# Question
Title: It seems my device doesn't have init.d support, but I have a bunch of init.* files. Can I use the same approach somehow?
```
-rwxr-x---    1 root     root          3265 Jan  1  1970 init.class_main.sh
-rwxr-x---    1 root     root          1730 Jan  1  1970 init.mdm.sh
-rwxr-x---    1 root     root          3347 Jan  1  1970 init.mmi.boot.sh
-rwxr-x---    1 root     root           325 Jan  1  1970 init.mmi.dtv.sh
-rwxr-x---    1 root     root           562 Jan  1  1970 init.mmi.early_boot.sh
-rwxr-x---    1 root     root          6341 Jan  1  1970 init.mmi.touch.sh
-rwxr-x---    1 root     root          8592 Jan  1  1970 init.mmi.usb.sh
-rwxr-x---    1 root     root          7054 Jan  1  1970 init.qcom.class_core.sh
-rwxr-x---    1 root     root          6920 Jan  1  1970 init.qcom.early_boot.sh
-rwxr-x---    1 root     root          6987 Jan  1  1970 init.qcom.sh
-rwxr-x---    1 root     root          2962 Jan  1  1970 init.qcom.syspart_fixup.sh
-rwxr-x---    1 root     root          2844 Jan  1  1970 init.rc
-rwxr-x---    1 root     root          1327 Jan  1  1970 init.recovery.usb.rc
-rwxr-x---    1 root     root           683 Jan  1  1970 init.surnia.sh

```

These are all the files that begin with init.\* in my `/`partition. In `/system/etc` I have some as well:

```
-rw-r--r--    1 root     root          2767 Mar 26  2015 init.ath3k.bt.sh
-rw-r--r--    1 root     root          1773 Mar 26  2015 init.crda.sh
-rw-r--r--    1 root     root          4987 Mar 26  2015 init.qcom.audio.sh
-rw-r--r--    1 root     root          9938 Mar 26  2015 init.qcom.bt.sh
-rw-r--r--    1 root     root          3651 Mar 26  2015 init.qcom.coex.sh
-rw-r--r--    1 root     root          3791 Mar 26  2015 init.qcom.debug.sh
-rw-r--r--    1 root     root          1725 Mar 26  2015 init.qcom.efs.sync.sh
-rw-r--r--    1 root     root          3083 Mar 26  2015 init.qcom.fm.sh
-rw-r--r--    1 root     root          4023 Mar 26  2015 init.qcom.modem_links.sh
-rw-r--r--    1 root     root         54877 Mar 26  2015 init.qcom.post_boot.sh
-rw-r--r--    1 root     root          2767 Mar 26  2015 init.qcom.sdio.sh
-rw-r--r--    1 root     root         19105 Mar 26  2015 init.qcom.wifi.sh

```

Are these similar to the init.d feature? How can I check if these init.\* are run at boot? If so, how can I use this structure to add a custom script to run at boot?

# Answer
There's no "easy way" in my scenario. My search found so far plenty of options:

Related: How can I run a script on boot?

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2287540

http://iamcmotc.blogspot.com.br/2015/04/android-how-to-run-script-or-system.html

Repacking boot images to add custom scripts: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=443994

Boot process: http://bootloader.wikidot.com/linux:boot:android

The simpler way is to use an APK to emulate init.d: https://github.com/Androguide/Universal-init.d or https://github.com/Grarak/KernelAdiutor
> 0 votes

---
Tags: boot, init.d
---


title: Google password compromised?

text:
# Question
Title: Google password compromised?
A few days ago I noticed my phone notify me about my Google play account as if I had changed my password. Yesterday I found out I had been infected with a rootkit and a packet sniffer. I was able to access my Google account. Found no weird logins to my account. So I checked "Devices" and it said "Unable to connect to phone, last time connected April the 6th". So it means someone did something to my account? I mean it's not that easy to log out of my account on my phone is it? I changed my password and my password rest email, so I should be safe?

# Answer
You should immediately factory reset your phone, then go to Google and go through the Google Security Check-up and verify EVERYTHING (don't skip any checks), and I would also recommend enabling 2-Step Authentication.

After that, setup your phone again and make sure to enable a lockscreen password, and possibly device encryption as well. Do not enable "Unknown Sources" without somekind of quality security package installed.

I would also go through everything on the Sign In & Security page and look for any anomalies.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: google-play-store, security, google-account
---


title: Enter recovery mode from command line

text:
# Question
Title: Enter recovery mode from command line
Does anyone know if there's a way to get an Android phone to reboot into recovery mode, from the Android command line?

Note:

I do *NOT* have adb access.

I do *NOT* know the magic power-on sequence to do it from the boot loader. I've tried the common things and nothing works.

I *DO* have root. (And can enter commands directly on the device using a terminal emulator.)

I know it's possible, somehow, because applications like ROM Manager do it. But how?

# Answer
> 12 votes
Generally, `reboot` binary provides a `recovery` switch. After switching to root, execute this command:

`/system/bin/reboot recovery`

This may not work if your manufacturer doesn't support it. ROM Manager type apps uses API of Android which you can't access via Terminal Emulator directly.

# Answer
> 2 votes
I tested the following command on stock Android 5.0 and 6.0.1, CM 14, and Android 8.1.0 with graceful shutdown and reboot to recovery:

```
su -c 'svc power reboot recovery'

```

It worked on Android 4.4.2 as well but the shutdown appeared to be low-level. It requires root access though.

Alternatively, if you're running Android KitKat or above* and have root access, you can try this command in a terminal app:

```
su -c 'setprop sys.powerctl reboot,recovery'

```
* replace *su -c* with *adb shell* to run the command using
* replace *reboot,recovery* with *reboot* to reboot the device
* replace *reboot,recovery* with *shutdown* to shutdown the device

**Note** that all of those `setprop` commands would do a low-level (unclean; not graceful) shutdown/reboot.

In Android Lollipop and above*, you can also try:

```
su -c 'setprop ctl.start pre-recovery'

```

---

For Android Jelly Bean and below, SS-3's answer appears to be the only possible solution.

---

* The last version on which the command is tested upon is stock Android 6.0.1.

---
Tags: root-access, recovery-mode, command-line
---


# Question
Title: What's the best way to restart Android via command line (remotely)?
I'm looking for the best / friendliest way to reboot my rooted android 4.1.1 device. I found these solutions so far:

* `su -c "reboot"` \- Causes problems with wifi after restart on my device... I read that this can cause a currupt file system in some cases... Doesn't work via ssh for me.
* `toolbox reboot` \- Same concerns here, but works via ssh.
* `reboot -d 8 -f` \- causes problems after restart e.g. some apps wont start
* `busybox killall system_server` \- "Hot Reboot" (not really a system restart)
* `start|stop` \- Starts/stops Android Runtime (not really a system restart)

What is the device doing exactly when I'm pushing the (hardware) power button? I guess that's the most friendly way.

# Answer
> What is the device doing exactly when I'm pushing the (hardware) power button? I guess that's the most friendly way.

You get to see a dialog with an option to power off the device (stock Android doesn't offer reboot). It appears that ShutdownActivity is called upon when you long press Power button.

Anyhow, this is what you can try, remotely or locally, but only with root access:

```
su -c 'am start -a android.intent.action.REBOOT'

```

It will do a graceful shutdown followed by the reboot. I was looking for an intent when I noticed it here.

Method is tested on Android 4.2.1, 5.0.2 and 6.0.1 and should work for Android 4.1.1 as well

## Update

Tested on stock Android 5.0 and 6.0.1:

```
su -c 'svc power reboot'

```

Per the source code here, KitKat builds should also support the command.
> 17 votes

# Answer
Simple, really:

* Android is safely shutting down vital parts of the runtime.
* The OS is also broadcasting intents to tell apps and services to gracefully close. These, in turn, flush their caches of all data and shared preferences, save what-nots to the sqlite database, et cetera.

In other words, apps and services are given a chance to do their cleanup systematically.

The commands that you have tried are harsher. They actually bypass the safety mechanisms for a graceful shutdown.

Android is not Linux per se, in the sense of an ordinary desktop version of Linux where those commands could be issued to shutdown the Linux environment.

It might be possible to create a wrapper script such as this:

```
#!/system/bin/sh
am broadcast android.intent.action.ACTION_SHUTDOWN
sleep 5
reboot

```

You could save this as `safe_shutdown.sh`, with permissions of 0755. Your mileage may vary, depending on handsets and ROMs — so no guarantees there.
> 14 votes

# Answer
```
killall zygote

```

This will kill the root `zygote` process and cause a Android system refresh.

This does not restart your phone's hardware, only the Android processes.

By default (in Linux), the `kill`/`killall` commands do give the processes a graceful way to shut down, though it depends on the *zygote* implementation whether this in turn gracefully shuts down your running Android apps.

Note: you must run this as root, whether you use `su -c`, connect via SSH or ADB, or another method.

Other names for this action:

* soft reboot
* hot reboot
> 11 votes

---
Tags: 4.1-jelly-bean, reboot, shell, command-line
---


# Question
Title: I can't restore apps with titanium back up
I got various problems.

Sometimes I get parse error. Sometimes it just stuck at 0%

I did everything

http://www.guidingtech.com/37632/fix-titanium-backup-errors/

My SuperSU is updated.

This is my ONLY backup.

I used to do xiaomi back up using settings. However,

I have no way to move the back up to the PC because I don't know where xiaomi stored the back up. When I flash the new ROM it seems that the back up is gone too. Xiaomi pc suite cannot back up ADB back up fail.

The only back up I have is that titanium back up.

Now I tried to restore and I got the back up stuck at 0%. I tried everything.

I tried upgrading to pro.

I change app processing mode from auto direct to auto indirect. The parse error is gone but still stuck at 0%.

I reselect /TitaniumBackup as backup directory.

No avail.

What sort of back up titanium back up make anyway? Do they just store the apk? Are titanium back up apps the only way to restore titanium back up backups?

# Answer
Some websites noted that the user should update su binary. The thing is, I thought my su is up to date. There is no easy way to update su binary. I couldn't uninstall supersu. If I press and hold there is no option to delete because supersu is a system app. When I opened Play Store it read "open". No uninstall option either. So I upgraded my SuperSU to pro version. Still, Titanium Backup failed.

I later browsed into settings of SuperSU. There was an option to clean up super su for reinstall. I selected that option, rebooted the phone and noticed that SuperSU was gone. I later reinstalled SuperSU, launched it and sure enough, SuperSU complained about binary in need of an update. I updated su normally and ran titanium backup again. This time it worked.

I am not sure if this step is also necessary but Titanium Backup warned me about some name space option in SuperSU. I changed that setting. (nope i do not think it's necessary but I would mention it just in case).

