# Question
Title: cannot update applications because of confused memory
Android 5.1.1 pulls this stunt off very so often.

Smart manager states 408 MB free.

But if I try to update some apps, Android imposes me to "Free up space", stating 79.51 MB is needed (in this instance *which ended up requiring only 7.5 MB, go figure*). Suggesting to go to settings/storage.

Go there and an initial bar looks like what Smart manager states (used/available), then one second later shifts over to details, but still indicates 408 MB free.

It is confused and transmitting that state to this user. What is going on?

**After reading the answers, I conclude this is rather violent behaviour and incoherent in communication**

# Answer
The OS attempts to maintain a specific threshold of free space, and that's why you appear to have plenty of space to install something but you get the warning and it fails. As the link from beeshyams says above, it may or may not be 10% of your total internal storage.

How do you get around it? Utilize external storage if you are able, or any other strategy you can use to free up the internal storage space.
> 1 votes

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Tags: 5.0-lollipop, samsung-galaxy-j5
---


title: Did I get a virus? (Galaxy S4, 5.0.1)

text:
# Question
Title: Did I get a virus? (Galaxy S4, 5.0.1)
I was just normally using my S4 when it restarted, and when it turned back on, it said Android is upgrading. The last time I saw this, I was notified of a software update, and I manually clicked install, IIRC. This time, it was sudden and unprecedented. I think this is a virus, though I don't know how I got it.

# Answer
> 5 votes
As it only optimised one app, and not all, it means that this app had to be recompiled. It is possible that this app had just been updated, and failed to get compiled at installation, but it's more likely that some file(s) needed by the already compiled app had been corrupted. As your phone rebooted, this app was probably a critical system app, the failure of which caused the kernel to panic (strictly speaking, a panic isn't a crash, but an active decision by the kernel to shut operations down immediately).

Data corruption shouldn't occur on a healthy storage device, but nothing is perfect, and it occasionally does. If this doesn't happen again, you needn't worry, but if it does, it may indicate that the internal storage in your phone is starting to fail. This eventually happens to all storage devicees, flash storage as well as magnetic and optical media. Back up your personal data as often as you can, and consider getting a new phone. If it does not only happen again, but does so more and more frequently, you should definitely get a new phone as soon as possible.

Theoretically it could be a virus that corrupted the file(s), but a virus that infects apps in a way that the apps or the kernel can detect, wouldn't be very cleverly designed, so I seriously doubt that this is the case.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-4, malware
---


# Question
Title: Remove "Acuttweather.com" widget on the top of the home page
I have purchased LG K8 phone.Can you tell me how to remove the front screen's "Acuttweather.com" widget on the top of the home page?

Android ver: 6.0

# Answer
Remove Items from Home Screen - LG K8 V

> From a Home screen, touch and hold the item (e.g., widget, shortcut, folder, etc.).
>
> Drag the item onto "Remove" trash icon or "Uninstall" trash icon (located at the top) then release
> 1 votes

---
Tags: applications, 6.0-marshmallow
---


# Question
Title: Can I set a macro to delete media from a particular Whatsapp group or contact?
Is it possible to set up a macro using *Macro Droid, Tasker*, or any other automation app which will delete all the media received from a particular Whatsapp group or from some specific contacts.

I am running *Android 6.0 Marshmallow* on a non-rooted *Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML* with stock ROM.

# Answer
> 1 votes
It is not possible

Quoting MacroDroid developer, in future request (dated 21 Feb this year- you can access that from within the app in *forum* )

> WhatsApp has no SDK/API by design, they don't want third party apps interacting with their service.

When the automation app can't interact with WhatsApp, it obviously cannot set up automation tasks

I am not conversant with Tasker, but the limitation should be equally valid for any automation app

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, whatsapp-messenger, automation
---


# Question
Title: How can you measure your battery drain rate?
Even turned off and with no background apps, my battery drains FAST. I would like to know how fast my drain rate is compared to other phones to find out if I should replace the battery.

What are some measurement methods?

# Answer
* Comparing your device battery drain to another device battery drain is pointless. There are too many variables at play like Android Verizon, how well the OS is optimised, apps loaded, usage conditions and so on. See the section at end of answer for reasons of Abnormal Battery Drain
* Drain rate could be high, even when not used due to *Wakelocks*. See and tags that can help in reducing battery drain. wiki has pointers as well
* See How can I tell if I need to replace my battery? and in particular using the *Vbatt* app mentioned in my answer. This will not tell you whether you need to change your battery but helps you compare two batteries ( and is time consuming too)

---

See this study for an interesting infographic
> 2 votes

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Tags: battery, battery-life
---


# Question
Title: Contacts, asking to Block or add to contacts
I recently lost my phone and reloaded WhatsApp on my new phone. Now, every time when I receive a message from a contact, it asks whether it should `block` or `add to contacts`. This does not happen when I send messages to my contacts.

# Answer
If Android Version Marshmallow or above, you have to give permission.

1. Go to Settings
2. Apps
3. Whatsapp
4. Tap on Permissions
5. **On** Contacts permission and check.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: contacts, whatsapp-messenger
---


# Question
Title: Hello, is it possible customize the snackbar in Moto G 2nd Gen?
I am right handed but when I turn the phone, I would like to change the snackbar to the left, is it ONLY to the right?

# Answer
Snackbar by default appears at the bottom of the screen.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Developers had to implement it to their snack bar in that way! You cannot do it for a application by using any other application I hope.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: customization
---


title: kitkat not displaying emoji

text:
# Question
Title: kitkat not displaying emoji
I have an LG G3 phone with kitkat (4.4.2), about 2 years old. When using the twitter app, there are some emoji I can't see (those belonging to Unicode 9). My LG keyboard only supports, AFAIK, Unicode 7 emoji. I have also tried installing Gboard but the emoji set is exactly the same one.

Although I have managed to survive so far without typing the newer emoji, I seriously can't forfeit seeing them on Twitter app (or any other place). Don't mind which version will be displayed (google, iOS, twitter or whatever) as long as they will be displayed (bonus points for a solution that will also include updating my emoji keyboard).

I am NOT interested in upgrading my OS, rooting or installing any other version - I'm completely fine with what I've got, just want to see those new food emoticons.

Any Suggestions?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Emoji are dependent to OS too! You cannot have a emoji(s) which was typed in upgraded versions of the OS. You need to update the OS.

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, keyboard, twitter, emoticons
---


# Question
Title: recover whatsapp conversation after hard reset
i just installed nougat on my galaxy s7 forgetting to backup whatsapp conversations. Now is all blank,sd and memory, can i recover them?

# Answer
> 0 votes
The new feature of WhatsApp allows users to take backup in Google Drive. There are chances that you will be able to Restore your backup from Google Drive.

---
Tags: samsung, whatsapp-messenger, data-recovery, 7.0-nougat
---


# Question
Title: How to run app in Kiosk mode with Wear 2.0?
I'm trying to get a Wear 2.0 (stand-alone) app to run in kiosk mode, but when I try

`adb shell dpm set-device-owner <myComponent>`

I get:

`java.lang.IllegalStateException: Not allowed to set the device owner because this device has already paired
 at android.os.Parcel.readException(Parcel.java:1692)
 at android.os.Parcel.readException(Parcel.java:1637)
 at android.app.admin.IDevicePolicyManager$Stub$Proxy.setDeviceOwner(IDevicePolicyManager.java:4707)
 at com.android.commands.dpm.Dpm.runSetDeviceOwner(Dpm.java:148)
 at com.android.commands.dpm.Dpm.onRun(Dpm.java:96)
 at com.android.internal.os.BaseCommand.run(BaseCommand.java:51)
 at com.android.commands.dpm.Dpm.main(Dpm.java:41)
 at com.android.internal.os.RuntimeInit.nativeFinishInit(Native Method)
 at com.android.internal.os.RuntimeInit.main(RuntimeInit.java:262)`

I also tried by copying a file to `/data/system/device_owner.xml` as described here, but also without success.

Note: on a mobile I have successfully entered kiosk mode using `adb shell dpm set-device-owner <myComponent>`.

Anyone knows a way to enter kiosk mode using Wear 2.0?

# Answer
Self-answering for now, this seems to be an issue in Wear 2.0 - see https://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=232628

I'd be happy to know of any workarounds though!
> 1 votes

---
Tags: android-wear, kiosk-mode
---


# Question
Title: How to use SD card as adoptable on LG K8
Lately I've bought LG K8 but it doesn't have much memory, so after installing few apps and updating stock apps there was about 1.5 GB remaining. Also I have an 16 GB SD card and I found that on android 6.0 SD could be used as adoptable storage so it becomes internal. I have two questions. First: if I do that will I have more space for installing apps or I could use it just for media? Second: how to make SD card become adoptable I searched for that option everywhere but couldn't find it, is it possible that I can't do that even I have android 6.0?

# Answer
> 0 votes
If someone wondering how to enable adoptable storage, here is how to CLICK

It says 'for galaxy s7 and s7 edge' but it works for every android 6+ phone

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, external-sd, adoptable-storage
---


# Question
Title: Is there any other way to install firmware than recovery mode or flash tool?
I'm trying to re-install my phone stock firmware. (I'm experiencing bugs, I already factory reset 5 times but the bugs are still there)

Phone's chipset is spreadtrum (sc8830)

I already loaded the packet file succesfully as seen in this screenshot.

The problem is.... I can't put my phone into `download mode` (bug), now the tool can't detect it.

I as well already tried all of this option but still nothing.

Another bug is I can't put it into `recovery mode`. I tried using apps like link2sd to put it into recovery mode but it only goes to blank screen (tried that many times)

Is there any other way to install firmware than what I stated above?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Spreadtrum devices don't have recoveries, nor don't they have a ''download mode". Their bootloader is accessed with a "boot key" (usually hardware buttons) through **SCI USB2Serial** port.

To get the phone detected, just simply switch it off. Hold volume down button (or volume up) and plug the device to the computer. Windows should install drivers (Download and install SCI drivers).

Open the flash tool (ResearchDownload), load the PAC file, click on run. Power off the device, hold volume up/ down, connect USB cable. Et voilà.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You need to know these basic things first.

1. Factory Reset doesn't fix bugs
2. Your phone is not having recovery installed.
3. Your phone recovery and download option is installed in hardware it is nothing to do with your firmware.

