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What are the security implications of using an app built "for debug"?
I've just come upon several .apk files hosted with Github projects which are "compiled for debug" (i.e. having application-debuggable set, which one can e.g. check using aapt dump badging /path/to/apk | grep debuggable. Not being an Android dev, I only have vague ideas what that is for (extended debugging via ADB) – but that's not the question here.
My question is from a pure end-user perspective: What are the (security) implications of installing/using such an app? What are the risks one must be aware of?
Of course I searched the web for hints on this, but again only got vague hints like "thou shalt not", and "for a release this should be switched off" – no reasons, no background. For that one could think "obviously no big deal" – but notes like Do spend some time thinking about the security implications for your users in this context (see this answer at SO) suggest differently.
Can anyone here provide some insights?

Related reading on Security.  Note that with web apps it can be more severe (potentially granting extra access and leaking many users' data at once), but overall it's similar to what I've said below -- there are definitely issues, but they are mostly potential side-effects rather than real holes.

Just a side-note, you can also check if an app is debuggable from Developer options - Select debug app (at least on Nexus stock ROM). Debuggable app's package is always shown on LogCat (compared to the empty package of release apps), making it easier to identify what it's doing (whether for developer, end-user, and attacker).

@AndrewT. Thanks for that explanation! I've often wondered how that configuration was to be interpreted. If that offers a possibility to "check the risk" (preferably without much dev knowledge), that would be good to know. Even better if one can switch the app's debug-flag off from there :)

@AndrewT. request for clarification: what do you mean by "always shown on LogCat"? Can you give a few more details on that? Does this only apply to "logcat via ADB", or does it get visible to other apps as well?

@MatthewRead Good pointer to check on Security, btw. Also see there: Disabling android application debug mode as a security practice – which makes it rather look an issue for the dev than for the user (though the latter might be affected as well afterwards, if a loop-hole was detected ;)

There aren't really any innate problems with running a debug app.  If someone grabs your unlocked phone, enables Developer Mode, and starts debugging they might be able to grab sensitive information from the app's memory slightly more easily — but that's not particularly realistic and easily countered with a lock screen.
Debug information will also make it harder to make use of security through obscurity, which we all know is not real security.  This obviously isn't even a factor when it comes to open-source apps, since they can simply inspect the source to find a flaw.
However, the specifics of what code paths you've added for debugging can definitely be security holes.  Maybe for testing and verification purposes, the debug version writes the user's password out to logcat when they sign in, for example.  There is a great deal of PII that could be exposed this way.
For an end user, all that you know is that it's probably more likely for an arbitrary app to leak information if it's a debug version.  Unless you are searching for it yourself, you're not likely to see it.  That's probably enough reason to avoid such apps — doubly so since a developer who doesn't know the difference between Release and Debug versions is probably not protecting your data very competently either.
Dan Hulme also made a good point in chat: A debug version probably won't be properly signed, meaning that it could be "upgraded" from a malicious source.  I would again presume this to be an unlikely occurrence, but it is another point against it.

Thanks, Matthew! So if asked by an average user: would you strongly discourage from using such an app, simply suggest to "be careful", or something in between?

@Izzy I would moderately advise against it.  Given the choice between debug vs. release, always choose release of course.  But if you've taken appropriate precautions like not using the same password elsewhere, and it's not something important like your e-mail/Twitter/banking/etc., then it's probably not going to end up being an issue.

"Given the choice between debug vs. release" I wouldn't need to ask :) Problem is, some projects there only offer a debug version, and have no presence in Playstore or on F-Droid. But the last sentence of your edit has a good point: the dev might have "left security holes in other places" too. So it's worth a "strong advice against" with this background – but not as strong as "willingly installing malware". Thanks again! I'll accept your answer then (still open for other insights, of course – like those from Andrew in his comment on my question itself :)

With Android 12, a ew aspect is added to this: adb backup no longer includes app data by default, unless the app was built "for debug". So actually, if your device is not rooted and you rely on adb backup for your backups (e.g. if you do not use Google's cloud backup, and your ROM has no support for Seedvault¹ built in), you might actually wish this to be set.
¹ Seedvault comes included e.g. with LineageOS since Android 10, and also with some other custom ROMs

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


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Gestures setting on LG G3 running Android Marshmallow
I have LG G3, now running on Android Marshmallow. Prior to Marshmallow, I had this setting under Settings - Gestures. Now, I can't find it on Marshmallow.
Did LG remove it? If not, where is it?

The features are still there, LG only moved the settings to other place.
From a post by jtrvk on XDA Forum,

The gesture settings regarding calls have been moved to main phone
Settings - Call - scroll down to Gesture
For smart screen gesture, that setting is now listed under Display

Sorry, but "gestures" doesn't appear in either of those places, at least on my phone. I have checked every single setting, and no "gestures".

I see.. Sorry, I'm not sure if I can help you further since I don't have the device. Hopefully someone else can solve this.

Just found the answer to the "...by putting the phone to your ear" setting on my LG G3. It wasn't in the general settings. I opened the phone icon on the home screen and then opened the menu in the right hand corner → Call Settings.  The options for answering the phone with the gestures were there.

source: Stack Exchange

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

sort: votes


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Is there a way to re-calibrate the compass on my Android Galaxy s6, with verizon as my carrier?
I need to re-calibrate the compass on the my Android Galaxy Edge 6s. I read that I must first go to the secret menu, which can be accessed through the code #0# being typed into the dial pad of the phone. I have also found out that verizon has disabled this menu (which would explain why nothing happens when I try using a secret code).
Is there a way to re-calibrate the compass on my Android Galaxy s6, with verizon as my carrier?

Ditching Verizon would be one way to fix the problem!

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


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Let all apps read my external SD card
I have an external SD card, and I want to keep it that way.
I have lots of files on it sorted how I prefer. But now all my apps that I've saved data from or use to open files can't access the external SD card.
I've gone to app permissions and made sure they have storage. I just want them to have full access to my SD card, because, well, it's my SD card.
TitaniumBackup won't backup to it's folder anymore, says no space even though there are gigs free. My camera app won't save to the external dir I've put my pictures in. My music app won't give me a list of the files in the directory where I've sorted my music. Is there any way to just force MM to just let those apps have full access to my SD card?
I can browse the SD card with ESExplorer.

Sometimes CyanogenMOD messes with the SD card paths after rooting. If that is the case, you will need to use a terminal emulator to correct the path to /sdcard/external_sd
Make the external_sd folder in your SD card first. Then through the emulator use the command
su
mount -o bind your_current_path_as_per_es_explorer /sdcard/external_sd


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In what ways is Greenify different from regular task killers?
When I say "regular" task killers I mean the ones that don't use root privileges or Xposed Framework and are often quite simple.
At first I thought that one difference between Greenify and regular task killers is that regular task killers require the user to manually kill tasks, whereas Greenify can operate continuously without the user worrying about its operation. But then I noticed that some task killers have an "auto" feature now too. Actually, Greenify also has a "non-root" mode now, which I am guessing would be similar to that.
In this question I'm talking about Greenify in "root-mode" and with the Xposed module active.
What differences are there? Should Greenify be called a task killer, or is it something more? What does Greenify utilise its root privileges and Xposed module for? What sets Greenify apart from regular task killers? What are the benefits and/or disadvantages of using Greenify as compared to a regular task killer?


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Android 6.0 notification bar and quick setting drop down menu not working.
My phone was working fine, and i didn't run any updates prior to this issue.
The pull down menu is no longer working properly. I can pull it down, so that it shows the time and date, signal and battery. But the rest isn't working, i can't pull it down further to get to settings, not do i see any notifications. Instead it just showed ' No Notifications'  even if i actually receive messages or emails.
I tried recovered trough fastboost, but i'd rather not try a factory reset unless there are no other options.

May I know your device model?

Htc One M8, running around 6.0.

Performed a hard factory reset. Didn't want too, but it's fixed now.


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Android won't factory reset
I've been having trouble with my phone lately so I decided to back up my data and factory reset, but every time I want to do it the "reset phone" button does not work, I can't even press it. I have also tried to hard reset but when I get to the screen where I choose factory reset (the screen where there is a android guy saying "no commands"), there are no commands to choose so that is also a negative for resetting.

Sounds like you'll have to resort to fastboot and stock firmware.

how do i do that

A quick Google search: XDA Moto G Flashing Guide

Maybe you check our factory-reset tag-wiki, which also mentions an alternative way to do a factory reset, not requiring fastboot. Also see: How to do Factory Reset

Oh, wait: "The Android guy saying "no commands"? That sounds as if you've already been to your devices custom recovery and have wiped /system and/or /recovery, so it no longer has any OS installed. In this case you've really messed up, and flashing a new firmware via fastboot is the only way out.

don't worry. Do just what I say:

Turn off you Motorola Moto G 2nd Gen(I mean moto G2).
Afterwards press and hold the Volume Up and Volume Down for about 2-3 seconds.
While still holding these keys press the Power button for a short while and release all buttons.

Then select option Recovery by using to navigate Volume Down, and to confirm Volume Up.
In the next step hold down the Volume Up for a few seconds when an Android logo appears on the screen.
While holding the Power button, press and release the Volume Up key.
Press Volume Down to choose "wipe data/factory reset", and then push the Power button to confirm.
Select "Yes--delete all user data". Use Volume Down button to scroll and Power button to select.
To restart the phone, select "reboot system now".

Success! The hard reset is done!

Source : All credits go to hardreset.info

This will not help the OP, his OS is corrupted according to the conversation above. Consider providing fastboot flashing instructions rather than reset instructions which he has already tried.

Just had the same problem with a Moto G2: I wasn't able to click the button to reset. So I tried your instruction and it worked perfectly. Thanks.

@Aaron Gillion - how do we give flashing instructions ? I face the same issue with android one and also if it swtches on its stuck on the welcome screen.

but when i get to the screen where i choose factory reset (the screen where there is a android guy saying ''no commands''), there are no commands to choose so that is also a negative for reseting, thanks in advance...

This 'no commands' screen is actually part of the process. When you get this screen, continue with step 6. as explained earlier.

While holding down the Power key, press and release the Volume Up key, then release Power'

I also got the 'no commands' screen but after checking this motorola support page I found roughly the same steps as described earlier and it worked!
Good luck!!