**Note:** I did it again the second time. My xiaomi then have many bugs. It seems that after some flash we should **only** restore user apps and not system apps.

Then I used xiaomi own backup mechanism, upload the back up to my computer, reflash, and then restore from xiaomi own backup mechanism and it works. Things are working fine now. I can fully enscrypt my phone, which is impossible on MIUI 7.0. I have root. And Everything is working flawlessly.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: titanium-backup
---


# Question
Title: Xiaomi becomes buggy after I restore tons of apps from titanium backup?
Should I just restore user apps instead of systems apps and data? I also want to restore the grouping of my icons.

What files I can just delete from titanium back up?

What would be the solution for the problem in the title?

This may be related though not the same Titanium Backup: How to restore user apps and data without system apps and data?

I didn't restore to the new MIUI version. I upgraded MIUI from 7.0.x to 7.1.8

# Answer
I have 3 solutions.

**1. Compelement with Xiaomi own back up feature**

First, the one I actually used. This will also be useful if you use titanium backup for moving to another ROM. Just restore completely. And then uses your ROM normal back up feature.A

For no matter what, everything is backed up. That is all I care. So I created xiaomi backup. I found out that I can see the back up files at MIUI/backup/all backups

You can see more explanation here http://en.miui.com/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=237526&page=2#pid4417978

In general, when in doubt, uses some file explorer that allows you to find large file. I think I am using ES File Explorer but I forget.

Now that I know the location of the "local" backup that will be reflashed when I flash the ROM, I simply copy that to my computer and copy it back after reflash.

**2. Backup only apps and not system apps**

You can do this too. But then you will not have that security settings and icon placements, and accounts restored. So you can do that and try to figure out latter what exactly you should restore .

The thing is, until today I have no idea, which titanium backup restore settings I want (like security settings, account settings, and icon settings). I also do not know which titanium settings causes those bugs. Perhaps they intersect. Perhaps security settings will cause bugs if you restore but is necessary to restore those settings. This is not the solution I used. So you can ask around.

**3. Install only apps. Then tweak your own settings**

Settings are easy to reproduce. You can also rearrange icons yourself after backing up your apps.

**4. Uses Xiaomi own back up feature from beginning**

The reason I used titanium back up is because I have no idea how to move xiaomi backup from my phone to computer. Look solution 1 to solve it. It seems that helium and titanium backup is useful only if you want totally different rom. If you just want to upgrade from MIUI 7.0.x to MIUI 7.1.8 it would make sense to uses xiaomi own backup feature.

Notice that the back up WILL be deleted when you reflash (I didn't know that. I thought it's in some safe partition. Which is why I am left with titanium back up as my only backup). Also notice that xiaomi didn't tell in what directory the back up is. So I got to ask around here. http://en.miui.com/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=237526&page=2#pid4417978

Actually xiaomi also have MI PC suites to back up your data to computer. My problem is that the MI PC suites is buggy and I cannot connect my phone there. That is even though I can easily moves xiaomi backup using regular file explorer in windows.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: titanium-backup
---


# Question
Title: How to remove a Gapp after installing it?
I just flashed the CM 11 nightly build on my S2. I have also installed the Gapps from the source provided by CM website. Now it has brought me many unwanted apps to my phone. I would like to remove apps like Hangouts, Gmail, Play Books. Kindly suggest me some methods....

Thanks a ton in advance.

KS.Rajkumar

# Answer
When you flash `Gapps.zip` (or really any zip in recovery mode), the applications in it are usually written to the `/system` partition on the device.

The difficulty is that the system partition is only mounted as 'writable' when installing the Gapps zip. After that, it's mounted as 'read-only', making it impossible to delete things on it.

You basically have two options for deleting unwanted system applications:

1. Start over: Reflash your ROM, then flash a modified version of the Gapps zip that has only the APKs you require.

You can remove apps from the Gapps zip simply by unzipping it, deleting the APKs you do not want, then zipping it up again.
2. Acquire root access, and remount the system partition as writable. You'll need the android command line tools installed to do this, but it sounds like you already have.

To mount the system partition as writable, do the following:

