text:
Best way to play a long audio file cleanly
I have a 12 hour audio file that contains ambience that I listen to while sleeping in noisy places.  My old phone running Android 2.something can play it without problems using MX Player.  My newer phone, a Galaxy S4, running 4.something, can play it with MX Player but it will occasionally glitch, causing the sound to drop out for a moment before resuming.  This wakes me up and is thus unacceptable.  At this point this is about the only use I have for the old phone and I'd like to stop using it, but I need this functionality.  The other apps I tried seem to hang on the file's long duration or size (500MB).
I'm not sure if the glitching is due to MX Player or if other phone processes are interrupting the sound access or processor usage.  Is there a better way to play large audio files?  Or is there an app that can seamlessly loop a shorter audio file?

Is your phone connected to power while listening? It may be possible that the phone (or phone's processor) tries to enter deep sleep (effectively shutting down the processor to conserve battery) after a long amount of time. Audio players often use what is known as wake locks to keep the phone running but those are not meant to run for long amount of times.

Why not try to play it with an Audio Player app? Like Apollo or Timber? If the simptoms are the same it means not the player coused the problem but the hardware or Android version (deep sleep, battery saver profile) or the ROM (official Samsung ROM with full of bloat).

You should actually try using the sound player that comes with the system (I'm not sure how it's called on Samsungs, on Nexus phones it's Google Play). Also make sure that any effects in the player (equalizer, bass boost, etc.) are turned off. This way, the sound file will be most probably played using "offload" path (decoded on DSP) which is the most power-saving and least glitchy.

So there doesn't appear to be any sound player that was included with the system.  Or perhaps there was one and I disabled it at some point.  Apollo seems to no longer exist under that name, and Timber was rated considerably lower than a similar app called Musicolet, so I tried that.  Same problem.


text:
How to install Google Play on Kindle Fire 7" (2016)?
I'm trying to install Google Play (and rest of Google services) on my Kindle Fire 7" model 2016. I've done little bit of research and noticed that things change rapidly. I'm looking for verified and latest way of getting this installed without rooting my Kindle, is that possible? I'm trying to be able to install any Android app from  the Google Play Store.

This android police article describes how to do it without root. In short:
Enable install of "Apps from Unknown Sources" in Settings.
Install in order:

Google Account Manager APK
Google Services Framework APK
Google Play Services APK
Google Play Store APK

...profit!

source: Stack Exchange

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

sort: votes


text:
My android phone is stuck and won’t boot past its logo
After I root my phone to uninstall some not used apps, my phone failed to reboot and stuck,
it seems that I uninstall some system apps by mistake.
my phone model is sony Xperia t2 and my android version 5.2
how can I fix that ?
note that the power button is not working on my phone

if your phone is still able to display boot logo, that's a good sign that the bootloader wasn't corrupted;I suppose that you accidentally removed a program ("init", "surface flinger", ...) necessary for booting the user space environment.
I guess you're still able to boot into bootloader mode; if so, just load a fresh firmware (a.k.a ROM).

and how to load a firmware ?

There are a lot of tutorials out there, here is one for Xperia T2 Ultra trueandroid.com. Be careful when performing those steps, you can end up with a bricked phone. best of luck!!

How are things going for you!! you restored your phone yet!!

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/


text:
2016 Colornote saving manual backup in .doc format
I saw in Import data from ColorNote app? that I could open the colornote.db file that was stored on /data/data/com.socialnmobile.dictapps.notepad.color.note/databases/ with a DB SQLite browser. I think it must be outdated because there is no databases folder but files and cache folders instead.
Therefore, I did a manual backup and I saw that the backup file was given a name of (whatever).doc extension. And when I opened that .doc file, I saw strange characters.
How can I open that file correctly?

Re: the linked post, I don't think it's outdated, but it's on the root folder and can only be accessed if the device is rooted.

Whenever you make a manual backup from your notes the app prompts a master password to protect and encrypt your backed up notes.
So that's why you see weird characters in that .doc file.
If you want to open it on your computer you have to find out which kind of encryption was used on it and with that master password you can decrypt it.
EDIT: Colornote uses AES-128 encryption.

": Notes will be encrypted before uploading using the AES standard"
How can I open that?

Search an AES decrypt method.

I'm trying a few of them online but they're giving me wrong output although the password is correct...

I'm currently trying with Cryptool which seems a good one with 128 and 256 encryption. In the input I put the equivalent of my password in hexadecimal characters and then leave the zeros that are given by default on the right side. But the output is still not text! This is a nightmare how can it be so difficult?

The point is that in encryption to make it hard to decrypt the secured data.

@BálintBabics Yes, but not when one has the key... Wild guess regarding OP's troubles getting decryption to work: You are trying to convert your password manually into a 128-bit key, but that key is perhaps supposed to be generated from some clever hash function?

It is worth noting that .doc and .backup files are identical to ColorNote. The current version's import function stupidly will not allow you to choose .doc files to import as a backup. Renaming my backup from .doc to .backup allowed me to successfully import an autosave, which as far as I can tell do not have master passwords associated with them.

all_licenses: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

all_licenses: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/


text:
Will Netflix still function properly on my LG K7 if I root it?
I recently got a new phone (LG K7, MetroPCS) and there are some things that I wanted to do, which require root access.
I know how to root, and I know some apps won't work on a rooted device (Android Pay, Samsung Pay, etc.) But on howtogeek.com it also said that some paid TV/video streaming services will not work.
I would like to know if this applies to Netflix, if it does, I probably won't root it, as I would like to continue using Netflix. Thanks in advance!

I was using Netflix app on rooted device without problems, abouth month ago. So you probably won't have any problems.

You will still be able to view downloaded content, it only affects streaming (Netflix error 0013). Don't do those tricks you find on sites, it is useless to rename libs etc.
The only solution to get another build of Netflix - get them from Netflix, not other sites. You must permit installation of APKs from untrusted sources to do this. You will have to experiment with different builds, unless you find a page where someone with your exact phone type writes which build to get (from Netflix, nowhere else).


text:
What file system can I use on SD Cards?
I stupidly changed my new SD cards file system to NTFS for using with my laptops and my Android tablet. Now I realize my tablet doesn't want to see the card when I put it in. And now I bought 2 USB's and notice they have FAT32 file system on them.
Which file system will work for each storage and will be compatible with all my devices?

TYPING IN ALL CAPS SIGNIFIES YELLING. Please stop.

Welcome To Android SE. Please, not all caps. Its annoying

On Android I would use exFAT, it has fewer limits and is supported to read and write by most platforms including Linux, Android, Osx and obviously Windows. You might need a couple of lines of commands on linux, not a big deal.
For Linux users:
apt(or yum) install fuse exfat-utils

Some desktop environments might have exFAT support by default though.

Fat32 and Fat64 are used for microSDHC and MicroSDXC cards, which are normally the ones used in mobile devices such as phones or tablets. So either fat32 or fat64 will work for your tablet. Fat32 is fine for the usb as well

Although, does your tablet have a USB port that you can even connect a flash drive to?

FAT64 does not exist. You definitely mean exFAT (which is often not supported on older devices).

Exfat and fat64 are the same thing, just a different way to say it, and I'm aware that most older devices don't support it

But some newer devices DO support it (such as the phone I have, the LG K7)

Yes, nearly all newer devices support exFAT. By the way: exFAT or FAT64?

I was literally just reading that question as you sent me it lol, and thanks for the correction, I get it now.


text:
Is there a way to make Android in general play sound a little louder on the right side?
For some reason my earphones have a lower volume on the right side and it throws me off, is there a non-root way to make the phone's audio (at least via earphones) play a little bit louder on the right side? I'm using an Xperia Z Ultra on the latest available Android version for it (Lollipop).

Settings -> Accessibility > Hearing,
There you can control the left/right sound balance.

There's nothing for audio or hearing in the Accessibility menu in Settings


text:
Access data from hard bricked device
This question is related to previous one I asked here.
I have no hopes that I can get my phone up and working again. It is bricked. My whole effort is now about saving my data.
So my question is can I access as an external storage if I attach to my PC using a USB connection recover my data?

Your device had root access, and USB Debugging enabled? If not it's propably no chance to access your data. Any kind of encryption was enabled? If yes it's propably no chance to access your data.

No root access and no USB debugging enabled. I never encrypted it too. But mysteriously it asks me password to decrypt it.

On the phone or computer?  I wouldn't expect any reaction from a hard-bricked device?


text:
Moto 360 Location Symbol
I was doing some development work on my Moto 360 (using Android Studio), and since I rebooted the watch earlier to fix an issue with Android Studio, this location symbol has been on my watchface. What does that symbol mean?
Notes:

This symbol acts exactly like the offline "cloud" symbol acts, regardless of watchface.
The app I'm working on does not access my watch's or phone's location in any way.
Debugging over Bluetooth setting in Android Wear app turned off, as well as Bluetooth Debugging and ADB Debugging settings in Developer Settings on my watch.
Some app was using my location for hours on my phone, but has since stopped, while this location symbol has persisted.
Never seen this symbol before on my watch, and haven't done a software update recently or anything.

Here's a screenshot:

What could that symbol mean? How can I get it to go away?

Could that be driving related app which gets triggered on motion and reads out SMS aloud for instance ( I have that on Moto X Play currently disabled)

@beeshyams Nope, that space is reserved for system icons (apps can't put anything there and I've never seen anything but DND and Offline icons there). Anyway, I got it to go away, but I'm not really sure how.

To get the icon to go away, I toggled Airplane Mode on and then off, restarted my watch (Settings -> Restart watch), accidentally booted into recovery mode (?), powered on normally, and voila!

That's the symbol that denotes an app is using your current location. Common apps to use this are the Maps, Lyft, and Weather apps. If it persists for some reason, just try toggling on/off airplane mode or restarting your watch from settings.
I figured this out by opening up Lyft, closing it quickly, and returning to my watchface where that symbol was there for just a second before disappearing.


text:
Google assistant custom commands
Is there anyway I can have custom commands for google assistant, which will show results how I want it to be?

