text:
Every App crashes, if you connect a BT input-device
I have a problem with my Android-tablets and a connected Bluetooth remote control. (It gets detected as a BT-keyboard, which is fine to me)
The remote control is a BT 4.0-remote control and is already paired with Android. Once it is connected, it is working fine.
The problem is the connection process itself: When the remote control is not connected - e.g. after some idle time, or after a reboot of the system - you press a button and it immediately reconnects. This part is working good.
However while it is connecting, the current foreground activitiy crashes! This affects every app, no matter what.
E.g. if I am in the launcher, the screen goes black for a split-second until it redraws everything. If I am in a game-app (for testing), the game completely restarts. While it wouldn't be a problem if it goes black for just a split second, it is a major problem in my own app, that I am currently developing:
The app completely restarts. The user sees nothing for 3 seconds (that's the time the app needs to load).
First I thought it was a programming issue on my side, that's why I posted a question on Stack Overflow
But now I found out, that it is not a programming problem, because every app crashes and restarts, once you reconnect the BT-device. What can I do to fix this?
Devices, where I tested the BT Remote:

Android 4.4.2 tablet ("no-name" product) - The error is present
Android 5.1 tablet ("no-name" product) - The error is present
Android 5.1.1 phone (Samsung xCover) - No problem!!
Android 4.4.2 phone (Samsung GALAXY S III Neo) - No problem!!

I hope somebody has an idea how to fix this.

Maybe the issue are the "no-name" devices. Can you check with more devices? It's also possible that the remote control uses some edge case commands that are not handled correctly.

Thank you for your comment. I have checked with one more device (LG Android 4.4) where it it working, too.  I also think, the problem might be the very very cheap "no-name" devices. But I have no idea how to fix this...

Interested developers looking to prevent this from happening can look at the answer for Android crashes on keyboard plugging.

I'm seeing the same behavior between my Samsung Galaxy A tablet and a Zagg Flex Bluetooth keyboard. When it connects or disconnects, the current app reinitializes itself or force-closes. In order of misbehavior, I see apps do one of three things (with one example each): force-close (Lightning Launcher), reinitialize and lose any work-in-progress (ES File Explorer), or gracefully handle the connection event as if nothing happened (Chrome). Performing a search on Google, it seems that this is "by design:" Android will reinitialize an app when the BT keyboard connection status changes, but apps can declare to Android that the app will handle the event itself and therefore avoid the reload.


text:
Browser downloading as .php file extension
This morning I tried to download a number of mp3's from a lecture series (freely and legally available online) but when I searched for them from my media player app I discovered they were all titled "direct_download(x).php" instead of the normal "file name_number.mp3" and required manually editing the file extension back to .mp3 to function properly. It is specific to the site and the stock browser - switching to chrome or downloading .mp3's from a different (again, free and legal) site works normally.
Is this due to a change in the website? In the browser? Is there some way to fix this?
Technical info:
Asus ZenFone 2 4gb ram, 64gb memory (stock, unlocked and unrooted)
Android 5.0
Using default ASUS browser (because chrome doesn't allow you to set your download folder on MicroSD)

It's possible that the server generates the mp3 through a php script and send some meta data telling the browser the actual file name. The app, however,  might ignore that information and store the file as a plain php file.

@GiantTree neat. Is there a way to get it to recognize the meta data? It's all there (the mp3 player reads the song name correctly), but the file is misnamed.

Either tell the dev of the app to fix his app or use another browser to download your mp3s and move them wherever you want them.

@GiantTree Thanks - I've emailed the support team at ASUS and I'll update this question with their response.

@GiantTree Apparently this is an ongoing problem with the ASUS browser - they're working on a fix... They suggested using Chrome, but the whole reason I'm using the browser is that Chrome doesn't obey the OS download folder settings - I want it to save to the MicroSD instead of internal storage, and I can't make Chrome do that.

source: Stack Exchange

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

sort: votes


text:
I've lost my IMEI (well, it's become 0)
I've managed to lose my IMEI on my Moto X 2013/1st Gen/XT1052. I've tried the following things:

flashed stock ROM
removed SIM, flashed stock ROM, boot, power off, insert SIM
erased modemst1 and modemst2 partitions
fastboot oem writeimei (this replied "Restricted oem command")
restoring PDS partition from a TWRP backup from when it was working fine.

I can read the IMEI (getvar, or via barcodes) in fastboot, so it's still there somewhere, but the android system can't seem to access it. Any suggestions would be appreciated

What does this dialer code show: *#06#

@superthomaslab: 0

I had the same issue upgrading from Android 4.4.4 to Android 5.0.2 on my Samsung Galaxy SM-A300FU.
The problem was, that I have rebooted the mobile into download mode and did not power off the device. Odin has successfully flashed the modem partition, but it was not really accessible. I had flashed a new platform build, but the baseband version was the same like before flashing.
Maybe there is a similar problem on your Moto. Try to shutdown your device, wait 10-20 seconds to get sure all caps has been discharged and try again to flash your modem partition.

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


text:
How can I patch Stagefright on an Elephone P6000 Pro?
According to this xda post the Elephone P6000 Pro stock ROM is vulnerable to Stagefright. A Stagefright detector app confirmed this on my phone.
The Post links to this patch, but also mentions that the partitions do not match this phone.
I tried both flashing the linked modified version, and moving the files manually into the system.
However, the Stagefright detector app still shows that my phone is vulnerable to CVE-2015-6602.
What else can I do to fix Stagefright vulnerability?

ls -l /dev/block/platform/*/by-name:
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-05-30 00:59 boot -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p7
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-05-30 00:59 cache -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p22
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-05-30 00:59 custom -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p17
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-05-30 00:59 expdb -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p10
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-05-30 00:59 flashinfo -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p24
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-05-30 00:59 frp -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p18
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-05-30 00:59 keystore -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p14
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-05-30 00:59 lk -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p5
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-05-30 00:59 logo -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p9
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-05-30 00:59 metadata -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p20
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-05-30 00:59 nvdata -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p19
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-05-30 00:59 nvram -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p2
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-05-30 00:59 oemkeystore -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p12
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-05-30 00:59 para -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p6
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-05-30 00:59 proinfo -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p1
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-05-30 00:59 protect1 -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p3
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-05-30 00:59 protect2 -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p4
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-05-30 00:59 recovery -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p8
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-05-30 00:59 seccfg -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p11
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-05-30 00:59 secro -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p13
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-05-30 00:59 system -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p21
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-05-30 00:59 tee1 -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p15
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-05-30 00:59 tee2 -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p16
lrwxrwxrwx root     root              2016-05-30 00:59 userdata -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p23

Steps taken to move the files:

Copy/paste using FX File Explorer with root addon
Checked Permissions (were already rw-r--r--)

The only difference between those two packages that I see is that the latter loads mmcblk0p21 as the /system partition instead of mmcblk0p17, so the claim is accurate.  Could you add the output of ls -l /dev/block/platform/*/by-name/ and, for our sakes, spell out the exact steps you took to manually move the files?  I'd also suggest double-checking their permissions (should be 644).

@MatthewRead did that.

No further ideas?

You need to flash as newest Android accessible as possible.

I obviously did all firmware updates prior to using the device at all. There is no newer official ROM available.

There won't be any new ROM or security patch coming through official channels. Google Nexus(and now Pixel) are in fact the ONLY devices that receive monthly security patches addressing problems like this.  In the meantime, you can go into your Messaging App --> Settings-->Advanced and disable  'Auto-retrieve MMS'. This should mitigate at least part of the vulnerability.

@andDevW I have long since flashed a patched Cyanogenmod. Official channels once promised a marshmallow update for this phone, but as the post is now deleted I don't expect it to come at all. I just learned, never buy Elephone again. Their service is beyond bad, not only because of this.

If you are rooted you can do the following things.
However your status will still show as vulnerable, stagefright can't be executed. We will disable the stagefright module.
Method 1:
Use a root explorer app and navigate to the system directory.
Open the file called "build.prop" and add the following code completely at the bottom of the file:
media.stagefright.enable-player=false
  media.stagefright.enable-meta=false
  media.stagefright.enable-scan=false
  media.stagefright.enable-http=false
  media.stagefright.enable-rtsp=false
  media.stagefright.enable-record=false
This will completely disable the stagefright module on your device.
This won't have a huge impact on your device performance.
Method 2:
Use a build.prop editor app like this one: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jrummy.apps.build.prop.editor&hl=en
Choose to add a line and type:
      media.stagefright.enable-player
and type false as value. Repeat that for all stagefright modules.


text:
Auto correct on ASUS Zenfone
I switched from an LG phone to a new ASUS Android phone and I am missing a feature on the ASUS. On my LG I used auto correct on the keyboard in a way that displayed suggestions but did not correct what I typed. If I decided to use the suggested word I only had to touch the suggestion and it replaced the mistyped word. On the ASUS, using the preinstalled ZenUI keyboard, I don't know how only to show the suggested words while typing. Whenever I switch on display of suggested words to be shown, they replace what I type as soon as I press space.
I want suggested words to be shown but not replace what I type unless I select a suggested word. This worked on my LG like a charm.
Now I have the option to switch off auto correction and then I get many mistyped words. If I switch suggested words on it is even worse, because auto correction chooses words I don't want by itself.