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

```

> Note: /system is only writable until the device is rebooted.

You then need to delete the unwanted APKs from `/system/app`. Reboot, and you should see the offending apps gone from your launcher.

Please bear in mind, however, that some Google apps depend on each other, and may not work properly if you delete those that they depend on. I think you'll generally be ok if you only delete 'named' applications (e.g. Hangouts.apk). Others such as GoogleHome.apk are required by others.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Easiest way to do it is with `Titanium Backup` application.
> 0 votes

# Answer
If you can't remove any of them, you can at least *disable* some of them going to "Apps" in "Settings".

You won't free space in your device, but at least they will stop consuming RAM and phoning home.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-2, uninstallation, cyanogenmod, samsung-apps
---


# Question
Title: How to assign the volume key for clicking pic in Samsung Galaxy Tab 3
Please help, i have a samsung galaxy tab 3 and i want to assign my volume keys for clicking pics when the camera is switched on and thank you in advance

# Answer
Default behavior on a Galaxy S4 (likely the same on a Tab 3) is to use the volume as zoom, but you can change that in settings for the camera app. Open the camera app, tap the gear icon, then tap gear again, and finally select the gear tab (this is the order in my Lollipop S4; may differ in detail on Kit-Kat or Marshmallow). One entry is "Volume Key" and you have the option to select "zoom" or "take picture".
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-tab
---


# Question
Title: MTP selected but PC doesn't show contents of external SD card
I have a Motorola G2. I'm unable to to access contents of external SD from PC. I chose MTP option for USB configuration. I can access the internal storage but not the external storage. The latter is shown as blank, nothing to display in SD card – but it displays the size of SD card.

I already checked solutions available for SD card not showing files when connected to pc to no avail.

I also tried to clear the cache of media storage and external storage app from *Settings › Apps.*

# Answer
> 0 votes
The simple way (for Lollipop and older versions): power down the Android device, remove the micro-SD, and connect it to the computer via a memory card reader. Once you're done with whatever you're doing (copying music/photos, for instance), put the card back into the device and power back up.

As noted in comments, however, on Marshmallow, this only works if the storage is being used as "external"; if it's been "adopted" as internal storage, its contents can't be read except by the adopting device.

---
Tags: external-sd, 6.0-marshmallow, mtp
---


# Question
Title: Absolutely cannot reset my Moto G 2nd gen tracfone
So I have had my phone sure Christmas and everything has been functioning properly. Now all of a sudden my phone has no bars anywhere I go, I cannot use the home button, notifications don't work, quick settings menu doesn't work, and my lock screen doesn't work.

After looking through multiple online threads I have decided to factory reset my phone, but one problem, my factory reset button is greyed out for some reason. When I try to hard reset my phone via the command prompt thing that, you can only get to by holding the buttons a certain way when it's starting, I go to "Factory" and it just starts up normally. Although if I go to recovery my phone shows an Android guy with a circle and a slash through its chest. I have tried all 4 options I have under the command prompt thing with no avail.

I am running Android 6.0 if that helps. Also my brother has the same exact phone and Android version but we can't figure out why his still works

Any suggestions?

# Answer
I have the EXACT same situation (had it since Christmas, had all the same issues you listed when I updated to Marshmallow, and my mom has the same phone and factory reset hers with no problem). I just did this so I'm not sure if it's just a quick fix, but I got my notifications and lock screen back (home button still doesn't work though).

Go into settings and click "users" Switch to your guest user (if you don't have one set up, you can probably set it up) You should get any notifications that are for the whole phone (ie if there is WiFi available or if your storage is close to full; app notifications shouldn't come up) Go back into settings\>users and switch back to the owner account on the phone. Your lock screen should return, along with any notifications you missed. The drop down settings menu is accessible as well.

Like I said, the home button is still unresponsive for me, and I'm not sure if this is a long term solution, but at least it's something!
> -1 votes

---
Tags: motorola-moto-g
---


title: Require fingerprint to answer call?

text:
# Question
Title: Require fingerprint to answer call?
A friend has a problem with other people answering their phone and thereby intercepting their calls. Is anybody aware of an app, setting, or Android distro that requires a fingerprint swipe to answer an ordinary phonecall?

Google has not been helpful (or my google-fu is insufficient level, below 9000).

# Answer
> 2 votes
Simple Google Fu: "android protect incoming calls" turns up a bunch of apps to protect incoming calls. Most of them use PIN or pattern, though. So: android protect incoming calls finger-print → Hit #1 = **AppLock 2:**

> Android 5.1 supported, Samsung Fingerprint unlock supported
>
> \[…\]
>
> **Lock Incoming Calls**

<sup>(My Google-Fu must be beyond level 9000 then :))</sup>

Hit #3 from that search might be worth reading as well: How to Lock Any App with Fingerprint Security on Your Galaxy S5. Not sure if all this is restricted to Samsung devices, though (and you didn't name yours).

---
Tags: settings, security, password, privacy
---


# Question
Title: How does Samsung implement SD card encryption?
My Samsung Android device just stopped working. I still have my SD card, but all data in it is encrypted. Encryption has been performed at the file level, so I have the directory structure and filenames in plain text, but file contents are encrypted.

I remember the key I used to set up encryption, but I need to know what algorithm did Samsung use for encryption and how they generated an encryption key from my passphrase.

Does anyone know if I can recover my data without the original device, using OpenSSL or a similar program?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Samsung uses its own solutions for SD card encryption in Android devices at the file level.

Only the device which encrypted the SD card can decrypt it because when the SD card is encrypted, an encryption policy file is saved into the device and SD card.

If you insert an encrypted SD card into another device, then you will only be able to see the encrypted contents of those files.

So, if you have the same device which encrypted the SD card and you know the lock screen which was used to encrypt it, then you can easily decrypt the SD card by navigating as below:

`Settings -> Security -> Encrypt External Sdcard -> Disable/Turn off`

A notification pop-up will appear for decrypting SD card on your device.

---
Tags: external-sd, samsung, encryption
---


# Question
Title: What does the phone do when it runs out of battery but it has an alarm scheduled?
Does it power off completely or go into a deep sleep state?

# Answer
No matter what, if there is no battery, there is no power to do anything, it is dead. But android saves the state of these even if you pull the battery. If power is restored before the scheduled alarm, it will still fire. (Assuming you are talking about the actual alarm app. It is feasible, but unlikely, that a poorly written app's alarm scheduling could fail with a power failure.)

However, if you restore power after the alarm has passed, the alarm will not fire.

TLDR: It can't be in a low power state, if there is no power. But it saves scheduled alarms, etc, to memory, so they are not lost.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: battery, alarm
---


title: What is shutdown monitor on my lg3

text:
# Question
Title: What is shutdown monitor on my lg3
My wife has an lg3. When I search our history on google search it say stuff like com.lge.shutdownmonitor what is she doing and what does this mean.

# Answer
It is probably a test application. Anything as *com.lge*.\*** will be there by the manufacturer LG. There are often several test and debug applications that are included in the OS, but are normally hidden to the user.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: rooting
---


title: Fail to install CM13 on Oppo Find 7a

text:
# Question
Title: Fail to install CM13 on Oppo Find 7a
I would like to install Cyanogenmod 13 on my Oppo Find 7a.

I am following the instructions from CM wiki. I am using a laptop with Linux (LMDE2).

I fail to install a TWRP recovery. Fastboot seems to succeed (it does not print any error message). But then, when I try to boot in recovery mode, I still have the original recovery from ColorOS. I also tried CM recovery, but then I can't even boot in recovery mode (I get stuck on the "Oppo" logo).

I tried anyway to install CM13 using the original recovery. But I get a message "Installation failed".

Do you have any idea of why it fails?

---

EDIT : I add details on what is happening.

* When I run `fastboot boot twrp.img`, the fastboot screen gets brighter. But then nothing happens, it stays as is, with "fastboot" written on the screen. Then, I hard reboot my phone and hold the keys to get into recovery mode. I get the stock recovery.
* When I run `fastboot flash recovery twrp.img` and then `fastboot reboot` (holding the key to get into recovery mode), the phone reboot, I get the screen with "Oppo" written, then the phone reboot a second time. For this second time, it boots in normal mode (although I was holding the special key for recovery mode).

Once I booted in normal mode, if I try to boot in recovery mode, I get the stock recovery. It seems to be expected, according to TWRP website, since some devices automatically replace the recovery mode by their own recovery mode.

# Answer
I recently went through this on my Find 7 so hopefully I can help. Here's what I've found to be foolproof.

1. Download the latest ColorOS software and copy it to the device's SD card (either internal or external is fine if your partitions are not unified; external otherwise). You can also save CM13 there at this point.
2. Download and flash the latest stock recovery.

* Extract that zip file to your current working directory on your PC, put the device into Fastboot mode (hold `Power` \+ `Volume Up`), and run:

    ```
    fastboot flash recovery ./find7_recovery_4_4.img

    ```
3. Hold `Power` \+ `Volume Down`, releasing the former when the device vibrates and the latter after the recovery screen comes up, to boot the device straight into that recovery.
4. From recovery, flash ColorOS 2.1.5i and then select the option to reboot; let the device do so.
5. Download and flash the latest TWRP 3.x recovery: https://dl.twrp.me/find7/

* Similar to (2), different filename.
6. Repeat (3), and you should be in TWRP and can flash CyanogenMod!
> 1 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, adb, fastboot, twrp, oppo-find-7
---


# Question
Title: Notification icon that looks like "no entry" symbol
There is an icon in my notification bar that looks like a no entry symbol (far left):

Does anyone know what it is/means? I have been unable to find out.

# Answer
> 4 votes
You've your phone on Total Silence (one of Do not Disturb modes).

In the section *Turn sounds back on (turn off "Do not disturb")* of the article Silence your device with "Do not disturb", Elena notes:

> If your phone is in "Do not disturb" mode, you'll see an icon in the status bar at the top of your screen:
>
> Alarms only or Priority only
>
> Total silence

Here's further proof:

<sub>(Click image to enlarge)</sub>

Next time when you're in a similar situation, try these simple techniques I listed here.

---
Tags: notification-icons
---


title: Disable touchscreen in Android x86?

text:
# Question
Title: Disable touchscreen in Android x86?
I'm running a triple-boot between Android, Ubuntu, and Windows. My computer has a bad touchscreen that is randomly clicking certain areas of the screen, and I want to know if it's possible to disable the touchscreen driver. I have Android set up to boot via grub2. (Note that I never attempted to install Android on the machine itself, I installed it to a USB drive on virtualbox then copied the android system folder to Ubuntu's partition, then modified my 40\_custom file so I can boot Android.)

The Android version I'm running is 5.1. I installed this because Android 6 didn't seem to boot in Virtualbox so I thought it probably wouldn't boot on my PC. (Apparently it seemed to softlock on boot inside Virtualbox.)

# Answer
Sounds like your original problem is not specific to Android, and you're making this an XY problem.

What you should really do is unhook the touchscreen cable, and that solves it for all 3 operating systems.

On the laptops I've worked on, the ribbon cables for the screen are detachable from both ends: behind the LCD panel, and on the motherboard. Find out which is easiest to get to on your laptop by searching for disassembly videos, or just by removing screws until you get to it.

If this *is* an Android-specific problem for you, you'll want to take a look at `/dev/input/event0` and `event1` and `event2` and so on.

Figure out which `event` corresponds to your touchscreen by using the `getevent -i` command from a shell terminal to read the descriptions, and `getevent` without the -i to track all inputs, touches, accelerometer movements, etc. in live action to narrow down which event is touchscreen. I have not verified this, but you might be able to disable the culprit driver by changing permissions on the `eventXXXXX` file to read-only with a root file browser.

I also just found an app that seems promising: Touch Blocker - Google Play
But I'm 99% sure that will prevent using the mouse as well.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: touchscreen
---


# Question
Title: What's this option in the AOSPA stock email app?
On my Paranoid Android ROM, that I installed because the old CM ROM I was using is dead link and I needed a ROM to run, I am configuring the Email app, but I can't understand what is the meaning of this setting:

(It's the fourth option of the notifications settings, for non-French speakers)

I have not seen it in any other screenshots, it isn't in the translation files and isn't documented anywhere.

I think it is for having a notification for each email instead than a global "2 new messages" one, but it is only an assumption.

What does this setting mean? How will the modification of this setting will change the behavior of the app?

# Answer
> 0 votes
I believe your assumption is exactly correct.

Google has laid out these settings the same way as they have in Gmail, which has better translations. The bottom one is indeed the per-message notification toggle.

Click to enlarge

You could also try temporarily changing your language to English to see if the description is any better thay way. Or, of course, you could send yourself a couple e-mails with and without the setting checked and see how the notifications behave.

---
Tags: stock-email-app
---


title: Music keeps pausing

text:
# Question
Title: Music keeps pausing
So I am using a nexus 7 with Autodroid 1.2 (4.4.4)

For about 1 month its been fine, but lately my music will start randomly pausing and then when I click play it will instantly pause again and I have no idea why. Now this is happening in every app that can play music: Spotify, Google Music, etc

This also happens when I am currently in the app or if I am on the launcher screen. "Ok Google" is also turned off

Another note, the tablet is in flight mode, so it has no wifi, 3G or bluetooth turned on

Is there a way to figure out what keeps causing it to pause so I can stop it?

# Answer
> 1 votes
I once had that problem with a previous Android phone.

The problem turned out to be my earbuds. They (or perhaps the connector) were going bad, and apparently sending extra signals through the headset jack that were being interpreted as music controls. Some headsets have music controls on them, after all.

So the first thing I'd suggest is try playing it without any headset plugged in, and see if the problem goes away.

---
Tags: music, music-player, google-play-music, spotify
---


# Question
Title: When will my device get the Android 7.0 update (Nougat)?
Android Nougat was officially released on August 22, 2016. It adds features such as multi-window support.

You can review the high-level changes at the Android developer website.

Of course, not all devices will get this update right away, even at release; others won't get it at all. Manufacturers and carriers often choose to add their own custom modifications, which tend to delay the official release.

**When will each device get Nougat, either officially or unofficially, if ever?**

See also:

# Answer
This community wiki will list all of the known and rumored dates for devices. If you have an update make sure to follow the format that's been established, and the following guidelines:

1. Keep devices in alphabetical order, listing the manufacturer and model.
2. Specify if the date is confirmed or rumored, and **link to the source**.
3. If there is an unofficial release, link to the site where it can be downloaded

---

# Phones

### Huawei

### HTC

* **10** \- *H1 2017* (depending on regional variant) - (confirmed)
* **One A9** \- *H1 2017* (depending on regional variant) - (confirmed)
* **One M9** \- *H1 2017* (depending on regional variant) - (confirmed)

### LG

### Motorola

* **Nexus 6**: 2016-08-22 (confirmed)
* **Moto Z**: *by the end of 2016* (confirmed)
* **Moto Z Force**: *by the end of 2016* (confirmed)
* **Moto Z Play**: *by the end of 2016* (confirmed)
* **Moto G4**: *by the end of 2016* (confirmed)
* **Moto G4 Plus**: *by the end of 2016* (confirmed)
* **Moto X Pure Edition (3rd Gen)**: *announced* (source)
* **Moto X Style**: *announced* (source)
* **Moto X Play**: *announced* (source)
* **Moto X Force**: *announced* (source)
* **Droid Turbo 2**: *announced* (source)
* **Droid Maxx 2**: *announced* (source)

### Wileyfox

* According to Wileyfox, ALL of their devices will be updated to 7.1.1 nougat. At time of writing (2017-05-02), the rollout is well underway. (source)

### OnePlus

None yet.

### Samsung

None yet.

### Sony

* **Xperia Z3+**: *announced* (source)
* **Xperia Z5**: *announced* (source)
* **Xperia Z5 Compact**: *announced* (source)
* **Xperia Z5 Premium**: *announced* (source)
* **Xperia X**: *announced* (source)
* **Xperia XA**: *announced* (source)
* **Xperia XA Ultra**: *announced* (source)
* **Xperia X Performance**: *announced* (source)

---

# Tablets

### Asus

### HTC

### Sony

* **Xperia Z4 tablet**: *announced* (source)

### Other
> 9 votes

---
Tags: updates, android-versions, 7.0-nougat
---


# Question
Title: Why does my Xiaomi phone have a "Skip Lockscreen" developer setting?
I am using an unrooted Xiaomi phone running Android 4.4, and activated developer mode. The development options include "Skip Lockscreen". What is this? Will it this cause any functional problems for my device?

# Answer
> 3 votes
Typically, Android devices default to having no lock screen. Apparently Xiaomi didn't like this; it is a pretty terrible idea to leave your phone unprotected from others, after all, unless you don't care about theft or its contents. As such, the option to disable the lockscreen is "hidden" in the developer options. Presumably this is to help developers who need to go through the load → test → modify → reload cycle often and don't want to be constantly unlocking their devices.

A lock screen is also required to make use of Factory Reset Protection; see this answer for more details. Otherwise, there is no other functional issues. The lock screen is purely for security and privacy purposes.

---
Tags: lock-screens, xiaomi
---


# Question
Title: Can I use the adb shell to know that the phone support OTG or not?
Can I use adb shell command to detect the phone support OTG to transmission the files with an USB Flash Drive with OTG function?

# Answer
Yes. All you need to do is test for the presence of the file that enables it. On devices that do:

```
# adb shell ls /system/etc/permissions/android.hardware.usb.host.xml
/system/etc/permissions/android.hardware.usb.host.xml

```

And otherwise:

```
# adb shell ls /system/etc/permissions/android.hardware.usb.host.xml
/system/etc/permissions/android.hardware.usb.host.xml: No such file or directory

```

Of course, it's possible for a device to be misconfigured — but you have to actually physcially test OTG to determine that.
> 5 votes

# Answer
If the OTG drive is plugged in at the time of the command, you can also detect OTG by querying these directories:

```
/storage/UsbDriveA     (Samsung devices)
/storage/USBstorage1   (LG G4, V10, G3, G2, LG devices)
/storage/usbdisk       (Moto Maxx, Turbo 2, Moto X Pure, Motorola devices)
/storage/usbotg        (Sony Xperia devices, Lenovo Tabs)
/storage/UDiskA        (Oppo devices)
/storage/usb-storage   (Acer Iconia Tabs)
/storage/usbcard       (Dell Venue -- Vanilla Android 4.3 tablet)
/storage/usb           (HTC One M7, some Vanilla Android tablets)

```

Tested on my collection of devices and a quick trip to Bestbuy for testing the latest flagships listed above. Edited to add input from other members here.
> 4 votes

---
Tags: adb, usb-on-the-go
---


# Question
Title: Is it normal for a USB OTG converter to show in lsusb
When running `lsusb` (not as root) with an OTG adapter plugged in without anything plugged into it I get :

```
u0_a83@flounder:/ $ lsusb
Bus 001 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002
Bus 002 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002
Bus 003 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002

```

Is this normal with USB OTG adapters.

Also a USB hub is recognized as another device in `lsusb` when plugged using OTG

# Answer
Yes, that is absolutely normal. The host controller can detect the presence of the cable since pins 4 & 5 are bridged.

On my device I ran `lsusb` with a USB key connected via OTG, then with only the OTG cable connected, then with nothing:

```
$ lsusb
Bus 001 Device 002: ID 1221:3234
Bus 001 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002
Bus 002 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0003
$ lsusb
Bus 001 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002
Bus 002 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0003
$ lsusb

```

Exactly as expected. Your device appears to have one more bus compared to mine.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: usb, usb-on-the-go, command-line, terminal
---


# Question
Title: How can I stop facebook's notification about continuous contact uploads?
Every day I receive something along the lines of this (often it's just "1 new notification"):

Seem pretty exciting, maybe I should see what it is. But it turns out it's just facebook pestering me to fork over my contacts list and takes me straight to this page:

There seems to be no way to say "no". Either I turn this feature on or I have a daily notification from facebook. Is there a workaround?

If I can't stop it, I guess I'll just uninstall the app. The only reason I have it is to get infrequent notifications and if most of the time it's spam it's not useful to me.

Some people have suggested accepting the contacts upload and then disabling the feature. However the notification comes straight back. Also, this isn't a solution for the people who don't want facebook to have their contacts at all.

Not sure if this is the right place to ask. If not, where's appropriate?

# Answer
Go to the downward pointing arrow on desktop and then go to settings and then go to notifications you should be able to turn it off or tweak it there. Hope it helps you.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: notifications, facebook
---


# Question
Title: Recover pending text messages deleted before sent
Last night I got a number from a girl, I tried to send her a message, but it hung on "message sending".

I decided to delete the message without saving the number to my phone, and the whole thread disappeared. Now I want the number back.

I have tried to access it from my carrier but they don't have it on there because the message wasn't sent in the first place.

Any ideas on how to recover it? I am using a Motorola Atrix 4G.

# Answer
> 2 votes
It is extremely unlikely that you can recover the text message itself, but you can try following something like this.

If you haven't rebooted your phone, you could also try running this from your PC while your phone is connected:

```
adb shell "logcat | grep handleSmsReceived"

```

The output will look like:

```
D/Mms/Txn ( 9092): handleSmsReceived messageUri: content://sms/789, address: +15551234567, body: this is a text message

```

If you don't have ADB installed, you can get it from the Android SDK Tools.

# Answer
> 1 votes
There's a chance to recover deleted SMS **if your device is rooted** – but you'll have to act fast (before deleted entries are purged out):

1. Get the messages database (`/data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.*` files) from your device
2. Make multiple copies of that (so in case something goes wrong, you can start fresh)
3. Try one of the available tools to recover deleted rows from SQLite databases
4. Analyse what you've got

For item #3, here are a few options:

For item #4 I can recommend SQLiteman (documentation here), which I'm using myself every now and then. Hasn't been updated for a while, but it's simple and easy to work with.

---
Tags: sms, samsung, sync, motorola-atrix-4g
---


# Question
Title: How to restore Line messages from Titanium Backup?
It seems that Line *(a messaging app like WhatsApp)* is one that I cannot easily restore app data (messages) through Titanium Backup.

There is a whole thread on XDA, highlighting one post:

> \[...\]
>
> 1. Restore Line with Titanium Backup (app+data) (DON'T OPEN THE LINE APP YET!)
> 2. Log into a root shell and delete the previous settings:
>
> ```
> sqlite3 /data/data/jp.naver.line.android/databases/naver_line
> delete from setting;
> .quit
>
> ```
> 3. \[...\]

It looks quite difficult and I am not even sure it's correct.

Can anyone confirm before I try? Also, what is a root shell? Is that some form of an app?

# Answer
> Log into a root shell

It's a mix up of multiple things. It simply means, login into a shell and then switch to root user or alternatively, directly login as the root user. For Android, you can login from a remote shell using *adb shell* command. It automatically logins as user 2000. Alternatively, use a terminal emulator app and it would automatically login using its own UID. In both the cases, don't bother about the term "log in".

Switch to root user using *su*.

> ```
> sqlite3 /data/data/jp.naver.line.android/databases/naver_line
>
> ```

sqlite3 is a command-line tool to interface with SQLite databases. Stock Android doesn't come with it.

That command does nothing more than attaching the database *naver\_line* located under */data/data/jp.naver.line.android/databases/* to sqlite3 so that latter can do its work on it.

> ```
> delete from setting;
>
> ```

I don't have that app or its backup but the command indicates that there is a table named *setting* in the said database. That command would delete all the data available in that table.

> ```
> .quit
>
> ```

It would disconnect the database and exit from the sqlite3 tool.

---

I don't know whether those commands would achieve anything or not, so take this solution as a partial answer only.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: restore, titanium-backup, line
---


# Question
Title: Android Beta Program: verification failed
I'm trying to install the Android N preview on my Nexus 9 (volantis). I enrolled for the beta program, and immediately got a notification on the device. After the 1GB download, however, the Android Beta Program updater informs me that validation failed.

I tried several times, also on a different WiFi at work. What gives?

# Answer
> 4 votes
It turns out that my Nexus 9 was still running the latest Android M preview.

After snagging the latest Android Marshmallow (6.0.1) build for volantis and flashing it manually (see the instructions here), the OTA update came in again and the Android N preview downloaded, validated and installed correctly.

If you don't get offered the OTA update, make sure that you've enrolled your device for the Android Beta Program here.

---
Tags: ota-update, nexus-9, 7.0-nougat, android-beta-program
---


# Question
Title: Where is the layout file for the Sony Xperia launcher?
Due to unrelated reasons my homescreen may reset sometimes. I do not seek help with that, and in fact I am already sure it cannot be fixed right now. However it is annoying to put everything back all the time.

So here's my idea: to work around this, I need to make a backup of the layout file whenever I change it, and when it resets, restore the backup. This way, I won't have to put everything back myself, just restore the file, restart the launcher, and everything is back to normal.

However, I cannot find this file. Where is it?

# Answer
You will need root permission to do this.

The files for the stock launcher are in /data/data/com.sonyericsson.home/databases. You need to back up the database AND the journal. If it ever resets, just restore the files. After that, you need to restart the launcher for the backup to take effect. You can do this by temporarily switching launchers and then going back. You could also do this by using a task killer (note - there is no need to have a task killer, refer here)

Note that the location for the layout file is almost always in /data/data/\<app package\>/database. \<app package\> usually looks like com.company.launcher.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: sony-xperia, home-screen
---


# Question
Title: Why i cant access my internal sd card after flashing a new ROM?
I am using Micromax unite 2 phone. Its an MT6582 phone running on KK . Recently i flashed a new rom ( exception OS) and after booting up , i found that i cannot access the internal sd card. The stock file manager doesnt even show that there is an internal sd card. I also tried ES file explorer but to no avail. Also when i connect to my pc via usb , after selecting usb storage, only the external sd card shows up. Lastly , i tried accesing the internal sd card via recovery( PhilZ touch 6) and strangely it works. Also when i mount the usb storage via the recovery , my pc shows the internal as well as external sd card and im able to access both of them from pc. I have tried flashing the same rom again and again and also some other roms but the problem persists. Any help would be very much appreciated.... thank you..

# Answer
> 1 votes
OK guys I think I found a Solution. This is what i did :- I flashed another ROM today ( Resurrection Remix, CM 12 based) and flashed a 6.08 GB Repartition zip and booted the phone. The first attempt was unsuccesful and the problem persisted , so i booted into recovery, then wiped all , and flashed the ROM again, this time, without flashing the repartition. And when i booted up , i found that it had been fixed. Settings showed a total of 6.08 GB Internal Storage. if any of you have similar issues , you could try this.

---
Tags: internal-storage
---


title: How to use multirom with Android M

text:
# Question
Title: How to use multirom with Android M
I can't seem to find a kexec-hardboot patched kernel compatible with CM 13 for the Nexus 5. Is there such a thing? What should I do to getmultirom working on Nexus 5 with CM 13 as the main rom?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Use ElementalX kernel. Works on my Nexus 5 http://elementalx.org/devices/nexus-5/

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, nexus-5, 6.0-marshmallow, multirom-manager
---


# Question
Title: How to remap device's sensors to touch screen?
I want to play Moto Racer on Fpse (psx emulator) with device's sensors.

I installed Tincore but I have no clue on how to remap the sensors to touch the screen.

In my head you had to remap the coordinates to the area of the analog stick on the screen.

Is it even possible to do that with Tincore or any other way?

# Answer
I think it is impossible to remap sensors to touchscreen with tincore, but if anyone is interested, I found a way to remap sensors to analog stick on PC with MotionInJoy and PSXfin to play moto racer.

EPSXE runs fine some games like Gran Turismo 2 and Need for speed III but for Moto Racer the right analog doesn't work.

So PSXfin comes to save the day. Moto Racer works with it, so connect everything and GAME ON!
> 0 votes

---
Tags: sensors
---


# Question
Title: Why I need swipe screen before enter pattern?
I use Android 6.0.1 (Samsung S7). Phone locked by pattern. But to unlock it I need swipe screen first, and enter pattern code after that. I don't have this problem(features) on s4 Android 5.0.1.

How disable this swipe ? Thnx

# Answer
I found solution for me - it is use finger sensor. To unlock phone - click home button and leave finger on it. (Sensor integrated in home button). And no need to enter pattern, but if want unlock with pattern need swipe.(If phone use somebody else)
> -1 votes

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, locked-out, pattern-lock
---


title: How to tilt Google Maps in an emulator?

text:
# Question
Title: How to tilt Google Maps in an emulator?
I am using the **emulators** (AVD) by Google to run an application which contains a Google Map Activity? On a real device I can use **two fingers to tilt** the map and see 3d buildings in certain zoom levels - as shown in the screenshot.

How can I tilt the map on a **virtual device** when all have are the input devices of my computer (keyboards, mouse)?

# Answer
Thanks to Nicola's hint I searched for *SDKController* in Google's bug tracker. There I found a recent (Jan 28, 2016) and helpful comment:

> Specifically, a pinch/rotate gesture was added in Emulator release 25.0.4 preview 5 - hold Alt to bring up the interface.

Then I tried the `Alt` and the **right** mouse button ... and it works!
> 1 votes

# Answer
the only thing I've found on normal emulators (AVD) is to use hardware emulation: http://tools.android.com/tips/hardware-emulation

But I've never tried it. Honestly I prefer to use Genymotion devices which allows you to interact with just CTRL, ALT, SHIFT and mouse, no pain!
> 1 votes

---
Tags: android-emulator, google-maps
---


# Question
Title: Android adware lets me opt out: is it safe?
Recently my mom's phone running Android 5.0 has been infected with a piece of adware:

At first we thought this was caused by applications, but as you can see here, only the Google/METROPCS Internet browser is running.

In the photo, there is a button that reads 'opt out'. So I clicked on it and it took me to this link at `http://tracker.tpc.re/optout/mobile/`:

BUT both of these options smelly fishy. For starters, the manual app is not a download link in the play store but an APK, making it seem like a virus. The second (manual) as for sensitive information, which could harm me even more.

Which one of these options do I choose? Are they legit or do I have to do get rid of it another way?

# Answer
You should absolutely not give them your information or install their app, only bad things can come of it.

You should check in Settings → Security (or Safety & Privacy) under Device Administrators and remove any that you don't want controlling your device (if present), and then see if you can figure out which app it is and then uninstall it under Applications (also in Settings).

If that doesn't work, try an anti-malware app from a respected company or follow the guide here. In the worst case, you could also perform a factory reset (in the case of user app malware) or reflash the ROM (in the case of system app malware).
> 5 votes

---
Tags: malware
---


title: Forward tethered device?

text:
# Question
Title: Forward tethered device?
Alright, so I have a raspberry pi (192.168.42.53 on rndis0) that is tethered to an android tablet to access the internet. The tablet is connected to my home LAN via WiFi (on wlan0). How do I forward the raspberry pi so that I can access all of it's services through devices on my home LAN? Could this work through iptables?

# Answer
I found an answer to my own question that is a really easy fix. Turns out, iptables is not at all needed. There is an easy to use app on the play store that solved my problem: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=at.bherbst.net&hl=en
> 0 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, networking, mobile-network, iptables
---


# Question
Title: I lost my Android, am I able to recover my contacts onto the new one?
I lost my galaxy s5 active a day ago and have a next generation phone being shipped. Is there anyway through android or through at&t that I can recover my contacts from my old phone even though it's since been lost and shut off?

# Answer
> 1 votes
If you were signed into a google account, all your contacts should be automatically backed up. When you sign into the same google account on the new phone, the contacts will be there.

---
Tags: contacts, data-recovery, lost-phone
---


# Question
Title: Installing bootloader on completely wiped phone
My phone had an issue where it wouldn't leave the boot screen, so I reinstalled the bootloader and it didn't do anything. Then I formated the ENTIRE phone, including the repair menu, and now I have no tool that allows me to edit my phone.

What I need you to tell/teach me is how to install a bootloader here now, with what tool, and where do I get the files. My phone is a One Touch Star 6010X, and now is competely clean in memory.

# Answer
So, the issue here was that I did not have all files selected in SPFT when "downloading" (actually uploading) the files onto my device.

So, if you follow the steps here on a fully wiped phone, you need to get the ROM for your phone (the set of files that represent pretty much your future Operating System), select the .txt file to automatically find most files, and the manually search for the ones that can't be located by the program.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: bootloader
---


# Question
Title: How to retrieve Android contacts from Galaxy S3 to Windows 7 on a non rooted phone
I am hoping someone can help me with this. My brother passed away yesterday and we both have the same phone a Samsung Galaxy S3 on the Sprint network. I was wondering if there is a simple way with adb or some software on Windows 7 that I can use to get a list of his contacts off of his phone as I need to try to contact all his friends and let them know when his funeral is going to be as I don't have any of his friends phone numbers. I am familiar with rooting phones and installing roms as I have my xoom rooted but I have not rooted my Galaxy S3 or my brothers phone either since we had both just got it and dont want to void the warranty just yet.

Can anyone help me? I am not a programmer and really just want to get a list of his friends to contact to let them know what has happened. Please help me if you can time is of the essence as I am making funeral arrangements today with my mom and would really like to let his friends know that he is no longer with us.

Thank you all and hopefully you can help me!

# Answer
I had the same problem trying to get contacts off my broken galaxy s3, and the solution was a program called "My Phone Explorer" from http://www.fjsoft.at/en/ I had tried everything, but couldn't find a solution that worked for retrieving contacts AND SMS messages.
> -1 votes

# Answer
This is an old question and my answer may be of little help. *Since you know your brother's number, just call. Then answer the phone your self and viola!* It is unlocked.access the contacts from there.

I have always wondered why this security hole is overlooked.
> -1 votes

# Answer
You may find the contacts have been uploaded to Google Contacts. From there, you can click "Export", download the file to the device you wish to upload them to, and reimport them. Unfortunately, this only works if you can get access to a device that has his Google password saved on.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, data-recovery
---


title: How does Snapchat detect screenshots?

text:
# Question
Title: How does Snapchat detect screenshots?
I'm wondering how Snapchat detects if a screenshot is taken and how to disable/spoof the method. If using a screen recording (video) app, Snapchat can't detect it.

# Answer
So basically, when you are putting something in the file system (like when you are taking a screenshot) you have to broadcast `ACTION_MEDIA_SCANNER_SCAN_FILE` so that other applications are aware of it (otherwise android photo gallery can not display your screenshot). So Snapchat has to wait for that broadcast and when it receives the broadcast it just has to check if you are watching a snap and if it is the case they know that you just took a screenshot.

That's probably how they do it.
> 19 votes

# Answer
I don't know how it detects it, but disable the detection, you'd have to either download a third-party client (which I highly recommend NOT DOING, especially not after the "Snapsave" clients-servers were breached and over 200k nudes went online).

Option #2 (requires root): 1. Install xposed framework 2. Install the keepchat module 3. Enjoy
> 2 votes

---
Tags: screenshots, snapchat
---


# Question
Title: How to set data usage cycle to non-monthly value?
My network operator charges to my account every 28 days rather than every month. How can I change the data usage cycle length under `Settings > Connections > Data Usage` accordingly?

# Answer
You have no option to do so in the stock data usage controls. You will be better off installing a third party app, such as onavo count.
> 1 votes

# Answer
This feature is in Android roadmap. You can just wait or vote for it https://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=23676
> 1 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, data-monitoring
---


# Question
Title: Does "fastboot oem lock" prompt to confirm?
I want to run `fastboot oem lock` (or `fastboot flashing lock`) on my Oppo Find 7 to see if I can reproduce the behavior in this post.

However, I don't actually want to go through with the bootloader lock; I don't want my device to be factory reset at the moment, since it would take a significant amount of time to back up.

So, do either of the above commands prompt you before going ahead?

# Answer
> 3 votes
I cannot speak for other devices but Motorola Nexus 6 will show you a warning that userdata would be destroyed. The warning is shown both on the shell and on the device's screen. See screenshots:

It is to be noted that the warning would show up only when *OEM unlock* setting is enabled under Developer options. If it is disabled and you attempt to re-lock the bootloader, you would get an error on shell and an instruction to enable that option.

It should be further noted that not all the devices which support flashing through fastboot protocol have their bootloader programmed smartly. An example: How to re-unlock bootloader for OnePlus One?

Furthermore, it is very much possible that your device's bootloader is programmed to go straight with a reset instead of showing a warning.

A bit more info. Google on Factory Images for Nexus Devices has noted:

> Locking bootloader will wipe the data on some devices. After locking the bootloader, if you want to flash the device again, you must run `fastboot oem unlock` again, which will wipe the data.

Google in the document Verifying Boot explains:

> ### Changing device state
>
> State changes are performed using the `fastboot flashing [unlock | lock]` command. And **to protect user data, all state transitions require a data wipe**. Note **the user must be asked for confirmation before data is deleted**.
>
> * The UNLOCKED to LOCKED transition is anticipated when a user buys a used development device. As a result of locking the device, the user should have confidence that it is in a state produced by the OEM.
> * The LOCKED to UNLOCKED transition is expected in the case where a developer wishes to disable verification on the device.

<sub>(Emphasis mine)</sub>

---
Tags: fastboot, bootloader-lock
---


# Question
Title: Nokia here map data for Android - download on pc and move to phone
This question is very specific to Nokia Here Map on Android Lollypop. I have installed the app on the phone, however my wifi is too slow to download the offline map using the app.

I am looking for a way to download the offline map data on my computer using ethernet and later load onto sd card and then app could point the same map.

the issues I am facing: 1) Can I download the map onto PC as raw map data file? I am looking for a trusted source.

2) Once downloaded, where to copy on the disk, so that app can point to the location?

Please note that I do not want to switch to any other map, so kindly do not suggest the same.

# Answer
I could suggest you to use an emulator like Andy. Using this will help you to use your computer's Ethernet to access Internet.

You can install the app on that emulator and download the map data. Then you can either identify the download area and copy them to your phone. If that's too cumbersome you can rely on apps like titanium backup to restore the data alone.

It would be helpful for you if you use the same Android version on both emulator and phone.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: gps-tracking, maps
---


# Question
Title: How can I add non numeric sms senders to my contacts (for custom alerts)
I get on call alerts via text messages from a non-numeric number, is there any way to add this as contact so I can set an individual alert tone for it?

Copying and pasting wont' work due to numeric validation and no direct "add to contacts" option exists in messaging

# Answer
ADB should accept non-numeric contacts.

Download Terminal Emulator from Play Store, or hook up your phone to a computer with ADB drivers installed and USB debugging turned on.

Then enter:

`$ am start -a android.intent.action.INSERT -t vnd.android.cursor.dir/contact -e name 'John Doe' -e phone 956-0987` \<-- *Replace with non-numeric*

And/or:

`$ am start -a android.intent.action.ACTION_INSERT -t ContactsContract.Contacts.CONTENT_TYPE -e ContactsContract.Intents.Insert.NAME John ContactsContract.Intents.Insert.PHONE 956-0987` \<-- *Replace*

Both will still open up a "New Contact" window, but the information will be pre-entered.

If your Contacts app will not accept the data, you can actually solve your original problem using Tasker, a phone automation app, and setting up a profile `Event -> Phone -> Received Text` and playing whatever system ringtone, or personal ones saved in `/sdcard/Ringtones` by using `Action -> Media -> Play Ringtone`. Here's a screenshot of Tasker's UI:

Hope this helps!
> 2 votes

---
Tags: contacts, sms
---


# Question
Title: Use WhatsApp for one-way communication to a group
I am a teacher. All my students are using WhatsApp. I want to create a group for my students, and hide the group members to see others' contact details except my contact details.

Also I can only post the messages and others will not post in that group. It will be one way communication for their assignments and quizzes.

Is it possible in WhatsApp Messenger?

# Answer
> 3 votes
If you use a group this might not be possible. However, you can create a Broadcast list - in this way you can send a message in a shot to all participants and they will not be able to see the other members

On WhatsApp click on the overflow button (3 dots) and chose New Broadcast

Hope this helps

---
Tags: whatsapp-messenger
---


# Question
Title: Sony Xperia Z4 stuck at boot after upgrading to Android 6.0
A few minutes ago, my sony xperia z4 tablet noticed me to upgrade to android 6.0. Now my tablet no longer boots. There is just a text "Error" and a little lying android man.

I tried to Reboot in Recovery Mode by Holding Power and Volume Up Key but it does not work. Nothing happens.

What can i do?

# Answer
> 1 votes
1. Download Sony PC Companion for Windows/Mac.
2. Shutdown your tablet and connect it to PC in recovery mode while holding down volume up/down key. Instructions will be shown on-screen if you're not clear with my explanation.
3. Click on **Repair my phone/tablet**.
4. Follow on-screen instructions afterwards. It'll take sometime to download necessary files.
5. If everything goes right you should disconnect the device and boot it up. Remember first boot takes more or less than 5 minutes.
6. Support link just in case if needed --- Repair using PC Companion \[detailed\].

---
Tags: boot, 6.0-marshmallow, sony-xperia-z
---


# Question
Title: Oppo find 7: bootloader re-lock impossible?
I tried to relock the bootloader on my Find 7 (which I'm pretty sure was unlocked since I installed a custom rom).

