title: ZTE Blade S2E not enough space

text:
# Question
Title: ZTE Blade S2E not enough space
I have just installed 4.2.2 PAC and S2E later. I have everything on sd-ext, there's 1600MB free space on sd-ext, and 140MB inside. However anytime i want to install an app, it says there's not enough free space.

I have restored some apps with MyBackup Root. I think that was the problem. How to solve it? I don't want to wipe data, I've made some important changes.

(system 219MB/220MB) (cache 1MB/37MB)

# Answer
The problem is with the S2E on 4.2.2. I wiped everything, it worked. Now I reinstalled S2E and it won't work.

EDIT: main user had no access to write sd-ext. I created a code added init.d to set sd-ext with chmod 777.
> 0 votes

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Tags: internal-storage, insufficient-memory, zte-blade, sd-ext, s2e
---


# Question
Title: Got mail with URL pointing to an APK called com.android.fixed.update, what is this?
One of my relatives sent me an email pointing to this URL: `http://www.flugversuch.at/cnu/kbdjobbwclikw/nbopigxdb/pxcbaolinizdg/qfktoohwzplsjsp`

When I got there, it automatically downloaded an APK called `com.android.fixed.update`. What could this be and should I install it?

# Answer
Are you sure it really was one of your relatives sending this mail -- and not just a spammer using their address as sender (as the URL suggests)? I would for sure **NOT** install that, to me it looks like malware. Ask that relative first if and why and what he sent.

A Google Search revealed some related information:

* on XDA one encountered something similar, and they assume it's rather malware
* BestAppMarket informs this app was removed from Google Play (hm, guess why). Same information is found at AndroidInformer
* and here it comes: **VirusTotal clearly lists it as malware**, being detected as such by several malware scanners.

**Conclusion:** Keep your fingers OFF! Do NOT install!
> 3 votes

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Tags: apk
---


# Question
Title: How is installing an app from web-based PlayStore implemented?
As you are probably aware, when browsing the web-based PlayStore, it is actually possible to install an app right-away. Upon pressing the "Install" button (like the one in the image - taken from the app page), I immediately receive a notification on my phone telling me that the app is being downloaded.

I would be very interested to know how Google implemented this feature. I suppose being logged to my Google account on both the PC and the phone helps, but still - is the phone continuously polling some network resource to see whether it should start downloading an app? Or is the notification somehow pushed to the phone (I cannot imagine how this would be done)?

# Answer
The Play Store on the handset is running as a service in the background and by clicking on the '*Install*' from the web front-end on desktop PC browser, this triggers a push notification (Am guessing its GCM \- Google Cloud Messaging) which is broadcast across the network **only** to designated Google accounts which you happen to be signed in.

When the Play store service receives the broadcast, that triggers it to pull it down.

As for asking how is this implemented is beyond the scope as that is bordering on asking in the direction of development efforts.

**Only** Google is allowed to do that and is part of the terms and conditions of Play store usage.

That I would also think is how Google can send a *kill* switch to designated handsets (it happened before, on pre-release of ICS on Galaxy Nexus, which happened to get leaked by accident on Google employee's handset, by one of the US Carriers, and the kill was issued which wiped the ROM, after it was posted on reddit - IIRC)

**Edit**: I am speculating on how the play store does it, and is proprietary...
> 2 votes

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Tags: google-play-store, installation
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# Question
Title: Debug Samsung Galaxy S3 Blank Screen Freezes
my Samsung Galaxy S3 suffers from the Black/Blank screen freeze. The only remedy is to pull the battery to get the phone to respond again. I'm running Android 4.1.1 and I have done a factory reset. Now the symptoms are back. I would like to figure out a way to get the log of phone after I pull the battery so that I may be able identify which app is causing this issue. I have the Android SDK installed, but so far I can only get the current live log. How can I get a log history with time stamp?

Thanks,

Nick,

# Answer
There are several system monitors available you might want to give a try. Some of them log activities while running in the background, so no information is lost when the device has to be rebooted. While these might not *directly* point out the troublemaker, you could still see at what time the freeze happened, and which apps might have been active then -- so they should bring you at least closer to finding the culprit.

One of those monitor apps is SystemPanel App / Task Manager (it has a free trial version, but that does not log in the background but only allows for "live monitoring"). Some screenshots from the playstore for illustration:

SystemPanel (source: Google Play)

An alternative would be System Tuner, which offers similar functionality.
> 0 votes

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Tags: crashes, logging, system-freeze
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# Question
Title: How to add root permission to some app by myself?
Is there any way that I intentionally grant root permission to some app? Not automatically via SuperSU when a specific app asks for root permission, but in a way to pick an app via some tool and grant it root permissions.

For example, I add my favourite text app to the approved list and then I can open root files via that app.

# Answer
> 14 votes
**No. You should request the app developer to do so.**

On UNIX like systems, permissions are managed with something called UIDs.

Every process has one and it dictates what they can access. Moreover, there are also groups that have permission that their members can use. When an app has permissions like `Write to SD card` they're put into a group that has this permission.

The root permissions are an exception since they are not declared in the app's manifest, but rather in its code. Root is also not a group but a separate UID (as it is a separate user) so it's not that easy for an app to use it. *Apps that have root rights need to be explicitly written to do so.*

The way this works is every time an app wants to do something as root, it has to request the `su` binary to do it instead. `su` will then ask the app that manages these permissions (e.g., SuperSU) whether the app is allowed to gain root access. If it isn't, it'll prompt you to allow or deny it. Then the action is carried out as `root`, not as the app user. These actions are not an integral part of the app but rather an external executable.

While theoretically it is possible to add this to an app, this would be a non-trivial process requiring knowledge of writing smali code, which is the internal format of the Dalvik virtual machine (the part of the system that runs the apk file) called smali. And even then, there'd be a huge security risk if the app allows other apps to access it: it wouldn't know how to keep the privileged root access separate from its normal access. So in reality this isn't really feasible.

# Answer
> 2 votes
I have found a way that may help you. I used this to grant root access to Tasker.

If you use the terminal emulator to grant read but not write access to a folder using

* `su`
* `chmod 775 /location/of/folder/`

then your text editor will be able to read that directory and so if you can then try to save a file in the folder then it will try to request root permission.

It may also just give a write error.

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Tags: permissions, root-access
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# Question
Title: Press android version thrice took me to another screen which shows big Jellybean logo!
When i pressed *settings*\> *About phone* \>*Android version* thrice quickly, it took me to another screen which displays *Android version with Red Logo*. I wonder this behavior is common in all Android Flavors. I have galaxy Nexus with Jellybean 4.2.2

# Answer
Its called Easter egg. All android versions contain same feature. You just hold that screen for 2 sec, and some more will be displayed.

**JellyBean**

**Ice cream Sandwich**

**Honeycomb**

**Gingerbread**
> 3 votes

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Tags: settings, samsung-galaxy-nexus, 4.2-jelly-bean, easter-egg
---


title: WhatsApp re-registration after backup

text:
# Question
Title: WhatsApp re-registration after backup
I want to flash a custom rom on my S3. I was wondering if I take a Titanium Backup of all the applications and data on my phone, would I need to re-register (sim verification) for applications like WhatsApp, Tango, Viber etc. even after I restore the data?

# Answer
> 3 votes
I played with fire and went ahead and backed up my data with TB, flashed a custom rom (ParanoidAndroid 3.0) and restored the backup! Well, this is how it went:

* **WhatsApp** \- restored the data without re-registration
* **Tango** \- re-register
* **Viber** \- restored
* **Google+** \- log in required and configure the settings
* **Facebook** \- already logged in (but re-sync contacts)
* **Path** \- already logged in

# Answer
> 4 votes
When you flash a custom rom and you are coming from different version of android, **restoring app data may cause some problems**. If you restore your **Whatsapp's data may cause crashing that App**. So its better not to backup data,backup just that Application. If you are flashing same android version it may not cause issues. And you don't need to re-register.

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Tags: backup, titanium-backup, whatsapp-messenger
---


title: enabling WCDMA on galaxy s2 I9100

text:
# Question
Title: enabling WCDMA on galaxy s2 I9100
We have 2 WCDMA networks here in IRAQ but SGS2 I9100 cannot find any of them even when I'm choosing WCDMA mode from network operators, while it works fine with GSM. Why?

# Answer
> 0 votes
There are different WCDMA(UMTS) frequency bands. I believe that they use Band-I (2100MHz) in IRAQ. You did not mention which country you bought your phone in. But if it was anywhere in North America - I have bad news for you: none of american carriers use this band so very few phones sold here support it.

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Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-2, cdma
---


title: get wireless tools in Android devices?

text:
# Question
Title: get wireless tools in Android devices?
i see this link about enable wireless tools on android.

but i can't understand the way he follow to enable tools on what terminal or adb shells for the device or on linux platform !!

also from where can i have this directory `mydroid/external/wireless-tools directory`, it is for the android device or for linux file directory ?

and the compile and build from where !!!

# Answer
Wireless Tools home page has links to multiple versions including:
> 0 votes

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Tags: wi-fi, linux, kernel, ad-hoc-networks
---


# Question
Title: Insufficient storage availalable when there is plenty
My Samsung Galaxy Note 2 started giving the insufficient storage available after trying to transfer app to my SDCard using DroidSail Super App2sd lite.

I uninstalled it before realizing there's a problem and now cannot install it again to try to troubleshoot it.

I tried installing from Google PlayStore:

* AptoIDE
* and samsung app

some random apps and some successfully installed but the majority didn't.

I was running Android ver.4.1.1 and rooted and decided to upgrade to 4.1.2.

I upgraded successfully and rooted again but nothing changed.

I have:

* 5.34Gb/11.07GB available in the internal storage
* 24.61GB/29.81GB on the SD card and
* 0.92GB/1.75GB RAM.

I rebooted, cleared the RAM, unmounted SDCard and re-mounted but nothing worked.

Please help!

# Answer
> 2 votes
I have found the solution that might help lots of people. I was able to install rom toolbox pro, I tried to fix the permissions but that didn't help then I changed the setting under app2sd that was set to save everything to extSD regardless of what it is TO auto as it should be by default i think and now i can install anything from the playstore without getting any errors. I think Droidsail super app2sd changed that setting behind the scene. Anyone who played around an app like APP2SD and has the same issue as I did will probably be able to solve it using my method. Good luck!