I would suggest using the official Google Keyboard since it has the exact feature you mention, where suggested words are shown.  I have all automatic corrections completely turned off in its settings, and it works well without anything unexpected.


text:
Why is Android 5 corrupting my SD card (moving files to LOST.DIR or losing them)?
I've been using VFAT formatted SD cards for years to transfer files between devices (tablets, cameras, GPS, computers) under different OS (Linux, Windows, Symbian, Android) without, as I recall, any significant problems. In some cases (the GPS), that's the only way to copy files.
Recently (May 2016) I got a new phone, and tried to copy a file from my Android (4.2.2) tablet to the Android (5.1.1) phone via SD card, putting the card from the tablet in the phone. The phone trashed my SD card. Hundreds of  files were renamed and moved to LOST.DIR, and some I think deleted (I recovered more with photorec on Linux, and most have metadata such as EXIF that I can reset the date and name from, but it was annoying).
This seems to be repeatable; I tried with a new card, originally on the phone, and tried creating files under Linux (Fedora 9). If I create a new file under Android 4.2,  then move the SD card to Android 5.1, it will rename the file into LOST.DIR. It seems that 5.1 is running an fsck pass when the card is inserted, "repairing" it. If I try "fsck.vfat -r" on Fedora, it doesn't like the file .android_obb, saying it's an illegal filename, but it doesn't trash the FS.
I thought about using an EXT4 formatted SD card, which Android and Linux will recognize, but Android won't it seems automount it. I can mount it manually on my jailbroken tablet, as root from adb, but that seems clunky and besides, I haven't jailbroken the phone.
There are hundreds of complaints online about LOST.DIR, so it's hard to find a good technical answer. Does anyone know more about this, such as why it happens or how to prevent it (apart from not doing that particular transfer) ? For instance, can one disable the fsck on insertion ?

Are you hot-swapping the cards?

Hot-swapping as in "not powered off". But after unmounting with  "safely eject card" in the "storage" section of settings, or umount on Linux. A correspondent elsewhere suggests that there is an issue with 5.1 vs. 4.1.

You should probably mount the SD card with a USB reader in the PC, to see if the SD card or filesystem is damaged.
I had that issue a couple of times and it was that the SD card was actually corrupted or broken. So, a filesystem check might fix it or you will know that it needs to be replaced.
In Linux, you could check the filesystem with fsck.vfat. It works ok for a fat32 filesystem (not so for ntfs), so you could try that. Or use some other GUI utility like Gparted, Disks or whatever you like.
In Windows you should right click your SD drive (in my computer), select properties, the tools tab and check now. You can leave the auto fix errors checked if you don't mind losing files. (Disclaimer: I don't use windows, so the way to get to this might have changed in the last few versions).
If the card has corrupt sectors, the wisest thing to do is to format it (in vfat/fat32) and fill it with files (like mp3 or movies), then run another filesystem check. If it fails again, you should replace the SD.
ps1. Even if you don't have corrupt sectors, re-formatting the filesystem may fix the underlying issues. And if the problem persists, you should replace the SD.
ps2. Regarding ext4, it's not supported by default Android, you could use it with a partition if you have rooted the phone and Link2SD installed, but it's not recommended. ext4 has a journal system which would read & write more often to the SD and diminish the cards life. ext2 is recommended instead (is the last ext filesystem without journal).
Update after re-reading:
Android 4 (kitkat), 5 (lollipop) and 6 (marshmallow) use all different methods to handle external storage (sd cards).
I didn't quite understand at first read that you were moving the SD card from one phone to the other.
As the access method to external storage changed between versions, this might be a permissions issue and you might be breaking some internal android settings.
You should try sharing the file with another peer to peer (email, telegram, syncthing, bluetooth or bittorrent sync) android utility or cloud based storage (dropbox, mega, wetransfer, etc.).


text:
insufficient storage when installing a new app
when I try to install an app which requires 22MB, it fails because of insufficient storage.
I check my system, it shows 652MB free internal storage, 251MB free SD card storage, and 460MB free RAM, Then why does installing the app fail? How should I free up space to allow the installation to succeed?
Thanks.

How much is your overall internal storage? Something around 6 GB? Then it's the 10% rule again. See our insufficient-memory tag-wiki for details.


text:
OK Google voice command through bluetooth headset (D.I.Y. Google Home device)
I have a Bluetooth speaker with a built in microphone (and also several bluetooth headsets which are essentially the same). I have it paired with my Nexus 5x running Marshmellow. I would like to have a setup such that when the bluetooth device is on and connected, I can speak "OK Google" into the bluetooth device and Google Now activates on the phone.

I am fully aware that I can launch Google Now through a button push on the bluetooth device (albiet the speaker does not have any buttons but power on/off), however, I dont want to have to push any buttons. I want to activate Google Now, through the bluetooth device, hands free.
Note, in the Google Voice settings, I do have "Bluetooth Headset" on and "Hands free for Bluetooth devices" also on.
Is this possible?

Yes it is possible, it works on my Android 4.4 tablet with a Technika bluetooth speaker and I can say "Ok Google" anywhere in the room and it picks it up, it's pretty sweet! just like an Amazon Echo or Google Home device, just free.. haha. Just make sure "Ok Google anywhere" is turned on in the Google app settings and that your mic option is turned on in the system bluetooth settings and you should have your DIY Google Home/Amazon Echo up and running! I hope this helps  and have a nice day!

Its your tablet picking up the ok google. Not the bluetooth device.

It's the bluetooth hands-free speaker, I've done tests. When it's not connected to the bluetooth speaker it can't hear me unless I'm up close or nearby but when it's connected the the speaker with Bluetooth Headset turned on the Google app settings it can hear me from another room. It didn't work with another speaker I have but it works with my Technika, maybe try a different speaker if you could borrow one as that might be the issue. I hope you get it to work for you, have a good day!

Pretty sure Google removed this feature so you have to buy a Google Home device... I don't see Ok Google Anywhere (I hear pixels/Nexus still has it?)


text:
How to adopt SD card as internal storage on Samsung devices?
I recently upgraded to 6.0.1 Marshmallow on my Galaxy S5 and I would like to adopt an SD card as internal storage.  However, there is no option to do this.
When I format the SD card, there is no "Internal" option, only a "Portable" option.

I am using this SD card:

I have tried formatting the SD card in windows, deleting the partition in windows, and even wiping the parition in windows.  But Android always wants to add it was portable storage.
How can I force Android to add this as internal storage?
EDIT: According to this article, the Galaxy S7 doesn't support adoptable storage.  So it's likely the S5 doesn't support adoptable storage either.  I'm looking for a way to enable it using the adb command line if possible now.

Have you tried adding it as portable and then seeing if it will let you convert it afterward?

Yes, I tried that.

First sentence, did you mean Galaxy S5? Anyway, the S5 doesn't support it either, I have personally tested it. There is a workaround, please see my answer.

@steampowered, I see you are using a very high-end micro SD card. I am using this much cheaper card (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TB8XZOK, 64GB, $18), and when I made it adoptable storage in my Samsung Galaxy S5, any app I then move onto it (ex: Facebook, Google Photos, LinkedIn, Facebook Messenger, etc), worked SO SLOW that the app was actually COMPLETELY UNUSABLE. Did you find this slow speed running apps from the SD card as internal, adopted storage to be an issue with your Samsung card?

Note: I did just order this new Samsung 64GB Pro+ card (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012DTJ8NU, $48.49), which is supposed to be the #1 best sub-$100 micro sd card on the market right now, so I'm hoping it works much better, or else this adoptable storage thing won't be practical anyway, since apps run so slow when using it. (Here is the review and benchmarking tests that indicate this is the best, #1 card on the market right now: https://www.amazon.com/review/R15BKPZSKPC16X/ref=cm_cr_dp_title?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B012DTJ8NU&channel=detail-glance&nodeID=541966&store=pc).

Samsung (and some other manufacturers') devices don't support Adoptable Storage by default. However, there are some workarounds how you can enable it. Some devices will require root, and others don't. If you have a Galaxy A5, J5, J7, On5, choose method 2 (root required).
Before proceeding, make sure you have a backup as this will format your SD card.

Method 1 (NO ROOT | Galaxy S7)
Some Samsung phones (e.g. Galaxy S7) and other Android devices do not require root. You will need to execute the following commands using ADB:
adb shell
sm list-disks
sm partition <DISK> private
reboot

Replace <DISK> with the output of the previous command. (example: sm partition disk:179,64 private).  If you don't want to convert the whole disk, then use this command instead: sm partition <DISK> mixed <VALUE>. Replace <VALUE> with the percentage (0-100) to keep as external storage. (Example: sm partition disk:179,64 mixed 50, for 50%).
If you do have root access, you can use my app Root Essentials instead. Root Essentials will execute all the commands for you, without the need of a PC.

Method 2 (ROOT | Galaxy A5, J5, J7)
If the above method didn't work for you, then it is not possible to get adoptable storage without root. (e.g. Galaxy A5, J5, J7, On5).
If you have rooted your device, you will need to download my app Root Essentials. After you have downloaded it, go to "Adoptable Storage". Then click the button "Adopt".
Root Essentials will ask you to flash a plugin using a custom recovery. (e.g TWRP). It is not possible to flash the plugin without a custom recovery. After you have flashed the plugin, reboot your device and open Root Essentials again. Now try adopting your SD card again and it should work.

I have adopted my SD card successfully, what do I need to do next?
After you have adopted your SD card, you will need to migrate your existing data to the SD card. This is to free up space on the internal storage.
To migrate your data:

Open (Android) Settings
Tap "Storage". (or "Device maintenance" > "Storage").
Select your SD card.
Open the menu (3 dots at top right), and tap "Migrate data".
Now your data will be migrated to the SD card.

Am I supposed to be running these commands with the SD card in?  Or out?  I had a 32GB SD I'm replacing with a 200GB on my S5, but when I plug it in I never see the "Use as Internal Storage" that I'm expecting to (per this page: http://gadgetguideonline.com/android/android-marshmallow-guide/how-to-use-micro-sd-card-as-internal-storage-in-android-marshmallow/).
The specs for my S5 are: Verizon, Android 6.0.1, build MMB29M.G900VVRS2DPL1, Android security patch level December 1, 2016, KNOX version 2.6, NOT rooted (sadly--wish I knew how for this version!).

@Bing you needs to execute these commands with the SD card inserted. This is because the use as internal storage option is gone.

Would this work on Samsung S5 Mini as well?

@jarno I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work. It should work on any device running Marshmallow or later.

