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Where is the root folder of BlueStacks located in PC?
Is there a way to locate the files in PC as shown in the root explorer of BlueStacks?
I.e. how to move files of BlueStacks (APKs or any other file) to PC or from PC without opening BlueStacks?
Like, moving files of BlueStacks or computer through the PC directories without involving the use of a shared folder or root explorer or adb shell
a simpler way?

BlueStacks is an Android emulator, which is basically running virtual machine with different operating system, therefore you can't access your files directly.
You can find your data files under: C:\ProgramData\BlueStacks\UserData\SharedFolder on Windows or Library/BlueStacks/Android on Mac, but the data files are in 'VDI' format (VirtualBox Drive Image).
So you can try to convert .vdi files into RAW image which you can mount by the following command:
VBoxManage clonehd --format RAW Root.vdi Root.img

Then you can try to mount these files by some software which can support Linux ext3 file systems.

Alternatively you can install Total Commander, Root or File Explorer (or similar app) in BlueStacks, then transfer your files into fake SSD card and they should appear in C:\ProgramData\BlueStacks\UserData\SharedFolder folder. On Mac, you probably need to convert SDCard.vdi file into RAW format (as mentioned above) and mount the image, or use VirtualBox software to access the VDI image.

Another easier way is simply to install FTP or SCP plugin for Total Commander app and transfer the files via network.

From Bluestacks v4 there's "Media manager" app installed in the Bluestack Android. With the help of this app it is easy to import/export any files between Bluestacks and host OS. https://support.bluestacks.com/hc/en-us/articles/360021374972-Introducing-the-Media-Manager-on-BlueStacks-4

Follow the steps on this Xda developer page to get to the root directory of bluestacks: Find Bluestacks SD Card Location in Your PC. Here are the steps:

First Download 'Root Explorer' (Included Below) and Install 'Root Explorer' in Bluestacks
Decide on which directory to give access in BlueStacks. You can either choose an entire hard drive, or a particular folder of your
  choice.
Access the Windows Registry by going to Start >> Run and type in 'regedit' and hit Enter. This opens up the Registry Editor.
Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\BlueStacks\Guests\Android\SharedFolder\0.
Right Click on 'Path' and click on 'Modify'.
Write the path of the folder which you want to include in SD card. (Example C:\SDCard)
Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
You can find the folder at '(Root)/sdcard/bstfolder/ BstSharedFolder/'

If u don't wanna change your Registry, You can simply copy and paste the file's that you want in SD Card at 'C:\ProgramData\BlueStacks\UserData\SharedFolder\' and find the files at above location in Root Explorer (ie '(Root)/sdcard/bstfolder/ BstSharedFolder/').

Also if that isn't what you are looking for here is another link to get to the actual folder which apps are stored: Access your local files from BlueStacks on Windows. Here are the different methods:

Using Bluestacks Shared folder

Download and install OI File Manager in BlueStacks.
On Windows, navigate to BlueStacks Shared Folder [C:\ ProgramData\ BlueStacks\ UserData\ SharedFolder] and place the files you want to
    use in BlueStacks (like photos, videos, downloaded APK files, etc.).
    You can also use the Windows Library Folders for this purpose.
In BlueStacks, launch OI File Manager and navigate to BlueStacks shared folder [(Root)/ sdcard/ bstfolder/ BstSharedFolder]. If you
    have placed files in your Windows Library, locate the respective
    folder from bstfolder directory in BlueStacks.
Similarly if you want to access BlueStacks files from your computer, copy the particular file to BstSharedFolder using OI File Manager and
    the same file will be available in Windows SharedFolder location.

Using Drag and Drop (for copy the files in BlueStacks).

When BlueStacks is fully ready and running, just drag the particular file from its Windows folder into the BlueStacks interface.

Using Cloud Sync
Using Windows Registry

For further details, follow above link.

Now you can just go to Android settings in BlueStacks and under BlueStacks Settings, you'll find an option "Import files from Windows". Select it and find your file and import it.

Where is this setting?  I have Bluestacks 4 and I cannot find it.

BlueStacks also has a Media Manager available in its System Tools app in the emulator.
See https://support.bluestacks.com/hc/en-us/articles/360034476511-Introducing-the-Media-Manager-on-BlueStacks-4 or https://support.bluestacks.com/hc/en-us/articles/360055684992-Media-Manager-on-BlueStacks-5


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Samsung Galaxy S3 not turning on
My Samsung Galaxy S3 battery died. A green robot with download message appeared when I plug it into a wall outlet to be charged. Seeing this for the first time, I thought it might have been some virus, so I removed and replaced the battery. The same thing happened again. After removing and replacing the battery a second time, the robot disappeared and my phone has been dead since, despite being left to charge for 5+ hours and several attempts removing/replacing battery and using the 2/3keys turning methods and plugging it directly to a laptop. How do i get it working. If fast boot is a possible solution, how is that done?

"download message" What is the exact text of the message?

you can Follow this Guide to Flash your Galaxy S3's Firmware again.
Things you have to do for this are as follows

Download the latest firmware for your device at sammobile
Copy the firmware to your device either by Recovery mode or Samsung Kies or Samsung ODIN
Flash the firmware on to your device using ODIN

The Complete process with pictures is provided in that link. Hope it helps

Please include the most important steps into your answer

source: Stack Exchange

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

sort: votes


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What is the worst case scenario if you flash a wrong custom recovery?
I have a Polaroid phone which doesn't have a lot of product support and I want to port a custom recovery on it and flash it. Before I follow through with it is there any chance of hard bricking it or will the worst case be a soft brick?

Had this problem so many times. So from the personal experience the worst case scenario is that you might soft brick your phone and would have to go stock, flashing the official firmware for your phone (and root it again).

Jepp, my first flash was shit. So I think you don't can brick the memory flash. But when the mobile phone nothing do, you have to flash a stock firmware and root it again.  By Android 4.2 you have a counter in your phone. Eveytime when you flash a firmware, the counter set +1.
Maybe you look in the XDA Developers forum. This guys know what they do and have a great support by problems.
EDIT: My first flash was on a Galaxy S3, I don't know at the time for the sudden death. After the flash it was 'dead'. I become a new Smartphone and the have to work.
Last but not least! With the ODIN Software, be careful. Don't take the smartphone from the computer or shutdown the computer be for the flash it's complete. Whit the help from XDA Developers I build a complete custom Rom for my S3, S4 and S5.

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


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Android root sandbox?
On Windows I would use a sandbox to easily see file-changes made by shady programs to see how it would affect my system. What are easy methods (except decompiling and looking at the actual program code) for that on android?
Background: I ran the app 'stubborn trojan remover' showing me I'm infected with ghost push, a trojan for android. I looked up more information, but it seems there is very little. 'Stubborn trojan remover' gives also very little info, it doesn't even say where it removes the trojan from or where it found it.

You could run your program in the Android emulator on a computer, instead of on a real device. You can look at all the files on the Android emulator.

I'm looking for easy alternatives that you can do on the spot, maybe even on the phone

I don't think you're gonna find an app for that, because most phones just don't have enough capacity to emulate another phone

I guess the broader question is, are there easy ways to get a glimpse of what apps/programs are actually doing

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


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How can i activate, if it's possible, usb debug mode from fastboot in a 3rd gen moto g?
It is basically dad, it's possible from  fastboot mode to activate de usb debug mode, and if it is, how can i?

I was just commenting on another similar question. Is your phone rooted? You can try this post's solutions to see if one of the methods work.
I believe you can flash a custom recovery via fastboot in case it's not present.
Eg. -
fastboot flash recovery <<recovery-name.img>>
fastboot reboot-bootloader
Then use volume keys to select recovery, power button to enter.

Adding to this: at least TWRP on multiple devices supports being "booted" without being "flashed": fastboot boot <twrp.img>. So no modifications needed, plus it should even work with the bootloader locked.

"it should even work with bootloader locked" - Isn't this a huge security flaw? Now anyone can access everything from the recovery without a hassle. Is there a discussion somewhere where I may read up?

I'm not sure if this is really the case (never tried it), so I might be wrong here. But the main advantage I wanted to point out is: no modifications of the installed recovery system are needed that way. And that is true :)


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I can't use the Android emulator in Android Studio on Mac
Can anyone help me run an Android emulator in Android Studio on Mac?
I tried to run it but it gives me the following messages:
No USB devices or running emulators detected
and
minSdk(API 23, N preview) != deviceSdk(API 22)
as portrayed in the given image below:

The app you are trying to run has a larger minimum SDK requirement than what is provided by the device you are trying to run on (22 vs. 23).
Check out the changes you need to make in your manifest file in this article - specifically the part with:
<uses-sdk android:minSdkVersion="integer"
          android:targetSdkVersion="integer"
          android:maxSdkVersion="integer" />

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


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Is it possible to flash IMEI number of Nexus 5X without knowing its password
Phone was stolen from me and the next thing I did is to block the use of the phone in every possible way.
I would like to know that is it possible to flash IMEI number of Nexus 5X without knowing its password by rooting it.
The android developer options was disabled, the phone has a password lock and a fingerprint lock.
The phone was not rooted any time before.
Security updates were up to date.


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How to mount media partition for emulated primary only in android
I am trying to mount media partition mount point as  /storage/emulated but it showing mounting and media files are showing in /storage/emulated.
but i am unable to find images in gallery, what is mount point to mount media partition for internal storage in anrdoid.
I am using android-5.1.1 (lollipop)
Can you please help me as early as possible?

What do you mean with media partition?

The default mount point for internal storage till Android 5.1.1 is /storage/emulated/0. To mount your internal storage manually, you may use the following commands =>
mount -o remount,rw /
mkdir /storage/emulated/0
mount /data/media/0 /storage/emulated/0

Hi how can i mount in fstab .i am using 7th partition as media         /dev/block/mmcblk0p7  /storage/emulated/0  vfat defaults  defaults

The above syntax is correct

Didn't get your question. You want to edit the fstab file?

/data/media isn't a partition, it's just a directory which is emulated over /storage/emulated. Mount command won't work this way.


