text:
How can I find my phone when it's on silent/vibrate mode?
Sometimes when I can't find my phone, I call it from my wife's phone or my landline. (There's also online service which provides a free call to your phone, it's a handy way to find a missing phone).
Unfortunately, it doesn't work very well if the phone is set to vibrate, and not at all if it's set to silent. Can I configure my phone to ignore the vibrate or silent setting and always ring for a specific number?
My old phone was a Blackberry, and it had a couple of features that made it obvious how to do this: 1) it had very flexible distinctive ring features, 2) it had a feature called "ringer profiles" that allowed users to create additional conditions where special distinctive ring conditions applied. (I mostly used its distinctive ring features to set an annoying person to always silent). Do we have anything similar on Android?
Alternatively, is there another good way to configure the phone to reveal itself even if it's set to silence? (Play music when it receives the word "sing" by text, for example.) If not as a native feature, are there apps that do this?
Finally, I know that nothing will work if the phone is out of charge, turned off, or set to airplane mode. The only solution there is "Don't misplace the phone when it's set to airplane mode."

@Andrew T, good edits. The bold is useful, and the title is clearer. No spam was intended with the specific web site mention; it's the only such service I knew about.

If you have a Google account associated with the device, you can use Google Device Manager to send an alert to your phone.

Sign in to your Google Account on android.com/devicemanager.
If you have more than one device, click the arrow next to the device name to select a different device.
Select any of the following options in the top left corner of the screen:

Ring: Rings your device at full volume for 5 minutes - even if it's set to silent or vibrate.
Lock: Locks your device with a new password.
Erase: Permanently deletes all of your data.

You can also use the Device Manager Android app for this.

Download and install the Android Device Manager app from the Google Play store on your device.
Open the Device Manager app on your device.
Sign in to your Google Account.
If you have more than one device, click the arrow next to the device name to select a different device.
Select any of the following options in the top left corner of the screen:

Ring: Rings your device at full volume for 5 minutes - even if it's set to silent or vibrate.
Lock: Locks your device with a new password.
Erase: Permanently deletes all of your data.

(source: Android Device Manager - Google Help)

What if no internet connection on the device?

@KiranReddy That's not an issue, because if you're searching for your phone, you're going to Device Manager from a different device, presumably one that does have Internet. The phone receives the ring, lock, or erase command through the cellular network, not through the general Internet.

@Steve do you have a source on this? I thought the Device manager commands are sent over the internet, and require the target device to have an internet connection. Also, how would this work on devices with WiFi only?

@onik I don't have a source. Maybe I'm confusing it with a similar tool from my cellular carrier.


text:
Setting any e-mail accout in Android
Can we set Any e-mail address as the main or primary account in Android device like Yahoo! e-mail account?
And with this Email Account, can we get all access to the Google play store?

I'd say "try and see". It is possible to register a Google account with any mail address (I did that). When logged in with that in the web browser, Play just shows me I have "no devices" (as I didn't setup any device with that account). I guess accessing Google Play should work with it, but I didn't try. Some other Google services might have issues, though – e.g. the device manager even has when using @googlemail.com instead of @gmail.com addresses, which many people in Germany experienced (gmail.com wasn't available there initially).

No. Android is gmail addresses only.

As much as I believe this answer, could you provide references to backup this statement?

Android is a google product. It uses google accounts. When you register the phone it shows you it is connecting to google servers...

Mine doesn't. It doesn't even have any Google apps on it. It runs CyanogenMod, so yes, it's an Android device. Amazon's Kindle devices run a customized Android version as well, and do not necessarily ship with Google apps. So that's no answer. When asked about the service (Google Play Store), the device is not the point: I've registered a non-Google mail address and can access the Playstore with it (it just says "no device connected with this account", as I didn't register any with it). Didn't try to install apps with it, but guess it should work.

source: Stack Exchange

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

sort: votes


text:
Why I can't scan QR code inside Whatsapp?
I have Whatsapp latest version & have the Whatsapp Web Option
I put it to scan but it just doesn't scan it.
I Installed a QR Scanner app and it works perfectly.
I uninstalled the QR Scanner app to see if that was the issue and still doesn't work.
My phone is a Sony Xperia E1 Dual... anyone help me...

Probably related: http://android.stackexchange.com/questions/96546/why-i-cant-scan-the-whatsapp-qr

You don't need to install third party QR scanner, rather than you have to use the QR scanner present inside the whatsapp it can be found under whatsapp>Menu>WebWhatsApp, use it to scan the QR Code and your problem will be fixed.

After selecting the WhatsApp Web option, does a visual guide pop up? There should be an ”OK, got it” button to clear it, but apparently on devices with smaller displays there’s a bug which caused the button to not appear. If that’s the case, wait for an update (version 2.11.505). I just got mine, and it works now.

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


text:
How to increase wireless speed supported by Android TV BOX CS928?
i have recently purchased Android Tv Box CS928 from Chinese site http://www.aliexpress.com/item/CS928-Android-4-4-kitkat-Rk3288-A17-quad-core-2GB-16GB-2-4-5-0Ghz-100M/1939723909.html
i bought this because it says
Network     2.4GHz/5GHz WiFi 802.11 b/g/n and 802.11 a/c. Support LAN 100M/1000M Base-T

so i was under impression that (802.11 n and 802.11 a/c means 300 Mbps) this will be perfect fit for my home wireless network which is working at 300 Mbps using wireless router TP-Link 1043ND
but when i connected my Android Tv Box CS928 to wireless network in my home i can only get 65 Mbps highest speed at the Android Tv Box CS928 , i even tried placing the my TP-Link router next to Android TV box but it didn't increase the Wireless speed , it shows signal strength as 100% but the wireless speed is 65 Mbps.
So i have tried forcing my TP-LINK wireless router to transmit and work at only at 300 Mbps speed by setting
Channel:    1
Mode:   11n only
Channel Width:  40MHz
Max Tx Rate:    300Mbps

but still the Android TV BOX connection status shows wireless speed as 65 Mbps
why is that ?
how can i increase the wireless transfer speed of Android TV box so i can watch HD movies streamed from my PC to Android TV Box?

This answer on Super User might be related.

@AndrewT. Thanks for the link, if thats the case then i feel cheated too and its too late.

I'm still not sure though, hopefully it's just only a misconfiguration (but I'm not an expert at networking). On the other hand, might be careful when shopping from there again (the other case, fake Lenovo P780 w)


text:
My play store suddenly change to another location and I cannot get it back
My play store used to be the US version and just a few days back it changed to Hong Kong version. Now I cannot figure out why and how it changed and I want to get it back to US version.
The only thing I can recall is that I used a proxy of HK those days. But now no matter how I set the proxy, my tablet, phone and the web page always give me the HK version.
I have read the posts about activating the play store of another country after relocate and I tried the methods, until now none of them works.
My account has two credit cards added, one's address is in US and the other is in Canada. Two of my apps that are only available in North America are not shown in neither [INSTALLED] nor in [ALL APPS] now.
The webpage version would show the US version as long as I logout my account, otherwise the HK version. The visible paid apps are all in HKD currency, which is rather disturbing!
Someone, please help me!
===UPDATE ON FEB 27, 2015===
The play store still shows HK version, however if I view games that are distributed to non-NA region (like EA's pvz_row, or r3_row) in the web page, it shows "The app is not supported in your device's country). Yet if I download a na version, the in-app-purchase currency shows HKD prices. I am confused, maybe I will have to contact Google play support team.

Well, log onto the Google account which you are using over your device, head over to the google account settings and tap over the "language" and change language variant to "US" or the one you want !

Thank you for the point, but the language setting is already like that.

now that's weird ! I think I ran out of options over here maybe you should wait a little while and see if anyone over our community can help you in guiding with the same !

Clearing app data and cache of Google Play Store worked for me.

Try clearing your data of Google play Store and your Chrome browser and then put your phone's location on. Then go into chrome and accept the "chrome would like to use your location" (or something along those lines) and sign into your Google account. This fixed my problem.

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


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What happens if I factory reset the phone after upgrading to Lollipop?
I have updated the OS from Kitkat to Lollipop using system update. Now I want to factory reset. Does anyone know that after the factory reset Lollipop OS remains or it reverts to Kitkat?

A factory reset only clears the user data from the device, it doesn't touch the system partition which is where the update was applied.
So yes, the Lollipop upgrade remains.

And if suppose I want to revert back to Kitkat OS then what can I do ?

You will have to get the KitKat stock ROM for your device and flash it manually, there is no built-in way to downgrade.


text:
how to flash phone with two roms installed accidently
I had installed a rom without wiping data.
Help me, how to flash it please.
the phone is a lenovo p700 4.0
Thanks

How did you install it? Can you use the same process to install it again but wiping data at some point?

As I understand it you flashed one rom over another without wiping data and now your phone is inoperable.
In this case all you need to do is flash the second rom again. Just make sure you wipe the data/dalvik/cache before flashing the rom again. This should net you a clean install.


text:
Should I install cm12 nightly builds incrementally?
I installed CM12's nightly build two weeks ago on my phone. Since its a nightly build, my phone asks me everyday if I want to upgrade to the latest build.
Since it's been a couple of days since I last upgraded my phone, I'm wondering whether I should install every updates incrementally or directly install the latest one.
Are the updates listed on the software-update screen incremental ?

You can flash the latest build as each is a full-build rather than a patch. You do not need to install each one incrementally. You should also be able to change the type of build that the updater checks for from nightly to stable (and possibly some others in between)

authors: Сережа Оля Маляр


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ADB over TCPIP connects, but no command works after connection has been done
I'm developing an Android app.
The so-called app is being developed inside a Windows 7 Pro X64 VirtualBox machine which has a bridged connection with the host machine (a Windows 8.1 Pro X64).
In the other hand, I've installed Genymotion Android emulator.
When I run the following commands, everything works fine until I want to perform a adb install:
adb tcpip 5555
adb connect 192.168.1.5

If I perform a adb install X.apk (where X is the name of the whole package), the command never ends.
Also, I've completely disabled Windows Firewall in both host and guest machine.
Finally, if I perform a adb devices command, it says the device is connected:
List of devices attached
192.168.1.5:5555        device

I can't figure out what's going on...

