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I'd like to monitor Twitter for certain keywords. I wonder if there is a widget which displays live search results on my home screen, which are automaticly updated at a certain interval. I've tried almost every app in the store, but none provides this simple functionality. | Since the anwer seems to be: "no there isn't", my workaround was to use an RSS-reader widget, and the following RSS URL: <code> search.twitter.com/search.rss?q=keyword </code> . I think its strange I have to go through such hoops, since Twitter provides a HTML-widget for exactly this purpose. I was expecting at least one Android app to mimic this functionality. | Is there a widget for Twitter search? | android |
I'm trying to set a SSH server in order to execute and download and upload files into my HTC One X. I tried Dropbear. and Dropbear 2 but they both failed. Can I do it without rooting my htc? Guy | QuickSSHd works on rooted and non-rooted phones. There are some limitations on non-rooted phones (running on port 2222 instead of 22, etc.), but other than this, I have yet to see any problem with it on any device (tested from 1.6 through 2.1 to 4.1). Costs approx. US$1.5 | Install SSH Server or other terminal viewer for HTC X one | android |
What I'm looking for is some sort of macro-recorder (though that term seems to be hijacked now my macro-photography apps). I'd like to record a set of presses (specifically, beating a level in a game), and then have those repeated for me so I can accumulate in-game currency without wasting my time or a ton of money. I imagine there would be other practical uses as well, but I'm not finding anything to do this in Google Play. MacroDroid and Tasker both looked promising, but you can only assign predefined actions to predefined events - not a set of touches. | I've developed such an app called RepetiTouch. It's currently in beta stage and aimed at developers, but a limited free version is available here . However, it needs a rooted device running Android 2.3 or later. As far as I know, currently no other app with this functionality exists, but there are some tools/scripts providing such features using a computer and an USB connection, e.g., here . Anyway, I discourage any use of any such apps or tools for farming. | Is there a way to record and playback a set of touches? | android |
Apple iPhone apps also run on iPads. I don't know if the same is true for Android. Do Android phone apps run on Android tablets? I figure the API is the same but are the two formats interchangeable at all? | Short answer: It depends. Long answer: Android developers have the ability to specify requirements for their apps both in terms of software (minimum OS version, for example) and hardware. For example, an app that does turn-by-turn navigation may require the Android device it's being installed on to have built-in GPS. Such an app would be listed as "incompatible" with any tablet that doesn't have a GPS chip (the tablet reports its hardware features to the Play Store). The same is true for a reverse situation, where an app that requires a minimum screen resolution may work fine on a tablet, but show as incompatible for phones that are below that limit. Another example is Google TV. Since none of the current models have touch-screen support, any apps that require this feature would be listed as not compatible on the Play Store. These limitations are only being enforced by the Google's Play Store. This means that if you manage to side-load the app's APK file, it may work just fine on any device. However, the lack of minimum requirements will mean that the app will be unstable. | Do Android phone apps run on Android tablets? | android |
I would like to start this activity from terminal. com.android.settings.Settings$PowerUsageSummaryActivity I tried <code> am start -S com.android.settings/.Settings$PowerUsageSummaryActivity </code> and this is what I get: <code> Stopping: com.android.settings Starting: Intent { act=android.intent.action.MAIN cat=[android.intent.category.LAUNCHER] cmp=com.android.settings/.Settings } </code> okay, the problem is 'am start' command OMITS the '$PowerUsageSummaryActivity' part, so basically I'm just getting standard "Settings" menu open. how can I open that specific "power usage summary" page from terminal? any help will be much appreciated. thanks! | As I wrote in my comment, there are some special characters needing extra care when working at the shell prompt (or in shell scripts). One of them is the <code> $ </code> sign, which usually indicates a variable. If that should be taken literally, you need to escape it (or enclose the entire string by single quotes). Similar rules for quotation marks. How your command should look like with an escaped <code> $ </code> , you can already find in stackexchange-url ("eldarerathis' answer"): <code> shell@android:/ # am start -n com.android.settings/.Settings\$PowerUsageSummaryActivity </code> Note the "back-slash" in front of the <code> $ </code> -- that's the escape sign. Use the same for quotation marks or blanks, if your command includes some to be taken literally, e.g. <code> myscript.sh first\ parameter\! myscript.sh "first parameter!" </code> both would do the same: Making the string a single parameter. In the example of your <code> am start </code> command, this is what happened on parsing: command: <code> am </code> parameter 1: <code> start </code> parameter 2: <code> -S </code> parameter 3: <code> com.android.settings/.Settings$PowerUsageSummaryActivity </code> has a <code> $ </code> , interpreting: variable <code> $PowerUsageSummaryActivity </code> is not set, so empty conclusion: parameter 3 is <code> com.android.settings/.Settings </code> Note also that if you run this directly via <code> adb shell </code> , the command goes through shell parsing twice, so you need to escape or quote the command again , like this: <code> user@desktop:~$ adb shell am start -n 'com.android.settings/.Settings\$PowerUsageSummaryActivity' </code> | Starting an activity listed under "Settings" from terminal (or adb shell) | android |
I have tried this on multiple machines - my Nexus 7 doesn't actually mount in Windows no matter what I try. The USB cable works as I can see that the device is still charging - I've tried this with multiple USB cables on different computers and the problem persists (which would assume the problem is down to this tablet). When I place the USB cable into the device it charges but I cannot see a removable drive appear in 'My Computer' This ** definitely** worked before as I have already transferred a number of files to the device - anyone got any ideas of how to fix this? I am using the stock ROM from Google and is not rooted, MTP is checked in the USB computer connection. | The USB port was damaged - and sent it back and got the new N7 instead (2013 model) | Nexus 7 32GB - Cannot mount as a drive in Windows but USB cable still charges | android |
What source/data provider does Google use for its weather data for Google Now (and other services)? I've checked its forecasts against weather.gov, weather.com, accuweather.com, wunderground.com, and weatherstreet.com and can't find one that matches for the same location. The reason I ask is because there have been multiple times that it's forecast is horribly wrong. Case in point: currently its forecast is 13 degrees F lower than the closest one of the others above. | Google displays Weather conditions using Weather Underground as per Google Web Search Features page. All weather conditions and forecasts are provided by Weather Underground, Inc. So, Google Now also might be picking from the same source. | Where does Google Now get its weather data? | android |
I recently changed my launcher from the default TouchWiz (I have an AT&T SGS3, with the official 4.1.1 installed) to Nova Launcher . I enjoy Nova, but I've noticed something strange: the Calendar and Weather widgets that were available under TouchWiz aren't there anymore. They're still there in TouchWiz ( Home Switcher makes it easy to switch back and forth). What's going on? | The widgets referred to in the question are TouchWiz-specific widgets. They will only show up in TouchWiz because they don't use the standard Android widget interface. I've found some references to Samsung releasing a TouchWiz SDK to develop such widgets, but those articles are from 2009 and the links they contain now lead to Samsung's developer home page, rather than to a specific page. I've also seen references to some of the widgets being ported to work on any Android phone, but I can't confirm as XDA seems to be down at the moment. | Why Have Some of My Widgets Disappeared After Switching Launchers? | android |
The most recent version of the Gmail app as the great feature where you can choose between archiving or replying to e-mails directly from the notification. My problem is that, if you archive it from the notification, it remains unread (instead of being marked as read). Is there anyway to get around that? I'd like for any e-mails that are archived directly from the notification to be automatically marked as read. | Did you say Google Script? Marking Gmail read with Apps Script The idea behind this script is to mark as read any message that is not in the Inbox (i.e., has been archived). Head to script.google.com to start a script. Choose to create a script for Gmail in the little popup. Delete all the sample code it gives you. Replace it with this (written using the API reference ): function markArchivedAsRead() { var threads = GmailApp.search('label:unread -label:inbox'); GmailApp.markThreadsRead(threads); }; Save the project with File > Save. Add a new version using File > Manage Versions and enter "initial version" then submit that. Do a test run using Run > markArchivedAsRead and be sure and authorize the app when it asks you to. Add a new trigger using Resource > Current Project's Triggers and choose to run the above function every minute. Save the script again and exit. I don't know that it's necessary to run it every minute , but as long as you run it regularly. This isn't a direct answer to your issue, and if you have reasons to have unread messages that aren't in your inbox this won't work for you. | Mark Gmail as read when archiving from notification | android |
I had a myTouch Slide 4g rooted and running Android 4.0. I was using the default dialer that came with CyanogenMod's Google Apps ROM. I recently picked up the Nexus 4 (not rooted and the bootloader is locked), but it doesn't search through contacts when I put in numbers. Is there a way to use the default dialer to search for contacts by name or number? | This is now a standard feature of Android 4.3, although you do need to stackexchange-url ("enable it"). From http://www.android.com/about/jelly-bean/ Autocomplete - just start touching numbers or letters and the dial pad will suggest phone numbers or names. To turn on this feature, open your phone app settings and enable “Dial pad autocomplete.” | How to search contacts with T9 dialer on Nexus 4 | android |
After the phone restarts, there is a LOST.DIR folder created on the external SD card. Is it possible not to create this folder if nothing is lost? | LOST.DIR is just a storage space (directory) for files that were recovered upon boot. You can safetly remove it with no problems. The sysytem keeps it just in case you want to get your recovered currupted files back. A quick google search yielded: LOST.DIR - what is it? As for preventing it from being created, just prevent the SD card from becoming corrupted. Here are some things to keep in mind while using an SD card: Always eject before removal Never remove while files are being modified Never remove from Android device while device is on If you have your device connected to the computer, the SD card will usually automatically mount itself on the computer. Remember to eject it before disconnecting the device. This thread has a ton of good info. Basically the gist of it is, if you are following all of the precautions to keep the SD card from getting corrupted (ejecting before removal, ect...) then the SD card is partially incompatible with your device. If you move to a higher class SD card, the problem usually goes away on its own. | How to prevent Android from creating LOST.DIR on SD card? | android |
When I lock my Samsung Galaxy Nexus by pushing the power button, my phone's screen darkens for a few seconds, then keeps staying awake with the lock screen displayed. This keeps eating away at my battery life. This started happening only recently. Why does it happen? | It seems like others have had this problem as well: http://www.reddit.com/r/GalaxyNexus/comments/19y0a9/galaxy_nexus_screen_turn_on_durring_lock_screen/ http://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/mobile/PA5JZH-Oj4o http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=39625 It is a bug in Android 4.2, specifically with the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. I imagine you recently updated your phone, which is why it has only been occurring as of late. It looks like the cause is from app notifications being pushed to the device and waking it up. Here are some common apps that have been known to cause this problem: WeChat Sleep Mode apps MX Player DropSync Disabling auto-sync has also been known to solve this problem: settings> data usage> and disable auto sync and restrict background data Some people have also had success just doing a factory reset. A lot of people have had a lot of success getting rid of this problem by reverting back to 4.1.2. Others have followed this approach and had a lot of success: I had this same problem and I tried disabling apps, uninstalling apps, and factory resetting all with no success. What fixed it for me was taking a very small flat-head screwdriver and gently bending the pins of the micro USB connector up (towards the screen side). Over time and through usage, those pins got bent downward, away from the screen side. I think this created some kind of electrical short. I tried this because when the phone was plugged in, the screen stayed asleep. My GNex is now working perfectly again. I hope this helps someone! HOW TO FIX PROBLEM The problem is that the hooks inside your charging port are too close to the bottom. Therefore with a small knife or needle, life the middle part up nearer to the screen and Voila! Your problem should be fixed. Its not the software. Its the hardware . This seems to be a very weird problem with a lot of different causes. Some people have had success with removing or modifying the software, other people think that it's the pin problem. If you get any of these solutions to work, let me know. Hope this helps! John | Display screen keeps waking up when locked | android |
I have brand new Samsung Galaxy S2 / S3 / S4. There i installed firefox/ firefox beta, chrome, chrome beta. And tried webRTC but it fails, all tried but this WebRTC does not work then i installed Bowser browser still no luck. Then how do i use this webRTC Please, i have seen some sites that webRTC is working in some mobiles already. | According to their bug tracker , WebRTC is currently broken on Firefox Android. You can get audio or video, but not both, and attempting to get both results in your getting neither. As for Chrome Android, it's only in the beta (M25 and later) and is disabled by default. To enable it, type <code> chrome://flags </code> into the url bar, then scroll down and find the "Enable WebRTC" checkbox and check it. It'll then prompt you to restart the browser. Note that WebRTC in Chrome is really beta, not "Google beta" and has some issues , such as; Audio sounds choppy and warbled especially on devices where the CPU is heavily loaded Acoustic echo cancellation on mobile platforms is not working well Chroma components received from the Galaxy S3 camera drivers are swapped (colors look inverted) DTLS via OpenSSL on Android fails and needs to be disabled General stability and complexity issues Another note, neither of these browsers quite follows the standard , so the people who are writing the sites need to be adapting for the browsers eccentricities and if they aren't being throughout, it will work on one browser, but not the other. | WebRTC in Android mobile phone how to get? | android |
I'm a new convert from iOS to Android. I really like the Samsung type animations when you swipe left or right from one home screen to another (i.e. the 3D box rotate). But I don't have a Samsung, and was wondering if there was an app I can use to do that on my device without installing a launcher. I really like my phone's look so I don't want to use a launcher. | You can try to find a launcher similar to the stock one. You should know that the launcher only changes the look of the homescreens and app drawer. They can also be customized pretty much. | Use Samsung-type page swipe animation without installing launcher | android |