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Android contacts - missing ME contact
I'm a new android user. Yesterday I was adding a bunch of contacts to my phone and I could see the ME contact listed on top in the Contacts app. I opened up the contacts app this morning and the ME contact was gone. Can someone tell me why it's missing and how can I add it back (other than recreating it in the form of a new contact named "AAAA")
Thanks in advance!

Please mention your Android version and whether you have a hardware menu button or not

Thanks for your comment. I'm using Android 6.0.1 and I don't believe I have a hardware menu button (the phone is Nexus 5X)

I have the same problem. Recently upgraded to android 6.0.1 and the ME contact at the top of the contacts is gone. I mean, who the hell knows their own phone number, the one number you never call. Further more, I'm not listed at all! Where's the ME contact?

Found it!
I opened up Contacts, then went into Settings. At the top of this list I have 'My info', which contains the 'Me' contact.
Hope this helps :)

I don't have a "My Info" section in there :(


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How to enable 4G in Samsung Galaxy S4 (SPH-L720)?
I have a Samsung Galaxy S4 (SPH-L720). I want to use 4G.
I'm using Zong which has 4G internet and I'm using 4G on my other mobile, but I want to use 4G on this mobile because it has better performance than the other.
How can I enable 4G in Samsung Galaxy S4 (SPH-L720)?

Go in Settings and then Mobile Network. If you want to use only 4G, then change the Network Mode to LTE only, and then just right next to it is the network operator, click that option and go for automatic search and register.
Your cell will be registered to the 4G bands of your career, and then simply turn the Mobile Data on.

Thanks For Your Reply. I tried this but when I set it to LTE the sim signals shows a red *.

Then propably your region wont be having 4G coverage brother!


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Why does Setup Wizard transmit/receive data even long after the Android device has been set up?
Even weeks after Android devices (tested on KitKat) have been set up, Setup Wizard still gets called frequently.
Using Xprivacy, it is clear that Setup Wizard frequently connects to Google servers.
What is it doing, and what data is it transmitting/receiving?


text:
Why does Android differ so much from Linux?
I have read all related questions here, but they don't answer my questions or are not up-to-date since Android is particularly included in Linux kernel ( > 3.x.x).
Why didn't Google just take a Linux distribution (for example Debian) and add drivers for touchscreen, mobile service, etc and create a desktop environment for touchscreens.
If kernel modules won't be included in the Linux kernel, it would be possible to use the streamlined Linux kernel and add these modules (and remove some, like unnecessary drivers).
Today it will fail to run standard Linux on every smartphone and tablet, because of missing drivers, but they could have been written for Linux, not Android.
It would have been saved double development of new features

Probably because the development team wanted to have more freedom in what they were devloping. Writing a kernel to be included in linux means that you have to follow certain standards in order for it to be accepted. Moreover maybe the kernel devs didn't feel the need for some of those functionalities, which would have been rejected. so they just went their own way and they are trying to contribute back parts of what they have done as a "side project".

We call a distribution "Linux-based" even if it just uses the Linux Kernel, ultimately meaning that Linux is just a kernel, not an OS. So, Android uses Linux kernel, with heavy modifications to support mobile device features, importantly power management. People don't call Android a Linux Distro because it doesn't use any (or much) standard GNU softwares & other libraries as other Linux-based Distros do.. Your question is like asking why iOS is different from Mac OSX ;-)

Why didn't Google just take a Linux distribution ... and create a desktop environment for touchscreens?

Because they didn't want to create a desktop environment for touchscreens: they wanted to create a new OS for smartphones. Smartphones (and earlier, PDAs) based on not only the Linux kernel but the GNU userspace, with the same programming environment as desktop Linux, existed for years before Android did, but they were a huge commercial failure.
The chief advantage of using a GNU/Linux distribution is the idea that you can simply recompile all the same applications for your new hardware, rather than having to write a new application. But this has never worked out in practice. A user interface designed to work with a keyboard and mouse on a big PC display simply doesn't work on a phone touchscreen. The ways that programs interact with each other on a PC with almost unlimited storage and no need to conserve power simply doesn't work with the limited energy and storage requirements of a phone. The pixel-layout, fixed-dpi ways of designing graphics and user interfaces for PC displays have already been outgrown for PCs, and phones need something better. In addition, smartphones introduce new features - ubiquitous location availability, cell modems and telephony, and Bluetooth - which PCs have never offered applications a standard way to access.
The Android team set out to offer a programming interface (the Android framework) to let app authors access all the needed functionality, in a way which wasn't previously available. They set out to isolate apps from each other to protect the integrity and the battery of the device in a way that wasn't possible in any existing Linux distribution. They set out to create a new graphics subsystem to avoid falling into the Linux community's dependence on X Windows. They set out to create a commercial success, which had never previously been achieved with Linux-based handhelds.
They achieved all those goals, by doing exactly the thing you complain about. Android is much bigger than just some Linux drivers, and many kernel drivers for Android devices do eventually make it back to mainstream Linux.

Very good arguments, but I think commercial success is mostly marketing: Buy all Laptop/PC seller, preinstall Linux (e.g. Ubuntu) everywhere, sponser tutorials on YouTube and pay for TV Spot and it will be a success

I get things like rewriting the display server and isolating apps, but that doesn't explain why the kernel has to be so different. I'm sure that will be possible for Google to benefit from new Linux kernel features while still creating their own unique platform.

The key to this answer is license
When the android team started programming android they tested many kernels but none where as good (for their needs) so they settle for Linux.
Now the question arises that ,
> Why Google was running away from Linux
We should know that Google at that time already had the model of android in mind
So we should think from opposite way
 See , if android was built on Linux the OEM would have to make their sources open which would result in a very little competition and that would defeat the work of android
So when Google saw no other way they settled for Linux but tried to stay away from GNU GPL V2 licence
So in their run they made Linux as the kernel and android running top of it

There's nothing to stop Android being based on Linux with both open-source and closed-source drivers and an open-source userspace: in fact that's exactly how Android is developed.

@DanHulme  I will edit and add more information

While the original reason for creating the operating system (Android) might have been licensing, the reason that smartphone is not running a standard Linux distribution is battery.
I was part of an effort to port Linux and Java to smartphones, at about the same time that Android evolved.  We could get a slimmed down version of a Linux distribution to run on the devices we had, at the time for about 20 minutes to half an hour.
Although, with modern battery technology, Android is loosening up the constraints, the original versions were very very heavily optimized, for battery life.  Even so, the original Dream often didn't make it through a whole day without a battery change.


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How to migrate to a larger sd card
I am using a rooted fire tablet and have some apps installed on a 4GB sd card.
How can I migrate to a larger sd card? Will cloning and expanding the partition with gparted work?
I'm familiar with Linux and external storage is mounted via UUID. So I was afraid of just copy and paste, because that doesn't copy the UUID.
Duplicate, but no satisfying answer: Changing SD Card Just a Simple Copy & Paste

You mean adopt the storage?

@user4847410 I want to move my data to a larger sd card

I'm assuming the SD card is removable? Take it out and copy everything onto a computer with hidden files toggled then copy it onto your new SD card. That should work

@Motte001 I suggest a /data/media partition

If you're talking about a physical SD card: simply shutdown your device, copy all contents of its SD card to the new card, put the new card in, boot it up. If unsure whether that works without issues, take a look at our external-sd tag-wiki and follow up to the question linked at its bottom :)

@Izzy that worked. Post it as answer please

As indicated in my previous comment, the answer is already posted here: How do I switch my Android device's SD card without causing problems? As we don't duplicate answers, and question as well as answer match, I'll close your question now as duplicate to that. It's the cleaner way :)


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How to Block/Filter Sites on Mobile Data Connection (Preferably using DNS Server)
I researched a way to filter sites using DNS Server on android phone, and that is to changed the phone's DNS Server, it worked for WiFi connection, but not for Data Connection, how would I Block/Filter Sites on Mobile Data Connection (Preferably using DNS Server).

I have not tried that (felt no need yet), but there's a list of Proxy apps for Android you might wish to check with.

There are no settings to set DNS server with Mobile Data. An exception is Private DNS (DoT) on Android 9+. Also sometimes DNS leakage may occur with WiFi DNS settings e.g. if some app has hard-coded DNS server address. However with root access you can force redirect DNS queries to any specific server using iptables. See details in How does Android OS do DNS name resolution? and How to configure DNS properly?
Or you can edit /etc/hosts to blacklist commonly known ad domains using available hosts files like this one.
Or even better is to run a local DNS server on device to use features like pattern matching etc. dnscrypt-proxy, for instance, provides flexible options including encrypted DNS (DoH or DoT) which nullifies the possibility of ISP's eavesdropping on your DNS traffic. For setup instructions see How to fix SELinux errors when launching DNSCrypt as init.d script?
On non-rooted devices it's possible to use VpnService API of Android to capture all DNS traffic. That's how apps like 1.1.1.1 and NetGuard work. Then the VPN app may use a custom hosts file before making queries to configured upstream DNS server. Virtual Hosts is an open-source app to achieve this.

Adguard with local DNS filtering is similar to what the OP is expecting. It works with custom DNS filtering and option for multiple DNS servers.

@k1chy correct. Personally I use root solutions - simple and robust. AdGuard is a paid premium service, so it can provide hassle-free experience. But one may prefer to go with free open-source solutions if available, as Virtual Hosts is (there may possibly be others, I never used one). Both are based on VPN. There are a range of hosts files already available which can be merged and customized to allow or block certain domains. Plus AdGuard's public DNS servers can also be used in addition to local hosts. But they do caching, are slow and problematic e.g. with DDNS. Cloudflare is super fast

For this the phone has to be rooted and the mobile version of a ads-blocking HOSTS file can be used.
Here is an example: http://free-software-for-android.github.io/AdAway/
For mobile data, the DNS server would be provided by the telco. You can remove the proxy provided in the APN used by the telco. See FAQ at above link.


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Screen Orientation not working automatically
My Motorola Moto X screen orientation is not working automatically when I turn my phones in a different direction

What's your question?

Did You turn on Screen Rotation? Swipe from the top and press the top button. Click the Auto Rotation Option to Turn it on.

