Android and the app will take me to a keyboard selection page where I can choose the special keyboard and be sent back to chrome to fill my fields.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: chrome-for-android, 8.1-oreo, auto-fill
---


# Question
Title: Office Mobile not installed yet opening PDF files
I have a Samsung A50 phone, stock Android which came with the device (from Comcast), everything up to date and not rooted. I have not registered for the Samsung Galaxy store or whatever is called, and therefore never installed anything from it.

I never installed Office Mobile on my phone, and looking at the list of installed apps in Google Play shows no Office Mobile.

Yet, starting today, attempting to open some (but not all!) PDF files (by tapping their name in the Document folder) opens them in Office Mobile rather than the "Google Drive PDF viewer" where they did open till the day before yesterday (I did not try yesterday).

There is not an option to force opening the files in "Google Drive PDF viewer". For a test, I installed the "Google PDF Viewer" (I wish they chose less similar and less confusing names). After that Android allows me to open the files with "Google PDF Viewer", but it fails with "Cannot display PDF (no file received)". After a reboot, the files were gone.

What may have happened? I can guess that the files corrupted and the "Google Drive PDF viewer" magically knew (and therefore was not proposing itself to open them), whereas the other two apps did.

Yet, why is there an app which I never installed and does not show up in the list of installed apps? Heck, if I search for it in Google Play, I even find it, and it shows me the option to install it!

# Answer
> 0 votes
1.When searching for apps. Tap the menu hamburger, items on the right, then tap show system files etc. It should be in there. From this you can go into the application information and clear everything especially "Defaults". Or 2. However, you can try this https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aboutmycode.betteropenwith

Or just simply install office and uninstall it after you have demonstrated step one.

Good luck

---
Tags: ms-office
---


title: Run script using init.rc doesn't work

text:
# Question
Title: Run script using init.rc doesn't work
I'm trying to run a script that exectues when the device has finished booting. This particular device does not support running scripts from an init.d directory, which is why I am using init.rc.

The init.rc file has been modified to include the following code

```
on property:sys.boot_completed=1
start initAsic

service initAsic /data/local/tmp/runn.sh
user root
group root
oneshot

```

The boot image has then been rebuilt and flashed to the device. The changes can be confirmed by viewing the init.rc file located at `/`

Currently I am only using a simple test script (testScript.sh) which issues the following command

```
echo hi >> /data/local/tmp/test.txt

```

The testScript.sh and text.txt file has `777` permissions set and both have been pushed to the device using `adb push`. Their current location is `/data/local/tmp/`

For some reason it seems that my script is not running, as I can't see any text being written to test.txt.

Am I missing something? Could it be an issue with SELinux?

My device currently has SElinux set to permissive. This was done via altering the BoardConfig.mk file and doing a rebuild of the boot.img.

# Answer
By running the command `dmesg | grep -C5 initAsic` I saw that I was getting this error code returned

```
service initAsic does not have a SELinux domain defined

```

The issue what that I needed to add the line `seclabel u:r:init:s0` to my init service as this is a requirement of `init`. The complete service now looks like this. The disabled keyword has also been added as suggested by Irfan.

```
service initAsic2 /data/local/tmp/runn.sh
seclabel u:r:init:s0
user root
group root
oneshot
disabled

```

Also note that SElinux must be set to `permissive` to allow this service to run or preferably - as setting SElinux to permissive is a security risk - defining the appropriate rules for SElinux and using the modified policy.

More information on the topic here: https://android.stackexchange.com/a/207647/218526

This post was where I found the suggestion to add seclabel property. It also has more useful information regarding the SELinux issue I was encountering: https://stackoverflow.com/questions/43600261/init-warning-service-myservice-needs-a-selinux-domain-defined-please-fix
> 1 votes

---
Tags: scripts, selinux, init.d
---


title: Control camera from another phone

text:
# Question
Title: Control camera from another phone
I have a phone on a camera stand. Is there any way to turn on and off recording from another phone?

I also want to trigger taking photographs.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can do that using remote screen sharing apps like TeamViewer.
Install TeamViewer host app on the host phone(phone on the stand in this case). Log in to your teamviewer account and setup unattended access to the host. In this way there is no need to tap on the screen to allow access.
Install Teamviewer app on the other phone.
Type the code from quicksupport app in TeamViewer app, you will get the display of that camera in another phone..
Now simply click the shutter button to click pics and record videos
Hope this helps Enjoy!

---
Tags: video-recording
---


# Question
Title: How to prevent Android from creating LOST.DIR on SD card?
After the phone restarts, there is a LOST.DIR folder created on the external SD card. Is it possible not to create this folder if nothing is lost?

# Answer
LOST.DIR is just a storage space (directory) for files that were recovered upon boot. You can safetly remove it with no problems. The sysytem keeps it just in case you want to get your recovered currupted files back.

A quick google search yielded:

As for preventing it from being created, just prevent the SD card from becoming corrupted. Here are some things to keep in mind while using an SD card:

* Always eject before removal
* Never remove while files are being modified
* Never remove from Android device while device is on

If you have your device connected to the computer, the SD card will usually automatically mount itself on the computer. Remember to eject it before disconnecting the device.

