# Question
Title: How do I set custom search engines in Android?
For years now, on every browser I own, Firefox, Opera, Chrome and Internet Explorer, I've assigned `w` as a shortcut/keyword to the custom search engine `http://www.google.com/search?q=site:wikipedia.org+%s&btnI`. That is, I just type `w android comparison` to jump to the befitting wikipedia article. I use many, many other custom searches.

Is there a way to set this up on Android? Not necessarily with the stock browser?

# Answer
Yes, with Firefox Mobile. The search plugins from `addons.mozilla.com` can be installed directly in Firefox mobile.

If the search plugins from `addons.mozilla.com` don't cut it, Shortmarks.com lets you make your own search plugins to save on your Firefox install. This guide might help.
> 1 votes

# Answer
#### With Firefox:

* Tap the menu button next to the address bar:
* Tap Settings.
* Go to Search.
* Go to Add Search Engine.
* Add a name and a search address (e.g. `Wikipedia` and `http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%s`) Repeat the last two steps for each engine you want to add.

Then when you'll tap the address bar you'll be able to choose the engine you like by tapping on it.

The best way to use this feature is through the Firefox widget, which automatically proposes the engines to use.

#### With Chrome

I found an app that does the job (it can work with any browser), but unfortunately, it is not free if you add more than 5 custom engines.

install SearchBar Ex, then add search engine with `ADD` \> `Search` \> `Custom Search`.
> 2 votes

# Answer
There are a number of apps that will either give you a Wikipedia search widget on the home screen, or add Wikipedia as an option to the built-in search widget's drop-down selection. Have a look at a few of these: https://market.android.com/search?q=wikipedia+search
> 1 votes

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Tags: browser, search
---


# Question
Title: Set different volume for multiple apps running at the same time
I want to use Spotify and a running speed tracker app at the same time, but Spotify is much louder than the other app and so I cannot hear it when both running simultaneously. Is there a way I can turn the volume down on one app but not the other, similar to volume mixer in Windows?

# Answer
Probably you were looking for something like Sound Assistant version, for generic Android devices, **but as it stands now, the former is available and it's only functional on Samsung devices** (Galaxy editions running the latest versions of Android)

From description:

**SoundAssistant**

> The sound utility available on the galaxy series Provides various convenience functions related to audio
>
> * Allow you to control the media volume instead of ringtone when pressing the volume keys
> * Support **individual application volume (You can control the volume of music and games differently)**

Unfortunately, as it stands, it is not possible or at least feasible for other Android devices. Perhaps this feature will need some hardware upgrade on target devices to stream audio output on more than 1 channel, just as Izzy commented in his answer.

You may have to wait a little while until such a feature can be implemented in other Android devices. Meanwhile, you could get a supported Samsung device to enjoy this feature or perhaps with Tasker or Macrodroid.
> 10 votes

# Answer
That kind of "Mixer" doesn't seem to be possible. Quoting from the description of ~~App Volume~~ (thanks to Fiksdal for pointing to this comment):

> Android manages one stream for all apps, so we can't set different volume levels at same time for two different apps.

A mixer *could* be possible in a limited way if you could tell the involved apps to use different "channels" (e.g. one using the ringer, one multimedia, one notifications, one alarms) – which *might* be possible for a root app (with some Xposed module being the most likely candidate). But so far, it seems nobody came up with such.

I don't know about any more up-to-date candidates or other alternatives, though some might have slipped through my nets. Be welcome to check my app-list for System Settings: if I happen to find one, it will certainly be added there.
> 8 votes

# Answer
Years ago, Izzy wrote an answer stating that this desirable feature likely was not possible in most Android builds at that time.

Well, fast-forward to 2021, and it appears that it still is not possible in most Android builds.

Quoting from Yogesh Dama, a skilled Android developer, in the current release notes for their app WOW Volume Manager:

> Note: app can change volume levels only if you open the app which you configured. there is no possibility in android to change volume levels for background running apps. only apps those are on foreground and open by user, only for those app automate volume control can work.

The keywords in that quote are *"there is no possibility in android to change volume levels for background running apps"*. When you have one app in the foreground, all other apps are in the background, and Android still provides no way to control the sound volume of background apps.

(Note that WOW Volume Manager allows you to change the volume per *foreground* app.)

There *are* ways around this Android limitation: App developers can include different sound clips pre-recorded at different volume levels with their apps. They can also dynamically generate sounds at different amplitudes. Finally, they can allow selecting frequencies that humans *perceive* to be at lower volumes. After implementing one or more of these techniques, the devs can then can allow users to select a volume profile for their specific app, which will work even when it runs in the background. I don't know of any apps that actually do this, but it's certainly possible.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Indeed, the design of Android itself makes it near impossible to do.

Therefore, my solution is to run one of the apps (the one that's supposed to have the lower volume) in an Android VM on the same device, using Virtual Android app.

This may seem like a bit of an extreme solution, but to modern devices with their plentiful RAM and \>10-core CPU's it's usually not a big deal. And it's the **only** way to do it at present.

The fact that the app is running in its very own Android VM means that one can adjust the system volume *in that VM* without affecting the overall system volume of the host device.

Keep in mind that using the volume buttons on the device will only affect the host device, so you have to go into the settings app of the VM to adjust the volume.

It's great to run Spotify in the VM, because due to Spotify Connect it can be controlled remotely from the host, without having to enter the VM all the time.
> 0 votes

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Tags: applications, volume-control, volume
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# Question
Title: Is there a way to get to the numeric keyboard when entering text fields
When you are entering text field entries on Android, you get the soft keyboard on my Samsung Galaxy S.

In the lower left corner there is the key that switches between the alphabetic characters and the keyboard with punctuations and digits (and smileys and so on).

Now if you have to enter a large number, this is a bit tricky - because the numeric keypad's keys are much bigger, it's much easier to enter numbers and digits.

Therefore, I was wondering if there is a way I haven't discovered , yet , to somehow **switch to the numeric keypad, even when entering text entries**.

# Answer
> 4 votes
Click the gear button next to the ?123 button in the lower left, then click 3x4 keypad, then click the 123 button on the right. this way you will have a full 3x4 numeric keypad

# Answer
> 8 votes
If you're using Swype simply drag from the Swype key to where the 5 is; Swype will change to the numeric keypad.

# Answer
> 2 votes
All in all I found that pressing the '**keyboard selection**' box and choosing **handwriting box 1 or 2** is the easiest way. Not for entering 2 or 3 digits, but if you have to enter a lot of digits, this works quicker than having to type the numbers at the top row of the soft keyboard.

A shame, you can't switch to the numeric keyboard though.

Hope this helps some one.

# Answer
> 0 votes
1. Go to your keyboard
2. Click on the gear icon for settings
3. Click on preferences
4. Then turn on 'number rows'

This worked for me

---
Tags: 2.1-eclair, samsung-galaxy-s, keyboard
---


# Question
Title: Apps detecting Android on VirtualBox as jailbroken/rooted
I'm using Android in a VM, namely VirtualBox. The reason for this is that my bank forces me to use the (very badly rated) banking app SecureGo, but I have no Android or iOS device.

These things worked well:

* Setting up the VM
* Installing android
* Installing the SecureGo app

However, SecureGo refuses to work because it says that it detected a jailbreak or rooting on my device.

Any ideas on how to fix this?

Configuration

# Answer
Unfortunately the error message SecureGo shows is most likely not the actual reason. Banking apps and other security sensitive apps often check their environment and if something is not as they expect from a real unrooted device they simply state that the device is rooted, no matter if this is true or not.

As your device is not a genuine Google Android device at all I don't think SecureGo will ever run on it.

Therefore the only way is to speak with your bank and ask what they provide for people without smartphone and tablet. And if they don't offer your something then you have the two choices to stay and buy a cheap Android phone or switch the bank.

If you decide to stay make sure the device you buy is not from an unknown Chinese vendor. Only consider large well known brands.
> 3 votes

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Tags: virtualbox, rooting
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# Question
Title: How Access to Debug mode to edit kernel in Android Phoenix OS on VMware Workstation
I search hours on internet but didn't find solution.

I install Android x86 and Android Phoenix OS on VMware Workstation. Both Freezing in x86\_64:/ # and Android doesn't come up But I Found Solution and it's Work. editt kernel and add this "nomodeset xforcevesa"

Now Problem is: in Android x86 in grub menu it has debug mode and I can choose it and go through editing But in Android Phoenix OS there is no debug mode in menu. So How I Access to Debug mode in Phoenix OS? is has any command that i use in CLT to run debug mode?

Please see the images below:

# Answer
> 0 votes
I didn't find a solution to how to go to the debug mode. but I find the solution to my problem that now I can edit kernel directly.

in the setup section of phoenix os choose the second option then press tab and now edit where you want to edit

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Tags: debug
---


# Question
Title: Automatic Do Not Disturb for Calendar events on Samsung
Does anyone know of any free apps that can control the Do Not Disturb based on Calendar events? I know this is built into Android OS10, but Samsung has removed that from their phones. I know of one app that should work but it does a lot of things I do not need and costs money for what was originally built in but removed by a second party.

# Answer
> 0 votes
This one works great on modern Android devices:

Check out "Silent During Meetings" https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=info.ysharon.quietinmeeting

I made one with some nice settings in Tasker back in 2013, but that one doesn't work anymore on modern Android systems. I imagine Tasker would still work fine nowadays.