I've seen in several forums that some phones have very good cameras and the photos taken are compressed too much and the details are lost. I was wondering whether a 3rd party application (forgetting the post processing done by the application) have access to the full resolution image without any compression. So can another application access the raw data from the camera or all applications gets the same raw data when they access the camera? | Yes, the interface that applications use to access the camera does offer the raw image data to the application, so a 3rd party app can offer more control over image compression, white balance, and so on. In addition, many quality improvements are achievable through software alone, whether by controlling the camera better or post-processing. Examples commonly found on compact cameras include taking several frames in quick succession and automatically choosing the sharpest, better choosing autofocus targets, blending multiple exposures, filtering to remove artifacts of the lens construction, … | Can a 3rd party app *technically* take better pictures? | android |
I see that "Kies via Wi-Fi" sends only 2.3 kb and receives only 876 bytes the last four hours in my phone, but it uses 26 mins of my phone CPU time and 20% of my phone battery. Is it something that I can stop it? If yes, how to stop it? Thanks | Kies via WiFi (a stock ROM app) connects your phone to the Kies software on your computer via WiFi. I am on CM10.1, which doesn't have Kies via WiFi. BUT, there is probably a setting in the Kies via WiFi app that lets you disable the auto-connect function. | What is "Kies via Wi-Fi" in S3? | android |
I use both gTalk on Desktop and Google Talk on Android (phone) - at the same time. However, it only seems to sync from Desktop to Android and not the other way round? At the start of the conversation and providing I stay on the Desktop, messages are received to both devices. Messages I send on gTalk (desktop) appear instantly on Google Talk on Android. The chat history with gTalk (desktop) is automatically emailed to my gmail address. This is good, and means I can instantly pick up the conversation on my phone as I go mobile. HOWEVER, messages I send from the Android app do not appear in the gTalk client on my desktop and neither are these messages included in the chat history email to my gmail address. Also, once I continue the conversation in the Android app, the desktop client no longer receives the messages sent to me - they are now only received to my Android device. Is there anyway of "fixing" this? EDIT: I have since come across the following question from 2½ years ago, "stackexchange-url ("How do Gmail (desktop) and Talk (Android) chats interact?")" - this goes someway to explain why this happens, but that is an old question and I struggle to believe that this behaviour has not been updated in this time. Is there really no other workaround? | The new Google Hangouts (that replaces the talk app on Android and is available as a Chrome Extension ) appears to resolve this issue. You can move freely between the Android app and the desktop and continue the conversation, with the full chat history visible. Hangouts isn't quite a separate application on the desktop, as it is installed as a Chrome Extension, but it uses the Chrome API and runs as a background app (when Chrome isn't running) and appears as an icon in the system tray (optional). I've only just started using it and reviews are mixed, but it seems pretty good so far. Incidentally, you do need to be using "Hangouts" on all devices. I first updated the Android Talk app (the "Talk" app is replaced with "Hangouts"). Whilst this communicated OK with a remote user on gTalk, I still had the issue of the local gTalk desktop client not being updated. | Google Talk on Android only syncs one-way with gTalk on Desktop? | android |
Is it possible to change the grid size of the home page using Jelly Bean 4.2.2 without rooting phone ? | There are two ways known to me how this could be achieved: Using a launcher which supports this There are several launchers available on Google Play which let you configure the grid size of your homescreen as well as of your app drawer. One of those is Apex Launcher , which I use myself. Another example is GO Launcher EX , which I run on another device. I'm pretty sure a load of other launchers does this as well. EDIT: Holy whatever. If that's not enough, take a look at Lighning Launcher . Grid size? What grid? Who needs a grid? Icon size, font size, orientation -- feel free to design your own homescreen! And now, for the size of the package. Sitting? 200 kB (still looking for the hook), working with Android 1.6 and up. Truly AMAZING! Ah, and what comes below: Multi-whatever is already included. Widgets in folders? No problem, either... Well, that bunch of features must need permis... what? Only USB-Storage? Can't believe... I just sent it to one of my devices to take a closer look :) Using "Multi-Widgets" There are some sort of "widget expanders" out there, which pick 4 (or more) widgets and combine them into one "compressed widget". One example for this group is Multicon Widget . Zoom And then there's Zoom , from the dev of Tasker (with which it even integrates). According to its description, this also should be an option: Unique on any computer: design your own homescreen widgets to do whatever you like! Position, size and overlay elements in the drag-and-drop editor. Two views: full-zoom for easier editing, actual-size for previewing. | Change Grid Size of Home Page without rooting phone? | android |
I'll be acquiring my first tablet in a few weeks, and haven't tinkered with Android much besides my 1st gen Motorola Droid (I had an HTC Sense, but a power surge fried it and turned it into a brick, same with my old laptop) I feel like such a noob asking this but first I want to clarify that.... I DON'T wanna install Ubuntu on the tablet! I still want Android, I just wanna be able to run Ubuntu directly off of a SD Card or Flash Drive. Now I have Ubuntu 11.04 on my old flash drive, and was wondering if I can boot directly to Ubuntu from my flash drive on the tablet. I figure it's possible, just don't know if it's a simple plug in and go type concept, not sure if I'll have to install any additional applications in order to get it functioning properly. I figure it's more then possible. I just want to know what I'm doing prior before I do anything. So if anyone has any tips it'd be greatly appreciated. | There's a FAQ from when Ubuntu announced it was working on Ubuntu based tablets. There, they state: The only way to get an Ubuntu tablet is to buy a tablet built and supplied with Ubuntu by an OEM partner of Canonical So I would say that Ubuntu is not, and will not, be capable of running on any existing Android tablet. Full FAQ can be found at Media FAQ For Press Pack: Tablet . | Run Ubuntu from SD Card on Android Tablet | android |
My brother and I have a Galaxy SIII, we both have the most recent firmware and software updates. We both have the same contact whose picture is fetched from his Facebook profile picture. Whenever that contacts call either of us, her picture is naturally displayed. Only the difference is that it displays a nice, fullscreen, high resolution image for him, and a tiny, about 100x100 low-res picture for me. What can cause this? Same contact, same picture! Is this some sort of setting I need to check? | Google contacts supports max. resolution of 98x98 apparently. Hope they will fix this soon. Anyway if you set high res. photos in the phone they will be displayed accordingly until you restore again your contacts from google servers. | Galaxy SIII is displaying small-size low-quality pictures for contacts | android |
If I am watching/listening to streamed video/audio whilst on mobile data and then become connected to a wireless network, what does my phone do? Does it keep streaming through mobile data or does it switch to wireless? Or is this something that's different across different applications. My phone is a Galaxy S3, running Jellybean stock. | Usually recent versions of Android Handles these network switching automatically. When you are connected to WIFI, Your content would be streamed via WIFI connection .You can confirm this The mobile network symbol - H/H+/E/4g would not be available in the status bar of the mobile. Usually, Android manages WIFI and Mobile network automatically, I.e., when both WIFI and Mobile Internet is enabled and If WIFI is avaialble, Mobile internet is not used. When u leave the WIFI network, you would get connected via Mobile data. Hope this helps :) | What does a streaming application do when I switch from mobile data to wifi? | android |
AppCleaner will delete related files from the Mac when an application is dragged to the trash. How does one clean up remains of uninstalled apps on Android? | You might want to take a look at SD Maid . This app requires root for full functionality. This "cleaning made" takes care for multiple remains: a "corpse finder" checks for what an uninstalled app might have left, the "system cleaner" scans the devices known directories with unnecessary files. You can check for the biggest files on your device to free up space, and even optimize and shrink bloated databases to speed up access and free space. The app includes a file manager, and also allows you to search for files. SD MAID Corpse Finder and System Cleaner (source: Google Play; click images for larger variant) Edit: For more details and discussion, you might want to visit the app's thread at XDA :) | How to clean up related files from deleted apps? | android |
I have an Acer Iconia A200 running Android 4.0.3. Lately whenever I update an app, the Play Store asks me (via a pop-up dialog) if I want to automatically update apps on Wi-Fi. The only answers I can give are 'yes' and 'not now'. What I really want is 'No, and don't ask again', because I happen to like being involved in updates. In Play Store-> settings-> auto update, automatic update is turned off, and has no setting for 'Wi-Fi only'. Is there any way to turn this annoying message off? I'm very afraid I'm going accidentally answer yes one day and thus lose control of my updates. Updated: Play store says build 4.0.27 in it's 'Build Version' in the play store settings. Updated again: It's back. The exact message is 'Update Apps automatically when on Wi-Fi?' and the two options to the dialog are 'Not now' and 'OK'. Interestingly this happened when I updated 'GOdroid' directly from the page, but did NOT happen when I updated 5 other apps at once later that day. I'm wondering if it's only asking once per app or something? | I have since been updated to 4.0.27 and although I got prompted after my first app update as to whether I want to auto-update next time (no mention of Wi-Fi though, although I suspect this is dependent on your settings) to which I responded "Not Now", I have not been prompted since in subsequent updates for other apps. In Play Store-> settings-> auto update, automatic update is turned off, and has no setting for 'wi-fi only'. In version 4.0.27 there should still be a 'Wi-Fi only' setting, although it is now (hidden) under the "Auto-update apps" sub menu. In Settings, tap the "Auto-update apps" option: Update 2013-05-11: I've had quite a few updates for various apps over the past week and not been re-prompted to auto-update next time - that is, until today. Today I got prompted, to which I tapped "Not Now" again. I have not been re-prompted since. Perhaps it prompts once a week or every so many updates? | How do I get play store to stop asking me to auto-update on wifi? | android |
Today I got a message from my operator, my phone (Galaxy Note 2) open it in CP Message (I don't know if this is app, the title say 'CP Message'). I installed the file that my operator sent to me. After I close it, I can't find it anymore. Where is it? How can I found it again? Thanks. | Go over to your Messaging app, press the options button/menu button (depends on the device). A short list will pop-up including options like Search, Drat Messages, Delete, etc. One of these options should say 'Configuration Messages' or something similar. This is where the CP messages you receive are stored. I'm not sure as to what purpose they serve (they seem to vary from lists of MMS to Browser settings), but that's where all of them are. | Where is CP Message stored? | android |
At first, my question was why I had to crop my wallpaper wider than it seemed to be, but I saw that that question was already asked and answered here: stackexchange-url ("Setting wallpaper - wrong orientation") So now my question is, if wallpaper is cropped wide so that it can scroll when you switch between screens, how come mine doesn't move? I am using a picture I downloaded from the internet on my phone, and as far as I can tell it doesn't move at all no matter what I do. If it matters, my phone is a Motorola Atrix HD. | The launcher application on some phones does not provide the ability for a scrolling wallpaper, the only way to fix this would be to download a separate launcher. Here is a list of most of them - https://play.google.com/store/search?q=launcher&c=apps | Why doesn't my wallpaper scroll? | android |
My process monitor shows the User Dictionary Application is taking up all the CPU the device has got so even phonecaller app crashes. I'd like to remove the whole User Dictionary Application if possible. I don't want to use this feature anyway. Would I be able to remove it ? If I could, would removing User Dictionary cause any serious issues ? | On my Galaxy S3, running 4.1.2, the User dictionary is a background service that can be disabled. If you are running a similar device look into the following: Settings\App Manager\All\User Dictionary Click the disable button. If you are using a different device or system this could get you started in the right direction. | Can I remove User Dictionary Application itself ? not just words in it? | android |
I want to remove the notification drawer widgets, but despite having <code> System > Notification Drawer > Power Widget </code> unchecked, it keeps showing up. When I have new notifications, pulling down the drawer reveals them; but if I do it a second time, without any unseen items, I'm treated to a screenful of widgets I don't really need and have to manually switch back to the notifications list. How can I disable this, and have a plain old notifications dropdown? | So to sum up the bit of confusion that is in CM 10.1 now - there are actually two sets of notification bar toggles. One works like the old set from previous CM versions, and it appears in one row above your notifications when you pull down the bar. These are the "Power Widget" toggles. The second set was a feature added upstream in Jelly Bean, and is referred to as the "Quick Settings panel". These are laid out as multi-row tiles - which it sounds like you are describing - and you can switch to this view by tapping the top right icon on your notifications shade (after pulling it down): You cannot, to my knowledge, get rid of the Quick Settings panel completely, as it is baked in to Android. However, you can prevent it from appearing of its own accord by going into <code> Settings > System > Quick Settings panel > Quick pulldown </code> and selecting the "Off" option. The other options are "Right" and "Left", with the idea being that you can basically divide the notification pulldown into two swipe areas if you like. For instance, by choosing "Right", you can access your notifications by pulling down from the left side of the bar, and access the Quick Settings panel by pulling down from the right side of the bar. If you choose "Off" then the only way to get to the Quick Settings panel should be if you pull down your notifications and then tap the icon in the top right. Effectively, this disables the Quick Settings panel from ever appearing unless you explicitly choose to see it. | Disable Cyanogen 10.1 notification drawer widgets | android |
I've always thought that if a device is unlocked it means that it works with different carriers. If the device bootloader is unlocked, then does this mean the device will automatically work with different carriers? That is do unlocked device and unlocked bootloader mean the same thing? All I know is that an unlocked bootloader is easier to root as commands can be sent to the device using the fastboot protocol used to boot it so it is not necessary to take advantage of an exploit on the device in order to root it. I want to know if unlocked device and unlocked bootloader are synonymous. Thanks. | No, they're completely unrelated things. As you say, an unlocked device means it's not locked to a particular carrier: you can insert a different SIM card to change to a different carrier, and it will work. A locked device will not connect to another carrier if you change the SIM card. The bootloader is the first thing that runs when you turn the phone on: it's responsible for loading the core Android code, so that Android can load itself and run. A locked bootloader uses digital signatures to verify the Android code it's loading, which means it will only boot a ROM (firmware image) that's signed by the device manufacturer. In contrast, an unlocked bootloader will load any ROM. Unlocking a locked bootloader will wipe the device. | unlocked device vs. unlocked bootloader | android |
