title: Extract the apk of Live wallpapers

text:
# Question
Title: Extract the apk of Live wallpapers
To extract the apk of any android application , it is simple just use any apk extractor tool and get the apk. However in the case for live wallpapers the apk extractor do not show the apk for wallpapers .

I just want to get the apk for live wallpapers from my phone .

# Answer
You can use ES File Exporer

1. Goto App Manager (press menu to get app manager)
`There you can see list of applications installed in your mobile`
2. Select Live wallpaper apk
3. click on Backup
4. You can find apk in location /sdcard/backups/apps

****Edit:****

System Live Wallpapers are located on your phone in path:

> **system/app/LiveWallpapers.apk**

You can use ES File Explorer for the same.
**But your device need to be rooted to access system apps.**
> 1 votes

---
Tags: live-wallpaper
---


title: Reset only the settings for HTC One

text:
# Question
Title: Reset only the settings for HTC One
I have an HTC One (4.2.2) & I need to reset my settings ONLY, just the settings. Is there any way not to lose my data, without making a backup? I mean I want a factory settings for the settings only. Thanks.

# Answer
Goto Settings--\>Apps--\>All--\>(`you can find Settings App`)click on Settings--\> Clear data and cache
> 2 votes

---
Tags: settings, factory-reset, htc-one
---


# Question
Title: Is there a way to send an emergency text and/or email by holding down either of the volume buttons?
A friend of mine recently developed a medical condition that causes sudden shortness of breath, and in one instance, caused her to pass out. In that instance, she said she lost her vision first, so she couldn't make a phone call to anyone.

I found some apps that send emergency messages by pressing a button in the lock screen, but it may be hard to do so without being able to see (though certainly better than trying to punch in a phone number). I was wondering if there was a way to send messages by holding down a *physical* button for, say, 5 seconds. (Of course, the contacts/message would be preconfigured/preset.) I'm not sure if it's even possible for an app to "hijack" a button's functionality in such a way.

# Answer
> 4 votes
*tl;dr*: I wasn't aware of any such apps and so I've actually written an application that can do this for a university project; the user holds the volume down button for *x* seconds (default is 3) and a preconfigured emergency message is sent to their chosen contact(s). There are a few problems with getting this functionality however (see below). I haven't made the app available anywhere but could put a version up on the Play Store over the next few days. Will edit this when I do.

---

The problem I found is that it doesn't work in all possible states the phone could be in, meaning your friend might be trying to use it but will forget to put it in a correct state if they're in a panic. Here's the results of the testing I did, a pass means the emergency SMS was sent:

> One test wasn’t applicable because if the screen is off pressing the volume button will turn it back on giving us the first test state.
>
> For the state where the screen was on but phone was locked, the evidence gathering could be activated but only by pressing the volume button repeatedly for the required amount of time.
>
> The reason the activation doesn’t work as intended is because Android only receives one button press when the volume button is held while the screen is locked and so only passes one press to the application. If the volume button is repeatedly pressed then the application is ‘tricked’ into thinking the button is being held constantly because the app checks if the button is being held once a second but the button only needs to have been held once in the last second for it to count.

A positive point about the volume button method is that it uses almost no battery, there isn't any monitoring or polling of the volume button's state.

---

If you were willing to consider other activation methods I also added the ability to tilt the phone and have it activate the emergency SMS, I found this worked in a lot more states:

I believe it would also be possible to get the Tasker application to do this tilting activation but I don't own it and haven't tried it.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Not specifically with the volume buttons, but if you are open for alternatives, Tasker might be able to help out. To fire the emergency task, the following triggers might be feasible:

* Camera button
* Long-Search button
* Gesture (The phone has just been waved around in a particular way)
* Shake (The device is being physically shaken)

If the device has no camera button, the long-search button being hard to find without vision, this might leave us with the "gesture" and "shake" triggers. To set that up, you can record your "emergency pattern", e.g. "shake twice left-right, then twice up-down".

As task, *Tasker* offers e.g. "Send SMS" (Send an SMS without user interaction.) So combining action and task, you'd have your "emergency profile": As soon as the shake-pattern is recognized, the emergency SMS would be sent.

---
Tags: buttons, emergency-calls
---


title: Is there a way to verify stock ROMs?

text:
# Question
Title: Is there a way to verify stock ROMs?
When we download a `.FTF` or `ROM` file as a stock ROM, is there a way to verify that it is really the stock ROM and is not modified by someone?

# Answer
Yes, you can check the `SHA1` or `MD5` checksum.

You didn't specify which ROM you are downloading. Let's have a look at the Nexus stock ROMs:

https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images#mantaray

There is a download link and a version number and checksums listed like that:

To verify a checksum you can do it via command line:

```
$ md5sum mantaray-jdq39-factory-d79f489e.tgz
b7a1162fb4e617143306ef6c4ca6c040

```

Or:

```
$ openssl sha1 mantaray-jdq39-factory-d79f489e.tgz
SHA1(mantaray-jdq39-factory-d79f489e.tgz)= d79f489e1001d183b31d8a407b47cd5b8e9505cd

```

If it matches with the one stated at the google page, you can assume the file is not corrupted or modified.

## Note: Linux, MacOS, Windows

The terminal commands only work out of the box in MacOS or Linux. To verify checksums in Windows there is a tool by Microsoft called *Checksum Integrity Verifier*.
> 6 votes

---
Tags: custom-roms, stock-rom
---


title: How do I run network spoofer on S4?

text:
# Question
Title: How do I run network spoofer on S4?
So, I got myself s4 and rooted it. I've tested the root access with several different apps, and all of those work.

But now I tried Network Spoofer. The app seemed to download and install successfully, but now, when I try to actually do something, I get this:

Screenshot: *chroot: can't execute 'spoof': Permission denied* (click image for larger variant)

How do I fix this?

# Answer
The app's homepage at http://digitalsquid.co.uk/netspoof/ lists the requirements needed for the app to work:

> ## Requirements
>
> Network Spoofer runs on Android devices with the following requirements:
>
> * Which are rooted (‘su’).
> * Have an SD card (or internal storage) with \>450MB spare space.
> * Which has Wifi

So I'd start by double-checking how much free space you have on your device. Then it lists the currently supported (and unsupported) models:

> ## Supported devices
>
> Currently Network Spoofer has been thoroughly tested on these devices:
>
> * Samsung Galaxy Nexus
> * HTC Nexus One
> * T-Mobile G1
>
> It is reported working on these devices, as well as working on most other devices:
>
> * LG Optimus 2x
> * Huawei u8150d
> * HTC Hero
> * Droid Bionic
> * Samsung Galaxy S / S II
> * Samsung Infuse 4G
>
> However, Network Spoofer doesn’t currently work with:
>
> * Droid / Droid 2 / Droid X
> * Motorola Atrix
>
> Many other devices should and probably will work, but please report any odd behaviour or crashes, so I can get this working with more devices.

Your device unfortunately isn't on the list of currently supported devices, which means that the app's author doesn't guarantee that it will work for you.

If you follow the bug reporting link there are ways there for you to provide the dev with more information, so that they can try to get things working on your device. But before you go there, have a look at Network Spoofer's FAQ page which does list some common problems, and some ways to get round them, or what additional information you can provide to help get the problem fixed.

Finally there is currently an open bug report about Network Spoofer not working on an S4, with the same error message that you're getting, that does list how the reporter of the bug got it to work:

> I had the same problem when trying to run bt5 on my phone using the Complete Linux Installer app, but solved the problem by changing the script from the file bootscript.sh (attached) to the combination of the 4 other files (installbt first, then startbt, and bt, then stopbt to unmount everything). The chroot command is located in the bt script.

That could be worth trying (you'll need to visit the bug report to see the attached files).
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 4.2-jelly-bean, root-access, samsung-galaxy-s-4
---


# Question
Title: Does the built-in Google app data backup work?
This question is a long time coming I guess. I have been seeing claims in Android since the dark ages that our data is being backed-up to the cloud, and recently "Sync App Data" showed up as well in the account settings. However when I have to restore, all I get is the apps I had, and a very small restore.. perhaps wifi passwords and desktop wall paper from what I see. So my question is this..

**Does the in built-in backup service work?**

I see from code documentation, that the apps need to manage it manually. I guess then it is possible that some apps do not support this? Is this backup service actually supposed to backup app data or only just system data? Is installing helium or similar 3rd party services the only way to go?

Second minor question. Am I right in understanding that Helium and its adb backup bretheren rely on the opt in android service, and that Titanium backup and their ilk just copy all possible files of the app and thus do not require the opt in service?

p.s. Am sorry if there is a good post about these details, much of what I see is very cynical posts which plug one of the aforementioned 3rd party software.

# Answer
**Does the in built-in backup service work?** Yes.

But maybe not how you expect/want. As you mentioned apps need to 'opt in' to backup data and most apps don't actually use this. I'm only aware of a couple that do. As far as i know, the backed up data is only actually restore to a device when the device is initially set up, not when you install an app from the Play store that you've previously used (i could be wrong on this though). Google recently launched a way for games to sync progress between devices which more apps seem to be using and are publicising this more.

Helium and adb backup work differently in that they backup the data stored on the device and don't require opt in. Helium uses the adb backup method so essentially they work the same way (although it doesn't require a pc to perform the backup).

Titanium Backup backs up the apk and the appropriate 'data' folder (NOT the folder on your sd card by default) and again this does not require any opt in from the app developer.

Personally i use Titanium Backup as it was the only option when i first rooted my first phone. I've not used Helium so can't say if it's better/worse. When i have used adb backup (not via Helium) it took a long time to backup/restore but it does work quite well.
> 8 votes

---
Tags: applications, restore, data-transfer, google-backup
---


title: Do all HTC One X's use the same screen?

text:
# Question
Title: Do all HTC One X's use the same screen?
I'm going to replace the screen on my HTC One X, but I'm nervous of buying the wrong LCD assembly (I did that with a version of the iPhone 4 before).

Somehow no one seems to have an answer for this - do all versions of the HTC One X use the same screen assembly? My serial starts with HT23, and not the GS23 that so many eBay advertisers have in their description.

# Answer
Yes they are the same. The one x and x+ use identical display and digitizer. Buy the assembly the digitizer is adhered tightly to the lcd.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: screen, htc-one-x
---


# Question
Title: What exactly is the APN field used for, and why do some providers require it while others don't?
I've switched providers and now have to enter an APN (access point name) in order to use the service. With my older two providers I did not need to do this and it worked out of the box. What is the rationale for requiring APNs to be entered on some cell phones, and exactly what features do they enable?