---

This thread has a ton of good info. Basically the gist of it is, if you are following all of the precautions to keep the SD card from getting corrupted (ejecting before removal, ect...) then the SD card is partially incompatible with your device. If you move to a higher class SD card, the problem usually goes away on its own.
> 8 votes

# Answer
I had the same problem, an empty `LOST.DIR` appearing all the time, both on internal and external SD cards. The workaround I have implemented was using Tasker for deleting it on device boot. It seems to be working so far.
> 1 votes

# Answer
1. Delete LOST.DIR folder.
2. Create a file named LOST.DIR

When system tries to create LOST.DIR folder,it can't because a file exist with the same name.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: external-sd, file-system, file-management
---


# Question
Title: Huawei without Google Play: will I be forced to create a Huawei account?
I wish to buy a Huawei P30 Lite phone. It's a phone without the Google services and play. Can I use this phone without a Huawei account? Only use `F-Droid` apps?

# Answer
Google Play is available on Huawei P30 Lite. http://storage.googleapis.com/play\_public/supported\_devices.html

Only Huawei devices that are produced after the Google Ban, which is 20 May 2019 do not have Google Play Services.

You will not be forced to create a Huawei account in order to use the phone. Huawei account is only needed you are using specific apps on the Huawei devices.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: huawei, privacy
---


title: Mount /system on Android 10 with Magisk

text:
# Question
Title: Mount /system on Android 10 with Magisk
I am using Magisk 20.4 and trying to mount /system on a Google Pixel (1st gen) running Android 10.

I have tried using:

```
adb shell su -c mount -o rw,remount /system

```

that gives:

> mount: '/system' not in /proc/mounts

The following also do not work:

```
adb shell su -c mount -o rw,remount /

```

> '/dev/root' is read-only

```
adb shell su -c mount -o rw,remount /sbin/.magisk/mirror/system_root

```

> '/sbin/.magisk/block/system\_root' is read-only

I was also curious whether stuff in /sbin/.magisk/rootdir/system/ can actually override stuff in /system/ but that doesn't seem to be the case..

Has anyone managed to mount /system on Android 10? Is this issue specific to Google Pixel?

Cheers, Paschalis

#### Trying Hack5 suggestion gives me:

> mount: '/system' not in /proc/mounts

Since I knew that `/sbin/.magisk/mirror/system_root` was a valid mount point, Ive tried the following, which still fails:

```
mount -wo remount /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/system$(getprop
 ro.boot.slot_suffix)  /sbin/.magisk/block/system_root

```

> mount: '/sbin/.magisk/block/system\_root' not in /proc/mounts

# UPDATE:

Turns out it's impossible to mount /system on a factory image of Google Pixel. But, I was missing the whole point of `Magisk`! So I made a few modules and I can override/add the system libs and bins that I need. There is even support for `apex` on Android 10!

# Answer
> 1 votes
Your second command is correct, but the virtual block device is read only. IIRC, this is caused by the a/b mapping virtualisations.

Referring to https://android.stackexchange.com/a/158890/171244, you can see that specifying the correct block device will help. Try:

```
adb shell
su -c mount -wo remount /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/system$(getprop ro.boot.slot_suffix) /system

```

This will switch from the virtual mapper (/dev/root) which is read-only, to the actual partition block device, making it writable

# Answer
> 0 votes
ext4-dedup/logical partitions are ro by design

# Answer
> 0 votes
I think the problem is from Magisk.

I have a boot.img that I patched using Magisk 7.2.3. The latest 7.5.1 keeps giving me that error msg. Try using the old Magisk and you won't have that "mount: '/system' not in /proc/mounts" error.

---
Tags: mount, system, magisk, android-10
---


title: Screen capture app with audio

text:
# Question
Title: Screen capture app with audio
Does the Android OS allow for screen recording with audio? Is there an app that can do this?

I have been using android debug bridge to capture video of the screen, but that comes without audio.

I have tried a couple apps , but have not found any that do audio. I found one that uses the mic to record the speaker, which is obviously pretty crappy.

# Answer
To create promo videos of my apps, I use ScreenRecorder. It allows you to record with audio and maintains screen orientation of the app being recorded. I don't think your device has to be rooted. It has a high rating and over 10 million downloads.
> 0 votes

# Answer
If your phone doesnt have an internal recording support then I have an easy alternative. Okay! This ones pretty simple, there are only 2 things you need:

* Earphone With control button
* Strong Clip

> Before you record you will need to clip the button(Make sure the button is clicked) to your earphones. It will promp you to a google assistant but clicking away should avoid the problem. After that enable the sound recording to your Screen recorder software and it should record your device's internal audio without any of the outside noise.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications
---


# Question
Title: Way to prevent the noise when 2 phones together
In using an app, for example Wechat, to have video chats.

Two Android phones A and B are sitting in the same room. The two users of A and B stated video chat with mobile phones C and D in another city, when two users of C and D are also sitting in the same room.

That is, phone A is calling phone C; phone B is calling phone D.

When the video chats started, because phones A and B, C and D are close to each other, sharp noises started to appear.

What's the way to prevent this noises in the video chats?

Thank you.

# Answer
> 18 votes
This phenomenon is called audio feedback which usually occurs when the sound from the speakers reaches back into the microphone, and then gets amplified because of the speaker-mic loop.

Common and general solutions are to cut off the loop, or at least reduce the loop gain by:

1. Wearing earphone or headphone (isolate the speaker and the mic, prevent the feedback loop completely)
2. Mute the mic when not needed to speak (prevent the chance of feedback loop)
3. Reduce the speaker volume (reduce the volume gain)
4. Take some distance between the speakers (reduce the volume gain)

# Answer
> 6 votes
Before feedback cancellation techniques became common, such an effect would happen even with one pair of phones, e.g. phone A calling phone C. If both phones are on loudspeaker, then the signal emitted by the phone A would go into A's microphone and get transmitted to the phone C, where the same feedback between the loudspeaker and the microphone would re-transmit it back to A, etc:

```
SPK_A -> MIC_A -> SPK_C -> MIC_C

```

This problem is prevented by subtracting the loudspeaker output signal for the microphone input. However, for such a software subtraction to work, phone A needs to know what to subtract: if A is the only phone in the room, it can subtract its own loudspeaker output, and feedback cancellation works as intended.

