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What media formats are supported in Android?
I am new to Android, and I'm learning. For example, most of my old music files were FLV and SWF files, which my phone and tablet won't play, and I can't seem to get extensions for Chrome to play them.
The file manager on my tablet seems to play MP4 files just fine, although I can't make a playlist like I could in VLC. I tried VLC for Android, and it doesn’t work for anything.
I haven't tried my WEBM files yet. I am just wondering, what are supported in Android 4+?

This depends on your specific device.

Like Matthew said, It depends on your device, but you can try MX player which supports codecs for different file format.

As Matthew Read noted, the list of supported media formats is device specific. More or less, it's actually specific to the default video player app your device has.
I'm not aware of an app that can show a list of MIME types supported by an installed app, so here you go with the command-line way. Make sure you've adb setup in PC, USB debugging enabled in the device, and the device is connected to PC.
Note: I needed root access to access "dumpsys" on Android 4.2.1 but Kitkat and Lollipop allows access to it without root access.

You would have to first determine which app (pre-installed) in your system  is responsible for playing videos.
In my device running Android 4.2.1, Gallery app does that job (don't be surprised, it even manages the Camera as an standalone app, not to mention the Gallery itself). Its package name is com.android.gallery3d.
There are numerous ways to find the package name of an app. You can use apps like App Browser or Elixir 2 or OS Monitor or ES File Explorer and whatnot. Also, see View app's full package name?
You can use command-line too. Launch the app whose package name you want to determine and let it remain in foreground. On PC, enter the command:
adb shell dumpsys window | grep mCurrentFocus

You would see something like:
mCurrentFocus=Window{41d5fd10 u0 com.japanesecrackers.appbrowser/com.japanesecrackers.appbrowser.activities.AppDetailsActivity}

com.japanesecrackers.appbrowser is the package name here. The part of string after / is the activity in foreground.
Note that if you can't find the OEM's video player app under Settings → Apps → All apps, then most likely, the video player is just an activity of an app. In that case, simply play a video file and then run the aforesaid command.
Now that we have the package name <PKG_NAME>, enter the command:
adb shell dumpsys package <PKG_NAME> | sed -n '/Full MIME Types:/,/Base MIME Types:/p' | grep -o "video/[a-zA-Z0-9].*" | awk -F 'video/' '{print $2}' | tr -d ':'

It gave me the output:

avi
3gpp2
mpeg4
3gpp
3gp
webm
mp4

Now that was a too localized command and most likely, it would give you nothing for your particular app. The key command is adb shell dumpsys package <PKG_NAME>. It holds all the information you need to sort. The MIME types are listed between the lines with string Full MIME Types: and Base MIME Types: respectively.
I don't have to tell you anything anymore. You would be able to identify the media formats rather easily now.
Alternatively,

Grab the APK of the app,
Extract AndroidManifest.xml from the APK. An APK is simply an archive file so extraction is easy.
Open the XMl (binary) file on Android using Axel or on PC using AXMLPrinter (requires Java Runtime Environment).

App Browser can show the Manifest of an app without requiring the XML separately.
You have to look for the lines containing the string android:mimeType=. For example, for MX Player the relevant strings I saw were,

android:mimeType="video/*"
android:mimeType="*/rmvb"
android:mimeType="*/avi"
android:mimeType="*/mkv"
android:mimeType="application/sdp"
android:mimeType="application/mp4"
android:mimeType="application/mpeg*"
android:mimeType="application/ogg"
android:mimeType="application/x-ogg"
android:mimeType="application/vnd.rn-realmedia*"
android:mimeType="application/3gpp*"
android:mimeType="application/vnd.3gp*"
android:mimeType="application/vnd.dvd*"
android:mimeType="application/vnd.dolby*"
android:mimeType="application/x-mpegURL"
android:mimeType="application/vnd.apple.mpegurl"
android:mimeType="application/x-quicktimeplayer"
android:mimeType="application/x-shockwave-flash"
android:mimeType="video/*"
android:mimeType="*/rmvb"
android:mimeType="*/avi"
android:mimeType="*/mkv"
android:mimeType="application/sdp"
android:mimeType="application/mp4"
android:mimeType="application/mpeg*"
android:mimeType="application/ogg"
android:mimeType="application/vnd.rn-realmedia*"
android:mimeType="application/3gpp*"
android:mimeType="application/vnd.3gp*"
android:mimeType="application/vnd.dvd*"
android:mimeType="application/vnd.dolby*"
android:mimeType="application/x-mpegURL"
android:mimeType="application/vnd.apple.mpegurl"
android:mimeType="application/x-quicktimeplayer"
android:mimeType="application/x-shockwave-flash"
android:mimeType="audio/*"
android:mimeType="application/flac"
android:mimeType="application/x-flac"
android:mimeType="application/ape"
android:mimeType="application/x-ape"

Google Chrome and Firefox can play the WEBM and MP4. For FLV and SWF, your best bet is to find a third-party app.  And, you need to dive into Play Store and on web. There are numerous apps which can play variety of media formats or allows you to create playlists or provides better file management options.
Have fun!

Note that certain codecs, such as H265, requires a lot of processing for decoding the data, hence, lack of a dedicated GPU or a moderate to powerful CPU may cause choppy video playback to no playback at all.


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Massive slow down when changing networks
Whenever my phone switches from cellular to wifi or the reverse, the phone effectively stalls.  This can last for a minute or so.  It is still functional during this time, but very slow and stuttering (if in the middle of an animation it will do a few frames, then stop for several seconds, then do a few more).
I am thinking that one or more apps are set to wake up when the network status changes, and either they are conflicting with each other or holding the cpu while they wait for the network to be finally ready.
What should I use to work this out?  I have betterbatterystats installed, amplify, and greenify.  I have taken a few stabs at working out what might be causing this (mostly by greenifying any app that is destined to wake when the network changes), and some random click-and-hope type attempts to figure it out.
The phone is a Samsung Note 4, N910G running kitkat.

I'm not sure how to approach the issue, but I would attempt [tag:logging]. Start logging using [tag:logcat], disable or change the network state, see for how long the system lags, and then stop logging. The log would be too much to scroll, but if an app is receiving the connectivity change broadcast or causing the lag, then it would show up in log.

I got the exact same problem, Galaxy S5 user here on Lollipop. I think this problem only happens on Samsung phones. I had the same problem with my S3. I did not have this problem with my HTC Desire Z, although that's a very old phone

source: Stack Exchange

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

sort: votes


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How to do a clone / backup & restore between identical devices via USB and broken screen
I have a Nexus 4 with a recently broken screen, and another Nexus 4 that works. I would like to copy all of the data, apps, etc, from the broken Nexus 4 to the working Nexus 4.  The broken phone still powers on and I can access it via USB cable, I just can't use the screen.
Is there any way to do this entirely via the USB cable, adb, etc? The methods I've seen for copying data all require installing and controlling software (such as Titanium backup, or other third-party cloning software) on the source phone. I can't very well do that, since that phone isn't fully functional.
This question is almost exactly what I want, except for the part where I must authorize the backup on my source device, which is not possible without a functioning screen.

Hi! Can you see something on the device or is it all done for? If yes, then you can authorize ADB backup or even take the backup on the device itself. OTG cable with Mouse or input keyevents would help.

I can see the display. I can reboot the device (using the buttons on the side). I just can't interact with the screen. I can even issue the 'unlock screen' key event, but as the screen is locked with a pattern, that isn't sufficient to actually unlock the screen.

That's why I gave you the hint. When you're supposed to authorize the backup use input keyevents to authorize the event (it allows to emulate directional and enter keys' functionality). Alternatively, use ADB in wireless mode and OTG cable with standard mouse to control the screen. My device's digitizer doesn't work but I'm using it for last 5 months using OTG mouse and keyevents. // For pattern, mouse would work for sure.

I guess I'm not sure how to authorize the backup with the key events.

Is the device rooted or a custom recovery installed? Do you have an OTG cable?

I just have a standard USB cable. I don't think I ever rooted this device. If there's a way to check, I'm happy to do that.

Let us continue this discussion in chat.

HINTS: Please take a look at our broken-screen tag-wiki, which helds a.o. links to related questions: How do I backup data (SMS/contacts) from a device with a broken screen? / How to backup broken screen phone when USB debugging IS NOT enabled? / How to perform a full system dump/backup with a broken screen? and more.

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


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Applications do not close after exiting
I have lately noticed that, after last updates on my Samsung S3 mini (although I am not entirely sure which ones in particular), applications simply do not close after exiting them and keep running in the background. As workaround I have to manually end all the processes from Task Manager.
I have read a couple of similar questions recommending this or that other Application Manager to switch them down but I did not understand whether this is a standard behaviour for Android phones (that I somehow never noticed) or a bug introduced.
Also, why is that so? Exit an application means exiting an application, I see no point is closing them but still keeping them running behind the back: it obviously drains the battery strongly. Is it adjustable?

How do you know they are running and drain your battery? Android doesn't exit applications, unless there is not enough RAM for a new started one.

I checked the current status of the applications since at some point I noticed that my battery did no more properly charge. Manually closing all of them restores the natural behaviour and the battery returns to its standard performances.

I would suggest you use the Greenify app. It really shuts down or hibernates an app after you exit it. It doesnt allow the selected process to secretly run in the background.
You can find the app here.
The app works even better if the phone is rooted.

Thank you for the suggestion. I'm reading the documentation though and it seems that it would in most cases even idle all the messages apps, providing you to get new notifications (as if they were truly inactive). Is it true or am I just misreading it?

If your device is running on Android Lollipop 5.x than there is change in the behavior, all those apps that you can see on the multitasking screen aren't actually running in the background. This is a snapshot of recent apps only some of them are actually running in the background and this doesn't take much of battery. Android automatically closes the background apps whenever required.