Try installing TWRP, or just unlocking the device. when you unlock the device the device will factory reset and if you want you could install TWRP. to unlock your device, open "Developer Options/Settings" in the settings app and click "Allow OEM Unlock[ing]".
Then enter fastboot and on your computer write:
fastboot oem unlock [Unlock Key From Motorola's Website]

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


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How to set menu wallpaper separate from home screen wallpaper
I have Samsung Galaxy Note 3,and i think it's rooted..
Because it have android version 5.0 mean Lollipop, and i also found "idoneapps" icon in my menu.
So I want 2 different wallpapers, 1 for home screen and another for menu, the reason is the wallpaper which i am using is so beautiful/colorful but when i go to menu the wallpaper is so colorful and i can't recognize the icons so it makes my way difficult.
That's why i want home screen wallpaper and menu wallpaper separate i mean different (i want blank and black wallpaper for menu so that i can see my installed icon more clear)..

Possibly the easiest solution would be to use a custom launcher like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher. These launchers let you select the backgroundcolor of the App-Drawer.

But I don't want to change my launcher, because most of them are annoying, and now i used to Samsung default launcher..


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Cannot browse or share photos downloaded from internet
This was a problem in my S3 but now it is much more prevalent in my LG4. in 70% of cases, when I download a photo from the internet it is not available for sharing using fb or whatsapp, and I cannot view it from the default gallery app.
These downloaded photos can be browsed from the "Device Folders" section in Google Photos, though that sometimes fails as well to view photos.
I should mention however that EVERY downloaded photo can be browsed in the "Documents" app. I reach that app by clicking on the notification that tells me a file was downloaded successfully. There ALL the photos and files I download can be seen. I did not however find that "Documents" app in my installed apps so I have no idea how it works.

Have you tried finding them in the "Downloads" app? Doesn't "Documents" show up as an option when you go to select a photo from the web browser or a social app?

It might help to know what you're doing to download these photos from the internet. Are you using "save image as" from a browser? Which browser?

Using "save image" using  a Chrome browser.


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Adobe Flash Player Settings for Android
Android Browsers don't have Mic & Cam Settings , is there a way to solve the problem?
on Computer:

on Android:
but its just a white screen on Android Browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, ...

What problem are you trying to solve? Might help if people would know what you want to do exactly :)

@benjaminS I want Adobe Flash Player Settings on the Browser, for Voice and Video Chat. Www.chatonic.com open it on Android .


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Honor 5x - Transparent app icons not displaying correctly
I just got an Honor 5x and I'm generally not really happy with the UI design, but one thing is bothering me most and it seems like it's actually a bug:
Transparency doesn't seem to work in app icons on the home screen. Basically every icon that doesn't perfectly fill out that weird round square has a colored background. This looks pretty terrible and is really not what I'm used to.

Is there anything I can do about this?
I have Android 5.1.1, EMUI 3.1 and I installed the Google Now launcher.

Install another Launcher -> Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher. Then search for Icon packs on the google play store to override the default iconpack.

So I guess it's not a bug... If anyone else is reading this: I installed Awesome Icons (usable with all launchers) and created/downloaded transparent icons for all my apps. Transparency in icons isn't actually broken, which makes me wonder why all the icons are displayed so hideously.


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Blank Text Message from random number - is it a virus?
So I just got a blank text message from some number that I don't know. My worry is that this is some sort of intrusion attempt.
My understanding is whenever I receive a text message, or a message with media, my phone automatically downloads it. So me receiving a blank text message from some unknown number leads me to believe that there was some sort of virus attached to the message and when the phone downloads the message, it will download that virus automatically.
So my questions are:

Is it possible that this is a virus?
How can I check to see if my phone has a virus?
Is there a way to detect an intrusion attempt so that my phone will tell me if something is happening that shouldn't be?

Is it possible that this is a virus?

Of course it is possible. Technology is beat. But what actually matters is whether if it is probable or not.
A text message (if it is an SMS) has to travel through the cellular network of your service provider and therefore the file types you can send are object to their limitations. Such messages can include media files(MMS) but not apps or executables. Instead, it might contain a link which'll lead you to download a malware. But an empty SMS on its own to infect a phone, sounds pretty NSA.

How can I check to see if my phone has a virus?

You can use antivirus apps but their reliability is up for discussion.

Is there a way to detect an intrusion attempt so that my phone will tell me if something is happening that shouldn't be?

Again, some antivirus apps like Avast warn you whenever an app that is malicious is being installed. But there are ways to outsmart it too.
Nonetheless, for your specific case, relax. I really don't think you are at risk.


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Data turns on automatically
I am using lenovo k3 note. I recently updated to android 6.0 marshmallow.  Whenever I turn on the phone secondary SIM data turns on automatically.
Help me to solve this issue friends???

I think that this kind of problem can be caused by some sorts of applications that have access or permission to enable your mobile data,I know that Facebook,Whatsapp & maybe every single social media app does not have that kind of permission.I know that samsung got a disabling option that turns off mobile data for good.that's all I know about that buddy

This does not qualify as an answer. You seem to think this is a free-for-all discussion. Answers here need to be backed up by facts, and be formulated professionally.

FACTS NOT THOUGHTS!


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Active lockscreen and do no disturb mode
Recently got a Nexus 5X with Android 6.0.1. Non-root.
The setting under "Display -> Active Lockscreen" toggles whether to "wake the screen when I pick up the device or receives messages". I like these featues.
But even though I turn on "Do not disturb" from notification drawer, the screen wakes up when I pick up the device. I would like to disable this*.
Can I have it my way without rooting?
(Text is loosely translated from danish)
*I like listening to podcasts and audiobooks late at night to help me sleep. The slightest movement lights up the screen which becomes quite irritating.

Are you referring to Ambient Display?

Yes it is the ambient display. If I could just get lock screen notifications without ambient display that would be okay as well.


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Why not autostart PPP?
In the adb docs, under PPP it says "Note that you should not automatically start a PPP connection."
Anybody know why this is discouraged? I'd like to do exactly that when I plug my tablet into my computer. I've got a script to launch adb ppp and a x11vnc server to use the tablet as a second screen over USB, and I'd like to use udev to set it up automatically.


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Does uninstalling updates to system apps wipe the data for it?
Non-rooted users can't uninstall system apps but are able to uninstall updates to them such that they are reverted to the base version of the app that shipped with the system image.
When a user does this operation, does it clear the data for the app?
Context:
Newer versions of an app may write data incompatible with old versions of the app.

You can try making full backup of a system app using [tag:adb] and then experiment the question yourself.

Thanks, I'm aware that I can check myself but if someone has tried it before then that could save some time. In any case, seems not to be the case and I'll write up an answer shortly.

Uninstalling updates to a system app does clear the data, tested by uninstalling a system app with data and observing the storage consumed by the data portion of the app go to 0.00B.
For reference, it also outputs intents broadcasting android.intent.action.PACKAGE_REMOVED just as if the entire app had been uninstalled as usual.


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How to dim the screen on an Android phone without locking?
Given a phone with a password, the screen turns off and the phone locks by single pressing the power button, or if the sleep time-out is reached.  The user then must enter the password to get access.
In order to conserve battery power, is is possible to have the screen dim but NOT lock the phone?
The user could increase the sleep setting so the screen would take longer to auto-dim, but that would not preserve the battery.
There are references to a "screen mode widget" that would dim the screen without locking, it does not appear to be available any longer.
Is there a trustworthy app that does this? By trustworthy I mean one that has an Internet presence other than their own page.

You don't need to post a new question to add a new answer.  It was a great answer though, so I've merged it over to the other question and upvoted it.


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disable sync contacts to facebook notifications
A few times a day I get this notification asking me to sync my contacts. I do not want to. While other posts have suggested I disable SNS Application, on my Galaxy S7 this does not exists.

This is in the notification bar (rather than a pop-up)?  If so, when you long-press on it does it take you to the notification controls for Facebook, or for something else?  If you tap it, does it give you an option to decline?

I added the picture to show you what happens. I am not even using the facebook app when the notification pops up.

What happens if you click that Settings link in the small text?


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Can Outlook calander be set as default in Samsung Galaxy S7
I discussed with Samsung if Outlook Calendar can be set as default calendar in Samsung Galaxy S7. Their response is that the Google calendar has to be the default calendar. I use Office 365 and would like the functionality provided using the Outlook calendar in an Exchange environment. Does anyone have a work around? I'd like to be able to use Google Voice to record events to the Outlook Calendar.(in's convenient when I'm driving)


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What is the difference between a reminder and an event in Google Calendar?
Upon clicking on the plus sign in the Android Google Calendar app, I am offered with the choice to either create an Event or a Reminder.
What is the exact difference between the two?

I had read about this in Google forums I think but can't locate. However here is an article that explains the difference. More details in the article

Google explains that the difference between Events and Reminders is that the former is deleted irrespective of whether the event was attended or not. Reminders on the other hand shows up in Calendar until the task is accomplished — and yea, that’s pretty much the literature difference between the two, so nothing new here Google!
Until a reminder is completed users will be notified of the task by a message displayed on top of Google Calendar. Once the user has finished the task, the reminder can be swiped away from notification area. If you feel that this is a bit irritating then you can set the Reminder to a later time, similar to Events.

Aside, this doesn't work well on my Huawei Honor 6 running KitKat, with reminders getting skipped often- I didn't bother to investigate further

I still have previous events, they weren't deleted, so this is factually wrong.

@Santropedro: Thanks. If I come across a latter definition from authentic sources will post it or you if find, please post

Thanks for taking my criticism so kindly, I'll post here if I ever understand their core differences. As I'm seeing google calendar now, past events  are "greyed" with lighter color. I can see them and even delete them individually.

@Santropedro: It is important to be right and correct and welcome corrections. But I am surprised that no one pointed this out and it got a fair share of upvotes

In Android 6 I can see that reminders have less possible configuration options. They both share Name, Location and start time, while they differ in:
Reminder:

One alarm

Event

Date and time of the end of the event
Contacts in the event
Zero or more alarms
Notes

Another difference seems to be that reminders lack the ability to send you an email, unfortunately. (WHAT were they thinking??)

