# Question
Title: How to connect both a monitor and a keyboard to a LG G3?
Using USB-on-the-go I can connect a keyboard to an LG G3 and using a slimport adapter I should be able to connect a monitor. Is there a way to connect both at the same time? Or even better, connect both *and* be capable of charging them somehow.

# Answer
Use your slimport to charge and HDMI and get a bluetooth keyboard and mouse, that is the optimal configuration. The only dumb thing LG didn't predicted is to turn off the phone display when you are using an external.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: charging, usb-on-the-go, external-keyboard, external-display, slimport
---


# Question
Title: Showing both "adb status-window" and "adb logcat" on the same terminal
I am attempting to get the `adb status-window` command to display anything useful, however it appears to be just showing the following:

> Android Debug Bridge
> State: device

At first, I figured it was because the resource was busy with an existing operation `adb logcat`, but stopping this failed to fix the issue.

This is for a device that is outside of my local machine and is being used under adb over WiFi.

Is it possible to have these two commands at once? Does the `status-window` work remotely? Why would this not display?

Thanks for looking into this as no real reference was available after some considerable searching.

# Answer
Based on my testing, `adb status-window` will *continuously* monitor the status of the ADB (whether it's connected to a device or not). While it's active, connecting a device will show

> Android Debug Bridge
> State: device

and disconnecting it will show

> Android Debug Bridge
> State: unknown

On the other hand, `adb logcat` also *continuously* monitors the log from the device. As far as I know, you can't run both of them on the same terminal (tested on Windows' command prompt, though I don't have any idea on other OS). The only workaround is to use multiple terminals to run each command.

---

So, to answer your questions directly,

> Is it possible to have these two commands at once?

AFAIK, no, on Windows' command prompt, but maybe possible with some tricks on others.

> Does the `status-window` work remotely?

Yes.

> Why would this not display?

Because it continuously monitor the status of the ADB.
> 0 votes

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


title: xPosed Installer on HTC One M8

text:
# Question
Title: xPosed Installer on HTC One M8
I have rooted my HTC One M8 running Android 4.4.3 (using this method). The process went fine and I did not have any hiccups. One of the main reasons I rooted my phone was I wanted to utilize AppOps, however have been quite unsuccessful on this front.

I have installed xPosed Framework Installer (this is the correct version for Android 4.4.3), however when I load the application I encounter the error:

> app\_process version "58" has been installed previously but version "--" was found now. If you did not expect an old file to be restored, you may want to try installing via recovery (auto or manual)

Now according to few threads, for the use of the HTC One you need to proceed through this in recovery mode (Reddit) - I have not tested this method yet as I want to investigate.

Are there any other methods we need to try, that we're aware of? The only concern I have is not to soft-brick my phone as I am unsure how to perform a recovery (I *could learn* but would prefer to do this with a working phone!)

**Update**

I uninstalled Xposed and attempted a re-install, and now it appears as though I have lost ROOT access on my HTC One M8. I will reattempt to root my device to see what happens and if this in fact was the cause of my issue with Xposded.

# Answer
After performing a full backup of my phone, I went through and re-rooted (not too sure the actual steps taken as I used the same method), and then reinstalled Xposed.

After validating root access via SuperSU and that the default setting for updating applications was **retain root access** I went ahead and used the "install via recovery" method, which succeed (I used the .zip for Android 5.0). Then lastly I ensured I performed **a soft reboot** rather than a normal reboot (although I would have assumed the default reboot option would be that of a soft reboot to ensure Xposed started).

So there we have it, another PEBCAK move by me - **ensure you soft reboot and do not let the default reboot take course**
> 0 votes

---
Tags: root-access, htc-one, xposed-framework
---


# Question
Title: Unbrick Lenovo ZUK Z1, after every partition was formatted
Bricked my phone trying to install Cyanogenmod on it. Formatted every partition, including /boot and /recovery.

The phone can't:

* Boot into home screen.
* Be reached by ADB.
* Have it's bootloader rebooted.
* Flash a new recovery.

The phone can:

* Get stuck in a boot loop.
* Enter ZUK Recovery.
* Enter Download Mode.

Additionally, using adb to look for devices while the phone is in Download Mode returns this:

```
????????????    no permissions

```

Any idea on how to solve this? Or am I stuck with a brick from now on?

# Answer
Yesterday we ended up in the same state after trying to flash CyanogenMod 13 on the phone: loop trying to boot CyanogenMod 13 (cyan robot head with circle waves) and no way to get the phone to put itself into adb or fastboot mode.

Here's how we solved the issue and got the phone working again, just if it's useful for somebody in the future:

1. Reboot to the (factory) Zuk recovery firmware: press `VolumeUp`+`VolumeDown`+`Power` continuously. The phone will reboot (keep pressing). Unplug the phone USB cable. Choose "English" and then "Power off". Let it power off.
2. Get TWRP from twrp.me. Try to flash it using fastboot with the USB cable disconnected (it will wait until you connect the cable, don't do it yet, let it wait):

```
fastboot -i 0x2b4c flash recovery twrp-3.0.2-0-Z1.img

```
3. With the phone switched off, press `VolumeUp`+`VolumeDown` (*not* `Power`) and plug the phone to the computer with the buttons pressed. This was the magic required to put the phone in fastboot mode. Fastboot will do its job and TWRP will be flashed. It worked for us, but this flashing step might fail for you. *Only if* it failed, what I would do would be to return to step 1 and try to boot directly from TWRP like this, and then go to step 5:

```
fastboot -i 0x2b4c boot twrp-3.0.2-0-Z1.img

```
4. To boot the phone into TWRP, press `VolumeUp`+`Power` until the phone reboots (keep pressing until TWRP boots).
5. To get the phone to a working state, flash CyanoGen OS 12 (this archive) once TWRP is loaded:

```
adb push cm-12.1-YOG4PAS7DF-ham-signed-c4eecafcd7.zip /sdcard/

```

On TWRP: "update", select the zip file you copied with the previous command.

Reboot, and you have a working phone again.

Thanks a lot to Gonzaman for the "Poweroff your device hold vol+ and vol- and connect it to pc" trick. You saved our day! :-)
> 1 votes

---
Tags: adb, unbricking, lenovo
---


# Question
Title: Why my phone battery has four terminal? what is the use of the fourth?
I have a LG Optimus One (P500). For sometime I am wondering why my phone's battery has four terminals. I am aware that two terminals are for the positive and negative points and the the third connects to the battery's internal thermistor to monitor its temperature. Still that leaves me puzzled with what the fourth terminal could be for?

Interestingly my phone has only three terminal where as the battery has four. I have searched for answers in Google but no useful results other than description about temperature monitoring comes up.

Also since another doubt also lies in the same image, what is the port that is marked as "A" in the following image? It appears to me as some sort connector and my guess is that it is a connector to a cable with which manufacturers can access something deep in hardware. The Nokia phones which I had also had this feature and I guess this should be common for all phone then.

**Update:** I am more keen on knowing what the fourth terminal on the battery does rather than why there are three in phone and four in battery. As @Axeman said, this battery could be used in other phones (of LG) as well.

# Answer
As @Axeman said, the connector is an Ultra Small Surface Mount Coaxial connector (quite a mouthful and still could not get how it was abbreviated as U.FL) which is a kind of expansion port which could be used for any radio communication, including GSM, WiFi, GPS.

And as @Lie Ryan said, the fourth terminal in the battery is for connecting the antennae in the battery to NFC circuitry on the motherboard. Few searches in Google confirmed this and gives raise to following information:

Those who have NFC in their phones, may lose the NFC capabilities if they try to replace with cheap and duplicate batteries which may not have the NFC antennae as said here.

I am summing up all the points to make this question as answered. I was unable to accept @Axeman's answer as complete as it did not answer the NFC part and @Lie Ryan had added as a comment only.

Kudos for them both!

Update: I happen to get hold of LG P500's service manual which confirms the RF connector with the following image tagged as SW1001.
> 10 votes

# Answer
Connector A seems a U.FL-R-SMT-10 and probably is for an external/additional antenna.

> U.FL, is a miniature coaxial RF connector for high-frequency signals up to 6 GHz manufactured by Hirose Electric Group in Japan. U.FL connectors are commonly used inside laptops and embedded systems to connect the Wi-Fi antenna to a Mini PCI card. Female U.FL connectors are not designed with reconnection in mind, and they are only rated for a few reconnects before replacement is needed. The female U.FL connectors are generally not sold separately, but rather as part of a pigtail with a high-quality 1.32 mm doubly shielded cable, which allows for a low-loss connection.

(from Wikipedia)
> 13 votes

# Answer
Talking about LG, it's likely this is not any kind of NFC. I have an LG phone with 4-pin port on the phone and 4-pin battery. When I cover the 4th pin with some masking tape, the phone complains the battery is not genuine and refuses to boot picture.

A quick poke with a logic analyzer has shown me that there's a communication between phone and battery of some kind. Conclusion - it's "battery DRM", used at least on some LG phones (mine is LG Tribute). If your LG phone has 4 pin battery port, it's got this "DRM". If not, it simply doesn't care.
> 2 votes

# Answer
The extra connections on the battery are for an NTC thermistor within the battery so the phone can monitor the battery temp. How else do you think the phone can display the battery temp? Std on iphones, some Androids can also display it with the right software installed but it does monitor it during charging etc to protect the phone and battery from fire risk.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: battery, lg-optimus-one
---


# Question
Title: Media sync (MTP) not working on LG G2 LS980
I recently did whatever possible to run "Google Now" on my LG G2 LS980. I updated Google App, installed Google Now, fiddled with don't-remember-how-many settings.

I made it (but not as expected). But as a side effect, the **Media Sync (MTP)** is not working on the phone. Means, whenever I connect my phone to a PC / laptop, my phone doesn't show up in the Windows Explorer.

Just in case, the settings are as under : Settings \> PC Connection \> Select USB Connection Method \> Media Sync (MTP)

My phone is a rooted one, running on Android 4.4.2 custom ROM.

Any help please.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Uninstall LGE Mobile USB Composite Driver (don't forget tick Delete driver software).

Plugin your LG Phone via USB then click "scan check for hardware changes" Then,,,enjoy ;)

---
Tags: lg-g2, media-files
---


# Question
Title: How to use my voice instead of default voice in text-to-speech Android?
I want to use my voice instead of default voice for the text-to-speech in Android. Any idea?

# Answer
> 2 votes
You can not replace the voice in default TTS, but you can use external engine and add your voice there.