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Tags: internal-storage, insufficient-memory, samsung-galaxy-note-2
---


# Question
Title: Keep getting invalid package error when downloading app from Play store
I can't download any app from Google Play, I get invalid package message. I know this is an old problem and I that I have to clear Dalvik cache. Problem is that I can't down load the file manager to do this.

# Answer
> 1 votes
> Problem is that I can't down load the file manager to do this.

You can download a file manager from the browser and install it. OI File manager avaible from the web page as are many others if you search around.

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Tags: google-play-store
---


title: Navfree required space

text:
# Question
Title: Navfree required space
I was wondering how much space Navfree needs for its maps. I know it depends on what parts of the world you download, so is there any place I can check it, other than the app itself? (Alternatively how much does it take to download the entire world, Europe and France for instance.)

(Note: I think this is a good place to ask this? Couldn't find where it would be asked better, please tell if I'm wrong and I'll move it.)

# Answer
> 1 votes
As you had said yourself, the maps size can be known only when you start to download. The app itself takes approx 20Mb (Total size = App size + data) and it includes no map (actually app will say installing `World map`, but unless you download a country's map you wouldn't be see anything on screen that resembles a map).

Map for France:

You might also be interested to download other stuffs other than map. For instance for UK, you can download postcode database which can be very useful for locating a destination without Internet connection. Also, it would be worth while to download speed cameras database so that you would get a warning when you approach one and warn if your current speed is high to cause you trouble.

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Tags: storage, navigation
---


# Question
Title: Bluetooth Headset Profile and the Nexus 7?
I purchased the Nexus 7 3G to install as the radio in my vehicle. I stream all media from the tablet via Bluetooth to my factory head unit.

However, I have two main issues to solve before this becomes a feasible replacement:

### 1) I cannot set the microphone on the Bluetooth unit to work with the tablet.

The tablet ends up using the built-in mic; and since that is located behind the dash, it doesn't work so well. I have been researching on Google and XDA for months trying to find a solution. From what I have read, this is my current assumption: Tablets in the USA are not built with phone functionality on purpose to deter people from buying a tablet and using it as their primary phone.

It seems no big deal just learn how to hack to enable phone functions and that would activate the proper Bluetooth headset profiles to work with the external mic on a Bluetooth unit. So after a ton of research I have successfully unlocked, rooted and installed TWRP as well as edited the `bool.xml` in `framework-res.apk` to make the Nexus 7 voice capable. But still I have no external Bluetooth mic support.

Is this a problem with Android in general? or Jelly Bean in general? or all tablets?

At this point I have exhausted all that I can do on my own without asking for help. Does anyone know how to use an external Bluetooth mic on the Nexus 7 3g 4.2.1?

### 2) My second problem is the tablet will not consistently reconnect with the Bluetooth head unit every time the vehicle starts.

Sometimes it connects properly with phone and media profiles; sometimes just one of the two, and sometimes none at all. I have used the Tasker app as well as the Bluetooth auto connect plugin, but it still is very flaky at best.

I have never owned an Android device before this tablet, always Apple stuff that to be honest just worked right out of the box. But I love the customization available on Android especially for an in-car install. So again is this an Android issue, Nexus issue, or a tablet issue? It seems from the research I have done that most Android phones will auto-connect but these tablets seem to be missing certain Bluetooth settings or profiles that cause them not to work. So any ideas on how to solve this issue?

---

At this point, if I can not resolve these two issues, I am going to return the Nexus 7 3G and get a Samsung galaxy tab 2 7.0 3G P3100. From what I can tell, this tablet is a fully functioning phone right out of the box, so hopefully would solve my two issues above. But since this Nexus has MUCH better specs and is cheaper, I am hoping to find an answer to my Bluetooth problems.

# Answer
Its not only your device's issue, but also in most of the devices. Android 4.2 has this issue. And Google officially confirmed it .

Look above link
`"We have fixed the a2dp streaming stutter problem on N7. The next release should have the fix.Sorry about the problem."`

Android 4.2.2 fixed Bluetooth audio problems on Nexus phones and tablets. You just try it out by using new 4.2.2 in your N7.
> 1 votes

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Tags: bluetooth, nexus-7, profiles, bluetooth-audio
---


# Question
Title: How to find and remove spy software on phone
My girlfriend has an admirer which started out as a good friend. He confessed his love for her some time ago and started to become more and more aggressive while being rejected. He recently started to show some stalker like behavior and started to appear near her flat at late nighttime.

He also hinted, that he always knew when she was chatting with me through WhatsApp. I'm therefore afraid that he might have installed some Spyware on her Android-Phone (HTC One X+)

Is there a way to identify Whatsapp Spyware and to remove it?

# Answer
Format the sd card and flash the stock rom again. This would guarantee clearing out any spyware. Here is a tutorial describing how to take it back to stock.

"…I say we take off and nuke the entire site from orbit. It’s the only way to be sure."
> 1 votes

# Answer
I'd **suspect** that there's no spyware on her phone. Whatsapp shows when a contact is online or has last been online, so it's possible that the person assumes that when she's online, she's chatting with you. You can prevent this by opening Whatsapp and going to `Menu -> Settings -> Contacts -> Blocked contacts` and adding the stalker to the block list on her Whatsapp account. This should prevent him from seeing her Whatsapp activity.

Otherwise, designerWhoCodes's answer is the only certain way of removing spyware.
> 1 votes

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Tags: malware, whatsapp-messenger, resource-monitoring
---


# Question
Title: Galaxy S3 Mini - my provider only offers micro and nano SIM cards
I've ordered a \[Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini\] (hasn't arrived yet) :

http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung\_i8190\_galaxy\_s\_iii\_mini-5033.php

On the above link, it says that it uses "Mini-SIM".

I've tried double-checking that info on Samsung's site, but there it only sais "Sim Support":

http://www.samsung.com/uk/consumer/mobile-devices/smartphones/android/GT-I8190RWABTU-spec

My problem is, my provider only lets me switch my standard SIM to Micro-SIM or Nano-SIM.

Is there a way to make any of these work with the Galaxy S3 Mini? Anyone who already owns such a phone has had this issue? (and hopefully solved it)?

# Answer
> 2 votes
A Mini-SIM is the same thing as a standard SIM nowadays. The term was coined back in the day when SIM cards were the size of a credit card. Thus, the current-day regular SIM was known as Mini-SIM. Micro-SIM is the next step (used in newer smartphones, examples from GSMArena) and then there is the Nano-SIM (used only in iPhone 5, iPad mini and Asus PadFone Infinity, as far as I know).

See GSM SIM card evolution for graphical representation.

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Tags: sim-card, samsung-galaxy-s-3-mini
---


# Question
Title: How to transfer images via Android beam (NFC)?
When I transfer an image from S3 to Nexus 4, Play store is opened. However, for contacts it works well and good. Do I need any app for transferring files over NFC?

# Answer
> 3 votes
The image transfer from S3 uses S Beam, which is a proprietary technology used by Samsung. It doesn't use NFC for the actual data transfer, but instead creates a WiFi Direct (ad-hoc) network between the devices and sends the image over WiFi. NFC is just used for "pairing" the devices. Since Nexus 4 is a vanilla Android, it doesn't have the necessary application for this, and I suspect this is why it opens the Play Store.

Instead, most NFC-capable Android devices support Android Beam, which uses Bluetooth instead of WiFi Direct to transmit the data. There is a suggested solution in another question that could work for you.

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Tags: nexus-4, nfc, android-beam
---


# Question
Title: Deleting a device from the Google Play Store?
Yesterday I bought a new Android smartphone & performed a factory reset on my previous HTC handset. Naturally (I think) I set up my new phone under the same Google account as was registered for my HTC.

If I login to the Google Play Store, I was expecting, and maybe naively assumed to find, a way to delete the HTC handset, but I cannot seem to find a way to achieve this!

As this is only my second Android device, I have not encountered this situation before. (Perhaps there were steps I should have taken on my HTC, prior to performing the factory reset.)

I am however surprised that Google does not allow you to carry out such a basic task.

Did I miss something?

Does Google wish you to create a new account every time you change phones/tablets?

# Answer
> 11 votes
You can't delete it, only hide it.

1. Go to the Google Play website. Make sure you're logged in.
2. Click the gear icon in the upper right then click Settings.
3. Your devices should be listed there. Uncheck "Shown in menus" on the device you don't want to see any more.

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Tags: google-play-store, google-account
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# Question
Title: Dropbox can't find live wallpapers on android phone
I would like to add live wallpapers to my dropbox from my android phone but I can't find them. I can find my apps from the backup folder, but how do I find the live wallpapers? I have tried going to the android folder, but it doesn't find anything. At all.

# Answer
The stock live wallpapers are actually apps found in the /system/apps folder. User installed ones are in /data/app. You will need to be rooted and have a root explorer to access these folders.
> 1 votes

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Tags: dropbox, live-wallpaper
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# Question
Title: How can I set the sound profile to silent for a given contact?
As the title says, how can I set the sound profile to silent for a given contact? Or in other words, how can I set that a given contact will have no ringtone assigned to it?

I looked at it and apparently I do have the option to set a custom ringtone for a given contact, but I have to pick one ringtone. I cannot pick "none" as an option. So I was thinking maybe there is an app that can accomplish what I want or there might be a trick I can pull off to get this result?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Instead of having no ringtone assigned to it, get a short silent ringtone (such as the ones found here and use that to set a silent ring.

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Tags: 2.2-froyo, htc-desire
---


title: Galaxy S2 not recognized by computer

text:
# Question
Title: Galaxy S2 not recognized by computer
When I try to connect my Galaxy S2 device to my computer via USB, I get an error saying that the device has malfunctioned and is unrecognized. It appears as "Unknown device" in device manager.

I'm using Windows 7.

# Answer
I tried this from my Samsung Galaxy Ace Plus and it worked:

1. From your mobile, click **MENU \> SETTINGS \> APPLICATIONS \> DEVELOPMENT**
2. **UNTICK USB debugging, Stay Awake, Allow mock locations**
3. Insert USB cable from mobile to PC/laptop \> "**Enable USB debugging**" \> OK
4. Drag down the the USB icon from the upper left part of the screen
5. Tap on "**Connect USB**" \> "**Connect to USB storage**"
6. Then, automatically, your PC/laptop will now detect new mobile/sd device
7. **From the laptop/PC**, select "**Open folder to view files**"
8. There, you'll see MEMORY CARD storage and MOBILE storage as "Removable Disk..." (mine is G)
9. You should now be able to transfer files from PC\>mobile and vice versa.
> 3 votes

# Answer
In addition to what the others have already answered, if you just want to access the files on the phone's storage and SD card, you can just mount the file system.