With a second pair of phones, feedback cancellation fails because the signal emitted by the phone A is picked up by the phone B instead. As the phone B doesn't know what signal A was emitting, it cannot subtract it from its microphone input, and sends it to phone D:

```
SPK_A -> MIC_B -> SPK_D -> MIC_C

```

There is a second (symmetrical) feedback loop that is possible:

```
SPK_B -> MIC_A -> SPK_C -> MIC_D

```

As you can see, the loops are closed, and there is no opportunity for the feedback cancellation software to break those.

In order to prevent the noise, you'll have to break the cross-phone loops physically, e.g. by muting both loudspeakers (switching to earphone) in one of the rooms (e.g. A and B), or in one of the calls (e.g. A and C).

Indeed, muting the microphones, being in separate rooms or having a single call at a time would also help, but I suppose those are not real options.

---
Tags: applications, video, chat
---


# Question
Title: Tap on Picture in MMS and a different picture opens up?
I will receive a picture in an MMS on my Lg Thin Q. When I tap on the picture to enlarge it a completely different picture associated to the person who sent this one opens up. Any suggestions on how to correct this?

# Answer
> 2 votes
It is a known bug with the MMS in SOME LG smartphones where the older version of “Messages” app is installed. Previously deleted MMS picture shows up in newest incoming MMS message instead of the intended image due to this bug.

You can fix it by updating the "Messages" app to the latest version.

Source: https://www.lg.com/ca\_en/support/product-help/CT30014940-20150929584034

---
Tags: applications, instant-messaging
---


# Question
Title: My new Nexus 7 doesn't allow me to receive apk files with bluetooth
I have just got a Nexus 7, and I am trying to send an app that i made into my Nexus, neither sending it with my phone using bluetooth or directly from my laptop using bluetooth works: on my phone it says "the file couldn't be sent" while on my laptop is says: "the request couldn't be honored".

I have tried sending an image and it worked.

# Answer
> 8 votes
Android only accepts certain file types (from a hardcoded list) by default.

There are two solutions:

* The sender can rename their files before sending to one of the white-listed mime-types (by adding an accepted file extension).
* Buy a phone from a manufacturer that supports it or install aftermarket firmware such as OmniROM or CyanogenMod that allow all file types with inbound bluetooth transfers.

If the manufacturer hasn't changed this behaviour or extended the list, the accepted mime-types as of January 2015 are:

```
"image/*",
"video/*",
"audio/*",
"text/x-vcard",
"text/plain",
"text/html",
"text/xml",
"application/zip",
"application/vnd.ms-excel",
"application/msword",
"application/vnd.ms-powerpoint",
"application/pdf",
"application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.spreadsheetml.sheet",
"application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document",
"application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.presentationml.presentation",

```

I.e., just add a media file extension (eg. .jpeg/.png/.gif/.mp4/.mp3/), Zip file (.zip), PDF (.pdf) or office document (.doc/.xls/...), etc.

The list is defined in the string ACCEPTABLE\_SHARE\_INBOUND\_TYPES variable if you like to see the exact and current definition in the source code.

# Answer
> 6 votes
I have experienced this with Nexus devices. I think Nexus doesn't allow receiving APK files over Bluetooth.

The easiest workaround I've found is to ZIP the file and then send it to your device. The ZIP can be then uncompressed on your phone / tablet and the APK can be used to install the app. (To install the app, make sure you have enabled 'Install apps from Unknown Sources' from Security Settings)

# Answer
> 5 votes
The reason why this isn't supported, is exactly the same as why you cannot send an .exe attached to an email. This is to prevent people from sending malicious software to phones that are not protected. That is why most Android phones will not allow sending APK's over Bluetooth.

If you still want to send APKs over Bluetooth, it is best to hide the extension (APK) from the application and phone (eg. by zipping or changing the extension). That way you can trick the phone in still accepting the application. You have to then unzip or rename the package to retrieve the APK.

Another way, as mentioned by other people already, is to use an 3rd party application (like AirDroid). This will allow you to transfer the APK.

If you want to install the application, you have to be sure to have "Install apps from unknown sources" enabled. Because if you don't enable this, only apps from Google Play will be accepted.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I have an android tablet and two android phones - one phone being a Nexus - all manufactured by Samsung.

I find that if I use the Nexus phone as the source, I can send gpx files to both other devices. But if I try to send a gpx file FROM the tablet, Bluetooth states that the content is not supported. Both the tablet and Nexus phone are rooted, the other phone is not.

This points to different 'whitelists' for Bluetooth file transfer even amongst android devices by the same vendor.

I changed the file extension to xml and it also failed. Changing to txt did the trick.

It's a nuisance. I've also used Dropbox to take care of the transfer neatly.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can use Airdroid app to copy the apk file into your mobile (it has a web interface), once copied, you can start the install from within the web interface on your computer.

Bluetooth has been a hit and miss for me too on my Nexus devices, I find that it works really well with some ROMs (usually stock-based, mostly with fixes for bluetooth) and terribly on some others (usually nightlies or pre-final releases of heavily tweaked or custom ROMs like CM).