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How can I undo a botched rooting? Android 5.1.1
I've got a Samsung S6 G920F with Android 5.1.1 which I've tried to root by using the Chainfire method through Odin. Sadly something went seriously wrong when I ran the rooting and my phone is now stuck displaying the Recovery is not Seandroid Enforcing message when I try to turn it on. I've tried just redoing the rooting but it doesn't help.
So what I basically want to do is to undo the whole thing, or get this rooting to work asap.
And also, this doesn't seem right:
Current Binary: Custom,
System Status: Official
The log from Odin:
<OSM> Check MD5.. Do not unplug the cable..
<OSM> Please wait..
<OSM> CF-Auto-Root-zeroflte-zerofltexx-smg920f.tar.md5 is valid.
<OSM> Checking MD5 finished Sucessfully..
<OSM> Leave CS..
<ID:0/004> Odin engine v(ID:3.1005)..
<ID:0/004> File analysis..
<ID:0/004> SetupConnection..
<ID:0/004> Initialzation..
<ID:0/004> Get PIT for mapping..
<ID:0/004> Firmware update start..
<ID:0/004> SingleDownload.
<ID:0/004> recovery.img
<ID:0/004> NAND Write Start!!
<ID:0/004> cache.img
<ID:0/004> RQT_CLOSE !!
<ID:0/004> RES OK !!
<ID:0/004> Remain Port ....  0
<OSM> All threads completed. (succeed 1 / failed 0)
<ID:0/004> Removed!!

Log after trying to install firmware:
<ID:0/004> Added!!
<OSM> Enter CS for MD5..
<OSM> Check MD5.. Do not unplug the cable..
<OSM> Please wait..
<OSM> G920FXXU2COH2_G920FVDS2COH3_G920FXXU2COH2_HOME.tar.md5 is valid.
<OSM> Checking MD5 finished Sucessfully..
<OSM> Leave CS..
<ID:0/004> Odin v.3 engine (ID:4)..
<ID:0/004> File analysis..
<ID:0/004> SetupConnection..
<ID:0/004> Initialzation..
<ID:0/004> Get PIT for mapping..
<ID:0/004> Firmware update start..
<ID:0/004> boot.img
<ID:0/004> NAND Write Start!!
<ID:0/004> Complete(Write) operation failed.
<OSM> All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)

I did this with my own bad script experimenting I injected in the s6. The way to fix it is to get and flash official firmware. You should still be able to enter download mode.

Get official 5.1.1 firmware I got it from sammobile and verify md5.
Open up Odin 3.10 with administrative privileges and plug your device in and load the firmware into odin
Press start and flash once done it should boot like before

Something with the write operation goes awry. Check the log in my updated op.

@Bork Use odin 3.10 run with administrative privileges and make sure you have the correct firmware for the region you are in and re-download it. Odin aborted super quick in the beginning...

thank you! using the "Run as administrator" option did the trick. Update your post and I'll accept it as a solution.

@Bork good stuff your up and running again. What happened with me is the 5.1.1 update patched something in security. So make sure if you inject script into your devices system it is for the current version. I learned that the hard way.

Check if you can reboot to stock recovery (Switch off the device completely. Boot into recovery mode by pressing and holding Volume Up, Home and Power keys at the same time. Release all three buttons when device screen flickers and the main screen of Recovery mode appears), from there you can factory reset your device.

I tried and nothing happens at all.

From what I can see in the firmware install log, you are flashing only the boot image (boot.img). Download the full firmware from sammobile or samsung-updates.com and try flashing again.

Also try redownloading or using another version of Odin.

Done and done. I've tried the latest version of 5.1 from sammobile and I've used Odin3 v1.85 and Odin3v3.07. However, when I use the older Odin version I get a fail message but when I use the newer version it just get stuck att SetupConnection.

Try Odin v3.10.7 and try downloading from samsung-updates.com. I personally download all my Samsung firmware files from there.

The process still sticks at SetupConnection.

Check this forum : http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/help/help-odin-stuck-setup-connection-t2193372 There are a lot of answers for Odin getting stuck at SetupConnection.


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How to transfer music (purchased from Google Play Music) from Android to Windows?
How do I transfer music from my Android phone to MS Windows? It only shows me the songs from the music app and not the Play Music app with the songs I've purchased.

You should be able to access all of your Google Play music on a computer: Google Play Music. You can download any purchased music though the browser. For instance: I purchased an album from Google Play and it is available for download using the website on the computer (see image).
Hope this helps]2

What I did was go to Google Play and downloaded my music. After that the little download bar shows up (bad at explaining things). Than I just hit Save As to my music and... Shazam! my music is saved to my laptop. I hope this helps.

most probably the songs that you have downloaded using google play music app are drm protected, that could be the reason you are not able transfer them to your laptop.


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How Class Lookup happens in Android ART?
As per my understanding of AOT( Ahead of Time ) compilation in ART, dex files are converted into native codes at the time of installation. Does that mean that the dex files are never referred after the installation? If this is so, then why there is the entry for dex file references in OAT files.

From the Google IO video on ART the speaker states that the DEX files are kept around for class loading and debugging. https://youtu.be/EBlTzQsUoOw?t=9m20s

so how does the class loading happens using these dex files, do you have any idea?


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AVD is not able to launch
I am a newbie to android development. I am trying to run emulator and I have got few errors on console of Android Studio version 1.2.2 IDE.
As per the instructions given on numerous android tutorials, I had created a profile:

Name      : Nexus6API22
Resolution: 1440 x 2560: 560 dpi
API       : 22
Target    : Google APIs
CPU/ABI   : x86
Size on Disk: 1 GB

when I tried to invoke the AVD. I got the following error messages-
HAX is working and emulator runs in fast virt mode
Cannot set up guest memory 'pc.ram': Invalid argument
Error accepting connection, aborting

When I run this another AVD Profile:

Name      : try2
Resolution: 720 x 1280: xhdpi
API       : 22
Target    : Google APIs
CPU/ABI   : x86
Size on Disk: 1 GB

It gave following errors/output
 ..tools\emulator.exe -netdelay none -netspeed full -avd Nexus6API22

emulator: WARNING: Requested RAM size of 1536MB is too large for your environment, and is reduced to 864MB.
    emulator: device fd:584
    HAX is working and emulator runs in fast virt mode
    Cannot set up guest memory 'pc.ram': Invalid argument
    Error accepting connection, aborting

However I have executed msinfo32.exe command at command prompt to verify the actual RAM status. I have got the following output.

Installed Physical Memory (RAM) : 4.00 GB
Total Physical Memory           : 2.64 GB
Available Physical Memory (RAM) : 1.17 GB
Total Virutal Memory            : 5.27 GB
Available Virutal Memory (RAM)  : 2.21 GB
Page File Space                 :  2.64 GB
Page File                       : %\pagefile.sys
Does it meant, that, there is insufficient RAM availability in machine or something else to execute AVD?
What could be solution to this issue?

You need to reduce the RAM size of your emulator. Even if you have enought memory it is recommended to have 1GB or less than 1GB memory. As it automatically allocates 864MB edit your emulator in the AVD manager and reduce the AVD's RAM.
Open AVD Manager and select your device and click "Edit" button.
Then in "Memory Options" find the RAM parameter and set it to 512 or 864 for example. Click OK to save the current configuration and restart your application or AVD.
You also should not provide a RAM size for your emulator which exceeds your HAXM allocated memory. Since you are running the emulator in HAXM mode it will run faster than normal. So you don't have to worry about your devices' RAM.

after your suggestion I am able to run emulator. However what kind of issue one could face; if s/he allocates 512 MB RAM to AVD.
Thank you !

I don't think you will face any issues since its the recommended value for running your emulator smoothly. You can always use values between 512 and 864 MB. And the AVD size on disk and RAM size of AVD's different. RAM is part of your AVD to run its apps. while AVD resides on your system which included the system images that you use with your AVD. So all of these will be combined and displayed as size on disk.


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Galaxy S5 after System Update is asking for SIM Network Unlock PIN
I recently purchased a Galaxy S5 on http://amazon.co.uk. This was a well deserved upgrade from a galaxy S2.
When I got the phone I powered it on with my Vodafone Spain SIM card and it worked perfectly. The day after I realized that there was a system update and I ran it. As soon as the update ended the phone asked for "SIM Network Unlock PIN"
Is there any way to revert this update? is reverting the best option?
Can I unlock the phone without buying an unlock code?
I found this site http://unlockcode4u.com recommended by a friend and they seem capable of unlocking the phone, but I just expended £250 for the phone and the code is really out of my budget.
Please help.

First contact your service provider Vodafone Spain because OS upgrade does not cause such issues.

Thanks for your reply. I purchased the phone as new and unlocked in http://amazon.co.uk. Does my provider have something to do with this update?

My suggestion would be to talk to your network provider and ask them why are you seeing the above mentioned error message only after updating the firmware. Ideally it should not happen as you have bought an unlocked phone.

Thanks for your answered. I did contact Vodafone here in Spain but they actually did not know how that happened. I was on the phone with them for over an hour and no solution was given. Eventually after all my frustration on the phone and researching online for a solution, I finally went back to this guys http://unlockcode4u.com and bought the unlocking code. My phone went back to work after 2 hour with their unlocking code. I should have done this from the very beginning and saved me all the hassle.


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want to replace cwm recovery with twrp on lenovo k3 note
I want to replace cwm recovery with the twrp recovery on my lenovo k3 note. Can anyone share the step by step procedure to do this?

How did you flash CWM at first place?

using fastboot & adb when i was rooting my device. Got a post on xda-developers forum.

Why not follow the same procedure?

actually i am new to android and this whole rooting/modding business. I will try the same procedure and come back here if it doesn't work.

I have flashed CWM to TWRP by using a App called "Rashr". You should make your K3-Note root condition because Rashr needed root permission and put your unzipped TWRP image file into SD card open Rashr flash recovery image directly! It is a easy way to change recovery from CWM to TWRP.