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Tags: samsung, android-10
---


# Question
Title: Rooted Moto Z2 Play: Unable to power on after unhiding Magisk Manager app, upgrading Magisk version and reboot. Is there any way to fix this?
I have a Moto Z2 Play device (android 7.1.1) that was rooted with Magisk (v20.1) with Magisk Manager app (v7.4.0). Magisk Manager Hiding feature was also activated.

When I deactivated the Magisk Manager Hiding:

1. Magisk Manager v7.4.0 got auto updated to v22.1 and Magisk was shown as not installed
2. Selected direct install option in the app to install Magisk (v22.1)
3. Rebooted the Moto Z2 Play device

And the device failed to power up... Is there any way to fix this?

I have tried Fastboot boot to TWRP and flashing Magisk-v20.1.zip but to no avail, device still doesn't start up normally when I press the power button. Currently I can still boot into fastboot/recovery mode.

# Answer
UPDATE: @alecxs answer worked for me, still trying to figure out how to accept it as the answer.

Apart from flashing stock boot.img, I also flashed magisk v20.1 uninstaller and reflashed magisk v20.1 installer to fix the booting issue.

1. Flashed stock boot.img using **fastboot flash boot boot.img** -\> device now powers up, but goes into boot loop
2. Flashed magisk v20.1 uninstaller via TWRP -\> device still goes into boot loop
3. Flashed magisk v20.1 installer via TWRP -\> device starts up normally with all my data still intact and magisk + magisk manager both back to original version (magisk v20.1, magisk manager v7.4.0)
> 0 votes

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Tags: magisk, motorola-moto-z2-play
---


# Question
Title: WhatsApp messaging interrupts Music while the wireless headset is connected
I just discovered that when I tap the send button on WhatsApp the music stops for while. Actually it doesn't stop. The headsets goes silence for a second and then continues normally. The same thing happens when somebody sends a message to me. But, it doesn't happen when I receive messages while I'm on another screen. For example, at the very moment I'm writing this question and music plays on. I saw that I'm gathering new messages on notification area, but no problem occurs.

I'm using JBL TUNE 600BTNC Bluetooth headset. My phone is Realme 3 Pro.
Android version is 9.
The music players I tried are VLC and PowerAmp.

# Answer
> 2 votes
you can try to change the settings `Sound->Earphone mode->Notification ringtone in earphones` to `never`. Downside: you won't get any notifications on your Headset anymore. I hope it helps.

Edit: This setting is available in OxygenOS if anyone else is facing this problem

# Answer
> 2 votes
This worked for me

Go to your WhatsApp app \> Settings \> Notification \> Conversation tones and turn conversation tones off. Your music will start working just fine even when you're sending messages.

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Tags: whatsapp-messenger, music
---


title: How to delete a PWA on Android 11

text:
# Question
Title: How to delete a PWA on Android 11
I cannot for the life of me work out how to delete a PWA from android (on a Galaxy S21).

Google's own support page says that it should appear in my apps list, and I should be able to uninstall it like any other app. However, it isn't listed there.

There's no menu in the PWA from which I could remove it.

I've tried removing the shortcut, but the pwa is still installed.

I can't find anything relevant in Chrome's menus, or anywhere in Android's settings pages.

I've tried going to chrome://apps as you can on desktop, but the page doesn't seem to exist on android.

Any tips?

# Answer
Hold on the app icon in laucher, app info and uninstall. if that doesn't work, Setting\>apps and locate that pwa and uninstall.
> 0 votes

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Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-21
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# Question
Title: Unable to install P12 certificate in Android 8.1.0
I am using an LG Aristo 2 Plus, Android 8.1.0, and have a CA and client certificate to use for a wifi network. I have downloaded the certificates onto my phone and when I attempt to install them through:

General -\> Lock screen & security -\> Encryption & credentials -\> Install from storage -\> navigate to the files

The files are greyed out or disabled and I am unable to install them. They're both in p12 format.

# Answer
> 1 votes
They should be in crt format to be installed.

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Tags: certificates
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title: Does each ROM has its own boot?

text:
# Question
Title: Does each ROM has its own boot?
At the moment, I have Redmi Note 7 on Pixel Experience. I do not like the kernel it has. As a result, I tried to change it by flashing the `boot.img` of the stock ROM. Unfortunately, it remains stuck at the splash scren.

I also formatted the `/Data` partition, but it did not solve my problem.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Yes, each ROM has its own boot unless the ROM is explicitly build keeping the stock kernel. SO to able to boot your device again, unzip your PixelExperience ROM file, take boot.img from it and flash that.

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Tags: partitions, kernel
---


# Question
Title: What do I say to make a new line when using voice recognition?
I've found I can make punctuation happen by saying "comma", or "period", but I can't find the word for new line. I tried "paragraph", and "line break", but it just prints those words.

# Answer
I found that saying `period newline` gives you a new line, after putting a period on the current line. Also `period new paragraph` work.
> 18 votes

# Answer
In Android 4.0, say "New Paragraph"
> 9 votes

# Answer
For Android 4.1.1, I just say "Enter" and it will start a new line.
> 3 votes

# Answer
I said "newline" really fast and it did it on Jelly Bean 4.1. When I said "new line" slower it filled in the words "new line." I guess you just say it quick.
> 3 votes

# Answer
Yes, "period newline" & "newline" works, but **timing is everything** in this.

**Ex: How to get 3 carriage returns (*2 more below the end of your line*)**: At the last word in your sentence, either say "period newline" or pause and say "new line".

Then for each additional carriage return/line feed you want, **as soon as you see the blinking line move to the next line**, say "newline" and it will give you another, and so forth.
> 2 votes

# Answer
I use ColorNote to make a grocery list. If you say for example "bacon new line", then that will be printed on whatever line the cursor is on, i.e. "bacon new line". The cursor will not go to the new line.

But, if you say "new line bacon", the cursor moves to a new line and puts the word "bacon" on that new line. Now, if you say "new line sugar", the cursor will go to the next line and place the word "sugar" on that line.

You have to first say "new line" and then immediately say what you want on that line. In fact, if you say "new line newline", the cursor will advance two lines, "new line new line newline", the cursor advances 3 lines.

So, know what you want to put on the next line, and start saying it immediately after you say "new line".

Just saying "new line" without any more words will not advance to the next line. In fact, it will print the words "new line" at the current cursor position. You must say whatever you want to appear on the new line immediately after saying "new line". Then it works every time. Found this out by trial and error experimenting.
> 1 votes

# Answer
short answer: "Next"

long (and more reliable) answer:

1. Select G-Board as your keyboard device
2. touch the microphone icon
3. After the touch, you can see a circled question mark at the far left of the screen at the same line of the microphone icon, touch the circled question mark.
4. It shows a help page and lists all voice commands, such as "Send", "Stop", ... etc. The command to "enter" the next line is "Next", according to the help page.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Say, "period new line" in Android 4.4.2.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Saying "period newline". This works on my Samsung 10.

So when you are done with your sentence and you want to end it with a "period" and have the cursor move to a new line, make sure you say.

As you can see by the formatting of my last sentence, it put a period and brought me to a new line.
> 0 votes

# Answer
With Android 12 + Google Pixel 6 + Gboard voice typing: the voice command is "New line".
> 0 votes

# Answer
Without any punctuation at the end of what I say, I can just pause and say

"New line" and my Droid X goes to the next line.
> -1 votes

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Tags: voice-recognition
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# Question
Title: How do you delete Google Calendar goals?
A quick Google search pointed me to this thread on reddit

Following a link posted in the comments, and then going to the "android" tab (which I totally missed at first) I found these instructions

1. Open the Google Calendar app.
2. Tap the session.
3. In the top right, tap More.
4. Tap Delete \> This session or All following sessions (and stop scheduling).
5. Tap OK.

I'm just wondering where I would find "This session" or "All following sessions", because I don't see it:

I'm using Calendar Version 5.5.15-129963483-release and I thought I might be out of date but there doesn't appear to be a newer version on the Play Store.

# Answer
Same Calendar Version as yours ( update released on 15/08/2016). Moto X Play 6.0.1

I created goals using goals option of app and am able to choose and delete. Screenshots below

* First one shows goals for today and tomorrow
* On pressing one of them it appears as in second one
* Third one shows the *Delete* option on pressing the overflow (3 button) menu
* Last one shows the options you are looking for
> 2 votes

# Answer
I found another solution that works if you're just get shown to delete single event. It is essential to get the picture shown of how often you participate.

1. Go in Google Calendar on your desktop
2. Click on old goal dates and press “Did it”
3. Now go to the Google Calendar App
4. Press on the 3 dots on the start screen of the app and actualize your calendar
5. Afterwards click on the actual event/goal and go to the 3 dots
6. Now you can choose to “Delete all further events”
> 2 votes

# Answer
The circled one means Access and Settings. After that a new page will open. At the bottom of the page will be a blue button saying "Delete all the calendar". The only solution I found to delete the "forever" events. That button will delete all your appointments or events. but at least it works
> 0 votes

# Answer
You might be using the Android calendar App that comes by default (it shows all the other calendars, Google, Samsun, Phone, Outlook, etc), be sure you use the Google Calendar, I had the same problem until I realized it was the wrong app.
> 0 votes

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Tags: google-calendar
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# Question
Title: Can't seem to be able to change a WhatsApp contact name
I'm having trouble editing a WhatsApp contacts' name. I have this contact saved in my contacts list with the desired name, but WhatsApp just doesn't want to use that name apparently. I can even see the WhatsApp "voice call", etc. options from the contacts screen in my contacts app. If I'm on the contact page in WhatsApp, clicking the dropdown menu "edit" or "view in address book" simply doesn't work, so I think this is some kind of sync problem.

