# Question
Title: Android-x86 stuck at black screen and a static underscore _
I have a very similar problem to e.g. here.

I installed Android-x86 on a partition on my Acer Aspire Switch 10E next to Windows.

I added Grub as trusted boot option in the UEFI and let Secure Boot **enabled**.

Using this I can completely boot and reboot into e.g. Android x86 version 8.1-R2

**But** the problem is: in this version my Realtek RTL8723BS is not supported -\> No WiFi/Bluetooth!

---

So I worked my way back to older versions (I need at least Android 6.0). Using CM 14.1-R2 and Androidx86 7.1-R2 I have a strange behavior:

Right after the installation if I select "Run Android" everything works fine, it boots normal, WiFi/Bluetooth everything fine!

But I am not able in any way getting it to run again after a reboot. It is forever stuck on a black screen with only displaying a fix (not blinking)

```
_

```

---

I already searched for two days and tried a lot of parameters and settings in the Grub entry like `nomodeset`, `xforcevesa` etc ... nothing worked so far.

I also tried both 32bit and 64bit versions (the device is 64bit) but it made no difference.

I don't understand what I am doing wrong or why it boots all fine the first time if not going for the reboot but directly to the `Run Android` option. So I guess it can not be due to unsupported hardware since the system basically works ... I just can not boot into it anymore after shutting down / reboot.

---

Does anyone have a solution for that?

---

**Note: I am not speaking about a Virtual Machine here!**

# Answer
I found disabling 3D acceleration and setting the graphic controller to VBoxVGA solves the issue.
> 4 votes

# Answer
1. When you see the selection, press E on the keyboard (for editing). \[ You will see a line after it \]
2. Replace `quiet` with `nomodeset xforcevesa`. \[ Then press B for boot \]
3. Your Android will boot correctly only one time. \[ Android will start running \]
4. Now press Alt + F1 to launch console.
5. Type: `mkdir /mnt/sda`
6. Type: `mount /dev/block/sda1 /mnt/sda`
7. Type: `vi /mnt/sda/grub/menu.lst` \[ You can search use of vi on Google \]
8. Replace `quiet` with `nomodeset xforcevesa`.
9. Press Esc, and `:wq`
10. Type reboot. \[ Your Android will work fine \]
> 1 votes

# Answer
When you change the internal frame where the UEFI firmware settings to the EFI framework setting, change the boot order.

You have to make a small partition for grub, go back, and change it back. Otherwise, it won't boot the second time.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: android-x86
---


# Question
Title: Where does Samsung's Studio app store cut videos?
I'm on a Samsung Galaxy S21 FE, Android 14, One UI 6, using the built-in "Studio" app that launches by default when you edit a video through the gallery. When I edit a video I took, specifically trimmed it, I can edit it back to its original length. This can be done weeks after the edit.

How does the app achieve this - is the original video stored somewhere forever?

This would namely explain why my storage was bloated with more than 75Gb of "System storage". As a musician, I take long videos which I edit in short snippets, and have no interest in this reverse edit functionality most of the time.

# Answer
> 3 votes
This is one of the features of Samsung's Gallery app, as discussed here:

The Samsung Gallery app keeps a copy of every image and video that the user edits to be able to revert the edited media back to their original version. This backed-up copy is hidden from the user and can not be deleted unless the edited version is deleted too (this is even resistant to renaming and moving files, it must be using some sort of checksum). The used storage appears under the "Other" category on the Android storage settings page.

There are two solutions to the issue:

1. Always save edited media with the "Save as copy" option, then delete the original;
2. Download the Media File Guardian app, which allows you to delete these hidden files.

I will use solution 1. for my future videos. However thanks to the Media File Guardian app, I was able to regain 50 GB of storage.

---
Tags: samsung, storage, gallery, media-files
---


# Question
Title: Does the Android SDK Emulator mount the filesystems on the host or emulate the mounting?
Does the Android Studio Emulator mount filesystems (like `system.img` and `userdata-qemu.img`) or emulate the mounting by making an illusion because I can't find them (the mounted filesystems) on the host at all.

# Answer
No, the emulator does not mount the filesystems of the emulated device on the host.

If it did that, it would be impractical to emulate more than one device at a time.

The emulator is intended for application development and testing. If the filesystems of an emulated device were easy to modify, that would make it hard to be sure applications that worked on the emulator would work on a normal device.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: file-system, google, android-emulator, android-sdk, android-studio
---


# Question
Title: Write to device failed (no link / unknown error / too many links)
I am trying to flash TWRP to my ZTE Axon 7, but until now I just keep getting errors every time I try to flash something.

```
D:\ZTE Axon 7>fastboot devices
a773911d        fastboot

D:\ZTE Axon 7>fastboot flash recovery "D:\ZTE Axon 7\twrp-3.5.2_9-0-ailsa_ii.img"
Sending 'recovery' (16104 KB)                      FAILED (Write to device failed (Unknown error))
fastboot: error: Command failed

```

When I look at any guides/videos online, it just works, but not for me. The device is already wiped and the bootloader is unlocked. I also tried some commands like `clear cache` and `reboot bootloader`, but they produce the same kind of error. I am in fastboot mode, I also get some unknown error in MiFlash.

So basically I haven't really been able to flash anything. Already tried different ports and cables, don't have any other cables lying around.

Trying to use `fastboot boot` (different USB ports):

```
C:\adb-platform-tools>fastboot boot twrp-3.5.2_9-0-ailsa_ii.img
Sending 'boot.img' (16104 KB)                      FAILED (Status read failed (Too many links))
fastboot: error: Command failed

C:\adb-platform-tools>fastboot boot twrp-3.5.2_9-0-ailsa_ii.img
Sending 'boot.img' (16104 KB)                      FAILED (Write to device failed in SendBuffer() (Too many links))
fastboot: error: Command failed

C:\adb-platform-tools>fastboot boot twrp-3.5.2_9-0-ailsa_ii.img
Sending 'boot.img' (16104 KB)                      FAILED (Status read failed (Too many links))
fastboot: error: Command failed

```

Really running out of ideas on this one, I've already tried numerous things and keep getting a variation of these "Write to device failed" errors all the time.

PC does have a Ryzen 5800x, maybe that is the problem?

# Answer
> 2 votes
Ok, the solution is pretty weird.

I was reading MrNoob - How to fix data transfer failure (Too many links) error in Fastboot? which mentions something about Windows 10 drivers being problematic, so it is suggested to use a USB 2.0 adapter or something similar. So I have one of those and tried a command, and it worked. Next, I tried flashing

```
fastboot flash boot twrp.img

```

But it still didn't work and got the "Couldn’t parse partition size ‘0x’". But I thought to myself how can this be, one command works and the next just fails like that all of a sudden.

Then I read through DroidWin - How To Fix Fastboot: Error: Couldn’t Parse Partition Size ‘0x’. I guess you can skip the root requirements for now and look at the flash command used:

```
fastboot flash:raw boot twrp.img

```

However, this still didn't work and I have tried it before, do you know why? In my case, it's really f-ing weird.

One thing I must mention before this is that I also installed the "QDLoader HS-USB Driver\_64bit" drivers, on Windows 10. This will now display some "Test Mode" text on the lower right because these drivers are not signed by Microsoft.

1. Connect the phone to USB 2.0 adapter with a proper cable
2. Make sure the device shows up in fastboot devices
3. The weird thing is, DO NOT use any peripherals like a wireless mouse on the same USB adapter the phone is connected to. It probably interferes with it somehow.
4. Now run the command and it should work (you can use `fastboot reboot bootloader` just to make sure it's OK and commands work)

Might have to repeat these steps if the commands stop working again.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I've been going through every step you're all talking about. Most of the articles are fairly accurate, but they're outdated.

It's a weird procedure and you have to have the right tools installed (drivers, software, etc.). But, I've found that the key is in the order that you do these steps for fastboot to connect (recognize the device).

It's still a trial-and-error but so far, I've deduced: Once you have everything set up correctly, unplug the device from USB, enter flash mode, plug in the device, run `fastboot devices`, and verify it's detected (make sure it's the only thing that is connected). If it's not detected, the fastboot command will fail. If it is connected, run your fastboot command and cross your fingers!

# Answer
> 0 votes
This is definitely port’s problem, use usb2.0 port instead will solve it all.

---
Tags: rom-flashing, twrp, fastboot
---


# Question
Title: Chrome Android does not Autofill Basic password
I have noticed recently that Chrome for Android does not autofill passwords on Basic HTTP authentication pages.

For example, if I navigate to https://httpbin.org/basic-auth/Bijan/Password on Chrome and save the password, it works perfectly. Navigating back to the same page autofills the password.

On Chrome for Android, I verify that the password is saved. However, navigating to the same page from my phone, does not autofill the password.

Is this a bug for anyone else? Is there anything I can do to fix this?

# Answer
Facing the same problem for a 2-3 weeks already. Seems like a bug.

Here's what i found: https://bugs.chromium.org/p/chromium/issues/detail?id=1507118
> 3 votes

---
Tags: chrome-for-android, password, authentication, auto-fill
---


# Question
Title: Is it posible to change the locale of my device?
In my Android phone when I go to `Settings -> Language and Keyboard Settings -> Select Language` I see "Locale" as the title on the top row and see that only few languages are listed. I suspect its because of this "Locale" setting.

Where I can change it so that all supported languages will be listed? Under `Settings -> Language & Keyboard` I don't see a "Locale" option.

# Answer
The keyboard settings shows all supported languages no matter the locale of the device, so if a language is not listed than it's not supported. A good alternative is AnysoftKeyboard; you can download language packs for it.
> 6 votes

# Answer
If you want to change locale settings on your device, the Set Locale and Language app might prove helpful as well. Locale-Einstellung looks almost the same. MoreLocale 2 might offer an alternative, as it also allows to create custom locales -- which is also supported by Custom Locale.

With Any Locale switching the locale can be as easy as tapping a widget -- as it is with LocaleSwitch or the Language Picker Widget.

Also very nice: Raygional. And there are probably many more to chose from...
> 7 votes

# Answer
Here was how I changed them on my Google Pixel 7:

* Open "Settings"
* Choose "System"
* Choose "Languages"
* Choose "System Languages"
* "Add a language" (I added "Español")
* Drag that language to the top using the drag icon (two lines) on the right

My system switched to Spanish, although bits were still English. I bet if I restarted the phone they would all switch to Spanish.