Why do some providers require them while others don't, and what do they do?

# Answer
> 6 votes
APN settings are necessary for data service on GSM and related networks (UMTS, LTE) to work. It defines what network to connect to and the configuration of the network (e.g. the gateway GPRS support node address, which is the interface between the mobile network and the public internet).

APN settings are always required for data service on GSM and related networks. The reason why you didn't need to enter them before would be either that you purchased the device from the carrier, in which case it would have been pre-configured with their APN settings, that the ROM (either stock or custom) included your previous carrier in their APN database, or your phone was able to accept automatic configuration from the carrier.

Most custom ROMs and some stock ones (in the case of direct-from-the-manufacturer devices) include an extensive database of different carrier's APNs and Android can automatically choose the correct one (Based on information from the SIM card) so you don't have to enter stuff manually.

# Answer
> 2 votes
The APN (Access Point Name) is generally the gateway between your providers 3G network and the Internet. They are usually auto-detected but occasionally you have to enter them manually when you swap providers.

---
Tags: apn
---


title: How can I track app usage?

text:
# Question
Title: How can I track app usage?
Is there a way to show usage stats for installed applications on my Android phone? I'd like to know how much I use my apps and if there are any I can get rid of (because I don't use them).

# Answer
This functionality is already inbuilt into Android.

1. Open your dailer
2. Enter `*#*#4636#*#*`
3. Select *Usage statistics*
4. Sort by *Launch Count*.

As far as I know these statistics get reset every time you reset your phone. Hope it helps.
> 21 votes

# Answer
Try Spare Parts app from the Play Store (it's built into some older custom ROMs). Under the "Device info" heading there is "Usage statistics" which should give information you're looking for.
> 6 votes

# Answer
SystemPanel provides historic app usage statistics.
> 3 votes

# Answer
I also have developed an app called "App Usage Tracker". You can download it here from the market .
> 3 votes

# Answer
I developed a free app called "AppUsage". You can find it on Google Play.
> 1 votes

# Answer
The fact that an app is running doesn't mean you're using it. `Settings > About Phone > Battery Use` will give you a run down of what has been using juice on your phone, a good clue to whether the app is doing anything. You can also run a task manager -- How To Geek suggests Advanced Task Cleaner. Both of these options will tell you what is running, not what isn't running, but you can extrapolate from there.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications
---


# Question
Title: Advertisments still blocked after uninstalling AdFree
I am trying to test out Admob for an app on my phone. But I have absolutely no idea what is blocking my ads. My phone is rooted, but I don't have any ad-blocking software. I did have AdFree, but then I restored my phone. So what's doing it? My ads are definitely being blocked because I have gone on several websites with ads, and they don't show up.

# Answer
Well after an hour of searching around for how to revert the hosts file, I gave up. (I kept having permission denied errors). So I downloaded AdFree again (turns out that's what I had before) and clicked "revert".
> 2 votes

# Answer
Are you using a custom ROM? It may have adblock enabled behind the scenes.

As a work-around, try the Ad Block REMOVER.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Looking at what the app does, and the fact that it needs Root, it looks like one of the methods that it uses to block ads is to make changes to the device's central hosts file.

This changes the way that DNS works on the device so that any requests by an app to connect to certain internet servers are given a bogus IP address, and the attempt to talk to the ad serving server fails.

In fact it looks like AdFree downloads and uses the MVPS list of HOSTS file entries list of host file entries (the file is available for download here).

Based on that I would assume that what's happened is that when you were using AdFree it downloaded that list of HOSTS file entries and saved them into the central HOSTS file on your phone (this would require root access), but when you uninstalled the app it didn't undo the changes it made to the HOSTS file.

If you just want to be able to connect to AdMob servers to test your app then you could edit your HOSTS file to remove just Google's Admob servers from the list, it looks like they're all called *something*`.admob.com`. Alternatively you could edit your HOSTS file and remove all entries from it that point to 127.0.01, which should set you back to a default setup, with nothing being blocked. More on editing your hosts file here: Guide to editing /etc/hosts.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: root-access, ads
---


# Question
Title: How to connect Samsung GT-i8160 and Debian via WiFi-Direct?
The `wpa_supplicant` documentation contains information suggesting it is possible to set up a WiFi-Direct connection between a Linux box and another WiFi-Direct device. It seems it is necessary to use `wpa_cli` and issue a series of commands first of which is `p2p_find`.

However when I use `wpa_cli` this command does not seem available. I am using Debian Wheezy.

# Answer
The issue is that there is only `wpa_supplicant` version 1.0 available in Debian Wheezy.

For support of WiFi Direct you need `wpa_supplicant` version 1.1 or higher.

You can download and compile the latest `wpa_supplicant` on your own. This way you make sure `wpa_cli` is available and WiFi Direct is supported.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi, linux, wifi-direct
---


# Question
Title: does it really work? rekey.app claims to protect agains Master Key vulnerabilities
The android app rekey claims that it can protect android device against "Master Key" vulnerabilities

on their website they have a test/proofOfConcept

```
To verify that your device has been patched, you can
attempt to install a [PoC APK] to test whether it is properly
blocked by ReKey."

```

I first installed rekey (version 1.0.4 dated July, 21th 2013) and then PoC APK but got no warning that PoC is not ok.

* Does that mean does rekey does not work at all?
* Or does it not work on my rooted android 2.2 smartfone?
* Or is PoC APK not a proove of concept?

What is your experience/option?

Can you confirm that it is working or not working on your device?

# Answer
> 4 votes
I'd be extremely worried there!

The MasterKey vulnerability exploit works in the handling of ZipEntry (see below - Bug 8219321), which is buried deep in the ROM itself, its used in the PackageManager layer as well.

For such an application claiming "*to patch*" it, is misleading and false, because it is a user application and not at system level.

The real cure to get around the vulnerability is to modify the source code in Android in itself and rebuild the ROM.

The vulnerability exploits ROMs from Donut (1.6) right up to Jellybean (4.2).

In the FAQ of the app's website \- this made my hairs stand up:

> Can I trust ReKey with root access on my device?
>
> Did you see those seals up above? They look pretty darn official and trustworthy. They have Latin phrases and everything.

*I really do not know whether to laugh or cry!*

Dynamically patching the bytecode in the Android's Java DalvikVM (Runtime engine to the uninitiated) is unheard of.

**Verdict:**

I would take those so-called "claims of a user-level app" patching in Masterkey exploit, with a pinch of salt and not get fooled by it.

**Source**:

**Patches**:

* Bug: 8219321 \- Remove duplicate entries in Zip.
* Bug: 9695860 \- unsigned Zip Entries.

---
Tags: updates, security, malware
---


title: Volume limit specific app?

text:
# Question
Title: Volume limit specific app?
Is there an app that will let me set a maximum volume on JUST Spotify? Spotify at 100% is a LOT louder than YouTube at 100%. I **never** want to listen to Spotify at 100%, but occasionally I do want to do so for a YouTube video.

I'm asking because a few times, I've accidentally pressed and held the volume up button when listening to Spotify--I think I may have already seriously damaged my hearing that way.

# Answer
> -1 votes
Volume Limiter

I stumbled upon your question googling the same thing

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, volume-control, spotify
---


# Question
Title: Droid 2/R2-D2 Can't Load Beyond Bootloader
I picked up a `DROID R2-D2` from a coworker who has given up on the device. Knowing I like to tinker with these things, she offered me the phone in whatever condition I can muster from it.

A few weeks ago, she dropped it into some water and from that point on, the android OS will no longer boot. The bootloader screen comes up when powered on (without forcing this mode using the hardware volume buttons), but that's as far as it goes. I don't believe this is a boot-loop, as the phone does not automatically reset itself, but I'm somewhat new to the terminology. I don't believe this question is quite a duplicate of this one, as the screens I am able to access are different.

I also have a `DROID X` (similar question for this model), but for those unfamiliar, the bootloader presented using the volume-button-on-boot method does not produce the same screen. on the `X`, there are actual options, such as loading fastboot, etc. With the `2/R2-D2`, there are no options, just "OK to program". I am not sure if the bootloader is unlocked or not. The working D2 is in stock condition, and the bootloader menu is minimal as compared to that of the X, and the non-working bootloader is identical. If the stock condition is locked, then I assume that this is the case.

I can force recovery mode (holding the keyboard 'x' while booting), but the options there do not help.

From the bootloader screen, this is what I see:

> *Always this header*:

```
Bootloader
D2.37

```

> *if battery is charged*:

```
Battery OK
OK to Program

```

> *if battery is depleted* (I think, the batt's full at the moment and my memory may be off):

```
Battery low
Unable to program

```

> *if no USB connected*:

```
Connect USB
Data Cable

```

> *if USB connected (to PC or straight power)*:

```
Transfer Mode:
USB

```

From the recovery screen (after loading the `!` image and getting to the actual menu by pressing both the volume up and down buttons at the same time), this is what I see:

```
Android system recovery <3e>

Android system recovery utility

reboot system now
apply update from sdcard
wipe data/factory reset
wipe cache partition

```

Of the above options, I have tried all, but I know the sdcard option was done incorrectly, as I am not sure which files are required for this update. The other options, which 'worked' resulted in no change in the boot behavior.

The phone is detected by my Windows 7 machine. i.e. When I plug the device into the PC, Windows detects the hardware and recognizes the R2-D2 as being the same (no new drivers required) as the Droid 2, and I can see it in my list of devices in My Computer. However, I can't run any debug functions on it. i.e. The D2 (essentially the same phone, same hardware, drivers, etc.) that I regularly connect to my PC to test my own programmed apps, and ADB works flawlessly. Any attempt to debug the device results in the device not being found by adb. While in either the bootloader or in Recovery Mode, the R2-D2 cannot be detected by `adb devices`. If I plug in the functional D2, adb immediately is able to display the device ID.

Also tried to see if `fastboot` would detect the device, but it did neither at the bootloader, nor in recovery mode.

I downloaded a series of `.sbf` files from various sources (this being the only one I can find at the moment), and reflashed using RSDLite. I am new to this and so I used numerous walkthroughs from the web to get me this far. I am somewhat confident that I've learned how to flash properly, since some of the attempts failed and caused the bootloader to fail, but a few of them at least got me back to the same 'working' condition the phone was in when I picked it up.