Yes the auto-rotate screen orientation is On.

I faced this issue before. After long day searching and testing apps i found that the G-sensor is not calibrated .you have to calibrate it with mtk engineering app .
Here is a short and easy to follow steps I wrote:
How to Calibrate G-sensor of android phone

I've downloaded the app, but when I click on MTK Settings the response I get is "can not find engineeringmode app" pls what should I do?

can you try this app https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.androgames.level  ,
the MTK if for MTK cpu phones

ImadOS, please make sure to disclose your affiliation when linking to your own resources – as I've already pointed out on one of your other answers. If you permanently "forget" this, you risk your posts being deleted as ads/spam/self-promotion.


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Contacts from SIM card are not visible on MIUI
How I can I display contacts from SIM card on my new Android phone? (Xiaomi with MUIU)

Go to Settings
==> System apps
==> Contacts
==> Display Preferences
==> Enable "Show SIM contacts"


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iCade Arcade "keyboard" not working with Android phone but working with Android tablet
I'm guessing this is some sort of Bluetooth keyboard recognition and/or selection/activation issue in Android that I can't seem to figure out.
The iCade Arcade Bluetooth device is in essence a keyboard device. I can pair it with a Nexus 10 tablet, and after I do, I can see various characters appear in a text app when I move the joystick around and press the buttons.
But my Android phone is being stubborn. It pairs ok, but the input refuses to get fed to the apps. I also have an actual Bluetooth keyboard, and it works ok with that phone.
I've tried various Bluetooth connect apps, and there I can see a list of paired devices and the option to "connect" to a device. It refuses to work.
What am I missing here?
Does anyone know of a Bluetooth helper app of sorts that also gives immediate feedback on what it is picking up from the selected Bluetooth device? Is there anything specific I could look for in logcat?
The phone is Android 4.4 and I can't upgrade it (Chinese phone with no firmware support). It's an ECOO S04 Aurora Plus 3GB. The Nexus 10 I think runs on Android Lollipop.

I don't think your Nexus would be Android Lollipop. Android Lollipop is version 5.0, and the iCade Arcade only connects with Android 4.2 or below to a certain minimal version. Starting from Android 4.3, the iCade no longer functions properly as you are then required to input a Bluetooth PIN with 6 digits, rather than 4, which is the number of digits that an iCade connects with when using an iPad, iPod, or iPhone.
Though if you are able to check your version of Android on your Nexus, and it is indeed Android 5.0, I would like to know how you managed to connect it with the iCade, which is something I am trying to figure out myself.

I upgraded the Nexus 10 at one point. It's possible that when I tried it with the Nexus, that this was before I upgraded. The Nexus 10 has since died. The flash rom appears to be non-writable, but that's another matter (also on SO).
I now also have a Xiaomi Mi Max which is Android 6 based. I was able to pair it (the phone claims it paired), and that was after entering the 6 digits, plus enter.
But this phone also, doesn't show any keys pressed when interacting with the icade. Strange how it paired, yet no further input is shown from it...


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How to backup contacts when my touchscreen is cracked?
My touchscreen on my Samsung Galaxy screen is cracked. I am unable to use the screen. It has a pattern lock. When I use Kies 3 it says that my phone is locked. How do I unlock it with the pattern password enabled?

Hint for first readings: our tag-wikis contain first-aid help and good links on the topic. See for locked-out and broken-screen.

Hi You can't unlock that even you slide your fingers on the screen, unless you will repair that with new ones.

 And if you want your password to be removed, then follow these steps
Note: Your phone's buttons (volumes, home and power) must be functional.

Reboot into recovery
Turn off your phone, After it's completely off
Hold and press power and volume up button together, this will bring you to your recovery.

Note: Different phone have different key configuration to access recovery mode, for now we'll be using the most common key combination. If it doesn't work for you, you must search on google on how you can access your recovery mode, be sure to include your phone model in your searches.
Once you are in the recovery mode, you see some kind of options and the one that we will be using is.

Wipe data/factory reset - is a feature that erases all device settings, user data, third-party applications, and associated application data from an Android device's internal flash storage to return the device to the condition it was in when shipped from the factory.
Backup User Data (optional) - this method backups the following:

Google Calendar settings
Wi-Fi networks & passwords
Home screen wallpapers
Gmail settings
Apps installed through Google Play (backed up on the Play Store app)
Display settings (Brightness & Sleep)
Language & Input settings
Date & Time
Third-party app settings & data (varies by app)

Restore User Data (optional) - It will restore the data through the backed up data

Choose Backup User Data if you want to restore your data anytime
Note: This may restore your screen lock (password, pattern or PIN)
To remove your password, select Wipe data/Factory reset, this will also remove everything in your phone, and restore to it's original state just like the first time you used it after buying

If you have a Google account or a Samsung account, your contacts should be backed up already. Log into your accounts online to check.
If not, the simplest option, if you know your pattern password and more importantly, if you can see the screen enough to see the pattern, just can't touch it, is to use a OTG-USB adapter, and a USB mouse. The mouse can be used to unlock the pattern lock.


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How to find out sd card partition in dev/block?
In order to mount an ext4-formated sd card in Android I followed this guide.
In the bash script msd2.sh is followking command:
mount -t ext4 /dev/block/mmcblk1p1 /storage/extSdCard && sleep 5 && /system/bin/vold
So in this part the mmcblk1p1-partition shall be mounted in /storage/extSdCard.

How can I find out which of the partitions in dev/block is my sd-card ?

Furthermore I cannot mkdir a folder in /storage to have an equivalent mountpoint: mkdir failed for /storage/extSdCard, Read-only file system

How do I get read-write access of \storage ?

Info:

Phone: Sony Xperia Z1
Model number: C6903
Android version: 5.1.1
Build Number: 14.6.A.1.236

How can I find out which of the partitions in dev/block is my sd-card ?

By default, external memory card's partition is /dev/block/mmcblk1p1 in all devices.
(Unless if you have partitioned the memory card, then you should know which partition to use, for example, if you have partitioned 32GB memory card as first 16GB as FAT32 partition & second 16GB as EXT4 partition, to use the EXT4 partition, you'll be using mmcblk1p2)

How do I get read-write access of /storage ?

I hope by r/w access you mean creating a directory (mount point) to mount the external SD card.
You cannot do that after the device has booted, atleast since KitKat(?).The only way to do that would be by editing the ramdisk of your boot.img according to your requirement.


text:
Get notifications from Inbox mobile app for reminders, but not emails?
This question applies to the Google Inbox mobile app.
I do not want notifications for random incoming emails as I'm trying to only check email twice a day.
I do want notifications for reminders, as I will usually set these for a specific time to remind myself of something.
Is there any way to do this? According to Inbox's settings, it looks like it's all or nothing.


text:
How do I disable regular Android notifications from Google asking to verify my phone number?
This has started happening recently.  It seems like I am getting at least one notification every day or two now on my Android phone from Google saying:
**Verify your phone number**
Google can warn you of suspicious activity in your
account & you can more easily connect with friends
in Google services.

I don't want to see this notification any more (it plays a loud sound every time, and the other morning it actually woke me up!) and I also am not going to verify my phone number.   How can I make these notifications stop?

"go into your App Settings, locate "Google Play Services" app and you should (hopefully) see an option to "Show Notifications" - I unchecked this and the issue immediately went away"  per LP627 post

The app is Google Play Services. Disable notifications in Settings > Apps

What is the risk of masking other, important, notifications? Are there any others?


text:
Android File Transfer not working for transferring music files
I have a Mac, and I want to delete all the music on my phone and replace it with all the music on iTunes in my Mac. I've done this before, but it is not working.
For some reason, my music is not in the music folder.

This is odd because I do have lots of music on my Android device. Here is my Android File Manager on my actual LG G3 on Android 6.0:

So I do have music, but it doesn't show in Android File Transfer. Also, when I try dragging my music from Finder into the empty music folder in Android File Transfer, only one song transfers, and it doesn't actually show on my LG G3.
How can I fix this issue and properly transfer music from iTunes on my Mac to my Android LG G3?

First I would suggest checking if there are any updates available, both for your MAC and Android File Transfer.
Next, something you can try is clearing the cached data for the storage on your device.
This has worked in the past for other users who have had similar issues with empty folders in the past. It's a fairly short and simple procedure that can't hurt to try. You can do that with the following steps:

Go to phone Settings
Select Application Manager
Tap on the 3 dots
Select 'Show System Apps'
Search for 'External Storage and Media Storage'
Clear Cache and Data
Reboot the phone

This will rebuild the database without deleting any of your data. It may take a while for everything the be initialized again.
Let me know if this helps!
Source(s):
http://androidforums.com/threads/android-file-transfer-on-mac-showing-empty-folders-on-phone.638113/ Last post
https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/nexus/UqQZmSd7hAg Best answer


text:
Do I need to reinstall the OS before using adb restore?
Assuming I did a full backup with
adb backup -system -apk -shared -all -f "backup.ab"

And then went into the recovery on my phone and wiped it completely.  Do I need to reinstall the OS before using adb restore or must I install the OS first?

I ask because I'm in a bit of a bind where I was on the latest CM12 and backed up before attempting and failing to upgrade to CM13.  When I try to reinstall CM12, only an earlier snapshot of CM12 is available.  If I try to restore with adb after installing the snapshot, com.android.phone fails continuously.  I am wondering if the newer CM12 is still in backup.ab.