Download the application called as Power Menu and then try going into download mode.

If you are having a rooted Android phone then you can flash stock firmware with the help of FlashFire

There is a detail instructions given about the way to use FlashFire on your Android phone.

---
Tags: device-firmware
---


# Question
Title: What is the minimum MicroSD speed necessary to extend the storage of an Android phone?
I want to extended the storage of my Android phone be switching it to a MicroSD memory, as Android Marshmallow allows.

What is the minimum speed I need to use to avoid impacting performance? I am considering a SanDisk Ultra, but I wonder whether an Extreme will be better?

Are there any other aspects I need to check on the card to ensure compatibility?

# Answer
**tl:dr;**

Go in for SDXC UHS class 1 or A1 cards if you are looking to run apps from Ext SD

---

SD card speeds have two aspects that would impact your proposed use as adoptable-storage ( though your question wrongly assumed that adoptable-storage is available on Lollipop, while it is introduced only from Marshmallow )

* Sequential speeds - which are applicable when one chunk of memory is being written or read, say like a large video or a heavy presentation file
* Random IO speeds - which pertains as the name suggests which are random in nature, as is the case with accessing app or app data , as in the case of adoptable-storage

Till recently compatibility for your purpose was being viewed only with sequential speeds. Motorola recommends UHS class 1 :

* Last year SD card association has come up with a new standard that specifically addresses *random IO* for application access and is called **A1 App Performance**

The SD Card Association to Classify IOPS Performance of Memory Cards via Logo

> ....In today's climate, usage patterns of SD cards by different people vary greatly. Some need to record and store UHD content, other need to **run applications**, which is why the former benefit from great sequential performance, whereas the **latter need guaranteed sequential and random read/write performance**

AFAIK, SD cards with this rating are not yet marketed

As additional information here is where the **A1** cards stack up when you compare sequential and video speeds

Finally, coming to your question **UHS 1 speeds (SDXC)** are recommended ( since you haven't linked the cards under proposal, I am unable to specifically say which is better) or if you can wait for a while purchase **A1** class which is better suited for adoptable-storage, in case you plan to upgrade

Also see this question for compatibility chart Should SD card be formatted before putting into new phone?
> 5 votes

# Answer
For using SD cars as internal storage bare minimum would be Class 10 SD card, but still that is 4-5 times slower (if I remeber corectly) than internal storage at least in my case I presume that on better and flagship phones would be even greater difference. I used some r/w benchmark app from store to test. Also there is UHS 1 and UHS 3 micro SD cards that are way faster than class 10 but I don't know how much they cost, and maybe your phone doesn't even support UHS SD cards, those SD cards would be better than class 10 as adopted.
> 4 votes

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Tags: 5.0-lollipop, 6.0-marshmallow, external-sd, adoptable-storage
---


# Question
Title: Lock screen doesn't show notification on Android Lollipop
After my Samsung S5 has been updated to Lollipop (5.0.1), notifications re. new mail, text, facebook, etc. don't show on my lock screen. The only thing showed is my network operator.

Now I have to unlock every time to see why my phone made a beep/sound. Any way to bring the info back?

# Answer
Go into settings and then into Sounds and notifications. There should be an option called "While locked". Tap into that option and select from the list to show notifications on the lock screen.
> 2 votes

# Answer
I am using Android 6.0.1, so this may not work for some. I used it for WhatsApp, see comment below.

Go to Settings -\> Notifications -\> ADVANCED (at the top right) -\> (Choose the app you want) -\> (tap the little info icon at the top right) -\> Notifications -\> More settings -\> Popup notification -\> Always show popup

(see image below). I tested that this setting is what makes the difference, since setting *Only when screen "on"* did not show notifications in locked screen. But this is a setting from WhatsApp, as I could access it from within WhatsApp as well.

I could not find a setting from Android for doing this (neither on a per-app basis or as a global setting), so I wonder whether it is up to each app to have a setting like this. *This makes this post partly an answer and partly a question!*

Note: In Android 6, settings for Sounds is separate from Notifications.
> 0 votes

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Tags: 5.0-lollipop, notifications, lock-screens, samsung-galaxy-s-5
---


# Question
Title: "Obtaining IP address" when connecting to WiFi
My phone is suddenly stuck at "Obtaining IP address" when trying to connect to a WiFi. I've tried rebooting, deleting and re-adding the WiFi networks, restarting the router (all other devices connected to the router work fine), to no avail.

I'm running Android 7.0. I'd like to avoid a factory reset, so if anyone has an idea what else I could try, I'd appreciate it.

# Answer
Beginning with with Marshmallow (possibly Lollipop, I was on it for such a short time I can't remember), there is an option in Settings, Backup & Reset called "Network Settings Reset" described here. This will reset all network settings only in the device, leaving other data intact. Note that all your WiFi passwords and any security certificates will be removed as well, but this will often correct the error you describe.
> 2 votes

# Answer
I had this problem across Android Gingerbread, KitKat and Marshmallow and solved it by changing my router's operation mode from 'Auto' to 'n only'.

All of my devices support on 802.11n. Don't know exactly why the android was not connecting when the setting was Auto (Read on the internet that there can be interference issues due to other RF signals). But changing over to specific mode helped.

My router model is ASUS which supports 802.11b/g/n. Slightly old. New devices with 802.11ac support might work flawlessly but they cost a premium at this moment.
> 0 votes

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Tags: wi-fi
---


# Question
Title: Mobile tethering [Internal implementation]
I use mobile tethering sometime from remote. Recently, I had some strange behaviour.

For my older connection when I used to get IPv4 from the operator, on tethering, all the connected devices had a local IP. However, the global IP remained same for the devices.

With my new network operator, I am given IPv6 and here is a twist. All the devices have a different global presence. Does this mean, with tethering on IPv6 connection, LAN concepts are removed?

If yes, how can we create LAN with IPv6 connection?

I no, why am I getting a different global presence inspite of tethering?

I am using OnePlus 3T.

# Answer
> 1 votes
That's just how IPv6 works. Every device gets a unique global address *by design*.

---
Tags: tethering, ipv6
---


# Question
Title: How can I stop Google Play Services from updating automatically?
I have a OnePlus One with Google Play Services version 7.5.62 (1927436-438)

The most current version of Google Play Services is 7.5.66 (1939950-438) which unfortunately has a bug of some kind that continually gives me the message `Google Play Services has stopped`.

Is there a way to prevent my device from updating to the newer version of Google Play Services?

# Answer
> 1 votes
> If you've unlocked root, there's another option. You can move the latest working GMS (10.0.84) to system partition and block auto-updates by creating empty folders with the APK name.
>
> KitKat (tested):
>
> · APK goes to `/system/priv-app/com.google.android.gms.apk`
> · libs go from `/data/app-lib/com.google.android.gms-{1, 2}/` to `/system/lib/`
> · mkdir `/data/app/com.google.android.gms-1.apk` `/data/app/com.google.android.gms-2.apk`
>
> Lollipop+ (presumed):
>
> · APK goes to `/system/priv-app/PrebuiltGmsCore/PrebuiltGmsCore.apk`
> · libs go from `/data/app-lib/com.google.android.gms-{1, 2, 3, 4}/` to `/ system/priv-app/PrebuiltGmsCore/lib/arm/`
> · mkdir `/data/app/com.google.android.gms-1.apk` `/data/app/com.google.android.gms-2.apk` `/data/app/com.google.android.gms-3.apk` `/data/app/com.google.android.gms-4.apk`

(posted this on the »Google Play Help Forum« thread earlier)

# Answer
> -1 votes
you can do this if you have a rooted mobile easily, install rooted apps like lucky patcher or freedom. They have options for stopping auto-updates of google play services..

But it has risks of soft bricking your mobile.. so do it on your own risk!!

---
Tags: google-play-services, application-autoupdate
---


# Question
Title: How to use SP Flash Tool to install a new Recovery?
My friend has a Chinese phone.

I want to install a new Recovery, and I have Lineage OS on my computer, SP Flash Tool, and a recovery image.

How do I use SP Flash Tool? What files do I have to put on the download tab? I have a scatter file. What do I have to do?

Information about the phone:

> Board: MediaTek MT6589 A replic of Moto G 3rd generation

I want to install TWRP recovery, and then install Lineage OS 6.0.

# Answer
From my notes when I first used it (which was the only time I did):¹

1. Download and unzip the package , Open SPFLASHTOOL EXE and Load the Scatter file (Click Scatter Loading)
2. Uncheck all the boxes
3. Go to / click RECOVERY box from list and load recovery image according to your device/choice (load image from the separate window --\>open)
4. Now you can see RECOVERY box is checked and you can see the recovery image location (uncheck all other boxes)
5. Switch off your device
6. Connect your device and Click DOWNLOAD ***button*** on top ***(not the tab)*** , If it ask click "yes"
7. It is done and MTK flashTool will do the rest. If you have problem with flashing tool or drivers install MediaTek USB VCOM drivers.

**Further readings:**

---

¹ As the steps speak "Windows jargon" (e.g. "EXE"), I must have copied that from some other place.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: rom-flashing, flashtool
---


# Question
Title: ask for app rating or review in Google Play, when uninstalling app
I vaguely fondly remember a time when Google Play (Google Store back then?) was pesturing me to leave a review every time I was uninstalling an app.

How can I enable this feature in Android 6?

# Answer
This is a Google Play Store feature and is not dependent on the Android Version

Features of Play store which frequently change or sunset and there is no way to revert to earlier behaviour. For instance, Play Store asks for a review as mentioned here, a feature earlier not present Why has Google started asking questions when reviewing apps in Play Store?
> 1 votes

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


title: How do I disable Google voice command?

text:
# Question
Title: How do I disable Google voice command?
Since the new Google update, my beloved and must have to get through the eight hours at work head phones have turned into my worst nightmare. Voice pops up and decides it's a good time to turn the volume up full blast while I'm listening to music. I really don't want permanent hearing Ioss. If I cough, it goes mute. I tried to disable through the settings and it won't stay. It also takes the liberty to change the ring from vibrate to silent. This is the worst update ever! Please help...my breaks at work really suck now. How can I turn this crap off?? I have a droid LG 10.

# Answer
> 0 votes
This ensures that the correct APP is opened and sets it to work only when the APP is running, instead of in the background.