Then finding that setting again was not so easy for me! (I hadn't written down how I got there, and now it was all in Spanish.)
> 1 votes

---
Tags: settings, languages, locale
---


# Question
Title: How can I remove a device that is displayed when installing an application from Google Play's "Choose a device" list?
I am trying to install an application from Google Play on my Android device, but I see several devices listed in the "Choose a device" screen that I no longer use or own. This range from actual devices to emulators like Virtual android machines and android emulators. In the image below, devices I would like to remove everything except **S21\_Plus** such as *Asus ASUS\_Z01QD, Verizon SM-G925V, Google SDK\_gphone64\_x86\_64, OnePlus NE2211,* etc...  Is there any way to remove the devices from the list so that only my active and currently owned devices are displayed?

**EDIT**:

I have come across what seems to be a now outdated article that states you can remove the devices within Google Play. However, when I attempted the same I was only given the option to *hide* and not remove. This was also shown in these steps from Google.

**EDIT2**:

It seems that even attempting to "hide" any devices besides *S21\_Plus*, they are automatically re-enabled as shown from the gif below. Is this a **glitch with Google Play**??

# Answer
You can see and manage all devices registered in your account on your Google device management page.

If you select a device there you can log-off it.
> 3 votes

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


# Question
Title: Why is Google Play Store popping up in my activity when I didn’t use it?
I check my Google Activity religiously and yesterday saw that it showed that I visited the Google Play Store three times at 2:19pm. Device Connected message also popped up at this time. I didn’t get on the Google play store though. Especially not three times. I even checked my device care and usage to see if it was opened and it wasn’t. No app updated in the background at that time either. So I’m really not sure why it’s showing I visited three times. I did open my phone at that time, but did not use the play store or any other app that I don’t normally use. Please help me understand.

# Answer
As explained in the comment, this is probably normal activity. Some games can take you to playstore from inside or via ads.

If you are worried then install a virus scanner. There are many free versions out there. I use kaspersky, paid version. But the free mode would be good enough.
> 0 votes

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


# Question
Title: My Android 6.0 phone changes the MAC address every time I log into a WLAN; how can I stop it?
I have a rooted Cubot Max (Not Max 2) Android 6.0 phone that has an interesting habit: it changes the MAC Address every time I log into a WLAN. The WLAN MAC address usually looks like `00:08:22:xx:xx:xx`. The second part is random. In the beginning, it was funny, but now I want to stop it.

I read the MAC address from Settings \> About the phone \> Status. There is no spoofing software on it. It seems that this is a normal reaction of hackers in China, they do not like constant MAC addresses.

Do you know if there is any secret setting there I could take a look at?

# Answer
> 2 votes
The randomization of MAC Address is a security feature of Android 6.0, the OS changes the MAC address when a background scan of the network is initiated.

> When a device running Android 6.0 (API level 23) initiates a background Wi-Fi or Bluetooth scan, the operation is visible to external devices as originating from a randomized MAC address.

https://developer.android.com/about/versions/marshmallow/android-6.0-changes

Here you may find details about the randomization: https://source.android.com/docs/core/connect/wifi-mac-randomization-behavior?hl=en

# Answer
> 2 votes
In current Android versions, each SSID has its own setting for randomization. It is possible that this may be present in rooted Android6 as well. To stop the randomization -

* Go into **Settings**
* Select **Connections**
* Select **Wifi** (long press if necessary)
* Select the SSID you want to fix it for
* Once connected, press the Gear Wheel
* Press on **View more** at the bottom of the screen
* Scroll Down until you see **MAC Address Type**
* Its a drop down, change it from Random to **Phone MAC**

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, mac-address
---


# Question
Title: fastboot flashing error: "Partition should be flashed in fastbootd"
I am new to Android development and trying to flash a custom ROM to my Pixel 3a. It was built through the Android Open Source Project. But I am facing the following error.

```
user@user-Predator-PH315-52:~/aosp$ fastboot flashall -w
--------------------------------------------
Bootloader Version...: b4s4-0.2-5736883
Baseband Version.....: g670-00030-191028-B-5972069
Serial Number........: 9A9AY1CEC7
--------------------------------------------
Checking product
OKAY [  0.060s]
target reported max download size of 268435456 bytes
Erase successful, but not automatically formatting.
File system type raw not supported.
Erase successful, but not automatically formatting.
File system type raw not supported.
Sending 'boot_b' (65536 KB)...
OKAY [  2.340s]
Writing 'boot_b'...
OKAY [  0.346s]
Sending 'dtbo_b' (8192 KB)...
OKAY [  0.384s]
Writing 'dtbo_b'...
OKAY [  0.095s]
Sending sparse 'system_b' 1/5 (262140 KB)...
OKAY [  9.245s]
Writing 'system_b' 1/5...
FAILED (remote: Partition should be flashed in fastbootd)
Finished. Total time: 14.348s

```

How to fix this error?

**Phone**: Pixel 3a
**Build**: 9.0.0(PD2A.190115.032, Mar 2019)

# Answer
I had the exact same issue on my Pixel 3a XL. You need the most up-to-date version of ADB and fastboot. Grab it from Google to be sure you have the most recent, you only need the SDK Platform-Tools. Don't have to download the whole SDK Platform.
> 2 votes

# Answer
I think you need to go into fastbootd mode.

Hold power key + volume down, you will boot into recovery. Choose to enter fastboot, then run:

```
fastboot flashall -w

```
> 0 votes

---
Tags: rom-flashing, fastboot, google-pixel
---


title: Wireless Android debugging not working

text:
# Question
Title: Wireless Android debugging not working
I am using the Android Studio Chipmunk edition. My Android device is connected to the WiFi and my PC is connected to the same router through ethernet cable. My devices are running Android 12. So, it seems like I am fulfilling all the requirements.

I was able to connect a few times and able to install apps wirelessly. However, I am failing now. One of the following two things happens each time:

* The QR scanner does not do anything when I scan the code as if it didn't recognize the QR code at all.
* The QR code is recognized and I get a message about the pairing taking a while.

I also tried using the six-digit code for pairing by none of my devices are showing up under "Available Wi-fi Devices".

What am I doing wrong?

# Answer
> 15 votes
Same happened with me but this fixed the issues:

Run: `adb connect <IP address>:<Port>` in your terminal whenever your mobile fails to connect.

You can find the IP and port in your phone's settings `Settings`\>`Developer Option`\>`Wireless Debugging`.

If it gives any error, add a path of your android sdk platform tools in Environment variables \[For me it was `C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Android\Sdk\platform-tools`\]

If you can't see `AppData` folder then turn on the option to view hidden folders from control panel.

In case you don't know how to add a new path in Environment Variable then:

1. Search `Edit environment variables` in your Windows search bar and click on the result option.
2. Click on `Path`\>`Edit...`\>`New`
3. Add the path and click `Ok` \> `Ok`

# Answer
> 6 votes
You first need to pair device with:

```
adb pair IP:PORT

```

You need to get IP, PORT and the pair code from android Wirelesss debugging menu (be careful, the pairing PORT is different from the connect PORT).

Then, when asked to prompt code, enter the code you see on your phone.

Finally, connect with:

```
adb connect IP:PORT

```

# Answer
> 1 votes
On Windows, I had to allow adb.exe through the Microsoft Defender firewall for this to work:

1. Press the Windows key
2. Search for "Allow an app through Windows Firewall" and press Enter
3. Make sure adb.exe is allowed in there

I also had to connect both the PC and the phone to the WiFi only. Having the PC connected to ethernet only caused similar issues.

# Answer
> 1 votes
None of the answers actually worked for me. What did the trick was to:

1. On Android `Wireless Debugging` \> `Pair device with pairing code`
2. On cmd do `adb pair ip:port` with ip/port from above
3. Device now appears on `Android Studio` \> `Device Manager`

# Answer
> 0 votes
Sometimes putting my phone in Airplane mode for 5-10 seconds and then turning it off resets the connection and allows me to wirelessly connect to the device. If that doesn't work I will try turning the computer's wifi off and on too. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Recently I wasn't able to connect wirelessly to my main computer, and it wouldn't work until I connected to a different one.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You did not talk about enabling Wireless USB debugging in the dev options. If you don't do it you should get an error which says that the connection has been denied by Android.

You should try to ping your phone. If the ping works, open a cmd and type '`adb connect 192.168.X.X`' with the IP of your Android device.

Obviously your phone and computer have to be on the same network.

---
Tags: android-studio, wireless-debugging
---


# Question
Title: How to deal with the "com.qualcomm.qtil.aptxui has stopped" error message?
I have Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 android phone. Whenever I connect my bluetooth headphones and start playing music, I receive an error message saying "com.qualcomm.qtil.aptxui has stopped". The only option is to dismiss the error message and everything works fine then. What does the error message mean? How can I avoid it?

# Answer
> 0 votes
I've recently gotten into the same issue regarding my Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1. It turns out that I discovered an option, right inside Bluetooth device settings, that disables aptX HD Audio, so it won't keep stopping. Make sure to keep "Media audio" checked whilst unchecking the problematic "HD Audio". It worked for me, as I stopped receiving the stop error.

---
Tags: system-error, bluetooth-audio
---


# Question
Title: Does YouTube Music allow non-premium accounts to download their own uploaded music to their device for offline use?
I just received an email notification that Google Play Music would be discontinued later this year, and instructing me to transfer my library over to YouTube Music (I haven't done this yet). I am possibly an atypical user — my entire Play Music library is music that I ripped from CDs and uploaded to my account. I also am often in places without reliable WiFi and I don't like to use data for streaming audio, so I prefer to have my entire library stored locally. To this end I have my entire Play Music library downloaded onto an external SD card on my phone.

Will I be able to do the same thing with YouTube Music? All of the information I have read online (for example official blog ) says that "paying members" will be able to download music for offline listening.

Does that mean that I won't be able to download my *own* music to my device without paying for the privilege?

**EDITED TO ADD:** A few people have asked, in the comments, why I even want to bother with a cloud-based music platform, if I plan on always having my music locally stored. This is a fair question, one I ought to have originally addressed! The reason is that it makes synchronization simple: every time I add a new song or album to my Play Music library (which I usually do from my home desktop computer) it is automatically available not only on my phone (where I can download it to keep available offline) and on my work desktop computer. Similarly if I create a playlist on one device it is automatically available on all of my other ones. Since Play Music is going away, my hope is that Youtube Music will be able to take its place -- otherwise I will have to start all over with a new platform, which I would prefer to avoid.

# Answer
> 10 votes
I haven't tried this but according to Upload your music - YouTube Music Help, you **can**

> You can play uploaded songs in the background, ad-free and offline - **even if you are not** currently a YouTube Music Premium subscriber.