To keep my Calendar Events and Reminders clear, I tend to think of calendar events as a fixed time and/or place, where reminders are flexible in the “manditoryness”, time, or place to be done.

I use "Events" for date/time specific happenings, and enjoy the fact that they stay listed, and can serve as a record of how I spent my time that day (I tend to delete things I don't end up doing).  "Reminders" are cool, bc first of all they have a little finger with a string around it as the icon, and I set them to appear when I want to have my memory jogged about something that needs to be done (serves me kind of like a post-it note): i.e., set out the trash barrels, buy a birthday gift for my niece, etc.
Where I think the mix-up can happen, is that Events can be listed, and within the entry box one can set a reminder notification to pop-up 10 min, 30min, 1 hour before the actual event start time.


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Rooting Huawei ascend G6-10 devices problem
I tried to root my Huawei H6 with "RootGenius_en_2.2.6.exe" in windows machine because of storage problems. But this operation interrupted in 75% and This error appeared:
Your phone is so solid to root!

any help will be appreciated.

I don't know exactly why! But this time I downloaded Root Genius which is here, and it worked! But my storage still has problem and a reset factory with backup solved my problem of storage.


text:
Which factory image to download?
I have a Nexus 5 (LG-D821) 32 GB and am currently on build LMY47D, I want to upgrade to latest version of Android 6 ATM the latest version is 6.0.1 but there are like 4 builds for this version. Which one should I download?

They are listed from oldest to newest, and (within a specific version) the build ID strictly increases.

According to comparisons on the internet, they are the same, but updated versions (OTA) of each other. They are the smaller updates that you might witness sometimes when you are informed of a new software update.
In the webpage you provided, they are ordered chronologically, so MMB29V should be the newest. I recommend downloading MMB29V as that seems to be the latest OTA update, last updated 3rd March, 2016, and reportedly contains some security fixes as well. If you have stock recovery however, you might be able to update OTA with an earlier version.

Editing confusion resolved :). Had upvoted answer yesterday before edit for the caution it gave


text:
FB Messenger Security
Does anyone know how secure Facebook Messenger communication is? If you are having 1x1 chat (writing messages) or making a voice call, is it encrypted (end to end)?
I know if you are using facebook.com for chat, it is on HTTPS and that is secure.  My question is related to the Messenger app on Android.

Yes, it is secure.  The connection is made using TLS 1.2.  This is from a tcpdump capture on my device:
192.168.0.11  31.13.69.195 (edge-mqtt-shv-01-iad3.facebook.com)  TLSv1.2  Application Data
31.13.69.195  192.168.0.11                                       TLSv1.2  Application Data

Good information! What'd be your answer I asked the same question for Snapchat?

@SarpSTA I don't have Snapchat, I'd suggest posting a separate question.


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MotoG won't proceed after Blue M Screen after Cache Wipe& Factory Reset
Ive been using this MotoG for 2 years now.
Recently, all the Apps started to Crash on opening and on Restarting the Phone it would always show the "Optimizing xx Apps of xx" .I then did a factory reset through Settings.
The App crashing problem still persisted after i installed Snapchat,Facebook,WhatsApp. SO i fastbooted the phone and Wiped Cache & Did a factory reset . After rebooting now, it is stuck on the Blue "M" Screen and would restart to the same if i held the Power Button for 7-10 Seconds.
Please Help.
PS: No Rooting Performed. Phone not under Warranty. Unlock Code:0.

So i figured out that the phone was locked and nothing else!
Got the unlock code from the Motorola website (Which wasn't working earlier) and unlocked the phone via mfastboot , then reloaded the stock firmware and the phone is good as new!
Unlock Code:3


text:
How can I copy Program Files/Bluestacks folder to another drive?
The Bluestacks folder is now 5GB large and is taking up too much space in my C:\ drive, so I decided to move it to my D:\ drive. But, when I do that, Bluestacks says the software is corrupt and I need to redownload Bluestacks from their website.
What can I do to change the location of Bluestacks?

You should use a directory junction, which will make the old folder point to the new one (and automatically work when the old one is accessed as normal).

Fully exit Bluestacks

Move C:\Program Files\Bluestacks to D:\Bluestacks\Files (for example)

Likewise, move C:\ProgramData\Bluestacks to D:\Bluestacks\Data

Open a Command Prompt and run:
mklink /D /J "C:\Program Files\Bluestacks" D:\Bluestacks\Files
mklink /D /J "C:\ProgramData\Bluestacks" D:\Bluestacks\Data

Repeat similarly for any other directories you might need to move

I had a problem and received the message "The syntax of the command is incorrect."
So, for directory path with gap, it is necessary to use quotation marks.
For example: (link is first, target is second)
mklink /D /J "c:\Users\All Users\BlueStacks" "d:\_ProgramFiles\BlueStacks"
Junction created for c:\Users\All Users\BlueStacks <<===>> d:_ProgramFiles\BlueStacks


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Boot loop Samsung GALAXY Note 10.1 N8013
My tablet is stuck booting. I can't get it into recovery. When I hold Power+VolumeUp it goes into "Custom OS ..." with exclamation sign in yellow triangle. Then I press VolumeUp again to go into ODIN download mode. But when I try to flash CWM recovery (or anything else) it goes into "waiting for debugging mode" or "waiting for adb mode". Windows ODIN shows COMM and allows to flush boot loader, but without any difference. I tried everything, including opening up the unit and disconnecting the battery. I can't even turn it off - the screen turns off but when I press power again - it comes right back to Samsung logo. Please help! Thank you.

I used the n8013 for about 3 years, and I remember coming across a similar issue when I tried installing cm. From the little experience I gained, I'll recommend you try using Heimdall for the whole flashing process if you can instead. Simply relax. When that android with open stomach comes up, does your ADB/Fastboot works? If so, then you're good to go using Heimdall. You can find a ton of how to use Heimdall with Samsung devices online

@Rexford "When that android with open stomach comes up, does your ADB/Fastboot works?" I only see Android in ODIN mode and when I try Fastboot it sows "waiting for ADB mode". I also tried command line and it showed "error".

I do not know the documentation you're following, but since you're looking to flash cyanogenmod, how about you try the official documentation using the holy grail heimdall? https://wiki.cyanogenmod.org/w/Install_CM_for_n8013 NOTE: Be very very sure the USB cable you are using is correct and properly functioning, as you might end up spoiling the device with a faulty cable. Or you might get weird feedbacks/results.

If all else failed
1. Put Stock ROM On SD Card
2. Boot into Download Mode
3. Install starts automatically !
For SD Card Booting ROM Updates,
it requires you to rename the ROM File To a    device specific name Eg. SGH100463.zip.
I can't find any zip files for reference but i found this info on the download mode

Download Mode for Samsung devices allows you to install new OTA Updates by pushing them from your computer directly to your phone using only a data cable.
Also, for your computer to work with the Download Mode you will need to have the ODIN software present.

Cite your source? and include more information on the .zip files?

I can't find any, Googling Download Mode and Odin Shows most relevant info

I placed the below stock ROM zip on external SD card went to ODIN download mode - it stays there and nothing happens as picture above shows. http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/download/58145/N8013UEUCOI1_N8013XARCOI1_XAR/

Did you open Odin on pc and connect the cable ? .  OR PRESS VOLUME UP

Yes,  I also connected cable and loaded the same ROM zip via ODIN successfully, but after restart the tablet still shows Samsung logo until the batterty is dead (I can't even turn it off).


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Upgrading A Verizon Galaxy Note 2 to Marshmallow
I'd like to upgrade my old Verizon branded Samsung Galaxy Note 2 (SCH-I605) running 4.4.2 to Android Marshmallow to get the latest updates (specifically the security updates for StageFright), but thus far I haven't been able to find any documentation on the internet showing how. My Nexus 6 actually gets it's updates directly from Google thus guaranteeing I always have the latest patches.
I'm tech savvy, but I've never tried unlocking/rooting/modding a phone before. Can anyone provide any guidance on what tools to use and what ROM to install?
Note: I understand rooting/modding a phone comes with risks and accept full responsibility if I 'brick' my phone.

First step - root! Since 4.4.2 is still vulnerable to the kernel privilege elevation exploit, rooting takes literally 30 seconds. Just google towelroot.

I assume you'll wanna use CyanogenMod. If so, then simply follow the official steps provided by the community for your device.
In the documentation in the above link, the tool called heimdall is mentioned. I will recommend it. I have used it several times with Samsung devices, and had 100% success (I'm on Linux)
If that is not your device, do not proceed with the steps in there.
If all goes well, you should be able to download updates from the Download sections on CyanogenMod website.

Heimdall works like a charm indeed. Windows users have to go with ODIN though

@TheBro21 does heimdall not work with Windows? I see Windows listed in the supported OSs here: http://glassechidna.com.au/heimdall/


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Chrome Remote Debugging: Inspect fails, flashes new window momentarily
I'm trying to use Chrome Remote Debugging, and seem to be having a different problem from most folks.  The chrome://inspect window lists tabs ok, and the "open" and "reload" functions work properly.  But when I try to inspect, my Mac briefly flashes open a new window, then closes it a fraction of a second later.
Any thoughts on how to debug this or what's causing it?  Any logs I should be looking at?  I'm not trying to use port forwarding or localhost.  Gear:
Phone: Verizon Samsung S5, Android 5.0, Chrome 49
Mac: OSX El Capitan, Chrome 48

I would suggest trying a more recent Chrome version on desktop. Currently your desktop version is older than the mobile version, which is not good. You can install the newest Chrome version on Mac via the Canary channel: https://www.google.com/chrome/browser/canary.html

@MikhailNaganov Thanks for the idea, but I found that it works fine with a tablet running Chrome 47.  So that's not it.  I can do what I need with the tablet, so I'm good now.

Not sure why are you disagreeing -- you now use the mobile Chrome version which is smaller than your desktop version -- that's exactly what I was proposing to do. The only difference is that I was proposing to upgrade your desktop version instead of downgrading your mobile version, which is what you effectively did.

@MikhailNaganov You're right, of course - I got myself confused.

I'm experiencing this same flashing open and then close on clicking "inspect"  on the d. Desktop Chrome: 51.0.2693.2 dev (64-bit) on ubuntu linux . Phone:  Nexus 5 , Android 6.0.1 . Bizarrly, the same phone/cable have inspect open fine when i connect it to my mac.

