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What does rooting, bootloader, twrp and recovery mean?
I have just bought an android phone and I want to get the latest OS. However, I must root and unlock bootloader and recovery.
I understand that to root something you gain administrative privileges. However, I've seen some drawbacks of doing this.
Can one of you explain what all of this does to my phone and point me in the right direction?
I am new to this, so it would be much appreciated if you guys could help me on this.

There are questions about each item littered about. Do check those out first.

Your concerns are addressed here: How to root Oneplus One?

Ahh, since you have no knowledge regarding rooting and all I'll just explain in the simplest form. Imagine that you have bought a laptop from HP which Congress preloaded with a windows installation and some pre-stuff, I assume that a normal person would't be bothered by it and the extra useless stuff they install on your laptop. They prevent you from uninstalling them, blocks access to C directory and pretty much other things that some medium user would need. So what he does is install a new os, any os I mean windows 10 or 8 or linux. And so he removes all the bloats and gets acces to many things.
Now getting to the point, that to install a new os, or rom, in android's case, you first need to unlock it's bootloader. Now the bootloader does what it says and manages your boot preferences, just like the bootloader and bootmanager in laptops. As it doesn't need to be done in a computer or laptop, it is neccesary to unlock it to install a custom recovery for your phone.
Twrp is a custom recovery like cwm, and benefits of having a custom recovery are many, just like your windows recovery menu which let you reset your laptop or factory default it which just refreshes the window as it was just installed. So a recovery in a phone is just like the PC one, but having a custom recovery is necessary, as it provides a lot more features.
Now as got my meaning of bootloader and recovery, and if you still don't get something, you can just ask.
And now comes rooting as unlocking bootloader and installing a custom recovery doesn't need rooting your phone. Rooting your phone allows you to get admin privileges, just like in windows, and now you can even tamper with the internal files. You can root your phone with the android you got installed with your phone and don't need to install a custom recovery and all.
As I previously said that these things needn't be done for a laptop, but a phone needs it to be done in order to install a custom rom, or rather saying an unofficial update, or an official update which isn't available by some reasons. So that's why you need to do these things.
And by the way, could you tell us which phone are you trying to update, as then  we can check and tell you if you can update without going through all this hassle.

Phone is the OnePlus One. Trying to get Oxygen OS without doing all of this stuff.

Appereciate that you understood that all, and since a fellow user of oneplus one myself, and being writing the answer and all via the same phone itself, I can assure you that there is no other way to update it to oxygen os without unlocking the bootloader and a custom recovery. Please refer to this link https://forums.oneplus.net/threads/oxygenos-is-here-installation-guide.289398/  which tells you exactly what to do. You don't need to root but need to unlock bootloader and flash a custom recovery.

And also you will get difficulties in connecting your phone with the PC in fast boot mode. And also would recommend installing a custom rom like pacman or exodus, using exodus really a great update, would have been using pac man if it got updated regularly. You can just decide for yourself.

Why do I have to unlock bootloader it shows when I hold down power button?

Well a bootloader prevents you to flash a custom recovery on your phone, as it protects the phone's recovery to be overwritten by another recovery. So in order to install a new recocery, you need to unlock the bootloader. Also, lets say that if you wanted to update cm11 to cm12 or any cm official updates, then you won't need to unlock the bootloader and use custom recovery. Now as you are installing a new rom, oxygen os, which is not CM and that's why you need a new custom recovery, and to do that you need to unlock the bootloader. It's just a step by step doing that the original bootloader

Doesn't let you flash a new recovery which in case prevents you from installing a new rom on your phone, so to install a new rom you need to flash a custom recovery and in order to do that you need to unlock the bootloader. I think you ger what I mean.

I'll just try to get CM 12 until Oxygen OS becomes OTA. So how do I do that since everyone says to unlock twrp and bootloader?

For what, cm 12 is availablecas an ota.

What?! It never showed up. Help me!

http://www.technobuzz.net/get-ota-update-cyanogenmod-12-cm12-nightlys/ check this link and if you want more details please open up a chat with me.

Bootloader
The low level implementation of a system which can be used to flash software onto your phone's partitions. Often used to flash root privileges or Stock Roms.
Recovery
The recovery is another system used to manage/wipe/reformat your partitions. TWRP refers to a custom Recovery which allows you to install custom roms in a zip format. The recovery follows the directions which are contained in the rom zip file.
Rooting
Rooting describes the process of getting administrative privileges on your android phone. You need those priviliges to mount your system partition as read and write so you can modify the files and settings. Most of the time you will have to boot your phone into the bootloader and then flash a root file (like the one from ChainFire) from your computer but there are also apps which can enable the root access by a simple click for certain devices.
If you have further questions to a specific device then you can head to the xda forum for your device and read. It's the most important thing to do before attempting to mess with your phone's software.