At this point, I don't care if the phone is rooted or not; I don't care if I have a custom or stock ROM loaded; I don't care if the OS is buggy once running. I would just like to be able to get the phone to boot at all. The original owner has since picked up a replacement from Verizon, so worst-case scenario (the phone is a brick) is not the end of the world.

Especially given the fact that I have a nearly identical phone to work with, is there some way I can rip the `.img`s from the working model and load it onto the broken one? Is there a step in the `.sbf` reload that I could be doing incorrectly? Are there any other tips or sources to help me get this phone up and running again?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Ok, when in bootloader - the binary app on Windows/Linux etc, fastboot *should* detect it `fastboot devices`, but in recovery, presumably that is a stock recovery for said devices, i.e. not CWM, TWRP etc.

So no `adb` running in the stock recovery, which is further implying, that boot loader is locked! Had it being unlocked, it would make things easier!

However, as am not familiar with the device, it might be worth your while to read this thread, (but do not act on it either as by the sound of it, you are not fully certain yet). Other than that, will leave it at that and wait until someone who is in the know with said device will respond. My answer is more generic.

---
Tags: 2.3-gingerbread, boot, unbricking, bootloader, motorola-droid-2
---


# Question
Title: Android Tablets: Use USB to Ethernet connector?
Do Android tablets generally support USB to Ethernet adapters? And if so, which models?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Looks like 'no', with some xda-developers work. If you want to connect to a LAN, why not go with an access point the size of a deck of cards? If you want extra security, you might turn off your wifi router's beacon, use WPA2 without WPS, and turn on its MAC address filtering. Your device will connect without the beacon if you 'Add Network'.

# Answer
> 1 votes
To my knowledge, the Motorola Xoom *does* support the USB to Ethernet adapter solution, but I don't know of any others. Even the Xoom however requires some serious work, and you will need one of two custom kernels for the Xoom as well as an adapter based on a particular chipset. For more information, check out this XDA article and the threads it links to.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I'm using a Toshiba Thrive (OS 4.0.3), a Curtis KLU MID704 (OS 4.1.1, and one of the Rockchip clones) a Polaroid branded PMID704 and a ZTE phone. Of all these, the Polaroid and Curtis have Ethernet support in the settings. I'm using a Radio Shack Belkin USB-to-Ethernet adapter, which is supported off-the-shelf by Android. (Only the Toshiba Thrive has a full size type-A USB jack.) The Polaroid is "broken" in that the Ethernet doesn't work. You click on it in settings and it clicks but does nothing. The Curtis works, it shows me my IP and MAC address in settings and I can set static IP parameters including IP Address, Gateway, NetMask, and 2 DNS servers.

However, the Android frameworks (in the Java(tm)-like language) are broken. The connection managers only support WiFi and Mobile Data. You can inquire about the Eth0 device but can't open a connection or do anything with it.

I know...I've got a $70,000USD contract hinging on solving the ethernet connection problem and it's getting frustrating. I've got google people telling me it's in there, but I can't find API's or examples. Supposedly Google's working on it.

# Answer
> -1 votes
The most easy way to use LAN to your Android device is to connect your LAN cable to a portable wireless router ( about US$20 in ebay ) then you can use WiFi service from your LAN cable.

---
Tags: tablet, usb-peripherals
---


title: Samsung Note 10.1 USB Ethernet

text:
# Question
Title: Samsung Note 10.1 USB Ethernet
I'm trying to get USB Ethernet support on my tablet, which for some reason is apparently disabled even though 4.1.2 directly supports it. (My Note II can use it...) I've come to the conclusion that I'm going to need to essentially write everything on my own. I'd prefer to write an app that can be used by other 10.1 users, but right now I'm just trying to get it working at all on my own device. (I'm using a BobJ Ethernet-\>USB Adapter) Here are my current setbacks:

1. USB Host seems to shut down randomly. This is the most irritating part, because it means I have to restart the device to use USB at all, mass storage included. What should I use to diagnose this? I've tried three different USB-specific apps from Play, but none of them give me much information besides the obvious. (That the host is not working.)
2. Even when the host controller is running and can detect the adapter, 'netcfg eth0 dhcp/up' doesn't work, claiming no device detected. Does this mean the adapter driver is missing completely?

# Answer
Each vendor is able to customize Android to suite their whimsy.

I'm using a $250USD Toshiba Thrive (OS 4.0.3), a Curtis KLU MID704 (OS 4.1.1, and one of the Rockchip clones) a Polaroid branded PMID704 and a ZTE phone. Of all these, the Polaroid and Curtis have Ethernet support in the settings. I'm using a Radio Shack Belkin USB-to-Ethernet adapter, which is supported off-the-shelf by Android. (Only the Toshiba Thrive has a full size type-A USB jack. The others need adapters, NOT available at radioshack.) The Polaroid is "broken" in that the Ethernet doesn't work. You click on it in settings and it clicks but does nothing. The crappy $75USD Curtis works, it shows me my IP and MAC address in settings and I can set static IP parameters including IP Address, Gateway, NetMask, and 2 DNS servers.

However, the Android frameworks (in the Java(tm)-like language) are broken. The connection managers only support WiFi and Mobile Data. You can inquire about the Eth0 device but can't open a connection or do anything with it.

So basically, your mileage may vary from mfr to mfr, and tabbly to tabbly. Good luck! -dave
> 1 votes

---
Tags: networking, kernel, samsung-galaxy-note-10.1
---


# Question
Title: Create bookmarks in Chrome mobile browser. (Galaxy s4)
All over the internet it says there is a five pointed star to the right of the URL in omni bar. This is not the case with the version of Chrome packaged with the Samsung Galaxy S4. How can I create a bookmark?

There's only one button. The tab button.

# Answer
> 4 votes
Hit the menu button (bottom left of the phone) and then click on the star (which will be at the top right of the dialog which appears).

The star is only to the right of the URL on the omni bar on the desktop version of Chrome.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Go to the page that you want to bookmark. Next, click on the left option button on your phone itself. On the very top of the menu that pops up, you will see a star. Click on it and follow the prompts.

# Answer
> -1 votes
Use the bookmark button that is marked in this picture:

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


# Question
Title: Where is the 'sleep' low power option in cyanogenmod 10.1?
I used to have the Android that came installed on my Verizon Motorola Razr Maxx. When I wanted the phone to be doing nothing (in a movie theater, or at night) I would hold the power button, and then select "Sleep" from the options, which also included "Power Off", "Airplane Mode", and icons to select ringing or vibrating.

Now, I've installed Cyanogenmod 10.1, and when I hold that button I get similar options but no "Sleep" option. There are "Profiles", but none of them seem to be as low power as sleep was. Is there no sleep function, or is it hiding somewhere? If there is none, maybe I can replace it with a profile that turns on "airplane mode", which seems like the only way to turn off the cellular antenna?

# Answer
> 2 votes
You are right. Sleep mode is something from Motorola, not from Android. So, CyanogenMod (based on the stock rom) does not have this option. It has several other options, and you just need to find something close to it. You could try airplane mode, which turns off all connections (wifi, bluetooth, cellular, NFC, etc..)

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, sleep
---


# Question
Title: Operating system in a phone having no OS
I have sony xperia P and i was trying to install custom ROM in my phone.I copied the boot.img in the boot partition.Now my phone doesn't starts.

There is no external SD card slot in my phone.

How can i install a android OS now.

My phone starts in fastboot and flashmode.

Any help would be appreciated.

And yes i don't have a backup :(

# Answer
If you can start your phone in fastboot, then use the fastboot utility to load your system.img and boot.img

You have a nice guide here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2277112 but the main thing you need to execute is:

```
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot erase system -w
fastboot flash system system.img
fastboot reboot

```

You will need a valid system.img and boot.img for your phone model.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: recovery-mode, fastboot, sony-xperia
---


# Question
Title: How to download via Chrome on Nexus 7 with Jelly Bean 4.2.2
I have a Nexus 7 updated to Jelly Bean 4.2.2, with all apps updated. Chrome is version 28.0.1500.94.

I navigated to

http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/diablo-3-podcast-102-public-game-leeches-economics-and-hardcore-dh-follies

in Chrome and long-clicked the "Download" hyperlink located below the video. This is a link to a .MP3 file (audio podcast). A short message appeared, indicating that the download had started.

However, no indicator appeared in the notification bar at the top and nothing is present in "Apps, Downloads", either when the download starts or a while afterwards.

I looked in the Downloads folder via Rhythm Software's "File Manager". The file appeared there for a short while, but vanished soon afterwards; it vanished long before it would have finished downloading.

Neither uninstalling "File Manager" nor restarting the tablet solved the problem.

Single-clicking the "Download" link causes Chrome to start playing the file, which is not what I want; I want to download the .MP3 file.

II only have a few other apps installed, which are not download/file manager apps.

# Answer
> 2 votes
I tried to download the link using Chrome for Android SEVERAL times, but it always disappears. Like I've been telling myself before, Android for Chrome is not mature enough and lacking in (so many) features.

I would suggest installing a 3rd-party browser like Dolphin or Boat, which are both highly-customizable. I downloaded the MP3 file successfully using Boat (which is my main browser), and it appears in my Download folder.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I solved this by installing Opera Classic 12.1. Single-clicking the "Download" link prompted me to open the file via Google Music or via Opera. Selecting Opera started the file downloading via Opera's built-in download manager.

Quite a fail for Chrome :(

---
Tags: 4.2-jelly-bean, nexus-7, downloading, chrome-for-android, download-manager
---


# Question
Title: HTC one X Gallery Pics and videos are not visisble
My HTC one x gallery pics and videos suddenly disappeared. I can see them in DCIM folder but not visible over the phone.

I restarted the device , clear the cache everything is done but no use. When I open gallery the message shows " No photos found.

# Answer
Try to enable the app named "Media Storage" from App-\>Menu-\>Manage apps
> 1 votes

# Answer
The only suggestion I can think of is this - download this app called Rescan Media which simply forces Android to perform a re-scan of the SD-Card and pull in/update the internal media links to the images on the SD-Card itself, so that it will show up in the gallery.

By the sound of it, it looks as if (I'm not exactly 100% certain) that the media scanning is broken on your handset... or that the gallery is failing.

If the above fails to work, then perhaps a suggestion would be to try get a newer firmware or use an alternative ROM such as CyanogenMod/Stock vanilla Android...
> 0 votes

# Answer
Open up the Gallery and on the top-right corner you will find a '*Menu*' button. Tap that and choose '*Show/hide albums*' option. In the new window that appears, Check '*Select All*' or '*All Photos*' and '*All Videos*' and tap on '*Save*'.