Solution for Samsung J5 is https://android.stackexchange.com/q/160417/93158.

for my cases it works sm partition disk:<DISK> private, the <DISK> is your memory id, i just simply put disk: and it works. It works on Samsung J2 Prime

On Samsung S7 with Android 8, SM-G930F_8.0.0_0018 last patched June 19 2020 (G930FXXU8ETE1): Method 1 had no effect. After Method 2 (applying the adaptive storage from root essentials and installing ASPlugin.zip) I get the option to format the SD card as internal storage, but root essentials doesn't see the card any more. Also the sm adb command gets killed: 1|herolte:/ $ sm list-disks Killed. Before the command didn't get killed, but had no effect. This article mentions problems with adp commands of Android 8:https://www.nextpit.com/how-to-format-microsd-cards-as-internal-storage

UPDATE: Despite my SD card not being visible to root essentials I was able to format it as internal storage using the Android options that appeared after inserting the SD card. After migrating data the card started to work as internal storage. Although the free and used storage is mixed from the internal storage and SD card, it displays correctly in the storage settings and everything works well as internal storage. So I could increase it by 128 GB!

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

Apparently need to add the "sm" so: "sm partition disk:179,64 private"
otherwise "Partition not found." I'm very new at this, so I'm probably stating the very, very obvious for most people. Anyway, seems to have worked. This was on a Note 4.
I assume what's happened at this point is that, though the total size isn't listing as changed, it actually is. Wish I knew how to confirm with these tools.
Slight correction: Under "Storage" it does list the total correctly with internal being mostly full (as it was) and almost nothing on the card. Assume I can just treat it all as one big happy pile of storage at this point?
But what was meant by "can't be used for transfers"? I assume you're just meaning that you can't yank the thing out and pull things off and on with a computer or other device?
Anyone care to share some caveats or tips after getting to this point?

THANK YOU! the sm thing is not obvious. My Verizon Samsung Galaxy S5 was giving me the "partition now found" error before. Using your sm command above fixed it.

The next step is to get into storage options and play around until it says something along the line of "moving files to sd". Once that's done, other than some confusion between both me and some apps as to what exactly is what, it works very well. My goal was to make it so my wife didn't constantly wonder where the storage she was short of was. Now, it's pretty much one spot, and plenty of it. Thank you all for posting this. I'll correct this later when I'm near my computer.

correction: "partition not found" error

I think that it is not available for file-transfairs means, that when I connect the phone to the computer via MTP I can not see the full new combined disk size. So I still end up with 16 GB

What?! Why take command line directions if your not actually going to follow them? Not "apparently" need to add the "sm". Perhaps this was included because it was necessary? w/e. This didn't actually work for me but adb shell sm set-force-adoptable true did.


text:
Google Voice forwading failover
Is it possible to have a Google Voice call, which is forwarded to my phone, forward to another user's phone if i am unable to answer the call?
Thanks for any and all replies.

You could do this just like with any other call via Call Forwarding.  From Dummies.com:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Touch the Action Overflow icon.

    On some phones, touch the Menu icon instead to see a list of commands.
3. Choose Settings or Call Settings.
    The Call Settings command might be found on a second screen; choose Settings first, and then choose Call Settings. Eventually you’ll see the call settings screen.
4. Choose Call Forwarding.
    If the option isn’t available, use your cellular carrier to forward calls.
5. Choose one of the following options:

Always Forward: All incoming calls are sent to the number you specify; your phone doesn’t even ring. This option overrides all other forwarding options.

Forward When Busy: Calls are forwarded when you’re on the phone and choose not to answer. This option is normally used to send a missed call to voicemail, although you can forward to any number.

Forward When Unanswered: Calls are forwarded when you choose not to answer the phone. Normally, the call is forwarded to your voicemail.

Forward When Unreached: Calls are forwarded when the phone is turned off, out of range, or in airplane mode. As with the two previous settings, this option normally forwards calls to voicemail.

6. Set the forwarding number.
    Or you can edit the number that already appears. For example, you can type your home number for the Forward When Unreached option so that your cell calls are redirected to your home number when you’re out of range.
7. Touch Enable or OK.


text:
Why does ulrdispsvcfastwl wakelock keep draining my battery?
I am using Slimkat ROM on a Nexus 5 with At&t. My battery life has been excellent with this ROM. Recently I've been getting a ulrdispsvcfastwl wakelock that will keep the phone awake continuously for hours until it drains the battery. The wakelock is usually set by google play services. Does anyone know what this wakelock does and if it is safe to disable it?

The only info I could find is that this is managed by UlrDispatchingService but I'm not clear on what that is.  In any case I would think that it's safe to disable -- worst case, Play Services stops working and you have to re-enable it.  You could always do a Nandroid backup beforehand just in case.

This XDA post says it is not safe to limit.  Elsewhere on the same thread you will find reference to  GPS breaking when limiting this

Looks like this wakelock is related to google location history reporting. I found this wakelock shown up today only after I enabled the Google Location history. It could be equally true with Google Now location reporting.
Basically, to my understanding, this wakelock is related with reporting the location back to the servers which would help seeing the location history. I disabled the Google location history reporting and the wakelock is not active anymore.
I hope it helps.


text:
Mi4i full partition corrupted. Unable to restore EFS partition
I have a Mi4i which was rooted and Cyanogen was installed. Suddenly after reboot, the phone stopped booting into the Cyanogen OS.
I tried to flash the Cyanogen again but it did not boot. I flashed the stock ROM, which is MIUI 6 and the phone booted this time. Now I could see that the SIM card was not getting detected. And also IMEI number was showing as invalid.
I then deleted all the partitions and tried to recover the phone by flashing using "MiFlash". This time too the Cyanogen OS didn't boot up. Then I again flashed the stock ROM and this time also MIUI booted up correctly. Still the IMEI was showing as invalid. I don't have any backup of the EFS partition.
I checked the stock ROM flash_all.sh script and could not find any efs partition being written (modemst1, modemst2, fsg). Then from somewhere I got the modemst1, modemst2 and nv_data partition data and I wrote the partitions manually. After writing the EFS partitions Cyanogen booted correctly. But this time the IMEI showed as "012345678901234" and "012345678901235".
As this is a dummy IMEI, the SIM was not getting registered in the network. Tried with QPST RF NV manager tool to write the IMEI which successfully did but with *#06# it still showed Invalid IMEI. Tried with a couple of IMEI flasher and none of them worked.
Also tried to write the IMEI number using AT command (AT+EMGR=1,7,"IMEI1") but the AT command was returning "ERROR"
Please help me to recover my phone. Now I have my phone with MIUI 7 installed and it is working fine except the IMEI issue.
Thanks in advance.


text:
How can a camera takes 8MP pictures in a SoC with 5MP support only?
In general specifications of  Mediatek MT6572, it supports up to 5MP camera, but this product Yezz Andy A4M is supposed to support 8MP camera which is theorically not possible unless the camera is extraploated or (interpolated)

Is it possible for MT6572 to support an 8MP camera?
If the camera is extrapolated (interpolated), which part of Android is responsible for this?
Can someone know the real cameras sensor capacity ? and how?


text:
Does Android Marshmellow hotspot block apps?
I am trying to trace a problem with Teamviewer and I think the issue somewhere revolves around my smartphone.
I use Teamviewer 11, on a Windows 10 Tablet, using a Samsung Note 4 Mobile Hotspot on Vodafone UK.
Until last week on my Note 4 was Android 5.0.1 - everything worked as I would expect; I would load up Teamviewer, log in with my password and would be able to access my remote computers. I was then prompted for the 6.0.1 update (build MMB29M.N910FXXU1DPE1) and now I can not get a connection to Teamviewer servers.
Now, Teamviewer reports that the issue is with F-Secure (my AV/anti-spam), however with alternative connections under the same F-Secure conditions it works fine. So....
What I have tried:

Connecting using a mobile hotspot on a BlackBerry Z10 (with the same Sim Card) - Works
Connecting using my home wifi - Works
Connecting using my Note 4, with firewall or AV disabled - Doesn't work

I have checked that my Note 4 hotspot is set as a private connection, the same as my other connections and there are no obvious differences.
Am I missing something in Android Marshmellow or does it do something differently?

Just a blind suggestion: Make sure Location is switched ON (High Accuracy) and try the app again. (I'm saying this because ShareIt wasn't working for me in Marshmallow, it worked only when I switched ON the 'Location' setting. I've no idea how it's related with Hotspot, but it worked).


text:
How to fake my android - Zuk-Z1 to look like Nexus 5x/ 6p
How to fake my android - Zuk-Z1 to look like Nexus 5x/ 6p
My office has a policy only to allow email and calendar over Gmail native app on Nexus 5/ 6/ 5x/ 6P devices with latest factory Rom. I just bought Lenovo Zuk Z1, loving the grey metallic look of it. I was trying to fake my Zuk-Z1 as Nexus 6P, so when my GMAIL client makes a request to Company-Exchange Server it looks as if coming from Nexus-6p or Nexus-5x. The reason I am not trying to spoof Nexus-5 is as it does not have a fingerprint scanner. It would be great my device-administrator allows security policy to unlock my phone using fingerprint scanner. I am in so much liking this device, at time  price-value make me glad, other times, the so premium look of it makes feel happy. I downloaded Nexus 6p factory build, not able to extract the values from the img files.
I humbly request, if some can share the value below from the Nexus 5x/6p devices.
To be changed
ro.product.model
ro.product.brand
ro.product.name
ro.product.device
ro.product.manufacturer
ro.build.fingerprint
ro.build.product=Z1
ro.build.host
I have read online, not to be changed
ro.build.version.sdk
My plan is to replace these values in caynogenmod build.prop file. rebundle it and then flash it.
Do you think this makes sense. Do you guys think this would work.
If this work, next I really wish to spoof boxer email UA. A great email client, i would like to use. But, for now can someone please

update me on the above values for nexus 5x/ 6p
update me if i am missing on other important values.
update me if you think i am dumb.

Thank you all.

If you have root permissions on your device, there's no need to bother flashing anything. Just change the build.prop fields you already mentioned, by inputting the corresponding Nexus values.

Thank you, I agree, but i need the values mentioned above.

