# Question
Title: Inbox shows 2 emails but nothing is there
when viewing my email folders (inbox, sent, trash etc.) it shows I have 2 emails in my inbox, when in fact there are none. When a new email come in it shows three, but there is only one. What gives?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Try searching `in:inbox is:unread`.

Just input this in search bar. This means "in the inbox search for unread mail". If you want let's say change from inbox to sent, it would be `in:sent is:unread`

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop
---


title: Nexus 4 Nav soft-keys not responding

text:
# Question
Title: Nexus 4 Nav soft-keys not responding
On my Nexus 4 (Lollpop), the nav keys no longer respond when it is in portrait mode, and the q key no longer responds when it is in landscape mode. Here is the bug report. This has been discussed at the Google Group, and Grigoriy Kraynov has brilliantly put together an unofficial fix, but it requires rooting the Android. (Correction: Maybe not rooting it, but definitely some dangerous digging around in the OS's innards.)

There are also occasionally ghost presses. (I configured my phone to show a white dot when there is a press, and sometimes there are a lot of them all together, usually in this malfunctioning area, without my pressing the screen.)

It's been called a hardware bug in the digitizer, but it looks to me like it's in the software layer -- why would one particular rectangle stop working?

Can anyone suggest a simpler way to fix this? It's hard to believe that Google would allow such a significant bug to go unfixed.

My workaround is to install the Button Savior Non Root app and an autorotator app (to enable 4-way rotate in every app). This workaround is more or less OK.

# Answer
I used Nexus Root Toolkit on my Nexus 4 with Android 5.1.1. Here's what I did:

* Rooted my Nexus 4
* Launch → Fastboot Flash → Recovery→ Latest CWM
* It installs Quick Reboot app in your Nexus 4. Open it and "Recovery" will reboot your device in recovery mode. If it asks for root permission, grant it.
* Install zip → Install zip from sideload
* In Nexus Root Kit → Advanced Utilities (Click on Launch in NRK)
* Launch CMD Prompt
* It will show you the path of current location. Copy the correct `UPDATE.zip` (download).
* In your device, enter the command `adb sideload UPDATE.zip`.

That's it. Go back and reboot your device.

Enjoy!
> 1 votes

# Answer
https://github.com/gkraynov/nexus-4-navfix

Fix making Nexus 4 navigation buttons alive after enigmatic hardware issue

```
LRX22C (Android 5.0.1)
LRX21T (Android 5.0)

```

See Releases to download UPDATE.zip. Verify your build number carefully! Wrong builds will not work.

If you are not familiar with flashing zips on you phone, there is comprehensive Tutuorial, thanks RavanH. The root of issue

I had no believe on hardware-only root of issue. During digging inside touchscreen driver inside AOSP I've found deadzone processing. What does it mean? Immagine that you're typing a message and accidentialy clicks on navigation bar. This click could cause undesirable experience, but deadzone have some timeout after your last action and accidential touches should be ignored.

Unfortunately, Nexus 4 touchscreen could process deadzone in a wrong way after enigmatic hardware issue. This cause that deadzone locking locks same touch region forever. The easiest way to overcome this damn is disabling deadzone at all. It's exactly my script does!

I think that no deadzone is better than permanent dead area :D Automated solution

To fix your phone, just connect it via ADB (Developer Options - USB debugging) and

$ git clone ... $ ./all.sh

Flash UPDATE.zip via custom recovery. Enjoy!

Don't forget to save UPDATE\_ROLLBACK.zip in a safe place. Once you see OTA update alert, flash rollback, update and repeat. Never try to apply OTA for patched files, rollback first!

Prerequesties:

```
Broken Nexus 4 (as on video)
Linux machine (tested on fresh Ubuntu)
ADB installed
Custom recovery (no root required)

```

N.B. If you still having problems, try to install the following packages on your system

I didn't make all what they say, i just flash de update.zip on cuatom recovery with root permision, i am using havê four days and didn't stop to work, i'm note an expert just a curious
> 0 votes

---
Tags: nexus-4, 5.0-lollipop, navigation-bar, softkey
---


# Question
Title: Send SMS through internet to another country
I came to Europe from Canada for a month, but I want to keep in touch with relatives and friends back in Canada. Assuming I have WiFi access on my Android, how can I text them, and be able to receive texts back? Texting overseas would be too expensive for both me and them, so I must find a way to do it through WiFi, but they would receive and send actual texts.

I have a Nexus 5 with Android 4.4.4.

# Answer
If you would like to send and receive SMS messages over Wi-Fi, I would suggestion using Google Voice (Now integrated into Google Hangouts). You will be able to send/receive SMS free of charge (As long as you are using Wi-Fi). I have done some quick Googling, and didn't see anything that says it doesn't work in Canada. Give it a shot and see if it works for you.

If for any reason it doesn't work in your region, feel free to let me know and I will try and find other services that may be of use to you.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I don't know about Canada, but here in the UK some carriers have apps that let you use your WiFi connection to send texts and receive using your normal phone number. I'm not sure about using this overseas but you could probably use a proxy (like Hola) if this is blocked. Even if an app exists but you cannot receive texts with it then this is generally free when roaming because you have no control over who sends you an SMS.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Use Viber or Whats App? There are also numerous of app similar to them. Typical SMS is impossible, because it's send over your telephone carrier.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi, sms
---


# Question
Title: Photos in the Camera folder in the Gallery were deleted automatically in my Android phone
I am wondering about how it is possible that all the pictures in the Camera folder in the Gallery were deleted without my knowledge where I am the only user of my Android phone. I don't remember exactly how many pictures were there in the camera folder that I have been capturing for almost six months. But they were there till the last night and only this morning I was shocked to have discovered the deletion.Although I know there are many software through which I can recover my photos,I want to know the possible causes behind.Is it due to the maximum size of photos that can be kept in the camera folder in the Gallery,surpassing which may trigger automatic deletion of the photos or just something else? If so,then how do I manage the size or number of photos? My phone is not rooted. Any advice is welcome!

The screenshots of my device memory is:

Screenshot - Storage (Click to enlarge)

# Answer
In the comments you said:

> *I have found many previously sent images in WhatsApp now which confirms that images has not been deleted. But the matter is that the images are not shown in the gallery. What should I do to recover image?*

So you are telling me that the images are still on your phone, but not deleted? If that is the case it may be cause of a `.nomedia` file in the same folder as your photos.

You should check in your whatsapp folder and look for a `.nomedia` file. (`/Whatsapp/`).
And for your photos you made with the camera app, you should look in `/DCIM/Camera/` (you can do that e.g. using the "My Files" app which is pre-installed on your device; the `.nomedia` files could be in `DCIM` or in `DCIM/Camera` – ignore other locations for now). If you find a `.nomedia` file in one of these directories, then you should delete the file and then your photos should appear again in your gallery. If you still don't see the photos after you deleted the file, reboot your phone.

Hope my answer helps! If there is no `.nomedia` file, leave a comment below so I can help you further.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, storage, gallery, images, samsung-galaxy-core-prime
---


# Question
Title: Exclude possibility of damage of Android device while chargin with another charger
Is it true, that if I have one Android tablet with mini-usb from Philips, one Android device with mini-usb from Sony, then if I connect Philips charger to Sony charger, then it is possibility for a device to blast or cause any damage?

I heard about a story, where woman connected charger of other manufacturer and during phone call device blasted. I don't know if it is a rumor, or this is truth? In the other hand, workmate says that solution is on a hardware level and devices detect voltage and solve this issue automatically.

Is it safe to charge with different manufacturer charger or not?

# Answer
Workmate is correct: all USB chargers supply 5 V with current limited by the design of the charger. However, the device won't draw more current than it needs -- connect a 2 A capable device to a 500 mA charger, and it'll charge at 500 mA, but connect a 500 mA device to a 2 A charger, and it'll still only draw 500 mA.

Battery fires and explosions are caused by internal shorts and excessive current draw from the battery, not by charger mismatches (within USB voltage spec).
> 1 votes

---
Tags: charging, hardware, tablet, physical-damage
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to write video directly to external device while recording
I have a Nexus 5 that I'd like to use for some video recording. The meetings I'd like to record are likely to run long enough that they might cause my phone to run out of space mid-recording. I am wondering whether it is possible to connect my phone to my Macbook (or some other device) such that the file is written directly to my Macbook SSD while recording; in other words, to use the phone as a peripheral. Is this possible?

# Answer
As I mentioned in the comments, you can use IP webcam apps on Play Store and then turn your mobile easily into a webcam and record your computer's screen using a video recording software. This way you can rely on your computer's memory instead of your mobile's storage(which is limited in most cases). Now you can use your phone as a webcam peripheral device and recording videos directly in your Macbook's SSD storage. Some apps provide functions to add a server and upload the videos to cloud.

***Note****: Most app requires an USB cable connection or that you have your mobile and computer connected to the same network which is why it named IP webcam since it is accessed using the IP address generated from the connected network.*
> 3 votes

---
Tags: video
---


# Question
Title: Switch to default keyboard in password fields
I primarily use SwiftKey keyboard on my Samsung Galaxy 10.1 tablet. I want to find a way to automatically switch to the default Samsung keyboard when I enter a password. Currently I have to pull down the notification tray and choose "Select input method". I want to have this automated. If it is not possible to detect whether you are entering a password then maybe I can do it on a per app basis.

# Answer
> 2 votes
The goal may seem to be switching the keyboard app when the password is to be entered, but the real issue is to protect the password from being logged by third-party keyboard apps, or at least be restricted from being uploaded somewhere. In that case, I suggest using a firewall so that you can restrict any app from connecting to Internet, let alone it can send the passwords among other things.

Be it a rooted device or not, there are firewall apps available to suit your needs. Some of them are mentioned here:

I've tested two firewall apps: AFWall+ (needs root access), and NoRoot Firewall, former tested on Android 4.2.1, 4.4.2 and 5.0.2, while the latter is tested on Android 4.2.1, and 4.4.2.

Since your device is rooted, I suggest using **AFWall+** to be in control of the device. It runs default in White list mode i.e. all the apps including System apps and Kernel are denied root access. You can change that mode however.