Are recovery packages like TWRP meant to match a particular version of bootloader? For instance, can one flash TWRP on top of either a Kitkat or Lollipop bootloader, or does it have to match?

Usually, in my experience (for Samsung smartphones + tablets and LG smartphones), they don't have to match. You can use an older TWRP version with kitkat - flash a lollipop/marshmallow based ROM and still use the same recovery. There may be differences between certain devices but generally the android version/bootloader should not affect the used recovery.

I was unclear. I was referring to Odin packages that flash TWRP which appear to be made for a certain version of the bootloader. For example, there is a TWRP package for Galaxy A5 and Lollipop. It is not clear whether flashing that on a Galaxy A5 running Kitkat would result in bricking or a non-working TWRP.

On a normal desktop/laptop, there is a UEFI or BIOS firmware that is stored on some sort of read only flash memory separate from any internal storage/disk. Then you can install bootloaders/kernels... etc whatever onto an internal disk. The UEFI/BIOS firmware boots these pieces of software, and then these pieces of software can further chainboot or be an actual OS.
On an Android phone, is the bootloader part of the firmware or part of some separate internal storage? And thus unlocking the bootloader is like unlocking access to the BIOS/UEFI UI on a laptop.


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Explanation of Settings > Apps and internal vs external storage (Android 4.1)
Can anyone please provide a clear explanation of the different information displayed in the Apps section of Android Settigs? Precisely:
Apps List

The ON SD CARD tab. Does it show apps that are installed on the SD card, or any app that has some data stored on the external storage, even though the app itself may be installed internally?
The checkboxes. Does it indicate that this app is actually installed on the external  storage? Implying that the unchecked apps are installed internally, but have some data stored on the SD card?
The size in MB. Is this the total amount of data this app has stored on the SD card, including the app "executable" itself, in case the app is also installed on external storage?

App Details

The 'Move' button. It offers either a) Move to Internal Storage or b) Move to Data Storage. Is this a reliable indication of where the app is currently installed? I.E. when it offers to Move to Internal Storage, is it safe to assume that the app is installed on external? Or does it say nothing about where the app executable is located, and is only offering me to move any app-related files to the internal memory? Is data storage synonymous to external storage ?
What do the different sizes mean? I mean App, USB storage app, Data, SD card.

Thanks in advance to anyone who takes their time to try and clarify this to me!

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 install kitkat in oppo?
I bought a smartphone in China, is an OPPO r5, the smartphone has the following settings:

4 GB RAM
Android version: 4.4.2
Kernel version: eight core MT6592
Compilation number: MTK 6592
Personal compilation version: A3SE_AX_CHT_MTZ_4G_V1.1_20141105114604

But when I tap in the android version appears JellyBean Logo (weird because 4.4 is kitkat), when i restore the phone, apears with applications extra and uses 3GB of RAM (without applications starting, and due to this the phone is very slow). The question is if i can install a 'pure version' of kitkat or jellybean version (also a mod) so the smartphone will be faster?
Note: Ir has been checked with antutu and cpuz, is an oppo adn it has an octacore and 4GB ofrece RAM

Though I don't have an answer for you, XDA Developers has a great development community where you may find what you're looking for. Good luck!

But can answer could be possible show me Jellybean version if the version showed is 4.4.2?

There are a few things which don't sound quite right.

4GB RAM - The Oppo R5 has 2GB RAM build in.
"eight core MT6592" - R5 uses an Snapdragon SOC. MT6592 is an Mediatek SOC.
The Android version. It doesn't matter which version is shown in the system information. It's a simple edit in /system/build.prop. Everyone can write whatever they want.

With these things in mind I think you have bought a fake R5.
So can you change to Cyanogenmod? No. By installing the cyanogenmod for the official R5 you might brick your device as the kernel is not fitting your hardware.
Link to the official product page of the R5

It's an original OPPO (the startup) and it has 4GB (check it with CPUz), it's clear it could be a fake r5. Is it possible install it kitkat or not?

Well I don't think it is possible just by the fact that I can't tell for sure if you have an original Oppo R5. The hardware differs alot so I think its a  fake phone. Because of this you won't be able to find a rom for your specific device so again, no, you can't install kitkat.
What you CAN do is to make a benchmark (antutu benchmark in the playstore) and give us your test result. That way we can have a look at the actual performance and it might be easier to tell if it is fake.

+1 Good thing. You can add the official link to support your claim. Here it is. // @fsalazar_sch See the official link. If things differ, then you would have the answer right in front of you.