In my Contacts app on Nexus 5X, when I select "All Contacts", there's only one version of this specific contact, under the correct name, so I don't think there's a duplicate with the wrong name unless WhatsApp has somehow hidden this duplicate.

I feel like I've tried *everything* you can possibly try by googling; deleting the contact, playing around with WhatsApp permissions, etc.

Any insight is very appreciated.

(How it seems to me: WhatsApp has some kind of hidden contact list somewhere that I can't view/edit, from which it keeps syncing the wrong contact name)

# Answer
In Whatsapp, press the green icon (message) at bottom to go to "Select Contact" page. Press the "3 dots" on top right side. Dropdown will show 4 options. Press "Refresh". Done.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Turns out Whatsapp was getting the contact info from the contacts stored on my SIM card (you can see where WhatsApp gets your contact from by the tiny label "Mobile" or "Sim" at the side of your contact in your contact list in WhatsApp).

So, I downloaded a SIM card managing app and deleted the contact from my SIM, and now WhatsApp displays the correct name and gets the contact info from my phone itself.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Close the app in the background, go to Settings \> open WhatsApp settings \> go to storage \> clear cache. Then permissions \> disable all permissions \> force stop application.

Now, go to WhatsApp. You should see that every contact has no name. Go to contact list (in WhatsApp), it will say to accept the permission for accessing contacts. Now it will work.
> 1 votes

# Answer
That's how I've made it for Android:

1. Open WhatsApp and open chat with the contact
2. Tap on the name to open chat menu with a big avatar on top
3. Press three dots on the top right corner of the screen
4. Press Edit, the system contact editing menu will appear
5. List down and press split contacts, because your WhatsApp contact is merged with your regular contact
6. Open WhatsApp contact like in 1-4 again and delete it
7. Open regular contact like in 1-4 again and remove phone number assosiated with that chat contact, then your chat in WhatsApp will only have a phone number
8. Click add contact in the WhatsApp chat and select add number to existing contact
9. Select your contact with prefered name
> 0 votes

# Answer
As above, I found the info was from my phone contacts list. I had two entries for the person, one wrong. Deleted the wrong one and within seconds my WhatsApp messages had the right name above all the messages.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I have found one solution (the only one to my knowledge). A bit lengthy, but effective for sure.

1. Uninstall WhatsApp
2. Refresh contacts list of Android phonebook's (irrespective what make of mobile you are using)
3. Be alert that you have uninstalled WhatsApp, as it is the only way you can edit WhatsApp names in your phone book
4. After editing a whole lot of your phone list, install WhatsApp again (confirm on the step to restore chat history, which is stored in your phone memory by default. You will get your entire WhatsApp history back in minutes with edited names.)

P.S. Restoring messages will work only at the entry level of installing WhatsApp back. Once you skip that step, you won't be availed with the chat history restore option. You may have to uninstall & install it all again to have that option, work.
> -1 votes

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Tags: contacts, sync, whatsapp-messenger
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title: Remove Google Find My Device Password

text:
# Question
Title: Remove Google Find My Device Password
A few weeks back I lost my Samsung Galaxy S7. I came home and immediately did a Google Find My Device. I added a message to the finder and a password to lock it. Great. That worked. The phone was handed to the Police. However, there is simply NO way at all to remove this password now. The phone had no password before either.

Every possible solution I have tried but nothing removes this annoying password.

Maybe only a Factory Reset but thought I would see if anyone here has an answer. I have searched high and low and can find no answer surprisingly to my question.

# Answer
As per google on their page:

> **Secure device**: Locks your phone with your PIN, pattern, or password. If you don't have a lock, you can set one. To help someone return your phone to you, you can add a message or phone number to the lock screen.
>
> **Erase device**: Permanently deletes all data on your phone (but might not delete SD cards). After you erase, Find My Device won't work on the phone. Important: If you find your phone after erasing, you'll likely need your Google Account password to use it again.

As the last line suggests - the password has to be Google Account Password

If you are looking at completely remove the password option from phone again you can do this...

**Procedure**

1. Open **Settings**.
2. Tap Security (on Samsung phones, tap **Lock Screen**)
3. Tap **Screen Lock**. Note: If prompted, enter your current password, PIN, or pattern.
4. Choose your screen lock preference: none, swipe, password, PIN, or pattern. (Choose **None** here)
5. Tap **Done**.
> 0 votes

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Tags: samsung, google, password
---


# Question
Title: Does the Google Play Store app requires a SIM card?
I noticed on a device that the Play Store app didn't work until I inserted a SIM card: is this just a bug or does the Google Play Store app requires a SIM card being present?

**Background:** I've installed LineageOS + OpenGApps Nano on a Nexus 5 device (without a SIM card). Almost everything worked as expected, including the Google account creation.

What didn't work was the Google Play Store app, though. When going to the 'My apps' sections, there was just an endless checking for updates/connecting animation. Installing apps wasn't possible. Clearing the cache/app data etc. didn't make a difference.

What helped was this: inserting a SIM card! After that and clearing the app data/cache again, the Google Play Store app worked as expected.

# Answer
No, a SIM is not required to access to Google Play on any device.
> 3 votes

# Answer
A SIM card is required to download from the Google Play store; I just verified it through my Galaxy Note 20.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I was trying to use one of those terrible Calypso phones AT&T sent out for my child to do Zoom. I had to download it from the website directly instead of the play store. I was afraid if I used the Sim card they gave me, it would activate the phone instead of the new upgrade I got after receiving the Calypso. I'm signed into my Google account but it tries to update or download apps, but then quits and points me to a help page that said to clear the cache - no mention of requiring Sim card, yet it seems to. I got into the developer options by tapping the build a bunch of times, but it still has no setting I can find to bypass the Sim card.
> 0 votes

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Tags: google-play-store, sim-card
---


# Question
Title: Sharing Browser Links between PC and Phone
I'm starting a wiki to compile a short list of browsers, apps, extensions, etc. that allow users to easily link or bookmark webpages between their PC and phone. This is ultimately just a "best apps" question, so answers should be made CW. I placed an answer below. Any other suggestions are appreciated!

# Answer
If you're running Android 4.0+, just use Google Chrome both on PC and Android, and associate it with the same Google account. This allows you to sync your browsers so that you can see open tabs from both locations on all devices. You can even have multiple PCs/OSs synced, just use the same Google account.

> "Sign in to Chrome to sync your open tabs, bookmarks, passwords, and omnibox data from your computer to your phone or tablet. Pick up right where you left off."
> 9 votes

# Answer
No-one seems to have said Pushbullet yet; it's trivially easy to share a webpage to Pushbullet from a phone and push it to the Windows/Mac app or Chrome extension, and the Chrome extension only needs 2 clicks to share any link, whether it's the page you're on or a link you can right-click.
> 8 votes

# Answer
I was looking for bookmark sync for my Android phone too and initially considered Delicious but for some reason none of two available mobile clients worked properly (2.3.6).

I ended up registering and using service diigo.com
> 2 votes

# Answer
If you have Google Keep, nothing beats it. Pretty instant. The above fly-by-night apps (except for some, like Pocket and browser addons) are un-dependable.
> 2 votes

# Answer
These are all the ones I've used.

Both ways:

* Chrome sync (current open tabs and bookmarks, chrome with chrome for android)
* Firefox sync (current open tabs and bookmarks, firefox with firefox beta)
* Opera link (bookmarks only, opera with opera mini)
* Pocket (bookmarklet/share with)

One way (desktop to phone only):

* Chrome to phone
* Fox to phone
> 1 votes

# Answer
MAXS (Modular Android XMPP Suite) is able to exchange the contents of the clipboard over XMPP.

Note: According to the FAQ I have to disclose that I am involved into MAXS. MAXS is an open source GPLv3 licensed Android app. Everyone can contribute.
> 1 votes

# Answer
You can always use social bookmarking and sync with your existing bookmarks. Look into Papaly for easy to use user interface. Just as long as you have the internet on your Android devices, you'll be able to look at all your bookmarks anywhere.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I create a QR code from Edge, transport to Android, read it with Lens.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: browser, sync, bookmarks
---


title: Can't flash TWRP image on Moto E5+

text:
# Question
Title: Can't flash TWRP image on Moto E5+
I try to install a custom ROM on my Motorola Moto E5+. To do that, I'm following this tutorial (and check what is said online on the tools used): https://www.getdroidtips.com/lineage-os-17-motorola-moto-e5-plus/. So I'm at the step where I need to flash the TWRP image, but it seems to don't work.

```
   $ ./adb devices
* daemon not running; starting now at tcp:5037
* daemon started successfully
List of devices attached
ZL5225HPHW  device
   $ ./adb reboot bootloader
   $ sudo ./fastboot flash recovery ../twrp-3.6.0_9-0-hannah.img
(bootloader) is-logical:recovery: not found
Sending 'recovery' (20972 KB)                      OKAY [  0.851s]
Writin 'recovery'                                  (bootloader) Image recovery failed validation
(bootloader) Preflash validation failed
FAILED (remote: '')
fastboot: error: Command failed
   $ sudo ./fastboot boot ../twrp-3.6.0_9-0-hannah.img
Sending 'boot.img' (20972 KB)                      OKAY [  0.685s]
Booting                                            (bootloader) permission denied!
FAILED (remote: '')
fastboot: error: Command failed

```

Original screenshot of the terminal screen

So I try to use the command: `./fastboot flash recovery ../../Downloads/twrp-3.6.0_9-0-hannah.img` (I'm sudo because it doesn't recognize my phone without) and I try to boot with the image as proposed here: Can't flash custom TWRP recovery image on Motorola Moto G7 Power phone But it doesn't work either. On my phone, it says "Mismatched partition size (recovery)" when I try to flash. And when I try to boot, it just say `download` and `boot` and that it.