If you are still unable to find any pictures or videos in your gallery, follow @t0mm13b's answer. It will help.

**Note:** Selecting '*All Photos*' will show ***ALL*** pictures on your device. Even including the small bitmaps that applications '*in your SD Card*' use as resources!
> 0 votes

# Answer
I tried the Rescan Media application but did not work. Restarted the phone, still did not work. Then, I figured it out that the SD card came from an old Blackberry and some data was left behind. Thus, I formated the sd card with the computer (FAT) and put it back into the phone. Works like a dime! :)
> 0 votes

# Answer
Download this app called Rescan Media and run this application within 2 min issue solved
> -2 votes

---
Tags: htc-one-x, gallery
---


# Question
Title: How do I install apps to Internal/External SD instead of Phone Storage
I have a dual SIM mt6589 based Android 4.2.1 phone, and I have no idea where the apps are getting installed.

My phone has an Internal SD card(built in), An External SD card and something called Phone Storage(/data ??)

Anyway the apps are supposed to be saved to my External SD but they get saved to Phone Storage.

Screenshots (click images for larger variants)

Also the option move to External SD card is greyed out(It was available before!!). My vold.fstab file

```
dev_mount sdcard /storage/sdcard0 emmc@fat /devices/platform/goldfish_mmc.0 /devices/platform/mtk-msdc.0/mmc_host
dev_mount sdcard2 /storage/sdcard1 auto /devices/platform/goldfish_mmc.1 /devices/platform/mtk-msdc.1/mmc_host

```

# Answer
> 1 votes
The answer to your re-phrased question can be found in the tag-wiki. In short:

* App2SD cannot move the entire app to SDCard, there are always things remaining in phone storage (e.g. data, Dalvik cache, and some more)
* There are alternative methods moving more stuff, such as e.g. or Data2SD

For details, please see the linked tag-wiki.

---
Tags: 4.2-jelly-bean, internal-storage, internal-sd
---


title: Targetting SDCard vs Phone Storage

text:
# Question
Title: Targetting SDCard vs Phone Storage
I bought a new phone. It runs JellyBean 4.1.1. It has got 2.5GB Phone storage and Internal Storage of 512 MB. Thats what I find when I go to Manage Apps section of the settings. I can move apps installed in Internal Storage to the Phone Storage. Thats the option I get when I open detail section of any app in Manage Apps.

My previous phone had no phone storage but just the internal storage. In it, when I open up Manage Apps section I use to get the option to "Move app to **SD card**". However now am not able to get option to move the app to SD card but just to the Phone Storage (from Internal Storage). How can I move apps to SD Card instead of to Phone Storage from Internal storage.

When I used ES file explorer I realized the phone storage is recognized as `sdcard` and my SD card is recognized as `sdcard1`.

Also there are some apps that look for the supporting files in their corresponding folder inside sdcard, i.e. at `sdcard\appfolder`. Now since they currently look at `**sdcard0**\appfolder` (i.e. phone storage), I have limitations of not putting bigger files which quickly fills up the phone storage. In my previous phone I created appfolder in my sdcard and pasted those supporting files in those folders and the corresponding apps automatically detected those files. This was convenient since I have 32 GB SDcard. However now I have to create appfolders in phone storage.

Also now many apps by default limits browsing files in phone storage detecting it as a `sdcard`. For example when I open any folder in dropbox and tap Upload Here it directly browse `sdcard`.

Please help.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Read this: AndroidForums. The directory structure has been restructured in Jelly Bean. The internal memory resides at /data/media/0, hence the sdcard0 name. SD cards are now known as external SD cards and get the name sdcard1 since Android 4.1. If you want to move apps to your external SD card, I'm afraid you'll have to root. If you do decide to root however, FolderMount and Link2SD work really well.

---
Tags: external-sd, internal-storage, sd-card, app2sd, internal-sd
---


# Question
Title: How can I tell Google Play Music to store the audio files on the removable micro SD card (and not on the internal storage)?
How do I set the Google Music Play app to store the local "offline" music on the SD Card? I've used up about 90% of my internal storage.

I've looked in the app Settings and don't see any options for that.

# Answer
If your phone is rooted you can solve this via a shell command:

> mount -o bind \[Path to new Location\] /mnt/sdcard/Android/data/com.google.Android.music/

(Replace \[Path to new Location\] with a Folder on your external SD-Card)

It will basically redirect every access to the default folder to the Folder which is specified.

You probably need to do this every time you reboot your Phone, so you may be interested in putting a script which does that into Autostart.

Source: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1785245&page=2
> 1 votes

# Answer
I found that I was just able to use a couple of sym-links to solve this problem. All you need is a rooted device. I've written up a simple guide here:

http://charleswilkinson.co.uk/2013/07/24/using-external-sd-card-with-google-play-music-app/

However as requested, here is a summary for posterity:

**Prerequisites:**

* Your phone must be rooted.
* You must have a terminal emulator installed.
* You must have a file explorer app installed.
* You should know what a terminal is.
* Read here to learn what a sym-link is.

**Steps:**

1. Go to Settings \> Applications \> Google Play Music.
2. ‘Force Stop’ the app and clear all app data.
3. Open your file explorer of choice and create a directory (folder) on your external SD card called ‘GoogleMusic’.
4. Inside this directory create two more: ‘files’ and ‘cache’.
5. Open terminal emulator and enter the command: su -
6. The superuser app will ask you to grant root privileges. Hit ‘Allow’.
7. Enter the following commands in order:
    1. cd
    2. /data/data/com.google.android.music ln -s
    3. /mnt/external\_sd/GoogleMusic/cache cache ln -s
    4. /mnt/external\_sd/GoogleMusic/files files
8. You’re done!

**Update:** On 5th Dec 2013 an update to the Google Play Music app added a new feature in the app’s settings, allowing you to choose to store files on the external sd card instead which solves this problem so the above solution is now unnecessary.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: external-sd, google-play-music
---


# Question
Title: Does Titanium Backup work with system using Link2SD
Titanium Backup is a root app that allows you to back up your apps and all their data.

Link2SD is a root app that moves all files an app stores in internal storage to a special partition on SD card, and creates symlinks into the internal storage in place of the original files.

**Does Titanium Backup work with Link2SD?** That is, does it correctly back up the files that the symlinks point to, or does it instead end up backing up just the symlinks?

# Answer
Titanium Backup works fine with Link2SD. I've been using them together for about six months, with around 100 apps symlinked. There's no reason taking a backup would uninstall linked apps as Wolfgang reports, and I've also had zero issues restoring backups of linked apps, so it's clear that Titanium follows the symlinks correctly. In fact, I have just finished restoring all my apps from Titanium after flashing a ROM.

**The only caveat** is that when you restore in Titanium, Link2SD will not automatically link apps as they are restored, even if you set it up before restoring the rest of your apps. This is annoying, because it means you have to be conscious of your available internal memory and only restore in batches that will fit in your free space, then link the apps and do another batch.

Other than that, they work very smoothly alongside each other.
> 9 votes

# Answer
In fact it works, but only in the same terminal.

If you move your sdcard with a titanium backup done previously from a terminal with android 2.3.6 to another terminal with android 4.2, the titanium backup will detect the backup done before, but it can't restore anything of it. Perhaps if you install link2sd in a android 4.2, can you do it?
> 0 votes

---
Tags: backup, link2sd, titanium-backup
---


# Question
Title: When will my device get the Android 4.3 update (Jelly Bean)?
Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean) was officially announced on July 24, 2013.

(You can review the high level changes in Jelly Bean at the official Android Developer's site or the announcement on the official Android blog.)

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

**When will each device get Android 4.3, either officially or unofficially, if ever?**

See also:

# Answer
> 16 votes
This community wiki will list all of the known and rumored dates for devices. If you have an update make sure to follow the format that's been established, and the following guidelines:

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

# Phones

## HTC

* **EVO 4G LTE**: end of 2013 (confirmed)
* **One**
* **One (Developer Edition)**: 2013-09-27 (source)
* **One X** and **One X+**: *Never* (source)

## LG

## Samsung

* **Galaxy Nexus**:

+ GSM/HSPA+: 2013-07-24 (announced)
    + Sprint: *unknown*
    + Verizon:
        - Official: *unknown*
        - Unofficial: 2013-07-24: (RootzWiki)
* **Galaxy Note II**: December 2013 (rumor)
* **Galaxy S 3**: October 2013 (source)
* **Galaxy S 4**
* **Nexus S**

## Sony

# Tablets

## Asus

## Samsung

## Sony

# Other

## GoogleTV

* All models - *Unknown*

## Nvidia Shield

---
Tags: updates, 4.3-jelly-bean, android-versions
---


# Question
Title: Razr Maxx HD, How to wipe data with broken screen
My screen is totally destroyed, it's black and unresponsive. The phone turns on just fine, though. I just got my new phone and I have to send this one back now.

I want to wipe the phone before I send it back, but I'm not sure how. I don't care too much about sending back a rooted phone, it seems Asurion doesn't really care about that from what I've read, but I don't want my personal data on the phone when I send it in.

What are my options to wipe the phone without a screen? I've already read a lot of threads on other forums and here on the subject, but everyone seems to say to wipe through ADB shell. Well, I can see the phone in ADB, but I am unable to enter SU through ADB shell. I assume it's because the screen is locked, and I have no way to unlock it. Others have also said to wipe through fastboot in ADB, but I am seeing conflicting recommendations and I'm not sure how to proceed. I'm not *that* proficient with ABD, so I want to make sure I don't mess this up. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

# Answer
> 1 votes
You can obtain the `adb` and `fastboot` utilities as part of the Android Software Development Kit (or separately from third parties, but watch out for Trojan binaries). If you install the SDK, you will need to install the Platform Tools and (if using Windows) the USB Driver for Windows.