### Things to do

1. Install the app
2. Tap the three dots vertical line next to lens icon → **Preferences**, and check the options suitable to you. I prefer:

* Show notification icon
    * Show filter option -- it will break the app list into "All", "Core", System", and "User".
    * Active Rules
    * Confirm box on AFWall+ disable
    * Enable Firewall logs
    * Turn on log service
    * Device Admin; and others you won't need
3. Choose Blacklist mode over White list mode if you intend to block specific apps while allowing Internet access to everything apps

<sub> (Click image to enlarge)</sub>
4. Find your app in the list (under "All" or "User") and check the boxes at its left if you're in Blacklist mode, or have it unchecked for White list mode.
5. Choose **Apply** by tapping that three dots vertical line, and you're good to go. You can check Firewall logs after sometime for assurance.

As for **NoRoot Firewall**, it's very intuitive, straightforward, runs in Blacklist mode, so you would know what to do.

---

However, if you're still adamant to use the idea of switching the keyboard app, then I suggest you take a look at my comments:

Delve into `settings.db`

> The table `secure` of `settings.db` (Settings Storage) has keys like `default_input_method` (Samsung/Swiftkey) and some related keys. Change their values using **Tasker** when your specific app is launched and you're good to go.

Enable/Disable the app on-the-fly

> You can on-the-fly disable the SwiftKey when your specific app is launched, because when SwiftKey is disabled (i.e. not available), Android will tend to fall back to the available keyboard which would be the Samsung one. This technique can be achieved by **Tasker**, and while it's theoretical, I believe it would also work.

---
Tags: samsung, keyboard, automation
---


title: Set calendar events to available/busy

text:
# Question
Title: Set calendar events to available/busy
I now have Lollipop on my phone, I wish I hadn't as it seems to have messed with the way I set my phone up. I am using the calendar for mine and my children's appointments, so some events were set up as busy and some as available. During the busy events my phone would be silenced, during the available events my phone wouldn't be silenced.

I might be wrong but I seem to be unable to do this and now all the events put the phone into silence. I do not want have my phone silenced when my children are at Tae Kwondo, but I want to be able to use the calendar to keep track of their busy social lives.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Solved it. I had to share the calendar with my other email to activate the busy/available option. I don't know if it is because of the way my two emails are connected or if you just have to share the calendar.

I know that the public/private option is deactivated if the calendar is fully private (which make sense). I don't know why the busy/available option would be deactivated as well.

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop, calendar
---


# Question
Title: How to protect my files from the Mobile repairers?
I'm using Samsung Galaxy Core GT model. I have some problem in my Mobile. I want to have my Mobile serviced, so I want to protect my photos and other data from the Mobile repairer/technician. I've heard that now a days those people are hacking the personal photos of the Mobile users. They are using the photos for illegal purposes.

So how do I protect the photos from those people before giving my phone for servicing?

# Answer
If your really paranoid about your data then backing up all your information to your PC would be one thing - syncing your contacts to your Google account.

If you have a later version of Android then should have encrypting software to encrypt your device and data. But to be safe, anything personal backup to your PC.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: privacy
---


title: Bought a phone from asia

text:
# Question
Title: Bought a phone from asia
I live in the UK I bought the new htc one m9+ from asia andy data doesnt work it says service is unavailable please if anyone has any ideas

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can check the phone specifications and accordingly contact your service provider. Phones are manufactured keeping in mind the cellular network operating specifications of a particular country/region. Probably the following link might help you understand about the cellular network operating frequencies: Wiki - Cellular frequencies

---
Tags: data-connection
---


title: Android scanning app media files

text:
# Question
Title: Android scanning app media files
My M8 is scanning all the app media files so music and images and icons from apps are showing up in gallery and music apps, I'm not sure which directories these are coming from so I can't add the .nomedia file, and when I did try to add it it wouldn't allow me to save the file with that name. So how can I stop android from processing the images and music from apps I just want it to use the music and pictures files where music and photos are saved

# Answer
The media scanner scans everything on your S.D. card. Adding a `.nomedia` to any of the subdirectories will allow the media scanner to skip everything in that sub-tree.

Your S.D. card will be F.A.T.-formatted so there are no permission restrictions. If you are receiving access denied on the S.D. card then it may be locked read-only due to damage to the card, or worse some malware you have installed. There isn't enough information to say for certain. You can scan the card properly by connecting it to a computer and running `fsck` (Linux and other \*nix) or `chkdsk` (Windows). Remember to back up any important files before doing so.

Applications can access a directory on the S.D. called `Android`, and sometimes just `data`. Add a `.nomedia` file to those directories to stop those directories from being scanned.

The command for doing so in a terminal emulator would be:

```
touch /path/to/SD/Android/.nomedia
touch /path/to/SD/data/.nomedia

```

where `/path/to/SD/` varies depending on your version of Android. To do the same under Windows would be something along the lines of "Create new blank file" from within Explorer.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: htc, htc-sense, media-scanner, media-files, htc-one-m8
---


title: How to root Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0?

text:
# Question
Title: How to root Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0?
I have been trying to root my Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 (SM-T217S; Firmware version T217SVPUBNH4).

Since the September update I can't re-root my tablet, I have tried apps like Vroot(app), towelroot, and pretty much all the rooting apps available for Android.

I also tried programs like Kingo Root, one click root, vroot for PC, and many alike. I haven't tried flashing the TWRP or ClockworkMod Recovery. I tried a while back with TWRP but it failed.

How do I root my device? .

# Answer
> 1 votes
# Here's a way to do it using TWRP

1. Put the superuser.zip file in your tablet and Boot into Download Mode (Hold Vol Down +Power to turn on the Device).
2. Unzip the TWRP Recovery Image after downloading it below.
3. Connect your tablet to your PC, unzip and run Odin, click the PDA button and select the TWRP md5 file you just unzipped.
4. Begin holding the Volume Up button on your Tablet and hit the start button in Odin (this will ensure you reboot into the new recovery)

Once in TWRP if you select the reboot option under advanced you should be prompted to root your device if it's not already rooted. If that doesn't happen for some reason you can use adb to sideload the SuperSU zip I've attached, or put it on an sd card and find the flash zip from sdcard option in TWRP to flash it.

## Download files

1. Odin307.zip
2. SuperSU-v1.93.zip
3. TWRP-2.6.3.0-recovery.tar.zip

# Answer
> 0 votes
it's simple, flash TWRP using Odin, boot into recovery and TWRP will prompt you to root.

1.Boot into Download Mode (Hold Vol Down +Power to turn on the Device)Unzip the TWRP Recovery Image after downloading it below.

2.Connect your tablet to your PC, unzip and run Odin, click the PDA button and select the TWRP md5 file you just unzipped.

3.Begin holding the Volume Up button on your Tablet and hit the start button in Odin (this will ensure you reboot into the new recovery)

4.Once in TWRP if you select the reboot option under advanced you should be prompted to root your device if it's not already rooted. If that doesn't happen for some reason you can use adb to sideload the SuperSU zip I've attached, or put it on an sd card and find the flash zip from sdcard option in TWRP to flash it.

odin.zip

SuperSu.zip

hope I helped..

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, rooting, samsung-galaxy-tab-3-7
---


# Question
Title: Turn off automatic loading of MMS messages
A new exploit is said to exploit MMS loading.

> For now, there's not much end users can do to protect themselves other than to install a patch as soon as one becomes available for their specific Android device. People can also prevent MMS messages from automatically loading in Google Hangouts or other text apps. That will prevent malicious code from being automatically loaded \[...\]

How to disable automatic loading of MMS messages?

If it depends on the app, the procedure for the most popular apps would be appreciated.

# Answer
Nicolas, possible solutions very much depend on how far you will go (and partly, how far your carrier goes along). There is no 100% cure, but a few items you might consider:

* Say Goodbye to Hangouts. If you can live without that app, make another one the default SMS/MMS handler and don't use Hangouts – at least not until Google fixed that "autoplay". I'd expect an update there soon where you can at least disable that autoplay feature.
* Disable your MMS APN. This of course you can do only if you can live without MMS altogether (I can: didn't get a single MMS in the 20 years I'm using mobiles – and the only one sent to me never reached my device because of carrier policies: to receive, I had first to send an MMS, which I never did). And apart from that, this might or might not work: I know of providers ignoring APNs, at least for the normal Internet connection (which then works even if you have no APN at all configured – they somehow fix that at their end).
* Ask your carrier if MMS can at least temporarily "switched off" somehow from their end. They should have those capability: If you e.g. send an MMS to someone having a non-MMS-capable dumbphone, they'd send that person a link to where to read the MMS with a browser. You then could use a web browser at your PC to read the MMS – where Android-specific exploits had a hard time dealing with OSX, Windows, or Linux :)

Afraid only few of us can hope for OS updates to really fix that. Though, when under warranty, one might try pressing them: depending on how one uses the device, this bug might very much "render it unuseable" for daily use without the user's fault – which in my eyes is a case for warranty: fix it or have it back. Enough people with this argument, and some with good lawyers … might make them think twice ;)
> 3 votes

# Answer
Don't use or disable autoloadind MMS in hangouts (Don't know the procedure myself since I don't use it). The patch was already commited in AOSP around two weeks ago so for a fix for this "new exploit" if you use an OEM rom, you should contact your carrier/vendor.

Any custom rom like Cyanogenmod should already have this fixed.

https://plus.google.com/u/0/+CyanogenMod/posts/7iuX21Tz7n8
> 0 votes

---
Tags: security, mms
---


# Question
Title: Is my android when turned on constantly sending radio data to my provider?
Is my android when turned on constantly sending radio data to my provider so he can track me, or only when i am actually using the network by surfing or calling someone?

# Answer
Not an Android specific question, but in short:

Unless you're enabling Airplane mode, the provider will be able to always track you. He can tell where you are at what day and time, at least with an accuracy of ~100m or better.

Why? In order to be able to receive calls (even if you don't want to make a call yourself), your device needs to connect to a cell tower. And in order to ensure you will receive that call even when moving (you might lose that signal), it needs to contact at least one more cell tower so it can easily "hand you over". That makes 2 cell towers. Based on network signal strength, it's possible to calculate rawly how far away you are from each tower at any time. With two or more towers that offers the possibility of Triangulation:

Triangulation (source: DoctorsDisruption; click image to enlarge)

As the image shows: with three towers it's pretty easy to tell where you are. Even with two that can be narrowed down to a small area.