---
Tags: lg
---


# Question
Title: Does turning off cellular data override restrict background data?
I have always assumed that turning off cellular data under Android settings/Data Usage meant no data use is possible.

However, I found out there is another setting: restrict background data. If that is turned on, will the phone still use cellular data even when cellular data is off?

# Answer
I see three questions:

1.) Does cellular data off override restrict background data? A: No. It's possible to get Background Data through WiFi.

2.) I have always assumed that turning off cellular data under Android settings/Data Usage meant no data use is possible. A: No. See above answer, and below.

3.) However, I found out there is another setting: restrict background data. If that is turned on, will the phone still use cellular data even when cellular data is off. A: Yes, it's not impossible. That restricts Background Data only.

But, some Phones 'leak'.

I had everything turned off and set to use WiFi, even went to the "Data Usage" Setting and restricted each APP individually - but the Carrier was billing me for Data Usage.

I phoned to complain and the Call Taker thought I must have done something incorrectly - Supervisor!

The Supervisor said that I had used a few BYTES on a couple of days, and they were adding a Charge for "Under 5MB Usage". I assured her that I had turned everything off and bought the Phone from them. We agreed that no practical Web Page is that short and that I wasn't trying to Surf for free.

They added a Feature to my Account called "Data - 5MB Free" finally admitting that they got so many complaints about this that this is what they came up with.

I suspect that the Manufacturer's UI or the OS was not checking the Settings (a 'leak' / Bug) and since the change to "5MB Free" I'm no longer getting billed for using Data without intending to.

So, **yes**, technically it is possible to Set something (or read something on the Internet) and to get different results than you had hoped for. It's possible to turn Data off and for a tiny amount to get used, resulting in getting billed for it.

If you don't want to pay Cellular Data Charges (or ask the Carrier to completely disable it) then turn it off and check your Data Usage (on your Phone and Phone Bill). If it's leaking take it to the Store or convince them over the Phone that you have turned everything off on your end.

Ask if the Usage is extremely small, if it is and the Phone is theirs ask for at least 1MB free.

---

I think I found where the leakage is coming from, or at least how to block it.

I bought my phone unlocked and have not rooted it. If you have a carrier subsidised phone this may not work without their cooperation if they have locked the settings for "Connections -\> Mobile Networks -\> Access Point Names". I've had this problem on two phones from different manufacturers, so I guess it's a UI and Android problem.

**The problem (or solution) is** that "Connections -\> Mobile Networks -\> Access Point Names -\> APN Protocol" is set to "IPv4/IPv6" - you need to change that to "IPv4" so that when you have Data turned off the setting is respected. Either it's 'by design' or a Bug that turning off Data isn't blocking IPv6 usage when your phone boots, either way it's a rip off to get a Bill for Data usage when it's turned off.

**My** Carrier has locked their settings so I couldn't alter them without either taking my phone in and explaining all this again (or scouring the Internet for a way to change the Carrier settings). Fortunately I am able to add a new setting and choose it (I bought my phone outright), if your phone is "Carrier Locked" you might not be able to create a new "Access Point".

While researching this (after discovering how to see the leakage) I found a few tools and webpages that are helpful.

The APP that showed me the Data trickle is NetTech's "Net Analyser".

On their "Information" tab at the bottom it shows the total IPv6 usage since last boot - prior to fixing this problem it said that I was using over 60kB of Data, not much but enough to get billed (prior to getting 5MB Free).

Here's a screenshot, notice at the bottom where it says: "Received Since Boot" and "Sent Since Boot" - previously those values were over 60kB, now they are zero. The leakage is prevented, money saved.

**What you need to do:**

1. Go to "Connections -\> Mobile Networks -\> Access Point Names" and click on your current setting. See the Android Central article: "What is an APN, and how do I change it?" for a longer explanation. You either need to be able to edit the fields or create a new entry for this fix.
2. Screenshot your current settings so you can keep a record of the original settings in case you make an error when you edit them, or so you can create a duplicate entry to modify.
3. Either modify the Carrier's original setting for "APN Protocol" or create a new entry in the "Connections -\> Mobile Networks -\> Access Point Names". If you create a new entry use the screenshots to **exactly** copy everything **identically** (spaces, and set to "none" versus "not set" must be identical,).
4. Change "IPv4/IPv6" to "IPv4".
5. Save and reboot.
6. Check Data usage with "Net Analyser" (or APP that shows IPv6 usage). There should no longer be any IPv6 data usage.

Fixed.

While searching for a solution I also found this webpage: "How to DISABLE IPv6 on Android?" but they say the solution is temporarily and needs to be done each boot - that's useless for us because our problem seems to occur during boot, before the UI Settings kick in.

A more helpful webpage appears to be: "IPv6 on Mobile Devices" and especially: "Android: IPv6 Data Leaks" (translated from the original German webpage) which explains how to turn off IPv6, though you'll likely need root to do it:

```
## Kernel
# Disable IPv6
echo 0 > /proc/sys/net/ipv6/conf/wlan0/accept_ra
echo 1 > /proc/sys/net/ipv6/conf/all/disable_ipv6
echo 1 > /proc/sys/net/ipv6/conf/default/disable_ipv6

```
> 1 votes

# Answer
> ...will the phone still use cellular data even when cellular data is off?

**No**

The purpose of this setting (*restrict background data*) is to minimise cellular data when cellular data is enabled and the app is running in background. Instead, when connected on WiFi background data is used

See this question for more

How does "Restrict background data" work?

Note that apps which are driven by GCM for notifications are unaffected by this setting as explained here Restrict background data for Facebook, but notifications still coming in

**Edit** In response to OP requesting for additional citation, see Optimizing Network Data Usage at Android developers and Google help: Allow or restrict background data usage by app
> 0 votes

---
Tags: mobile-data, background-data
---


# Question
Title: How do I enable the MTP functions on my Nexus 5?
When I plug my Nexus 5 phone into my Windows 7 desktop, I see the Nexus 5 device in the file Explorer, but no files. I am sure this is because I need to enable the feature from the phone side, but I can't find it in Settings. In Device settings, I have "Storage and USB", but all it seems to contain is a way to see on the phone how much storage is used by each App. The three dots in the upper right corner only open up to allow me to look at Help.

Where is the setting I need to change?

# Answer
There should be a notification in your notification drawer saying **USB charging this device** tap on it and select **Transfer files**.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: usb, nexus-5, usb-connection-mode
---


# Question
Title: Pushing wpa_supplicant.conf through adb breaks wifi even with no changes to the file
So I have an issue with very high packet loss on M and above so I know it's something to do with android and not the physical phone. I'm trying to modify wpa\_supplicantl.conf but even if I pull it from my phone then push the unmodified file, wifi won't work after the next reboot until I delete the file and it's regenerated, anyone know why this is happening?

Note: I forgot to say, I've checked permissions and it's not an issue with them, it's 0660 before and 0660 after.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Make sure you've checked ownership as well (see Restoring wpa\_supplicant.conf)? Check the original ownership of the system created file before; the answer linked uses `chown wifi:wifi`, other places mention `system:wifi`.

---
Tags: wi-fi, adb, system
---


title: Resize screen for Dead touch zone

text:
# Question
Title: Resize screen for Dead touch zone
I have Star N7189 (5.5") with the lower zone of touch screen dead

The menu and back buttons don't work,but the physical home button works.

I tried to press hard on the edges of the screen, I tried to apply a twist from the short sides as if it were nothing but a wet towel. I did the hard reset but it did not work.

Sometimes pressing dead area, the phone takes it as menu button

As well as replacing the screen what other methods can I try? Is there any app, launcher or trick to resize the screen usable only to the working area?

P.S. a few hours after leaving it in airplane mode suddenly the touch had this problem but I do not remember if I inadvertently placed something heavy in that area of the cell.

# Answer
> 40 votes
*A partial but possibly helpful answer, but* ***would not work on Android 11 and above.***

---

**Note:**

* My solution is tested on Stock Android 4.4.2 and Stock CyanogenOS 12 (5.0), and should work for Android 4.3 and above (based on this answer).
* I've mentioned wherever root access is required.

The issue in this existing answer is that it reduces the screen output from both top and bottom in my devices while I need to reduce only from the bottom. To do so I used the following comment as the ground to work on:

> The bottom 20% of my Nexus 4 doesn't work. I use: `wm overscan 0,0,0,210` to have android WM not draw anything in that area so that I can operate all the drawn areas fully again.. – Thrustmaster

##Instructions:

1. Enable USB-debugging in your phone.
2. Install ADB tools in your PC, connect your device into it, and make sure that device is getting detected in `adb devices`.
3. We need to know the resolution and the display density of the device. In the terminal/cmd enter `adb shell dumpsys display | grep mBaseDisplayInfo` to show display related info. The output could look like:

```
 mBaseDisplayInfo=DisplayInfo{"Built-in Screen", app 480 x 854, real 480 x 854, largest app 480 x 854, smallest app 480 x 854, 64.29 fps, rotation 0, density 240, 240.0 x 240.0 dpi, layerStack 0, type BUILT_IN, address null, FLAG_SECURE, FLAG_SUPPORTS_PROTECTED_BUFFERS}

```

The relevant info in my case is:

* real 1080x1920
* density 480

4.
5. The most useful commands to be used are:

* `wm overscan [reset|LEFT,TOP,RIGHT,BOTTOM]`
* `wm density [reset|DENSITY]`

My default launcher screen without tweaks looked like:

2. To reduce the screen output at bottom issue the command:

```
    adb shell wm overscan 0,0,0,100

```

Note the I used further reduction by upto `0,0,0,300` and the output was like this:

```
[![enter image description here][3]][4]

```

Tweak the value to your desired needs.
3. You may need to correct the density since the display could look odd. My device's default display density is 480 dpi, so I tweaked it this way:

```
    adb shell wm density 440

```

and the resultant screen was like this. An app under tweaked resolution.
4. Note that you can use `adb shell wm density reset` and `adb shell wm overscan reset` to revert back to default density and resolution respectively.
5. Now that "dead touch zone" has been taken care of it's time to use virtual/soft keys (only if you need it).

1. Izzy has it already covered in this answer. Otherwise, you can use Gravitybox LP (for Lollipop users) or Gravitybox KK (for Kitkat users). It is an Xposed module, and **require root access** and Xposed Framework installed.