# Answer
> 0 votes
Just change the extension by deleting one letter IE (instead of .apk write .ap) worked for me!

# Answer
> 0 votes
Just upload the .apk to your Google Drive account. Open it from the Google Drive app on your phone. You can give it permission to install unknown apps using Drive as the source.

# Answer
> -1 votes
Make sure you have the option to install apps from unknown sources checked in settings. On 4.0 (ICS), it's under the "Security & Screen Lock" menu; your Nexus 7 is running Jelly Bean, it may be in a different place.

# Answer
> -1 votes
Android Stock OS doesnt allow you to send apk via bluetooth. Use apk manager or apk extractor as they allow you to send it.

Also you can rename the .apk extension by using file manager to anything like .jpg then send it via bluetooth and change it back to apk and it will work.

---
Tags: applications, bluetooth, file-sharing
---


title: How to root a Huawei in 2020

text:
# Question
Title: How to root a Huawei in 2020
The question is just the title XD.

I have an Huawei mediapad t5 10 and is still using the f emui 8. Any solution to root it?

# Answer
> 2 votes
There is no official solution, this app does a bruteforce to try to find the code, but it requires the imei, and tablets usually don't have that. In issues someone said it didn't work with mediapads.

---
Tags: huawei
---


# Question
Title: How to permanently enable ADB in Huawei devices?
I bought a huawei p30 for development purposes. So the first thing i did, it is enable development mode, enable adb over usb, then type `adb devices`... nothing!

When I enable adb over usb, the setting is not saved! If I go back, and then enter the developer menu, it's disabled again!

I found this workaround:

1. Dial `*#*#2846579#*#*`
2. Select background
3. Select USB mode
4. Select "Google mode"
5. Open settings
6. Find development options
7. Enable ADB over USB.

Now it works... for a little while! Just unplug the cable for 1 second, and I need to repeat all the steps again! ADB disabled, USB mode reverted to "huawei mode", and so on! This is ridiculous! I bought this device for development purposes, it should have a permanent way to enable adb, as expected in each single Android device since version 1.0. How devs can debug huawei devices if each time enabling adb is such an hassle???

I must be missing something, how to permanently enable adb on (newest?) Huawei devices?

# Answer
I was using Huawei mate 10 lite, as I remember I had fixed this issue by selecting `Allow ADB debugging in charge only mode` at developer options section
> 2 votes

---
Tags: adb, huawei
---


title: Asus zenfone 6 E:failed to mount/ cache

text:
# Question
Title: Asus zenfone 6 E:failed to mount/ cache
Phone stucks on boot loading.

wipe data/factory reset gives E:failed to mount/ cache error

wipe cache partition also fails.

abd sideload also give E:failed to mount/ cache Can't open vs..

Many same post suggest TWRP but i don't have it. Did not understand how to install it on a phone can't open.

Many more says EMMC chip is dead. I hope it is not. I know it is very likely but i want to try other options first if i can.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I think EMMC chip is dead. only fastboot commands working.

Sometimes you need to accept inevitable.

---
Tags: boot-loop, boot, unbricking, cache, asus-zenfone-5
---


# Question
Title: Android lock screen audio controls (8.1.0)
I'm using Hi Locker screen locker because my Moto G5 was pocket entering the lock pin (super annoying). I use Audible extensively. Now the issue is it is pocket jumping through chapters and pausing my audiobooks from the lock screen audio controls. I've looked for hours and see no way to turn these audio controls off (Android 8.1.0). Is there anything I'm missing that will turn off the audio controls located on the lock screen? The Galaxy S8 has a setting for Facewidgets. I need that. It appears to just be an S8 thing. Note: Turning off all notifications does not accomplish this.

Too many generic search terms to search for this issue. Can anyone recommend a screen lock app that requires a pattern to unlock, and no controls work until I actually enter this pattern? Or an app that disables the lock screen audio controls like the Galaxy S8 Facewidgets settings?

You just get all kinds of unrelated stuff trying to search for this.

I'm almost thinking about getting an S8 just for this one issue. Thought I would ask on here first, though.

Thanks,

# Answer
> 0 votes
Apparently, after changing some of these settings, they do not take effect unless you reboot your phone. Days after turning off a bunch of stuff and still having the audio controls on my phone lock screen, I must have rebooted and now the audio controls on the lock screen are gone. The frustrating thing is that I turned a bunch of things back on when turning them off did nothing. And even though I turned all notifications to the lock screen back on, I am getting zero notifications for any app. I have to get into my phone to see notifications.

But at least it quit pocket skipping chapters forwards and backwards in my Audible books and pausing it due to the stupid audio controls on the lock screen.

Still thinking my next phone may be a newer Galaxy that at least has a built in menu option to do this.

---
Tags: audio
---


title: Add URL to homescreen

text:
# Question
Title: Add URL to homescreen
Can I somehow place a link to an URL to the homescreen without having to open it first?

I would like to place a `threema://` URL to the launcher -- of course, my browser won't show it long enough for me to choose any "Create shortcut" option, since it instantly opens Threema.