After 3-4 days of trial-error I've found what's the source of the issue...
It has something to do with virtualized ethernet adapter hardware. When I switched to Virt IO and I installed the driver in my Windows 7 guest machine, ADB has started to work as expected!
Conclusion: if you want to debug Android apps from a Windows guest to an emulator or device, configure you VirtualBox machine to use VirtIO (paravirtualized) network and you'll be fine!

authors: Девелопер Девелоперов


text:
Certain applications icons are missing in Nova Launcher
I have Nova Launcher (Prime version) installed on my Galaxy Nexus phone and I have noticed, that some of applications are missing in this launcher. In particular:

Voice Search, and
Sound Recorder

I can see these applications in Settings > Apps > All:

and in Google Play, but there is no sign of them in Nova Launcher. Icons to these applications are not present in NL's menu (app drawer), not on any of desktops and I can't even add them to desktop because, when long-pressing desktop and selecting Add to Home Screen > Apps, neither of these applications is listed on application list:

When I open up my app drawer in Nova Prime, I also can't see these apps. Notice, that I don't have Apps and Widgets tabs in my app drawer, because I have modified these. I've added my own tabs and removed Widgets tab, which I don't use at all. However, what concerns me the most, is the fact, that my app drawer contains different menu options in context menu than in case of other users (see geffchang's answer as reference). I have Play Store and Nova Settings:

While other have Show Hidden Apps and Edit Tab.... This, however, is just a strange issue (and possible a clue), but doesn't change much, because, if I go to Nova Settings > Drawer > Hide Apps and select Show Hidden Apps from context menu, then my Hidden Apps list still does not contain these two, I'm looking for (Voice Search and Sound Recorder). This list contains only these applications, that I see in Add to Home Screen > Apps list.
I have absolutely no idea, why I can't see these two applications in any of Nova Prime lists and how to add them to either home screen or app drawer. Can anyone help here?

As a developer, I believe it's because there are no GUI that are set to appear on the launcher (example: "Contacts Storage" only stores contacts, and it's shown as an app in "All" apps).
This is backed-up by dez93_2000's answer on another question,

This app has no inbuilt GUI link on many builds. You can use the app Sound Recorder Shortcut by KN Inc to access it through a shortcut though. [...]

So, you have to install other apps as a shortcut to these apps that don't have launcher on their own:

Sound Recorder: Sound Recorder Shortcut (as mentioned on the answer)
Voice Search: ICS Voice Search Shortcut (donation-ware)

I'm accepting your answer, because it brings argument, that may actually explain everything here. If app has no GUI, then putting icon / shortcut to it may be pointless. Thank you.

They are probably hidden.
If you go to Nova Settings > Drawer > Hide Apps do you see them listed there with ticks next to them? If so, un-tick them and they will re-appear in the drawer.

No, this is not the case. I have a long list of apps there, but none of them is checked. I don't think, this could be the case, because -- if I get it right -- this controls only apps in drawer. This would not explain, why these apps are also missing from Add to Home Screen > Apps list.

On my phone apps are hidden from Add to Home Screen > Apps if they're in that list. There is a 'Show hidden apps' button at the bottom of the Add to Home Screen > Apps list on my device too.

Hm... strange. I had Show hidden apps option only in Nova Settings > Drawer > Hide Apps, you mentioned first, in three-dot context menu. Selecting this option does not changed anything (list get longer, but again, no apps were checked as hidden). I don't have Show hidden apps button at the bottom of the Add to Home Screen > Apps (I have only apps list and Select Multiple button), which is odd, as I seems to have newest version of Nova Launcher Prime.

I'm not going to hijack bmdixon's answer.
What do you see on your app drawer? Do you see the (blue) APPS and WIDGETS tab? If not, then maybe Nova launcher is not active launcher.

When I open my app drawer, I don't see Apps and Widgets tabs, because I have already configured Nova Prime to suit my needs. I have five my own custom tabs and I have turned off Widget tab at all. When I tap three-dot menu button in app drawer, I can see Nova Settings, which assures me, that I'm actually using Nova Prime as main launcher! :> However, what concerns me the most, is that I don't see context menu items, you have on your screenshot, i.e. Show Hidden Apps and Edit Tab.... Instead, I have: Google Play and Nova Settings. This case begins to be really weird.

@trejder Can you post a screenshot?

Sir, yes, sir! :> Take a look at an updated question. Thanks.

@trejder I see your problem. You're clicking on the wrong button - the three dots (aka overflow button). You need to click on the tab (e.g. MAIN, INTERNET, FUN, TAB). Let me know if it works.

Yes and no. Yes, because you're right, that I was tapping in wrong place. After tapping on tab itself I found your options and checked Show Hidden Apps. No, because after doing this, I still can't see neither Sound Recorder nor Voice Search icons. For some reasons these two apps (maybe more) are completely not seen anywhere within Nova Prime and I can only list them in system level (in system settings). So, we're going back to my initial question -- what can be causing, that Nova Prime does not have any access to certain system apps and does not list them anywhere?

Plus: I wasn't too much surprised, that I can't see these two apps after checking Show Hidden Apps, because I've been to Nova's hidden apps list many times, from different points (for example from Nova Settings > Drawer > Hide Apps, suggested by @bmdixon). I can't even search them in app drawer, while app drawer's search goes through all icons, Nova have access to, no matter if they're hidden or not. As in previous comments, for some reason unknown to me, Nova doesn't see these two apps anywhere within itself. They're accessible only on system level.


text:
How do I store my contacts so I can retrieve them after a factory reset?
Has anyone used the HTC backup app?
I'm going to factory reset my phone and I want to store my contacts somewhere so I can retrieve them after the reset.
Has anyone done this before?

Aren't your contacts automatically synced with your Google account? Htc one m8 usually has Andorid 4.4 so you should check settings>accounts and check if your google account syncs your contact info automatically. You should double check it by logging to your google account on a computer to see if it's working.
Link to contacts: www.google.com/contacts

I recommend Super Backup : SMS & Contacts - you can back up your contacts (and other data), back them up AND email it to yourself.  That way you have a safe copy you can then re-install easily.
I have used it very successfully when changing phones, but it's a great app anyway.


text:
How To Bypass Android Lock-Screen?
I can't remember the pattern to my phone anymore. How can I bypass it? I've looked at my options but they've been whittled down. Android debugging isn't enabled, so I can't use the Android SDK to access the console, as one article suggested. And I'm unable to use the "Bypass Screen Lock" app on Google Play to get in, as I can't remember my google account info- which means, of course, that I can't just use the "forgot your password?" option, either.
The phone in question is a StraightTalk Galaxy S2 running Anroid 2.3.6
Can anyone help me?

If you don't know the google account and password, your only real option is to wipe the phone (factory reset).

Related: Can not unlock my Android device as have no internet connection?

If you logged in with your google account, you should be able to see a forgot password option after you enter the wrong password 5 times. your google password will let you reset it.

In the question "I can't remember my google account info".


text:
How to disable vibration in Google Keep Reminders?
Every time I get a reminder in Google Keep I hear the notification sound and the phone vibrates.
I'd like to hear the notification sound but I don't want the phone to vibrate.
How can I disable the vibration?


text:
set persistent search bar
On my Nexus 5 I have a persistent search bar that appears on all screens, regardless of launcher. I cannot remember or find where and how I set this.  I would like to set the same feature on my Nexus 7.  Any ideas, anyone?

Some launchers (e.g. Nova) provide a way to show / hide the persistent search bar. So, it's not just "regardless of launcher". Could you specify if you are using the stock launcher or a custom launcher right now? If custom, which one?

Thank you for the response.  On my Nexus 5 the persistent search bar persists with Nova launcher, which is what I use,  and also with the Google Now launcher.  Not, however, with Go Ex. I can't remember what I did to get it on the phone, but I'm using Nova,  also on the Nexus 7,  and it's not there and I can't get it.

As per your comment that the persistent search bar is not available on GO launcher makes your initial "regardless of launcher" comment invalid.
It is highly likely that GO Ex does not have an option to show the persistent search bar, as observed in a forum post. You might want to revert to using Nova (which I personally use) or Apex.
UPDATE 2014-01-27 17:10 For Nova launcher, you can configure the persistent search bar here:

Yes, you're right about my error, of course, thanks for pointing that out.  But to clarify, my issue still is: I have the persistent search bar on my Nexus 5 with Nova, which I use and prefer.  I would like to have the same feature on my Nexus 7, also using Nova.  How do I set that up?

@SteveBaker BTW, you may want to accept the Answer if you think this solved your problem. :)

Not quite, yet.  My problem remains:how to  set up the persistent search bar with Nova on a nexus 7? Thanks for sticking with me on this.

@SteveBaker Have you seen the settings I put in the screenshots?

Just saw them.  Thanks very much.  Got it now.  I appreciate your patience.

authors: أبو صالح الغامدي


text:
Galaxy S1 won't read SIM card
I switched my SIM card to the Galaxy S1 it reads it but under my network it says "unknown" so i can't send/ receive messages or calls why?

Switched it from where?  Did you activate your new phone on that sim card?  Need more details!

Please provide more information so user are able to help you with your problem.

try to remove the battery and leave for 10minutes before replacing. This will allow any residual memory in your phone to leak and give a cleaner network link.

I would suggest install a app to read the detailed info.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.androidyou.simcardinfo&hl=en
if it says unknown, it basically means it can't read the sim


text:
Send SMS to a list of recipients from a text file
I am  old user of Nokia E72 and it has got an interesting function that I always used.
But now I moved to Android on an Xperia SL. On my Nokia, the field of recipients allowed me to copy and past the list of contacts separated by linebreak, from a text file.
This worked with even more than 500 contacts at once.
Unfortunately, I cannot do this on my new Xperia.
My Question is: Which SMS App can allow me to send SMS to a list of recipients from a text file?