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


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Why am I not getting CM12s OTA for the OnePlus One?
I am not getting CM12s OTA for the OnePlus One. Although I hit system update a bunch of times.
Thanks for your help.

Which version are you currently running? Also, here are all the updates that you can flash from Recovery or fastboot, including the OTA ones.

Could you  post an answer then, so as to help out others who may have the same issue in future?

For some reason OTA updates for CM12 from 11 have not been working. So manually go into the recovery and install. After you have CM12 you will get OTA updates.

authors: جهاد المحيسن


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MMS Downloading Hangs on Data State Change
As a general rule, I turn my data off and pretty much force everything to be done via WiFi unless I am out and about, at which time I have data turned on obviously.
However, as many know, messaging app (in my case the default Google one) requires data for some reason to down the MMS and won't do it over WiFi (if there is a way to change that behavior, please share) but since my data is off while at home/work, if I receive a MMS message, then it will just sit there with "Tap to download" as the option.
So far that's fine, but when I turn on data at this point and then click on Tap to download, it will just sit there forever saying downloading but not actually downloading anything. It is not until I restart the phone that clicking Tap to download instantly download the MMS. This makes no sense to me and I would like to understand what's going on here.
My question is basically, WHY doesn't turning the data back on not successfully download the MMS without having to restart the phone? What is preventing the system from honoring/recognizing the data state change and availability here? TIA

Hi! Have you considered force-stopping the app, and then launching it to download the MMS? Also, does the download takes place using "Downloads" app of Android or by the app's own downloads?

Yes I have hard terminated the app and ran it again to no avail. As for the second part of your question, I have no idea what you mean and don't understand your question, sorry. But if I have to venture a guess as to what you mean, the downloading is done inside the default messenger app, like it is normally, there is no external downloading, MMS download don't work like that as outside download links.


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booting Android lenovo A6000+
I am using lenovo A6000+ phone.
I have rooted it earlier with kingroot app, and recently there was system update, so I downloaded update and tried to install it but at the time of rebooting there were options for system recovery, first I choose to "install update from adb sideload" but that gave me an error. so I again restarted my phone and clean the cache, then again rebooted and chose adb sideload but there is nothing happening.
So I again rebooted and chose factory reset. But even after doing factory reset to my phone, it is still giving me options for system recovery.
How can I start my phone, can I install that update externally and start the phone and how?

the update fails because you have modified the system partition with your root. I don't know what you can do to revert these changes, but you can simply install cyanogenmod on your phone

i have read the link u suggested but its not possible to power on the phone. so how am i supposed to install the cyanogen.

you said "there were options for system recovery". setup adb and fastboot on your pc ( http://www.droidguiding.com/a-very-simple-solution-to-install-adb-and-fastboot-on-your-pc-tutorial/) .then connect your phone to your pc, and while it is booting press a combination of your hardware buttons (until you get into fastboot mode). then if your device is in fastboot mode (check via fastboot devices) download this (https://www.dropbox.com/s/9h5btmtf2ejricq/twrp.img?dl=0) and run fastboot flash recovery twrp.img (where twrp.img is the path to the downloaded image). then reboot

then boot into the recovery, choose factory reset, reset also cache partition and dalvik cache, then download this (https://userscloud.com/eibfm2wwdfie), this (https://userscloud.com/w65n8qepmpgt) and this (http://gapps.itvends.com/gapps-kk-20140606-signed.zip), and put them onto your phone (in recovery adb push .../gapps.zip /sdcard/ as example) and choose "install zip" on your phone, choose from internal storage (sdcard) and install first "ED300_CM11_Kick_Lenovo_A6000_K30-T.zip" then "ED300_CM11_Update_1-8-2015.zip" and last the gapps zip. happy flashing and bricking :)


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How to get OK Google from Lockscreen back? OnePlus One CM 12.1 nightly
I recently updated to the new CM 12.1 nightly on my Oneplus One from the official version because of constant touchscreen issues. The touchscreen issues are now fixed, but OK Google doesn't work from the lock screen any more. I also can't select it from the Google Now voice options or through settings>language and input. The device is rooted. I've googled this issue a lot, yet no one else seems to be having this issue. I also know a lot of people don't rate OK Google, however I'd love to have the functionality as I recently got a Bluetooth stereo for my car.
Anyway. would be great if anyone had an idea. Cheers!


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Samsung USB Driver for Windows 10 - Android Studio
I've got an issue setting up the AVD in my Android Studio as Intel HAXM is not working with my Windows 10. So, I am trying to debug and run my projects with my Android device. However, after trying to download the Google USB driver and replacing it with the standard driver that comes with Windows, I find I am not able to:

By the way, I am trying to replace this driver with the Google driver or the driver offered by Samsung - both turned up with this error.
But when I check the Android Device Monitor, my phone is not listed as it did in the tutorial I watched. (My device is a Samsung W GT-I8150 - Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread)
Any help or advice will be most appreciated.
Raihaan

What is the reason you are trying to install this driver?

