text:
How do I remove orphaned permissions that are preventing an app reinstalling on Android lollipop
I have a ZTE phone I'm unable to reinstall facebook on using the Google Play Store - I get the notorious -505 unknown error.
If I install a downloaded facebook apk using adb I get the following error.
pkg: /data/local/tmp/com.facebook.katana.apk Failure [INSTALL_FAILED_DUPLICATE_PERMISSION
perm=com.facebook.katana.permission.RECEIVE_ADM_MESSAGE pkg=com.facebook.katana]

No facebook packages are installed according to the output of
pm list packages

So the problem appears to be caused by stray permissions that have been left behind and are prevent facebook from reinstalling.
Listing the facebook permissions over adb I get the following
adb shell pm list permissions | grep facebook
permission:com.facebook.katana.permission.CROSS_PROCESS_BROADCAST_MANAGER
permission:com.facebook.permission.prod.FB_APP_COMMUNICATION
permission:com.facebook.receiver.permission.ACCESS
permission:com.facebook.katana.permission.RECEIVE_ADM_MESSAGE
permission:com.facebook.katana.provider.ACCESS
permission:com.facebook.katana.permission.C2D_MESSAGE
permission:com.facebook.permission.debug.SYSTEM_COMMUNICATION

Uninstalling using adb doesn't get rid of these permissions
    adb uninstall or adb uninstall -k com.facebook.katana
I don't see the partial facebook 'not installed' entry in settings/apps/downloaded that some users report. My apparently customised settings app doesn't allow access to multi-user features which some people find is related to similar problems.
Can I clean up these permissions with adb? pm revoke won't do it perhaps due to Lollipop limitations. I don't currently have root access and I'm reluctant to root the phone.
adb shell pm revoke com.facebook.katana com.facebook.katana.permission.RECEIVE_ADM_MESSAGE
Operation not allowed: java.lang.SecurityException: Permission com.facebook.katana.permission.RECEIVE_ADM_MESSAGE is not
 a changeable permission type

ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSTIC STEPS:
To eliminate the possibility of an invalid APK I used the Google Play Store app to install the facebook app and at the same time monitored the system using logcat on its most verbose settings. Searching for facebook in the log finds the following error messages which are very similar to the errors from installing the APK directly above:
    [ 10-26 01:14:26.615   662: 1360 V/ActivityManager ]
Broadcast: Intent { act=com.android.launcher.action.ACTION_PACKAGE_INSTALLING dat=package:com.facebook.katana flg=0x10 pkg=com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox } ordered=false userid=0 callerApp=ProcessRecord{142b6192 2619:com.android.vending/u0a14}

[ 10-26 01:14:43.492   662:  704 W/PackageManager ]
Package com.facebook.katana attempting to redeclare permission com.facebook.katana.permission.RECEIVE_ADM_MESSAGE already owned by com.facebook.katana

[ 10-26 01:14:43.975  2619: 2619 E/Finsky   ]
[1] 2.onReceive: Error -505 while installing com.facebook.katana: INSTALL_FAILED_DUPLICATE_PERMISSION: Package com.facebook.katana attempting to redeclare permission com.facebook.katana.permission.RECEIVE_ADM_MESSAGE already owned by com.facebook.katana

[ 10-26 01:14:43.975  2619: 2619 W/Finsky   ]
[1] 3.installFailed: Install failure of com.facebook.katana: -505 null

"permission com.facebook.katana.permission.RECEIVE_ADM_MESSAGE already
  owned by com.facebook.katana".

Does this mean I have some sort of remnant APK from a previous com.facebook.katana installation (facebook was previously installed then uninstalled)? Or does this mean the permissions on the device still contain some reference to a non-existent app com.facebook.katana? Any further steps I can take to diagnose this problem?
EDIT - Blocking apk appears to be partially uninstalled system bloatware facebook app
If attempt to list uninstalled third-party packages, their apk files and installers using adb:
adb shell pm list packages -f -i -u -3

I can see an entry for facebook
package:/system/vendor/operator/app/facebook/facebook.apk=com.facebook.katana installer=null

The only other third party entries in system appear to have been pre-installed bloatware on the phone. twitterappforzte is a good example...
  package:/system/vendor/operator/app/CleanMaster/CleanMaster.apk=com.cleanmaster.mguard installer=null
  package:/system/vendor/operator/app/twitterappforzte/twitterappforzte.apk=com.twitter.android installer=null

Using ADB it's apparent there is an apk file still present here which is presumably blocking the new installation:
shell@P182A20:/system/vendor/operator/app/facebook $ ls -l
drwxr-xr-x root     shell             2015-03-20 09:30 arm
-rw-r--r-- root     root     26450949 2015-03-20 09:30 facebook.apk

facebook is not listed if I filter uninstalled apps by only listing disabled apps.
I've tried pulling this bloatware facebook.apk file from the phone to my local disk and reinstalling using adb but I get installation failures.
C:\Program Files (x86)\Minimal ADB and Fastboot>adb install facebook.apk
5155 KB/s (26450949 bytes in 5.010s)
        pkg: /data/local/tmp/facebook.apk
Failure [INSTALL_FAILED_ALREADY_EXISTS]

Trying to disable/enable the remnant package using ADB fails with security error, presumably because it's a system app.
C:\Program Files (x86)\Minimal ADB and Fastboot>adb shell pm disable com.facebook.katana
Error: java.lang.SecurityException: Permission Denial: attempt to change component state from pid=16143, uid=2000, package uid=10098

Huge demerits for lousy engineering to ZTE here. Pre-installing facebook and twitter apk files with unknown provenance that can't be updated and prevent updated play store versions from being installed. Great way to put security holes on their phones.
Is there any way to reinstall this system bloatware apk file which is very much still present? If not is it possible to flag this partially 'uninstalled' app as disabled so that it won't interfere with new installations?

Can you attempt to install its APK using Package installer? Tap the APK and agree for Install. I suppose it may fail here as well, but I'm interested in the error messages. Use [tag:logcat] to log the installation.

Thanks for the suggestion, wasn't aware of this tool. Will try tomorrow when I have physical access to the device again.

Try doing a hard reset on your phone, not a factory reset. A hard reset will clear up many android problems while retaining data, settings, etc. A factory reset will wipe your data and settings.

Another open question: Did you obtain that .apk from a trusted source? The error message suggests a "wrong Manifest" (with a permission declared twice) – rather an indicator of a "tainted .apk" (someone tampered with it – of the original dev got it wrong; I doubt the latter with a popular app like this, or we had heard of it pretty loud already).

I use the APK downloader plugin to the Facebook APK from the Google Play Store web site. This appears to be the only alternative to letting the Google Play Store performance the installation and silently swallow any error details. There are multiple reports of Lollipop suffering from similar problems with duplicate permissions preventing installation e.g. https://ohthehugemanatee.org/blog/2015/05/29/troubleshooting-android-error-505-from-google-play/

Similar error messages installing using android google play store app - see edits to question above.


text:
Why isn't my Moto G showing up on my lapto
Moto G not showing up on PC. But gets charged all right. Tried changing the cable and plugging on another PC. Out of luck. Turned on USB debugging. Still isn't working. Any ideas?

source: Stack Exchange

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

sort: votes


text:
Is it possible to adblock while on mobile data?
I can use AdBlock Plus to block ads on wifi. Is there a way to do it while on mobile data? I'd like to use it in Chrome, if possible.

It used to work on older android versions. I'm not sure about newer android versions..
Basically it involves changing the active mobile network APN to add proxy and port that is suggested by AdBlock Plus.
Proxy: localhost or 127.0.0.1
Port: 2020 or what AdBlock notifies in status bar.
Save the APN and run AdBlock Plus to see the changes. And if AdBlock Plus isn't running after changing APN, you may not be able to browse through mobile data, complaining about proxy server. Revert APN changes to revert.
If you try the above method, please post the results. And make sure the adblock plus active filter subscription has the ability to block what you need to.

I am using Chrome on lollipop and downloaded ab+, it suggested easy list filter so I didn't add more. Created an alternate mobile nw on phone since t-mobile blocked editing the main entry. I added localhost and proxy 2020, switched to the new entry,  and social media bar was gone on pages even without a reboot.  If your provider doesn't whine about root that would be easier (my carrier whines about everything but that's another discussion).  Too early to tell if any downside but for now i can finally read text on a page

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


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Unable to update Chrome, even after setting SD card as default installation path
I have an Alcatel Fierce 2 phone with Kit Kat. Even though I have an 8 GB SD card, when I try to update Chrome I keep getting "not enough memory check storage". I have the box checked to use my SD card as default, but no luck. Any resolution?

Unfortunately the only real solution is to clear up some space on the system 'drive' - uninstall things you don't need, media files and so on.
I typically plug my phone into a computer, move as much stuff out as possible, and try again.

Try uninstalling it first, then downloading the latest app from the play store.
I'm not sure about this but it would explain the insufficient storage:
I think while updating the app becomes bigger (incremented with the new update or a whole new app?) and cleans itself up at the end of installation. So you will need more room than the size of the app.
If you uninstall the app first you will not need this extra storage.


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Is there any shortcut to turn on flashlight in Android?
I have tried the most popular applications but no default shortcuts.
For instance pressing the button long time could be one. I am using Samsung Galaxy 4 and Android 5.0.1.
Is there any shortcut for a better flashlight in Android?

What kind of shortcut do you want? App shortcut, button shortcut or some other shortcut? Where do you want to place it? Is the device rooted?

@Firelord Button shortcut would be nice so you can start the flashlight easy. I mean the main physical button and a long press with it, for instance. Device is not rooted but it can possibly done.

Does TeslaLED works in your device? It has an app shortcut which you can directly launch from home screen.

5.0.1. I am going to try it if you can have  a physical button shortcut to it.

On Galaxy S4 there should be a built-in widget called Assistive light

Isn't there a flashlight button in QuickSettings? My device on Android 4.3 (well, not a Samsung) has it there.