Unplug the USB cable, then **Settings \> Wireless and network \> USB utilities \> Connect storage to PC**
> 3 votes

# Answer
try to key in this in dialer

\*#7284#

it has 4 option there..

UART MODEM PDA USB MODEM PDA

For usb. select the PDA.if it already selected to PDA. reselect it by select MODEM and then PDA again.. Only change the USB setting.. andthen press back. try reconnect to kies again.. hope it helps..
> 1 votes

# Answer
This problem might be because you dont have the neceasary drivers. Make sure you have the `USB debugging mode` ON for your device. Then use `Samsung Kies`, a software like itunes, to detect your device.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Are you sure that USB Debugging mode is on?

Under `Settings > Applications > Development` you should see an option for `USB Debugging` -- if that isn't checked you won't be able to mount your phone.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Hey you can try to solve this in two ways either you can download Samsung Kies and using that you can connect your phone , or if not by that way then u can check in your phone that is your USB Debugging On its in settings Option \> Application \> Development see that is it checked or not, if its checked then it means its on..

You Can also Download PDA NET and install in your PC thats also one of the way if you dont want to install Samsung Kies
> 0 votes

# Answer
I've had the same problem. I was so annoyed that I did a factory reset. It clears all your data, but it also solved my issue.
> 0 votes

# Answer
When windows sees it as "the device has malfunctioned" it is a different issue than when it says "drivers were not installed, your device may not work properly. " If it says "malfunction" it is a problem with the usb hardware connections themselves, albeit the cable end or the device port. Try using some electrical contact cleaner and a soft tooth brush and the clear the port with a compressed air duster can. Just spray a little of the cleaner on the brush and gently clean your port and/or cable. Then spray area just enough to dry with air duster. Worked well for me. If you take it to a service shop they will do it for you for a minimal fee.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I had the same prob as my S3 is not deteced on my MAC , but it is very easy to solve:

1. Connect your S2 to your PC using a datacable
2. Now in your phone, go to *Settings→More→USB Utilities*
3. Turn on USB mass storage button.

It works.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Isn't it so strange that on some computer config it is not a problem??? In many cases a third party software is the badass ( e.g. firewall, antivirus apps.) Always try on another machine before you go back to the shop:-)
> -1 votes

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Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-2, usb
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# Question
Title: Is it possible to set the language and locale to different values?
I'd like to have all the text displayed in English (US), but use the Polish (Poland) formatting for numbers, dates etc. On a desktop Linux system, I'd set LANG to pl\_PL and LC\_MESSAGES to en\_US. Is there a way to so on Android? I see only combined language+locale setting. Note: I am not asking about the keyboard, I know can set it to use a language different from the language+locale setting without problems.

# Answer
I've set my phone to English (United States), but then I also customized Date & Time to use Italian format (DD/MM/YYYY). Numbers don't seem to be customizable, plus some apps ignore Date & Time settings and use the ones from the main language, or allow to specify a format.
> 4 votes

# Answer
You can set the date and time format in the settings (system section) -\> Date & Time.
> 2 votes

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Tags: settings, languages, localization
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title: Set left-right audio balance

text:
# Question
Title: Set left-right audio balance
My earphones took an unexpected trip through the wash today and now the right earbud is a little quiet. I used to own an iPhone and under the accessibility settings, one could change the Left-Right volume balance. I can't seem to find a setting like that. Is there an app I can use?

I have a Samsung Galaxy S II X (t989) with Cyanogenmod 10.1.

# Answer
> 2 votes
What I did -- and my problem is an ear that doesn't work properly rather than an earbud that's been washed too often -- was to shell out for Poweramp which has built in balance controls along with its rather elaborate tone controls and equaliser. Well worth the money for solving this problem.

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Tags: audio, headphones
---


# Question
Title: Google Listen doesn't register Play/Pause commands after upgrade to ICS
I have been using Google Listen as podcast player on Samsung Galaxy SII paired with Plantronics BackBeat 903. It worked well until I upgraded to ICS and now the play and pause buttons won't be registered by Google Listen. The play/pause button only unmutes/mutes the sound while the podcast continues to play. This was not the case prior to upgrade. Anyone else noticed this and have a fix for this?

# Answer
> 0 votes
After trying a few apps, I settled on KiesCast by Samsung.

**Pros**

* Simple intuitive UI.
* Has almost all settings that one would generally need without being overly complex.
* Play speed from 0.5x to 2.0x.
* Skip interval is configurable.
* Very good podcast search.
* Plays videos as well.

**Cons**

* Sometimes CPU use goes thru the roof.
* Loses the play position sometimes after the podcast is stopped.
* Ad supported. Can't complain as it is free but company like Samsung should be able to support it without ads. Moreover, while listening the screen can shut off and thus no ads. In video play mode I haven't seen any ads as I usually watch video full screen.

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Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-2, google-listen
---


# Question
Title: How do I remove stocks from the stock card settings in Google Now?
I have added some stocks to the stock card settings that I want to remove, how do I do that? There is no obvious way, I tried long press & swiping but those gestures do nothing.

# Answer
> 7 votes
**In Android 4.4:**

1. Open Google Now.
2. Press the Options button in upper right corner of the Stock Card.
3. Press the Right Arrow to cycle through options for the card.
4. When asked about "Interested in the stock UNWANTED-STOCK-NAME?", tap "NO".

**In older versions:**

This should do it for you:

1. Open Google Now
2. Press the menu button
3. Press Settings
4. Press Google Now
5. Scroll down and press Stocks
6. Press the stock you want to remove
7. Press Remove

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Tags: google-now
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# Question
Title: Android: Manually alter the contents of an app's database?
Is it possible to manually change the contents of the databases an app uses to store all it's formation.

# Answer
yes of course, so long as you have access to that database.

if we are talking about mobile phone apps, then most will have an embedded SQLite database or equivalent. These typically are "stand alone" databases that don't have user authentication to access, you simply need access to the file ("someapp.db", or "someapp.sqlite", etc) and the proper utility installed to read it (SQLite version 3 for example).

on linux you would do something like

sudo yum install sqlite -y

sqlite3 someapp.db

and it will open the database and you can issue all your SQL commands from there.

Keep in mind some apps go through lengths to "hide" or otherwise make their database impossible for average-joe to access and get into.

EDIT: also, on Android specifically there is an App in the market (paid, like $3 i think) called "SQLite Editor" that allows you to browse all found sqlite databases on the phone and edit them if desired.
> 1 votes

# Answer
You will also need root access. Without root you won't be able to get into the apps' database folders.

If you download the Adroid SDK you can connect your phone/tablet via usb and run sqlite via the adb shell.
> 0 votes

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Tags: applications
---


# Question
Title: Can Tasker/Locale tell me what BT device is connected?
I want to change the phone's state dependent on which specific bluetooth device is connected -- can Tasker or Locale do that? Thanks!

# Answer
> 7 votes
Yes. Tasker will do this. When you're setting up the state, choose "bluetooth connected", then click the magnifying glass next to the "name" field. It will search for paired bluetooth devices. Choose the one you want and configure states/actions. Then do it again for the other BT device.

# Answer
> 3 votes
I am the developer of Locale.

Locale has a plug-in architecture, and there is a free plug-in available on the Android Market called "Locale Bluetooth Plug-in" which provides this functionality.

# Answer
> 2 votes
I have just released a new Bluetooth plugin for Locale - which looks for BT devices by Profile (A2DP (audio devices) or Headset/Hands-Free) - optionally you can select a specific device to look for as well.

Check it out @ Google Play: Locale Bluetooth Audio Plugin

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Tags: bluetooth, tasker, locale
---


title: Galaxy Mini bricked: black screen

text:
# Question
Title: Galaxy Mini bricked: black screen
I have a Galaxy Mini GT-5570 phone.

Last night I installed "ROM Manager" and tried to partition my SD card. It requires to reboot my phone and I confirmed that, so it shut down my phone. Then it can't boot anymore -- all I get is just a black screen!

Unfortunately, I read that ROM Manager can cause hard brick for Galaxy Mini lately...

I tried all possible solutions found in the Internet but nothing works. So I decided to try the USB JIG method as it can force my phone to boot to download mode. The point is that I can't find 300k resistor then can I try 330k or it's dengerous?

Is there another method to revive my phone back ??

# Answer
You dont need to rig your usb to enter download mode.

You just need to hold **Vol UP + Home** then **plug your USB cable** to your PC.

If you haven't started ODIN in flash mode or did not install bootloader drivers for the Mini, download mode will not show up, and you'll see only a black screen.
> 0 votes

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Tags: unbricking, samsung-galaxy-mini
---


title: Remove SMS notification on Lenovo A800

text:
# Question
Title: Remove SMS notification on Lenovo A800
How can I remove the SMS notification in status bar? I think I have no Notification setting.

# Answer
> 0 votes
If Lenovo didn't change the stock messaging app: open `Messaging` and press the `Menu` in the down-right corner and choose `Settings`. Scroll down to the `Notifications` section and uncheck `Notifications`.

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Tags: sms, notification-bar
---


title: Where is the notes app on nexus s?

text:
# Question
Title: Where is the notes app on nexus s?
Is there a native notes app? I cant find it

# Answer
> 4 votes
There isn't a native notes app for the Nexus S because it doesn't have TouchWiz UI. I'm quite certain the voice action 'Note to self' actually sends an email to yourself (I don't personally use that action, not sure it likes a British accent)

There are loads of third party apps though. For example **Scribb.it** is full to the bursting with features, AK Notepad is quite a good simple one or Evernote has a strong following and quite a few more features.

# Answer
> 0 votes
The Touchwiz Memo app has been ported to ICS, you can grab it on xda (this is in the Vibrant xda forum sub-section, but it works on other phones).

This app works on JB too, you simply have to install it as a regular apk (not in system/app)

---
Tags: samsung-nexus-s, notes
---


# Question
Title: What do the "Sync Internet" and "Sync Instant Upload" options do in Jelly Bean settings?
What do the "Sync Internet" and "Sync Instant Upload" options do in Jelly Bean settings?