(Emphasis added)

You would need to use a computer to upload (you cannot use YouTube Music mobile app). Once uploaded, you can view in the app. You can verify this by uploading a few songs

# Answer
> 0 votes
Well, on my end, I am unable to listen to music offline without YouTube Music Premium. I have to have my music straight from files to do that.

Where on the web it says, you can upload your music to YouTube Music, and without YouTube Music Premium you can listen to your music uploads offline. And then in the app, it says no connection, you are not connected to the internet, go to your downloads, but I have to pay for that.

So, I got on the web to figure out why, and my question was ignored by giving me as to why I can't download songs on YouTube, like if that is what I ask.

So, no, you cannot if you do not pay for YouTube Music Premium, but you can get around this if it's from your local storage.

---
Tags: youtube, music-player, offline
---


# Question
Title: Error "Function not implemented" when creating symbolic link
I'm trying to execute this command `busybox ln -s "mydir/" "$PWD"/mylink` in order to create a symbolic link from mydir; that, I am receiving the following error `ln: /mnt/shell/emulated/0/mylink: Function not implemented`! I've tried this in both `adb shell` and Android Terminal Emulator but to no avail.

**Update:**

```
Filesystem           1K-blocks      Used Available Use% Mounted on
tmpfs                   496976        64    496912   0% /dev
devpts                       0         0         0   0% /dev/pts
proc                         0         0         0   0% /proc
sysfs                        0         0         0   0% /sys
selinuxfs                    0         0         0   0% /sys/fs/selinux
debugfs                      0         0         0   0% /sys/kernel/debug
none                         0         0         0   0% /acct
tmpfs                   496976         0    496976   0% /mnt/secure
tmpfs                   496976         0    496976   0% /mnt/asec
tmpfs                   496976         0    496976   0% /mnt/obb
tmpfs                   496976         0    496976   0% /mnt/fuse
none                         0         0         0   0% /dev/cpuctl
/dev/block/mmcblk0p1    774064    420392    353672  54% /system
/dev/block/mmcblk0p2    431368     94172    337196  22% /cache
/dev/block/mmcblk0p8  59034284   5817516  53216768  10% /data
/dev/fuse             59034284   5817516  53216768  10% /mnt/shell/emulated
/dev/block/vold/179:49
                      31632380  25335912   6296468  80% /storage/sdcard1
//192.168.0.1/sdcard  30584780  23082428   7502352  75% /mnt/routersd
//192.168.0.1/sdcard  30584780  23082428   7502352  75% /mnt/shell/emulated/0/routersd

```

# Answer
> 7 votes
The filesystem you're trying to create the symbolic link on doesn't support symbolic links. All the native Linux filesystems (ext2-4) support symlinks, but the DOS filesystem used on SD cards doesn't, and several others don't. For a filesystem implemented with FUSE (as in this case), it's entirely up to the filesystem driver, so you can't tell whether it supports symlinks or not without trying. You won't be able to create symlinks on those filesystems.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Found a really smart workaround to bypass this issue

* First, we have two environments(I will be referring to them later on)

+ The android environment
    + The chroot environment
* We want to create a symbolic link from the chroot to the android environment
* We can't do that directly so what we do instead is create a directory inside the chroot environment called sym\_links. This directory will contain symlinks
* I also gave the sym\_links directory all permissions and made it owned by everybody so that we don't face any permission complications

```
chown 9997:9997 /PATH/TO/sym_links -R
chmod 777 /PATH/TO/sym_links -R

```
* Then we will create a symlink to our desired file while being in the android environment then place that symlink we just created inside the sym\_links directory.
* Then in the android environment, we will mount bind the sym\_links directory to an empty directory inside the sdcard **while making sure that we are executing this from a global mountspace as root**

```
su -mm
#execute mount commands here

```

And there you go, you have created a symlink inside the sdcard

How to create a mount bind

```
mount -o bind /PATH/TO/SOURCE_DIR /PATH/TO/DESTINATION_DIR

```

How to access global mountspace(using magisk's su)

```
su -mm

```

TL;DR: Create symbolic link pointing to your desirable file from within an android environment, place the symbolic link you just created in an environment that can handle symbolic links for eg: chroot environment *(or any other path as long as it isnt inside sdcard)*. Access the global mountspace then create a mount bind from the directory containing the symlink to a directory inside the sdcard

---
Tags: file-system, command-line
---


title: Can I fake a device in Google Play?

text:
# Question
Title: Can I fake a device in Google Play?
Somewhat recently, Google has made the change that apps need to use a recent API level for people on newer Android versions to be able to see it in the Play Store. This means that many apps (mostly games, since they are often released once and then not updated) are no longer available, even though they would be compatible with my device if I could get an APK. However, I cannot find APKs for these apps online, because they are paid.

This article says "Users who have previously installed the app from Google Play will not be impacted and will still be able to discover, reinstall, and use the app on any Android OS version that your app supports." This implies that if I was able to buy the app, I would be able to install it even on my newer device. The problem is, I don't have an older device. I only have my phone, so when I try to purchase it from the Google Play website, it says "No eligible devices for app install". Is there a way to add a fake device with an older version of Android to my Google Play account so I can purchase these apps? I am running Linux so I don't know how to install an Android emulator for older versions of Android.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Yes, Google enforces a certain targetSdkVersion, but that requirement is not relevant if you can see an app in Google Play Store or not, instead it is the minSdkVersion and that version is not enforced by Google at all. So it is up to the app developer which minimum Android version is supported. There are also other requirements like certain hardware present like ARM 64bit CPU (ARM-v8a support), camera, Bluetooth, telephony hardware,...

### Aurora Store

A relatively simple way to download apps from Google Play Store that you can not see in Play Store app is Aurora Store. Aurora Store is a re- implementation of Google Play Store as Open Source. Note that you can not buy apps using Aurora Store but it can download non-free apps you already own.

It allows to use own Google accounts as well as a pool of public Google accounts. And for both account types it has a large list of hardware definitions (virtual devices) it can download apps for, like Google Pixel 7a or Google Pixel Tablet, devices from OnePlus, Redmi, ... even Android TV devices like Sony Bravia.

You can use Aurora Store to download and install those apps. After download you will see if the app can be installed or not and if the app is capable to run at all on your device.

Note that Aurora Store works very often but some apps you can download via Play Store it fails because of unknown restriction, like country or carrier restriction.

### Emulator

Alternatively you can try the emulator approach. If you have a fast Internet connection and enough disk space you can simply download Android Studio which initializes Android SDK on first start and from within Android SDK you can set-up Android Emulator. Google provides emulator images with pre-installed Play Store, in the "Virtual Device manager" when creating a new virtual device like Pixel 3a and change to the `Other Images` page. Especially for old games use an an image for the ABI `armeabi-v7a` and for newer games one with `arm64-v8a`. And always make sure to use an image that has in the `Target` at the end the addition `(Google APIs)`, such images have pre-installed Google Play Store.

---
Tags: google-play-store, google-account, android-versions
---


# Question
Title: Edit a text file on Android (free, no ads)
This really shouldn't be so hard.

I've tried gsearching and found endless hideously annoying false leads. Half the time a "recommended solution" doesn't do what I'm asking for, in one way or another.

Some of these things expect you to pay... yes, money! And for me ads are not and never will be acceptable, in any circumstances whatsoever.

And many of them don't actually have any way to enable you to open a file, as with a typical computer program: i.e. a "File" menu with "New, Open, Save, Save as", etc. Nor does tapping on an existing downloaded file work: the only offered apps to open an .htm file, for example, are "Chrome" and "HTML viewer" currently. So with a vast number of these apps it appears impossible to actually open an existing file! There may be ways of adding to the number of apps suggested for "open with" a particular file type... but the whole point is that I want to open files with extensions like ".htm" and possibly ".css" and who knows what else. Just let me navigate in the file system and choose my file, For Frederick's Sake.

I finally thought I'd found a solution: "OldSchool Editor". I managed to open an .htm file in it, and even edit and save the text. And then open the tweaked file in a browser app.

But for some reason that app is afflicted with a totally crippling typing latency, making it unusable: in the edit page, with an .htm file of 11kB, I press a key, and then it takes approximately one second before the screen adjusts, sometimes longer.

Another suggestion made is to use Google Docs. But that means interacting with the Cloud, as their docs are then kept there, and you can only edit things while online. I must be able to do stuff while offline. Like Notepad++ on a computer. Even if I tried Google Docs I'd be pretty unlikely to be able to manage the actual text, in the case of an .htm file.

Any solutions to this? It seems quite a basic thing to want to do.

**PS: "this isn't for software recommendations".** I realise there may in theory be a more appropriate forum for this question, indeed.
But firstly I think that in practice that other forum is for computer platforms, not mobiles. I need to tax the brains of none other than **android enthusiasts**.
Secondly, I'm not asking for an app which is comparatively "better" than another. Just ANY app which does this thing I want to do.

# Answer
I use the Acode editor for editing files. It has color highlighting and sometimes suggestions like VS Code. It is also open source. I provided links for downloading it. https://f-droid.org/packages/com.foxdebug.acode/ https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.foxdebug.acodefree
> 1 votes

---
Tags: text-editor
---


# Question
Title: Share to app: Remove suggested people to share with (non-rooted Android 14)
When you want to "share" a file to an app,
a line of "recommended people to share with" appears above the apps:

**Problem**: I often need to perform demos on my phone, and for privacy reasons I do not want my friends to appear there.

**Question**: How to disable this feature, meaning that only suggested **apps** will appear?
Or at least, how to clear them or remove them one by one?

Notes:

* My phone is not rooted, Pixel with stock Android 14.
* I also post screencasts several times per day, so going very fast is not a solution. Editing each screencast is not realistic either.
* Introduced in 2015, this feature is called direct share, and the contacts listed come from a variety of apps, such as Messenger, LINE, Whatsapp, and many others. When I long-press a friend, the only possible action is to pin them.
* On rooted phones this might have worked before Android 10: https://github.com/stefansundin/android-disable-direct-share
* Apparently on Samsung and LG, direct share can be disabled (*unfortunately Pixel has no such setting*):

# Answer
> 0 votes
* I am not a developer but what I could gather that user's **can't** remove contacts added to share menu, while developers seem to be getting better and smarter ways to do it (see links at end of the answer)
* Way back, there used to be Xposed modules, rooted apps and other Non-rooted apps but they all seem to be have vanished except sharedr with a caveat

> Sharedr will stop working as default share menu on Android 12. Find out more here: https://sharedr.rejh.nl/#notice

> > Google has decided to block 3rd party share replacement apps in Android 12 from responding to the share event... (**My Note:** That's probably why all those apps including Non-rooted ones vanished!)