```
fastboot oem lock
...

```

After that nothing. Windows console is "stuck". Any clue?

# Answer
> 0 votes
I see the same behavior on my Find 7. I also seem to recall the device *arriving* unlocked. As far as I can tell, it simply does not support locking the bootloader.

Running `unlock` just instantly says `OK` despite the fact that Developer Options does not contain the "Enable OEM Lock" setting at all (on the latest ColorOS 2.1.5i software, which is Android 5.0 — the version where that feature was added). I also cannot find anything about (un)locking the Find 7's bootloader online other than one obscure Thai site that seems like it is probably trying to get clicks by reposting the same instructions for multiple devices.

---
Tags: fastboot, bootloader-lock, oppo-find-7
---


title: How long do Nexus devices get updates?

text:
# Question
Title: How long do Nexus devices get updates?
It's been almost 1/2 a year since the launch of the nexus 2015, and a new one is coming. I want to know how often do android phones get supported with software updates until it becomes obsolete. It will ultimately decided if I should wait for this years model or buy last year's.

What version of Android did each phone in the Nexus line-up stop receiving updates?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Here is all the info, ordered by release date:

**`Device Launch Version Final Version Lifespan`**

```
Nexus One           2.1   Eclair                2.3   Gingerbread     1y  1m
Nexus S             2.3.6 Gingerbread           4.1.2 Jelly Bean      0y  8m
Galaxy Nexus        4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich    4.3   Jelly Bean      1y  7m
Nexus 4             4.2.2 Jelly Bean            5.1.1 Lollipop        2y 6m
Nexus 7 (2012)      4.1.2 Jelly Bean            5.1.1 Lollipop        2y 8m
Nexus 10            4.2.2 Jelly Bean            5.1.1 Lollipop        2y 4m
Nexus 7 (2013)      4.3   Jelly Bean            current*              N/A: Launched 2013-07
Nexus 5             4.4   Kit Kat               current*              N/A: Launched 2013-10
Nexus 6             5.0   Lollipop              current*              N/A: Launched 2014-11
Nexus 9             5.0   Lollipop              current*              N/A: Launched 2014-11
Nexus Player        5.0   Lollipop              current*              N/A: Launched 2014-11
Nexus 5X            6.0.0 Marshmallow           current*              N/A: Launched 2015-09
Nexus 6P            6.0.0 Marshmallow           current*              N/A: Launched 2015-09
Pixel C             6.0.1 Marshmallow           current*              N/A: Launched 2015-12

*current version is 6.0.1 Marshmallow

```

So starting with the Nexus 4, devices have averaged 2.5 years between their release and final update. You should add on a few months to account for the fact that there was some time between their final updates and when that version was actually obsoleted by the next. And the 5 and 7(2013) have passed that mark, though they will probably not get Android N.

Sources:

# Answer
> 2 votes
According to Google, 2 years.

> Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 6, Nexus 5, Nexus 4, Nexus 7, Nexus 9, and Nexus 10 devices get the latest version of Android directly from Google. These devices will receive Android version updates for at least two years from when the device first became available on the Google Store.

And as far as what Nexus device got what versions, that information is easy to find online. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google\_Nexus

---
Tags: updates, google
---


# Question
Title: How do you get clean Android OS on Galaxy S7 or LG v10?
What is the path (or paths) to get a modern android phone with a clean OS?

Preferably something similar to what a Nexus provides.

# Answer
> 2 votes
You have to hope that the manufacturer or custom ROM creators release an "AOSP" version of the software. For instance: Oppo has recently moved away from ColorOS towards a more stock experience, and BlackBerry's Priv has minimal changes to the Android interface.

For finding such ROMs, see Where can I find stock or custom ROMs for my Android device?

---
Tags: applications
---


# Question
Title: Run downloaded shell command without root?
My phone is a Galaxy S3, **not rooted**. I have "ES File Explorer" and "Terminal Emulator" installed.

I downloaded an Android build of 'wget', intending to execute it from the Terminal Emulator app. The file currently exists in `/storage/sdcard0/Download` (which is an internal partition, not a physical SD card) as:

```
-rw-rw-r-- root sdcard_rw 241974 2016-03-11 wget

```

`./wget` gives Permission denied. `chmod o+x wget` gives "Bad mode"; this is apparently because Android's `chmod` only accepts octal digits; `chmod 665 wget` gives "Operation not permitted". I can copy the file with "cp", so the filesystem is writable.

Other Q&A's here give several possible reasons for `chmod` failing on Android. One is SD cards formatted with FAT which do not support permission bits; but as I say this is not actually an SD card. Another is the filesystem being mounted with "noexec". My Android/Linux knowledge is way too lacking to check such things.

Is Android blocking me from executing wget by design? Is there a way to execute it without rooting my phone?

# Answer
> 6 votes
Yes, this is by design. You can't execute binaries from the SD card without system or superuser privileges (and remounting it without the `noexec` option) because otherwise apps could just download and execute malicious code at will. In older versions of Android the SD card also did not have emulated permissions so `chmod` would naturally fail.

Some devices/older versions of Android might allow execution from `/data/local/tmp/`, so you could try putting it there. Otherwise, you'll probably need root.

# Answer
> 5 votes
Android, just as Linux, prevents any user but root, to change the permission bits of any file not owned by such user. That said, chmod is ineffective, unless you have root privileges.

By the way, even if you had such privileges, you wouldn't have been able to change permissions, as long as the target path is **/storage/sdcard0** or **/storage/emulated/0**. This depends upon a security policy, which is implemented in the form of the **FUSE** filesystem, and can be circumvented by moving to **/data/media/0** or **/data/media/emulated/0**, and chmoding the file from this position. Please notice that this procedure will let you execute a script *only* if you launch it from one of the abovementioned locations.

Lastly, it should be noted that the Android port of **chmod** does not support symbolic editing of the flags (`+rwx` and so on), so you'll be forced to edit them via their corresponding octal values. You'll also do need root privileges, in order to be able to access **/data/media**. Trying to `cd` to such directory by using user privileges results in a **Permission denied** error.

# Answer
> 0 votes
* first, to make file executable, you should do `chmod 775 wget` (and not 665)
* but, you can only change modes of file if you are it its owner (or root). In your case, owner is `root` (and group `sdcard_rw`, as indicated by your `ls -l`), so only `root` can change permissions. As you are not root (you can check with `id` command, but as you say you haven't got a rooted device, so you can't use `su` to become root) you cannot change its permissions.
* Also, modes can only be changed if filesystem containing file supports UN\*X permissions. Your `/storage/sdcard0/Download` is probably FAT, which doesn't support it (you can check filesystem type with `cat /proc/mounts`)

Having said all that, if the file was shell script, you could execute it even with missing `x` mode with `sh /storage/sdcard0/Download/script`.

But if it is ELF binary (as it is the case with your `wget`), you are probably out of luck on Android (on desktop GNU/Linux system, you *can* execute ELF binaries indirectly via dynamic linker `/lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2 /mnt/Download/wget`, but I don't think Android allow the same with its `/system/bin/linker` \- I could be wrong on that one, though)

---
Tags: shell, terminal, file-permissions
---


# Question
Title: Which system service apps could I disable to protect my privacy
I have a non-rooted Samsung Galaxy Note 4 with a Google account and would like to know what system, root and service apps I could disable. The purpose of this is, I want to stop or making it difficult for Google spying my phone data etc. As you can see I have already disabled some apps like Google Calendar Sync or Google Contacts Sync or Google account Manager

> **But I want to know if there are more apps to disable which are sending data to Google or other third-parties.**

And an other problem is the Google Play store is'nt working anymore with my actual disabled apps. The only Google-Services I don't want to disable are that which are required for using Google Play Store, updating and installing apps via that. All other services and system apps with are not for using the Play Store required like Calendar or Contact sync and other syncroisations services for personal data I want do disable.

And I want not only Google syncronisation services to disable, also Samsung, Facebook and other apps which are spying my phone I want to disable.

**So. I would be very grateful if you could list me all apps and services which I can disable without to waive the Google Play Store.**

If you don't know specific to the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 you can say it general for all android devices.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Root the phone, you won't regret it. Unless you're on Verizon of course. Verizon hates modders and security enthusiasts.

The spyware apps you definitely want to get rid of are **RootPA, Silentlogger, DT Ignite, and Carrier IQ** (man, I hate those bastards.)

The rest is just bloatware for special features (ANT+ for S-Health, T-mobile/Verizon's ringtone apps, freemium services for watching movies, music, etc)

I forgot, since you have Samsung, there *is* a way to disable system apps without rooting. It's called **Package Disabler Pro - Google Play *and it only works on unrooted Samsung devices*** (some kind of device loophole per se). You can disable any system app from there that Settings.apk won't allow.

You can also use a VPN firewall without root, such as this one, to protect sensitive data from ever getting out there. Otherwise root and use DroidWall, more secure, doesn't rely on a third party VPN.

---
Tags: applications, 5.0-lollipop, sync, privacy
---


# Question
Title: Can I get GPS coordinates without internet?
am I able to get GPS coordinates for my app with Google Maps API just with GPS and GSM (no mobile internet or Wi-Fi)?

Thank You!

# Answer
Yes, of course... You don't even need GSM service to get GPS coordinates, as long as your device has a working GPS chipset.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: gps, gsm
---


# Question
Title: My phone stopped remembering wifi passwords!
For some reason that completely escaped me, this here Samsung S3 mini stopped connecting automatically to my home network, always requiring me to re-type the wifi password.

Since then, I noticed that it's not just for my home network, but for all wifi networks.

More concretely, here's a sample of what happens:

* I try to connect to a WPA-protected wifi.
* Android asks for the password.
* After I provide it, the phone connects successfully.
* I turn off the wifi (on the phone).
* I turn it back on.
* The phone doesn't auto-connect to the wifi.
* I explicitly select the wifi network to connect to.
* Android again asks for the password I typed in a minute earlier.

Any idea how that can happen? What could I have done to deserve this? What could I do to redeem myself and fix this problem?

More details: "forget"thing ("disconnect"ing from) the network explicitly makes no difference (it still doesn't remember the password next time around), rebooting the phone neither. This phone is running Android-4.4.2, is not rooted.

# Answer
There is most likely a problem with the phone's `/efs/ss_data` file. I think it's basically a key for decryption of your Wi-Fi passwords and other things in secure storage.

**Root is required for this fix.**

First we need to confirm it's a problem with secure storage.

1. Install BuildProp Editor from Play Store
2. Set `ro.secure.storage=false`
3. Reboot, setup Wi-Fi & reboot again

WiFi should now remember passwords if there was an issue with secure storage.

**Now let's fix the secure storage issue since we know what's broken.**

1. Set `ro.secure.storage=true` using BuildProp Editor
2. Backup EFS using TWRP/CWM recovery
3. Delete `ss_data` in `/efs` using ES File Explorer in root mode
4. Reboot, setup Wi-Fi and reboot again

Your Wi-Fi passwords should be remembered now on any ROM/kernel, non rooted and without edits to build.props

**Tested ON:** Samsung Galaxy S6 SM-G920T1 MetroPCS Variant on 5.1.1 build DOJC

**Note:** This may work on other devices that require setting `ro.secure.storage=false` in build.prop for Wi-Fi to remember passwords. I have seen users with Nexus devices experiencing this issue as well.

**SOURCE**
> 5 votes

# Answer
Google Backup Transport service may have screwed up, failing to update the wifi passwords being stored on their servers (methinks it is pulling down a blank password over and over again). In Settings -\> Apps -\> All look for Google Backup Transport, clear cache and data, and restart the phone.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi, password
---


# Question
Title: Google maps location working in app but not in browser
I am trying to use google maps to determine my location. When I open the app on my phone (Samsung Note 4), I immediately get location with an accuracy of about 10 metres, but when I access the website in any of the browsers on my phone (Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Android stock), I see a message saying that my location could not be determined, even though my gps is on and the gps sign flashes on in the notification bar just before I get the error message. I set my phone to allow location access to all applications and in every browser I clicked accept when it asked me if I wanted to share my location. Where am I missing something? Why can't the webpage figure out my location while the application can?

# Answer
Google apps have a special setting of their own to enable location access. Open the Google Settings app and change the Positioning Mode setting (under Location) to High Accuracy, and it should prompt you for permission.

In Chrome, go to Settings → Site Settings → Location and ensure nothing related to Google is being blocked.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: google, google-maps, gps
---


title: Methods of checking bootloader status

text:
# Question
Title: Methods of checking bootloader status
Just curious if there's any methods to check bootloader state besides using fastboot. I ask because on my device, even after unlocking successfully, the bootloader still shows that its locked when using the fastboot OEM device-info command. I know it was actually unlocked because I installed a custom ROM. I relocked after install but since it seemed to be inaccurate before I want to make sure it's locked.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Yes there is...

Step 1 : Open your device’s dialer (App where you enter telephone numbers to call someone).

Step 2 : Dial the below code, it will automatically open a new windows. (if it doesn’t open a service information window on your device, you can often only access the status via fastboot)