Download and install ADB
Download your K3 Note Recovery https://mega.nz/#F!RwEHyDYA!afI2c2A_hI8jHJ9MvjPauw <-
here
connect your phone in fastboot mode
Check for your phone with cmd in administrator mode
1. fastboot devices
If yes then flash your recovery
2. fastboot flash recovery 'filename.img'

Ta-Da your CWM recovery will be replaced with TWRP
note: sometimes you need to replace "recovery" in the second command with "boot"
I had the above problem with my Sony Xperia M2 dual Did this and replaced my CWM recovery With TWRP 3.x

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


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Transmitting sound from my TV to my android phone
I have android TV in my bedroom.
I have nexus 5 phone as well.
How can I transmit the sound from my tv to my phone so I can use my headphone, is that possible?
I don't have Bluetooth headphones... Just regular ones connected to the phone.
Thanks

Please specify you TV. Most smart TV's, if they have Bluetooth, are usually only for receiving and not for transmitting. Your would most likely need an external Bluetooth transmitter with matching aptX headphones.

There are a lot of variables that will determine whether this can be done, especially without additional hardware. So far, I've only found one app that can [mostly] produce the audio of TV stations: Tunity on Google Play. This app seems limited to certain stations and does not actually stream audio from the television itself.
Android phones are not really set up to use as a Bluetooth receiver. Most devices are configured to disable the headphone port when Bluetooth is connected. You can stream to the TV from the device, but not to the device from the TV.


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Use device as Bluetooth receiver
I recently got a new phone and would like to use my old device as a bluetooth receiver for my stereo. I'd like for it to work like a bluetooth receiver such as this one. (Pairs as speaker and offers 3.5mm output) Being able to control playback (pause/play, backwards, forwards) would be a bonus, but not necessary.
Please note the device is running Android 2.3. (Yes, I know that's very old)

Exactly which model is this old device?

Quick answer: NO. Doing a quick Google search to confirm my assumption, it does not look like there is any (easy) way to use the phone as a Bluetooth receiver. One problem is that the device should disable the headphone jack when Bluetooth is connected.
I personally have old Android devices (phones and tablets) connected to pretty much every audio appliance in my house (like stereos and powered speakers) using either the headphone jack or Bluetooth (using the device as a transmitter with a separate receiver). I just use the actual connected device to play the audio. One option is to connect to the audio device normally and use an app where you can "remote control" one Android device with another.
Alternatively, it looks like you can stream from one Android device to another using Wi-Fi. An app like SoundSeeder on Google Play makes this possible.
Hope this helps!

SoundSeeder doesn't work on 2.3 :/

Updated answer above to a second version of SoundSeeder for older devices.


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Detect foreground application when in immersive mode
There are several  applications able to force the so called immersive ("full screen") mode. (Power Toggles being one of them)
My problem is that, in that configuration, Tasker and similar applications seem to be unable to detect which is the foreground running application: profiles based on that kind of state doesn't trigger until full screen mode is toggled off.
I'm looking for an alternate way to detect the foreground app (Tasker Plugin would be fine) which doesn't have that limitation.

Any other example of an app which can force immersive mode? Which ROM and Android version are you running?

There are many other applications, simply seacrh for "immersive mode" or "full screen" on the play store (I only mentioned the two I've tested)
And I'm running Android 5.1 on MotoX 2014

Here's the other application I'm currently using : (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=be.ppareit.immersivemode).


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Is it possible to prefetch an area of Google Maps on a tablet?
Suppose I wanted to download a particular state (of the U.S.) so that I could use GPS while not connected to wireless or 3G/4G on a tablet. Is this possible?
The device I have now is a Samsung T530NU.

I doubt downloading a whole state for offline use is gonna happen or allowed (or whether the size is gonna be that minimal) but it is possible to download map for offline reference. See Download an offline Map to learn how, from Google.
If downloading a whole state for offline use isn't happening, then you might wanna download all of it, however in smaller chunks/areas, and save them.

You are correct that the area that can be downloaded isn't very large.


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Can I use the same google account on 2 differnt Samsung G5 Phones?
My husband and I are tired of multiple e-mail and accounts and would like to use the same Google account on both of our phones. Is this possible? This would also help us stream line contacts. I have not been able to find anything on-line about the account itself only in using the same Google play or how to set up seeing a Gmail account from another phone.

Yes, you can add the same account to multiple devices. You can even have more than one account on a single device. I personally use my Google account on my Verizon phone, 2 Wi-Fi tablets, 2 Wi-Fi phones, Google TV and several computers. All synced and works perfectly.
I'm going to expand on my answer a bit as it originally just said "yes" but didn't explain...
Yes, you can use a a single Google account on multiple devices. However, if you're looking to consolidate emails I would actually suggest still having separate Google accounts for each device to save settings and other personal preferences but then add the joint Google account just for shared email use. It's always good to have a "backup" Google account as Google's security features send alerts to other accounts. If you only have one account, someone can hack the one account and you would have less options for locking them out and getting it back.
To set up multiple accounts on your Android device, you would first set up your personal account as normal-- you probably already have this set up from when you first powered on your new phone and entered your Google account information. Then you can go into the phone's [Settings] and [Accounts] and press "Add account". On my Android 5.0 Lollipop, "Google" has a green dot next to it showing there is already a Google account set up, but you can just tap it again and add another Google account. Make sure when it asks to back up phone settings to decline-- keep that stuff separate and personal. Then, still under [Accounts], tap on the new account and change all the sync settings so just Gmail is synced (or anything else that you want to share- perhaps Keep notes or a shared Calendar).
That should do it. You can even go further by managing your labels in Gmail to filter messages by recipient and only show notifications when they're filtered to you. There are a lot of options to have it work pretty much any way you want.
Hope this helps!


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Redirect sound to 3.5 mm plug
The headphone jack on my phone doesn't work from time to time. Sound is then played over the loudspeaker, not the headphone. It's quite annoying, but not yet worth the trouble to send in my phone for repair.
Phone: Sony Z1 Compact, Android 5.0
Is there a way (setting) to force Android to send sound to the headphone jack?

Have you tried different headphones? Incompatible headsets cause this issue sometimes.

I've tried three headphones. Two of them never work, one now and then. I guess the sensor that detects that a headphone is connected is broken.


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quick way to uninstall applications
I did a factory default reset and wipe to get rid of games that children put on my Nexus 10, however, I selected to allow Google to backup applications. Does that mean that all the games will come back automatically?
What is the meaning of the 11 identical Google Play store icons on the notification bar (top of screen).

The games will not come back automatically.
11 Play Store icons mean that 11 apps were installed/updated.


text:
How do I disable Gmail app when consolidating into 3rd part Email client?
I decided to go with Blue Mail (Type) as my Android Email client. My question is how do I (or maybe should I) disable the Gmail application when I am using a consolidated Email client? If Blue Mail is doing the work, I don't want Gmail also syncing mail ....or maybe I do...I am not sure how to proceed.
Many thanks to the community for advice

That's too obvious to even ask. You already said 'disable' in your question? Will you be sued for disabling Gmail app because you got an alternative one to use? And you can't even also uninstall? And with even the gmail app still installed, you could explicitly disable syncing for it.

@Rexford2..it's a matter of functionality. I am not clear if disabling the app will preclude Blue Mail from accessing Gmail.

You can simply disable the gmail application, or turn off synchronization of your account in gmail. This will not prevent other applications from accessing your gmail account.


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How to get permission for directly writing files to SD card from a PC
I need to manage my Android's files from PC with my mouse and keyboard, instead of do it on 5" and 7" touch screens. I did many tries with Google, but all options lead me to only one way:

From the PC, write the file to internal storage, (ex: Xender)
From Android, using an Android file manager (for example, ES File Explorer) to cut & paste the files to folders I want on the SD card.

The question is: "How do I set permissions to directly write to the SD card from a PC?"
I'm using Samsung Core Prime with Android 4.4.x (KitKat) and my PC's OS is Windows 7 64-bit.
Update:
I want to do it through Wi-Fi whenever I need instead of using a USB cable.
Below is a screenshot for clarifying my question:

Update:
Not only Xender, even ES Explorer can not write to extSDcard. Screenshot from my phone:

Wouldn't MTP connection write files to external sdcard?

I lost my usb cable and dont want to buy other :) in other words, how can do it through wifi ?

You would need to connect locally to your SD card, for that you would need your computer and android to be connected to the same WiFi. Also I don't know of any explorer which connects through LAN for windows, so for that you will have to search on Google. It is just like using es explorer, to connect it to PC through LAN/WiFi and assessin accessing PC dikes on android. Just the same logic.

And also what program/explorer are you using in the screenshot?

is the android device rooted?

no it isn't, i dont know how to root. currently, i dont want root because the phone is in warranty duration

@Hunter: I'm using Xender.
Sure, my Android and my PC is on the same LAN. but i cant write file to android's SD card,

If you have LAN, so it must mean that you are accessing files through file sharing. I want to know

If you have LAN, so it must mean that you are accessing files through file sharing. I have used es explorer myself. And as I read your full post, it shouldn't happen. Use es explorer, clear it's data, update the app, then when you try to copy to SD card it will ask for permission and will rahe you to recent menu option, you can access the option bar on the right which wo let you chose your internal storage and SD card on the left.

So did it help?

Thanks @Hunter for reply, excuse me for late response, I off these recent days, I'll try your guide tonight and reply tomorrow.

not only my favorite Xender, ES Explorer can not write to SD card too. Refer this issue: https://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=67570
screenshot on my Phone: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipN5Xx5ypiGIg849LgU1vZgVkqSPg955sp5aNsXCQuWNOM5_spOTPscjW9ObKI5f5g?key=TDl1bkQxRm12WVpjMWpfa0g1RWZPc0VaU1dWWEpR

Here is the solution:
http://shareit.lenovo.com/

install ShareIt on Phone.
Install ShareIt on PC

Open ShareIt PC, choose "Connect to phone"
Open ShareIt on Android, choose "Connect to PC"
Enjoy.
The app support "Play to PC", "PPT control", "Remote view" and, most important, it support to get LARGE file from PC then save directly on extSDcard.

Broken link http://shareit.lenovo.com/

@LongTTH
First of all, I'm not on Kitkat, but on Lollipop, just in case...
You can copy files from you PC to your phone through Xender, it works perfectly.
But first you must get rid of the annoying message in web.xender.com (that you are showing in your picture).
In fact you must do the authorisation process in Xender ON YOUR PHONE, you can't do it in your PC's browser.