* After seeing your question and this being the only app that is available, I decided to try it on Pixel 6a, Android 13. In short:

+ It works by showing **only** list of suggested apps and doesn't show **any contacts**
    + Takes some efforts to set it up but not difficult

# How to set it up

* Don't get intimidated by the start-up screen, it's only telling you that it won't work as default share app
* Say from Chrome share menu tap on the ⚫⚫⚫ more on the top panel which has apps while the bottom panel has actions like copy link, long screenshot etc

and scroll through the list of apps , find sharedr, long press and *pin Sharedr*

* It will now appear like this

* Click on the sharedr icon and it will reveal all aps that can receive shared content. Tap on any icon to hide or reset from the 3dots menu

All set, no contacts shown, only apps shown!

**Google pleasantly surprises (rarely)**

On Google photos ver `6.53`, I am allowed to remove contacts!

---

References that tell me users can't remove share options:

# Answer
> 0 votes
My solution for now: Pin some official accounts until the row is full and your friends have no place to appear.

I pinned a phone utility, a delivery service that everyone uses, a government account, etc. None of these are privacy-sensitive. I never actually send anything to them.

I am still looking for better solutions that would completely remove that bar, giving some screen space left.

---
Tags: privacy, share-menu, direct-share
---


title: Adb backups save no data

text:
# Question
Title: Adb backups save no data
I want to reinstall the OS on my `OnePlus` phone running `Android 12`. Before I do that I would like to backup some of my apps which don't store their data in the cloud. The phone is `not rooted`, so I have tried using `Helium` which is apparently dead, but I still tried it. While trying to enable it I found that my phone wasn't recognized by adb as a device, but this was fixed by adding the backup password, but the app just crashes when trying to backup briefly displaying this:

As you can see it also clicks on the "set password" option which just opens desktop. The funny thing is: I don't think I can disable the password now, so...

So after this didn't work I tried looking into backing up with `ADB` in `PowerShell` on my `Windows 11` pc, but It seems to have issues with doing backups.

To list the files I just do: `adb shell pm list packages -f -3`

Let's say that out of those I would like to backup this one: `package:/data/app/~~yCw1hZQNzK2LConsvhuejg==/com.rovio.BadPiggiesHD-pMe0TFd1aaE5-WduzwZ1Zw==/base.apk=com.rovio.BadPiggiesHD`

It pulls the `.apk` file no problem with this command:

`adb pull "/data/app/~~yCw1hZQNzK2LConsvhuejg==/com.rovio.BadPiggiesHD-pMe0TFd1aaE5-WduzwZ1Zw==/base.apk" ".\BP.apk"`

Although, a little suspicious that it is only 58MB when it should be more like 170.

But trying to make a backup with this line:

`adb backup "/data/app/~~yCw1hZQNzK2LConsvhuejg==/com.rovio.BadPiggiesHD-pMe0TFd1aaE5-WduzwZ1Zw==/base.apk=com.rovio.BadPiggiesHD"`

generates an empty `backup.ab` file (literally 0B) even if I pass just `com.rovio.BadPiggiesHD` as an argument.

I have also tried using the advice from this post and adding quotes around the arguments, so ideally it I want something like this since I need both an apk and data:

`adb backup "-apk com.rovio.BadPiggiesHD -f C:\Users\name\Desktop\app_backups\`

But this just spits out `Now unlock your device and confirm the backup operation.` and stops instantly without doing anything.

I have even tried:

`adb backup "-apk -shared -all -f C:\Users\name\Desktop\app_backups\full_backup.ab"`

I don't need all apps, but this generates an empty file too.

What is the cause of this issue? I am at a loss since there are no error messages.

# Answer
Lets get through your questions:

### Using adb backup on Android 12+ devices

`adb backup` is mostly useless on Android devices running Android 12+, it will only work for apps that have been developed and released before Android 12.

> For apps that target Android 12 (API level 31) or higher, when a user runs the adb backup command, app data is excluded from any other system data that is exported from the device.

For more details see my answer to Does adb backup/restore still work because it says it's deprecated?

### Pulled APK file via adb is a bit small

> Although, a little suspicious that it is only 58MB when it should be more like 170. `adb pull "/data/app/~~yCw1hZQNzK2LConsvhuejg==/com.rovio.BadPiggiesHD-pMe0TFd1aaE5-WduzwZ1Zw==/base.apk" ".\BP.apk"`

On recent Android devices apps are not downloaded from Google Play Store as single APK file but as bunch of split APKs. You can see that in `adb shell pm path com.example.someapp` as it will output multiple APK files for one app. YAouu need all of them, otherwise the app will not work.

For details how to extract split APK files from a device see the question How to get a split apk from a device via adb?

### `adb backup adb backup /data/app/<somepath>/base.apk` does not work

The command `adb backup` does accept as arguments only app package names, never a path to a file on the device. Therefore this command will never work.

### Backup everything (data+apps) via adb creates empty file

If you execute a command like `adb backup "-apk -shared -all -f backup.ab` and it does create an empty file, it could be that the backup binary `bu` is bugged or missing on your device.

If you execute a command like `adb backup <arguments>`, an adb connection will be established and on the device the command `bu <arguments>` will be executed. I have seen devices where the `bu` command was simply defect. You can test this by opening `adb shell` yourself and then try to execute `bu --help`. If this prints an error message or may be even `/system/bin/sh: bu: inaccessible or not found` then adb backup can not work on your device.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: adb, backup, android-12, oneplus
---


# Question
Title: How do I disable auto connect for bluetooth device?
I want to leave bluetooth on so I get texts to my fitbit, but when I do that, my phone will connect to my headset which I'm using for something else. I use this headset with my phone too and don't want to unpair it.

How do I disable auto connect for this headset or disable auto connect for my phone entirely?

S9+.

# Answer
> 0 votes
use (Bluetooth Manager Controller) App, and disable auto connect, turn off all the notifications, hide the app :)

---
Tags: bluetooth
---


# Question
Title: How can I set accessibility options on an Android ROM without them?
After buying an Android '13' Head unit with a screen higher resolution than my previous stereo, I found that it didn't offer any options to change the font or icon size in it's accessibility options, so text is too small at arms length, where the screen is.

Since there are no after market ROMs for this device yet, I wonder if there is any other way to change these settings via an app, or by editing a configuration file somewhere?

I have enabled Developer options on this device and can enable `adb` if needed.

<sup>† About may say "Android 13", but it's probably a lie, it looks more like Android 10, but I would like to know the most reliable way to work it out.</sup>

# Answer
```
# for font size
adb shell settings put system font_scale 1.10
# 1.30 is apparently the largest font size possible
# for dpi
adb shell wm density <dpi> # higher the value, larger the icons

```

Sometimes a reboot might be needed for changes to take place
> 2 votes

---
Tags: android-10, accessibility, automotive-head-unit
---


# Question
Title: Alarm is working even when the phone is powered off
I just discovered that if I set the alarm clock and then power off the phone (by holding the power button and then selecting "Power Off") the alarm will still go off when the time comes.

Is this expected behavior? It makes me feel like "power off" doesn't actually power off the phone.

I have a Huawei Y530-U051 running android 4.3.

# Answer
That is expected behavior. It allows you to turn the phone off if you need to ensure the battery doesn't drain (or whatever other use-case you can think up) and still have a usable alarm clock. It's not new, many Android devices do something similar, and every iPhone since the first-generation models also had that feature. I can also recall an old Nokia 3310 I had back in the early 2000's which did the exact same thing.

Turning the phone off does shut down the OS, so don't worry about that. Android supports the setting of "hardware alarms", which let the phone boot automatically at a predetermined time. Not every manufacturer included support for them, but yours obviously did.

Edit: The hardware alarm feature has been deprecated by Apple and isn't useable any longer.
> 11 votes

# Answer
On my Redmi 7, my Clock app Settings -\> Additional alarm settings, has a feature Shutdown alarm, which I can disable so that the alarm does not go off after the device is powered off. It's a very useful feature, but I wish I had discovered it before my alarm woke me unnecessarily at 5:25AM, and not after. :-)
> 1 votes

# Answer
When the phone is turned off, it doesn’t mean that it is completely off. It is like in a sleep mode and the processor is still running a lower level system which does tasks like running the clock to keep the time correct, continuously monitoring the power button to know when to turn the phone on. As the clock is running and it is the alarm time , so the processor sends a signal to turn the phone on. Then the phone is turned on and the alarm rings.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I dropped my Android Galaxy S22 plus, and the screen broke. It's just a black screen, and unusable now. However, even though I never charged it again, the alarm still goes off 3 times every morning. I have to hit the off button to turn it off or it will go on forever. I have tried to get into my AT&T account from another phone to disable this phone, but even after I verify who I am via my email, it again asks me to verify who I am via a code sent to my phone, and guess what? I can't see the code on the broken, black screen of that phone. I can't wait until my new phone arrives from the refurbishing company and I can send the broken one to them. Unfortunately,the neverending alarm will be the mail carrier's dilemma, then.so although I don't have a solution, I can confirm that even after the battery should be long dead, the alarm will go on. Apparently forever.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Remember when you turned on your old mobile phone and you didn't have to set up the time every day again because the phone remembered what time it is?

It's not something of new, it's just that the phone starts a minute before the timer hits the alarm and it's build in because the phone requires at least 4 hours of recharge to last 10 hours of sleep in order to wake you up and not all customers have the possibility of having the wall charger or having the phone charged in their own room with a laptop in their own room.

However you can turn it off by clicking the small check button on the bottom of the screen when you turn the mobile off, so to say it, all phones hibernate on some level in case you don't happen to pull the battery off every time you want the phone closed completely.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: security, 4.3-jelly-bean, alarm, power-on
---


# Question
Title: How to let Emacs open and display a file in directory /storage/emulated/0/?
I am using Samsung Galaxy S10+ on Android 12. From F-Droid, I have downloaded and installed Emacs. It can run directly on Android, not via Termux. In the internal storage of my phone, I have created a file `/storage/emulated/0/WE_test01.txt`. By using the X-plore text editor, I have written 2 lines:

```
asd
123

```

Then, this file is to be opened by Emacs. I hit on the Emacs icon and typed `C`-`x` `C`-`f`, and in the bottom line `/storage/emulated/0/WE_test01.txt`.

The response of Emacs is

> File is not readable

What have I done wrong?

