text:
Can anyone explain all these Developer Options?
Can anyone explain these developer options?

Force GPU rendering
Disable non-rectangular clip ops
Force 4X MSAA
Disable HW overlays

What are the possible effects that can be seen in my device by disabling/enabling them? [Note: I've found other options by Google-ing but not these.]
Do the developer settings affect battery life by using lower animation speeds (all to 2x precisely) or higher animation speeds (0.5x precisely) at the expense of user experience?

Please keep in mind these are Developer options, and may be of no use, or have a negative impact on the performance of your device.
Force GPU rendering
The GPU is the Graphics Processing Unit. It's very much like the CPU, but instead of crunching numbers and taking care of tasks for the operating system and hardware, the GPU renders graphical information and puts it on the screen for you.
The CPU can process graphical instructions just fine, but doing so takes time away from doing other computations, and can lead to lag while graphical instructions are processed
In Ice Cream Sandwich onwards, developers (or power users) are given the option to force apps to use GPU rendering, whether that bit is on or off in the app's manifest. This does not necessarily make the app faster, and may cause issues.

Disable non-rectangular clip ops
This is too technical for me to explain in great detail. Basically a "canvas" is used for drawing. The source Code for Android contains this:
/**
     * Turn on to **debug non-rectangular clip operations**.
     *
     * Possible values:
     * "hide", to disable this debug mode
     * "highlight", highlight drawing commands tested against a non-rectangular clip
     * "stencil", renders the clip region on screen when set
     *
     * @hide
     */
    public static final String DEBUG_SHOW_NON_RECTANGULAR_CLIP_PROPERTY =
            "debug.hwui.show_non_rect_clip";

You could turn it off to create unusual (non rectangular) canvas areas. See here for more details on this
As  per @IanNi-Lewis points out in his comment:

It's probably worth pointing out that "non-rectangular clip regions" is a little misleading. It should be "clip regions that aren't screen-aligned rectangles." If you have a rectangular clip region that's rotated by some non-multiple of 90 degrees, then it goes down the same slow path as a clip region shaped like a donut or what have you. (The "slow path" uses the stencil buffer, and probably doesn't need to be as slow as it is; it's a good area for future optimization.)

Force 4X MSAA
Force 4x MSAA  does not require a rooted device. This option does the same as any Anti Aliasing filter in PC games - smooths out all the pixelization and provides better rendering, which means better looking graphics. Users should know that this function is only recommended for devices that have GPU capable of native MSAA support.
From Wikipedia:

In signal processing and related disciplines, aliasing is an effect that causes different signals to become indistinguishable (or aliases of one another) when sampled. It also refers to the distortion or artifact that results when the signal reconstructed from samples is different from the original continuous signal.

Disable HW overlays
Without a hardware overlay every application that is displaying things on the screen will share video memory and will have to constantly check for collision and clipping to render a proper image, this can cost a lot of processing power. With a hardware overlay each application gets its own portion of video memory, getting rid of the need to check for collision and clipping.
As @DanHulme put it: Windows in Android are always composited rather than rendered into shared video memory. Normally, SurfaceFlinger uses the GPU for composition, but it will use a hardware overlay when that's possible, which is faster and uses less battery. Disabling overlays means it will always use GPU rendering. It's only useful for debugging system integration or HW video decode: even app developers don't need to turn on this option

4xMSAA might not actually be slower. On certain GPUs such as Mali-400, the speed difference between 4xMSAA and no anti-aliasing is negligible because of how fragment shaders execute. It's also worth mentioning that this only affects GLES applications, and won't make text and icons in normal apps any crisper.

I don't think your description of HW overlays is correct. Windows in Android are always composited rather than rendered into shared video memory. Normally, SurfaceFlinger uses the GPU for composition, but it will use a hardware overlay when that's possible, which is faster and uses less battery. Disabling overlays means it will always use GPU rendering. It's only useful for debugging system integration or HW video decode: even app developers don't need to turn on this option.

I'm away from my PC I'll edit as soon as I can, got a bit muddled. Or feel free to edit

Well updating to use gpu processing made the se app not crash on this question :-)

@RossC - Thank you for the answer. Everything is okay except 'Disable HW overlays'. Could you expand it for me? And 'Disable non-rectangular clip ops' is way too technical for me to understand as I'm not a developer. I've added one more point in my question. Check it out.

@DanHulme - Thank you too... for clarification.

Updated answer now, however, @MANI I don't know if I can answer what effects the battery more with the animation speed. The screen being on uses so much battery that it loading a quick animation at half speed or twice the speed would only have a negligible effect AFAIK. Unless anyone can advise me on that in more detail. Really the screen uses so much battery that most other things really don't matter once it is on (excluding very intensive games etc obviously)

@Ross I don't think it has a huge effect on battery just some battery saving like in Windows wherein we disable the Transparent graphics(I.e. Aero theme is suggested to disable for improving battery time)

@RossC it's probably worth pointing out that "non-rectangular clip regions" is a little misleading. It should be "clip regions that aren't screen-aligned rectangles." If you have a rectangular clip region that's rotated by some non-multiple of 90 degrees, then it goes down the same slow path as a clip region shaped like a donut or what have you. (The "slow path" uses the stencil buffer, and probably doesn't need to be as slow as it is; it's a good area for future optimization.)

@IanNi-Lewis whew, this is getting very technical. Many thanks for your input, I have posted what you said (with credit) into the answer directly. Much appreciated!

So when we say that "Disable HW overlays", then does that mean that application (eg. VLC player) should have code support so as to make it possible to run it on GPU insted of CPU OR does the android internally converts the CPU specific code into GPU understandable code?

@shingaridavesh as far as I understand it, this is done at an OS level so, in theory, requires no extra code. Disable HW Overlays doesn't force any rendering as far as I can tell. I am open to corrections though.


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Samsung Galaxy S3 (i9300) "no network" issue
I bought my phone from a friend and I am the second user. It was rooted and was in modified status (when I checked About->device->status) but working fine and had zero issues. So yesterday I wanted to install a new ROM to get android 4.3 as what I had was android 4.1.2.
I installed this Omega Rom (version is v58 - XXUGNB6).
Now everything is working fine except the calling feature, phone is fast as well but when I try to make a call it says

"Not Registered on Network"

This was working fine before, and a friend has the same ROM installed and it works fine without any problems at all. Even calling is working fine.
What can I do to recover my phone? How can I unroot it? Does anyone know why I would be seeing this message?
UPDATE
I have found now that IMEI (under the battery) no of the device does not match with the IMEI I get when typing *#06#
The IMEI I get when dial *#06# starts with 004999 but the IMEI under the battery starts with 355994.
I flashed using ODIN again what I thought was the stock ROM. But it's not the original ROM which was in the mobile before, please find the below screenshot.
I read here as well : http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/general/ref-imei-efs-stuff-i9300-including-t2393289/

related/duplicate question: https://android.stackexchange.com/questions/81462/samsung-galaxy-s3-installed-omega-rom-not-detecting-the-sim

That IMEI is invalid. You need to check how to restore your original IMEI; I've read that case a couple of times with Samsung devices, if I remember correctly it had to do with some /efs partition specific to Samsung devices which sometimes gets corrupted when flashing custom ROMs. A Google search on samsung efs imei should get you started.

Tnx a lot, can you also share a link to do the flashing without using nodin tool. here the same issue is explained. http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s2/general/guide-recover-imei-9-steps-t1264021

source: Stack Exchange

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

sort: votes


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Why does phone has 2 different IPs
When I check my IP at whatismyip.com (for example) I cab see my IP is 109.253.X.X.
When I type netcfg at the phone's terminal I can see the line

rmnet0    UP 10.229.X.X

And indeed when I try out apps like "Droid IP Camera" it listens on 10.229.X.X (rmnet0 interface).
Is it a NAT configuration 3G uses? if so, how can I make apps like "Droid IP Camera" (this app is only given as an example) work over 3G?
Thank you.

Is it a NAT configuration 3G uses?

Yes, I believe most - if not all - carriers use NAT.

if so, how can I make apps like "Droid IP Camera" (this app is only given as an example) work over 3G?

You will probably need to ask your carrier to provide you with an external IP address.

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


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Does having CWM mean bootloader is unlocked?
I flashed CWM using Rom Manager. Does this mean that my Galaxy S4 bootloader is unlocked?
I'm using Samsung Galaxy S4 (SGH-I337M) (Canadian Telus)

Not per se. You can flash any recovery you like without unlocking the bootloader, but you need to unlock it to boot the recovery. If you flashed CWM and you can boot it, it shows that the bootloader is unlocked.

what do you mean that I can boot it?  I press power volume down and home button and go to cwm recovery(the black page) then I can do Nandroid backup and restore factory reset ...  so I guess it means that I have booted into cwm right?

its weird because I didn't try to unlock bootloader I used odin and CF-Auto-Root-jfltecan-jfltevl-sghi337m to root my phone. it didn't ask me if I want to unlock it or not.

Your first comment is exactly what Dan meant: booting into recovery brings you to CWM – so yes, your bootloader seems to be unlocked.


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Where is the data for S Health stored?
I'm making a personal fitness tracker but I want to grab the days for sleep and heartbeat that gets stored on s health.  Where is this stored in the filesystem (maybe an SQL lite db)?


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Download google offline map from PC?
I have an android device that has no internet connection.
Is there a way to download a google map for a certain region from my PC, and then copy this map to my android device so that I can use it offline there?
Specifically, I want the full map of Cuba, with all zoom levels.

related: http://android.stackexchange.com/q/81692/6813

You can not use Google Maps in offline mode according to its description. There are some tutorials in the Internet like these Google Maps Offline but are not recommended as it lasts only for 30 days in your device according to the tutorial. So looking at alternatives we have this app called Maps.Me which is totally as good as Google Maps. I have this app for myself. Try it.

I can second MANI (though I use a different app as replacement). Google Maps so-called "offline-mode" is rather a very limited fake. Luckily there are plenty of alternatives. For more, you're welcome to check my list on Navigation apps.