I  just tried installing google stable, 49.0.2623.110 (64-bit), on linux as well and that time remote inspect worked! Maybe it's broken on some unstable versions of chrome for some OSs. It's handy to have more than one chrome channel version on the same machine. So that's my workaround.  I filed a bug with the chrome team so maybe it will get fixed in the future.


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Can't connect Samsung S7 to Mac
Basically I'm trying to run my application on a Samsung S7 but my Mac isn't recognizing the device. I've tried installing Android File Transfer and it doesn't recognize it either. USB Debugging is enabled as well. Any ideas? The device OS is 6.0.1.

Try disabling USB debugging. Also try toggling between MTP and PTP modes while connected.

Try installing Kies.

@MatthewRead AFAIK Kies has been replaced by Smart Switch. At least my last Kies installation has asked me to update to that.

@GiantTree That explains why I was getting redirected to Smart Switch when trying to find Kies.  Thanks.

@MatthewRead Kies didn't work but thanks for the suggestion

Go to Settings -> SYSTEM(last tab in settings) -> About Device ->Tap on " Build Number" 7 times, this will enable developer mode.
Go back one screen and you have a new menu option for "Developer Option" tap that and turn on USB debugging.
Google for "Android File Transfer". Install and open the app, connect your phone to the mac.
a directory browser will show up and copying files is as easy and drag and drop.

I would like to drop my comment that needing to grant permission for debugging process (a popup will appear)

After you download Kies, use the uninstall part of the software to remove all the Kies drivers (which SmartSwitch uses), restart and then Android File Transfer will work.
Remember to unlock your phone and enable the USB for MTP.


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Transfer WhatsApp chat from iOS to Android
I want to transfer my WhatsApp chats from my iPhone 6 with iOS 8.4 to my new Samsung Galaxy S6e, is there an easy way to do that?

As far as I am aware, as the iOS system has a built-in restriction that stops one accessing its filesystem, you cannot get access to the conversation history backup files.
Even if you managed to obtain read/write access through a jailbreak of some sort, the iOS messages dump might not even be of a compatible format to be displayed on Android.
In short, there is no easy/safe way to transfer your WhatsApp conversation history between iOS and Android. Android to Android, however, is a different matter.


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anyway to find stolen device location through android device manager while location is off?
My android device was lost few days back and now someone has it, unfortunately location setting was off on device so I can't find it through device manager but its telling me device was online 2 hours ago so it means whoever has my device he hasn't removed my google account from it,
so is there anyway i could find the location?
Thanks

What device do you have?  See also: http://android.stackexchange.com/q/43124/1465

I have LG G3 and that link can't help me as I don't have the device now plus no root :/

ADM will use network based location if possible, but location services must be turned on for ADM to work. https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/6160491?hl=en

I already gone through that link, unfortunately location services was off because it drains a lot of battery :( ADM should have the option to enable location settings in case device is lost :/

If You know Your phon's IMEI number You can find your with the help of police. If they Trace The IMEI They trace your phone


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My notes in Google Contacts are gone since I my new phone synced them
I use the note area in my Gmail contacts to record a lot of information.  I got the new Samsung Galaxy S7 and now the notes are missing.  The Gmail contact app isn't compatible with the new phone.  It has synched across all of my devices and the notes are missing everywhere.  Google blames the Samsung Contacts app.  I did go into Google Contacts and restored to prior to getting the new phone and they are not there either.


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Some questions about storage
After weeks of trying to understand Android's storage management I'm left with more questions than answers.
I've already figured out how to force-move apps to external SD card, and to convince newly installed apps to directly install to SD card. But I'm still not sure who's against who. Of course, the fact that "SD card" is confusingly used to describe both the phone's own "hard disk" and external cards that you stick in doesn't help. Questions:

All the dozens tools that promise to force-move apps to SD card, one can assume they all mean "external SD card", correct?
Some parts of every app MUST remain on the internal storage, as far as I understand. Some basic core files. Which means: no matter how intensively you move apps to the external SD card, at some point your internal storage will run out of space. You may have an external 128-GB SD card in, but no tool in the world is going to save you from filling up your 5-GB internal storage sooner or later. Correct?
When Play Store tells me "not enough storage", which storage does it mean? How come I try to install a 50-MB app while having much more than that free in the RAM, the ROM, and the internal storage, and I get refused? (I understand that sometimes erasing cache and RAM solves this, but is it always so?) Is there a Store add-on or something like that that makes it all a bit more transparent, showing which downloaded file exactly doesn't fit in which type of storage?
I've heard that some elaborate games weigh 3 GB (never dealt with one myself). How would I theoretically go about installing such a game? I certainly have no such amount of any type of storage, except for the external SD card. Where will the files even be downloaded to?

Thanks!

Many questions in one, but …

No. They all mean whatever the system sees as "primary external storage". If you've got an "internal SD card" and an "external SD card", this usually means the internal.
Nes. Depends on. Without root powers, this is correct. With root powers there are ways around – see e.g. our link2sd tag-wiki (for a broader intro, also see our app2sd tag-wiki)
the devices internal storage (i.e. /data/data)
if you don't have that much internal storage left, you don't deal with them at all. Initial download goes to internal storage, so no way1.

1: note that with Android 6+ you can adopt the SD card as internal storage to work around this limitation, on the cost of other limitations


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How can I root my Moto G2?
I want to root my Moto G2 (running Marshmallow). I've never tried this before, so please tell me exactly step by step.

Download the latest SuperSU zip file and save it to your device at the root of the internal storage.
Download and install the Android SDK Tools and the latest Motorola drivers.
Enable Developer Options on your device by going to Settings → About and then tapping the build number 7 times.  Then go into Developer Options (again under Settings) and enable USB Debugging.

                                                                                source
Unlock your bootloader.  This will wipe your data.

Connect your device to your PC, open a Command Prompt / shell, and run:
adb reboot bootloader

Wait for the device to reboot, then run:
fastboot oem get_unlock_data

Enter the resulting code at this Motorola site  (making sure to format it as it says).
Enter the resulting key from that site in another command:
fastboot oem unlock <key>

Download the latest TWRP image to your PC and flash it:
fastboot flash recovery twrp-<version>-titan.img

Reboot your device, repeat step #3, then run:
adb reboot recovery

From TWRP, choose Install and then select the SuperSU zip file you obtained in step #1.  Follow the prompts to flash the package and then reboot your device.

You are now rooted!


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No Text to Speech Settings in ICS
I have a Xolo A500 phone running a custom ICS 4.0.4 ROM.  I have installed some TTS apps like Google TTS and SVOX but I am unable to select either of them.  There are no TTS settings inside Settings.

Please tell me how to access TTS Settings?


text:
I can't connect to a bluetooth headset when the headset is connected to a computer
http://en.miui.com/thread-247552-1-1.html
Basically I got an error that I insert wrong pin or password. However, I can connect to the device before without problem.
So I tried the only thing that make sense. I remove the device from my PC.
Then I can connect.
However, it's very strange. That means if a device is paired with some device and I lost the device, I will not be able to ever pair that device with anything.
Or is it because I happen to be close to the computer?
http://en.miui.com/data/attachment/forum/201603/24/124058xr2qq3eurgymnquq.png.thumb.jpg
Am I correct here?
What's actually happen with bluetooth? Should we pair a bluetooth device with one and only one device all of the time? What about if we pair with one and the pair is gone?

This is about Bluetooth and the headset rather than Android.

Actually the only time people uses bluetooth is in android. Also I have this problem in android phone.

Your title talks about connecting, but the question body talks about pairing. These are two different things.
When you pair a Bluetooth peripheral (such as a headset) with a central (such as a phone or PC), the two devices swap cipher keys that allow them to keep their radio transmissions secure in future. Once they're paired, they remember the cipher keys forever. They can later connect to each other without having to pair again. If you like, pairing is like swapping phone numbers, while connecting is like calling their phone.
Normally, if you leave Bluetooth turned on on a phone or PC, it will keep looking for peripherals it has paired with before, and automatically connect to them as soon as they're in range. This makes it a lot easier for you, because you just have to turn on the headset and it's immediately ready to use. In this case it seems to have caused some confusion, though.
Any Bluetooth device can pair with several devices: exactly how many depends on the device, and how much memory it has. Some very cheap headsets may only pair with one, but usually they can remember up to a dozen pairings. When you pair with too many devices, it just forgets the oldest pairings. (Like erasing your old friends' phone numbers from your phone book to make space for newer friends.) Bluetooth centrals can pair with lots of devices at once.
Just like you can only call one phone at a time, a Bluetooth peripheral can only be connected to one central at a time. It needs to disconnect before another central can try to connect to it.
In your case, it looks like the headset was connected to the PC when you tried to pair it with your phone. This couldn't work, because a second central can't connect to the same peripheral. When you unpaired it from the PC, the PC also disconnected, which then made it available for the phone to connect to. In practical terms, what this means is that if you want to keep using it for both, and you want to control whether the PC or phone connects to it, either keep unpairing and pairing again (like you already did), or turn off Bluetooth on the PC when you want to connect with your phone (and vice-versa).


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Set longitude & latitude manually
Is it possible to set longitude & latitude manually for my Android phones.

Explain your purpose or problem and we can be more helpful.

Problem is that when I start my location for map at that time my  phone sending longitude latitude in one of another application so I want that I set manually  my phones longitude latitude so is it possible ?

@Pitty wish you would have explained that previously... Once you set a mock location, that's the location for every app until you manually change it or turn off mock location. Your GPS or other location services will not work meaning regardless of your actual location, the phone and every app will always think they are at the manually defined location.

Pitty, as you permanently rollback edits that make your question understandable, I've now closed it as "unclear".

Yes. This is called "Mock Location" in Android and it is designed for developers to test location services in their apps for development purposes. You need to enable it in Developer Options, then use an app from the Play Store to set your location. A quick search for "mock location", "GPS faker", or "Fake location" will yield multiple choices in apps to accomplish this.
You may find this is less useful than you think, in general location based apps such as location based games (Ingress is a good example) will know they are being tricked and either not function or function in a reduced capacity.

so It is possible to send my fake longitude latitude to the particular application. If any application of my phone want to access my location at that time my manually set location will send. ?