Have a look at this site

IFTTT now supports Google Assistant. You can create your own commands that interact with any of the IFTTT connected platforms. For an instance you can have a digest where you give notes to GOogle, and at a custom time every day you get those notes sent to you on email. Direct link to Google Assistant account with a lot of applets
As IFTTT interacts with all kinds of platforms, you have a large world of opportunities when it comes to creating your own commands. There are a lot of pre-made applets, including things like turning off lights, there is even one where you say "good morning" to the assistant, and it turns on a coffee machine

I really appreciate you adding the second list.  Sites that hype themselves while trying to get you to "try" them while providing no documentation or materials to evaluate before you try them really grind my gears.


text:
How to move tasks from GoTasks app into another phone
I've just changed phone.
Using Samsung smart switch app, I was able to transfer all my stuff from my old phone to the new one. Everything has been transferred with this app, except tasks stored within GoTasks app. I know this application can synchronize with google account, but back in the days, I didn't care about that and just used local task saved directly into my phone for the convenience of it.
Overtime, I've put a lot a task with a lot of detail there so rewriting them in the new phone isn't really an option.
So here, it would seem Titanium Backup could rescue me. With it, I could backup data of the app from my old phone and restore the backup into my new phone. The problem is that this application need to phone to be rooted. Apparently, my old phone was and I wasn't even aware of it. My new phone is a Samsung Galaxy S5 running android 6.0.1 and I was unable to root it so far using "kingRoot, kingo root" and others. (sad) Yet, there is probably other thing to try to root it, but here the thing, rooting is almost illegal and void warranty. I might not care about this, but I wonder if I really need to get down that path to get my TasksGo tasks   transferred into my new phone.
Is there a better way to transfer the tasks of GoTasks from my old phone to my new phone? I would love something as easy as copy pasting a file from my old phone to my new phone, but sadly it doesn't seem that simple... There is no tasks saved in gotasks app of the new phone.
My old phone is a Samsung Galaxy3 running android 4.1 if that could help.

In the end, I was able to use google synchronization and a reasonable amount of manual work to get the tasks on the new phone.
Here is what I did.
Step 1 through 5 are on the old phone, after that they are on the new phone.
Step1
Rename a list of tasks in TasksGo to add "local" or "old" at the end.
Step2
Create a new task list with the original name of the list renamed at Step1. Here, you need to link this new list to your google account.
Step3
Put the new list below the old one. Then, from the last to the first one, start drag and dropping all task from the old list into the list.
Step4
Delete the now empty old task list and repeat step 1 to 4 until there isn't any local task list anymore.
Step5
Hit synchronise in the app's menu. This wasn't enough for me because automatic sychronisation is off on my old phone. I had to go into Android:"Setting\account" to mannually hit synchronise on GoTasks's data there. If you don't have a google account linked to your phone, this is also the place to add it.
Step6
On the new phone, open goTask and hit synchronize and to import all the good stuff. Your might need to do the manual sych. in the phone's setting like for step5 if automatic synch is off.
I had many list of tasks that each had plenty of tasks, so I had to find a way. With the amount of data I had, it took me an hour, but it should be much less than that if your usage of this app is lightlier than mine.
Author of this application is Evgeny Shurakov. Since the app was renamed, searching for the author is easier to find back this application now a day.


text:
Why does my phone keep restarting when trying to dial any number?
My Yureka Cyanogen restarts whenever I try to make a call. When I dial a number it restarts but not when I receive it.
What could be the problem and how to solve it?

Try to install and use another dialer app (Eg. Phone app of Google, which is same as that of Cyanogen dialer)

Looks like you have applied any buggy CM themes.Use default theme and checkout. Try to clear the data of that particular phone app. Most of the time it happens when we replace CM phone app by google phone app during the open gapps installation. use another phone app
A dirty flash can be helpful. Also which version you are running. Is it nightly or stable version?


text:
How can I access my Android file system without rooting my tablet?
I have a Viking Pro with 32 GB, 1GB RAM, and a 32 GB SD CARD.  I want to know how I can access the entire filesystem of this tablet without having to risk rooting it.
So my question is in the title:  How can I access my Android file system without rooting my tablet?

Short answer : you can't.

Read rooting tag wiki for details. And here is one question that should set you on right lines http://android.stackexchange.com/q/236/131553

The answer to your question depends on what you mean by the term access.
If you are talking about read-only access to the file system, then it is theoretically possible that a program may be able to offer this, so long as the permissions of each file allow reading by the role "other." However, as @Izzy pointed out in response to your self-answer, this is not the case on a normal Android system.
In order to have full access (read/write/execute) to all files on the system, you must either be their owner or the super user, which means you must be root (which implies that you must be using a rooted device).
Why this is the case
Android uses a Linux file system in which all inodes (files/folders) have multiple permission bits (called "modes"), so different levels of access permissions can be assigned to each file by role (owner, group, other). For example, a file might have the following permissions:
-rw-r--r--  root  root  some_file.conf (This is the same as mode 0644 in octal representation)
Given these permissions, any user on the system may view (read) the file, but only root may alter it (write). No app running in the normal userspace will be able to alter this example file. It can only be altered by root (the super user).
These are just simple facts of how a Unix file system works (you can read more here), and no app can violate these basic rules.
What this means
If the app you mention in your answer is actually able to gain full access to all files on the system, then it is somehow gaining super user access on an unrooted system. When an app gains super user access to a device that has not been rooted, this is called a privilege escalation exploit, and it represents a serious security concern. Such an app needs to be reported to Google so that it can be removed from the Play store, and so that the vulnerability it is leveraging can be identified and patched.
If you simply mean that the app allows read-only access, then I would argue that is not true for standard Android systems (as pointed out by @Izzy), and your question is ultimately misleading. Read-only access is not what most people mean when they say they want to "access" their Android file system.


text:
HTC Desire 526 stuck "Proccessing" after factory reset
I just recently factory reset my htc desire 526 and when I turned it back on, this happened
and then this happened

I've tried going into recovery mode and rebooting from there, i've also reset from the recovery screen, but every time it leads up to that point.
its currently been stuck there for like 30-40 mins,
Help appreciated, Thanks

I'm just curious, how do you get the good quality screenshots when the phone is stuck?

i mean its not frozen, i just take screenshots holding the power button and the volume down button at the same time(i think at the same time)

Turn phone off remove the sim card and start your phone again.

Turning it off taking out the battery and the sim card replacing the battery and turning it back on got my phone past that page. Rekia87 was right.


text:
X8 mini, use phone storage for apps
I have an iOcean x8 mini. I am getting insufficient storage error when trying to install apps. So I went to my settings - data storage and see this.

So there are 2 storages in my phone. The apps are being installed into the Internal Storage. But I have plenty of space in the phone storage, is there any way I can install my apps to the phone storage instead of internal one?

By "Phone Storage" they probably mean an internal SD Card partition.  Unless the application (and your phone) support installing apps to SD, you'll be forced to install on your internal storage.  To check this, go to Settings>Applications and select a downloaded app, then see if you can move the storage location.

@IAmTheSquidward It seems that my phone doesn't support that. Are there any hacks for this? Like root etc.?


text:
lenovo a6000 internal storage 0 mb. unable to mount data. system cache
My phone is Lenovo A6000 Plus. It got encrypted by mistake and now after a lots of efforts its got bricked. No OS. TWRP is running only after getting command though fastboot boot recovery.img. Everything is wiped default TWRP splash screens.
When I try to wipe it or try to flash any zip or img it shows errors like "unable to mount /data / system /cache". I think its internal storage got encrypted.
I tried everything. Changed a lot of TWRP but not working. Not able to flash any custom ROM. Not able to wipe anything due to this error. Internal storage shows 0 mb. Not showing in MTP device.
Is there any way to completely wipe internal storage or make it visible in PC so I could format it? I tried every flashing tool for lenovo like QFIL lenovo downloader but not working at all.
Please help.

Your phone isn't bricked as you say, since the bootloader enables you to boot into its recovery mode. That picture shows that the md5 file wasn't found and there was a failure in verifying zip signature. Have you tried other images?

Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.

Install TWRP, then boot to you recovery and select"Wipe" then select "advance wipe"
in the advance wipe interface mark all the partitions you are unable to mount in your case
/System, /Data and /Cache then click on "Repair or change file system" the click "Change File System"
Select EXT4 in the next window then "Swipe to change", I'm sure thats all you'll need, try installing your rom again and if you encounter any problems you can reach me again.


text:
LG G4 can't boot past LG logo after rooting
I unlocked my LG G4 device using this guide and installed twrp-3.2.0.2-1-h815 recovery.
All worked just well, then I downloaded SuperSU by Chainfire, placed it into my device and installed the SuperSU zip file from the recovery mode.
Now the phone doesn't boot up fully but gets stuck at the LG logo.
I'm out of ideas and I looked for solution for hours and found nothing.

can you get into  recovery mode (TWRP)?

yes i can,what now

Right now have a backup of current ROM, using backup option in TWRP. And, WAIT FOR A GOOD ANSWER. Or you can install ROM, root again and without superuser(bcz, that may repeats the same), for a running system. And you can extract apps and data from TWRP backup, using Titanium backup.


text:
Whether replacing the CPU of the NEXUS 5X would affect the OTA service?
Since my NEXUS 5X had encountered the famous boot looping issue, I sent it to the local phone repairing shop. As the result, they replaced my phone's CPU and the IMEI also became 0. So, whether this would affect me to receive Google's OTA service?


text:
How to skip the ToS page to access my WhatsApp messages?
I found my old Blackphone BP1 with all my data including my WhatsApp conversations. I can access all my WhatsApp pictures, voice, and documents through USB but not my chats. When I launch the app, the ToS page appears.

(source: eff.org)

I can't root my phone to get the private key (as it's a BP1).
I can't "Agree and continue" and receive the SMS as the SIM card is not active anymore.
I tried to extract it on an unrooted phone with WhatsApp-Key-DB-Extractor with no success.
I also tried a few older WhatsApp versions.

How to skip this ToS page in order to access my old WhatsApp messages?

Wild guess.. install old version and set the device date to say an year ago? When the ToS wasn't announced

I tried with older version, the oldest being v2.7.5813.

With an earlier date on device ?

Yes, I changed the date to 2012.

Maybe this app on its own or in combination with GitHub extractor can help?

Nope, you need a rooted phone (and I can't root it because it's a blackphone) or to extract the key with WhatsApp-Key-DB-Extractor to get omni-crypt to work.


text:
How to flash and root OnePlus 3T on Linux?
I Recently bought a OnePlus 3T and want to flash and root it.
Most resource focus on OnePlus3 and on Windows.
How do I do that on Linux?

Gather the steps in a gist.

How to flash and root OnePlus 3T on Linux
Update

2017-jan-05:

fix SuperSU with  no-verity-opt-encrypt-5.0.zip and SR5-SuperSU-v2.78-SR5-20161130091551.zip² ;

Requirements

Disclaimer: I've already done those kind of install on different phones and I'm familiar with the steps. So be sure to read the resources to get an understanding of what happens.