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HTC One Messages app extremely slow, but just when I text one person!
My friend (who texts me a lot of pictures of his kids) sent me a barrage of pictures and one video. Ever since then, texting him is excruciatingly slow. These things happen:

Just getting our text thread to open takes much longer.
When typing, some words get stuck and I have to wait until the word is completed.
When I do get the text written and hit send, the message disappears for a little while, then it appears, but as not sent yet, and then  after 30 seconds, finally sends.

Texting all other people is just as quick as it ever was.
I'm wondering if it's because I've got so many pictures in the thread? Can't think of anything else.
I'm deleting some pictures, to see if it helps, and I think I might try clearing the app's cache, but I'm not sure what that does.

Just tried clearing my Messages apps cache. When I click 'Clear cache' button. Nothing happens. However, it says my cache only has 52kb in it anyway...so... back to the drawing board?

If you're reluctant to delete the entire thread, you could (patiently) scroll back and remove some/all of the media he sent.

I did end up deleting the entire thread and it solved the problem.

Might be a small bug because it is specific to only one contact. Hoping you've saved all the stuff you want from that thread, delete the thread/whole conversation. If you don't mind delete the contact also by writing his number somewhere. Now start fresh again by creating the contact again and see what happens. Comment.

I was having the exact same problem.  After reading this question, I deleted the entire thread (which took my phone about 3 minutes) and it solved the problem.  What a relief.

I have this same issue on my HTC One. Significant lag in a group text thread that has a lot of stuff (lots of messages and lots of pictures), and when texts are coming in, they're coming one after another.
Deleting the thread solves the issue until it gets big again. It seems like the app really struggles with a thread that gets too "heavy".


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How to configure VPN using pcf profile and custom certificate
I want to connect the VPN of my university with my Android device.
My university provides a .pem certificate, a .pcf profile and instructions how to set up the vpn connection under a "normal" GNU/Linux distribution - on Arch Linux this works perfectly.
On my Android phone I tried the built-in connection manager and the "anyconnect ics+" app by Cisco, but I'm stuck:
Basically I can't import the profile: the built-in app doesn't provide any form for this; the Cisco app only allows xml-profiles (which is strange as I want to use a Cisco technology...).
The Cisco client doesn't even allow me to import the certificate: when importing it asks for a password, but I don't know why. For the built-in app I could convert the .pem to a .crt file (issuing the command openssl x509 -inform PEM -outform DER -in chain-dtag-dfn-uni.pem -out chain-dtag-dfn-uni.crt) and import the converted certificate.
Do you know other ways or other apps that allow me to connect to the VPN?
(I use Android 4.4.2 on a Samsung SIII Neo.)

Is your device rooted? Then it would be possible to add the certificate as "trusted system certificate". Alternatively, you could try a different VPN app.


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New Nexus 4 download issue
I try to save a .mp3 attachment from an email in hotmail.com. it loops and drained my battery. It continues to loop even phone restarts. I forced it to stop via download manager. is it only my phone or is it some unfixed bugs in download manager?

Sometimes the download manager won't clear its cache, goto settings/apps/download manager and clear data (cache will be cleared as well). It won't erase any already downloaded items, but the items trying to download. If you can, run a logcat, to get an idea of what is going wrong. Good luck!!


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Bootloader unlocked
Rooted samsung galaxy s4 using odin& CF Auto root. Then flashed CWM using rom manager. Now I can go to CWM  recovery mode (using power+volume up+ home) . I can get NAndroid backup. Does this mean that I have unlocked my bootloader?
After a lot of googling I think I should use ADB 'fast root in order to unlock bootloader. but since I'm already booting cwm in recovery mode others say I'm alreay unlocked!!!
 the method I used from http://autoroot.chainfire.eu/ isn't for unlocking its for rooting. please explain Thanks.
actually now that I read  the instruction in chainfire website don't understand why rooting worked for me he has a warning that using those auto root files on a locked bootloader will brick the phone!!!

Welcome to the Android Enthusiasts! If you want to add details to your question, please don't do so via comments; you can always [edit] your question ;) Apart from that: Was that you asking the same question yesterday? CWM installed does it mean bootloader is unlocked?

Lost that account.had registered it with an email that doesn't exist:(

No reason to re-post as duplicate. You can always contact staff asking to have that account "merged" into your current one. If you can provide them the registration details (to prove it's yours), they usually do.

@Izzy can you read the question again please? I have changed it

I can't help you with that, Sam. But I strongly suggest to contact staff to get your accounts merged, to avoid duplication you could update your original question then. Might cause some confusion otherwise, with details spread across multiple locations ;)

@izzy done that already.hopefully they will do that soon

Shouldn't take too long, give it a few days at max.

Not necessarily, just because you rooted your android device doesn't mean that you unlock the bootloader. You must understand that is very different root from unlock bootloader and they have different uses too.
Root your phone means that now you have the sudo permission(admin permission) and you are able to manage your android as you want. Remove stock apps, edit the system files (that is dangerous if you doesn't know what you're doing!) and lot of new possibilities.
boot unlock your phone means that you can install a custom recovery boot, like the most knows: ClockWorkMod (CWM) and TeamWin Recovery Project. And also be able to install a custom ROM like CyanogenMod, Paranoid, or other Android Open Source Project (AOSP) ROM.

As different devices have diferent methods to unlock the boot, it should search on google with your exact model and how to unlock it. But most devices uses fastboot as the unlock method (Sony, Nexus - Samsung not, I used odin too).
Yes, it can brick you phone if you don't make it right. The tool CF-Auto-Root explicit alerts:

UNLOCK BOOTLOADERS If you have locked bootloaders, flashing one of
  these will probably brick your device - with the exception of Nexus
  devices, which will usually automatically "OEM unlock" and wipe your
  data !

How to check if your device is rooted:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.joeykrim.rootcheck
How to check if your device is boot unlocked:
Please check search on google for tutorials, because change for each brand and model. But note that it is more an advance feature than a simple root and easily could get you phone wicked if somethings went wrong.
This site might help you, it for Samsung galaxy s4:http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2551401

"boot unlock your phone means that know you can install a custom recovery boot, like the most knows: ClockWorkMod (CWM) and TeamWin Recovery Project"  I'm using CWM so I should be boot unlocked right? I did alot of googling to confirm that I have boot loader unlocked but didn't get the answer (using Samsung Galaxy S4 SGH-I337M)

@Sam Sorry, but so I didn't get so what are you asking for. I read again, but It is the same I has thought you asked...

ok I understand that rooting isn't same as bootloader unlocking.   I want to know that if I installed CWM with rom manager successfully does it mean that I am already boot unlocked?

I didn't find any method to check bootloader for my device no one said how I can confirm if it is unlocked or not.

I think you should not be able to unlock automatically, as the site warn you to be careful. And I explained in the answer that to unlock the bootloader you should search on google for methods for your device as it change for each model.

@Sam I added an link to a page with a discussion about how to install bootloader on a samsung s4. Take a look and see if helps

I see well the link isn't for sgh-i337m but I guess that as close I can get to unlocking my phone. (Not feeli g safe to try it since no one with my model mentioned it) thx though


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Change the screen size and dpi
Is there a way to make Android think it has a different screen size and dpi than what was programmed in its factory settings?
I'm asking because we bought a 7-inch tablet recently, and its interface is too large for a 7-inch tablet. I installed System Info Droid and it confirmed what I suspected: The tablet thinks its screen is 4.86 inches with 192dpi.
Is there a way to fix this and tell it its screen is 7 inches and 133dpi?
The tablet is Genx GX7-3GS running Android 4.2.2.

There are several apps dealing with DPI settings (for some examples, be welcome to my list on Display Settings Apps). But to change density, you will need root access.

You can change. First ROOT your device.
Using file manager go to your root directory. Open folder named system. In that open file named build.prop using text editor.
Search for option called lcd_display= (after equals to enter your default DPI value) and save file.
Now reboot. Done.


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Error - Insufficient storage - Nexus 7
Device: Nexus 7 (2013 WIFI)
ROM: AOKP_FLO_KITKAT_NIGHTLY_2014-07-31
Rooted: Yes
Recovery: TWRP (Not sure if this is needed)

I am posting this because I recently started getting "insufficient storage" error on my device. I've had this before and I knew exactly had to fix it because I had come back from a vacation then and there were a lot of pictures on the device; So it was a simple matter of moving all the pictures and videos off the device for it to start working again.
This time however it is a little confusing for me. I will start with some pictures:

Settings > Storage / ES File Explorer > Top_left menu > Tools drop-down > SD Card Analyst (click images for larger variants)
So far everything looks fine, I seem to have a lot of space left to install one measly app right? Just to confirm, I used Clean Master to try to move some apps to device storage:

Clean Master > App Manager > Move
No gimmicks here, Clean Master sees that I only have one storage medium on my device. So why do I get these errors?

Google play (Trying to install an app that is less than 1MB in size) / AIDE (Trying to run an app)
I'm just confused about the whole thing. Everything else seems to be saying I have enough space, but apps are not being installed because I don't have enough. What can I do here?
EDIT: Even more weirdness, it won't let me install the 300Kb file with the image I posted above, but it lets me install a 3Mb file from the playstore. Basically I can install some apps but not others and it doesn't matter the size, my device just wants to make me crazy no problem. Ex. This app (2.6M) installed fine, but this one (2.1M) didn't due to "Not enough space".
What I have tried:

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1834105
Installing and running DiskUsage and here is a screnshot:

Couple observations:
--> It let me install this App and still not letting me install the other apps I have tried with the insufficient memory message still showing
--> The above pic shows that I have enough space left on the /data partition to install atleast A LOT of apps!

Output of running the df command:

Note I have tried the solution posted at the "Possible Duplicate" link and it did not work nor did I expect it to. The problem here is not that I have insufficient space to install apps because as you can see, I have a lot of space and I am able to install some apps. The problem is deeper than that and probably has to do with the way files are installed on my tablet

possible duplicate of Google Play: Error downloading app - insufficient space

Hint: A good starter on this topic is our insufficient-memory tag-wiki. Contains first aid, and links to several of the most important posts here for that issue.