# Answer
> 5 votes
Instant Upload is a feature of Google+, which uploads the photos you take with your camera to a private photo folder on Google+ for easy sharing. This option allows you to enable/disable this feature, but it can also be controlled from other Google apps like Google+ and Google Settings. More info

Sync Internet means syncing your browser history, bookmarks, form input data and other settings on Chrome. This requires that you use the same Google account on all instances of Chrome that you want to sync. I'm not certain if this feature syncs the data also to the stock browser, but it's possible.

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Tags: 4.1-jelly-bean, settings, samsung-galaxy-tab-2-7
---


# Question
Title: Android 2.3: Expected behavior for setting time automatically with Wifi only
I want to understand how Android 2.3 sets the time when the Date & Time settings are configured to "Automatic" but no SIM card is present.

I am setting up LG E400 Optimus L3 devices as WiFi-only devices, no Sim cards. Retrieving the time automatically would be highly desired, however it only works sometimes and most times nothing seems to happen and I fail to see any pattern.

From some web and Android source code research I've learned that Android only supports Network Time Protocol (NTP) from Android 4.0 on and before it was NITZ/GSM only - however, that does not explain why I can sometimes set the time automatically with no Sim card.

# Answer
`Android only supports Network Time Protocol (NTP) from Android 4.0 on and before it was NITZ/GSM only` \- certainly not in my opinion. The app ClockSync which I use in my LG Optimus One (P500) running Android 2.3.3 (rooted) works with NTP protocol. I did not rely on my GSM operator's time settings as I found the deviation was unacceptable limits.

Please see the question Inaccurate time? How to fix it? and its answer.
> 2 votes

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Tags: 2.3-gingerbread, settings, date-and-time, lg-optimus-l3
---


# Question
Title: Is it safe to install Launchers for Android which require quite a few permissions?
I have HTC One X with Sense on it. Sense is a bit slow. So I installed Apex Launcher. It was fast but it required quite a few permissions so I uninstalled it. I looked at other Launchers in Google Play like Nova, Go, etc. but all of them had required some or the other permissions which were giving me goosebumps, like

* Service that cost you money: Directly call phone numbers
* Your messages: Access mail information, read your text messages (SMS or MMS)
* Your personal information: Read call log, read your contacts
* Your accounts: Find accounts on this device

So my question is, is it safe to install Launchers for Android which require permissions like they can read your emails, SMS, call number directly? Also Apex launcher cannot create widget on home screen unless the phone is rooted and shows a message - `NOTE: Due to limitations of the Android framework, you won't be able to add widgets from the drawer unless Apex Launcher is installed as a system app (root required). Please read the FAQ for more information.` Is this the case with all Launchers?

# Answer
> 2 votes
Those permissions (call, SMS) are in most cases used for "quick-access-widgets/shortcuts" the launcher provides. To create a call widget for a contact, the contacts need to be read, which again might need the account data in some cases to retrieve them.

So all those permissions are obviously making sense in context of a launcher. Of course this does not mean they cannot be abused. So I'd either stick with a heavily used / well known app, or have additional protection (PDroid, LBE).

You explicitly mentioned *Apex*, which I use on some of my devices. On others I use *GoLauncher EX*. I also use *LBE* to keep watch. None of these two launchers ever misused these permissions (at least I never got a warning) -- though I must admit I did not check all the logs thoroughly all the time.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I might not be 100% right, but as a launcher I think the permissions are for the following:

* Directly call phone numbers: If the launcher has its own Dialer, you need to give it permissions to be able to do calls, else you would end with a dialer that doesnt dial.
* Access mail information, read your text messages (SMS or MMS): Same as above, launchers many times have direct access to your SMSs, so it can be either displayed or linked to your home screen.
* Read call log, read your contacts: This has to do with the first one, if you let use it the dialer, call logs and contacts should also be used when trying to dial, else you would end having to type the entire number you want to call.
* Find accounts on this device: I suppose this one refers to the Google account if your contacts are stored there.

So if the above permisions are for a Launcher, you shouldn't worry since they're pretty usual.

As for the launcher root issue, I think its a JB issue. I'm using the stock right now, but in Ginger Bread and ICS I was using a non-stock launcher and could add widgets without problems.

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Tags: htc-sense, permissions, launcher, htc-one-x
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# Question
Title: How can I tell my device to ignore a public Wi-Fi network?
The city I live in has city-wide Wi-Fi available for a subscription, but the Wi-Fi access point is public.

This means that everywhere I go in the city I get a notice that there is public Wi-Fi available even though I can't use it because I don't have an account with the city-wide Wi-Fi service.

How can I tell my phone (Droid X, Android 2.2.1, not rooted) to ignore Wi-Fi named "CityWifi"?

I'd like to get notification for other Wi-Fi networks, just not "CityWifi"

# Answer
You can shut off all open network notifications by going to `Settings -> Wireless and network -> Wi-Fi settings` and unchecking **Network notification**. Since the notification is system-level, there's no way to leave it enabled and not receive notifications for the one network. But you could probably do something with Tasker to clear the notification automatically, similar to this answer.
> 5 votes

# Answer
It appears, then, that the answer is "no".

Maybe someone on the Google Android team will see this post (or someone could raise it on the appropriate Google Groups page), and they can include this as an option in a future android release. Would be easy enough for them to keep a list of SSID and MAC Addresses of APs you want to ignore.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Networks that look open but which actually require a subscription are everywhere. You can just turn off notification of public networks altogether -- that's in your Wi-Fi settings.

Otherwise, you may need an app to manage this (I'm on OS 1.6, so I can't speak to what might be built in in later OSs). The market shows a few contenders:

WifiManager, WifiPicker, WiFiFoFum are all good starting points.

The best advice I can offer at this stage is that reading through the market is waaay easier on your desktop, since a search for "Wi-Fi" turns up tons of stuff that isn't what you're looking for.
> 1 votes

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Tags: wi-fi
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# Question
Title: How can I directly, wirelessly copy files between Galaxy S3 and Ubuntu?
I would like to copy files between Galaxy S3 and Ubuntu

* without giving away too many privileges - just copying said file
* without any rooty system modifications (I want to keep the carrier-warranty including their system updates - currently 4.1.2; and I want to show this to hapless users too - without them calling me back...)
* without using an USB cable (I know how to do this like in this answer, that is, connecting as a camera ; but this gives one complete rw access in some directories)
* preferably without any extra apps to install.

It seems there are two options left (when going through the list offered by the "Share via" button): either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

For Bluetooth such a transfer worked with an out-of-the-box preinstalled Windows. So it is not the Android as such which is a problem, rather Ubuntu but there was no answer nor interest on AU.

When I try to send it via Bluetooth I just get the notification: "Bluetooth share: Sent 0 successful, 1 failed". However, I can transfer files from Ubuntu to Android.

So how can I copy files successfully?

# Answer
There are multiple possibilities to do so. If the opposite direction is OK with you (i.e. initiating the transfer from your Ubuntu machine), you might want to take a look at apps like WebSharing or Samba Server, which require little permissions. AirDroid is quite famous, but you probably won't like its permission requests (with that app you can maintain almost all your device).

Initiating transfers from your Android device, some file managers might be interesting. So e.g. ES File Explorer File Manager (which I use myself). This app can even auto-discover your Samba resources, so you can directly copy files in both directions.

All mentioned solutions work via WiFi and require both ends (Android and Ubuntu) being members of the same network.
> 2 votes

# Answer
I was not able to find easy way to make working USB connection between my Galaxy S3 and Ubuntu. The only solution that worked for me described here: UBUNTU - AUTOMOUNT NEXUS 7 IN MTP MODE. Here is list what I did to make MTP working:

1. Compile and install go-mtp
2. Create mount point
3. Create udev rules
4. Play around with mount/umount

It was not trivial at all, but finally made USB connection working. Speed is good and after initial configuration doesn't require any further reconfiguration. Please refer to the link for details.
> 2 votes

# Answer
I use AndSMB or AndFTP over WiFi for this purpose. The former accesses files shared via the SMB/CIFS protocol; the latter can access FTP and SFTP servers. You might already have Samba (an SMB server) installed on your Ubuntu machine. If not, I think SFTP is easier to set up: you just need to install the **openssh-server** package, and look at the official documentation to see what options you might want to change.

I mention these two clients because I've used both and I know you can use "Share" with both of them as well as a file browser interface; there are other SFTP and SMB clients available.

If you go with SFTP, you might go a step further and install a dynamic-DNS system on your Ubuntu box so you can access it over the Internet as well as your own WiFi network. If you do this (as I have), it's like having your own Dropbox server.
> 1 votes

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Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, bluetooth, linux, file-transfer
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# Question
Title: How can I disable the status bar on the lock screen?
I want my lock screen to actually lock the phone. I don't want to be able to unlock the phone and initiate a call by pulling the phone out of my pocket, or randomly select notification items if it bangs against my leg. Is there a way to just turn all that crap off?

For anyone interested in this functionality, I have logged a bug.

# Answer
> 2 votes
The only way to disable the pulldown is to not use the default swipe unlock. Switching to a PIN, pattern, password, or face unlock will get rid of that.

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Tags: 4.1-jelly-bean, lock-screens, htc-one-x, notification-bar
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# Question
Title: My Samsung Galaxy S2 keeps saying not registered on network when I try to phone
My Samsung Galaxy S2 keeps saying not registered on network when I try to phone also a no entry sign where the signal bars should be keeps randomly appearing.

Does anyone know how to fix it or whats happening?

# Answer
It sounds like you may need to reset your APN settings, Your phone will be slightly different than mine, I'm using a Nexus 4. Try locating the following:

Settings -\> Wireless & Networks -\> Mobile Networks -\> Access Point Names -\> and from there locate the "Reset to default" option.

If that doesn't work, you can backup your device, and factory reset it.
> 1 votes

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Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-2, network-signal, mobile-network
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# Question
Title: POP3 E-mail Downloading Old E-mails I had Deleted
My Galaxy S3 phone recently received an update. My POP3 e-mail via Comcast now downloads e-mails from several weeks ago, apparently when it wants and however many it wants, at the same time it checks for new e-mails. I end up 'marking as read' and deleting these in bulk time and again. I've tried NOT marking as read as well. This did not happen until after the update. Any suggestions?

# Answer
> 2 votes
You have to tell the mail application to delete the messages from the server explicitly. This options is provided during the initial setup, but is also accessible from the Account Setup options. Change "Delete message from server" from "Never" to "When I delete from Inbox".