Android has a 10-recipient limit for SMS messages to prevent abuse. With root access, you can bypass this limitation. See: Is there any way to remove the 10 recipents limit from the SMS app?


text:
bsnl is709c android tablet is not booting up
My BSNL penta IS709C tablet got locked after too many unlock attempts. After that I tried to hard reset by pressing BACK + HOME + MENU buttons together with the power button but in vain. Tablet present condition:
1) USB debugging off, so no adb commands.  2) wifi is off. 3) No
    associated google account.
Please help me restore the tablet or suggest me how can I hard reset it.

So after battling for two days, finally I have managed to solved this problem.
First of all download stock ROM for your tablet from here
and extract the file anywhere you want.
Note:- All the below steps are provided in .ppt file which you can find in the downloaded zip folder(here ..\BSNL-IS709C\BSNL IS709C\Firmware\upgrade\tool). Since it is a Chinese version so I thought it might help if I re-write the steps here:

Shut down your tablet.
take out your SDCard if you don't want data loss.
Plug one end of the Usb cable to PC/Laptop.
Press the middle button(namely menu button) of the three buttons on the tablet and the power button together and then plug another end of the Usb cable to the tablet.
After this, your computer will try to install drivers for your device which you can ignore because you are gonna install the drivers manually.
go to device manager->Other devices->right click on the unknown device(which is yours with yellow triangle) and then click on update driver software.
Choose to manually locate drivers and move to this directory (..\BSNL-IS709C\BSNL IS709C\Firmware\upgrade\tool\Driver).
Select the appropriate driver(x86/x64) and click OK, a red color pop up is displayed. Click yes(or whatever) to install the drivers.
Now open the RKBatchTool provided here(..BSNL-IS709C\BSNL IS709C\Firmware\upgrade\tool). You will see a green color square on it which means that it has recognized your device. Meanwhile is the Chinese version, so can refer this picture for further operation:

Click on the Restore button to factory reset the tablet and when its done. Click on upgrade.
Restart the tablet and voila, its done!!


text:
Enable LTE on Nexus 6 with Lollipop
My new Nexus 6 isn't giving me an LTE icon in my cell service - I get the same old H that was showing on my Nexus 4 before I upgraded.
I'd expect to see LTE here :

I talked to my carrier, who said that my data plan includes LTE, so I don't think that's a problem.
I've tried to set LTE as my preferred network, but it won't take. I go to:
Settings -> Wireless/More -> Cellular networks -> Preferred network type
choose LTE (recommended)
But the Preferred network type remains on 3G after I make the change.
Is there some other setting I'm missing that will enable LTE? I've power cycled the phone several times and run through every fix I can imagine. I'm on Android 5.0.1 with AT&T.

Are you sure you get 4G in your area?  Just because 4G is part of your plan, and your phone supports it, if you don't have 4G towers in your area, you won't get 4G signal.

Yeah, I'm downtown in a major city where everyone else gets the 4G network.

Check LTE frecuency bands acepted for your phone, perhaps your phone's LTE bands are diferente from those usted by att I your local area. I have the same problem so I check compatibily at https://www.frequencycheck.com/

Just in case anyone else runs into this issue: I went into an AT&T device location where they replaced my SIM card with a new one. After that, LTE was immediately available.

Chances are most likely that the SIM card you are using is not LTE enabled. You can check with the service provider on upgrading the SIM.
Once the SIM is upgraded, install Open Signal application in the phone and test for 4G signal coverage.


text:
Difference between installing SuperSU using Play Store versus a custom recovery that installs it from a file?
I see that some rooting guides say that rooting involves:

Download a SuperSU as a zip file that would be accessible to the phone (e.g. the sdcard).
Unlock the phone's bootloader.
Booting into a "custom" recovery mode. E.g. TWRP or CWM. Either temporarily booting using fastboot or flashing the custom recovery to the phone and then booting.
Use the custom recovery mode to install the downloaded SuperSU zip file.
Reboot the phone into normal mode and root access should be A) available and B) managed by the SuperSU program.

However, I also see that SuperSU is also on the Play Store. Installing from the Play Store does not promise any root access. (It actually assumes you already have it.)
So, my questions are:

What is different between these installation methods practically?
What is are the technical differences in actions or restrictions?
And how can/does the custom recovery installation method provide root access whereas the Play Store method can not?

Root access (typically) requires several components that work in concert with one another. A somewhat simplified view of what you need is:

A native su binary. This can be invoked from the command line or from applications. It is what actually performs the act of switching users, and grants a process root permission.
A "gatekeeper" application, that regulates which other apps and processes are allowed to invoke su to gain root privileges.

Think of the SuperSU application as being a sort of graphical front-end for the su binary.
Because of the way directory/file permissions are configured on Android, you need to have the su binary on your /system partition in order for it to work. Putting elsewhere will not suffice, because it will not have the permissions it needs to actually allow processes to switch users.
Normal applications (without root) cannot write to /system, so the SuperSU application itself cannot simply install su where it needs to be. This is the reason why you will not have root if you install SuperSU from the Play Store without taking any other steps. All you have is the front-end, but not the underlying pieces that are necessary. You only have half of what you need for root, and no way to get the other half from the SuperSU application alone.
Therefore, the most common way to get the su file in the proper place is to install it from recovery, since the recovery system has full access to the device storage and can install files anywhere it wants. Once that is done, SuperSU and su can talk to each other and provide root access to other processes.
The recovery installation file also installs SuperSU because it is convenient, and putting it in /system prevents it from being erased by a factory reset. However, if you wanted to, you could install only su from recovery and then get SuperSU from the Play Store. It would function just fine. Similarly, you can update SuperSU from the Play Store later on and it will continue to function (because su is already in place at that point).

Question: Even if you had su in /system, would you or apps still have root access even without SuperSU? You might want to rephrase SuperSU as being the graphical front-end, and the "gatekeeper".

I think it depends on how the su binary was built. Towelroot uses one that requires no additional app (it approves everything), but I'm not sure if SuperSU works that way in the absence of the app.

"Because of the way directory/file permissions are configured on Android, you need to have the su binary on your /system partition in order for it to work." Would you please provide a link that explains about this special configuration of the /system partition? What can binaries that are on /system do which is not allowed for binaries that are on /data?


text:
Stereo mix functionality in Android?
Is there any way/app for Android that mimics the functionality of stereo mix in Windows?

Android does not have such a functionality.
Audio streams/pipes are very closed source and only the system itself has access to their data. There are some apps that can stream your audio output to your PC, but they require additional software.

The problem is: You can only write to the audio output (add your sound to the mix) and
only read the microphone input (listen to what comes in).

You may go the easy way and connect a male-male audio cable to your phone's audio jack and your PC's microphone jack. That way you get your audio as easily as possible to your PC (assuming you use Skype on your PC).
There are some apps that require a rooted phone to access the system audio pipes and then will stream the audio output to AirFoil Speakers or similar (requires additional software), but because of the way they do that (rerouting all audio) you won't be able to hear what is coming out of your phone.
Also, they are quite delayed (up to 5 seconds even in good networks) and require you to buy the full version just a few minutes after using them.
My suggestion:
If your device is not rooted: Try the audio cable method.
If you have a rooted device: You can try finding an app that allows you to stream the audio output to your PC.
The problem is: Audio streams are deeply embedded into the system. Normal apps can't read the audio stream of the system, except for their own data before it is played.
Worth noting: some headphones with TRRS jacks result in stereo mix recording if playing music through the headphones and recording. Even if the extra wire is not for a mic but a switch.


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How to debug inetd server on rooted Android phone?
I would like to run an inetd server on my rooted phone to accept incoming connections and launch an application in response.  I've installed BusyBox since it includes inetd and I created a file /etc/inetd.conf/myApp with the contents:
service myApp
{
    socket_type = stream
    protocol = tcp
    wait = no
    user = root
    server = /system/app/com.mydomain.myApp-33.apk
    port = 2345
    disable = no
}

I then ran this command from the adb shell:
shell@jfltevzw:/ $ su
root@jfltevzw:/ # busybox inetd -q 2345 /etc/xinetd.d/myApp

I then tried to test by using telnet from my Macintosh:
bash-3.2$ telnet 192.168.1.29 2345
Trying 192.168.1.29...
Connected to android-1c7bde8dccfe2a27.
Escape character is '^]'.
Connection closed by foreign host.

I tried other not-configured ports (e.g. 2346) and get the same result, so it is failing at a very basic level and not getting very far at all.
How can I see any log files to figure out what is going wrong?

You seem to mix up inetd and xinetd configuration and paths - use a config for one or the other. You may also want to consider to specify the service as type "unlisted" to avoid the need of it being added to /etc/services - as you didn't mention you did add your service, I suppose you didn't.

Correct, service is not registered for its ports.  Please elaborate on what you mean by mixing up inetd and xinetd configuration and paths - use a config for one or the other.


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Add applications to the original Android ROM
How can I add applications to the original Android ROM installed by manufacturer, and not lose them after a factory reset?

yes you can do it. but you have to root.

NarenderNishad (via comments) is correct. If you have root access, you can convert the apps to system apps (using an app like Titanium Backup). They will be moved to the /system folder. When you do a factory reset, the apps will not be deleted.


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How to use two whatsapp accounts on one phone
I have a Samsung galaxy Duos and want to use my two whatsapp accounts at the same device. Is it for example possible to run dual two whatsapp client apps on one phone?

Well, I don't think that would be possible at all but anyway I would rather say over here nothing is impossible for developers at all ! I think I want to know about it too ! So, +1 from my side !

Yeah, searching on Google did return some results. Probably I'll write the answer if I have some time after understanding the procedure.

Possible duplicate of How can I run multiple copies of the same app?

@RahulParashar I don't think this is quite a duplicate, because if there's a trick that's specific to WhatsApp, that couldn't be posted on the linked question.

@DanHulme I want to point out,  all in all, whatsapp is an android app. If there is a technique then it can be applied to the all the android app. This is because of how the system (Operating system) is designed.