Thanks for the comments, I have tried the solutions there, but either some solutions are not applicable to my situtation (i.e. My tablet uses solely internal storage and I have over 8gb of internal storage left and I can still install some apps but not others) or they are not for my device (Most of the solutions are for devices other than Nexus 7 or related to android market which has long been replaced by play store)

So the problem seems to have resolved itself. After restarting for the umpteenth time, it is finally working now. My God!

Have you tried factory resetting? Keep a backup beforehand.

You might have needed to wipe the user cache, which I think happens automatically over time (hence the umpteen reboots solving the problem).

try to flash EBR to increase your system memory from phone memory.
you can find about this in detail if you search with your phone model.
Warning !
this process might cause your phone DEAD!
void warranty and boot-loops
this process is done with specific ROM flasher of that phone brand.

I had this issue with my phone and found that i had a lot of pictures/videos text messages voicemails taking up most of my storage once i deleted them the insufficient storage went away

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


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How do I install a custom recovery on a Note 3 from OS X?
I have a Note 3. I want to install CyanogenMod on it, so I will need a custom recovery. My computer is OS X.
http://wiki.cyanogenmod.org/w/Install_CM_for_hlte says:

If you've applied the 4.4.x update to your hlte device, it is possible heimdall will have communication issues with your device. This is a filed bug already on the heimdall page and this warning will be removed when it is resolved. In the meantime, ODIN still works.

My Note 3 has had 4.4.x ever since I got it. I tried to use heimdall, but it fails as the warning suggests. It's this issue.
Is there any alternative to heimdall on OS X for installing a custom recovery?

All I know is to use Odin on windows. If heimdall doesn't work, you will have no chance from osx.
But there might be one solution:
Unpack your umage until you have a recovery.img file. Put it on your rooted device.
In the device shell as root type if=/pathtorecoverymimg of=/dev/block/platform/,,,,,/by-name/recovery
Sync,  reboot
To do a backup of the partition first is always a good idea. Just do it the other way round to get a backup in a file.
Some devices automatically restore recovery on boot. Try to reboot directly into recovery ( eventually disable automated recovery recovery using cwm recovery :)


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How do I get text messages from broken Samsung Fame
dropped phone grrr.
Screen cracked, it lights up but, I can't swipe the screen. I have linked to Kies, got my Contacts over, But, I can't seem to find Texts/sms. Any help greatly appreciated.
Sue
Samsung Galaxy Fame.

Have a look at this page. It tells you how to backup your SMS messages using Kies. This allows you to load your messages on to a new phone.
An extract:

Step 3: Click on the Back up/Restore tab. Here you will see a list items that you can backup from your Samsung mobile device.
Step 4: To backup SMS from your Samsung mobile device, click on the checkbox beside Message and click on Backup.
Step 5: Wait until Kies finishes backup Samsung text messages. You can find the backup location at the bottom of the screen.
Step 6: Click on Ok. That's all you have to do to take backup of your SMS from Samsung mobile device.

Whilst this may theoretically answer the question, it would be preferable to include the essential parts of the answer here, and provide the link for reference. Otherwise, your answer becomes useless in case the link dies.


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How can I root my Orange Hi 4g (ZTE Blade Apex 2)?
I search a lot can I can't find any useful method to root the ZTE Blade Apex 2. Someone says that the bootloader is unlocked. Is that true? If it's true, can I install CyanogenMod using the CyanogenMod Installer?

Which are you actually trying to do: root your current ROM, or install Cyanogenmod?

I was trying to find the root first, backup some things, and later install CyanogenMod. On my others experiences with Android I've always root first and later install CyanogenMod, in fact a lot of CyanogenMod funcionality requires root.

I've just get working the root with Qitu Root. Thanks to this video wich explains step by step the root process.


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Stock Nexus 4 stuck in bootloop
My Nexus 4 suddenly went into bootloop today after getting drained last night.
I tried booting into recovery mode, but as it is not rooted or unlocked, fastboot and adb sideload do not work. I want to recover my data, is it possible?
What should I do? Please help!

Have you checked with our boot-loop tag-wiki for first aid? Did that help?

I have cleaned up the comments here again and on the answer.  Use this comment space for relevant clarifications and such only.

@MatthewRead It seems you have also deleted legit discussion on the answer below and that too selectively.

I tried to summarize.

This would be the toolkit needed to help alleviate your bootloop. Read the whole thread to fully understand what is going on.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-4/orig-development/toolkit-wugs-nexus-root-toolkit-v1-8-2-t2015469
You'll be able to root your device, fix your problem, then if wanted you can relock your device or install a custom ROM.
I used this on my Nexus 7, when I accidentally wiped everything (turned it into a paper weight). There were other ways to fix, but the toolkit is by far the easiest.
Hope this helps and Good Luck!

how can I take a backup without unlocking the bootloader(and with that wiping my data)?

@SumitJain Unlocking the bootloader or installing a ROM will erase data, but rooting shouldnt erase/wipe anything. For doing a backup before unlocking bootloader through adb use this cmd: adb backup –apk –shared –all –f /<location of backup.ab> Then to restore use this cmd: adb restore /<location of backup.ab>. Those cmds were pulled from this link: http://android.stackexchange.com/questions/44574/does-rooting-erase-anything

Also take a look at this link. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2588979 You might have to read it twice. It's a lot of info, but you'll have working knowledge of adb and fastboot. BTW, the toolkit should have had adb and fastboot as part of the program. If not, then download from the link I provided.  reflash boot.img(kernel) from FASTBOOT. That won't erase anything. Power the Nexus up into the boot loader, select fast boot, hook it to the PC, enter the commands. You don't need to be rooted or boot loader unlocked to use FASTBOOT.


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How to edit init.sh file and where is it?
I want to edit init.sh but I can't find it. where is the location of that file ?
I want add this to that file:

alsa_amixer set PCM 100 unmute

I think you mean init.rc and don't.
But to answer your question, that file is in the root folder /init.rc to edit it you need root access and remount / rw and even with that you'll lose changes when you restart because it's overwritten every time by boot.img content, so you would need to extract boot.img content edit that file rebuild the image and flash it.
The right way to execute commands at start is to use init.d scripts.
In short if init.d script is supported init.rc calls a functions that search for user scripts in /system/etc/init.d/ and execute them.
You can put a script there and see if it gets executed or search for how to enable init.d scripts.
Edit
Looking for your command I found out maybe you are using android on x86. In that case looks like there is an init.sh in /system/etc/ folder.
To be able to edit files under /system you need to remount it rw using an app like ES File Explorer or running from terminal as root:
mount -o rw,remount /system


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Simulate missed call from ADB shell
On the ADB shell, I run the command
adb -s <serial_number> shell am start -a android.intent.action.CALL -d tel:123456

to place a call on my testing device. It works great. But I also want to simulate a missed call from the ADB shell, as I would by telnet with the command gsm cancel +123456, for example.
I cannot find anywhere how to do this. Is this even possible with ADB? If so, how?
P.S: the command adb -s <serial_number> shell input keyevent 6 is not an answer!

If you are working with a rooted device or eng build device, you can push TeleCommTests.apk under data/apps/TelecommTests/ which has to be built along with Android source code and then fire the below intent from ADB:
adb shell am start -a android.telecom.testapps.ACTION_START_INCOMING_CALL -d "tel:123456789"


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Can't open menu in apps without a menu button or physical key
My device doesn't have a physical menu button, and the app that I'm using doesn't have one of the menu buttons that users can click (the three dots).  How can I open the app's menu without a menu button or key?

On most devices with softkeys for home/back/task-switcher, long-pressing the task switch button (right-most button, see below) will simulate pressing the menu button.

On Samsung Galaxy S7 that works as activating "split screen" for the current opened app. Any idea how to make that button act as menu button by long-pressing it?


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Google+ auto backup jams up my WiFi network
For months I tried to track down a ping issue (high ping; disconnect & reconnect my router; low ping for about 20 minutes; high ping again). Turns out, thanks to this answer, it was the Google+ auto backup feature (that, for some reason, seems to kick in several minutes after it gets a connection).
The Google+ auto backup feature is enabled on my phone. It is configured to upload in "standard size" (not "full size"). Also, it is set to only upload if charging and if on WiFi.
During backup, the ping time (from my laptop, but the same applies from the router's admin page) goes up to over 7000 ms, see:

If I disconnect my phone from WiFi, the ping time goes down to about 50 ms.
What can I do to avoid this from happening? I tried to search for some way to set WiFi bandwidth limits for a specific app, but I couldn't find any.

Couldn't you just wait for it to finish?

@DanHulme I don't have a very fast connection, letting the backup finish would mean not being able to browse nor to work (I use SSH a lot) for hours.

Leaving it overnight would seem like a better alternative than prolonging the pain by making the upload slower.

You can always try to put a firewall between your phone and the router with these apps and block Google+, then when you don't use the internet (for example at night) enable it

No root needed
No root needed
Root needed


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My Galaxy i5503 (Android 2.2) is dead, they say it needs new software?
My phone is not switching on. It's a Samsung Galaxy i5503/Galaxy 5. It started automatic switch offs even on a little pressure and now it's not getting on.
Someone checked it and said they need to reinstall the software (probably the operating system, which is Android 2.2).
My question is: Can I do it manually? If yes, then how? And, if I opt for getting it done from someone, What data will be erased? I cannot afford to lose the data of my applications (like Colornote's notes).

2.2 is pretty old. You might wish to check with our update tag-wiki for how to update it, plus Where can I find stock or custom ROMs for my Android device? on where to obtain the software to "re-install" (more links in our rom tag-wiki). What data will be erased depends on the update process, so no "generic" answer on that unfortunately.