[ ] battery are >60% ;
[ ] know what you are doing?
[ ] remember that version used worked for me.

Screenshots are not mine, thanks to their author.
Flashing Recovery to TWRP

Flashing require to do a factory reset. Backup your data.

Prepare Phone

enable Developer Options

in Settings -> About Phone -> Build Number (at the bottom)
by tap on it for 5-7 times to enable Developer Options

enable USB Debugging

in Settings -> Developer Options -> USB Debugging.

enable OEM Unlocking (in the same list).
developer-options http://cdn3.freeandroidroot.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Enable-OEM-Unlock-USB-Debugging.jpg
Install adb and fastboot tooling:
sudo apt-get install android-tools-adb android-tools-fastboot

Reboot to bootloader either with adb reboot bootloader or through power button ;
Unlock the bootloader:
sudo fastboot oem unlock

Flash the recovery with TWRP:
sudo fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.0.3-0-oneplus3t.img

Reboot to recovery to wipe cache ;
Reboot to recovery to mount the device ;
Download SuperSU and no-verity-opt-encrypt-5.0.zip

SR5-SuperSU-v2.78-SR5-20161130091551.zip (the 2.79² didn't worked for me) ;
no-verity-opt-encrypt-5.0.zip (dm-verity and forced encryption disabler).

Copy to your smartphone Internal Storage directory (using nautilus or nemo¹) ;
install both of them with TWRP ;
reboot and enjoy!

Root

The rooting procedure given here is not a data-loss process but it won’t hurt to have a backup of your smartphone’s personal data.
source

Resources

How To Flash TWRP Recovery And Root OnePlus 3T - freeandroidroot ;
How to root opt using Linux - forums.oneplus.net ;
OnePlus 3T: How to Unlock Bootloader | Flash TWRP | Root - devs-lab.com ;
Direct link to working version of SR5-SuperSU-v2.78-SR5-20161130091551.zip - download.chainfire.eu.
Direct link to no-verity-opt-encrypt-5.0.zip - build.nethunter.com.

Footnote

¹: I didn't manage to access my smartphone storage with Dolphin ;
²: SR1-SuperSU-v2.79-SR1-20161221223537 didn't work for me.

I have a problem with step 6. After step 5 I assume you want to reboot in fastboot mode. Can you tell me what is you USB device id (lsusb) when you are in fastboot mode? Mine didn't change. I'm stuck right now, cannot issue fastboot oem unlock because there's no fastboot device. I still see my phone as an ADB device. Should I switch it to MTP or PTP mode instead of USB debug when try to fastboot unlcok or flash?

@CsabaToth in step 5 you reboot in fastboot indeed to unlock the device. my device id is 2a70:9011. I never used MTP/PTP for this flash/rooting.
What do you mean by "I'm stuck"?

I'm stuck=fastboot devices doesn't show my device, returns empty. adb devices shows my phone and it's USB id is still the regular 05c6. Somehow I cannot boot to fastboot? I don't understand. See https://android.stackexchange.com/questions/169509/why-fastboot-devices-is-empty-on-ubuntu-16-10

I get 2a70:9011 USB device when I switch the phone to MTP USB mode. (With PTP ot's 2a70:904e). Unfortunately fastboot devices shows nothing still. What is your udev configuration please?

I added SUBSYSTEM=="usb", SYSFS{idVendor}=="2a70", MODE="0666" and
SUBSYSTEM=="usb", ATTR{idVendor}=="2a70", MODE="0666", GROUP="plugdev". For regular USB debug I have these rules with 05c6

When I reboot to fastboot, the phone ask my PIN, and then it boots up and looks normal.

What distro and what version you use? I'm with Yakkety Yak 16.10 Ubuntu. I used the Android SDK's platform-tools, but now I installed distro's android-tools-fastboot but that doesn't see the device either.

@CsabaToth I use Linux Mint 18.1 Serena and installed android-tools-adb android-tools-fastboot

Maybe I should try a LiveCD...


text:
How to undo an update of Galaxy S7 edge?
My Galaxy S7 edge has been rebooted automatically. So I installed the last update suggested in my settings (that I was ignoring for almost 2 weeks). Now I'm not able to use many feathers, as the left touch button that shows opened apps, and I can't recieve notifications even if I hear the sound of it. Also, my personal settings has been reset.
Is there any way to fix that without flashing it or applying Factory Data Reset since I have plenty of apps and accounts that I want to keep.
Specifications:
Galaxy S7 edge |
Marshmalow 6.0.1 |
Official ROM
Thank you!

What is many feathers? An app? Also: A factory reset will not undo updates, it will only delete user data.

Issues I've detected:

No more notifications, just sounds
Can't modify my wifi, bluethoot,.. toggles.
All personal settings are reseted.

Now I have Marshmallow 6.0.1 and an Official ROM


text:
How does wpa_supplicant differ from the Linux (say Debian) version
What are the major differences between wpa_supplicant found on a Debian Linux distribution and that wpa_supplicant found on android?
PS: please apology if the question is too generic

In Android, wpa_supplicant deamon, wpa_cli and libwpa_client library are generated from wpa_supplicant external project found in aosp_root/external/wpa_supplicant; being in the "external" folder means that it was taken as is from another project (means wasn't Androidized in any way). so I think there are no differeneces at all.
Also the README file found in the project says that it can work on all distros based on linux kernel.

Can you then explain why wpa keys from Android don't work on Debian? (WRONG_KEY)


text:
Why can I no longer control my music apps with bluetooth peripheral devices (headphones, car controls, etc.)?
I recently RMA'd my old 5X due to a fingerprint scanner failure.  With my new phone (still 5X), my bluetooth connected devices will not control my phone's music controls (Google Music and Slacker) like the older 5X did.  Is there an update or something that causes this to be opt-in functionality?  Did I accidentally turn it off?  I have no idea, it just used to work previously.  Any help would be greatly appreciated!
I have paired them, and they play music just fine - they just don't respond to skip/play/pause requests - though it does let my devices change volume.  The display in my car also does not show the current track
The devices that used to work and no longer do are my 2013 Range Rover Evoque, Pyle PWPBT60 bluetooth speaker, and Bluez 2 S headphones.

Check those apps and see if they have a "broadcast" setting. If it is disabled, other apps (including Bluetooth devices) will not have the ability to use those controls.

No broadcast setting

Does this phone have a warranty? I think this is a software corruption issue. The 2 solutions are a factory reset or flashing the stock ROM.

It is still under warranty, in fact its about 2 weeks old after my most recent RMA :P

new update fixed it...?

Probably a glitch with the software then.

You have to pair your Bluetooth devices with your new phone. Your Bluetooth devices are only expecting to talk to your old phone, which you no longer have.
See Google's instructions for Bluetooth:

Open your phone or tablet's Settings app Settings.
Under "Wireless & networks," tap Bluetooth.
Make sure Bluetooth is turned on and your device is set to visible.
Your device will scan for and display all available Bluetooth devices in range under "Available devices." If your Bluetooth device isn't showing in the list, tap more More and then Refresh.
Tap the name of the Bluetooth device you want to pair with your phone or tablet.
Follow the on-screen steps.

If the pairing is successful, your phone or tablet connects to the device.
If you're asked to enter a passcode, try entering 0000 or 1234 (the most common passcodes), or see the documentation that came with your Bluetooth device.

I have paired them, and they play music just fine - they just don't respond to skip/volume/play/pause requests.  The display in my car also does not show the current track (I will add this to my description to clarify).

This didn't seem to change anything.  Again, it's connected and playing music - it even allows me to change volume, just not skip/play/pause/display.

@naspinski Sorry, I wrote the best answer I could based on your original question. I don't have additional info for your change.


text:
Can I safely delete items in my "downloaded apps" folder?
I want to free up space on my phone and was wondering if I can delete items in my "downloaded apps" folder.
  I know on my computer there is a difference between the downloaded file and the installed application and that once the application is installed the downloaded file can be deleted.  But I wasn't sure about my phone.

What is this "downloaded apps" folder? Where do you see this name?

Direct answer: Yes you can safely delete the apk you download once it is installed.
Developed answer: Any apk file you download goes to the external storage (either external sdcard or fuse-mounted internal storage that appears as external storage). Installing an apk is just a matter of copying it to internal storage (inside a folder within /data partition). so once installed, the apk becomes redundant, and it is safely to remove the one you downloaded.

If the folder you are refering has the apks of the apps you have downloaded then they can be deleted since they are not requied for the app to function.

When I attempt a delete of a file in the downloaded apps folder on 5 June 2017 on my Galaxy Prevail, a box appears advising that the app will be uninstalled.


text:
Galaxy s2 stuck in flight mode
I am attempting to unlock my old galaxy s2 without needing to reset it. My original plan was to get the pin wrong 5 times, then unlock using google account. However, when I inserted the sim card I turned flight mode on to make the phone reset its network and use the sim card. it got stuck there. It would not let me press the flight mode button again, so I rebooted it.
Now the device says flight mode is disabled in the power menu, but displays the flight symbol in the notification bar.
There are two possible ways I can think of solving this. Firstly, if anyone could please suggest any way of fixing the flight mode problem I am having.
The second solution is I have the apk of screen lock bypass pro on my pc, but I haven't found a way of installing it on my phone from my pc as the phone is not connected to the internet and apowersoft's phone manager didn't actually install it.


text:
Galaxy s 7. Sync
When I access my account in settings the sync automatically is turned on however when I click on the Facebook it will not let me sync with the sync automatically either turned on or off how do I get Facebook to sync with my contacts


text:
How to change android account of a phone
I want to use different Google Account for my Android phone (Huawei Mate8). When I did Factory Reset, Android did not allow me to use another account, it says (Please sign in using the owner's account of this phone). In this case, I cannot sell the phone since the new owner will not be able to add its account. How do I eliminate this issue?

Go to settings and then accounts choose add account and then add the other e mail id that you want to, after that go to Google under accounts where both your accounts will be displayed, there delete the previous one and it'll be gone

Thank you very much. As I said in the question, I did Factory reset. Also I cannot login the owner's Google account, I made a huge mistake by using 2-step verification via Google Auth App that I installed before resetting :(, is there an alternative way instead of that?