This was not part of my original answer, but was added by the editor:
This is fine if you do all your email on your handheld, but if you need to leave messages on the server for any reason (you deal with some later on computers at home or work) your android will keep grabbing other old messages to take their place until your set maximum is filled. This seems to be a bug or at least a weakness in the platform.

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Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, email
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# Question
Title: how to restrict my android wifi connect to only one access point?
I like to restrict my android device's wi-fi connect to one and only one access point. The attempt to connect to any other access points should be prevented.

Is it possible to check the SSID value of access point in wi-fi driver and allow connection to only one particular SSID value?

# Answer
By default Android will not connect to an access point unless it is in your list of "Remembered" networks. A network is remembered automatically the first time you connect to it. The solution is to open Settings -\> Wi-Fi then select each Wi-Fi access point and click "Forget". This will remove it from the list of "Remebered" networks. From this point forward, Android will notify you that networks are available, but will not connect without solicitation.

If you're asking for security reasons, there is no security mechanism for white listing Wi-Fi networks. Android has no parental controls, if that's what you're after.
> 3 votes

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Tags: wi-fi
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title: Android Device Partitions

text:
# Question
Title: Android Device Partitions
I understand how partitions work on a harddisk, also how to use programs to create, change, delete these partitions.

I am using also Android for quite some time - but never really tried to go very deep regarding the system itself.

I would really get some more details regarding how the system works but I feel I cannot find the right source for the deeper knowledge.

In this question I would like to focus on the Android partitions only.

I found this source:

http://wiki.cyanogenmod.org/w/Doc:\_more\_concepts#Partitions\_and\_directories

But I would like to understand a little bit more:

Is the concept similar to harddisks? Can these partitions also be changed? Or would it be necessary at all? Are there tools to change the partitons? Can I brick my device forever when working on the partitions?

Thank you so much!!

# Answer
The Android firmware is composed of several image files. These image files are flashed to (device specific) locations on your devices internal memory. Typically these images are for the bootloader, recovery, fastboot, and the system (OS). The remaining memory is mapped to your internal storage. Since each device expects them to be located at different locations depending on the manufacturer, you cannot modify them safely.
> 1 votes

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Tags: partitions
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# Question
Title: Where is the data for "Contacts Storage" located?
Settings -\> Applications -\> All tells me that "Contacts Storage" uses 2.5MB which must be my contact data.

Since I had to revert to 4.03 after a faulty update to 4.1 my contacts seem inaccessible although the data seems to be there.

Could you please tell me where to find the associated data(base) for Contacts Storage? My phone is rooted. And no, my contact data is not on GMail and I honestly don't know why...

# Answer
The exact location of the contacts database might depend on your manufacturer's "customization". While "plain Vanilla Android" has them in `/data/data/android.providers.contacts/databases`, the stock ROM on my *Motorola Milestone 2* e.g. uses `/data/data/com.motorola.blur.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.db` instead. A raw mask to check for is `/data/data/*.providers.contacts/databases/*.db`. The file is in SQLite3 format, and can be browsed on your PC with e.g. SQLiteman or DB Browser for SQLite, which is available for Linux, Mac, and Windows alike. With this application you can browse the database in a graphical mode. Of course you also can use the command line `sqlite3` client if you prefer.

Crucial point to directly access this database is that your device must be rooted -- a precondition you already meet, as your question states.

So you can either use a file manager to navigate to the database file, and copy it to your computer for investigation -- or directly pull it to your computer via `adb pull`. A third option would be to investigate it directly on your device, e.g. using the SQLite Manager or aSQLiteManager app.
> 21 votes

# Answer
If you are rooted, use Titanium Backup to take out contact storage.

* Open the app and navigate to **Backup/Restore** TAB
* It displays storage item entries with Green color.

Here's a screenshot :

Click on it to enlarge
> 0 votes

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Tags: contacts, data-recovery
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title: Change Mount Point for SD Card?

text:
# Question
Title: Change Mount Point for SD Card?
As this question Why is the SD-card mounted to "/sdcard/external\_sd" instead of "/sdcard" (or "/mnt/sdcard")? points out, newer versions of Android often point the /mnt/sdcard path to internal storage instead of the SD card, and the location for the sd storage is not clearly defined and varies from device to device.

Is it possible to modify my phone so that /mnt/sdcard would actually point to the SD card instead of some arbitrary location on internal storage? (would this require rooting the phone?)

Since the new specifications are so vague about what the mount point should be for sd cards, many apps do not work properly, or have features (such as backup and restore or export) that are completely useless if the /mnt/sdcard path doesn't actually point to a removable piece of memory that you can move to another device.

# Answer
As eldarerathis noted in his comment, this will require root. But you don't need to manually edit the `vold.fstab` file for this, as there are some nice little helpers available:

Root External 2 Internal SD can swap your cards (i.e. exchange their mount points):

<sup>*Root External 2 Internal SD* (Source: Google Play)</sup>

Note that this app requires Android 4.0 or higher.
> 3 votes

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Tags: mount, external-sd
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# Question
Title: Why does my phone peg the CPU every time I wake it up?
This is driving me nuts. I have SeePU installed so that I can see a CPU graph on my Moto Droid. When I unlock the phone after being idle for a while, the CPU is pegged by android.process.acore and the phone is unusable for 15-45 seconds, which is an eternity when you are trying to answer the phone!

Tech details:

* Moto Droid
* OS 2.2 CyanogenMod v6 (also happens with 2.1 stock)
* Launcher: LauncherPro (also happens with DXTop, and ADW Launcher)
* No task killer

Apps: http://www.appbrain.com/user/mark\_porter/apps-on-the-phone

**UPDATE:** I un-installed most of my apps, and I seem to have licked the problem for now. I'm gonna try adding one app back a day until it gets stupid again. If I can find a particular app that causes this problem, I'll post it here

# Answer
> 2 votes
Are you over/underclocking your CPU at all and/or using profiles?

A lot of users will underclock their CPU when the phone is sleeping, which may save battery. However, if you underclock too much (125 MHz), the phone will lag like crazy when it wakes. It is recommended to never underclock further than 250 MHz.

Aside from that, I'm not really sure anything would cause this to happen and would need more information to help you diagnose.

# Answer
> 2 votes
I have had a lot of pegged-CPU, laggy-phone problems with my MT3G stock Android phone. At different times, I have thought it was due to specific apps, but it usually comes back. Certain apps make it worse, Better Keyboard seemed epecially bad, but I'm not sure any one app is the root cause. I have Master Re-Set a few times, it eventually comes back. Very, very frustrating. (I use Wing Tseng's Task Manager to see CPU usage.)

# Answer
> 2 votes
If it reoccurs again and you have trouble pinning down which app it is, I would recommend Watchdog (free version is more than sufficient). You can use it to to track down what is eating up CPU so you can eliminate the program directly instead of having to remove it all and swap them all in individually.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Instead of doing that, just try the WatchDog app which finds which apps uses a lot of memory or slow down your Android phone.

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Tags: performance
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# Question
Title: How do I set unique ringtones for individual contacts?
I have a Samsung Galaxy S2 and would like to set text notifications to be unique to each contact (just as I can set unique ringtones for each contact). Is there a way to do this? For example, I would like 1 ringtone/notification for my sister for both calls and text and a different ringtone/notification for my mother for both calls and text.

# Answer
> 1 votes
There are many apps available for these tasks. But soon it becomes pain to have many apps running one for each purpose. At these situations, you can remove all those apps and use Tasker. You can set the Tasker such that when your mother calls or sends a text it can play a preset ringtone - and it can even say the caller name or any predefined text. This is just a tip of the iceberg and there are so many things that can be done with it.

It is a bit complicated for the first use and involves a small learning curve. But once you are used to it, you can eliminate many apps and make your phone a true smartphone.

Note: I am not in any way associated with Tasker other than using it in my device.

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Tags: ringtone
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title: Smaller "Turn off all sounds" widget

text:
# Question
Title: Smaller "Turn off all sounds" widget
My OS version is 4.1.2.

I'm currently using the "Turn off all sound" 2x1 widget on my home screen, but I feel it is too big. I'm looking for a widget that is 1x1 and has the same functionality: mute all (or as many as possible) sounds and leaves vibration notifications on.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You could try Elixir 2. It lets you add different kinds of toggle widgets, including mute widgets.

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Tags: 4.1-jelly-bean, app-widgets
---


# Question
Title: How can I stream audio from another device via Bluetooth?
> **Related question:** How can I stream music/audio from Android and PC to Android device via WiFi?

I would like to stream audio from a Bluetooth-enabled "dumb phone" to my Andoid phone. The Android phone is running Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0.4). I have searched the Play store for such an app, but all I could find were applications that did the opposite (stream audio *from* the Android phone instead of *to* it).

Is this somehow possible?

# Answer
The Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) is a source/sink configuration. In an normal scenario, you have a source (for example, and Android phone) and a sink (Bluetooth headset/speakers). But in your case, the Android phone would have to act as a sink to the dumbphone source. This is not currently supported, even though the phone supports the A2DP profile.

One solution would be to install a custom Bluetooth stack, which defines which profiles are supported on the device. This would additionally require a software component that can bypass the Android Framework and use the stack directly, since the framework lacks A2DP sink support. So far, no such modifications can be found.
> 3 votes

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Tags: bluetooth, bluetooth-audio
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# Question
Title: Annoying "unmount" notification when removing SD card
If I pull out my storage card, my device complains that the card was removed unexpectedly, and that I must "unmount" it first.

After googling, I found out that this is some Unix term for breaking the connection between the system and the storage so there is no data in memory that was not yet written to the storage.

However, I have not found an easy way to do this. There is a command, but it is buried in Settings!

Since users are expected to notify the device before pulling out a card, there must be a quick, easy way to do so.

Should I power down the phone? That takes more time to execute, but less effort (fewer strokes).

Come to think of it, with all the devices I have used in the past (cameras, music players), I would power down the device before changing SD cards, but those devices all have nearly instantaneous shutdown and startup times.

# Answer
Unmounting an SD card is comparable to the "Safely remove device" feature of Windows, which should be used when removing USB drives etc.

If you remove the device without notifying the OS that the connection is going to be lost, some data may not be written to the device, and corruption and data loss can occur. This is because the OS uses buffers to store the data before transferring it to the device itself.