When I install any live wallpaper, I am shown a list of items that the app will access. Most of these live wallpapers also access the phone call details. I cannot understand why? Is there any technical reason related to it or something else. Also I think it may cause privacy damage. So should I allow these apps access my phone call details? Thank you. | As you don't give any example, we need to guess. I doubt it's for "stopping themselves" for the call dialog like stackexchange-url ("Amit suggests") (as a background "live wallpaper", they don't need to do that specially for call dialogs: either they generally need it for any dialog, or not at all). I rather suspect some ad module behind this (see stackexchange-url ("my answer here") for details). For ad modules, the combination of <code> INTERNET </code> and <code> READ_PHONE_STATE </code> are quite usual: the former to retrieve the advertisement material, and the latter to access your IMEI for identification (good cop: to know which ads you've already seen so they are not repeated too often; bad cop: to get IMEI, IMSI, your phone number, phone numbers you've been in contact with -- so a profile can be built). Note that the developer of the app (or live wallpaper in your case) has no control at all what those ad modules do. All he can do is to take care to chose a "good one", and avoid the "more malicious" ad modules. | Why live wallpapers use phone call info | android |
It seems every tutorial that I see needs to root the tablet. | Short answer: You can't. Explanation The tutorials are correct about that: It's impossible without root -- as the Playstore app needs to be made a System App (i.e. must be installed in <code> /system </code> initially), or it won't work. The reason behind it is the permission system: certain permissions are only granted to system apps, and the Playstore app needs at least one of them. | How to install Google Play Store in Coby MID1060 without rooting? | android |
The system that came with my Galaxy S2 is heavily bloated. I want to install a bare, stock Jelly Bean ROM . I've searched and searched, but keep running into walls. System version I don't know how to get the version string , or if I do, I can't find appropriate ROMs. Nothing I can come up with reading the system info comes up in the lists. <code> Model: GT-I9100 Baseband version: I9100UHMS1 Kernel version: 3.0.31-914166 se.infra@SEP-122 #3 SMP PREEMPT (date) KST 2013 PDA: I9100UHMS8 CSC I9100PSNMS4 </code> Where can I get the correct stock Jelly Bean ROM? Download mode When I reboot the phone holding vol+home+power, I don't see the screen everyone says I should see . Instead, I see a menu, in which the most appropriate option seems to be apply update from adb , but ODIN doesn't see my phone at this point (it does show up when it's normally functioning). Why does ODIN see the phone when it's ON, but fails to see it when it's in dowload mode? To root or not to root Do I have to root the phone before attempting to install a ROM? The rooting process, according to the guides I've seen, involves installing a ROM too. This takes me back to square zero and the problems above. Please help! | You can get an almost stock Jellybean experience using SuperNexus - I9100 . It is based off AOSP and only has "improvements and optimizations", but states it is still very near to stock. Another option, while differentiating itself from AOSP, is CyanogenMod . This is based on AOSP, but includes a LOT of extra features and improvements of AOSP, while keeping the bloat to a minimum. As for instructions on getting it ready for a custom ROM, the instructions on the CyanogenMod wiki tend to be fairly accurate and may give you the needed information to get you started. Install CM for i9100 If you don't want CyanogenMod on your phone, replace step #2 in the last section with whatever ROM you want to try (like the one above). Make sure you get the right gapps (basic Google apps including the Play Store) unless your ROM includes it (most don't). | Installing stock JellyBean in Galaxy S2 [Argentina] | android |
On my Windows 7 computer with Chrome I could translate entire webpages using Google translate with the click of a button. Is there a way to do this in Chrome or the stock browser? Or any other browser? OS: 4.1.1 Samsung Galaxy S3 | Use Chrome Beta for Android. It is made by Google to test out new features. No root is required and can be installed side by side with the original Google Chrome app. By default, Chrome Beta for Android will prompt you for a translation when you visit a site. The app can be found on Google Play . Also, if you use the same Google account on your phone and in your PC browser, you can install the app from your PC without having to search for it on your phone. It will automatically install. | Is it possible to translate websites in Chrome Android in "realtime" like I did on the PC? | android |
I am using the "adb shell" command to access either of an LG P690 (device A) or a Samsung Galaxy SIII (device B). Device A also has a 32GB microSD card plugged in while device B does not. When fromthe shell prompt I <code> cd /sdcard </code> and do a <code> df </code> I get: On device A: <code> /sdcard </code> Size 14G Blksize 8192 On device B: <code> /sdcard </code> Size 12G Blksize 4096 Does this refer to internal memory? Device B also has a <code> /storage </code> directory which holds 0 bytes (what is this?). Also, both have a <code> /data </code> directory which I know is where installed apps go. Is this also on internal storage? How do I know whether <code> /data </code> is on internal or external SD? I'm confused as to why a directory called <code> /sdcard </code> would refer to internal as opposed to external memory. Is there no FHS standard for the Android file system as there is for Linux? | That's two different things, at least the first depending on a) Android version, b) manufacturer, and c) sometimes even the device in question: before Android 4.0, <code> /sdcard </code> usually was were the external SDCard was to be found starting with Android 4.0 (or even 3.x?), this changed for most devices, and usually became the place of the so-called internal SDCard where the external SDCard is found with the latter group, differs a lot. Locations known to me include: <code> /sdcard_ext </code> <code> /sdcard/external_sd </code> What really resides where, you can check with commands like <code> mount </code> or <code> df </code> . While <code> mount </code> will list all mounted file systems (including the "virtual" ones like e.g. <code> /proc </code> and <code> /sys </code> ), together with details on where they were mounted from and what options have been used, this might be a bit confusing (at least to beginners). So you might rather want to use <code> df </code> , which sticks to the "real file-systems": it does not show where they are mounted from, but instead shows their total/used/free space, which might be even more useful to figure out what matches best. As for <code> /data </code> : Yes, this usually resides on internal storage -- but might also depend on implementation. With Android 4.x, "internal storage" and "internal SDCard" are often "unified" (i.e. the "internal SDCard" often is nothing but a directory on internal storage). This was done a.o. to get rid of the problem of a filled-up internal storage (it can "expand" into the internal SD area now), or a full internal SDCard and plenty of space on internal storage (can "expand" the other way around, too -- as it's all the same "drive"). | The /sdcard direcory and other directory conventions: how is the Android filesystem structured? | android |
I am using the Dropbox app on a Samsung tablet (Android 4.1.1) and I need to move files from the current folder into a new folder that I have created in the current folder. I can create a new folder with the menu in the top right but I cannot see how to move files into the folder. The pull-down menu associated with each file only contains options for <code> Share Favorite Delete Rename Export </code> . NOTE: I have a terminal on my tablet and I am not opposed to using that but going to <code> com.dropbox.android </code> does not show the updated version of shared folders from Dropbox (but this is a whole other question I need to ask!) | The menu for each file (the one you get by clicking the down-triangle-in-ring icon, or by long-tapping a file) should also have a Move item between Rename and Export . Clicking it brings up a selector you can use to select where to move it to. I can't imagine why you might not have that item. | How can I move files between folders in the Dropbox app? | android |
When I'm playing Spotify onto a speaker, it's interrupted by system sounds such as "charging started", "battery low", etc. Is there any way to prevent these interrupts from occurring while I'm playing songs? | Sure. Just turn off audio notifications. That won't have any effect on the media volume. This will, of course, turn off the phone ringer, which you may not want. | Disabling system noise interrupts of music | android |
Do you need to click the <code> Clear AGPS </code> button, then click the <code> Update AGPS </code> button, then wait for its home screen to update the list of satellites it finds, before closing the app? Or is clicking the <code> Update AGPS </code> button sufficient? The help file describes what these buttons do, but there doesn't seem to be any best practice for using the app (or when is the best time to close the app). Clear AGPS Button. Pressing this buttons clears the AGPS aiding data from your phone. Do this if your GPS takes a long time to get a fix. Update AGPS Button. Pressing this button requests the download of AGPS aiding data. The AGPS aiding data can become out of date, so requesting an update will get te latest version. | Updating is sufficient. I think clear is for cases where you are offline and can not update. | What is the proper way of using GPS Test Plus to update GPS data? | android |
I often hear the recommendation that fixing your device to 2G saves a lot of juice compared to using 3G. Is that true? Or is it really a myth? | Fast answer: Nes. Yo. Well, it all depends... on how you use your device. Detailed answer Self-Experiment I just did a self-experiment to find out. Until now, I had all my devices fixed to 2G -- as that should "save juice", like the question suggests. So for 4 days now, I have 3G enabled. Surprisingly: No difference which could not be explained by measurement errors or slightly different situations (after all, I had a. no lab conditions and b. just tested with a single device). Humm. Time to go for some facts, and do some calculations. Hard data I already posted stackexchange-url ("some hard data on battery consumptions of components") as answer to the question stackexchange-url ("What can I do to increase battery life on my Android device?"), more than half a year ago. So now I picked the relevant values, made an average over the two devices, and -- I admit -- slightly adjusted things to reduce differences: I took the best GSM (2G) speed possible to make 2G seem faster I took worse conditions to "slow down" UMTS (3G) to conditions which should be met even in areas where it was not improved to the "the latest cutting-edge" (oh, speaking of "edge": 2G assumes EDGE here). And now I've got some surprising answers: Whether 2G saves more juice than 3G, or vice versa, depends on how you use your device. I created 4 different "usage-groups", and added a 5 th special case at the end. Here are my results: Few phone minutes, few data Yeah -- that's me: 150..300 minutes talk per month, that makes not more than an average of 5..10 min per day. I have a 50 MB data flat, and hardly ever use it up (which makes for ~ 1.5 MB/day). So I'm mostly left with "standby": ~UMTS StdBy 15 mW ~GSM StdBy 10 mW Consider that your screen uses 400..800 mW on average when turned on, a difference of 5 mW can safely be ignored. Besides, the little data even compensate -- but I get ahead of myself. The 24/7 caller with no time for data ...better switches to 2G: ~UMTS Tel 800 mW ~GSM Tel 400 mW As you can see, when on-call, 3G uses about twice as much juice than 2G would use (and you don't speak faster on 3G -- a call is a call, and will take the same time). So if you spend a lot of time in calls, and have only little data traffic, you're much better off with 2G/GSM. Few phone minutes, but big data sucker Here comes the big surprise: This group saves a lot when sticking with 3G/UMTS: ~UMTS XFER 1200 mW ~EDGE XFER 1000 mW Doesn't look like a huge difference? OK: looking on "how much does it suck per minute" might not make the big deal. So we need a second component: ~UMTS speed dl/ul 7/1 MBit/s (HSDPA/HSUPA) ~EDGE speed dl/ul 200/100 kbit/s You see I assumed max speed for EDGE, but not the state-of-the-art (20 MBit/s downstream) for UMTS. UMTS coverage might differ between areas, but the 7+ MBit/s should be available everywhere. Now let's look how long the download/upload of 1 MB data takes, and how much juice that corresponds to: ~UMTS 1MB dl/ul 1s/8s ~ 1200/9600 mWs ~EDGE 1MB dl/ul 40s/80s ~ 40.000/80.000 mWs That's about a factor of 1:7 for upload, and even more than 1:30 for download! So yeah: This group is definitely better off sticking to 3G!!! Multi-Tasker: 24/7 on call while using full data This now very much depends on what "full data" stands for, and if you're really a 24/7 on-call-boy (or girl). No clear answer for this, you must put your own data into the equation and do the calculation. It's rather 50:50 -- as with group #1, you might run a "zero growth" -- or tend to either group 2 or group 3. Special case: The "hopper" Especially in rural areas, coverage might be, humm, "slippery". Your device might be permanently toggling between 2G and 3G, always on the hunt for the better signal. Here all the above might become relative, as the toggling itself is drinking the juice . If you are in such a situation: Check to which of the 4 groups above you fit best, and fix your device to either 3G or 2G, depending on. Btw: A similar situation would be if you've got the idea to toggle between 2G/3G whenever you switch your display off/on. As the toggling requires up to 10s full-power (to find the corresponding stations; 2G and 3G use different frequencies), you wouldn't really "save juice". Epilog Yepp, I completely forgot about 4G/LTE. But incidentally. First: I have no 4G/LTE device for a self-experiment. Second: I have no "hard data" on 4G/LTE. So all I could do is guessing. Doing that, OK, OK: It most likely will be the same as above -- just increment the numbers by one :) | 2G versus 3G: Does it really save battery? | android |
We have a very large wifi network at Stack Exchange, and the primary guest network is tightly locked down. Our firewall rules permit essentially just http/https and vpn connections. When our Android phones connect to the wifi, they show good coverage but the WiFi icon never turns from grey to blue. What is the Android phone checking to make the grey/blue wifi icon decision in JB 4.2.2? | After probing the firewall logs, it appears that the grey/blue icon is triggered depending on whether or not your device has access to Google Play. In our case, I had to open tcp-udp port 5228 (as per http://support.google.com/googleplay/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=2651367) and after turning wifi off and back on again, the icon became blue. I can't confirm whether http/https is also part of the equation; we already had that open so it's possible if one is running into this issue even after opening tcp-udp 5228, that http/https may also be required. | How do I make Android consider my WiFi Access Point as valid (blue?) | android |
I recently tried Facebook Home on my HTC One X. It sucked! So I uninstalled it after few hours. But the thing is that it does not require any special permission. Actually no permissions were required and its size was less than 300 KB. Why? If Facebook can manage a launcher in less than 300 KB then why do other launchers are so heavy and require so many permissions? | The Facebook Home app doesn't really do much itself. It gets all its data from the main Facebook app, so it doesn't need to access the Internet. Doing any action from the launcher uses an intent to launch the main Facebook app, so it doesn't need to (say) access your location or take photos to make posts: only the main Facebook app does. To take another example, say you use Facebook Home to "like" something. Facebook Home doesn't go to Facebook's servers: it tells the main Facebook app (on your phone, so not using the Internet) to "like" the thing. Then the main Facebook app (which does have the Internet permission) uses the Internet to tell Facebook's servers about the "like". The same goes for the size. All the Facebook functionality, sync code, custom button graphics, libraries, and so on are in the main Facebook app, so why would they duplicate them in Facebook Home? Facebook Home probably just has a little code for laying out the home screen, a few icons, and the information Android needs to understand that the app is a launcher. The apps can use each other this way because they're both by the same developer. (Actually there's a little more to it than that, but that's the first requirement.) Android verifies this by looking at the signatures on each app to check they were both signed with the same private key : in this case, a key that Facebook (the company) has. Without this private key, another developer can't create another app (or modify this app) that can use the Facebook app like this. It's also possible for an app to create a new type of permission. So, as an example, the main Facebook app could create a "read my Facebook timeline" permission, and then I could write an app Dan's Bookface , which would be able to request that permission in order to read the timeline directly from the Facebook app, without needing the "internet" permission. When you install Dan's Bookface , you'd see "read my Facebook timeline" in the list of permissions just like you do with the permissions built into the system. | Why does Facebook Home not require any permission? | android |