And btw: That's how Google's "network based location" works, too – only that it additionally considers WiFi access points.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop, cellular-radio
---


# Question
Title: How can I backup WhatsApp files to free some space?
I have an old 2.3 gingerbread phone and I'd like to free some memory from time to time. What's the recommended procedure to backup files from WhatsApp and free space? (extra: Better if I wouldn't have to go again through the whole send-SMS-registrate process)

# Answer
WhatsApp automatically makes backups every day at 4 AM and stores them in the WhatsApp folder of your Android phone. This folder is either located in your device's internal memory or external microSD card.

If you have a **external** sd-card, then you can back up your WhatsApp chat history on to sd-card.

> Go to WhatsApp \> Menu Button \> Settings \> Chat settings \> Back up chats.

For phones that have an **internal** memory / internal SD card (like most Samsung devices), you will need to transfer the WhatsApp folder from your phone. There are 2 possible ways for this:
1. You can use File Explorer app to do this or
2. You can copy files to to your storage card in Windows. Please find details of how to do so in this Link.

This way you are freeing the device's internal memory and it is one of the recommended ways of backing up the chat as per FAQ of WhatsApp.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: whatsapp-messenger
---


# Question
Title: Why don't the percentages on the battery chart add up to anywhere near 100%?
I'm trying to figure out what's using my battery life by looking at the battery page in Settings. (I don't know if this screen is Cyanogen specific, or a stock Android feature.) Here's a recent screenshot of that page:

Transcript:

> **Current battery level: 67%**
>
> Use since last full charge:
>
> * Android System: 3%
> * Screen: 2%
> * Cell Standby: 2%
> * Ironclad Tactics: 2%
> * Google App: 1%
> * Android OS: 1%
> * Google Play Services: 1%

(It may not be clear from the screenshot, but that's the end of the list: there's nothing off-screen.) I don't know whether those percentages are supposed to add up to 100% (logical) or to 33% (the amount of battery used so far), but either way, they actually add up to 12%. No amount of rounding error can explain that. At best, 2/3 of my battery usage is totally unaccounted for.

This is a common occurrence. I have another screenshot where my battery level is 18%, but the sum of all the used apps is only 44%.

What could be using up so much battery that wouldn't show on this list? Or alternately, could some battery usage pattern could cause this screen to grossly underestimate usage of a particular app? Or could a faulty battery, that drains more quickly than it should for a given load, cause this?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Since you have last charged your device, its displaying the ratio \[usage time/time since charged\] * 100 of that service It might be that you didnt use any service and the screen was off most of the time If you use many apps simultaneously (consider using 4 apps at a time) using these all the time till your phone gets discharged will show the time for these apps to be 100% but if you add these %ages for all the apps it will be greater than 100

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, battery-life, oneplus-one
---


# Question
Title: How do I unlock the screen when forgotten password?
I have a Samsung Galaxy Tab 2. My daughter put a screen lock on and doesn't remember the code. How do I unlock it?

# Answer
If you log on to android device manager, you can send a lock request, allowing you to change the password. Just be sure to change it after!

As a alternative, keep getting it wrong until "forgot password?" and login in via google. It will then let you reset the password
> 1 votes

# Answer
First off the tab. Then 1. Power key 2. Volume up key 3. Main key

Press same time. After come option then select wip aLL data . Your tab will reset. Rember. After reset you lose all data . Which have in your tab memory.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-2, lock-screens, password
---


# Question
Title: What is the meaning of the fan shaped area behind my current position in those gps applications
In osmand and other gps navigation applications, my current position is shown as a spot with a certain radius, the radius shows the accuracy of my position, sometimes there is a fan shaped area in that spot, what does that mean?

# Answer
> 0 votes
It's the direction we are facing when holding the device in front. https://github.com/osmandapp/Osmand/issues/1476

---
Tags: gps, google-maps-navigation, gps-tracking, navigation, osmand
---


# Question
Title: How to change the user in ES File Explorer
I use ES File Explorer on my Android phone (Lollipop).

When I connect to my NAS, it prompts me for a user name and password. I enter this, and I connect. However, I now need to connect as a different user.

I'm not prompted again for the user name/password, ES File Explorer and remembered these settings but, I can't find how to clear this.

# Answer
Open ES File Explorer. Head to cloud, or FTP (Depending on which you are using, and hold on the server. An option along the bottom called "edit server" will show up. Click it, exit as necessary, and press OK.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: permissions
---


title: Front camera is reversed

text:
# Question
Title: Front camera is reversed
On my LG G4, the front (selfie) cam is working like a mirror: if I touch my left eye, the image will display the finger touching the eye on the left side of the picture. With the back camera, it works like a normal camera: the touched eye is on the right side.
That means also, for instance, that text is reversed when using the front cam.
Is that behaviour standard ? Is there a way to have the front cam behave like a normal cam ?

# Answer
> 7 votes
Found the reply here.

> While the camera app is open and the front camera is selected, tap the 'settings' icon (the geared wheel) and you'll see an icon that looks like two heads in profile. They will be both facing the same direction by default. Tap them so they are facing away from each other. Now, while the image will still appear on the screen mirrored, the resulting picture will appear normal.

\[

# Answer
> -1 votes
in camera setting there is an option "save as flipped" turn it off

---
Tags: front-camera, lg-g4
---


# Question
Title: Add a screenshot as attachment in Gmail android 5
How can I use a screenshot as an attachment in android 5?
I really don't get why this is so hard, I can only select files from my drive.

To find the screenshot I had to go to Photos -\> menu -\> device folders -\> screenshots (what?)
Here I can't move the image to my drive folder
And no I don't want to enable auto backup for my screenshots
(even if I do I can't find this auto backup folder in my drive)

How can I fix this?

# Answer
In your Gallery app of some sort, locate the screenshot image you want to send. Then there will be a share button and a dropdown list of applications. Find the app that says "Drive" and your image will then be uploaded. From there, you can go to your email app and select your newly uploaded image from your drive for you to send whomever
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop, gmail, nexus-5, screenshots, attachments
---


# Question
Title: Recover wiped NANdroid backup - is it possible?
Before wiping after a long time I moved the TWRP folder on my PC. I realized only later that the backup was an older - a lot older - one, because now it seems the backups are hidden in the normal USB Storage mode. Is it possible to recover the most recent, but wiped, NANDroid backups, or at least part of the data pre-wipe?

Thanks for any answer.

# Answer
> 0 votes
The possibilities for this will definitely vary depending upon the phone model as Android phones differ in hardware and what is affected when the phone is wiped/formatted/overwritten. If the phone is rooted, and/or if a new ROM was flashed to the phone, that will make things yet more uncertain. If it is a Samsung, older model Motorola or older model HTC, there might be a chance of recovery. It is less likely with LGs due to hardware. The only way to try and recover the pre-existing data is to have a tool to be able to image the phone's entire memory and then scan it. Cellebrite offers a tool that can do such imaging but it's quite expensive so you'd be better off contacting a data recovery company with strong mobile device capabilities. Many offer free evaluations so you can hear back if they think it's recoverable and how much it would cost before anything else.

Bottom line is that yes, from the little information here I can say there is a chance it's possible, but from your description it may be slim. That's as far as I can guess without actually having it looked at by one of our engineers.

It sounds like a tough situation so good luck!

---
Tags: data-recovery, restore, nandroid
---


# Question
Title: How long can I reasonably expect security updates to be supported?
In light of the recent "stagefright" MMS vulnerability, I understand that while Google may release fixes to security vulnerabilities, it requires co-operation from the handset manufacturer to deliver those fixes to handsets.

As the owner of an aging Samsung Galaxy S2, I'd like to know if I'm ever going to get an update. No-one ever told me that my handset was no longer going to receive updates. Maybe it still is but Samsung are still working it out.

How long after a handset has been made should I reasonably expect security updates to be pushed out? At what point should I seriously consider replacing a handset if these updates are important to me?

Related: https://windowsphone.stackexchange.com/q/10068/13848

# Answer
> 1 votes
It depends on your manufacturer and carrier to deliver the update. My guess is that it would only be the newest models or this past year's flagships that would be updated in a reasonable amount of time.

If you have the understanding and really want the update, I know many of the custom ROM's will be updated well before any of the carrier stock images. I checked yesterday and my phone received an update in a nightly build about 2 weeks ago. Check and see if your device is supported by Cyanogenmod.

# Answer
> 0 votes
For a smartphone, you can expect security updates to be supported for 18-24 months. Google says Nexus devices receive updates for 18 months.

> Nexus devices may not receive the latest version of Android if they fall outside of the update window, which is usually around 18 months after a device has been released.

The Nexus line is nominally supposed to get better updates from Google because it uses a version of Android that is unmodified by the carrier. The Galaxy S2, released in 2011, is almost certainly no longer supported by Samsung.

Sadly the economics of phone contracts and replacements has made the lifetime of a phone 2 years. The phone manufacturers simply expect you to get a new phone when you renew a phone contract, so they do not bother spending money on continuing to support older phones.

You may be able to find a third party ROM like CyanogenMod that has updated software for the Galaxy S2.

---
Tags: updates, security
---


title: What's using my GPS?

text:
# Question
Title: What's using my GPS?
On my Android phone (a Desire HD), the GPS indicator is currently on & flashing away.

How can I find out which app is responsible for using the GPS? I have my suspicions but would like to know for sure.

It's rooted & I'm more than comfortable interrogating /dev or somesuch. Running 2.2.

# Answer
Install Spare Parts. Open it and click on "Battery History". Select the drop down list at the top and from it choose "GPS Usage". It will show you what apps have been using the GPS.

Note that you'll need to have your device unplugged at the time as it's actually looking for battery usage as used by apps accessing GPS.
> 13 votes

# Answer
on Android 4.3 and newer: (can't say about carrier/manufacturer specific, such as samsung.. they change everything! this is tested on stock android)

open settings \> Location (under personal)

there you will see a list of recent app titled "recent"

easy as that. the top app is the last one to use GPS. if you are still seeing the GPS icon, you can click that app to go to the app info screen. where you can stop/uninstall the app. if doing any of those things removes the GPS in use icon, you found the culprit. (here it was gasbuddy, which i haven't opened in 24h)

edit: ok, found a pic of samsung version. it works there too.
> 5 votes

# Answer
There a a lot of apps that will just use GPS if it is on. even the camera will use it to put location data in the image. google uses it for buzz, maps, latitude, etc. And if you have latitude, it will fire up every once in a while to report your location (which if you have latitude, you told it to do :)). there are some applications that will even use the GPS, if it's available, to show you "local" advertisements.