    Install, activate and launch Gravitybox → **Navigation bar tweaks****Enable Navigation bar** → do a reboot, and soft-keys aka Navigation bar would be found enabled.
    2. Custom ROM like Cyanogenmod and some stock ROMs has the option to enable soft-keys(buttons) under **Settings**. You can use that option since it doesn't require any root access.
    3. After some further tweaks the final screen of my Android 5.0 looked like:

---

 Note that the aforesaid solution probably wouldn't be relevant for the OP, but it is written considering the objective of the bounty (offered by barro32). Next big update possibly would be for Android 4.2.

# Answer
> 3 votes
If your device is rooted, you might want to take a look at Button Savior (Root) – if not, at Button Savior Non Root. Or at Virtual Button Bar:

*Button Saviour* and *Virtual Button Bar* (source: Google Play; click for larger images)

What do all the three have in common? As the screenshots show, they enable virtual softkeys at places where you want them. So you can avoid the "dead areas", and still have them present.

Admitted, this does not resize the screen; but at least fixes the problem with the buttons.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I found the solution!
**Requires root and android 4.3+!!!**

This app can change your resolution and also add virtual buttons.
You will need to **change the height** about **1.5cm smaller**.(can't see it very good on your picture so check it before applying!) If you have any problems with the app, check the app's description or post a comment below.

Hope my answer helps you!

Download link for app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nomone.resolution\_changer

# Answer
> 1 votes
Firelords answer works for Android Versions above 4.2.

**For Versions up to (including) Android 4.2** the command to use is `am`. After enabling USB-Debugging and installing ADB tools, the procedure is:

1. Detect the current display resolution: `adb shell dumpsys window` (or better to directly filter the output for the resolution: `adb shell dumpsys window | grep cur= |tr -s " " | cut -d " " -f 4|cut -d "=" -f 2)` \- from here)
2. Change the resolution to e.g. 540x700 `adb shell am display-size 540x700`. (Can be reset with `adb shell am display-size reset`)
3. If neccessary to change the display density then check the current density with `adb shell dumpsys display` (or to get a short output: `adb shell dumpsys display | grep mBaseDisplayInfo`)
4. Change the density to e.g. 230: `adb shell am display-density 230` (Can be reset with `adb shell am display-density reset`).

If neccessary to enable soft keys/on-screen buttons, this can be done by adding the line `qemu.hw.mainkeys=0` to the file `/system/build.prop` (required root permissons). If this line already exists in the build.prop, on-screen buttons can be enabled by setting the value to 0 or disabled by setting it to 1. As far as I know, this works from Android 4.0 on.

---
Tags: touchscreen
---


# Question
Title: "Unable to restore from current backup" when restoring WhatsApp chat from Google Drive
I have changed my phone. I had backed up my WhatsApp data on Google Drive. Google Drive shows the chat has been backed up there.

On the new phone, I reinstalled WhatsApp with the same phone number and opted to restore data. It only restores media files but no chat messages. Restoring messages stops at 24% and shows error "Unable to restore from current backup".

How can I restore my chat?

# Answer
> -1 votes
Open Whatsapp. If you have the chat backup, it will display a message "Backup found. Do you want to restore?" If not, then Go to Settings-\>Chats-\>Chat Backup. You will find the Google Drive option. Click on it and you are good to go.

Make sure you got your email account linked to the phone.

---
Tags: backup, whatsapp-messenger, restore, google-drive
---


title: Change rendering mode of chrome

text:
# Question
Title: Change rendering mode of chrome
Aosp browser rendered text and pictures a lot differently then chrome.

It would white box what is rendered while the cpu and stuff catches up. Chrome seems to freeze when CPU strapped. Is there a way to fix this or revert to the old behavior at minimum?

Alternatively is there a way to install the original browser in android 6?

Not to mention this http://cdn.androidbeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/sunspider\_benchmark1.png

# Answer
I can't guarantee that you'll get a quick fix by trying this out. But I can tell you that it will change your browser for the better. You'll just have to try one option after another and or together because there's about 30 or 40 options you can enable but here you try . ( Chrome://Flags ) type that into your Chrome browser and start ticking off the flags that look like they may help .
> -1 votes

---
Tags: browser
---


title: My apps keep crashing

text:
# Question
Title: My apps keep crashing
I have an LG Spirit.

Sometimes my apps keep crashing for no apparent reason. This all started when I first downloaded Fire Emblem Heroes from the Google Play Store. Now some apps that used to run smoothly crash constantly. There are apps I can't even open now, even though I used them before with no problems.

# Answer
> 0 votes
It seems Fire Emblem Heroes might be consuming a lot of resources (RAM, CPU) in addition I suspect it has one or a few processes running in the background.

I'd suggest you completely disable Fire Emblem Heroes from auto starting, manage ram by hibernating the app after using it. You can put the app on the exclusion list of allowed app when screen is off, if your ROM supports that.

For instance I use Start up manager to prevent a named app from automatically running during start up, and Power manager to restrict background power intensive app from running (both built-in)

If your ROM doesn't include these features you may consider installing Greenify, and clearing cached data regularly

---
Tags: crashes, lg
---


title: How to use Tasker to close app on exit

text:
# Question
Title: How to use Tasker to close app on exit
I use my phone for private things such as social media and telephone banking. These apps that I won't want others to access if they had my phone and it was unlocked I have them blocked through App Lock.

However pressing the recent apps list (left touch button on Samsung s7) displays the list of apps and also gives a still image of what was happening in that app. I was advised Tasker can be used to resolve this by completely closing an app upon exit whether by pressing that event apps button or the back button or home button, so it no longer appears on recent apps list.

However Tasker is very complicated and I was hoping someone could share the wisdom of how this can be done.

# Answer
> 2 votes
After hours of researching I am pleased to inform you that I have found a way to clear the recent apps lists in Tasker

**Prerequisites:**

Open tasker and head to Task tab: You can name it Clear recent apps

* A1: AutoInput Global Action \[ Configuration:Action: Recent Apps Timeout (Seconds):20 \]
* A2: Task Wait Value: 250 MS
* A3: Code → Run shell → Command `input tap 405.3 1198.5` and use root ( this is the x,y co-oordinates of the point on screen which will be simulated by a tap event - my device is 720x1280.
**You can obtain your x,y coordinates by enabling show pointer location/cursor position in developer options** )
* A4: AutoInput Global Action \[ Configuration:Action: Home Timeout (Seconds):20 \]
* A5: Flash \[ Text:Apps cleared Long:Off \] (You may need this flash notification to know what took place)

**Now for the profile**;

* Go to Profiles tab and choose Application (The list of "secure apps" )
* Now for entry task just create Task Wait action and choose any waiting period e.g. 2 seconds
* For the exit task choose the previously created task ( Clear recent apps)

Note: Try **not** to test this profile when Tasker is running in foreground/included in recent apps because it may crash or go into a loop. But once the profile is set it runs smoothly as required.

**Credits:**

---
Tags: applications, tasker
---


# Question
Title: "Unfortunately, Google App has stopped". Locked out of my phone! Please help!
My phone started popping up with "Unfortunately, Google App has stopped." notification non stop. The keyboard wouldn't come up on my phone. I decided to restart my phone, which I guess was a bad idea because now I'm stuck on the lock screen. The keyboard won't come up, so I can't type in my password to get into the phone. I've tried restarting, taking the battery out, leaving it off for a while. Nothing has worked. I tried going into Safe Mode but the keyboard still won't come up. I also tried going into recovery mode and clearing the cache, that didn't help either. I would really like to avoid a factory reset. Help??

# Answer
I have a possible solution. But I don't think it works most of the time.

When you are at the lock screen and your keyboard doesn't pop-up, connect the phone to the charger or your laptop/desktop. It resets the processes and your phone will come back to normal. Disconnect the cable if connected previously. After the lock-screen is opened, take a gap of 20 - 30 seconds and connect it and try opening it.

This is an old regulation for many android phones and worked a lot of times in my case with Sony Xperia SP C5302. Hope it works in your case also.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: lock-screens, keyboard
---


# Question
Title: Finding source of WiFi Connection Failures
A while ago I got a used S5. I rooted it and put CM 13.0 on it, and was very happy with it until it started to fail to connect to any WiFi, on the WiFi setup page stating *"WiFi Connection Failure"*. This happened on any WiFi with this phone, while all other devices would connect just fine with these networks. My router at home (FritzBox) laconically remarks *"WiFi device logged off"* in its event log. At the same time, 4G worked just fine and I also could connect by Bluetooth-tethering through an old phone I had. Only the WiFi failed.

I was pretty sure it was a configuration problem, but I didn't find what was wrong and my attempts – from deleting and re-adding the connections until just wiping all of `/data/misc/wifi` as described here – didn't help.

So I decided to wipe the whole phone. Since saving all your settings and accounts to re-install on the same device is a bit error-prone (if you don't want to feed it all to google), I got myself a new (used) S5, transferred everything over, and all was good. I then wiped the old one and, just as I suspected, the reset phone connects to any WiFi just fine. `:-/`

However, a couple of days ago the new S5 started to exhibit the very same behavior. I can now again no longer log into WiFi networks. I have again tried the obvious (deleted the connections, wiped `/data/misc/wifi`) – but all to no avail. Since I do not want to go through the hassle of having two phones and transferring everything from one phone to the other every other month, I guess I will have to get to the bottom of this now. This is a Linux system, after all, so there must be some logs of what's happening *somewhere*. Unfortunately I'm not a Unix aficionado, so I do not know this stuff by heart. So here is my question:

*Where do I look to find out what's happening?* What do I look at? Where do I start?

Any pointers are most welcome.

# Answer
OK, after lots of pulled hair and bitten nails, I think I have found a solution. Rather than closing this question it might be better if I share my findings on the off-chance that someone having this problem might find the solution through google.

First off, I installed aLogCat Root, and waded through lots of debug output. That got me

```
    "Wifi connection closed with errorCode 20"

```

and

```
    "Client connection lost with reason: 4"

```

Googling found lots of issues, most of which obviously did not apply here, while the rest less obviously didn't. None of the solutions helped me.

However, due to the many times I rebooted while trying all these fixes, at some point the nagging message after reboot making me aware that my Location services are disabled caught my eye and I thought I could give this a try. Well.

**I enabled Location and WiFi works now.**

I confirmed it by undoing all the other things I had tried, none of which broke WiFi. However, the very moment I disable Location, WiFi stops working.