My phone system is Android 4.2.2, CM10.1. I have installed the GAPPS and Google+, but I still cannot sync photos from Picasa. Some people says syncing from Picasa is removed in 4.2+...really? | With the big Google Plus push this past year, Google have been slowly moving to retire Picasa Web Albums entirely. First, they made it so that all of your Picasa albums are available via Google+ Photos , then they've set Picasa 3 desktop application's sharing options to Google+ as the default, then they even started redirecting https://picasaweb.google.com/home address to Google+ Photo Albums, and Android Gallery Sync options are indeed gone in 4.2.2 version. As of this writing, the latest gapps package includes the following change log: All apps updated to 4.2.2 versions Google Play Store updated to 3.10.14 Google Play Services updated to 3.0.25 Gmail2.apk (Gmail) and GoogleEars.apk (Sound Search for Google Play) removed since they are available in the Google Play Store --May require uninstalling and reinstalling Gmail and Sound Search after flashing. Keeps previous version's Photosphere/Picasa sync install on Mako, Manta, and Tuna. The last line means that the Gallery, which is no longer a stand-alone app, and instead integrated with the Camera app, is an older version in order to preserve the Picasa Sync functionality, while keeping the newer Camera features such as Pohtosphere. Unfortunately this is only available on very few devices such as Nexus 4 (code name "mako"), Nexus 10 (code name "manta"), and the Galaxy Nexus family (code name "tuna"). This is due to the Camera apps not being open source on either Google's Android core apps, or every other manufacturer's UI overlay. It is therefore impossible to get the Picasa sync code working on other devices. If you are willing to experiment a bit, there is an older version of an add-on to the main gapps package here which may help you get Picasa Sync back. You should flash this <code> gapps-jb-picasa-20121011-signed.zip </code> file after flashing the latest gapps.zip package. However, keep in mind that this add-on was designed for Android 4.1 (not 4.2.x)/CyanogenMod 10 (not 10.1,) and will therefore remove any newer Camera features. It may also cause other unforeseen issues and instabilities, so make sure to take a NANDroid backup of your current ROM before flashing that file. | How to sync Picasa photos to Android 4.2.2? | android |
My Note 2 battery is driving me insane. I have been using my Note 2 for like 2 months. And I had been following the recharging cycle where you only charge the battery when it reaches 5% or less and remove from socket when it reaches 100%. This method has been working real well for me. I used to get really good battery life. I would recharge it to 100 and remove from socket and keep it there. I might only start working with it after 2 hrs of idle time a nd the battery percentage would be like 98 which is pretty normal. But two days back when I had to go out I found my battery level at 24 % and since I had no other choice I had to recharge it for 10 mins. That's when the problem started. After coming back home the battery had pretty decent juice left in it and I left it idle. After an hour or two when I checked the phone it had already switched off. I was in shock and tried to switch it on but it didn't work. So I thought of charging it to 100. After almost 3 hrs it was fully charged but since I don't work on my phone so late in the night, I removed it from socket, switched it on and left it there idle. And when I woke up after 5 hrs it had only 69% juice left in my battery. I checked my running apps and there were none. I had my data connection stopped. And still only 69? Thats kinda weird right? Is it because I recharged it before getting to 5 %. Is there a way I can remove the battery cycle cache or something? | Since your device is pretty new there is almost no way it is actually the battery (unless it is a defective battery). It is probably a rouge application. Try turning off your device and turning it back on. You should try to reboot your device at least once a week, it will clean up any memory leaks and will help keep system applications from crashing. If restarting doesn't help, then let the battery die all of the way; then, let the device charge all the way before turning it on. If you are still having problems then it is either a system app that is getting hung up on something and hogging cpu, or it is a defective battery. You can check how much battery each application is sucking up by going to: Settings --> Battery Information --> Battery Use That is where it is on my phone at least, it should be in a similar location for you as well. In the case of a defective battery, as long as you haven't tampered with the device at all, it is covered under your warranty with the manufacturer. Just bring it back to your mobile carrier store and they should be able to handle it for you with no problems. Edit: You can use a task killer to kill a rouge process on android. A rouge process could eat up battery especially if it is doing things like using Wifi. I had this one development phone that I would charge, and then it would be in my pocket and it would start burning my leg because it would get so hot. It was a rouge system app that was constantly getting stuck in some sort of network loop whenever I was connected to wifi. I usually just restarted my phone, but I would on occasion just kill it with a task manager. Here is (in my opinion) the best task killer on the market (for free): Memory Booster - RAM Optimizer A restart about once a week will keep your phone functioning correctly. This will also clean up any possible memory leaks as well. You should NOT use a task killer to end an app that is not hogging CPU, android should take care of all of that stuff for you. Friends don't let other friends use Task Killers. | Unusual battery drain on note II | android |
Cyanogen mod 9, ClockworkMod Recovery 5.8.9.2 I recently plugged in my phone after the battery completely died over night and the phone is stuck in a bootloop. I left it trying to boot for 30 minutes and it's just stuck. I've made a backup in clockworkMod recovery and am willing to flash the phone to a newer or the same version of cyanogen but I don't want to lose data. Is there any way I can make sure my contacts and SMS messages are recovered? | I reinstalled android and lost all my data. Nothing else worked. :( | Boot loop data recovery | android |
If I have a rooted (Razr M in this case) and want to install an updated ROM (e.g., to upgrade to a new 'Droid OS version) will I need to reinstall my apps and restore my data? | Unless you wipe all your data before the update, you do not need to Reinstall applications or Restore application data. But when flashing a completely different new ROM, it's recommended to do a full wipe before proceed. Further more, If you are planing to do a full wipe you can use a application like My Backup Pro or Titanium Backup to back up all your applications and data. | If I install a new ROM does that erase all my installed apps and dat? | android |
If I root my android phone (just so I can get access to Wifi Tethering, etc.) will that erase anything on the phone (apps, data, etc.)? Will it change anything other than the ability to run app(s) as rooted? | will that erase anything on the phone Rooting itself should not erase anything (except for, maybe, temporary files created during the process). However, on some devices rooting requires to first unlock the bootloader -- and that usually includes a factory-reset (which means: all data and user-installed apps are gone -- which you can work around on Android 4.0+ performing an <code> adb backup –apk –shared –all –f /path/to/backup.ab </code> before performing the unlock, and <code> adb restore /path/to/backup.ab </code> afterwards, as Compro01 pointed out in below comment). Will it change anything other than the ability to run app(s) as rooted? Yes. As the necessary binaries (usually <code> su </code> , <code> SuperUser.apk </code> / <code> SuperSU.apk </code> , and <code> busybox </code> with all its symlinks) are pushed to the <code> /system </code> partition (which otherwise is mounted read-only), it will change that partition. Might sound trivial now, but the thing is: some ota-update s (and other updates shipping directly from the manufacturer/provider) first compare the partitions checksum. If that doesn't match (and it won't after rooting), updates might be refused/failing. On the other hand: if those updates wouldn't fail, you might lose root when they are applied. If they include a full <code> /system </code> image, that is. | Does rooting erase anything? | android |
How do I create symlink to a directory on external SD-card? Do I have to edit <code> /etc/passwd </code> and add <code> user </code> or <code> root </code> to the <code> sdcard_r </code> group--since, I see that the <code> /storage/ </code> location is owned by <code> sdcard_r </code> ? Do I have to change the partition type, ie filesystem of the external sd-card? I've searched through the stackexchange-url ("previously-asked questions"), as well as google-search about the <code> ln </code> function in busybox; however, I'm not able to figure out why I keep getting an error <code> creating link failed File already exists </code> when I try to run <code> ln -s /storage/sdcard1/original_dir/ /storage/sdcard0/DCIM/sym_dir </code> . I have root privileges and, as far as I can tell, <code> /storage/ </code> & <code> sdcard1 </code> are not symlinks themselves. I appreciate any and all helpful comments. Thanks. | The <code> rootfs </code> (/) as well as <code> /system </code> have to be mounted with <code> rw </code> permissions. So, to check for that execute <code> # mount |grep -i rootfs </code> and <code> # mount |grep -i '/system' </code> If you don't see <code> rw </code> for the permissions, do <code> # mount -o remount,rw / </code> and/or <code> # mount -o remount,rw /system </code> | BusyBox `ln -s`: How do I create symlink to a directory on external SD-card? | android |
I want to transfer some <code> .apk </code> files to my phone to install the applications on it. I've tried many ways of downloading and installing applications on the smartphone but to no avail, so I think this method is the easiest one for now. The problem is whenever I transfer them to a folder (browsing the phone memory like a USB) I cannot find them on the phone or there is no installation available. Where should I paste those <code> .apk </code> files on my smartphone to be able to install them? My phone is sony xperia neo l . Is it the same for other smartphones? | Plug in your phone and drag the APK file onto the SD card. Then go on the phone and download a file manager (ASTRO File Manager is my favorite) from the Play Store. Then in the file manager find your apk file (it should be in /sdcard or /mnt/sdcard). Tap on the APK file and an installer should show up. | Issues transfering .apk files from PC to phone using the cable. Sony Xperia Neo | android |
We got a generic Jellybean tablet, and some of the preinstalled apps (Chrome, Maps and others) do not appear in the app drawer for some reason. They do appear in the Google Play list of installed apps, and in the included Apk Installer. How can I create home screen shortcuts to these apps? | I see 3 solutions for you: You can use QuickShortcutMaker (or any similar) application to add launcher to any installed application (or Android Activity). Not sure if it helps, but you can check your launcher's settings. There should be item "Hidden applications" (or similar). Install and use another launcher. | Missing application shortcuts | android |
Having trouble with this line on this tutorial : "In your Android SDK directory, at \extras\amazon\kindle_fire_usb_driver, run KindleDrivers.exe, and then follow the instructions on the screen." I just cannot find this area, any idea where i should install it from? | On XDA, in the user profile of Astarioth , there's a link mentioned in the "most thanked" tab: https://dl.dropbox.com/s/vprplelu9zx7s2o/kindle_fire_usb_driver.rar?dl=1 (and this is the XDA post thanked for ). The name of the <code> .rar </code> archive suggests it holds your wanted drivers -- and the quote [...] uninstall your old Kindle USB Driver and install this one. confirms my guess :) Now, why didn't you find it in your SDK directory, you might ask? Guess that's as it goes with apples and peaches. You assumed Google's Android SDK -- while Amazon has its own Android SDK. And that line most likely referred to the latter, while you have the former installed. Also only a guess -- but I'd say I guessed right again? You might want to read Setting Up Your Development Environment , take a special look at the section Installing SDK Add-Ons . If you work with Eclipse, this gives you another source to get to the Kindle drivers. | How to install Android Composite ADB Interface | android |
I have JellyBean 4.2 and my friend also has the same. I have been fond of using the "Enter" or "return" key while typing messages. I like paragraphs in messages. But I have a " Smiley " Button. My friend however has the enter key. See the Screen shot: Screenshot (click image for larger variant) How to get the Enter button like in the screen shot? | I updated my ROM to a CM variant (SlimBean to be specific) and found this in the settings This worked for me. Thanks <code> bassmadrigal </code> for the comment. From that I came to know of CM. My friend usually takes care of my ROM, but now I see that CyanogenMod is an awesome fork of Android Custom ROM. Can I go ahead and accept my own answer therefore? :) | How to get the Enter (Return) key in Messaging (MMS) app - Jelly Bean | android |
The Calendar application works with Google Calendar and its agenda style is really useful. Nevertheless, for some reason, it does not work with Google Tasks, so I use GTasks that works with the Google Tasks. I use both of them really intensively, but none of them can show both calendar events and todo items. Sometimes it's very inconvenient because I have to switch between widgets and merge the overall timeline in my mind. So is there any widget to show calendar events and TODO items at once? Agenda style would be a real plus. Thanks in advance. | You might want to take a look at Pure Calendar Widget . Will cost you about two bucks, but does exactly what you request: Widget for Agenda / Tasks / TODO (agenda style) Synced with Google calendars Show calendars from Google, TouchDown & Moto/LG Exchange Show tasks from Astrid, Tasks (Team), MyPhoneExplorer, Ultimate To-Do List, TaskSync, CalenGoo, DGT Gtd, gTasks, Got To Do, Task Organizer, Due Today, TouchDown, Pocket Informant Pure Calendar Widget / Agenda Widget for Android (source: Google Play; click image for larger variant) An alternative could be Agenda Widget for Android (second screenshot above), which has a free trial variant (which I linked) and comes close to what the previously mentioned does. As I don't use any of those, I cannot tell you which might fit you best -- but at least with the free variant, you might want to give it a try :) | Widget to show calendar events and TODO items merged in a single agenda? | android |
After upgrade Android from 2.3.x to 4.0.3 I can't turn on auto synchronization. When Im trying I get msg: <code> AutoSync is disabled. Synchronization is enabled manually by server policy. </code> In Settings -> Accounts & sync have a disabled switcher as on the screens below. Do you know how can I turn on auto sync? Device model: LG Optimus P920 3D. Android version: 4.0.4 I'm abroad and using wifi and roaming GSM. Screenshoots: | Thanks for advice, problem was with MS Exchange. I had to delete MS Exchange account and recreate after this Exchange asked me about permission for account and everything works fine. | AutoSync is disabled in Android ICS LG P920 3D. How turn it on? | android |
I've got <code> adb </code> access to my android phone. So I know that I can override screen density and screen resolution with the <code> am </code> command provided with Android. That's great and dandy, I guess. But is there a way to grab those two numbers from the command line? I know the <code> pm </code> utility can do some information gathering, most notably <code> pm list features </code> to see if the Android device has wireless, bluetooth, gps, etc. <code> pm </code> doesn't seem to do much more information reporting than this, though. It would be helpful to know what versions of Android that the command is supported for. Ideally I would like something that works on Android 2.2+ (Froyo), but taking something that only works from 4.0.3+ (Ice Cream Sandwich) is fine too. I would also like it if there was a way to figure this out without root access. I know that it's possible to get the screen resolution and density programmatically, as described in this stackexchange-url ("question"). | the result and precise format of the <code> dumpsys </code> command depends on the hardware vendor (of graphics chipset/driver and handset itself) but you should be able to find that info in the <code> adb shell dumpsys display </code> output | A way to get the current resolution size and DPI from the command line/terminal/adb? | android |