For example, you can use Flite TTS with your own voice. To add your voice, record voice samples from the existing database (500 samples) and build your voice with the build scripts, then add your voice into TTS. That will take some time though.

---
Tags: text-to-speech
---


# Question
Title: Is an android 5.1 adb backup incompatible with android 6.0?
I recently loaded Cyanogenmod 13 on my nexus 4. Prior to flashing, I did a full adb backup and an app data backup for com.king.candycrushsaga. The only thing that seems to need restoring is the candycrush data, but adb restore doesn't seem to do the job. It simply creates an empty folder in /sdcard/Android/data.

I used the abe.jar expander app to extract the .ab contents to a backup.tar file to see what was really in the backup, and there's an extensive set of files there, but they are all relative to apps/com.king.candycrushsaga. I can't find any apps/com... structure on my phone now. And since there's no 'data' component to file paths in the adb backup, it would seem that Android 6 stores app data in a different location than 5.1 did. Is that true? And if so, can I just use my .tar backup to restore the data to the correct location? Or rebuild the .ab with a new top level directory?

# Answer
> 0 votes
ADB backups usually do not contain system apps, unless explicitly specified by you while performing the backup process. If this is the case, you can certainly restore safely without any problem. But some apps may be incompatible with 6.0 as such. So they may not work after the restore.

---
Tags: adb, backup
---


title: Nexus 6P wrong time

text:
# Question
Title: Nexus 6P wrong time
Whilst in my pocket, I have pulled out my Nexus 6P and found it has rebooted (at least this is what I assume as it now wants my full passcode and will not allow unlock with fingerprint).

I also find that the time is wrong. It has reset back to 1st Jan 1970 12am. I have not been able to get it to correct itself (via my network - EE in UK if that matters).

The only fix has been to disable automatic time sync, manually set it, and then re-enable auto time sync.

How can I get this to auto rectify the issue next time it happens? Its very annoying!

I am fully up-to-date with all software and patches.

# Answer
If this keeps repeating it may probably be an firmware level problem. In that case you can try flashing the Nexus 6p ROM image available from Google Android site(provided your phone's bootloader is unlocked) . There is a fair chance of it being a hardware issue as well. If so, better get it checked from an authorized service center. Even if it is just a software glitch, if your phone is under warranty and you haven't unlocked /rooted it, take it to the service guys. That way your warranty won't get void
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, nexus-6p
---


# Question
Title: Does the Samsung Galaxy 5 support Band 12 LTE?
Does the Samsung Galaxy 5 support Band 12 with AOSP/CM13?

# Answer
# No, it doesn't have the hardware

Here is the T-Mobile spec sheet for the Galaxy S5 that seems to indicate it doesn't support Band 12.

```
Network
2G/3G/4G/LTE Capable
UMTS: Band V (850); UMTS/HSPA+: AWS Band IV / 2100 / 1900 / 850;Band II (1900);Quad Band GSM;LTE
  GSM/GPRS/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900MHz

```

And, here is the Spec Sheet from Samsung that seems to indicate it doesn't support Band 12,

```
Network
FREQUENCIES AND DATA TYPE
LTE: Bands 1/2/3/5/7/8/4/17 HSPA+/UMTS: 850/AWS/1900/2100MHz GSM: 850/900/1800/1900MHz

```
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-5, 4g
---


# Question
Title: Extract a presentation file as PPT on SlideShare app
I am using SlideShare to view presentation. Sometimes I want to transfer the presentation to my PC and view it on projector. However, in the Android app, there is only a save feature to view it offline.

I know I can use its website to download the `.ppt` files, but is there any way to get the `.ppt` from the app?

# Answer
I found that the presentation saved by this app isn't in `.ppt` format but each slide is sliced into a `.jpg` having a numeric name, and the images are found only under `/data/data/net.slideshare.mobile/files/`

E.g. A presentation with 78 pages was sliced into images with names ranging from `7456179_00.jpg`, `7456179_01.jpg`...`7456179_78.jpg`.

**Note** that all the related presentation images will be having a numeric string like `7456179` in the beginning of name, which is exactly the `ss_id` defined in the table `slideshows` of database `slideshows` under `/data/data/net.slideshare.mobile/databases/`.

Now, here is the disappointing news because all of the said information probably wouldn't be of any worth to you, since this app has declaration of `android:allowbackup="false"` in its `AndroidManifest.xml`. What it means is any non-system/root backup app won't be able to touch this app's data, including `ADB` and **Helium** which I deliberately try despite clear evidence of failure. It seems that there isn't much of a choice left to backup the presentation (or what has become of it).

**What's next?** There is one thing that I can think of. If your device is not rooted and you're or can make yourself aware of extracting backup made by your device's Recovery, then go ahead and take backup from it since Recovery doesn't care or even know those "disallow backup declarations", and it should take backup of your app too, among other things.

### For root users

You now know what to do:

* You can copy-paste images from `/data/data/net.slideshare.mobile/files/` into your SD card and then into PC, or may be do `adb pull`,
* You can also find out easily which `ss_id` belongs to which presentation using an SQL query or an app like SQLite Editor,
* You can take backup by Titanium Backup, export it, and extract it to see the files,
* and any possible way you can think of. :)
> 3 votes

# Answer
1)Open slideshare.net on ur browser in your phone. 2)Then,from the dropdown menu in your browser,select the option "request desktop site". 3)The download option on the slideshare page will be available now.

Note:- These restrictions have been implemented only on mobile users in order to boost the slideshare app.

WELCOME;)
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications
---


# Question
Title: Workaround for Android 4.4 not being able to write to SD cards?
Yesterday I upgraded my Samsung Galaxy S4 to Android 4.4 KitKat and had the bad surprise that it cannot write to my SD card anymore... I know this problem is widely documented everywhere, but has any workaround been found for it yet? (Other than removing the card physically from the phone and opening it on my PC) Also, because of the KNOX flag I can't downgrade to 4.3...

(PS: Rooted or not, it makes no difference)

# Answer
> 17 votes
Found an answer to my own question! Might as well share how I did it (DO IT AT YOUR OWN RISK, it worked fine for me). Needs root obviously.

1. Using a root-enabled file manager, navigate to `/system/etc/permissions`
2. Edit platform.xml and find the WRITE\_EXTERNAL\_STORAGE permission.
3. Add an additional group definition for this permission...`<group gid="media_rw" />`
4. Save the changes to the file.
5. Restart.

Credits go to ***mateenf*** from the XDA-developers forum

# Answer
> 1 votes
I used this workaround to edit tags from my external SD card on my rooted LG G3 (LG-D851). Audio player is PowerAmp.

1. Download and install Xposed installer from the Google Playstore: Instructions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nj\_fgrpgDRU (GadgetHacks)
2. In Xposed Installer click on "Download." (you may have to hit refresh symbol to load modules).
3. Click on and download "KitKat SD Card Full Access" from the repository. Make sure you have the download from Unknown Sources box checked (settings \>security \>unknown sources).
4. Once the module has been downloaded and installed, reboot your phone and tag away to your heart's content.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I found a way better solution! With uTorrent I was not able to write to

```
"/storage/extSdCard/"

```

But I am able to write to:

```
"/storage/extSdCard/Android/Data/com.utorrent.client"

```

So look for a folder on the SD card that your app has access to given by Android.

---
Tags: sd-card, 4.4-kitkat, permissions
---


# Question
Title: Automatically enable/disable data mobile
Mobile data have enabled all the time drastically reduces the battery, is there any way to automatically turn on mobile data for 5min and then turn off this each (~)1 hour?

# Answer
To my knowledge, there're no native settings in Android to achieve that. But there are several "battery savers" doing exactly that, which I call Data Stutterer.

One candidate holding the top of the list for a long time was JuiceDefender, which unfortunately got its last update in 2012. GreenPower is still updated, and offers the same functionality:

<sup>*JuiceDefender* and *GreenPower* (source: *Google Play;* click images for larger variants)</sup>

There are other comparable apps out there. If you want a good app recommendation, please ask for that at our sister site after having read Where to ask for app recommendations? (SR has quite strict rules, so make sure your question there has all required details).
> 1 votes

---
Tags: battery, mobile-data
---


# Question
Title: When an app wants permissions, is it isolated from others?
When an app asks for permissions for my media folder for example, does this mean it can access anything in my media folder?

Are apps isolated to only save/read from a subfolder inside my media folder that is specific to that app?

Example, can an app potentially download all of my camera pictures?

I was using Whatsapp, and it wanted special permissions whenever I tried to download a voice message or picture.

# Answer
> 0 votes
All apps can read and write files; it is a core requirement for most of them and not something that needs to be granted via permissions. There aren't all that many apps that don't store/read any data.

So yes, when you grant the "Read external storage" permission or similar you are granting access to a *common* storage area. Such apps could potentially upload all of the pictures stored there, yes.

---
Tags: security, whatsapp-messenger
---


# Question
Title: How can I spoof my mac address on Bluestacks?
My Bluestacks is rooted already with terminal installed. (Busybox 1.21.1)

Thus far, I have tried

1. Mac Address Ghost - App runs, but simply does spoof MAC
2. Xprivacy - xposed framework keeps getting seg faults upon installation
3. `# ip link set eth0 xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx` \- Operation not supported on transportation endpoint
4. `# busybox ifconfig eth0 hw ether 00:11:22:33:44:55` \- Operation not supported

Has anyone achieved this before or know of a way to change the mac address of Bluestacks?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Unzip `initrd.img` in `c:\programdata\android\` folder (by default). It's a GZIP format.

Next, you should edit `initrd` file with hex editor. Find your address, for example **02**C64001**00**C64002**00**C64003**62**C64004**73**C64005**74**

And Replace 02:00:00:64:73:74 bytes with your hex bytes (MAC ADDRESS)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rVumD8tmjg

Gzip initrd to initrd.img and replace original file

---
Tags: root-access, bluestacks, mac-address
---


title: Custom shutdown animation

text:
# Question
Title: Custom shutdown animation
first post here...

So I'm attempting to utilize a custom shutdown animation on my LG K7 that I use for dev purposes..

Ive made backups of the original shutdownanimation.zip, and using custom pictures (same .png format, resolution,color depth, etc) I've replaced the original picture files within the zip with the new ones.

Shutdown only displays a black screen.

So I push backup back to phone, displays LG logo again.

Deciding to experiment, I took my stock bootanimation.zip, renamed it to shutdownanimation.zip and overwrote the shutdownanimation.zip on my phone.