A non-root method I propose here requires AutoInput, Tasker (both are paid apps with full free 7 day trial), TeslaLED and AutoShortcut.
Instructions:

Setup all the apps and launch Tasker

Profile 1: Event → Plugin → AutoInput → Key → Configuration

Keys: Home
Key Action: Key Down

Task for Profile 1: (Actions):

Variables → Variable Set: %Set to 0
Task → Wait: 1 Second
Task → If: %Set eq 0
Plugin → AutoShortcut → Configuration → TeslaLED Toggle

Profile 2: Event → Plugin → AutoInput → Key → Configuration

Keys: Home
Key Action: Key Up

Task for Profile 2: (Action): Variables → Variable Set: %Set to 1

The explanation for the instructions can be found at the bottom of my answer for Prevent Accidental Reboots when holding down the power button.
As for the duration of long-press, the minimum I could  satisfactorily test was one second (Wait action manages it). If your device is fast enough, you may have some good results for milliseconds. Configure Wait as per your wish.
Also, alike my other answer, the long-press for screen off would work if there involves a traditional hardware button (like Power button) which can be pressed and not simply touched.

Thank you for your answers! I hope this feature will become a feature in Android by default.

@Masi, Thank you for accepting the answer. I just want to confirm something, did you test my answer and then accept it or did you  accept it simply in hurry? It's important because I need to know whether my answer works for a Samsung device or not. :)

I accepted it because it sounds solid and concrete. I will test your answer one weekend. I will provide feedback here when I am done but I am also open for any updates.

This is as far as I understood your question. You simply want to attach an action to long-press of Home key. This action, at the moment, is about activating the flashlight.
Since you can opt for root, you can also consider opting for Xposed Framework (the installer here may not work for Samsung devices running Lollipop. You would need to visit XDA forum).
Use Xposed Additions to attach an action to keys. Use TeslaLED to enable flashlight (use an alternative if this doesn't work).
Optionally, read my answer for Page up and page down in web pages and elsewhere to become familiar with the interface of Xposed Additions.
All you've to do is:

Install and enable Xposed Addtions module. Launch it.

Go to Buttons → optionally configure Long press delay → Add new Key and configure it.

Select the entry for your key → Add new Condition → Screen On  → Screen On → activate Long Press → Long Press.
Replace Screen On with Screen Off, if required. Screen Off would work only for hardware buttons, such as Power button (buttons which you can actually press).

Either choose Torch or go to Shortcut → TeslaLED Toggle.

Done!


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How to add private key to keychain in Android?
I do not want to type my passwords all the time, but instead, just the password to my private keys.
I am using Samsung Galaxy 4 and Android 5.0.1.
How can you add private key to your Android keychain?

Are you talking about Settings › Security › Certificates – where you can import such (but then are forced to use a PIN/password on your lockscreen) – or an alternative approach with root powers where you're not forced to that specific lock screen? Or something else altogether, and I just have the wrong associations?

@Izzy Can you use here ssh keychain? I would love to learn access my phone by my PC such that SSH to my phone and configure the phone in terminal directly in good working environment.

Sure there are SSH Clients & Server for Android. But configuring your device from a command prompt would require you knowing the corresponding commands (such as getprop and setprop, plus a bunch of intents to call etc.pp.), so that's absolutely non-trivial. And a question like "how do I configure my device from the command prompt" would be way too broad here.

@Izzy Is there any plans about it? It would be great to have terminal configuration option.

No idea (especially no idea what "plans" you refer to). I'm not aware of a "central CLI for configuration" being even thought of. The development team rather focuses on GUI.


text:
How to improve battery lasting in Android?
I know the thread What can I do to increase battery life on my Android device? which is a subset of this question.
I want to understand how you can improve battery lasting in Android, which is a much broader topic than the original.
I am especially interested in Android versions later than 4.4 because of Xposed installer, a necessity of Greenify's applications, is developed for those versions but still in the experimental phase.
I see this after morning use in Samsung Galaxy 4 and Android 5.0.1:

which is too fast. I am using battery saving mode and disabled step-counter from my phone.
How can you use better battery in Android?

Also see: What can I do to increase battery life on my Android device? – and our battery-life tag-wiki :)

Thank you for the link! The thread is minimalist about this thread. It is about what, while mine is about how. I want to understand how to improve my battery lasting, since I have not bee able to do it with those "what answers".

Isn't "how" the "practicing of what"? :confused:

You can increase you battery lasting by making this settings on your phone:

Go to settings-> Battery, check which app is consuming your battery, you have to get rid of that.
You should off the unnecessary hardware radio's [wifi, bluetooth, Internet], if you are not using it like at night.
Turn off the app services which are not useful, by going to settings->apps.
Remove if any live wallpaper or widget you had used on home screen.
Turn down the brightness and turn off Automatic Brightness.
Update your apps.
Put the device on Airplane mode if you are not using it like on Flight.
Use power control app or other battery saver app.
You can use Greenify app that can really help you in saving battery life.

Hope that helps.

Greenify doesn't need root anymore for hibernating user apps - just fyi

Excellent answer! Many improvements, I could do. I will wait for improvements in Xposed environment for Greenify because it is still environmental. It has many good ideas which can significantly improve the battery lasting.

If you have a rooted device with Xposed Framework installed, you can use Deep Sleep Battery Saver. It works better than many others because it has the ability to hook into the phone and control it directly. But don't install Xposed Framework just for a battery saver.

Follow whatever tips you can do that KMDigital suggested prior to this in case it is an app or apps causing your problem.
Also consider the battery age. Over time batteries become less and less efficient. You can replace your battery with an extended battery as well. It makes your phone heavier as a result, but your battery time will improve significantly.
If you do have spotty or no coverage, do use airplane mode, your phone uses more battery when it's searching for a signal or the signal received is low. Also turn off wifi when you don't need to use it but you expect cell coverage instead of airplane mode.


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Google music: offline listening after subscription expires?
I am thinking about getting a subscription to google music after seeing so many good reviews (plus, the same subscription will allow you access to Youtube Red when it comes out! source).
I just have this doubt: if I can't renew my subscription one month, will I be able to hear those albums that I made available for offline listening? How does that work?
Thanks

Google music doesn't allow to keep offline music on your device once the subscription is expired. You can try the workaround described here, though (root required) http://nexus5.wonderhowto.com/how-to/download-songs-from-google-play-music-for-offline-use-any-app-your-nexus-5-0156234/

@NicolaBastianello - how about contributing with an answer? Short as it is, you are answering the question (which is not large either) :)

Google music doesn't store the songs you save offline like if they were normal downloads, instead it saves them

in a randomized folder structure with obfuscated file names.

So you can't just browse them with a file manager and have access to them; they are in a cache of sort. When the subscription expires, Play music provides to delete them from your phone. If you think about it, this would make the subscription system useless, resulting in a financial loss for Google. You can try, though, this app (root required) which is able to locate the files and "decrypt" them, to make them available as simple stored files. Note also that the app currently doesn't work on Marshmellow. For more information and a guide on how to use Play music exporter check this article.

As far as I know, Google Play Music (the app) stores offline music in it's data directory. This is device dependent, and you'll need a file explorer such as ES File Explorer to access the files directly. If you have the music stored on the device itself (so not a microSD card or external storage), they'll be located in somewhere such as /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.google.android.music/files/music or /storage/sdcard0/Android/data/com.google.android.music/files/music - they are all MP3 files, and the filenames are all numbers, eg: 245.mp3 or 14.mp3. If they are stored on external storage, again it is system dependent, but one possible location is /storage/sdcard1/Android/data/com.google.android.music/files/music.
Anyway, I'm not sure if these files get deleted when your subscription ends/you cancel it, you you could always copy them to somewhere else (for example, /storage/sdcard0/Music or /storage/emulated/0/Music for internal storage, or /storage/sdcard1/Music for external storage.

I guess that workaround would be great, but I would have to manually identify them since their filenames are numbers :c


text:
Chrome not downloading PDFs on Marshmallow
I migrated from a Nexus 5 to a Nexus 5X using "Set up nearby device". On the Nexus 5 when I visit turtletrader.com/pdfs/babe-ruth.pdf in Chrome it offers to download the PDF. On the Nexus 5X it doesn't do anything.

While you have self-answered the question, could you explain some info about data migration from Nexus 5 to 5X? Probably this can give some info why this issue happened.

I add that I used "Set up nearby device" but that may be a red herring.

I was able to fix this by the following:

Go to Settings
Select Apps
Select Chrome
Clicking Disable
Enabling again

Then when I try to download a PDF it asked for permission to access the folder.
As pointed out in the comments a better fix is:

Go to Settings
Select Apps
Select Chrome
Select Permissions
Enable Storage permission

Good to hear that you solved it by yourself. Anyway, I guess the root cause of the problem is with the permission, which alternatively can be fixed by 4) going to Permissions, then 5) enable Storage permission. But without such hint from re-enabling the app, it'd be almost impossible to know.


text:
LG G2 not picking 3G and GSM Signals
I just bought an LG G2 32GB Version from China. The problem is it does not pick up any network connection, it keeps saying Searching for service. I just noticed the box is written 100%LTE. Is there any way to unlock it to recieve 3G Signals. Help!

In which country do you want to use the phone? Your question kind of suggests that you have bought in in china but want to use it in another country.

So apparently i bought a phone locked to sprint network, i found a sweet guide on how to unlock it on another forum. Thanks though. Not sure if im allowed to post links to other forums here so PM me if you need the link. Thanks


text:
Broken, unresponsive screen: how to recover data on this otherwise working phone?
today my Huawei Ascend P7 has met its sad end, falling 2 meters to its screen-death. The phone still rings, turns on and off, and the volume buttons still work, but the screen doesn't work at all. It will not let me transfer data without accepting the connection in the phone, so I can't just go in with Android File Transfer. I have found guides for Samsung phones and Motorola phones, but I can't find one that will work with my Chinese Hauwei phone.
I do have Google Play activated and it lets me remotely install apps, if that helps.