# Answer
For anyone searching: *Fennec Fdroid* can do that with a little detour. Create a bookmark for any page and then edit that bookmark -- you can then enter any URL you like. For the bookmark, you can create a shortcut on the launcher afterwards.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: browser, launcher, nova-launcher
---


# Question
Title: `adb pull` says it pulled all of the files from my Android phone into my Windows PC, but in reality it didn't
So I am using `adb` to copy all of my Android files to my Windows PC with this command: `adb pull -a /mnt/sdcard C:\backup`

And when it's done it says all x amount of files have been pulled, I can confirm that the number of pulled files matches the amount of files that reside inside the folder of my Android storage but when I check how many files are actually in the `C:\backup` folder, I see about 200 missing or in other words adb skipped about 200 files and did not copy them over to my `C:\backup` folder.

I understand that this could be due to path limit or due to some files containing characters in their filenames that Windows' NTFS file system just doesn't allow.

How can I see what files are actually being skipped? Is there a switch in `adb` or some trick?

# Answer
> 6 votes
Just pulling all files via adb to a Windows computer has multiple problems:

1. Android/Linux allows multiple files in one directory that just differ in their case.
2. The file system on Linux allows characters in file and directory names that are disallowed on Windows.
3. Some file names are completely disallowed on Windows which are just regular file names on Linux/Android.
4. There is a path limit as you have already mentioned that may cause trouble.

Hence, the best solution to create a full backup of the SD card is to pack all files into one tar archive as all file system limitations of Windows can be bypassed using this method.

Via adb, you create a full backup of the SD card using the following command:

```
adb exec-out "cd /storage/emulated/0 && tar c * -" > sdcard.tar

```

This command creates the tar archive on the device and directly streams the data of the tar archive through adb to your PC and saves it there as `sdcard.tar`.

**WARNING:** The created file `sdcard.tar` will be corrupt if `tar` prints any warning or error message to stdout (this will be invisible to the user executing the command). Therefore, it is crucial to perform an integrity check on the created tar file if the tar structures and the contained files are correct. For more details, see this answer to ADB pull stops after first error.

---
Tags: adb, backup, windows
---


# Question
Title: "Accept-Language" header sent by Chrome browser on Android
What exactly it depends upon?

For example, if I have only one language specified in the Settings, but the `Accept-Language` header appears as:

> uk-UA,uk;q=0.8,ru;q=0.6,en-US;q=0.4,en;q=0.2

How can I remove extra languages?

# Answer
As far as I tested, the following behaviours apply to both Android and Linux Desktop versions of Google Chrome:

Every time you change your system locale (via `LANG` environment variable on Linux; or via System - Languages settings on Android), Google Chrome resets its own language settings (and the `Accept-Language` header) to a pre-defined list.

For example, if you set system locale to "English (Canada) / en\_CA.UTF-8" and restart Chrome, the `Accept-Language` header will contain four locales: en\_CA, en\_GB, en\_US, and en.

In Chrome settings, you can adjust the list of languages, leaving only "English" (no region suffix), and after a restart of Chrome, the `Accept-Language` header will contain only one locale: en.

I do not know about uk / ru languages, but you could try adjusting the language list in Chrome settings (don't forget to restart Chrome) and visit https://httpbin.org/headers to examine your `Accept-Language` header.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: chrome-for-android
---


# Question
Title: Is the CPU of Samsung Galaxy A10s 64 bit or 32 bit?
I really wanted to know the CPU word length of Samsung Galaxy A10s, running Android Pie. In the first appearance it looks like it has a 64 bit processor, since, it uses the MediaTek Helios P22 chipset, but I dont think apps/programs running in user space have access to 64 bit instructions etc. . Even `__aarch64__` is undefined. The OS identifies it as ARM 7 and hence it cannot use AES instruction sets and other features. If it were the ARM Cortex A53 mentioned by MediaTek Helios P22 it should have an ARM architecture of 8.

* Is this because the Kernel is 32 bit ?
* Or is the Android permissions blocking it ?
* How can I identify my Kernel is a 32 bit or 64 bit ?

Please do correct me, if I am wrong !?

Every help will be greatly appreciated!

# Answer
As suspected by OP, the hardware is 64 bit but it is running in 32 bit mode as mentioned in this reddit which in turn refers to geek bench for proof.

Apps like AIDA 64 can reveal this

Source

Also Antutu, if you have it installed, as it is removed from Play Store

As general info, see How to find ARM processor version on android device?
> 9 votes

---
Tags: samsung, android-sdk, arm-processors
---


# Question
Title: How to grant certain apps root permission through ADB?
I have an Android TV box (4.4.2, armv7), and I can login the device as root by ADB (local network). What I want to do is to give certain apps root permission. How can I do it?

# Answer
You don't *give certain apps root permission*, but *certain apps ask for root permission* by executing `su` binary. It's the developer of the app who decides if the app would perform some tasks with root privileges or not. In order to let apps request root privileges, you need *to root* your device using e.g. Magisk, SuperSU etc. (whatever works on your device).

When you get root privileges on `adb` (e.g. by executing `adb root` or `adb shell su`) it runs `adbd` process on device as root (UID `0`) user. So all commands which you run through `adb` have root privileges. To grant root access to apps you need a ***special `su` binary*** which is not shipped with Android.

The usual `su` binary (like on any UNIX-like OS) makes a transition to UID `0` by making `setuid` syscall to kernel. This is not possible on Android due to certain restrictions. The special `su` binary (the one provided by rooting solutions like Magisk) connects to a background daemon to get a root shell for the requesting app, where the app can execute commands with root privileges. However the app itself is still running with its own UID (assigned at the time of installation).