As expected, this gave me the stock boot up animation during shut down.

So I decided I would take a copy of the original shutdownanimation.zip file, and simply edit the existing pictures within it using an image editor. I just opened each of the two original picture files within the zip and used a drawing tool to write 'custom' over the lg logo, then overwrote the new picture files back into shutdowanimation.zip and pushed to phone.

I though for sure I would see the altered LG logo, but instead I got a black screen.

Any ideas?

Update: Im wondering if some mechanism is in place to prevent alteration of the bootanimation or shutdown animation? At first I was thinking it was some file format issue, so I took picture #150 from part0 in bootanimation.zip and replaced every odd picture with picture #150... i.e. part0 pic # 101,103,105... = pic #150 So that this way I didn't even alter any images. Upon moving to phone and rebooting, the boot animation ignores part0 completely where I made the changes and only plays part1.

# Answer
> 1 votes
ANSWER:

So this took me some troubleshooting to fix.

During this process I was using the Linux Archive Manager GUI to work with my animation files. This was my mistake.

At one point, as a test, I deleted folder part0 from the archive, and then added it right back in and pushed it back to the phone.

Black screen. This was my "A-Ha!" moment.

My archive manager was automatically compressing everything I added to it. Thus, after adding part0 back into the archive I noticed the compression ratio changed from 0.99 to 1.34...

Easy fix: I created an uncompressed new bootanimation.zip file

zip -r -0 bootanimation.zip part0 part1 desc.txt

worked flawlessly. Custom animations now work.

---
Tags: 5.1-lollipop, lg, customization, shutdown, boot-animation
---


title: Vehicle tracking

text:
# Question
Title: Vehicle tracking
All office buses would have Android 4G mobile phones with the driver, always switched on and always charging. These mobile phones need to broadcast realtime location possibly from an Android app, or perhaps from a web application running on Chrome. Office administrators and employees waiting for buses would then track the realtime location and recent path on a public URL using Chrome, without requiring to download any app. Is this possible?

# Answer
> 1 votes
## Google Plus location sharing.

1. No need for Android commuters to install any app. Request iPhone commuters to install and sign into Google Plus.
2. Provide each office bus with a 4G Android phone. Sign into Google Plus with a new Google Account for the bus, say TFL27@gmail.com.
3. Request commuters to be added to the circle of their bus.
4. Request office admins to be added to the circles of all buses.
5. Enable Google Plus location sharing on the bus-tracking-phones: Open the Google+ app Google+ icon. Touch the menu button or icon menu \> Settings. Touch the account name, say TFL27@gmail.com. Touch Location sharing \> next to "Location Sharing", turn the switch on. To share your precise location, scroll down to where it says "Pinpoint Location" and touch Edit. Choose the people and circles you'd like to share your precise location with \> DONE at the top right.
6. Commuters and office admins should not share their location
7. Make continuous charging and anti-theft arrangements for these bus-tracking-phones.
8. Commuters will be able to see only their bus on Google Plus. Office admins will be able to see all buses on Google Plus.

## Sample Google Plus location sharing screen from CNET

**Reference:** Four ways to share your exact location with family (and why)

---
Tags: geolocation
---


# Question
Title: What happens to my Google Play Music library when I unsubscribe?
I'm currently shopping for a music streaming service because I'm currently unsatisfied with Spotify, my current service of choice.

Lured in by the three month free trial, I'm enjoying Google Play Music for a series of reasons, but now that I finally moved my library of music from Spotify to GPM, I'm curious about what will happen if I ever decide to unsubscribe.

Will GPM delete all the songs I added? Or, should I ever want to renew my subscription, will I find them all where I "left" them? I know I won't be able to play the songs while on the free level, obviously, but what I'm wondering is if Google will keep all the songs and albums I added, tied to my Google account or, what I'm afraid of, deletes everything forcing me to readd everything once I decide to pay again?

# Answer
> When the end of the billing period is over and your subscription is canceled, **you won't be able to access music you downloaded to your device, or playlists you created.**
>
> If **you subscribe again, you'll get access** to your radio stations and also the playlists and music you uploaded.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: google-play-music, paid-apps
---


# Question
Title: Install multiple apps from Play Store with single click
The requirement goes like this.

Requirement 1:

1. Install parent app from Play Store with 2 or 3 feature buttons.
2. Once clicked, it should download and install corresponding apps from Play Store. (Catch here: it *should not* go to Play Store and ask to install)

Or requirement 2:

1. Install parent app from Play Store with single clickable button.
2. Once clicked, it should cumulatively install 2 or 3 apps from Play Store.

Is it possible?

# Answer
> 2 votes
Unless you're from Google, you can't, and for good reasons why Google prohibits it.

I assume you want to do this for better user-experience, in which they can conveniently install what they need with their consent. However, let's put aside that idea and think another possibility: *a seemingly-safe app can install rogue apps from Play Store automatically **without user's consent!***

There's a more detailed explanation on an answer by ozbek on Stack Overflow, in which you can only request Play Store to install an app silently *if your app is signed by Google*.

---
Tags: google-play-store, installation
---


title: How can one receive android updates?

text:
# Question
Title: How can one receive android updates?
How can one install android OS updates even when the manufacturer doesn't provide any? I have an android lollipop phone and wish to update it to marshmallow.

# Answer
The android update will be provided by OTA by the manufaturer itself.

Go to **Settings-\>About Phone-\>Check for Updates** in your android device.

Can you please share your device model name and number? and the current version of android?
> -1 votes

---
Tags: android-versions
---


# Question
Title: "Package installer has stopped working" after updating to COS13/Marshmallow
I have a **OnePlus One**, never rooted or modified the OS. Today I updated the OS from YOG7DAS2K1 (COS12.1) --\> ZNH0EAS26M (COS13) via *OTA incremental update zip* from *Recovery (stock)*.

I wiped cache and user data from Recovery after update.

Phone seems to be fine so far, except this:

Whenever I *sideload* an APK, although the installed app works fine, an error message pops up at the end.

> "Unfortunately, Package Installer has stopped"

I tried wiping cache, rebooting, reinstalling those apps, but the error appears anyway.

What seems to be the problem here?

# Answer
I do not know how to reproduce this problem. It simply solved itself after changing the Cyanogen themes a few times.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, updates, system-error, oneplus-one
---


# Question
Title: Can I, simultaneously, run two instances of the Facebook app?
Can I, simultaneously, run **two instances** of the same Facebook app (which is **installed once** in the system)?

I want to be active on two accounts (I also have iOS and Windows Phone devices if their support for multiple instances of an app is better than Android's. But my Android phone is my main phone, hence I prefer an Android solution.)

Also, can I get **parallel** notifications from both accounts (I don't need any chat messages, just the notifications from a specific Facebook group on my second account).

# Answer
> 5 votes
You **cannot** run two instances of app with same package name because when you try to install it out of the box because the *package installer* checks if an instance of the package you are trying to install is already present and if present *asks if you want to update the existing app*.

You can however change the source code of an existing app to fool the system that it is some other app with a *different package name* by cloning the source code and have a different package name. Reference link here

---

Also there's another way by making use of the special Facebook lite app.
Facebook has provided a **Lite** app which is supposed to work for *low-data-speed* devices consuming *less memory*. You can install one Facebook **native** app and another Facebook **lite** app and use multiple accounts. So you'll be able to *get notifications* from both the apps.

**NOTE:** This is possible because Facebook-app and Facebook-lite are two different apps (with two different package names `com.facebook.katana` and `com.facebook.lite` respectively)

# Answer
> 4 votes
You can use two Facebook account in a single Facebook application. For that you have to install first an application Parallel Space that is easy available from Google Play. There you will get an option for Facebook application, and that Facebook will work in Parallel Space application.

---
Tags: facebook
---


# Question
Title: Should I format /sdcard and /data if I want to wipe all personal data with Cyanogenmod?
I'm trying to completely wipe all personal data from my Nexus 4 with CM installed. I've seen different advice on different sites for making sure all my data is gone:

1. Just do 'Factory Reset'.
2. Do 'Factory Reset' at least 3 times.
3. Do 'Factory Reset' and wipe dalvik cache.
4. ...

and so on... I'm interested in erasing all traces of my personal data from the device. It's a Nexus 4, so there is no removable storage to worry about.

My guess would be to 'wipe data/factory reset' and 'wipe cache partition' in the main recovery menu. In the mount/storage menu, I would choose 'format /cache', 'format /data', and 'format /data and /data/media (/sdcard)'. Finally, in the advanced menu, I would choose 'wipe dalvik cache'.

Is this thorough enough? Should I also choose 'format /system', 'format /firmware', etc? Are there any options I should steer clear from? I would like the phone to boot to a fresh Cyanogenmod after clearing all data.

# Answer
> 1 votes
> Just do 'Factory Reset'.

Well, this depends upon the recovery you're using. If you're using TWRP (assuming you've v2.8.4.x or above), choosing Factory Reset would remove everything under */data* (excluding */data/media* which serves as emulated storage available through */sdcard* as internal SD card), would wipe cache partition, and since davik cache gets stored either in cache or data partition, it would already be wiped out.

If you're using stock Android recovery (`<3e>`) and choose Factory Reset, then it would format the data partition and cache partition. Davik and internal SD card would also be automatically taken care of by formatting.

If you're using Cyanogen recovery or any other recovery, then I can't comment. I can only suggest switching to TWRP for better control and features.

> Do 'Factory Reset' at least 3 times.
> Do 'Factory Reset' and wipe dalvik cache.

You only do it one time and that's all you need to do. As I said, a factory reset automatically wipes cache partition so you need not to explicitly wipe it. TWRP notes:

> \[You\] need to \[factory reset\] and you only need to do it once, not three times as some people would lead you to believe.

As for,

> I'm interested in erasing all traces of my personal data from the device

Wiping the partition wouldn't be enough if you're talking about *erasing all traces of personal data*. There are already Q&A discussed about that on this site, so I'm referring them to you:

**Note** that if the phone would remain with you after a factory reset/ full data+cache wipe then it is not worth the time engaging in addressing "traces of personal data" since resurrecting deleted data requires physical access to your device.

> Are there any options I should steer clear from? I would like the phone to boot to a fresh CyanogenMod after clearing all data.

Yes, please stay away from anything other than /data, /data/media and /cache. System partition doesn't contain personal data and when you would flash your ROM the partition would automatically be flashed because modern ROMs (such as CyanogenMod) do that. Modem partition is mounted at */firmware* so it is not worth wiping it out because that may only cause trouble for you.