If you "opt'd in" for the "providing google with location information" when you set up your device, the device itself will use it to notify google about wifi locations and cell towers around your location. This data helps start GPS from a cold start, so it can lock on to a location quicker.

This data is good, and helps people that actually use the GPS. They are not "tracking your every move" like some people seem to think. Google, and Apple for that matter, couldn't care less where you are, what they want to know is where the cell towers are so they can tell you where you are with their location applications more quickly.

If you are worried about what may be sending data, then the only "safe" option is to turn off GPS unless you are using it, and check the permissions of applications when you install them. If your "Cooking Recipes" application wants to use GPS, that you may want to worry a little, unless it is going to tell you how to get to the store to by the ingredients.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Generally speaking, GPS is not always running, when an activity that uses GPS, gets paused, the GPS shuts down to conserve battery. When the activity is resumed, GPS gets kickstarted. *This is how a well-behaved and written application should behave.*

I would suggest to install Droidwall, and dis-allow ALL apps to access both 3G and Wifi. And watch the log, there should be some process attempting to connect.

It should also show up in the 'logcat', in a form of something similar: 'Cannot access xx.xx.xx.xx' ip address format.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I don't think there's an app that shows which app is using the GPS. Also, I can't get Spare Parts's Battery Information screen to show in my Android 4.1.

Here's my suggestion:

Whenever you see that the GPS is active (such as, the GPS icon in the notification bar, or Settings \> Battery shows that the GPS is active), click on Settings \> Apps \> Running to see which apps are running. One of them is the culprit.

In my case today, the rogue app is No Zombies.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications, 2.2-froyo, gps
---


# Question
Title: Apps won't install (silently fail after 100% downloaded)
I have a problem with installing apps from Google Play onto my Samsung Galaxy S Plus phone.

It has Android 2.3.6. Yesterday I tried to download some apps. When I clicked 'Install', the app began to download but when it got to 100% it just disappeared and silently failed to install on my phone :\

I don't have an SD card and up to now I saved all my apps on the phone and had no problems like this. It seems to be some settings problem, but I don't know what to do. any ideas?!

# Answer
Someone already solved this without rooting the phone by uninstalling updates for Google Play Store app: Go to *Settings → Applications → All (tab)*, scroll down and tap "Google Play Store", then "Uninstall updates".

Source: SamsungGalaxyForums
> 3 votes

# Answer
Its indeed quite possible that either the two directories residing on the filesystem, `/data/local/download` or `/cache/download` is probably full of temporary files and is not deleted which contributes to the symptoms of the app not installing after 100% downloaded.

Some ROMs do have this facility or feature in place, called `run-parts`, which is invoked by the `busybox` which does this clean up on boot to clear out the temporary downloaded files saved in the specified directories. Again, this is dependant on the ROM.

Maybe that's what you should try doing, *reboot to force the system to clean up the directories and try again upon bootup*?

If that fails, then it sounds likely that the `/cache` partition is very small not to hold the downloaded files. The trick employed by ROMs is this, the `/cache/download` is either sym-linked to `/data` on the `/data` partition. The other trick is that `/data/local/download` is re-binded to the `/cache/download` directory. (see this script below to see what the second trick is about)

```
#!/system/bin/sh
#
# bind mount /data/local/download to /cache/download if cache
# partition is too small
#

CACHESIZE=$(df /cache | tail -n1 | tr -s ' ' | cut -d ' ' -f2 | tr -d [:alpha:])
DATAONLY=$(getprop dalvik.vm.dexopt-data-only)
if [ $DATAONLY -eq 1 ]
then
  NEEDED=60000
else
  NEEDED=105000
fi

if [ $CACHESIZE -lt $NEEDED ]
then
  /system/xbin/busybox mount -o bind /data/local/download /cache/download
fi

rm /cache/download/downloadfile*.apk >/dev/null 2>&1

exit 0

```

Why `/cache` and `/data/local/download`? it is found in the ***init.rc*** script in the ramdisk of the ROM in question which has the following environment variables that tells the Google Play store, where to save the downloaded apps.

```
export ANDROID_CACHE /cache
export DOWNLOAD_CACHE /cache/download

```

The only thing I would suggest is to use File Explorer (just as I type this I realised yeah, root... but I digress), and clean out the directory manually for a start.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I was having a similar problem. When trying to install an app from the market, it would get to 100% download, then say download failed. Also, the same behavior occurred with updates to previously installed apps. Tried all sorts of things from various forms and nothing worked.

I am running Eclair, and decided that my phone was becoming a paperweight without these updates... So I resolved to install a new ROM, thankfully I did not have to go that far. I ran a one-click root application, and afterwards I could download updates and install new apps without issue.

Pretty sure rooting your phone will void the warranty, if that is not of concern and your at a dead end... perhaps give it try, it worked for me.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Before uninstalling updates I would also try Clear Data (same place - under Google Play in Application Manager). That fixed the same issue for me.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I fixed the problem by going to App manager and uninstalling updates to Google Play. Things will download and install fine after.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I just found a new incompatibility causing something similar (at least right now: May 2015). Updates and reinstall of Facebook were repeatedly failing with "Package invalid" using both Google Play and 1Market.

It seems that the problem was my home program: Nova launcher.

This was on Bluestacks using my PC, by the way.

I changed my home program back to Gamepop-Home (the default that came with Bluestacks) and was able to install Facebook from the search box in Gamepop-Home.

Afterwards, I was able to go back to Nova Launcher and keep using Facebook.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Solution: Galaxy S(First Series) will easily handle 4.0 Kit to JB Get the latest working galaxy toolkit, unlock the boot-loader:

Yes, You can uninstall updates for Google Play but that gimps your device. How to: Links are hit or miss dead. Look up "Galaxy Tool Kit"

Those kits include step by steps.
> 0 votes

# Answer
This actually worked for me and my phone is ZTE N9130 . I went to Google play and stopped the Sync updates. Then proceeded to downloading Apps on Google Play. Also I made sure that I had on the Data and GPS button on. Everything continued to download in a matter of time. Yay!
> 0 votes

---
Tags: google-play-store, installation, samsung-galaxy-s-plus
---


title: My samsung galaxy s4 won't turn on

text:
# Question
Title: My samsung galaxy s4 won't turn on
I left my phone charging over a 24 hour period and now it won't turn on. I tried cleaning it out, taking out the battery, and putting it on the charger. I don't have a spare battery to try. Is there a way to fix it?

# Answer
The battery is the best place to start. Overtime they tend to wear down. (I had the same issue on my Galaxy S 3 and it took a new battery)

Otherwise, it could be an issue with the motherboard or something more fragile in the phone. Could also be a power button failure.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I think most of not starting up and flashing are related to the faulty power button. Here's the link you can follow on how to troubleshoot the power button if it's working properly or not using a voltmeter. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2l\_6fwzuIwA
> 0 votes

# Answer
You could see if you get anything from removing the battery and connecting it via USB cable to a computer. You'd be powering it from the USB cable, possibly enough to turn it on.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-4, power-on
---


# Question
Title: Kindle Fire query - snapchat and Google Play
I would like to know how to get my snapchat working. Everytime I go to sign in to my snap chat it says "This app won't run without Google Play services, which are missing from your phone." so therefor I went onto the Kindle App Store to try get this but once I installed it, whenever I tried to launch the app it crashed.This means my snapchat still isn't working I would love to know if anyone knows a solution for this please?

# Answer
If your Kindle Fire is rooted, install the Xposed Framework and install this mod to allow you to use SnapChat without Google Play Services. If you don't have your Kindle Fire rooted, please specify which Kindle Fire model you own, and search for tutorials on how to root your phone. However, this WILL void your warranty so please root at your own risk. I am not responsible for any damage caused on your device. Anyhow, good luck trying to get SnapChat working!
> 0 votes

---
Tags: google-play-services
---


# Question
Title: How to root ZTE Zinger (Z667T) running Android 4.4.2?
I've tried looking around, but I can't figure out how to root my ZTE Zinger (Z667T) running Android 4.4.2.

# Answer
Towelroot is a good rooting app with no need of a computer.

SuperOneClick uses the computer but still reliable.

Can't 100% guarantee that it will work, but it has a possibility. Good luck rooting your phone!
> 1 votes

---
Tags: rooting
---


# Question
Title: Can I put a Galaxy Note on Virgin Mobile (US)?
I am thinking about getting the new Galaxy Note phone, but I want to put it on Virgin Mobile (US). Is this possible? If not does anyone know of any phone service like Virgin Mobile I can put the Galaxy Note on?

# Answer
No, this isn't possible. The Galaxy Note is a GSM phone whereas Virgin Mobile USA is a CDMA network (it is a subsidiary of Sprint). The two are not compatible. In addition to this, CDMA carriers typically only activate phones that are specifically branded for their networks, so you can't even use a Sprint phone on Virgin unless you "know a guy" or find a *really* nice rep.

The Galaxy Note is quad-band GSM/UMTS, supporting the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM bands and 850/900/1900/2100 MHz UMTS (3G) bands. If you get one that is not carrier locked then you can use it on AT&T, T-Mobile, and any smaller US carrier that uses their spectrum (Straight Talk, for example).
> 2 votes

# Answer
It's possible now that Sprint is selling this phone with the radio that is needed for the Sprint network. I'm not sure how to get the store to activate the Note 2 yet. You may need to talk to them in person.
> 0 votes

# Answer
me thinks it can be done because a Virgin Mobile phone rep told me that I could use a Verizon Note 3(Verizon 4G LTE phones are unlocked) but wouldn't you just know when I got the Note 3 and went to activate on Virgin Mobile I was shot down!

AND I have a friend that has an old sim from Virgin Mobile and when she put that sim in the Verizon Note 3? In the settings of the phone(Apps \> Settings \> GENERAL \> About phone \> Status), it showed her phone number
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-note
---


# Question
Title: Phone automatically hangup when the call is picked up by receiver
I am having problems when I call people. Every time I try to make a call to someone I can hear the ringback tone, but as soon as someone picks up the phone or their voice mail activates my phone will automatically hang itself up. I'm not sure what should I do. I thought that factory resetting my phone would work but I don't want to risk losing all of my information that I have stored in my phone.

Is there any possible solution to my problem?

# Answer
It could be a firmware bug by your manufacturer and a update *could* be released if you report ASAP. However, if you are using a custom rom, then you should report the problem to the rom developer.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: calls
---


# Question
Title: I have to delete my deleted call logs permanently
I tried many apps like complete wipe,but I am unable to delete my deleted call logs permanently,whenever I start recovery program they show my deleted call logs can u please suggest how to permanently delete call logs which cannot ne recovered ASAP..Please help Stucked very badly..