To do this, simply launch Xender on your phone, and go to Settings.
Then in the first Menu, set the destination to SD Card. It will ask you to choose which Folder you want to point at.
Simply choose SD Card, so all subfolders will be then authorized to work with Xender.

And voilà, you can now copy files directly from your PC to your SD Card, through Wifi and without any cable connection, and it's blazingly fast :-)

thanks for reply,
I'm on KitKat, and when I opent Xender's setting, in Storage Location, it's just has ONLY 1 option, "Phone storage". :( this just GOOGLE's rule, we can not breakit without root :(

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


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I have factory reset my phone, there is almost a gb of app installation space
My 16gb SD Card got corrupted today, so I lost all of my data as I was unable to format it.
The real problem is, I also factory reset my phone just now, so there is 16gb internal memory amd 1.5gb app installation memory, out of which only 400mb is used.
When I attempt a download from Google Play Store, they get downloaded completely however while installing, it gives an error message "Insufficient storage". I'm fed up with this issue, I don't know what to do.
Let me also tell you, my SD Card data was encrypted, so I was unable to format it, should this be a problem. However, I factory reset my phone and now internal memory can do nothing with it.
My phone is Intex Aqua Power HD running Android 4.4

One more addotion, just now i tried to download other apps like coc, n stackoberfloe, these got installed quickly. So i tried to install.my whatsapp again n again it gave sameerror message insufficient storage.

I uninstalled those previous two apps, jist to empty the innapp space aain n tried to download whatsapp n aain it gave same error, i have all d space in d app memory, as there is nothing installed. Im getting this error only with whatsapp installation

Pleas include your comments in your question. You can always edit your own question.

Ok, try to connect your SD Card to another device and Format/copy out your important files.
If that does not work, use a card reader to access your SD Card on a Windows device and SCAN as appropriate.
It could well be a minor threat and your PC anti-virus could solve.

What has an anti-virus got to do with anything?


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Failed OTA update Nexus 7 (2012)
A while back when the OTA update came out for Lollipop 5.0, the tablet became exceedingly slow, practically unusable. So, I followed the instructions in https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images and reinstalled the 4.4.4 ROM.
The system continued to offer the upgrade but I ignored it. Today, I tried to install it. It is offering 5.0.2. It says that it has already been downloaded (~300Mb) but when I tap on Restart and Install, it says "rebooting in x seconds" until it says "rebooting now" but never does. The it says "downloaded and verified" again and the button changes back to "Restart and install" from "cancel install"
I tried doing this operation in safe mode but to no avail.
A few weeks ago, I cleared the cache partition a couple of times, if this has any importance.
Is there a way to redownload Lollipop OTA without sideloading?

Your easiest option is to sideload the update.zip file.
Better option would be to download and flash the system image if you havent done it since 4.4
Sideload: Download the proper image file and adb drivers for your OS from google and install drivers. Now boot to fastboot by pressing Power + Volume down. Now check if you have connected by typing fastboot devices in terminal/prompt. If your device is listed, continue to flash by running the script file from the downloaded image zip.
This method may work on other non nexus devices but you require proper image files from manufacturer or third party and you may require to go through extra steps before you can use fastboot.
This requires you to have unlocked bootloader. Use fastboot oem unlock to unlock your bootloader.

Could you expand this answer to explain how to sideload/download & flash the system image?


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Storage help on galaxy s4
I had a SD card in my phone that was really small...I went to the store to get a larger one so I would have more storage. A lot of my apps and such were on the old SD card. I backed up my phone prior to removing the old card, removed old card, inserted new card, and restored my phone. It is still saying I don't have storage and won't let me redownload my applications. please help!

How did you handle all of those applications that were moved to the SD card? Did you move them back to the phone storage before swapping cards? Did you also format the new card before copying data to it? Usually an "insufficient memory" error when installing apps has to do with the device's internal storage and not an external card. Please also let us know your device model and check the capacity and usage of your internal memory.

Clearing cache from recovery (stock should do the trick) has worked for me in similar situations. Try that and see if it allows you to re-download app. Clearing cache forces mediaserver to re-read all the storage space and indexing it.
If you have your apps on internal storage, and install location set to internal, you will receive an error.

This is a comment, not an answer unless you give us the reason (technical) why clearing would possibly solve the issue.


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Preventing Apps From Accessing Images/Contacts/etc
Is there anyway to prevent apps, like FaceBook, from accessing the things it wants to access?  I'd rather not let Facebook invade my privacy and take what information it wants.

FaceBook and privacy are at opposite ends of the spectrum. You have to give up some privacy to use it. Or get rid of it.

I want to limit the amount of information Facebook can access, not create total privacy.  If I wanted total privacy, I wouldn't have a phone.

Which Android version/phone can control per-app access permission?, Is it possible to install an app and exclude some of its requested permissions?, Android permissions manager, Are there any tools to sandbox a malware application even more than the granted permissions on Android? -- in short, the site already has so many useful answers. You need to do some searching. :)

There is. Google has been working on this for quite some time now, but has not been releasing something like this officially yet.
Android 4.3 -
If you're running Android 4.3, it's a hidden built-in app (hidden, because it wasn't finished, but working).
Two options to open the app:
Option 1:To create a shortcut, install something like Nova launcher and create one for "App Ops"
Option 2:Install Permission Manager which enables a direct shortcut to the built in app.
Android 4.4+ - You have to root your device for this to work (you don't need to flash a custom ROM for this)
After doing so, you can install any of the "App Ops" apps from the Play Store to grant/deny access to your media or phone identity.
Note: Some brands do not allow rooting your device, so please take notice of losing your warranty (though the process can be reversed)

You would need a custom ROM for that.
Currently this is going to be a feature in android M, but at this moment unless you are using a custom ROM, the only thing you can do is delete Facebook. If you're privacy minded, I would suggest not using Facebook at all. I understand why you are concerned. I don't want to mess up the answer, but they leave tracking cookies when you sign in that track your every move across the Internet. Tracking cookies are small files that are saved in the device viewing a webpage. Sites can look for these files on your device and use them to identify who someone is. In the case of Facebook, once you sign in there is a cookie left with your user ID. Have you ever seen those Facebook Like buttons all across the Internet? They have access to your cookies too, regardless of whether or not you click them. They them report to Facebook that you were on that particular site. Solution -> stop using Facebook entirely.


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Cannot connect to a data connection on Sprint HTC One M8
Firstly, I am running CyanogenMod 12.1 on my HTC One M8, but this is an issue I also experienced running stock Android (e.g. Lollipop).
The issue I am experiencing is that my device appears to be unable to reconnect or "get back" on the Sprint data network. For example, yesterday, I was in NYC (obviously somewhere that should and is covered), but I was unable to get a data connection anywhere in the city. I was only able to send SMS (not send/receive MMS) and make voice calls.
In the past, when I had this issue on Sprint, being the helpful individuals they are, they told me to restore my phone and reinstall Android. I did that, which helped for a while, but it wasn't long before I ran into the same issue on stock Android. After a while, the issue seemed to "resolve" itself magically. I never found out why or how.
More recently, I rooted my phone and installed CyanogenMod 12.1 on my M8, and I am running into the exact same issue I had before. Ideally, I don't want to have to restore my phone again, because not only do I not think this is the "fix-all", but it seemed like Sprint's lazy answer for not wanting to actually troubleshoot my device.
This is becoming increasingly apparent when I travel as I am unable to get GPS directions, send MMS messages, or do anything over data like normal when I'm off of a WiFi network. Despite having "bars" on my screen, CM will display a small "!" over my data icon, which I assume is an indicator that it is unable to connect to the mobile network in some way.
Is there anything I can do to better troubleshoot my mobile data connection?

Verify your APN is correct for sprints network.

@BoLawson I went to check my APNs for my device, and it displays an empty list with a message, "Access Point Name settings are not available for this user". Does this mean it needs to viewed as root or something? I found this guide online, but I'm reluctant to just blindly type something in online that could potentially risk sending confident information to someone. What are your thoughts? Thanks!

No you do not need root to view the APN. First I would call sprint and ask them for the proper APN or check their website. If the list is blank then that is most likely the issue.

@BoLawson I'm experiencing really strange behavior on my phone… this morning, I checked my APNs and the list was full of them, for CDMA APNs and Sprint LTE APNs. However, I locked my phone and looked at it about ten minutes later, and it displayed the same message I mentioned above. I'm not sure what to do now, I don't know if the APNs are being saved or not? And I'm trying to find the official information for Sprint APNs but it seems like I'll have to phone support, they don't keep it anywhere obvious.

Oh that's strange and a new one to me. That's definitely a CM issue. do you have the most up to date CM.ZIP version? The way to tell if it's save and one is selected is if you see the data symbol by your service bars. The APN is not top secret info that should be hidden from you. ROM's do have difficulties with sprint but they are usually worked out. Looks like some had success manually entering them or fixed with an update.

@BoLawson I installed CyanogenMod 12.1last week, so I have the latest release snapshot for the M8. Oddly, I went to look at my APNs again, and they were there… I took screenshots this time and uploaded them to imgur. The data symbol in my top bar varies, usually it has an exclamation point by it, but right now, it appears to be connected and fine, I even have LTE right now (for now). It comes and goes often.

Related How to solve "APN settings are not available for this user"

The same thing happened to me after I rooted and installed CM.
I seem to have just solved it by going into the Access Point Names menu, opening the 3 dot drop down menu and selecting "Reset to Default" and rebooting the phone. I then went back into said menu, clicked the add (+) button and entered a new APN with the settings as follows:
Name        : Sprint
APN         : cinet.spcs
MMSC        : http://mms.sprintpcs.com/servlets/mms
MMS Proxy   : 68.28.31.7 6
MMS Port    : 80
MMC         : 234
MNC         : 15
APN Type    : Internet + MMS
APN Protocol: IPv4

I left every other field blank, saved it, selected it from the previous menu and restarted. Everything seems fine now, I've got full LTE where I had sporadic 3G (mosty no signal) in this same spot just moments before. Granted it's only been an hour so time will tell.
Source (and steps for some models): 4GTricks - Sprint APN Settings For Android, Samsung Galaxy, HTC One, Xperia, Motorola Moto, LG G1

I'll give this a check next time I lose my data signal. My issue is recurring between "having data" and "no data". Right now, my data signal magically started working last week, but we'll see how long this lasts…

Don't know if my solution will work for anyone else. I added an APN, but got no radio button to choose that APN. I then added the same APN again, and the second one sprouted a radio button to select it, and it started working. I have NO idea why.
I also had the message that there were too many (0) APNs and I should delete some, and the message that the SIM was non-Verizon SIM.
This just points out that trying odd things sometimes works.


text:
How to browse American Express in desktop mode on Android?
It's seemingly impossible to browse American Express www.americanexpress.com in desktop mode on Android.
I've tried Chrome and Dolphin browser, also tried searching for a button on the site that would bring desktop mode.