Yes. But the app will know it's a fake location.


text:
Find owner of Android Wear watch
Today I found an LG Watch R W110 while hiking. It's not screen locked, so I've poked around to try and identify the owner. There's only one number in the call log (other entries are all names) and I called it but it was a business that couldn't narrow down the search.
I thought I might be able to pair it with my own phone and redial "Mum" from the call log, but couldn't get it to pair with my iPhone. If I were to pair it with an Android phone, would doing so wipe the existing call log, or might I then be able to call "Mum"?
If not, is there any other way to find information about the watch's owner?

The Hangouts app may have some information. Pairing with a new phone will wipe the watch.

You can also try connecting the watch to WiFi, and then send a Hangout message to "Mum".

Can you long-press on the name to see more details? (I have no real idea how these watches work.)

You probably should also find out what you're legally or customarily supposed to do with lost property (e.g., maybe you're supposed to turn it in to the local police station, or a lost-and-found at the park). That's probably also who the owner would contact if he/she is looking for it.

Try the following apps:
Google, Hangouts, Agenda, Messenger. I was browsing through my Moto 360 and those had some infomation.


text:
How can I check second partition of SD card is of which type ex2, ext3 or ext4?
I have partitioned memory card,but I forgot my second partition type I had selected at the time of partitioning memory card.One partition is of FAT32. I want to know my another partition is of ext2,ext3 or ext4?

I would suggest using this app, Disk Info:

DiskInfo is a unique app that lists all partitions and all mount points on you device. It shows disk usage and very detailed partition and storage information.

This app will be able to help you identify what filesystem is being used.

@Lalit if this helped you, you can mark this question as answered  :)


text:
Titanium backup history setting ignored

Hello

I am a happy user of Titanium Backup, except for one thing. The maximum backup history is set to 1, a single backup, but over time, the backup folder now contains 88 backups.
How can I make Titanium Backup only keep the most recent backup?
Screenshots are attached.
With kind regards,
Isaiah van Hunen

Max backup limit applies to per app backup. It does not act as a limit to the number of backup Titanium Backup would make overall. So you can technically have n backup of n individual apps but all of those apps would have a single backup for them at an individual level and that being the recent one. Is this what you are trying to solve?

@Firelord Would that means I would have 88 backups, each containing the latest app backup? Can I still limit my backups to only have one, the latest, backup at a time? Wouldn't that be logical and useful?

Isaiah, with TiBu you have one backup per app (plus one per system dataset such as WiFi APNs, call logs, SMS). So "one full backup" in your case might in fact result in 88 files. Perhaps the phrasing in the 1st screenshot is a bit misleading, it should better read "88 backup files" (Joël is no English native but French, it might have slipped him).

@Izzy Hi, thanks! So I do have the least amount of backup history? 88 backups is indeed misleading. What can now best be done to close this question? I suppose that if you post your comment as an answer, I can mark it as solved.

Short answer
I'd say everything is working as expected, just your interpretation of the "88 backups" is wrong :)
Explanation
Titanium Backup doesn't make "one huge backup file covering all", but creates one set of backup files per app (usually 2 files: the .apk and the app settings as .tar.gz), plus one set per system data type (call logs, SMS, WiFi APNs, contacts, and such).
So the message "88 backups" is a bit misleading here: you should read that as "88 backup files" (which again would not be correct, as it rather means "88 objects" here; hard to find a proper term for this message: had you set a backup history limit of 2, and 2 of your apps had 2 backups, it would report "90 backups" here).
You can check this out yourself when investigating the backup directory using e.g. a file explorer: Navigate to /storage/emulated/legacy/TitaniumBackup (which should correspond with sdcard/TitaniumBackup and check the files therein. Naming convention is each file starts with the corresponding package name of the app, followed by either a time-stamp or a corresponding HEX string, and ends with either .apk or .tar.gz.

Always glad to help! TiBu was the first app I obtained the full version of right after rooting my first device. As at that time Joël couldn't offer it to be bought at Google Play (Switzerland wasn't in the "paid section" back then), I paid him with a "quick start manual" – so what you see at TitaniumTrack was originally based on that :)

@Izzy Learn something new everyday :) I'm relation to your above comment

Yupp: Especially for starters, TiBus knowledge base definitely is a recommended reading :)


text:
Screen lock notification
I have a Gionee P4 device, updated to Kitkat.
I try to all apps notification comes out at my device is screen off ya locked.
I have tried all software for solve this problem.
First I've tried NiLS Lock Screen Notification. In this app it says NiLS notification started in your device setting, but I try in device setting as NiLS Notification are enable always.
This type enable not for this app but as app I have installed in my device so notifications are enabled. But the problem is that as I use any software for screen lock notification as app notification are disabled all time.
How can I solve this?

Welcome to the Android Enthusiasts! Your question is really hard to understand (a language barrier I guess). I've tried to improve it a little, but am not sure if I understood correctly: "I try to all apps notification comes out at my device is screen off ya locked" – do you mean you want all notifications shown while your screen is off and locked (lockscreen notifications – your mentioning of NiLS suggests as much), and the screen (optionally) switching on shortly (without unlocking) whenever a notification appears?

In settings there are settings for Notifications Bar Icon settings there you can turn off notifications for targeted apps. But the only problem with this approach is that you won't see the notifications even after Unlocking the phone. But hey if you want some privacy then it's worth it and it doesn't even require an app.


text:
How does whatsapp stay in background without being closed?
Android usually kills background processes if they do not have a persistent notification. Why do apps like whatsapp and Facebook not get killed?

Because they run a service I'd say :) I'm not using WA or FB, so I cannot be sure here: To higher their priority, apps can register a service and have an icon shown in the notification tray, so the OOM killer considers them "more important" and "kills other stuff instead", if possible.

I think having an icon in the tray is irrelevant (my WA doesn't have one anyway). As long as the service runs as at a "service process" or higher priority.

Android usually kills background processes if they do not have a
  persistent notification.

Well most often this is the case, but Android OutOfMemory Killer (the component within Android responsible for killing processes) uses fairly complex logic and criterion to kill apps and processes which host these apps.
In Android, every application runs in a Linux Process. Each Linux Process has a Virtual Machine (Dalvik Virtual Machine or ART Virtual machine) running inside it. There is a limit on the memory a process can demand and it is different for different devices and also differs for phones and tablets.
When Android is running short on Memory space (may be because so many apps are simultaneously running in a device) OutOfMemory killer comes into picture and start killing processes of Apps which are in background first.
Now, apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook uses something called Service and Push notification mechanisms. Service allows app to run some code run in background and even though if App is Killed by OOM Killer, Service can be restarted again by Android when sufficient memory is available to make it run.

Why do apps like whatsapp and Facebook not get killed?

This is not true as Android can kill apps based on their state (such as foreground or background). It is just that the Apps and their component(such as Service) are being restarted as when they receive Push notifications, so that user can interact with the app.
So, as and when Push notification is received (means WhatsApp message), Android can restart the killed app's component(in this case WhatsApp).
This way Android is hiding the complex details of Memory management and process management from user and making sure that user can interact with an app without any issue.

Is there a way to prioritize whatsapp over facebook, e.g. using tasker to kill something first to prevent the OOMK killing another app? I hear task managers are bad, but this type of bypassing seems desirable?

This answer has a nice explanation! Do you have any official sources to link to corroborate the logic?

I wrote this answer based on my experience as a android developer - there exist plenty of documentation to explore how OOM Killer work and simple google search should help to get handle of it. I did not added those links in my post to keep it simple and understandable to layman's mind and not developer point of view.


text:
Import Cookies from Google Chrome Mobile to another Mobile browser
I would like to know that is there anyway I can import cookies from Android version of Google Chrome to any other mobile browser (on the same device)?
Just like when we install Firefox/Opera/Chrome on PC, they ask you to import cookies and stuff from other browsers.

No; apps on Android do not have access to each other's data/files unless they are stored in a common external location, which cookies are not.
It might be possible to do this as root but I would suspect that they are using different formats/layouts.


text:
Are Chinese phones less safe than others?
I'm on budget and want a fully fledged smartphone. I'm OK with Apple as I know they tend to not share my usage data.
But Apple is too expensive.
So I need to buy Android and most of the manufacturers are South Korean - LG HTC Samsung, but they're smartphines are too expensive too.
So I'm thinking Xiaiomi, lenovo, Huawei, Oneplus.
Will they be sharing my usage data with the Chinese government and any company that will pay them well??

Not likely... at least not that we have seen so far. This isn't to say it's impossible, but unless those companies become owned by the government the chances this would happen are near zero, the damage such a practice would induce on their business would be astronomical and probably cause the company to go out of business. Who would buy a phone from a company that knowingly shares private information with the government covertly? No one would.
That being said, there are lots of reasonably priced smartphones out there, do your research and I am sure you will be happy with an investment far less than an Apple device.


text:
How to set SD card as default storage on Android Marshmallow?
I have a Lenovo K3 Note (K50a40) and I was running Android 5.0 Lollipop until last week. I had set the default storage as SD Card on lollipop in storage settings, but that option seems to have disappeared in Android 6.0 Marshmallow. It only allows users to "Adopt the SD Card as internal storage". I do not want to reformat the SD Card as internal, as that will result in encryption of the SD Card. I just want the downloaded data, and the screenshots, Instagram pics, Whatsapp media etc to go to the SD Card, as was the case in Lollipop with SD Card as the default storage.

The applications need to support this in Marshmallow, and as of yet many applications do not support the changes that are needed in their code to allow this to occur in Marshmallow with the SD card setup as external storage.
The answer is that your app developers need to include this functionality in their apps, it is not a blanket Android setting. Unless the code is included in their apps, there is nothing you can do to change it in a stock device.

Is this specific to Marshmallow? Because all the data that I'm mentioning, (downloads, screenshots etc) was smoothly going to the SDCard on Lollipop.

Yes, it is specific to Marshmallow... 6.0 changed the way SD cards are handled.

Hello, I have the same issue. Small phone storage and I'd like to move apps to SD card, but it doesn't look possible (as you say) in Marshmallow. Does that mean that I won't be able to install any more applications? Damn that sucks..