Once you have them, from whatever source, this is what you will do:

* Reboot the phone to the bootloader (fastboot):

```
adb reboot bootloader

```

adb may not work if the phone hasn't previously been placed in USB Debugging mode. In this case, boot the phone to fastboot mode by first powering it off, then powering it on by holding all three of the Power, Volume Up and Volume Down keys at the same time for two seconds, then releasing all three keys, then touching Volume Down twice, then Volume Up once.
* Check to see if the phone is in fastboot mode. If it doesn't show anything, wait a few seconds and try again:

```
fastboot devices

```
* Wipe the user data/cache:

```
fastboot -w

```

# Answer
> 0 votes
Alternatively, you could use `adb reboot recovery`. If you don't have Fastboot, this will be the only option. Once you've rebooted into recovery, there will be four options:

* reboot system now
* apply update from sdcard
* wipe data/factory reset
* wipe cache partition

Press the `- Volume Button` twice and then press the power button. Then go down seven times, since all the other options are 'No'. If done right, your data should be wiped. If you want, wipe the cache partition too. Then go up and reboot the system.

---
Tags: security, broken-screen
---


title: Parental control for kid's tablet

text:
# Question
Title: Parental control for kid's tablet
I have just bought a samsung galaxy tablet 2 (7.0) for my 6 year old son. He loves it but I am extremely worried that he may inadvertently access the wrong websites.

The tablet is a wi-fi version and I can switch off the internet connection but many educational games recommended by his school require a wi-fi connection.

**What are some key things that I can do to ensure adequate parental control when he is using the tablet?**

The android version is 4.0.1. I am unsure if this can be upgraded but when I run the software update, it says that the tablet has the latest version.

# Answer
Android 4.3 which has been just announced comes with Multi-User With Restricted Profiles feature which

> allows the tablet owner to have granular control over the other user accounts on the device.

and

> You can also control other aspects of the device: mature content filtering, access to games and user-generated content, and even specific applications
> 2 votes

---
Tags: parental-control
---


# Question
Title: Does Angry Birds and other games have Leaderboard on Android devices?
I went to a Best Buy store and tried Android tablets but didn't see any Leaderboard for Angry Birds Space edition -- is it because it is not logged in as a game user or does Android have a standardized Leaderboard similar to iOS's GameCenter yet?

# Answer
Android as a platform doesn't have any equivalent to GameCenter currently. Some Android games use OpenFeint for leaderboards and achievements, but it's not an official standard of any kind and it's not implemented in the Angry Birds games specifically. Other games choose to implement their own leaderboard systems (PewPew does this, for example).
> 4 votes

# Answer
There are a few other options out there such as Swarm (aka SwarmConnect) that have similar functionality (leaderboards, achievements, etc.) for Android games. On Android it often comes down to developer preference.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Rovio now offers Rovio Account for their games on iOS and Android.

They describe it thus:

> Rovio Account lets you store your game progress and continue playing on another device.

As of this writing, only The Croods and the original Angry Birds use Rovio Accounts, but I expect the other games in their stable to follow along fairly quickly.

This is not related to the just-announced Google Play Games, which is a general platform for Android.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications
---


title: Availability of the Menu Key

text:
# Question
Title: Availability of the Menu Key
As seen on backwards compatibility for the Android phones, do some phones always have traditional physical keys like the Menu Key, ususally on *Gingerbread* and older only? I was wondering if most modern phones running on *Jellybean* and *Ice Cream Sandwich* will always have virtual Action Overflow button in replace of the Menu Key.

# Answer
> 1 votes
There is no real standard here — every manufacturer does whatever it likes. E.g., many Samsung devices (including Samsung Galaxy S4 and Samsung Galaxy Note II) use the traditional layout — Menu, Home, Back (with Menu and Back as touch keys, and Home as a physical key; and the Back key is really on the right side, while many other manufacturers place it on the left side). Given the Samsung market share, there is a significant number of phones shipped with recent Android versions and still having the Menu key.

# Answer
> 1 votes
If the older devices have a menu key, the overflow action indicator will not show, this is by behaviour! See my answer on StackOverflow.

---
Tags: hardware
---


# Question
Title: How can I completely reset android samsung galaxy s 4g?
My phone has gotten extremely slow, and the GPS no longer seems to function which is the main reason I got the phone.

My phone is a Samsung Galaxy S 4G from T-Mobile.

Is it possible to reset it completely? I read several reset guides, and they said to hold the volume down + power and volume up + power but neither of those worked.

Thank you

# Answer
I don't have that particular model, but every Android phone I've owned has had a "Factory Data Reset" option. On my Nexus S, it's under Settings/Privacy.
> 3 votes

# Answer
Use one of the following USSD codes to do what you want:

```
*#7780#        Factory Reset
*2767*3855#    Full Factory Reset
*#*#7780#*#    Factory data reset

```

Source: XDA Developers Forum

A full factory reset is also known as a hard reset. It deletes all of your user data, firmware settings, and wipes your SD Card as well. Factory resets do not wipe the SD Card. Basically, a hard reset leaves nothing but the last ROM flashed. This is probably what you want.

Factory Reset vs. Hard Reset
> 0 votes

---
Tags: factory-reset
---


title: Android to Android Bluetooth Tether

text:
# Question
Title: Android to Android Bluetooth Tether
My android does a pretty good job doing a bluetooth tether for my PC (in which PC shares my Android's internet), but I was wondering how to get another **Android** device to connect/tether to it (my first android device)?

# Answer
You can do this easily by pairing the devices and enabling data on the first device. Steps are listed below.

1. Enable bluetooth on both the devices. *(Obvious!)*
2. Then, pair them up by clicking “Search for devices” on one of the devices and clicking on the name of other device. You’ll be asked to verify a PIN number. It doesn’t matter what the PIN number is, as long as it’s the same PIN number on both devices.
3. Go to Settings, choose `More` then choose `Tethering & Portable Hotspot`. In there, you have tick `Bluetooth tethering`. If you don’t, the *tether will not work!*
4. On the second device, go to `Setting`s, then click on the word `Bluetooth` *(not the toggle – the word)*. Finally, click on the name of your second device you paired earlier. To get it all working, choose `Internet Access`.
5. Now you should be able to use the data connection of your first device.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: tethering, bluetooth-tethering
---


# Question
Title: Androidify does not show correct graphic on my device
Androidify from Google that uses svg-android library, shows broken graphics when running on my low-cost Chinese tablet (Android 4.2.2). Look here:

Is someone else facing the same issue? How can I fix this?

# Answer
I was able to replicate your issue. You need to disable hardware acceleration in Developer Options.

This step is for the Samsung Galaxy S4, but you should be able to find something similar for your tablet: `Settings > More > Developer Options > Force GPU rendering`.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: graphics
---


title: Apps uninstalling on battery death

text:
# Question
Title: Apps uninstalling on battery death
I have an HTC Incredible smartphone. Every time the battery dies during normal usage, my applications uninstall. Why does this happen, and how can I prevent it from happening in the future?

# Answer
The battery backed memory that holds installed apps is clearing when the battery goes dead. Don't let the battery go totally dead like that. It kills off your battery life, unless you've already damaged it.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: applications, battery
---


# Question
Title: Specs/Stats displaying on Homescreen on Galaxy S II 4.0.4
Having the following showing up on all home screens in the background. Any ideas why?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Check out your Live Wallpaper. Does restarting help?

# Answer
> 0 votes
To me this looks like a widget displaying system information. Tap-and-hold it, a trashcan icon should appear on your screen (most likely on the top, and most likely marked red). Drag the widget onto it, and let it go. This will remove it from the homescreen.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Looks like Factory Test Mode. You can remove it, but you need to have root access.

If you have root, do these:

* Open a terminal emulator (e.g. Android Terminal Emulator)
* Type su
* Then enter the following after the #
* echo -n ON \> /efs/FactoryApp/factorymode

*Yes, ON is the correct setting to turn it off.* Exit the terminal, and reboot the phone.

Reference.

**If that doesn't work**, you may need to re-flash the ROM.

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


# Question
Title: Google Play store crashes and gapps process not working since upgrading to Jelly Bean on Samsung Galaxy S II
My phone is about 9 months old and has not given me any problems before I upgraded to the latest Android version - Jelly Bean 4.1.2. I downloaded an original version (not a cracked version) when I got an upgrade for my phone. However, since then, while I try to launch the Google Apps store, it just crashes and I'm unable to browse the store, forget downloading new apps!

It hangs often now - while typing a message or browsing on the phone, I randomly get the message - Something like, **gapps.process** is not responding and has stopped.

I reckon, I shall have to format and re-install the Jelly Bean again on my phone. *I'm open to suggestions though :D*

1. I do not have Kies pre-installed on my laptop yet. Will it cause an issue? If needed, where do I download it from?
2. My phone is not rooted - I would not like to root my phone as yet.
3. Would appreciate only *legal* methods, as I'm worried about my warranty on my phone.
4. My phone memory - contacts (extremely important) and apps(if possible) need to be safe.
5. I would like to keep the data on my data card ( music, videos ) safe.

I do a bit on my S II (I9100G), but I'm no real expert with the phone. Appreciate a tested way..!

# Answer
> 1 votes
No need for a factory reset, friend. All you have to do is go to Settings\>Application Manager\>All\>Download Manager\>Clear Cache and Clear Data. Go to Google Play\>Clear Cache\>Clear Data and then Go to Google Play Services\>Clear Cache\>ClearData. REstart the Phone and it will be alright.

---
Tags: google-play-store, samsung-galaxy-s-2, 4.2-jelly-bean
---


# Question
Title: How did can I find important partions of any android devices?
Please Help Me !!!

How did can I find important partions of any android device . Using adb or fastboot . Such as, boot, recovery, etc...

I mean to backup any androdi device rom . I have tried with "ls /dev/block/" . Then I see many things.

I've tried another with "cat /proc/mounts" . This one give me more pressures . Take a look at this .

Sorry for my English :'(

# Answer
You might want to take a look at this answer or, even better, at Android Folder Hierarchy, which most likely gives you the necessary details.

Using that information, your best approach to backup via ADB might be:

```
# find the device for the partition
mount | grep system
# from the output of the above (data from your screenshot), now back it up
# using "dd":
dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p12 of=/mnt/sdcard2/system.img bs=1M

```

`if` is the device to back up, `of` the target (I just placed the image file in the root of your sdcard, you might wish to adjust that). **Take care not to mix up the two, or you might destroy your system!** (this is why `dd` sometimes is backronymed "data destroyer"). `bs` defines how much data to read/write in a single operation, my example uses 1 MB; you might play with this and e.g. use "8M" to speed things up, but do not set this too high.