Even though the operation appears to be complete, there still may be some data left in the buffer and waiting to be written to the device. Unmounting/safely removing the device forces there buffers to be written to the device before removal, thus preventing corruption.

I'd recommend either getting used to going through the menus to unmount the SD, or if your device supports, using a widget like Eject SD for easier access. Powering off the device works too, but as you mentioned, it's a bit slower.
> 6 votes

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Tags: external-sd
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title: Annoying "unzoom" when browsing text

text:
# Question
Title: Annoying "unzoom" when browsing text
The following happens in various applications such as more than one type of web browser and Adobe's PDF reader. I'm scrolling through text at a comfortable zoom level, and then suddenly, I touch the screen the wrong way, and it zooms way out. How can we prevent this UI behavior?

# Answer
This feature is known as double-tap zoom. In the stock browser, it can't be disabled, but it can be adjusted in `Settings -> Accessibility -> Zoom on double-tap`. According to this answer , Dolphin Browser HD supports disabling it.
> 0 votes

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Tags: zooming
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# Question
Title: Some Google Apps Accounts Stuck On "Waiting for Sync"
I have several Google Apps (Free Edition) and one traditional Gmail acct set into my Nexus 4 (stock 4.2.2). All accts use 2FA (2 factor authentication).

Using the gmail app, all (GApps & Gmail) but two (both GApps) of those accounts are able to retrieve/sync emails successfully. The settings on the *Forwarding and POP/IMAP* are identical for all accounts.

I've tried removing the accts, force stop & clear data on gmail app, then recreating both accounts. I've tried leaving (for long periods of time) the auto-sync checkbox ON for those accts. I tried the fix outlined in this video (Auto-Sync data was already enabled, but I disabled, exited, then re-enabled).

**What else can I try to get those two accounts working!?**

# Answer
> 2 votes
Are you using your main Gmail password, or a 1-time use password.

Check out this link http://support.google.com/mail/answer/1173270?hl=en

---
Tags: sync, email, gmail
---


title: What is covered by "Encrypt phone"?

text:
# Question
Title: What is covered by "Encrypt phone"?
On Ice Cream Sandwich (CyanogenMod 9), Under `Settings > Security` there is an option to "Encrypt phone". I understand that this will require me to provide a PIN whenever I start up my phone. But what wasn't explained was if it covers the micro SD data as well?

I want to make it so that in case my phone gets stolen, the thief won't be able to simply get my micro SD card and pop it in to a card reader and view its contents, some of which may be sensitive.

# Answer
> 3 votes
Encrypt phone only encrypts the /data partition.

Encrypting the SD card is a separate function and isn't implemented in stock android. Some manufacturers (I know Motorola and Samsung do) extend the encryption (optionally. Where you find "encrypt phone", you'll also find an "encrypt SD card" option) to the SD card. I can't determine whether cyanogenmod implements such a function or if it may be device-specific.

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, sd-card, encryption
---


# Question
Title: How do I get my GPS working in Android 4.1 Jelly Bean?
Recently I've been having all sorts of troubles with audio and GPS and the compass... I tried different ROMs, different kernels, different patches.

The short story is that after a long time spent messing around trying to get all features working at the same time, in the end I had to factory reset my phone and start anew.

Now, the current situation is that I have a rooted phone running Jelly Bean 4.1. It's freshly installed as of about an hour before writing this.

However, the GPS is unresponsive. Of course I want to fix this, but I don't want to go through the whole mess I just went through over the last few days.

So... how do I get my GPS working without playing feature whack-a-mole? I'm taking a breath, slowing down, and I'm looking for a reliable patch or process that I can execute with reasonable assurance and no guesswork.

Specifics are that I have a Samsung Galaxy S2, GT-I9100, issued in Japan. Android version 4.1.2, Kernel 3.0.15-CM (Siyah 5.0.1), Cyanogenmod 10-20121120-NIGHTLY.

***Update:** The compass issue I mentioned earlier was fixed when I used the build of Cyanogenmod available in this thread on the XDA forum. So I'm now just focused on fixing the GPS.*

# Answer
I found a solution in this answer in the XDA forum.

To generalize and hopefully be of use to others, the key point seems to be that even if you think you have the right ROM for the right device, it might be that your particular model has very slight differences.

In my case, if I understand correctly, I was using ROMs built for the GT-I9100 model of the Samsung Galaxy S2. However, the device issued in Japan, the SC-02C, has some very slight differences. So, I needed to get be more particular about which software I downloaded.
> 3 votes

# Answer
Have you tried GPSFix kind of apps from Play store?

And take a look at web site Samsung Galaxy S2 GPS Problem? SOLVED! which talks about how a battery saving option (disabling repetitive polling of GPS data) causes fix issues and how it can be tweaked using another app, GPS control for SGS2 which is mentioned there.

Before starting with these two, just for ruling out false alarms, can you try getting a fix with your Internet connectivity on and in open place where you can see sky like in fields?

All said and done, I still do not know why magnetic north is flipped in your case!
> 4 votes

# Answer
Does the GPS work with the stock ROM of your mobile? If yes then the problem seems to come from CM.

If Jelly Bean is not available as stock ROM for your mobile it is likely that the GPS will not work with CM Jelly Bean because then the necessary drivers are likely to be missing.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Found it for my SGS2 with JellyBean Rainbox ROM, and read about it on a Nexus forum: you should disable *Google Location* in settings. Reboot your phone and enable it again. GPS fixes right away now ;-)
> 0 votes

# Answer
A reboot seems to fix the problem reliably, but this is an unacceptable solution.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 4.1-jelly-bean, gps, rom, compass
---


# Question
Title: Japanese language for directions in Google Maps
I am using Android 4.0 and latest version of Google Maps. The interface is in English. When I search for direction to some place say Kyoto, the interface is in mixed English and Japanese. See the attached screenshot to understand what I mean.

How do see the destination names in English?

# Answer
> 1 votes
It's not possible to get it in English. You will always get the text as it is "locally". It's also a known annoyance.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Try installing Morelocale 2 and setting the locale to one of the English speaking countries or yet better define a new locale with language en and locale JP.

---
Tags: google-maps, localization
---


title: Connecting USB mouse to Galaxy SIII

text:
# Question
Title: Connecting USB mouse to Galaxy SIII
I bought a basic female to female USB adapter and connected my Galaxy SIII USB cable to the mouse. This didn't work. What am I doing wrong? Do I need an OTG cable? Something about USB hosts? I don't understand how to get this to work.

# Answer
Yes, you need an OTG cable. The pin layout is different than a regular micro USB to USB cable; essentially, it's equivalent to shorting pins 4 and 5 on a normal cable. This is what causes the phone to know that it needs to be the *host* rather than the *slave*.

In fact, you can do this yourself if you're handy with electronics and have a cable you don't mind taking apart, though they're also readily available at many online retailers (Amazon, Newegg, Monoprice, etc).
> 2 votes

# Answer
To connect any device to your Galaxy S3 (or any other host-capable Android device), you need a OTG host cable. Without that host cable, the phone doesn't know it's supposed to act as the host rather than as a peripheral.

This is an example of such a cable. Most online retailers carry similar ones.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: usb, mouse
---


# Question
Title: galaxy s2 wifi problem after updating to ice cream sandwich
hi guys i have samsung galaxy s2 and it was working very well before upgrade to ice cream sandwich i didnt face any trouble in upgrading and it upgrade well

but i faced a problem with wifi connection after upgrading ... and the only solution i had is to reset the router...the problem that i search for this problem in the internet and i found this problem happened to others but i didnt found solution to that problem details: it connect normally and tell me that the device connected to the network but there is no internet and when i try to use the wifi to transfer data it says wifi not connected but when you go to the wifi settings it says connected!!

i dont reach access and i dont get IP address when i go to advanced settings said IP unavailable when i reset the router it take an IP the router has no problem on the other devices so i need a permanent solution does not include factory reset if possible

# Answer
I think it is kind of a caching ip address error. If you have been connected before the phone does not try to obtain an IP address because the one it got before is still assigned by the network.

What usually works for me is to connect to another network. I have plenty of open networks around where I live. This will make the phone to obtain a new ip address for the new network and delete the old one.

Now simply connect to your network again and the phone will try to obtain a new ip address and will actually communicate with the dhcp.

Worked for my galaxy s2. Hope it will help you too.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I don't own a Galaxy S2. However, I can tell you some steps that you can try. So let me know how it helps. It will be like trial and error. Please tell me what happens when you try this, I will accordingly update the answer.

So first things first, I think it is a problem related to getting IP address. So first, try changing IP address manually. Here's a YouTube video that will guide you in doing this. (Not my video)

Try it and see how it helps.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Thanks a lot. This fixed it for me too. Goto: `Settings --> Applications --> All --> Software Update`. Clear all the data and restart the device, this should work without trouble.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, wi-fi, samsung-galaxy-s-2
---


# Question
Title: Is there an app which supports both PDF and epub ebook formats?
Are there any apps which support both PDF and EPUB files?

I've tried Alkido, Laputa, and StarBooks, they only seem to support either PDF OR epub, not both.

Any suggestions?

# Answer
Txtr purports to support both, but hasn't gotten very good reviews.

Speak Text Easy and MultiReader are primarily for text-to-speech, but they both appear to support both file formats.
> 3 votes

# Answer
Aldiko is a good free application for reading PDF and ePub documents.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Both Aldiko and FBreader support PDF reading without conversion. As the app should update, you can check them again.

I found these later: Aldiko only supports non-DRM'd EPUB. NOOK for Android by B&N and Kobo eBooks seem support both PDF and EPUB.

Get the information from: http://www.pdfmate.com/read-pdf-with-ebook-reader-app-for-android.html
> 1 votes

# Answer
I am using BlueFire Reader. It is free of charge and can display PDF and ePub files with Adobe DRM.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Moon+ Reader in the Pro version supports almost all formats available, including ePub and PDF. You can even highlight and annotate text; with PDF files, these highlights/annotations will be directly embedded into the file (so you then can simply transfer the PDF to another reader and have your notes included), while for the other formats they are stored separately. Support is pretty good, fixes and new features are constantly released (developer is quite active and responding).
> 0 votes

---
Tags: pdf, ebook-reader, epub
---


# Question
Title: Remove Facebook events but keep birthdays from calendar
All these events I haven't responded to / don't want to attend are driving me crazy! I do like having my friend's birthdays in my calendar though. I would like to know if it is possible to remove Facebook events and only show birthdays either on my S Planner or my Google Calendar. I am on a Samsung Galaxy Note II.