Related: Won't placing a cuostm ROM file before factory reset remove it from the phone?

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, factory-reset
---


title: Calling scp invokes sftp

text:
# Question
Title: Calling scp invokes sftp
Hi guys when I try to call scp from terminal emulator it invokes sftp, I have scp installed (along with ssh and sftp) in /system/bin folder.I know it's working correctly because typing just scp gives me the usage info but calling

> scp file user@ip:target

Gives the error sftp: illegal option - -x

Please help!

# Answer
> 0 votes
this issue is caused because the "terminal emulator" app does not handle scp transfer (as far as im aware) upgrade to "better terminal emulator pro" app and the issue disappears.

---
Tags: terminal
---


title: Can MTP be configured to show the root?

text:
# Question
Title: Can MTP be configured to show the root?
I have a rooted device running Android 6.

When I connect it via USB, I can browse files via MTP, but it is limited the the `/sdcard` folder, for instance I can see `Downloads` and `DCIM` but I can't access `/system/app`.

**QUESTION:** Is there a setting or trick that would allow me to access `/` via MTP?

Very technical procedures such as recompiling system programs are OK too.

# Answer
> 2 votes
The simple answer is no, you can't... You are not really looking at /sdcard but at a database of what that card contains provided by `External Storage` and possibly `Media Storage`. MTP has replaced USB Mass Storage (which would allow this) for a variety of reasons, many are security reasons, and they are encoded deep within the Android source code in multiple areas. MTP is specifically designed to only give access to user files (/sdcard and /storage/{volname}) and nothing else. I don't think you will find a way, root or otherwise, to this without heavily modifying the base code of Android

---
Tags: root-access, 6.0-marshmallow, mtp
---


# Question
Title: Custom ring tone for callers who block their caller ID?
How can I set a custom ringtone for callers who block their caller ID? I don't want the same ringtone for callers who don't block caller ID but are also not one of my contacts (otherwise, I could set a custom ringtone for all of my contacts and change the default ringtone).

**Device:** Moto X (2nd Generation) with Android 5.1, security patch level 2016-03-01

# Answer
> 3 votes
Automation is the preferred option. Many apps are available. I prefer using MacroDroid , since it is free (upto 5 macros) and easy to learn. To understand how MacroDroid works and required **settings**, my answer here

---

**Edit:** I overlooked a **correct** set of actions, my fault. The earlier option of set ringtone *reacts at the point where the phone rings*, at which point the phone has already started ringing - deleted that option. Sorry for that

What you could do is reduce the ringer volume to zero, increase the music volume and use the play sound action on the music stream for unknown callers with the incoming call trigger.

And add a corresponding macro to reverse the ringer volume for any caller *other than unknown*

Your macros would look like this

* **Unknown caller macro** (name of macro )

**Trigger**: *Call incoming**Select contact**Unknown Caller*

**Actions**:

1. *Volume Change*

* *Select Ringer (check the box)* and set *Volume* to zero using the sliding scale
    * *Select Music (check the box)* and set *Volume* to say 80 using the sliding scale ( can be adjusted to comfortable level later )
    * Click *OK*
2. *Play Stop/Sound*

* *Choose Sound* \- The problem with choosing a sound option from the app choices is that it plays only for a short time and you may miss it (optionally you could repeat this action multiple times, having a *wait X seconds* between these actions-without *wait*, they would all play nearly at same time)

    (OR)
    * *Choose File* \- You can save a sound clipping of your choice and length on your phone, say in your internal memory and navigate to it by `/storage /sdcard0 /soundfile_saved location`.
    * *Click OK*

**Constraints:** None

* **Reverse for other callers macro** ( for reverting to existing setup for other callers, meaning those who haven't blocked caller ID)

**Trigger**: *Call incoming**Select contact**Any number* ( By specifying this, it is applicable to contacts and non-contacts who haven't barred their caller ID )

Only one action in this macro is that of *Volume Change* as above but with **opposite** settings of muting *music* and reverting *ringer* to original

**Constraints:** None

**Note**

1. For reverting the changes made in the first macro, we have two options:

a) Reverting after a time period of choice

b) Reverting based on caller identity

Second option is chosen and implemented since time based option can produce unwanted results like successive caller ID barred calls, with the second one ( *if* ) outside the time limit would be wrongly treated

2. Since I cannot verify with blocked ID calls (not being allowed in my country ), I set the first macro for known mobile contact (and predefined sound instead of saved clip ) and second macro for known landline and it worked. Do let me know if any clarifications or problems arise
3. **Edit:** I am running KitKat and you are on Lollipop. There is a difference in how sounds are treated (example below)

Google Voice Recognition functionality that creates the "ding" sound when activated was streamed as notification stream in KitKat. In Lollipop this is switched to music stream.

**Source**: https://stackoverflow.com/questions/21701432/continues-speech-recognition-beep-sound-after-google-search-update

I am not aware if *Ringer* sounds also changed, though unlikely. If the macros don't work because of such a change, you may need to change *system sounds option similar to music in both macro actions*

---
Tags: automation, ringtone, caller-id
---


title: Update software will also update the OS

text:
# Question
Title: Update software will also update the OS
I have Samsung Galaxy S-Duos with Android Version 4.0.4. I always get Software Update Popup. If I will confirm the update then it will update the Android Version Also or just update all the system software's only?

# Answer
It only updates the apps. How ever you can update the OS by Going to Settings \> (More) \> About device \> Software update \> update.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, updates
---


title: Possible .obb virus?

text:
# Question
Title: Possible .obb virus?
I have a strange problem. I've been searching for a possible solution for a long time, finding nothing, so here am I. So, I was trying to transfer an .obb file from the Pc into my Android phone directory (Phone/Android/Data/), . I managed to transfer this file, but changed my mind and I tried to delete it . The fact is that since then nothing has been able to remove it. I tried all kinda of removal programs, command prompt related deleting solutions, ecc. The file does not allow me to change security from "only read" to "write", the options are like frozen. Plus, the file is visible from the Pc but not from the phone . I even tried cut and paste, but nothing. Last thing : if I copy the file from the pc I am able to delete the copy, but not the original one .

In conclusion : This seems to me some kind Android virus , and the fact that I can't delete it makes me mad. Does any of you here have an idea on what's going on here? Thanks for helping.

# Answer
Most android file mangers won't show files starting with a period (.) By default. But you can view them by Settings \> Display Settings \> Show hidden files. (In ES file explorer). When the file is visible in phone try to delete it from there.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Try to login into your PC as an administrator, (windows), rename the file by changing the extension es: From file.obb to file.txt and see if after you can delete it. Make sure the folder where the file reside or the file itself is not opened by any other apps other than your file explorer.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: antivirus
---


# Question
Title: Why does Android show more space used in internal storage than what adds up in the details?
I have a Moto G (3g) with Android 6. I noticed that When I go to Settings\>Storage\>Internal Storage, it shows that 2.85GB are being used out of 11.81GB. However, If I add up the storage shown for each category, the results are less than what is shown as total usage. This are the values shown:

---

Apps: 1.25GB

Images: 10.74MB

Videos: 0.00 B

Audio: 0.00 B

Misc.:1.62MB

Cache: 6.97MB

---

I have used several tools (like Storage Space) and they all show the same.

I used DiskUsage and it shows a "System data" used storage, that fills in the gap.

I know Android has a system partition, but this "System data" is shown in the data partition.

Why does this happen? What is stored in "System Data"?

# Answer
DiskUsage is giving you the correct information. Per the developer of DiskUsage:

> System data consists of several things:
>
> 1. Unpacked dalvik bytecodes corresponding to your installed apks. If you install app on external storage, it still consumes space on your data partition.
> 2. Crash dumps stored in tombstones directory.
> 3. Any other data or settings android store on your device.
>
> This data is hidden and DiskUsage can't easily identify how much space each of this consume. Usually (1) consumes most, so if you want to cleanup some space you may want to delete apps on external storage.

http://androidforums.com/threads/disk-usage.181747/
> 3 votes

---
Tags: internal-storage, 6.0-marshmallow
---


# Question
Title: What tool can I use to measure the volume of .mp3 on my S6 + make the volume all the same?
I have powerAmp paid and I have mp3's from different sources. How do I measure the decibel levels of each clip + adjust it to make it the same? I used to use Mp3gain on the desktop. Anything like that for Android on and S6?

# Answer
> 0 votes
PowerAmp can read ReplayGain values written to the mp3 files, but does not do any analysis itself. The best option would be to apply ReplayGain tags using something like foobar2000 on your desktop, and then copy those files over to your S6.

---
Tags: mp3
---


# Question
Title: How do I turn off the Google Voice typing on htc desire 510
I'm having a problem I change my oil changed I guess D card in my phone and now to send a text message all I got is Google Voice typing and I don't want it how do i turn it off

# Answer
In your phone's settings, look for Input settings. It might come under Languages or Text Input. Look for the list of keyboards, and de-select Google Voice Typing. Note that your phone should have another keyboard installed for you to be able to switch to something else.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I caused the same problem to my Desrie 510 as I disabled some apps. Go to phone settings, scroll down to Apps, go down to make sure HTC SENSE INPUT is enabled.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: htc-desire
---


# Question
Title: Addon.d bash script for removing apks after nightly reflash on Android 5.1 CM12.1 not working
I'm trying to have a bash script in /system/addon.d/ that removes unwanted apks from a nightly Android 5.1 (CM12.1) install for my Galaxy Nexus phone. Each new nightly reflash will reinstall some system apps so that is why I want a script to reverse this action so I do not have to do it manually.

There are some backup scripts that run fine (SU, GApps) but my own script does not work. It can be found below.

I placed the script in /system/addon.d/ with permissions -rwxr-xr-x (same permissions set as other scripts in addon.d). When flashing I do not see the echo and the apps are not removed.