Is there a generic method of recovering data from the phone with a broken screen?

Other notes: I my phone should have Android 4.4. It does not have an SD card, but I can find one if that would help. It does not have any special settings on, just standard Android.

I considered buying a new screen, but it is ~40 dollars in parts and looks as hard as replacing an iPhone screen. I think I'd rather just get a used phone, since I can get a used G2 for 100 dollars.

Also, I do not know if this applies to me, I do not have Samsung:
http://android.stackexchange.com/questions/25646/how-do-i-backup-data-sms-contacts-from-a-device-with-a-broken-screen?rq=1

Welcome to the Android Enthusiasts! As you've already picked the right tag, have you checked our broken-screen tag-wiki – which contains some first aid and links? Indeed it even has a section on data recovery, which might help you.

@Izzy Hello and thank you for your comment, I will try checking that out later when I have more time. Thank you!

I would try plugging the phone into your computer with a USB cable and copying all the files you can to your computer.  Then transfer the files to your new phone.

I can't do that because my phone will not connect to my computer unless I grant the computer permission from within the phone


text:
Do devices with a fingerprint scanner secure access to the bootloader/recovery
Pretty simple question but as I have never owned a device with a fingerprint scanner... basically I was wondering:
If you secure your device with your fingerprint - is it possible to access the bootloader or recovery without it?
I have tried searching but did not come up with any results answering my question. I'm asking because I thought it would be kind of clever to secure the bootloader and the recovery. If your device gets stolen / you loose it, then the thief/finder could not flash a fresh rom/firmware onto your device making the device useless for him.
If the bootloader and the recovery can't be secured like this - do you know why?
Thanks for your feedback!

Did you read how to add a custom lock for the recovery and/or bootloader?

@Firelord yes I stumbled across it a few hours ago but maybe things have changed with the new security possibilitys these days :) - thanks anyways

In answer to your first question, I'd say yes. If there was a serious error with the fingerprint sensor hardware or a glitch with the software, you'd need to somehow recover your device. And if something isn't working, then where are you left?
And in answer to the second question - the fingerprint software is pretty high-level and out of fastboot's (the general Android bootloader. Samsung use another one, called Odin) control really, however I guess it could be implemented if it's necessary. However, it would also be unnecessarily complicated to implement this in the bootloader, and would require quite a lot of communication between both fastboot and the Android system whenever the device gets turned on to make sure both software layers use the same fingerprints, etc.
I do see your point with protecting recovery with a fingerprint - TWRP is Linux based and so could theoretically support it, but then someone could simply overwrite it with a stock recovery image.


text:
What is this circular icon that keeps appearing/dissapearing?
This keeps appearing/dissapearing on my icon bar, and I can't find any reference to it.  Can anyone shed some light on this mystery?

This means that the audio you are playing at this moment is supported by the "DolbyAudio" sound-enhancement. Seems like you are using a HTC ONE M9 then - it is a replacement for the BeatsAudio engine to enhance your music.
I found the explanation on a german site. Credits go to them.

Hmmm. Thanks.  It is an HTC M8, and the icon randomly appears/disappears when I am on my home screen not using sound.  I guess it is probably a glitch.  Thanks.

Oh wow, good to know! Looks like a stove/hotplate, I already thought it meant your CPU is burning through :) I'd never connected that with audio – but right you are.

@Izzy you're right it looks like a stove :D thankfully there is the google image search!

Indeed – good point, almost forgot about that! :)

This icon comes from BoomSound, installed on your HTC device. Android Central forums has a thread about it. This icon pops up when there is sound to play on anything active on the device. Web pages, messages, anything including something with sound.
Quoting from one entry:

The thing about BoomSound that it is set so that it automatically works whenever any sound is played through the built-in speakers.
It never really bothered me, however, it would've been nice if they made it possible for the user to turn-off BoomSound, this way users can choose to use it or not.
So even receiving a phone call or a notification will trigger the BoomSound to work.

Here's a page that describes settings available for it, even if it is describing the M9.


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Is there a way to enable Qi Wireless charging for Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X?
Is there a way to enable Qi Wireless charging for Nexus 6P or Nexus 5X? They had wireless charging in all the previous Nexus models and I'm sure it's a hidden feature in there somewhere.

No, out of the box it won't. The reason is that wireless charging requires specific hardware to work. Indeed it is possible thanks to electromagnetic induction; in simple terms: there is a coil inside both charger and phone, connected to the battery. The charger generates an alternating elecromagnetic field in the coil, with which the phone's coil pairs, generating current which charges the battery. It will be possible, although, if some firm produces specific covers with the necessary hardware embedded, which already exist for some flagship phones, so there will be a workaround.

Seems that you can hack the Nexus 5X and integrate a Qi Receiver into the phone:
http://www.phonerepair.us/blog/nexus-5x-teardown-disassembly-qi-wireless-charging-mod-demo

Yupp, it's not a hidden future, but a missing hardware indeed. And yes, you can hack it in by soldering receiving coil to usb power lines. However you have to be sure what you're doing. And it voids warranty, of course.


text:
How to mimic gyroscope-Sensor in Bluestacks?
i want to play the App "Spin Commander" on my PC. For that i need to simulate the rotation of my device. Do you have any suggestions how i can do this using bluestacks?
EDIT: - Better get someone who knows what Bluestacks is....
Bluestacks is a Programm for the Computer to run Android apps on it.
In Bluestacks you can simulate an Android Smartphone
In Bluestacks you can easily simulate Phone-Tilting
I want to simulate Phone-Rotation in Bluestacks - Does anyone know how?
YES, i searched for an answer, I wouldn't ask here if I didn't.

Erm... I told you everythin i could tell you...
I am using Bluestacks,
I want to play the app "Spin Commander",
For this app I need to rotate my Phone,
I want to simulate this rotation at my pc

So what do you need to know?
I want to simulate the Rotation of my Phone using Bluestacks at my Computer.
I tried using any key at my keyboard. I basicly want to know if there is any possibility to simulate Phonerotation in Bluestacks...

Oh, I didnt try to rotate my computer until now but I doubt that this will solve the problem.

@Stiffner I want to make a clarification that, whether by rotate you mean the tilt left/right? If it's tilting based on the gyro sensor I've got a related post that I wrote for the same problem. Thanks.

Hey Lucky, I though I made this clear, No i dont want to tilt my phone.
I want to simulate the rotation of my phone like rotate it 90 degrees to left etc.

Check if this answer http://android.stackexchange.com/a/110273/27149 serves your purpose for configuring the Bluestacks for game action. Pretty much same what you are asking.

this answer shows me how to tilt the phone... i dont want to tilt my phone... i want to rotate it. ROTATE! NOT TILT
Why is this so hard to understand for you guys? I dont want to tilt it, i know how to tilt it. I dont want to tilt it.
All I want is to mimic the rotation of my phone. The rotation. like 90 degrees to the left or to the right. rotation like... horizontal rotation...

I m also saying its pretty much the same step you have to follow. Have you really tried it.

Yes I tried it... If I hadn't tried it I hadn't ask this question in the first place.


text:
'adb backup -apk -shared -all -f "D:\backup.ab' initiates backup, completes, but produces a file that is only 1kb
I'm attempting to backup my old Android device, a Samsung Galaxy S3, so that I can lend it to my friend while his is away at repairs, then restore it when he's done with it.
I have the Samsung USB drivers installed, and the device is recognised.
C:\Users\...\AppData\Local\Android\sdk\platform-tools>adb devices
List of devices attached
4df7f9574edecf7f        device

I set a developer password, as per this post, which caused the "Backup starting..." to last about 3 seconds longer than before. It completes successfully, then produces a file that is 1kb.
C:\Users\...\AppData\Local\Android\sdk\platform-tools>adb backup -all -f D:\backup.ab
Now unlock your device and confirm the backup operation.

C:\Users\...\AppData\Local\Android\sdk\platform-tools>

Does anybody know what's going on?
Thanks in advance.

Maybe using an earlier version of adb works for you too, see this question ADB backup creates 0-byte file; prompts for current backup password even though I never set one; "Failed to set password" for Desktop backup password

This thread maybe the answer for your problem too: adb backup command on non-rooted device creates an empty backup file?

Try with more parameters, like:
adb backup -all -apk -obb -shared -nosystem -f "yourFile.ab"

*Unless you have a rooted phone, I don't recommend -system. Use -nosystem instead.

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


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How do I know if my device's GPU (or graphics driver) is of subpar quality?
The other day I got a new tablet.  It's an Insignia Flex 10.1, a bargain Best Buy brand.  A tablet's a tablet, though.
Then I noticed, across several apps, this weird texture bleeding:
(Click image to enlarge for better resolution)

Notice the text. This didn't happen when playing this game on a different device.
(Click image to enlarge for better resolution)

Notice the dots.
Is this indicative of a cheap, crappy GPU or bad OpenGL drivers?  Or is it a coincidence and that the developers for these two apps use the same bad OpenGL techniques?  And by cheap and crappy I mean bad, not just mediocre or underpowered.

You could try some benchmarking app for comparing your GPU standards. Antutu has a good app for that. Try that and test your device's GPU and 3D performance rating.

I did, actually.  Yes, my GPU is subpar, but on further consideration that's not really what I'm asking about.  Let me revise the title.


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How can I tell if my installed Android version, not CPU, is a 64 bit or 32 bit one?
As long as a 64 bit CPU is supposed to execute 32 bit programs, it is sometimes hard to know which one do I have installed on my device.
There are programs that require this knowledge, like the Xposed Framework installer.
What could be considered the proper method, whether be it ADB, command-line or software?
I used to do on desktop Linux:
 sudo uname -a

Maybe there is some equivalent for Android?
Further data:

Some programs that should inform about this are not clear enoguh for me. This is a example of some AIDA64 report. Even when it shows 32 bit, is this info about the operating system? I would say it is just about the hardware:
(Click image to enlarge; my AIDA64 is in Spanish)

Question extended to this other

What device do you have?