@RahulParashar There are already two answers on this question which recommend an alternative WhatsApp app. Obviously that's a solution that doesn't generalise to other apps.

But, the truth still holds that android app cannot have two instances. These are just workarounds which possibly/tweak-ably work for other apps also.

You can't install an app twice unless you go deep down hacking.
I don't know how WhatsApp works but you may just be able to put multiple accounts to one device. These accounts then may be handled separately by a single app. You can also try to look for alternatives if WhatsApp doesn't support multiple accounts.

Yes you can use two WhatsApp account in a single phone,and here is an alternate method. There are so many application using them you can use dual WhatsApp,
and Parallel Space,
simply install application Parallel Space from Google Play.
After installing, there you will see an option for WhatsApp, using that you can use another WhatsApp account.
Using Parallel Space you will use multiple WhatsApp,Hike,Messenger account with a single Application.

Its possible to use two account by using two whatsapp(first offical whatsapp,second OGWhatsapp)  OGWhatsapp

Welcome to [android.se]. Thank you for your contribution. This is a good starting for an answer, but could you also mention (or quote) the steps to install it?

@AndrewT. Its simple download OGwhatsapp the link i provided above and install provide your 1st number. After that you can install offical whatsapp install provide 2nd number. So by this way 2 numbers will be working in a single mobile parallel way.

Security and privacy concerns of using a non official "whastapp"? Don't recommend that kind of thing...

A more recent workaround involves using Disa (Unified Messenger Hub) (available on playstore).
It uses plugin to access services like WhatsApp, Telegram etc.
Despite the fact that it is still in beta versions, AFAICT, it has stable release of its plugins and can be a good way to use multiple WhatsApp instances on one device.
The plugins are still bring fine-tuned as currently sone features are still lacking (e.g WhatsApp web, WhatsApp statuses), but the developers promised to implement such features soon.
However its core features are intact, for regular usage e.g chats etc , it is very good to tool to achieve your goal.

Use WhatsApp business as the second instance of the app
WhatsApp has now officially made it possible to have two WhatsApp accounts without needing any shady third party apps.
WhatsApp has recently come out with an app called WhatsApp business. It's almost an exact copy of the regular WhatsApp app, and they can both run together on the and phone, without any problems.
There are some minor differences between them, but they are small enough to not get in the way. Main difference would definitely be that when someone good to see more details about you, it will tell them that this is an unverified business account.
Otherwise, it's all the same. You have chats, group chats, statuses, regular and video calling, etc.
It has also some cool features that the regular WhatsApp didn't have. For example: automatic reply, quic reply, and many other.
How to set it up:
Download WhatsApp business from the play store, and go through the regular number authentication process. After you're done, you will be able to use both apps on the same phone.

You can use OGwhatsapp to use two numbers on your device. But now a days WhatsApp has started to ban unofficial users of whatsapp so do at your own risk!
Download OGWhatsapp

It'd be better if you could provide the download link to WhatsApp+, since it's not available on Play Store though.


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Compression of files on whatsapp
when i try send a vid whatever the size it reduces to 16mb, does the application compress files and to what extent.
Also how large a file can i send on the application?

https://www.whatsapp.com/faq/en/iphone/20964587
Send an existing video
Tap Choose Existing Video to share a video from your Camera Roll or Photo Albums. You will have the option to preview and add a caption to your video before sending it. Existing videos are limited to 16 Megabytes, or about 90 seconds of video on most phones. If you choose an existing video that is larger than 16 Megabytes, you will have the option to trim the length of the video before sending it. Videos may be automatically compressed to ensure quick delivery.


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Lollipop on HTC One M8
I'm trying to update to Lollipop OTA on my HTC One M8, rooted, S-ON. I've read that it won't work with a custom recovery (I was using CWM) so I flashed a stock recovery and removed SuperSU, and that all seemed well and good but the update still won't apply. It just boots into the recovery menu(?) then stops.
Please help!

Is there an error message displayed on the recovery menu?

The problem can be the "fingerprint": when it blocks in the recovery menu hold "volume up" and "power" buttons some second then release, you should see some error message in the bottom.
This could be an useful guide: http://android-revolution-hd.blogspot.se/2013/12/how-to-manually-install-ota-update.html


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"X seconds on battery" problem
I recently bought a Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014) -- after I opened it, I saw that charge level was %50+. While I was using it, it shut down; and I couldn't open it for a while. I plugged the charger and waited for a while, then it opened with again with %57 charge level. Now it is still charging but whenever I open Settings -> Battery part, it shows a graph and it says "18 seconds on battery" (I don't know why 18, I couldn't see an example on the web). Moreover, the applications it shows seems a bit weird. I see a "Phone" app where there is no visible phone app at the widgets and apps section, as I do not have 3G, or this is not a phone, it is natural. I don't know what is going on, may be someone can guess what is wrong with the battery part...

You need to use the Samsung charger, or at least a wall charger.  Same thing happened to me.


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Rooting Android
I have problem with rooting Android, I tried various methods (including Kingo, EasyRootTool, and etc.) and none pf them worked.
My device is

Sony Z C6602
  Android 4.4.4
  Build Number 10.5.1.A.0.283

Any suggestions how to root it?

I had a experience to root a sony device once, that I was a little bit complicated, so I think it will be necessary to downgrade your device to Android 4.3, then try this method: http://www.teamandroid.com/2014/03/10/root-xperia-z-c6602-c6603-tutorial/

(I have a Xperia Z too, and I am rooted/unlocked. You have to downgrade to 4.3. But if you have not unlocked your bootloader yet, your data is gone either way.) All my knowledge comes from xda-developers.com, so I looked it up there. There is a thread for it: How to root 10.5.1.A.0.283 / 10.5.1.A.0.292 Hope it helps you :)

You have to download KingRoot for your device and it is safe I'm using it from last 4 years Download from https://kingroot.net/
NOTE : You have to connect your phone with internet(It need approx 2MB)
Installing Process
Open KingRoot
it will check whether phone is rooted or not.
then click try root button to start rooting
Now wait for the 100% process ,after this your phone is rooted
Hope it will solve your problem...


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How to receive a notification for each new message in a conversation?
If I have a conversation with unread messages, I get no new notifications for new messages in the conversation. Is there a way to get these notifications?

On Android, go to settings, then bundle notifications. There should be a little bell icon next to each category that you want notifications about. This took me forever to realize how to fix, but much better now! Good luck.

By "On Android", did you mean "(In Inbox app) on Android"?


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Update Android device, but not to latest version
I have an Android device (Asus Nexus 7) running Android 4.4.4.  The latest version is 5.0.2.  But in order to investigate a bug report on my app, I want to update to 5.0.1.  When I select "System Updates" under Settings > About Device, I see an option to update to 5.0.2.  Is it possible for me to update to 5.0.1?  If so, how?

And searching didn't bring you to: https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images

No, you can install a stock image without rooting.

Rooting is for when you want to run things with elevated permissions. On Nexus devices the bootloader is unlockable which allows you to manual switch firmware images. Follow @New-To-IT instructions.

All you have to do is install a factory image of 5.0.1 to the Nexus before you update fully.  Head Here(all instructions are here, just posted below in case link breaks) to find the image that corresponds with your particular device.

Download the appropriate system image for your device below, then unzip it to a safe directory.
Connect your device to your computer over USB.
Start the device in fastboot mode with one of the following methods:

Using the adb tool: With the device powered on, execute:
  "adb reboot bootloader"
ADB Tool Download(Once installed you'll navigate to "Platform>Tools to find the adb tool
Using a key combo: Turn the device off, then turn it on and immediately hold down the relevant key combination for your device. For example, to put a Nexus 5 ("hammerhead") into fastboot mode, press and hold Volume Up + Volume Down + Power as the device begins booting up.

If necessary, unlock the device's bootloader by running:
fastboot oem unlock
The target device will show you a confirmation screen. (This erases all data on the target device.)
Open a terminal and navigate to the unzipped system image directory.
Execute the flash-all script. This script installs the necessary bootloader, baseband firmware(s), and operating system.
Once the script finishes, your device reboots. You should now lock the bootloader for security:
Start the device in fastboot mode again, as described above.
Execute:
fastboot oem lock

*Locking the bootloader does not wipe any data, but when you want to flash it again, you must run fastboot oem unlock again, which will wipe the data.

I'd just like to emphasize that unlocking bootloader to flash an image will factory reset the device.

@joho506 That was already stated at the bottom of my post "but when you want to flash it again, you must run fastboot oem unlock again, which will wipe the data."


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How can i get apps on my phone from ONLY my other phone, and not my tablet?
I am going to get a replacement phone and i only want apps from my old phone to be downloaded to the new one, and not my tablets apps. i know there is "google play-my apps-all", but that includes my tablets apps too. they are all on the same account. (the reason for this is my phone has very little storage and i dont want my tablets 3GB apps taking up my phone.) my phones are both on android 4.0.4 (sony xperia tipo) (ICS). i do not want to root but i will download any app (no apks please, sorry). thanks in advance!! :D

Use the Helium app to backup your phone and then do a restore on the new one.
I am not affiliated with developers of Helium in any way, only a regular user.
Helium is just a (sophisticated) frontend to adb backup, so if you feel adventurous, you can achieve similar results using just adb.

What if u change the account on the tablet first, then try to transfer apps from old phone? Not certain ofd that will work, but It should. If Apple can do it android can.


text:
List of stock KitKat firmware versions for Galaxy S3 LPH-710
What stock KitKat firmware versions has Samsung released for the Galaxy S3 (Sprint model LPH-710 to be more precise)?
I got an S3 online and it came with some 4.4.x and root access. Unfortunately, when I was prompted with an OTA firmware update notification, I went ahead and installed it. I didn't back up the original firmware or check its exact version or build numbers. Due to some problems I'm now having, I'd like to get it back to its old state, as much as possible.
The strange thing seems to be that the update left me with 4.4.2 -- even though (from the googling I've done) I believe that was the first KitKat version released officially for this device. Is it possible the update either a) didn't actually update or b) was an update smaller than even a point release?