I have tried google and researched other scripts but I cannot figure out what I am doing wrong here. Help is appreciated!

```
#!/sbin/sh
#
# /system/addon.d/80-autoclean.sh
#

. /tmp/backuptool.functions

list_files() {
cat <<EOF
AudioFX
BackupRestoreConfirmation
BasicDreams
Browser
CMAccount
CMBugReport
Calendar
CyanogenSetupWizard
DeskClock
Eleven
Email
Exchange2
Galaxy4
HTMLViewer
HoloSpiralWallpaper
LatinIME
LiveWallpapers
LiveWallpapersPicker
LockClock
NoiseField
PhaseBeam
PhotoPhase
PhotoTable
Tag
Terminal
ThemeChooser
ThemesProvider
UserDictionaryProvider
VisualizationWallpapers
VpnDialogs
EOF
}

case "$1" in
  backup)
    # Stub
  ;;
  restore)
    # Stub
  ;;
  pre-backup)
    # Stub
  ;;
  post-backup)
    # Stub
  ;;
  pre-restore)
    # Stub
  ;;
  post-restore)
    list_files | while read FILE; do
        rm -rf /system/app/$FILE.apk
        rm -rf /system/priv-app/$FILE.apk
        rm -rf /system/app/$FILE
        rm -rf /system/priv-app/$FILE
        echo "Removed $FILE"
    done
  ;;
esac

```

# Answer
## **This is all made with trial and error and some script copying, I have only vague knowledge of bash and absolutely no idea what I'm risking. All is done with backups and careful reflashes.**

```
#!/sbin/sh
#
# /system/addon.d/77-MyApps.sh
#
# During a dirty flash, this script will backup files and apps at /system/*
# /system is formatted and reinstalled, then the files are restored.
#

. /tmp/backuptool.functions

list_files() {
cat <<EOF
app/ActionLauncher/base.apk
app/Dropbox/lib/arm/libblasV8.so
app/Dropbox/lib/arm/libDummyArchIndicator.so
app/Dropbox/lib/arm/librsjni.so
app/Dropbox/lib/arm/libRSSupport.so
app/Dropbox/base.apk
app/Eventbrite/base.apk
app/Flud/lib/arm/libclient.so
app/Flud/base.apk
app/GCalendar/base.apk
app/GMail/base.apk
app/GoogleCamera/lib/arm/libgcam.so
app/GoogleCamera/lib/arm/libgcam_swig_jni.so
app/GoogleCamera/lib/arm/libjni_pegutil.so
app/GoogleCamera/lib/arm/libjni_tinyplanet.so
app/GoogleCamera/lib/arm/libjpeg.so
app/GoogleCamera/lib/arm/liblightcycle.so
app/GoogleCamera/lib/arm/libnativehelper_compat_libc++.so
app/GoogleCamera/lib/arm/librefocus.so
app/GoogleCamera/lib/arm/librs.layered_filter_fast_f32.so
app/GoogleCamera/lib/arm/librsjni.so
app/GoogleCamera/lib/arm/libRSSupport.so
app/GoogleCamera/base.apk
app/GPlus/lib/arm/libcrashreporter.so
app/GPlus/lib/arm/libcronet.so
app/GPlus/lib/arm/libframesequence.so
app/GPlus/lib/arm/libphotoeditor_native.so
app/GPlus/lib/arm/libwebp_android.so
app/GPlus/base.apk
app/GPSStatus/base.apk
app/Greenify/base.apk
app/HereMaps/lib/arm/libCertResourcesPkg.so
app/HereMaps/lib/arm/libcrypto_here.so
app/HereMaps/lib/arm/libdatabase_sqlcipher.so
app/HereMaps/lib/arm/gnustl_shared.so
app/HereMaps/lib/arm/libLohitIndicFontPkg.so
app/HereMaps/lib/arm/libMapsEngineResourcePkg.so
app/HereMaps/lib/arm/libMAPSJNI.so
app/HereMaps/lib/arm/libNanumGothicFontPkg.so
app/HereMaps/lib/arm/libNuanceVocalizer.so
app/HereMaps/lib/arm/libposclient.so
app/HereMaps/lib/arm/libPureArabicFontPkg.so
app/HereMaps/lib/arm/libPureChineseFontPkg.so
app/HereMaps/lib/arm/libPureIndicSouthFontPkg.so
app/HereMaps/lib/arm/libPureThaiFontPkg.so
app/HereMaps/lib/arm/libSdkResourcePkg.so
app/HereMaps/lib/arm/libsqlcipher_android.so
app/HereMaps/lib/arm/libssl_here.so
app/HereMaps/lib/arm/libstlport_shared.so
app/HereMaps/base.apk
app/Keep/lib/arm/libsketchology_native.so
app/Keep/base.apk
app/KernelAdiutor/base.apk
app/Orbot/lib/arm/libtun2socks.so
app/Orbot/base.apk
app/Photos/lib/arm/libcrashreporterer.so
app/Photos/lib/arm/libfilterframework_jni.so
app/Photos/lib/arm/libcronet.so
app/Photos/lib/arm/libnative.so
app/Photos/lib/arm/framesequence.so
app/Photos/lib/arm/moviemaker-jni.so
app/Photos/base.apk
app/PlayGames/lib/arm/libgames_rtmp_jni.so
app/PlayGames/base.apk
app/PlayMusic/base.apk
app/Shuttle/base.apk
app/Polycon/base.apk
app/SEftp/base.apk
app/SolidExplorer/lib/arm/lib7z.so
app/SolidExplorer/lib/arm/libgif.so
app/SolidExplorer/base.apk
app/Webview/lib/arm/libwebviewchromium.so
app/Webview/base.apk
app/XDALabs/lib/arm/librealm-jni.so
app/XDALabs/base.apk
app/Xposed/base.apk
app/Youtube/lib/arm/libambisonic_audio_renderer.so
app/Youtube/lib/arm/libcronet.so
app/Youtube/lib/arm/libfilterframework_jni.so
app/Youtube/lib/arm/libluajit.so
app/Youtube/lib/arm/libm2ts_player.so
app/Youtube/lib/arm/libmoxie.so
app/Youtube/lib/arm/libmoxieclient.so
app/Youtube/lib/arm/librsjni.so
app/Youtube/lib/arm/libRSSupport.so
app/Youtube/lib/arm/libvpx.so
app/Youtube/lib/arm/libvpxJNI.so
app/Youtube/lib/arm/libvrtoolkit.so
app/Youtube/lib/arm/libwebp_android.so
app/Youtube/base.apk
EOF
}

case "$1" in
  backup)
    list_files | while read FILE DUMMY; do
      backup_file $S/$FILE
    done
  ;;
  restore)
    list_files | while read FILE REPLACEMENT; do
      R=""
      [ -n "$REPLACEMENT" ] && R="$S/$REPLACEMENT"
      [ -f "$C/$S/$FILE" ] && restore_file $S/$FILE $R
    done
rm -rf /system/app/Chromium
rm -rf /system/app/Email
rm -rf /system/app/Calendar
rm -rf /system/app/webview
  ;;
  pre-backup)
    # Stub
  ;;
  post-backup)
    # Stub
  ;;
  pre-restore)
    # Stub
  ;;
  post-restore)
    # Stub
  ;;
esac

```

I have cobbled up this script to back up mine (after plenty of reflashing and restoring) and remove some AOSP alternatives. It seems you must write the code that is to be run after flashing over there (`webview` is from older AOSP, while `Webview` is a more streamlined mess). The template is taken from XDA with respect to grinder777. If this works, give yourself a bar of chocolate and send him (her?) a thank. If it doesn't, I have no idea what will, besides what @Android Dev said, but that's not permanent.

EDIT: As YouKnowNothingJohn said, you need at least **one** backup command. That command could be anything, even a dummy file (at least in \>4.4). Thanks Mr. Snow.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, 5.1-lollipop, bash
---


# Question
Title: Is there a way to extend or stop the expiration limit of Offline Maps provided in Google Maps?
I was wondering if there's a way to either **completely turn off** or **extend the time frame** of expiration for **Google Maps - Offline** feature.

I tried to search about it, but almost all blogs suggests that these offline stored maps expire in 30 days. The notification for their expiration reads "Offline maps expiring You won't be able to use them after they expire."

Now, this a little too frequent and I'm unable to access the Stored Maps (without internet) post this time frame without an update.

# Answer
> 9 votes
Unfortunately it's not possible.

Straight from the horse's mouth:

> Offline areas that you downloaded on your phone or tablet need to be updated at least every 30 days.
>
> If your offline area expires in 15 days or less, Google Maps will try to update your area when you're connected to the Internet and plugged into a charger.

(from Google Maps Help - Download areas and navigate offline)

There's a bit of conjecture online about what the reason for this may be, and whether it's potentially related to Google being worried that maps will be out of date. On the same link above, I would say this gives a clue:

> **Note:** Downloading offline areas isn't available in some regions because of contractual limitations, language support, address formats, or other reasons.

Although there's no official word from Google on it, I'd say it's highly likely that this time limit is related to contractual limitations at least in some areas. Kindof like how iTunes rentals expire, or Spotify Premium offline playlists expire: if there was no expiry date at all, then there's no difference between 'accessing' and effectively 'permanently buying for free/cheap'.

If offline maps are very important to you, you may want to consider apps that support OpenStreetMap (or see this answer).

---
Tags: google-maps
---


# Question
Title: How to check that an Android device isn't being used in a botnet / sending spam emails?
I've discovered that my home network IP address has ended up on several blacklists after spam traps received emails from this IP address. I've tested the one PC that uses this network, and it seems to be fine. That leaves the most likely culprit looking like one of the two Android devices on this network.

On a PC, common ways to check for botnet-type activity include checking traffic on specific ports, and monitoring outgoing traffic. Is there any equivalent for Android?

---

I've searched on this but found nothing beyond generic anti-malware articles talking about antivirus software. I've not found anything specific to spam or unsolicited outgoing mail, and common anti-malware apps like AVG and Avast seem to only mention spam in the context of preventing *incoming* spam (not a problem for me), not outgoing.

If possible, I'd prefer a solution based on **checking for the actual malicious activity (i.e. detecting actual outgoing mail)**, rather than relying that an anti-malware app has its listings up to date.

If possible, I'd also prefer to not need to root the devices, or change the operating system from the manufacturers' (Samsung and Sony in my case).

# Answer
> 0 votes
I suggest using the Android VPN feature to route all of your network traffic to an OpenVPN server. This will send all traffic, Wifi and cellular, through one chokepoint where you can log and analyze it, and it will do so regardless of what network the phone is using. Then you can log and analyze traffic from the OpenVPN server using any of the standard tools.

For an example of a project that uses this approach for a different sort of network security analysis, namely to find apps that send data over unencrypted or insecurely-encrypted connections, see nogotofail.

---
Tags: security, malware, spam
---


# Question
Title: Installing ROM from Fastboot -- Can someone help?
I have a new HTC MyTouch (32A) that I tried to install a new ROM on using ROM Manager. I have done this many times (maybe 100 times), once in a while it goes wrong. Now, with this one, it can't get to the recovery, that is, it can't get past Fastboot. So, I am trying to install a ROM from Fastboot.