Trying skipping sign in if it is possible assuming its possible since new phones allow that and then try, [ https://support.google.com/android-one/answer/6088915?hl=en-GB accord ding to this thread https://productforums.google.com/forum/m/#!topic/gmail/KyLff1ZQ4-M many have the same problem but only that worked. So try full deletion as mentioned in the former link


text:
Remove Google Account to unlock get adb permission denied
I forgot my PIN and I dont know which Google Account I used and now I try to remove the question for my Google account data. So I try it with this How-To and when I try to run sqlite3 settings.db after running adb shell I got an "Permissions denied". What can I do in this case?
Technical Informations: I have a Samsung S5570 mini with I think an Android 4


text:
Cant get the install button enable on my kindle 10
Hi I am trying to install modro on my fire 10 but the install tab is not working

You got any screen overlay apps running? Android blocks the button in that case for security reasons.


text:
Burn .IMG to another MicroSD Card without root
Long story, I have a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B and the only device I own that can write a Raspbian image to MicroSD is my Android phone. I have copied the image from my laptop to my MicroSD, but I am puzzled as to how I can write the IMG to the MicroSD, as rooting will void my warranty. MicroSD is necessary since the Raspberry Pi will not boot from USB.

Not possible to access block devices without root.

Copy the IMG file to the internal storage
Download EtchDroid [NO ROOT] - Write ISOs and DMGs to USB from Play Store
Select raw image or ISO (do these steps after the SD card has been plugged in)
Select the IMG file and the SD card
Wait until it completes the progress (it is possible to check the progress in the taskbar/notification)
Done

The app makes use of USB host APIs to access USB drives, not SD cards.

EtchDroid reports sd card as an unsuitable usb!


text:
`/data` and `/sdcard` use the same block device?
My OnePlus 3 is in a pretty weird situation. I deleted the contents of /sdcard on an adb shell while my phone was running TWRP via:
# rm -r /sdcard*

I also deleted the hidden files files but they are in a different tar ball than the non-hidden ones and are already restored. For this, I pushed their tar file to my phone and extracted it in an adb shell. However, pushing the substantially bigger tar ball of non-hidden files over to my phone failed.
Upon investigation, I found that apparently /dev/block/dm-0 is mounted both in /data and in /sdcard:
~ # df -h
Filesystem                Size      Used Available Use% Mounted on
tmpfs                     2.8G     24.0K      2.8G   0% /dev
tmpfs                     2.8G     24.0K      2.8G   0% /tmp
/dev/block/sda3         248.0M    272.0K    242.6M   0% /cache
/dev/block/dm-0          52.7G     36.9G     15.7G  70% /data
/dev/block/dm-0          52.7G     36.9G     15.7G  70% /sdcard

The contents of /sdcard don't make up for 36.9 GiB. It's only TWRP (a few GB) and the hidden folders (about 1 MB).
/sdcard # ls -la
__bionic_open_tzdata: couldn't find any tzdata when looking for localtime!
__bionic_open_tzdata: couldn't find any tzdata when looking for GMT!
__bionic_open_tzdata: couldn't find any tzdata when looking for posixrules!
drwxrwx---    5 media_rw media_rw      4096 Aug  1  1970 .
drwxrwxrwt   23 root     root           720 Aug  1  1970 ..
drwxrwxr-x    2 media_rw media_rw      4096 Jan  6 00:22 .AzPlugin
-rw-rw-r--    1 media_rw media_rw         5 Sep  1 14:22 .appodeal
drwxrwxr-x    6 media_rw media_rw      4096 Jan  6 00:22 .estrongs
-rw-rw-r--    1 media_rw media_rw        72 Oct 19 16:06 .userReturn
drwxrwxrwx    2 root     root          4096 Aug  1  1970 TWRP

The weird thing is that /data – even though the same device is mounted to it – contains a lot of files and folders /sdcard doesn't:
/data # ls -la
__bionic_open_tzdata: couldn't find any tzdata when looking for localtime!
__bionic_open_tzdata: couldn't find any tzdata when looking for GMT!
__bionic_open_tzdata: couldn't find any tzdata when looking for posixrules!
drwxrwx--x   38 system   system        4096 Jan  5 22:18 .
drwxrwxrwt   23 root     root           720 Aug  1  1970 ..
-rw-------    1 root     root             2 Aug  1  1970 .layout_version
drwx------    2 root     root          4096 Aug  1  1970 adb
drwxrwx--x    2 system   system        4096 Aug  1  1970 anr
drwxrwx--x  107 system   system        4096 Jan  5 23:10 app
drwx------    2 root     root          4096 Aug  1  1970 app-asec
drwxrwx--x    2 system   system        4096 Aug  1  1970 app-lib
drwxrwx--x    2 system   system        4096 Aug  1  1970 app-private
drwxrwx---    3 media    audio         4096 Jan  5 22:13 audio
drwx------    5 system   system        4096 Jan  5 23:10 backup
drwxr-xr-x    2 shell    shell         4096 Aug  1  1970 bootchart
lrwxrwxrwx    1 root     root            45 Jan  5 22:13 bugreports -> /data/data/com.android.shell/files/bugreports
drwxrwx--x    2 system   system        4096 Jan  5 22:13 connectivity
drwxrwx--x    5 root     root          4096 Jan  5 22:15 dalvik-cache
drwxrwx--x  245 system   system       12288 Jan  5 23:10 data
drwxrwx--x    3 system   system        4096 Jan  5 22:13 dpm
drwxrwx---    3 drm      drm           4096 Jan  5 22:13 drm
drwxrwx--x    2 system   system        4096 Aug  1  1970 fota
drwxrwx---    2 system   system        4096 Jan  5 22:18 fpc
drwxrwx---    4 system   system        4096 Jan  5 22:13 fpc_images
drwxrwx---    2 system   wifi          4096 Aug  1  1970 hostapd
drwxr-x--x    3 root     root          4096 Jan  5 22:13 local
drwxrwx---    2 root     root          4096 Jan  5 16:08 lost+found
drwxrwx---   35 media_rw media_rw      4096 Aug  1  1970 media
drwxrwx---    3 mediadrm mediadrm      4096 Jan  5 22:13 mediadrm
drwxrwx--t   39 system   misc          4096 Jan  5 22:13 misc
drwxr-xr-x    3 nfc      nfc           4096 Jan  5 22:18 nfc
drwxrwx--x    2 radio    radio         4096 Jan  5 22:13 oemnvitems
drwx------    2 root     root          4096 Jan  6 00:19 property
drwxrwx--x    2 system   system        4096 Aug  1  1970 resource-cache
drwx--x--x    2 system   system        4096 Aug  1  1970 security
drwxr-xr-x    2 system   system        4096 Aug  1  1970 shared
drwx------    2 system   system        4096 Aug  1  1970 ss
-rw-------    1 root     root      11236116 Aug  1  1970 stock_boot_fbcb35a6c03d1c2da5dbb1784d5642fcfda6b4cd.img.gz
-rw-r--r--    1 root     root     100663296 Jan  5 22:15 su.img
drwxrwxr-x   18 system   system        4096 Jan  6 00:19 system
drwx------    2 system   system        4096 Jan  5 22:18 theme
drwx------    2 system   system        4096 Jan  5 22:13 time
drwxrwx--x    6 system   system        4096 Jan  5 22:13 tombstones
drwx--x--x    2 system   system        4096 Jan  5 22:13 user
drwx------   12 system   system        4096 Jan  5 22:13 usf

Why is this?
When I looked for what took the storage space, I found that there are files which used to be on the (emulated) SD card but which I deleted (which is why /sdcard is so empty) before trying to push the tar ball over to my phone:
/data # du -h . | grep '[0-9\.]\+G'
4.3G    ./media/TWRP/BACKUPS/8b32aa5/2016-09-25--16-41-47
4.3G    ./media/TWRP/BACKUPS/8b32aa5
4.3G    ./media/TWRP/BACKUPS
4.3G    ./media/TWRP
4.0K    ./media/Android/data/com.google.android.GoogleCamera/files
8.0K    ./media/Android/data/com.google.android.GoogleCamera
2.7G    ./media/Download
1.3G    ./media/MEGA/MEGA Offline/Music
1.1G    ./media/MEGA/MEGA Offline/Documents/Uni/Modules
1.2G    ./media/MEGA/MEGA Offline/Documents/Uni
1.2G    ./media/MEGA/MEGA Offline/Documents
2.5G    ./media/MEGA/MEGA Offline
2.5G    ./media/MEGA
15.8M   ./media/Pictures/9GAG
1.4G    ./media/Pictures
1.8G    ./media/TitaniumBackup
32.0G   ./media
4.0K    ./data/com.qualcomm.qti.GBAHttpAuthentication.auth/cache
4.0K    ./data/com.qualcomm.qti.GBAHttpAuthentication.auth/code_cache
12.0K   ./data/com.qualcomm.qti.GBAHttpAuthentication.auth
4.0K    ./data/com.oneplus.GpioSwitch
4.0K    ./data/com.google.android.GoogleCamera
12.6M   ./app/com.google.android.GoogleCamera-1/lib/arm
12.6M   ./app/com.google.android.GoogleCamera-1/lib
12.2M   ./app/com.google.android.GoogleCamera-1/oat/arm
12.2M   ./app/com.google.android.GoogleCamera-1/oat
47.4M   ./app/com.google.android.GoogleCamera-1
3.8G    ./app
36.9G   .

What can I safely delete? Can I wipe "Data" in TWRP without apps malfunctioning? What happens when I delete the contents of /data/media? Are those hard links of the files I deleted on /sdcard?
I pushed that tar ball several times over to my phone, today, extracted it, deleted it, messed up, deleted the contents of /sdcard, and started over. However, this time, which thus far appeared to be the last time, such weird behavior occurred.
Edit: This question was closed as a duplicate but linked question is entirely different. Just like... Read my question before you close it, please? The linked question is about someone who doesn't know what a symlink is. Mine is about how it can be that data in two locations that have the same device mounted to them can have different contents. The question was closed by someone who doesn't know about symlinks nor about mounting.