# Answer
> 0 votes
If you have a rooted device, you can delete your call logs by using any file explorer with root access and modify this file: **/data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.db**

---
Tags: delete, call-history
---


title: Moto E Won't detect Thumb drive

text:
# Question
Title: Moto E Won't detect Thumb drive
I have a Motorola Moto E, and according to USB Host Diagnostics, the stock OS and kernel claim OTG USB support, and the proper classes are present, but it won't detect a thumb drive connected via OTG cable. I can't find a stock rom image for download, so, until I can, rooting is out of the question...Any suggestions?

# Answer
A Forums Manager on Motorola Forums said:

> Moto E will not support OTG.

See the full thread here.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Some android devices do have hardware support for otg cables and the device will detect the usb device internally but won't mount. Try rooting and installing StickMount and report back.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: usb-on-the-go, motorola-moto-e
---


# Question
Title: How do I mount my Samsung galaxy s4 on ubuntu?
I'm running ubuntu 12.04 and have a rooted samsung galaxy s4. The s4 is still 2 software versions back since I need to unroot to update and just havent had the time or energy to do all of the work to get back to where I'm setup. I think it is 4.2.something.

So when I plug my S4 into ubuntu via usb I get an error message

"Unable to mount SAMSUNG\_Android Error initializing camera:-60: could not lock the device"

With my rooted kindle I run gMTP and that gets me access so I tried it with the S4 and it says nothing is available to connect.

With my old evo I had no trouble. Even when it wasn't rooted I had access to the sd card just like any other drive being mounted. What's the deal with this s4?

I do have usb debugging enabled.

# Answer
Open a terminal in ubuntu(ctrl+alt+t) and type this commands:

```
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:langdalepl/gvfs-mtp
sudo apt-get update

```

Then, launch Software Updater (previously known as Update Manager) and install the available updates. Afther you pdate everything restart pc.

if you want to revert back before making any changes:

```
sudo ppa-purge ppa:langdalepl/gvfs-mtp

```

Next time, I think you should ask this is askubuntu.com since it is more of a linux specific problem then android.
> 5 votes

# Answer
I had the same problem a while back. Make sure `USB Debugging` is disabled in the Developer Options menu.
> 1 votes

# Answer
So far I found issues like if you have your `USB Debugging` enable or connect it through `USB 3.0` then get this error. So either you disable that option or connect through `USB 2.0` would work fine. Or best you can do is what @Rat200 suggested here I had exact same problem. Hope the answers the question.

Btw It's more of Linux specific problem not android.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Have you tried connecting the phone using the usb mass storage option on the device? I usually do that with my S2 to work.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I had the same problem when I connected via a USB 3.0 port, but USB 2.0 on the same notebook worked fine.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Trying a different USB port and restarting the ADB server worked for me.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: usb-connection-mode, samsung-galaxy-s-4, mount
---


# Question
Title: What can I do with an Nexus One with a broken LCD?
I've managed to acquire a Google Nexus One, that had an unfortunate encounter with a car door. The screen still accepts touch input, but the LCD itself is broken - no display at all. What is something "cool" I can do with it? My main concern is, is it possible to root it and get a remote shell without being able to see the screen?

# Answer
You can get a remote shell with it, without the screen working. You will have to install the android SDK on your PC.

Another thing you can do is use Android ScreenCast to view the screen remotely. It doesn't have the best frame rate, but at least you will be able to interact with the screen. You may have to use this to get the remote shell working, as you may have to turn on USB Debugging in Settings -\> Applications -\> Development -\> USB Debugging

You can also get a replacement screen, I found a couple on ebay, ranging from ~$50 - ~$100. Some are just the LCD screen, some include the the touch input panel too.
> 9 votes

# Answer
You could use it to test accessibility applications that are used by blind or visually impaired; these apps rely on audio and haptic feedback to tell you what is going on. Not sure how you'd get into that mode, however.
> 4 votes

# Answer
You can use it as wifi for all family members, buy a sim with good data plan and use it in broken phone and plug it in for charging and turn its wifi hot spot which can be used by other family member.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Just go to a store and say that it was an incident.. Pay the fee and get a new display
> -2 votes

---
Tags: rooting, nexus-one, broken-screen
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to zoom in on any text in an app in realtime?
I have an app that has tiny tiny writing that I need to read and I can't take a hundred screenshots to zoom in to read each one and the developer has yet to fix it but I was wondering if there was a way to have a magnifying thingy on top of this app and move it around the screen to enlarge whatever I can't read in realtime. Any tips? And, the text is not able to be copied or pasted etc.

OS: 4.1 Phone: S3

# Answer
> 2 votes
If your Android version is 4.1 (Jelly Bean) or greater, you can find magnification gestures under your system settings.

1. Go to *Settings*
2. *Accessibility*
3. *Magnification Gestures*

Info:

# Answer
> 0 votes
It may/may not solve OP's problem depending on the OP's resources, but it could be helpful for the other android users for other alternatives. You could record the screen of your mobile using a screen recording app and view it on a large computer/tv screen to view the text clearly.

Alternatively, you could also use an emulator such as Bluestacks and install the app you want to zoom and view it on your computer screen or a projector to make the small objects and text clearly on a larger screen.

---
Tags: zooming
---


title: Samsung I9300 - Network unlock fails

text:
# Question
Title: Samsung I9300 - Network unlock fails
I recently flashed a custom ROM on my Samsung I9300. Everything is working fine, except I have to enter a 'SIM network unlock PIN'. I assume, that this is not the usual 4-digit PIN code. If I enter the correlating correct 4-digit PIN, it says 'SIM Network unlock request unsuccessful'.

* I tried different SIMs from different providers which are working in a different mobile phone.
* The problem appears with Slim 5.1.1 and 4.4.4, CM12.1 and OmniROM 5.1.

My phone was running stock firmware Android 4.3 and I never had this problem (even if I once changed my provider). There are plenty of tutorials about how to unlock the I9300, but none worked so far, there are also many non-free services for unlocking which seems rather untrustworthy to me. It would be new to me, if the phone is or was ever branded.

There is the possibility to unlock the phone by using the service menu by entering the secret/hidden code

* *#*#197328640#*#*

like shown in this tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1hzeBEeO\_k. Why is the code (or others) in Slim not working?

Could you please verify too that the only possibility to unlock the SIM is to buy a specific unlock code?

# Answer
I got the phone unlocked at a local mobile phone dealer for € 20. This worked.

Generally I'd say it is interesting how this network SIM lock comes from, because my phone never has been locked or branded by a provider. The stock firmware worked with different providers. The problem only appeared for the custom ROMs.

And be aware when changing your SIM card! I broke mine 2-times only by exchanging it (probably scratching the chip's surface) and had to buy a new one and get the old number transferred to the new.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: sim-unlocking
---


# Question
Title: Does adb pull verify files automatically?
Does adb pull verify files automatically? For instance, does it check the hash/checksum of pulled files to see whether they were pulled correctly? I'm guessing it does, but I haven't found an answer online.

If not, I can write a bash script (Linux) for it and post it in an answer.

# Answer
I wrote a Bash (Linux) script that runs `adb pull` and then compares the md5sums of the pulled files with the original files. If the md5sums don't match, the script will automatically remove the corrupted pulled files and then retry `adb pull` again. I put the script on Pastebin here (thanks to the tip from GiantTree).
> 3 votes

# Answer
From what I have seen so far (and I use `adb pull` very often), there is no verification process going on.
If a file, that has been pulled, is corrupted, you will get *no* notification about it whatsoever.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: adb, file-transfer, files
---


# Question
Title: ADB Wi-Fi connection disconnects when device goes to sleep in Moto G 2014
I can connect the device via USB and manage to play the app from Android studio without issues. Then I do `adb tcpip 5555` and `adb connect <IP_ADDRESS:PORT>` without problems. Same goes for running the app.

But for some reason, when the device goes to sleep (screen shuts down), so does the connection to ADB. I configured the Wi-Fi settings to be "Always" so that shouldn't be the problem. I tried restarting the device and the PC, even re-installing the drivers but no luck.

Here's what I get from Logcat in the last seconds before the screen shuts down:

```
07-28 20:23:17.924     997-1222/? I/PowerManagerService﹕ Nap time (uid 1000)...
07-28 20:23:17.924     997-1222/? I/PowerManagerService﹕ Going to sleep due to screen timeout (uid 1000)...
07-28 20:23:18.477     997-1222/? D/bsthal﹕ activate, handle: 2, enabled: 0, index 5
07-28 20:23:18.490     997-1219/? I/DisplayManagerService﹕ Display device changed: DisplayDeviceInfo{"Schermo incorporato": 720 x 1280, 60.0 fps, supportedRefreshRates [60.0], density 320, 294.967 x 295.563 dpi, appVsyncOff 0, presDeadline 17666667, touch INTERNAL, rotation 0, type BUILT_IN, state OFF, FLAG_DEFAULT_DISPLAY, FLAG_ROTATES_WITH_CONTENT, FLAG_SECURE, FLAG_SUPPORTS_PROTECTED_BUFFERS}
07-28 20:23:18.496      997-997/? V/ActivityManager﹕ Display changed displayId=0
07-28 20:23:18.551      317-317/? D/SurfaceFlinger﹕ Set power mode=0, type=0 flinger=0xb7459550
07-28 20:23:18.557      317-317/? D/qdhwcomposer﹕ hwc_blank: Blanking display: 0
07-28 20:23:18.796      317-804/? I/qdhwcomposer﹕ handle_blank_event: dpy:0 panel power state: 0
07-28 20:23:18.800      317-317/? I/qdhwcomposer﹕ enable_dcabc: Done setting OFF mode
07-28 20:23:18.800      317-317/? D/qdhwcomposer﹕ hwc_blank: Done blanking display: 0
07-28 20:23:18.801      317-317/? I/SFPerfTracer﹕ triggers: (rate: 26:893) (compose: 0:2) (post: 0:0) (render: 0:16) (19:9416 frames) (20:12477)
07-28 20:23:18.801      317-317/? D/SFPerfTracer﹕ layers: (5:10) (FocusedStackFrame (0xb74da368): 0:156)* (DimLayer (0xb756f868): 0:19)* (DimLayer (0xb7572170): 0:7)* (StatusBar (0xb755f198): 2:8497) (com.android.systemui.ImageWallpaper (0xb7564e30): 0:499) (com.teslacoilsw.launcher/com.teslacoilsw.launcher.NovaLauncher (0xb7592e58): 0:195) (NavigationBar (0xb7562cf0): 0:18) (ColorFade (0xb7568e60): 20:22)
07-28 20:23:18.805     997-1347/? D/SurfaceContro
device not found

```

And when the screen shutdowns completely, the device simply disconnects mid transmission.