To me this isn't obvious at all, and if someone can shed some light on this, I'd be happy to get educated.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, wi-fi, samsung-galaxy-s-5
---


title: signal strength *send* by my phone

text:
# Question
Title: signal strength *send* by my phone
When I get a call, I often can hear the other side just fine, but they don't hear me. This happens so often that I wonder if the problem could be my phone's **sending** signal strength. (There are tons of apps showing the received signal strength, but this is not my point.)

* Is there a way to measure or configure this?
* Is this a possible explanation at all?

Edit: should have added that the call is often dropped some seconds after I become inaudible. I hear the other side crisp and clear complaining about me not audible and then it drops.

Further I discovered the Settings -\> About Phone -\> Status -\> SUBS Status (my translations from German) where I see that the connection is difficult in these situations (UMTS at -95dbm to -103dbm).

The model I am envisaging is that the receive (from cell) and send channels (to cell) are slightly asymmetric, due to walls, buildings and other obstacles, such that the phone software underestimates the necessary sending power by a few percent.

# Answer
Sending strength: Modern digital cellphones are set to utilize the minimum power to maintain a connection. So the fact that the connection isn't dropping completely tells you that you have sufficient RF signal strength to make and receive calls.

Talk Volume: As for them telling you that your voice is not loud enough I would suspect the microphone itself. Like maybe pocket lint got into it or it got poked with something.

If it is an older phone it is possible that some part has failed or is in the process of fading.

In order to properly diagnose this, I would want to know 1) Did this start suddenly, or has it been a gradual change? 2) Can you send texts? (They require sending power to connect), and 3) How has the phone been treated? Has it been dropped or anything like that?

With the little information you provided I would look closely at the phone itself.

And you can rest assured you are getting enough sending power. Digital is not like old phones where it can connect but you have to yell because of bad amplifiers in the central office. With digital, you can either connect or not, period. If the circuitry canperform their internal handshakes that maintain the connection then you are fine. If the error rate goes up, your phone will automatically raise its signal strength until the celll network is happy enough to maintain the connection.

That is enough diagnosis to determine your signal strength is sufficient.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 5.1-lollipop, calls, microphone
---


# Question
Title: Phone call quality suddenly choppy, even though signal is good
I have a Sprint HTC EVO 4G running the Fresh Gingerbread ROM. The call quality in my apartment has always been great. However, this week the call quality has been extremely choppy to the point of not being usable, no matter how I hold it. I haven't really done anything to the phone or my apartment, even though all its signal bars except one are full.

If I remember correctly I still have good call quality at work, so I don't think its solely a phone issue...

Any idea what's going on?

# Answer
Appears to be a Sprint issue - call quality's good again today. The lesson here is that there's always more to call quality than cell signal bars.
> 3 votes

# Answer
I am glad to hear it has been corrected.

Let me add an answer as to why that can happen: If they install a new tower somewhere, there is always somje adjustment made in the master control system. For instance, if you are right in the middle between two towers and it detects nearly the same signal level from both towers, it might switch you back and forth with slight changes of your detected signal.

It can slightly change by simply moving the phone to the other ear, or walking around, etc..

Sprint probably fixed it by setting the system to have longer hold times on your initial tower, and perhaps a tweak to their signal-comparison algorithm.

It is those comparison of signals that allow you to be mobile and switch from tower to tower as you move. Usually it happens so quickly you won't notice.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: calls, htc-evo
---


# Question
Title: Marshmallow, Priority only mode, Viber still rings with sound?
I use Android Marshmallow in Nexus 5x. I have an automatic rule for nights where it goes to Do Not Disturb with priority only as set. It works as expected and silences when someone calls me over cell network, but if someone calls in Viber, (an app like WhatsApp) the ring comes in with all it sounds, but I expect it to be silent as well. What I am doing wrong?

# Answer
> 4 votes
There are two possibilities for what's causing Viber calls to ring during Do Not Disturb Priority Mode. Here's how to fix both possible issues:

## Priority Only Rules

It could be the fault of your priority only rules. Go to `Settings` -\> `Sound` -\> `Do Not Disturb` -\> `Priority Only Allows` and set both Calls and Messages to **none**. This will stop calls and texts from ringing your phone while you're in priority mode (from your stock phone/messages apps and potentially also from Viber).

## Override Do Not Disturb

The other possibility is that you're overriding Do Not Disturb restrictions for Viber and letting it sound during priority mode. To turn this off and block Viber calls from sounding during priority mode DND, go to `Settings` -\> `Apps` -\> `Viber` -\> `Notifications` and turn off `Override Do Not Disturb`.

---

**tl;dr:** Change your priority mode rules or block Viber from overriding priority mode Do Not Disturb to fix your issue.

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, viber-messenger
---


# Question
Title: How do you determine if you're using Wi-Fi or LTE?
On Android, how do you tell if you're connected through Wi-Fi or some other type of connection like LTE or 3G?

If I'm sitting at a Starbucks and I sign-in to their Wi-Fi, my phone has both the Wi-Fi and LTE icons showing. How do I know which connection I'm using?

When I'm at a place that has Wi-Fi, I want to use Wi-Fi and not my data from my data plan. Is there a place in Android that specifically tells you?

# Answer
There isn't a specific place that it shows, but the WiFi connection will take priority over the cellular data. If you wanted, you could perform a SpeedTest to check your service provider, but that shouldn't be necessary.

Also, if you're worried about updates and whatnot using your cellular, the downloads will initiate on WiFi (if you have that option) but they will continue on cellular if you lose the signal.
> 2 votes

# Answer
You can always go to the Wi-Fi settings menu where you connect to wireless networks and see if you are connected. You should see below the SSID the word "Connected" if that's the case.
> 0 votes

# Answer
If you are connected with WiFi, your mobile connection is automatically disabled.
> 0 votes

# Answer
An Android app from play store called **Opera Max**

monitors your mobile data and Wi-Fi usage & also **LETS YOU KNOW WHETHER YOU ARE USING DATA OR WI-FI CURRENTLY** in a *persistent notification*

with using settings in opera max app's settings
> 0 votes

# Answer
In settings, disable mobile data and if you still get Internet then you know. This also guarantees wifi only. Also if connected to wifi, when you drag down the notification bar, it will show wifi connected. Or, as op said, go to settings, click wifi and it will show you.
> -2 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi
---


# Question
Title: Can I do a factory reset without losing my pictures and apps?
Google Play won't let me download anything, search anything, or log in. It keeps giving me an error saying I have to log in. Everything but Google Play is working just fine. I want to reset my phone but most people are saying I should download an app to keep all my info save so I don't lose anything but that's the issue. I can't download anything. So it's kind of just a circle of hell and I don't know what to do. Should I just do a factory reset and hope for the best? I've gone into my settings and checked so that everything will supposedly be backed up but people are saying it's untrustworthy and when I go to do a factory reset it says it will delete everything including the data I've chosen to backup. Should I trust it?

# Answer
A factory-reset has exactly that purpose: to "undo" all changes the user did to the device, and bring it back to a state as if it just left the factory. Which means, all apps you've installed and all your apps' data will be removed. What *might* remain is what's stored on SD card (unless you're using or your device's manufacturer decided to include it with the purge anyway.

As you're already having issues logging in to Google services, I'd not trust the "Google Cloud Backup" being anything like complete. And even if it were, you never can be sure it will restore, or restore completely: the user has no way to control that. So no way to trust this either.

You could do a backup using ADB (see e.g. Full Backup of non-rooted devices). But as the Playstore app is the only one having trouble (does Gmail work?), I'd rather focus on that. Check our google-play-store tag-wiki, where we've linked a bunch of troubleshooting questions – Getting “Authentication is required” when trying to access the Play Store seems to match your issue. Also note that sometimes this is just a temporary "hick-up" which solves itself within a few ours (or sometimes days).
> 2 votes

---
Tags: google-play-store, factory-reset
---


title: Startup apps not running at start up

text:
# Question
Title: Startup apps not running at start up
I've recently purchased a Lenovo Vibe K5 mobile. The phone runs Android 5.1 Lollipop with the Lenovo UI layered on top.

I have been facing a strange problem. Apps that are set to start at startup simply don't start until I start them manually. This includes messaging apps like Telegram etc. (only WhatsApp somehow seems to startup, but it then often hangs), battery monitors, QualityTime, Resilio Sync, Twilight, etc.

This has become more than an annoyance as the failure to start messaging apps means I never receive messages. I've missed several important messages as a result.

I have checked in Bootup Manager and all these apps are listed as startup apps. I have also switched off Lenovo's "Intelligent power settings" system (which seems to basically terminate apps if they are running in the background).

I have made no modifications to the stock ROM except rooting it. I also experienced a weird problem with SMS not being received when I restored messages from a different phone from a backup. I eventually deleted the message database and started from scratch; that seems to have fixed the problem.

Is there any way to fix this problem? Where would I start? I am tempted to go the whole hog and replace the stock firmware with a custom ROM, but that is likely to bring its own problems in its wake. Is that the only route forward?

# Answer
In my case it appears that the problem was that some of these apps had been set to "restrict to launch" (in Settings -\> Apps -\> \[each app\]). I don't know what this setting is intended to do, or why it was turned on. Also this does not seem to be a complete solution, but it appears to have ensured that some of them are now starting at startup.

This setting appears to be unique to Lenovo phones, though I may be wrong about that.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: boot, lenovo
---


title: Earphones stuck in call answer mode

text:
# Question
Title: Earphones stuck in call answer mode
So I've got this problem with my earphones where they're stuck in call answer mode. They have a button which when pressed should switch the music to the background when in call answer mode and back to normal when pressed again. Well now I have the problem where the only way to have them back to normal mode is to press and hold the button. I have no idea myself how to fix this.

# Answer
I require small information.

What mobile do you use ?

You're saying your phone is stuck in call answer mode. That means even though you disconnect your earphones from your mobile and you play the songs, the music can't be heard unless you switch it to a speaker. Is that it ?
> 0 votes

---
Tags: earphone
---


# Question
Title: How can I root my Lava A97 Android 6.0 stock
I have tried all the rooting apps including desktops one but none of them able to root my device.

I also tried to go through adb but not able to get '#' access in order to move files into intended directory.