# Answer
I had the same issue. There are, according to the SourceForge repo's FAQ, 3 ways. Since I wanted to use the full disk, I utilized Special app access:

Settings -\> Apps -\> `...` menu -\> Special access -\> All files access -\> Emacs (toggle)

If you want to allow only specific locations, use this interactive func:

```
M-x android-request-directory-access
```

Also, if you feel comfortable installing it / have means to verify its integrity, install the APK from SourceForge because it has GnuTLS unlike the one from F-Droid (which has none, zero, **plain HTTP**, iirc but feel free to correct me).
> 1 votes

---
Tags: storage, file-permissions, text-editor
---


# Question
Title: Why does Samsung not allow making more than 1 user?
I would like to add more users via pm on adb shell. Unfortunatly my S20 FE is set to only allow 1 user, 1 work profile and one secure folder user. I tried to add more with pm add-user gab1 but it said ***"Error: android.os.ServiceSpecificException: Cannot add user. Maximum user limit is reached. (code 6) Error: couldn't create User."***. I know that this worked back on Android 4 and 5 but then it also got limited by OEMs like Samsung. Is there a way to add more users without rooting the phone? I appreciate your answers.

# Answer
> 2 votes
```
~> adb shell pm get-max-users
Maximum supported users: 1

```

I don't know specifically *why* Samsung does this but you can work around this restriction and have a secondary user by creating a *guest* user :

```
adb shell pm create-user --guest gab1

```

> **Guest user:** Temporary secondary user. Guest users have an explicit option to quickly delete the guest user when its usefulness is over. There can be only one guest user at a time.
> https://source.android.com/docs/devices/admin/multi-user?hl=en

---
Tags: adb, samsung, shell
---


# Question
Title: How to report bugs and issues to the wireguard team?
I think I have spotted a major bug in the Wireguard app for Android but I can't see any reliable way to report it (and the IRC channel is probably not the best place to report bugs).

Does anyone know a reliable channel to report possible WG bugs?

# Answer
For core Wireguard bugs, you should use the mailing list : https://lists.zx2c4.com/mailman/listinfo/wireguard

If it has security implication, you should rather send a mail at `security@wireguard.com`.

https://www.wireguard.com/#about-the-project
> 0 votes

---
Tags: vpn, bugs
---


# Question
Title: How can I access "visual voicemail" without closed-source apps on GrapheneOS?
Is there an open-source dialer or other application that allows access to PIN-protected voicemail messages? I don't want to have to call my voicemail. I am running GrapheneOS.

# Answer
What is your phone? On CalyxOS and GrapheneOS there is a built-in Visual voicemail option in the default dialer but this won't work for every carriers.

> If you are having issues with Visual Voicemail, please be aware that AT&T USA users are unable to use this feature currently due to a lack of AOSP support. Other carriers are done on a best effort basis. We would suggest using Google Dialer with sandboxed Google Play if you are unable to get this feature working.
> https://grapheneos.org/usage#carrier-functionality
> 0 votes

# Answer
Voicemail can kick in when you havent answered your phone or when the signal strength is too low and your phone cant connect to the network. The latter is not going to work if you are relying on an app.

I havent seen any carrier provide any interface to their system, which appears to be different for different carriers. Also, down under, they charge you extra to access voicemail, even when you have an expensive package deal. They are not going to give up that money.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications, open-source, voicemail
---


# Question
Title: Android App Lock AND see the notification
When using app lock, the notification from the locked apps show as "1 new message" (and not the content)

This forces me to open the notification/app to see the content of the notification. if its a messaging app or email app, it forces me to open/read the message/email

Is there a way to keep the app lock behind finger/face, but still show the content of the notifications?

OnePlus Android 14 Oxygen OS 14

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can change this on my Android, have a look at your phone settings.

* Settings
* Notifications
* Lock Screen Notification
* Select Show Content

---
Tags: security, notifications, android-14
---


# Question
Title: Not able to install APK after removing the device from Intune company portal
After enrolling my Android device in the Intune company portal, I removed it from the company portal. Now, if I install any APK from other sources downloaded via Chrome, it keeps saying

> Unkown apps can't be installed by this user.

I tried to go to Settings -\> Install unknown apps -\> Files by Google -\> Allowed, still the same error. Device admin apps are all off. Still getting the same error.

---

This may answer it: https://support.google.com/pixelphone/thread/249737257/unknown-apps-can-t-be-installed-by-this-user

# Answer
> 0 votes
It is possible that your Android Settings is different to mine.

* Go to `Settings`
* Press `Security and Privacy`
* Press `Install unknown apps`
* Toggle the switch for Chrome

---
Tags: installation, apk, android-enterprise, microsoft-intune
---


# Question
Title: Tasker - turn off wifi IF there's no internet connection
i can't figure it out how to do this and all other tutorials are outdated and i have not some options they do (like a check box next to the time to set variable). so please don't mark this question as duplicate.

with that said; i have a profile which turn WiFi on when i unlock my phone. i want that to also ping Google DNS and if it get time out turn WiFi off if not keep the wifi connected.

# Answer
You can create a task to ping Google DNS as follows:

Task → Code → Run Shell

Command: `ping -c 2 8.8.8.8` \[Store Output In: `%stdout`\] \[Continue Task After Error: **checked**\]

> `If` `%stdout` ~ *100% packet loss*
>
> google servers unreachable
>
> `Else`
>
> connectivity established
>
> `End If`

Add this to your main task with either keeps wi-fi conection or switches it off.

Credits

Run shell 'ping' with tasker
> 1 votes

# Answer
You don't need the complexity and performance hit of "shelling out", you can do this with Tasker native commands. Use command "http get", then check the HTTP return code in %HTTPRC (or sonething like that:-).
> 0 votes

# Answer
## The Quick, Dirty, and 99% Reliable Method

Better yet, simply use AutoTools' Connectivity event **or** action. While I generally don't recommend plug-ins, unless absolutely necessary, AutoTools is definitely an essential.

## The Right Way™

If you want to do it, "the right way," although considerably more convoluted, use the new `Get Network Info` action and check the capabilities, like so:

```
Task: Disconnect Wi-Fi if No Internet

<Pause and allow for network conditions and checks to settle>
A1: Wait [
     MS: 0
     Seconds: 3
     Minutes: 0
     Hours: 0
     Days: 0
     Continue Task After Error:On ]

A2: Get Network Info [
     Continue Task After Error:On ]

<Wi-Fi Connected to AP<br />
<b>AND</b><br />
(Does NOT have internet<br />
<b>OR</b><br />
Has NOT been validated<br />
<b>OR</b><br />
Captive Portal PRESENT)>
A3: If [ %ni_active_types(#?wifi) > 0 & %ni_active_capabilities(#?internet) < 1 | %ni_active_capabilities(#?validated) < 1 | %ni_active_capabilities(#?captive_portal) > 0 ]

    A4: WiFi [
         Set: Off
         Continue Task After Error:On ]

A5: End If

```

*(Scroll to the right at the bottom, in the `If` conditions of `A3`, of the above code block to see where the magic really happens.)*

The above allows for a variety of network scenarios to occur without prematurely judging the state of internet connectivity; namely, Captive Portal logins. It also prevents you from having to manually ping Google.com (which has its own pitfalls).

## ... One Step Further

You could make this much more robust too by associating the above task with a profile that handles things on an event-driven basis when network conditions change, like so:

```
Profile: Wi-Fi: Network Change Detected
Settings: Priority: 20 Enforce: no
    Event: Intent Received [ Action:android.net.conn.CONNECTIVITY_CHANGE Cat:None Cat:None Scheme:* Mime Type:* ]

Enter Task: Anon
Settings: Abort Existing Task

Task: Disconnect Wi-Fi if No Internet

<Pause and allow for network conditions and checks to settle>
A1: Wait [
     MS: 0
     Seconds: 3
     Minutes: 0
     Hours: 0
     Days: 0
     Continue Task After Error:On ]

A2: Get Network Info [
     Continue Task After Error:On ]

<Wi-Fi Connected to AP<br />
<b>AND</b><br />
(Does NOT have internet<br />
<b>OR</b><br />
Has NOT been validated<br />
<b>OR</b><br />
Captive Portal PRESENT)>
A3: If [ %ni_active_types(#?wifi) > 0 & %ni_active_capabilities(#?internet) < 1 | %ni_active_capabilities(#?validated) < 1 | %ni_active_capabilities(#?captive_portal) > 0 ]

    A4: WiFi [
         Set: Off
         Continue Task After Error:On ]

A5: End If

```

*(Take special note of the Task Setting of, `Abort Existing Task` since this intent gets fired about 6-12 times whenever there is a network state change and you don't want your Task to be executing at the very beginning of those intents, otherwise network states won't be correct yet.)*

Also, make sure you're not in beginner mode or in Tasky, and ensure all steps have, `Continue on Error` checked.

That is the proper way to detect internet connectivity: by allowing Android to do the heavy-lifting so that ALL scenarios are accounted for.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: tasker
---


# Question
Title: Android settings and Microsoft Intune report different security patch levels on Huawei devices
I have a Huawei P20 lite, which reports (per System -\> About this phone) an OS version EMUI 9.1.0, Android 9, Kernel 4.9.148, Security Patch Level of 1st January 2022.

However, Microsoft Intune reports an OS version of Android 9.0 and a Security Patch Level of 2020-08-01.

So, which is it? Is the 2022 patch level the patch level of the EMUI part of HUAWEI's Android variant, and the 2020 patch level the latest patch level of the underlying Android version?

# Answer
Some suspected that Huawei couldn't get the security patch update on their Android devices certified by Google anymore because of the TGL (Temporary General License) extension timed out in August 2020.

According to comments on the Huawei forum:

* Android security patch not updated... looks like it.

> I suspect that Huawei cannot get any security patch higher than 08/20 certified on GMS devices because that's the time the TGL (temporary license for existing devices) timed out.
>
> At least SnoopSnitch doesn't find any vulnerabilities here on my P30 Pro and does report CVE up to 02/2021 being fixed, so it might be mostly a cosmetic issue.
* Security Patch Version not recognized by Microsoft Intune

> This is a known issue and they (Huawei support) refuse to tell why they keep the outdated patch level of 08/2020 (for GMS devices) or 11/2020 (for HMS devices) in the official Android info field for that parameter.
>
> Fact is, in the system info any developer can insert any string they like (so they could tell you even 12/2525 if they wanted to) so what you read there is of no worth at all.
>
> Strange enough it seems the security patches after 08/2020 are really applied if you believe testing software but it still reports that stone old patch level leading to severe problems with some software that requires actual patch levels.
>
> The only reason for this I can think of is that Huawei isn't able to get those patches officially verified even though the CVEs are included.