It seems I can connect to it after it had disconnected and went in IDLE. This is the log i managed to get by connecting to the device the second it disconnected: http://pastebin.com/afqpA0Ch

EDIT: I tried creating a new user on the phone and connecting it via wi-fi to adb, and it seems the problem does not present itself with this new account. I'll try factory-resetting the device and see if I can solve the problem for good.

I have a Motorola G 2014, XT1068, with Android 5.0.2, and running Android Studio on Windows x64 Home Premium.

How do I stop the device from disconnecting from ADB?

# Answer
> 3 votes
So it seems the problem was with the settings of the device. Having a Screen Lock (even if SmartLock is enabled, and you are in a "safe location") disconnects ADB on device idle. Only way around it for me was to disable the device screen lock.

---
Tags: wi-fi, 5.0-lollipop, adb, motorola-moto-g2
---


title: Find hidden folders/files/partition

text:
# Question
Title: Find hidden folders/files/partition
I connect my samsung galaxy ace 2 into my Windows pc, and there are 2 directories shown. My SD card, and the internal storage, named `Phone`. Both of these seem to be empty. the SD card directory, named `Card` Says that there is `3.57 GB Free of 3.68 GB`, yet opening it shows **Nothing.** `Phone` says there is 1GB of 1GB free, and there's nothing inside. I have come to realise that what i have emptied out is just data the apps collect and use, not the apps themselves. All aps remain on my phone and work fine. **Yet it says it is completely empty.**

Now, what my phone says is a completely different story. It thinks the total space is `1.2 GB` and there is `1.1 GB` free, with `71.16 MB` being used for applications and the rest for Misc files. There are only slight differences in the SD card, with `3.69 GB` Total and `3.58 GB` Free.

So, My Phone and PC contradict each other in pretty much all aspects. I have windows setup to show hidden files. But it isn't. I want to see **all** the files on my phone, from my computer. How can I acheive this? Searching for this issue on google doesn't help much from what I have found.

EDIT: The samsung website specifies the phone as having "Built in memory 4GB (2GB user memory)". So why is it I only get half of what i'm supposed to have?

# Answer
if your phone shows up as a local drive (like a pendrive)

go to start type cmd then Ctrl+Shift+Enter(to open with admin privileges) then type

attrib -s -h /d /s \[X\]:\\\*.\*

where \[X\] is the drive letter of the memory of the phone you want to see (dont type the "\[\]")
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-ace-2, hidden
---


# Question
Title: Is it safe to uninstall Google Play Services App?
I am using Andriod 2.3.6 Gingerbread for the last 3 years. For the last 2 months the **"Google Play Services"** app is taking too much memory, Now I want to uninstall it. Is it safe to do so? Does it affect other apps and/or the phone's basic functionality?

# Answer
> 9 votes
Whilst you can uninstall it, it will automatically be re-installed on your device as it is an extension of the Google Play ecosystem and Google automatically updates Google Play services on all supported devices via the Google Play Store to ensure API consistency across devices and versions, and to deliver fixes and new features in a timely fashion.

Some apps may require Google Play services to be present and up to date in order to function correctly (or at all).

# Answer
> 9 votes
According to Google

> Google Play services provides you with easy access to Google services and is tightly integrated with the Android OS.

And from the description in the Play Store

> Google Play services is used to update Google apps and apps from Google Play. This component provides core functionality like authentication to your Google services, synchronized contacts, access to all the latest user privacy settings, and higher quality, lower-powered location based services. Google Play services also enhances your app experience. It speeds up offline searches, provides more immersive maps, and improves gaming experiences. Apps may not work if you uninstall Google Play services

I wouldn't recommend removing it.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Quote copied directly from the Play store decription:

> 'Google Play services is used to update Google apps and apps from Google Play. This component provides core functionality like authentication to your Google services, synchronized contacts, access to all the latest user privacy settings, and higher quality, lower-powered location based services. Google Play services also enhances your app experience. It speeds up offline searches, provides more immersive maps, and improves gaming experiences. Apps may not work if you uninstall Google Play services.'

I would leave it.

# Answer
> 2 votes
All of the present Google Apps are heavily linked with the Google Play Services app. Uninstalling it will affect all of these apps, and, if you can't stay away from Google for a long time, I wouldn't recommend doing so. As mentioned in the other answers, Google Play services is the backbone of many apps currently on the Play Store. Many (I mean MANY!) apps are dependent on it.

Instead of trying to limit its usable data, you can occasionally try backing up all your data to a safe place and wiping/factory-resetting the phone once in a while. This will automatically cleanse your phone, and will definitely help on Android Gingerbread.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I have uninstalled google play services from my Galaxy Ace running Gingerbread, due to running out of internal memory space, and it does not appear to have made any difference to the operation of the phone. I can still install apps, access Gmail, etc. I don't sync any data from the phone, other than Gmail. Phone runs much better now, much more internal memory and ram available. Phone is set not to update / install apps automatically and so far so good.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Removed it! Saved around 30 mb internal memory which matters a lot because my 5 year old device just has 100 mb of it. There are no issues whatsoever, Gmail sync works & I can even update the only I app use i.e. Whatsapp. Already did once, no problems.

---
Tags: 2.3-gingerbread, insufficient-memory, ram, google-play-services
---


# Question
Title: My Internal storage is being apparently not internal, and cannot move apps to sd
I am running CM10.1.3 and have some form of error:

When I go to install an app, and it is too big, it comes up with the storage error – but it says "***external*** storage", even though I have ***NEVER*** used an sd card, so apparently, my internal storage is external, ***even though it says it's internal on the stock ROM***

So, I thought "Well, I needed an sd card anyway" and brought a 2GB on to tie me through until I get a 32GB through. However, upon insertion, it mounts, allows me to use it as a normal sd, but I ***CANNOT*** move apps to it using *Link2SD*: It does just not pop-up on the apps screen, and *Link2SD* seems to not actually do anything (I don't even get the option to move it).

Can you tell me why my internal storage is not internal, and why I cannot move apps to the external SD, and how to fix both?

### My current setup

On my (external) SD card, I have a really small partition (about 30mb) and main one (1.9gb) set up, both are using FAT32. Looks like the 30m partition is pretty useless, so I probably need to re-format the card?

### Progress

INTERNAL STORAGE- Honestly, I don't know where to start.

SD CARD-I have try configuring Link2sd again, to no avail. I also changed the format of the sd to several well used ones. They either had no effect or came up as "damaged, making the system reset it to FAT32

# Answer
Summing up from the comments what proved to solve the issue:

### Some background

From the system point of view, everything that's not "internal" storage is counted as "external" storage. Especially this includes the and also the card:

> Note: don't be confused by the word "external" here. This directory can better be thought as media/shared storage. It is a filesystem that can hold a relatively large amount of data and that is shared across all applications (does not enforce permissions). **Traditionally this is an SD card, but it may also be implemented as built-in storage** in a device that is distinct from the protected internal storage and can be mounted as a filesystem on a computer.

(Android Developers; emphasis mine)

Moreover: if an internal sd is available, that becomes the "primary external storage" – and the only place moves apps to.

### Link2SD

(I have just updated our link2sd tag-wiki to make this information easier to find)

When setting up , the (external) SD card must be partitioned correctly – as described by the instructions on the Link2SD site. In short, the card should have the following partitions, both primary:

* first partition, using FAT, to be utilized as-usual for your media etc
* second partition, using ExtFS (ext2/3/4), exclusively used by *Link2SD*

> You should have two partitions on your SD card and both should be primary.
> The first FAT partition is your standard SD card storage. The second partition is used for application files and can be ext2, ext3, ext4, f2fs or FAT.
>
> You need to use a non-FAT file system (ext2, ext3, ext4 or f2fs) on your second partition in order to link app's private data files. Because the FAT file system (FAT16, FAT32 or exFAT) does not support UNIX file ownership or permissions and will cause a security breakdown of app's private files.
>
> **Link2SD does not create the second partition, you need to create it yourself.**

(Link2SD; emphasis mine)

Your SD card was partitioned differently (and using FAT only), which will have caused most of the problems you've encountered. And as we've figured: After setting that up correctly, everything seems to be fine.

So enjoy a working installation now!
> 0 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, internal-storage, external-sd, link2sd
---


# Question
Title: Does Google Nexus 5 has arm or armX86 or armX64 processor?
I am trying to install Xposed module on my rooted Nexus 5 running stock Android 5.1.1. In that process I am trying to download the files from \[this XDA page. I am unable to find whether my Nexus 5 is an arm or armX86 or armX64.

Sure, I can try one after the other as I have a nandroid backup, and I can also Google it and find it in pages like this. But, how can I be sure of myself? I can rely on any app that might say so after installing in my phone or some reputed sites say it so. What would be the best and authentic way for me to find the same?

# Answer
The Nexus 5 runs a Snapdragon 800, which is not a 64-bit supported processor. That means you should be going for the `arm` version of Xposed, and not the `arm64` version.

NOTE: You are getting confused with the meaning of x86. In this context, x86 refers to mobile processors made by Intel (the Nexus 5 has an "arm" chip). The difference between "arm" and "arm64" is whether it supports 64-bit execution. There is no such thing as "arm86".

Currently, there are only unofficial builds of Xposed for 5.1 and higher.
> 18 votes

---
Tags: nexus-5, arm-processors
---


# Question
Title: White blocks in place of the numbers on the lock screen
My phone (Samsung Galaxy S4) updated recently to Android 5.0.1 and now I have a problem with my lock screen.

Instead of the usual number pad with letters I have lots of white blocks in place of the numbers and most of the letters. Does anyone know how to fix this?

# Answer
This happens on many Samsung Galaxy devices (S3, S4, S5, Note 2 and Note 3). Android forums are full of this and it has nothing to do with language settings.