# Answer
Nowadays there is a lot of rooting apps and mostly depend on user's choice and ease. You may try the following apps since they do have a higher success rate when rooting.

1. CF-Auto-Root
2. Kingroot (Try Kingroot for PC if the apk method fails)

After rooting its up to you to find the SU management of your choice because there seems to be controversy around this topic (many users have complained of privacy invasion from some of the rooting apps)
> 1 votes

---
Tags: rooting, adb, root-access, stock-android, fastboot
---


# Question
Title: Installing Purchased App On New Device? [PlayStore ISSUE]
I have purchased the app ACR (Another Call Recorder) 1 year ago. Now trying to install it again on my 'new device' (formatted phone). However when I press the view button from the 'Order history' page or search it in the Play Store it displays a dollar value and wants me to repurchase the application.

How am I able to install it without repurchasing, from what I have read up I should be able to just install the app, as it was previously purchased.

As a side note some other apps which have purchased just display the **Install** button and do not require me to repurchase.

# Answer
I was able to solve the issue by doing the following.

* Install the ACR Licence apk (which I got from my backup, or you could find the file online)
* Open the Play Store page for the app (the button should be showing **Uninstall**)
* Uninstall the application (from within Play Store)
* Done

Now you should be presented with the **Install** button. Installation should work as normal (no re-purchase required).
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications, google-play-store
---


# Question
Title: How to minimize the app window (freeform mode/pop-up view)?
I sometimes accidentally minimize the window for the app Quick Edit Pro, whilst working with it. I get the smaller variable size and position window that I can intentionally create for some apps by long press of the return button (Android 5, Samsung GN3).

But Quick Edit Pro does not appear in the list I get when long pressing the return button.

What kind of swiping movement do I sometimes perform unintentionally in the upper part of the screen, that minimizes the app to this useful window. (Going back to the full window is done by a simple button press.)

I have tried many times but can not repeat it intentionally.

I now find that it is called "freeform mode". I have not installed any special apps to enable it.

# Answer
> 0 votes
The phone in the question uses Android 5. I was now also using another phone with Android 6. In this version I stumbled over the answer by accident. This also works in my Android 5 phone.

You swipe diagonally from one upper corner. (If you don't hit a clean diagonal swipe, you will naturally risk getting a "settings"-screen or what the app in question does for horizontal swipe.

Click image for larger variant

Here it is called the gesture for "pop-up view".

(If I make the diagonal swipe for this app (SE), I get a red frame. It probably indicates that minimization of this app has been disabled.)

---
Tags: multi-window
---


# Question
Title: Root commands on terminal emulator not working system-wide
I want to run the following command as root in the Android Terminal Emulator.

```
mount -o bind /storage/extSdCard /data/media

```

I have tested this on a Samsung Galaxy S3 running CyanogenMod 11 and it works as expected. When I enter `/data/media` using another app like ES File Explorer file manager, I get to the contents of the external SD-card instead of the internal memory.

The problem is that this doesn't work on another S3 I have, this one running stock TouchWiz ROM version 4.3 and rooted with CF-Auto-Root. I have also tried using Adam's Custom kernel and it doesn't work either.

When I run the command on the terminal and then type `ls /data/media` as root, it shows the external SD-card's content, but if I launch another terminal as a normal user (non root) and type the same command, I get the contents of the internal memory. Same thing happens if I try to access `/data/media` using ES File Explorer file manager

So it seems that root commands only have effect for the root user, not for other users system-wide. **What could be the cause of this behavior?**

UPDATE: OK, my bad, I didn't express myself correctly. It is true that a normal user can't access `/data/media`. But `/data/media` is the true location of the files in the internal memory. There are lots of paths where android makes this memory available for normal users, like `/sdcard` or `/storage/sdcard0`, both of which point to `/data/media/0` through a FUSE filesystem.

My though here is that if I create a folder named `0` on the external sd and then bind `/storage/extSdCard` to `/data/media`, when the system tries to access `/sdcard` or `/storage/sdcard0` it will get the contents of `/storage/extSdCard/0` as `/data/media` no longer points to internal memory, but to external sd instead.

This works as expected on CM11 when I run as root

```
mount -o bind /storage/extSdCard /data/media

```

Then if I access `/sdcard` on the terminal, either as root and as normal user, I get to the contents of `/storage/extSdCard/0`. Same thing happens if I use ES File Explorer on normal or root modes

But when I do the same on rooted stock 4.3 firmware it doesn't work. Only root on the terminal can see the changes, normal user on the terminal and normal and root user on ES File Explorer will see no change

# Answer
My case, I suppose it's the same reason for you.

Go to your Superuser manager app, I suppose it's SuperSU.

Go to settings, and look for 'Mount Namespace Separation' and check if it's ticked. Uncheck the option and reboot.

SuperSU provided this option to make your system safer by hiding one app's mount namespace from others', thus if you mount or unmount something, it's only visible to the app (UID) you're using and nothing else.

Alternatively, when running `su`, you can add an option `-m` to make your shell have the control of master mount namespace. Then your mounts will work globally.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Apparently, this is now an Android SELinux security feature -- mounts initiated from most processes are not visible to other processes. See this answer.

A related Android kernel development thread suggests replacing an uneeded system service (e.g. `/system/bin/debuggerd`) with a shell script that runs the desired mount command. This you'd launch with `start debuggerd`.

**Update:** This did work for me, after a reboot.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: root-access, mount, terminal
---


# Question
Title: What is "Common data service" app in the preinstalled app list?
when I searched for installed app from setting\>App then under ALL heading I found the "Commmon data service" app with unknown/suspicious icon. is it a android pre-installed system app? or something from unknown sources? Device is: HTC Desire 620g, dual sim with Android version=kitkat 4.4.2, & Kernel version=3.4.67

pls help..

# Answer
> -1 votes
It seems to be a program that enables the device to access data from one app while using another. Like an internal search engine as it were... I'd leave well alone....

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat
---


# Question
Title: Move app data (on /data/data) to SD card
I bought one of those budget phones that claimed to have 4GB of internal storage, but it looks like there is only 1.08GB. I don't know why it says that I only have 1.08GB if I already used 1.12GB for apps.

I removed all bloatware and moved all my APKs to the SD card, but I still don't have enough space for Google Docs, etc.

The main culprits are SpanishDict and Facebook, which take up 200MB of internal storage each (at `/data/data/com.spanishdict.spanishdict` and `/data/data/com.facebook.katana`)

Of course, I googled before asking and such, and I used this program called FolderMount. But it doesn't seem to work well with moving things outside of the SD card, defeating the whole purpose of it.

Does anyone know a way to *actually* move app data from the internal storage to the SD card?

Btw, I am using a Lanix X200.

TL;DR no space on the internal store because of app data on `/data/data`. Need to move it to an SD card.

# Answer
First, when they say there is 4 GB storage, they count all partitions, so there is 4 GB on your phone.

To move data to an SD card, you will have to use an app called Link2SD (root required) or use an adoptable storage feature (Android 6+ only). In both cases, you don't move folders manually if you do that you will probably screw up something.

Also, if you really need a Facebook app, use the lite version, or access it via a browser. The normal version uses too much space and too many resources. Generally, I say this because I assume you don't have more than 768 MB of RAM, so use it wisely.

Check out the Link2SD's tag wiki
> 0 votes

# Answer
There are many apps for this purpose. Some of them are APPtoSD and Link2SD. Another possible way is that when you insert a new SD card into your phone, it automatically asks, and you should select "format and use as internal storage".
> 0 votes

---
Tags: sd-card, storage, app-data
---


title: Switching carrier firmware

text:
# Question
Title: Switching carrier firmware
Can you flash different carrier firmware on the exact same model phone

For example can I take a Straight Talk Galaxy S5 and Flash u.s. Cellular Galaxy S5 firmware to it and make it work

Reason why dropped my s 5 for u.s. cellular and broke screen I was at Walmart today and seen a brand new S5 for straight talk or some other Walmart carrier and it looks nice I thought it'd be nice to have my S5 back and have a brand new one at the same time

# Answer
> 1 votes
Different models use different baseband hardware and software tuned for the carrier's operation bands.

From what I found through search, a Straight Talk S5 (SM-S902L) is a Verizon S5 (SM-G900V) minus the bootloader lock, which supports LTE band 4/13. This is distinctly different from a US Cellular S5 (SM-G900R4) with LTE band 2/4/5/12/25.

Unless you've seen explicit examples that cross-flashing a baseband worked, don't even think about it.

# Answer
> 0 votes
There are some instances where this can be done on hardware which is 'similar enough'. I flashed the ROM for the T-Mobile Galaxy Note 2 onto my AT&T Galaxy Note 2, but **I did not flash the baseband modem bits**.

In this case the two models shared enough similarity that the image worked fine and got me what I wanted (wifi calling). As mentioned above your mileage may vary and this can potentially brick your phone. This is not an exercise to undertake lightly.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-5, device-firmware, carriers
---


title: Tethered VPN Connection

text:
# Question
Title: Tethered VPN Connection
I have an OPPO find 7. At my school we have a pretty mean wifi restriction on the wifi (Blocked websites). Basically I tried to tether through an usb cable from my Phone (while connected to the school wifi) to the computer. I then had a VPN connected that is specific for tethering, but some reason my websites are still blocked. Is there anyway around this or solutions?

I forgot mention that this phone doesn't have cellular connection; strictly wifi only. Also this phone is Rooted.

Thanks for any help! :)

# Answer
> 1 votes
You can try changing the DNS servers of the wifi connection.

To change the DNS settings:

1. Open the Settings on the device.
2. Select “Wi-Fi”.
3. Long press your current network, then select “Modify network”.
4. Mark “Show advanced options” check box.
5. Change “IP settings” to “Static”
6. Add the DNS servers IPs to the “DNS 1”, and “DNS 2” fields

Example Google DNS 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 (Disconnect wifi then connect again and check if it works)

Alternatively you can change to another better VPN, if it is not configured to work via tethering then activate it but performing the following commands in terminal as root:

```
Iptables -t filter -F FORWARD
iptables -t nat -F POSTROUTING
iptables -t filter -I FORWARD -j ACCEPT
iptables -t nat -I POSTROUTING -j MASQUERADE

```

---
Tags: wi-fi, tethering, wifi-tethering, usb-tethering
---


# Question
Title: How to update Google assistant app on non pixel device?
As I read in news about the update(take and share screenshot) for google assistant but that update only for pixel devices, not for nonpixel devices.