And by US governments, Temporary General License: Extension of Validity

> The U.S. Government has decided to extend through August 13, 2020, the temporary general license to Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. (Huawei) and one hundred and fourteen of its non-U.S. affiliates on the Entity List. In order to implement this decision, this final rule revises the temporary general license to remove the expiration date of May 15, 2020, and substitutes the date of August 13, 2020. In addition, BIS sought public comments regarding future extensions of the Huawei TGL (85 FR 14428, March 12, 2020) and is in the process of reviewing those comments.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: updates, huawei, android-versions, operating-system, microsoft-intune
---


# Question
Title: DAC/AMP & 'Audio Accessory Mode' in Samsung NOTE 8
I have a Samsung NOTE 8 (SM-N9500 Android 9).

I have recently tried the Cyrus Soundkey USB DAC/AMP with it and it is excellent for music. However, with phone calls, the Note 8 sends the audio to its built-in speaker/earpiece instead of sending it to the Soundkey. I even tried to force output to USB DAC with 'lesser audioswitch' with no success (see video).

In contrast, the Samsung Note 8 comes with USB-C earphones which can handle both music and calls. I am guessing that these earphones work in 'Audio Accessory Mode' ie. analogue audio straight through USB.

If my assumption is correct :

1. Why does the Note 8 need to even use analogue output for phone calls when it can output digital audio via USB? Can't the phone call just be routed via a digital path?
2. Is there a way to disable 'Audio Accessory Mode' and force the Note 8 to use pure digital output for everything including phone calls?
3. Is there a device that can handle concurrently 'Audio Accessory Mode' and also be a DAC/AMP?

## UPDATE #1

I also tried a phone call with the Cyrus Soundkey and a Galaxy A53 (Android 12) phone and it works perfectly! The audio is routed to the DAC and the mic used is the built-in mic inside the phone. So Soundkey is NOT the problem... it must be the android device.

# Answer
Devices sold with Google Play Services only need to comply with the version of the Android Compatibility Definition Document (CDD) at the point of initial release rather than any subsequent OS version updates.

So based on GSM Arena's entry on Samsung Note 8 the device was originally sold in 2017 with Android 7.1.1 Nougat. Checking the CDD for Android 7.1 audio output section shows a limited number of requirements.

Now compared with Samsung Galaxy A53 which was released in 2022 with Android 12. Checking the CDD for Android 12 there is a specific section for Digital Audio Ports which may explain the higher compatibility with third party USB digital audio devices.

**TLDR:** While USB-C audio support started to appear on Android devices before 2017 manufacturers were not obligated until Android 10 CDD, Section 7.8.2.2. Digital Audio Ports regarding compatibility with USB headset interfaces. Sadly older devices probably will not gain compatibility as effort and expense would need to be made by the manufacturer for appropriate audio channel routing.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: usb, audio
---


title: What is CameraX and JetPack?

text:
# Question
Title: What is CameraX and JetPack?
In this answer I determined that OnePlus was shipping functionality in CameraX and JetPack extensions to `com.qti.chi.override.so`, but what are these things and how do they compare to the Camera1 and Camera2 API that all the open source apps seem to use.

# Answer
> 1 votes
A Medium article by Steven *"Camera2 vs CameraX: A Comparison of Android Camera APIs"* says,

> One of the key differences between Camera2 and CameraX is their abstraction level. **Camera2 is a low-level API that provides fine-grained control over the camera’s functionality.** This makes it a good choice for developers who need to create custom camera features or fine-tune the camera settings. However, this level of control can also make Camera2 more complex and difficult to work with.
>
> On the other hand, **CameraX is a high-level API** that provides a more simplified and intuitive interface for accessing the camera. It abstracts away many of the low-level details of camera functionality and provides a set of pre-defined use cases that developers can choose from. This makes CameraX a good choice for developers who want to quickly and easily integrate camera functionality into their app, without needing to worry about the low-level details of camera functionality.

According to developer.android.com,

> CameraX is an addition to Jetpack that makes it easier to add camera capabilities to your app. The library provides a number of compatibility fixes and workarounds to help make the developer experience consistent across many devices.

And JetPack is described as,

> a suite of libraries to help developers follow best practices, reduce boilerplate code, and write code that works consistently across Android versions and devices so that developers can focus on the code they care about.

---
Tags: camera
---


# Question
Title: How can I force Android to connect to the network of current country?
I live in country A and work in country B. I have a mobile phone contract from country A. A and B are both in the EU so there are no roaming fees at all.

During the day I have no network problem, the phone uses the network of the country it's currently in and everything is fine.

Problems arises when I cross the border: it seems to me that the phone tries to stay connected to the network it was previously connected to. So for 10 minutes or so after I cross the border, the network signal is weaker and weaker until previous country is too far away.

How can I force the phone to connect to a country's mobile phone network as soon as it enters in said country?

NB: situation is exactly the same when traveling from A to B or from B to A.

What I tried: switching to plane mode just after crossing the border, waiting 5 seconds and switching back. It doesn't work.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I have discovered a workaround that works in some cases when traveling from country A to B. Specifically, it works when the phone is connected to 2G/Edge from country A although 3G and 4G (LTE) is available from country B. Note, my phone doesn’t support 5G. The solution might be also applicable for 5G-capable phones. I tested it on Fairphone 3 with Android 13.

1. When the phone is stuck in the 2G network of country A, go to: Android settings -\> Network & internet -\> SIMs
2. Switch the preferred network type to “3G only”. This will force the phone to disconnect from country A and connect to the 3G network from country B.
3. Once the phone is connected to the desired network, you can switch back to “Automatic (LTE/3G/2G)”.

---
Tags: mobile-network, roaming
---


# Question
Title: How to stop disabled Google Assistant popping up on home button long presses?
I don't use Google Assistant, so I disabled it, by (1) opening the Google app, then (2) going to settings from the profile icon, then (3) choosing "Google Assistant" settings, then (4) scrolling a long way down to "General" settings, then (5) toggling off the top toggle that simply says "Google Assistant".

However, sometimes the device thinks I long-pressed the home button (e.g. if I swipe up too slowly) and pops up a Google Assistant nag screen asking me to re-enable it.

How do I stop the Home button from doing this? There don't seem to be any related settings in the Google app settings.

I've found dozens and dozens of articles explaining how to disable Google Assistant - which I've already done - but not how to stop this home button behaviour.

Device is a Samsung S22 Ultra running Android 14 and OneUI 6.0 if that's relevant.

# Answer
> 31 votes
Eventually I found something, at the end of this article. This home button behaviour is apparently a system behaviour in general Android settings outside of Google Assistant, set to summon whatever is your current "Digital Assistant App" - and by default, Google Assistant remains the default Assistant App, even if disabled.

So, you need to **find your default Assistant App setting, and set it to "none"**:

1. Pull down from the top, open **system settings** (cog icon)
2. Go to "**Choose Defaults Apps**" (under "Apps" in the main settings list, or, search for it)
3. Go to "**Digital Assistant Apps**"
4. Tap on the *text* that says "**Device Assistant App**" with "Google" under it (not the cog icon next to it)
5. Choose "**None**" from the list

After this, long presses on the home button should do nothing and pop nothing up.

---

*Disclaimer: as always with Android, labels, menu positions, behaviour and side effects may vary between devices and versions, this is only tested on a Samsung S22 Ultra running Android 14 and OneUI 6.0*

---
Tags: google-assistant, home-button
---


# Question
Title: Disable browser auto-zoom in desktop mode
I do some of my works using browser in Desktop Mode. But on every browser I tried, when I click on an input field on the website while in the desktop mode of the browser, it zooms automatically, which makes me not able to do my intended work easily. Is there any browser or browser settings to disable it.

# Answer
Go to settings \>\> Accessibility \>\> Set Text Scaling to Minimum (in my case 50%). You won't experience any auto zoom.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: browser, zooming
---


# Question
Title: How to create a 6Ghz hotspot on a rooted Android?
Newer phones now have WiFi 6E, so is it possible to create a 6Ghz hotspot?

I have a rooted Pixel 6 and a laptop, they both have WiFi 6E, so is there any way to create a 6Ghz hotspot?

# Answer
> 0 votes
If your system cannot set a native 6Ghz hotspot, VPN Hotspot is supposed to be able to do exactly that. It requires root and possibly an extra Magisk module. I don't have a routable phone so I can't test it myself.

---
Tags: wifi-hotspot
---


# Question
Title: Incoming calls end immediately after being answered (phone hangs up as soon as call starts)
I have a Motorola Moto E (2020) (model number XT2052-1) running Android 10 (build number QPGS30.82-141-17).

Recently, it started ending incoming calls as soon as I answer them: when the phone is called, it rings and displays the associated on-screen prompt to answer/decline the call, but when I answer it, the call immediately ends (i.e., the phone hangs up automatically). This has happened multiple times with multiple callers; at this point I'm unable to successfully answer any incoming calls. From the caller's side, it seems like the call is answered but then immediately disconnected (they're not put through to my voicemail).

I was able to answer an incoming call about a week ago and I haven't made any changes to my phone's configuration in months (I haven't installed any new apps, changed any settings, etc.).

I'm able to make outgoing calls with no issues.

I went through Motorola's troubleshooter for both *Calls are dropping* and *Unable to make or receive calls* (under the general *Calls* category) and also tried some potential solutions I found online.

At this point, I've tried:

* Clearing the phone app's cache and storage.
* Powering off the phone and then powering it on again.
* Restarting the phone.
* Force rebooting the phone.
* Restarting the phone in safe mode. (This apparently rules out the possibility of another app interfering with phone calls.)
* Checked for a software update (my phone is already running the latest version of Android available to it).
* Testing the proximity sensor (this seems irrelevant but was listed in one of Motorola's troubleshooters).
* Ensuring that the "Power button ends calls" option is disabled (again, seems irrelevant, but was in a troubleshooter).

I *haven't* tried a factory reset (yet).

I've found a lot of reports of this problem or similar ones occurring for phones running Android, but the cause is often a third-party app (which I seem to have ruled out by trying to answer an incoming call in safe mode).

I'd appreciate any suggestions of other things to try before performing a factory reset. I'm also concerned that, even if I'm able to fix this problem, it may "randomly" occur again in the future (which I'd only realize when I'm unable to answer an incoming call), so any thoughts as to what the root cause might be (software, hardware, an issue with my cell service provider) would be welcome.

# Answer
This problem was caused by an outage my cell service provider was experiencing.

After posting this question, I tried my SIM card in an old iPhone and the same issue occurred; I then called my provider and they said the issue was a problem on their end that they were working to fix. After a few days the issue was resolved with no action on my side.