Related: How to force load desktop version of website?

Install Firefox browser by Mozilla.
Visit American Express
Click the three vertical dots near address bar and select "Request Desktop site".

Screenshot - (Click to enlarge image)

You may also try to use their Android app "Amex Mobile" available on Play Store.

Visit americanexpress.com in your default browser.
Scroll down to the end of the page and Select "Full Site"
Disable JavaScript in Site settings

 Click on image to enlarge
I'm using Chrome Browser as my default browser and it works.

The [Mobile | Full Site] link is not visible to me in Chrome. Can you post the URL of the screenshot you posted? Yours is different than mine. Also what version of chrome are you using?

I agree with Lucky. I don't see that option either. I even tried global.americanexpress.com but to no avail.

You're right, my bad, the url in my browser got redirected to  "americanexpress.co.in". Chrome's request desktop site does not work with "americanexpress.com"

@Lucky url www.americanexpress.com ignores the request desktop site from chrome when javascript is enabled. So disabling the javascript did the trick. @Firelord Edited the post, now everything works like a charm.


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How can I get the correct mapping for my bluetooth keyboard?
I have a Galaxy Tab 10.1 running Android 5.1, and a Buffalo BSKBB22 bluetooth keyboard.
It connects fine, and I can type with it, but the keyboard mapping is off. The keyboard itself has a Japanese key mapping, but it seems I can only select from various western and European key mappings in the settings on my tablet device.
Is there a way I can get the correct key mapping for my bluetooth keyboard?

You can try this paid app from play store External Keyboard Helper Pro or Tincore keymapper

@Lucky, thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately, External Keyboard Helper Pro does not include a Japanese keymapping. As for Tincore... I can barely understand it. It's not very clear on what exactly it does or how.


text:
Incoming call notifications not working - Phone state
In my Android phone, Incoming calls notification is not working.Out going is working fine.
Actually Whenever I am calling my mobile from my friend's mobile, Its saying "line is busy".
If I visit call logs in my mobile, I can see My friend's number in the log.
I was having this issue for past 4 days.
Thankfully, I checked the logfile(log.txt which resides in phone memory somewhere. I guess its the log of the whole phone) of my phone. In that file I can see the following log message 5 times like below.
Phonestate: Incoming call notify is disabled
Phonestate: Incoming call notify is disabled
Phonestate: Incoming call notify is disabled
Phonestate: Incoming call notify is disabled
Phonestate: Incoming call notify is disabled

I guess,  I have to change this phone state, I dont know how to change that. Can u help me out?

Could you mention your device model and Android version? Also, did this occur recently, or from the first time since you bought it?

Also, did you by any chance set "call forwarding", "call divert", or similar feature? In case it is, could you try replacing the SIM card with others to test?

Yea. I ve replaced the sim nd tested. In all the sims, the pbm persists. Call forwarding is not enabled. FYI.
I am using Redmi 2S MIUI

I just changed my whole software in REDMI Authorised service center.
I guess the update corrupted my Operating system.


text:
Where does Bandcamp app store its cache?
Bandcamp refuses to install on an external SD card. It also doesn't offer an option to save its cache anywhere else than the main flash of my phone. So it either clogs my phone storage within days or, if I reduce the amount of storage it can use, allows me to listen just one or two albums when offline.
So I thought of finding the cache of that app on my phone, moving it over to the SD card and link it with good old Unix "ln -s" command back to the place, where Bandcamp will expect it to be.

Where can I find the audio cache of that app?
What are my chances for this hack to work?

Is the device rooted? The cache is normally saved in the data directory of an app which is under /data/data/<PKG_NAME>/cache/

Ok, I found it. I'll try to relocate the audio cache. Let's see what happens.


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(Galaxy Note 1) Can I use custom ROMs and Recoverys made for the GT-N7000 on a GT-N7000B?
The GT-N7000B is the Samsung Galaxy Note 1 sold in Thailand and Australia.
Wikipedia: Note 1 Variants
I am wondering, if I can use custom Recoverys and ROMs like Cyanogenmod made for the International GT-N7000 on the GT-N7000B.
Specfically I am interested in this one.

It worked for the Nightowl ROM.
Now the device just identifies as a GT-N7000.
I reporter this to the developer and he added the info to the OP.


text:
Is TWRP available for Samsung Galaxy Note 1 (GT-N7000, GT-N7000B)? Otherwise, what recovery can I use?
I was browsing https://twrp.me/Devices/ wondering if TWRP is available for Samsung Galaxy Note 1 (GT-N7000, or GT-N7000B in my specific case).
Only the T-Mobile (quincytmo) and AT&T (quincyatt) versions are listed there, which seems strange to me as the international version should be more common.
Am I doing something wrong, or is TWRP not available for the GT-N7000?
If so, what should I use instead?

See the resources mentioned here: Where can I find stock or custom ROMs for my Android device?

Looks like TWRP is not available for your device (7000 is not same a 7000B), trying to install TWRP could lead to serious issues. Cursory search on XDA shows other recoveries available. Not quoting them, since this is an old device and am not sure if support is ongoing. Please research yourself

i tried to install cwm on my gtn7000 and no luck it reboots to stock android

you should maybe create your own twrp image. Links: https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/general/guide-porting-twrp-source-t3843473, https://www.xda-developers.com/compile-twrp-for-your-device/

PhilZ Recovery is a CWM-based recovery with touch support.
I used that one. It even has signed zips, so you can flash it from stock recovery.

On the TWRP website itself, it says that TWRP cannot support the N7000, because it does not have a separately bootable partition. I just found that statement after struggling and failing for an eternity to flash TWRP on my old N7000. The flashing itself always finishes without error, but afterwards the device still boots into the same old stock recovery. Apparently, it simply cannot work. ☹

The Samsung Galaxy Note 1 n7000 model will NEVER receive official TWRP support. The n7000 does not have a separately bootable recovery partition. Instead, you are stuck with whatever recovery is included in your ROM or kernel or boot image. You may find TWRP included in some ROMs, kernels, or boot images, especially if you can find OmniROM for your device.

https://twrp.me/samsung/samsunggalaxynoten7000.html


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Does Dropbox use local phone storage when set to display photos in the gallery?
As the title suggests, I would like to know if syncing my Android Gallery to Dropbox and changing the Cloud Dropbox setting to "Pictures - View pictures from Dropbox in Gallery" will use local storage space?
For example, I can set it to view my Dropbox images in my Gallery. However, if there photos are already on my phone, will this take up twice the space? OR does it pull the photo as and when required?
Another example, If I have a new phone with no storage being used and I set this option, will local storage space be used to view these images?
The reason I ask is because my wife is running out of space fast on her Android device and I have suggested using Dropbox to store all of the photographs and videos but she would like to still see these in her Gallery. Would this resolve the issue or would it use all the space again when I enable this setting?

The photos will not be stored doubled. They will be downloaded every time you want to see them (and may be temporarily stored in cache).


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Where to find downloaded firmware update package?
I have been using rooted Lenovo K3 Note k50a40 ( Android version 5.0 firmware S117 ROM) , system shows a notification for a firmware update I have downloaded it but I am unable to locate the package so that I can flash it manually.
I've looked at /cache partition(as suggested in this post  did not find any OTA file but it has an empty directory called OTA)
Finding - On another forum somebody suggested that the file can be found at /lenovoota folder but I can not locate the folder itself let alone the package file.

possible duplicate of Where can I find the OTA update file?

Related (perhaps) : Where are the lollipop OTA system upgrade files stored?. Also, see [ask].

I have gone through both the questions but did not get the answer. Yeah right o should have searched first. Will keep in mind in future.

Also I have tried accessing /cache but it did not have the ota package file. /cache has a folder ota but it is empty.

can anyone help with? still searching for the downloaded ota package file. Help someone.

On another forum somebody suggested that the file can be found at /lenovoota folder but I can not locate the folder itself let alone the package file.

Ankur, posting your findings in the comment would go unnoticed here. The best way for your question to be get noticed is to update the question's body with whatever new you've got.

I found the OTA package in following location
/data/data/com.lenovo.ota/app_otapackages/

Hope this helps you


text:
Recent apps window doesn't show up when using Google Now Launcher but works well for stock launcher
I have a Oppo Find 7 phone running Lollipop.
Since I don't really like ColorOS launcher, I decided to download Google Now Launcher from Play Store and set it as default launcher.
It works perfectly, except for the fact that neither of the hardware keys (not even while long-pressing) shows the recent apps window (i.e. where to close recently opened apps).
Is it normal? Is there any workaround?

You mean recent apps key is not working? Which version of Android do you use?

Does your Android not have an option to configure buttons under Settings? Also, are you to open to app-based solutions?

yes, I'm opened to any app-based solution.
recentapps key is working on stock launcher but not on Google app launcher (or I don't know how to use it).
No button customization as far as I see

Please use @ followed by the name of person who you want to notify. Anyhow, is the device rooted?

@dragonmnl I guess Google Now Launcher is not fully supported for your phone. Can you try Apex Launcher or Nova Launcher and see if that works for you.

finally it was a bug of ColorOS. updating to latest beta solved it

Did you find any reference that it's indeed a bug? Also, for the sake of completeness, did you just buy the phone fresh from the box (not second hand)?