I have bad news:
It almost impossible to get data from your internal storage if your mobile does not turn on.
First we need to know more about the problem:
What do you mean under not turn on?
Does it light up or no signal at all? What if you plug it into the charger? Can you see any lights flash up? Can you get into recovery?
If none of the above happen, then I need to ask: Is your important data stored on your SD card? Most apps store their user data on SD Card so you can access them if you pull out your SD card and read from that.
If you re-install android, you WILL LOSE your internal data so if you have lots of important things on your phone (not your SD Card) you should not reinstall without backup
Colornote does not store your data internally but uploads to the cloud. See Their FAQ

It's totally dead, nothing of that happens. Formerly, it used to show charging status, but now, nothing. I understand that most data is stored on SD card, plus I have no problem with contacts, as everything from calendar and contacts is Google-synchronised. For colornote, I saw the options of online sync, but I never opted for that. I have my SD card, maybe colornote has stored something there... I'll have a look.

Yes it worked! I installed ColorNote on my tablet and inserted my phone's SD card. It was able to backup all the notes! Thanks a lot!

I am happy I could help you! It said auto backup on the website. Also, are there other app datas that you need? Maybe there is a way to get them back.

My phone's memo application (the inbuilt, default notes making app)... That's all I wish!


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Difference between preferred network types
What's the difference between GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, EVDO, and LTE? How do they relate to the network icon labels? Which one is 3G? Which ones are E, H and H+?

After doing some research, I've reduced it down to this:
GSM and CDMA   = 2G
EDGE (E)       = 2.5G
WCDMA and EVDO = 3G
HSPA (H)       = 3.5G
HSPA+ (H+)     = 3.75G
LTE            = 4G

GSM and CDMA are competing technologies, as well as WCDMA and EVDO. Contrary to what you'd think, WCDMA is an evolution of GSM, while EVDO is an evolution of CDMA, which is why a carrier or device will support either GSM/WCDMA or CDMA/EVDO, but not CDMA/WCDMA or GSM/EVDO. EDGE is an enhancement of the GSM protocol, while HSPA/HSPA+ are enhancements of the WCDMA protocol.

I am by no means an expert on this. I had a bit of trouble finding any single source that gave a short, high-level rundown on the topic, so I figured I might as well share my findings. If I've made any errors, feel free to comment or suggest an edit.

You didn't answer your own question about which ones E, H, H+ indicate.


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apps removed are still creating folders in android
Folders/files which are deleted are being re-created on my SD card.
Not sure which app is re-creating it(or is it Android which is recreating, how can I confirm which app)
I delete them, but these come back after sometime
/storage/sdcard0/Movies/PicassoLib/
/storage/sdcard0/Music/PicassoLib/
/storage/sdcard0/z7logs/many.zip files
about phone screenshot is attached.
Any help to make sure its not created again will be helpful.

You're going to have to give more details to get any help. What apps? What folders are being created? What phone do you have?

Your files that keep reappearing are due to the fact that they still have the apps installed that  are associated with them.

The first 2 folders are from Picasso - which is an image download service, and does more than just that. Its a very important part of the Android OS. Without this and things don't work right, unless you find a replacement that will integrate with the system. Volley and Universal Image Loader are the other 2 contenders that come to mind. Getting rid of those folders isn't an option for you.
The last one, /7zlogs, is associated with a compress/decompress app. It is a folder that hold the log files from the app. You should be able to go into the apps settings and turn off logging. Once done with that you can delete the folder without the chance of it reappearing.
Be careful of what you delete, ALWAYS do a backup before messing with anything

HasH_BrowN,
thanks for replying.. > they still have the apps associated with them -I checked and Android is 101% sure that these 2 apps are not installed anymore. -I checked 'my apps' under google play store, which lists all apps, even the ones that were uninstalled(these 2 have X with it which indicates its not installed). -Hence I guess 'apps removed are still creating folders', please let me know how to remove completely(manually), so that these folders are not created automatically anymore.

@user72121 read my answer again i edited it.


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How to reinstall the uninstalled system apps (that arent availble on Google Play)
What if you accidentally deleted some important apps and couldn't install them back because Google Play doesn't have them? For example android system, com.android dun server and com.android.lgsetup wizard (i.e. any prebuilt system apps). And every few seconds this message would appear:
Sorry! The process com.android.phone has stopped unexpectedly. Please try again.

And I cannot even go to the browser or Task Killer because every time I do, it would force quit. How can I reinstall those apps? I think I cleared all data for those but I did not clear the browser and so why can't I open the browser?
Do I really need to send it for repair or can I fix it?
Device: Nokia-X

You need to reflash the OS. First, find the stock ROM for your device: this question explains how to get started. Then you'll need to consult the manufacturer's instructions for flashing a new ROM, and flash the ROM for your device.

Since you deleted pre-installed apps,  you have to be rooted. There a couple of options, basically involving the same steps.
Most likely for these options to work you'll have to have a custom recovery installed.
Goto one of the forums that caters to your device.

Download and flash a custom ROM.
Download and flash a stock ROM or the same ROM.
Download and extract the files you deleted from the same ROM that is already installed. Then place them in their respective locations.

For flashing a ROM, there should be directions/instructions specifically for your device on the website you downloading from.
Good luck!!

Dan Hulme answer is correct and probably the best way to have everything restored.
Another way that could be easier depending on your knowledge is to find stock ROM, extract apps you deleted from your phone and push them back in your phone using adb.
Since you deleted system apps I am assuming that you have root access.


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How can you sort apps alphabetically in android jellybean 4.2.2?
I use a Lenovo S600 tablet with Android Jellybean 4.2.2 OS,  the problem is that the apps are arranged randomly as I install them which leads to a lot of confusion.  I would like to arrange all the apps alphabetically so I know where to find the specific one I need. My previous tab had ICS OS which provided the option to arrange the iapps according to date or alphabet. But my current tab does not do so. How do I arrange them alphabetically?
Help would be appreciated.

From a Home screen, touch Apps.
2. Touch Menu ➔ View type.
3. Touch Alphabetical grid

I believe you are describing the difficulties associated with the automatic introduction of shortcuts by Google play to the Home Screen. This is indeed dependent on the download order you personally control. The problem you are describing is common to new users of a tablet or smartphone, and indicates the need to become familiar with the techniques of 2 separate applications: Google Play, and the Launcher that controls your Home Screen. On the devices I'm familiar with, there is no automatic resorting function of shortcuts on Launcher screens.
Google Play is the easiest to control, by starting its app and exploring the Settings menu. You probably have enabled "Add icon to Home screen". As apps are downloaded by Google play, their shortcuts are added to the Home screen. As each fills the available space on the grid, additional screens are created to accept new ones. They are maintained in the order the apps are downloaded. You may turn off this setting, or, based on your new understanding, capitalize on this action. I personally have it disabled, and create shortcuts manually, leaving myself a tightly-controlled layout.
These shortcuts can be shifted, deleted, and added manually from the Launcher, which controls the Home Screen. Press and HOLD them and they will follow your drag movement to new spaces, or to the Trash icon to delete them, or carried to other screens by dragging them to the screen margins, and waiting for the screen to shift in until it becomes the active one. It will accept its new location when your finger is removed, indicating it is dropped as to your preference. Some experimentation is acceptable, and the techniques will strengthen within minutes. To add a new shortcut, while on the specific Launcher panel, open the App Drawer, which will open to your alphabetic list of apps. Press and HOLD, and possibly drag, the specific app to create a new shortcut at your desired location.
Find specifics to your device in this User Guide. Chapter 1 clarifies the use of the Home Screen and Recent Apps.

Thanks very much for the answer but I am not actually talking of the icons on the home screen/(desktop?)  I am asking about the main menu? (Sorry, I am unfamiliar with the technical terms) Where all the installed apps are displayed. Thanks again.

We  are actually taliking about the same things, and it is evident from the device's User Guide. See the section about Home Screen and Recent apps in Chapter 1. It is a shame the manufacturers do not distribute effective documents with their devices, so that searching it out is your only option.

I am really sorry I may sound dumb, but I couldn't find an option to sort the apps in an alphabetical order in the app list even in the user guide in the link you provided. Thanks for all the trouble, mate!

One last try, and this is from my experience with a Samsung Galaxy Tab, which will have an App Drawer controlled differently than on a Lenova (assuming), but the technique may be the same. On my Galaxy Tab, when the App Drawer is open (Settings>View Type) presents "Alphabetical Grid" and "Customizable Grid". Mine is set Alphabetical. See if your Lenovo has a similar settings menu and choices.

Thanks, man for all the trouble. I appreciate your efforts.

Is it the  settings > Applications > Manage Applications > {Downloaded | All}  listing that you are speaking of.  If it is then click on the Menu button, and then choose "Sort Alphabetically" switching from the other way would bring up "Sort by size".  The view shows the application name and the size, but it does not show a date.

I am using kitkat and found out that when you press and hold the blank space on the home screen you will see options then touch the 3 dots and under drawer settings and sort by choose title that way all your apps will be arranged alphabetically.

Get to the applications screen, hit the menu button (mine is upper right with three dots), click on view type then hit alphabetical grid.  The customizable list allows you to move the icons around

Please search "launcher" in the Google Play store. Pick one you like. Almost all of them do alphabetical sorting by default. Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher, SmartLauncher are some examples of what you will find when you search on google play store. What a launcher does is basically it changes visual layout of your icons and widgets. If you don't like a particular launcher, you could easily revert to previous or original layout simply by uninstalling it.


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Installing command line apps
I have an unrooted Samsung Galaxy S4 Active running Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. I have installed the Terminal Emulator and am wondering how to install apps to the command line.
Is it possible for me to install applications such as alsa-utils or cowsay like you would with a normal Linux machine. At the moment there isn't much you can do with the terminal that's of interest.

You can find a folder which is writable by the ADB user and put ARM binaries there. I recall that /data/local/bin is such a place. Then you can include that folder in the PATH variable.
You can compile your own binaries (I don't know how and even if I did explaining that would probably fill a page or two here) or  grab them online. Take a look here, you can find a lot of useful packages.
If you like to play around in the command line, and you know what you're doing, you could consider rooting the phone. That would make it possible to install busybox easily into the /system partition, and allow more to play around with in general.