I want to debug my projects on my device as my Virtual Device requires Intel HAXM, which doesn't want to work. Right now I am exporting all my projects into signed apks and installing them on my phone one at a time - not very efficient.

Have you turned on the USB-debugging in the Developer settings under the  Settings menu and your usb mode is PTP? See if this post helps. And can you see the device listed under adb devices command. Run adb devices command in the command prompt under the android-sdk folder which will be usally found under ~ANDROID_SDK/platform-tools

In Win10 use this:

Uninstall previous Samsung USB drivers from “Programs And Features”
and “Device Manager”.
Power off your Samsung phone. Switch your Samsung phone into download mode (power it on
with Power + Vol UP + Home pressed simultanously).
Connect it to your computer via USB cable. Your phone should become discovered by Windows as some device. In my case, Windows has found my phone
as a “SAMSUNG Android ADB Interface” device.
Restart your phone.

Now it all. Phone driver work perfectly.

According to the last post on this forum, Samsung simply doesn't have a windows 10 driver.
I am stunned that Samsung did not anticipate the Windows 10 release.

All I did was go to the Applications->USB Settings and cleared cache. It stopped working on the last W10 update.


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How to install apk from sd
Hi all I need to install Asphalt 8 Airborne, that occupy 1.56gb of space. But I get an error while I'm downloading it from the playstore. So, I was trying to download it from the pc. But if I put the file on a microSD, will it install the file on the sd or on the internal memory?

Even if you have it on your sd card, the stock android doesn't allow you to move the whole application to the card. Of you have a custom rom, then it can be installed to the sd card, or of you have space in your internal memory, then first install it to it and then use move to sd card in app manager, to move it's app data files to it.


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i have a lot of space on my phone but my apps say it still needs a memory card?
why is it that when I run an app it says I need an sd card? even though I have 6 gb available on my phone still??

Well it depends on what app you are talking about. It is mostly an app error, but also do tell your android version.

Is the issue specific to an app or are all the apps behaving in this way? 2) Which device is it and which Android version is it running? 3) Screenshot(s) can also do good here. There is scarcity of details, making the question eligible for being unclear.

Need more details before proper answer can be made for your device Alix
The name of your Android device and anything else related to the issues you're device is having will make answers more on point. That being stated the following are things I've noted that can cause issues with installing apps and the fixes I've used.

I've had issues with both internal and SD memory reporting full when trying to install apps when a file browser reports enough space when the LOST.DIR directory gets full of rescued data bits. This folder can usually have it's contence deleted without causing issues and will free up space that the system keeps in limbo.
Alternitively the apps you maybe trying to install may require that an exteral SD card be present for saving the larger files seperate from your internal storage.
Yet another alternitive is that the app's developer has coded the path to external storage in such a way that your device doesn't reconize the file path. Rare but it does happen when a device has odd directory paths or links not set properly.
And the other thing that maybe causing confusion is that Androids setup internal partitions to split memory for system apps and user apps. And the market app as well as google's many sub-system apps will eat nearly 100MBs of space on thier own within this partition.

Things I've done to fix similar issues :
~ Downgrade google's apps back to stock; found in each apps' setting screen from your app setings screen
~ Whipe caches and stored data from apps; there are cache cleaners on the market as well as options within custom recoveries to preform cache whipes. Custom recovery requires root/Super User permissions.
~ Root the device and modify memory partitions such that more is avalable for user apps and processes.
~ Root the device and remove bloot ware ie stock Mail app and GMail app and any other apps that wouldn't let me remove'em otherwise.
~ Lastly I've also had to compleatly wipe all data (deletes everything) from the device in order to free up odd sectors that seem to have gotten stuck between 1&0 :-( ...

Hi! When you post an answer to a question, the author of the latter will always be notified, so you don't have to use @ in the answers. It also doesn't work  when mentioned in answers. It is meant for comments. See its restriction and usage: http://android.stackexchange.com/editing-help#comment-formatting

Wups, kinda use to forum posting on Q&A sites. I've corrected the '@' sign; thank you Firelord for the link, I'll make good use of it :-D


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Reviving my Bricked Tablet via adb and Samsung's Download Mode
Okay, here's the story:
I have a Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4". The OS doesn't matter, because it's gone. I had lollipop 5.0.2, decided to root it. OK, rooted it fine. Then decided to get CyanogenMod on it. Welp, when I was wiping it, I accidentally deleted the CM install zip with the rest. I was using TWRP to install the thing, but then I couldn't access it. So, I got Odin and tried to install that and the Clockwork mod. No help, and now Odin throws the "nand write start" error, which, from what I can tell from Google, mean my partitions are screwed up. (Edit: I re-flashed TWRP, and there was no error, but there is this error when getting ClockworkMod. Probably a messed up tar.)
Long story short, all I can do is use the Samsung Download mode, I have Odin, and I may have messed up my partitions.
I do have an adb backup, which means if I can get adb to recognize me device, I can roll it back.
adb seems like the best way to go, which is why I titled the post as it is.