Long-press power button to restart phone clears it up for some time (days to weeks), then it comes right back. As of this writing, there's no real solution, but apparently it's memory related. Did your phone perchance start giving you occasional random error messages "Unfortunately contacts has stopped working"?
> 3 votes

# Answer
I had this same problem when I updated my S4 software. Within a few weeks I was having white blocks instead of numbers or sometimes it was letters. It also affected PIN lock numbers.

Would you believe I read all the reviews, but in the end I just turned my S4 off and back on nothing else. I didn't reboot, but I was happy when I switched my phone back on and everything was back to normal (no blocks). Please try it before you do anything else
> 0 votes

# Answer
I've had the same problem since the Lollipop update. Samsung told me to do the following:

1. Change PIN lock to pattern lock, then change it back to PIN lock
2. Go to Settings \> Security
3. Scroll down to "Make passwords visible"
4. Uncheck and check that option

White boxes are gone. At least for now...
> 0 votes

# Answer
actually if you go into your applications and clear the cache data (which is useless cookies saved from the internet) it fixes it and it should also speed up your phone.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: lock-screens, samsung-galaxy-s-4
---


title: Globally disable vibration?

text:
# Question
Title: Globally disable vibration?
Is there a way to disable vibration on HTC One M8 regardless of individual application settings?

I can't conceive of a situation in which I would ever want my phone to vibrate so I'd just assume kill it at the source, if possible. If no soft solution exists I may need to resort to ripping the motor out.

To any hardware engineers out there - build a phone without vibration and I'd buy it in an instant.

# Answer
> 2 votes
# Sure!

Though a rooted device is needed, and in the case of HTC phones, probably also s-off. Just download VibraFix, which will allow you to completely turn off vibration. It will also allow you to pass through calls and texts, if that is needed.

# Answer
> 2 votes
I've made an app that can disable/enable vibrations system-wide because Android lacks such option for inexplicable reasons - Global Vibration Toggle.

It requires a rooted phone as well and has a widget toggle and an automatic mode.

---
Tags: vibration, htc-one-m8
---


# Question
Title: How can I see what specific times my phone has connected/disconnected to wifi?
How can I see what specific times my phone has connected/disconnected to wifi? I would like to see at what times exactly in the last week (for example) my phone connected to wifi. In fact I would like to be able to see an activity log of some kind? Would you be able to see location history if your location services were switched off, for example? Any help would be great :)

# Answer
You can check the internal Android log `logcat` to see WiFi connectivity changes (and many different events) from the last few hours or so.

To do that, you'll have to enable USB debugging, download ADB, install an ADB driver for your phone on your computer, connect the phone with a USB cable and run this in a terminal:

```
adb logcat -v threadtime ConnectivityService:* *:s

```

To dump the whole log to a file, run:

```
adb logcat > log.txt

```

However, if you need older data, the most bulletproof way is to create a custom app that would log the events you're interested in.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi, geolocation, gps-tracking, location-services, google-location-history
---


title: Contacts lost in Samsung S3

text:
# Question
Title: Contacts lost in Samsung S3
I had my Gmail account linked to Samsung S3, all my contacts were added to this account. I removed this account and re-added it, and found that all my contacts were lost.

When I checked the Settings it seems the Sync service is not working, and when I checked my contacts' page on Gmail I found only the very old contacts. It means that the Sync service wasn't working since a long time ago.

Is there any possibility to retrieve my contacts from Samsung S3 itself?

# Answer
Sorry to say this, but there isn't any way to do so as far as I know.

What you can do now, is to simply add your Gmail account to sync at-least your old contacts.

If your sync is not working properly, then do the following:

* Check that Internet connection is working properly on your phone, by resetting your mobile internet connection.
* If above solution isn't working then try restarting your phone after removing your SIM card for at-least 10 minutes.
* If the problem still persists then please contact your service centre for further help.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I have experienced a similar problem. have you ever linked another Google account (ie Google Voice, G+,...) or anything like Facebook or Hotmail to your Google account? If so try accessing your contacts via that account. when Google was experiencing sync problems in the past I found ALL of my contacts, new, ancient and forgotten had been automatically synced to my old (and expired) att.net account. I discovered this when I pulled an old laptop out in order to donate it -luckily on the same day that all my contacts and calender INFO were lost forever!

I was checking the "workings" of the laptop and getting ready to wipe the HD when I accidentally opened the e mail program and saw that the contacts showed to be updated! first time I beat Murphy's Law. I contacted Google's Email HELP forum and was told that a "partial sync" had happened and that was the only account that Sync had completed..

Anyway - It would be worth a try, good luck and Back up!
> 0 votes

---
Tags: contacts, data-recovery
---


title: Completely uninstall an app on Lollipop

text:
# Question
Title: Completely uninstall an app on Lollipop
I am having a problem with uninstalling apps on Android 5.0 (Nexus 5). I am developing an Android app, so I debug/run the app directly on my device. For production, I exported the same app with my keystore, uninstalled the debug APK that I ran earlier, tried to install the signed APK, and I got this error:

> An existing package by the same name with a conflicting signature is already installed.

Is it because the bytecodes are still in the ART runtime? Anyone has any idea how to solve this?

# Answer
> 30 votes
When uninstalling an app using the usual pre-Lollipop approach (e.g. dragging to the "trash bin" icon, or from **App info** \> **Uninstall**), it's only uninstalled *on the current user*. This can be confirmed by the app showing "Not installed" on the stock app manager. Android will detect that the app is still there, preventing the user to install the app with the same package name.

The root cause is **Guest account** (if it's activated), that when an app is installed, it's automatically installed on all users. So, it is also required to uninstall the app from there, which can be troublesome in daily usage.

There are some approaches to uninstall the app completely (ordered by practicality):

1. (from the owner account) Go to **Settings** \> **Apps**, find and open the app info. Then, open the overflow menu (3 vertical dots), and choose **Uninstall for all users**.
2. (from the guest account) Deactivate the guest account if it is not needed (for more info: Removing the default guest user account from Android Lollipop)
3. (from PC) Enter `adb uninstall <package>` on the command prompt/shell. This is the same as "uninstall for all users"
4. (from guest/other accounts) Find the app and uninstall it normally.
    * In case it can't be uninstalled, try removing the account and creating a new one, then try finding the app and uninstall it again.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I managed to uninstall this way:

* I first attempted to uninstall the normal way (using Settings-\>Applications-\>app-name-\>uninstall), which kind of removes the ability to run it, but clearly does **not** uninstall.
* I ran Google Play and looked up the app.
* I saw that the *UnInstall* button was inactive, but the *Install* **was** active, so I tapped *Install*. Now I'm able to run the app.
* After that, the *UnInstall* button in Google Play is active.
* Tap the *UnInstall* to remove the app.

Voila, it's gone!

---
Tags: applications, 5.0-lollipop, uninstallation
---


# Question
Title: Internet is working over Wi-Fi but Google Play Store says "reconnect" after few minutes
I have a problem connecting to Google Play Store with some Wi-Fi. My Wi-Fi at home works fine and I don't see any problem with other sites. But whenever I go to Google Play Store, it just keeps me waiting for a couple of minutes and says "reconnect".

I tried connecting to another Wi-Fi and it works. Then I tried using other phone on my Wi-Fi and it works fine.

It seems only my Zenfone 2 doesn't work on my Wi-Fi. I tried some simple steps I've read on forums like changing time, sync, toggle Wi-Fi and Airplane mode but nothing worked.

How do I fix the issue?

# Answer
> 1 votes
If you are using a Wi-Fi router with your existing network modem:

1. Turn DHCP mode to **none** in your Wi-Fi router

* Login to your router configuration panel from computer
    * Turn **DHCP mode** to **none** in Local Network settings
2. Connect your incoming network cable (from modem) to LAN port instead of WAN port of the Wi-Fi router (we are going to bridge the network; reboot router if necessary)

* You should know the DHCP IP address range in your modem (usually 192.168.1.2 to 192.168.1.254)
    * Use one IP address from that range (say 192.168.1.2) for your Wi-Fi LAN interface IP address (Wi-Fi router configuration IP address will be changed to the new one you have opted for)
    * Save changes and reboot your modem

This fixed my connection problem.

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


# Question
Title: Are there codes to insert Android emoji?
Just like how in HTML you would use `$` to display a dollar character ($), do Android emoji have some sort of code that I could type in a text field (and if the app supports emoji it will display it), rather than browsing through the list of all emoji?

# Answer
# Yes

There are Unicode character codes for standard emojis. There's a complete list available here, but some common ones include `U+1F601`, which is . The actual representation of the emoji might differ across platforms though, as seen below.

Additionally, simply entering the Unicode codes into the app might not necessarily display the character since it assumes you want to enter the literal code and not the emoji representation.

Several services including Telegram, WhatsApp, Slack, GitHub, etc do allow for this fortunately, through a different list of character codes, such as `:smile:` for . Again there's a complete list available here.
> 10 votes

# Answer
As an alternative, consider using a keyboard app that offers emoji as suggestions when typing (as well as words).

Swype is one keyboard that does this. If you type "dog" you get various word suggestions, but also the dog emoji. Very handy. A few of the images in the Play Store (links below) show examples of this.

It is a paid app, with a free trial version.

Sadly, Swype is being discontinued by Nuance.

Google's Gboard claims to offer emoji suggestions, but it mostly does not work for me, nor it seems for many others. It does also offer direct emoji search-by-text, but you have to enter text in its emoji search box, rather than it reacting to text as you type (which is what suggestions is supposed to do, but often doesn't).
> 2 votes

---
Tags: emoticons
---


# Question
Title: Quiet sound after 4.3 update - Samsung Galaxy SIII
Since my Samsung Galaxy SIII was updated to 4.3, I have had problems when listening to music.

The sound is very low when my equalizer turns on. I've already tried to configure the equalizer accordingly, but that doesn't seem to help. I uninstalled the equalizer but the sound is still low.

What can I do?

Thank you in advance.

# Answer
> 0 votes
So, after a long year trying to figure out what was going on, I have just reset my phone to factory settings and it works perfectly, but I am still not able to determine the cause of that problem.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Do you use AllShare Dongle app? Its last update muted my headphones. I uninstalled the update and my headphones worked again.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, audio, equalizer
---


title: Using SMB server without root access

text:
# Question
Title: Using SMB server without root access
I'm looking for a way for my HTC Hero (Android 2.1) so I can share the contents of my SD card and phone memory over the WiFi network like a regular Windows file share. I'd like one that does not require me to root my phone, and am willing to pay for the right app so it doesn't have to be free.