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Install Android-x86 in Virtualbox VM, then root it
Problem
I want to install Android in a VM to restore a backup using Titanium Backup. For this to work I need Android to be rooted.
What I tried
I've tried to install Android-X86 4.3 in a Virtualbox VM. The installation seems to work. I made a 8GB partition disk (sda1), made it bootable, and installed Android in it from an ISO file. This all seems to work. Android starts, I can browse the internet, install apps, etc. Then I want to restart the VM, and guess what?! I go back to the installation screen, like starting up from the ISO live image.
For normal stuff I can make a snapshot, start that up, and do anything. My problem is that I need root permission to restore a Titanium Backup in that VM. And I cannot root this VM because the disk is not writeable. With ALT-F1 I become root, and I can use a script to root Android. But my guess is that I'm still on the ISO and that is not writeable.
Update - another try with Android 4.2
As mentioned in the comments, 4.3 would have problems with root access. I tried 4.4, which didn't start at all. Then I tried 4.2, which has the same problem as 4.3 for me. I made a screenshot of what I see when I try to run the rootscript, which is described here.
You can see the errors: rm failed - Read only filesystem
How can I fix this?

My question
How can I install Android permanently on this VM, so it can reboot and then be rooted?

If you're talking about Android-x86 in VirtualBox: It usually comes with root access. Except for the 4.3 image, which I also failed to get root access on. You might wish to try a different image then.

I'm going to try 4.4. It does come with root access, but that only works for the terminal via ALT-F1. It does not mean that the apps can use root access.

I've got 4.0 (ICS) running in a VM. It has /system/xbin/su as well as /system/app/Superuser.apk, the latter being for the apps part. Never checked 4.4, but doesn't it have these as well?

I can't get 4.4 to start up. So I'll give 4.2 a try and hope that works.

Aside from the rooting, why can't I reboot after installing? Why does it seem like I go back to the live image? Do I miss a step somehow?

I've updated the question - 4.2 didn't work as well.

Sure, if /system is read-only. On install you can decide to have it read/write by default (which is what I did), makes things easier. You can also mount -o remount,rw /system to make it writeable. You might also wish to check first whether Superuser.apk does already exist, before you try installing it (I don't remember if I needed to install it or if it already was there).

For your reboot problem, it sounds like your boot order is booting off the .iso, i.e., cdrom, before it looks for the disk partition where you installed Android. Shut everything down and disconnect the .iso. You can just delete the CD device under the controller within VirtualBox Settings->Storage. You probably shouldn't just change the boot order or you will have trouble reinstalling if you ever need to. However, if you want to change the order, look under Settings->System->Motherboard.

If You set /system as read-write you don't will have any problems at all.
In The Instalation do this :


text:
Connect Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 to Acer projector
I bought a Samsung Tab 4 8.0 16GB. I want display some videos and documents on the screen through an Acer projector. It has no wifi. How do I display my files?
Is there any possibility?  Tab has no HDMI port. There is a VGA cable for the projector.

The Tab 4 uses MHL via the USB port for video-out.  If you use an MHL HDMI adapter, it'll provide HDMI video out.

The tab 4 is NOT mhl compatible. It uses wifi to stream or mirror the display. Sorry the 10.1 has wifi and can mirror. Neither is MHL enabled though.

authors: محمد عبد العزيز


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Mediatek-res.apk causing bootloop
Right, so I've been an absolute idiot and I uninstalled mediatek-res.apk. I was probably very tired and I was stupid enough to forget to make a backup in recovery. The phone is a Chinese clone (Jiake JK3) and I can't find any stock firmware on the internet. It's now stuck in bootloop, so somehow I need to restore mediatek-res.apk. I can get adb access with root when I'm in recovery. I've tried pushing it to /system/framework with the correct permissions, but that hasn't worked. The log (when I boot up) says:
D/PackageManager( 1699): scan package: /system/framework/mediatek-res.apk , start at: 66650ms.

D/asset   ( 1699): AssetManager-->addDefaultAssets CIP path not exsit!

and
I/PackageManager( 1699): /system/framework/mediatek-res.apk changed; collecting certs

D/dalvikvm( 1699): GC_CONCURRENT freed 1976K (15855), 34% free 4069K/6124K, paused 1ms+2ms, total 19ms

and
E/PackageManager( 1699): Package com.mediatek has no signatures that match those in shared user android.uid.system; ignoring!

W/PackageManager( 1699): Signature mismatch for shared user : SharedUserSetting{41de1470 android.uid.system/1000}

I have no idea what any of this means but I'm a fairly capable user so if someone could let me know what it means that'd be great.

The signature mismatch indicates that the package you've installed (the mediatek-res.apk) isn't from the same source as the rest of the OS. It's from a different ROM, probably one made for a different device, by a different OEM. You need to find the APK file that matches the rest of your ROM, from the same device as yours.

Would turning off Signature Verification in the Recovery make any difference at all? If the OP has the ROM zip on their device/PC then they could pull out the apk probably anyway. Or dirty flash the ROM over itself..? Also worth noting: ALWAYS ALWAYS make a [tag:nandroid] backup before deleting anything from /system or flashing zip files at all!

I don't think so, as it's not the recovery that's checking the signature, it's Android itself.

Yeah, the problem is with the Android bootloader. I might have managed to recover the original APK, because when I tried a new apk it boots to the lock screen and works for a second, then displays a force close message for Google Play Services and reboots. I've been trying to contact other people with the device from various Android forums so they can upload their firmware.


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Adding an extra keyboard button for switching to rarely used languages?
I type in the following 3 languages:

Language A - 55% of the time
Language B - 40% of the time
Language C - 5%  of the time

The usual solution would be to have all three languages installed, however it is quite annoying to have to switch over Language C each time I swap back and forth between A and B.
Is there some sort of solution that would allow me to either have an extra button for language C or switch to language C using a special key combination?
I'm using Nexus 4/Android 4.4.
Thank you.

What phone are you using, and what Android version does it have?

Phone/Android version added.


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I am not able to open Google Account on New Galaxy Ace 3 Phone
I have tried to open a Google account but after many attempts have failed. When I tap the Gmail icon I get a window, prompting me to add an account, for either an "Existing" or "New" account. When I tap on either option the WiFi scanner starts up instead. I should get a window with a qwerty keyboard to enable me to register my details for an account; but I do not.
This phone is brand new so I am wondering is the phone faulty or am I doing something wrong. This is my first smart phone which I bought on Ebay but I have not yet registered the Sim card with my provider as I am still using my old phone. Would this make a difference? Thank you for your help in this matter.

Obviously you need an internet connection to create or log into your account. As you don't have a mobile internet connection yet, the phone needs to connect to a Wi-Fi network first. That's why it's showing you the Wi-Fi settings right away.


text:
How can I use Public Key Authentication for SFTP in ES File Explorer?
I want to use SFTP to transfer files from Android to a Linux box using Public Key authentication rather than a traditional user name and password.  Ideally I would like to use ES File Explorer (as I use it for everything else).
Can anyone tell me how to generate a suitable public/private key pair to allow ES File Explorer to authenticate with the SFTP server?

When I try to connect to an SFTP server using a Private Key, I can select a file containing the key, but when I click OK, I get the message "Error, cannot find the SFTP(mysite.com) server".
I know that ES File Explorer is capable of using SFTP because it worked when I was using password authentication. Now that I have switched passwords off on the server, it reports "Login fails. This may be caused by: Auth fail", which is pretty much what I would expect.
I know that the Android phone still has connectivity to the SSH server, because I can connect to it using Connectbot with Public Key authentication.
I know that SFTP is still working over SSH, because I can connect to it and transfer files using BitKinex running on a PC.
CLARIFICATION: I am not running a firewall on the Android phone.
CLARIFICATION: When the phone fails to connect, the SFTP server logs Received disconnect from my.ip.ad.dr: 3: com.jcraft.jsch.JSchException: Auth fail [preauth]

I have successfully authenticated with the server using 2048-bit keys generated by PuTTY KeyGen, both in PuTTY's .ppk format (in PuTTY itself) and exported to OpenSSH format (for BitKinex).  These keys didn't work; neither did exporting them to SSH.com format.  I've also got OpenSSH / OpenSSL available on the Linux box as an alternative for key generation.  Connectbot manages its own keys, but doesn't seem to be able to export the private key (option greyed out).
I guess the problem could either be that I am using the wrong key file format, or that I've got the wrong options set on the key itself.  I haven't been able to find any instructions in the ES File Explorer documentation or on Google.
It ought not to make a difference, but I am using a Huawei Ascend P2 with Android 4.1.2.  It is not rooted (and I'm not going to). The linux box is a Raspberry Pi with OpenSSH 6.0p1 Debian-4+deb7u2.

Your question made me try to use the same configuration.
Solution
Generate your key pair in OpenSSH key file format, I used my linux workstation:
 ssh-keygen -t rsa -C "KEYNAME"

(I left passphrase empty but I think it will work with it too, add the public key to your host:
 cat ~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub >> ~/.ssh/authorized_keys

(Assuming that's the same machine you want to connect to)
Copy private key id_rsa to your phone and use that one. :)
I found the clue on logcat:
 W/System.err(27250): com.jcraft.jsch.JSchException: invalid privatekey: /sdcard/key.ppk

and this answer brought me in the right direction.
How to copy private key from connectBot export workaround
Only private keys without passphrase can be copied, so you can change password and set it empty, this key is NOT compatible with ES File Explorer.

The ConnectBot export workaround did work in that once the password was removed, it did let me export the private key onto the clipboard. However, I wasn't able to use the result either in ES File Explorer (same error message as before), or PuTTY (PuTTY KeyGen didn't recognise the file format). However, exporting the public key did result in a file that worked on the server, and allowed me to connect using ConnectBot.  I tried both 1024 & 2048 bit keys, with and without original passwords. I've also added a little more info to my question.

After some further experimentation, the exported private keys did all work with BitKinex.  They still don't work in ES File Explorer though...