# Answer
> -1 votes
I don't try it yet but probably it should work

1. Download the Google Play Services APK compatible with your device from here. There will be three files in the zip folder. Install the one (arm for Android 5.0+, arm for Android 6.0+, arm64+arm for Android 6.0+) compatible for your device.
2. Copy the file over to your Android phone. Remember, it needs to be running at least Android 6.0 or up in order for this to work.
3. Head on over to Settings \> Security and tick the box beside Unknown sources, allowing for apps to be installed from outside the Google Play Store.
4. Using your favorite file manager, locate the APK and tap it before following the installation prompts.
5. Marvel at your all-new Google Assistant.

after updating it, google play service will bring Google Assistant updates for you

Reference: How To Force Google Assistant Update On Your Android Device Right Now

> ou will get further Explanation on this link. If this link disappear for some reason then just follow the above steps to get things done.

---
Tags: 7.0-nougat, google-assistant
---


# Question
Title: Rooting Samsung Galaxy A3 2016 (SM-A310F)
How can I root the Samsung Galaxy A3 2016 (SM-A310F)?

Andoid version is Marshmallow (6.0.1) and my computer runs on Windows 7.

# Answer
**ROOTING YOUR PHONE WILL PROBABLY VOID YOUR WARRANTY FROM BOTH THE CARRIER AND THE MANUFACTURER. IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO ACCEPT FAULT FOR ANY ADVERSE EFFECTS OF ROOTING, THEN DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER.**

## Downloads and installs

## Phone Setting

* Turn on developer mode:

> Settings \> About device \> Sofware info \> Build number.
> **Tap build number 7 times.**
* Enable USB debugging:

> Settings \> Developer options \> USB debugging.
> **Turn on.**
* Enable OEM (very important!):

> Settings \> Developer options \> OEM unlock.
> **Allow the device to be OEM unlocked.** This has to be turned on for ever from now! Reports said without this options phones have turned into bricks.

## Rooting

* Turn your phone off, then turn it on in **download mode**.

> Press and hold together Volume Down, Home and Power.
* Connect the phone to the computer.
* Start Odin and select **AP**, then browse to the Root File.
* Press **Start** and the rooting will process.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: rooting, samsung-galaxy-a3
---


# Question
Title: Prevent Google Music (but not other players!) from scanning local files
I'm wondering if there exist other options rather than adding the '.nomedia' file - this way I'm hiding the mp3s for all the players I have. But I want just Google Music not to see them, not other ones.

BTW, placing a dot in the beginning of the folder name hides the files in all the players as well.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Well, if you are on android 6 and above, you can just revoke "Storage Permission" of the application.

---
Tags: google-play-music, media-player, media-files, mp3, media-scanner
---


title: Soft bricked Sony Xperia M

text:
# Question
Title: Soft bricked Sony Xperia M
I was trying to unlock the boot loader of my Sony Xperia M. May be I undertook a wrong step and bricked my phone. It doesn't have recovery mode. How can I solve the issue Please help

# Answer
You need to flash the phone to solve the brick. This works on locked and unlocked bootloader.

* Download the firmware (search on Google)
* Download and Install the flash tool. The default directory of installation of flash tool will be **C:\Flashtool**
* Open the drivers (C:\Flashtool\Drivers) directory and install the Flash mode and Fast boot drivers.
* Now Open Flash Tool. Click on the “Black Lightning icon” at the top left corner.
* Then choose flashmode from given two options.
* Now browse to where you saved the firmware previously download.
* See the right hand side of window under the “Wipe” tag,. If you don’t want to delete all user data and don’t want a factory reset then you should uncheck them.
* Click on “Flash” button.
* After clicking on “Flash” Button in above step, now FlashTool will prepare file. When prompted the notification of connecting your phone, connect it in flashmode: Press Volume down button and then insert usb in phone.
* Wait untill the process finishes. Et voilà, your phone should boot normally.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: boot-loop
---


# Question
Title: Does Downgrading from Android Marshmallow to Lollipop wipes data?
After an OTA upgrade to Marshmallow, Android Locksceen is no longer accepting my 4 digit PIN, I have been using this PIN for the past 7 months without any problems. So, I know for sure that I haven't forgotten the PIN. Nobody else has accessed my device & changed the pin.

I had 2 other backups of my Data, one on a SD Card in my Canon EEOS 700D DSLR(I am a Professional Photographer) & second one on My Laptop, both of them were stolen from the hotel I was staying at. My phones Internal Storage is now the only other place that has my work. I don't care about recovering music, videos, contacts, messages. I am only interested in recovering my clients pictures (Wedding Photographs). I just can't afford to lose this, please do not suggest Factory Reset. If it wasn't that important to me, I would have done Factory Reset.

Device Information

Samsung Galaxy SM-J700F

Android 6.0.1/MMB29K/J700FXXU2BPG3

Security Patch Level - 2016-07-01

No Root

No USB Debugging

No Custom Recovery

Boot Loader Locked

No Full Disk Encryption, Only Lockscreen

Samsung Find My Mobile Not Registered (Even if it was, it wouldn't work without WiFi or Mobile Data turned on)

Can't turn on WiFi or Mobile Data from Lock Screen, so Google Android Device Manager also not working.

Can only access Emergancy Dialer & Camera from Lockscreen

Since the problem appeared right after the OTA upgrade to Marshmallow, would downgrading back to the previous version using ODIN Flash Tool fix the problem? Now, with a locked bootloader, you can't flash anything other than official Firmware signed by Samsung, so, if I download Official Samsung ROM Android 5.1.1 Version from www.sammobile.com , and flashed it using Samsung ODIN Flash tool, would it wipe all the data in internal storage? or would it stay intact? Help Please!

# Answer
> 1 votes
The problem is not just whether it will wipe your data.

* Many phones have a mechanism that prevents a downgrade in bootloader version, which you're attempting to trigger.
* Older version of an app might not recognize the data created by the newer version of the same app. Although user apps are rarely affected, crucial system apps might be, and on error might constantly throw "\*** has stopped" dialogs that effectively prevents you from using the phone.

So no, just don't think about downgrading as a means of restoring data. Instead, focus on dealing or working around the PIN, which you could check out the tag for a head start.

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, samsung, internal-storage, lock-screens
---


title: How AirWatch MDM works?

text:
# Question
Title: How AirWatch MDM works?
Taking a look at the AirWatch's whitepapers, it seems like the product can enforce the restriction of some features such as WiFi.

Is there any information on how this restriction works? Does the Android installation need to be rooted?

# Answer
Android has a concept called "device administrators" to allow for this kind of control. A device administrator is a special app given extra permissions that normal apps don't have, such as controlling what other apps are allowed to be installed, enforcing security policies, and remote-wiping the device.

You can learn more about how this works under-the-hood on the Android Developers website.

This feature is built into the Android permission model, so it doesn't need the phone to be rooted.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: security, airwatch
---


# Question
Title: Error: java.lang.IllegalStateException: java.util.concurrent.TimeoutException: Thread Binder_C gave up waiting for partitionMixed after 180000ms
After entering the final command to make a mixed-format SD card in How can I move apps to SD on non-adopted Marshmallow storage?:

> $ adb shell sm partition disk:179,64 mixed 25

I meet this error:

> Error: java.lang.IllegalStateException: java.util.concurrent.TimeoutException: Thread Binder\_C gave up waiting for partitionMixed after 180000ms

If it is `75`, then the error is:

> Error: java.lang.IllegalStateException: java.util.concurrent.TimeoutException: Thread Binder\_4 gave up waiting for partitionMixed after 180000ms

How can I fix this? Only 3 results appear in Google, and neither of them helps.

* **Phone**: Sony Xperia M4 Aqua Dual
* **SD card**: SanDisk Ultra micro SDHC UHS-1 Card 16 GB, class 10

# Answer
> 1 votes
It is because the SD card is mounted to have an ext4 partition (alongside with another normal partition), in order to use Link2SD to force moving unmovable apps to SD card. The error shows up after this. Even reformatting the SD card to have only one full partition back does not solve the problem.

To solve it, reformatting it **with the phone's default format tool**. You may want to reboot the phone after done. Thereafter, you can partition the disk with adb as normal.

---
Tags: adb, 6.0-marshmallow, app2sd, java, sony-xperia-m-dual
---


# Question
Title: How can I free up internal memory space taken up by unmovable (to SD) and uninstallable apps?
I have a Samsung Galaxy Luna phone, running Android 6.0.1. It only has 8 GB of total internal storage space, with about 3 of those GB taken by the Android OS itself, and about 2 more taken up with stock apps I don't use/want. That leaves 3 GB for me to play around with, and as you can imagine, that doesn't allow many app installs. Most of the apps I have installed have been moved to an external MicroSD card, but there are still those apps whose developers have forbidden the option to move to SD. And on top of that, every time an app updates through Google Play, it moves it back to the internal storage, forcing me to uninstall some apps on the internal, update one app at a time, move it back to SD, then reinstall the apps I had to delete in order to perform the time-consuming process.

My ultimate goal is to free up space on my internal memory, all of which is taken by apps (anything else that I am able to put on the SD, such as files, is on the SD). Things I have tried to accomplish this:

* **Rooting my phone**: Rooting my phone would allow me to uninstall the stock apps I don't use as well as use an app like Link2SD to move the unmovable apps to SD; this would perhaps be the simplest solution. However, the Samsung Galaxy Luna is an uncommon phone and it appears there is no way to root the phone (yet).
* **Adopting the MicroSD card as internal storage**: Another simple solution. This would not allow me to uninstall stock apps, but hopefully enough space would be made free from internal storage by allowing another 32 GB space of "internal memory." But because this is a Samsung device, there is no option to adopt the SD card as internal storage.
* **Using ADB to force enable the option to adopt the SD**: Another post on this site explains how to use ADB to force enable the option to adopt the SD card as internal storage on Samsung devices. But even after multiple tries, this method just simply does not work with my phone model.

These were the only methods I could find on the subject. It seems that I am out of luck with freeing up any more internal space than I have. I could try converting an app I would like to force move to an APK and editing it to enable the option to move to SD, but then I would have to repeat that process every time I want to update the app, plus I want having to hack the app to be my absolute last resort.