Btw, I download the file from here: https://twrp.me/motorola/motorolamotoe5plus.html.

So do you know what I'm missing and what I need to do? Or even if I'm doing it right?

PS: when I'm trying with the official guide of LineageOS, it's doing the same:

```
   $ sudo ./fastboot flash recovery ../lineage-18.1-20220104-recovery-hannah.img
(bootloader) is-logical:recovery: not found
Sending 'recovery' (15432 KB)                      OKAY [  0.666s]
Writing 'recovery'                                 (bootloader) Image recovery failed validation
(bootloader) Preflash validation failed
FAILED (remote: '')
fastboot: error: Command failed

```

And it's say the same on the phone:

```
cmd: download: number
cmd: boot
cmd: getvar:has-slot:recovery
cmd: getvar:max-download-size
cmd: getvar:is-logical:recovery
cmd: download: another number
cmd: flash:recovery
Mismatched partition size (recovery)

```

PS²: I'm not sure if it's recognize in the good way, since, when I try the command `sudo ./fastboot devices`, it's listed as `ZL5225HPHW Motorola Fastboot Interface`, but I'm not sure that the Motorola Fastboot Interface is good or not?

PS³: Here are some more commands and the output (I made them under the guidance of @alecxs): So here is the output:

```
$ sudo fastboot getvar unlocked
(bootloader) unlocked: not found
getvar:unlocked FAILED (remote failure)
finished. total time: 0.003s
$ sudo fastboot getvar securestate
securestate: oem_locked
finished. total time: 0.009s

```

So, what I'm understanding is that my phone is not unlocked? How I can do that?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Thanks to @alecxs, I just don't unlock the device bootloader correctly.

I just need to run the command `fastboot oem unlock ********` twice. And after that, it's working well.

Here the command and the output I have done to resolve the issue

```
➜ ~ fastboot oem unlock **********
(bootloader) WARNING: This command erases all user data.
(bootloader) Please re-run this command to continue.
OKAY [ 0.002s] Finished.
Total time: 0.002s
➜ ~ fastboot oem unlock **********
(bootloader) Bootloader is unlocked! Rebooting phone
OKAY [ 0.165s] Finished.

```

So, I run the command twice, and it works, thanks to all of you in the comments.

---
Tags: rom-flashing, custom-roms, twrp, motorola-moto-e
---


# Question
Title: Is there way to remotely turn on your Android phone?
I lost my phone and tried to connect it remotely, but the device kept turning off for 2 days. It's kind of strange. So, is there any way to remotely turn on the phone?

I'm not talking about remotely controlling the device. I'm talking about remotely turning on the cell phone.

If relevant, the phone is Samsung Galaxy Note 3.

# Answer
The idea is impossible. To physically supply power to the phone's chip, you would have to press the power button.

The only workaround would be to have an always-on device attached to the phone that could then use a motor to press the power button.
> 1 votes

# Answer
It could be possible since newer phones have embedded battery that is not removable. Since the technology is there, the battery could supply low voltage to the hardware that will power via network/data using your sim. There would have the be a application that works with the devices hardware. This would be a similar configuration as "wake on lan".
> 1 votes

# Answer
Older phones could be turned on by calling the number and letting it ring 10X and it would turn on. I don't know why we can't have that feature in the newer phones. BTW I know this is fact, as I did it several times with my phones when they were lost and I had to turn them on remotely to find them.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: remote-control, power-on
---


# Question
Title: How to move Apps to the adoptable sd-card storage on LineageOS 17.1 (Samsung Galaxy S5 klte)?
Hi since I updated to LineageOs 17.1 I am having storage problems, because the management of the adoptable storage does not work as expected.

**The problem:** LineageOs migrates constantly data from the sd-card (used as internal storage) to the real internal storage. Somehow the play, and apps like WhatsApp distinct between the internal storage and the adoptable storage and ask me to free space. WhatsApp even stopps working. So I constantly remove apps, but even freeing several GB of data does not help because LineageOs moves more and more data to the internal storage.

**What I did to cause the problem:**

* Installed LineageOs 17.1 and enabled adb debugging.
* Deleted the old partition table of my sd-card
* used adb shell to format the sd-card with: sm partition disk:179,64 private
* put a lot of data to my phone
* **by accident clicked** in the options of the internal storage on "**migrate data**", what is the opposite of what I want. The process terminated with an error because of running out of storage. So maybe it never stopped and some flag is still set somewhere, what causes my problem?

**What I tried to solve the problem:**

* Rooted the phone with Magisk
* Installed app2sd pro from Bicky Bonick and tried to move apps. This did not help because the app seems to be targeted to an environment with a portable and non-adoptable sd-card storage? Clicking on linking apps to the sdcard results in an at this stage not further specified error. I just think this is the wrong way to go?

**The question:**

How can I increase the 16GB internal space available (with LineageOs 17.1) for apps on my phone by using my external 64GB sd-card?

This question might be related to this one.

# Answer
I had the same problem with lineage 15.1 on my samsung s4mini. the solution which worked....

* under 15.1 I formatted the sd as internal storage
* I copied all relevant system zip files to the sd card (lineage 15.1 / open gapps 8.1 pico / supersu v82)
* I booted to twrp recovery and wiped everything except preload and the sd card
* then I installed all above mentioned 3 relevant system files from the sd-card in one go
* I rebooted and my sd card was still configured as internal memory and newly installed apps moved to a large extent to the sd card and the phone was still rooted - it was perfect

having installed apps which would not have fitted to internal memory before I am now using only 3.3 of 8.0 gb and if I install more apps the real internal memory will fill up just slowly....
> 1 votes

# Answer
Sorry to revive this year old thread but found a method which seems to solve this issue so just want to put it down here for everyone's benefit. I am on LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11):

1. Enable Developer Options (Settings -\> About -\> Tap build number 7 times)
2. In Developer Options under Apps section there is a setting called Force allow apps on external, enable that.
3. Now you should be able to go to Settings -\> Apps and click on each app to see if they are using Internal Storage or SD card, if it is on Internal Storage you can move it to SD card.

Using this method most of my apps could be moved to SD card. One thing I noticed is the space used doesn't really update immediately and I had to reboot the device to see the space used in internal storage.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: sd-card, lineageos, android-10, internal-sd, adoptable-storage
---


# Question
Title: Can I retrieve files from old phone that screen is damaged?
My old rooted phone has a smashed screen but can still turn on. It's not worth the cost to repair it.

I can get to the lock screen but can't enter the lock due to the damaged screen. As such, it doesn't actually appear as a mounted drive when connected to a PC.

Can I retrieve files from inside it or even run a backup to get the latest text messages?

# Answer
If you can still use adb (since you put 'adb' tag in this question), you may try vysor (https://www.vysor.io/download/) so that you can redirect your Android screen to a window on your PC. That means you can use mouse-click instead of finger-touch to operate your phone.

After that, try to backup your old phone to the network (since now you have the PC as your new screen to operate your phone), and retrieve your backup from your new phone.

There should be some similar android to PC screen (alternative to vysor) software.

Disclaimer: I do not stand for vysor software. Please use it at your own risk: i.e. I am not liable to any damage, identity theft, hacked phone, any charges on the use of the software, to name a few.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: adb, backup, data-recovery, lineageos, broken-screen
---


# Question
Title: 'push' and 'pull' command return "push: not found"
I can't seem to pull or push files from my phone. The file exists, and I can get into the adb shell. But whether I do the command `adb pull` or `adb shell` and then `pull`, it doesn't work.

If I do it via shell, it gives me `'push: not found'`. If I do `adb pull` on the Windows command line, it just gives me a list of all ADB commands (so it doesn't understand push or pull).

I am using the correct syntax:

* Within shell: `push (or pull) /path/to/file`
* Outside shell: `adb push (or pull) /path/to/file`

I am working as root too.

The file I need doesn't seem to be visible to the graphical file manager I have on the phone, even though it has root permissions and is showing hidden files. It's visible via `adb`, so it's definitely there!

What's wrong, and how do I fix it?

# Answer
> 2 votes
By your words, I suppose that you're running `adb` **within an adb shell** and that's wrong. See this answer for more details.