Sorry it looks like when yesterday I was able to connect it was using a previously enstablished session with password. Good news I found how to connect with private/public key, I updated my answer.

Thanks for your efforts - I can confirm your answer is working for me. Disappointingly though, it seems that passphrases are not supported by ES File Explorer (I'll see if I can raise it as a feature request). After some experimentation, RSA1 and ECDSA keys did not work at all, but DSA and RSA2 keys work so long as no passphrase is specified. It looks like RSA is the way to go

Np ;) Check again about passphrase, it worked for me using the same procedure. ES File Explorer saves the passphrase and stores it in plain text under it's data folder so not a big security improvement :D

My bad! I just updated ES File Explorer to the latest version from the store. Lo and behold, a Passphrase field has appeared in the Edit SFTP Server form, and my encrypted RSA key has started working. I'm happy now (and I'm not going to check whether other key types now work too). The new version also plays better with the server, and closes the connection when you quit.


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How to transfer a Clash of Clans Village into an old Android device without Google Play services?
I can't install Google Play services on my old device. I tried a lot, but I can't.
Is there any way to transfer the game data onto an old device?
I have tried to transfer the app+data using Titanium Backup, but the old device just generates a new village.
Is there any other way? or any app?

possible duplicate of Unable to install Google Play Services to save Clash of Clans village

doesn't worked for me

Read this, the bottom half is for android users, https://gamesupport.supercell.net/hc/en-us/articles/421682-Can-I-transfer-my-village-to-a-new-device-
This doesn't require Play Services, but does require G+. You should be able do this w/o Google Play Services
Good luck!

@user3551620 Don't be hard on yourself, it takes a long time to get this stuff sorted out. I know its aggravating, but keep your chin up!! Before you know it you'll be a whiz!!

I know and i am sorry about that, you was just trying to help.


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Zagg Folio Tab 4 no longer connects to my Galaxy Tab 3
I own a Galaxy Tab 3 10.1, and I just updated it to Android 4.4.2. I have a Zagg Folio Tab 4 10.1, and up until the update, it worked perfectly fine. Now, it connects to my tablet, but input does not work. I've cleared my cache and the Bluetooth cache, but neither have worked. Also, I have tried unpairing and re-pairing it. I also paired it to my Galaxy S4, which worked fine. I then re-paired it to my Tab 3, but that did not work either. What can I do to fix it?


text:
Greenify blocked
I'm using Samsung Galaxy S4 rooted device.
I have greenify installed on it but I receive an orange error box on the bottom of the page saying this "auto hibernation service is being blocked by 3rd party tool or system settings (e.g.stamina mode in sony devi es. autostart manager in MIUI) Please whitelist greenify for automatic hibernation to work."
in setting I made greenify a device administrator but it didn't solve the issue.
any idea how to fix this?
for security software I have 360 security and it doesn't have any setting about white list (I don't think the problem is from 360)

Do you have the S4's "Power saving" mode turned on? You can find it in the quick settings in the notification tray, as well as the main settings app.

Does Power saver block greenify?

That's what the error message says.

Power saveing mode was off.

Are you running a third party ROM or the stock Samsung firmware? I've a rooted S4 here with Greenify and I've never seen that before.

I m rooted. Have cwm custom recovery . Never unlocked bootloader .

@RossC  do you know how to unlock bootloader for s4?  I have SGH - I337M   samsung firmware

I don't think there is an unlock for it, or at least I'm not aware of one. You shouldn't need to. Are you on the Stock ROM or did you flash a custom one?

@RossC No I didn't install any custom rom

Problem  solved. 360 security was crashing with greenify.if you open the main page of 360 security then memory booster on top right hand side there is a ignore list. Add greenify to ignore list and you will be ok. It seems greenify and 360 security do the same function and when you run both at same time 360 tries to hibernate greenify which causes this problem.


text:
Samsung Galaxy S2 Bluetooth stopped working suddenly
I have Samsung Galaxy S2. The Bluetooth of the phone has stopped detecting any Bluetooth devices around. It was working fine till last night. The phone got switched off during the night due to a low battery. When I charged it in the morning and tried to connect the Bluetooth, it turns on and when I do scan devices, it says no Bluetooth devices found although there are Bluetooth devices present.

Well, that's weird. First of all, make sure that the other Bluetooth devices you are searching using the S2 are visible. Otherwise, it's not going to detect the Bluetooth device.
And if you are sure that the Bluetooth devices you are trying to connect are visible, try clearing the cache and the data stored by the Bluetooth app, you can do that by going to Settings > Application manager > Tap the Bluetooth app, and clear the cache and the data store.
Now try connecting with the other Bluetooth devices and see if that works out or not.

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


text:
How do I stop warnings appearing when I increase the volume?
I am using Nexus 4 with Android 4.4.4 stock. Whenever I increase the volume while listening to music on my smartphone, I get a warning that listening at high volumes can cause problems to the ears. Is it possible to stop this message appearing?
I would prefer not to root the smartphone yet.

Well, you can't do that until or unless you root your device. Once you rooted your device you can move forward with the suggestion @sameer has guided.

Follow what @sameer said. There's a tutorial in LifeHacker website if you need. (Remember rooting is MUST).

See an alternative for non rooted device here https://android.stackexchange.com/q/188131/131553

Once you are rooted, goto settings/sounds/volumes. Unchecked the safe headphone volume box and agree to warning about potential damage to your ears. That's what I did on my Nexus 7 w/4.4.4 ROM.

If you are rooted, you can try one of the following
1.NoSafeVolumeWarning in Xposed Framework
2 .Media Tweak Settings in  Gravity Box

authors: حسين ابو رعد


text:
Android won't boot after accidentally uninstalling a system app
My android version is 4.2.2 so while I was installing an app on the system using Moborobo I think I might have accidentally removed a system app.
I have checked all over the internet and I am pretty sure I don't have access to my original ROM that comes with the device. Even Clockworkmod for my device isn't available so I hadn't made any backup.
I have tried to factory reset using the recovery option that came with the phone and it boots fine. When I power it off or reboot it won't start until I do another factory reset. Where do I start to fix this? I have connected the phone to ADT but I can't get the logcat to pause so that I can post the output here. Meanwhile if there is anything I can do let me know as I try to get the logcat output

You need to find and reinstall the stock ROM. I think that's your only option.

Well, is it possible for you to share your device information like model number, manufacturer etc. We couldn't help you out with the flashing process until or unless you don't mention the ... !

@Peter Carlos
Model number Bird Leader
Brand Bird
Android Version 4.2.2
Build number MP.V1.2
Custom build version MX1029W_BIRD_LEADER_K-V1.03.20140324-QHD

@qualebs "I can't get the logcat to pause"? adb logcat -f <file_name> saves the output into a file, which you then can edit with your favorite text-editor to cut'n'paste the relevant parts.


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Forcing Nexus 5 to charge wirelessly even when USB device connected
Is there some method to make wireless charging take priority over wired (USB) charging? I have a device that has to be plugged in to the micro-USB port of the Nexus, and it is preventing wireless charging from occurring. The device only draws power from the USB, but still wireless charging stops the moment it is plugged in.
Google has not been helpful so far. There seem to be other phones whose wired charging stops when placed on a wireless charger, but apparently not the Nexus (nor have I been able to find a user's manual which states which one takes priority).
There doesn't seem to be any visible setting in Android. Any clues? Maybe some App which can set the charging priority? Completely disabling USB charging is also fine, as long as the USB can still supply power to connected devices (rooting is not an option).

As far as I can tell  and from links like this and also  this link (for different devices obviously) it seems that once the USB is plugged in that is what will charge the device, and the wireless-charging is disabled.

The Nexus 4 has two main power circuits: 1) Battery Connector & Charging Circuit & 2) Wireless Charging GEN2 Circuit. These two work together with internal battery protection circuit as well. There are many controls going on while charging, such as current sensors, thermal sensors, voltage reference and voltage input detection. So basically it has been thought to avoid any problem if you happen to connect both charging supplies at the same time, as only one will act as the charger, and as far as I can understand the logic of it, it’s the USB charging that has priority over wireless charging.

Thanks for the links. So it seems that just plugging in anything to the USB port (not a charger but even something that draws power from the port) disables wireless charging. That's really a pity, since there would be no way to bypass this "feature" without actually modifying the hardware.


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How to remove sleep screen from Galaxy family?
I have a Note2 and there is this annoying screen that turns my screen on just to show some purple bubbles, the clock and number of calls and messages. After a feel seconds it turns off again.
I understand that it consumes certain battery but I don't use it. I searched everywhere but couldn't find any tip on how to remove it.
Anyone could help me?
Thanks

When does this happen?

This is Samsung's "Quick Glance" feature, which triggers when a hand is waved over your sleeping phone.
You can turn it off in Settings -> My Device -> Motions and Gestures -> Air Gesture -> Quick Glance.

@EASI does it look like this: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B6vPfDdVU50/UKCTteFoU6I/AAAAAAAAH4I/00BDJ2gmgZQ/s1600/SAM_0836.JPG  That is quick glance, but it may be a glitch. It is still possible the desk clock, or a similar looking day dream is being engaged.


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Can't backup my tablet
I tried to Backup my tablet with both CWM and TWRP but didn't success to get it backed-up,
in CWM :
the tablet stuck in the step of "generating backup boot imgae"
in TWRP :
the tablet fails in backup and gives me the following messages in log:
Updating partition details...
E :Unable to mount '/emmc'
E :Unable to mount '/emmc'
E :Unable to mount Storage.
E :Unable to mount '/emmc'

and worth to mention that in TWRP it Reads the tablet Storage as 0MB either with Internal SD Card or with External SD Card , in addition to it doesn't allow me to choose either of them while configuring any settings in it.
Hint: I'm using Lenovo Idea Tab A3000-H

What's your question?

@DanHulme my question is: How to overcome one of these two issues?

Are you absolutely sure that both recovery images you were using were designed specifically for your device model?