I had a similar issue to Vivek. This is what I tried and worked for me.
Before attempting, SEE NOTES. This assumes you are rooted.
So first I went to google playstore and downloaded a build.prop editor. I focused on these attributes for my Moto X Pure:
ro.product.model=XT1575
ro.product.brand=motorola
ro.product.name=clark_retus
ro.product.device=clark
ro.product.manufacturer=motorola
ro.build.fingerprint=motorola/clark_retus/clark:6.0/MPH24.49-18/18:user/release-keys
ro.build.product=clark
ro.build.host=ilclbld87
ro.build.version.security_patch=2016-02-01
ro.build.version.release=6.0

and changed them to match the Nexus 5x:
ro.build.version.release=6.0.1
ro.build.version.security_patch=2016-03-01
ro.product.model=Nexus 5X
ro.product.brand=google
ro.product.name=bullhead
ro.product.device=bullhead
ro.build.host=wpiy3.hot.corp.google.com
ro.product.manufacturer=LGE
ro.build.product=bullhead
ro.build.fingerprint=google/bullhead/bullhead:6.0.1/MMB29Q/2480792:user/release-keys

After making the changes. I saved and then rebooted. After that I installed Gmail (didn't have it before) and it automatically sent me a "Welcome Nexus 5x User" email after installing. That made me pretty confident that I was now viewed as a Nexus 5x, by that app at least. I added the new exchange account, entering my credentials and things worked.
Fini
Important Notes

Make a backup of your phone. Specifically a NAND backup. What this
means is to have a custom bootloader like TWRP and make a backup
there.
Backup your original build.prop file and store somewhere.
Like on your SD card or computer.
Make sure GooglePlay has auto-updates disabled. This might cause some issues as it tries to update your phone with new software revisions due to it thinking you are now a Nexus 5x 6.0.1 and need the latest and greatest software for each app you have installed.

Good Luck!

Point 3. Google play updates can be disabled temporarily. Not for ever AFAIK. Won't that cause a problem later?


text:
How to get xposed framework on Lollipop (Samsung)?
I am on Samsung Galaxy note 3 SM-n900 Android 5.0 Stock Firmware (API-21). I am able to install xposed framework easily on Kitkat and Jellybean, however, i want to be on lollipop and cannot figure out how to get xposed on my device. i flashed CWM recovery first, then i installed this file "xposed-v84-sdk21-arm.zip" via CWM and my device is stuck on samsung logo forever!
here is the link
I was able to flash exposed framework on Cyanogenmod 12.1 but not on samsung lollipop

Search for xposed-v75-sdk21-arm.zip, or a version lesser than 75 if it doesn't work.

I'm running CM12.1 with xposed-v75-sdk22-arm. I'm unsure as if it will work for you, but you may want to give it a try. Also, the Xposed dev made a framework uninstaller, which is flashable as well.

Xposed runs on my deodexed CyanogenMod.

My advice, as I said, is to try with v75 or lesser. Plus, you shouldn't need to flash your ROM, since the dev made that uninstaller.

The Xposed Framework causes the bootloop. The uninstaller removes the Xposed Framework.

@abbie That's not bootloop I guess.. Flashing xposed clears the Dalvik cache and rebuilds it (You will see 'Optimizing apps' soon).. Wait for 10-15mins to confirm if it's bootloop. // I just saw this on that thread: "Bootloops on Samsung stock ROMs. That's due to Samsung's changes to ART. There are unofficial builds that work around this by deodexing and adjusting the ROM." So, It maybe a bootloop, IDK :/

i did not see "'Optimizing apps' soon" it's been 40 minutes, i know what a boot loop is, i have been flashing ROMs on this device for years

and i don't need an unofficial build since the official builds are out i guess. The official page says, i need a deodexed ROM. I wish there was a xposed lollipop rom for my device

For Samsung Stock ROMs (based on TouchWiz UI), you have to flash the Arter's Xposed for Samsung Lollipop 5.0.x deodexed ROMs or Wanam's Xposed for Samsung Lollipop 5.1.x/ Marshmallow 6.0.x ROMs, instead of the rovo89's Xposed which is basically for AOSP & CM-based ROMs.

That's because ART came into effect since Lollipop.. See the title of that thread.. It says Xposed for "Samsung Lollipop/Marshmallow". Why don't you just believe and try it ? :) :) If it doesn't work, I'll delete my answer.

@abbie , if you are so sure we're all wrong here, why don't you answer your own question and elaborate how the correct procedure is, plus where to find the "official builds" which you say are "out you guess"? Your current comments are rather suited to scare people off instead of helping you.

lmfao im trying to convert nandroid backup to a flashable zip, and then deodex it using some tool, flash it back, install an official/unofficial xposed. thats my plan

Ever since Lollipop 5.0, Samsung ship their stock ROMs with a heavily modded ART. That the primary cause for original Xposed framework not working well on Samsung stocks.


text:
Ways to see notifications besides pull down bar
The notification status pull down bar is not working because the very upper part of the screen seems damaged (verified running diagnostics that pixels there are not active).
1) Can I see the notifications some other way?
2) Can I assume that screen replacement solves this?
Htc one X phone

As a temporary solution you can use any launcher application with gesture support or notification apps like Floatify, NiLS etc. You should customize them for proper usage.

@MANI:I assume the permanent solution is screen replacement. Is the replacement an on the spot operation? I don't want to leave my phone to a store

Well that depends on busyness of the store. They might keep your mobile for a day or two. You can trust them if it's an authorized store. Else there are unauthorized stores who does the job on spot but everything is non-branded there.

@MANI: I don't care about brand as long as it works and they don't access my data. The phone itself is not new and I want to avoid buying a new phone for now

If you use a third party launcher you can use gestures for certain functions.
For instance, using Nova Launcher Prime, when I swiped down anywhere on my home screen it would bring down my notifications.
So that could solve that issue for you.
There should be other free alternatives that perform the same function
To answer your last question, a screen replacement should fix the issue though.

What is the meaning of the icons in your sentence "there should be other free alternatives...."

@smith it's a thumbs up. Didn't know emojis didn't work here sorry.

I installed a launcher and solved it. It is not possible to push the overflow bar of any app also. Can a launcher fix that too? Also is a a screen replacement a 5 secs operation? I don't want to leave my phone to a store


text:
K-9 Mail - Pushing mail only when interacting with app needed
With K-9 Mail, could you please advise if it is possible to have these mail fetching settings:
1) Polling every hour, both when interacting with the app and when running in the background.
but also:
2) Pushing all folders only when interacting with the app, but not when the app is just running in the background.
The reason for this is that I like push to update folders promptly when interacting with the app, but don't want to have unnecessary push connections open in the background.  However, I still like to poll in the background to be notified of new messages periodically.
I am using a Gmail IMAP account on a tablet running Android 5.0.1.
I have read through the documentation and been through the settings but would just like clarification on the above points.

No it's not.
It is not possible to configure the push service to only run while the app is open.


text:
When an app is moved to an external microSD card, to where is it moved?
In Android KitKat on many devices, it is simple to move an app to an external microSD card.  It's as simple as Settings -> Apps -> [Select the app] -> Move to SD card.
For apps whose manifest allows them to be moved (something every good app should allow except when there is a valid reason to not), this works like a charm.
Doing this frees up the device's internal storage, allowing room for more apps.
But to where are the apps actually moved?
I thought the apps would be moved to the Android/data and Android/obb folders on the external SD card.  But upon examining those folders with several root file managers, the moved apps are not visible in those locations.
What's the story?  To where are those apps being moved?

I am voting to self-close this question, as I see another very similar question here: When app is moved to SD card, where is the app data stored on SD card?
I'm not going to delete it because Susan's answer is very useful and appreciated.

Apps installed on the SD-Card are stored in the ".android_secure" directory.
You cant see the APK files directly in that folder because the it is encrypted to prevent direct access to the APK file of paid apps.


text:
(Red triangle)Device is corrupt after flashing Android N Dev Preview on rooted Nexus 6P
Just got my brand new Nexus 6P about a week ago (Yeah, stupid me). I immediately began to root my device using this thread on XDA:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6p/general/guides-how-to-guides-beginners-t3206928
What I've done along following the guide:

Unlocked the bootloader using fastboot;
Installed TWRP custom recovery using fastboot;
Rooted my device by flashing the stable version of SuperSU through the custom recovery just installed.

This process went flawless. Booted up my device, noticed no bugs/weird problems at all.
As I watched some Android N Dev Preview videos, I decided to flash it myself. Now, my experience in flashing images on android is not low as I've done it a couple times before. The installation seemed flawless, as I followed these steps in order (yes, my bootloader is unlocked):

flashed the bootloader.img
flashed the radio.img
flashed the recovery.img
flashed the boot.img
flashed the system.img
rebooted bootloader after each step

When I booted my devices, It displayed an message saying something like: couldn't verify if device is corrupted. I've seen this before, and I know this occurs when the bootloader is unlocked, so I waited 10 seconds till another similar message occurred:

/!\
Your device is corrupt. It can't be trusted and may not work properly.
Visit this link on another device:
g.co/ABH

I haven't seen this before so I looked it up and realized my device is bricked.
What I have done so far after the message

Carefully applied the steps again in the same order;
Carefully applied the steps again but with recovery and boot swapped;
Factory reset (result is very obvious I know);
Waited for a long, long time

What is, in my situation, your advise for me to at least unbrick the device? I've downloaded the latest version of Marshmallow on the Google Factory Images for Nexus devices page. Should I just flash this image?
Please remind that I'm rooted.
Many thanks!

So from the looks of it you can still get into your boot loader? When you download things make sure you double check the MD5 if possible.
Sometimes corrupted files can kill ya. If you can get into your boot loader there should be a tool kit you can use to get it back up and running again.

There is nothing to worry about. It means you just flashed a ROM.
More details: https://support.google.com/nexus/answer/6185381?hl=en


text:
How do I transfer a started game to a new phone and resume where I left off
I want to backup and move all of my downloaded games on my old Android phone to a new Galaxy 4 Android phone.