Does this answer your question? What is /storage/emulated/0/?

read the answer before claiming it doesn't fit your question please? the link perfectly explains the reason: in android /sdcard is a symlink to /storage/emulated/0 which is a fuse mount of /data/media/0 (emulated sdcardfs with similar characteristics of vfat) - in TWRP simplified /data/media/0 directly bind-mount to /sdcard (ext4) with fallback /data/media (in case /data/media/0 doesn't exist) - what is your question please?

from the linked answer: "In short, /sdcard and /storage/emulated/0 - which represent a FAT/vFAT/FAT32 filesystem - point towards /data/media/0"

Does this answer your question? How do I backup media, game data (internal storage) using TWRP?

from TWRP FAQ linked: What is a data/media device? Another "feature" of 4.2 is that when you "update" to 4.2 it may attempt to upgrade your /data/media to multi-user. If you're running an older version of TWRP than 2.3.2.0 or newer, a factory reset may trigger multiple upgrades, causing your "sdcard" to get moved to /data/media/0 then /data/media/0/0 and then /data/media/0/0/0 and so on depending on how many times you "upgraded". This may cause backups to not be visible in TWRP. - that's the reason why TWRP uses /data/media as fallback for /data/media/0

The questions are: 1. How come that files that were deleted are still there? Both if you traverse a bind mound and if you traverse a symlink, if you delete files, they still get deleted in their original location. 2. How come /data and /sdcard can have different content? If files are present in one location and you bind-mount that to somewhere else and then sym-link from a different location to the location where you bind-mounted it, the files can still be found in the symlink location.

you probably have some misunderstanding of bind-mount. please compare the content of /data/media/0 and /sdcard. which file is still there in one location if deleted from other location?

cut -d' ' -f4,5,9,10 /proc/self/mountinfo


text:
Device update lying about wifi access
I have a Samsung tablet running Android 5.0.2. Since roughly the new year it has been reporting a system update available.  It took me a few days to clear off the 270MB its asking for, but I've done so. However, when I try to update it through About device -> Software Updates, it reports failure due to my network not having Internet access.

I'm typing this on the tablet right now, and I assure you I'm not using elfin magic to move the bits to the SE server. Clearly its Internet access is just fine.
Has anyone else seen this before and / or know what's going on here?


text:
My Phone Time-Travelled Again. How? and Why?
I have a Moto G XT1033 with ResurrectionRemix-M-5.6.8-20160502-falcon ROM.
Yesterday night after a low battery alert I had a Whatsapp unread notification from my friend. I opened the message and found that I had a unread message from him which I remembered reading in morning.
Then I observed that I was missing my conversation with him from that time onwards till I noticed this. I also observed that that all Personal/Group Chats were also missing the entire duration's chats.
I thought maybe Whatsapp had reverted to an Old Message backup. But then I found that Firefox was missing 12-15 hours worth of browsing history.
I had also observed that the SMS which I received from the bank in the evening had disappeared. As well Google Play Store re-updated two applications which it had already updated in the evening. I had also lost some Photographs which I took with my phone in the evening. Call History is also missing for the day.
Google Now showed it was last updated 20 Hours ago.
From all this it looks like my phone Time-Travelled from morning to night.
QUESTION: Aside from Time-Travelling. How is this even technically possible for the Entire phone to rollback its memory/state/data to some previous time.
I think I had noticed this behavior few months back also, when I lost some Whatsapp chats but that time I thought it must be a Whatsapp bug and did not investigate.
UPDATE1 (16th Jan 2017, 10:35PM IST): It happened again today (Now around 10:30 PM IST).
My phone automatically restarted. (As if it just time-travelled and entered current time).
Restart Vibration made me alert for expecting this scenario.
As soon as the phone started, I switched the phone to Airplane Mode to prevent Time-Line contamination
This Time I am observing the following:

Google Now Updated 8 hours ago.
Battery Graph is missing some time. (Time Jump?) But battery has decreased.
Outlook is missing the Mails it received at around 9PM
Inbox is also missing Mails.
Call History looks good. Last call 8 Hours ago (2:10PM). Time Jump started around 4PM.
Whatsapp is missing chats which I received at around 6:30PM.

Sync Timings

Llama Event Logs

If additional Info is required please inform. I will try to get it before I turn off Airplane Mode
Update2 (17th Jan 2017, 8:33PM IST): It Looks now phone has become a Serial Time Traveller.
It restarted just now and the battery graph is missing two blocks of time.
Whatsapp messages are missing as well.

Interesting issue. I have some theories, but I can't find anything on the internet that may prove it: 1) ROM's backup and rollback feature; doesn't seem to exist. 2) data lost due to low battery; not sure if it's possible. I'm curious if the phone had powered off due to low battery or not since you only mentioned "low battery alert". Also, are you using any features that are related to file system, e.g. full disk encryption? (again, not sure if it's possible)

My Observations: 1) I have a "Backup & Reset" in Settings>System Section. This backup is currently "ON". But no restore option. I believe this provided by Default and not ROM Specific. But might be the culprit. 2) Data Lost: Phone did not power off. I immediately started charging as I Observed the above behavior. My Phone's current up-time is 107 hours, So it was started a day before I wrote this question. But I don't know if up-time is affected by Time travel :P  Phone Encryption is OFF.

Did your phone perchance reach 88 mph? In all seriousness though, it's technically possible to take snapshots, then you can roll back to a previous snapshot—but I doubt any phone does this (but it's a feature of Linux, so possible). Though maybe they'd use it for backups—one use for snapshots is that they don't change on you, allowing a consistent backup.

You are probably best off contacting the ROM developer with the info you posted here. This is a very specific issue.

I thought I was the only one facing this issue, and I didn't even know how to describe my problem back then. Looks like we're on the same boat.
Even I'm using the Moto G (XT1033), but on NXROM 10.2, and I started facing this issue around a year ago until last December. The phone randomly reboots when I'm using it, and as you had described, it went back in time, and all the messages, downloaded files, statictics for a period of time and other stuff just vanished.
I tried to Google this up, and here is my understanding (I may be wrong, so please correct me if so):
It turns out that this happens due to a kernel panic, and when the fsync function is not executed. fsync is responsible for writing the data from the buffers (all changes you make to data, like new messages, photos etc. is stored temporarily here) to the internal storage. When a kernel panic occurs, all the data in the buffer is not moved to the internal storage, but just vanishes. So all those changes you made just vanishes into thin air.
I was pretty frustrated about this, and then I stumbled upon LSpeed (available on Play Store). There was a battery profile which emphasises on conserving battery life. It disables kernel panic, and modifies a whole lot of other settings. Since I installed that, I've not faced this issue again. Try this out and do let me know how it works out for you.

Your reasoning looks good. I will try this once it becomes reproducible again as I have flashed RR-N-v5.8.2-20170309-falcon-WEEKLY. It is no longer reproduced on my phone.

However, all applications rely on system clock. In the case system clock go backward by some reason (some application feature or bug, malware, virus, something else), you will get "travel in past" in all of your applications. It is normal in the case your clock was setting back by some application.
There is a reason to worry 'cause I see no reasons for normal good-willing applications to do so. Try to check your phone using some anti-virus program and clean up all applications you don't obviously installed.

No funny things installed. Lookout is running as usual. I feel files should not be deleted because of Time rollback.


text:
How do I open a html file stored in Google Drive in Firefox?
Stuff I've already tried:

Tried following the instructions given here but they do not work. I see the error "Access to the file is denied".

screenshot below
.

Tried giving Firefox all possible permissions
Tried opening the file in Chrome and then copy-pasting the url from the address bar to Firefox. This simply displays the "Open with" dialog and Firefox is not displayed in the list.

You can try the solutions mentioned in this answer to get over the problem of " opening with". Also try Better open with app on Play Store

This add on let's you search your Google drive. Didn't fully try it but it is able see Google drive content when this is set to default search engine

@beeshyams thank you, but neither option worked.

What didn't work using the plug in option ? Seeing the drive? Or opening html file. I can see drive on FF 49.0.2


text:
ROM Upgrade From M to N with Internal Storage & Apps Migration Incl. Safe Backup with Internal Storage
Am running Resurrection ROM (M) on one Plus 3 (this phone has only internal storage).
Now How to upgrade ROM to Nuagot and still have all apps intact with its data on internal storage safely (*safely includes how to have backup with internal storage as TWRP does not copies internal storage :( *)

Use Titanium backup to backup your apps and data

Copied entire internal storage using TWRP and USB cable to Desktop along with TWRP backup. Thus provided full safety. TitaniumBackup was not able to store to sdcard (some marshmallow issue) for which used 'Document Storage' option for TitaniumBackup resolution. Thanks for idea :)


text:
Can't connect to Gmail on stock email app using WiFi (works on mobile data)
This is on an Xperia X Compact with Android 7.0. I get the error message "Can't establish server connection"1 when I want to sync my email while connected to my home WiFi.

Other IMAP accounts sync without a problem
Using the stock email app for Gmail worked fine on Marshmallow
Using Gmail in the stock email app works when I'm on mobile data (!)
Using other email apps (e.g. Gmail, K-9, BlueMail) to connect to Gmail while on WiFi works as well
I have been able to add the Gmail account and initially synchronize my emails on the same WiFi network without any problems
There is no error message under Accounts -> Google -> Synchronize Gmail

Things I have tried:

Deactivate and reactivate mail app
Clear data of the mail app
Remove and re-add Google account
Complete factory reset via Xperia Companion
Disable two-factor auth
Add Gmail manually as an IMAP account in the mail app
Allowed less secure apps in Gmail settings
Check Gmail's IMAP settings on Desktop (it's enabled)

I haven't had the opportunity to test it on a different network than my home WiFi yet, but to me this looks more like a software problem since all other email clients, as well as the initial setup worked fine? There are of course a number of obvious workarounds (use Gmail / other email client), but I would prefer the stock email app to work as it fits my needs best.

1 All error messages and descriptions of settings have been translated from German. Please edit if you know the exact English translations so other people with the same problem can find this question more easily.

As usual, I found the culprit minutes after posting this question when I battled with this problem for a week:
I use DNS66 for ad-blocking. Adding the email app to the exceptions and restarting the service solved the problem.


text:
How do I know which one is a stable version of Cyanogenmode on this list?'
I am trying to install a new ROM on my phone, but I have no clue which one is the stable release:

Is it the latest release?
What's the difference between the release and release recovery?
Cheers

Release contains zip file(ROM) that you can install using TWRP. Release recovery may be cyanogen recovery image file.

One thing to know: CyanogenMod is now dead, rebadged into LineageOS. Since LOS doesn't have an official build server as of yet, you should find builds in appropriate forums, or build one yourself (not so easy).