```
*#*#7378423#*#*

```

Step 3 : Now in that window go to Service Info \>\> Configuration, and see if there is :

Bootloader unlock allowed - Yes
Bootloader Unlocked - Yes

Summarized from : How to Check if your Bootloader is Locked or Unlocked

---
Tags: fastboot, bootloader
---


# Question
Title: Why does my hotspot stop after a period of time?
I use the hotspot feature on my HTC One X alot for connecting to the internet with my laptop. It's worked fine for months, but all of a sudden the last two days, the hotspot just stops for no reason that I can discern. I have restarted my phone and haven't installed any news apps recently. Any ideas?

# Answer
> 15 votes
You most likely have a hotspot timeout setting enabled.

You can disable it by going to your Advanced Hotspot Settings, and editing the timeout value to never.

Note that in some versions of Android in order to access the Advanced Hotspot Settings you need to first access the WiFi Hotspot Settings and then press the phone's Menu button.

# Answer
> 6 votes
Just a note for others out there, the setting is not very easy to find (at least on my Samsung Galaxy S3 mini Android 4.1.1).

Go to Wireless and network -\> More settings... -\> Tethering and portable hotspot -\> Portable WiFi hotspot. Once there, you'll have to press the Menu button (bottom left of your phone) and up pops Timeout settings!

One can only guess why they decided to hide that setting in such a hard-to-find place....

# Answer
> 2 votes
Maybe my phone does not have any option to prevent this, I cannot find any "Timeout settings" for wifi-hotspot of my android phone. **I have found an alternative solution:**

**1.** I turn off the security(pattern lock/password etc.) when I use wifi-hotspot and it works fine. For all the android mobile it should work I think: Go to **"Settings" -\> "Security" -\> "Screen Lock"** (you may have to enter existing pattern or password for the lock) and set security to **"None"**.

**2.** Also set the **sleep duration** to a low number such as **2 minutes or 15 seconds** etc. To change the sleep duration go to **"Settings" -\> "Display" -\> "Sleep"**.

**After this your mobile will hopefully not stop wifi-hotspot when it goes to sleep mode.**

**When you have done with your work** Enable the security again later by going to the same menu and setting security to "Pattern Lock" or anything you need. And you can also change the sleep settings as you like.

*I have faced this problem with my android phone that I am currently using. This solution works perfectly for my phone and I found this solution myself finding no solution in internet. Then I shared the solution here in stackoverflow.*

My recent findings is that, maybe the second step(mentioned above) alone can also do the trick.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I had the same problem. And then I realized that I'd set up Tasker to turn the hotspot off if it detected my favorite wifi network nearby. I've since removed that Tasker option, and the hotspot has stayed on.

I did not simply forget about the Tasker setting. Rather, even when I was nowhere near my favorite wifi networks, the hotspot would turn off. Tasker needs to briefly turn on the phone's wifi every so often, in order to see if it's near my favorite wifi network, and in so doing, it must also turn off the hotspot; my guess is that, somehow, it was unable to turn the hotspot back on after it shut wifi down.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Try calling your service provider. I had the same problem and upon making the call discovered that the company had some weird stipulation on my "unlimited" data plan that didn't allow for the hot spot without first paying a fee. Maybe there was a change in your service that weren't informed of

# Answer
> 0 votes
The fix is simple: Got to the setting in your device that is called: "Data enabled (Enable data access over Mobile network)" UN-check it OFF, wait about 30 seconds, then RE-check it ON.

You will notice then within 10 seconds the 4g will re-appear, and turn a beautiful blue - which means all good and working.

Works everytime.

On Verizon, you will need to do this every 2 to 3 hours. Why? Because that's how Verizon does it. T-Mobile does NOT create this restriction.

Also, you will notice that MOST devices wil NOT charge the battery when data is being DOWNloaded/streamed, so be ready for that.

# Answer
> 0 votes
There is also another possibility I installed a program named Du Speed Buster and it turn off hotspot in order to boost the system speed I had to unmark that to solve the problem check all of your programs, because it can be some program like it

---
Tags: wifi-hotspot
---


# Question
Title: Will a Bluetooth controller work with an Android app running on BlueStacks?
My son wants to play the mobile version of Skylanders Trap Team on his micro tablet a.k.a. LG Optimus Exceed 2 with no service. Apparently, it is not compatible with his phone, even though it runs Android KitKat 4.4.2.

I tried some of the free Skylanders Android games on BlueStacks, and they seem to run well. Before I buy the game and controller pack, I'd like to hear opinions of whether the Bluetooth controller is likely to work.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I am not certain you can install it in BlueStacks, I purchased the Skylanders Trap Team Android kit myself and have been unable to install the app on any of my non-compatible devices, including BlueStacks. The controller and portal, while recognized by my "smart" devices and my Bluetooth 4.0 PC, fail to pair. It requires the app to be running for the portal and controller to pair.

Since Google Play won't let you download incompatible apps, you have to find the APK file elsewhere. Every time I try to install the APK file in BlueStacks, I get the error message, "download failed because you may not have purchased the app" despite it being a free app.

I can tell you that the Trap Team portal/remote is the same as the Superchargers one, and so work on the Skylanders Superchargers app which is free if you own the Hot Streak car. However, that is only available to Apple devices.

My recommendation is that kit is about $10, and Hot Streak is \> $15 that is half the price for Superchargers. Otherwise, if you can manage to get the app to run in BlueStacks and your PC has Bluetooth 4.0 (maybe earlier versions), it should work.

---
Tags: bluetooth, bluestacks, game-controllers
---


# Question
Title: Can we delete /storage/emulated/0/tencent/MicroMsg/03a...df5/sfs/avatar.block.00008?
What does this file do? It's part of wechat but is it just a cache of avatars? It's 256mb.

# Answer
> 4 votes
According to the info provided by this thread on XDA, any data contained within **tencent/MicroMsg** and its subdirectories, does not consist of chat backups and/or relevant data.

Instead, the folder tree contains several large cache files (for avatars and chats), and media files (pictures, music, video) sent to you by other users. This theory has been supported by the fact that, backing up the **tencent/MicroMsg** folders, uninstalling WeChat, reinstalling it, and then restoring the backed up tree, does not restore neither your previous chats, nor your old session.

Still, the app does never accomplish any maintenance on its cache, so that's a duty that must be carried out by the end user, while WeChat contacts and chats are stored within internal sql databases on the **/data** partition.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Clear out your old messages and see if the file shrinks (assuming you are concerned with this because of the large amount of storage it is taking). If it does, it's the file that contains all of your messages. Otherwise, it could be a cache or data that was never deleted by the app when it was done with it.

If you want to get rid of it to save space, do the things I listed below. If you are merely concerned with what it is, it's probably the file that contains your messages.

**If you are concerned with saving space:** After deleting your old messages, if the file does not shrink, clear the app cache through settings-\> apps-\>wechat-\>clear cache and see if the file disappears. If it doesn't, that is a data file for the app probably holding contacts and messages. Deleting and reinstalling the app will likely delete the file, but double check that your contacts are saved somewhere else before doing that.

I must note, randomly deleting files that are not part of a cache can cause the app to crash when it is restarted or destroy data that you do not want to delete.

---
Tags: internal-storage
---


# Question
Title: Phone says that it is "up-to-date" after a canceled update
I have canceled a Marshmallow update download by accident, and now when I got to check for updates, the phone says that the device software is up-to-date. How can I fix this?

Phone: Moto G 3rd Generation OS: Android 5.1.1

EDIT: Unfortunately I cannot check solutions because recently the phone asked me to update to Marshmallow again, and this time I accepted.

# Answer
You can try clearing data for the updater app under Settings -\> Apps

Try checking for update after this.

I'm not sure whats the exact name of app in AOSP/Moto G rom. For CM the name of app is cmupdater.

Hope this helps.
> 1 votes

# Answer
You could either try to clear the whole cache of your phone via `Settings > Storage & USB > Cache > Clear cache`or you could try to update through Motorola's desktop app.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: updates, 5.1-lollipop, 6.0-marshmallow
---


# Question
Title: Unbrick a device having broken volume rockers
A technician checked my phone's (TCL S950/Alcatel One Touch Idol X) hardware and broke the volume buttons. I flashed TWRP recovery, because I wanted to install the latest CyanogenMod. The latter in turn bricked my device since it doesn't get past the boot animation. The volume buttons to get into Recovery or Bootloader don't work and ADB doesn't detect the device either.

What can be done to unbrick the device?

# Answer
Since you cannot access fastboot without using the volume rockers or having access to adb: No, you cannot do anything else but repair your volume rockers or buy a new phone. If you want to repair the rockers, you can check on iFixit for a manual. They may have one for your phone.
> 0 votes

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Tags: unbricking
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# Question
Title: During Android Encryption, I lost my device keyboard and OS ask me to enter password?
I have Android phone with OS version 4.4, I start encrypt my phone and it started very well. After an hour and restringing several time the device prompt me to "Type password to decrypt storage".

Her is the problem begins, I suspect the system keyboard won't work because it was disabled in settings yesterday and set google keyboard for normal usage, and now I unable to enter password.

Can anybody tell me how can I enable my default keyboard or enter required password ?

# Answer
> 3 votes
First, have a look at the answers to this question.

If none if them works for you and you have access to the recovery, I think you can only **wipe data / factory reset** your device.

If you don't have access to the recovery, you can still factory reset the device via fastboot with `fastboot erase userdata`.

Factory resetting your device will delete your data though.

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Tags: 4.4-kitkat, recovery-mode, keyboard, encryption, password
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# Question
Title: How to disable redirects from Google Search results to Android apps?
I had the Wikipedia app installed a few weeks ago. It lacked the ability to switch between different languages (link to read the same article in a different language), and it still does. This bothered me a lot since I know more than one language and some articles are much better written in other languages. So I like the ability to easily switch language. This is something that works very good on the mobile versions of Wikipedia (e.g. `m.en.wikipedia.org`).

Here's a screenshot showing an example.

*Click on the image for a larger view.*

So I uninstalled the Wikipedia app in order to go back to browsing Wikipedia content normally via the Chrome or Firefox Web browser. But now when I do a search with Google, and I see a Wikipedia link in the result, it says "Wikipedia app" underneath it. If I tap on it, it tries to open it in Wikipedia app, and since it is uninstalled now, it brings me to the app page in Play Store.

Is there a way I can disable or disallow this behaviour? I certainly don't approve of it, but I was never asked about it either. I'm not interested in using the Wikipedia app any more. I just want normal Web browsing to be back. Is that too much to ask? I tried re-installing and uninstalling the Wikipedia app two times, it didn't help.

# Update

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You may have noticed that there is an "Open on wikipedia.org" link further down the page. This will certainly open the article in the browser, instead of insisting on opening in the Wikipedia app. But the problem with this is that it's much harder to pin-point the link, because it has smaller font size.

As for "Default applications" menu option, I don't have any option to disable Wikipedia or wiki links. I only have "Home", and "Message" options.

# Update 2

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**The problem is with Chrome**

This problem is clearly related to Chrome browser only. Here are two screenshots of Chrome and Firefox respectively, showing the same Google search results.

*Firefox on the left, Chrome on the right.*

Firefox (version 32.0.3) clearly doesn't even have the ability to link to the Wikipedia app. Instead, it would show the article as a normal web page. Regardless of whether or not the Wikipedia app is installed or not.

**There are no default options**

As can be seen from the screenshot above, in first update, the "Default applications" option has no options to set or reset defaults for wiki links (or other types of app links in Chrome). Additionally, there are no default settings that can be reset under Application manager. Not for Chrome, nor for Wikipedia app. It just says "no defaults set".

*Chrome on the left, Wikipedia on the right.*

**Latest Chrome update solves the problem**

Chrome version 33.0.1750.517 came with the latest Android 4.4.2 (or a few versions below that, for this phone model anyway). In this version, tapping on a link for a Wikipedia article redirects to the Wikipedia app automatically. If the Wikipedia app is not present, it brings up the app page in Play Store. This behavior can't be change through setting in the Chrome browser or some default settings in the phone menu. However, updating Chrome to the latest version, which at the moment is 37.0.2062.117 does away with this problem. The first noticeable difference is that it presents the "Complete action using" dialog, which was not present with version 33.x.

*Chrome 33 on the left, Chrome 37 in the middle, Wikipedia 2.0-r-2014-08-13 on the right.*

The second difference is what's really good! When you uninstall Wikipedia, it no longer shows the "Complete action" dialog. Neither does it bring up the app page in Play Store. Instead, it opens the Wikipedia article like a normal web page. The normal behavior one would expect. Yes, it still says "Wikipedia app" underneath the link, but it opens like a normal web page. The same behavior as seen in Firefox.

# Answer
This is in part because the Wikipedia app is set as the default app for Wikipedia links, and in part because Chrome is not up to date.

1. Go to Settings menu.
2. Tap "More".
3. Tap "Application manager".
4. If the Wikipedia app is installed, go to step 4. Else, go to step 7.
5. Locate "Wikipedia" and tap on it.
6. Under "Launch by default", tap the "Clear defaults" button.
7. Go back to Application manager.
8. Locate "Chrome" and tap on it.
9. If Chrome version number is equal or greater than 37.0.2062.117, press the home button to go back to the home screen. Else, go to Play Store, locate "Chrome" and make sure to get the latest update.
10. Open Chrome. The following steps are optional.
11. Press the Menu button on the phone.
12. Tap on "Settings".
13. Tap on "Content settings".
14. Tap on "Website settings".
15. Locate "en.m.wikipedia.org" and tap on it.
16. Tap "Clear stored data".
17. Press the home button to go back to the home screen.

*These steps apply to Android 4.4.2.*
> 4 votes

# Answer
Follow this workaround: Go to Settings → Applications → Internet → change the default search engine to Bing. Bing will not automatically redirect you to Google Play and it opens the page in browser.
> -1 votes

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Tags: google-play-store, google-search, app-market-link
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title: Sync of contacts without internet

text:
# Question
Title: Sync of contacts without internet
If mobiles internert is off and i saved any contact on google account,then where it is stored actually before getting sync?

# Answer
The location of the contacts database can vary between manufacturers. In vanilla Android I believe it is at `/data/data/android.providers.contacts/databases`.
> 0 votes

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Tags: sync, internet
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# Question
Title: PC speaker pops like if someone is calling, but is not. Is my phone hacked?
I keep hearing sound pops on my PC speaker like if my phone was connected to the internet or if someone was calling, but it's nothing.

Is my phone hacked? Is it recording some surveillance audio records and then sending them online to someone?

The phone is Alcatel One Touch S'Pop

# Answer
Is your phone on Airplane Mode? If it's not, large cellular data packets will cause the same sound.

Shouldn't be anything bad, even ***if you specifically knew*** that your phone wasn't doing it before.

**Automatic updates** to Play Services and `ConfigUpdater` can change device behavior at any time, such as cellular radios (drivers).

It could also be a **new cell tower in the area** causing the change in behavior. Newer cell towers are taking advantage of the latest frequencies, so that could explain a change in behavior.

If your phone is on Airplane Mode, and the sounds are appearing, you might want to check your room (and nearby rooms) for other cell phones. If you have a reason to be worried, look for bugs also.
> 1 votes

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Tags: malware
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# Question
Title: How do I unlock my device after locking it with Device Manager?
I locked my phone using Device Manager because I lost it. It was returned to me, so now how do I unlock it?

# Answer
> 3 votes
Android Device Manager asked you to set a new password when you locked it. Use that password.

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Tags: locked-out, android-device-manager
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