Above example just handles the `/system` partition. Repeat it similarly for any of the other ones listed in the linked question which you want to have backed up.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: adb, fastboot
---


# Question
Title: view .htm file on sdcard and search words in it
When I click a .htm file in file manager, it opens the html viewer which has no search feature. How to open the file with the bundled browser? I could type the path (file:///mnt/sdcard/...), but it's too long.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can try opening it in an HTML editor like WebMaster's HTML Editor Lite. It has syntax highlighting, and a search function. It also as a Pro version with additional features.

If you don't like that, there are several other HTML editors in Google Play.

---
Tags: html
---


# Question
Title: Can I play music from my UPnP NAS with VLC on Android?
Can I play music from my UPnP NAS with VLC on Android? And if so, how do I find my UPnP device from within VLC?

I'm on the latest beta VLC for Android on a Nexus 4.

# Answer
No I don't think you can do that directly with VLC.
But you could use another app like BubbleUPnP or UPnPlay, they are made for the purpose.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Well you can play music with VLC but only through another app. I did it like this:

* Downloaded ES File Explorer on your Android device of course :)
* When you open the `Es File Explorer` you will see 3 icons top center (Local, PC and Cloud): Click on the middle one (PC icon)
* A new page just opened. Bottom left corner click on new:
* After that just fill in the necessary fields and save. Now you can brows through you NAS and listen to all the music and even watch movies if you have any:
> 2 votes

---
Tags: vlc
---


title: Use Google Maps maps in Maverick

text:
# Question
Title: Use Google Maps maps in Maverick
How can I save Google Maps tiles so I can use them in Maverick offline? I tried Mobile Atlas Creator, but it seems it does not have Google Map as a map source.

# Answer
> 1 votes
MOBile Atlas Creator (MOBAC) has support for Google Maps till 1.9Beta (the last stable version is 1.8).

It can be downloaded from here.

Using MOBAC instead of MapsOn has the following significant advantages.

1. Since the download happens in the computer rather in phone, large area downloads are quite possible.
2. Multiple zoom levels can be downloaded and even multiple maps (like Google Terrain in one and regular Google Maps in other) can be stored in layers. See this answer for more info.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Install MapsOn by coderminus.

Go to `Menu > More > Preferences > Configure Maps` and set `/sdcard/maverick/tiles/Google/` or `/storage/sdcard0/maverick/tiles/Google/` as the path for the tiles of Google Maps. Now you can use the "Cache area" feature of MapsOn to download the tiles of selected areas.

Since they are stored in the Maverick folder, they are used by Maverick if you select "Google" as the map source. This also works for other map sources if you adapt the corresponding paths in MapsOn.

---
Tags: maps
---


# Question
Title: How can I open a `.rar` file if Solid Explorer fails?
I have the app Solid Explorer installed but the .rar file doesn't seem to be opening properly. Which tool can I use to extract .rar files properly?

OS: 4.1.1
Device: S3

# Answer
Try B1 Free Archiver, or AndroZip™ File Manager. If the file still doesn't open properly, it might be possible that the archive is corrupt. Try opening the same archive on PC as well, just to be sure.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Solid Explorer should be able to open RAR files. Try opening the file on a PC, as it may be corrupted.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: file-archives
---


# Question
Title: Can I recover app data after the phone has been Factory Reset?
Without remembering application data, I reset my Galaxy S3 to factory state. Now, I lost data for one expense manager app. Is there any way to recover the data?

# Answer
> 3 votes
NO. Unless you perform a backup before, you lose all app data during a Factory Reset.

> ## Factory reset
>
> A factory reset or master reset is a full restore of an electronic device to its factory settings. Such electronic devices include handheld computers such as PDAs and mobile phones. It entails deleting all information stored in the device. This is essentially the same as reformatting a hard drive. A factory reset may become necessary from time to time on a device which is no longer working. It should be used with caution, as it destroys all data stored in the unit. Many problems with a hand held electronic device such as freezing can be resolved by performing a factory reset or hard reset.

Wikipedia Article

---
Tags: data-recovery, formatting
---


# Question
Title: How to remotely disable MobiUCare from sending "SIM card change" SMSes?
My mother just changed her SIM card. I forgot to disable MobiUCare and I'm about a thousand of kilometers away from the phone.

**I keep receiving an SMS:**

> SIM card changed. Plz check phone if lost or stolen" with SIM ID and Gmail ID.

I found that MobiUCare supports lots of SMS commands to remotely track/wipe phone. Doesn't it have any to **defuse** the anti-theft system? I mean, I expected the change of SIM card, the new one is legitimate.

Actually one SMS can be considered enough instead of an half-hourly report that drains credit

# Answer
> 1 votes
## Answer: No

Based on the currently available information at their support FAQ page, **no**, you cannot disable the *"SIM card change notification"* feature with remove SMS control:

> ## How can I control device via SMS
>
> Configuration
> 1) Set a password and enable SMS command option using "Preference" menu of the app
> 2) Send SMS commands
>
> Locate phone : ## locate password
> Siren : ## siren password
> Lock screen : ## lock password screenlockpassword
> Factory reset : ## wipe password
> Reset and format SD : ## wipeall password
> Toggle GPS : ## gps password
> Toggle WIFI : ## wifi password
> Toggle Bluetooth : ## bluetooth password

---

## What can you do:

You can let the phone owner know how to access the app and from there, pressing "preferences", it can access the *"Allow Notify via SMS"* enable/disable checkbox:

---
Tags: sms, mobiucare, anti-theft
---


# Question
Title: How does one get top and bottom bar on Adobe Reader app with recent documents button etc.?
Adobe Reader has top and bottom bars which shows home/recent, navigation document buttons, navigation bar other "widgets". It looks like this:

The problem is that I do not know how to open it: menu buttons shows useless settings and info button bar. I tried various gestures - it showed only menu or selected the text. However after random swiping, clicking bar popped out. What is the gesture that should open bar? I am using ICS - Android 4.0.3 on LG phone without hardware search button. Any ideas?

# Answer
> 2 votes
Just *tap* the document you're reading. (Note, not a *long-tap*; that opens a different menu.)

From page 5 of "Getting Started with Adobe Reader.pdf" (which downloads with the app):

> **My PDF documents are in Adobe Reader. Now what do I do?**
>
> Tap the middle of the screen once to reveal the toolbars. After a few moments, they disappear until you tap again.

---
Tags: user-interface, adobe-reader
---


# Question
Title: My Smartphone should automatically tweet that I got up when I use it in morning. How can I achieve that?
My Smartphone should automatically tweet that I got up when I use it in morning.

How can I setup my phone so that when I get up early in morning and first thing I do in morning is to swipe the screen, a tweet like

> I got up at 6 AM

is send?

# Answer
You could probably use On {x} for this. You should be able to configure it so that it sends a tweet the first time you unlock your phone each day. I've not used it much myself though so can't tell you exactly how. Another possible option would be using Tasker.
> 1 votes

# Answer
As a user of Tweetcaster Pro, which can do this for you!

There's a facility, to schedule tweets, at a designated user's time of their choice, as well into the future:

See screenshots below, notably **Post Later**:

But having said that, I normally ***do not*** answer to questions asking for *recommendations* as they are off-topic, please read the \[FAQ\].
> 0 votes

---
Tags: automation, twitter
---


title: Bluetooth Tethering on Galaxy S4

text:
# Question
Title: Bluetooth Tethering on Galaxy S4
I have a galaxy s4 and a tethering data plan and I can tether via wifi (Settings| Connections tab| More Networks| Tethering and portable hotspot| Mobile hotspot). I don't see any options for bluetooth tethering. Do I need a special app for bluetooth tethering?

Before and after turning on Mobile Hotspot (click images for larger variant)

# Answer
> 2 votes
Bluetooth tethering is a native function supported by Android. You do not need third party apps.

---

### To tether your internet via bluetooth on your Galaxy S4:

Go to home Settings ► Connections ► More networks ► Tethering and portable hotspot ► and check Bluetooth tethering.

As explained in this answer, you can tether two mobile devices easily by pairing the devices and enabling data on the first device.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-4, bluetooth-tethering
---


# Question
Title: Do I root to my model, or my version number?
When I rooted my last phone, I was able to find a detailed tutorial made specifically for the model I had. It was great, because I knew I had fully compatible tools and ROMs, which limited my amount of fumbling around.

I don't see anything out there for my new (to me) phone. I've seen generic guides for my Android version, but since it's specific to my carrier, I am wondering if I can just jump right in and start trying it out.

# Answer
In order to root an Android phone, you have to take into account the Manufacturer of the phone and the Model, and also you need to take into account the Android Version installed. The process to root a phone is based on some exploit in the system, and each Android version with each model has a different method, which takes advantage of different exploits.
There are common exploits across some models, but in general, you need to look for a rooting method for your phone model and the Android Version it has.
I have used this page on some occasions to look for tutorials, but you can also look in xda developers
> 1 votes

---
Tags: rooting
---


# Question
Title: How to root the Galaxy Attain 4G (SCH-R920) on MetroPCS?
I have an Galaxy Attain 4G (SCH-R920) on MetroPCS running the Android™ 2.3 (Gingerbread).

How can I root this phone?

# Answer
# Rooting the Galaxy Attain 4G (SCH-R920) on MetroPCS

A step by step tutorial accredit to Zhelezaka from http://forum.x-drivers.com/.

---

## Requirements:

**Necessary Files:** all files hosted on my DropBox account!

**Setup:**

* A PC running the Windows Operating System; I've used Windows 7
* The cable to connect your Android device to the PC.

---

## Tutorial:

1. Download all files from the "Necessary Files List" to a folder on your desktop;
2. Extract *odin3\_v1.85.zip* to a folder on your desktop;
3. Locate and open the Odin 1.85.exe to open up Odin3;

If the User Account Control (UAC) pops up, accept the execution of the file.
4. Click on the PDA button.
Navigate to the location where you downloaded the *Attain-Rooted-Update.tar* file and select it.
5. Click on the PIT button.
Navigate to the location where you downloaded the *Attain-4G.pit* file and select it.

Do not forget to extract the file first, since the application only works with the *Attain-4G.pit* file inside the ZIP you've downloaded.
6. Make sure that repartition is unchecked.
This is important as checking this will most definitely brick your device!

Note that when you select the PIT file, it gets checked, you need to uncheck it yourself.
7. Power down your device;
8. With your device switched off, press and hold the `Volume Down` \+ `Home` \+ `Power` buttons.
Then press the `Volume Up` key to enter the Download Mode.
9. Connect your device to the Windows PC.
You should see the ID:COM field light up yellow when you do this;

If this does not happen, it means that you don’t have the necessary drivers installed.
You can download Samsung Kies and install it to rectify this problem.
10. Your Odin3 screen should now look like the picture posted below. Again, make sure that the Re-Partition tickbox is unchecked before you click Start!
11. Click on Start.