@Warrior To use your SD card as internal storage does require Marshmallow. Although, if you are rooted you could use an app like Link2SD or App2SD to move some of the apps to the SD card and regain some space.


text:
Connect phone to tv usb
I have plugged my phone up to my through the usb and on my phone it says connected as media device. But when I go to the usb in the settings on my tv it says there no device connected. Any ideas?

Yupp. Your TV probably doesn't support MTP – and recent Android versions no longer support USB mass storage. Both speak a "different language", so to say, and cannot understand each other.

There are two common ways:

Some smartphones support MHL (Mobile HDMI Link) cables.
Most smartphones are equipped with Miracast. Screen Mirroring can be enabled/disabled in the quick toggle menu, which also contains WiFi,Bluetooth,Torch,etc.

The phone is just charging and not connected because maybe your TV doesn't support that feature.
Try using Screen Mirroring in Settings>Display>Wireless Display.


text:
How to UNHIDE caller ID for contacts on dual sim phone
My phone is Alcatel POP3 (5054D) dual sim with android 5.1.1
I would realy like to call 'anonymous' if the person I call is not in my contact list (e.g. a customer).
I tried secretsheep-like apps, but none worked correctly (my number showed for non-contacts). So actualy I call always with hidden ID but I wish to change that.
When I manualy add the 'show ID' code prefix then my number shows-up. UNFortunaltely when I reprogram my contacts with the prefix, I can't send SMS to my contacts because of wrong number...
Can anybody help?

Similar category, but have you tried a call prefixer? The app Prefixer e.g. claims even dual-SIM support. As that doesn't manipulate your contact list, it shouldn't have effect on your SMS. Telefonate prefix is a similar app. Hoewever, permissions look a bit strange, so make sure to check that before installing. Check here for alternatives (Ctrl-F "prefix").


text:
Too many active sessions - cannot install apps from Play Store anymore
PlayStore crashes each time I try to install/update an app since a few days. I have an unmodified Honor 7.
I found the resulting stacktrace:
... 30147-30147/? E/AndroidRuntime: FATAL EXCEPTION: main
                                                   Process: com.android.vending, PID: 30147
                                                   java.lang.IllegalStateException: Too many active sessions for UID 10029
                                                       at android.os.Parcel.readException(Parcel.java:1551)
                                                       at android.os.Parcel.readException(Parcel.java:1496)
                                                       at android.content.pm.IPackageInstaller$Stub$Proxy.createSession(IPackageInstaller.java:247)
                                                       at android.content.pm.PackageInstaller.createSession(PackageInstaller.java:297)
                                                       at com.google.android.finsky.installer.PackageInstallerImpl.innerCreateSession(PackageInstallerImpl.java:145)
                                                       at com.google.android.finsky.installer.PackageInstallerImpl.createSession(PackageInstallerImpl.java:94)
                                                       at com.google.android.finsky.receivers.InstallerImpl.requestInstall(InstallerImpl.java:410)
                                                       at com.google.android.finsky.billing.lightpurchase.LightPurchaseFlowActivity.acquire(LightPurchaseFlowActivity.java:648)
                                                       at com.google.android.finsky.billing.lightpurchase.LightPurchaseFlowActivity.access$800(LightPurchaseFlowActivity.java:22929)
                                                       at com.google.android.finsky.billing.lightpurchase.LightPurchaseFlowActivity$4.run(LightPurchaseFlowActivity.java:837)
                                                       at android.os.Handler.handleCallback(Handler.java:739)
                                                       at android.os.Handler.dispatchMessage(Handler.java:95)
                                                       at android.os.Looper.loop(Looper.java:135)
                                                       at android.app.ActivityThread.main(ActivityThread.java:5539)
                                                       at java.lang.reflect.Method.invoke(Native Method)
                                                       at java.lang.reflect.Method.invoke(Method.java:372)
                                                       at com.android.internal.os.ZygoteInit$MethodAndArgsCaller.run(ZygoteInit.java:960)
                                                       at com.android.internal.os.ZygoteInit.main(ZygoteInit.java:755)

Tracing the UID with help of ADB to the package com.android.vending which is the PlayStore.
So far without success:
- clearing cache
- clearing data
- Deleting/Adding Google account

Further unsuccessful tries:

downgrading PlayStore and afterwards installing latest APK
deactivate/activate

Yay. Works again. I tried again to downgrade PlayStore (= deactivate/uninstall all updates). Afterwards no success. But after a shutdown + following boot the store is able to install&update apps again... Strange.

Was that the first time you tried restarting the phone?

No. Did this previously. But cannot remember if I did this after downgrading PlayStore before. Presumably not...


text:
Can I flash another phone's ROM or Kernel on my phone?
Can i flash another phone's kernel or ROM on my phone and what would happen is i did so?

Simply put, you would brick your phone.

But Why? Why if my device is similar to another one. Would it work?

That would also not work because of a for example different CPU, or screen size, etc.
When building android, you have a device, and a vendor folder. These contain configurations specific to your device, and the vendor folder has what's called proprietary blobs, which are also specific to one device only.
If there is some custom ROM that your device is not compatible with, then if it is open-source, you could have a go at porting that ROM to your device.


text:
How do I auto sync files between my Android device and Windows PC over USB?
Is there a software that can auto sync files from certain folders of our choice between Android device and Windows PC(Like the Camera folder or Music folder)? I am tired of manually copying those files using file explorer.

MyPhoneExplorer Look Like It solves your problem it's compatible with syncing over USB and best of all it's now ad free.
http://www.fjsoft.at/en/


text:
How to retrieve contacts from not rooted phone?
Unfortunately I dropped my phone (galaxy S3) and the screen is black, so I cannot do anything on the phone. But other than that, it is fully functioning, and I can see the files when connected to a pc.
There is this question which states that the phone needs to be rooted in order to access the database where the contacts are stored. Is there an other way to retrieve contacts when the phone is not rooted?
The gmail sync was unfortunately not enabled. Is it possible to turn this on remotely?

If you have access to an identical phone, you might be able to place them next to each other and replicate all activtites on the dark screen (blindly, without seeing what you do). That way, you might be able to mail your contacts out or something similar. That assumes that the screen still takes touch-input, of course.

unfortunately it doesnt take touch-input, otherwise that would be a great tip!

Can you use Kies to backup the contacts from the phone and access them on the PC?
http://www.samsung.com/us/support/owners/app/kies
Or maybe even the new SmartSwitch software that has replaced Kies, although I have never used it.

this worked, many many thanks! I was able to export the contacts to a .spb file, then downloaded kies 2.6, opened the .spb with it and exported it to vcf/csv format.

If the contacts were in SIM memory then you can insert the SIM card in another phone and get them back.
If you say the phone is functional then you should consider replacing the Display Hardware and get your whole phone back.

unfortunately they weren't on the sim. replacing the display is the next step, but we needed some of the contacts immediately. thanks anyway :)

You can buy a 11-pin MHL to HDMI adapter and hook your S3 up to your TV. Since your touchscreen doesn't work either, you'll have to buy an official "Samsung" MHL adapter along with an OTG adapter so you can hopefully use a USB mouse along with the TV output. (Not tested)
Another idea with a guarantee of working, you can just buy the $2.00 OTG adapter to hook up a USB mouse, and use the hardware keys to take screenshots within 3 seconds of moving the mouse, then copy the screenshots onto your computer to check your mouse position before clicking. It will take a while, but you will have a couple bucks into it with 100% success rate.
Finally, you could just get the screen fixed.
Hope this helps

thank you for the creative answers, I was able to get the contacts with the Kies software, but otherwise this would have been the next step. thanks :)


text:
Can you find your android when the phones off
I lost my android, can it be found in the apartments when the phones off?

Only when you know where to look, I'm afraid.

Of course it can be found. The question is how?

Only this app can answer the question: Ask Jesus

To my knowledge, if the phone is turned off there is no way for a consumer to locate it without an external tag or similar product. Law enforcement may have methods beyond the reach of the general public, but I do not know how these work.

The country I live in can find phones even after Switching Off. They use IMEI numbers to track down the location of the phone. We just need to report to the police and file a case and make official statement.
And if you have installed a good antivirus it will message your contacts as soon as someone inserts a new SIM card.

I very much doubt your country can find switched-off phones by IMEI. It is possible to locate a device by IMEI if it's powered up and logged into a mobile network – but not with the device switched off (I'd really like to see a reference on that). All that can be done is to tell the last location of before it was powered off, at best. Also, an "antivirus" has nothing to do with sending messages when a SIM was inserted.


text:
Play Music showing 'wrong' storage usage?
I'm running Marshmallow and I have 4GB internal storage, 32GB SD card. My SD card is formatted as 'internal storage', so Play Music won't allow me to change the destination of downloaded music from the phone's internal storage. As a result, I manually copied the mp3 files from my computer to the SD card via USB, and Play Music recognised them and allowed me to play them offline.

However, when I go to the 'manage downloads' in Music settings, it shows that Play Music is using 2GB in the internal storage even though no music is stored in the internal storage. The black section below normally details the downloaded albums, but this is blank.
Can anyone offer any explanation for this behaviour?


text:
Photos / Files / Media permission
I've seen a lot of apps that have media / files permission access requested when installing from Play Store.
Does that mean they can go at my personal photos and send it back to themselves?
Sorry if it's a bit paranoid but I don't like people stealing my photos.

Yes, this is the "Access external storage" permission which gives apps access to access your internal and/or external /sdcard space.  Your photos are typical stored under /sdcard/DCIM/ or /sdcard/Photos/, etc.
As explained here:

Photos/Media/Files
The Modifying or deleting the contents of your USB storage permission allows data tomfoolery, like uploading private camera images to a server.
It’s a legitimate permission for data sharing. A cloud storage app like Dropbox uses it, for example. But an app that doesn't need your photos could look at all the pictures you've taken on your device and do who knows what with them. Are you comfortable with the developer seeing all your photos?

So why don't they put a permissions to only write to the photos but not to take my photos? that's useless that every other app I install can go at my photos and send themselves. I'm probably giving up rights too, can't be bothered rreading the T&C

@Thedude up to you to decide, but there might be valid reasons: you might want to send them as attachments with a mail, or along a tweet. Or you want to edit them, or include them in some document. Or use them as background image. As with all permissions, you must decide if you want (to install/use) an app with these permissions, if they make sense in the context, if you trust the dev of that app (and of the ad modules it might contain) that much.