I know Fastboot is working:

```
mojotexas@Starjammer ~ $ fastboot devices
SH06EPB01384 fastboot

```

I have a good ROM that I cooked up in Android Kitchen. It is called: signed\_101110\_220528.zip

WHen I try to install this ROM using Fastboot, I get an error:

```
mojotexas@Starjammer ~ $ fastboot update
/home/mojotexas/workspace/kitchen/OUTPUT_ZIP/signed_101110_220528.zip
archive does not contain 'android-info.txt'
archive does not contain 'android-product.txt'
error: update package has no android-info.txt or android-product.txt

```

So, what are these txt files, where do I get them, and where to I put them in the ROM?

Alternatively, how can I use fastboot to install a clockworkmod recovery and go from there?

Thanks, m0j0

# Answer
> 1 votes
Can you not download the image of the clockwork recovery here: http://www.koushikdutta.com/2010/02/clockwork-recovery-image.html

And do something like:

```
fastboot flash recovery /path/to/<recovery>.img
fastboot reboot

```

**Note:** I've never done this via fastboot before, I've always done it via ROM manager so take my advice at your own risk.

# Answer
> 1 votes
ROMs installed from fastboot on HTC devices are different from the ROMs one installs through recovery. Their contents are images that need flashed along with a couple .txt files that the phone uses to verify that they're built for your phone. If the phone isn't NAND-unlocked/S-OFF, they also have to be signed. Take a peek at the RUU for your particular phone from this XDA thread to see how they're structured.

# Answer
> 0 votes
i have a method that i created. install a recovery that utilizes sideload as the boot img with mfastboot flash boot.img literally name the recovery as boot.img and flash it.

then once in the recovery using adb type adb devices it will start a com port

start sideload on the device

using the cmd type adb sideload customrom.zip done!

obviously the custom rom filename will be whatever rom you use.

i just unbricked a bootlooped moto g textnow wireless phone with this all by accident because nothing else worked.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I had the same problem here: archive does not contain `android-info.txt`. Tried google but can't find anything.

Finally I copied the `update.zip` to my devices sdcard and "applied update from sdcard" – that worked.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Don't do update. Do a command in the following syntax:

```
fastboot flash [system/recovery/boot] /path/to/recovery/image.img

```

Example: fastboot flash recovery /mnt/sdcard/Download/twrp.img

I **HIGHLY** recommend not flashing images to system or boot partitions without a custom recovery first. You should only flash recoveries via fastboot.

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


# Question
Title: I lost my Andriod, can i recover the data from my Google account?
I have lost my Android device. Is it possible for me to recover the data in the phone using my Google account?

# Answer
If you had your phone settings set so they back up your stuff. For examples, settings, Google Photos,etc. Then it's highly likely that it would. Plus something Google have been doing for a while is noting the apps you have installed and give you the option to redownload them when you do a fresh install onto a new device, or a fresh install.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Yes, you can recover your data. It just depends on what you want.

* If you're looking **to recover your photos, go to Google Photos**, log in, and check to see if your photos are backed up. You can download your photos from here or keep them in Google Photos and restore them from the cloud when you get a new Android phone.
* If you're concerned about your apps, **the Google Play store should remember the apps you had installed** (unless if they weren't downloaded on the Play Store), and you should be given the option to reinstall your apps for free on another phone. As for the data on third-party apps, it will likely depend on the developer.
* If you want anything else on your Google Account, go to Google Takeout.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: google-account, data-recovery, remote-control
---


# Question
Title: Once you use “Free up space” in Google Photos, how do you keep some photos for offline?
Once you use “free up space” in Google Photos, how do you keep some photos for offline?

I selected some photos and tried to share them to Gmail, but it created a link to the photos in online form.

# Answer
I selected the photos, and uploaded them to Google Drive.

I then made them available offline.

---

If you share them to Google Keep, you don't have to wait for them to be uploaded like in Google Drive.

The photos get downloaded straight from Google Photos to Google Keep.

You can use folders in Google Drive to organize the photos, and you have labels in Google Keep.

---

Another way to avoid uploading is to use Google Photos on desktop.

Download the photos on desktop Google Photos, then transfer them to your device through USB.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Open the photo using Google Photos, touch the three dots on the top-right and touch "Download". This will download the photo to a Download folder in Gallery. This "Download" option will not be shown if the photo already exists on your device. Also, there seems to be no way at the moment to select multiple photos for downloading.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: photos, google-drive, offline, google-photos, google-keep
---


# Question
Title: I get SMS notifications but the new text message is not shown
My phone will notify me that I have a message, but when I go into the messaging app that message won't be there. When I send a message off it also won't show me the message after it sent. I restarted it and cleared the messaging data and that didn't work. How can I fix this?

# Answer
Ensure that your time/date settings are correct. This may cause the Google Play suite of applications to misbehave as well.
> 1 votes

# Answer
To add on to Matthew's comment, go to settings\> device\> default applications and take a look at what is set as your default messaging app.

The app listed there *should* be the one receiving the SMS and sending you the notifications. If you're not seeing the messages listed there, we'll be happy to help you track down the issue.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Just download 3rd party text messaging app "Textra", make that app as default messaging app ann reboot the phone, then all the messages will be shown. Just delete all the messages from that app and issue will be sorted out.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, sms
---


# Question
Title: Missing silent, vibrate or sound toggle on Lollipop's power button
The "silent, vibrate or normal sound" toggle function have changed somehow on my Nexus 5 to merely an "off" function when I hold down the power button. I'd like the old options back, but I can't find any settings dealing with the issue.

Power options before & after Lollipop

Has it disappeared completely with the new "none, priority, all" slide?

# Answer
This is a known issue with Lollipop, please see the following:

Issue 79445: No silent mode
> 3 votes

# Answer
If your phone is rooted, you can get the pre-Lollipop power options back:

1. Download `power_menu.zip`, a mod by Ynych on XDA Forum.
2. Boot into custom recovery: press and hold `Volume down` \+ `Power` when the device is in powered-off state.
3. Install the mod by flashing the zip file.
4. Reboot the system.

Source: Bring Back Airplane Mode & Audio Toggles to Your Nexus 5's Power Menu - WonderHowTo
> 0 votes

# Answer
Update your phone to the latest android version (Marshmallow). With that you will be able to mute your phone again.

Be aware of apps that can play a sound and vibrate even when your phone is on mute.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop, nexus-5, power-options
---


# Question
Title: Add peripheral Hardware where screen was
I have been playing around with some old android devices.

I took a broken screen / digitization off one LG and the device is fine. Running in shell and voice assistance do describe screen.

My question: Can I hook up some peripheral input or output where the original input / outputs were and write new drivers. I know this is a daunting task. But someone has to do it.

Basically the display should have a power + and power - I could hook a different device up to and when I unlock screen the device receives power. The input method is much more complex, I know. Looking for somewhere to start. Been googling for hours.!

I am keeping a journal of my activity here: Google Doc

# Answer
> 1 votes
Not for the screen itself. The connector used for the screen is not for general-purpose input and output. It's connected directly to the framebuffer hardware, so all it can do is stream pixels very fast to the panel.

You might have more luck with the digitizer (touchscreen). It depends which particular interface is exposed. If it's only where the touchscreen "film" connects to the controller, then all you can do is replace it with the same touchscreen, because the signals passing on that connector are only the raw touch positions, which the controller interprets and turns into touch events. On the other hand, if the controller is on the side that's not present any more, it might be that the connector is on a SPI or I2C bus, in which case you can hook another SPI or I2C device, and you'll need to make a kernel driver in order to talk to it.

To go any further in this direction, you'll want to join our sister site, Electrical Engineering Stack Exchange, and ask there. They'll need a lot more details about the connections: photos, pinout diagrams if you have them, part numbers of any components on the downstream side of the connector.

---
Tags: broken-screen
---


# Question
Title: Internal storage insufficient storage problem
I have a Lenovo Android phone with 8GB of space, but I can't download, upgrade or even store more apps. It tells me that I have insufficient STORAGE

# Answer
If it's possible, insert an SD card and move apps to it.

In case you have android marshmallow, you can insert the SD card and set it as your internal storage.

You can also try to clear the cache of your device.

If your device is old enough, you could think about rooting it and uninstalling bloatware apps. You can remove system app without root (with adb), but it works shit.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: internal-storage, insufficient-memory
---


# Question
Title: How to resume reading document opened in google pdf viewer
When I open a pdf in google chrome, I get the choice of opening it in google pdf reader, because I installed that app.

Now I want to resume the app to continue reading.

How do I list running apps to resume it?

It seems like I can click the downloaded file (in the notification area) to resume reading it where I was, but the notification area is something I clear regularily so that will not be an option.

Is there a way to get the download directory as an icon on the desktop?

# Answer
It appears that Google Chrome first have the file downloaded through Downloads app and then have it opened in the app chosen by user. Well in this case, you can just drag the Downloads app icon from your launcher's app drawer onto your home screen. Tap the icon and behold all your downloaded files available to you.

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

You can also try beeshyams' approach of using a third party file manager app, such as ES File Explorer or Amaze File Manager. In both the apps, you can long press on the Download directory and under option choose *Add Shortcut* or *Add to desktop*. The folder would now be found on a new home screen as an icon.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop
---


title: Google Play Store force closing

text:
# Question
Title: Google Play Store force closing
I have a Karbonn S5 Titanium. Whenever I try to open the Google Play Store, it gets closed within a second. A notification saying 'your google store has stopped unfortunately' keeps coming every 2 minutes. I can't download any apps or access a few of them. What can be done to set it right ?

# Answer
Try to uninstall any Play Store updates, and then rerun the app; if all goes well, it will re-update the app, and the force closing should stop. If it still force closes, and you don't have much data on your device, you can try to factory reset the phone. That usually makes my Play Store work fine (although I don't have S5).
> 1 votes

# Answer
You could try updating to the latest play store. See AndroidPolice. Doing this fixed the same issue for me when I updated my Nexus 7 to android 4.3. It was crashing like yours, I updated (and cleared the cache and data) and the Play Store started working again. You don't need to be rooted, you can simply install it. It's perfectly safe as it is signed by Google.
> 0 votes

# Answer
If you are rooted and have ClockworkMod recovery, you can try these steps:

1. Uninstall Google play services.
2. Boot into recovery and select "wipe data".
3. Then select "clear cache".
4. Then select "advanced" and in the sub-menu select "wipe dalivk cache".
5. Then go back and select reboot.