Backups made with the -system argument can't be restored to a different Android version. It's not that the OS itself is in the backup: it's that the settings from system apps are in the backup and can only be read by the same version that produced them.
Usually upgrading to a newer minor version (e.g. from an earlier milestone release to the stable release) will work fine, because the apps are designed to be upgraded that way: a newer version of the app can read settings saved with an older version. However, going backwards will almost always cause problems if there have been any changes. Obviously the older version can't understand the settings added by the newer version.
You need to find the same version of CM12 that you had before. Try to avoid using a snapshot or nightly build.


text:
how to mount /system as read/write in android?
cannot mount /system in android with following command, anyone has a solution for this?
root@hwG7-UL20:/ # mount -o rw,remount,rw /system
mount: Invalid argument

255|root@hwG7-UL20:/ # mount -o remount rw /system
mount: Invalid argument

root@hwG7-UL20:/ # mount|grep system
/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/system /system ext4 ro,seclabel,relatime,data=ordered 0 0

the full output for mount is:
255|root@hwG7-UL20:/ # mount
rootfs / rootfs ro,relatime 0 0
tmpfs /dev tmpfs rw,seclabel,nosuid,relatime,size=970220k,nr_inodes=155384,mode=755 0 0
devpts /dev/pts devpts rw,seclabel,relatime,mode=600 0 0
proc /proc proc rw,relatime 0 0
sysfs /sys sysfs rw,seclabel,relatime 0 0
selinuxfs /sys/fs/selinux selinuxfs rw,relatime 0 0
none /acct cgroup rw,relatime,cpuacct 0 0
none /sys/fs/cgroup tmpfs rw,seclabel,relatime,size=970220k,nr_inodes=155384,mode=750,gid=1000 0 0
none /sys/fs/cgroup/memory cgroup rw,relatime,memory 0 0
none /dev/frz cgroup rw,relatime,freezer 0 0
tmpfs /mnt/asec tmpfs rw,seclabel,relatime,size=970220k,nr_inodes=155384,mode=755,gid=1000 0 0
tmpfs /mnt/obb tmpfs rw,seclabel,relatime,size=970220k,nr_inodes=155384,mode=755,gid=1000 0 0
none /dev/cpuctl cgroup rw,relatime,cpu 0 0
adb /dev/usb-ffs/adb functionfs rw,relatime 0 0
/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/log /log vfat rw,nosuid,nodev,relatime,uid=1000,gid=1007,fmask=0007,dmask=0007,allow_utime=0020,codepage=437,iocharset=iso8859-1,shortname=mixed,errors=remount-ro 0 0
/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/system /system ext4 ro,seclabel,relatime,data=ordered 0 0
/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/userdata /data ext4 rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,relatime,noauto_da_alloc,data=ordered 0 0
/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/cache /cache ext4 rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,relatime,data=ordered 0 0
/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/persist /persist ext4 rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,relatime,data=ordered 0 0
/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/modem /firmware vfat ro,relatime,uid=1000,gid=1000,fmask=0337,dmask=0227,codepage=437,iocharset=iso8859-1,shortname=lower,errors=remount-ro 0 0
/data/media /mnt/shell/emulated sdcardfs rw,nosuid,nodev,relatime,uid=1023,gid=1023 0 0
/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/cust /cust ext4 ro,seclabel,relatime,data=ordered 0 0

thanks a lot!

Where are you doing this? In recovery mode or in terminal on your device.

in "adb shell" terminal with root

What happens if you include the name of the device? i.e. mount -o remount,rw /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/system /system

still said: mount: Invalid argument

Hi and welcome!  A)  What device make/model?  B)  What Android version?  C)  Am I correct in guessing that SELinux is on?

The commands are a little different if you're on nougat.

Old question but I have the same problem as now. Does anyone had a solution for this?

Solution is simple. To remount a mounted system you need to have root privileges. Do an su. You will enter root mode. Then run the below command. It will work, I did it many a times.
So here are the steps:
 adb shell
 su
 mount -o rw,remount -t ext4 /system

Edit: Found a better solution
From host machine(Linux or windows PC), execute the following commands.
>> adb root
>> adb remount

remount will by default remount the /system partition with rw, if you have the permissions.
Note 1: To do su or adb root, your device must be rooted and have su executable on it. When you do an su, if it is executed properly, your terminal prompt will change from $ to #. Thanks..
Note 2: In recent mobiles, few of acer and samsung that i know, Security has been tightened, and even after rooting the phone, adb remount wouldn't work. As of i know, there is no solution available for it so far.

I'd be careful including the "-t" option to select the filesystem as that may cause it to attempt to remount as "ext4" when previously it may have been "f2fs" (used by newer custom ROMS).
You should only need to say...
mount -o rw,remount /system

to remount as read-write and to remount as read-only...
mount -o ro,remount /system

adbd cannot run as root in production builds

BIg up for 'adb remount' - this worked for me on Android 9 when mount -o rw,remount -t ext4 /system didn't - thanks!

see this related articles here and stack exchange answer here
Basically

You need root
Better to have adb secure apk installed
Check how the /system partition is mounted as read-only (ro), In particular note the device
# mount | grep system
/dev/block/stl12 /system ext4 ro,relatime,barrier=1,data=ordered 0 0

Then remount that as /system
# mount -o rw,remount /dev/block/stl12 /system

Finally, you can confirm it
# mount | grep system
/dev/block/stl12 /system ext4 rw,relatime,barrier=1,data=ordered 0 0

If you are root, you can download ES File Explorer from the Play Store, press the 3-Lined Menu icon in the top left. Next, scroll down until you see Root Explorer. Press and hold for 2-3 seconds. A menu should appear. Press "Mount R/W". Put the dot for 'system' in the RW section. A reboot may be necessary.

No any results, still RO. It probably uses the same command.


text:
Android 6.0.1 'Message Service' crash on boot - S7 Edge
I recently purchased a Samsung S7 Edge. As I like to play around with my phones a lot, one of the first things I did was root it. Not thinking properly, after enabling 'OEM Unlock' and rooting my phone, I decided to turn off 'OEM Unlock' (I figured this would be correct as on my old Nexus 7 I unlocked the bootloader, rooted & flashed it with a custom ROM and re-locked it no issues) but I didn't google anything to confirm this wouldn't cause issues. After rebooting, I realised my mistake: My phone would refuse to restart due to the FRP lock. Because of this, I flashed a new stock ROM from Sammmobile to fix this - from what I can tell this is a trusted website as everything linked back to there. This is where issues have started to occur: since flashing the stock ROM back, now when I unlock my phone for the first time a series of applications report they have crashed, notably:
LoggingService
Message Service
As well as occasionally:
Photos
Google Play Games
The issue I am now facing is that when I open the stock 'Messages' application, it crashes. Attempting to open it through settings to access the application settings, it crashes. I have since downloaded Google's 'Messenger' application and tried to use it, still no luck. I used Facebook's 'Messenger' application with integrated SMS, this just caused the recent messages screen to show 'An error occurred, please try again', however upon disabling SMS option I can see all my facebook messages.
So tl;dr:

I cannot receive (or view - not sure. No notification was shown when an SMS was expected) text messages.
Third party applications cannot view text messages in place of the default application.
Message Service system application crashes when device starts

The following fixes have been tried:

Clearing 'Messages' data and cache
Clearing 'Message Service' cache
Restarting the device (obviously)

Is anyone able to suggest other fixes to help solve my issue?
Thanks in advance

The issue was fixed. By running an adb logcat connection (adb logcat -f "storage/emulated/0/Logcat.txt") with my phone attached to my computer, I was able to log the output from the console when the application crashed. To produce the errors, I ran the Messages application. The output from the application can be found here. To solve the issue, I navigated to the mmssms.db file (look here for how to find it) and renamed the file to mmssms_old.db, essentially deleting it. I then rebooted the device and ran the application - it worked! Bear in mind all messages will be deleted, which is why I only renamed the database not deleted it entirely.


text:
How to pair Galaxy J5 with Samsung gear S?
I tried many times to install Samsung gear manager in my device(galaxy J5), but after a successful install what should I do?
When I use the app in my phone it gives me this error: check if your phone is compatible or...
My phone Bluetooth and my gear Bluetooth both are on.
Please help me how can I pair these two products of Samsung!
Thanks in advance

According to GSMArena, the Gear S is only compatible with some Samsung phones, not including the Galaxy J5. That page was from a few years ago, but the O2 product page for the Gear S agrees.
As Samsung has replaced the Gear S with the Gear S 2, whose chief selling point is that it additionally supports some non-Samsung phones, they're unlikely to revisit the Gear S software to make it compatible with more phones.
This linked question about an unsupported way of getting the original Galaxy Gear to pair with non-Samsung phones may also be relevant to you.


text:
Changing default stoarage
I am a lenovo k3 note user.i was initially using android lollipop.Now i updated my phone to  android 6.0 marshmallow.Earlier in lollipop ,i was able to change my default storage in to SD card.But in marshmallow that option is not available.what should i do ??

Marshamallow SDcards is Adoptable as an internal storage
Android has had limited support for removable storage in one form or another since the beginning. With Marshmallow, the new Adoptable storage feature lets you turn your removable SD card option into a more or less permanent (and no longer removable) part of the device.

The whole thing is simple, really, and most of the confusion surrounding Adoptable storage is easy to clear up. There are a few things to keep in mind so you understand how it works and what it's doing.

If you want to read more, visit Android  Central


text:
Difference between Doze Mode and Sleep Mode in Android Marshmallow
Prior to Android M there was something called sleep mode in Android. With Android M Google introduced the so called Doze Mode.
Can anyone please elaborate the difference between these modes?

There was nothing particularly similar to Doze on android versions prior to M. Are you referring to sleep mode as - DND / Alarms Only / Priority mode?

I believe Application Processor has to sleep whenever it is idle in order to save battery/power. So sleep in prior Android M versions was more from CPU perspective that I'm referring to. But, with Android M Doze Mode feature is something which has been incorporated from Android OS perspective(maybe, in order to help the CPU sleep for longer period).

Sleep Mode - means CPU will be sleeping and will not accept any command except from RIL(Radio Interface Layer) and alarms. CPU will go to sleep mode with in fraction of seconds after LCD is turned off.
Doze Mode - means that apps on your phone will have no network access, the system will ignore “wakelocks” when apps try to keep the device from going to sleep, and no background tasks will be allowed to run. That certainly makes it sound like your phone won’t do you much good, but there are a few ways Doze preserves functionality. While apps can’t wake the device up to run sync jobs and other background tasks, high-priority push messages will still show up. So for example, a Hangouts message will appear on a device that’s in Doze mode.
App Standby - an app that goes into standby loses all network access and all its background sync jobs are suspended. These restrictions are temporarily lifted when your phone is plugged in and for a few minutes every day or two. This gives suspended apps a chance to run any pending sync jobs, but they won’t be allowed to continue running. A high-priority push notification will also be able to wake an app from standby for a short time.
Read more here

I doubt that "CPU will go to sleep mode with in fraction of seconds after LCD is turned off", doesn't align with my experience at all


text:
Phone encryption on OnePlus 2 cyanogenmod 13
I've just installed Cyanogenmod on my OnePlus Two. When I go to Settings>Security> Encrypt Phone and perform a encryption, the system just reboot and back to the lock screen without any encryption steps.
Does anyone know how can I enable encryption? I need this to switch on my work profile.