So the phone was rooted when you installed the OTA update?

Yeah. I read online that some people have success updating with it rooted, but it's uncommon; so I decided to just try it out (assuming perhaps wrongly that if it didn't like it, nothing would be modified).

According to this site, 4.4.2 is the only Kit Kat version for the Galaxy S3 on Sprint's network.  It is entirely possible that the update you received was just a lesser update to update some additional problems or issues that the phone might have had.
The problem is, you usually can't receive OTA updates while rooted, so there is also a chance that it tried to install, and couldn't and might have done something, but either way, what I would suggest is to flash the stock ROM, and start over from there.  Re-root if you so desire.  Might just be a bad root.

Interesting -- it specifically lists only L710VPUDND8 as baseband, but my phone shows L710VPUDNJ2. Perhaps that's a custom KitKat the previous owner put on it.

Well if it's rooted, it's likely that it's a custom ROM of kit kat.  Possibly one that was installed before the release of Kit Kat on the phone.

OK, I will definitely try the stock one with ODIN then. Should it matter if I retain CWM on it (which it didn't come with)?

@echristopherson CWM will get overwritten anyway. Odin uses the bootloader rather than the recovery to allow a full installation (including recovery).

Well, the stock firmware isn't helping so far, so I might try doing a hard reset and/or tracking down the actual L710VPUDNJ2 firmware. After setting up my accounts, it started rebooting randomly again. I also again got prompted for an OTA update, so I tried installing it (in the hopes it would help with the reboots), but once it got to recovery it gave Error 7: /system/priv-app/GoogleServicesFramework.apk has unexpected contents, plus some other text. I was hoping to be able to try again to capture the rest of the error, but so far haven't been able to.

http://androidbiits.com/sprint-samsung-galaxy-s3-sph-l710-android-4-4-2-kitkat-vpudnj2-l710vpudnj2/  try that link @echristopherson

I do remember another part of the error message involved an all-caps file name, something like an alphanumeric ID followed by USER_L710_ND8_TO_NJ2.zip. But I haven't seen the update notification to show up in my bar, and when I went to the update section of Settings and hit Update Firmware it gave "The firmware update could not be completed. Please try again later. [new paragraph] If the problem persists, you may need to contact Customer Service [new paragraph] Error:(Code: 407)Internal Error".

I'm now leaning toward thinking my issues with unwanted/inconsistent lock/unlock and occasional shutdowns are due to a physical problem with the power button. @New-To-IT thanks for all the help.

Correction: the file that recovery is unable to install is 0ecacf3bac0493d35771e6f691f5103b8087cf35.USER_L710 _SPR_ND8_to_NJ2_Update_FWD1.zip. And after that is "(Status 7)" (not "Error 7: " before it, as I wrote).


text:
Android L 5.0.1 wont unlink my exchange account from GMail
I updated my Nexus 5  to L5.0.1. No problems except my Outlook exchange account is now linked to GMail which I really do not want. There seems to be no way to unlink it either despite deleting the exchange account!
In the Help section it says Goto Settings/Accounts and look under POP3 or IMAP but neither of these are visible.
Any suggestions??

What do you mean the exchange account is "linked" to Gmail?  Do you mean messages your messages show up in Gmail app?

@Chahk When you upgrade to Lollipop, you get a new gmail app.  All your e-mail accounts are linked to that one app.  That's what they're saying.  It's all explained in my answer.

In the new Android 5.0 update, GMail was made to be available as the only e-mail app you would need.  Instead of having to have 2 different email apps for gmail and exchange, it would do everything for you.  Now remember, your exchange email is completely separate from your gmail, so there is nothing happening to your e-mail, it's not being hijacked by Google or anything, the app is just a place where it is getting delivered.  If you still don't want them in the same app, then you can always install a different email app to handle your exchange e-mail.
Download an e-mail app, such as Nine that will handle your exchange e-mail in a separate app.  First you are going to have to delete the exchange e-mail from your GMail app, then install the new email application, then add it to the new application.


text:
Mobile data in notification toggle
I upgraded my Moto G 2 mobile to Android 5.0.2 Lollipop and I have been using Clean Master notification toggle. After this upgrade mobile data is not working by pressing on the mobile data symbol in notification toggle. Pressing on that is taking me to Settings > Data Usage.

Since Lollipop, 3rd-party apps can no longer toggle mobile data without root. However, there's a handy new data toggle in the stock quick settings; tap the signal icon, then tap the toggle in the top-right.

I think you can slide down the notification button and slide right to see more of the apps or Wi-Fi or other settings and click the data toggle. Hope this helps. :)

Install Phone Testing app, no need to root (or input *#*#4636#*#* from the dialer). After install, open "Phone information", and change network mode in "Set preferred network mode". Don't change other options
For rooted devices, consider the app Toggle Network Type 5.0 (root) (free on XDA).

I couldn't find "Set preferred network mode" on Nexus 5, Lollipop 5.1.1, but maybe that's because it's Nexus, not Moto G2.

Well I may have found an answer for this data toggle issue. Because I too can't live without one. But unfortunately this only works if you own a Samsung smart watch.
I downloaded 'instant settings' for my Gear S. This app allows you to control certain toggles for your phone, such as; Wi-Fi, power saving mode, sound and of course a data toggle.
Well what do you know... The data toggle actually works. I can turn my mobile data on and off by a single tap on my watch. I guess this will have to do for now.
Just thought I'd try and help out by giving you guys my solution for the time being, hope this helps. ☺

authors: ศิริชัย บันดะลุน


text:
Moto G - Bricked after update. Constantly booting to CWM
I have a Moto G (XT1032). I used to run Cyanogen then Paranoid Android but recently I have returned to stock. Now, being an idiot, I tried to install Lollipop following this guide (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6C2ulyhy5M). That failed miserably. After hours of panic and chaotic attempts I managed to get into CWM and restore my backup.
The issue is that the phone automatically boots into CWM and if turned off, it would turn on and boot back into CWM.
I cannot find a stock image for Moto G XT1032 GB UK anywhere. Please advise, please help!
The phone just boots into recovery constantly.

Suggesting to take it to service centre at the earliest. At the moment, it could just a software issue. I had a similar experience with Galaxy s2. Thought I could fix it. Tried too many things. Ended up with a hardware problem which made phone unusable.

Try to install Cyanogenmod again, be sure to clear cache, dalvik, data and system


text:
Verizon HTC M8 One - Vanilla lollipop
What i want is to be able to turn my verizon htc m8 one into a vanilla install of android 5.0. Is this possible? I am having trouble finding info online. I can find info on being able to root and "unlock" the bootloaded but it all seems to use some software side tricks that i think will give me a vanilla rom on KitKat but upgrading to 5.0 isn't supported. If i am a wrong AWESOME. Any help would be useful.


text:
How to access andriod to my pcs hardrive using wifi
I would like to connect my samsung galaxy s4 over wifi with my pcs harddrive. It should be the same way as by the remote desktop apps but indstead of them only to use the pc hardrive. I want to get and send files between my whole 1 TB hardrive therefore I don't want to use cloud services like dropbox. Also I don't need to sync.

AirStream: Stream PC on mobile could help you. There is no root or registration required.

I do all manner of communication between android and Windows. I have several android TV PCs with monitors used as thin clients, and I use TV PCs for streaming on big TVs. For remoting into Windows use Microsoft Remote Desktop Beta from the play store. Many android file browsers connect to Windows file sharing. I use ES File Explorer Pro to copy files and update the TV PCs. I use FolderSync Pro to backup my cell phone to Windows. This all works flawlessly and is easy to set up if you have Windows security knowledge. Also use a fixed IP address for the Windows machine, using that as the server name. The Windows machine name often is not found via DNS, but the IP address always works. Do not include a domain name in server set up for android apps.
Windows security is a pain. Do not take a shortcut and give too much access to your android devices. Create a user on the Windows machine for the intended purpose, and give that user access to one or more folders required. It's fine to give full access to that user for just those folders. Permission must be given at the Windows share name and the Windows folder. These are two different sets of permissions.


text:
Seeing how long an app was used over the life of the device
I was wondering if there's any way to tell how long a specific app was used over the lifetime of a device?
Just to clarify, I'm not looking to be able to track how long it's used from here on in (although that would be cool too), but rather if there's a way to see how long an app has been used in the past.
Thanks!

If you want to know how much time a user spends in an app, e.g.: User Bob has used App X for Y hours, then no, there is no way to know that information.

@CzarMatt Ok, thanks. I assumed as much, figured it couldn't hurt to ask though.


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My Samsung Galaxy S3 has a black screen
Today , i was playing on my Samsung Galaxy S3 and it worked just fine this morning.
After school i trying to play on it and it flickered to a black screen, when i trying to turn it on it powered up but i couldn't  see anything just a black screen and in the corner a blue light to show its turning on( it vibrated also). I could hear sound and i could do my password but i could see anything. Could you please help?

Before it flickered did you see any green light or something. I suspect the screen is cracked. Experienced it twice on my S3. Try to enter download mode, if nothing shows up there too then it probably is screen issue and not some kernel screw up. Also look for some cracks, in my case it was really tough to notice the cracks that caused a large hole in my pocket.
Best of luck. I wish my inference is wrong.


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Lollipop update issues
I have updated my Moto G2 to Lollipop 5.02,
1) After which facing Wifi issues, where it does not connect to saved networks, One has to remove the network from the saved networks and reconnect by entering the password.
2) The Photos folder shows up twice on the menu of apps
3) The Moto Assist, which reads out your message or answers the calls in Home or Driving mode does not work. the voice reads the message and then beeps to turn on the speaker to listen your reply to either send an sms or answer calls... keeps beeping until one has to exit out of the assist mode.
Guys, do let me know if anyone here are facing these issues after the update. How one can get rid of them :)

Go to Settings -> Apps
uninstall all the updates to the apps (roll back apps to factory installed).
It worked on my phone (Moto G2).
resolved issues (checked and verified):
1. duplicate photo folder
3. apps open instantly (else they took a long time to open and screen had to be locked and unlocked again for any app to open)


text:
Is it possible to power off the device using adb?
Is there any way (command/option) to power-off the device using adb command?