@Chahk I think So, as I tried some wrong recovery images at first and it wasn't even boot, but I get these images after my search for a recovery specially for my device.

@MuhammedRefaat are you sure the tablet wasn't encrypted?

@Chahk I think it wasn't besides I already reset it once and format the sdcard once


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Download MAPS.ME (MapsWithMe) offline map from PC?
I have an Android device that has no internet connection. I managed to install MAPS.ME (MapsWithMe) on this device.
Where can I download good (detailed) offline maps to use with this app? I am interested in a complete map of Cuba. Importantly, I must download the map from a PC, and then copy this file to the device, since the device has no internet connection. How can I do this?

related: http://android.stackexchange.com/q/32613/6813

This is the direct link to download the map data: http://direct.mapswithme.com/direct/latest/

Looks like the link is forbidden now. Is there any alternative?

The maps data is stored in /sdcard/MapsWithMe/. For each downloaded map, there are 2/3 files (depending with route or not) and 1 folder:

<Country> folder (empty)
Country.mwm for map data
Country.mwm.routing for its routing (direction) data

You need to download the map data from your PC (using Android emulator*, refer to this question.), transfer the data from the emulator to your PC, then transfer the data again from your PC to your physical device.
* for Android emulator, I recommend BlueStacks since it's simple enough for general end-users. You can refer to this question to transfer between BlueStacks and PC.
Disclaimer: I don't have any affiliations to BlueStacks. I just tried it and found that it's easier to use than Android SDK emulator and using ADB to pull the files


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How to uninstall android lost app
I have installed android lost app from www.androidlost.com in my Samsung Tab 2 GT-P3100. How can I uninstall it?The app is not visible in the list of apps.

From the apps playstore page: If you have trouble uninstalling, please read the FAQ - there are several one-click solutions! Have you checked that?

To control the breadth of activities this app declares for itself, it probably has set itself up as a Device Administrator, to control the ability to run many aspects of your device automatically. It probably hides itself from uninstall while Device Administrator rights are active. I would start by searching Settings>Security>Device Administrators, and deselect the Android Lost App. Once deselected here, check the Task List to see if it has stopped running. Force Close if necessary. It may then appear on the Settings>Application manager list to allow for uninstall. If not, attempt a reboot, and check the Task List again. If necessary, Force Close the app again and attempt an uninstall. Understanding of these types of apps and their unmittigated control is why downloading from Unknown Sources is intentionally complicated.

I had to go to their web site, choose "push from google play" and then when I used the menu button on my Samsung I could access a menu that allowed me to revoke administrative privileges and then remove the program.

Go to 3 stripes appearing on the left corner of the screen. Click it. You will get next screen with few option in which 'Remove Administrative Rights'. Click it once to disable to the administrative rights. Now, you can delete the app like deleting any other app. Cheers!

OP said the app wasn't visible in the apps list! Should disabling the administrative rights make it visible?


text:
Help Needed. Cam/PC link
Hello fellow enthusiasts,
I am in need of help and would be very thankful to anyone who can take a few minutes and help me solve this issue.
Here is my problem.
I would like to open a Youtube channel and I want to have a facecam in an upper corner(you know, like gaming channels usually do while gaming) but have no camera. What I do have is my Sony Xperia Z1 Compact. Please tell me(with a decent explanation) if there is a possible way to record videos with my phone but save it directly on the PC hard drive so I can later use it when editing. Saving it on my phone and then moving it on the PC later is not an option. Already tried IP CAM and other similar apps but I am not satisfied with the results.
Thank you in advance...

Spent the last hour looking for an answer to your question,  think I got a solution for you. The app "PlayTo Universal" $4.99/US and "Cast2TV-PRO" $2.99/US, both available from play store will stream directly to the PC from your android. They should work for your "game face cam".
Good luck!!


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Missing "move to SD" on HTC Desire 310
So, I bought this phone some time ago, an HTC Desire 310, which should have 4GB of internal memory, of which 2GB actually available to the user.
On the phone I also installed an 8GB SD card for picture and similar.
However, recently I keep getting "not enough space" when I try to update some of the bigger apps I have installed from Google Store, even if there are about 250 MB free.
I have tried cleanin the caches, so regaining some 50 MB, but still "insufficient space".
I also tried to move the apps to the SD card, but it would seem that the version of android here installed, some custom 4.2.2, does not allow moving apps to SD.
How can I then solve such a problem? Is there a way to restore the missing "move to SD" option?

As phones with significant amounts of internal storage became prevalent, Android started to store application and user data on the same partition. As the latter was  traditionally stored on an SD card, these phones now call it an "internal SD" card, although no actual SD card is used. In this arrangement, it makes no sense to "move apps to the (internal) SD card", because it would still reside on the same internal partition, occupying the same space, so these  implementations of Android do not have this button. Sadly, they didn't feel the need to allow moving apps to the external SD, because they thought the internal storage couldn't reasonably be exhausted simply by installing apps - or that this option would confuse users. So, you can not move apps to the external storage. You can, however, move personal data (e.g. music, videos, pictures) to the external SD which will free up space to install apps on.
Also, if you have root on your phone, you could create an additional partition on your external SD card and move apps there using an application or script designed to do that - my favorite is Link2sd, you can look it up in the Play store.

All of my picture and music are already on the external sd card, so there is nothing I can move, it's all app data really...

Also, there are some apps that keep a ridiculous amount of cached data, for example the Facebook and 9gag apps. You could wipe data of these applications to regain space temporarily - although you will have to log in again to these apps. Other than this and jettisoning some apps you can't really do anything on an unrooted phone to help the issue.

Should the phone be rooted, what are the options?

You could then use Link2SD. You have to create a second partition on your SD card for this app. This app can then move other apps to this partition and leave links in their place which occupy next to no space. The other apps and the user will not notice any change. I'm sure there are other rooted solutions, but I never really bothered to look since this is what always worked for me and what I can recommend.


text:
Samsung Ace 3 - S7270 - Wifi and recovery mode problem
My Samsung Ace 3 does not detect any Wifi networks, and it cannot connect to Kies.

My wifi network is fine, and there are lots of wifi networks in the area, but my SGA3 does not detect any of them (my other phone does).
Kies does not detect my phone. It does detect other phones but not this one (same USB cable, same usb port,..).
I can access the android file system using windows explorer (phone + sd card).
I tried to go to download mode (Volume Up, Home, power off): it just shows an Android logo with an open chest with a keyboard. It stays that way for few minutes and the it proceeds to normal booting. (I tried pressing few buttons but it didn't work)

I went to Factory mode (Volume down, Home, power off): it had a bunch of tests I can run, when I ran the Wifi test it gives me a "blank" mac address:

What can I do? Please advise.


text:
How many times must I set default application?
So this problem has been annoying me for quite some time.
Whenever I select a link via Chrome( a YouTube link) a dialog
pops up asking if I want to view the link in the browser or in
the YouTube application. I always select the YouTube application and
then proceed to select it as the default application to launch on
any YouTube links.
So the problem is that the next time I click another YouTube link
the dialog pops back up for me to select what action to perform. This
doesn't only happen with YouTube but with other applications...
I tried resetting all the applications to "default" and retried the
process but it occurs again.
I understand that there are other posts but, those were all for
older versions of android.
DEVICE
- Samsung Note 3 (4.4.2)
Thanks in advance for any resolutions
samthewildone

Can you please confirm what the default application is under the Application settings for their respective apps.

There are several types of Youtube links. So as long as the types differ the intent chooser will popup asking to choose the default. I suggest just keep ticking the "Use as Default" check box and select YouTube Application.


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Only charges through USB when screen is locked
I have a Moto G running 4.4.4.
When it's connected to a PC, it will only charge if the screen is locked: as soon as it's unlocked it will stop charging. In this situation, even if I lock the screen again it will not go back to charging.
When it's connected to the charger, it charges normally regardless of being unlocked or not.
What can be causing this problem and how to solve it?

Is "What to do?" really your question? The obvious answer is "plug it into the charger when you want to charge it".

@DanHulme edited the question.

The most likely cause is that your PC can't supply enough current over the USB connection to charge your phone while it's awake. Smartphones draw a lot of power these days, so their chargers use extensions to the USB standard to supply more power, so they can charge even while the phone is in use. Most PCs don't support these extensions, so they can't.
The solution is to use the charger to charge your phone. You can buy a Y-shaped USB cable which splits the power and data connections, so you can have it plugged into the PC and charger at once if need be. Some docking stations also have this ability.

A reset of the phone didn't solve the problem, so I guess that's it. Accepting (late) the answer.

Another possible cause is that this is done to protect the data on your phone. It can be unsafe to connect your phone's usb when unlocked. (usb condom)

Could you confirm/explain more about this? As far as I know, "USB condom" just prevents device's data being uploaded to host by disabling data-pins, but it doesn't seem to be intuitive to block charging if the phone is unlocked.


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SuperSU binaries won't install to my HTC One M8
I am following this guide to root my HTC One M8. I just need root, I don't need a custom ROM.
I have gotten to step 7 (weaksauce). I can install weaksauce fine and it roots my device (at least, it says it roots it).
However, when I try to run SuperSU (downloaded from the Android market, latest version) it says The SU binary needs to be updated. Continue? It says this in my notification bar as well. I click Continue and it says Installing, please wait. If you see this message for more than five minutes please restart and try again. After about 30 seconds, it says Installation failed ! Please reboot and try again.
I've tried it multiple times with all forms of rebooting (adb reboot, holding power button, etc) as well as a factory reset (which put me back down to 4.2.2), however it keeps giving me this error.

I have had this issue and there are 3 ways to try to get around this.
You will need a custom recovery to attempt 1. or you can use Odin alternatively for 2. below. The superSU binaries are often (but not always) installed via recovery and the app itself gives this option.