It seems there's a bug in ColorOS. Updating to latest beta (2.1.4i) solved it.  Betas can be downloaded from the OPPO forums and flashed like any other ROM package.


text:
No internet on Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 when connected to Windows Wifi Hotspot
I have followed the instructions to set up a virtual wifi hotspot on my Windows 10 machine (connected via ethernet to router) from LifeHacker. I have connected my iphone and Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 (P5110 running Android 4.2.2) to the new wifi hotspot. My iphone can access the internet fine, however my tablet cannot.
I have tried to use the default browser and chrome on my tablet and both say the web page is not available (chrome shows the dino and DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NO_INTERNET message).
Why is my tablet not connecting to the internet and how do I fix it?
[Edit]
A co-worker has connected his Windows 10 pc and HTC One (running 5.0) to my hotspot and both are fine on the internet.
[Edit]
After restarting the router the tablet can access the internet via the pc. Did restarting the router fix the issue or is that just a coincidence? Why could other devices connect to my pc except for my tablet?


text:
Can Android Auto app connect to car dashboard device running Android 4.4?
Does the Android Auto app require Android 5 on the car dashboard that it is streaming data to?
(Phone has Android 5)

Added link to Google Auto app

Do you have Android Auto setup on your car? It requires an Android phone running Lollipop version.

I don't have Android Auto, but can you see the Android version on your dashboard? AFAIK, there's only 1 version, which is called Android Auto itself.

I don't have AA yet, that's why I am asking. Want to buy a Kia car dashboard but the one I have in mind is Android 4.4 and I am unsure if the app from my 5.0 phone will connect at all :/

Based on this tweet from Android,

Get #AndroidAuto today w/ Pioneer products & an Android 5.0+ device; now available in US, UK & AU. More partners coming soon.

So you'll need three things,

Android Auto compatible head unit.
For example, the  Pioneer AVIC-8100NEX Navigation receiver head unit

An Android phone running Lollipop or higher versions.

Also, you need a compatible cable to connect the head unit to your Android smartphone.

You'll also need a compatible microUSB cable such as the Pioneer
CD-MU200 cable (or a similar microUSB-to-USB cable) to connect the
phone to the receiver.

Which Android version is the Pioneer unit you linked to running? Can you link to a head unit for Kia Soul?

There has been no mention of that in the Details section. :/ You could buy an android-auto supported head unit and start using the AA feature. After you connect your mobile you'll be seeing the Lollipop style user interface even if your dashboard has Kitkat. ;)

Google recommends to contact your car manufacturer for Android Auto support. Read more on http://www.android.com/auto/

I did that. No response yet.


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How to disable warning messages?
On Android 4.3 un-rooted, is there a way to disable all the annoying warning messages that pop up when you enable Airplane Mode / disable Airplane Mode / raise the volume too high / etc?
Apparently the Xposed mod allows to do this tweaking but I have found no solution so far for an Android device that hasn't been rooted.

You can use Tasker with the AutoInput plugin to detect the pop ups and close them.
Or you can use Tasker to turn Wi-Fi, GPS etc on/off. You may have to add Tasker as an admin app for it to control the GPS and some other functions.

This seems more like a comment than an answer. You simply speculated that Tasker and AutoInput can do the  job but you do not confirm that it can. (Note that both the apps are equipped with lots of functions so nothing seems straightforward here). The only confirmation that can be given (IMO) is by providing the detailed steps. Please give us those steps, else, consider moving this answer into a comment.

I confirm it can. I use it. But both apps have lots of details, and Tasker in particular has a lengthy guide. The user must consult the guide. It's too lengthy to put here.

You're making an excuse. Simply mention the steps needed to make profile , the tasks and the actions needed to achieve the goal. See my answers for example http://android.stackexchange.com/search?tab=votes&q=user%3a96277%20tasker

Install the plugin, add a profile to Tasker with the plugin, configure the plugin with the name of the window/pop-up, configure an action for that pop-up to close that pop-up by having the plugin press the "Close" button, or "Yes" button, or whatever button you would normally press to close it. Each case is different and so will be the exact steps.

Please, see [answer]. Alternatively, see the most voted answers here and learn how to write good and detailed answers. Also, take the [tour] of this site. Carefully notice the line "we're working together to build a library of detailed answers" -- my question, do you think that your answer comes even close to be considered a good quality, let alone a detailed one? Please [edit] once you're done with the links. Thanks!

Thank you for sharing Mickets. It's very helpful for me. You have my vote up :)


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view video from samsung galaxy t3 to TV?
I have a samsung galaxy t3 (micro usb port).
I know that USB isnt good to play video.
But I wonder if it is possible to play its screen on my TV somehow. My TV has got those ports usb/hdmi/vga?
Plus, what can I do with that? Is it possible to see my tablet as an HD on my TV?
Thanks

It can be done with Google's chromecast
Look over here
You will need a chromecast to plug it in HDMI port of your television and cast the screen to your Television.
You can buy Google's Chromecast or a alternative Miracast

But if you are buying, I will suggest you to go for Chromecast.
Hope it helps:).

I personally use Amazon Fire TV and the Amazon Fire Stick and it works well connected with my Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Tab 4. The Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter is supposed to work with Android devices as well.
How to use display mirroring on the Fire TV and Stick (from Amazon's website):

To quickly start display mirroring, on your Amazon Fire TV remote
  press and hold the Home button and select Mirroring. Then connect your
  compatible device. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open Quick
  Settings, and then tap Settings. Tap Display & Sounds, and then tap
  Display Mirroring.

Also note that Chromecast doesn't stream everything from the device. It streams from the Chrome browser and select apps. Miracast enabled devices, like the Fire Stick, stream any video and audio that is on the mobile device screen (with a slight delay, of course).
Hope this helps!


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Periodically copy files from internal to external SD card
How can I schedule moving camera directory from internal phone storage to external SD card?
I want to move new files in the directory every day, to free up space on internal storage.
Is there any way for this such as by using script? (I have a rooted device)

Did you consider any [tag:automation] app yet? [tag:Tasker] can do it easily. Cannot your Camera app be set to write into external SD card, or do you not want to explicitly set it like that?

Some apps do not allow saving files to external storage cards. On Linux I'd just write simple shell script and schedule cron job.

I do not have a Lollipop device which supports external SD card, else, I would've given a definite answer. But in Tasker you can use shell commands for sure.

authors: الامجد المجيزي


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MP3 player occasionally resets playlist
I'm using the standard MP3 player on Android 4.3. Whenever I listen to long pieces of music and I pause for several minutes and/or unplug the headphones (not sure of the exact cause), the playlist will just reset itself. This causes

the active track to reset, which is very annoying for long tracks, and
the shuffled playlist to reset, so that many tracks will be played twice.

Is there a way to make the player just remember the shuffled playlist as well as the active track position, no matter how long I don't use it?
I could not find a setting in the standard player to prevent it from resetting. This question indicates that for more memory capacity I would need a different player than the standard one, but I don't need it to keep track of several audiobooks or something.
Can this be achieved with the standard player, or do I really need another player, and if so, which one could it be? Another question deals with the logging of timestamps (which could solve that aspect), but it doesn't have an answer yet.
I'm not very skilled with Android, so please tell me in case I forgot to mention something.
edit: One reason why I use the standard player is that it's capable of playing very many formats which other players cannot, such as .flac, .wma, .m4a, .mka


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Deleted my only Launcher and APK - Black Screen. Please help!
I have a Lenovo A806. The device was rooted and I downloaded a root uninstaller from the PlayStore to uninstall some apps that I couldn't otherwise.
In the process, among other apps, I deleted the only launcher I had on the phone (Lenovo Launcher) and I might have deleted the APK (not sure about the APK). The result was a black screen without any apps.
When turn on the phone I can see the home screen (same one you see before you unlock keyboard) and I also have some of the functionalities (eg messages, can make calls etc). However, if I open one of these functionalities and I click on the "back" button, the screen goes completely black and the phone goes unresponsive.
I tried to,

reset factory settings by holding the Volume Up + Down + On/Off button which opened the "Lenovo Recovery" screen and I choosing the "wipe user data (both fuse format and fuse wipe data).
install update package option and I rebooted the phone. Nothing of those worked.

Could anyone direct me towards the right way?

Copy the zip file to phone/sdcard, get into "Lenovo recovery" and install the zip.Try Zipped Google now or any other launcher(.zip) .

Open play store in your pc
Install any launcher app like this
When installed you will get a prompt in notification
Clicking it will take you to play store
Click open which will give a launcher

If you can go to Settings of your phone (which I think you can - when in messaging or phone UI you should still be able to use the notification shade), turn on USB Debugging from there, connect the phone to your PC (assuming proper drivers have been installed), and sideload a launcher onto the phone with "adb install".
As for the sideloaded launcher, get whatever you like from APKPure, APKMirror or other trusted APK sites.


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How to change external screen resolution?
I have connected a tablet running Android 4.4 to an external monitor through an MHL to HDMI cable. However, the monitor does not have the same resolution and thus the resulting image is not very good. How can I instruct the system to send a different resolution to the external screen?

On my Note3 running Lollipop I was able to check for supported external resolutions by running ( via a terminal app or adb shell )
>dmesg

and ( filtering with grep ) looking for the lines:
<6>[  581.051746] hdmi_edid_add_sink_video_format: EDID: format: 1 [640x480 p60 4/3], Supported
<6>[  581.051756] hdmi_edid_add_sink_video_format: EDID: format: 1 [640x480 p60 4/3], Supported by MHL
<6>[  581.051767] hdmi_edid_add_sink_video_format: EDID: format: 16 [1920x1080 p60 16/9], Supported
<6>[  581.051777] hdmi_edid_add_sink_video_format: EDID: format: 16 [1920x1080 p60 16/9], Not-Supported by MHL
<6>[  581.051790] hdmi_edid_add_sink_video_format: EDID: format: 4 [1280x 720 p60 16/9], Supported
<6>[  581.051801] hdmi_edid_add_sink_video_format: EDID: format: 4 [1280x 720 p60 16/9], Supported by MHL
<6>[  581.051812] hdmi_edid_add_sink_video_format: EDID: format: 133 [1280x1024 p60 5/4], Not-Supported
<6>[  581.051822] hdmi_edid_add_sink_video_format: EDID: format: 133 [1280x1024 p60 5/4], Not-Supported by MHL
<6>[  581.051833] hdmi_edid_add_sink_video_format: EDID: format: 132 [1024x768 p60 4/3], Not-Supported
<6>[  581.051843] hdmi_edid_add_sink_video_format: EDID: format: 132 [1024x768 p60 4/3], Not-Supported by MHL

which you'll note correspond to supported resolutions in:
>cat /sys/devices/virtual/graphics/fb1/edid_modes
1,4

then select your preferred output using :
>setprop hw.hdmi.resolution 1

and then re-plug the mhl adapter.
which in my case resulted in 640x480 which was the only option supported by my 800x600 projector.
Thanks to this StackExchange answer!