@AndrewT. This question does not solve my problem. I tried reboot -p--->Operation not permitted. Other commands returns not found.  On the other hand, all of those commands are shell commands that are executed on the device, But I am looking for a command such as adb reboot -s or adb shutdown that is entered on PC command line.

Still, it's a duplicate of that question. It's an unfortunate situation that you still can't comment on other post/put bounty, but since you've tried it, incorporate the info you wrote on comment to the question. I also tried it just now, and it also doesn't work. Somehow I suspect there is a change in adb.exe between SDK.

Try "adb shell" and see if device has "shutdown" command (it should be under /system/bin/). If shutdown binary is there, then type "shutdown" command should work


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What is heimdall PIT file?
What is PIT file that is generated by heimdall? Is the PIT format a general format which is used by other software as well? or is a format dedicated to Heimdall?
If it is general format that could be used by other software, there should be manual or standard description of it, is there any such description?

Heimdall is a open source tool, used to flash firmwares for Samsung devices. Heimdall works some kind of different from Odin.Heimdall flashes individual files where as Odin flashes a package files. PIT file in Heimdall is used to tell your device how to boot.
It is general format and are considered one of the original formats for Macintosh file for compression. (.PIT) are MAC OS files. To open file this on Windows OS use 'Smith Micro StuffIt Deluxe 2010'.

I thought the PIT file was the Partition Information Table? Relating to the phone's partitions. I could WELL be wrong, but I've seen similar mentioned. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=771426

Yea It is related to phone's partition!!

This answer is totally incorrect. Odin has PIT options too.


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How to use *.img file instead of *.gz (or *.pit) file with Heimdall?
I have downloaded .img file for TWRP recovery. How I should use it with Heimdall? It seems that Heimdall accepts .gz files (or .pit files in older versions), not .img!
I've tried opening an .img file and Heimdall complained

Tar header contained an invalid file size

Opening a .tar file led to

firmware.xml is missing from the package

where do i fine that recovery.img file? Link please

Where we can download reliable image or any other firmare for sansung galaxy S3?

If you use Linux - download heimdall-frontend so you can use GUI. It is much easier.
To flash using Heimdall you first need to specify .pit file.
.pit stands for Partitions Information Tables, so Heimdall knows where it need to flash it.

To flash TWRP using Heimdall follow this steps:

Open Heimdall frontend.
Go to Utilities tab.
You will see Download PIT. Go Save As and save it on some location.
Go to Flash tab.
In PIT category, click Browse and select PIT file you downloaded from device in step 3.
Click Add button.
For partition name select where you want to flash it. BE CAREFUL! If you flash it on wrong partition you can perma-brick device. On my device for recovery it is Kernel2.
Go Browse for file and select .img file.
In Session let everything unchecked.
Click Start.

Note1 : REPARTITION MUST STAY UNCHECKED!!!
Note2: This can brick device, be careful, here on site, we do NOT hold responsibility for your device.
Note3: If you're on Windows, just use Odin...

where do i fine that recovery.img file? Link please

@NabinKhadka for example, inside a .tar file one can download (also called pda files). each of the contained files needs to be mapped to the exact parition name.

Newer versions of Heimdall will accept a .img file for the --RECOVERY parameter and automatically download a PIT from the device to add the img contents to.
$ heimdall flash --RECOVERY recovery.img
Heimdall v1.4.1

[trimmed some output here]

Session begun.

Downloading device's PIT file...
PIT file download successful.

Uploading RECOVERY
100%
RECOVERY upload successful

Ending session...
Rebooting device...
Releasing device interface...
Re-attaching kernel driver...

where do i fine that recovery.img file? Link please

@NabinKhadka, you must find the right .img based on your phone.  Try searching on XDA-Developers or google for the recovery image for your phone.

@Sparr Where did you get v.1.4.1 of Heimdall, please?  V1.4.0 doesn't support flash --RECOVERY and there is no later version on https://bitbucket.org/benjamin_dobell/heimdall/downloads, except for Mac (which I don't have).

I'm on Mac. And I don't remember, sorry.

how to select slot on command line?

A image file does not really need heimdall. Most devices that update via a .img file allow you to just put it on internal storage and rebpot to update. An alternative is to move it to your device, and install it via TWRP by loading the File in it.

What if you don't have the TWRP?

@Anwar Then you can use heimdall's device tab (or the fourth tab) and download the .pit from your phone, and build your .IMG around it.


text:
extSD card does not work after adb push to /mtn/extSdCard
After I run adb push cm-11-20141115-SNAPSHOT-M12-i9300.zip /mnt/extSdCard the command replied me 3949 KB/s (223217798 bytes in 55.194s).
After that my micro SD-card is not detected neither by device nor by my laptop?


text:
Unable to set custom ringtone on Moto G 2 after upgrading to Lollipop
I'm unable to customize the ringtone on my second generation Moto G after upgrading to Lollipop. I tried doing it normally from the Android settings, but just got a default "beep" sound instead. Only the built-in ringtone works properly.

Well, that's weird ! Haven't heard anything like this from the members over here even I am also having the same Moto G2 and things are working just fine with me ! Means you are the only one having this problem may be you should backup your data and try performing a complete factory reset !

You may want to look at the answers here, if you have not already: Custom ringtone not working on Nexus 5 since OTA Lollipop

I am facing the same problem in MOTO G Gen2. After upgrading to Lollipop, custom ringtone stopped working (If you assign tone to particualr contact, its working, but phone ringtone is not working...) everything else is fine. Please guide me if there is any solution for this.

Work around for this is here: Convert ur mp3 files to .ogg files and set as ringtone. http://audio.online-convert.com/convert-to-ogg

Make sure your ring tone file is in internal storage.

@Santhosh did you find a solution? I have the same problem with same phone!

I can do it in my Rocket Music player while playing a song there is an option "Ringtone" in the options menu. Whenever a song is playing the song or tone is set as ringtone.

@AkiRoss, .ogg file works as ringtone. Convert your mp3 to .ogg and set as ringtone. If you don't want to convert to .ogg, try to set a ringtone from file explorer. i.e Install and open ES File Explorer - sdcard -  - open your mp3 file in ES media player - set as ringtone using player options.

Someone put this as an edit instead of an answer:

Instead of setting ringtone under setting --> Sounds and
  notifications, try to set your ringtone from your player [Ex: ES File
  Explorer --> sdcard --> download --> your song. Play this in ES media
  player --> set ringtone ].

and someone else tried to edit this in:

1- change ur choice music into .ogg format (try fx file explorer it may able to rename any format u want)
  2- put that music file on the ringtone folder on phone
  where hangout ringtones are present  3-now power off ur phone and
  start it
  4-go to phones and notification folder u got ur choice music
  as a ringtone

I just tried by moving my required song to device storage, then saved that song in ringtone folder present in sd card folder and set the song as ringtone via file explorer and it worked.

Please Try this way, Simply Place the Your Ringtone in FileExplorer-->sdcard-->Ringtones-->yourRingTone file.Its working.

I have the same problem here's how I solve the problem.
Copy the song you want to set as ringtone to your internal memory / ringtones folder and set it as your ringtone. Note setting ringtone from sd card won't work.


text:
Where to find "adb" version 1.0.32 to install on Ubuntu?
My laptop has Ubuntu 14.04 as OS. I installed latest version of "android-adb-tools" available in "Synaptic Package Manager". After installation, adb command --help says that adb's version is 1.0.31.
I used adb sideload to install a new ROM on my Samsung device (with TWRP version 2.8.4.0 as recovery), but command returns error: protocol fault (no status) and TWRP says that I have to use adb with version 1.0.32 or higher! Where i could find "android-adb-tools" package with adb version of 1.0.32 or higher?

Download and untar
https://skia.googlesource.com/skia/+archive/cd048d18e0b81338c1a04b9749a00444597df394/platform_tools/android/bin/linux.tar.gz
After this, just copy the extracted executable "adb" over old one in /usr/bin.

This works but not the best solution, hopefully an updated repo shows up somewhere...

It's better not to muddle with your repo-installed files in /usr/bin.  Just put the file somewhere new.  Make a /bin folder in your home directory.  Add it to your path if you want this version of adb to be chosen automatically.

@TobyJ: that would be nice, but as of now, no more recent package shows up at http://www.ubuntuupdates.org/package_metas?exact_match=1&q=android-tools-adb

You should download the Android SDK and use it to install the Android SDK Tools, which includes adb and fastboot.

For more info, see: http://askubuntu.com/a/602141

Uninstall old adb.
Get this,
https://packages.debian.org/sid/android-tools-adb
Install android-tools-adb and its dependencies manually from the above link, (sudo dpkg -i xxxxxxx.deb)
This will install adb with version 1.0.32 .
Hope this helps.

But I have latest version of  android-tools-adb : 4.2.2+git20130218-3ubuntu23 and adb version results in Android Debug Bridge version 1.0.31

android-tools-adb 4.2.2xxxxx package consists of adb with version 1.0.31. You have to download and install android-tools-adb 5.1.1xxx along with its dependencies manually from the above link that I have provided. Then you will be having adb version 1.0.32 installed.

The other option is to install a recovery that doesn't require the new version of adb.  I install CWM and was able to get around it this way.

If you are running a 64-bit version of Ubuntu, you need to install some 32-bit libraries with the following command:
$ sudo apt-get install libc6:i386 libncurses5:i386 libstdc++6:i386 lib32z1 libbz2-1.0:i386

Then install adb and fastboot:
$ sudo apt-get install android-tools-adb android-tools-fastboot

For 64-bit Lubuntu, the command you provided to install the 32-bit libraries failed, but I found that you can download a 64-bit version of the platform tools (which includes adb and fastboot) here: https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools.html#download.


text:
Control my phone via Chrome over 3G/4G
My end goal, is to be able to control my phone using my Chrome on my desktop when they're not on the same network. I've seen AllCast, which only seems to be able to work when the devices are on the same network.
Does anybody know of anyway I can do with just over 3/4G?
The one restriction I have is it must be doable just using a Chrome App as I don't have install rights on the PC I need this for.
From everything I've found so far they all need to be on the same network.
A few years ago I used to be able to do this with an old Jailbroken iPhone, and using RealVNC on the PC, but so far the only VNC solutions I can find only work Android to PC, rather than PC to Android

Well, I don't really think you can do that as there's isn't any chrome extension available. But still if you want to remotely control most of the working then you can try installing AirDroid app over your device and see if that does something you are trying to do !