Many apps will be configured to automatically back themselves up with Google, and so signing into the same Google account as the old device on the new one will be sufficient.  You can see this for more details: https://support.google.com/nexus/answer/2819582
Other apps sync specifically with Google Play Games, or with other account services.  You should connect the games to the appropriate service on your old phone, and then sign into the same service on the new phone.
My preferred option is to root both phone and install Titanium Backup, which allows you to easily back up and restore any app.  It would just be a matter of copying over the backup files to the new device and using TB to restore them.
For unrooted devices, there's also Helium Backup which automates Android's built-in backup service to make a local backup, but it can also sync with your PC so that you don't need to do any manual copying.  I believe that this won't work for some apps that don't support this backup method.


text:
How to copy the System folder in stock ROM?
I have a Samsung Galaxy Note 3 sm-n900, i copied the 'system' folder from the root directory to my computer, i used the JoelDroid Lollipop Batch Deodexer to deodex my system, now i wiped my original system folder from my device using CWM recovery. How do i push the DeoDexed system folder to my device?
I need this for installing xposed framework, it requires a deodexed rom on my device. i have already tried zipping the system with a META-INF and flashing it in CWM recovey, my device never boots to samsung logo.

do i have a bad META-INF?

I recommend you go to xda-developers and search for deodexed stock ROMs. Alternatively flash a stock ROM and copy the deodexed apks to it without deleting everything else.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software-hacking/script-app-joeldroid-lollipop-batch-t2980857 sorry i forgot to mension ,i have tried this already, there is only aurora rom which is stock samsung based and it really sucks! i cant even customize it, its bloated and i cant have my own apps i get stuck in boot loops, its loaded with note 5 and s6 junk so i decided to stick with cyanogenmod

Try any recovery FileManager like this one Aroma File Manager and make sure you give appropriate file permissions for the system folder..!

AFM is a good thing to have. The permission part is however very hard to do, since different folders and files sometimes have varying permissions, owners and SELinux contexts. At this point I think OP should go look for a deodexed ROM instead. Still an effective answer nonetheless.


text:
Cant see contact "last seen online time"
Does this contact not want me to see when last he was on line then? I can send him messages as well as chat.

It may mean that your contact is using a privacy option to keep that information private:
https://www.whatsapp.com/faq/en/general/20971848
"Through our privacy settings, you have the option to control who can see your last seen."
There are a few reasons why you may not be able to see a contact's last seen:

They may have set their privacy settings to hide this information.
You may have set your privacy settings to not share your last seen.
If you do not share your last seen, you cannot see other people's last seen.
You may have been blocked.


text:
PC bluescreen when enabling adb on phone connected to PC via USB
I'm using Cyanogenmod 13 Nightly (Android 6.0.1) for LG G3 Beat and i tried to use adb but as soon as I enabled adb on phone the bluescreen on pc (Windows 10) shows up saying SYSTEM_THREAD_EXPCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED (lgandnetmodem64.sys)
If you need information let me know

I don't think that the phone is responsible here. Has that happened before with this computer?

Uninstall LG drivers and let Windows download and install himself.
It fixed blue for me.

Sounds like a bad answer but actually very true. I have the same phone and same CM13, and uninstalling LG's driver gets rid of bluescreen. Just make sure you reinstall it when you need to reflash the phone in Download Mode etc.


text:
Unable to set Contact Picture
I am trying to set a picture for a contact that is saved on my SIM - I had originally emailed the .jpg to myself from my PC, then downloaded it from the Gmail app. When I go either into Gallery or through My Files and select the picture, select 'More' and then select 'Set as contact picture', the list of contacts comes up but the one I want to associate the picture with is not there - they show up when I use the phone app and look at my normal contact list.
I've got a Galaxy S7 Edge SM-G935F, running Android 6.0.1, kernal version 3.18.14-7538748 dpi@SWDD6418 #1, build MMB29K.G935FXXU1APD1, baseband version G935.FXXU1APD1.
Thanks in advance!

Can you so it directly through the contacts app? When editing a contact there should be an option to add the picture.

No, it won't let me do it that way either - I can do it on other contacts though, which were transferred over when I upgraded my phone recently - this is the first number I've added to the phone since I got it a month ago.

Just noticed that you've added them as a SIM contact. I don't think you can add pictures to them, as the sim card doesn't support it. You'll need to add them as a Gmail or phone contact to add things like photos and some other fields.

Brilliant, just added it as another contact on my Google account and it's work. Thanks for the help! :)

Copy the number by editing that contact.
Now create a new contact and choose your existing Google account or Samsung account (if you have a Samsung account logged in, it can be found under drop down menu as pointed in the picture below). Now, as you can see there is Add picture option in the picture below, so, add image. :)
Note: SIM card doesn't support any additional options.

SIM contacts do not support additional fields such as a contact photo. You will need to add the contact to Gmail or the phone itself in order to add an image.

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


text:
WhatsApp messages on my phone were not backed up to the latest date. My phone stopped working and new phone does not have all the messages
The last backup on my older phone for WhatsApp was on 6th may. I was using that phone till 1st June. Today I got a new phone and as predicted, messages from 6th May have not come. Any way to retrieve those messages?

If you still have access to your old phone, perform a backup and then restore on your new phone. Make sure, however, that all your messages are present on your old phone or else you will lose the ones after 1st June.
If you don't have your old phone, then I'm afraid there's no way you can retrieve those messages, for if there was, it sort of beats the purpose of taking a backup in the first place.


text:
adb backup on Marshmallow - is it different?
Device and settings:

Moto X Play ( Stock 6.0.1), unrooted, USB debugging enabled in developer options and verified using adb devices.  Other USB/ Developer options, as in pic below
Enabled desktop backup password as recommended here adb backup command on non-rooted device creates an empty backup file?
Device not encrypted
No additional user accounts on device ( so the issue here for non-primary users is not pertinent)

Goal: I wanted to take adb backup on Mint Linux (17.3) of my apps (with data if possible) and internal SD using this Full Backup of non-rooted devices as reference
Problems:

When I key this in terminal
adb backup -apk -shared -all -nosystem -f moto.ab
I get the prompt "Now unlock your device and confirm the backup operation " in the terminal but nothing happens on the device- I do not see any panel to accept  or enter desk top pass word as in pic below (it's the same if I try -system instead of -nosystem)

The terminal reverts to prompt for next command in a few seconds ( A 0 Kb file is created on the laptop)

Question
Am I doing something wrong or Marshmallow require some extras to take a backup as desired?
Moto devices are said to be "pure Android" so I expect this problem to be prevalent on Nexus devices running latest OS

Edit: Things tried with varying sucesss

Nexus 5 Marshmellow ADB backup problems. Going by this post

(....) it appears that adb backup isn’t recognizing the -apk, -nosystem, and -noshared switches. Any idea why? From the command line, if i remove those switch the backup runs

adb backup -all -f moto.ab

works in the sense that I get the option on panel to enter password back up (problem 1 above overcome) but the file size (105 Mb) shows all apps are not backed up (In comparison using ES File explorer, the size is 2 GB)

I had read somewhere on this site that Helium app is based on adb. Helium Wiki says

Helium is NOT available to Motorola devices. This is because Motorola phones have a bug that break Android's backup mechanism. Until this is fixed by Motorola, Helium will not work on those Androids (....) Update: Helium is working on the Motorola Droid Turbo.

That obviously explains why it doesn't work on my device was the logical conclusion. This called for experimenting, so I downloaded Chrome extension of Helium and activated it (it needed a little workaround explained here
)
I selected all apps under Helium and it backed up (less some apps shown as "non backable") with a size of 110 Mb (similar to above experiment)
So, apparently, my device Moto X play is not the problem !

Tried solution here  ADB backup creates 0-byte file; prompts for current backup password even though I never set one; “Failed to set password” for Desktop backup password recommending escaping spaces between arguments

adb backup -apk\ -shared\ -all\ -nosystem -f moto.ab and got a 0 Kb backup file

In both of the screenshots you posted, ADB is not connected. Did you turn on USB debugging in the developer options? (It's completely separate from the two dialogs you posted.)

Note: I guess ADB can only back up apps that have the allowBackup:true set in the AndroidManifest.xml, whereas ES File Explorer can probably back up any APK it finds via the package manager, regardless of the above attribute.

Following up, we should not ignore the new fullBackupContentattribute for theapplication tag for AndroidManifest.xml introduced in Android 6.0, and how that might affect the behaviour of adb backup

As much as I hate to say this, my Nexus 9 running 6.0.1 does not have such a problem with the mentioned command. It's rooted, however, and does not have a desktop backup password set up, and the device encryption is as default. There might a subtle thing here: You say your device is not encrypted, but in the pic of some KitKat device there, the desktop backup password is the device encryption password. Could you shed some light on the issue?

Also, what's your platform-tools version? I tried with the latest stable and the latest preview versions, as both work OK. I guess the take home message is: Moto devices don't run pure Android.

@TamoghnaChowdhury: Please join room here

Same problem here - this is how I fixed it on my side.
Preparations:
- Samsung Galaxy S5 on Android 6.0.1 (not rooted)
- adb v. 1.0.32 running under Windows 10 command line
- password set on the S5
I succeeded when using quotes for all switches:
adb backup "-apk -noshared -all -nosystem"
-> will prompt for the password and produce a backup.ab
To backup single apk using a custom file name:
adb backup -f all_apk_obb.ab "-apk -obb com.estrongs.android.pop"
Seems that the switch handling of adb is a bit weird in the latest releases.
I did that before and my old scripts are not working anymore.

Windows 10 and adb.exe version 1.0.31 works with extra parameters, if you put them in double quotes:
adb backup "-all -shared -system -apk" -f "e:\backup\samsung.ab"
also - notice, that "-f ..." should be outside. This worked for me.

It´s a known issue and it's still not solved:
https://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=212238

+1 for inputs that may be useful for other users. In my log I don't see this error and as mentioned in the question OS is 6.0.1

I don't have this cell phone, but you could try this:
On the "config -> security" is there an option "authorized agents" or something like that? And in that option, is there the option of a Backup agent?
Turn it on and test "adb backup" again.
Regards,

No i dont have it

If you are using widnows, try
adb backup "-apk -shared -all -nosystem" -f "moto.ab"

instead of
adb backup -apk -shared -all -nosystem -f moto.ab.


text:
Removing charging animation from the tablet installed in a car
I've bought a no-brand tablet based on Allwinner A33 CPU running Android 4.4.2 to be put as a media system in a car. This tablet has few specific features which makes it suitable for the task but the most important one is "Quick boot" mode which keeps tablet running while powered off and then booting it in a matter of seconds (4-5 seconds) so I don't have to wait for the whole system to boot (something similar to hibernation).
I'd also like to mention that I have a lot of knowledge working with the hardware and software but my question is purely software-related.
Since I want to keep tablet charged at all times (to power RTC and to enable quick boot feature) via 5V DC in plug, when I turn off the tablet normally or via quick boot it displays the charging animation.
What I have noticed is that there are two different animations:

When tablet is powered down normally it displays animation from the boot partition and it seems it's handled by the charger application which is also found in the same partition
When tablet is powered down via quick boot it displays similar animation but I'm unable to find where this is called from.