Absolutely yes. Whenever we give permissions of any smartphone resource like gallery, photos, media, camera, contacts or messages, it means that we are providing a complete access rights to the app to modify and copy all the stuff.
But the good news is that new android updates allows us to disable these permissions later on by going to our Settings and Apps.
I hope this might help you in disabling the app permissions
How to disable App Permissions on Android 6.0 and above
Courtesy:
Youtube Video Title: Easily Manage App Permissions on Android 6.0 and above
Channel: Ricardo Gardener


text:
adb backups fail with "Internal exception during full backup"
For a while now, I've not been able to create a full adb backup of my Nexus 4.
Now finally I've been able to catch a slightly more useful error report with logcat:
D/BackupManagerService( 2061): Calling doFullBackup() on de.blinkt.openvpn
I/file_backup_helper( 9115):    Name: apps/de.blinkt.openvpn/r/app_webview
I/file_backup_helper( 9115):    Name: apps/de.blinkt.openvpn/r/app_webview/Web Data-journal
I/file_backup_helper( 9115):    Name: apps/de.blinkt.openvpn/r/app_webview/Web Data
I/file_backup_helper( 9115):    Name: apps/de.blinkt.openvpn/r/app_webview/paks
I/file_backup_helper( 9115):    Name: apps/de.blinkt.openvpn/f/8b8192c9-4aa3-42b3-affb-fd49fc7044d7.vp
I/file_backup_helper( 9115):    Name: apps/de.blinkt.openvpn/sp/WebViewChromiumPrefs.xml
I/file_backup_helper( 9115):    Name: apps/de.blinkt.openvpn/sp/activities.LogWindow.xml
I/file_backup_helper( 9115):    Name: apps/de.blinkt.openvpn/sp/de.blinkt.openvpn_preferences.xml
I/file_backup_helper( 9115):    Name: apps/de.blinkt.openvpn/sp/VPNList.xml
I/art     ( 2268): Wrote stack traces to '/data/anr/traces.txt'
I/art     ( 2288): Wrote stack traces to '/data/anr/traces.txt'
I/art     ( 2717): Wrote stack traces to '/data/anr/traces.txt'
I/art     ( 2061): Explicit concurrent mark sweep GC freed 217771(9MB) AllocSpace objects, 32(1594KB) LOS objects, 33% fr
ee, 29MB/44MB, paused 2.136ms total 158.660ms
E/BackupManagerService( 2061): Internal exception during full backup
E/BackupManagerService( 2061): java.lang.ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException: length=32768; regionStart=0; regionLength=-1
E/BackupManagerService( 2061):  at java.util.Arrays.checkOffsetAndCount(Arrays.java:1719)
E/BackupManagerService( 2061):  at java.util.zip.DeflaterOutputStream.write(DeflaterOutputStream.java:174)
E/BackupManagerService( 2061):  at com.android.server.backup.BackupManagerService.routeSocketDataToOutput(BackupManagerSe
rvice.java:3135)
E/BackupManagerService( 2061):  at com.android.server.backup.BackupManagerService.access$900(BackupManagerService.java:15
8)
E/BackupManagerService( 2061):  at com.android.server.backup.BackupManagerService$FullBackupEngine.backupOnePackage(Backu
pManagerService.java:3271)
E/BackupManagerService( 2061):  at com.android.server.backup.BackupManagerService$PerformAdbBackupTask.run(BackupManagerS
ervice.java:3849)
E/BackupManagerService( 2061):  at java.lang.Thread.run(Thread.java:818)
D/BackupManagerService( 2061): Full backup processing complete.
D/bu      ( 6589): Finished.
D/AndroidRuntime( 6589): Shutting down VM
D/BackupManagerService( 2061): Full backup pass complete.

I'm running CyanogenMod 12.1-20151007-SNAPSHOT-YOG4PAO334-mako. This problem started a few releases earlier though.
My Android file system is encrypted. I usually run the backup like this:
adb backup -apk -shared -system -all -f "adb-backup.$(date +"%Y%m%d").ab"

Any ideas?
(BTW, I think the fact that OpenVPN was being backed up just before the issue is probably a red herring)

While I was typing up the question I managed to finish a full backup. I used the -nocompress flag (which isn't documented in the help for adb), and used the same passphrase for the backup as for my Android file system encryption.
So, this was the full command:
adb backup -nocompress -apk -shared -system -all -f "adb-backup.$(date +"%Y%m%d").ab"

logcat:
...
I/file_backup_helper( 6652):    Name: shared/0/0/Ringtones
I/file_backup_helper( 6652):    Name: shared/0/0/Ringtones/hangouts_incoming_call.ogg
I/file_backup_helper( 6652):    Name: shared/0/0/Ringtones/hangouts_video_call.ogg
I/file_backup_helper( 6652):    Name: shared/0/0/Ringtones/hangouts_message.ogg
I/file_backup_helper( 6652):    Name: shared/0/0/Podcasts
I/file_backup_helper( 6652):    Name: shared/0/0/Music
D/BackupManagerService( 2061): Full package backup success: com.android.sharedstoragebackup
D/BackupManagerService( 2061): Full backup processing complete.
D/bu      ( 9722): Finished.
D/AndroidRuntime( 9722): Shutting down VM
D/BackupManagerService( 2061): Full backup pass complete.


text:
"Access Point Name settings are not available for this user" on unrooted 1st Gen Moto G. Help, please?
I recently did a factory reset of 1st Gen Moto G, after which the mobile data stopped working . In trying to fix the problem, I noticed I couldn't change the APN settings, and when I go to that option in the settings menu I get the message "Access Point Name settings are not available for this user". Does anyone have any advice on how to fix this?

It sounds like you're on the Guest account, or something.  What do you see in Settings -> Users?  What version of Android do you have?

@MatthewRead I'm quite sure I'm not on the guest account. In "Users" I see "You (Jay)" and below that "Guest". My android version is 5.1. Thanks.


text:
Unfortunately, Process has stopped
Ok so guys I'm getting kinda irritated by this problem. It is telling me Unfortunately, <process> has stopped. Meaning, when I go to launcher, it says Unfortunately, Launcher has stopped; to Google, Unfortunately, Google has stopped; and so on. How in the world do I fix this?  I can't go on the launcher or settings or anything.
I wiped cache but no luck. What should I do? Maybe Restore User Data?

I have wiped the factory/reset data. Now i will have to see to what it does..

Wiping the data should probably do it, but you might need to re-flash the ROM.

Factory reset will resolve this issue! To get to that option though you have to be in recovery mode. To boot to recovery mode press the power button and volume up button simultaneously! And then you will get this screen:

Then just reset to factory version and it should work!

You should wipe data, system, etc but not internal storage. Then you should reinstall your ROM. You may want to back the data up via titanium backup or another tool. I wouldn't recommend a nandroid backup.


text:
How can I share my current GPS location from google maps?
I'm at a screen such as this and I'd like to share the exact GPS location of the blue marker (not just the approximate address). The only way I've found is to get directions to somewhere, share the link to clipboard, paste it somewhere, copy out the starting coordinates, paste them back into maps and then share that. Is there a better way?

If you're using WhatsApp, there's an easy "share location" feature.

Thanks. Google hangouts has one too but I have to share it with a contract before I can copy the link.

Here's what I can do on the current Play Store version of Google maps. (9.22.1)
From your screenshot, it appears that your GPS position is not accurate. In "location settings", choose "high accuracy". Get out where there's no concrete roof above your phone.
Let GPS get a good fix on your position.
Zoom in on the screen. Press and hold on the "blue dot" for a menu to appear with details of the location.
Then click the "share" button.
Choose "copy to clipboard", if that's what you want. Else choose an app to share your location info.

When I press and hold I get a marker dropped near the blue dot which I can share, but I can never get it exactly on the blue dot.

@jozxyqk Try zooming in on screen to drop the marker exactly on the blue dot. Plus, it's almost impossible to get accuracy upto 5m.

Aah, good thinking. Seems close enough after zooming in. When the map quality is poor as in the screenshot it's hard to get a sense of how far off I really am. I'm guessing that's what the pale blue circle is good for.

@jozxyqk pale blue circle exists because you're not getting a good GPS fix. Try standing outdoors with "high accuracy" option enabled in "location settings"

Thanks for the tip. This is on, but zooming in as far as I go still has a circle, albeit small.

@jozxyqk yes, like I said, you'll almost never get accuracy upto 5 metres, even standing outside on a clear sunny day.


text:
How can I move apps en masse to my SD card?
Apps keep getting installed on my internal storage when I would much rather they be on my much larger SD card that is formatted as internal memory. Is there a way to tell my phone to move a bunch of Apps at once?

Sorry its not possible with rooting the device either. As PlayStore firstly download the application to your internal memory without seeing your settings whether you want your application on your internal or external. From that state it can be moved from internal storage to external storage if application permits itself.
You can think it as an restriction posed by Google.

Tutorial :
Note : First Make sure to enable " Allow Unknown Sources Aplications to install "
File Manager Link: http://www.apk4fun.com/apk/50967/

Download an App called " Apps Backup & Restore "
Download Link : http://app-backup-restore.en.uptodown.com/android
Note : You can download it in Google Play Store

2.. Install the downloaded Aplication (apk) in your device "App Backup & Restore "

Open the Application
Make sure you are in a window called " Installed " , where you can see all your installed applications.
Select/Mark all the apps you want to backup and click " Backup" and wait for the process to complete..
Go to your Internal Storage Directory using File Manager
Search for a folder called " App Backup & Restore "
Copy/Move this folder to your Sd Card Directory...

Done
Answered using LG G3


text:
Bypass “Verify your account” on Samsung Galaxy J2
I have Samsung Galaxy J2 and I am unable to bypass "Verify your account".