Now the Play Store will start working.
> 0 votes

# Answer
In Settings -\> Apps -\> All, Try clearing cache for Google Play Services, Google Play Store, and Google Services Framework, and restart.

If that doesn't do the trick, try clearing cache and data for all three services. Restart, and start google play. It should ask you to accept the terms and conditions and there you go.
> 0 votes

# Answer
To fix this issue follow this solutions.

Solution 1. Clear Cache from Google Play Store

Solution 2. Uninstall Updates of Google Play store and then try restarting your android device

Solution 3. Install Latest Google Play Store.

Solution 4. Still if you are unable to solve try doing factory reset.

In my article, I have listed all these solutions in a step by step process with screenshots so if you are unable to understand check out my article on How to Solve Google Play Store Keeps Crashing Issue on Android

Disclosure: I'm the author of the linked article.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: google-play-store, force-close
---


# Question
Title: Images have disappeared from gallery, but still in "My Files" (Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge, 5.0.2)
I have a Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge (64GB) running Android Lollipop 5.0.2 which I've had since release day (April 10th 2015) and as the title mentions, there seems to be an issue in that my images are no longer displaying in the default gallery app. I also have quite a lot of music on the phone which doesn't display in the "Music Player" anymore. I'm not sure what causes the photos and music to disappear as it seems to be totally random. I can still see the files in the default file manager "My Files".

The first time it happened I thought that it may have been a glitch so did a factory reset and everything was fine again (although it does take about 3 hours for me to get the phone just how I like it). It then happened a second time a few days later and so I did another factory reset. When it happened the third time I was getting pretty annoyed and took it to my local Samsung Repair Centre where they said it was a software problem and they would have to reinstall Android and it would be sorted. However, 5 days later it happened again so I went back to Carphone Warehouse where I purchased the contract from and demanded a new phone as it had to be an issue with the phone as I couldn't find a record of it happening to anyone else and Samsung had already eliminated a software problem.

NOW, 2 weeks after I got a new phone IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN! The images were there this morning and come this evening they have all disappeared from the gallery and again the music has disappeared. I've done nothing out of the ordinary with my phone today so cannot identify what has happened.

If I take new pictures on the camera, they appear in the gallery fine, but the old ones do not. If I look in "My Files" I can see that the old images are in the exact same location as the new photo that I've just taken... It's almost like they are hidden from the gallery. If I install an app such as QuickPic all the images are displayed in there, both new and old however I cannot use this for sharing images to facebook etc so it's not ideal.

The same applies to the music files that I have. If I look in "My Files" I can see them but they do not appear in "Music Player" which means that all my alarm tones have been set back to their default tracks i.e. "Morning Flower".

The screenshots below shows all the images that are currently in the Camera folder where only the top one appears in the gallery and only the top one is in the Images Category in "My Files".

I've had a play around with all sorts of settings, cleared the cache partition, clicked "Show Hidden Files" in "My Files" and rebooted the phone several times but there still seems to be an issue. I've also deleted the "Media Data" from the "Media Storage App" which emptied my gallery but on reboot didn't do a rescan (or at least didn't get any results). As it's an S6 Edge there is no SD card so it shouldn't be an issue with mounting the disk (although it wouldn't make sense since the new files are in the same location as the old ones).

I've managed to find a couple of people with a similar issue on AE but they've not had a response see here and here.

Is there some sort of debug log that I can create and upload to somewhere? Could it be a specific combination of apps that I've got since there are minimal people with the same issue?

I'd be grateful for any ideas as it's driving me insane!

Thanks in advance,

Adam.

**EDIT:** I've linked up my phone to the computer and run adb logcat but the log is huge and I'm not sure what I'm looking for. The following error appears fairly frequently:

> \< 6\>\[18330.193843\] \[6:MediaScannerSer:22775\] binder: 3874:22775 transaction failed 29189, size 416-0

If there is a specific bit in the log that would be helpful, please let me know and I'll do my best to extract it.

**EDIT 2:** Is there a procedure that I can follow to create a bug report that I can then send to Google or Samsung?

# Answer
> 6 votes
**Updated answer:**

Check if you have a hidden file named .nomedia (double check also for uppercase name) on device memory (storage folder) and delete.

Go to Settings \> Apps -\> ALL -\< Media Storage. Select Clear data + Clear defaults. **Disable** the App.

Reboot the device. Now enable again Settings \> Apps -\> ALL -\< Media Storage. Wait a couple of minutes (so it should reindex files). I think all files should be now again in Gallery. Note: Do not try to run any rescan App, just follow the above steps.

**Old answer:**

The error you got in logcat is related to a specific function for processing/scaling up images. It is a known fact: Binder transaction buffer has limited and fixed memory (1MB). This buffer is used by all transactions and shared across process. For e.g., If you have a big number of large images files and some of them are corrupted (either by poor, bad transfer via computer and device, computer and SD card, and so on), or some of them are not recognized by your app (in your case Gallery), once this app tries to create thumbnails or previews for your files and actually scale down/up one of those files, the process may fail.

The same case must be with a number of files (like ringtones or `.wav` diles, or `.ogg`, or any type of music) which have problems either in content, size, signature.

Because you said the problem comes back, I suspect this kind of strange behavior from your apps. I don't even think to a bug in kernel or something like this.

So, for your own safety:

* Try to put back all those files on your pc;
* Clear from SD card/phone memory;
* Verify in PC for the 'bad' files, then put back 'correct' files in your device.

Take in consideration this fact also: a `.gif`, `.jpg`, `.png` or whatever kind of image you have, may be rendered as 'correct' in your computer or device, but actually may have 'bad' content (disrupted content). Remember, all operation related to process images inside your Android device are based on compress/decompress them (for the most common operations) and those are made 'bit-by-bit' if I can say so. Forcing an app to render incorrect type or content (wrong height/width/file lenght) should outcast a *TransactionTooLargeException* (this is what MediaScanner throws in logcat).

# Answer
> 5 votes
This same thing has happened to me and I've only had my s6 Edge a little over a week. I went through each file in my files and device storage and deleted ".nomedia" files. All of my pictures are now back in the gallery.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Its media scanner most likely. Thing is, on modern android versions very few media scanner apps are there in play store (especially for lollipop) and hence most apps will either crash or simply not work. So best thing is you can only try some apps and see if they work using hit and trial (I personally dont use lollipop so cant test). For ex, try this app maybe?

On side note, you can also try kicking media scanner through adb-\>

```
adb shell am broadcast android.intent.action.MEDIA_MOUNTED

```

Another method to try out is go to settings and clear data and cache for your gallery app so it re-analyzes all media.

# Answer
> 0 votes
* Make a New folder for your Images/Music
* Move all your Images/Music files to new folder
* Delete the old empty folder

I know it is very low quality answer without description of how it works. But I've shared it because it worked for me on my mobile and I have faced this problem once.

# Answer
> 0 votes
This have solved my problem. Thanks.

I just removed the file '.nomedia' from android root directory. All my files are back again on gallery apps.

I am pretty sure that this file was created after installing google photos.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I have had this issue for a long time and I just found something that works:

1. go to your file manager (i use Explorer, if it matters)
2. navigate to /sdcard
3. select every file and directory
4. CUT all of them and immediately paste them all back in the same place

Apparently, you need to touch the modification date, and I found this easier than writing a shell script or renaming all of the files. They should immediately be back in the gallery once you succeed. Note: if there is an issue during the move operation, you will probably have data loss. Use at your own risk.

# Answer
> 0 votes
My Gallery didn't show my SD card pictures anymore after Xperia update to 6.0.1.

After multiple reboot attempts and ejecting the SD card once I found that the Gallery App has the following under its settings: `Help > Find and fix problems` (paraphrased from my German version)

After running this, everything is OK again.

Note: Files were always visible in file browser, so I guess it was some media scanner issue.

# Answer
> -1 votes
Use media scanner apps(such as force media scanner) to initiate media scan manually.

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop, music, gallery
---


# Question
Title: How do you prevent Google Music from importing all .mp3 files on the device?
I'd like to have several audiobooks and/or podcasts on my Nexus 7, but every time I put any MP3 files onto the device, even if I make my own folder for it or some such, Google Music detects them and then adds them to its list of files.

This is a problem, because I'd love to be able to use the "Shuffle All" feature, but then it ends up shuffling in chapters from the Audiobook. I don't want it to do that at all.

Any advice?

# Answer
> 11 votes
Well despite the comments about a .nomedia file not working in the newest version, on my fully updated Nexus 7 (as of April 2013) using a .nomedia file prevents the audiobook files from being scanned and listed in Google Music.

Some extremely simplistic testing seems to indicate that a single .nomedia file at the top of a directory tree is enough to prevent all sub-directories from being scanned. In the case I talked about in my question, a .nomedia file within the "audiobooks/" directory would prevent all books from being scanned, even if each book was a collection of .mp3 files within its own directory.

# Answer
> 3 votes
Adding .nomedia to the top level of a directory has worked for me, but also had to flip the source from "On device" to "All music". I am using Android 5.0.1 on an nVidia Shield Tablet.

# Answer
> 2 votes
I noticed that when I added .nomedia to my Podcasts folder (which I didn't want showing up in my Google "Play Music" app, it only disappeared once I changed the source from "On device" to "All music" and back again. Now it's working as described above. My Podcasts have been removed from my music player, but still show up in my Podcast player.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Utilizing .nomedia (using ES File Explorer to simply create a file called .nomedia like Lokathor), all of my ringtones, podcasts, and notification sounds disappeared from Google Play Music. I'm using 5.1 on an HTC M7. (8/4/15)

# Answer
> 1 votes
Running Lollipop on a Note 3, I added .nomedia and restarted the phone, and it did NOT clean up. Then I flipped off Downloaded-only, and flipped it back, and "shuffle all" still was not cleaned up. I then restarted the phone again, and it was finally cleaned up.

---
Tags: google-play-music
---


# Question
Title: How do I get my pictures back from my lost phone?
I lost my phone today and the data is turned off, but is there any way of tracking it even without the data? or getting my photos back?

# Answer
> 1 votes
The short answer is no to both questions, you're probably out of luck.

Long answer:

To locate your Android device with the Google tools, meaning Android Device Manager, your device must have a working data connection of some kind to function and Location Services enabled. This would give the ability to locate the phone and lock or wipe it at your option, or give the current holder of the device a means to contact you to possibly return the device.