Is your device connecting in fast boot mode? Use that to flash cwm or twrp. You won't need odin for that.

@Hunter I don't think so -- Samsung uses "Download Mode", which I beleive is a replacement.

@Hunter I can flash TWRP successfully, but I'm not able to boot to it. If I were able to get to it, I think my troubles would be over :]

@Hunter I may not be booting normally -- I can't start up with just the power button. I seem to have to use power + vol down + home, which is the key combo for download mode if I were to hold it down through boot.

The download mode you are reffering is something that Samsung has for it's own devices. Fastboot helps in forcing your uploads on the device. Check these steps which are for samsung galxy s: Volume up and home until the black and white Galaxy S boot Screen came up and then right away volume up+home+powerbutton at the same time.

From the boot screen that has been displayed for the entire night last night, vol Up + Home doesn't work. I'm currently trying to boot into download, then cancel to restart the tablet, where I will try your keys...... No cigar. I pressed your keys in the order you listed 'em, and held 'em down for about 10 seconds. No screen change -- does fastboot have a screen?

Well sorry but i think it's not implemented in samsung like it. Can you confirm that you can connect via odin in download mode. I want this to see if it connects or not?

Yes, I have flashed TWRP multiple times. I can connect OK

I also just checked -- Odin does recognize.

If you can connect to odin, then download adb drivers from.http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1895220&d=1366378237 and tell me if adb is working or not. For that first start your tab, and then connect your tab with pc and then open command panel in the folder where adb is, and typing "adb devices" in it.

ADB does not work, as you can tell from my post. Nor adb devices or fastboot devices recognizes the tablet. When I was in TWRP, it was able to recognize is via adb unload. --Tested on Ubuntu with adb installed via apt-get

Oh sorry, then just try one of the root toolkits for samsung. Google it up and see. I wasn't able to find any for tab but see if other toolkits work for you or not.

What is a root toolkit? If it gives root, I have one right here I used to get root before I bricked

Sorry to comment late first check my answer kk.

Ok here's what you need to do:
1) First follow this guide to erase evrything on your tab  http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2610757   for this you would need latest odin, find it online or use the version given in thread. You also need a pit file and stock rom for your device.
   a) Pit file: Use the SM-T700 pit file from here  http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-s/general/extracted-sm-t800-pit-download-t3071209/post59859123#post59859123
   b) Stock rom: Use the stock rom according to your android version and country region. Download from here  http://www.mrcrab.net/stockrom/sm-t700.html
2) Then flash a new recovery, apparently twrp as it seems to work correctly on your device.
3) Then root your tab using this guide  http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-s/development/root-cf-autoroot-t700-t2805366
Post your results after this or following this guide.
And also use the first guide I linked for removing all partitions and not the other one. I hope this helps. :)

Since I want to upgrade to Cyanogenmod anyway, can I use CM instead of the Stock ROM?

No first you have to install the stock rom itself, remember it's bricked so you have to install the stock one only. And yeah the room is fine.

OK, getting the stock ROM from here instead, since it'll be direct from Samsung.

Well it doesn't matter until you download the correct rom, and hey download the Odin from there too.

OK, so once this is finished I should then be able to switch over to CM? As in, I'll have factory reset, and I can re-do my process, not screwing up this time around?

Not, just first do these steps and then post your results as success and failures. First get the stock rom on this. Ok

Right. I'm saying once I get stock ROM, and I check everything to be OK, I'll be good-to-go, right?

Right now are you following the guide or will do it later cause these things I mentioned should be complete by now. And yes you will be good to go, first get the stock rom and then ask another question for getting CM on tab and we'll answer it later.

Alright, that sounds like a good idea. I'll follow your idea, report back, backup with adb, and ask a new question.

Dude, I love you. Thank you so much, I thought I was a goner. Unfortunately, the bloatware is back, but I have my tablet working again!! :D

Good grief now you can post a question for getting CM on your tab I'll answer it there. Kk

no, it's fine, I got CM & GApps on here fine :)

Assuming you have the wifi-variant of the tablet.
Download the stock firmware from here. This file can be flashed via Odin when you're in Download-Mode. From there on you can restart your process of flashing TWRP and then the new ROM.