What is the "1" at the end of "...resolution 1"?  Is it from the format number after the EDID: line?


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Increase phone speed
My phone is sometimes freezed. I have installed and configured Clean Master and Battery Doctor, but it still slow. My Phone is Huawei Y300, running Android 4.1. What can I do for speed up the system?
Buying another phone is not an option

That phone has a fairly low-end spec sheet (Cortex-A5 processor, 512 MB of RAM). There's only so much power you can get out of any given set of hardware so you may simply be hitting the limits of it.

if you have root you can have a swap memory using sd card.Make sure you have at least class 8 sd card for fast performance. It's an extension memory to store  all your cache to make up your ram free and run the device somewhat fast.You can use apps like "simple root swap".And remove apps like Cleanmaster and Battery-doctor they use memory in backend and slows your device. if you have root apply kernel level tweaks for a little boost-up.

I uninstalled those programs... I will try swap apps. Which are kernel level tweaks? How do I apply those?


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What can i do to recover my Galaxy note 1
hallo i tried updating my Galaxy note GT-N7000 and it went on well. latteron it asked me to install another plugin, which i just clicked and it started automatically. now it jst went off and does not come on. when i put it on Charge, it does not indicate and when i remove it from Charge after a while, it jst indicates 100% full and stays off. i have tried all means to put it on and also through recovery mode to no avail. i just really wish someone could help me out in this. Thanks for understanding.

Reflash it with PC using UniFlash
Visit here: http://www.addictivetips.com/android/uniflash-for-android/
There are also many solutions available on google for reflashing without turning on the device or with a PC.
And if this is due to hardware problem likebif the display is gone, then you should think about going to the care.

ok thanks alot for ur assistance. il try doing it now

Best of luck and be carefull dont hard brick it


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How do I get Samsung Pay on the Galazy S6 920f?
Based on what I've been reading, it seems like it should be preloaded, but my 920f doesn't seem to have it.  I also checked my disabled apps list and it isn't there.

Check updates, I updated yesterday and it was in the update. S6 t-mobile

Is it possible to download it directly from Play Store? Also, is your device/carrier supported?

Update all your google apps from play store and also get this app : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.walletnfcrel
Get Going with android pay ! Remeber you won't be able to use Android Pay if you have a rooted phone.

I already have Android Pay. I'm asking about Samsung Pay.

Android Pay is not the same as Samsung Pay.


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Is rooting a surefire and safe process, or is it risky?

Is rooting my tablet safe or something can go wrong with it?
Is rooting legal?
Does my device become slower if I root it?
What is the best rooting tool?
Is it possible to lose my data or something if I root it?

Sorry I didn't know these things you told me I'm new to this site I'll try to improve my questions in the future

You can also improve this question of yours too. Here, click the the [edit].

Luck doesn't exist.

"is rooting safe"
The answer is difficult. Every tool you use to root your device says do with your own risk and we are not responsible for any damages caused to your device.
is root legal
Nothing to do with legal but it voids your devices warranty.
does my device becomes slower
No , many tools and tweaks are available to speed up rooted devices .
what is the best rooting tool
That depends on what device you use.
about data loss
No data will be lost. However a backup is taken to avoid data loss.
Try googling to find the best rooting tool for your particular device. Alternatively,
you can download some rooted stock roms (specific for your device) and flash them using recovery.
Try e.g. Kingo root, this is the best for me.


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Making a custom upgrade ROM
Is it possible to make a custom ROM to upgrade the current version of android that is installed on your phone?
For example, making a 5.1 ROM to put on an pretty much unsupported phone that only has 4.4.2.
I've seen many posts on how to port ROMs between devices, or making your own custom ROM, but all of the ones I've seen require you to stay on the same version of android.
I'm just wondering if I can take a stock ROM, or a cm 12.1 rom or something and port it onto my device. (Which is a LGD393 in case that helps).

Firstly . It is possible to make a custom ROM to upgrade the current version of android that is installed on your phone
Secondly you can't port roms of other devices to your phone . But  you can take the stock rom of your device and make some modifications to upgrade the version of android.
For custom rom development refer here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2069130

your second paragraph is incorrect. That is exactly what porting a rom is from one device to another. To be successful the devices need to be similar. http://en.miui.com/thread-14502-1-1.html  http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2370873

Well, it should be possible to port any version of android to any phone (with some hardware limitations, of course) since AOSP is written for Nexus phones, and OEMs take that and port it to all of their devices.
So, I guess I answered my own question there.... but I have no idea where to even start learning how to do all of that. The custom ROM guide I'm pretty sure is for porting similar versions of android (4.4 -> 4.4) and has nothing for porting to new versions. (4.4 -> 5.1)


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4.1.2 vs 4.4.4 - any improvements re general speed and app caching?
I am growing frustrated with the following behaviours of Android 4.1.2, which has been running my rooted Samsung S3 I9300 for two years now:
1) When switching between already-open apps, more often than not going back to an app that had some data loaded (e.g. address looked up in GoogleMaps, page loaded in Firefox etc) results in the app starting all over from its initial screen and thus losing the input I had given it just minutes ago
2) Generally very sluggish operation, although I am careful to limit the number of apps installed/running
3) When connecting to a new WiFi network for the first time, the phone restarts (this has only been happening for a few months)
Since I have no real reason to invest in a new phone (new features in S4,S5 and S6 don't seem that appealing), I was considering just doing an OS upgrade, and since Lollipop seems to not be rated well by users, KitKat 4.4.4 seems the likely candidate.
I am wondering whether anyone who has used my current version (4.1.2) can comment on whether any of the above behaviours are corrected in v4.4.4, in particular whether the general performance/speed is better in 4.4.4 (or other KitKat versions) as compared to 4.1.2 (or other Jellybean versions), and whether app caching actually works during multitasking.

Granted my phone is a little different (Galaxy S3 SCH-I535) it updated to 4.4.2 right when I bought it new earlier this year. On this model running 4.4.2, I haven't experienced any of the bugs you mention.

I bet, though, that 1) is really thought of as a "feature, not a bug", if a very annoying "feature"!

Back to number 1, how are you switching between apps? Are you using the "Recent Apps" menu or some other way? I switch through open apps (occasionally, as I tend to not have multiple apps running at once) using the "Recent Apps" menu and also have no issues.

I use the same way: long press Home button, and use RecentApps menu. Although from the OS' point of view, it's probably the same if you just start an app from the main app menu. Both methods lead to a fresh start of the app - oblivious to its previous state, which is exasperating. So just to confirm, you haven't noticed this happening in 4.4.2?

(ALthough if you say you've only used it on 4.4.2, you are probably unable to comment on speed&app caching changes as compared to 4.1.2)

No, I haven't noticed the issue you are having. When I switch between apps, both on my Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Tab 4 running KitKat, they return as I left them. Alternatively, I'm also running Jellybean on a couple of other devices (HTC Incredible, HTC Rezound, Galaxy Tab 1) and app switching works as expected. I cannot say that performance speed is noticeably faster between Jellybean and KitKat, but the latter definitely runs smoother.

I also totally agree with you that there is little need to upgrade to a new device. The Galaxy S3 is virtually a perfect phone and the new versions add no must-have features. I would have no reservations about upgrading the OS to KitKat.

Many thanks for your replies. If app switching doesn't the reset the app's status in your phones running Jellybean, this suggests the problem is on my side. I know there is an option specifically for this issue under the Developer/debugging options, but in my case the problem is not from there. What version of Jellybean do you have installed exactly?

I have Jellybean running on two different devices. The first is an HTC Incredible running 4.1.1 (cm_inc-userdebug4.1.1JRO03eng.scott.20120908.223621 test keys). The second is a Galaxy Tab 1 but I'll have to get back to you with a version number.

Just for future reference, I got hold of a phone running Android 4.4.4, and problem 1) is exactly the same, therefore it seems not really worth doing the upgrade. Disgraceful work by Google on this OS.


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How to sync profile pictures with Facebook after May 2015
I just bought a new phone (OnePlus Two) and I can't get the Facebook profile sync to work. After reading up on it, it seems facebook has killed all 3rd party apps that do this back in May... which is fine, except I can't do it even with the official Facebook app... there seems to be no such option!
Yes, I added the facebook account to account; no, I have not enabled sync in facebook settings since there is no such option in the latest facebook app.
Any thoughts on how could I achieve this?


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Android disconnects from Wi-Fi if I don't login to hot-spot. But there is no login needed
Today I connected to a Wi-Fi network with two options:

Free access to intranet. No login required.
Paid access to full internet access. Login and payment required.

I just wanted to use the free service. But Android detected the connection as a hot-spot (login required),after about a minute it would disconnect from the hot spot, saying login timed out.
Really a bummer. The guy with iPad next to me wasn't having any issues.
Why does Android say it's a hot-spot and demand login when it's not necessary? How can I stop Android from disconnecting?
Samsung Galaxy S4, Android 4.3.
Thanks

I assume you're actually trying to connect to this internal intranet and not the internet? If not, then your description kind of answers your own question. The free service is not an internet connection but an internal interface for the host server. I don't think this is a device issue.

Correct. I wanted to connect only to the intranet. And I did. But then Android disconnected from the Wi-Fi because I didn't sign in.   Eventually I found a way round by setting up the connection with a proxy that doesn't actually do anything, but the connection holds. Thanks.