As far as the photos go, if you were not actively syncing them to an online service such as Google Photo using the Google Photos app, or a similar competitive application and online service, then unless you can physically get the phone back in your possession, you will not be able to recover them.

This is another case of "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". Unfortunately, the average Android user has no knowledge of how these things work or how to prepare for the worst case scenario like this.

You could setup a device lock with screen message in Android Device Manager, and if somehow the current holder of the device happens to turn on the data service, it will sync with Google and immediately activate, giving you a possible option to retrieve the device. If you have it setup in ADM, when this occurs you will receive an email indicating the feature was activated and a location it occured (assuming Location Services are enabled as well).

---
Tags: lost-phone
---


# Question
Title: Android 6.0 -- Bluetooth broken causes audio to not work correctly after connecting to car. How to rollback to previous firmware or fix BT glitches
EDIT: It looks like Android 6.0 is extremely glitchy. This old problem also came back Very low to no volume after upgrade to 6.0 marshmellow

Is there a way to rollback to a previous version of Android? 6.0 is very glitchy. If I connect to my car using bluetooth it will work the first time. But once I turn the car off, the phone calls won't work, neither will apps like snapchat.

It is like the sound is trying to route through bluetooth despite not being connected to anything. If I disable BT it will work half the time. OTher half I have to reboot the phone.

If I connect to the car a 2nd time without a reboot, I have to disable and renable the BT connection so that it does not sound choppy. If I take a phone call while in the car on BT, the music will come back choppy as well.

I never used to have this problem till the upgrade.

Ideas for solutions or how can I rollback?

This is a Droid Turbo 2

# Answer
Gave up with debugging this. Fixed by rolling back pre-android 6.x
> 0 votes

---
Tags: updates, audio, 6.0-marshmallow, device-firmware
---


# Question
Title: Why does wiping the /cache partition keep fixing my problem?
My phone Droid Turbo 2 on Android Marshmallow for some reason my Audio in and out keeps going out.

Wiping the /cache partition seems to fix the problem most of the time.

Any idea why this might be the case? Could this be related to why it takes the phone so long to turnoff and reboot?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Gave up with debugging this. Fixed by rolling back pre-android 6.x

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, cache
---


# Question
Title: Create/rename a file/folder that begins with a dot
I have created an advanced `settings.xml` file for Kodi on my Samsung tablet and need to create a directory called `/.kodi/userdata` to put it in. Everytime I try to create it, it says invalid entry.

Any suggestions?

# Answer
Presuming that you are trying to do this using the tablet.

I bet that there is an easier way to do this but, as a workaround, I would just create it using my computer. If there is no easy way to access the destination folder on computer, maybe a file explorer could do the final moving for you from a storage device of your tablet.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: file-management, files
---


# Question
Title: Cannot use Gear VR app with error message "com.samsung.android.hmt.vrsvc is not installed"
I have Samsung Galaxy S5 and Samsung Gear VR. I am trying to use CB Enabler for Gear VR, but I keep getting the message:

> com.samsung.android.hmt.vrsvc is not installed.

How can I install `com.samsung.android.hmt.vrsvc` and try to run the application again?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Searching `com.samsung.android.hmt.vrsvc` reveals that it is *Gear VR Service* (from list of S6 bloatware on XDA).

Researching about Gear VR Service itself, it seems that Gear VR only supports a handful of devices *officially* (from Wikipedia):

* Galaxy Note 4 (developer version)
* Galaxy Note 5
* Galaxy S6/S6 Edge/S6 Edge+
* or Galaxy S7/S7 Edge

And thus, those devices have Gear VR Service\* installed.

You can still check if your device has this by going to **Setting - Application Manager - Gear VR Service**, and check if it's there, enabled/disabled.

Image courtesy of Unreal Engine documentation

Regarding installing this service on other devices, I have searched and as of current writing, nothing came up. Most of them can only suggest to *wait until Samsung officially push the Gear VR Software update to your device*.

---

\*may depend on update by carrier (from Reddit).

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-5, samsung-gear-vr
---


# Question
Title: Is the "Remote Application Removal Feature" also effective for apps from samsung and other alternative stores?
Remote Application Removal Feature allows Google to wipe the malicious apps from infected Android devices without any additional action on the part of users.

I am sure this feature is enforced for all apps downloaded from Google Play, but is it also effective for apps downloaded from alternative stores? If so, why not make use of this feature to remove repackaged apps downloaded from, e.g., stores of China.

Another question: if I report to Google that one of my apps has been repackaged and the repackaged app is on some alternative stores, does Google have the privileges to take it down?

Final question: does Google use this feature a lot to protect IP of legitimate apps? Are there any reports or documents about such statics?

# Answer
> Is \[Remote Application Removal Feature\] also effective for apps downloaded from alternative stores?

No. Google doesn't care about apps that are downloaded from alternative stores, nor does they have to. Google provides a chance for user to check the application on installation-time (called Package Verifier), but beyond that, it's not Google's responsibility anymore.

> If so, why not make use of this feature to remove repackaged apps downloaded from, e.g., stores of China.

I'm not sure about the connection between malicious apps and repackaged apps. The removal feature is for malicious apps, while repackaged apps are more about copyright issue, which is outside of Google's responsibility.

> If I report to Google that one of my apps has been repackaged and the repackaged app is on some alternative stores, does Google have the privileges to take it down?

Again, no, it's not Google's responsibility. This is a legal issue regarding copyright *between the developer and that alternative store*, not Google.

> Does Google use this feature a lot to protect IP of legitimate apps? Are there any reports or documents about such statics?

I'm not sure about that, but regarding IP protection, Google might have blocked them before it's even published on Play Store (as per Play Store Developer Policy).
> 1 votes

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Tags: google-play-store, malware
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# Question
Title: How to reset my LG Rumor Reflex if I forgot security pin
How do I hard reset my LG Rumor Reflex? I forgot my security PIN, please give me steps to fix it.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Pres Volume down + power button for 10s. Then it will enter into boot loader.Then select recovery option. If it is Stock recovery then it will show "Command not found" message then press power button + volume up button once. Then you will get reset phone option and hit 'yes' to reset phone.

# Answer
> 0 votes
1. Open phone's Dialer \[ like how we do emergency call\]
2. Type the following code: `2945#*#`
3. Confirm the whole operation by pressing Call key.
4. Success!
5. Your phone is unlocked.

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Tags: locked-out, hard-reset
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# Question
Title: How to bypass fingerprint lock screen with wiping memory?
My fiancee has recently died and he had set his android note 4 to lock with his fingerprint. The family and I want to recover some of his photos and videos. How would I go about doing that without wiping the memory?

# Answer
There is no regular way to do so if you do not have a backup. However, you can try this, if you are comfortable with using recovery.

Flash the file from this XDA thread in recovery: http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4/orig-development/bypass-lock-screen-pattern-password-pin-t2948336, which will reset lock screen back to Swipe.

Alternately, you can: (Not sure if this will work, just my idea)

1. Install TWRP recovery with Odin
2. Insert a SD Card of your choice
3. Boot into your newly-installed TWRP recovery
4. Mount SD Card, System and Data partitions
5. Default storage area is `/storage/emulated/0`
6. You can access the data using the built-in File Manager to copy the data out to your SD Card, which is located in `/sdcard`
> 0 votes

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Tags: lock-screens
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# Question
Title: The difference between NFC mode on Android (e.g. card mode, P2P mode)
On my Samsung Galaxy Note 4, there are two NFC modes: card mode and P2P mode.

What is the purpose of these modes? Is there any other modes in NFC?

# Answer
There are 3 NFC modes.

Taken directly from official Android Developer - Near Field Communication,

> Android-powered devices with NFC simultaneously support three main modes of operation:
>
> * **Reader/writer mode**, allowing the NFC device to read and/or write passive NFC tags and stickers.
> * **P2P mode**, allowing the NFC device to exchange data with other NFC peers; this operation mode is used by Android Beam.
> * **Card emulation mode**, allowing the NFC device itself to act as an NFC card. The emulated NFC card can then be accessed by an external NFC reader, such as an NFC point-of-sale terminal.

To make it more easier to understand, Android Authority has a down-to-earth explanation,

> In order to determine what sort of information is to be exchanged between devices, the NFC standard currently has three distinct modes of operation for compliant devices. Perhaps the most common use in smartphones is the **peer-to-peer mode**, which allows two NFC-enabled devices to exchange various pieces of information between each other. In this mode both devices switch between active, when sending data, and passive states when receiving.
>
> **Read/write mode**, on the other hand, is a one way data transmission, where the active device, possibly your smartphone, links up with another device in order to read information from it. This is the mode used when you interact with an NFC advert tag.
>
> The final mode of operation is **card emulation**, whereby the NFC device can be used like a smart or contactless credit card in order to make payments or tap into public transport systems.
> 5 votes

# Answer
> Near Field Communication (NFC) is a set of short-range wireless technologies, typically requiring a distance of 4cm or less to initiate a connection. NFC allows you to share small payloads of data between an NFC tag and an Android-powered device, or between two Android-powered devices.
>
> Android-powered devices with NFC simultaneously support three main modes of operation:
>
> 1. **Reader/writer mode**, allowing the NFC device to read and/or write passive NFC tags and stickers.
> 2. **P2P mode**, allowing the NFC device to exchange data with other NFC peers; this operation mode is used by Android Beam.
> 3. **Card emulation mode**, allowing the NFC device itself to act as an NFC card. The emulated NFC card can then be accessed by an external NFC reader, such as an NFC point-of-sale terminal.
> 2 votes

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Tags: samsung, nfc
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title: Why can't I add any more user?

text:
# Question
Title: Why can't I add any more user?
I have an Asus tablet with Lollipop on it.

Two week ago I was able to create another user on that device. Now I want to edit another user but touching the lowermost bar does not start any action. (the text is greyed out, i don't know, if that was the case also two weeks ago)

I already contacted Asus support and they said, this feature had been removed by Anroid and they can't do anything.

I checked the build.prop and it does not contain a single entry for fw.xxx

Any idea, why I can't add another user?

# Answer
> 2 votes
You've reached the maximum numbers of users supported for your device. That's why the entry is grayed out. You can attempt to confirm this by executing the following command in a terminal emulator app or through :

```
pm get-max-users

```

If it shows `Maximum supported users: 2` (Guest user is not included in maximum limit, so it doesn't matter whether it is setup or not; Primary user/Owner is included in the limit) then you know you hit the wall. The limit is set by the manufacturer.

Example for Nexus 6 running Android 5.0:

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

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Tags: 5.0-lollipop, multi-user
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