See this page: https://software.intel.com/en-us/blogs/2014/12/16/how-to-identify-the-image-is-32-bit-or-64-bit-user-space It says to see the property ro.product.cpu.abi and the related ro.product.cpu.abilist32 and ro.product.cpu.abilist64 in the output of getprop. I don't have a 64-bit device so I can't test few things. There is also a similar question on Quora here.

@New-To-IT , I have multiple Android devices. And, as a computer scientist, I use to work with several different models. Finding a generic method (or, at least, as generic as possible) would be preferred for me. Specifying a device would transform this question in "How can I guess if the installed Android version for my [Brand][Model][Number] is a 64 or 32 bit one?".

@Firelord : thanks for the link. It seems related to "current device", not "current installed Android version". Would it be the same?

When it comes to desktop, if you run a 32 bit kernel on a 64 bit machine, the kernel simply says the machine is a 32 bit. Things might have changed (I don't know the current scene) so that's as far as I can tell. May be others can provide a better input.

@Sopalajo de Arrierez Have you tried Antutu benchmark app? It displays the 32/64 bit information for all devices. ;)

@Lucky: I have tested AIDA64, and some others tools that report the 32/64 bit information, but none of them sets clear if they are talking about the operating system or the hardware. Added a capture screen to my original question to show.

Related, if not a dupe: http://android.stackexchange.com/q/36291/44325

@AndrewT. : I don't think that question to be a duplicate, as long as it is asked on 2012, when there were no 64-bit hardware for Android devices. It just ask if the Android (the existing then) operating system is a 32 or 64 bits softwarre.

I'm not really sure either if that's a dupe (that's why I didn't vote to close), but when I researched about this, I never encountered such term as Android OS 64-bit, compared to other OS like Windows (x64). All I found was that it only depends on the CPU architecture, and Android L is the first 64-bit OS. Unless that's what you meant, or I'm missing something about 64-bit OS vs CPU on Android, please enlighten me.

(con't) Other than that, I also never encountered download images for Android with specific bitness (32 or 64), unlike Windows or Linux OS (x86 vs x64).

Well, @AndrewT. maybe we should start another thread (or change this one) with the title "Is there a 64-bit Android version and a 32-bit one?". Another way to ask it: "Could a 64-bit hardware device run a 32-bit Android version?". Some times the problem is the question, more than the answer.

I think that's a good idea, since it seems it's easier to have misunderstanding between bitness in Android OS (using SoC) than other OSes (at least I was confused with this topic when researching). But don't change this question since it already has an answer. Either extend this, or post a new question and refer to this question.

Modified the original question to extend it to the new one, @AndrewT.

uname -m will display the architecture of the running kernel.  This is different than whatever your hardware may be capable of running.
Unfortunately, you have to know which architectures are 32-bit and which are 64-bit. But you can easily find this out.
For example, my m7 displays arm7l. A quick search confirms that this is a 32-bit architecture, meaning that my running kernel was compiled as a 32-bit executable.

But if you check usage of uname you get -m      The machine (hardware) type. http://i.stack.imgur.com/DTueH.png

It refers to the machine architecture that the kernel was compiled for. Try installing 32-bit Ubuntu on your 64-bit computer and you will get i686 or some other 32-bit architecture name from uname -m.

As Paul said, uname -m can be deceiving. Some relevant details here: Could a 64-bit hardware device run a 32-bit Android version?


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I.C.E problem. dial list. s4
I recently found the emergency call list, which can dial a number even when the screen is locked.  I added a number from my contact list to test out how it works.  After I figured out how it worked, I went to add 4 more numbers from my contact list, but I found out I could only add 3 total numbers.  I deleted the first contact from my list that I used for testing purposes, but now I can't add another number on that spot, and also can't delete that number.  When I tap the first spot, it will dial as an unknown number.  How can I fix this?  Can I get this first number to go away so I can add another number to my emergency call list?


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How to disable the "waterdrop sound" played when locking or unlocking the screen
I am running Android KitKat 4.4.2 on a Samsung Galaxy SIII Neo. I have installed the Screen Lock Pro app which allows you to log off by clicking a home screen icon or tapping on a notification drawer entry.
Now I would like to know whether I can leave the sound volume on, but disable the sound that is emitted when the user logs out / logs in.
I presume this can be done by renaming a sound file somewhere using a similar trick as can be done with the camera app.
Thank you for your replies.

NOTE: This question I am asking is the same as this one for Windows 7 PCs, but relates to Android devices instead.

On the LG X Venture, I had to go to Settings:Sounds and Notifications:Volume, and then turn down the volume slider for "Touch Feedback and System."

Go to Settings → Device → Sound, and you will find under the Feedback section relevant options, such as Touch sounds / Play tone when the dialing keypad is tapped, and Screen lock sound which plays sound when locking and unlocking screen.

You don't need to edit any sound files as the Screen Lock app has provided this as an inbuilt feature to disable/modify lock and unlock screen sounds.
Open Screen Lock app and open Settings, scroll down to the bottom and you will be able to find the option to uncheck and turn off the sound when locking and unlocking the screen using the widget or notification bar.

Screenshot - Screen Lock Settings - (Click to enlarge image)

Sorry but your answer does me no good. The settings you mention are disabled checkboxes by default. No matter whether checked or unchecked, my Samsung TouchWiz home seems to be emitting those water drop sounds when I lock and unlock, regarless of this setting in the Screen Lock app. Any idas?

@JordanJamingsons Then obviously the Screen Lock apps is not the culprit here. Have you tried to disable it in your phone settings? Settings > Sound > Touch sounds uncheck the option and check again.

Yes, I'm not sure what the feature you mention is supposed to do, perhaps it finds the sound file and renames it on some devices but not on my Samsung Galaxy SIII Neo. But if I knew where the file was, I could easily rename it to something else or replace it with a blank-sound file. Any ideas?

OK, thank you for your updated coment. I've posted an answer.

Turn off NFC in your phone. My phone did this because I slipped an NFC card into my case.

Oh, this was happening to me because I turned on NFC. Wow! Who would have thought. I think the subway pass is triggering it.

yes... the subway card + NFC was also triggering mine too

Credit card in holder with NFC caused continuous water-drops. Thanks!

This has driven me crazy for months on my Note 8. Thanks @Simon!


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Method for installing apps on corporate devices to be deployed to users
I'm trying to figure out what the best method is to pre-install and setup the airwatch agent on devices that are going to be deployed.
Currently, we log into Play store with our generic account and install airwacth agent, set up the phone for the user, then remove our generic gmail account.
This process causes issues though because when the user later logs in with their own gmail account, the app we installed under our own account doesn't auto update. It does allow the app to be updated if they manually navigate to it in the store but even doing this doesn't seem to add the app to their auto update list (I had thought that maybe doing one manual update would effectively cause their account take ownership of that app but it doesn't seem to be the case).

Related http://android.stackexchange.com/q/110218/119358

It's a little different. I have physical access to the device and am able to install the mdm app. The problem is that after I install it and remove our gmail account (that was used to log into the store and install the mdm app) the mdm app falls into limbo because the user will eventually log in with their own gmail account and the previously installed apps wont update.

Try these:

I don't want to sound stupid, but have you selected the auto-update setting to be turned on for the app on the play store? You can turn on auto-update in the settings of google play store app and then navigate to the app and press the menu button and tick the auto update button.

Or

Delete Airwatch and ask the users to download the app again.
They can then recive auto-updates as the app is linked to their
account

Idea: From what I know you can deploy apps via Airwatch, so try deploying the Airwatch app update to the phones. (This is only an idea, It probably wont work, but is worth a try

We already have an MDM (airwatch).

What I'm wondering is how to update the main MDM client when it was installed on the phone under one account, but the user later logs in under a different account (original account used to install MDM has since been removed).

@GeorgeKendros I Don't want to sound stupid, but have you selected the auto-update setting to be turned on for the app on the play store? You can turn on auto-update in the settings of google play store app and then navigate to the app and press the menu button and tick the auto update button. IF this worked for you I will change my answer to reflect this.


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"Screen overlay detected" dialog?
I have a Nexus 5 phone and ever since I allowed a system update, it won't let me post pictures to Instagram. It keeps talking about turning off a "screen overlay", but then when I try to follow the steps to get to that setting, it just sends me in a loop and doesn't actually let me change anything.
(Click image to enlarge)

It seems that you are using a Screen Filtering app(the brownish overlay on the screen). Turn off and it won't bug you.

So CF.Lumen or Twlight need to be disabled here.

My guess is that this is a security measure to prevent apps from "pressing buttons" on your behalf. It works for me when I temporarily deactivate Lux (brightness control app). By the looks of your screenshots, you're probably using something similar to reduce blue light. Try turning it off until you've edited the permissions

Note that the overlay app is only preventing access to the app permissions settings menu, not the app itself. Once you've disabled the overlay and set the appropriate permissions, you can turn the overlay (e.g. Twilight) back on without disabling the other app.

Just to add to issues already noted here (to try keeping it complete), in TouchWiz (Samsung Galaxy, mine is Note 4) turning side key panel off solved this problem for me.

I found a list of places to check: http://android.stackexchange.com/questions/154274/screen-overlay-detected-dialog-turned-off-everything-doesnt-work/157029#157029

Some apps that require extra security prevent overlays. I've seen this happen in banking apps. Popular apps that use screen overlays: Facebook Messenger, Twilight, TextExpander, Screen Filter, f.lux, etc.

PIE Controls turned out to be the problem for me.
Long story short, after trying every suggested thing I could find (even disabled permissions of some system apps, I will hopefully remember which ones and will be able to set it back...) I started thinking to myself, "what application could draw over the screen other than those on this list?" and realized that I had GravityBox installed through Xposed, and pie controls enabled! As soon as I disabled that (didn't have to turn off the entire module, just setting "enable pie control" to "never" was enough) I was able to set permissions!