Doesn't inspire confidence in the provider, but at least I didn't have to perform a factory reset.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: calls, phone-app
---


# Question
Title: 0-byte partition and storage being inaccessible on a Mediatek device
I have an Infinix Note 10 Pro. I would like to know if there is any way to fix the 0-byte partitions issue and storage being inaccessible. I saw this when I was trying to copy out the `vbmeta` and `boot.bin` files for rooting, and for some reason, I got that issue. Prior to the issue, I upgraded my firmware after a full wipe, and that's when the issue popped. It is also to note that I do not have access to my internal memory for some reason either.

I am absolutely clueless about how these Mediatek devices work. I need advice since I have skimmed through multiple forums, and am unable to land on a decisive conclusion. In short, I do not want to ruin more than I already have. Thank you for your time.

# Answer
all good, resolved by flashing the whole stock rom again. weird stuff.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: partitions, device-firmware, mediatek
---


# Question
Title: Do photos survive a factory reset (Android)?
I sold my old Oreo but I'm paranoid. I had about twenty old photos (nothing special) and I deleted them, even from the trash. Then factory reset.

I recorded some blank videos and then a factory reset. Another x2 factory reset.

(I didn't have screen lock)

I know, Oreo is FBE but I still don't know if those encrypted files remain there or are deleted via garbage collection with the use of the phone.

My real question is this: in 6 months will those stupid encrypted files still be on the phone or will they have already been removed? Will they be there forever inaccessible?

# Answer
> I sold my old Oreo but I'm paranoid. I had about twenty old photos (nothing special) and I deleted them, even from the trash. Then factory reset.

That should be enough. As explained on security.SE:

> All android 7+ devices are enrolled with File Based Encryption (FBE) that encrypts /data partition from first boot. FBE keys are bound to TEE \[Trusted Execution Environment\] and user screen lock authentication. **On factory reset, TEE clears stored keys and OS wipes the data.** At this point, even if your screen lock password is known, it's not possible to decrypt recovered data.

*Should I trust that the Android factory reset actually erases my data?*

So yes, a factory reset is enough to delete everything - because the data is encrypted, and the reset throws away the key.

> I know, Oreo is FBE but I still don't know if those encrypted files remain there or are deleted via garbage collection with the use of the phone.

The encrypted files may remain, but it does not matter, as the key is gone.

> My real question is this: in 6 months will those stupid encrypted files still be on the phone or will they have already been removed? Will they be there forever inaccessible?

Maybe they will, but again, it does not matter.

Barring any bugs in the implementation, the data is gone forever.

---

One caveat would be: This does not necessarily apply to data on the **external SD card**. So if you have one, make sure to wipe it separately (or just take it out :-) ).
> 4 votes

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


# Question
Title: Some apps do not detect an internet connection
I've got a bit of a bizarre problem with my Android phone:

My internet connection is working and fully functional, since Chrome and most other apps have no problems. However, some apps do not detect an internet connection. They display 'No internet connection' errors or similar. Some apps do this far more frequently than others, and some can reconnect randomly.

Here are some observations:

* My banking app does this almost every time I want to check it.
* Various messaging apps will receive messages hours late (sometimes).
* This issue is temporarily resolved on reboot, and for some time all apps can connect to the internet.
* Terminating a process and relaunching it does not let it reconnect to the internet.
* Some apps can be using the internet just fine at the same time that others are not.
* Some apps never do this, such as Chrome, Google, various games and others.

As far as I can tell, it has existed since I got the phone a few months ago. I've tried disabling Samsung's battery manager in case it is messing with apps to save power.

I'm currently running my phone in safe mode - but it's unclear if this has had any effect yet.

I'm on WiFi, and I don't use mobile data. I own a VPN app but it's almost never enabled (except when traveling). The VPN app is one of the badly affected apps. Other devices on the same WiFi network do not show similar issues, and this problem occurs on any WiFi network.

Any advice on how to fix or troubleshoot this issue would be appreciated.

# Answer
> 0 votes
It's either iptables, DNS, or battery optimization-related problems. Because you've Knox on your Samsung device, acquiring root privilege is not an option in regard to warranty.

By the way, is your device activated with MDM? If it is, your administrator has enforced firewall policy configuration, proxy configuration, URL filtering configuration, or Wi-Fi DNS policy or all of them, hence you are out of options.

If it isn't activated, but because you can't flush iptable's chains without root, try removing the VPN app and wiping the cache from recovery. If the problem persists, again - without root - your options are limited - hence you should factory reset your device and not install the VPN app again.

# Answer
> 0 votes
It's simple, it's just because of battery optimization. You just have to go on that particular app in settings and then click on battery optimization. If it shows "not optimized", then it's fine, or else you have to change it to not optimized, then the app will run fine.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Some apps cannot connect to the internet when DuckDuckGo blocks app tracking (WhatsApp/HERE). Most do not have this problem.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I think its because your Wifi connection is dicey. I get this often on my phone often (some apps more than others), where either the network signal or the Wifi signal level is low.

Download a Wifi checking app and walk around your house to find the dead spots.

---
Tags: applications, internet, samsung-galaxy-a5
---


# Question
Title: Google Fit doesn't record steps accurately
I have been very frustrated trying to get an accurate record of steps in the Google Fit app. I have only one device, a Fitbit Sense watch, which counts my steps, and I have disactivated activity tracking in the Google Fit app. I have specified that Fit can receive steps data from another app. However, Google Fit always has a considerably lower number of steps. The difference is not consistent; it can be 70% to 80% of what the watch records. It is always lower.

The watch transmits the steps accurately to another app, so the fault cannot lie with the Fitbit Sense app.

I noticed that in the Fit app, the steps are broken down by minutes the walking started. Is Fit consistently rounding down?

I want the steps transmitted to Google Fit to be recorded as received, not reworked in any way. I have three apps which show steps; two are in agreement and one is way off. This is not satisfactory.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Maybe Fitbit is the problem. We have used Samsung Watch and Phone for years and the health app integrates the two readings.

* The watch is mainly recording arm swings
* The phone is mainly recording hip motion

The readings will be different. If you walk without moving your upper body much then the watch may record a lower count. Similarly, if the phone is in your pocket or handbag and is not moving much, it may have a lower reading. It depends on how you are moving.

---
Tags: smartwatch, google-fit
---


title: How to get Android 7.1 on Moto G5?

text:
# Question
Title: How to get Android 7.1 on Moto G5?
As (partially) mentioned here, I've been using Moto G4 prior to purchasing Moto G5. On Moto G4 I went from Android 6.0 through 7.0 to 7.1.

I assume that Moto G5 is a successor (next generation) of Moto G4. Correct me, if I'm wrong. If so, then why am I still on Android 7.0 or how to trigger immediate update to 7.1 or 8.0?

I assumed that having newer phone = *newer or at least the same* system version. I'd never expect newer phone having older system version than its one year older predecessor. What am I missing?

# Answer
> 0 votes
LineageOS cedrid gives me android 11 on a Moto G5.

Full installation and download information is available here: https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/cedric/

I have not had any issues with unstable apps. If you want to use banking apps in the USA you might have some issues, but I have been able to run them with Magisk installed and the Universal SafetyNet Fix.

---
Tags: updates, 7.0-nougat, motorola-moto-g, 7.1-nougat, motorola-moto-g5
---


# Question
Title: How can I disable Auto-Sign on my Facebook app?
Currently if I sign out of the Facebook app, sign in requires only that I press on my name. There is no password required. How can I change this? I'd like to have to type in my password each time to login to the Facebook app?

# Answer
> 0 votes
If the app does not support it, you cannot change it. I would recommend that you use an app locker. I have always used one. There are many around. I currently use Kaspersky for anti-virus and it has this feature. There are free ones around too.

* After installation, you select which apps require more security.
* You select what sort of security you want, I use a 6 digit pin or a fingerprint.
* When you press on the app icon, the AppLocker will pop up and you can enter your pin or whatever.

I lock all my sensitive apps this way, this includes Banking, Social, Email, Internet (browsers etc), and Play Store (so no one else can install another app).

---
Tags: facebook
---


title: bypass/remove FRP on rooted Fairphone 5

text:
# Question
Title: bypass/remove FRP on rooted Fairphone 5
I rooted a new Fairphone 5 using Magisk. After rooting I wanted to run the setup wizard again so I used

```
adb shell
su
pm enable com.google.android.setupwizard/com.google.android.setupwizard.SetupWizardActivity
exit
exit
adb shell settings put secure user_setup_complete 0
adb reboot

```

At some point in the rooting and setting up process I must have triggered FRP because now I cannot install APKs outside of the Play store because of FRP. I get the error

```
Can't install packages while in secure FRP

```

I can still install APKs with `adb`. I can temporarily fix the problem using

```
adb shell settings put secure secure_frp_mode 0

```

Otherwise I have full access to my phone and I have not had basic access to phone blocked by a "verify my google account" dialog like so many people having FRP issues.

There are quite a few discussions at android.stackexchange.com about dealign with FRP problems, some with answers. Some of the answers seem device specific but none deal with Fairphone 5. Is there a device-neutral way to fix this FRP issue? I have moved data and apps over to this new phone from my old phone so I would prefer to not have to do a factory reset to fix this issue.

# Answer
I said above that using

```
adb shell settings put secure secure_frp_mode 0

```

was a temporary fix but in fact it persists across restarts. So for this rooted phone, I am saying that this is the answer.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: rooting, frp
---


title: "package installer keeps stopping"

text:
# Question
Title: "package installer keeps stopping"
I have a rooted (Magisk) Fairphone 5 running the Fairphone ROM. I installed F-Droid using adb. I cannot update F-Droid itself from with in F-Droid. From F-Droid I have tried to install OI File Manager, LinPhone, and Easter Eggs. They do not install and the only feedback I get is "package installer keeps stopping". I also downloaded the OI File Manager apk from the github site directly to my phone and tried to install it from AOSP file manager with the same results. I am allowing installing APKs from unknown sources in settings. I *am* able to install apks using `adb`.

I ran `adb logcat` when trying to install OI File Manager and found two possible errors:

```
NotificationService: Cannot find enqueued record for key: 0|org.fdroid.fdroid|1|https://f-droid.org/repo/org.openintents.filemanager_40.apk|10195

```

```
PackageParser: Unknown element under <manifest>: meta-data at /data/user/0/org.fdroid.fdroid/cache/apks/f-droid.org--1/org.openintents.filemanager_40.apk Binary XML file line #63

```

I have also installed SAI which gives more detailed error messages and it says "Can't install packages while in secure FRP"

But since it is happening with different APKs, I am not sure how to proceed to fix this.

# Answer
> 0 votes
As mentioned in my comment, this problem is a system level problem, not a problem with F-droid, the package installer or any individual APK file. I have solved it using

```
adb shell settings put secure secure_frp_mode 0

```

and this solution persists across restarts, at least in my rooted context.