I at one point used the July 16 nightly build of CyanogenMod with encryption. I would recommend using the stock OxygenOS recovery before doing this.


text:
Streaming Camera between two android phones without Internet
Is it possible to stream live camera from one android phone to other without Internet using wifi-hotspot of one these phones?
I have tried IP webcam app. But the other mobile's browser can't connect to given ip address (with x.x.x.x refused to connect error) . Second phone is connected to wifi-hotspot created by the first one.
Are there any other app available that can stream camera with wifi-hotspot connectivity?


text:
Backup Quora answers
How can I backup custom content contributed to Quora with the Quora app so that I can keep a local copy of my answers to questions found therein? Thanks.

I have the Quora app, and the only feature I'm aware of is taking screenshots to save your answers. I haven't found anything in the app that will save a local copy of answers. Sorry.

Well Quora app doesn't have that feature as of now, but another app can help you doing it.
Copy Bubble APP This app is a clipboard history app, it maintains history of your copied content,  which you can export to pdf, mail of txt file.


text:
Installing Fresh Android OS
I have Amazon fire tablet. I want to install fresh android 4.4 or above. Is there any step by step instruction available somewhere or how do I do this?

I don't quite get what you are saying. A Factory reset? or a new version?

My tablet running Amazon Fire OS. If I do factory reset then again I'll get Fire OS - I don't want this and instead of Fire OS I am interested in Pure Android OS either 4.4 or above

Check this thread out it might be a good starting place. There is a video in the second post.  You will need a custom recovery to flash a ROM. http://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/orig-development/twrp-recovery-t3242548

Yes, instructions are available: How can I install vanilla Android on the Kindle Fire?. Tough those are for ICS and JB, the link for CM10/JB now leads to CM11/KK. Also see our kindle-fire tag for other related questions.

First you have to know which OS your tablet is running before you do anything. These tablets normally run Amazon Fire OS.
Amazon wanted to create its own operating system for its tablets. Rather than starting from scratch, Amazon takes that Android AOSP code and modified it to create “Fire OS.
But you can try your luck here..XDA Amazon Fire Forum

Yes Its running Amazon Fire OS, I'll try this link and update here


text:
How do you debug in an Andorid phone that is not a Nexus?
I am trying to hook up my LG818P to chrome developer tools. In the Google documentation it says to download the firmware form the OEM's website, yet every step after installing said usb driver assumes you have a Nexus device.
The instruction include updating your mobile phone driver from /extras/google/usb_driver, which is a package that explicitly says is applicable to Nexus devices. The documentation is too vague for me to spot a proper solution.

The documentation is just fine. You need to find the OEM USB Drivers from this list, then follow the instructions by replacing the path to the downloaded files.

After pulling many hairs I discovered it LG4 requires you to change the USB connection from MTP to PTP.
Obviously this little fact was missing from the docs.


text:
Automatically switching WiFi
I have two wifi networks in my house. They are very far from each other.
When I go to the kitchen area I loose connection to my main one in my room and it connects to the second one.
When I go back to my room the kitchen one is still slightly available. But so slow I cannot load anything at all. My phone (Nexus 5x) however does not switch back to my main connection but just stays on this sluggish connection.
Anyway to force it to automatically choose the strongest available connection?

Related: Can Android switch to the Wireless AP with the strongest signal. Also see my list for apps to automatically switch to the strongest WiFi network.

this is not a wifi-direct related question

As of now, at least on the Nexus 6P which is a Nexus and all of this should apply, the only way I've been able to stop situations like that where my phone is trying to connect to a weak Wi-Fi signal is to go into the Settings, tap on the network, and click "FORGET".
However, as far as current features in Android go, there's no way to prioritize Wi-Fi networks without an app from the Google Play Store.


text:
Youtube in flyperlink
I recently came across a beautiful web browser named Flyperlink.  It's really good but only problem with this browser is whenever i open a youtube link in it, it opens youtube app instead. Is there any way to open youtube on flyperlink.

Have you checked if Youtube is the default app for those links? Please go to Settings > Apps > Youtube and check its default actions. If you can remove the default action then you should get a dialogue option prompting you to choose in which app youtube links should be opened

No,  it's not default. I've even tried after uninstalling youtube app but then flyperlink opens the link in secondary browser.

Go to Settings -> Apps -> YouTube -> Clear Defaults.
Next time you open a you tube link, you will be asked to Chose which app should be used to open the link. You can chose Flyperlink from there.

Thanks for your response but I've tried this already.


text:
permission denied on files created via adb in recovery
I stumbled upon a strange issue - after installing new ROM (CyanogenMod 12.1), I used adb push (still in TWRP) to copy some backed up directories to internal storage - so far so good. But then in fully booted system I found out, that I have read only permission for these dirs even when logged as root (I can still remove them from recovery though; also I don't have this problem, when I use adb when normal android is running).
I thought that it could be a selinux issue, but ls -lZ shows the same permissions/context for everything (and I also tried calling the restorecon on these dirs)
Any idea what causes this?
(note: I'm looking just for explanation, I can solve this easily by deleting it in recovery)
EDIT: in case it was relevant, my device is Kindle Fire HD (tate)

For some strange reason (even on my AOSP 6 Xperia S) actual "fully booted system" reported permissions are a lie.
I eventually ran ls -l from recovery, and discovered not only they were different, but also owner was another one (in this case root, instead of media_rw).
chown 1023.1023 and chmod 770 did the work and made the file "normal".


text:
Why is phone storage breakdown not adding up
When I go into the internal storage menu,  the subsections (only apps and cache because I use adoptable storage) do not add up to the total internal storage space used. What is not being shown?

Edit: so I have kept looking around, and I hoped to get to the bottom of this with a storage visualization app, but they always seem to show the wrong partitions. Does anyone have any input?

The Android operating system itself and other programs that come pre-installed on your phone are also saved to internal storage. This is why the available storage will never equal the advertised storage capacity on any new phone.
Some bloatware can be uninstalled and some cannot.

Thanks for the reply,  but I thought that was displayed up one menu. I am adding that photo to my main submission.


text:
Storage Space running out - can't access phone at all
I have an LG Volt (LS740).  Woke up this morning and couldn't get into the phone at all.  When swipe, I just get black screen. Notification indicates "Storage space running out: Some system functions may not work" but clicking on notification just gives me black screen.  Rebooting the phone doesn't seem to help.
I've gone thru similar questions posted but they all seem to have access to either Settings or a file manager.  I can't access any functions on the phone.  Occasionally I can get the icon desktop, but the system won't respond to taps.
Do I need a reset of the phone or is there some magic incantation I can perform to get some control back?

My wife's been getting this on her Ls740 lately. A temporary fix is to go into settings / apps and sort by size. The app using the most space will show up at the top. In her case it's the "google play services" thats going crazy and using up all available memory (currently at 2.4 gb). Click on it and select "clear all data". That fixes it for about 24 hours but then it happens again. I still have not figured out whats causing it. I have the identical phone and do not have the problem.
I did try a factory reset too but it didn't solve the problem.


text:
How to recover the lost data from NQ Vault
my phone got factory reset by mistake. I had very important data in my NQ Vault. Is there any possibility wherein I can recover it.
Please note it was not the premium account. It was a basic one. Also online account was created however no backup was taken. Please please help me!
Can anyone please help!


text:
Why is my email being marked as read?
I recently discovered that my email, served via POP3 on a SquirrelMail server, and only accessed by the stock Android Email application, is all being marked as read on the server. Every one of them? Why is this happening? How can I stop it?

POP3 is meant to mark the server copy as read once it's been downloaded Completely. The default setting in the stock Email app is 2kb of the email is downloaded. If changed to one of the higher options, you risk completely downloading the email, and the server will mark it read at that point. (It's not a bug, it's a feature, see an old Superuser question):

POP is working as designed, here. If you access a mailbox via the Post Office Protocol, you are expected to be transferring it off the server to storage of your own. (RFCs 1081 and 1939 both make this point explicit in their introductions.) From the server's point of view a message that has been RETRieved but not yet DELEted is indeed "read" by the POP client.

My issue was that I changed the Limit Retrieval Size option in Sync Settings for that account to No Limit (including attachments). The names of the options vary between Android and manufacturer versions.

By switching to a smaller size or header only, I get the new emails in the app still, while not marking them as read on the server/web-mail until it has been read. At 10 or 20kb, some emails still get marked read, but not the majority of them.


text:
Huawei P8 Lite Wifi Problem
Huawei P8 lite ALE-L21. Since yesterday Wi-Fi did stop working. To be more precise, I see my wi-fi network but I can not connect to it. I receive a "saved, secured" messaged and if I insist I get "denied access to network". I day before, same installation did work. Now I did try to configure a unprotected wi-fi network, it dos not work anymore. I did also try to hard reset my phone, wipe all cache but the issue didn't resolve. I assume now that this is a hardare issue related to the L21. Android Version is 5.0.1

I have exactly the same problem as you. Tried EVERYTHING. Even updated my Android to 6.0 and EMUI to 4.0. Did you have any luck in solving this problem?


text:
Cannot unmount SD card
I'm currently using Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich) on an old Qualcomm, ARMv7 device, with a 2GB SD card.
I want to bootstrap Debian Wheezy onto the SD card, but FAT32 can't handle symlinks and attributes, so I need to format the card as an ext filesystem. My computer does not have microSD slots, so I'll need to unmount the sdcard and then use some tool to format it from Android.
The problem is that I don't have any "unmount" options in the settings. I tried to root the phone and use ADB to run umount, but it fails on "Device or resource busy".
The phone isn't currently rooted, but I can easily do it in a few moments if needed.
I have a USB cable and ADB installed on my PC.
My PC has Gentoo Linux installed, and I have Debian Jessie available if needed.
I'm OK with using the command line.
May some Android comrade help me?