Simple Resolution / Answer
I had this same problem with my Nexus 5X, using Android M.  I also went ahead & turned all the permissions off, except for Twilight, the suspected culprit.  I still had the problem.  So I went ahead and also turned over the overlay for Twilight, and I did not have the problem.
So, Twilight is the "problem", in my case and in the case shown above.  (I put problem in quotes because it seems to me like Twilight should not be to blame in this case.  Instead, multiple overlays should be possible.)

Where is This Setting??
For those who had this problem, or want to understand what we're talking about, here are the steps to get to this "hidden" setting, within Android M:

Open settings (the nut / gear).
Scroll down to Apps.
From within the Apps portion of settings, again choose the settings gear / nut.
Choose Draw over other apps.
(Optional) Click on the additional menu (the 3 dots), then choose Show system to get at all of the apps that are asking to draw over others, including system apps like Phone Services.

What's Really Going On?
Last little tidbit:  I am not 100% certain about this, but from what I know of Android, it seems things work as follows in Mashmallow:

Permissions are not asked / required upon app installation, but rather upon when the app needs that permission.  Similarly, some permissions can be granted or rejected... the app will work to the best of its capability, if the permission is rejected.
Since this is the case, any time an app asks for permission to a particular thing, such as drawing over other apps, the user's yes or no response is recorded.

As the user, you can change your response later, which is the essence of what that pop-up window is asking:  the window is saying, "I cannot do what I need to do, unless you change your answer to that earlier problem".  (However, without highlighting which app is the actual problem, the error seems fairly useless, IMHO.)

There are more places to check. See: http://android.stackexchange.com/questions/154274/screen-overlay-detected-dialog-turned-off-everything-doesnt-work/157029#157029

I found I had to use another approach that I blogged about: https://techotom.wordpress.com/2017/03/17/alternative-way-to-fix-the-screen-overlay-detected-error-on-android/. I think my way addresses the "I don't know which app is causing it" problem too.

I turned off ALL the overlays but it still complained in my Outlook app's settings for contact permission on a P8 Lite, however restarting the phone and then trying again worked.

This is a kludge and probably only a partial solution. I followed the messages to the permission screen, selected the option "apps with this permission" then proceeded to turn off the overlay permission on all apps that had it set on. I was then able to enable the permission that the app I was running required. Because I turned off the permission on all apps, I do not know which app was causing the problem. Will see if any apps stop functioning as I expect.

"I do not know which app was causing the problem" -- my answer here may perhaps help you in that regard.

From my research, it appears the most likely culprits are ones that affect screen brightness, like Lux or Twilight.

I also suspect Lux.

I just found the drupe contacts dailer app is causing the issue for me.

I have the same problem, and I don't have Lux. I just turned off overlay permission for a bunch of apps, and that seems to have fixed it so far.

most of the time I have this issue is because I have facebook's messenger floating ballons on the screen

There are three places to check. Not just one.
Non-system Apps
Settings -> Application Manager -> Apps with Overlay Permissions -> Apps with Permissions
System Apps
Same as above, but with Show System Apps turned on
Accessibility Apps
Settings -> Acessibility -> Scroll to the bottom. It lists app names. Just turn them all off for now.
http://www.renewandroid.com/phone-tips-and-tricks/screen-overlay-detected-170.html

The third ítem was the problem for me. Assistive Touch had to be disabled there. Great!

There are some apps that are handled as Accessibility Services, for instance, Assistive Touch.
You can find them under Settings -> Accessibility -> Services.


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All of the Xposed framework zips I flashed gave me a bootloop. Why is that so?
I have a Google Nexus 4 running stock 5.1.1. It's rooted. I'm aware that there is no official release of Xposed for SDK 22. I tried flashing more than two unofficial zips via TWRP. And all of them gave me a bootloop. Yes, I cleared the Dalvik cache. I badly want to get Xposed GEL settings.

What do you mean there's no offical release for SDK 22? What is this then? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3034811

Thanks! That worked. I couldn't get it from the Xposed website. It isnt the final version, right?

These steps worked for Nexus 4 running stock and rooted Android 5.1.1:

Download the xposed-v79-sdk22-arm.zip from the official Xposed Framework thread on XDA forum
Install that zip via recovery mode
Clear Dalvik/Cache


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Failed app download off of Amazon Appstore is taking up internal phone storage
I tried downloading an app off of the Amazon Appstore(probably my first mistake), however after it was complete it said there was an error, the app was nowhere to be found, and then it started to download from the beginning. This process repeated until I had no more internal storage on my phone. The frustrating thing is that I have a 64gb microSD card, where most of my apps are stored. I've already deleted several apps that are on my phone storage. There is almost 6gb of miscellaneous files, not sure if this is unreal or not but it is taking up most of the storage. Please help me figure out how to clear up internal phone space, and how to solve the mystery of the redownloading invisble app.

First- your SD card has nothing to do with installing apps (other than side-loading). Your phone storage is where apps are downloaded to install. Second- which app are you trying to install? I tried several, several times to download "Monument Valley" from the Amazon Appstore. It would take forever to download (over 200mb) and would then say that the app was not installed. This problem is caused by the Amazon Appstore not having the updated version of the app. Third- tap on "Miscellaneous Files" and see what's taking up space. It's time to start cleaning up files.

@paulmz I was trying to download Minecraft: the Story Mode. And I have checked out my "Miscellaneous Files" before but I'm not sure what to keep, delete, or mess with to reduce size.

Your Miscellaneous is still high. What are your top ten items in there? We can help figure it out.

@paulmz 1. .youversion 2. Snapchat 3. Photo Grid 4. Hnc 5. yahoo 6. roidapp 7. ktplay 8. bmwgroup 9. photo editor 10. requests.log

Well, so far the only thing in your list that matches my list is the requests log, which is only 310kb on mine. Here are things to consider: do you need and regularly use these memory-hungry apps? Have you cleared the cache for these apps? Do any of the apps have a setting to store their data on the external SD card? Most of them appear to be apps that can be uninstalled and not system apps. If you don't use any of them, then uninstall it. Make sure to clear the data for an app when uninstalling, too.

I have cleared the cache multiple times before. And regarding app usage: I used to have several more apps on my phones storage that I deleted recently. Something is just taking up way too much space after that download. I'm also not sure if I can store the app data on my SD card, but can't see an option for it anywhere.


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will win 7 ask for password to sync files
I have an Android phone. It is encrypted. It has a password to login. I connected this to a Windows 7 computer. It shows it's connected as a media device.

Was wondering if Windows 7 computer can sync the files of my android phone without asking for the password ?
Lets say it somehow did get the files, will the files be encrypted with a password or would they be decrypted already before the transfer was over to the win7 computer ?

The big CAVEAT is that I was using my phone While it was connected to the PC and hence the phone was Unlocked.

When using the Media Transfer Protocol, the phone handles all the encryption/decryption while transferring files.
The Windows7/AnyOther PC cannot access the files on device till the device is connected and phone's screen is unlocked.
Windows7 will never ask your phone unlock password or any other passwords. All it needs is the device to be connected and lockscreen unlocked. The rest of file transfer will be handled by phone.
All outgoing files from the device are decrypted and sent. And all incoming files to the device are encrypted and stored.

What folder do the files go to ? Are they synced by some program automatically ?

They are never synced automatically. They are only copied or moved to the location you explicitly choose from windows explorer.


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Scanning Evernote and sharing by email
Is it possible to use the Android app Evernote to scan several images, then save them as a single PDF, and share the PDF by email, without requiring the recipient to have an Evernote account?
I managed to scan several images, and save them as a single PDF, but when I email it Evernote requires the recipient to have an Evernote account:

I don't have this issue when I use Evernote Scannable on iOS 9.

As of now Scannable for Android is not available(only for iOS). And Evernote and Scannable are different apps released by Evernote Corporation. Read this comment from this Scannable Team, So for now, the short answer to “When will Scannable come to Android?” is still “We don’t know yet.” . Also, check out this app PDF Scanner if it helps your case.

Also, check this app Droid Scan Pro PDF Droid Scan turns your Android phone into a pocket document scanner. It will convert any snapshot into a highly readable JPEG or PDF by fixing geometry, contrast, and color. Record white boards, business cards, receipts and a lot more.

@Lucky Thanks, I'm getting lost with all these Evernote products. i'll definitely try Droid Scan Pro PDF!

As mentioned in the Play Store description, Please try the free version first (Droid Scan Lite) to make sure this app is compatible with your device.


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Outgoing call is not working after lollipop 5.0.1 update in Samsung Galaxy A5
I have updated my mobile from kitkat to lollipop. After I updated Outgoing call is not working on 2nd Sim. On First Sim am using IDEA(sim card) and on Second Sim am using AIRCEL(sim card). So from Aircel outgoing calls are not going, but i can able to access messages and mobile networks from aircel.  Even I removed aircel and inserted another sim called AIRTEL on second sim slot, it is also not working. I tried with many sim but outgoing is not working from 2nd sim.
Out of box thing : If I remove IDEA(sim card) from first sim slot and inserted into second sim slot then outgoing call is working!!!.
Help me to overcome this problem.

It's been a while but have you ever solved it? I'm having similar issues with galaxy s7 edge.


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Why is Chrome on Android sending my HTTP requests to an IP owned by DoD?
When I make http requests to my website with Chrome Browser on android 6.0 (Nexus6) I saw that it is making requests to 130.90.151.44 instead of the IP of my webserver.
If I use another browser, it is connecting directly to my address.
If I use https, or ssh or antoher encrypted protocol, it seemt to go directly to my IP.
I did a IP lookup on 130.90.151.44 and saw it is owned by DoD

OrgName:        DoD Network Information Center OrgId:          DNIC
  Address:        3990 E. Broad Street City:           Columbus
  StateProv:      OH PostalCode:     43218 Country:        US RegDate:
  Updated:        2011-08-17 Ref:
http://whois.arin.net/rest/org/DNIC

Is the DoD sniffing my traffic?