I'm thinking of using SMB server and all I've found so far are:

1. SambaAndroid which requires root access.
2. androidsmb which is a "Java implementation of the SMB/CIFS network file and printer share server for Android devices" hosted on Google Code that has no documentation and has not released any files.

Is it even technically possible to develop an SMB Server on Android that can be installed without root access?

# Answer
As your original question still isn't answered and I wondered the same, here's the answer.

Short answer: No, without root it's not possible to run an SMB server using the default ports so that it's found by Windows PCs.

Long answer: SMB either runs on ports 137-139 (UDP and TCP) using NetBIOS or on newer systems (from Windows Vista onwards) directly on TCP port 445 where in the latter case computer names are resolved by the LLMNR (Link-local Multicast Name Resolution) protocol which runs on UDP port 5355. Why is this important? Apps not running as root can't bind to unprivileged ports (\<1024). It's possible to use alternative ports for SMB but Windows is hard-wired to just listen to the default ones. So I guess if you use Linux or a separate SMB client for Windows which allows to connect to a server with a custom port number it's probably possible. But it's not really a straight-forward way.
> 14 votes

# Answer
While it may not be possible to run an SMB server without root or using port forwarding, it is possible to run a WebDAV server without root for a similar effect.

**Setting up an Android WebDAV server**

On my stock Nexus 7, I installed WebDAV Server, opened it, clicked on the start button and was immediately able to see my `/storage/sdcard` folder in my web browser at the URL displayed by the application, i.e. `http://192.168.x.y:8080`

Note that with WebDAV, you also have the option of selecting *Root (/)* or *DCIM* as well as *SdCard* as the WebDAV *root*.

**Using the WebDAV server through Windows Explorer**

I then mapped `http://192.168.x.y:8080` as a network drive in Windows Explorer and could the access the contents of my storage drive, just as if I was connected via MTP, but through a drive letter.

Sadly, this solution is incredibly slow.

Every directory change takes between 6 and 20 seconds, as does accessing most files. Once a file is accessed though, it transfers at a reasonable speed (copying a single 42MB file in Windows Explorer took around 60 seconds, so 700KB/s).

Thus WebDAV via Windows Explorer is Ok for downloading a few large files whose location you know, but browsing or syncing a whole device this way isn't quick. I synced 1.75GB of data in around 6000 files and 400 directories and it took 10 hours, i.e. around 50KB/s or 10 files/dirs per minute on average.

**Using the WebDAV server through Windows command line**

Even from the command line, each directory listing takes 5-6 seconds, as does any file access. Copying the same 42MB file from the command line took around 20 seconds, so around 2.1MB/s.

**Using the WebDAV server through a web browser**

The fastest option for WebDAV is to use your web browser though, directly through the URL given. Changing directory rarely takes more than a second and downloading the same 42MB file from the web browser took around 12 seconds, so around 3.6MB/s.

The downside of using the web browser is that it only shows the date (no size or type) and makes no distinction between files and directories so if a file doesn't have an extension (or a directory does) then it may not be obvious if clicking on a link will take you to another web page (for a directory) or start a download (for a file).

**Caveats**

* By default, Windows limits the size of WebDAV downloads to 50000000 bytes (47.6MB), though this can be changed through a registry hack (`FileSizeLimitInBytes` in `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\WebClient\Parameters`) if you know what you are doing.
* **WebDAV access is not secure**. Even if you set a password on the WebDAV share, the connection is still `http` not `https`, so it is not encrypted. **Only use WebDAV on a secure wifi network** and certainly don't enable the WebDAV server while you are in an internet cafe or other unsecured wifi.
> 10 votes

# Answer
The issue is not the samba server, but the fact that Windows can access a samba share only on port 445, and on a non-rooted android a normal App can't listen on port 445.

But you can overcome this with some TCP port-mapping:

1. Install a samba server on your android, and make it listen on a port like 7777
2. Install a TCP port-forwarding software somewhere (I installed it on a virtualPC)
3. Setup the portmapping software to listen for connections on port 445, and forward the connections to your android on port 7777
4. Now you can access the shared folder on this virtualPC, and you'll get the data from the samba server installed on android (trough the portmapping)

I've described all the steps in detail here on my blog http://techforpassion.blogspot.it/2013/12/android-how-to-share-folder-over-wifi.html

I've tried different samba server, and the only free app that works in this configuration is called Samba Server
> 5 votes

# Answer
I currently finished an app (**for non-rooted devices**) for sharing files in local network. My lessons learned:

* It is possible to run an SMB Server on Android without root access (on non-privileged port). Mac OS X connects to it without any problems (if you broadcast your ip and port via Bonjour). But Windows dont. As already said by another users, Windows uses "hardcoded" privileged ports for SMB access. The only way I found for connecting with Windows is creating an loopback network adapter as explained here (not the same purpose, but the idea). Finally I think, that the **user-friendliest way is using WebDAV on Windows**. Even if the Windows do it not user-friendly, because you have to enter your ip by hand and I did not find a way how it could be discovered (please drop me a line, if you know one).
* **In the Mac OS X world the SMB protocol is a clear winner**. Your share will be auto-discovered by Bonjour and magically appears in Finder. It is weird, that WebDAV and FTP shares are ignored (not auto-mounted by Finder), though they are supported by Bonjour. Third-party clients (e.g. Cyberduck) have no problems with auto-discovery of these shares.
> 3 votes

# Answer
Alternatively, you could run a ftp server on your phone to get access to your SD card's content. Check out SwiFTP.
> 2 votes

# Answer
I may be misunderstanding but it sounds like you need an SMB client, not a server. Also, you do not need root access. To use SMB to tranfer files to you computer you can use ASTRO File Manager with the SMB addon, or there's File Expert which is also free.

You could also use WebDAV instead of SMB with an app like WebSharing.

In the past I used an app that with client software on my computer allowed me to transfer files through the file explorer from anywhere through the web. It wasn't a full VNC app. I got a new phone and now for the life of me I can't find the app.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi, root-access, cifs
---


title: How to reset samsung edge s6?

text:
# Question
Title: How to reset samsung edge s6?
My Samsung has crashed, I can see that it's on but it does not respond to any button clicks nor shuts down

Tried this and it does not work.

How to reset Samsung edge s6?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Figured it out.

You need to press power button and then volume down button and hold them for some time.

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Tags: samsung, factory-reset
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# Question
Title: Back up photos from Nexus 5 do not appear on Google +
First off, I am technologically "challenged", so I usually have trouble performing the most basic tasks on phones/computers, etc.

Recently my phone battery has been dying way too fast and for no apparent reason. Yesterday, the phone had no power although it had been plugged in all night and it repeatedly turned itself off when I tried to engage it. I left it plugged in all day and tried again last night. Nothing. I panicked and found some advice online. Finally got it going again. I thought I had better back up my photos (around 1,500) to Google+ before I lose the phone forever. I followed instructions and a small window on the phone said the pictures were being loaded. I kept the external power going. The battery did come back to about 85%. Then I left the phone and my Mac on all night. This morning, it (the phone) said there were 650 pictures remaining but I had run out of space. I then paid for the basic ($1.99/month) space and hoped that the rest would be uploaded.

So far NO pictures have appeared on Google+--I have looked everywhere. I don't know what to do now.

I am leaving the phone turned on and connected to external power since I'm afraid what will happen if I turn it off. (Right now the battery seems to be at about 10%!!)

I hope someone out there can help me before I lose all my pictures which are really important to me.

Thank you.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Google photos has now unlimited storage for images. Try synchronizing yours with their app.

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Tags: google-plus-photos
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title: Weird battery issues

text:
# Question
Title: Weird battery issues
There's this phone I got, it belonged to my girlfriend's mom, but she just gave it to me since it stopped working and I wanted it. The problem is it won't charge. I'll plug it in and the screen will turn on, but I get a picture of an empty battery with a yellow crossed out battery sign in the bottom right.

I've played around with it a bit and, after some testing, concluded that the problem is with a faulty battery - it won't charge in other devices, but other batteries will work and charge in this one.

My question is, could this be something I'm able to fix easily, or would I have to buy a new battery? She said that it broke because someone tripped on the cable while the phone was charging and it fell on the floor. I don't really have enough interest in the device to buy a new battery, and I doubt she does either, so if I can't fix it that's it for the phone....

# Answer
It depends on the battery, most are not repairable - if it's anything internal in the battery then there is nothing you can do but get a new one. Batteries have a limited lifespan anyway, it's normal to replace instead of 'fix'.

It is possible the connector broke off the batteries logic board (the part where the thing you plug into the device's metal makes contact with some other metal thing connected to the battery - part that isn't covered on the battery) has been shifted/broken off of what it's connected to and can't make a clean connection. If this is the case, you can try soldering the connector back onto the logic board.

Not knowing what phone type you have I can't give you a specific video that shows how to do this, but you can do a google search on your device/battery on how to connect the connector to the logic board - from there you'll know what to look for on the battery to see it it's not connected as well.
> 0 votes

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Tags: samsung, battery, charging
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title: Nexus 5 not detected by ADB

text:
# Question
Title: Nexus 5 not detected by ADB
When trying to connect to my Nexus 5 (5.1.1) in Android Studio (1.0.1) my device is not found. I am running Windows 8.1 Pro.

In the \[SDK\]/platform-tools directory I ran the command:

```
adb devices

```

which returned:

```
List of devices attached

```

(Empty list)

I have tried several ways:

I have no problems with accessing files on my Nexus through my computer. The nexus also is shown as "Nexus 5" in Device manager and not some other driver.

But I am still not able to connect to the phone with Android Studio and ADB command won't list the device.

How can I get it listed?

Related links:

# Answer
One thing I noticed not mentioned in what you have tried that will make your device invisible. Have you enabled USB debugging on your Nexus 5. USB debugging helps operating systems communicate with each other and without it things get lost in translation. To enable USB debugging

1. Go into **Android settings** menu and scroll down to the **about phone menu** next go towards the bottom and hit the **build number 7 times.** settings/about phone/build number
2. This will reveal a new menu within the main Android settings called developers options and scrolled to **USB debugging** and enable it.

That should get you up and running but if not then scrap the the driver you modified. Go to SDK redownload Google drivers and install them. That issue was reported in 2013 and the drivers in SDK have been updated since.
> 1 votes

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Tags: 5.0-lollipop, adb, nexus-5
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