**Note:** Once Odin3 says *"PASS"* and your device reboots, your Samsung Galaxy Attain 4G should be rooted!!
If you are in doubt though, the usual way to confirm is to download Root Checker from the Google Play Store or look for the Superuser app in the app drawer.

---

# Useful links:
> 4 votes

---
Tags: rooting, samsung-galaxy-attain
---


# Question
Title: how to set up lockscreen and quick acces to apps
Back in the day, I had a phone which I rooted and got a custom rom. (An Xperia X8, with the GingerDX custom rom using android 2.3.7)

When I turned on the phone, I got the sliders for calling, messages, silent mode, and a custom app. But since I ALSO had the pattern lock activated, just after sliding for either optin, I got the pattern lock screen, and after entering my pattern, I went to whatever app (quick access) I chose.

Now, I got a new phone, a Motorola RAZR XT919 with out of the box **Jelly Bean (4.1.2)**, but now I see that if i choose to have the pattern lock screen, I no longer have the quick "slide" screen for quick access to common apps (calls, messages, and camera). Is this how it is always been for native android? Or there is some hidden option to have both functions? Or are there apps to achieve that?

I really never knew if that feature was specific for the custom rom I used with the other phone because it was my first android phone and i never compared it to others, but since it feels so natural, I expected it to just do the same for other newer android versions.

Wrapping up, I'd like to be able to have the shortcuts on the lockscreen, and then (if enabled) to be asked for the unlock pattern, so I can have the best of the two (immediately choosing and app and protect the phone with the pattern)

Any thoughts or ideas?

# Answer
> 0 votes
There is an app available from Google Play Store that does just that, you select the APP you want to load, the lockscreen appears, you unlock the phone and you're on the selected app.

# Active lockscreen

by: Celltick last updated on July 24, 2013

> ## Description
>
> Active lockscreen brings together fast access to your favorite apps and full personalization features for your Android phone.
>
> Your favorite apps, your latest contacts, your photo gallery, are available within just one click.
>
> Active comes with hundreds of themes and appetizers available to download that let you flip through your social and news feeds directly on your home screen.
>
> After installing, you can use one swipe on your new lock screen to:
>
> * Call your favorite numbers, recent contacts or open the phone’s dialer
> * View and access your personalized photo gallery
> * Launch recently used apps or predefined apps
> * Stream social media updates on your locked screen
> * Send text messages or communicate through Skype, WhatsApp, Viber, Email and Gmail
> * Launch your camera or any picture related apps such as Instagram, Mobli and more
> * Read personalized content that are streamed with a preview

---
Tags: lock-screens, app-widgets, pattern-lock
---


# Question
Title: How do I change my photo in my message threads?
I have an LG Optimus Elite and I am running the stock ROM.

In my text message threads, under "Me" where my messages are, it shows one of my contacts, rather than my Facebook or Google photo. How do I change this?

# Answer
As you haven't given your Android version, I shall give the steps I used for my device:

1. Open the messaging app.
2. Press your picture, or the standard picture.
3. An overlay should appear at the top. Click it, and select take picture or choose picture.
4. Crop picutre.
5. Restart the SMS app.

This video also shows it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hxULkTKe9E
> 1 votes

---
Tags: sms, profiles
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to install already installed apps with one click?
In the Apple App Store, if you have downloaded an item in the past, you can click the `INSTALL` button to download it in one click. However, in the Google Play Store, you have to go into the app, press the install button, accept the permissions, and then it's downloaded. It's a bit tedious if you're batch re-installing after you did a factory reset. Is there a function similar to that button in the App Store, but for the Google Play Store?

# Answer
> 0 votes
This doesn't specifically exist, however there is the Android Backup System, which allows you to reinstall all the apps from the Google server's on the inital setup of the device.

This will queue all the apps for install from Google Play. It comes on all Android 2.2+ devices, however it is very temperamental.

Other than that, you could use a dedicated backup app such as Titanium Backup Pro to regularly backup your apps, allowing you to restore them in one click should you need to.

Google Play doesn't offer what you stated. iOS offer's this because they don't have permissions to show you ;)

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


# Question
Title: Prevent Notifcations stopping Music Playback
On a Note 2, if I am listening to music or a video, whenever a notification comes in, the audio from the music or video is stopped to play the notification sound. This happens in any app I have tried, though I don't use the stock samsung apps much. MX Player for video, Pandora for music, as examples.

If watching a video, this means skipping back to rewatch the portion that had no audio.

Is it possible to have sounds from different sources mixed, rather than have the notifications take over the whole channel?

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can turn off notifications or if you have access to an app like SmartActions, you can create a rule that does that. But if you are using WiFi or mobile data, your best bet is to turn off notifications....annoying yes, but it is but necessary

---
Tags: notifications, audio
---


# Question
Title: Cannot make calls in Microsoft Lync 2010 app
Device: Sony X10a
Android: 2.3.3

Can the Microsoft Lync 2010 app on the play store make calls?

I can login to my office365 lync account and send messages, but the phone icon is greyed out.

Is voice not avilable on Android, or am I doing something wrong?

# Answer
Lync 2010 has support for calls:

> Lync 2010 for Android extends the power of Lync to your mobile device – including rich presence, instant messaging, **audio conferencing**, and **calling features** from a single, easy-to-use interface.

However, you will need to check with your IT Department if it has been enabled for your account.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: google-play-store, 2.3-gingerbread
---


# Question
Title: How to upgrade Galaxy Nexus to android 4.3
I am trying to upgrade Galaxy Nexus to 4.3 from factory image.

I reboot my phone using `adb reboot-bootloader`. It boots to a screen with the android robot. And then I go to the directory with the build, and I type 'flash-all.bat'

But then the prompt just sits and says 'waiting on device'.

How can I fix this?

# Answer
> 1 votes
The waiting on the device means that your phone is not being located. Try the following code:

```
fastboot devices

```

And check if there are some devices recognized. If not, it probably means that you don't have the correct drivers installed. What O.S. are you using? I guess that Windows. Which version? x86 or x64?

EDIT: Explanation about drivers of Android Phones in Windows. This is a general idea, so some technical mistakes are allowed, but in general, an Android phone, when plugged to the PC, identifies itself as several devices. One is to mount the data (dependeing on the version, it uses MTP, or mount the SDcard), another is the Android Phone to use the adb, and two more are when the phone is connected but in recovery or in bootloader. For each of this "Virtual devices", the O.S. needs a driver, usually a different driver. So you might have the adb drivers installed, but not the fastboot.

---
Tags: updates, samsung-galaxy-nexus, 4.3-jelly-bean
---


title: Remove Sensitive Data From Work Phone

text:
# Question
Title: Remove Sensitive Data From Work Phone
I've moved on from a previous job, and as part of the process I need to return my work provided phone.

I have factory reset the phone, as well as electing to erase the SD card. There was some sensitive data on the phone (pictures, documents etc) that I want to make sure are unavailable to whoever uses the phone next.

Can I be certain that this data cannot be recovered via an undelete application? Does the factory reset + erase sd write zeros to the drives or simply mark them as empty space?

# Answer
One more hint is Nuke My Phone:

> Nuke My Phone protects your privacy by secure deleting your personal data, such a photos and videos, and returning your phone to factory settings. Now you can safely repurpose old devices or upgrade your current one without worrying about unauthorized data recovery. Nuke My Phone delivers the peace of mind that comes only from knowing your personal data cannot be compromised.

Works directly on the device.
> 1 votes

# Answer
If the phone can be put into USB Mass Storage mode, then it's possible to recover deleted files (especially on SD cards) using recovery tools like Recuva.

You might also want to look at this question: Dban on android
> 0 votes

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


# Question
Title: Printing data from Android phones to the printer via computer
I can transfer data (images, string) from android to computer via bluetooth. This computer is connected to the printer (Brother MFC- 7360) by USB port. How do I do for the printer to print received image automatically when the computer receives the image?

I heard that when we install driver of the printer into the computer. There are the windows servers running in the background to listen printing event from computer. But I have no knowledge about that.

Can anyone helps me? Thanks in advance. P/S: Are there any solution for generic printer?

# Answer
The method your are describing doesn't seem possible, you are trying to have your photos printed as they arrive to your computer!

What you can do is to print data directly from your android device to a printer:

1. Print directly from an Android device with the right Wi-Fi or Bluetooth printer that are available to the device.
2. Print to a printer connected to a computer, by using the Google's free Cloud Print technology:

> # Google Cloud Print
>
> Google Cloud Print is a new technology that connects your printers to the web. Using Google Cloud Print, you can make your home and work printers available to you and anyone you choose, from the applications you use every day. Google Cloud Print works on your phone, tablet, Chromebook, PC, and any other web-connected device you want to print from.

## Requirements:

You will need to have a computer where the printer is connected to, with Google Chrome installed and connected to the Google Cloud Print service, in order to have it receiving files from your devices.

* Printer Connected and installed on your OS;
    * Google Chrome Installed;
    * Cloud Print set up on Google Chrome;
    * Logged on with the same user as your device.

## Setup the computer:

1. Launch Google Chrome;
    2. Access the menu (icon in the upper-right corner);
    3. select "Settings";
    4. On the Settings page, scroll down until your see "Show advanced settings..." and click it;
    5. Keep scrolling down until you find the "Google Cloud Print" section:

    The available options may vary, but usually you will see a "Add printers" or a "Manage print settings" button.
    The first will add your installed printers to the list. The second will allow you to see what printers are there.

## Start Printing from your Android device:

To start printing what you want you'll need to install the following app:

### Cloud Print

> **Description** With Cloud Print for Android you can:
>
> * Print from any compatible Android device to any Google Cloud Print connected printer
>     * Share a picture or a document from apps like Gallery directly to Cloud Print
>     * Track the status of your print jobs
>
> Printing from Android has never been easier.

You open the document, photo, etc on your device and access the "Share" options, where you will find the "Cloud Print" option.

---

# Links:
> 1 votes

# Answer
Google Cloud Pint is what you need. It easily connects your normal printers to the cloud and saves them in your cloud printers list. You can the print any document from anywhere in the world by just logging in to your Google account and giving the print command from Google Drive or Google Chrome.