I'm not finding anything here for the US. I've tried searching, "US", "U.S.", "United Sta", and "America"

According to here and here, US versions are listed as "Celluar South", but clicking that in the site you linked leads me to a "File not Found"

I found two other sources. If I flash these, since they have no guarantee of being official, is there a risk of breaking the tablet more?

Choosing the Cellular South version sounds good. I would try to use the one from sammobile as I'm not sure if other sources are trustworthy even though sammobiles download speeds are ridiculously slow and you have to register for the site. This link works for me: http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/download/47569/T700XXU1BOE3_T700XAR1BOE1_XAR/

"File not found" For Chrome, Chrome Incognito, or TOR.

That's strange. Maybe try it with yet another browser? Yesterday I managed to start the download of the file. Maybe something with your proxy-settings? I'm sorry but I can't help you any further. If you manage to download the firmware your problem will be fixed. Of course you could still try out the other sources as you will be flashing another ROM over the stock firmware anyways.


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how can I change my mobile stock from KitKat to lollipop mobile name HSL yuva y302
please help me to install the stock lollipop in my HSL phone because I have a problem in connection of 3G in my phone of KitKat phone .

Why don't you try troubleshooting your Kitkat?

There is no lollipop rom available as far as I can tell. But I don't think they will ever release an update to Android 5.0 Lollipop because your phone runs on a mediatek processor which is known for low development activity.
And a simple update to lollipop won't help you with your signal reception. You would have to flash a new modem which suits your country.
So you can't do anything at this moment.

so sir for my network issue what I can do my mobile is not showing tower of 3g and if by chance tower comes and I start my data the it will not load anything so what to do please help

In general cases I would say that updating your modem might help but I can't find any available modem packages for your specific device. The best thing you can do at the moment is to contact your carrier and ask them for help. If that doesn't help you can try to replace your phone by the seller


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Why are characters turning into blocks?
I have a Samsung Galaxy S4. On the lock screen and on pop up messages some of the characters are blocks.
Here is a screen shot of it:

Screenshot - Block Characters (Click to enlarge)
I'm not sure if it's one of my apps that is doing this or if it's something else.

If you restart, does this persist? Looks like a corrupted font file to me.

@LieRyan The OP commented, it solved after a restart and forget to mention you. Could you post that an answer?

@Lucky: reposted the comment as an answer and expanded a little on the possible reasons

It looks like a glitch in the font rendering process. If it is an in memory glitch, you may be able to resolve it by restarting the device. If it persists across restarts, then it is possibly either a corrupted font file or there's a bug in the font loader. In either case, you'd want to try to see if a restart resolves it.


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How to convert time-stamps into human readable form written in a usage-stats file of Android Lollipop?
The file under consideration is any file under /data/system/usagestats/0/daily/. The entries it has are like:
<package lastTimeActive="77497976" package="com.android.settings" timeActive="471657" lastEvent="2" />
<package lastTimeActive="50486897" package="com.android.dialer" timeActive="180327" lastEvent="2" />
<package lastTimeActive="83158956" package="com.cyanogenmod.trebuchet" timeActive="461860" lastEvent="2" />
<package lastTimeActive="59444603" package="com.slovoed.oald" timeActive="405608" lastEvent="2" />

Here is the complete text for the file 1438905600000.
The value 77497976 doesn't seem to be Unix Time, and 471657 seems to be milliseconds.
I added that value into the value mentioned in file name i.e. 1438905600000 + 77497976, and the converted resultant of 1438983097976 here doesn't reflect the actual result shown in GUI here:
(Click image to enlarge; screenshot was taken on Aug 8, 2015 at 05:08 AM)

Package name of apps shown in screenshot whose raw time-stamps you can see in the file:

Settings → com.android.settings
Dialer → com.android.dialer
Launcher3 → com.cyanogenmod.trebuchet
SQLite Editor → com.speedsoftware.sqleditor
Titanium Backup → com.keramidas.titaniumbackup
OALD → com.slovoed.oald
ES File Explorer → com.estrongs.android.pop
Clock → com.android.deskclock

adb shell su -c 'dumpsys usagestats' is of no help since it gives no output to me.
In Android 4.x, it is easy to understand the time-stamp (mainly the "last time used") because Unix Time is written in the logs, and you can convert it into human readable time easily.
I looked at UsageStats, UsageStatsManager, UsageStatsActivity but couldn't understand how the time gets converted.