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Equalizers are not working
I have been using Equalizer+ and a while back it stopped working.
I was told that it might be interference with other apps, so I deleted/disabled all other music apps (except default music player) and it didn't work well.
I referred to Android 5.0 (Lollipop) music equalizer? and I could not find MusicFX anywhere in my apps.
It doesn't work with Equlizer+, Bass Booster EQ, Shuttle, Rocket Music Player and any others wither.
I have ran out of options and I really want sound quality back. My phone is LG Leon and it is running Android Lollipop (v 5.1.1).

Yep!
A known issue :(
Some platforms such as Samsung Galaxy Note 5 (mine has official firmware/lollipop 5.1.1) comes with a built-in equalizer which is disabled by default,
I've searched for ways to permanently disable it and use an external one ("bass buster pro") and I did, but apparently there is no way to do it, even after completely disabling the built-in services (to prevent resources from being "locked" by the internal equalizer),
Apparently it is not the issue,
perhaps in more "open" firmwares or different devices it can work, from reports around the web Android 6 (marshmallow) will enable a workaround,
Or, maybe - for rooted users, a XPosed module can patch it in memory,
(but due to many bugs and bootlocks happening when installing XPosed on Android 5.1.x+, mudule developing might take a while).
Not 100% bad news though, You can install VLC player (or even a legacy winamp apk) which has a built-in equalizer, which, although limits the experience to a specific application, provides a working solution for bass enhancements for your selected playlist (as long you are playing it through the app. that is... )


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Tapping 7 times Build number in HTC Desire 300 does not work
I am trying to enable developer options in my phone (HTC Desire 300) but tapping 7 times the build number doesn't work. Is there any idea? Thank you in advance!

Is this a new phone or bought used? If bought used, the former owner probably used it and it is not further available. See this question.

It is bought  used. There is no way to fix this?

Yes, starting from Android  4.2 the Developer Options menu are hidden by default.
If your phone has any Android release between version 3.0 to 4.1, you don't need to enable Developer Options. Just access it by going to  Settings → Developer options.
Just to make sure you are doing it right, here are the steps:

Launch Settings from the application launcher
Select About Phone
Scroll down and locate the Build Number entry
Tap on the entry 7 times.
The Developer Options menu will now be listed under Settings again.

It is Android 4.1.2 but its developer options are hidden


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Deleting Pictures- Will They Really Be Gone?
Lets say I were to delete a photo, is there any way possible this photo may be seen on this device ever again? Will anyone ever be able to see this deleted photo if they pull up my device on their computer or laptop? If I delete a photo am I going to have full reassurance that this photo will never be seen again?

It can be retrieved from the external SDcard using recovery tools.

There are lots of other points consider. Each of these cases provide a means to retrieve:
In ES file explorer app, there is a concept of recycle bin. If this is enabled, the deleted photo can be retrieved by visiting the recycle bin section. If the photo is not deleted by this app, this point will not apply.
The apps like Google Photos, OneDrive etc have an option to upload the photo to a cloud services. Deleting a photo might not delete in the cloud. If you do not have these apps installed or installaed, but configured to ignore the folder from which you deleted the photo, then the photo can't be found in the cloud.
And the last bit is if the photo is stored in an external storage, then it can be removed and mounted on a card reader in a computer and there are apps to recover. It is not assured recovery, but chances are there. If your device is rooted, there is an android app to undelete the photo as well.


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Enable USB OTG for a Galaxy Tab 4 7.0 SM-T230NU
I want to be able to use a OTG cable on my Galaxy Tab 4 7.0. This tablet is not enabled for this feature. I am told it is missed the S3C Host file/apk, to do this. I can't seem to be able to get this done. Is it even possible, or should I just give up?

This tablet does not support OTG.  I gave up and bought a Nexus 7 (2013)


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Phone call: Audio works only with speakerphone or wired headset
The following issue with my Sony Xperia ZR (running CM 11-20141112-SNAPSHOT) started a few days ago:

When I initiate or receive an ordinary phone call, I can't hear the other side through my earpiece and the other side can't hear me either.
When I plug in the wired headset, I can use that without problems.
When I activate the speakerphone button during the call (without the headset plugged in), I can communicate with the other side.
I also have a "click" sound effect for locking and unlocking the phone and this sound effect is now also only audible through the headset.

Here is what I tried:

First of course, I checked my profile and volume settings to make sure they are on Default and the in-call volume turned up.
I re-started my phone multiple times, sometimes with, sometimes without the headset being plugged in.
I thought that the headphone jack might be broken, i.e. that it thinks the headset is always plugged in - especially since I use the headset a lot for listening to audio while walking. But as soon as I plug in the headset, the Apollo audio player app starts, suggesting that the headphone detection works fine. Unfortunately, I haven't found a way to see if the software thinks that the headset is connected or not - is there a headset icon or similar I could enable?
So I thought it might be a software issue.

I installed the Sound Manager app which allows to adjust all volume settings and
found that it behaved a bit strange when I touched the In-Call Volume slider, causing a sound blip coming out of my earpiece. Also the volume "overlay" (or whatever you call that window that pops up when pressing the volume rocker) became visible, but sometimes only its icon, not the slider itself.
After adjusting the volumes through that app, I could make a test call without headset and without the speakerphone enabled which worked fine. Also the phone (un-)locking sounds were working again.
However a couple of hours later, when I unlocked my phone again, I didn't hear the click and doing a test call I realised that the problem had re-appeared.
So I went back to the Sound Manager and adjusted the sliders once more, this time no strange effects as in 4.2 before. And no click when locking/unlocking and no audio through the earpiece & mic during my next test call.

Short of completely re-setting my phone (which I'd like to avoid), is there another way of debugging this issue? Does CM have a way to tell the headset detection status?
Any other things I could try?

Hey, I know it's very late but were you able to find a fix for this issue?

@TusharShukla It turned out to be a hardware defect - the plug detected the headset as being connected, even when it wasn't. To work around the issue, I created a tiny app that allows forcing the audio through the earpiece/mic even when the phone thinks the headset is plugged in: https://github.com/FriendFX/android-audioswitch ...not sure this would still work on a recent Android version, but it may be a start :-)

Thanks for the info @FriendFx. I fixed it by disabling hearing aids under accessibility in Phone App settings.

Hi, looks like you've found the solution by yourself. Consider posting it as a proper answer since self-answering is not only allowed but even encouraged. Thanks.

Andrew T recommended to answer my own question properly, so here it goes:
The problem turned out to be a hardware defect - the plug detected the headset as being connected, even when it wasn't.
To work around the issue, I created a tiny app that allows forcing the audio through the earpiece/mic even when the phone thinks the headset is plugged in.
Find the Github repository here: https://github.com/FriendFX/android-audioswitch
As I have since replaced my phone and it has been years since I've had the need for it, I am not sure this would still work on a recent Android version, but it may be a start if someone likes to create something similar for their phone... it'd be a shame to cause phones going to landfill just because of a tiny broken earpiece detector switch!

Similar issue in OnePlus One (running CM 12.1). Check TTY Mode. If its off turn it back on and restart phone. Go back to TTY mode again and turn off and restart. It worked for me on OnePlus.

Thanks for the pointer, but could you a bit more specific? What is TTY mode and how do I turn it on/off in Cyanogenmod?

Found it myself: Start the phone app, go to its menu -> Settings and find TTY mode. I turned it from TTY Off to TTY Full (other options are TTY HCO and TTY VCO) and restarted, then turned it to TTY Off again and restarted once more. Unfortunately, the problem I described in my question is still there.

I had the very same problem with my Xperia SP. I also tried everything, but in the end it was the broken headphone jack.
My explanation why your audio player app starts automatically as you described in point 3 is the following:
You are sliding the phone connector with its 3 or more contacts separated by some non-conducting material over the contacts inside the jack. This closes and opens some circuits several times while plugging in, which is actually the same as plugging the connector in and out several times. So the phone recognizes that something was connected. What is broken, so that it doesn't recognize a proper disconnect any more, I don't know.
I sent it to the service and they confirmed a broken jack. I got a new phone for free! (Maybe because of the German laws) Afterwards my problems were gone.

Here are a few things you should try:

Delete or Deactivate all apps that could use audio, especially the app that turns on automatically(Apollo).Then check for the problem again. If the problem is gone, install the deleted apps one by one to see which app is the defaulter. If the problem persists try the next step
Use both a earphone and a earphone + microphone auxiliary connector. This could be if your phone is too old (though it is from May 2013) or if the aux connector in the phone is broken.
Try using the inbuilt or 3rd party Hardware test app.
RESET


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Headphone jack dusty or broken?
Recently I have been having trouble with my LG Optimus F60. At first, whenever I'm listening to music through Google play music, the music suddenly stops halfway and when I click the play button, it goes to play the previous song. I assumed it was a bug in the app so I never gave it much though, but now, the music stops entirely while I'm using my headphones.  The song will either pause as if I removed the headphones or the song will start to play through the phone's speaker WHILE the headphones are plugged in. I've tried blowing into the hole and even tried canned air in case it was dust or lint. I've only had the phone for just barely 4 months. Can anyone help me figure out what the problem is? Can't afford to get a another new phone right now.

Did you try another music player? What are your results?

It was the same issue with the other player

First check whether you have the same issue with another set of headphones. If it persists, change your headphones. Even if there is no issue with the headphone, it might not be compatible with your device. So always check with a compatible model.
Check the headphones with your default music player to make sure there is no bug in Google play music. Even, in his case, switching headphones is recommended.
If none of the above work, you can easily fix this from an authorized support center, this is a minor fix that would be done free under warranty, and certainly won't set you back more than $10 without a warranty.

However it is very unlikely that this has anything to do with the phone, most probably swapping headphones will work.

@Antoinella, while doing the above try to see whether an headphone without mic or control buttons work normally. I suspect the button in the headphone with which one can pause or skip track is posing you trouble - in case your troublesome headphone has one.

@Narayanan the headphones I use don't have a mic or any button on them.