I ran into a similar problem in 4.4; it turned out that having the cable plugged in was what prevented the unmount.

Turns out there was much more to unmount beyond /mnt/sdcard. Through ADB (and rooted) I unmounted /mnt/sdcard/.android_secure, then /mnt/sdcard, then everything under /mnt. Then I was able to partition my SD card.
I hope someone can make good use of this thread one day!

Are you sure that you unmounted the real external SD? Usually, the name /sdcard or /storage/sdcard0 means internal storage, whilst the external is /storage/sdcard1, /mnt/external_sd, /external_sd or /mnt/media_rw/sdcard1.


text:
Viewing Google back-up
How can I tell if I backed up my phone to Google?  I don't know if did, but I sure hope so because I have to reset it - the phone won't turn on.  Thanks for your help.

You should be more specific. If your phone could turn on it would be easy to tell you how to check your settings. Since it cannot you need to tell use what data you are looking for, because not all data is backed up in the same fashion. Most people have their contacts automatically backed up (sign into gmail and check your contacts to verify). Some apps may back data up to Google Drive, so look there as well. Some apps may only store data locally on your phone.

Log in to your Google account with a web browser, navigate to your settings, and request to download all your Google data (can't get on the name for that right now). Then download the archive and check. While the archive is generated, you can also check what's listed in your Dashboard, and check your Google Drive storage.

Do you have to reset it or can you flash the stock firmware onto it? You might not have to reset your device.

Go to https://www.google.com/settings/dashboard in a web browser (on any device) and log in with your Google account details. You'll see a section called Android. If you expand it, you'll see a list of all the devices which have backed up data automatically to your Google account, and a list of all the apps with backup data and the time they last backed up.


text:
Admin profile locked on Android 4.4 KitKat tablet
My daughter has locked my admin profile on my our tablet and there's only her user profile open but I can't reset from there. tried the volume up button and power on to reset my tablet but nothing seems to work is there another way? Please help

I am assuming she either set a new pin/password for you by mistake or you already had a pin/password before she locked it that you cannot remember. Either way you need to reset the pic/password. Here are the instructions for Android 4.4 which you are using:
"Older versions of Android — Android 4.4 KitKat and older — have an integrated way to bypass your pattern, PIN, or other password if you forget it."
"To find this feature, first enter an incorrect pattern or PIN five times at the lock screen. You’ll see a “Forgot pattern,” “forgot PIN,” or “forgot password” button appear. Tap it. You’ll be prompted to enter the username and password of the Google account associated with your Android device."
http://www.howtogeek.com/226942/what-to-do-if-you-forget-your-android-phone%E2%80%99s-pin-pattern-or-password/
If you cannot remember the password to your Google account then complete this process first:
https://www.google.com/accounts/recovery/
If you have still access to the number you used when creating the Google account, recovery will be easy, otherwise you will need to answer some security questions first.
Once you recover your account you can go back to the pin/password reset instructions for your tablet above.

Some models had modified their Android images to remove that little feature even on 4.4 :D :D :D . Thank you, Alcatel Pop C9. Absolutely no way provided to recover from a forgotten credential on that one. Only way (without finding an exploit) is to build an automatic input machine and let it try all the 10^6 (or 10^7; I can't remember) possibilities :D.

Nah, just make sure when she opens it backup and recovery is on and then do a hard reset
If not download mobizon screen recorder and then in about phone enable developers options and enable see screen tap so you could see the pass word easily
If its samsung sign in your account in find my phone Samsung and unlock ur device


text:
Are deleted WhatsApp messages still recoverable even after deleting a contact
I deleted a particular WhatsApp conversation. Then I deleted the same contact. Now I uploaded the contact again but I am unable to see my deleted messages. I don't see the option of restoring messages after reinstalling WhatsApp. Why is this so? And is there a way out?

"I don't see the option of restoring messages" is this a rooted device?

What does rooted device mean

No it's nt a rooted device....

Why do I not see the option of restoring my messages on reinstalling whats app

If you have automatic backups sent to Google Drive, that will be your easiest solution. If not, search for a local backup on your phone itself and recover with this method:

Your phone will store up to the last 7 days worth of local backup files (Google Drive will only have the most recent). If you wish to restore a local backup which is not the most recent, you will need to do the following:

Download a file manager.
In the File Manager, navigate to sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases. If your data is not stored on the SD card, you may see internal storage or main storage instead of sdcard.
Rename the backup file you wish to restore from msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12 to msgstore.db.crypt12. It is possible that your earlier backup may have been on an earlier protocol, such as crypt9 or crypt10. Do not change the number of the crypt extension.
Uninstall WhatsApp.
Install WhatsApp.
Tap Restore when asked.

https://www.whatsapp.com/faq/en/android/20887921


text:
"Unfortunately, IMS service has stopped" after Marshmellow upgrade
My Galaxy Note 4 was "upgraded" to Marshmallow today and I immediately started getting the popup notification "Unfortunately, IMS Service has stopped." This occurs as a popup about every two seconds, which effectively bricks the device. The problem occurs even if I boot into Safe Mode.
Things that have not helped:

restarting after taking the battery out.
wiping the cache for the Messages app.
changing my default messaging application to Messages+.
wiping the cache partition.
checking for application updates.
uninstalling Facebook Messenger.

I found this thread which suggests turning off "rich communications," for an S5 Neo, but the Galaxy Note 4 doesn't appear to have that option anywhere.
At this point the only thing I can think of is a factory reset, which I'd very much like to avoid.

The other suggestion in the linked question is switching your default SMS app to another one, and then back. Did you try that?

Settings → Applications → Settings Button near top right corner of your screen (do not scroll down and find settings under the list of apps) → Default Apps → SMS App → choose another option to eliminate pop ups and identify which app is not working properly after the upgrade. After you delete or update the app causing the error, you can go back to your previous SMS choice if you wish.
You are not having a Marshmallow problem. The problem is with a new App not that has not properly been updated from Marshmallow support


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Remove Gmail account in android 5.0.1 galaxy s4
I wanna remove an old gmail from my s4 . But every time go to setting and tap Google.  The settings app stop running and return me to my home page.  So I could be even get to the options. I've tried removing through the Google app. I'd open the email I want to remove.  Tap account manager.  It'll take me to Google account and add account.  When I tap Google it does the same thing.  It'll say " unfortunately ,settings has stopped." Could someone please help show me how to remove the Gmail account from my phone .  Without having to delete it. Thanks

You can remotely remove a Google account from a device by using here link.

Log-in to Google with the account you wish to remove
Choose the device from where you wish to remove the account
Click on 'Remove'

This should help you remove your account. Also, please note that it is not possible to just remove GMail from a device. If a Google service from an account is to be terminated, the full account should be detached from the device.


text:
Can we connect VGA from PC directly into android
I want to use google cardboard as VR monitor from PC with my phone. So I want to know is it possible to just connect from my PC VGA to android USB port and override android screen

Might point you in right direction: USB to VGA adapter Android

@GokulNC Thanks but that opposite. I already try to search and most of them is show android to projector, not vga to phone

Have you looked at non-cabled options like screen streaming and sharing over wifi? http://android.stackexchange.com/questions/11885/video-streaming-from-pc-to-android

I don't think its possible through VGA cable, But you can try Desktop steaming apps.

That option sure possible but it slow that's why I try to find other way around


text:
Gallery and Google Photo Syncing
Samsung S5. I have Google Photos set to backup my Pictures folder when on WiFi and power.
Day 1: Take several photos. Backup takes place overnight.
Day 2: Take more photos and delete some photos from Day 1 from device. Backup overnight.
Day 3: All Day 1 and 2 photos are in the cloud. Those I deleted from the device are not/never deleted from the cloud.
How can I get Photos to sync with Gallery by also deleting photos I've deleted locally?

This happens automatically now.

Depends on your Google Photos app version. As of v1.23, deleting local gallery photos should prompt you -- Read more about it here
As quoted in the article --

Say you took a few photos on your phone and they're already backed up
  to Google Photos. Then you went through another gallery app (if you
  use the Samsung or LG or HTC Gallery apps or another third-party
  client) and deleted the ones you didn't want to keep. The images would
  still be backed up in your Google Photos account.
Now, Photos is smart to realize that this has happened and suggests it
  removes them too. For example, you may want to do that for burst
  photos that you don't want in your account or for random shots that
  you only needed for a couple of days. But you don't want to do that
  for photos that you want to save but just removed because you're
  freeing up space on your device. That's why it's great that this is an
  optional card and not an automatic action.

You've set up google photos to backup over wifi and when charging. So the next day you delete the photos via a different gallery app, google does not have an idea that you've actually deleted them locally.
If you want to delete local copy while retaining the cloud copy, continue what you're doing now.
If you want to delete cloud + local copy, one of many ways would be to delete it from the photos app.

Open photos
Select the photos you would like to delete
Tap on the 3 dot overflow menu on the top right of the screen
Select "delete device copy"
Tap on the bin icon at the top to delete the cloud copy as well.

I have Photos version 1.23.0.xxx and I'm not bring prompted. However, your point about deleting from within Photos makes sense. I expected Photos to check the image folder at backup time and determine what has been deleted itself though.


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Not able to flash android N preview system.img in Nexus 6P
Not able to flash android N preview system.img in Nexus 6P
Android N preview (Nexus 6P "angler")
Build : angler-npd56n-factory-1ce5ccad.tgz

fastboot flash bootloader bootloader-angler-angler--03.55.img
fastboot reboot-bootloader
fastboot flash radio radio-angler-angler-03.67.img
fastboot reboot-bootloader
fastboot erase system
fastboot erase boot
fastboot erase recovery
fastboot erase cache
fastboot flash system system.img

error: cannot load 'system.img'

fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot flash cache cache.img
fastboot flash vendor vendor.img
fastboot reboot

Already tried below options

fastboot -S 512M flash system system.img
fastboot -S 1024M flash system system.img
fastboot -S 2048M flash system system.img

Sounds like something is wrong with the system.img file. Could the download have been corrupted?

same commands working for build : 6.0.1 (MTC19V)  from https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images#sojus

It's probably not the command. Bet it's something that's to do with the system.img itself. Did you do a md5 checksum verification on what's available on the download page vs what you have?