---
Tags: apk, f-droid
---


# Question
Title: How can I create a rule in Microsoft Outlook for Android?
How can I create a rule in Microsoft Outlook for Android?

In the Microsoft Outlook web interface (OWA), I can do:

# Answer
Creating and managing rules from the mobile apps is not currently supported. You can vote for this request on Outlook's UserVoice if you'd like to show your support for it.
> 5 votes

# Answer
You can use firefox and request desktop version of the website. This way you can use all desktop web features including rules and sweep.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: outlook
---


title: Pin unlock without showing numbers

text:
# Question
Title: Pin unlock without showing numbers
When you type your pin into the Android lock screen, it does the usual mobile password field thing where it actually shows the last character you've entered.

Is there any way to disable this on vanilla Android 4.4? As in show only dots.

# Answer
Since I just upgrade to 5.0/Lollipop, I can't confirm for sure if this setting is present in KitKat/4.4, but in 5.0, you can hide the last digit in the PIN unlock screen by turning off the Security setting labeled **Make passwords visible**, as seen here:

This is found under the general **Settings** app under the **Security** section. Note, however, that this also affects password fields elsewhere in Android, such as in the Chrome browser.
> 5 votes

# Answer
I have Android 14. Derek's answer did solve the problem on websites and such, but not on the PIN lock screen. I still see the numbers being typed there. Huge numbers visible from far far away.

For that to be fixed, go to Settings / Security & lock screen / Screen lock *(cogwheel)* / **Enhanced PIN privacy**. Turn it on.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: lock-screens, security
---


# Question
Title: Why does Whoscall database update fail on ADSL 2M/64K?
Why does Whoscall database update fail on ADSL 2M/64K Wi-Fi?

# Answer
Because Whoscall assumes a slow network is no network.

因 Whoscall 誤以為網路慢就是沒有網路。

Turn on your cellular data and it will succeed.

開啟行動數據就會成功。
> 0 votes

---
Tags: updates, whoscall
---


# Question
Title: Moved the SIM card from an iPhone 6 to a Samsung Galaxy S20, cannot receive texts from iPhone users
A friend had an iPhone 6 and received a newer Samsung Galaxy S20 phone. He moved the SIM card from the iPhone to the Samsung phone. He had trouble receiving text messages.

He removed the SIM card and put it back in the iPhone and followed instructions to delete all messages on the SIM card. Now, in the Samsung phone, it receives text messages fine from most people, but certain iPhone user texts are not received.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Nowadays, mainly in the US that I have seen it, sim cards are one way or another link to a device imei. He probably just need to call the carrier and they will update it. Another thing, his friends might set the messages to only be sent as imessage but I am probably 90% wrong, I haven't touch and iphone in years. Try to test it with another iPhone.

# Answer
> 0 votes
iPhone users send text messages using the iOS app "Messages" by Apple. This app can send SMS and iMessages, the latter is an Apple proprietary messaging system.

If you move from an iPhone to a non-iPhone then the other iPhone users will still send you iMessages instead of SMS as the iMessage system still knows your phone number and associates your old iPhone to it. It doesn't know that you have moved to a phone not capable to receive iMessage.

Therefore you have to inform Apple/the iMessage system that you can no longer receive iMessages: you have to deregister your phone number at Apple.

Apple provides a web site for deregistering your phone number in the iMessage system: https://selfsolve.apple.com/deregister-imessage/

---
Tags: sms, sim-card, ios
---


# Question
Title: On what relies the limit for maximum eSims on my device?
I have a Pixel6 and it supports 1 eSim.

Since eSims are just software, **what are the limiting factors** to not have basically unlimited eSims on a smartphone?

Where is it coming from?:

* The lawmaker?
* The telcos?
* The phone manufacturers?
* The phone operating system manufacturer?

# Answer
eSIM are not pure software. For security reasons the storage is a hardware component similar to the old SIM cards, just way smaller and AFAIK today integrated into the central SoC.

Also your statement "Pixel6 and it supports 1 eSim" is not correct. you can only have one eSIM active at a time but you can have multiple eSIM profiles installed and easily switch between them (usually you can have up to eight eSIM profiles installed, they are often called "lines").

The reason why you have only one eSIM is because the phone is designed to work as a dual-SIM phone: one physical SIM and one eSIM can be active.

Each active SIM requires the phone to search for the operator network and then connect to it and keep the connection. So when two SIM "cards" are active the whole radio system of your phone is shared between two providers. This means increased radio traffic and the necessity to manage things like hand-over and so on two times in parallel. This means it costs battery and it can come to conflicts where both connections want to use the radio system and the antennas at the same time.

Increasing the number of active SIM cards would increase those situations so each connection would suffer.
> 1 votes

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Tags: esim
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# Question
Title: Lowest Bluetooth audio volume is too loud
I recently acquired a pair of Galaxy Buds to use with my Galaxy S10+. I am using them to listen to Spotify at work. Everything is working fine except the lowest volume setting is a bit too loud. If I were to turn up the volume to 25% then it would be blasting.

I looked around in the system settings and the Galaxy Wear app settings but I don't see any option to adjust this.

Is there a way to decrease the overall Bluetooth audio volume so the lowest notch isn't so loud?

# Answer
I was able to fix this by using the Samsung SoundAssistant app.

1. Install app from Galaxy Store.
2. Go to Individual app volumes.
3. Add application.
4. Adjust volume for that app.
> 5 votes

# Answer
Under the Spotify settings, switch the volume level setting from normal to quiet and restart the app.
> 2 votes

# Answer
I have an MTK Android phone so I don't know if it will work on others (Snapdragon, Exynos, Kirin, etc)

1. Launch MTK Engineer Mode app: MTK settings \> Hardware testing (tab) \> Audio \> Volume \> Audio playback
2. Change the selected channel from System to Music.
3. Then experiment by decreasing the values of Index 1
> 0 votes

# Answer
This answer might be phone-specific (my phone is an "Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra") or Android version-specific, but I am posting this answer anyway just in case someone finds it useful:

I had a similar issue with a set of Bluetooth earbuds (Amazon ASIN B0BPS83P1W), namely this: Pressing the phones volume button to the lowest level (just one level *above* the level where the sound completely shuts off, or mutes the sound) results in the volume being still too loud for my ears. I observe that my pair of earbuds is likely different from the OP's earbuds (completely different manufacturer, etc.), so I reason this is an issue that must be rectified in the Android system via app or other means, and might not implicate the bluetooth earbud manufacturer.

I examined DavidEG's answer on 2024-01-27, and particularly the SoundAssistant app mentioned in that answer, and found it was non-existent (browsing to that link resulted in "We're sorry, the requested URL was not found on this server."). I then searched through for other apps that might directly allow controlling the effective volume level and did not find any app (I did not purchase any apps but only examined cost-free apps) that could effectively reduce the volume level. There may be apps that can do so, but it was next to impossible to identify them without testing them all, which is prohibitively expensive in time-cost. Thus I gave up on that.

I then hunted through my phones built-in settings and found an **Equalizer** that seemed to work: I found that the levels for all of the frequencies could be lowered. In this particular use-case, I lowered all frequencies down to the same level, as I do not require amplification or attenuation of *different* frequencies but instead attenuate **all** frequencies.

The advantage of this approach is that it does not require installation of apps to address this issue only to find they come with other hidden costs such as ads. The possible disadvantage is that this may be phone-specific or Android-version specific, and if so, your phones customized version of Android may not have a/the so-called "Equalizer" setting.

Regardless, below I show the screenshots of how to navigate down to the Equalizer and lower the volume for all frequencies. Other phones may have similar means to lower the volume globally:
> 0 votes

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Tags: bluetooth-audio, spotify, samsung-galaxy-s-10
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# Question
Title: /e/ OS location service jumps between correct and fixed wrong location
I have /e/ OS 1.18 installed on my phone.

Ever since I've started using /e/ OS, occasionally my phone would pick a semi-random\* fixed location and then alternatingly pass on either my real location or the randomly picked one to apps using the location service.

\*By semi-random I mean that it is usually relatively close to me (generally no further than 100km) and usually in a plausible place (a public road, square, railway station...) but otherwise wholly inexplicable.

In the past I had some luck with clearing cache & storage of the System App called Nominatim Geolocator (or similar) – this would fix the problem for a few weeks – but in my current version of /e/ OS I cannot find this app anymore.

In the Advanced Privacy settings, I chose to expose my location and IP address, but this did not help. Neither did clearing cache & storage of Advanced Privacy, nor disabling Advanced Privacy as the mock location app via the developer options.

What can I do to permanently get rid of this problem?

# Answer
> 0 votes
It sounds to me that your GPS hardware is not working reliably. When Location Services is on, it tries its best, using GPS, Cell Tower etc. In this case its using the Cell-tower location.

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Tags: lineageos, geolocation, location-services
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# Question
Title: How to back up OSMAnd favourites using ADB?
First attempt to back up favourites to my PC after enabling USB debugging and connecting the phone to the PC:

1. Open OSMAnd+ 4.6.11
2. Click the hamburger menu
3. Click *Settings*
4. Click *Export to file*
5. Expand *My Places*
6. Check *Favourites*
7. Click *Continue*
8. Give up because there's no option to save to a local file

Second attempt, based on this:

1. `adb pull /storage/[ID omitted]/Android/data/net.osmand.plus`
2. Give up because `net.osmand.plus/files/favourites.gpx` has no favourites

Third attempt, based on this:

1. `adb backup -f osmand.ab net.osmand.plus`
2. Unlock phone and answer backup prompt
3. Give up because `osmand.ab` is some 47 bytes

How do I actually do a backup of favourites from my phone to my PC using ADB? The phone is *not rooted.*

# Answer
> 2 votes
As mentioned in a comment relating to the export issue mentioned above, there is a working solution to this:

1. Open OSMAnd+
2. Click the hamburger menu
3. Click *Settings*
4. Click *OsmAnd settings*
5. Click *Data storage folder*
6. Choose an **external** storage and follow the instructions

After this I was able to back up favourites by running `adb pull /sdcard/Android/data/net.osmand.plus/files/favorites` (your path may vary).

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Tags: adb, backup, osmand
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# Question
Title: Summon on Samsung of bent arrow icon to the left with a number 2?
I woke up to a bent arrow pointing down to the left with a number two. I know this isn’t missed calls as it didn’t have a phone. This icon was in my notifications bar and I swiped away before I saw what it was. Has anyone came across this?

# Answer
> 0 votes
It means two missed calls. The notification bar gives a summary, not phone numbers. Look at your call history to confirm.

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Tags: notifications
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