A while ago I rooted my LG Optimus Slider. The process installed Superuser from ChainsDD. Now I see that there is another Superuser from ClockworkMod, developed by Koush. What is the difference between these two different versions of Superuser? I thought that Superuser had been developed by both stackexchange-url ("Adam Shanks (ChainsDD) and Koushik Dutta (koush, also author of Clockwork Recovery).") Superuser from ChainsDD has been giving me trouble for a while now (Slow response, crashes, etc.), and I am looking for alternatives to see if it would help. | On this question, you might want to check an article on GetAndroidStuff called Superuser vs SuperSU . Quoting: SuperSU improves everything about Superuser and adds more options. The free version offers faster notifications, there is possibility of disabling them for each app and a new interface, attractive and easy to handle. In addition, according to developer claims by using SuperSU you’ll enjoy higher speed from the apps that require root rights, especially on Android 4.0+. The paid version called SuperSU Pro provides the opportunity to keep root rights after a system update, which usually cancels these rights. Although the method is not guaranteed the option is very useful. We have password protection and advanced log configuration settings for each application. You might also want to read SuperSU Brings Better SuperUser Root Permission Management to Android . Quoting from that article: SuperSU is basically SuperUser on steroids. According to the developer, it “allows for advanced management of Superuser access rights for all the apps on your device that need root.” . ChainsDD versus ClockworkMod As I initially missed you were not asking about SuperSU, but ChainsDD versus ClockworkMod: Let's take a look at AndroidPolice : Koush's SuperUser is free and Open Source Sources are available at Github it supports JellyBeans (4.2+) MultiUser (SuperSU does this as well) it will never have a pais version, which would go against the whole open-source principle like SuperSU, it makes use of the new <code> android.permission.ACCESS_SUPERUSER </code> permission (already used by several root-apps) PIN Protection Request Timeout Customize notifications x86 and ARM support tablet optimized (Koush speaks of "tablet mode", so no fear it wouldn't do on a phone :) Read more in the linked post at AndroidPolice . | What is the difference between Superuser from ChainsDD and Superuser from ClockworkMod? | android |
Just bought Tasker, my goal is that when I get into my car I have a Jabra Freeway, it has a motion sensor and turns on when it detects motion. But my VZW Galaxy Nexus won't always connect. I get tired of checking, how do I go about creating a task or profile that would allow me to hear a notification sound to act as a confirmation that the phone connected. I'd like to get in, and hear for example a text tone on the Bluetooth to let me know it's connected. I need a step by step walkthrough. I haven't found one online? | You could make use of the condition State→Bluetooth Connected : The device is connected to another device via Bluetooth. If either of Name or Address are specified, they must match a connected device. Connections to non-paired devices (e.g. while pairing is taking place) are ignored. Warning: Tasker can't directly detect when a BT device is connected, only when a connection or disconnection is made. As for the task, take a look at Music Play : Play a sound file from the SD card. File is the path to the file on the SD card e.g. Music/wow.mp3 Alternatively: Notify Sound : Show a notification on the top bar and play a sound. The specified Title will appear on the bar initially. Notifications with a particular (non-empty) title replace existing ones with that title. When the notification area is pulled down, the specified Text will be visible. Or Notify Vibrate , Play Ringtone , Say (Synthesize the given Text into speech)... Trying a raw thing (I didn't test this): Condition: State→Bluetooth Connected (specify the parameters) Task: Say "You are connected now." For more information, you might want to take a look at the User Manual . Also check the Tasker Homepage itself for more Guides , FAQ , How-Tos, etc. Moreover, the Wiki contains a lot of ready profiles, step-throughs, and more. | Bluetooth audio connection confirmation with Tasker | android |
Usually an installed android app will request permissions such as <code> Phone calls read phone state and identity </code> or <code> System tools prevent phone from sleeping </code> But the actual consequences from a privacy stand-point is often a mystery to me. Is there a resource that explains the risks involved in these permissions in a greater detail? Especially regarding privacy and personal information security. (Pros would be such as one with practical examples, analysis, pitfalls, providing complete a lists.) | General information You might want to take a look at stackexchange-url ("What do the permissions that applications require mean?") -- our "community wiki" which hopefully becomes such a ressource one day. Next to that, you might want to take a look at App Permissions Explained – What Do They Really Mean? , a blog article at AndroidPIT giving at least some short explanations. TechPP's article Use Permissions to Secure Your Private Data from Android Apps goes a little deeper into details (recommended reading!). Another nice overview is provided by BinaryDroids . Edit: I've tried to sum up information from all kind of sources I could find, so the probably most comprehensive collection can be found at Android.IzzySoft.DE: Permissions . Don't be afraid of the ".DE": it serves its content in English as well. (Disclosure: I'm the owner, creator, and maintainer of that site.) A last direct recommendation is How App Permissions Work & Why You Should Care -- and for more, please visit our good old aunt Google :) Edit: I could not resist to add more valuable hints, as this is a very sensitive topic. So I will continue updating my answer: Android permissions explained, security tips, and avoiding malware , a very thorough article on more than just permissions (seemingly similar article here ) What Can a Zero-Permissions Android App Do? Android OS: Malicious apps can steal permissions (including a chapter on How permissions work ) The ins and outs of scary Android App Permissions (a general introduction into permissions and the "abouts") Not directly an answer, but an interesting ressource on our sister-site: stackexchange-url ("Studies on Android users' attitude to security"). Names a lot of further sources, studies, etc., including "permissions" How to find those permission-grabbing add-ons in Android reveals another interesting fact I was not aware of, as obvious as it might look once you know it: advertising networks get the same Android-permissions as the installed app they’re associated with. Ouch! A paradise for profilers... and, There are more permission-grabbing add-ons ... Smartphone apps: Is your privacy protected? Use Permissions to Secure Your Private Data from Android Apps (while already from 7/2010, it still has good explanations on permissions existing back then -- and still there today) Advertizement inside apps Also keep in mind that many permissions some app requests might not be required by the app itself -- but rather by some ad module that app uses. So according to TechRepublic 14 , MobFox and AdMob, two of the biggest ad networks, require the following permissions: <code> INTERNET </code> , <code> ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE </code> , <code> ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION </code> , and <code> READ_PHONE_STATE </code> (so they can know who you are [ <code> READ_PHONE_STATE </code> : phone number, IMEI/IMSI], where about you are [ <code> ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION </code> ], what networks you are connected to [ <code> ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE </code> ], and whom you are communicating with [again <code> READ_PHONE_STATE </code> , while in call, for the "remote number"]). Does this look a bit too paranoid? That doesn't mean nobody's after you, see Deep Dive Into Ad Network Behavior on Android . Which means: if you don't feel well with some combinations, you might simply check if the app on your wishlist also has a paid version -- which might do without those permissions, as it does not carry the "ad module". Speaking of this: Addons Detector will help you figure out which of your apps carry such a module piggyback. In this context, also consider: as trustworthy as the app developer might be, (s)he might not be aware of and has no influence on what those "ad modules" do with your data. Remember: advertising networks get the same Android-permissions as the installed app they’re associated with. 13 On this topic, also read: Android apps and advertising: A bit too cozy Android ad networks found accessing users’ private data Free Android apps often secretly make calls, use the camera How to Curb Aggressive Mobile Ad Networks (interesting to read for users, recommended reading for developers!) Android Adware abusing permissions, Collecting more than they need Reports Show Aggressive Mobile Apps Want Many Permissions They Don't Need Mobile Ad Networks Accused Of Invasive Apps (with a "real life example" -- or rather "live example"?) Top Mobile Ad Networks : Check out the networks on what permissions they want, how developers rate them, and more Was this shocking news for you? Did I infect you with some "paranoia" -- and now you fell "left alone" with your bad feelings? I won't leave you without some recommendations. First, you might want to know which potential "data thieves" you already invited to your device, unaware of those risks. It's usually no bad intention of the developer (you know: "No money, no honey" -- the devs have to make a living as well). So having identified some "bad guys", you might want to confront the dev and give him the option to switch to a different, less "dangerous" ad provider (after all, the dev might have been unaware of the risks involved as well). If he's unwilling, you can still decide whether to kick the offender from your device. Or to "go pro", if there's a pay version available which comes without an ad module inside -- and honor the dev's work while safe-guarding your data, which I'd say is a typical win-win situation. So: What options do you have? I will give a few examples below. Addons Detector knows a lot of those modules. High rated (4.7 stars at more than 3,000 ratings), it not only detects ad modules, but also analytics, development, and licensing modules Lookout Ad Network Detector -- nomen est omen -- concentrates on the ad modules. Its additional value is the ability to tell you exactly what data is being collected, and by whom. Comparable rating (4.4 at > 3,000 ratings) TrustGo Ad Detector offers comparable features, and also gives you details on the ad networks' behaviour and backgrounds. Currently 4.5 at ~ 2,000 ratings. "Root users" might also have heard of several ad-blocking apps (e.g. Adaway , Adblock Plus -- the latter not even requiring root), some of them able to not only "block by host/IP", but directly de-activating the ad modules. Well, those are no longer available on the playstore, as Google has banned them. But you certainly will find them in other places on the web. Make sure to select a trustworthy source, if you plan to make use of those. I recommend F-Droid , which has its own "market app" with the same name, so you get updates as well. All apps there are open source and thus free of charge. And no, obviously no "hacked pro versions for free", all fully legal and lawful :) | Is there a list that explains the risks involved with each granted application permission type? | android |
I have created an Android virtual device with sd-card. Now I want to create another Android virtual device with sd-card with same data. Where can I find the sd-card image file? By the way, I'm using Eclipse Juno on Windows 8. | Here is what I would do: Clean way Your SD card image is stored in the following location: <code> ~/.android/avd/<avd name>.avd/sdcard.img </code> stackexchange-url ("stackexchange-url So, if your AVD is named SCREEN_LARGE, then your image file would be at: <code> ~/.android/avd/SCREEN_LARGE.avd/sdcard.img </code> I am using a Mac but I'm sure the location for the .android folder should be inside of your 'User' folder as well. You can then duplicate this file and then use it with another AVD. Less clean way copy all of your files/folders that you want off of the old image from ADB: <code> adb pull <dir or file> </code> stackexchange-url ("How to use adb pull") Then, using ADB create a brand new Image: <code> mksdcard <size> <file> </code> mksdcard can be found in the tools/ directory of your sdk folder. Then load the AVD with the new image: <code> emulator -sdcard <filepath> </code> Once the AVD has loaded your new image, you can then push your files: <code> adb push <dir or file> </code> info taken from Google page: http://developer.android.com/tools/devices/emulator.html#sdcard I hope this helped! | SD card in Android virtual device | android |
I want to type French and German accents and stuff using some kind of add-on to the stock keyboard. I don't want to switch between boards. I see there are a lot of keyboards in the Play store but I need one that doesn't interfere with the stability of the stock one. I'm using a Samsung Galaxy S3 running Android 4.1.1 | You can "long press" a key, which will give you alternative letters if alternative symbols are associated with it. Try it with the letter "E". To select the desired letter/symbol slide your finger to the side. | Is there a way to type German and French characters from the stock keyboard? | android |
I am confused by the type of connection GPS requires. Some people say it requires a direct visible connection to the satellite, while others only refer to a direct connection without the specific need for a visible connection. Basically the question is whether GPS also works in a pocket or with a case/bumper. | GPS works fine in a case or pocket. You do need a generally unobstructed view (from a radio perspective, not necessarily a visible perspective) of the sky (no trees/buildings/etc. in the way, but thin barriers, like say a tent, won't present a problem.) in order to pick up the GPS signals from the satellites. Ideally, you should have as clear and as wide a view of the sky as possible. Ideal conditions would be standing in a flat empty field with visibility to the horizon in all directions. Narrow that view of the sky by adding buildings and trees and your ability to obtain an accurate lock starts to degrade and you get more and more error in your position, until such point where you can't get an accurate lock (or in extreme cases, like being in a deep basement or similar, any lock at all) at all. | Direct VISIBLE connection required for GPS? | android |
I have a Desire HD running a custom rom: Android ICS 4.0.4. I ran USB Host Diagnostics software and connected my camera through a USB OTG cable but the phone does not detect the camera. I am thinking the ICS rom that I have on does not include the USB Host drivers. Can I install them on my phone in any other ROM or do I need to install a different ROM? | This doesn't belong here, but that aside... You don't really "install" the drivers. The framework needed for USB OTG is often found in custom kernels, you should be looking there. This question is also probably best asked on the forum thread of the custom ROM you flashed. A quick look at your device's forum on XDA shows a fully working stock-based Custom ROM that supports USB OTG out of the box. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2204384 I'd start with that. | Install USB host drivers on Android ICS | android |
I have one app in which i am using barcode scanner, so i can't completely disable the camera. but i don't want camera to capture photos. I want camera in read only mode. Basically i want to restrict user from taking photos. So is there any way to achieve this. My device is rooted, so i can i modify the code of system's camera or is there any OS level setting or any app available. Any Helpwill be appreciated! ThankYou!! | You could consider using an app locker, e.g. Smart AppLock (App Protector) . Photos are taken by the camera app, regardless of whether you invoke it from the app drawer, a shortcut, widget, or via pressing the camera button. So if you lock the camera app (and the playstore app, so the user doesn't simply install an alternative camera app -- also make sure to disable unknown-sources and lock the settings app), only somebody knowing the password/pattern you've set up to protect those apps can use them. Explanation: While blocking access to the camera app, this does not affect the barcode scanner. The barcode scanner for sure accesses the camera hardware , but not the camera app: the latter would not know what it aquires (just that it focusses on "something", but it's not recognizing what this "something" is and so would not know whether it aquired a barcode correctly). You can also verify this by checking the permissions the barcode app asks for: its permission list will for sure include <code> Hardware controls: Take pictures and videos </code> , which means it accesses the hardware directly. For accessing it via another app (e.g. the camera), it would not need this permission but rather call that app via an "intent" (see: stackexchange-url ("what is intent in android?")), so that called app would do the intended action. | Disable camera capture button? | android |