There are essentially two different products available here: Cyanogenmod (release), and Cyanogenmod Recovery (release recovery).
While Release is the custom ROM in itself, Release Recovery is a special recovery partition used to load Cyanogenmod onto the device if you don't already have it or TWRP installed. It is also used to do other low level system stuff if booting into the live system isn't possible or appropriate.


text:
Android Tethering Turns off straight away
From time to time, the tethering on my Nexus 6P, running Android 7.1.1, turns itself off for no reason. It can then take 5 or 6 attempts for it to turn back on.
Trying to turn it on, results in the tethering turning on and then straight back off again.
I managed to capture an adb logcat while this was happening, which can be found here
http://pastebin.com/eykDitb3
Keep Wifi on during sleep is set to Always
My provider is Three in the UK
I'm wondering if this is an issue with android, or my provider.
Can anyone shed some light on this?

This has nothing to do with a computer, and is off topic. You correctly tagged your question as android, please click on it and read the description :)

Do you have given permission to use data(internet) for the System app named 'Android System'?

If your Nexus 6P is rooted:

Install Build Prop Editor app from the Play Store and launch it.
Change net.tethering.noprovisioning=true
Install Terminal Emulator app from the Play Store and launch it.
In Terminal Emulator, enter the following code sequentially:
su
settings put global tether_dun_required 0
exit
reboot


text:
How do I flash and prepare an ASUS Zenfone 2 Laser for custom ROM installation?
I am tired of the original ROM on my phone and I'll install the resurrection ROM.
I have the zip, but if I am not wrong I need to first do 3 things:
-get root access
-install TWRP
-and adb
Am I right?
I am still in the process of understanding how it works.
Where do I get these files and instructions?
I have found some links, but none of them seems to be easy and well-explained.
Thanks!

link xda: https://forum.xda-developers.com/zenfone-2-laser

thanks a lot. I am confused though. I need to use:
-1st: twrp-3.0.2.0-Z00E-MM
-2nd: ZE500KL_BootloaderUnlock
-3rd the super Su.
all of this using the terminal (since I am using ubuntu).
Can't I just copy these and use the terminal off my phone to mount the above mentioned files?

I have tried flashing only through phone[I haven't tried through terminal or command prompt]. In my redmi 1s, I've flashed miui_root zip, then flashed twrp zip, then installed cyanogenmod rom zip. Completed. I think XDA have descibed everything for installation.

I cant get it work via the phones terminal. Basically the official asus unlock apk wont unlock the bootloader either.
I am trying to use the website you gave me, but when it fastboot mode...the terminal of my PC cant find the device. It can only find the device when it is not in fastboot mode.
It simply says "List of devices attached"..and the list is empty.

You don't need root access on your stock ROM. The step is:
     1. Unlock your phone ROM using official APK or other means (ASUS unlock APK was known to be buggy)
     2. Install TWRP using ADB
     3. Flash custom ROM using TWRP
Your warranty will be void and you might get your phone bricked.
Detailed guide:

Install ADB on your PC c:\adb
Copy TWRP recovery and ROM zip file to adb folder
In your Phone set development option on, enable USB debugging
Unlock your phone using official ASUS APK
Connect your phone to PC, run cmd on c:\adb ".\adb devices" confirm device connected
Run cmd: .\adb reboot-bootloader
Run cmd: .\fastboot devices, confirm device connected in fastboot mode
Flash TWRP: .\fastboot flash recovery twrprecoveryfile
Enter recovery mode
Flash custom ROM using TWRP


text:
I can't purchase anything on play.google. I get error "error retrieving information from server [DF-RPC-01]"
It's not just in the play store, it doesn't work on mobile or on PC, and I also can't do any in-app purchases in any app.
I tried reinstalling apps, clearing phone, but I believe it has nothing to do with the phone because it's not working on PC as well...
If I go to google payment center, I get "You haven’t signed up to pay for any Google services yet", and I successfully bought an app a few months ago.

It looks like the error is on Googles side. Have you tried to contact google play support? https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/6179357?

By any chance have you changed or renewed  your card ?

If you did and that card is not EVM enabled, that could be a reason

This usually happens for one of two reasons:

The payment information registered to your Google account is invalid and causing problems.
The application data of the Google Play Store is corrupted

Managing your payment information
Verify if your payment methods are still up-to-date in Google payments center and in the account section of the Google Play Store. Note that they should match the personal information of your Google account.
Clearing the Google Play Store cache

Open the Settings app.
Click on Apps.
Select Google Play Store from the list.
Click the Force stop button and confirm. The application is now forcefully closed.
Still in the same window, click on Storage.
Click the Clear cache button.
Now reboot your phone and try again to see if the problem went away.

Possible resolutions to the [DF-RPC-01] ( Remote Procedure Call Failure error)
Well certainly I too believe it has nothing to do your device, even a lot of people have complained about the issue:
Based on the following evidence;

Google Play Help Forum

It is usually occurring when there is no payment method linked to your account (as suggested on Google Play Help forum). Users have noted it appears to be a  back end issue with Google.
You may wish to check your current payment options including any updated information such as address, payment choices (especially credit cards because of late Google has beefed up its security on use of credit cards for making app purchases).
One user did resolve the problem by reactivating the Credit card which had been blocked due to the suspected tampering. The incident is described here:
How to resolve "Error retrieving information from server DF - RPC - 01" on the android phone? .

You may need to contact Google support to present your query.

From the above discussions this error is said to be different from other errors which are normally fixed by clearing data, clearing cache or updating google play services, based on evidence above.

Strangely some users claim the problem was caused by having several google accounts on the device some of which weren't linked to Google Play and removing these extra accounts resolved the problem (however I don't think it’s too convenient but if that’s the only way out then it’s worth a try).

Opening up settings
Navigating to accounts settings
Selecting "google accounts"
Delete all unnecessary accounts
Re syncing all accounts and making sure none of them fail to sync properly because the device doesn't notify of any failures.

Update 1
For some reasons, it can happen that checkin expires. Here are some independant tricks you can use to force new device checkins: Google Checkin is the service responsible for “checking in” to google servers (also readies important updates and syncing of data(dropbox etc))

Compose ##2432546## (which stands for ##CHECKIN##)
If you don't want to dial or can't because there is no dialer on your device, use an ADB shell as root and type this:
# am broadcast -a android.provider.Telephony.SECRET_CODE -d android_secret_code://2432546

Somehow this fix helped me fix one of the infamous errors: "Error retrieving information from server. [RH-01]" Which is the reason I am attributing the issue to be related to syncing issues with Google servers.

Update 2

Check if debit/credit card(s) have expired. When these cards have expired you can longer be able to make new purchases and this error appears so you need to renew/reactivate these. After which you need to enter new details.

When entering new card details make sure you clear cache of play store and google play services:
Settings >> Applications >> Google play store :Force close >> Clear cache/data
Settings >> Applications >> Google play services : Force close >> Clear cache.
Reboot device, then when re-opening Google Playstore you made need to reenter details (account with payment info). Afer successful sign-in you should see your billing info.
Error retrieving information from server [DF-RPC-01] While making IAP

Google Wallet

If you are using google wallet check if you not accidentally disabled
the payment services. You can add debit cards or link bank accounts to your Google Wallet. Fore details see here:  Add, update, or delete a debit card
Make sure your google account address is the same as the address you had your my google wallet payments

Possible syncing issues between google play store and other google apps

Some users claim that there were not able to make purchases and after some troubleshooting opening Google Play Movies and TV app (follow setup process) they were able to make purchases through googleplay.
Getting error [DF-RPC-01], cannot purchase apps or in-app purchases

Other workarounds : Using VPN connection
Through some seroius experiments, one user claims that after changing the connection and using VPN tunnel solved the issues with this error.
Getting error [DF-RPC-01], cannot purchase apps or in-app purchases

Remarks: I myself have not yet encountered this error, but other minor errors which were resolved by basic troubleshooting (i.e. clearing cache, data, and updating google apps),
however have taken time to research on possible fixes and from my understanding this kind of error is likely to be related to Google itself, based on the evidence that it still appears on web interface apart from device. Hope that helps.
References
(Some Included in body text)

Using Android without Google Apps

Thank you for all the trouble, I have tried everything, but as far as I see it, only way is to contact Google support, which is impossible in my country, because support it is equivalent  to zero.

@ghost I am sorry it turned out that way, my other suggestion would be perhaps using another account and link to google wallet for purchases. As it seems the current account is somewhat frozen. But before that, did emailing prove futile?

Unfortunetly, I could not find anything accept US phone number

@gost I been busy trying to find other contact details - its a pity that Google support is not as professional as it ought to be, however I bumped into this article with a collection of details: How to contact Google.Check if it works

I purchased VPN service, and contacted Google via US server. They told me my account was disabled, and they fixed it shortly.
Thanks for all the trouble

@gost Iam glad the issue was finally resolved, don't worry we are here to help each other.


text:
CyanogenMod no keyboard
I have cyanogen mod on my Motorola Xoom. I did a reset and now I cannot access my keyboard. It's says 'unfortunately keyboard has stopped working.' I'm not connected to the internet. What can I do? Thanks

Sideload a keyboard APK from your PC.

If you don't have access to internet than you can't do anything, however if you have internet on your PC and USB cable or your friend have internet on their phone you can download .apk file of let's say GBoard from apkmirror.com and transfer it to your phone via USB/Bluetooth and than install (first enable unknown sources in settings>security). And set new keyboard as default in settings> language and keyboard. If you new keyboard crashes as old one let me know, on CM for my old phone I had to delte some lib file to make keyboards work.


text:
A question about Android recovery disk image and partitions
In this video, the host is trying to modify an existing TWRP disk image file and flash the modified image in his Moto G. What surprised me is the content of that TWRP recovery image. The video shows the contents of the TWRP recovery image as:

zImage (Kernal)
initrd.img (initial ramdisk)

How is that possible? I was under the impression that the kernel and the initial ramdisk reside in the /boot partition. He simply booted the image without giving any partition argument for fastboot:
sudo fastboot boot <recovery.img>

So, where would that disk image file go? /boot or /recovery? Flashing the kernel and its ramdisk (with init.rc script) into the boot partition makes sense, but I am confused because he was working with a recovery disk image, which he should have flashed into the /recovery partition. Does the recovery image also have its own kernel and ramdisk? I tried to download and see the contents of an Android recovery disk image by myself, but I couldn't open the .img file in Windows.

fastboot boot does not perform a flash.  From fastboot help:
usage: fastboot [ <option> ] <command>

commands:
  [...]
  flash <partition> [ <filename> ]             Write a file to a flash partition.
  [...]
  boot <kernel> [ <ramdisk> [ <second> ] ]     Download and boot kernel.

Does the recovery image also have its own kernel and ramdisk?