For more details see:
> 5 votes

---
Tags: applications, adb, root-access
---


# Question
Title: Will this Remove a Permission from an App?
So I downloaded an app from the web today, but it had some permissions I was uncomfortable with granting. So, I used APKTool to decompile the APK, removed the suspicious permission from the manifest, and recompiled + resigned the APK. Then, I downloaded the modified APK on my phone.

**Does this approach work?** My understanding is that now the app will crash if it tries to do something requiring that permission.

---

\*PS: The reason I did this was because the permission to remove (CHANGE\_WIFI\_MULTICAST\_STATE) did **not** show under settings/app Permissions of my phone. It only showed up under "All Permissions," where I couldn't simply disable it.

# Answer
> 1 votes
It will surely remove the permission, but the moment code inside the program executes a function that requires that permission, the app will crash as a result.

---
Tags: applications, permissions, apk, malware, downloading
---


title: How to log errors when using adb pull?

text:
# Question
Title: How to log errors when using adb pull?
I am using the latest version of `adb` with the `pull` command to backup my data.

Sometimes `adb pull` doesn't backup all of my files, so I am trying to figure out which files have not been backed up.

Using `adb logcat -f logcat.txt bugreport pull "my path" "my path 2"` just throws me a `create bugreport fail!` and `create bugreports dir error!!`. I've tried multiple directories with full permission but with no luck.

# Answer
> 3 votes
If you want to execute an `adb pull` comand and at the same time monitor the on-device log via `adb logcat` you can do so by executing each command individually in it's own terminal/cmd.exe instance.

`adb` is not limited to a single connection (as the MTP protocol is). Hence you can execute two or more adb command simultaneously. Even multiple adb push or pull commands can be executed at the same time.

However I doubt that doing so will get you much insight regarding your problem with `adb pull` that some files are not copied via adb pull. The main problem is that `adb logcat` just displays the log of your device. All errors on adb level, for example if a file could not created on your PC or transmission problems between device and PC are not covered by this log as the device does not know about them.

Additionally I am not sure that the on-device adb daemon writes messages to the logcat log at all.

---
Tags: adb, backup, logging, troubleshooting
---


title: How to root the Samsung Galaxy 5

text:
# Question
Title: How to root the Samsung Galaxy 5
Anyone tried to root their Samsung Galaxy 5 (five) device? If so, what is the procedure?

# Answer
> 1 votes
You can root it with Universal Androot. Install it, run it, follow the instructions.

# Answer
> 0 votes
No need for long procedures, download KingoRoot or any one-click root software on your PC and follow the instructions from there.. Just make sure you turn on developer option from your settings and use a usb cable that wont disconnect during the rooting process to avoid being bricked.

# Answer
> 0 votes
The best way I did for my many devices

1. Download odin and samusng drivers for windows in your machine

2.get the twrp zip for your device from `https://twrp.me/Devices/`

3. From your phone turn on developer options by clicking build number which is in system info.
4. Turn on usb debugging and unlock oem in phone
5. Open odin in your windows, connect your phone in download/bootloader mode using `power button+ volume down key`(may differ)
6. in ap, select twrp image and select start You successfully installed custom recovery in your phone. it will automaticaaly reboot but don't do it since the stock rom will replace recovery so when it power off, remove the battery and on your phone in recovery mode using `power button + volume up` (may differ) next, you have to install the zip file of magisk from their official site `https://magiskmanager.com/`

Now you have succesfully rooted. This is the best way to root and stable way since when we install custom recovery then we can easily install custom roms via the custom recovery. Magisk will allow us to act as non root for google pay and games. so this is very useful way to root

`For Lnux user`

If you are in linux

```
sudo apt install fastboot

```
2. Turn on usb debugging and unlock oem in phone
3. in terminal,

```
fastboot oem unlock

```
4. some steps will show in phone to confirm.. follow them
5. Download the twrp img file not zip file from the site
6. `fastboot flash recovery 'recovery.img'`

7.Below steps are same as windows

---
Tags: rooting, samsung-galaxy-5
---


# Question
Title: Unable to take screenshot on Samsung Galaxy S7
If I swipe with the edge of a palm, it is very unreliable -- sometimes screen is pressed and I do some operations instead of screen shot.

Pressing `Home` \+ `Power` simultaneously doesn't work.

What else can be done?

**UPDATE**

I am trying to take screenshow of an application, which I am debugging. When I run debug, it requests to close device monitor, so the third way of taking screenshots via device monitor also doesn't work.

**UPDATE 2**

Disabling swipe didn't help. Now it is impossible to take screenshot from within device at all.

# Answer
> 0 votes
If taking a screenshot with hardware keys don't so seem to work for you, you can use gestures to take a screenshot instead:

1. Activate gestures: go to Settings \> Motions.
2. Inside the Motion menu, look for Hand Motions.
3. Check the Palm Swipe to capture.

Once you have activated the gesture, you can now grab a screenshot:

* Go to the screen that you want to take a screenshot of.
* Now swipe the edge of your hand from right to left and vice versa, horizontally.

This edge-to-edge swipe gesture may take you a few tries to master, but it makes taking screenshots so much easier and quicker.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Please check your toggle notification, maybe you have an option to trigger screenshoot, or you can use a third party app for that, that enables you maybe a notification icon that when you press, one screenshoot is taken.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Actually, I had the same problem and for me this worked:

Pressing `Volume down`+`Power`+`Home`

But unfortunately, it looks as if Android does not make screenshots when the phone is locked. This is no problem on the iPhone.

Samsung S7, Android 8.0.0

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, samsung-galaxy-s7
---


title: WhatsApp Built in Scanner Won't Work

text:
# Question
Title: WhatsApp Built in Scanner Won't Work
I have spent 2 days reading everything on the web concerning this issue and trying all the solutions suggested, with no success.