I have tried:

Installing and opening RootJunky APK from this answer which opened Settings, then I did a Factory reset -> Back up and Reset -> Factory data and reset
Rooting the device with Kingroot and installed a terminal app that has root access, though I don't know which commands to bypass this
Reflashing the phone with the stock firmware

Output of mount:
rootfs / rootfs ro,relatime 0 0
tmpfs /dev tmpfs rw,seclabel,nosuid,relatime,size=456756k,nr_inodes=114189,mode=755 0 0
devpts /dev/pts devpts rw,seclabel,relatime,mode=600 0 0
none /dev/cpuctl cgroup rw,relatime,cpu 0 0
proc /proc proc rw,relatime 0 0
sysfs /sys sysfs rw,seclabel,relatime 0 0
selinuxfs /sys/fs/selinux selinuxfs rw,relatime 0 0
/sys/kernel/debug /sys/kernel/debug debugfs rw,relatime 0 0
none /sys/fs/cgroup tmpfs rw,seclabel,relatime,size=456756k,nr_inodes=114189,mode=750,gid=1000 0 0
none /acct cgroup rw,relatime,cpuacct 0 0
tmpfs /mnt/secure tmpfs rw,seclabel,relatime,size=456756k,nr_inodes=114189,mode=700 0 0
tmpfs /mnt/asec tmpfs rw,seclabel,relatime,size=456756k,nr_inodes=114189,mode=755,gid=1000 0 0
tmpfs /mnt/obb tmpfs rw,seclabel,relatime,size=456756k,nr_inodes=114189,mode=755,gid=1000 0 0
/dev/block/platform/13540000.dwmmc0/by-name/CPEFS /cpefs ext4 rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,noatime,data=ordered 0 0
/dev/block/platform/13540000.dwmmc0/by-name/SYSTEM /system ext4 ro,seclabel,relatime,block_validity,norecovery 0 0
/dev/block/platform/13540000.dwmmc0/by-name/CACHE /cache ext4 rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,noatime,discard,journal_checksum,journal_async_commit,noauto_da_alloc,data=ordered 0 0
/dev/block/platform/13540000.dwmmc0/by-name/USERDATA /data ext4 rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,noatime,discard,journal_checksum,journal_async_commit,noauto_da_alloc,data=ordered 0 0
/dev/block/platform/13540000.dwmmc0/by-name/EFS /efs ext4 rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,noatime,discard,journal_checksum,journal_async_commit,noauto_da_alloc,data=ordered 0 0
/dev/block/platform/13540000.dwmmc0/by-name/PERSDATA /persdata/absolute ext4 rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,relatime,data=ordered 0 0
/data/knox/secure_fs/enc_media /mnt/shell/enc_media sdcardfs rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,relatime,uid=1000,gid=1000,derive=none,reserved=20MB 0 0
/data/knox/sdcard /mnt/shell/knox-emulated sdcardfs rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,relatime,uid=1000,gid=1000,derive=none 0 0
/data/media /mnt/shell/emulated sdcardfs rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,relatime,uid=1023,gid=1023,derive=legacy,reserved=20MB 0 0
tmpfs /storage/emulated tmpfs rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,relatime,mode=751,gid=1028 0 0
/data/media /storage/emulated/0 sdcardfs rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,relatime,uid=1023,gid=1023,derive=legacy,reserved=20MB 0 0
/data/media /storage/emulated/legacy sdcardfs rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,relatime,uid=1023,gid=1023,derive=legacy,reserved=20MB 0 0

output of ls -l /dev/block/platform/13540000.dwmmc0/by-name/:
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-03-28 16:01 BOOT -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p10
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-03-28 16:01 BOTA0 -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p1
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-03-28 16:01 BOTA1 -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p2
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-03-28 16:01 CACHE -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p21
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-03-28 16:01 CARRIER -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p8
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-03-28 16:01 CDMA-RADIO -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p13
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-03-28 16:01 CPEFS -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p4
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-03-28 16:01 EFS -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p3
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-03-28 16:01 HIDDEN -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p22
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-03-28 16:01 OTA -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p12
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-03-28 16:01 PARAM -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p9
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-03-28 16:01 PERSDATA -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p18
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-03-28 16:01 PERSISTENT -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p17
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-03-28 16:01 RADIO -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p14
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-03-28 16:01 RECOVERY -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p11
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-03-28 16:01 RESERVED2 -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p19
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-03-28 16:01 SYSTEM -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p20
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-03-28 16:01 TDATA -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p16
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-03-28 16:01 TOMBSTONES -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p15
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-03-28 16:01 USERDATA -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p23
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-03-28 16:01 m9kefs1 -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p5
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-03-28 16:01 m9kefs2 -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p6
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-03-28 16:01 m9kefs3 -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p7

512KB partition

A factory reset from settings should not result in this issue, only a factory reset from recovery. Also, Samsung devices have a nonstandard partition layout, so the linked answer might not help. You could try the ADB steps, though. Run this in the terminal and tell me if it allows you to get into settings: content insert --uri content://settings/secure --bind name:s:user_setup_complete --bind value:s:1 Thanks to @MatthewRead for including this in his answer in the link

Since you've no problem in getting into Settings app, can you try adding a Google account there and then removing it? Removing the account shall disable FRP per this article: http://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS00042882/99737975And in the Settings app, under Developer options do you see an option OEM Unlock? If yes, enable it and do a factory reset. You've to first enable Developer options. See http://www.recovery-android.com/enable-usb-debugging-on-android.html for that.

@Firelord  Tapping the build number 7 times does not enable Developer options. I've also been though this answer.  Let us continue this discussion in chat.

For some reason, I had to sign in to the original account through the help of RootJunky APK, went to Settings -> Account, and added the original Google account and it verified it that way. It might be because it skips checking the connection.


text:
How to stop S Voice from starting every time the headphones is inserted to Samsung Galaxy S5?
The moment I insert my headphones to my Samsung Galaxy S5 to play music, the S Voice will auto appear and my music stops. I have to cancel it and after a while, the S Voice repeats itself.
I've already deactivated the S Voice by double-tapping on the "home" key and unchecking “Open via the home key.”
How do I permanently stop the S Voice from auto appearing? Is there another way to stop S Voice from appearing whilst I play music over the headphone.

You can depisable SVoice by going into

settings > applications > SamsungVoice > disable


text:
Play store missing & cant update Whatsapp
I'm using Xiaomi 1s. After updated to MIUI 7, my google play store is not there. And so I cant able to update my Whatasapp. Please help me to update Whatsapp...

There are two ways to do this.

Check the "Unknown Sources" option in the Security Menu in Settings, go to http://pluto.androidapksfree.com/boa/com.android.vending_v6.3.16.B-all-[0]-2697688-80631600_Android-4.0.apk. Your phone will automatically start downloading Google Play Store. After the Play Store is downloaded, install it and update your Whatsapp.
Go to https://www.whatsapp.com/android/ and download the latest version of Whatsapp there.

Must ensure that "Unknown Sources" is checked under the Security menu in Settings.

While I enjoy playing with apps from unknown sources, I don't recommend to download a core app such as the Play Store from an untrusted website. You may be interested in opengapps.org, instead.


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How to access the content of an sd card formatted as internal storage?
I am using Cyanogenmod 13 (based on Android 6) and an external 64GB sd card. When starting Cyanogenmod the first time I selected to format this sd card as an internal storage (Note that in my case the sd card should not be encrypted as I did not enabled device encryption).
Now I want to transfer a big file to my PC. (See: File transfer of large file to PC fails why other file transfer methods did not worked)
So I put the sd card into the sd card slot of my PC, but I noticed that the file system is not recognized. This is what GParted shows:

I can read the FAT32 part, but this is not the part Android uses.
So how I can access this part? What file system does it use?

Okay, possibly I am wrong with my encryption theory. If the sd card adoptable storage encryption is independent of the device encryption then I obviously cannot access this data.
In this case this question is a dupe of How to access sd card from computer in marshmallow?...
Sorry for that.

I'd say so, yes. You might also wish to see Corrupt SD card formatted as internal storage, which has a little tutorial on how to decrypt the card.

From what I now today, I think the unfortunate problem is: Even without disk encryption Android always encrypts the "internally/adopted storage mounted" sd card.
As such you need to decrypt that. The file system used "afterwards" (i.e. inside of the encrypted "container") is, AFAIK, just ext4 or so. Basically a simple file system you can access with Linux.


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How to expands sd-card formatted as internal storage?
In Android 6 I formatted my 32GB sd card as internal storage.
What I now see with GParted on my desktop is this:

As you see there is still an unencrypted, readable FAT32 partition.
I assume it was created when formatting this sd card, because there I still had some large ZIPs (previously used for flashing) on my sd card.
I am a bit surprised to see that the data is still there - especially as the guide when formatting the sd card clearly states all data will be removed.
Possibly the files are also added afterwards as I used TWRP to copy some files to /external_sd even after I did this.
So I deleted the unnecessary ZIPs on my PC and now I obviously have unused space on my sd card. So: How can I expand my sd card?
It is also interesting what Nemo shows me:

The yellow parts are the used space (98,3 kB) and the blue on is empty (31,4 GB). It also claims the file system would be msdos...
Just FYI: Besides my ZIPs there are also empty folders called "Android" and "LOST.DIR".

FYI: The LOST.DIR is always created on FAT partitions (by/for chkdsk). And do you really bother for that small amount of storage? Wouldn't make that much difference I'd say. Also not sure if it maybe must be there (the formatting process might have its reasons to leave it). As for reading the partition with the "unknown file system" ("unbekannt") on your PC, you might wish to see Corrupt SD card formatted as internal storage.

Yeah, I am more curios about what caused this than worried about the "lost" space. At least it are 16 MB.
Thanks for the FYI BTW.

Additionally theoretically another user could have the same "problem" with a larger FAT32 partition. I assume it depends on the files you previously had stored on the sd card or you later stored on the sd card.

I thought of that, yes. But it's purely hypotetical. Formatting as internal storage is an automated process, nothing a user does "with accidentally wrong parameters". But sure, the "why" is an interesting point, and may offer additional insight into the process/feature.

You have a 32GB card, and not a 64GB as it feels as per question heading.If you are running gparted in linux you can unmount and delete the little 16mb patrition.

@IftekharAS Ah yes, 32GB obviously. I changed that.
With GParted I could probably delete this partition, but I am not entirely sure whether this will work (and it is still recognized by Android afterwards).

Not knowing exactly I believe that Android 5.0 and newer has gone and caused protection on orphaned memory space.  I would like to know more about situations like this.