At first I thought it fetches animation images from the bootloader partition but when I remove those images animation is still playing. Then when browsing through the U-Boot code I've seen it also handles charging animation but I've recompiled and updated the U-boot but animation is still playing.
I've also noticed when tablet is turned off via quick boot option, it keeps Android system running because dmesg gets filled with messages from the healthd application regarding the status of the battery without interrupting even when the tablet is turned off.
Ideally, I'd like to completely avoid powering on screen while tablet is turned off (car is turned off) but I'm running out of options and thought to look for a help here.
Anyone has any idea regarding this matter?


text:
S3 mini won't boot up after flashing twrp custom recovery with Odin
After a successful root, I tried to install twrp custom recovery, so I downloaded the appropriate tar file and flashed it using Odin, but the device never entered recovery mode when I attempted to, it only showed the Samsung logo and freezed there, but it could boot up normally to the system, so I tried the adb command "reboot recovery", it rebooted and freezed at the Samsung logo again but this time it also did the same whenever I tried to boot up the system, I am sure this can be fixed but I don't know how, Please help.

You possibly flashed the wrong version of TWRP. Check the file/download it again and try flashing the correct file.

Would that get the device out of the boot loop? would it help to install cwm recovery instead?

I have 4 devices (1 S3 Mini) with TWRP and if you can't boot, then there is more than the recovery that may be broken. The recovery is independent from the OS, so it may or may not fix your issue. If you like, install CWM and flash a fresh ROM to fix your OS.

Many thanks, I have already done that, I used odin to flash the stock rom that I downloaded from sammobile.com, and it worked, but for my surprise, the device booted and nothing were lost but the root, everything was intact, sms, contacts. apps and everything!

I have solved my own problem, I downloaded the s3 mini stock rom from sammobile.com and extracted recovey.img from it and tried to convert it to .tar format using some batch that I found on the internet then flashed it using Odin, but the problem persisted, so i decided to flash the whole rom accepting the fact that I will be losing all of my data and messages, for my surprise, the device booted and nothing were lost but the root, everything was intact, sms, contacts. apps and everything!

I think your issue is trying to flash .tar instead of .img. TAR is just archive format, that actually contains the image you need to flash.


text:
How to Block Third Party Apps from Creative Spam Shortcuts on Home Screen?
It's either I had virus on my phone or some apps I installed lately started to add shortcuts on my home screen. These shortcuts look like apps and will take me to the download page of the apps. I like to block this behavior but I don't even know which app or virus is doing this. I like to know if there is a master switch to turn off this feature or if there is an app where I can monitor such activity. Thanks.

If it takes you to the download page then it's hard to tell. The Play Store creates shortcuts for launching installed apps but not for downloading apps. Go through the list of lately downloaded/updated apps and uninstall the ones that look suspicious (performance boosters, wallpapers and similar). Also make sure you are using the stock launcher and no third-party one.

Related: “Lucky try” & “Recommended” shortcuts always appear on homescreen, how to remove it?. See my answer there and here for how to find the responsible app. Once identified, report it to Google (this kind of ads is not permitted), leave a comment on its app page, and remove it from your device. Also remember its developer, and avoid apps from the same in the future.

@Izzy♦ hey I am using a samsung s7 and my application setting only shows permissions to camera, location, phone, sms, and storage.

@AeroWang Have you tried to check with aSpotCat? I don't know what "application setting" you are referring to, but aSpotCat shows more than that. // Btw: no need to quote the ♦ behind my nick (hover your mouse over it to find out what it stands for ;)

@lzzy cool, aSpotCat doesn't show any apps using shortcut creating permission, instead it shows almost all my apps under "unknown permission" tab...

I've noticed App Settings (Xposed) can check app permissions, but I failed to find any apps have the permission to INSTALL_SHORTCUT

Unfortunately INSTALL_SHORTCUT is not the only permission an app can use to create shortcuts on your home screen - especially if your shortcuts take you to "the download page of the apps." INSTALL_SHORTCUT usually only run once, but permissions like WRITE_INTERNAL_STORAGE can give an app unlimited power to run however many shortcuts on your screen - and direct you to ads to boost the developer's revenue. This is often seem for some non-playstore apps because they do not have to obey the rules from Google.

It would be nice if I can see which app created these shortcuts so I can remove it.


text:
need further info on how to recover a bricked Asus Transformer Pad TF300T
I've got the exact same problem as the fellow over at https://android.stackexchange.com/a/126418/170164
I'm not a programmer or developer by any means - only came across this site searching for an answer to the problem - but I'm pretty good at poking around & following instructions, and ultimately problem solving.
So I don't quite get some of the instructions in the answer provided.
Yes, I've got adb.  And I got the right drivers.  And I edited the Windows path so I can more easily use adb.
So here's the original answer:
If you can make your device appear in a PC, in recovery (teamwin) then just move the above file to a folder on the Transformer's SD card. Then on your device, pick "install update from sd" and find that file. Tap it, then wait. If it succeeds, you WILL be on CM 10.2 (Android 4.3) now, but its better than the alternative.
adb devices command does show my device in recovery
So, if I understand, I use the adb push command to move the file (which I saved in my downloads).  So, is this right?
adb push c:\locationofthefile\filename.zip /sdcard/filename.zip
(assuming lower/upper case doesn't matter?)
I got that far.  cmd is waiting on my next command.  I don't know how to access the device (since being able to access it, is, after all, what I'm trying to do here) in order to install the file from the sd card.  I assume it's something I have to do with adb, but haven't a clue where to start.
So, how do I follow the rest of the answer: "pick "install update from sd" and find that file. Tap it, then wait."  ???  Please help!

also - the firmware is zipped.  So will I have to somehow unzip it via adb before installing it from the sdcard?

Have you installed a custom recovery, or are you on the stock recovery? If you have teamwin recovery (TWRP), you can just select the zip file via the recovery GUI.

Thanks, Dan.  The screen is flashing Teamwin (it's stuck there).  Not sure what you mean by the "recovery GUI"?


text:
Notification email count instead of content
Subsequent email notifications state the number of unread emails instead of the content of each subsequent email.
I use Outlook for email. The first email will state who it is from and some content. After that, I get 2 unread messages and then 3 unread messages as the notification.
Any way to change this to the actual content of the message so I know which ones to ignore and which to pay attention to?

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


text:
How to factory reset a android sunrise
My Phone is an Lg Sunrise and it wont let me factory rest nor is the volume down and lock button working so what else could I do

Install the correct drivers for your device, and install 15-second adb installer from here.
Right-click in your ADB folder (usually in root of C:) and open a command line and input the following:
adb reboot bootloader

Check to see if the phone is in fastboot mode.
fastboot devices

If it doesn't show anything, wait a few seconds and try again.
Wipe the user data/cache.
fastboot -w


text:
Whatsapp "last seen" issue?
When I click on an individual chat and it reads "last seen at 8:30," does that mean that is that last time they looked at our chat?

"Last seen at XX:XX" shows when they last were using Whatsapp, not necessarily in your chat.

As WhatsApp FAQ say:

Last seen refers to the last time the contact used WhatsApp.


text:
lost all photo in mobile in samsung galaxy core 2
I have a phone name Samsung galaxy core2, my problem is my all photo is save in SD card but it is not showing in the gallery I have even try to remove the SD
card n restart it but then also it is not showing any photo n then I again insert SD card n restart it this process I have done near by 5 time but then also photo is not showing in gallery, please try to help in collecting my all important photos.
Thank you
angle.

First of all check your pictures in file manager. If they are deleted from there too than there is a app which can recover deleted pics or you can recover your pics through computer. Here are both methods.
Through App

Root your Device
Download these app  "Undelete recover files and data"
Allow root access and recover your photos.

Through PC

Download Recuva
Use a memory card reader or connect your Smartphone to PC
Open Recuva and choose your SD card
It will show you all things which can be recoverd.


text:
Android software corrupting again and again
i'm using micromax unite 2 mobile for about 1.5 year. After just more than 1 year of its usage its software got corrupt. As the warranty was over so i had to spend money to get it repaired from micromax care. But then after 1 month its soffware again got corrupt. So again had to spend money to get it repaired. Then again after 20 days its software was corrupted. Please tell me why my mobile's software is corrupting again and again?

What exactly do you mean by "its software got corrupt"? What were the symptoms?

Dan- its software got corrupt means mobile stuck on logo screen, stuck in boot loop. The time when we need to flash a new ROM.

I am also a unite 2 user and i had faced this problem. However i repaired it myself. May be the problem is with your ROM. Micromax customer care service is of worst level so leave them. Here is a fixe.

Flash a new stock ROM. Download ROM And installation guide from here

Flash ROM with the help of SP flash tool and format your device before flashing(its easy)

Subhnish the link you gave me would work if android 4.4 is installed. But on my phone android 5.0 is installed so could you give me guide on how to get kitkat from lollipop and are u sure the ROM is the main problem of software corrupting and again.

Hi yadwinder, Your problem is "software corrupting" which means its related to software., and i can say with confidence that flashing ROM is the best option right now. However you can find any type of ROM on google, but here i am giving a link of Lollipop ROM.  "http://www.droidgyan.com/update-lollipop/".