I can't work out why, but it seems the vibrate and haptic feedback functionality on my SGS2 stopped working recently. First time it failed it seemed to come back after a reboot, but it's since died for good. I've checked all the settings, and they all show as enabled. I've tried using <code> *#0*# </code> and <code> *#0842# </code> test codes to run the vibrate functionality, but they have no effect either. I'm running stock firmware (3.0.15-I9100XXLPQ) and am rooted. I've ran <code> dmesg | grep -i max8997 </code> to find any references to the MAX8997 IC / driver for the motor, and discovered the following messages repeated many times: <code> <6> max-8997 5-0066: max8997_irq_thread: irq:359, irq_src:0x2 <6> max-8997-rtc max8998-rtc: max8998_rtc_alarm_irq:irq(437) <6> max-8997 5-0066: max8997_irq_thread: irq:359, irq_src:0x0 <4> max-8997 5-0066: Unused interrupt source: 0x0 <6> max-8997-rtc max8998-rtc: max8998_rtc_set_alarm: 2013-04-23 00:04:40 </code> I can't figure out whether these are just normal notices, or if they're symptoms of a wider failure. Other searches for generic motor and I 2 C driver failures didn't return anything interesting. Is this potentially a software issue, or am I almost certainly looking at broken hardware? | This turned out to be a hardware fault which is pretty common on the SGS2 units. The vibration device is mounted next to the audio jack, meaning that it sometimes fails if the jack has been stressed. There's a short video ( warning: nsfw language) that describes the issues and how to fix them. Essentially it works as following: Insert a cable into the headphone jack. Lightly press on the jack, in the direction of the front-facing camera (left, if looking at the phone from the front) Whilst lightly pressing in this direction, remove the jack. Vibration should be restored... for now. The long term fix is to get the vibration motor re-mounted by a qualified repair technician. | Vibration stopped working on Galaxy S2 | android |
I can mount my HTC Evo as a USB drive on my Windows 7 machine. When I mount the drive, I see a DCIM/100Media file, but no photos from my phone are in it. (I'm wanting to transfer photos from my phone to my computer) When I look at Settings -> Storage, it says, App Storage, 4.41/6.07 GB Phone Storage, 1.8 GB / 9.93 GB Photos and Videos 1.65 GB But when I look at the properties of my G: drive (how it's mounted on the machine) it appears that I have mounted the App Storage, because my Windows box says, the drive I have mounted has used 5.65 GB of 7.40 GB total. So, I believe I have the wrong drive mounted? Is it possible to mount both the "Phone Storage" and "App Storage" as USB? If so, I haven't figured it out. gone through all USB and Storage setting screens I could find..... | The phone now mounts with multiple drives. I think the problem was I had never seen that before on my previous phones and just missed it!! :( My home machine has a lot of drives. I saw one, and missed the second. One drive mounts for the phone memory, one mounts for the SSDCard. | How to mount both App and Phone Storage over USB for HTC Evo? | android |
I have a Nexus 4 (LG E960) running rooted stock 4.2.2/JDQ39. The phone fell from a foot high and the screen cracked. The touchscreen no longer works. I have a full Nandroid (TWRP type) backup under /storage/emulated/0/TWRP which I want to retrieve to install in the replacement phone. I can connect via fastboot but I cannot connect via ADB (neither via Command-line OR Wug's Nexus Root Toolkit). ClockWorkMod v6.0.2.3 does not give the option to mount USB storage. I need to retrieve those files. I need to either I connect via ADB (in recovery or use fastboot to enable ADB in booted up mode) OR I mount USB storage. What are my options? PS: This thread on XDA Dev does not help in my case as I do not want to erase my phone. | Often fastboot drivers are different from the ones used by Recovery mode and/or fully-booted Android system. I would recommend re-installing the USB drivers on your PC. You may need to delete existing drivers that Windows picked up. Full instructions with driver download for Nexus 4 here : Quote: Plug your phone into your computer. Go to Device Manager on your computer and locate your device. It will either be under "Android Devices" or "Other Devices" depending whether drivers have been installed or not. Right click on your phone and select "Uninstall." In the box that appears, check the option to "Delete the driver software for this device." Go back to Device Manager and refresh. Locate your phone and right click to select "Update Driver Software." Manually install the drivers by picking the folder of the files you downloaded. Unplug your phone and restart your computer. Plug it back in and everything should work. Download link: http://www.mediafire.com/?8xb50uktar8096i | How to Retrieve SD Card Files via fastboot or recovery? | android |
I am trying to apply Jelly Bean firmware update on my Galaxy S2 X, but everytime I try to, Kies dies at 0% of the firmware update, without any error message. I tried uninstalling and installing Kies again. It is up to date. I also tried running it in Windows 7 mode and XP SP3 mode (I'm on Windows 8 64-bit). I did a factory reset of my cellphone, and still encounter the problem. Is there any alternative or way to fix this? | I actualy got it by doing the update from a Windows 7 computer. Kies seems to have difficulties with Windows 8. | Galaxy S2 X t989d firmware update - Kies crashes | android |
I'm trying to replace sms and contacts database on Android emulator with some other (extracted from other phone). I've already succesfully pushed files into emulator (using <code> adb push </code> ), but I have to restart emulator to see if anything changes. In my log there is statement saying that phone is running form backup: <code> 04-23 11:22:00.064: I/SystemServer(81): Backup Service 04-23 11:22:00.135: I/BackupManagerService(81): Found stale backup journal, scheduling 04-23 11:22:00.145: I/BackupManagerService(81): com.android.inputmethod.latin 04-23 11:22:00.145: I/BackupManagerService(81): com.android.browser 04-23 11:22:00.145: I/BackupManagerService(81): com.android.providers.settings 04-23 11:22:00.165: I/BackupManagerService(81): android 04-23 11:22:00.175: I/BackupManagerService(81): com.android.providers.userdictionary 04-23 11:22:00.204: I/BackupManagerService(81): Backup enabled => true </code> While watching file system in eclipse I can see that journal file is created in <code> /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases </code> , grows, then dissapears, and my mmssms.db file (previously pushed by command line) shrinks, which gaves my empty database ;/ Any ideas? | Try running this command from your PC: <code> adb shell bmgr enable false </code> If you have more than one device or emulator running/connected, you'll need to add the <code> -s DEVICE </code> option. | Disable Backup Service in Android Emulator | android |
Ever since upgrading my Nexus 4 to CyanogenMod 10.1-20130304, Google Maps behaves improperly. I have not noticed the problem with any other app. I can open the Maps app, and it will show me where I am, but when I try to search, 95%+ of the time, it will just sit there as though it's searching, but it never finds any results. The only way I have found to resolve the issue is to completely remove the Google Maps app, and re-install it. Doing this will allow search to work--once. The next time I need to search again, I have to remove and re-install. This happens whether using mobile Internet or wifi. Is there anything I can do short of restoring the phone to factory settings and starting over? | Eventually I resorted to restoring my phone to factory settings, and now this works again. | Google maps doesn't have data connection | android |
I just upgraded my Android OS to 4.1.2. and the Yahoo Mail is pushing audible notifications again (I had disabled them in the previous version of OS). When I go into the app, there is no settings in the menu. How do I disable the notifications? | When such a notification appears... Open your notification area Long-press on the notification. This opens the app's settings in the system configuration. Here you can disable all notifications from the app. This is a feature introduced with JellyBean -- as you've stated your device is running Android 4.1.2, this setting should be available to you. | How to turn off Yahoo Mail notifications in 4.1.2.? | android |
I tried using Flash Software, but it doesn't work for me. I may have used the wrong version or my process is wrong. Can anyone tell me the correct process? Android Version : 2.3.4 Model Number : LT18i Build Number : 4.0.2.A.0.62 | For most of Sony Ericsson Xperia devices, you can use Flashtool . currently at version v0.9.10.1, last updated on 07/01/2013 There's a guide on how to use this software over at XDAs , that I've used to prepare the instructions that follows. STEP 01 :: Requirements: A computer running Windows, Linux or MAC; The Sony Xperia device; The appropriated cable to connect it to the computer. STEP 02 :: Install Flashtool and perform all updates to it: Refer to the installation instructions and software download on the Flashtool website, tab "installation" . Windows version: Install the full install Flashtool 0.9.10.1 package Apply the latest update (each update is cumulative) Updates will not be functionnal if full 0.9.10.1 is not installed Linux version: Unpack the tar.7z package Check that libusb-1.0 is installed. On 64bits system, both 64bit and 32bit should be installed. Add these rules to <code> /etc/udev </code> : <code> SUBSYSTEM=="usb", ACTION=="add", ATTRS{idVendor}=="0fce", ATTRS{idProduct}=="*", MODE="0777" </code> Apply the latest update (each update is cumulative) Updates will not be functionnal if full 0.9.10.1 is not installed Mac version: Open the dmg package Copy the Flashtool App to Applications folder. It will not run right from the dmg package Apply the latest update (each update is cumulative) Updates will not be functionnal if full 0.9.10.1 is not installed STEP 03 :: Root your Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S: Refer to the tutorial at XDAs . Start Flashtool Connect the device to the computer and wait until it's recognized Click the icon with the "Padlock [the second in a row] Flashtool will start pushing files, wait till it finishes. Meanwhile the phone will reboot once. When it's over Flashtool will notify "Root Access Allowed" On your phone, open the application list and search for the app "Superuser". For Troubleshooting, you can refer to common situations on the Flashtool website, tab "FAQ" . | How can I root my Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S? | android |
Once in a while I read that MANAGE_ACCOUNTS Permission is needed (actually it is called "KONTEN HINZUFÜGEN ODER ENTFERNEN" as I have a German phone. I guess the text below is something like "Add or remove accounts, create accounts and set passwords, use accounts on the device" in English). I'm asking this question because I wanted to install the GitHub-App. I think I found a very similar question which I would like to include here: What does it mean they can create accounts? Why would Amazon (Kindle app) / GitHub even need this? Are there any risks? | In short, GitHub is using the internal Account System manager to store your GitHub credentials. This works the exact same was as adding a Google account or an Exchange account. Essentially, you are logging in with your credentials and they are stored in the Account Manager, which prevents you from having to re-enter these credentials again in the future. This is most useful when the credentials are used across multiple applications as you only have to login once. For example, Google Chrome will access your account via the Account Manager instead of forcing you to login again (the yellow dialog that pops up at the bottom asking if you want to sign in with your locally held Account on your phone when visiting gmail or another Google website on your phone's Google Chrome browser). What does it mean they can create accounts? They can created local accounts on your phone for their application (and only their application). Here's an example of a list on my phone: Screenshot (Click image for larger variant) Why would Amazon (Kindle app) / GitHub even need this? It simplifies credentials in Android. It's the recommended method to do this. Are there any risks? There shouldn't be. If an app uses the AccountManager and say, wants to use your Google account, then it will have to explicitly ask you for permission as it needs an auth token to use that account. See more info on the SDK documentation. | What does permission "MANAGE_ACCOUNTS" mean? | android |
I am trying to SSH into my Macbook Pro (10.6.8) using my Android phone. It is a SGH-T989 running the latest stable Cyanogenmod 10 (4.1.2). I have enabled remote login on my Mac and confirmed I can SSH into it using another Macbook Pro (running 10.7.5). However, when I type "ssh user@ip" on my Android terminal, I get the following message after about 4-5 minutes of waiting. "logossh: connect to host xxx.xxx.x.xxx port 22: Connection timed out" Any ideas why it works from another Macbook Pro but not from my Android phone? I also tried using connectbot but I get the same problem. Thanks in advance. | You can't ssh from your phone to your Mac when using mobile data because you are no longer on the same network, and thus can't use the internal ( RFC1918 ) address to reach it. When you're using WiFi, it works because you are on the same network. In order to reach your computer when using mobile data on your phone, you must do BOTH of: ssh to your computer's public IP address; and Forward port 22 from your home router to the computer you want it to reach. | SSH to Mac using Android Phone | android |
I'm trying to get an internet connection from my laptop via my SGS2. The phone is rooted, and I've tried two different WiFi tethering apps. I don't have a tethering plan (they want to charge me more than my home broadband!) so that's why I'm not using the native tether. When my laptop connects to the WiFi hotspot, it fails to get an IP address. I guess this is due to the phone not running a DHCP server. I've tried the following: Setting the IP of the interface to 192.168.1.99 and 10.0.0.99 (in case of standard /24 and /8 ranges) with <code> x.x.x.1 </code> as the default gateway. The same as above, except with the public 3G internet-facing IP as the default gateway. Setting the IP of the interface to the phone's public 3G internet-facing IP. I've been unable to send ICMP pings to any IP address. I've also tried setting various DNS servers (private IPs, 8.8.8.8, etc.) but can't resolve any host names. It's like the traffic just gets black-holed at the phone. Any ideas? I'd be happy to go with a USB tether, but my plan doesn't cover that and I've yet to find an app that'll allow me to get round it. | You should first check which IP address (and network) your hotspot is using. From the command-line (e.g. using a terminal app like Android Terminal Emulator or <code> adb shell </code> ) you can figure this out with the command <code> ifconfig wlan0 </code> If you rather want to avoid the command line, or your device uses womething other than <code> wlan0 </code> for the interface and you want to avoid guessing, OS Monitor is an app which tells you all the necessary details for each interface as well. Once you've found out the correct data, you can specify those on your laptop: Use the IP of the interface for the gateway, and take network and mask accordingly. | Laptop doesn't get IP address when tethered via WiFi | android |
I have a non-rooted Android phone running 4.0.4 (ICS). The phone has 3GB of internal storage and I have inserted a 16GB SD card. The SD card contains a number of audio and video files. When I opened the stock Gallery app, the directories on the SD card were displayed as expected. However, there was one small problem: multiple copies of each video were being displayed. Wondering if something had happened to the SD card, I unmounted it and inserted it into the card reader in my computer. After mounting the card, I opened a terminal and ran: <code> find * | grep .mp4 </code> But the results were exactly what I expected - there was only a single copy of each video on the card. None of the files were duplicated. Next, I tried clearing the cache of the Gallery app ( <code> Settings->Apps->Gallery->Clear Data </code> ). After relaunching the app, I discovered even more copies of each video. One important detail to note: only the videos on the SD card appear duplicated. None of the videos on internal storage suffer from this problem. | Though it's not the identical situation, the solution which worked out for stackexchange-url ("I'm seeing duplicated images and videos on Gallery") might apply here as well: Go to Settings→Apps→Manage Apps Select the "All Apps" tab Find the Gallery app, open its entry, tap "clear cache" Do the same for the Media Storage app Have the Media Scanner running again. This can be triggered by either a reboot of the device (ugh!) unmounting/mounting the external SDCard if any (hm...) attach the device to your PC via USB, optionally copy some file to it, detach it again (ok...) for repeated use, take a look at apps like e.g. Rescan Media , Scan Media , or SDrescan (yeah!) Check if the duplicates are gone. If not, repeat everything, but this time additionally select to "delete data" | Gallery is displaying three, sometimes even four copies of the same file - why? | android |