In case I misunderstood your question:
On Android, `adbd` is by default not running as root, so certain files and directories are not visible to the ADB client. Still, refer to my answer for more details.

There is no such command as `push` or `pull` on your Android device. All you can do is `adb push` from your host PC. Whatever non-existent command makes shell tell you `aaabbb: not found` so it's not a bug.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Use the following command from the Windows Power Shell or the Command prompt; not inside the adb shell: `.\adb pull /system/etc/hosts C:\hosts`

The `.\adb` is to show where to use the command adb from. It worked for me.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Use adb Directly in command prompt instead of `adb shell` use outside

```
adb  pull "/sdcard/WhatsApp Business/" "C:\Users\safva\OneDrive\Desktop\hi"

```

---
Tags: adb, shell
---


title: adb - pull data from non-rooted android

text:
# Question
Title: adb - pull data from non-rooted android
I am trying to backup data from Xiaomi Mi 9t which has a software error and is non-functional:

* the screen is stuck at 'Just a sec'
* in settings I am only able to connect to wifi and bluetooth
* USB debugging is enabled
* phone is not rooted

I am able to connect to device using adb shell but I am not able to pull any data.

Here are few commands that I tried:

```
➜  Downloads adb devices
List of devices attached
897b97e8    device

➜  Downloads adb root
adbd cannot run as root in production builds

➜  Downloads adb pull /sdcard ./
adb: error: failed to stat remote object '/sdcard': No such file or directory

➜  Downloads adb shell
davinci:/ $ ls
ls: ./init.zygote64_32.rc: Permission denied
ls: ./init.mishow.ctl.rc: Permission denied
ls: ./init.rc: Permission denied
ls: ./init.usb.rc: Permission denied
ls: ./ueventd.rc: Permission denied
ls: ./init.zygote32.rc: Permission denied
ls: ./init.recovery.hardware.rc: Permission denied
ls: ./init: Permission denied
ls: ./init.miui.google_revenue_share_v2.rc: Permission denied
ls: ./init.batterysecret.rc: Permission denied
ls: ./init.miui.cust.rc: Permission denied
ls: ./init.environ.rc: Permission denied
ls: ./init.miui.post_boot.sh: Permission denied
ls: ./init.miui.qadaemon.rc: Permission denied
ls: ./init.batteryd.rc: Permission denied
ls: ./verity_key: Permission denied
ls: ./init.recovery.qcom.rc: Permission denied
ls: ./init.mi_thermald.rc: Permission denied
ls: ./init.miui.rc: Permission denied
ls: ./init.usb.configfs.rc: Permission denied
ls: ./init.miui.google_revenue_share.rc: Permission denied
ls: ./init.miui.nativedebug.rc: Permission denied
ls: ./init.miui.early_boot.sh: Permission denied
acct apex bin bugreports cache charger config cust d data debug_ramdisk default.prop dev etc lost+found mnt odm oem proc product product_services res sbin sdcard storage sys system vendor
1|davinci:/ $ cd /sdcard
/system/bin/sh: cd: /sdcard: No such file or directory
2|davinci:/ $ cd sdcard
/system/bin/sh: cd: /sdcard: No such file or directory
2|davinci:/ $

```

EDIT 1:

```
➜  Downloads adb pull /storage/emulated/0
adb: error: failed to copy '/storage/emulated/0/O,muoupUzTcgD9bevATC1B' to './0/O,muoupUzTcgD9bevATC1B': remote open failed: Required key not available

```

# Answer
> 1 votes
Your device seems to be encrypted using File Based Encryption (FBE). After you enter lock screen PIN the first time after boot these files will become available. But based on your description the system fails before it reaches lock screen. I don't know if there is a way to enter PIN via adb so that the encrypted files can be accessed (assuming the necessary keys are still present and not corrupted).

Extracting the encrypted files (if it would work) doesn't make sense as the necessary key is only present on the device and can't be extracted.

As the device is not rooted (and therefore I assume also not bootloader unlocked) you can't boot into recovery and eventually decrypt and extract the files using recovery.

So from my perspective I don't think it is possible to extract your files.

---
Tags: adb, root-access, backup
---


# Question
Title: Why can't I download anything on my phone?
I can download and install apps from Google Play but I can't download any zip file, 7z file, Google Drive website file, mp3, torrent, etc on my phone. I haven't changed any settings as far as i know and I can't download anything from any trusted site. Even the bittorrent app's downloads turn red and stay at 0 despite being known good files. This happens when I try to download files on 4g and also wifi. How can I fix this without doing a factory reset?

# Answer
> 0 votes
1. Check for Restricted Background data. If it is enabled then you will have problems while downloading irrespective of it being 4G or Wifi. Go to Settings -\> Data usage -\> Download Manager --\> restrict background data option (disable).
2. You could try any downloader like Download Accelerator Plus (works for me). All you need is to open your website in its local browser or provide download url in the app. Below is screenshot of the app Browser where you need to search in order to download. Then save it in your sdcard or internal storage when you see download option.

# Answer
> 0 votes
According to the OP's comment (with copyedit),

> \[...\] with continued fiddling, I found a solution. After moving to an apartment downtown, I found myself unable to download on my phone even though I was on WiFi. Because my phone says 4G, I installed 4G Speed Browser and browsed/downloaded from there with my phone set to "2G only". This combo works! Very small files are downloading very slowly over WiFi, but at least they're working.

---
Tags: downloading
---


title: Will a factory reset unroot Android?

text:
# Question
Title: Will a factory reset unroot Android?
If I do a factory reset on a rooted Samsung/Android phone will it remove the root? Factory reset will return the phone to its out-of-the-box state, right?

# Answer
> 2 votes
If your rooting process made changes to system partition (SuperSU used to do that) or to the boot image (Magisk does that) then those changes would persist after a factory reset. However, superuser manager apps such as Magisk reside in data partition so these superuser manager apps would get deleted during factory reset.

These superuser manager apps are responsible *et al.* for authorizing processes and apps to gain superuser (root) privileges. So after a factory reset you might end up in a situation that you do have a binary named `su` accessible but you still cannot gain root access because the corresponding superuser manager app to which it is tied to is missing.

Over and all, your device would remain rooted even after a factory reset but the functionality of gaining root access might get botched due to missing superuser manager app. If your intention is to completely unroot your device or revert to a Google-certified Android OS status, then this path of doing a factory reset alone is incorrect to pursue.

---
Tags: root-access, factory-reset, unrooting
---


title: Music transfer and playlists

text:
# Question
Title: Music transfer and playlists
Is there an app that will allow you to make playlists with your music (on your computer) and then transfer those playlists, and the associated MP3 files, over to the phone?

I'd prefer not to have to "Sync" stuff because of all the headaches that syncing carries with it, but I just don't see anything in the market that has this functionality.

# Answer
As a further answer I forgot there is Media Monkey which just has basic USB copy which will do what you want - let you make a playlist and just copy it to your phone.
> 3 votes

# Answer
Most apps use M3U playlist which is a pretty standard format. You can manually sync or sync your playlists using DoubleTwist for `insert OS here`. I dont even believe that youre required to run doubleTwist on your phone.

Also Cubed has the ability to create and edit playlists right on the phone
> 1 votes

# Answer
Why not install "DropBox" on your PC and on your Phone. You can drag and drop files either way back and forth then ;) I haven't tried it with a playlist. But certainly done it for MP3 and other files.
> 1 votes

# Answer
After years of different problems with iSyncr, I just found out that the "File Manager+" app can give me fpt address to access the mobile from the pc (using WinSCP on PC), if on same wi-fi.

Now I just copy files both sides, and refresh iTunes =)

Also, if using iTunes to organize files on folders, watch out after you refresh, if you rename artists and albums. You'll need to update file structure on mobile as well, if it's your case (it's mine).
> 0 votes

# Answer
I tried Media Monkey. Not the right fit. It is not clear how it handles playlist references, and appears to pull all the music with playlists off the source phone and recreate them on the target phone. (When the music is already on target phone.) I contacted their support with questions and did not hear back.

Tried dropbox. Not quite right, because the m3u files need to be tweaked by hand. IOW: It is fine for moving media files (and poss also m3u files), but it doesn't give you working playlists on the target phone.

Ultimately, wasn't that hard, but took some dancing. I describe the process here.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: mp3
---


# Question
Title: Trying to connect my lav microphone to my android, only recognized as headphones
I have a pixel 6 and a deity v lav. I connect the lav microphone to a 3.5mm to usbc adapter then connect them both to my phone. My phone recognizes the deity v lav as an external headphone instead of a microphone

When I do the exact same thing but connect it to my computer instead there's no issue. Any ideas?

# Answer
What do you exactly mean when saying that your phone only recognizes your microphone as headphones? On my phone (Google Pixel 4a) with my headphones, I am able to select the headphones as microphone as follows:

* Plug in headphones
* Start Google Camera
* Switch to video
* Hit the settings gear icon on the top
* The last setting in the popup allows selecting the headphones as microphone, as seen on the picture.

Did you already try those steps? If yes, and it still didn't work, I don't think that there's anything that can be done.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: microphone
---


# Question
Title: What is this system icon (looks like upside down Signal strength)?
Does anyone know what the left-most status icon is here? The one that looks like an upside down signal status.