## The problem:

When I try to connect to to WhatsApp Web, the QR will show on the screen, but the phone will not read it. It seems its not even trying to read it, because I don't see the process line I used to see running up and down the scanner (though I have re-installed WhatsApp, so maybe the new version simply does not have that line, I don't know).

## Relevant Information:

I am using Chrome, and my phone is a Samsung Galaxy S7 with Android 8.0.0. **I have been using Whatsapp Web successfully for nearly a year with the same laptop, same browser, same phone**. Once in every 2-3 months I get disconnecte/logged out from the web version, so I set it up again (the usual way, reading the QR code and everything) without any problem, so its not like I am holding it wrong or something like that. I got disconnected again 2 days ago and cant set it up since.

The problem started after I made some changes to my Chrome Browser (removed many extensions and add-ons. and added others).

## Here's what I checked/tried so far:

1. My internet connection is fine and the speed is normal for both phone and laptop.
2. The QR code and phone camera are fine - I had no problem reading the QR code with 3rd party scanners (not the one within whatsapp).
3. I cleared cookies and browsing data on Chrome. I ran Chrome in Incognito mode.
4. I installed Edge and Tried with that browser - It didn't work.
5. I rebooted both laptop and phone.
6. I un-installed and re-installed whatsapp on my phone .
7. I've checked whether there are any updates to my phone software. There are none. It is up to date.
8. I ran Avast on my PC, and than installed Restoro and ran it too - with no impact.
9. I made the QR code larger to 175% as some suggested (though I didnt expect it to work because like I said, I've done it many times before without having to enlarge the QR).
10. My phone screen is not too small, I see the "OK, got it" button. Like I said, using the same phone I used before without any problems.
11. I thought maybe there is a conflict between the 3rd party QR scanner (which I downloaded recently) and the one within whatsapp, so I un-installed the 3rd party = didnt help.
12. I turned off wifi on the phone to use the cellular network. turned it on again. switched plane mode on and off again - did not work.
13. (Added) Cleared the cache of the camera app - no impact.

I do not wish to use an Android emulator on my laptop, which I understand is a workaround. I really love Whatsapp web, hate to type on the phone. I am just about to give up.

Anyone? Anything? i will be forever in your debt :) Thanks, Galia.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Found a decent workaround: I managed to scan the native app in Windows, installed from the link whatsapp.com/download. It's not a perfect solution, because I rather have it as a tab on my chrome, rather than a stand alone application, but it's close enough. I wish Whatsapp will come up with another authentication method, because it seems that many users are experiencing problems with the current approach.

---
Tags: whatsapp-messenger, chrome-for-android, qr-code
---


# Question
Title: Samsung S3 I9300 no recovery no boot and odin fails to flash
I have Samsung S3 GT-I9300

It was working fine but suddenly, I turned it on and it is stuck on the Samsung LOGO forever. It doesn't go to recovery mode when pressing HOME+VOL UP+POWER. But I can still go to Download mode. However, Odin fails to install CWM and TWRP or official recovery

I tried to install `Bootloader_XXELLA_Odin.tar` via odin but it failed and now I start getting this message:

> Firmware upgrade encountered an issue. Please select recovery mode in keys and try again

I can still go to download mode, what I can try now? Please if you have an answer be specific, or if you suggest flashing a boot-loader I would appreciate providing a single link (not a page with bunch of links).

### Update

Now the problem is worse, I tried again to install CWM via odin after I disabled antivirus (thinking it maybe the cause). But the install failed again, and the phone is completely dead! It shows NO sign of life. No light, nothing.

# Answer
What were you actually doing with your Phone? Did you try to install custom ROM/Recovery/Kernel/Mod and so on?

I too have S3 GT-i9300 which is working fine after replacing my motherboard because I came across Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) in S3.

* If you are able to go to download mode then download the latest Stock version of S3 which is 4.3 JellyBean and flash it via latest odin.
* Make sure USB Debugging is ON in your phone and your phone driver must be installed correctly.
* You may use this link to download driver for Samsung Mobile.
* Make sure before installing this software all the other previous/old driver are uninstalled.
* I would recommend that you should try to ADB to see your phone has proper drivers installed. Just Google ADB and download it. (Put all the files in one folder named `adb`.)
* Press +`R` to open **Run**. In it type `cmd`. Now **Command Prompt** should have started. (I assume that you put the folder `adb` in root of `C:` drive) Type the following commands.

1. `cd <space> /` \- this will take you to root of `C:` drive
    2. `cd adb` \- this will take you in `adb` folder.
    3. `adb devices` \- this command will show all the devices currently attached to your system.

    If you can't find any device then it means drivers are not properly installed.

Try it, hope this may help you.
> 1 votes

# Answer
You have to go to download mode by pressing power button, home button and volume down key at the same time.

When screen shows download mode, press up volume key and enter in this mode. Now start odin and press PDA key and select TWRP.zip (which should be downloaded already from the net) and now start to flash it.

After pass message your phone will be restored to boot procedure, at this stage you can download any rom to your S3 i9300.
> 0 votes

# Answer
1) Press reboot, then download on phone on **twrp app** (downloaded from playstore) and flash the twrp zip file by going to ODIN on PC, clicking start on ODIN after selecting twrp-3.0.2-1-i9300.img in 2nd check box.

2) just copy android 7.1.2 and gapps files on device and run them rest the programs manage everything.