I'll take a look at AirDroid now, thanks for the tip :)

No problem at all ! Also let me know if this fix your problem !

Unfortunately AirDroid won't work, the website is blocked at work.

I can't understand why the website is blocked and all? Are you trying to access your network over a restricted network ??

Yeah, it's the firewall at work which restricted it.

Well, if that's the case then I don't think any of the tool can helps as your firewall will keep blocking the remote connection to work properly! So, I would say it would be better if you configure your firewall to made an exception over the usage of the AirDroid connection. or if that's not possible then I guess it would be better to wait a little while for other members to respond over this one as I am running out of options over here!

Yeah I don't think it's gonna be possible :(. It was just something I was hoping to do, but in no way needed. Thanks for all your suggestions though :)

If like me, you came looking for a way to remote control your android phone and were considering AirDroid .. please beware and have a look at http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/12/09/airdroid-beta-4-0-0-2-fixes-major-security-issues-official-rollout-expected-soon/ before you commit to it


text:
Where are WhatsApp messages stored?
Where are WhatsApp messages stored when they arrive? They are stored in backup at 4 AM but before that, where are our latest messages stored? How can we access this location?

Well, you can't get onto the stored location and all but if you make backup then you can located it over File Manager>WhatsApp>Database folder !

See: Where Android apps store data?

/data/data/com.whatsapp/msgstore.db

Just to confirm, is this the location where the latest WhatsApp messages (as they are received) are stored?

The parent folder appears to be /com.whatsapp/databases/ now.


text:
OsmAnd: Show only POIs from my OBF file
I have created an OBF file (OsmAnd POIs), and would like to display its POIs.
PROBLEM: When I enable POI display, tons of orange circles make the map unreadable. 99.99% of these POIs are not from my OBF file, they are from the base OSM map.

QUESTION: How can I show only the POIs from my OBF file?
I can modify the OBF file if needed, for instance adding attributes or changing POI type if needed.
In the layers settings I see a "Create POI filter" dialog with a "User defined" item, might it be part of the solution?

Quickly skimming OsmAnd~ on my phone I believe it is not possible in current version (1.9.x) to filter displayed POI by their source. You'd have to tag them so that you can apply a custom filter or you have to disable other sources in settings.


text:
How can automatically upload pictures and videos taken to google drive?
I'm having trouble automatically uploading the picture and video taken with my camera to google drive, I followed the steps on this site: https://support.google.com/plus/answer/1647509#folderab

But I don't have the Auto Backup option, I have my gmail account to sync google drive but still no luck, I have a S5 Mini with 4.4.2 android version, if anyone has a step by step or a solution to my problem please give it to me...thanks!!

After a lot of search it can't be done with google drive, the photos taken will be uploaded to google+, so if google+ is deactivated (like I have it) the photos won't upload :(


text:
How can older devices be deleted from Google Play?
AirDroid keeps reminding me I haven't updated one of my devices but I don't own it anymore. I can't find the option to remove the older smartphone from Google Play either! Unchecking "show in menus" didn't work.

Still not possible, AFAIK: How to remove device(s) from My Market Account?

That was answered in 2011. How do we know It's still up to date?

Try. The only place were you could do so is on the Dashboard in the web. I didn't see they've added an option there to remove a device, but I might just have missed it.


text:
Getting Android error message "App not installed"
I'm having trouble installing some APKs on my ASUS tablet.  To avoid confusion with other posts, and to help clarify the specific problem, let me eliminate some things right away.
I do have the Security setting to accept apps from "Unknown sources".  I can install many APKs without a problem; I have hundreds on the tablet.  I do not have a rooted device, and have never made any system-level changes to my software.  And the very same apps that fail on my tablet will install on my Galaxy S4 phone, as well as a different (older) tablet.
It would appear that there is something "intervening" during the install process.  When I tap on the APK file (which I have tried from both the internal, as well as external, storage), it begins as normal:  I see the Installer come up, I am presented with the Privacy and Device Access parameters, and I tap on "Install".  Within a second or two, I get a pop-up saying "App not installed", and the only option is "Done".
The APKs that fail do not come from a single source.  Some have come from my Amazon Android library; some have come from well-known Android game sites (e.g., the Humble Bundle site).  I am not able to nail down which will, and which won't, install (the list would be too long).  However, whenever there is one that will not install on the ASUS tablet, it will NEVER install.  (I.e., the error is reproducible.)
And to avoid a few other rabbit trails, I am not re-installing any of these apps; they are all new, with no naming conflicts with existing apps.  Some of the apps are installed by sideloading (i.e., copying the APK to the device and clicking on it); the Amazon apps that fail have used the standard Amazon Install process (i.e., the Amazon app on my tablet).  I use Lookout to scan my apps, and there are no problems.  And all of my devices are running Android 4 -- they range from 4.1 to 4.4.4.  All are kept as up-to-date as possible.
Can someone give me an idea of what is happening, what causes the "App not installed" message, and why all of my other devices will install the same app?
Thanks.

Without root access, that's not that easy to track down. Do you have ADB available from your computer? What OS are you using there? Though you've already ruled that out ("they are all new"), to me it sounds there's an "old installation" in the way and might need to be cleaned up.

Does your ASUS tablet have an Intel processor? Were the apps that failed to install designed for ARM devices? If you do have an Intel processor, maybe something's wrong with ARM translator on your tablet? Skim this article maybe

Also, does this help?

Please unmount your SD card and attempt the reinstall.
On newer versions of Android, some SD card permissions weirdness started and unmounting on these newer versions seems to fix the install issue on all of my devices.

It is possible that the app is not compatible with your device. Some possible conflicts may involve DPI, RAM, or Android version prerequisites. If your system specifications do not meet the requirements of the manifest of that app, you may not be able to install it at all.


text:
Can the lock screen in CM12 be set to show the keypad immediately on turning the screen on, instead of having to slide the padlock icon?
Yesterday I installed Cyanogenmod (NIGHTLY 20150128, Android version 5.0.2) on my Galaxy S5 (SM-G900F), and so far I'm very happy with it, except for one little annoyance. Having to slide the padlock icon to bring up the keypad on the lock screen. Is there a way to get rid of this? I want the keypad available immediately when I turn the screen on.

In CM11 this happens when you tick the "maximize widgets" option in Lockscreen settings. Might be similar in CM12.

The closest thing I found is a setting whether to show notifications or not on the lock screen. It's not under lock screen settings, but under notifications. It has the options to show everything, hide sensitive content or hide everything. No matter which I select, I still have to slide the padlock. I still upvoted though, because the idea is sound.


text:
How to recover completely darkened screen on Moto G (Lollipop) due to setting brightness to zero?
I have Moto G on Lollipop, and I mistakenly set the brightness bar to zero. Now, the screen is completely darkened and I'm not able to see anything.
How to set back the brightness to usable mode without hitting factory reset?

Are you sure you set it this way?  I've never known a phone to go completely black if the bar is set to 0, usually it's just very dim.

yes i slided the brighness bar it went full dim. I have the lock screen, is it making it more darker? if i reboot the phone i can see the bootup animation and when it completes it goes dark. I can hear my ringtone if I get call.

You didn't told us the whole story. Do you have stock ROM or custom ROM? How did you enable the possibility to achieve brightness level to 1 instead of 10?

I had the same problem. For the record: I shone something bright (e.g. a flashlight) on the light sensor, and then I saw the screen and could increase the brightness.

Had same problem.  I believe the adaptive brightness auto adjust it to zero light.
I use another phone flash light and direct it on the the front camera and light sensor. Unlocking with power button awaken my screen with adjusted brightness..
Hope this will help...

You can go to a bright room or outside too. Angle the screen towards the light source and try to unlock the phone -- the screen will adjust. It may take a few tries. Then go to Settings -> Display and turn off the adaptive brightness. Pick a brightness level you like and then phone will be back to normal.

worked like magic!!!

bless you rudhra, we already wanted to return the phone :)

Using ADB Tool, you can adjust the device brightness, by following command

adb shell settings put system screen_brightness 200

In order to get more info about what ADB is and other details refer the adb tag-wiki.
To Run below command, you need following:

Computer/Laptop with  with ADB Installed.
Computer/Laptop Should recognize device when connected via USB. Install necessary device driver software to ensure device is detected by system.
Connect device to Computer/Laptop using USB.
Start command line program (like cmd in Windows or bash shell in Linux) and go to location where "adb" executable is placed, and run above mentioned command.

I am getting adb installed will update once i try it. Thanks for your help.

i am getting /system/bin/sh: settings: not found

Looks like i have not enabled usb debugging on my phone :(. The reponse i got was from emulator running on my windows.

You need to test this on device only!! you need to first make sure that your PC/ADB Detects your device via USB.

@AADTechnical maybe you could [edit] your answer and include a short hint on the requirements? Not everyone is familiar with what ADB is. You could link to the adb tag-wiki for details (which also includes hints on its installation for "newcomers"). Thanks!

Not working with android naugat

Try to increase brightness in the same dark condition. Lock the phone using power button. Swipe up. Swipe down twice. Then try to move your finger left to right on the top 30% of your screen. Eventually you will be able to get your screen back. Do it patiently. It works. And be careful till this bug is fixed.