Is your phone rooted? Also, there's a long information on the same issue posted by another user on this XDA thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2610968 The OP says that a possible reason might be because his phone is rooted which caused this. Try using the a different SIM and check if the same happens. Also, he has mentioned that that its T-Mobile servers' IP lookup on his another reply.

Are you using data compression? Maybe Google is using IP addresses that  have belonged to DoD recently and the WhoIs did not update the information.

Hello, no my phone is not rooted. I have EU version, not SIM locked. He does not have the same servers as I do. Reading that topic it looks like it is not the same issue.

@GiantTree yeah I am using data compression. Maybe thats it. Ill investigate further asap.


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Issues after using SD card as internal storage in Android Marshmallow
I got an update for Android 6.0 Marshmallow, and there's an option to use the SD card as internal storage. I did that and am now able to install apps, etc to it. But the problem is, all the apps which needed an SD card stopped working (e.g. Camera, Whatsapp, etc.)
Any workaround for this, like enabling this app to use the internal memory instead? Couldn't find such an option anywhere in the Settings.

Even after you use sd card as internal, some apps still use original internal storage like flickr, googl+..etc. Did you twek your app to use sd card before? In that case, you must first revert it back  before making sd card as "internal"

The card can only be used as internal storage. If you try to eject the card and read it on a computer, it won’t work. All data on the card will also be erased, so you have to take back up anything important first. So there is no way to revert back.

As soon as you remove the SD card your data is gone? I'm amazed the Android team implemented such a hazardous approach.

Format your microSD Card as internal storage (there is an option in the menu) before using it as Internal Storage.
If that doesn't work, try rebooting the phone.

In marshmallow once you install it I will copy the apps. But those app will be in internal storage only it will ask you like to move pictures audio any any other storages . might be you got moved up with your apps . try restore to phone internal storage or reinstall .


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Tasker | Keyboard | how to bring down keyboard in Dropbox?
Dropbox for Android does not have a "do not automatically open keyboard" option. So we'll have to do this via Tasker.
Keyboard for Dropbox only pops up when your opening a word-doc (like a .txt file) and continues to do so when re-focusing back to Dropbox while the word-doc is still open regardless of the user bringing it down.
In Tasker how can we bring Keyboard down when ever dropbox is put to focus? (and/or when ever Dropbox is launched).


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Help? My samsung s5 has a weird problem
My samsung s5 heats up for no reason. I have tried factory reset my phone. There's no problem after i factory reset. After i download an app,the heating starts..but when i turn on power saving mode,the heating stops. What's the main cause of the heating? The source can't be from an app. It does not matter what app,it just start to heat up when there's app and does not heat up when i turn on power saving mode. I have tried safe mode...it works for awhile and starts to heat up when i turn off.

You mean overheating, right? Because heating up of a device is normal. More electrons flow and the more heat generates.

If I may elaborate on Vivek's answer, it is likely being caused not so much by apps running in the background but by what apps you have running in the background.
When you put your device into battery saver mode, it disables all apps' ability to connect to the internet without being the app you are currently interacting with. Some really bad offenders in abuse of background data (connecting to a website when you are not using the app) are social networking sites such as Facebook and messaging apps such as Skype and Kik. Google's mobile radio active bug  only augments the drain. Greenify will automate the process of shutting down these power-hungry apps.
Additionally, check to see if any app is causing an issue with wakelocks. The active section of the battery graph would be almost solid.

It happens due to apps running in background. This also causes battery drain. If you feel it really annoying then I have a solution.
You just need to download an app named DS Battery saver. This app is good on saving battery and heating.

"It happens due to apps running in background." -- it is usual business nowadays for the apps to run in background. What we need to know here is what causes the phone to heat, in terms of overheating? Please be technical. For e.g., background services causing too much CPU spikes, or CPU stuck at certain frequency.

Apps running in background consumes resources like battery power, CPU usage, RAM and all the sensory stuffs. It is an obvious thing. For example take fb. In this app it does not matter that you restricted this app using root or not. This one annoying runs at any cost.


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Moto G 2nd generation won't show update when unrooted
I live in Canada and I bought my Moto G (XT1040) secondhanded last year and then started using Wind. I waited patiently for the lollipop upgrade since it came out but I am still stuck with 4.4.4.
I tried rooting the phone and it did notify me that an update to lollipop is available but it would constantly fail to upgrade, so I unrooted the phone but it still says that I already have the newest version.
I even tried updating it with my computer using the Motorola software but it still says that I have the newest version.
What are my options now? Do I root it and try to flash it? Could if be a bigger problem?


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Why does Nexus 5 only allow up to 0.8 second exposure?
Apparently with Lollipop it's possible to get more control of the camera. For example, it's possible to set the shutter speed. This does work, but only allows 0.8 seconds exposure on my Nexus 5, and apparently on some other phones you can choose a longer exposure time.
What is the reason for this?

What camera apps are you using? There's no shutter speed setting for stock Camera app.

I'm using Manual camera, Camera FV-5 and AZ camera.

Just researched a bit, and you're right about other phones having longer exposure. Also, I found this. It seems that it's a "hardware limitation", or the limit that the system reports (set by manufacturer). However, I'm still not sure about the details.

Also, probably related from Photo.SE: http://photo.stackexchange.com/questions/12029/why-are-there-limitations-to-the-upper-limit-of-exposure-time-in-digital-cameras


text:
How to root Acer Iconia A100?
I am having trouble trying to root my Acer Iconia A100 with Android 4.0.3. I have tried several rooting methods and they always fail.
I have the USB debugging enabled, and all the adblock or antivirus apps are off.
I've tried all of these:

SRSRoot
KingoRoot
KingRoot
Z4root
How to Root Acer Iconia A100 Tablet

Am I just missing a step somewhere?
Here is the report from the SRSroot app:
---= SRS One-Click-Root v5.1 =---

11:29:11 AM - Starting ADB Server..
11:29:16 AM - Manufacturer: Acer
11:29:16 AM - Model: A100
11:29:16 AM - Android Version: 4.0.3
11:29:16 AM - Build ID: Acer_AV041_A100_1.049.00_PA_CUS1
11:29:16 AM - Board ID: vangogh
11:29:16 AM - Chipset Platform: tegra
11:29:16 AM - Getting OffSets.. : 0xd9f0 0xaf47 (True)
11:29:17 AM - Query Server for Best Method.. Found Rootkit: 4

    ----= Start Rooting Process.. Please Wait =----

11:29:17 AM [+] Testing exploit: root8 (please wait..)
11:29:39 AM [+] Executing root8 exploit Failed.

11:29:39 AM Auto Root Failed on this device. :(

11:29:39 AM Rebooting Device and try again...

On the Kingo, when I run the Windows application to root the Android it always says that rooting was successful, but when I try to do anything that requires root (like installing busybox) on the Android, it always fails.  Then when I restart the android the rooting is gone.
So, I can root it with Kingo, and if I use SRSRoot after that, it says the android is, indeed rooted, but it doesn't persist.  When I reboot the Android then run the SRSrootkit then it sees that the Android is not rooted (even though it seemed to be before reboot) and it cannot root it itself.
Using the unlockr method, I find that the batch file reports mkdir failed for /data/local/tools, permission denied with subsequent permissions errors.  And so that method is not able to get root either.

Maybe I need a driver of some sort?

I have the adb driver installed on my windows computer, I can see it in device manager.

Well, I think I found a viable solution: Full root for A10x and A5xx ICS. Simple method.
They have a link to a tablet driver for the Acer Iconia A100.  I think that is what I needed all along.  I installed that on my PC and ran the script and it worked just fine.
I rebooted the Android and ran the Root Checker application and it reports that the Android is, indeed, rooted.
The solution was simple and it persisted after a reboot!

I had similar problems with 4.0.3 and 4.1, but I fixed it with king root (note the lack of an 'o' after 'king'). It is one of those one click root methods, but it has served me well, and always resides in my toolkit.
Download link (XDA Developers) : http://forum.xda-developers.com/devdb/project/dl/?id=14576&task=get

When I install the package (xposed installer), it says, "The latest version of Xposed is currently not active. Did you install the framework and reboot?"  Do I have to install something else?  If I use that installer to "install/update framework" it says, "failed to get root access".

I rebooted the device and tried the Xposed Installer again and it says the same thing.  I belive I have tried this before and I got stuck here the last time, too.

I am trying this one now: http://androidxda.com/download-kingroot-application  - it is called KingRoot, as you mentioned.  Okay, it says it failed.

So I tried rooting with Kingo, which seems to provide a temporary root, and then to use the xposed installer to install the framework with root access.  But the xposed installer says, "There seems to be a known issue ("Segmentation fault") with your ROM.  Installing xposed might not work..."

@BGM Im not sure then.

I suppose that you might have CWM or TWRP preinstalled. If it is so then you have to find superSu apk file which is flashable. Some time before I was having same problem for 4.0.3. So just flash it in recovery mode and you will be enjoying the hidden power of android.

How can I tell if I have CWM or TWRP installed?  I have the superSU apk file - how do I flash it?

Boot into recovery mode.

So I just boot into recovery mode and run the package installer for supersu?

All I can do is boot into the stock recovery mode with the dead robot.

"I suppose that you might have CWM or TWRP preinstalled." -- and what caused you to assume this?

Its a pre-requirement in rooting process. It also helps in many ways. So, before rooting you must need to know about this.


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Live wallpaper installation location
I've got Samsung A3 on Android 5.0.2 Lollipop and some time ago I installed a few live wallpapers, but they are not showing in installed apps so I can't uninstall them.
With the WiFi Transfer app, I can look through the whole file system, but I can't locate them to manually delete it.
Where are live wallpapers being kept in the system?

I'm not quite sure if TouchWiz even support live wallpaper.

Do you not see the app's entry under Settings -> Apps -> All apps or the equivalent location in your device?

Live wallpapers can be uninstalled like normal apps.

Open "Settings"
Choose "Apps"
Find the live wallpaper
Uninstall

I you installed the wallpapers from the Play Store then you can remove it from the Play Store app.