As your warranty is over, you may push custom recovery and flash a custom or stock room in your unite 2. You can get all the resources @forum.xdadevelopers.com. Trust me I have flashed my phone and bricked it hundreds of time experimenting and didn't spend a rupee on it


text:
What Does "[UID]" appended to a root request mean?
I recently got a root request that came up as "Greenify [UID]". This looked suspicious to me as I usually get greenify requests as just "Greenify". I have tried to contact the developer of Greenify and I have yet to get a reply. Could someone clarify what "[UID]" means?

UID is the "User ID" assigned to an app.
On Android, each app runs on a separate user (for sandboxing). So on install, the system "creates" a UID/GID (UserID/GroupID) pair for new apps, which is what they are identified by. This is also used for file permissions, to ensure private data of an app stay private (and no other app can simply access them; see our file-permissions tag-wiki for details).

At install time, Android gives each package a distinct Linux user ID. The identity remains constant for the duration of the package's life on that device. On a different device, the same package may have a different UID; what matters is that each package has a distinct UID on a given device.

(Source: Android package security)
For further details, please take a look at:

How can I find app name by UID?
Where is user/group id info stored on Android and how do I inerpret it?
What is the GID/UID of the system on Android?
How UID of an app determined during install in Android?
Android security part 1: application signatures & permissions


text:
i have a samsung galaxy s6 edge dont have google password
i have the galaxy S6 Edge don't  know google account password is there anything i can do to use the phone the phone says there was an unauthorized factory reset i purchased the phone second hand and can no longer find the person i purchased the phone from

You need to flash new ROM using Odin. Before you do it, wipe the /system and /data partition. If this don't helps, you probably need to take your phone to service.


text:
Enable asking to send crash report once answered with No
One of my app users had a crash when starting the app. The first time when he was asked "Send Crash Report?", he answered No.
Now it's almost impossible to get to information about the bug, because after new crashes (now every time when he tries to start the app), he isn't asked again whether he want's to send a report.
Is there a way to somehow reset his "No" answer so he gets asked again?
He already tried:

delete cache of the app
force close the app
restart the phone
delete cache of Google Play app

Note: I don't have something like Crashlytics or ACRA in the app. Only plain default reports to Google Play, which worked quite well so far.
User's phone has Android 5.1 installed.


text:
Recovering lost or stolen phone using IMEI
I have lost my android phone please help me find its location. I have tried to recover it but all in vain.
What can I do to recover it back using
IMEI ?

Call your provider.  They have support teams whose entire purpose is to find lost phones.


text:
How to set home launcher in Android 7.0 Nougat and 8.0 Oreo
I could not find the way to set/change the default launcher in Android N (Nexus 6P). I think it is not there. Any help?

Changing the default launcher in Android O (as of 8.0 DP 1)

Go into the Settings app
Go to "Apps & Notifications"
Go to "Default apps"
Press "Home app"

Alternatively, you can just search inside the settings app for "Home."

Changing the default launcher in Android Nougat

Go into the Settings app
Go to "Apps"
Press the settings gear in the top-right (not the triple-dot)
Scroll down and press "Home app"

Alternatively, you can just search inside the settings app for "Home."
source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpXBDnSIeiM

Changing the default launcher in Android Marshmallow

Go into the Settings app
Scroll down, and under the "Device" header you'll see "Home"
Go into that and you'll be able to change your home launcher

Changing the default launcher in Android Lollipop

Go into the Settings app
Scroll down, and under the "Device" header you'll see "Home"
Go into that and you'll be able to change your home launcher

Changing the default launcher in Android KitKat

Go into the Settings app
Scroll down, and under the "Device" header you'll see "Home"
Go into that and you'll be able to change your home launcher

Changing the default launcher in Android (pre-KitKat 4.4)
You'll need a third-party app to change between home screens. One of the best ("Home Switch") is available here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.uk.captainstu72.homeswitch

@TungD.Nguyen I realized my answer was incorrect and I remade the answer with the actual information. Sorry about that :|. So look at my answer again, it's right now.

Thanks! I found that the search function in my settings does not work. But your answer helps.

@TungD.Nguyen Glad it helped!

I have never seen this "Home" option before.

@MarkYisri On the bottom of the  left image here: http://beebom.redkapmedia.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Android-N-vs-Android-Marshmallow-Settings.jpg . There you can see Marshmallow has a setting for home while Nougat does not.

No settings gear in latest version of Android Nougat for the answer below......... And searching for "home" in settings don't find the home app either. Changing the default launcher in Android Nougat Go into the Settings appGo to "Apps"Press the settings gear in the top-right (not the triple-dot)Scroll down and press "Home app" Alternatively, you can just search inside the settings app for "Home."

@Nickum that might already have switched to "Oreo style".

Installing another launcher will cause Android to ask you which one you want when you hit the Home button.


text:
How to see all the purchased apps in google play store
I have purchased several apps on Google Play Store. I've installed a new ROM, and I want to reinstall the purchased apps. Is there any way to see only purchased apps in play store.
I know that there is a way to see all the previously installed apps, but is there any filter to list only the purchased apps?

Go to  Playstore menu → Account → Order history,  you will find all details of purchases made using the linked  account. Click on the apps you wish to install from there and you are done
Edit: Added additional pics to depict the process, seeing that there are answers saying it cannot be done (App chosen is purchased but currently not installed)

Using the web you can filter for just apps https://play.google.com/store/account?purchaseFilter=apps

Yes, but not with the Play Store app, but check out the apps called My Paid Apps or Purchased Apps and there may be others but I am unaware of them, either should be exactly what you are looking for.
As another user posted it can be done via the web page, but not the app on the device.

@beeshyams No, your method shows all purchases including music, books, movies, in-game purchases, etc., not all purchased apps only which my method will allow you to since the apps I listed have the ability to sort and filter all purchases.

@acejavelin- Thanks for the clarification- I have never purchased anything else (apart from apps), so it didn't occur to me +1

@beeshyams Trust me, they are there, I have purchased around 40 apps over the years, and hundreds of songs, even free music shows up in your order history, books, etc. :)

Using the account page on the web you can filter for just apps from all purchases.
https://play.google.com/store/account?purchaseFilter=apps. On an android device open the link with a browser instead of the Play Store. The Play Store app cannot filter apps from other purchases.
From the web you can also install apps on any devices connected with your account.


text:
Opening incognito tab in chrome when swiping on chrome icon?
As you all know that Nova Launcher allows assigning swipe actions to icons on home screen. For example I have attached the swipe action on the dialer to call home directly.
Now I am trying to assign the activity to chrome so that when I swipe the chrome icon it opens the chrome in incognito mode.
I have tried assigning the activities from chrome but it does not have separate incognito function.
So I was wondering to any of you guys know anything of this sort can be done.

I don't believe this is possible. According to this Reddit post it is not possible when writing an app as the Chrome code ignores the request if it is not Chrome initiating it, so an app or user cannot trigger the incognito tab. I assume the same applies when trying to launch the activity 'manually'.

So what these are doing, is checking whether the intent should be ignored based on whether it is the user or chrome performing the action. They make this determination based on whether there is a token from a signed Google app. So unless there is a way to trick find that token and figure out how to attach it to Tasker I don't think it'll work.

I found a way to do it by going into swipe action: then to the shortcuts tab: Activities at the top of the list: scroll all the way to find chrome: and tap on (com.google.android.apps.chrome.main)


text:
"Unfortunately ... has stopped"
I'm dealing with a brand-new Samsung Galaxy J5 and various apps and services keep crashing, making the phone all but unusable. It's German but these are the services that are stopping:

Kontaktspeicher angehalten (contact storage)
Kontakte angehalten
Weather Daemon angehalten
Bevorzugte Kontakte angehalten (preferred contacts)
Dual-Uhr angehalten (dual clock)
Uhr angehalten (clock)
Download-Manager angehalten
LogsProvider angehalten
Medienspeicher angehalten (media storage)
Adapt Sound angehalten

Device details:

Samsung Galaxy J5, SM-J500FN
Android v5.1.1
Kernel v3.10.49
Build number LMY48B.J500FNXXU1AOI6
rooted (so I can use Titanium Backup) and running SuperSU; using stock recovery

Based on Google results and site searches here, I have already tried the following without success:

Simply reboot the phone.
Free up some space. (this is an 8GB model and there's at least 1GB still free)
Don't disable any packages. (after the most recent factory reset, the Samsung package disabler isn't even installed.)
In Settings > Application Manager > (app name), clear the cache and clear the app data; repeat for all affected apps; also for the Google Play Store and for Google Play Services; then restart the phone.
Update the applications via the Google Play Store app. (This fails for any and all apps because the Download Manager keeps crashing.)
In Settings > Application Manager > Android System WebView, uninstall updates, then restart the phone. (Version is now reverted to 43.0.2357.121 and was 51.0.2704.81 which I first made a backup of using Titanium Backup.)
Connecting to Samsung Kies software in Windows 7. (This probably fails due to a constant stream of media storage crashes while Kies tries to connect to the phone.)
Wipe the phone using factory reset.

I would like to re-flash the original stock Samsung ROM on the phone so I could return it to real factory default state, but finding the real Samsung ROM is a jungle of Russian and suspicious paid websites that I don't want to dive into, and it's compounded by the multitude of Samsung Galaxy devices. (Update: thanks to Thomas, the link to the original ROMs is here but the downloads only work using IE. I will now try re-flashing the ROM and see if that helps.)
(I'm beginning to regret getting my wife a Samsung rather than a Google Nexus model, but she wanted a physical home button. Why does Samsung manufacture so many different models?)

I recommend you to flash the stock firmware on your device.
As you said you didn't know where to download firmwares for Samsung devices; I'll give you some information.
Personally I always use a site called Sammobile. They host every firmware made by Samsung. The firmwares are 100% stock and won't trigger Knox. You will need to register an account on their website, but it's free.
You can download the firmware for your device here. The firmware can be flashed by using a Windows application called Odin (download link in the guide below).
When the firmware is downloaded, flash it on your phone. Here are the steps:

Extract the firmware
Download Odin 3.11.1.
Extract the Odin zip file.
Open Odin.
Reboot your phone to download mode by holding the home, power and volume down buttons. Release only the power button when at the Samsung logo, and release all of them when you see a green Android robot. Then press volume up to accept the warning and you'll see DOWNLOADING.
Connect the phone to your PC, Odin should now see your device.
Add the firmware file to AP/PDA. (The "not responding" is normal, just wait).
Make sure re-partition is not checked.
Click the start button. The flashing can take some time.