It only shows up randomly from time to time, and I've tried toggling on/off different settings (such as night light) to try to make it go away, but nothing has been successful.

Rebooting my phone gets rid of it, until the next time it randomly shows up in a few days or weeks.

Moto G Power running Android 10, with all current updates.

# Answer
I'm seeing it when running Blockada ad-blocker VPN. Turning it off removes the icon. If I pull down the notification bar, it changes to the normal key icon until released. Only started seeing it in the last week so maybe Blockada is tapping into this icon with a recent update.
> 0 votes

# Answer
It took me a bit of digging to figure out. It's actually a kind of rare icon. It means: 'Network/SIM/carrier-locked without prejudice'.

Say, if you have a CDMA, GSM, LTE/Dual SIM and want to use a compatible service provider SIM, you may, however, until you satisfy contractual criteria, your phone may not be officially network unlocked. This allows you to use the device, but it will look sketchy if you try to sell it. You almost never see this on postpaid phones, as when the phone is paid in full, the unlock is granted upon request, and if payment is not made, the phone is almost certainly blacklisted. You can make a NAND and edit the script to swap the IMEI with that of a broken phone, recompile the script and flash the edited firmware, or there's a simple technique to having it removed from the blacklist. Also, this icon will usually stop appearing the moment you begin using a valid SIM, and almost always makes its first appearance upon the denial of user request for network unlock.

I've noticed that on many devices, when Network unlock fails on prepaid devices, an alternative provider SIM almost always works, and sometimes, setting the phone up doing a formal soft reset and clearing any FRP issues will allow the device to be unlocked with the Network/SIM unlock app. In other words, enabling OEM unlock, (a prerequisite to unlocking the bootloader in many cases) and then doing a hard reset and curiously clicking the unlock app and seeing, "SIM unlock failed" will almost certainly trigger the presence of the NLWOP. Oh, in case anybody ever wondered what NLWOP stands for it's: Network Locked W/o Prejudice.

All in all, it's an icon that basically means no matter what SIM you use, it will still have Verizon apps that can't be uninstalled without root, and a Verizon splash screen. As long as that icon is up there, it's a dead indicator that not all the Ts were crossed and Is dotted. Except nobody knows what the hell it means, nor cares.

It's never given me any trouble other than what I've mentioned. But I've worked around that all too. By gaining root access, and learning about ADB, ADP, and with programs like Android Kitchen, which makes coding Android easy, you can make your Boost mobile phone appear to be a white box, remove all the bloatware, in some cases, flash a ROM which uses the same network from a similar device, a custom ROM, or like a ported out, streamlined Motorola ROM for your old LG, for example. The icon is only annoying and will correct itself. If you want it gone for good, the right way, just perform a web search for (your device) Network unlock eligibility criteria. Cheers.

Oh, and I had an afterthought: the icon doesn't just appear, it actually transposes your WiFi signal icon. The reason it is done this way is because there used to be great difficulty in blacklisted phones being set to WiFi only, so the WiFi signal is transposed with the 'anti-service' icon. You don't have to reset your device or anything, simply tap the Wi-Fi tile to disable WiFi, then again to enable WiFi and that will fix it every time. The evidence that this icon is the NLWOP icon, is that, more responsibly, when you drop down your notifications window, the 'anti-service' logo is now a padlock, the official Network unlock application icon.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: notification-bar, system-info
---


# Question
Title: How to install OS in Samsung smg531f which is without OS?
I have a samsung SMG531f Grand Prime. I accidentially deleted my OS in Team Win by selecting the System option coming under Wipe option in the main menu. Now when I switch on the phone it will show only the startup screen. I can only go to the TeamWin by pressing Volume up Home and power button. But when I try to go to odin mode by clicking on volume down power and home button it doesn't work. How can I overcome this problem and reinstall os to this phone.

Volume up key doesn't work in this phone.

Prefer a solution which can be configured in Windows environment as I don't have access to an open source OS.

# Answer
1. download and extract ROM from samloader

```
cd /media/xubuntu/1234567890ABCDEF
sudo apt update
sudo apt install android-sdk-ext4-utils android-sdk-libsparse-utils android-sdk-platform-tools-common android-tools-adb android-tools-fastboot f2fs-tools git python3.8 python3-pip

git clone https://github.com/nlscc/samloader

cd samloader
pip3 install .
cd ..
sudo cp -av ~/.local/bin/samloader /usr/local/bin

mkdir Android
cd Android

samloader -m SM-G531F -r SLK checkupdate
samloader -m SM-G531F -r SLK download -v G531FDDU1APJ2/G531FODD1APJ2/G531FDDU1APJ2/G531FDDU1APJ2 -O .
samloader -m SM-G531F -r SLK decrypt -v G531FDDU1APJ2/G531FODD1APJ2/G531FDDU1APJ2/G531FDDU1APJ2 -V 4 -i SM-G531F_1_20161116150254_w0xdzpk60j_fac.zip.enc4 -o SM-G531F_1_20161116150254_w0xdzpk60j_fac.zip

unzip SM-G531F*.zip
tar -vxf AP_G531F*.tar*

```
2. convert system.img into mountable disk image

```
mv -v system.img system.sparse.img
file system.sparse.img
simg2img system.sparse.img system.img
file system.img

```

(optional) check if mountable

```
mkdir system
sudo mount -vo loop,ro,noexec,noload,noatime -t ext4 system.img system
ls -a system
sudo umount -v system

```
3. copy file to MicroSD Card

```
adb push system.img /external_sd

```

(optional) compare digest

```
md5sum system.img
adb shell md5sum /external_sd/system.img

```
4. write disk image from terminal `dd`

```
adb shell
find /dev/block -name by-name
ls -l /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/system
dd if=/external_sd/system.img of=/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/system
reboot recovery

```
5. disable dm-verity and recovery-from-boot.p (necessary for TWRP)

```
adb disable-verity
adb shell
mount -w /system
mv -v /system/recovery-from-boot.p /system/recovery-from-boot.bak

```
> 1 votes

---
Tags: samsung, installation, 5.1-lollipop
---


# Question
Title: Failed updating and uninstalling app with ADB
I installed Better Battery Stats (BBS) v2 from XDA and quickly realized that the actual required version is 2.1. So I tried to uninstall BBS via ADB but that failed because BBS is a system app.

Now when I try to install the new version, I got:

```
bash-3.2$ adb install BetterBatteryStats_xdaedition_2.1.0.0_B4.apk
3925 KB/s (3671858 bytes in 0.913s)
        pkg: /data/local/tmp/BetterBatteryStats_xdaedition_2.1.0.0_B4.apk
Failure [INSTALL_FAILED_ALREADY_EXISTS]

```

And when I try to uninstall it, I got:

```
bash-3.2$ adb uninstall com.asksven.betterbatterystats_xdaedition
Failure [DELETE_FAILED_INTERNAL_ERROR]

```

Can anyone point out how can I resolve this issue? I just want BBS 2.1 Beta. I am using a Nexus 4 running stock 5.1.1 (rooted).

# Answer
Type the following:

```
adb shell //open adb shell
su //get root permissions
pm uninstall your.package.name //uninstall the app

```

Hope my answer helps!
> 1 votes

# Answer
Try `Adb shell uninstall -k --user 0 packagename`
> -1 votes

---
Tags: applications, adb, nexus-4
---


title: Cannot uninstall an app from adb

text:
# Question
Title: Cannot uninstall an app from adb
I am trying to uninstall an app which came to me with the phone ( an app for senior users - sort of launcher).

My device is : LG L70 Android version : 4.4.2 However I cannot uninstall it from the phone by dragging it from app screen. I've tried to uninstall it from the adb:

```
adb uninstall "package name"

```

but I get:

```
Failure

```

as a response.

When I list all my aps from the adb:

```
adb shell 'pm list packages -f'

```

I cannot find the app on the list. The only way that helped me to discover the package name(in order to uninstall it) is by using "System Info for Android" app...

What can be done in order to remove this annoying app?

I've rooted the device and did a factory reset...

Any help will be appreciated.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Do you have to uninstall it from adb? If you have a rooted phone you can remove it from the device itself. There are a lot of apps that you can do this that are in the playstore. I personally use " system app remover (ROOT)". Just search for the app name and uninstall it.

PS: Did you try ading "su" at the begining of the command to use root?

# Answer
> -1 votes
do `adb shell uninstall`, that should work.

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


# Question
Title: How to stop Play Store from auto-updating itself?
How can I stop Google play from automatically updating to the latest version? I tried deleting my `hosts` file but it's not being deleted. My phone is rooted.

# Answer
In order to disable Google Play Store:

1. You must have version 4.8.2 installed (just replace it in `/system/app` with the new `com.android.vending.apk`).
2. Download a root service from the store called *Disable service* (again make sure root is installed and the app is given root permission).
3. Now, in the disable service app, navigate to the system app tab and find Google Play Store. Tap on it and you will get a list of services.
4. Scroll to the bottom and uncheck *Check Wi-Fi and Update* service.
5. You will see a *Please wait* notification, and at the bottom BusyBox should appear, notifying you that the app was given root access.
6. Exit the app and voila! Google Play Store will never update itself or Google Play Services ever again (unless you install a new version, in which case you would need to repeat the process).
> 6 votes

# Answer
First, you must have version 4.8.2 installed (just replace it in `/system/app` with the new `com.android.vending.apk`).