# Answer
* Click the Gears icon next to **Today** on the top left, then click **Export**

* Right click **export your friend's birthdays** and select **Copy Link Address**

* Paste the URL Address you copied from Facebook in step (3)
* Click **Add calendar**

Your Friend's birthdays now show up on your Google Calendar on the web. You can repeat the same process if you wish to add the upcoming events, just select **upcoming events** in step 3.

Wait a bit for the changes to sync to your phone (you should have calendar sync enabled on the same Google account on your phone).

Now on your Android phone/tablet, open the **Calendar** then select **Menu** -\> **Settings** -\> **{Your Google Account}**. Look for **Friends' Birthdays** and select it.

PRIVACY WARNING: Make sure to leave the **Make the calendar publicly accessible?** checkbox *unselected*.

NOTE: The terminology in step 3 differs between browsers. Chrome shows it as *Copy URL Address*, Firefox shows it as *Copy Link Location*, other browsers may differ a bit, but they all have the same meaning.

NOTE: On your Android Phone I'm assuming you are using the Google Calendar app. S-planner, or other calendar apps may handle this differently.
> 3 votes

# Answer
> All these events I haven't responded to / don't want to attend are driving me crazy!

If you only want to see events you have answered "Attending" or "Maybe attending" then you could try "Freedom", a service that I developed.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: calendar, facebook
---


# Question
Title: How to fix Facebook (Build 14...), download manager process on Samsung Galaxy S2
I have a Samsung Galaxy S2 Model Number (SGH-I727R), running Android 4.1.2.

The problem that I am encountering is that there is this Facebook (Build 14....) thing that is running in my drop down menu. Unfortunately, that is all I can read on it because the rest of the brackets are cut off. It looks like it is trying to download something. When I hold my finger over it to get info, it says Download Manager version 4.1.2, followed by a long model number.

I am not sure how to end this process or get it to finish whatever it is trying to do. I've tried restarting my phone, uninstalling Facebook and then re-installing it. The problem still persists. Please help me. It's just really annoying to constantly see that downloading icon running all of the time, and nothing is happening.

# Answer
Go to downloads, click on it and send it to trash. Worked for me.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I hope this is your problem,rt?

just go in **downloads**,select **other downloads** and it will appear `facebook build 141046` and then **select that** and **click cancel**.

**OR**

**settings**--\>**apps**--\>**all**--\>**download manager**--\>**force stop**,
**disable** and **clear cache** then **enable** again

Help/More
> 1 votes

---
Tags: facebook, download-manager
---


title: How to fix download notifications?

text:
# Question
Title: How to fix download notifications?
From what it looks like, Facebook is just downloading an update, but it is not downloading anything. Even after multiple reboots and uninstalling Facebook app, it still continues. How to clear this up?

Phone is Samsung Galaxy S3 running Android 4.1.2. With default TuchWiz launcher.

# Answer
Try: -Long pressing the notification. -A small dialog that says "App Info" will appear. -Press **"App Info"** -Press **"Force Stop"**.
> 3 votes

# Answer
Just go in

**downloads**--\>select **other downloads**( and it will appear `facebook build 141046`) --\>select it --\>click **cancel**

**OR**

**settings--\>apps--\>all--\>download manager--\>force stop**
disable and clear cache then enable again
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 4.1-jelly-bean, samsung-galaxy-s-3, samsung-touchwiz
---


title: Reduce in call volume

text:
# Question
Title: Reduce in call volume
I'm using Jelly Bean on my Samsung Galaxy Note. Plus I'm running Ultimate Rom v5.1 as mu ROM. The problem is minimum In-Call Volume is too high even though I have reduced it.

How can I reduce that in call volume than the minimum level?

# Answer
It's due to noise cancellation was on during a call. I turn noise cancellation off now it works fine.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I've been reading that increasing the volume to the max then decreasing it again to minimum seems to work
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 4.1-jelly-bean, calls, volume-control, samsung-galaxy-note
---


# Question
Title: How do I pause a song thats playing while my phone is locked (Samsung ace 2)
I am looking for a way to pause a song without unlocking it. Take the iPhone for example; just by pressing the home button twice, it pauses the song. It's annoying having to unlock my phone every time that I need to pause a song.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Here are some apps to suite your needs:

Tactile Player – Control Android Music Player Using Hard Buttons

"Tactile Player is my favorite tool which gets the job done and I must say, this one is a must for any music addict who wants to change songs using Android’s hard buttons or play/pause the current playing song. When you are listening to music and don’t want to unlock Android’s lock screen, simply enter the following commands

Press the volume up button two times to play the next track.
Press the volume down button two times to play the previous track.
Press the power button three times to pause or play the currently playing soundtrack.
It works and the best part is that there are no settings and absolutely no configuration required on your music player app. The only catch is that the Tactile player app must run in the background or else the default music player app won’t be able to receive your commands via the volume and power buttons."

Simply Lock Screen – Replace Android’s Default Lock Screen And Add Multimedia controls

"Simply Lock Screen is a wonderful lock screen replacement app for Android which comes packed with basic multimedia features. You can show clock, date, time and media buttons on the lock screen itself, thereby allowing you to control the order of songs that is being played by Android’s default media player app.

Simply Lock Screen adds three buttons on it’s lock screen, so you can play a previous or next track or pause the current one by tapping the respective buttons on the lock screen itself. This one is a good choice if you are looking for a better lock screen replacement with added features."

# Answer
> 2 votes
If you use a headset when listening to your music, and that headset has a button (usually for accepting incoming calls), you might want to take a look at the many headset controller apps at Google Play. They allow you to play/pause with a short single press, skip forward/backward with double/triple click, adjust volume with holding the button, and much more.

As not every app/headset/device combination works 100% satisfying, don't give up on the first try if it doesn't work out "ideally" -- but try the next one. Took me 3 tries to find the perfect match for my device/headset :)

---
Tags: lock-screens, music-player, samsung-galaxy-ace-2
---


# Question
Title: How to make an Android device to display complex rendering of Indic characters?
**Please excuse the length of this question. I need to explain all this to help others and to avoid helpful contributors to provide answer without asking clarifications.**

My requirement in one line: "to enable an Android phone to display Tamil characters properly".

**Elaboration:** Tamil, like any other Indian language has complex character rendering system. Unlike English or other Latin based script, it has glyph (what you see in screen) composed of more than one character. Android does not have ability to render such complex scripts (with exceptions). My aim is to know how I can provide such an ability to an Android phone or tablet.

**Little background that I gathered so far:** To display a glyph in screen, Android first needs a suitable font file. Android device has a folder */system/fonts* which has few of them. The most interesting file in that folder is the DroidSansFallback.ttf. As the name suggests, when Android's system fails to find a character in system fonts (that could be DroidSans.ttf or DroidSans-Bold.ttf etc) it falls back to search it in DroidSansFallback.ttf.

By replacing a suitable font file from PC (Latha.ttf or Lohit-Tamil.ttf - these are fonts for Tamil) and DroidSansFallback.ttf will enable to display Tamil characters in the device. It is not so easy to replace and it involves rooting the device and mounting the system as writable.

In spite of those troubles, even if the DroidSansFallback.ttf is replaced, the Tamil characters that are displayed are not rendered properly. The Tamil character "தி" is a conjunct of two characters and instead of getting displayed as "தி", it will be displayed as "த ி" without space in between. Though this is enough to read short messages, it cannot be used to read books etc.

From Android 4.0 on wards, Tamil and other few languages are supported through browser as said in Android 4.x API overview as seen below.

```
Support for Indic fonts (Devanagari, Bengali, and Tamil, including the complex
character support needed for combining glyphs) in WebView and the built-in Browser

```

The words to notice is "in WebView and the built-in Browser", which means that Tamil characters will be rendered perfectly if it is rendered as HTML content and will not be rendered otherwise. Opera and other few browsers did this even before Android 4.0 by substituting image instead of character.

I noticed that in few devices that target Indian market (ex: LG Optimus One, most of Samsung phones and tablets) are able to display Tamil properly both in browser and even in places out of browser like in contacts, text messages, file names etc. To my surprise they do this even in Android 2.3 onwards. I also noticed that the same model targeting non-Indian country running same version of Android does not support Tamil character display.

This made me to investigate further and reached a conclusion that Android (as other Linux based OS) depends on a font rendering engine to display such complex characters. The two engines that I came across are Skia and Harfbuzz. I noticed LG uses skia and Samsung uses Harfbuzz libraries in their devices to bring this ability.

I came across many websites suggesting to replaces these libraries and fonts. It did not work and results in freezing. Fortunately I backed up using clockworkmod and hence I restored my phone.

Though I had explained this with Tamil, this is applicable for most of the Indian languages.

**Here comes my question (if you are still reading;) )** Now, far sure it is clear that a TTF file should be present to provide characters and an appropriate libraries (libskia.so or libharfbuzz.so) are required to render them correctly. Does any one know how these manufacturers are able to provide the ability? I am even ready to build my own ROM from AOSP (Android Open Source Project).

# Answer
# Rooted Phone

Android under the folder `/system/fonts` contains a file named "DroidSansFallback.ttf" supposed to contain all the language characters. Currently it lacks support for many, including Tamil.

One can always replace the file with one that contains Tamil characters, thus allowing the usage of Tamil on your phone.

From XDA Developers Thread - DroidSans Fallback Indic Font, users have tried and successfully used Tamil on their phones.

To acomplish this method, you need root access to your phone, in order to access the `/system` and change the Fallback file:

* Read How do I root my device? if your phone isn't rooted yet.
* Follow XDA Developers thread to see how to replace the file:

```
Using and Android SDK environment:

First Copy the DroidSansFallback.ttf file into your sdcard,
then issue the following commands:

adb shell
su
mount -o remount,rw -t yaffs2 /dev/block/mtdblock3 /system
cd /sdcard
busybox cp DroidSansFallback.ttf /system/fonts
mount -o ro,remount -t yaffs2 /dev/block/mtdblock3 /system
exit
exit

Lastly, rebooted the phone

```

**Note:** mount point isn't the same for all phones.

---

# Android APP

While the above method may appeal to some users, I do prefer an APP when available.