Yup.  Recovery is essentially a miniature OS and boots similarly to the main boot image.

Thanks a lot! One question though. If I execute something like this: fastboot flash recovery <recovery.img>, the kernel and ramdisk will also be pushed into the /recovery partition? If not, then what exactly will be copied into the /recovery (I was under the impression that kernel and ramdisk will go into /boot partition)? In the video, I saw the only content of TWRP recovery image was bootconfig file, kernel, and the ramdisk.


text:
How to run app in Kiosk mode with Wear 2.0?
I'm trying to get a Wear 2.0 (stand-alone) app to run in kiosk mode, but when I try
adb shell dpm set-device-owner <myComponent>
I get:

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

I also tried by copying a file to /data/system/device_owner.xml as described here, but also without success.
Note: on a mobile I have successfully entered kiosk mode using adb shell dpm set-device-owner <myComponent>.
Anyone knows a way to enter kiosk mode using Wear 2.0?

Self-answering for now, this seems to be an issue in Wear 2.0 - see https://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=232628
I'd be happy to know of any workarounds though!


text:
USB Connection problem in Oneplus 2
The computer says your device is not recognised. I have installed the latest updates. i Iried the options from developer options. But in the mobile hotspot and tethering options, usb tethering could not be done and undone. I am unable to connect oneplus 2 to computer windows 8.1

You should Enable USB debugging on the phone:

In Settings > About phone, tap Build number seven times to enable
the Developer Options.
In Settings > Developer Options, enable USB debugging.


text:
Where is the top new free games on play store?
Does someone knows what going on with the Google Play store? Can't seem to find the top new free game in there anymore so I can't play newest game anymore and only able to see the same old trending games

Where can I see latest added games now?
Edit
Here's what it was supposed to look like

Google deleted this section from mobile client about 2 month ago. However, you still can access it via web, for example https://play.google.com/store/apps/category/GAME_RACING/collection/topselling_new_free
Yes, for devs it's sucks. Now it's harder to reach users than before.

I don't have it either, I never even noticed that section.
However, when you open Games on the play store you will have this (I don't know how to call it). Maybe this helps.

I took a look on another phone which has an older version of the store (7.1.25) and there isn't the section you asked about....

I've edited my post with the old store page where top new paid and top new free was in it.

@Warface well I couldn't find the category anywhere so it's probably removed by google.

As a developer... This sucks. Now how can we show our new release game if it no more avalaible to the public... Nice move Google... Nice move...

authors: Једноруки Крстивоје


text:
I can't retrieve my contacts from Google
I can't retrieve my contacts from Google I back them up with my old phone I've got a new phone and it won't give them to me

Clear app data of Contacts, restart. If that doesn't work, remove Google account from phone, clear data of Google Play Services, restart, sign in.


text:
Is there a way to force android to accept slow charging?
My impression is that since the most recent Android updates my phone is shutting off the portable charger completely after warning me about slow charging. I basically get that on anything other than the charger that came with it. Do any of you find this?
I have a number of portable chargers I carry along with me that are sort of my backups until I can get to an outlet but I'm finding I can't get them to work anymore. I've checked the portables and they are fully charged. Is my assumption wrong? If not wrong is there a way to get into the advanced settings to get Android to lighten up? :)


text:
my whatsapp showed my lastseen at 2:23 a.m ,when i had left the aap around 2:01 and was not even connected to the internet
The problem is really serious.  i need to get a solution for this.  my boyfriend thinks that I am cheating on him.
I do not know much about whats app and i have not tried doing anything. i need serious help for this. I cannot afford losing my boyfriend.
Please help.

You can turnoff Last Seen on whatsapp settings. Settings->Account->Privacy-> Set last seen to "nobody".

I cannot do that . I mean he thinks i m cheating on him and if i hide my last seen it will be more serious. I just want to know why is the last seen is showing at the time when i m not in the application

I think you have closed whatsapp on 02:01am. Is whatsapp connected using wifi or mobile data?

i was connected to wifi

wifi on android keeps scanning and gets connected if available, may be that's the problem

okay, but it shows me online even when i m not connected to the wifi??

hey, please reply anytime you come online. Please

Please don't use all bold – bold is for emphasis, not for panic :) I've fixed that for you now, please just remember for your next post.

What's your actual question?

my question is "why is my whats app account showing me online when i m not using it?"

This is a bug in whatsapp...
If you exit app properly when connected to internet then your last seen will be show actual time...
But if you are using app and disconnect internet and then exit app... then it will still show you online for some more time.. which is your case... ( I have experienced this problem many times)
So better exit app properly and then turn of the internet...
Also please check if anyone is having access of your whatsapp with web view... check in web view settings..

hey thank you  for the info.will make sure to exit the app properly now.

Welcome... Enjoy ;)

What exactly do you mean by "exit app properly"?

Exit using back button... do not directly close it... or directly disconnect internet...


text:
contacts do not sync and get overriden/deleted
When I use the built-in contact app with either a outlook.com or a office365 account on the phone created contacts get deleted after some time and they don't sync to the web.
What have I done:

delete and add account
factory reset

Similiar to https://forums.oneplus.net/threads/contacts-keep-deleating.484478/ except that I already save to another account.

what phone are you using? What is the OS version?

See tagged, op3 with newest nougat update

I was unable to stop the outlook App overriding/deleting created contacts. But syncing contacts via gmail, but using the Outlook App for everything else seems to work.

Disable Contact syncing for all accounts added to the Outlook App in the system settings.
Add all accounts to as an exchange account to the google App (In Account settings, there should be an 'Exchange' option. Disable all syncing but contact sycning.

For outlook.com accounts you will need to manually select 'Exchange' in the next step, even after selecting Exchange Account in Account Settings (else it defaults to IMAP).

I will accept this answer, if there is no better solution posted, after the bounty expires.

Same problem here on the Moto G5 Plus.  My answer was simply to avoid the Outlook app and force myself to get comfortable with Google's Mail app.  By not having Outlook installed, the exchange contacts from my Office 365 Personal account are working fine now.  As stated above, you must do manual setup to have the account recognized as an Exchange account rather than an IMAP.
Aside from the contacts challenge, Outlook was not allowing me to add the gmail account to the app (maybe a Google rescriction?), so in the end avoiding Outlook solved both problems.

I'm not a user of OnePlus, but I can say Outlook App in Android has
  some issues built-in for quite a long time, so one suggestion is that:
  uninstall the app & make a fresh install again. Hope it helps.

'factory reset' did include a fresh install


text:
Tablet shows "Low on memory" warning even though internal memory is greatly empty
My tablet shows Low on memory with Total 0.98 GB, 750 MB used even though internal memory is Total 13.65 GB, 13.65GB free

I guess that thosse 13 GB are on sd card, right?

The internal memory is split into partitions, one of them is /system, which I believe is the one with 13.65 GB in size, this one is mounted read-only, meaning you can't install apps on it.
Another partition is /data (the 0.98 GB maybe, i'm not sure though), it is mounted read-write, and it's where apps are installed.
I think there is an option to install apps directly into external storage (your SD card) or at least relocate them from /data partition into SD card.
Yet another option, is to root your device and allocate more space to /data partition.

authors: Једноруки Крстивоје


text:
How to enable linux ADB connection on marshmallow when USB debugging is enabled?
How to enable linux ADB connection on  marshmallow when USB debugging is enabled ?
I've an android TV Leelbox S1 and Android Debug Bridge version 1.0.32. When it's starting I can see the SUB entry  a cup of minutes before it's gone:
Bus 001 Device 024: ID 1b8e:c003 Amlogic, Inc.

Without this entry in the result of "lsusb", I don't see how  this connection could be done.
The USB debugging is enabled in developer options. I Don't know what did I miss.
Thank for any help.

Your question is difficult to understand. Are you saying that the device is listed in lsusb while it is booting up, but once it has booted it is no longer listed? Are you able to see it in adb devices during the time that it shows up in lsusb?

Sorry for my poor english, I going to respond at the first question : Are you saying that the device is listed in lsusb while it is booting up, but once it has booted it is no longer listed? yes it is and I'm not able to see any devices with adb command during and after the boot if the android device.

You just enable USB debugging and than connect devica via USB to PC, and on PC you'll have to get adb binary
click
Also maybe you'll need drivers for your device on PC.

USB debugging is already enabled Please read the question

Did you downloaded files from link which I give you?

However thank to answer and yes => platform-tools$ ./adb version Android Debug Bridge version 1.0.36  I got error: no devices/emulators found  as the usb devices is gone from the lsusb command result. I don't believe the problem is coming from my PC. It should coming from the android device. Thank

authors: Једноруки Крстивоје


text:
Could not open Play Store App on OLG Joy
What may be the reason? The same happens when I try to open Whatsapp app.

it would be better if you set English as your language so that others can understand

"While fetching info from server, error occured, RH-O1, Try Again"


text:
Micro USB Flash Drive on Android Without OTG Cable
I have bought a Samsung 128GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive Duo in hopes of being able to use the Micro-USB side with my Sony XPeria Z3+. When plugging it in, I got no response or message from the phone. I tried looking up the reason why on google, but all i get are these responses on how to use a usb drive with the phone by using an OTG cable.
Is there any way that I can get the micro-usb side working on my phone? It must have been put on the drive for a reason, right?

Did you verify that your Z3+ phone works in host mode? Did you try "OTG" cable/adapter with regular Type-A flash drive?

A quick Google search took me to this page, which suggests you have to go to Settings > Device connection > USB Connectivity > Detect USB device

In your case there is no need for an usb OTG cable. It does nothing else then wiring the USB Type A connector to the micro usb connector, there is no electronic involved. The same goes for the micro usb connector on the stick itself. It's directly wired to the type A connector.
Usually the device should recognise and mount the stick automatically although this can be different depending on the manufacturer. I assume that sony's android implementation does not mount it automatically, but they have a manual (thanks ernie for the link).
From Sony:
Find and tap Settings > Device connection > USB Connectivity > Detect USB device.

Android devices should automatically mount drives like that one so the only thing I can think of that may be causing you issues is that the drive may be too big. Some companies don't support drives of certain sizes so that people buy phones with more storage. Usually this is limited to sd cards but I've seen some devices from other manufacturers that don't allow drives of certain sizes via OTG. If you're able to get it working with a 64gb or 32gb drive then I think size constraints may be your issue.
Also it could just be that you got a bad drive. If you have a friend or other device I would try plugging the micro usb part into that just to make sure the micro usb part even works.


text:
If I boot into safe mode will I have root access?
If I am rooted and if I boot into safe mode, will I be having root access and how to test that I have root access.