Verified checksum, it is still not working.


text:
How can I know which file system is used for my internal storage?
I want to know whether my internal storage is formatted as exFAT, FAT32, ext4, etc.
How can I tell?
I run rooted Android 5.0, if it matters.

For this you need either access via adb (adb shell) or a terminal app. At the prompt, execute
mount | grep "/data"

The output will have something like
/emmc@usrdata /data ext4 rw,nosuid,nodev,noatime,discard,noauto_da_alloc,data=ordered 0 0

The third column tells you the file system used (in the example above: ext4).
Of course there are also several 3rd party apps offering you such insight :)

Thanks! And the output said ext4 :D :D :D No more silly 4 GB limit :)


text:
Regarding root of my device samsung galaxy star pro gt S7262
i cant root my device   after using odin drivers too
my problem is in recovery mode it is not showing the option install from zip
it is showing only 4 options they are 1 .reboot device  2. install update from adb  3. factory reset   4. wipe cache partition
 so plz help how could i root my device

Related: Root Galaxy Star Pro. PS: The only answer until a few minutes ago contained nothing but a dead link. I've tracked that to Archive.Org and posted a new answer, please check out.

You're probably still using the stock recovery. Check TWRPRecovery v2.6.3.0 Star Pro | Plus GT-S7262 and follow the steps precisly!

@benjaminS thanx a lot.... my device was nw rooted

Glad to hear it worked, I'll make an answer out of it. If it solved your issue you may wish to accept it :)

The problem you are really facing is that you are still using the stock recovery. Flash a custom recovery.

With credits to ItsAnilSingh from xda-developers. He is the creator of the recovery and posted the installation steps.


text:
Partitioning SD card on Android phone
I have a 32GB SD card which I want to have it partitioned.
I'm having the hardest time finding any apps that work or any tutorials.
Can anyone please help me out with this?

Are you rooted? There is no way to edit partitioning directly from the device without root, once you have root privileges, there are several apps which allow for the card to partitioned, such as AParted or Parted4Android.
If you have custom recovery, such as TWRP or CWM, some of those builds have SD card partitioning built in.
Remember that Android will only mount one SD card partition by default, with root you can manually mount a second partition.

You can partition through recovery (CWM) when u go  to advanced options in cwm recovery the option is present over there.


text:
Show current SSID under WiFi indicator in Notification panel
I tried searching for a solution but this seems so stupidly trivial I can't even find any posts about it, not even a hint in those Android tips 'n tricks articles. The closest I could find is Add wifi network name in notification?, but it wasn't really applicable to my issue here.
I'd like to show my current WiFi SSID below the WiFi indicator in the Notification panel. See image below for example, I've marked where it should be with a red border.
Reason for asking is because a friend of mine with the exact same phone shows the SSID below the WiFi indicator, I saw it with my very own eyes. His phone was not rooted, just to be clear.
Phone details:

Model: Samsung SM-G900F
Android version: 6.0.1
Kernel: 3.4.0
Home screen: Google Now Launcher.
Rooted: no

I just tried changing Home screen to Samsung's TouchWiz, but it made no difference for the SSID indicator.
Any tips would be greatly appreciated, or please let me know if I didn't provide enough information. The fact it's such a small issue is bothering me even more.

Use an app like SSID Notify ?

I'd like to use the Android native function for this when I know it exists somehow. Besides, I can't tell what SSID Notify actually tries to do. The description and screenshots made no sense.

I think android version is not the same anymore as on the question but on 7.0 (Nougat) if you pull down the status bar using 1 finger you don't see the wifi SSID (1st picture) and if you use 2 fingers you can see more icons and details (2nd picture), including the SSID. See pictures (on the same fone). (obs: pulling with 1 finger and pulling a 2nd time is the same as pulling with 2 fingers)

Maybe it could be that you have disabled SSID broadcasting in your router settings. I think this may depend on the type of router you are using too. Just a suggestion.

Thanks, but that's not the issue unfortunately. The WLAN is broadcasting SSID. I frequently use 4 different WLANs as well so I doubt it has anything to do with the WLAN settings

Perhaps your phone needs upgrading, that might fix the issue.


text:
Factory reset, cannot reload Google paly
I was having issues with my android tablet so I performed a factory reset.  Now, I am trying to get my Google Play account re-installed so I can download apps.  I keep getting a "cannot connect to Google servers" message.  For a week now I cannot connect to get any aps, did I do something wrong doing a factory reset? is my tablet useless now?  Please help

Were you able to successfully add your Gmail/Google account during the Setup Wizard? Your Google account is needed for Play Services and Google Play to update themselves (this is accomplished automatically).

You have to remove two step verification of your gmail account.
to do so,
In “Signing in & security” section of My Account, select 2-Step Verification. Sign in with your username, password, and verification code if asked.
Select Turn off 2-Step Verification.
A pop-up window will appear to confirm that you want to turn off 2-Step Verification. Select Ok.


text:
I keep getting the error "An unexpected error has occurred. Please try again later."
I've tried to use both my card and paypal to pay for an app on three different devices (desktop computer, phone, and tablet). None of them work and on my phone I get "Error. We couldn't complete your request." I've tried different apps too so its not a problem with the app or the way I'm accessing the play store. I have 2-step verification turned off.
*Now it won't even show certain paid apps on my phone in the google play store. (The two apps I'm trying to purchase both don't show)
*edit2: I believe the cause may be that I'm not in the US (where I got the free version of the app I'm trying to buy) and it may not be in the UK version of google play store.

Can you "purchase" and install a free app?

Yes I am able to install free apps.


text:
How to block a range of phone numbers without any third-party apps
Is it possible to block a range of phone numbers
e.g. 02079460***
as I keep getting accident companies and personal injury calls.
I have read that these are fake numbers for  use in TV and radio dramas

I am ideally looking for a built in solution without having to install a separate app

Related: Number recognition of company number ranges / Can I block calls based on a specific number prefix or pattern?

Yea that's all third party app's which cannot be installed on my work phone

Yupp, sure. I didn't say "duplicate" :) We like to link "related" question so people can find them easier. I was aware it's not exactly what you're after – sorry if that caused any confusion.

There's no functionality built into Android to do this. If you want to block a range of numbers, or numbers matching a pattern, and you can't install apps on the phone to do it (as per Can I block calls based on a specific number prefix or pattern? or Free app to block calls and SMS based on pattern), then all you can do is contact your carrier and hope that they can set up the block for you at the exchange. Carriers tend to be quite obliging about blocking nuisance callers, but of course they too may be limited by what software they have available, and they may just tell you to use one of the apps mentioned in the linked questions.

I know this question is from 2 years ago but in case anyone is still wondering about this, I can say that at least on old LG smartphones like mine (LG Magna, also known as LG Magna H502F, H500F), it has built-in number blocking functions, and there you can block specific numbers, numbers that begin with the digits you specify and numbers that end with the digits you specify:
Android Version: 5.0.1

UPDATE September 2020:
I have had two more LG smartphones (LG Q6, LG K51S) and they also have this same blocking features. Seems like this brand always have that function in their android systems.

On a Samsung Note II with Android 4.4.2 this can be done from: Phone / Menu / Call settings / Call rejection / Auto reject list / Create / Enter partial number and specify 'Match criteria'. On a Samsung Galaxy Note9 (Android 10): Phone / (Ellipsis) / Settings / Block numbers / Add partial number, select 'Match criteria' and tap the + icon to the right of the number.

For Redmi PR MI phones
Goto Settings->search for blocklist -> open blocklist -> Click Block Numbers -> Click on Add -> Choose Add prefix
Now add prefix to add same number range


text:
The GPS on my Galaxy Note IV is often wrong
While I'm at work the GPS location on my Galaxy Note IV is very poor, taking a long time to pinpoint a location, and often being off by a few streets when it does.
I have less issues while in a densely populated zone.
I understand why that is, the GPS itself doesn't get a strong signal from the satellites, so the phone uses celltowers or wifi access points to guess my location to the best of its abilities, and since there aren't a lot of those around me its guess is wrong.
My question is : Is there a way to fix this situation ? Can I indicate to Google that my location is wrong, or configure my phone to adjust for that error ?

Nope. Since there isn't anything technically wrong with the gps in your phone and it's just the location of where you are that throws it off, the best thing to do is just go outside and see if the signal is stronger from outside the building or deal with it.
Google maps doesn't currently have any features that allow users to correct their location. You can type it in the search bar if you're trying to get from your current location to another but it won't exactly "stick".
Hope this helped.

You can send feedback from within Google Maps:

Open the Google Maps app maps.
Touch the Menu .
Touch Send feedback > Send app feedback.

Note: If you want to send feedback about the blue dot that shows your location, touch Report location issues.


text:
Why is built-in call recording such a rare feature on Android devices?
As the title says.
I find it really weird to see it this way, as I know the OS itself do support it.
Even Nexus devices don't have it built in.
On some Android devices, you would even need to root them in order to have call recording.
I know the laws of call recording are different between countries, but still, how could some devices (and even Nokia devices) have this feature, while most Android devices don't?

I think it's just because it's illegal in some countries. But it's Android, you can do everything with root :)

@SuperThomasLab But still, it's available on some Android devices yet not on most, and it's available even on WP devices.

I think it mostly has to do with both of the following:

A lack of demand for the feature. While a small minority of users may want this feature, most "normal" users probably never even think about it.
The laws in the US regarding recording phone calls are relatively complex. They usually vary from state to state (source). Companies probably do not want to expose themselves to additional liability.

If #1 was to change so that a sizable number of people want this feature, then a company would be more likely to put the effort in to make sure that the feature works legally.

I think Asus phones, which aren't that popular, have this feature built in. How can they do it, while others don't?