I am trying to install ClockworkMod's Superuser on an HTC Droid Incredible running an older leaked Gingerbread build from Verizon labled TMartin GingerInc. I keep getting the following error: <code> There was an error installing Superuser. Please send a log of the error to the developer. </code> .I cannot, however, find a log to send. ChainsDD Superuser and SuperSU lock up often. | Well, after accidentaly deleting my su binary, I downloaded and flashed the zip from http://download.clockworkmod.com/superuser/superuser.zip . | CWM Superuser on HTC Droid Incredible | android |
I want my device to be connected to a certain wifi network only. Lets assume WiFi named "xyz": so my device should connect to this particular "xyz" network only. It Should not connect to any other network. More precisely: I don't want other user's to use my device with any other WiFi network. Basically I want to restrict user to access other network. My device is rooted, so can I achieve this by doing some settings at OS level? | AFAIK there's no such "OS setting" (and if there was, "other users" could manipulate it as well). As a "work-around", you might look in the Playstore for app lockers, they should be able to "lock" the settings app as well. Remove all WiFi APNs from your network list which should not be connected, de-Activate the "inform me about open WiFi networks" to avoid the popup, and together with an app locker (locking the "settings" app) that should do what you're looking for. As to your comment, this seems to work fine with Smart AppLock , which can lock not only apps but also some system actions: Smart AppLock: Locking apps, locking system actions (source: Google Play; click images for larger variant) | connect to specific wifi only | android |
Today I was on my computer and I had my phone (Samsung Galaxy S2 X) sitting beside me. All of a sudden the screen on the phone came on and instead of it showing the lock screen, it went directly to the home screen and a little message appeared at the bottom saying "Sending...". This happened a couple more times and then stopped. I have ran both a AVG and avast! virus scan of my phone and both came up empty. I'm wondering if I should be worried if something like this happened or is it something else? What I don't understand is how it just went straight to the home screen without having to unlock it. There's nothing in my text messages or emails to suggest it was being used for spamming. My guess is that it was just an app sending usage statistics or something? Any ideas? | If that is a malware, it will take care to leave no tracks (i.e. deleting the sent message). Two things you should do ASAP: Contact your provider and check what messages where sent. Especially expensive "Premium" messages. It could be something sends "just spam", but it also could be some "money generator". Check with a permission checker what apps have the permission to... send SMS/MMS deactivate your lockscreen (aka keyguard) If you find an app that has both permissions, that's a very likely candidate. A good app to check this is e.g. RL Permissions , which lets you check by app and by permission: RL Permissions: Apps by permissions / Permissions by app (source: Google Play; click images for large variants) As RL Permissions has not been updated for more than 2 years, an alternative to this is Permission Explorer , which offers similar features: Permission Explorer: Apps by permissions / Permissions by app (source: Google Play; click images for large variants) Once you've identified a suspicious app, deactivate or uninstall it . Watch if the described behaviour continues. If it does not, you've got the culprit. One more lesson learned: Just having some AntiVirus on your device doesn't mean you're safe and don't need to care. Those "checkers" mostly compare with a database of known malware. Unlike their PC companions, they don't do heuristic scans. | Something's automatically sending "stuff" from my phone | android |
First of all please excuse me if this too basic. I'm very new to the Android field. I just bought an Android phone. Now I'm looking to install some apps on my phone. After some researching I found that Google Play is the place to get all the apps. So I logged in with my Gmail account on the Google Play website and installed <code> Talking Tom </code> app through the browser. It's showing under my "My Android Apps" But it still hasn't been added in my phone. At first I thought it might take some time for it to get downloaded to my phone. But now it's been more than 3 hours and still it isn't listed under my apps in the phone. This makes me wonder if this is not how Google Play works. If it's not, then what is the appropriate way to get an app to download to my phone. PS : My phone does not have an internet data plan and is not connected to the internet. I'm beginning to think maybe that is the reason it's not been downloaded yet. But does it not work something like how SMS's work where you don't need the phone to be connected to the internet? | You do need an internet connection to install apps. It doesn't matter if you install them from your phone or from a PC. In order to connect to the internet through a USB connected to your computer, you can use this app , but it requires you to have a rooted device. | Does my phone need an Internet connection to install apps from Google Play? | android |
Is it possible to toggle the Unknown Source setting with Tasker? I couldn't find such a setting. I also tried the Secure Settings Plugin there is also no action for this. What I want to achieve is to set this setting on when I start the Amazon AppStore and switch it off when I close it again. Samsung Galaxy Note, Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean | This can't be done in a totally automated fashion, as indicated by the accepted answer to stackexchange-url ("this StackOverflow question"). Basically, it's against the Android security model to allow <code> Unknown Sources </code> to be changed programmatically. | Toggle "Unknown Sources" with Tasker | android |
I am a new user of Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (GT - P5100). Is there any way to use my Galaxy Tab as portable WiFi hotspot? | Using this as source Procedure- Turn on the Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot on your Android smartphone (or tablet) Go to the Settings screen on your Android phone. You can get there by pressing the menu button on your device when you're on the home screen, then tapping "Settings". At the Settings screen, tap the "Wireless & networks" option. You should see an option for "Portable Wi-Fi hotspot". Click the check mark beside it to turn on the hotspot and your phone will start acting like a wireless access point. (You should see a message in the notification bar when it's activated.) To adjust and check the settings for the hotspot, tap the aptly named "Portable Wi-Fi hotspot settings" option. You'll need to do this if you don't know the default password that will be created for your hotspot so you can make a note of it for connecting your other devices. You can change the default password, security level, router name (SSID), and also manage users connected wirelessly to your phone in the Wi-Fi hotspot settings. | How to make Galaxy Tab as portable WiFi hotspot? | android |
I want someone to be able contact me on WhatsApp. I would prefer to give him an anonymous account. Is there such thing? I don't want him to know my phone number. | No it isn't possible. Even if you send him a message without him adding you as a contact the first thing he will see is your number. | Use WhatsApp anonymously | android |
I have several accounts synchronized on my galaxy S3 (google, google+, skype, facebook, linkedin) and I grouped the same contacts from various accounts into one. How can I modify the way this merged account is visible in my contacts list? As an example I have the same person as: in linkedin: John Doe + ugly picture in google: Johnny + nice picture in skype: The mad guy + no picture When merging these contacts I usually end up with the combo "the mad guy" + ugly picture, or whatever combination. I obviously would like to have "John Doe" + nice picture. Is there a way to select what element should come from which contact? Fallback question: in case this is not possible: is there a way to enforce one of the contacts as the "master one" ? (I would choose google as I have the most control over that one) Note: This question was initially asked on Phandroid but it will hopefully apply to any Android device Thank you for any pointers! | Open joined contact > menu button > mark as default > chose account, name, phone. Thats all. | How to change the way joined contacts are displayed | android |
I have a computer with no network interfaces (the only one it had went faulty). My friend's PC's network interfaces are working fine. We want to play PC LAN games, but when I set my Galaxy phone to tether / hotspot mode, the IP of the PC connected via WIFI hotspot is out of range of the PC connected via USB tethering (the one IP is on 192.168.42.n and the other IP is on 192.168.43.n), and as such we cannot get our PC's to communicate. Is there a way to force a Galaxy S2 or S3 to put the tethering and hotspot IP's within range of each other? Our phones are rooted. | I got it done via iptables. First, open the terminal, run <code> su </code> , and type <code> ip route show </code> . This will show which interfaces are currently being used. In my case, I had <code> wlan0 </code> for the wireless hotspot and <code> rndis0 </code> for the usb tether. Second, run the following iptables commands, replacing <code> wlan0 </code> and <code> rndis0 </code> with your actual interfaces: <code> # iptables -I FORWARD -i rndis0 -o wlan0 -j ACCEPT </code> <code> # iptables -I FORWARD -i wlan0 -o rndis0 -j ACCEPT </code> This will cause the phone to forward the traffic between the two computers. To revert back to normal settings, I simply restart my phone. | Use Galaxy S2 / S3 as router for PC lan gaming | android |
Can anyone explain me whats the use case of proximity sensor. What if my phone's approximity sensor stop working or get damaged. What are the problems will I face. PS: I am just curious to know. | The proximity sensor on most smart-phones with touchscreen exists to disable accidental touch events. The most common scenario is the ear coming in contact with the screen and generating touch events, while on a call. | Whats the use case of proximity sensor? | android |
I want to make Rooting of my Android Device. I have searched over internet, I got usefulness and harmfulness. Android Rooting : Facility vs Harm, Should I make Rooting in my device? | It really depends on why you want to root. If the feature you want is an important feature for you and you are missing it then there's no reason why you shouldn't root. | Android Rooting : Facility vs Harm, Should I make Rooting in my device? | android |
A couple days ago I rooted my phone and I hard bricked it. I am debating whether or not to just send it in to get JTagged (for 50$) or to just try to get a new one under warranty. I have heard everything from: You can send a rooted phone back. Doesn't really matter. Returning Rooted Phones and I've returned a stock, rooted phone and even forgot to put the modded battery icon back to stock. No issues. ATT Detecting rooted phones? to: they can and do check. because they refurbish many of the returns for reuse. they can easily remove the rooted setup in favor of stock. but that isn't the point. its best to remove root with a restore if at all possible with the stock zv9 update. then the device is sent back in factory state. if you cant accomplish this due to issues with the device that prevent it,then you have to send it back as is. but the latter should always be the case to return it not restored. Returning Rooted Phones and not sure if they check that but if they did they can do anything from sue for fraud, since you lied. they can cancel your plan and ruin your esn. thats really about it. im not sure if they think its worth the hassle though. So what is the truth behind this? Is it risky to return a bricked/rooted phone to your carrier? Is it different for each carrier? (AT&T, Verison, T-Mobile, ...) Are there any precautionary measurements out there people should take before they return a rooted device? Update: I received my new phone and then I shipped my bricked phone back to Verizon and I never heard back. Either they didn't check that it was rooted or they didn't care, either way I've got a functional phone again. Thank you for everyone's answers! | I'm not sure it would be legal for them to discriminate on warranty just because a phone is rooted . However, there are some "void your warranty" things you could do when rooted (such as overclock way high, etc). You might find a tool on XDA to restore an original ROM, I did once for a bricked phone. They may have such a tool in-store too. | How risky (if all) is it to return a rooted android device under 'warranty' | android |
I have an old deactivated HTC Droid incredible from Verizon. I decided I was going to use it as like an iTouch, and it works just fine -- but the Google Play Store has vanished both from the home screen and the "Manage Applications" list (when I first turned on the phone after deactivation not after using it for a while). At first I was okay with that because I could just go download aptoide or some other third party store. But after I downloaded the apk for aptiode and checked the "Allow Installation from unknown sources" when I tapped it to install I got "Do you want to install this applicaion" and the permissions ect. so I clicked install and then suddenly the phone rebooted? It just showed me the HTC logo, then brought up the home screen. I've tried this with several apks and none of them work. It does not have a SIM card slot. | I have three Droid Incredibles that we have replaced with different phones. The play store still works on all of them. Check out this post for the most recent Google Play apk and side load it. If that doesn't work, I would recommend doing a factory reset. It seems like your system has gotten confused. Alos, look into Airplane Mode Wifi app to keep your wireless radio off but leave your wifi on. | Deactivated HTC Droid Incredible not installing apps | android |
We've got a Samsung Galaxy S from another region (China or Korea). What needs to be set up in it for a Russian user in Russia? | Simple things The obvious group of settings that needs to be changed (simply by selecting the appropriate value) is the interface language, time zone. Keyboard One unexpected difficulty is the input method. The factory Samsung OS (from another region) doesn't include a Samsung Russian keyboard, nor stackexchange-url ("does it include the standard Android keyboard") (which might have a Russian keyboard). Further complication: stackexchange-url ("The standard Android keyboard cannot be installed separately!") As a solution, I chose to install AnySoftKeyboard (which is also available on F-Droid, which guarantees it is free/open-source, can be rebuilt from sources, and has been inspected by more people for not having spying features). Then in its settings menu, I chose to download a Russian pack. Mobile networks and internet For internet to work, one needs to set up an APN (for example, for Megafon , a Russian mobile operator, one needs to add a new APN with "internet" as the value for the field "APN" -- the only essential field; and select it). (Regressions) (Still, as compared to Samsung Galaxy S sold in Russia, this one has much more unstable connection to the mobile network (loses the connection, i.e., is offline very often). Perhaps, this can be solved by stackexchange-url ("upgrading the ROM/modem firmware") from the present Android 2.2 I9000XXJPK (kernel 2.6.32.9) FROYO.XXJPK.) | What needs to be set up in an Android device from another region for a Russian user in Russia, and how? | android |