Besides, Tamil has a keyboard with a total of 247 characters, while the English one only needs 26. So this becomes a major problem when typing:

See Wikipedia :: Tamil language - Writing System

> The current Tamil script consists of 12 vowels, 18 consonants and one special character, the āytam. The vowels and consonants combine to form 216 compound characters, giving a total of 247 characters (12 + 18 + 1 + (12 x 18))

Thanks to Krishan, and is work on this subject, there's already an APP available to deal with both issues, the system wide usage of Tamil, and a keyboard that can be used to type Tamil Characters.

Read Krishan's post entitled Tamil Unicode Font for Android – Working for detailed information about the development of this solution.

## To summarize

Krishan developed and published two APPs at Google Play that completely deal with the problem of having an entire Android OS in Tamil:
> 10 votes

# Answer
You appear to be describing issue 4153, a known bug in Android.

This issue has been reported as resolved in Jelly Bean. If this screenshot is correct, then the issue should be resolved. (I can't really tell myself, but I do have access to Jelly Bean and can make screenshots from it.)
> 3 votes

# Answer
Install Opera Mini web Browser

In Opera Mini Web Browser type "about:Config"

use bitmap fonts for complex scripts : Select Yes

You can view all sites in tamil font in any brand mobile phone

Regards
> 1 votes

# Answer
You do not need to root and replace the font on Android system.

Replace the firmware of your device with similar Indian region's firmware to render the Devanagari font correctly. Other regions' firmware do not render the Devanagari fonts correctly. Devanagari fonts correctly render on Indian Region's Android version 2.x.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: languages, localization, fonts
---


# Question
Title: How do I reduce Haptic feedback intensity in CM9?
I use a CM9 rom in my Samsung Galaxy i9001. The intensity of haptic feedback is annoying, especially while unlocking the phone. I can't find an option in the settings. Is there any related setting in Developer options / by using Terminal emulator for CyanogenMod9?

# Answer
In CM10.1, `Settings > Advanced > Haptic`.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, haptic-feedback
---


# Question
Title: "Phone" item using 10-15% of Battery Life
I've attempted to search for other questions answering this, but keyword ambiguity is working against me.

On my Galaxy Nexus, my battery drains rather quickly. Very frequently, when viewing the battery use details, the "Phone" item is the second-largest battery use after Screen. Items such as Cell Standby use much less. This happens even on days when I do not make any voice calls, so I'm not certain what this could be.

Is there something I can do to reduce this battery drain? What causes "Phone" to use this much battery?

edit: Here's a screenshot demonstrating what I'm talking about. I don't believe I made or received any calls on this day.

# Answer
Try booting into safe mode. It should set things right up. You could determine the problem much easier there. That will turn off all 3rd party services, leaving plain android behind.

To goto Safe Mode, Press the Power button on your device. Touch & hold the Power off option in the dialog box. Touch OK in the following dialog to start safe mode.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-nexus, battery-life
---


title: How to start deskclock timer via NFC

text:
# Question
Title: How to start deskclock timer via NFC
I am trying to start the timer of the deskclock app that comes with Android 4.2 using a NFC chip. I am not trying to write an app that does this but rather use one of the many NFC launcher apps.

I can't seem to find if that is possible at all... AnyTAG NFC launcher for example is able to launch the deskclock app but not set any parameters or just launch the timer part.

# Answer
Llama will let you launch a custom `INTENT` when it receives an NFC signal. I have not used this part of Llama, as I don't have NFC on my phone, but I have used it to create a custom `INTENT`.

This raises the question of whether you can set a specific timer and start it with an intent. I don't know if this is possible with the built-in app; you'd have to do your own research on that end.

But you could use Llama instead for the timer as well (if you can live with only whole minutes for the timer). Add a delay to the event, so that it will do something after X minutes of receiving the NFC scan. You can have the phone play a song, vibrate, launch another app, or basically anything supported.
> 1 votes

# Answer
NFC Task Launcher can do exactly what you want, I think. It can set alarms, change volume and notification sound.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: automation, nfc
---


title: Help On Changing Settings

text:
# Question
Title: Help On Changing Settings
I updated my voicemail and with out thinking I allowed apps that are not from google play to access my phones features causing some things to disappear, on my phone How do i change my settings back to where only things from the play store and so on can be installed?

# Answer
> 3 votes
The primary technique to reject applications other than from Play Store to install is in the Settings for Security. Make sure the setting "Unknown Sources" is unchecked. This setting normally allows 3rd party installation to occur.

# Answer
> 2 votes
This may vary by OS version or modifications your manufacturer may have made, but the setting you're looking for is:

```
Settings | Security | Unknown sources

```

You'll want that to be unchecked to prevent apps from being installed from unofficial sources (read: the Google Play Store).

(If that's *not* what you're looking for, please edit your question to make it more clear what you're asking.)

---
Tags: settings, unknown-sources
---


title: Where is the precmd command in android?

text:
# Question
Title: Where is the precmd command in android?
I'm kind of used to linux. I'm using Busybox from the Busybox Free installer, with Busybox 1.21.0-Stericson. Trying to chance my shell to the Busybox shell using `busybox ash` gives the following error after every single command:

```
ash: precmd: not found
echo $PS1
$(precmd)$USER@$HOSTNAME:${PWD: -?} $

```

I tried to go back to the normal shell and find out WHERE precmd is:

```
which precmd

```

It just changes the prompt to have "`1|`" in front of it, without giving me WHERE it is. I found a solution here, but have no idea where to put it. I'm basically trying to do the same as this question (make Busybox shell the default).

# Answer
If you are using *Connectbot*: according to an article at XDA-Developers, this is nothing but a cosmetical error:

> Connectbot seems to set shell variable 'PS1' to "$(precmd)$USER@$HOSTNAME:${PWD:-?} $ ".
> It means your shell (the busybox's ash applet) will try to use output from 'precmd' as a part of a command prompt. So when 'precmd' was not provided, error messages will be generated wenever a prompt was to be shown.

To fix this, mentioned post says you can use `PS1="> "` (or simply `unset PS1`) to work around that error.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 4.1-jelly-bean, samsung-galaxy-note-2, busybox
---


# Question
Title: Turning off cell broadcast messages in HTC One X Plus
I have been receiving about 50 flash sms a day, with my service provider name TIM RS 51, from the number 50. As I read here, it might be a issue with activating and deactivating cell broadcast on the phone. However, I could not find the path suggested for the deactivation (Setting/Call/Other Call Settings). The option does not exist on this path. Any help?

# Answer
> 1 votes
I show the setting under

```
Settings | Wireless & networks | More... | Cell broadcasts

```

with three options to choose from:

1. Show extreme threats
2. Show severe threats
3. Show AMBER alerts

(Android 4.1.1 / Galaxy Nexus)

# Answer
> -1 votes
It's `Settings->Call-> *uncheck* Cell broadcast -> *click* OK to the confirmation question`.

---
Tags: settings, cell-broadcast
---


# Question
Title: How can I see the RRC state and signal level of an HTC Explorer?
Is there any alternative to the Android secret code `*#*#197328640#*#*` for the HTC Explorer? I am trying to get the same Service Mode on my HTC Explorer to show the RRC State and signal level of the device.

# Answer
> 1 votes
On most Android phones, the code `*#*#4636#*#*` provides network information such as signal level and preferred networks. However I am unsure of what you mean by displaying that information within the HTC Explorer.

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Tags: dialer-codes, htc-explorer
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# Question
Title: Suggestions for syncing data to someone besides Google? Funambol?
I've been toying with the idea of getting away from syncing my contacts and calendar with Google. I'd like more control over my data. I've heard that Funambol might be a good solution to this and I'm wondering about other ideas folks might have for syncing and address book and calendar between Anroid and a desktop mail app (Thunderbird, in my case).

I keep the Thunderbird address book on my Ubuntu laptop up to date, so I'd like to be able to synchronize those contacts with my phone and (preferably) have them backed up to a place where I might be able to access them from another location. It would be great to be syncing a calendar as well, though that is less key. Are there ways to do this without backing everything up to Google's hive mind?

# Answer
I've got Funambol running (though it looks like I could sync via Ubuntu One, as I'm on Ubuntu). It's easier to sync contacts between Evolution and Funambol than Thunderbird and Funambol, but it works.

I was able to install a Funambol server on my local machine, no problem. My laptop isn't really a functional server, so I opted to just sign up with http://www.funambol.com to make sure I can actually sync Laptop Calendar/Addressbook \<--\> Funambol \<--\> Android Contacts/Calendar. That is working.

I'll let you know if I learn anything in switching from www.Funambol.com to my own instance of Funambol.
> 7 votes

# Answer
You might also want to take a look at ownCloud. It comes with its own Android App. Quoting Wikipedia:

> ownCloud is a software suite that provides a location-independent storage area for data (cloud storage). The project was launched in January 2010 by KDE developer Frank Karlitschek to create a Free software alternative to commercial cloud providers. In contrast to commercial storage services, ownCloud can be installed on a private server at no additional cost.

Which means: You can run it on your own hardware. But there are also some providers offering this service. Or you could have your ownCloud hosted with a provider of your own choice.

ownCloud is under permanent development -- so listing its features here would not be wise, as things might change. If all three links I provided "go dead", the service will probably as well -- so as long as this is not the case, please refer to those links for closer information.
> 9 votes

# Answer
If you want total control over your data, the best way would be for you (or someone you trust) to set up your own internet-accessible server to use for this.

Android natively uses the Exchange Active-Sync protocol for most of its sync to GMail sync, the mail client will also use POP/SMTP and IMAP, and CALDAV can be used for calendar sync.

There are a few free, open-source Exchange Active Sync compatible servers that you could install yourself to get all the mail, calendar, contacts sync working, such as Zimbra and Open-Xchange, but be warned this isn't just going to be a simple install and configure.
> 7 votes

# Answer
If you use a different web mail provider than GMail you should be able to sync Thunderbird contacts/calendar to that and then use the mail client on the phone (not GMail) to sync them to the phone. Still have to use a hive mind, just not Google.
> 3 votes

# Answer
What level of control of your phone do you have? You could use something like Titanium Backup to export the contacts and calendar items and something like RSYNC for Android to push them to a server you run.

There are reformatting issues however for import into Thunderbird (and it's been awhile for me using a desktop email client).

Looks like someone has cobbled a good RSYNC frontend for Android.
http://www.appbrain.com/app/rsync-backup-for-android/eu.kowalczuk.rsync4android
> 2 votes

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Tags: contacts, sync
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