Nearly all of them can but not these two: Bubbles and Phase Beam, something must have went wrong and they are not visible in Apps. So if anyone knows where to manually find the files and delete them. Please let me know.

Is the apk file for the wallpaper present under the /system/app/ directory?

No, I have checked this location already. Any other possible places to look?

How do you know that the wallpapers are installed? Can you still set them?

Yes they are available in wallpaper menu and I can use them

@MannyCalavera AFAIK, Bubbles and Phase Beam are part of the default/stock/system live wallpapers on older Android (at least I remember Bubbles, Holo Spiral, Nexus, and Phase Beam). Though, I'm not sure where they are stored since I have never checked them back then.

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


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Can Nexus devices be SIM locked?
I have Nexus 4 from Fido (Canadian provider). I want to use with another provider, but I don't know if it's locked by Fido.
I read this discussion and see opposite points of view:

NEXUS devices are never locked, period.

but:

Indeed, all Fido phones are locked to Fido.

Which is true? Can Nexus phone be locked?

For your case, posted by Fido's rep,

I wish to clarify something. All phones sold by Fido are locked with the exception of Nexus phones.

But for general case, apparently, yes, Nexus devices can be SIM locked. These articles proved that even Nexus 6 (which can be considered as quite new at the time of writing) on AT&T are SIM locked.

Extreme Tech

The uproar truly started when it was confirmed that the AT&T Nexus 6 is SIM locked to that carrier. This is the only Nexus phone that’s ever been SIM locked (the Galaxy Nexus LTE wasn’t locked, it just didn’t have the hardware for other carriers).
...
That SIM lock and the tethering check are a bit trickier — these are both deeply ingrained in the core of the device.... The SIM lock, which keeps the phone from working on other networks, is included in the baseband software. Again, there’s no way around that without major hackery.

Android Police

It appears that the carrier's Nexus 6 variant is SIM-locked, won't let you tether without verifying your subscription status, and has AT&T's suite of ringtones as well.
...
The SIM lock is stored independent of the ROM, somewhere that factory images don't touch. Presently, the only way to get rid of it is to get the unlock code for your device, which can be obtained by AT&T after your contract is fulfilled or the device is paid in full (assuming you bought it on a payment plan). If that doesn't work for you, there is also the option of purchasing the code from a 3rd party.

Also, a user manual from Vodafone for Galaxy Nexus, a forum thread by Verizon user and XDA forum proved that Galaxy Nexus could be SIM locked too.


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Adding uninstalled apps to wishlist in Play store
There is something in the Play store app that bugs me ever since I found out the problem exists: I cannot add previously uninstalled apps to the wishlist.
I made my research and found this thread on XDA where they acknowledge the problem, then this suggestion on Reddit which didn't even get a response and this useless thread on the Google Play help forum. I didn't find any other direct reference to the problem.
I tried to clear cache for the Play Store, but like with the guy that opened the XDA thread, it didn't work. I made sure to delete the app from the 'All apps' on all my devices. The web interface still shows 'Installed', I think this can be related. I think the problem lies in the Play Store, without anything the user can do to overcome the issue.
So my question is: does anybody know of Google acknowledging/addressing the issue in the future? Or, if there exists a workaround?

Seems the root cause of this issue got worse...


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How can I make my phone stop displaying emoji?
At some point in the recent past, my phone (a Samsung Galaxy S4) started to display several large swaths of Unicode codepoints as emoji characters--including several that are used for other things, like U+2609, the astronomical symbol for the sun, which is now displayed as a little image of a sun.
How can I get rid of these? Everything I find on google is either about how to disable the emoji keyboard, or about how to enable emoji; what I want is a simple, device-wide system to get rid of emoji altogether and replace them with the symbols that the codepoints are meant to represent.
If there isn't any way to do this device-wide, is there at least a way to do it for the Dolphin browser?


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Have unrooted Samsung Galaxy 10.2 Tablet. I want to delete files, wondering if I can do it with USB cable then use Explorer to maintain files?
Have an unrooted tablet, a Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.2. Memory is getting tight on the tablet itself and my card is 64GB with most still available. I saw the answer using logcat built-in utility to delete log files and such. I would rather do it myself due to having routines that have done what they weren't supposed to do. I like having full control over what happens, let's just say I'm an old DOS fan who likes to do the nitty-gritty.


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Can't find webview.db file for android browser to view saved passwords in internet app
I can't find this file anywhere.
Can anyone advise where this might be stored?
I downloaded SQLITE editor on my note 3 but it says no database.
When I see the internet icon under Apps in SQLite Editor in /data/data/com.sec.android.pp.sbrowser a pop up error says: "Root shell binary not found in standard location (or phone note rooted).
However, I rooted with Kingroot.
I need to recover all passwords stored in the android internet appl.
Please help.
Thank you!

You could try obtaining the app's data via ADB: adb backup com.sec.android.pp.sbrowser. Then extract the file from that backup (for details on ADB, see our adb tag-wiki, and also our backup tag-wiki, especially How do you extract an App's data from a full backup made through “adb backup”?). Please report back if that works.

[LG G2 4.4.2 rooted]
I couldn't find webview.db either but opening the file ACEBrowser.db which was in the data/data/com.android.browser/databases had all the required information under 'password'.
Took me hours to realise this. Hope this helps someone else to do so quicker :)


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Phone repeatedly boots (restarts by itself) when kept on hard surface
I have got a Xperia SP C5302 which began to show problems from yesterday. It is repeatedly getting restarted by itself whenever I am placing it on any kind of hard surface(ex: table) but works fine when I am holding it in hand or keeping it on top of mattress.
What I have tried -

Did factory rest couple of times but nothing fruitful.
Did a software repair through Sony PC Companion but it didn't work.
Tried googling in and around but no good result as of now.

Phone is running stock rom 12.1.A.1.205 Android – 4.3 Jelly Bean
Let me know if any further information is required from my side.

ANY kind of hard surface? Metallic, wood, plastic, all have been explored and the reboot is the same? Is the orientation of the phone a factor? Does it happen equally if the phone is face-down AND on its back? This question seems to lack specific information to guide us to help resolve your issue.

The face vs. back orientation could lead to understanding. For example, if it occurs consistently on a hard surface WHILE ON ITS BACK, I would investigate the possibility the concealed OFF button inside the back cover may be pressed somehow.

@wbogacz - Yes, when the phone is kept on any kind of hard surface the phone reboots continuously. But on the same hard surface if kept face down no issues at all. I consulted the Sony service center guy and as per him it's motherboard issue but I doubt that.

So, I would remove the back cover and investigate the OFF button switch concealed inside. See if it happens without the cover on. If not, the cover is a culprit. Think critically.

@wbogacz - yes you had guessed it right there was some culprit at the back side of the phone and it was a chip under the battery. The thing is replaced and the phone is running fine now.


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What does "Service google play" application actually do?
First of all "Service google play" (in Russian "Сервисы google play") is not play market appication which is used to download and install applications from play market. So what is the problem with it? I spot that "Service google play" (in Russian "Сервисы google play") took about 100Mb (for strange searching data) and cleanuping application data does not help - after several minutes they are magically restored. I wonder - can  it be safely removed (or disabled) from phone? Or it is a system important process?
Note
It probably good to provided a link to google play, but I can not find that service (may be english name is different) in play market.

In response to your note, one does not simply find Google play services/Service Google play by searching the play store.

Added to the exaggerated "Apps may not work if you uninstall Google Play services" from the app's description (see e.g. the answer of SuperThomasLab):
Many apps found on Google Play depend on this, but by far not all. Apps e.g. from F-Droid mostly can live without it. One can think of Google Play Services as kind of "shared library" for "many things Google".
When using a custom ROM without GApps, it can e.g. be substituted by migroG GmsCore – I've just done that on one of my devices :) microG GmsCore, as the name-part "Core" suggests, offers the essential services many apps rely on – but without all the overhead Google's app ships with. So it should be much less aggressive towards the device's resources. Please see the linked XDA thread for details and up-to-date information – which also gives you ideas on what Google Play Services does:

Ads/Analytics API: will not be covered by microG
Auth API: authentication with Google's services. Covered by microG
Cast API: in the works (microG is still young :)
Drive API: Google Drive stuff (not yet in microG)
Fitness API: not (yet) in microG
Games API: not (yet) in microG
Cloud Messaging API: fully functional in microG
Location Provider API: fully functional in microG
Geofencing API: not yet supported in microG
Maps API: partly implemented in microG (work in progress)
Plus API: minimal support with microG
Wearable API: work on this has just started in microG

From this list you can get an idea what Google Play Services include. And from the "state" mentioned toward them for microG, you should see why it's more lightweight. I for one hope that, if implemented at all, Fitness + Games at least go to a separate app which one only need to install when needed; I don't need that, so for me it would be bloatware :)

I copy the description from Google Play Market:

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

Google Play Services is hidden in Google Play. You can find it here.
Google Play Services is an app that brings the newest features to older phones, like authentication to Google Services. When you uninstall/disable Google Play Services then most of the apps on your phone won't work properly anymore.
Description copied from Google Play:

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

Added to the exaggerated "Apps may not work if you uninstall Google Play services": Many apps found on Google Play depend on this, but by far not all. Apps e.g. from F-Droid mostly can live without it. One can think of Google Play Services as kind of "shared library" for "many things Google". When using a custom ROM without GApps, it can e.g. be substituted by migroG GmsCore – I've just done that on one of my devices :)


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Track wifi logon attempts
Is there any possible way to see on a rooted android device (or linux) which MAC Address tried with which Password to enter my wireless network? Also the ones who failed?

Are you talking about your devices "WiFi hotspot" – or your WiFi router? The latter certainly would be no Android issue, root or not :)

About my hotspot, I'd like to know that

Some 3rd party hotspot apps offer such logging features (see e.g. the screenshots of Portable WiFi Hotspot). I'm not aware of any built-in logging using on-board capabilities.