I'm curious about how WhatsApp is able to receive messages when not in use. I mean, I understand that WhatsApp works using the Internet connection rather than the cellphone network. Imagine that I haven't touched my phone in hours. At that moment, a friend sends me a message on WhatsApp. I get it immediately. Does that mean that WhatsApp is keeping the Internet connection connected at all times? Does that mean that WhatsApp acts as a server, opening ports on the phone? Or maybe a long-running HTTP request? | At first, I thought this was most likely an instance of Android cloud to device messaging, but it can't be: WhatsApp doesn't declare the necessary permissions, and it works in Eclair (Android 2.1), while cloud to device messaging (and its replacement, Google Cloud Messaging) require at least Froyo (Android 2.2). However, it is most likely some sort of push notification service. It's impossible to say exactly how it's implemented without access to WhatsApp's source code. The part about it being able to receive messages when not in use is relatively easy to explain, though. The app almost certainly has a service which runs in the background to check in with the server periodically (or receive the server push, or whatever it does). When you receive a message, the service pops up a notification. As for the question as to how the server could do a push, here's a possibility (again, I can't verify without source code): WhatsApp starts and opens two sockets: One to listen on and one to send a message to the server. WhatsApps starts listening on the first socket. WhatsApp sends a message containing your phone number and the port of the listening socket to the server and waits for an acknowledgement. The server records the phone and port numbers in the message and the IP address that the message came from. The server sends an acknowledgement to the app. The app receives the acknowledgement and closes the message socket. A message with your phone number as the destination comes into the server. The server uses the IP address and port number it has associated with your phone number and uses that information to push the message to your phone. For this to work, the app would need to monitor the state of the network connection and reset the listening socket / resend the registration message when necessary (if the IP address changes, for example). | How is WhatsApp able to receive messages when not in use? | android |
What exactly does it fix? By googling I got to know that it fixes some bug related to the lock screen. Do any one know of that bug. Got to know regarding this as I got a notification regarding software update in the device. | The update is just a bug fix update, no new features. The lock screen bug that you mentioned allowed bypassing the lock screen for a short amount of time, details can be found for example on TheVerge or AndroidCentral . | XXDMC3 update for Galaxy Note 2 | android |
I have had this phone for a few months and only now did I try to start using the vibrate function. When I choose "Vibrate" from the drop-down bar it never vibrates when I receive texts though sometimes it works when I use the Facebook messenger app. I went into settings and enabled everything that has the word "Vibrate" in it. Also, my phone is on power-saving mode; does that have any impact? The vibrate function is supposed to notify you of incoming notifications but by vibrate, yes? Is it a hardware problem? OS: 4.1.1 Model: SGH-l747M | Power saving mode (by default) turns off some vibration, but it should only turn off the "haptic feedback" vibration (vibration when you touch certain UI controls). You can change that by going to Settings, Power saving mode, and unchecking "Turn off haptic feedback". That's the mode I run my SGS3 in all the time. To get vibration working for text messages, you also need to enable vibration in the settings of the <code> Messaging </code> app itself (I'm not sure which settings you were referring to when you said that you "went into settings and enabled everything that has the word "Vibrate" in it"). To do that, go to the conversation list in the Messaging app (not an individual conversation), hit the menu button, then select Settings. Look for the "Notification Settings" section and check "Vibrate". To get vibration working for incoming calls, there is a similar setting in the <code> Phone </code> app. Launch the <code> Phone </code> app, make sure you're on the <code> Keypad </code> , <code> Logs </code> , or <code> Favorites </code> tab, tap the menu button, select <code> Call settings </code> . Then select <code> Ringtones and keypad tones </code> and select <code> Incoming call vibration </code> . The <code> Device vibration </code> will let you modify the vibration pattern used (so you can tell an incoming call from a text message / email). To get to the <code> Phone </code> and <code> Messaging </code> apps: Press the "home" button at the bottom of the phone (the physical button in the middle). That brings you to your home screen. The touch the "Apps" button (it looks like 9 square white dots, and is usually on the lower right of the home screen). That will bring up a list of all applications installed on the phone. Scroll through looking for an app named <code> Messaging </code> (or <code> Phone </code> ). The icon for the <code> Messaging </code> app looks like a white envelope with a yellow piece of paper coming out of it. The icon for the <code> Phone </code> app looks like a green square with a white phone receiver on it. Tap the app icon, then follow the instructions for each app above to activate vibration for text messaging and incoming calls. | Vibrate function on my Samsung Galaxy S3 doesn't work though it is turned on. What is the cause? | android |
I've looked around this site and in spite of what I read I can't figure out the following: How do I save my merged contact information into a Google contact? For instance, I have a friend F who has a phone number Fp a mail address Fm, a Skype username Fs and and Facebook username Ff. Although these data are merged into a single F contact on android, I cannot see Fs and Ff in F's Google contact. How can I really merge the data so it all shows into Google accounts? | Yes you can, as far as Facebook you need to use an external agent. Here is what I mean: Because Facebook does not work with Google very well you have to sign up for Yahoo! Mail. In the contacts option you will be able to import your contacts from Facebook. Once you do that you can then export them as a spreadsheet and then once again import them into Google Contacts using the import feature. Skype would be different as you would have to class their Skype username as a note rather than a phone number or email, you would have to do that manually. | How to save Facebook and Skype information to Google contacts? | android |
My tablet is not getting connected through USB. It's showing me the error" " USB device not recognised " On one forum I read to dial <code> *#7284# </code> and it will launch Phoneutil. But in my case it's not working. | It seems that the code is specific for Samsung devices. Therefore, if your device is made by another manufacturer, it doesn't work (if the manufacturer hasn't added it specifically). | *#7284# not launching phoneutil | android |
I have a Samsung Galaxy S3 (SCH-I747) that I tried to root using this video Somehow something went horribly, horrible wrong and now I think I have hard bricked it. My symptoms: Phone does not turn on when you hold down the power button Cannot get into boot loader / download mode (screen is always black) My phone is now named "QHSUSB_DLOAD" in my explorer window I obviously used odin to try to flash it and it didn't work. Will a JIG get me into download screen? At this point I just want to be able to restore the original build. Is there anyway (besides sending it in and paying $60) to fix my phone? I have the file I need to flash a build, can someone please help me get back into boot loader / download mode? | I'm in the same boat man..all my research has led me to needing to jtag. I ordered the download jig, new battery and charger. Tried on several systems including xp to no avail. I'll be sending it into Mobiletechrepairs on account of I'm sending in an old phone to cover the cost so I might be out of pocket for shipping. Wish I was able to find someone local but most phone repair shops don't know what jtag is! I'll let you know the turn around time and what condition my phone gets returned in. Good luck. | Is there a way to restore my Samsung Galaxy S3 (SCH-i747)? | android |
I ordered this brand new xperia V a few days ago and recieved it today. everything's working fine (the power key, volume buttons) the phone starts up good but the phone doesn't respond to touch inputs. I've talked to the vendor and they asked me to send it to them for replacement but i really don't want to wait another week (maybe more) to use this device Can it be a software related problem? If yes, What should i try? sony update or something else? | Since you said the phone is brand new there is nothing wrong with the software. It is most probably a defect with the screen. Get it replaced and use a proper phone. | Xperia V touchscreen doesn't respond | android |
When running a fresh ROM, the APN settings are defined by the SIM card inserted, downloaded from the network via some handshake protocol or are they predefined in the rom for each network ? | They are included in Android. The correct settings are determined by your SIM MCC and MNC (Mobile Country Code and Mobile Network Code). If you want, you can view the list of preset APNs by looking at the source code, for example at android-source-browsing. The file name in this case is /etc/apns-full-conf.xml, but apparently it varies. | Where do APN come from? | android |
I can't seem to make pure Wi-Fi VoIP calls on Google Voice without a third party application such as GrooVe IP. Is this the case? | Unfortunately currently there is no way to make a pure VoIP outbound call via Google Voice on Android. Previously, you could initiate a free call from Gmail on your PC, then press the <code> * </code> key on the keypad which would transfer the call to all other numbers connected to your GV account, and then you'd pick up the "call" on your cell phone and continue the conversation on your mobile which was still VoIP. Once Google wised up to this feature being used too widely, they changed this functionality to only allow this transfer for incoming calls only . | Can I make a Wi-Fi VoIP call on Google Voice without third party applications? | android |
Is it possible to backup AND restore MMS messages? It seems all the apps I've found on the app store that backup SMS and/or MMS cannot actually restore MMS messages (and similar comments on answers to other questions). Is there a limitation to android which would prevent this? | If your Android is not root, you can try another pc program called Backuptans Android SMS + MMS Transfer. Connected your phone to computer via usb or wifi and then click the backup button to save messages on computer. And yes, MMS restoring from computer to Android is supported. Tested with my Galaxy S3. PS: It also can work for an Android phone with broken screen. Just make sure your have enabled usb debugging on device first. | Backup and restore MMS | android |
I'm really far from "rooting Android devices" . I had root my device . SuperSU and CWM installed. But today i did a mistake and decided to try Facebook Home. So install it from an .apk and then edit build.prop file, changed ro.product.model from GT-I9100 to GT-I9300 . (Also i did a backup BEFORE doing this) . Now i'm trying to boot my phone but it's not booting. Just there is Galaxy S2 booting screen. It's like this : I have searched it and found a few solutions, but i couldn't follow them because i didn't understand them exactly. For example , in one of this solutions they said "install cm9 mod" but in this page : http://wiki.cyanogenmod.org/w/I9100_Info there is'a warning about superbrick it's scared my. I have tried booting with CWM (power button + sound up button + home button) and factory reset but i'm getting **Error mounting /sdcard/.android_secure error.I'm trying to mount it from mounts and storage but it's giving error Error mounting /sdcard . I have really no idea what should i do, i have read a few articles about this but i couldn't understand ANYTHING . And i really need this phone this evening, i'm going to a travel. These are some posts about my problem : http://www.transformerforums.com/forum/transformer-pad-300-development/27254-solved-help-can-t-pass-through-asus-tegra-logo-screen-did-i-brick-2.html http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1948094 http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1903407 NOTE : I'M USING MACBOOK | Summing up the solution from above comments: Fixing up the possibly broken <code> build.prop </code> file You don't need to mount your SDCard to revert your changes. If you can boot into recovery, and access the device via adb shell, you can do so and replace your edited <code> build.prop </code> file with the backup copy you've created (using the <code> cp </code> command), thus restoring the state of before your edit. Example, assuming you've named your backup <code> build.prop.bak </code> and placed it in the same place as the original: <code> # re-mount /system read/write adb remount # copy back the original file cp /system/build.prop.bak /system/build.prop # as bassmadrigal pointed out: let's make sure the file permissions are fine chmod 644 /system/build.prop # reboot the device adb reboot </code> Keep in mind the file ends with "prop", which is short-hand for "properties" -- not "prob" as short-hand for "probabilities :) If it still not boots: uninstall the last app installed As the first part didn't solve the problem here, it might be the app installed (facebook home in our case) is causing trouble on the device it was not intended for. So let's kick it out. Boot into recovery again, get your ADB ready, and <code> # uninstall the app # adb shell pm uninstall <package_name> adb shell pm uninstall com.facebook.home # reboot the device adb reboot </code> This finally solved it. As a factory-reset was done, how was the app able to survive that? This was an after-thought to the entire issue. A possible explanation lies in the fact that the factory-reset complained about the SDCard not being able to mount. So if parts of the app got installed to the card, they might have survived there. Unlikely as this is (after all, apps on SDCard should not be able to cause boot issues, as the card is mounted only after <code> boot_completed </code> ), I see no other explanation (comments welcome, I can include them here if wished for). This lead to another question: Should I remove the external SD card to protect it from factory reset? Normally, a factory reset should not touch the external SDCard. But "better safe than sorry": if it should not be touched normally, it shouldn't matter whether it's in the device or not, so it shouldn't hurt to remove it before the factory reset. However: if you use(d) app2sd , there's a special directory called <code> .android_secure </code> on the SDCard holding the (encrypted) parts of the "moved apps". After a factory reset. the system does not know of them -- so when re-installing such an app, it might lead to problems. Thus when removing the card before doing a factory reset, make sure to remove the <code> .android_secure </code> directory from the card (using a card reader and your computer) before re-inserting it again. | Galaxy S2 Not Booting After Editing build.prop | android |
So all of a sudden I'm seeing the dreaded "storage space running out" message. I'm running the nightlies of cyanogemod 10 on galaxy s2. I looked into the storage manager and the numbers didn't add up. Couldn't find any app that shows you content of internal storage (they all work on the SD), so I used the terminal emulator to view the files myself (requires super user permissions). I found out that there is a directory data/log that takes a lot of memory, about 1 GB. From viewing the files in it it appears to have a lot of log files with names such as dumpstate_RESET_BY_CP_SILENTRESET... What is this? Can I delete everything there? EDIT: found this http://forum.cyanogenmod.org/topic/71465-log-directory-full-of-dumpstate-files/ | I just deleted it... it seems to be a bug with cyanogenmod. Will update if there are any problems. Deletion was done through the terminal app. You type <code> su </code> to give it super user permissions, then you go to the path and use a linux command to delete the files. | data/log folder causes "internal storage has run out of space" message | android |
I own a Galaxy Nexus phone and i'd like to know if there is a way i can use an USB dongle to provide it with an Internet connection. I imagine I will need some kind of adapter (and some Google searches suggested an USB OTG cable). I'd like to know if the stock OS supports this (i have Android 4.2.2 currently) and if I'd need root or a customer kernel. Also, if it is possible, could you please provide a guide on how to do this? | Officially : This is not possible, except for certain (older?) Archos tablets. Inofficially : There's the Autopatcher project . It includes patches to enable 3G modems on wifi-only tablets (it may be possible to use those on phones too, but YMMV). Autopatcher supports these Android firmware flavours: some 3rd party firmwares (CyanogenMod, AOKP, ParanoidAndroid, PACman) AOSP 2.3- > 4.3 (e.g., Google's Nexus line) ...and others Not supported are original HTC, Samsung and other branded firmwares. | How to use an USB 3G modem data connection with an Android phone (Galaxy Nexus)? | android |
Recently I have observed some of the apps (Photo editors) asking for permissions like 'creating bookmarks' at the time of installation from google play. How can I disable a particular application from creating a bookmark on the home screen, like in disabling notifications on per app basis. Thanks in advance | The Play Store does have an option in its central settings for controlling whether shortcuts on your home screen are automatically created for apps when you install them: You can get here by opening the Play Store , pressing the Menu button on your phone (or the "three dots" menu icon if you don't have a hardware menu button) and select Settings , you should then see the " Auto-add widgets " setting that you can enable or disable. | Disable an app from creating bookmarks | android |
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