I am not familiar with many ASUS phones, but maybe ASUS decided their target market may want this feature while others decided not enough of their customers care. While the demographics ASUS is selling to are probably similar to other companies, ASUS may make internal decisions differently than other companies.


text:
How to upgrade Android kernel version
I am running a Android device with a kernel version of 3.4.5 on a soc made by mediatek (MT6582). Now recently I found a within post with the stock untouched KitKat based kernel for MT6582. This new KitKat kernel is version 3.4.67 I believe. And in the github page the guy mentioned a thing about upgrading the kernel version without having to necessarily make a new one. It didnt have any steps and I didn't really understand much if someone can help on how to upgrade the Linux kernel it would very very helpful.
Here is what it read:

Unlike patches for the 3.x kernels, patches for the 3.x.y kernels
     (also known as the -stable kernels) are not incremental but instead apply
     directly to the base 3.x kernel.  Please read
     Documentation/applying-patches.txt for more information.
Alternatively, the script patch-kernel can be used to automate this
     process.  It determines the current kernel version and applies any
     patches found.
linux/scripts/patch-kernel linux

The first argument in the command above is the location of the
     kernel source.  Patches are applied from the current directory, but
     an alternative directory can be specified as the second argument.
If you are upgrading between releases using the stable series patches
     (for example, patch-3.x.y), note that these "dot-releases" are
     not incremental and must be applied to the 3.x base tree. For
     example, if your base kernel is 3.0 and you want to apply the
     3.0.3 patch, you do not and indeed must not first apply the
     3.0.1 and 3.0.2 patches. Similarly, if you are running kernel
     version 3.0.2 and want to jump to 3.0.3, you must first
     reverse the 3.0.2 patch (that is, patch -R) before applying
     the 3.0.3 patch.

So does anyone know how I can upgrade my kernel version...if yes can you please tell me how another related info to help me would also be appreciated.
Thanks

The instructions you've found are for applying a patch to the source code of the kernel. They're only relevant if you're compiling the kernel yourself, which I guess isn't what you want. You need to find a binary of the kernel (i.e. a boot.img), which will probably come with instructions on how to flash it.

I totally doubt if the kernel is for MTK devices because as per my knowledge goes (I too own a MT6582 device) MTK is a partially closed-source SoC manufacturer who gives out the source code by purchasing.
MTK makes a standard ROM based on AOSP and gives it out to companies but no companies are allowed to edit the ROM unless they buy the license for it.
This means that non-MTK associates can not make any part of the ROM as they don't have  the source-code
My Suggestion: Don't try this stunt because you may end up with a kernel with miss matching drivers and also a boot-looped device as a bonus :)

Hi also since u told me u have a mt6582 phone may I know if you are running a custom and also which version I'd your current rom... thanks

what do you mean you have to purchase the source code? You cannot, by law, use the linux kernel without providing the sources for free

Can you put the link to the github post in the post?
I don't know a lot about to make(update) a kernel but what I do know is that it requires a lot of programming skill.
One of the major problems with mediatek SOCs is that they rarely give out the source-code for their sockets.
This makes it even harder go build a custom kernel.
I did find one failed attempt for your socket.
 XDA forums:[KERNEL] [3.4.5] Wiko DarkMoon (MT6582)
Another problem is that the rom is specifically made for the linux kernel and that newer kernels might not work with your device. Source:(stackexchange).
It is a lot of hassle to update the kernel and I doubt it is even remotely worth it.

Hi I have actually seen the wiki darkroom kernel before...but it isn't for my device and I'm not sure if I can port that to my phone if yes please tell me....also here is the github source....if u are veiwing the github source view it in desktop version of the page for the description thing containing the article about the upgrade.

Oops forgot to add the link here it is https://github.com/kashifmin/MT6582-KK-KERNEL/

Oops for the darkrom kernel by incompatibility I meant that I already have kernel 3.4.5 and am looking for kernel 3.4.67 which supports kitkat


text:
Beginner question about Android ROM and boot process
I read tons of things about Android devices, but I did not manage to find an overview about the boot process.
My technical level is okay to fully (really) understand how a PC boots.
What I understand, but may be wrong:

a device contains a main flash memory. We can insert additional flash memory (aften as Micro SD card) but is not used during boot
the processor is often embeeded in a SoC (system on chip), with a ROM (or probably a flash too) acting as a BIOS. I wonder if this BIOS is really separated from the main flash
the main flash contains a Linux kernel, and another part contains the root filesystem. This can be modified by installing a new ROM (which is obviously a misleading name)
when the device is powered on, the processor executes the BIOS. Which in turn loads the kernel into memory, then execute it. Now this is a somewhat regular Linux system
during BIOS execution, we can use some buttons to access basic functions. One of them allow to reflash the main memory

If someone provides links to this kind of "basic" informations, I will be really greatfull.
So if all this is right, then a bricked device can just be reloaded with a working ROM? I can then fiddle as I want, at worst I only will have to reflash.
Is there another way to boot this kind of device? For example using a micro SD card loaded with a kernel an filesystem. I presume this is very device dependant, because the BIOS has to support it.
I see there are "soft" and "hard" brinking. What is the difference?

check this page out for the difference between a soft and hard brick. Long story short soft bricks are easily fixable with flashing software, hard bricks require a JTAG which can be a pain in the ass: http://forums.androidcentral.com/android-4-1-4-2-4-3-jelly-bean/303013-what-difference-between-hard-soft-brick.html


text:
Removing a device from Android Device Manager for a specific account
I work at a small phone repair chain. When I'm logged into the Gmail or Inbox apps with the company's shared Google e-mail account on my private phone, my phone is listed in Android Device Manager for the work account. This allows any and all of my colleagues to Lock or Erase my phone. No thank you.
My phone is an LG G4 running Marshmallow.
How can I remove (not hide) my phone from the Android Device manager for my work account and still receive e-mail on it?

As pointed out by OP signing out of work account signs out of the Gmail app and any other Google apps. So there is no way to receive work mails using Gmail or Inbox app
But you want to sign out to be outside the control of Android Device Manager, yet access company mails. For this, you would need to sign up on your device using your personal gmail account and use a browser for work account. You would need a browser that can send you notifications when mail is received on your work account.
Firefox can do this . Install X-notifier lite add-on to receive notifications. There are a couple of other Gmail add-ons but they did not get installed (you may like to try). This is a basic notifier that shows messages received in your notification tray
Snapshot on left shows add on showing up in Firefox menu and on right the notification appearing in your notification tray

This is verified by creating a test Gmail account and sending a mail to my personal (linked to Google Play) and it showed up on the notification. Further accounts are not added to Play Store or listed in the accounts section of settings as OP had commented for another solution

This is the one of the best answers so far. I suppose I could even use a third party mail client. A bit disappointing, since I really like the Google Inbox interface.

Actually, it is very straightforward.
Remove the work Google account from your phone and then add it to Gmail app as an IMAP account instead of a fully functional Google account.
If it is added as an IMAP account, it doesn't get linked to ADM or any other Google app, for that matter.
From How to add Gmail account without adding Google account on Android - Gmail Community

Instead of adding the account as a Google account, add it as type Personal (IMAP).  That way only Gmail will be connected.  The settings are:

Incoming servername:imap.gmail.com
Port: 993
Encryption: SSL
Outgoing server name: smtp.gmail.com
Port: 465
Encryption: SSL

I suppose this is my best course of action as of right now. I really like Inbox at the moment, but I'm not sure I like the trade-off.

Definitely the best answer.  If you want email, just use email.  Don't set it up as a broad-spectrum Google account on the device.

I took the liberty of adding more information to make it complete and helpful, the how to do it part

I think this is what your after.

To remove devices from your account: Use your phone's browser to go to
  myaccount.google.com. In the "Sign-in & security" section, touch
  Device activity & notification. In the "Recently used devices"
  section, touch Review devices. Touch the device you want to remove >
  Remove.

Source

That would also log me out of the Gmail app.

If your using Google Apps for Work then you can't. Basically to have the phone connected to a work account you would of had to agree on the device policy which would give them access to your device. That's for safety so for example a engineer or salesman loses there phone you can get rid of all the important data on there that phones so it doesn't fall into the wrong hands.

"Since I've logged into the Gmail app with the company's shared Google e-mail account on my private phone, my phone is listed in Android Device Manager for the work account" I'm surprised this question is still open its just how Google works. If you log in to a work account they have security in place which allows you to remotely wipe it. Simple.. If they made it so you could remove it from the device management that would eventually end in disaster.

Explain to me why wanting to receive my work email should logically result in that account being able to wipe my phone? I don't want to sync bookmarks or contacts, I just want to receive email.

When its a corporate email then they need to be able to wipe it. Say your a engineer who deals with important private information of a customer on a daily basis and whilst on your travels you lost that device with all that important data on. Your company wouldn't just sit there and say "oh well" they would of made sure they have some sort of extra security in place so that they can resolve the issue before it even becomes one. That's why so many companies are transferring to Google Apps for Work now as the level of security it provides is incredible.

I would say that the level of security is pretty bad when any of my fifteen colleagues can wipe my phone without any recourse.

Well it's better than you losing your phone and costing the company thousands.. I work in IT we have control over hundreds of phones but its not like we wipe them for the fun of it. You have nothing to worry about.. Unless you've installed something like PornHub we can see that ;)

add your own account to your phone, remove the work account, then add the work account as a secondary email, not the playstore email.

All accounts I add to Gmail seem to get added to Play Store and the accounts listed in the Settings app as well.

from google support:
https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/3265955?hl=en

That just explains how to disable Android Device Manager for all accounts.


text:
Galaxy A5: How to set power button to reject calls (no root)
I've found in Settings/Answering and ending calls how to answer by pressing Home key and how to end a call by pressing the Power key. Is there any other possibility to assign the power key in order to reject calls?
Galaxy A5 (2016) Lollipop 5.1.1
Thanks,

No sorry. If you're looking to assign another use to the power button other than what's available in the settings, you'll most likely need to root it.

thanks, or maybe trying to find a safe mapping button app with no root requirements.

Yeah, that works too