Is there any way to free up the internal storage on my phone, by forcing uninstall of the stock apps without rooting, by forcing adoptable storage using another means that I have not tried, and/or by forcing apps to the portable SD card using another method I have not tried? And a sub-question: is there a way to force Google Play to install updated apps straight to the SD card?

# Answer
One last thing to try would be a junk cleaner, try the one made by Norton (it's the only decent Norton software) and running it. It will clear any cache files and should not affect your device.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Apps that can't be uninstalled are called **bloatware**. You can search for a list of them to remove them manually (like this), a debloating script to flash via boot loader if you want to keep the OS/ROM (like this), or you can flash a custom ROM if you wish to start fresh.

If your phone can't use adb to partition the sd card, you may want to open a separated question regarding on this in detail.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: applications, 6.0-marshmallow, samsung, external-sd, adoptable-storage
---


title: Keeping Android quiet at night

text:
# Question
Title: Keeping Android quiet at night
I'd like my Android device to keep quiet during the night, no alerts for mails and talk messages, only calls and of course, the wake-up alarm. How can I do it?

# Answer
Timeriffic is fantastic for this purpose. You can get the latest version from the app's Google Play store page, or you can get an older version from f-droid.org.
> 16 votes

# Answer
In Marshmallow you don't need to install any apps as this is a native feature:

* Go to `settings` \> `Sound & notification` \> `Do not disturb` \> `Automatic rules` \> `Weeknight`

Activate the rule and press `Do not disturb` to choose if anything should be allowed to get through.

You can choose from:

* Priority only (in the `settings` \> `Sound & notification` \> `Do not disturb` menu you can configure what is classed as a priority)
* Alarms only
* Total silence

For me this is a really useful feature.
> 9 votes

# Answer
I am surprised nobody has mentioned **Sweet Dreams for Android**. Its a free app and can pretty much do everything but tuck you in at night and make eggs and bacon in the morning:

* switch your phone to slient mode automatically during preset times
* those preset silent times can be overridden if your phone detects noise (i.e. you are still awake)
* it has an alarm feature that can wake you up as well

This app was the winner in one of the Android Developer Challenges as well.

More Info:

http://www.androidguys.com/2010/02/11/adc2-winner-sweetdreams-hits-android-market/
> 8 votes

# Answer
Or... you can use the simplest solution.

1. Add the Power Control widget
2. At night, turn off the Data Sync widget (fourth from the left, between GPS and Light)

No email or other notifications will make noise. In the morning, just turn it back on and you'll get all your notifications.
> 5 votes

# Answer
You can set the alarm to be active during 'silent mode', but that would eliminate calls.

Also, you can download Tasker or Locale from the market to create custom profiles based on time. These two apps (and I'm sure there are others) are *extremely* customizable and you will be able to set up profiles exactly like you mentioned.
> 4 votes

# Answer
Even easier with Tasker:

Create a profile called ***silentMode***

* Set it to be active between *23:00* until *09:00*
* Now, add a task, call it **muteAudio**, with a tasker's function called '*Silent Mode*', Set that to *On*

That's one profile created. Now to do the opposite logic...

Create another profile called ***normalMode***

* Set it to be active between *09:01* until *22:59*
* Now, add a task call it **soundOn**, with a tasker's function called '*Silent Mode*', set that to *Off*

Now, both tasks will be activated depending on the clock on the device :)
> 3 votes

# Answer
I use Llama to achieve this. It is free and very flexible and can control a lot of other settings too. It uses nearby cells to identify your location, so it is not as accurate as others that use GPS, but does not require the GPS to be on in order to achieve location based profiles.
> 2 votes

# Answer
If you have Lollipop you can use "**Downtime and Interuptions**" feature. It lets you define priority interuptions and set the downtime for specific time that you can define for a duration of time. You can also set it as a countdown for one hour or adjust the time by pressing the `+` or the `-` sign. You can access this feature by clicking on the volume rocker button and pressing the corresponding tab to use this feature. You can also access this under `Sound & notification > Interruptions`.

Downtime Feature in Lollipop - Image Source

If you think that you don't want to be disturbed by anthing not even alarms you can set the interuption to "None" as shown in the above screenshot.

Depending on your device, you can set the following types of notifications as priority:

* Events and reminders.
* Calls from anyone, starred contacts, or any of your contacts (depending on your default phone app).
* Messages from anyone, starred contacts, or any of your contacts (depending on your default messaging app).
* Alarms are always set as priority interruptions. Keep in mind that if you set your notifications to "None" or "Don't interrupt," alarms won't make a sound when they go off. If you need to use an alarm, make sure you allow "All" or "Priority interruptions."

This will be confusing for many Lollipop users. So read anyone of the following links to get to know more about this useful feature.

Set your notifications - Downtime and Interuptions feature

Master notifications in Android Lollipop with Notification Priority and Downtime

How to Manage Interruptions and Downtime in Android 5.0

Avoid interruptions and set downtime in Motorola
> 2 votes

# Answer
No widget necessary. I turn off auto sync and turn the volume down to vibrate. I have a sleep tracker app called WakeMate on my phone and the alarm still goes off, even when the volume is turned down to vibrate (using the button on the side, not in settings). To turn off Auto Sync, I press (unselect) the icon that looks like a Refresh symbol on the floating toolbar. If you removed the toolbar, you can turn off auto sync by pressing Settings \> Accounts & sync \> Auto-sync (clear the check box). It prevents the phone from going to get your email and so on. Turn it back on when you wake up and turn up your volume and you'll soon hear the familiar downloading of emails, text messages, Twitter updates, App updates, whatever.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Bedside

Best app. Runs as a clock at night, only thing that will make noise are phone calls. Love it.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Stock sys volume settings:

* Alarm vol up
* Ringer up
* Notifications down
* Sys vol down

You can use Quick Settings to quickly change these settings or Quick Profiles to create profiles for one click profile switching. I use this last option and have 2 shortcuts on my home, one that turns on my bedtime profile and one that turns on the daytime profile.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Another alternative is one of the original taskers: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.cooolmagic.android.toggle5&feature=search\_result (the lite version)

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.cooolmagic.android.togglepro&feature=search\_result (Paid version)

Have being using it since Android 1.6.
> 0 votes

# Answer
A new app I've been using is **Silence** (Free, but you can pay to get rid of the ads).

It's really pretty simple to set up. You simply add a new event, give it the start and end times, optionally set it to repeat on which days and set your "toggles". It can toggle more than sounds, though:

* Ringer + Notification
* Media
* Alarm
* Airplane Mode
* Wi-Fi
* Bluetooth
* Mobile Data

You can toggle off any or all of those. Another nice feature is that you tell it what to do with the toggle when the event ends:

* Change back (to whatever it was set at before)
* Do nothing
* Silent (for sound toggles)
* Vibrate (for sound toggles)
* Set a volume level (for sound toggles)
* Turn on/off (for system toggles)

I particularly like the "Change back" setting. If I've already silenced the ringer manually, I don't necessarily want it to come back on when the event ends.

They also recently added the ability to tie an event to an event in your calendar.

I use this to set my ringer to vibrate and turn off wi-fi during the times I'm (generally) commuting on the train (because I sit in the Quiet Car and there's no wi-fi available). I also use it to turn off the sound on my tablet during the hours I'm likely to be asleep.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Samsung devices running Jelly Bean have this functionality built in-in the form of Blocking mode, which will allow you to shut off notifications, alarms, incoming calls, and alarms (any or all of the above) for whatever space of time you select.

For the incoming calls (and SMS/email notifications), you can also select whether to block all calls or allow some numbers through.
> 0 votes

# Answer
You should definitely look at **Sound off Reborn** app (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.hubalek.android.apps.soundoff). It works in similar way as scheduled do-not-disturb included in Android 6 but it has nice graphic view of your schedule. It also supports even and odd weeks and what is best: it is completely free. With no ads.
> 0 votes

# Answer
'Night clock' free app for Samsung.

Problem solved. Alarm works with phone mute.
> -2 votes

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Tags: notifications, silent-mode
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# Question
Title: Large files on machine after installing Eclipse and Android Studio
After installing and uninstalling both Eclipse and Android Studio several times, I have some very large (\> 200MB) files on my PC (Windows 7). I currently use the Android Studio version that is installed under `C:\Program Files (x86)\Android\android-studio`.

Is there any way to know which of these files is safe for deletion?

# Answer
These files are all system images for the Android emulator. That is, they contain the filesystems for the emulated Android phone inside the emulator. The ones that are in SDK directories can be removed from the Android SDK Manager and reinstalled any time you want.

The ones in your user directory were generated by running the emulator: they contain the files and data you've created in the emulator. Only you know whether they contain any important data. If your emulated Android system doesn't have any data you want to save, you can delete them. Make sure to remove the corresponding AVD entries that use them from the AVD manager, as the AVD won't be able to boot once you've removed its files: you'll have to start a new AVD from scratch.

BTW, it's not necessary to download a fresh Android SDK each time you install an IDE. Just tell the IDE the path where you installed the Android SDK. Rather than just worrying about the large files, it'll be better to completely remove the copies of the SDK you're not using.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Yes these files are generated when you run the emulator in Android studio....you need not delete the files instead try wiping data from memory using the AVD manager from Tools menu

then choose wipe data after clicking the down arrow next to Emulator name
> 0 votes

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Tags: windows, files, android-sdk
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title: How Do I Launch The SDK Emulator?

text:
# Question
Title: How Do I Launch The SDK Emulator?
How do I use the Android emulator? I made an AVD device in Eclipse, now im trying to launch it via command prompt. Android is the AVD name. I have also installed all the files for Android 4.2.2 in SDK manager. This is what I type into cmd: `emulator -avd <android> -gpu on`. It spits out, system cannot find the file specified.

# Answer
It sounds like the directory that `emulator` resides in isn't in your PATH. The path isn't updated by the installation of the SDK.
> 1 votes

# Answer
You shouldn't have `<`angle brackets`>` around the filename. They're used in examples to show you that you need to change that part of the command (to the AVD name you chose), and you shouldn't type them in.
> 1 votes

# Answer
You need to install AVD Manager inorder to run emulator...check for those and try running using the menu Tools|Android|AVD Manager after installing the necessary files and starting them...Wish u have success
> 0 votes

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Tags: android-emulator
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