I had to hard reset my phone to fix this problem.


text:
Soft brick Galaxy Tab s 10.5
I have recently rooted and installed Blisspop rom to my Tab S.  I decided to revert back to the stock rom.  I download the rom for the UK and applied via Odin.  Download completed and the tab rebooted.  The tab is now stuck with the Samsung logo.  I can reboot in Odin recovery.  I have tried to download openrecovery-twrp tar expecting to see and use TWRP when going into recovery but I don't.  Help!

Do you have the exact model that you applied the ROM for? Is yours a UK version? Did you clear cache/wipe data? You will probably need to do that.

I suggest getting a recent copy of TWRP that is flashable with Odin This link will definitely be helpful: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-s/help/to-event-soft-brick-disaster-t2838473/post54618555#post54618555

I had the same issue. Follow the below steps to resolve it.
You must first find and then download the correct official stock firmware for your tablet via KIES:

Updating to the latest version of KIES program on your PC
Run KIES
Connect your Tab with Download mode to the PC with KIES.
KIES Menu Tools -> Firmware Upgrade and Initialisation -> Model name (your Model name Tab. For example SM-T800 or SM-T805) -> OK -> S / N (Serial Number of your Tab from sticker on original box Samsung or sticker on back cover of the Tab) -> OK -> OK -> OK
Turn on your Tab in the Download Mode ( press at the same time and hold for approximately 4 seconds the buttons Home, Power and Volume - and then press button Volume +)
Next step by step according to the instructions KIES


text:
Permission to write to external SD card on HTC One M8 running Lollipop
I updated my HTC One m8 to Lollipop and rooted it. I have programs that require the ability to write to external SD card like FileMount, but every time I launch FileMount it tells me that it can't write to SD card. The app itself has a feature to enable it automatically but it requires a reboot but still even after reboot the same problem occurs.
When I was on android 4.4.4 I tried installing sd fix but that thing didn't work.  I installed Xposed installer and installed HandleExternalStorage module and it worked great for me. But I can't use Xposed installer on Lollipop as the developer says it might not be possible for Xposed installer to be available for Lollipop. My device is 16 GB only and it's really not enough for me and I rely on FileMount for my storage issues.

Try applying the SD fix manually, the details are over at XDA. The steps are:

Remount the system partition as read+write (use an app such as ES File Explorer, or enter mount -o remount,rw /system after becoming root in a terminal).
Make a backup of the /system/etc/permissions/platform.xml file, just to be sure.
Look for the XML element android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE and make it look like this:
<permission name=android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE >
<group gid="sdcard_r" />
<group gid="sdcard_rw" />
<group gid="media_rw" />
</permission>

Similarly, find the XML element android.permission.WRITE_MEDIA_STORAGE and change it to:
<permission name="android.permission.WRITE_MEDIA_STORAGE" >
<group gid="sdcard_rw" />
<group gid="media_rw" />
</permission>

Set the file permissions to rw-r--r--, either using a file explorer app, or by typing chmod /system/etc/permissions/platform.xml into a root terminal.
Reboot the phone -- this is important for the phone to remount the storage.

All credit goes to poolmaker at XDA.


text:
How to get access to administrative accounts on Android?
Please forgive the basic nature of this question. Android is based on Linux, and Linux is a multi-user OS. As I understand it, every version or distribution of Linux must have at least one admin account that provides file system root access and other heightened privileges. So my question is, if I buy an Android device directly from an OEM, and not through a service provider like AT&T, what happens to the account with admin rights? Do OEMs never provide the admin account credentials to consumers, or does it vary by OEM?
I'm trying to understand issue. If I'm buying a device outright, shouldn't I have admin rights to it without having to "break-in" to my own device? It this a stated policy of the OS vendor (Google) that OEMs cannot give consumers admin rights? If not, why wouldn't they provide the admin account credential as a matter of course? Is there a safety issue or other technical issue that supports this apparent policy, or is it simply a business decision? Thanks for your insight.

I've took the freedom to change your question's title (to avoid your post from being closed as "primarily opinion-based"): While there are good guesses, nobody can say for sure why most Android devices ship without access to administrative accounts (aka "root"). Most likely they want to avoid overstressing their support staff by naïve users who "accidentally deleted some system file" and the like (happens often enough, still). Also see our root tag-wiki for further hints.

@Izzy, OK sure. Now I am wondering, are there any OEMs that provide root access off-the-shelf?

Rare, but yes – not that I could drop a name off-hand. I remember one carrier was doing so as it took him too long waiting for an "official update" from the manufacturer. And a few devices were there which came with it right from the factory. But both are very rare occasions, actually.

OEMs as well as the Android foundation itself try to strictly not have such an Admin user available to the user (security reasons)
and thus not provide such a user, which in general is true for most OEMs, but some set up a special system user with extended permissions for some hardware/software parts used by their own apps (they might have a user+password combo but they are well hidden and usually useless).
As for security reasons: Think about it, someone, who knows the admin's credentials, writes a malicious application that steals passwords, credit card information and injects ads everywhere, maybe even lock down your phone and wants you to pay to unlock it.
Then you are in big trouble. To prevent this, Android features SELinux (security enhanced linux) which prevents system wide modifications on specific settings (every user/app has its own namespace). System applications also run in their own namespace, but have system permissions to allow further modifications (non-malicious ones).
Rooting allows you to run specific commands as the SuperUser who has even more permission than the system user, but always allow the risk of malicious modifications.

Because Android wants to establish more as a business OS and advertises a secure OS, access to the system user is very restricted and the SuperUser is completely removed/stubbed and useless. In other words: Security > user permissions.

Linux also allows the removal of the system/root user, btw.

authors: ณัฐวุฒิ ชูคง


text:
Where does YouTube's offline feature store video files?
I'm using YouTube offline feature on my Android device, so that I can playback the offline videos within the YouTube app even there is no internet connection. When I searched for any of the video files, I can't find them on device/SD card memory. Are they encrypting the file so that it can be played only with YouTube app? Does anyone know the specific folder for offline video data?

The location for those videos on my Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 is as below:

Internal
  storage/Android/data/com.google.android.youtube/files/Offline/(system
  generated folder name)/streams

There might be a minor change to this location or path on other Android devices, but all those downloaded files are saved as .exo files, in an Internal Storage of a device!
But it is also true (to the best of my knowledge) that those "offline" videos can only be played using official YouTube App, and those videos simply can not be played using any other Video/Media player application.
YouTube (means Google) controls the access to the offline file.
The permission is controlled on their server per account basis, to access those downloaded files.
There are 2 other discussions related to offline functionality here and here, which should be helpful to enrich the info about YouTube offline feature.

Offline YouTube videos don't vanish after 48 hours Read more at: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/technology/story/surprise-offline-youtube-videos-dont-vanish-after-48-hours/1/407062.html

@Sanjeev OK, edited the Answer to remove 48 hr line and thanks for hint


text:
Can I install another OS on Android?
I have a Samsung galaxy note 3 which has root access (I think, I mean I can access and change files in /root by the help of an installed SuperSU) and I'm wondering if I can install and .ISO from a DVD, I do have a USB DVD drive and the required adapter, I'm planning on installing Ubuntu Desktop or a version of Windows.
Thanks in advance.

You want to overwrite Android with another OS or want them both?

I would like both of them just like some computers let you boot 2 OSes.

Then you need a custom kernel, that supports multiboot/multi-OS and you need a special Ubuntu build with ARM support and your hardware support. It may be hard to find but I don't think it's impossible.

Safestrap will help: http://www.androidrootz.com/2013/12/how-to-install-custom-roms-using.html

Yes, you can use a custom ROM on your Android device.
You also need a custom kernel, that supports multiboot/multi-OS and you need a special Ubuntu build with ARM and hardware support. It may be hard to find but I don't think it's impossible. reference site: Asus Zenfone Blog

or you can visit this site http://www.androidcourt.com


text:
Success in sharing internet connection with desktop PC. How to access web server on port 80?
I have a situation at home, the room where I have my desktop PC, router, printer, etc is being remodeled so I moved my PC to another room. Now the PC is far away from the router but it will be only for a couple of days. The PC do not have any WiFi adapter so I'm using my Android phone to share the Internet connection.
The problem is that I need to access the web server running in the desktop PC from others devices connected to the same router. I usually do it by using http://192.168.2.4 from the other devices. Obviously this does not work now.
Additional info that may be useful:

The PC running a web server has Linux Ubuntu 14.04 as OS.
This PC has adb installed. adb detects this phone.
This PC sees its own IP as 192.168.42.35, the url http://192.168.42.35 works but only from the same PC.
This PC, according to nmap, sees the Android phone as 192.168.42.129.
This PC can ping the others devices by the same IPs as before (192.168.2.x)
The others devices cannot reach this PC.
Router seems to have assigned 192.168.2.100 to the Android phone. The url http://192.168.2.100 does not connect to the web server. http://192.168.42.35 obviously does not work (from the other devices), but I tried anyway.

Update:
It seems I almost there. It's not perfect but, using an app called "Port Forwarder" seems possible. The only gotcha is that you cannot forward ports requiring root privileges (and my device isn't rooted anyway). So I will have to conform with 8080 to 80 mapping, but it's better than nothing.
I will share the steps needed to accomplish this If I success.

The way Android shares your internet connection is by acting as a modem. That way it creates a independent network with its own IP address pool. I think it's also not easy to pass a specific port through your phone to your PC.

But is it possible to do at all? Maybe using adb to configure something in the phone?

I know there is a way to do it, but I can't remember how to do it.

The port forward app you mention won't port below 1024.
The app you require is TCP Port Fowarding. It is installed in Android. You can use it with USB adb to setup a VPN. It also is ran from user-space and root is not required.

I will try it and report back the results.

Lamentably that app crash as soon as I tap on "Begin". The other "Port Forwarder" seems to do its job but for some reason connection to my web server is very unstable, the pages never finish loading. While internet browsing is ok.


text:
How do i move apps and then information from the phone to the sd card
How do I move apps from my phone to the external memory. There is no option in settings to do this.

Try Using this app to move your application to your SD Card (Clean Master). If this does not work for your device then you have to root your device so that you can apps can be moved to SD Card. If your device is rooted then try (Link2SD).