Alternatively, is there a schema which Lollipop follows to write entries in those usage-stats file? Perhaps, that can help to figure out in conversion?
I'm using a rooted OnePlus One running CM12.

timeActive seems to be corresponding to "Usage Time" (i.e. how long the app was active) in ms, as you assumed. The others don't seem to make a match, even considering time-zone differences (Aug 7 23:31:37 from what I've calculated using date -d @<unixtime>; times again in ms). Maybe you could [edit] your question and include numbers for the other apps so we might see a pattern? "Last time used" somehow suggest user action (direct invocation); maybe the settings app was triggered "indirectly"?

I actually posted the full file here as mentioned. Also, I made sure that entries in the screenshot and the time I copied those remains the same. Are you asking something else?

Ooops – I revoke that part of my previous comment, missed that link, sorry. But that makes it even more strange, as the entries don't match: from the file, DeskClock was LRU; I don't see it in the screenshot. From the screenshot, TiBu was used shortly; I can't find that in the file. I'm confused. // Btw: does the usage-history.xml still exist with Lollipop, and in the same place as with 4.x? This blogpost suggests as much.

What I'm playing at: You might have picked the wrong file to compare with. Your screenshot is newer (Aug 8, 5 am) than the file (Aug 7, 2 am); on Aug 8, 2 am Android could have started a new file (if it does so all 24h that is). As that's just argued by the file name: what does ls -l give for its last "touch"?

Fresh piece: This is the recent screenshot I took after using ES File Explorer: http://i.stack.imgur.com/wdMbY.png. Here is the stats file I immediately captured after closing Explorer: http://pastebin.com/X4A5Knha

ls -l 1438992000000 gives me 2015-08-08 22:39 which is weird because it's not correct as per screenshot. Even if it's GMT, it's incorrect since it should   be -05:30 from the screenshot in its output as Android outputs GMT in shell.

Agreed. And again, the file doesn't reflect the screenshot: the top 3 from the file (if ordered by lastTimeActive) are not included with the screenshot at the position I'd expect them – but a lot closer to the bottom. And vice-versa. Note: EndTime matches lastTimeActive of Trebuchet (Launcher), making that the last-used app (and ruling out "RTL" writing of numbers, which I almost started to suspect). Again: Is the /data/system/usagestats/usage-history.xml available to check against?

The concept of having a single usage-history.xml in only applicable until Kitkat. Since Lollipop, all the usage-stats are in folders viz. daily, weekly, monthly and yearly. The files their are plain XML but extension is missing, Their name is the UNIX TIME when they were created. Usually created at 00:00 GMT.

Also, in the recent screenshot, the entries of Settings, Dialer, and Launcher3 is correct before ES File Explorer, since I entered the code in dialer to launch Testing settings, and I visited the dialer using launcher. All of this happened after using Explorer app, so the screenshot is absolutely correct. The issue is with the file!

Have you been able to solve the mystery meanwhile?

Nope. Primarily because I abandoned this issue, and time, unfortunately and as of now, doesn't permit me to do research at all.


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Quick drain of battery in new phone huawei g play mini?

Here is a screenshot of my battery drain.
Is it normal , or should I go to service center ? My previous phone had much less sloppier curve . When I bought the phone I charged it upto 100% and then started using it , though at the shop they told me to charge for 3 hours. Should I go to service center? The problem is battery(2500mA) is fixed in this device , so I can't even remove it.

By looking at your screenshot I think you should wait a few days to see if your new device settles down a bit on battery usage.
Why do I say that?
Even though your battery is draining fast when your screen is off, there are not many wakelocks. Give your phone a little bit off time to settle down ( syncing data between all accounts etc.) and it should be fine. If you're still observing heavy battery drain after 2-3 days, then you should go to the service center.

It was happening to me to 'till yesterday. My battery was draining really quick and I went to "notifications administrator" and turn off almost every notification.
The fact is that battery is not drainin' so fast. Only 15% since yesterday, so for me it worked!

I only see notification center in my device , and I 'restricted' almost all app..  ,  what else did you do ?

I only did that. Restricted all notifications except the ones I really need. It seemed to work. Since I bought the phone the battery life was like 1 day and a few hours , right now its 49% and almost beatin' the record (its on for 24h) :P
Try and see if it works.

I turned off "Scanning always available" and "network notification" and my issue got fixed.

I have also similar problem on this set, it is solved during 15 minutes at service center and its now 4 month working fine. So I suggest you to visit Service center
Sudat


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How to get rid of the voicemail notification?
So I've had this voicemail notification for a few months now and it has started to really bug me. I have actually turned the voicemail system on with my provider so I could check the voicemail and get rid of the notification on my phone but every time I try to call the voicemail number it just says that I have no new voicemails but the notification still stays there!! How do I get rid of it?!