For Android there is an official app by Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.cloudprint
> 0 votes

---
Tags: printing, bluetooth
---


# Question
Title: Facebook and Office suite preinstalled on new Gingerbread device?
I just bought a Gingerbread phone and I was surprised to find Facebook and Office Suite already installed.

Do these apps come preinstalled on Gingerbread as on my previous android which was a older OS I had to download these apps. I did buy a new phone and I am just suspicious in case it isn't new!?

I apologize if this seems a stupid question.

# Answer
This depends on

1. the manufacturer of the device
2. the provider where you bought your device.

The manufacturer pre-installs some applications. Also the provider may pre-install some applications.

So this does not depend on the Android version but on the manufacturer and/or provider.
> 5 votes

# Answer
Many Android phones come packed with useless software preinstalled by the device’s manufacturer and your cellular carrier, this is called "bloatware".

Software vendors usually pay to pre-install lite versions of their products on the new devices to promote their work.

On the other hand, it may happen that apps already installed are useful and selected based on usage statistics.

---

There's no bulletproof method to ascertain if the device as been used before, but the physical appearance, the protective plastic on the Glass and Camera, the packing, etc... all should give you a concrete idea about the device usage.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 2.3-gingerbread, bloatware
---


# Question
Title: How can I avoid the battery charging when connected via USB?
I'm using my Samsung Galaxy S2 for development so I regularly plug it while it's not fully charged, and my phone starts charging over USB. I think this (charging while in use) can affect battery life (is that correct)? Is there any way to avoid charging while the phone is on and connected via USB?

# Answer
> 9 votes
I have an Android 4.0.3 phone without root access so can't test any of this but let me point you to `/sys/class/power_supply/battery/` which gives some info/control over charging issues. In particular there is `charging_enabled` which gives the current state (0 not charging, 1 charging) and may be writable on some phones?

```
$ adb shell
$ cat /sys/class/power_supply/battery/charging_enabled
1

```

There is also a file `charger_control` which sounds promising and is writable by root but I've found no documentation on it.

Someone has requested this feature as an enhancement on the google developer forum but so far without response: http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=30612

# Answer
> 3 votes
This is very dependent on the battery driver found in the kernel for said device.

Unlike Galaxy S 2, that uses the TI battery driver which does not have that capability to be able to write out the value to the `/sys/module/msm_battery/parameters/usb_chg_enable` file.

For the MSM7x27 line of chipsets, Qualcomm to you and me, such as MSM7227 or MSM7627, for example, Europa (Galaxy 5), Zte Blade, as they use the generic MSM battery driver, which was rather easy to work with.

I have the open sourced project hosted on Github that does this exactly that, by selectively activating the charge or using it as ordinary usb without charging, it does require root though.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can find an interesting article about phone batteries at http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/how\_to\_prolong\_lithium\_based\_batteries.

Basically, the more heat, the less lifetime your battery will have. My suggestion would be to charge it while the phone is shut down, that way there is no drain or load on the battery other than charging.

---
Tags: battery, battery-life, charging
---


title: How to add wallpapers to Kindle Fire?

text:
# Question
Title: How to add wallpapers to Kindle Fire?
Where do I add/delete pictures so the Kindle Fire will randomly select it as a wallpaper for the device?

# Answer
> 4 votes
Someone over at the XDA Forums already discovered how to do that. See link to the thread below.

I strongly advise to follow this guide only if you know your way around the procedures mentioned (repacking & zipaligning an APK file, file system operations with root permissions) and wouldn't mind jumping through several hoops to recover your device if the process fails.

XDA Thread - \[Guide\]Changing Kindle Wallpapers!

# Answer
> 0 votes
The free app, My Kindle Wallpaper does this simply and easily, no root required. D/l & install it, and point it at a photo or a folder full (on the KF, not on the net), and get your favorite background photo or cycle through several (one per wake-up, the way the stock software does). Works perfectly on my original KF with KF v6.3.1.

(I know it's a year later but this works, no f\**ting around, nothing to break. It's literally a download and go. Kudos to the author!)

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can use QuickPic plus ES File Manager to customize the Kindle Fire wallpaper. Both are free.

The key point is actually that the Kindle Fire system will restore the default wallpaper by default. That's why ES File Manager is indispensable.

Note that the device must have been rooted.

> 1. QuickPic is an efficient picture viewer. It allows you to set any picture as wallpaper. Click here to download QuickPic.
> 2. Open QuickPic and choose a picture which you want to set as wallpaper. Tap the picture and then tap the top right corner of the window. Choose "Set as" option in the drop-down menu.
>
> Drag the box to adjust the wallpaper size. Click "save" and it will be saved and set as wallpaper.
>
> Until this step, you may not find anything different as these are normal operation. If you just lock the screen as you did before and want to see the new wallpaper (I mean "if", please don't lock the screen now), you'll find the new custom wallpaper doesn't work. The boring original wallpaper comes into your eyes again!
>
> This is due to the fact the system will set the original wallpaper as new wallpaper forcedly every time you lock the screen. So we need to revoke the system's "write" permission so that it can't modify any data again.
>
> Remember not to lock the screen before step 3!
> 3. Open ES File Explorer and navigate to this path: `/data/data/com.android.settings/files/`. You can find a file called "wallpaper". Press on it and choose "More" – "Properties".
>
> Choose "Permission" and tap "change". Revoke the "write" permission of "Owner" and "Group" (They have write permission by default). Tap "OK" to confirm revoking.
>
> Now the system won't modify the wallpaper any more. Lock the screen and press the power button, you'll find the custom wallpaper works!
>
> Next time you change the wallpaper, please restore the "write" permission of "Owner" and "Group" first, then revoke it after you set wallpaper.

<sup>(Quoted from epubor)</sup>

---
Tags: wallpaper, amazon-kindle-fire
---


# Question
Title: Is it reasonably safe to use PIN code for encryption?
On the Android 4.0 (Samsung Galaxy Nexus) there is a posibilty to encrypt the phone. I found this about the encryption on Android 3.0, is the same algorithms used in Android 4? http://source.android.com/tech/encryption/android\_crypto\_implementation.html

My main question concerns the use of a PIN code to decrypt your phone. **Why am I forced to use the same password to unlock my screen and to decrypt my phone?** This restriction will only allow me to use a password of low complexity (like a PIN number) since it would be to hard to write in i.e. 17 characters to unlock my phone for a simple phone call.

Brute force attempts against the screen unlock could be prevented i.e. by a force reboot every 5 tries. So there is not any need for a very strong password there, a PIN might be good enough.
This type of protection can not be used on the disc, thus there is a greater need for stronger passwords here. (It doesn't help much that the entropi of passwords have increased since there will be very few users with a complex password, so an attacker could simply try most passwords with low complexity). What is the reasoning behind being forced to use the same password for both features?

# Answer
You can use this command on a root shell to change the encryption password:

```
su -c vdc cryptfs changepw <new_password>

```

Where `<new_password>` should be replaced by your password.

Source: http://nelenkov.blogspot.be/2012/08/changing-androids-disk-encryption.html
> 2 votes

# Answer
By using a password/phrase vs four digit pin, you are increasing the security of your device. The trick of it is, even by having a four character password, you've just increased your security for two reasons:

* You've increased the available characters.
* You've taken away the attackers knowledge of your pw length.

If an attacker knows your password is 14 characters, it is more secure than a four or eight character password, but typical statistics use ranges (1-4, 1-8, 1-14) and not the reality (which would be simply calculating one length's available combinations).

Currently, it is simply *WAY TO EASY* to access your phone's data. Your grandmother has the capability of doing so (No offense to you or your family :P). So, while you're right that there are limitations of this encryption, the 'broken' version works *A LOT* better than non-encrypted data currently practiced.

It is up to you to judge how sensitive and private your data is, as well as how much of a target you are for such data to be stolen. Choosing an appropriate password is your responsibility once you've assessed these risk.
> 1 votes

# Answer
If you're trying to crack the disk encryption, independent of the rest of the device in a scenario where you have a powered off device, or just the memory chips, then this is a different attack vector than that used on a powered-on password protected device where the decryption key may be held in memory (leading to vulnerabilities used by things like the Firewire encryption key stealers prevalent on PCs using older FDE encryption software and not a TPM-type module), or the unlock screen could be brute-forced (or have its own vulnerabilities).

If you're attacking the disk directly then in this case you're not attacking the 4-digit PIN or user password that's encrypting the device, what you're attacking is the 128 bit AES key:

> The master key is a 128 bit number created by reading from /dev/urandom. It is encrypted with a hash of the user password created with the PBKDF2 function from the SSL library. The footer also contains a random salt (also read from /dev/urandom) used to add entropy to the hash from PBKDF2, and prevent rainbow table attacks on the password.

From point 4 under "Enabling encryption on the device" of the Notes on the implementation of encryption in Android 3.0 that you linked to.

(was going to be a comment but ended up far too long)
> 1 votes

# Answer
One possible solution for this is to use whispercore, but it requires you to root your device.

I have also filled a feature request at the android project page.
> 1 votes

# Answer
If you have remote wipe enabled (assuming it still works with encrypted device), the PIN may not secure your device forever, but it may do so long enough to give you time to wipe your device.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: security, encryption
---


# Question
Title: When tethering, is there a way to turn off the phone's own data usage?
Just a quick question, really.

When I'm tethering (via USB, or wireless, or whatever) my phone's apps (and there are a significant number of my apps which do this) are constantly using the phone's mobile data connection to push notifications.

My phone's mobile connection is poor at the best of times (Samsung Galaxy S3 on o2 in the North East of England), such as now, where it's constantly flicking between G, E, H, H+ and 3G.

As such, I'd like to effectively "disable" my phone for every purpose other than providing an internet connection my laptop via USB or wireless.

Is that possible?

# Answer
Try **Android Firewall** from the Play Store. You could create a "White list" that starts off with denying all network activity for all apps, to which you'd then allow just your tethering to go through.

Then, when you want everything to go through again, just disable the firewall...Or better yet create another white list that you can switch to.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Take a look at this article. I think what you're looking for is "Restrict Background Data." Keep the tethering app in the foreground and every other app will be starved of connectivity.

> **Restrict Background Data**: This option prevents all apps and services from using data in the background. Apps that depend on background data won’t work how you’d expect them to – for example, Gmail won’t automatically download new messages in the background if you enable this option.

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/why-you-dont-need-third-party-apps-to-manage-background-data-use-in-android-jelly-bean/
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, tethering, background-data
---