Instructions (from here):

1. Root, install SuperSU.
2. Install BusyBox, then terminal emulator.
3. Stop any Internet access on your Android, or it will silently auto-update Store, making your hard typing work useless.
4. Open `Settings` -\> `App manager` and find Play Store. tap on it. It will open the properties window. There will be button `Uninstall Updates`. Tap on it, click `Yes` on `Replace with factory version?` question.
5. Because there is no Internet connection, this is the moment the Play Store couldn't be updated. Let's use it.
6. Open terminal emulator and type commands one by one:

```
su

```

(at this time SuperSU app will ask you for granting root access for terminal emulator app, click `Grant access`).

```
touch /data/app/com.android.vending-1.apk
chattr +i /data/app/com.android.vending-1.apk

```

Enjoy! Regardless of Internet connection, Play Store now has the version you need, not Google. This might work for Play Store 4.8 and up, but I didn't test it.
> 6 votes

# Answer
A modified version of Stephen Schrauger's steps, based on the video here, since `chmod +i` returned an error on my phone. Tested on Android ICS (Cyanogenmod 9, Play Store 3.\*).

Assuming a rooted phone:

1. Stop whatever Internet access on your Android or it will silently auto-update Play Store, making your hard typing work useless.
2. Open Settings → App manager and find Play Store. Tap on it. Tt will open properties window.
3. There will be button `Uninstall Updates`. Tap on it, click yes on "replace with factory version?" question.

Because there is no Internet connection, this is the moment the Play Store can't be updated. Let's use it.

Open Terminal Emulator and type the commands one by one:

```
su

```

At this time supersu app will ask you for granting root access for Terminal Emulator app, click grant access.

```
mkdir /data/app/com.android.vending-1.apk

```

Instead of creating a file and preventing modification with permissions it just creates a directory, which can't be overwritten by the updater.

Now you can re-enable the internet connection and it will not update unless the directory is deleted.
> 2 votes

# Answer
The ultimate guide to stop Play Store auto-updates on Android 10 & Lucky Patcher. My device: Xiaomi S2, Android 10, EU ported MIUI 12.0.8.

This guide assumes you have a custom recovery & Magisk installed. If not, then do it first. We're gonna go in 4 step process:

1. SELinux permissive:

First, go to Magisk manager & flash SELinux module. Follow the flashing instructions & set SELinux to permissive.
2. Uninstall the original Play Store: Go to `/data/app/com.android.vending` folder (your device might have some random string name, so find the folder where Play Store is. It might be under the name `base.apk`/`vending.apk`/`market.apk`/`playstore.apk`), delete the folder using SD Maid app.

\[Note: I tried a bunch of other file managers like FX File Manager, Xplorer, Root Browser, but for some reason they did not work.\]
3. Delete the basic version of the Play Store from the system that automatically reinstalls: Using SD Maid, go to `system/product/priv-app/Phonesky`. This is the basic version, delete it.

\[Note: If for some reason you are having trouble with steps 2 & 3, then go to your custom recovery mount system partition & follow these steps from the custom recovery.\]
4. Now if you have a modded APK from Lucky Patcher, then place it in the `Phonesky` folder. If not, then install the modded Play Store from Lucky Patcher app. Take a backup of the modded Play Store using any backup app. Then place it in the `Phonesky` folder.

Go to app manager from settings to see if it has been installed as a system app. If you can uninstall from settings, then do it. It will automatically reinstall the modded version.

\[Note: If Play Store still auto-updates, then repeat the process & then set the permission of `Phonesky` folder to `r--r--r (444)`

5. Flash SELinux Magisk module & set SELinux to Enforcing.

Play Store will never auto-update itself again & Lucky Patcher will start working on Android 10. This trick can also be extended to Android 9 & 11.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Some android apps depend on PlayStore and GooglePlayServices and therefore I would not advise to disable them. However, if the phone has ROOT (SuperSU or Magisk), it would be possible to mount system partition as Read/Write and modify the file /system/etc/hosts:

```
127.0.0.1 localhost
0.0.0.0 android.clients.google.com
0.0.0.0 android.googleapis.com
0.0.0.0 app-measurement.com
0.0.0.0 connectivitycheck.gstatic.com
0.0.0.0 dl.google.com
0.0.0.0 firebaseinstallations.googleapis.com
0.0.0.0 pagead2.googlesyndication.com
0.0.0.0 play.googleapis.com
0.0.0.0 play-fe.googleapis.com
0.0.0.0 play-lh.googleusercontent.com
0.0.0.0 r15---sn-n8v7kn7r.gvt1.com
0.0.0.0 r2---sn-n8v7knee.gvt1.com
0.0.0.0 r2---sn-n8v7znz7.gvt1.com
0.0.0.0 www.googleapis.com

```

This modification would prevent PlayStore from updating.
> 1 votes

# Answer
In the system folder there should be MarketUpdater.apk. If you delete that file, Play Store won't update itself anymore. Nothing else should be affected though.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I found another approach to Google Play Store based on its dependency on built-in Download provider:

```
chmod 551 /data/data/com.android.providers.downloads/cache
chmod 551 /data/data/com.android.providers.downloads/files

```

make it impossible to update both Store and other programs (including Google Play Services) in my Lolipop 5.0.1. When I need to update third-party programs, I run Store, then file manager (I use X-plore), change permissions of folders back to 771, install found updates, return to file manager and set permissions to 551 again, at the end I close the Store. Quite simple and very reliable - no background updates of the Store and Services for two months.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: google-play-store, updates
---


title: No app found to open .apk file

text:
# Question
Title: No app found to open .apk file
I turned on unknown source installations, downloaded Confluence 1.71.13 apk via browser. When the download finished I tapped on the notification to sideload it. A message popped up saying:

> No app found to open .apk file

Why did that happen? I can install it via App Manager, but I don't understand why this happens. Googling the error doesn't yield any useful info.

My Android version is 5.1.1.

# Answer
*--\> If you tap the file from the Download list in your preferred browser, you'll get the error!*

You have to go to the FILE MANAGER, then **there** into your **DOWNLOAD HISTORY** *respectively* **the FOLDER where you saved the .apk file.**

Then *tap the* **.apk file** to open it, then you might have to choose (depending on your basic settings for ***"Installation from Unknown Sources"***) to allow (option for ***"only this time"*** or similar) an installation from an ***"Unknown Source"***.

There you go! :)
> 1 votes

---
Tags: installation, apk, side-loading
---


# Question
Title: Romanian Layout for Physical Keyboard is absent
I have just picked up my Samsung Tab S2 Keyboard a couple of days ago. The tablet is amazing, but the thing is I need to type Romanian text with specific accented characters (ie ș, ă, î, ț). This is a must-have feature. Without this, I'll probably try to return the tablet.

It never crossed my mind that Android would not have Romanian Language on the physical keyboard! The virtual keyboard has it, but what I'm particularly interested in is having the physical keyboard configured with the Romanian layout. To clarify, I don't want a keyboard with Romanian characters painted on it, only the software layout to be Romanian. That is when pressing such keys \[ \] ; ' they should produce such characters ă î ș ț.

Under System -\> Language & Input -\> Physical Keyboard, selecting the keyboard and then "Set up keyboard layouts", Romanian is absent:

So, can I set this up?

# Answer
> 2 votes
Have you tried this? https://android.stackexchange.com/a/103494/241518

> What you have to do is pair your external keyboard then
>
> Go to Settings -\> Language & Input -\> Physical Keyboard Then tap on your keyboard and a dialog for choosing the keyboard layout should appear. Choose the layouts you want (note that you have to select two or more to be able to switch) and then press back. Near the bottom of the dialog a label saying "To switch, press \_____ " which, in my case, is
>
> CTRL + SPACE Hope this helps!

I don't have a way of trying it out myself, so I don't know what languages are available for physical keyboards.

If that doesn't work, perhaps this app could help (External Keyboard Helper Pro- looks like there is also a demo version)? https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.apedroid.hwkeyboardhelper&hl=en or free demo version: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.apedroid.hwkeyboardhelperdemo

# Answer
> 1 votes
A a complement to the other answer that mentions External Keyboard Helper: testing the demo version, this app brings a new list of physical keyboard layouts that includes Romanian.

Only one can be selected. After enabling the desired layout in that list, switch the *virtual* keyboard to External Keyboard Helper:

The full version is worth it as far as I'm concerned.

# Answer
> 0 votes
This one is working very well:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=varzan.extraKeyboardLayouts

---
Tags: languages, external-keyboard, samsung-galaxy-tab-2-10.1, text-layout
---


# Question
Title: Google Play Protect shows warning when installing an APK
I have tried signing the app with the Android debug key and also I have tried signing the APK with my private key (whose APK is present in Play Store) but still used to get this warning.

I don't want to disable the Play Protect (as this is not the solution).

When I make clones of the same APK, for example making 10 clones of 1 same APK and every APK with the new unique package name, out of those 10 clones, I used to see the Play Protect warning in only 4-5 APKs and the rest of APKs used to be good (it's not the issue of the package name). I have also tried to sign the APK with Apk Easy Tool, but still the same issue.

Everything was working well, but I started facing this issue of Google Play Protect warnings since Nov 2021.