Working files for s3 i9300: twrp-3.0.2-1-i9300.img BeanStalk-7.1.2-20170616-i9300-SandroidTeam-Ih24n-Intan open\_gapps-arm-7.1-pico-20200523

DO NOT TRY ANY OTHER VERSION AS IT MIGHT FAIL - by gApps
> 0 votes

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


# Question
Title: Is it possible to uninstall the Google Play Store without affecting Google Play Services?
I have a rooted Samsung Galaxy a50 with a stock ROM installed. However, after using an app (System App Remover) to uninstall Google Play Store (I removed the Google App also) — many apps simply crash on load, and I am familiar with the

> App won't run without Google Play services, which are not supported by your device

error. Perhaps I've forgotten something else that might come into play (I rooted this device a while ago) but reading around it seems these apps are somewhat tethered together and the way to separate them is not entirely clear.

I am confused because I still have `GmsCore.apk`, `GoogleServicesFramework.apk` (not `Phonesky.apk`) in `/system/priv-app`, so I'm unsure as to exactly what the problem might be.

I'm aware that to do this right will almost certainly require a re-flashing my phone, but at this stage I still feel I'm just firing into the dark so if anyone has some light to shed on the right path it would be very much appreciated.

**TL;DR:**

I want to remove the Google Play Store without affecting apps that rely on Google Play Services. Is this possible/reasonable to achieve with a stock ROM on a rooted phone?

# Answer
> 2 votes
Some apps are dependent on google play store links...

They have to be installed separately (or the link must be broken)

My method: install from alt APK source (like aptoide) you can patch the apps with a good app manager to
"break play store link" (thats the command option in said app manager)

However... Some apps yet require license validation. This requires a patch. "Lucky patcher" is good at this...

And since im sure some disclaimer is needed... Lucky patcher can be used to pirate apps, but serves many functions, and if you own a license to said app... you are not "breaking any rules"

---
Tags: google-play-store, google-play-services
---


# Question
Title: Huawei P8 Lite 2015 soft-bricked and won't turn on or charge
I got a Huawei P8 Lite (ALE-L21) model that I received from someone. The issue was that it kept booting into this recovery mode phase that kept asking to flash software update again showing two errors.

At first, the phone would charge perfectly, and as soon as it could power on, it quickly jumped to the recovery mode. After a few days later, I decided to come back to the phone but unfortunately, it wasn't powering on. Every time I put it on the charger, it just shows red blinking light once, then nothing happens. Sometimes it would blink red and green on the LED light, but still nothing happened.

I have the full stock ROM of the phone on a memory card (SanDisk class 10) and it's been on the phone for some time but still no luck. I tried leaving the phone on PC all night but I didn't respond.

Can anyone tell me what I need to do to get this phone powered up?

# Answer
> -1 votes
Easiest answer

https://huaweiflash.com/how-to-flash-huawei-stock-firmware-all-methods/

Basically = press the right buttons to get into bootloader or flash mode.

HiSuite = easiest.

SDCARD FILE MODE = meh...

* SP Flash Tool
is the most difficult - But you essentially leave everything as it is, but select the "scatter file"

That file is in the correct firmware for your phone.

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Tags: unbricking, huawei
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# Question
Title: __bionic_open_tzdata_path: ANDROID_DATA not set!
When running commands like `date` or `ls -l` I always get a multiple repetition of the following lines to the standard error:

```
__bionic_open_tzdata_path: ANDROID_DATA not set!
__bionic_open_tzdata_path: ANDROID_ROOT not set!

```

I used to consider it acceptable, until I created a script running `date` in a loop, causing an awful endless stream of the same repeated lines.
I couldn't find any documentation about it, yet the problem seems to be common.
Any idea how to fix this?
Thanks in advance

# Answer
For **ssh** users, following up on @Death Mask Salesman's comment. sshd allows setting up ENV via proper config (from `man --pager='less -p ^ENVIRONMENT' ssh`):

> \[...\] Additionally, ssh reads ~/.ssh/environment, and adds lines of the format “VARNAME=value” to the environment if the file exists and users are allowed to change their environment. For more information, see the PermitUserEnvironment option in sshd\_config(5).

However I couldn't succeed to set it up on my phone (Sony Xperia "Tsubasa" / LineageOS 14.1). Thus I resorted to adding in `/etc/bash/bashrc`:

```
export ANDROID_DATA=/data ANDROID_ROOT=/system

```

then logging in...

```
$ ssh root@... -t bash
tsubasa / # env | grep ANDROID_
ANDROID_DATA=/data
ANDROID_ROOT=/system

```

:-)
> 6 votes

# Answer
I had the same problem and found a solution, fixing the issues that sphakka had in his answer.

Create these 2 files:

```
/data/ssh/root/.ssh/environment
/data/ssh/shell/.ssh/environment

```

With the following content:

```
LD_LIBRARY_PATH=.:/vendor/lib:/system/lib
PATH=/sbin:/vendor/bin:/system/sbin:/system/bin:/system/xbin:/system/bin:/system/xbin:/system/sbin:/sbin/.magisk/modules/ssh/usr/bin
ANDROID_DATA=/data
ANDROID_ROOT=/system

```

You might need to set permissions for these 2 files `chmod 755 environment`

Very important: Enable **PermitUserEnvironment yes** in `/data/ssh/sshd_config`

Restart the sshd with `/sbin/.magisk/modules/ssh/opensshd.init restart`
> 1 votes

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Tags: shell, time-zones
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