When superSU asks you to update the binaries, rather than select 'Normal' select 'Recovery' and see if it can install that way.
Flash superSU.zip directly in your recovery or Odin. Here is the link to Chainfire's latest version. I have tried this myself and it fixed the issue for me on a number of devices.
Install an alternative super user app from the market. (This can be messy, and you need to ensure superSU is completely removed)

You can only achieve perm root by unlocking Bootloader then flashing a custom recovery. This cannot be done in Odin as the previous answer dictates. It must be done via adb. There are a couple of methods that work for unlocking the Bootloader but the only gurantee is Sunshine. After the Bootloader is unlocked flash a custom recovery(TWRP,CM OR PhilZ touch) via adb. The latter is what I would recommend if your used to using CM on previous devices. There are plenty of tutorials as well as how to vids on YouTube and it is really quite simple. Hope this helps


text:
Cannot enable Ad Block plus for Galaxy S5
I am trying to use Ad Block Plus for my Samsung Galaxy S5.
I recently upgraded from a Galaxy S3 on which ABP worked flawlessly.  To install and configure it on my Galaxy S3 I used this guide
https://adblockplus.org/en/android-config-samsung-galaxy-s3
I have downloaded the app successfully but for whatever reason it does not appear to block ads when I configure it similarly

Is your device rooted? Most of these need root to work. If you are rooted try AdFree android from Big Tin Can. It works on the S5 perfectly (rooted)

Is there any kind of error message when downloading/applying hosts file?


text:
Disable Location History in Android

If I disable Location History and keep Location Reporting enabled, will Google still save the Locations I've been to? I am purchasing an Android phone for the first time and I am quite paranoid about security.
If I use plain GPS and not Google Location Services, will I be missing anything?
Is using Google Maps on Android secure, or should I use any alternate apps. I am looking for an offline GPS that I can use for apps like Runtastic etc.

In theory no, but probably, can be deleted at any time. 2) It will ONLY use GPS and not WiFi location and use more battery and not work indoors. 3) Opinion based. If you don't trust Google I guess Android is a bad idea to begin with to be honest.

The answer to "Is X secure?" is always "secure against what?" What are you worried about? It's secure in the sense that it won't let people run malware on your phone, but that's probably not what you're thinking of.

If you're "that paranoid", I might refer you to my Android without Google series. I can not really proof it, but I would bet Google is collecting all it can get – and disabling history just disables you from seeing it. There were enough other "incidents" where similar things were discovered which I could name (but don't fit in a comment, nor are on-topic here).

@RossC 2) can be done with OpenCellID for WiFi/Cell location. Concerning "Can be deleted any time" I have my doubts. That was said for backups of WiFi APs as well – still, tech magazin Heise found them restored weeks later. For 3) – Android != Google. The former works fine without the latter (see link in my previous comment). Not sure if that can be said the other way around, too ;) But yes: definitely opinion-based.

@Izzy yeah can (in theory) be deleted. Unofficially (from sources) Chrome saves an extraordinary amount of data on the user, and it's saved full time. I wouldn't trust it myself tbh. Yeah Android and Google can be separated but it is hard to disable EVERYTHING and be sure there's nothing running somewhere behind the scenes. I can't tell the actual story but suffice to say I have seen people quit jobs and face serious hardship, claiming ethical concerns around data gathering in certain applications / browsers/ OS functions. Then the OEMs store their own data and send it out....

I have had 12 Mb .txt files send out from my phone despite disabling all those options thanks to Samsung amongst others. It's 'off in theory' but sending data like a good thing.

Which is why I'm speaking of a completely open source ROM using open source apps only. No chance to control proprietary stuff. Guess that's also the idea behind Replicant.

@Izzy thanks for the link you provided on Replicant

You're welcome, @HasH_BrowN (missed you in chat, btw ;) You might be interested in my summary below as well then :D

Summing up all the comments:
Will Google save the locations?
Definitely. As soon as you want to use the more battery-friendly “network based location” you have to agree that Google collects your location data “to improve its services”:

click image for larger variant
So “location history” and ”location report” are meaningless in this context. As it was adressed: Whilest theoretically you should be able to delete all collected data associated with your account, first Google claims here it's “anonymous” (so not connected to your account) – and second, noone except Google can tell if “deleting” really means the data was “destroyed”. Different reports rather suggest otherwise, as e.g. a German tech magazin found out: They decided to delete all backups from Google servers. Weeks later, they wanted to test a new device, and configured it with the very same account. Miraculously, that device immediately connected to their WiFi. How can that be, with the backups deleted? (Find the full article here, in German).
Will you miss anything when switching to GPS only?
Depends on your “usage profile”. When no satellites are in sight, you would be unable to find your location. That could be e.g. with heavy clouds, or inside buildings – where otherwise a “coarse location” based on WiFi APs and mobile cell IDs would be possible. But there are ways to get that functionality back without Google: The OpenCellID project is aimed to provide the data, and there are several connected apps – including alternative open source network location providers. But to use those, your device must be rooted, as these services must be installed as system apps. You can find out more in my Android without Google series.
Should you use alternative maps?
That's pretty much opinion-based. I do so, but not solely for the reasons you mentioned. There are alternatives (part 2 of the just mentioned series names some). Furthermore, let me quote Dan here:

The answer to "Is X secure?" is always "secure against what?" What are you worried about? It's secure in the sense that it won't let people run malware on your phone, but that's probably not what you're thinking of.

IMHO you cannot avoid completely that some services collect data on you. You can minimize it, you can make it harder for them – and you definitely shouldn't offer your data on a silver tablet. It's always balancing privacy and convenience. So how much privacy you can gain, depends on how much convenience you're willing to give up.
More hints
Not only if you're absolutely paranoid (correct: today that's called “informed”), a custom-rom can offer you advantages. As those usually ship without all the pre-installed bloat, your battery will last much longer (on my “Android device without Google”, 3 times longer: 4,5 days, and still 20% left). In this context, I have to mention Replicant – which is aimed at absolute open-source. Unfortunately, only few devices are supported.

Great write up!  +1


text:
Screen Mirroring with Chromecast
I have two devices - a Samsung Galaxy S3 and a Nexus 7 (2012 version) - that I'm trying to mirror to a Chromecast. It looks like neither device supports screen mirroring on Chromecast with the default app. I also installed EZCast on the Nexus 7 but the EZMirror is not enabled on it.
Is there any way, (third party apps, rooting?) wherein I can cast my screen from any of the above two devices to Chromecast?

The original Nexus 7 does support screen mirroring to Chromecast. This feature was added in Android 4.4, so if you're still using an old Android version on your Nexus 7, you'll need to do a system update. From the Settings app, go to Display then Cast screen. Don't bother with the Chromecast app at all.
The option's in a different place on the S3, and it's designed primarily for Samsung's competitor to the Chromecast, but I expect it would work with both. From the Settings app, at the bottom of the Connections page, click Screen Mirroring. The phone will start looking for devices it can cast to.

It doesn't work as you suggested. they cant identify Chomecast

You should probably ask a new question about your specific problem so that people will see it and be able to answer. Make sure to give full details of the problem.


text:
Remove password lock created by Android Device Manager (Galaxy Note 3)
I created a password lock on My Galaxy Note 3 with the Android Device Manager web site.
How can I cancel it or administer it?
(I have reduced the hassle a bitb y creating a simple password on the website)

How to unlock it, and how to remove the lock is 2 different problems.  (I had the "unlock problem" first in fact, and remember reading that).

When locking a device using Android Device Manager it replaces the previous "Screen lock" with a password. Once you have entered the password you can follow these steps to remove/replace the screen lock:

Go to Settings > Security > Screen lock
Enter the password you entered via Android Device Manager
Choose your new screen lock method (Pattern, Slide, PIN etc.)

Steps performed on a Nexus 5, they might be slightly different on other devices

The title is a bit confused. @bmdixon's answer works for the situation that you want to delete the password in the case you knew the password. However, in most of the cases we want to remove the password we just forgotten. My answer is based on this.
For Android 4.4 and below, you can sign in Google account to reset the password.
For Android 5.0 and above, you can set a tmp password for the phone via Android Device Manager service. And use the tmp password to unlock the phone.
If you used Samsung device, then you can reset the password with Find My Mobile service.
Added: Here is a detailed guide on how to reset android password in 3 different ways. Best for beginners.


text:
Android Screen In virtualbox Rotate 90 CCW?
I install Android 4.4 x86 on virtualbox in windows 8.1
That was Ok But when I install my first app pheed on it .
now when I run pheed app my screen rotate 90 ccw like as image .

I try some stakoverflow post about android screen landscape and portrait but none of them help me .
I tried some shortcut key like as :

ctrl+f9
  ctrl+f10
  ctrl+f11
  ctrl+f12
  Or press them twice in lessthen a second but none of theme fix it ?!!
  have any idea to fix it ?

Have you tried to lock the screen orientation before running Pheed?

how do I must to do it in virtualbox  ?

The screen orientation is not controlled by VirtualBox - VirtualBox is just doing what Android is telling it to do. I'm not sure which version of Android you're running, but you will probably find the Android setting in Settings->Accessibility->Auto-rotate screen. Make sure this is unchecked.  Note that I didn't post this as an answer because I've had trouble like this in the past and, depending on the app, it may or may not work. I'm not familiar with Pheed.

Ohh auto rotation is off now dear ...there are a lot of my app going to this shape , this is not because of pheed , instagram , facebook , twitter and some more all rotating while running them

There are some hotkeys listed for ICS, which hopefully still work with Kitkat:

Rotating the screen: (to get that operate we must to have activated “Auto-rotate screen”)

Press F12 two times in less than 2 seconds = Rotate 90º to the LEFT.
Press F11  two times in less than 2 seconds = Rotate 90º to the RiGHT.
Press F10 two times in less than 2 seconds = Rotate 180º.
Press F9   two times in less than 2 seconds = Normal view 0/360º.

So I'd say try hitting F11 twice should solve your issue – after activating screen-rotation.

does not help with applications that force particular orientation :-(

blame the corresponding devs, @PhilippMunin – nothing we can do about it, sorry.

I just installed Smart Rotate app from google play and it works fine now. This should be and answer for this question

@PhilippMunin then why not post it as answer, giving some additional details on how to achieve the goal with it?