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Is xposed safe for my phone
I've a Micromax bolt A064 running on 4.4.2 kitkat. After rooting the device, I somewhere read that xposed can give my phone more tweaks than ever I can. So, I started reading about xposed. Some users said that it was safe and they were enjoying whereas some user's phone was soft-bricked or bootloooped. I certainly come to know that it can harm my device also. But I want something new in my phone. So, the best idea that my brain gives to me is to ask from the experts and intelligents  here. I'm now having stock rom but rooted with kinguser. I replaced kinguser with Supersu and now using it. You can check the details of my phone on manufacturer website. Alternatively, I'm attaching a screenshot of my setting's about phone.
Again highlighting question-

Is xposed safe for my micromax bolt a064

And, if it is safe, could you please list some useful modules that is supported i.e safe?
Thank you for your attention. If any details is needed, comment it and I'll surely give it. And please help.
----------------------Thank you-----------------

Nobody will give you any guarantee – but a few hints we can give. I'm using Xposed on multiple devices, and encountered no issues. So here a few points to consider:

before installing Xposed, make a full backup (best a nandroid backup) – so you always can revert in case things go weird.
make sure your device has a custom recovery (in fact, that's a pre-condition for the Nandroid backup), and you can use it. Follow the link to learn about it in case you're not yet familiar with this.
when you install Xposed using the Xposed Installer, it will create a "recovery package" – so if your device/ROM has issues with Xposed and doesn't boot up anymore, you should be able to simply boot into recovery, and install that package – which would revert the Xposed installation and restore your device to its previous state.
not a bad idea to repeat step-1 before installing a new module, but that's not a strict requirement; removing Xposed as described in the step before should "deactivate" a misbehaving module along the lines – and if not, restoring the Nandroid backup for sure does.

And, if it is safe, could you please list some useful modules that is supported i.e safe?

That's a) too broad, and b) off-topic here. But be welcome to grab an idea from my Xposed Framework Resource Collection (and the other lists on that site: Xposed modules are usually part of the corresponding "topic list", so the "resource collection" doesn't hold them all). Which ones to use completely depends on your needs :)

"it will create a "recovery package"" -- where does it create that?

@Firelord it will tell you :) Usually on your SD card, below Android/data/*.

Fine.... Just tried to install it and got on bootloop........ But I've fixed it. Anyway, thanks for replying.

Yeah, that's one thing that "recovery package" is for: boot to recovery and restore. I vaguely remember it said somewhere that boot-loops might happen "in rare cases"; I've never encountered any in this context. I don't know how far the Micromax is from AOSP (i.e. how heavy its ROM is modiefied), which might be a reason for this: the more AOSP-like the ROM, the more unlikely the boot-loop case.


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Missing modem.bin from stock rom
Since I have trouble with reception on my Samsung S4 Mini, I followed this post to upgrade my Modem/baseband Firmware. So I downloaded two firmwares from Sammobile:
I9195XXUCNK1 - Latest for Norway (Telenor)
I9195XXUCOD3 - Latest for Nordic Countries
However, in those .tar.md5-files, there were a NON-HLOS.bin file, but no modem.bin? Isn't modem.bin required, or is it somewhere else (in another file in the archive)?

In short: Yes, for the Samsung S4 Mini LTE (i9195), the NON-HLOS.bin is the modem.
To flash it with Heimdall, these are the correct steps:

Extract the NON-HLOS.bin from the tar archive
Connect the phone and PC
Reboot into Download Mode using (Vol Down plus Home button combi)
In a terminal, navigate to the folder with your modem file (NON-HLOS.bin)
Run heimdall flash --MODEM NON-HLOS.bin --no-reboot from a terminal
Reboot once again into Download Mode using (Vol Down plus Home button combi)
Run heimdall flash --MODEM NON-HLOS.bin --no-reboot from a terminal
Once done, unplug then reboot device manually.

Source: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=49395354&postcount=105

And what if there is no modem.bin and no NON-HLOS.bin? In my stock tar I see only this

Which file should I extract as modem?


text:
How To backup custom ROM before flashing the another ROM
The header says it all. I've installed CM12.1 mod. I want to flash other ROMs now, but losing all my settings and data is not an option. I checked up on the net, but the tutorials are all about backing up stock ROMs and I'm not sure it will work on custom ROMs as well.(Bear with me,noob here).Any help would be appreciated.

you can take backups of your current rom by entering the recovery ( volume up + power button) - the next steps kind of depend which custom recovery you have installed. Search for the back up option and backup your system, data and boot partition. the cache partition is optional

"I'm not sure it will work on custom ROMs as well" -- any basis for this? Why do you think the method(s) deployed for backing up a stock ROM wouldn't work on a custom ROM?

As you've already correctly put the backup tag to your question: have you checked with its tag-wiki? Would answer your question. Especially pay attention to the "Nandroid" chapter :) Also see: Retaining applications and settings when flashing custom ROMs / How can I keep settings after flashing a ROM?

Now that you mention custom ROMs, I'm sure you have a custom recovery in place as well. Eg: TWRP, Clockwork or Philz. These recoveries allow backing up data from any rom, both stock as well as custom. Provided the backup is restored to the same base. Like 4.4.4 kitkat backup works only on 4.4.4 and doesnt work on lollipop or even 4.4.2. As each base and rom uses highly customised settings to store backups, restoring backups may or may not work.
But, if you are looking to backup only apps, I'd recommend Titanium backup as it works 95% of the time irrespective of what rom you're on.

Can you clarify the sentence "Provided the backup is restored to the same base. Like 4.4.4 kitkat backup works only on 4.4.4 and doesnt work on lollipop or even 4.4.2. As each base and rom uses highly customised settings to store backups, restoring backups may or may not work.". I don't see any reason why a nandroid backup from 4.4 can't be restored when I'm on Android 5.1.1. Any sources? Cause I've restored many many backups like that :)

Hi, Benjamin. The settings.apk and the operating system related data for every rom and base are different. When these settings are restored, some may apply, some may not depending on how the settings.apk and the operating system is configured. For a simple example, xposed needed just an installation of apk and root permissions upto 4.4.4. From 5 onwards, a direct installation wouldn't work. You'd have to install the framework from a zip first.
Now, when the previous rom also had xposed installed and it's data backed up, simply restoring data wouldn't work. You get the drift right?

Ok allright but when looking at a nandroid backup you have ALL your partitions corresponding to a specific android version. So restoring this backup will result in a functioning system no matter what version of android was on there before the backup - the partitions just get overwritten so there won't be a problem. It's not like you would restore data from a 4.4 rom to a 5.1 rom. Thats the great thing about backups - they work if you have messed up your system no matter what is running on it.

okay Benjamin, I won't argue. Being a rom maker myself, I dont recommend that to my testers as well. But is still carried out nevertheless to see how it performs. Anyways, have fun restorng your backups :)


text:
Why "Services Exchange" drains my battery since Marshmallow update?
I have a simillar problem since Marshmallow. Unfortunately, as suggested I did clear the cache and I did a factory reset but the problem persists... "Services Exchange" continues to drain my battery in less than 3h without using my phone at all, which never happened with Lollipop before. Any ideas on what to do next?

Related (not posted for Android M): Nexus 5 whole battery drained in a single night

Welcome to the Android Enthusiasts! If you don't use a MS Exchange server for mail, you could simply go to Settings › Apps, select the "All" tab, scroll to the Exchange app (which is an extension to the Email app), and force-stop + disable it. Let us know whether that helps. In my experience, even with no Exchange account created, that stupid addon tries to contact some non-configured-account for mail every minute (no idea why).


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How to enable USB debugging with broken touchscreen?
I have an Infinix Zero phone whose touch screen is broken. The screen calibration got affected, so the touch screen is not responding. I tried pushing a calibration APK to the phone from my system, but the process requires the USB debugging to be turned on. However, I'm unable to turn it on from my phone.

Related: How to enable USB Debugging in Android if forgotten pattern for screen-unlock?

Does your phone supports OTG?

No, it does not support OTG


text:
Is Lollipop limited to two users per device?
This is very nearly a duplicate of "Is Asus Memo Pad 8 limited to 2 users?," but I am having the same issue on a Moto G (1st gen).
Is Lollipop limited to two users per device?
When I tap on "+ Add User" nothing happens once I have two users on the device.

I could confirm this, It's the same on my Moto G2 running Lollipop. Including the owner account you could add an extra New user account and with a Guest account which is there by default. Other than this three(Owner,New user and a Guest)  account I couldn't add another new user and the Add user is unselectable.

Certainly not limited to two since I once created four users on my OnePlus One.  Install [tag:adb] and post us the output of adb shell pm get-max-users. @Lucky, can you also post the output? // Also, see Device manufacturers may decide upon the maximum number of users.

@Firelord Yes, I think the Motorola devices are limited to two users max. As, I ran the adb shell command and it gives me Maximum supported users: 2.

It aint limited to 2 users. If you are rooted, you can use the following shell commands to add/remove the number of users in the device.
adb shell #
su
mount -o rw,remount /system
echo fw.max_users=4 >> /system/build.prop #4 denotes the number of users you want to have.
exit
reboot #to apply the changes

hope it helps someone

echo fw.max_users=4, 4 denotes the number of users you want to set


text:
Problems with Nexus 5 - everything stops working, even after fresh reinstall
I had a problematic Nexus 5 - it constantly complains that [some app] has stopped (usually Google Play Services, but sometimes gapps or hangouts). It's usually Google Apps that crash.
I downgraded to Android 4.3, which helped a bit, but after a while started crashing randomly. After some thought I decided to try a fresh install. I installed stock Android 6, did a factory reset and cache wipe.
And it still complains all the time. The phone is goddamn unusable. What can I do???

have you tried doing factory reset on the stock recovery? Try doing that, and then flash again factory images.

@Paschalis what? what does "doing factory reset on the stock recovery" mean? I installed a stock version and then did a factory reset. What else?

are you using alternative recovery tool such as TWRP or CWM? if so, can you try flashing another rom just for testing?