Can anyone please tell me how can I fix the fake Google Play protection warning shown in the APK while installing the app?

# Answer
Why do you think this is a fake Google Play Protect dialog? A malicious app would just upload the app without asking.

"Send unknown apps to Google" is an official feature of Google Play protect

> Send unknown apps to Google If you choose to install apps from unknown sources outside of the Google Play Store, turning on the “Improve harmful app detection” setting will allow Google Play Protect to send unknown apps to Google to protect you from harmful apps.
>
> 1. Open the Google Play Store app Google Play.
> 2. At the top right, tap the profile icon.
> 3. Tap Play Protect and then Settings.
> 4. Turn Improve harmful app detection on or off.

https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/2812853?hl=en
> 1 votes

---
Tags: installation, apk, google-play-protect
---


# Question
Title: How do you type Unicode characters using hexadecimal codes on an Android phone?
The title says it all. I want to be able to type special characters from all over the unicode range into web pages, but don't know how to. Is there an app or plugin or whatever that allows me to bring up an option while in Firefox or Chrome on my Android phone?

# Answer
I was just now interested in the same thing. I couldn't find any keyboard app that lets you do that "in-place" – in the overlay, without leaving the app you are typing in.

But otherwise, the app UnicodePad lets you do just that: entering hex if you know it. There's also a lookup table, search and everything.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: browser
---


title: Remove PDF "security settings"

text:
# Question
Title: Remove PDF "security settings"
On Android, is there a way or an application that can be used to remove the "security settings" on a PDF so it can be edited? The file in question does NOT have a password, so one it not needed to make it editable again.

# Answer
> 0 votes
One could use some online website, eg https://smallpdf.com/unlock-pdf, to remove the "security settings" on a PDF so it can be edited.

Note that one can't use the usual trick to print the PDF in Chrome to remove its security because on Android, Chrome cannot open PDF files.

---
Tags: pdf
---


# Question
Title: "[app name] appears to be infected. Immediate uninstallation is advised" pop-up on Huawei devices
I just got a pop-up on my phone, Huawei P30 lite running Emui 10.

It was approximately:

> Asana appears to be infected. Immediate uninstallation is advised.

I do not use Asana currently so uninstalled to be safe, but it made me wonder:

1. Is there actually an infection?
2. Where does the message come from, I have never seen one like it
3. Where would I go to confirm the official message, I just went to the Asana main page and didn't notice anything unusual, but suppose these things may be placed in a corner somewhere

# Answer
**This is an alert pop-up from Avast Antivirus that is integrated on some Huawei/EMUI devices.**

Regarding the actual infection, it's hard to say, but based on online reports about the pop-up, looks like most of them were false positive:

Also on Reddit, there was a suggestion to update the virus database.

> Open the "Optimizer" app, that should have shipped by default with any modern Huawei smartphone. Tap the gear icon in the top right corner to open the settings dialog.
>
> The last option in that list is called "Online Virus Scan". If the last update was many days ago, you can manually update by tapping "Online Virus Scan" and selecting "WLAN only".

As to how to confirm the official message, unfortunately, Avast does not seem to provide any more detail other than only letting the user choose to ignore/uninstall the app.

* One way is to contact them by any means, like public forums (preferable, so other users can give more input), or even call their customer support directly.
* Another way is to cross-scan the app with multiple scanners (e.g. VirusTotal). One can retrieve the APK file by downloading it from reliable alternative sources (e.g. APKMirror), then uploading it there.

Here is the scan result for Asana 6.84.3 (20 Jan 2022).
> 2 votes

---
Tags: huawei, popup
---


# Question
Title: Google Assistant app crashes the moment I open the app. Similarly, Google App Crashes when trying for a voice search
Google Assistant crashes the moment I open the app. Due to this. I'm unable to invoke my Assistant even though having setup all it's settings such as turning it On, setting up 'Hey Google' and training the voice recognition model. Similarly, The Google App crashes the moment I try voice search.(Open 'Google' App, click on the 'Mic' icon on the search bar for voice input to search.)

I tried few fixes after searching online and troubleshooting guides from google, but nothing seemed to work even after enabling all the options mentioned in those guides.

I need this community's help in figuring out what's causing this and fixing it. Can anyone help me on this please?

Phone: Oneplus 6. (I've used google assistant a couple of years ago, but never used in the past 2+ yrs. Now that I've got a few smart devices, I want to use it again.) OS: Oxygen OS 9.0.9

Edit: I have tried a fix that I found online, which was clearing the data of 'Google' app and restarting the phone. But the situation ended up being worse than before. Now, when I go to the 'Hey Google & Voice Match' setting, I see 'An Error has occurred. Please try again later.'(Attached an image below).

Cheers!

# Answer
I have faced the same issue and fixed it too. In settings, search "default", and then select Google assistant as the default assistant app
> 0 votes

---
Tags: voice-command, google-assistant, google-voice-actions, oneplus-6
---


# Question
Title: What file systems can I use with my SD card on a Samsung A10S?
I'm using a Samsung A10S phone. I use Arch Linux, no Windows, and I want my phone's SD card to be highly compatible with my PC. The default SD format seems to be vFAT which disallows many special characters in file names that are no problem on a Linux machine (`:`, `*`, `?`, `"`). I've tried formatting the SD card with EXT4 & EXT3 but when I put it back into the phone, it seems to be unable to work with the card and made me format it. There was no option as to what file system would be used and the card is now vFAT. I've tried looking online for possible file systems to use with the A10S but to no avail.

What file systems are compatible with the Samsung A10S? If there are others besides vFAT, what would be best for working with a Linux system?

Edit: 1 big reason I wanted `ext4` instead of `vFAT` is because I wanna get rid of the problem of certain disallowed special characters in `vFAT` so I'd like something without those restrictions.

# Answer
> 2 votes
I would second what @alecxs said, go for exFAT filesystem, that one will be compatible with all the OSes involved.

Check out this one on how to convert it to exFAT.

---
Tags: samsung, sd-card, file-system, linux
---


# Question
Title: Root Xiaomi Qin F21 Pro Touch for Android 11
How to root Xiaomi Qin F21 Pro Touch? (I have the firmware)

# Answer
> 1 votes
Unlock bootloader, disable android verified boot and root with systemless-root method. If non-unlockable bootloader root with bootless-root method.

# Answer
> -3 votes
Press the off button together with call button for about 10 seconds

---
Tags: rooting
---


# Question
Title: Why would wireless tethering stop working on two different devices at the same time
I have an LGVS995S on the left using Tracfone which is probably on Verizon towers and an LGVS986 on the right using Verizon Prepaid which is definitely on Verizon Towers. They both stopped allowing me to wirelessly tether at the same time and give the exact same message. The LGVS986 on the right was allowing me to wifi-tether as recent as yesterday. I hadn't tried with the LGVS995S in about a month, but it's never failed to tether until now.

I just wirelessly tethered my iPhone 11 Pro which is also on Verizon Prepaid without problems.

I would think this must be related to the carrier somehow, but how, why and what can I do?

# Answer
Verizon has disabled hotspot / tethering on LG phones. See the following posts.

https://community.verizon.com/t5/LG/Mobile-hot-spot-problems-LG-V30/m-p/1239650#M9945

https://community.verizon.com/t5/Verizon-Wireless-Services/Hotspot-Suddenly-Not-Working/m-p/1239529#M127081
> 1 votes

---
Tags: lg, wifi-tethering, verizon
---


# Question
Title: Suspicious pre-installed Google Files app on Infinix HOT 10
I'm using Infinix HOT 10. I got tired of the buggy pre-installed File Manager, so I started looking for alternatives on Google Play Store. To my surprise, I found the Google Files app (which is supposed to be installed on my phone alongside the buggy pre-installed File Manager) in the search results with the option to install it.

I wondered "If it is already installed on my phone, how can the option to install it be there?". So, I installed it. Then I ended up with two apps that have the same exact name and icon but they look different when opened.

The Files app that is pre-installed can't be uninstalled. It also can't be force-stopped or disabled, unlike the pre-installed File Manager app, the Files app that I installed or other Google apps.

It's mentioned in the "App details" section in "Settings" that it's installed from Google Play Store. But when I chose to view it on Google Play Store, I got a message that told me to try again.

I find this to be suspicious and weird. Any explanations?

# Answer
**The preinstalled Google Files is a DocumentsUI module, a part of the modular system components introduced since Android 10.**

Searching for "aml\_doc\_302000001" returned an entry on APK Mirror for another Google Files with the package name `com.google.android.documentsui`. Then searching for the package name referred to the official documentation about the DocumentsUI module.

According to the overview of modular system components,

> Android 10 or higher modularizes some Android system components and enables them to be updated outside of the normal Android release cycle. End-user devices can receive updates to these modularized system components from the Google Play Store infrastructure or through a partner-provided over-the-air (OTA) mechanism.

As such, this is actually a legit preinstalled Google Files that can be updated independently of the bigger OS update.

---

As an aside, Google actually has 3 Files apps:

* Files by Google (`com.google.android.apps.nbu.files`), also available on Play Store.
* Files (`com.google.android.documentsui`), AOSP file manager since Android 10, part of modular system components.
* Files (`com.android.documentsui`), AOSP file manager app until Android 9.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: system-apps, google-apps
---