Note: The firmware will not factory reset your phone, so if your phone is stuck booting, don't worry. Just boot to the recovery mode, do a factory reset and reboot the device.

Thank you for that direct link! (I'm familiar with Odin.) One question though: there's a ROM available for 3 different network providers, but I bought this phone from Amazon and not from a provider. Should I still pick the ROM that matches my provider, or is there also a "provider-free" version that I don't see?

@TorbenGundtofte-Bruun The provider or country shouldn't matter, but if you choose one with a provider, you'll probably get some pre-installed apps.

One more question: there are two ROMs available for the same provider, with the same Android version (screenshot) --> which one should I choose? Google tells me that #1234# would reveal my phone's PDA code, but I can't open the phone app due to the crashes.

@TorbenGundtofte-Bruun It shouldn't matter which one you choose. The one at the top is the newest.

@TorbenGundtofte-Bruun If you're interested in the firmware codes: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1356325&page=6

Sammobile: "Your download will start after the sponsored video" ... and nothing loads, regardless of browser. Just my luck. I'll try another computer.

@TorbenGundtofte-Bruun I just checked, but I can't download anything either. Very strange.. Other people are also having this issue: http://www.sammobile.com/forum/showthread.php?t=31585 This is the first time it didn't work for me.

For what it's worth, the forum you linked to suggested to use IE and I must admit that it works with IE - but it was also a horrible reminder of why I don't ever use IE, and why I normally use an ad-blocker. Holy cow.


text:
Compatibility problems with x86 phone?
I have read this and this question and I want to ask for some elaboration.
I'm considering buying an x86 phone. I have some questions regarding compatibility issues.

I know that the majority of normal (non-root) apps will work without issue on x86, but I understand that there are exceptions. Apparently some apps use native ARM functions. How common is this? What are some examples of popular apps that won't run on x86? Can I get an idea of how widespread this problem will be?
Is it true that root apps are less likely to run than normal ones? How widespread is incompatibility with x86 in root apps?
I know that Xposed Framework can work on x86, but what about the modules? Are many of them incompatible with x86? If yes, how common is it?

Have you checked in the forums for various x86 devices, such as the Zenfone 2? I know on XDA they maintain a thread on app compatibility, in general most things work. "Root" privelage apps are about the same, most work fine, there are a handful that do not. My experience with Xposed on x86 devices is limited, but the one device we tried it on didn't fair well, out of about 4 or 5 modules we tried it was a 50/50 split. TBH, if you are getting into Xposed, why not just use a custom ROM?

@acejavelin Yeah, see my comment on the accepted answer and the answer I myself just made. My experience is pretty much the same as what you said in this comment. Regarding custom ROM, I actually think the stock firmware is pretty decent. I like the UI. It has native Greenify-like functionality. A bit much bloatware, maybe, but that's easy to remove.

It's mostly games that might be incompatible with x86.  Typically, apps have no reason to use the NDK unless they has special performance or graphics requirements, and their libraries might only be built for ARM.
I don't believe that apps using root are typically incompatible, it's rooting apps — since they often rely on platform-specific binaries/exploits.  Root apps are not inherently different in how they are coded than others apart from requesting elevated privileges via su.
Unfortunately I am not familiar with Xposed support for x86, but I believe the answer should be similar to #2.  Xposed mostly functions by injecting itself into Android's platform framework, which is Java rather than native libraries.  I would advise you to be careful with backups and making sure your device is relatively easy to flash if you need to restore everything to stock.

FWIW, the guys at XDA have done a lot of testing and reported on which Xposed modules work. It looks like most modules work.

I did buy it. So far, all apps * (root or not) and six out of eight Xposed modules I have tried  have worked. This is a somewhat small sample, because I haven't tested any apps I don't use myself. These are just the apps I personally use:
* = Update: Pokémon Go does not work on x86 at the moment.
Some working root apps

Adaway
BusyBox installer by Meefik
f.lux
Linux Deploy
OS Monitor
Root Browser
Root Checker

Some working Xposed Modules

Gesture Navigation
Network Speed Indicator
NoSafeVolumeWarning
YouTube AdAway
YouTube Background Playback
YoutubeSwipeToSeek

Some NON-working Xposed Modules
(I don't know if this has anything to do with x86, may also be Lollipop incompatibility? No idea.)

Notification Mod
Rootcloak

The guys at XDA have done much more extensive testing in this thread.


text:
Youtube app black and laggy transitions. S5 plus g901f
Maybe someone know where is the problem?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34Z5zNCSlyc
As you can see, video box is all black and transition is not smooth.
Even on my old s3 it's smooth as a butter.

Looks perfectly fine to me. Not sure what you're seeing as a problem. The app works, plays videos and seems to transition just fine. In any case, try uninstalling the app and installing it again to see if that suits your needs. Good luck!


text:
Clash of clans not compatible with honor 4c
I m not able to install clash of clans on my new honor 4c please help me to install it.I search the name of COC but I don't get any.

Try following the Play Store link:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.supercell.clashofclans&hl=en

Can you also tell me link for clash royal.


text:
How do I transfer data from a android phone to a mac?
I have a sony xperia z5, and I need to transfer five videos, from this phone to my mac, so that I can edit them. Problem is, I don't know how to.

Welcome to the Android Enthusiasts! Please start with our file-transfer tag-wiki. The links there should answer your question :)

You can send emails containing the videos on your phone and then download them on your Mac.
Or you can use bluetooth to share from phone to mac.
Or you can transfer with an app that can connect phone to Mac without USB.

I would, and do, put Dropbox on my devices. Let it handle the hard work related to the file transfer.
Dropbox for Android from Google Play.
Dropbox for iOS from iTunes.


text:
Strange text message
#tps#16#tpe# if you don't need time for error correction, #lks#click here#lke#. What is this??

Where are you seeing this? Is this a list of SMS messages or something else? It just looks like some badly composed spam.

Yes it qas in a sms message and today i got a text that just says status but it looks like i sent it to myself but the # it shows from is 111-3001. Is someone doing some type of ping test on me or what?

I wouldn't click on ANY link from someone that I don't know.  You are asking for trouble!


text:
How can I hide the most visited sites on New Tap page in Chrome?
When I open a new tab in Chrome I get a new tab that shows the google search bar and a list of the most recent visited tabs.
How do I hide all these recent visited sites without having to remove every entry manually?

Both answers no longer appear to work in Chrome 86 for Android.

Closest I've seen is a blank homepage https://android.stackexchange.com/questions/189074/android-chrome-browser-how-to-make-it-always-open-to-blank-page-and-new-tab-o

Enter chrome://flags in the address bar
Scroll down to Show popular sites on the New Tab page
Change the setting from default to Disabled
Relaunch Chrome

Didn't seem to do it, perhaps this only hides the initially populated popular links, not the most visited

I can't find this option @deb

Enter chrome://flags in the address bar
Search for "#explore-sites"
Change the setting from default to Disabled
Relaunch Chrome

Didn't seem to be enough at this point anymore...


text:
Mounting SD card as USB drive on Windows PC (Marshmallow)
Since its beginnings, crappy Android has made it difficult for users to achieve the very basic feature of mounting the SD storage of the phone as a USB drive, when the phone is connected to a PC by cable. You can see the phone and SD under My Computer, but not as a USB drive that apps can access. My workaround to this embarrassing shortcoming has been an app that did just that but that only works on a rooted phone - which my new Marshmallow Android phone is not. Is there any other workaround?

Do you have a SD card slot in your computer?

Not a micro SD slot . Plus I would like to be able to access the card as a drive letter while connecting the phone to the PC via cable

Goggling threw this option mentioned here

Similar Question: Drive letter for MTP connection under Windows

As you said, it's possible only if your device is rooted..
Google no longer supports USB Mass Storage Mode due to several reasons, since JellyBean.
However, there are softwares for PC that virtually shows & provides access to the device (connected in MTP mode) as a Removable Storage USB Drive, like for example, MTPdrive (as @beeshyams commented); no root access required in device. But it's just a virtual round-about connection, hence it'll be slower than UMS & even MTP mode..
Or try WiFi USB Disk - Smart Disk, which also virtually shows your device as a USB Drive (through WiFi). Or you can do that yourself using file servers by mapping a network drive to your device.
To get your device's memory card actually mounted as a real UMS device, the only way is to root your device..
There are many root apps that would help you enable UMS. Some of them are:

Multi Mount SD-Card ( Lite | Pro )
USB Mass Storage Enabler (an app created by me)
USB Sharer ( Free | Full )
SD Card as USB Drive ( Free )

Note: Some apps require you to disable SELinux (that is, setting SELinux mode to 'Permissive' by setenforce 0 command)

Might also help: Using SMB server without root access


text:
Android x86 Won't boot up
I am trying to install Android-x86 6.0 marshmallow on Oracle Virtual Box. I was experiencing difficulty installing, but I read elsewhere to change the grub from android_x86 to x86, which I did with little to no difficulty, and successfully installed it.
On bootup, it gives the message: Failed to find cpu0 device node, but it keeps going. When it gets to the A N D R O I D message, it stops, unlike all the tutorials floating around on the internet.

I am a total beginner to android, so help would be appreciated. Thanks!

You can get a little further by using Grubs 'edit, e' key and adding debug DEUBG=1
That will give you a linux shell, and kernel debug messages.
Also, you can force by choosing the resident option and replacing USB_PARTITION=1 with INSTALL=2
http://support.jide.com/hc/en-us/articles/222974048-How-to-install-Remix-OS-for-PC-single-boot-on-hard-disk-

You must choose to install grub with the system.
In the grub menu press 'e' to edit the boot command, press 'e' again to edit the first command which starts with "kernel".
 Append this:
 nomodeset

to the and of the command and press Enter to save, finally press 'b' to boot from the modified command and it will boot up successfully.
I tried this with CM 14.1 and Android 7.1 images and it works after I had the same problem with VMWare Workstation 14.