@esQmo can you make it as an answer

Safe mode only disable users app (non system apps) and let you troubleshoot which apps may be  causing trouble.
And yes, of course you'll still have root access. The only way to check root is  via adb command.
Install ADB (now available since Google released it without all the SDK), open a terminal and tape this command :adb shell su
The output should be # instead of $

Yes you will still have root. It will just be hard to test it, as all user apps (the only ones the use root) will be disabled.


text:
Alarms are not working
I've been facing the issue of missing alarms for a week. I can set alarms successfully, it displays in notification but not running.
Though if I try to check it will have work or not by setting alarms after 1-2 minutes, then it works ok. But if I set alarm before sleeping then it doesn't ring on morning.
One another thing may be related: I'm getting "Unfortunately clock has stopped" alert randomly about 2-3 times in a day (though it is not happening exactly while setting alarms).
So, I'm not getting what's going wrong with alarms. How can I recognize the issue and fix it?
Note: Running (non-rooted as running under time period of warranty) Android 6.0 on Lenovo .

Not sure, but could it be you've "dozed" the alarms app (or something related)? Btw: Never heard there's an Android 6.20. Must be something Lenovo specific :)

@Izzy I've disabled only calculator (also "force stop" would not be case as I've tried reboting several times). Btw was typo.

Could you be specific about your device model?  Are you using only the stock Clock app?  Have you tried clearing the data for that app?

@MatthewRead Lenovo A6600 Plus. Yes, using only stock Clock app. Ok I've cleared data now let me check for next alarm.

@MatthewRead Clearing data worked. Now alarms are working fine and "unfortunately clock has stopped" message has gone permanently!

Excellent!  It's always nice when that works straight off.  I've turned my comment into an answer.

Try clearing the data for your Clock app.


text:
Mounted SD card not working
I recently mounted an SD card to my phone. But when I tried to download an application from the play store, a message popped up saying my phone didn't have any storage on it, saying my internal storage was low, but my SD card had 28.2 GB on it left, which my phone had recognized. Yet applications weren't being installed using the SD card, whilst any photos taken are stored using the SD card.
Any advice of what to do or how to fix this problem?

Apps must explicitly support to be installed on SD card – maybe those you've chosen don't. Also, can you check whether your devices supports App2SD at all? AFAIK Huawei still supports this feature (while most manufacturers don't but rather favor adoptable storage). You can check this in Settings › Apps, see if there's an option to move apps to SD or to show which apps are installed on the card.

APPS CANNOT BE PLACED ON SD CARD. It's possible with app like link2sd (need root) or adopting sd card (android 6+ feature, see adoptable storage).
Some phones including Huawei have 'Move to SD' option but this option move files in internal SD (if /data and /sdcard are separated partitions) or move very small amount of data. For details, also take look at app2sd wiki and link2sd wiki.


text:
Stuck in fastboot, unable to access recovery or system (oneplus 3)
I've clearly done something stupid and desperately need your help!
I have a brand new OnePlus 3T that I've managed to get stuck in a bootloop. I can access fastboot but no recovery or system. OEM is unlocked.
Things I have done:

Tried to install TWRP recovery. Fastboot says this was successful, but I haven't been able to boot into it.
Tried booting directly to TWRP recovery img. This freezes the phone and it says FAILED (too many links) in fastboot
Tried installing stock OP3 recovery. Same problem as before.
Tried hard brick recovery tool. Everything lights up green with installed:ok but still I'm stuck in this bloody bootloop.
Tried installing ColorOS through the Chinese install tool. Comes up Failed every time.

I am at my absolute wits end trying to sort this out and I literally have no idea what to do. I have been Googling this all morning to no avail.
Any help anyone can give whatsoever would be really, really appreciated.
EDIT: Some additional info from fastboot screen -
PRODUCT_NAME - msm8996
VARIANT - MTP UFS
BOOTLOADER VERSION - [EMPTY]
BASEBAND VERSION - [EMPTY]
SERIAL NUMBER - b2411609
SECURE BOOT - enabled
DEVICE STATE - unlocked
EDIT 2: more weirdness. I changed the USB cable from a micro USB with USB-C adapter to the proper USB-C that came in the box, and the phone booted into the OS. I tried to download the latest Oxygen update via the software update tool but that just boots me back into fastboot.
EDIT 3: I think it's just my recovery partition that's busted. Tried reinstalling stock recovery and that didn't work, so currently I have fastboot and OS but with no recovery - given that this is a separate issue I'll do some research before asking further questions.
@EHH - thanks for helping me figure this out. Really appreciate your time :)

Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.

Boot loop was resolved by using the USB-C cable provided by OP, however the recovery partition seems to be corrupted. Phone works though so nbd, recovery can be sorted out later on.


text:
Flashing a 'generic' TWRP
Long story short, my phone (Pantech IM-100) does not have a device-specific TWRP and I wish to root with SuperSU.
Do I risk bricking my phone if I fastboot just any TWRP version? My impression was that the fastboot command differs from flash, hence it does not overwrite stock recovery and is only temporary.
Thanks.

It is highly recommended not to do so. The TWRP is a touch-based recovery, meaning that it needs to initialize touch screen (actually every related hardware) before showing the main menu. If you insist on flashing a 'generic' TWRP to your specific, non-matching device, you will end up getting stuck and your recovery will never boot until you flash another compatible one.
The same applies to CWM as it's button-based. Given that different devices often have different volume keys & power key mapping & signals, some devices can share their CWMs but not all of them.
You had better contact the TWRP dev team or do some searches in the XDA forum, with the hope that someone might have already adopted TWRP to your device.
Edit 1: Thanks to @AndyYan who pointed out a mistake in this post. Corrected now.

...you will end up with a useless recovery where only adb works but everything else fails. - you will simply end up stuck. A recovery is a bootable image by itself, and thus has to initialize hardwares (including but not limited to touchscreen) to work at all. Flashing a wrong recovery is like flashing a wrong kernel - it won't even boot past a very premature stage, and ADB won't even be available.

Try to contact some of the twrp devs and provide some device info. Also have a look at the XDA forums. Theres probably someone who did the trick. Fastbooting a not specific custom recovery is a safe way to brick your phone.

Bricking is impossible by flashing a rec. At the worst it will only render you a faulty rec but nothing else.


text:
How can I troubleshoot if I have an Android OS or hardware problem?
I have an asus zenfone 2 laser and it has gone absolutely crazy. I have done a factory reset. The problem still exists.
It basically freezes, start taking screenshots...etc.
I was wondering if there is a way to troubleshoot an Android OS for software issues (or come to the conclusion that it is the phone itself that is not okay).

Try flashing stock firmware

This is quite difficult to do without access to other hardware for comparison, but you could try to flash a different ROM and see if the behavior stops.

I cant find anything official for Zenfone 2 laser ZE500KL, but nothing. I could and have only done factory reset so far. Although the bootloader is unlocked and I could flash a ROM, but then again: there is none for this device.
I'll try the stock firmware from the asus website. Let's see what happens then.

@ЈеднорукиКрстивоје hi there. Did you mean to use the firmware .zip with twrp and flash the firmware like that?

@Elysium No I didn't mean on custom rom and flashing via twrp, I meant on official firmware for you phone, made by manufacturer. You will find it on their website with instructions how to install.

@ЈеднорукиКрстивоје too late for that. :)
Now I need to find the stock ROM, and I cant find that either. I'll never buy an ASUS phone. Ever again.

@Elysium this, under firmware or maybe this?  I am not sure about second link...

@ЈеднорукиКрстивоје I have tried Smoothified Stock ROM [Z00L, Z00E]. It does the same things. Randomly starts freezing. Wont let me pull down the notification bar...etc. Either the sensors are dying or there is a bug that is now rooted into the OS or something. No clue. :)

@Elysium that is still custom ROM - re-worked stock but still custom. Try the stock firmware from asus site, if that give same results than it is most likely to be a hardware problem.

@ЈеднорукиКрстивоје Ok. I'll go for it. Do you know how I could lock the bootloader? I might need to take back to the store and unlocking the bootloader was not a good idea.

@ЈеднорукиКрстивоје I cant flash from the firmware on the asus website. It days "error in executing updater binary zip...."

Are you trying to flash stock firmware from twrp/cwm recovery? You don't flash stock firmware from recovery you do it from 'download mode' or via software on PC.

authors: Једноруки Крстивоје


text:
CCleaner app doesn't clear my Google Chrome browsing history
I did check the settings on my CCleaner app. The browsing history is selected for cleaning.
Is this because Chrome is a system app?

It does, it seems like it doesn't because chrome stores history online if you are logged in with google account


text:
How to disable sounds on messages sent in various apps?
A lot of apps have annoying sounds on various actions that I personally don't care about. For example WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger make a sound when you send a message. I can't figure out how this sound is classified, and how to disable it.

For messenger you have "in app sounds" in messenger settings, there is probably similar option in whatsapp.

Thanks! It helped. I was asking about what kind of type of sound they fall into so I can mute them in the settings, but this works for me.

Confirmed, there is no general setting but all of the chat apps I use have the settings "outgoing sound" or something similar that has to be turned off individually.


text:
Is cm launcher hermful?
I have installed cm launcher. Its fine but i am scared if it harm my personal data.i mean is it can find my personal data like photoes, media, phone, message ?

CM Launcher is potentially harmful, it acts  as backdoor for many malwares, adwares, bloatwares.
It installs apps such as battery saver which are installed as system apps, meaning you won't be able to uninstall without rooting your device.  You should not use it or even install it.

It might be useful to read this latest (2018/11/26) Android Central blog report about "CM Launcher" and its ad-click actions.

It wont harm your files but might repeatedly ask you for installing useless battery saver, file manager etc apps. My experience with CM Launcher was that it worked fine for a few days but then its buggy nature became apparent and I started facing frequent freezes and crashes.
I won't really recommend using launchers however bad your phone's UI is, as it only hampers performance, but still if you need one, Nova Launcher should be a good, stable choice. I have been using it on my old phone for almost 8-9 months without any problems, and it is pretty customizable without purchasing the prime version. I have not faced any problems and it is a solid, stable launcher with no clutter. I have also tried GO Launcher, Next Launcher 3d, and Kitkat/Lollipop launchers but I would prefer Nova launcher anyday.

It might be useful to read this latest (2018/11/26) Android Central blog report about "CM Launcher" and its ad-click actions.