Leave yourself a voicemail. Wait until you get the notification. Then call to listen and delete it. It should go away on its own after a few minutes. If not reboot. If it's still there, call your cellular provider and ask that they clear the Message Waiting Indicator on your account.


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I don't want lollipop for moto E(1st gen)
In my mobile there very less space my phone is hanged and it makes to irration to me.
I decided to back for kik Kate
Plz solve my problem

If I understand you correctly you want to downgrad to Android 4.4.4 from Lollipop.
There is a guide over at XDA developers which does exactly what you want.
Just follow the steps as described there:
Downgrade Moto E Android 5.0.2 to Stock 4.4.4
Credits for this instructions go to meakshay_mishra @ xda

Download Stock 4.4.4
Download mfastboot.
Download ADB. ( Download Links are in video description)

Now flash Stock 4.4.4 using adb.
commands :

mfastboot flash partition gpt.bin
mfastboot flash motoboot motoboot.img
mfastboot flash logo logo.bin
mfastboot flash boot boot.img
mfastboot flash recovery recovery.img
mfastboot.exe flash system system.img_sparsechunk.0
mfastboot.exe flash system system.img_sparsechunk.1
mfastboot.exe flash system system.img_sparsechunk.2
mfastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin
mfastboot erase modemst1
mfastboot erase modemst2
mfastboot flash fsg fsg.mbn
mfastboot erase cache
mfastboot erase userdata
mfastboot reboot


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PTP for photo transfer not working on my S6 edge
I have a Mac (iMac, newest model with newest software) and it is impossible to access photos from camera roll of my S6 edge (128 GB) in USB PTP mode.
In Apple Photo app it shows the device but it always says "no photos". I talked with Samsung support and they said that the only way to transfer photos is to make a full backup with Smart Switch (MTP mode). This transfers 30-40 GB of my photo data only for few new photos in a new backup folder on my Mac. So at the moment I transfer photos via Email or Dropbox - both are extremely slow and unpractical because of internet.
I also tried another Mac and other cables. I tried a S4 as well which worked fine (just plug in cable and it automatically shows all photos). There is also an integrated file browser in Smart Switch which works but this is also not useful for photos. I also asked this question in a German Android forum and was not getting good solutions (e.g. "Airdroid" software) so far.
Since MTP works for me I guess this is a software and not a hardware problem? Any idea how to solve this?
Thanks!

You can use Android File Transfer to browse your device in MTP mode. All pictures are normally saved in Phone/Camera/DCIM/ or SDCARD/Camera/DCIM/, by date. You can drag and drop the files to your mac. It essentially works like a Finder window. This way only the files you choose are transferred and at MTP speeds instead of PTP.
As for PTP not working, I'm assuming you have PTP selected, and screen unlocked when you try to open iPhoto?

Android File Transfer does not work with S6. Yesterday PTP is selected and device will be shown in Apple Photo. I also tried old iPhoto but the same problem.

Are you sure? Did you try? Another option is blue tooth. Select the files on the s6 then share them via bluetooth.

Yes I am sure. I am always getting a "Could not connect to device" with Android file transfer while Smart Switch has no problems. Bluetooth is strange indeed: I already had a long phone call with Apple support about this and Bluetooth connection between my S6 and iMac does not work.

@ImperatorMaximus with bluetooth, are you attempting to browse from the mac to the s6? Or are you sending from the s6 to the mac?

ok I got Bluetooth to work now. It was my fault I thought I need a connection before but it connects only by sending. I tried to send a 30MB video file but it says 10 minutes and I aborted it after 4 minutes. So I will definitely not use this again. I want PTP over USB cable or similar and this should be available in my opinion. It is like having a camera without being able to get the photos on PC. Is there any other Samsung forum or better support service email where I can ask for help? Apple has got discussions.apple.com. Does any similar exists from Samsung?

authors: Администратор Администратор


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AVD doesn't work after installing Android Studio
I installed Android Studio, but when I try to run, the emulator is not working. When I googled, I find some instructions in which the

Open SDK Manager and Download Intel x86 Emulator Accelerator (HAXM installer) if you haven't.
Now go to your SDK directory (C:\users\username\AppData\Local\Android\sdk, generally). In this directory Go to extra > intel > Hardware_Accelerated_Execution_Manager and run the file named "intelhaxm-android.exe".
In case you get an error like "Intel virtualization technology (vt,vt-x) is not enabled". Go to your BIOS settings and enable Hardware Virtualization.
Restart Android Studio and then try to start the AVD again.

but I don't know where is BIOS setting of my computer. I have HP desktop CPU and try to find the BIOS from start, F10 as well as from change PC setting in Windows, but all in vain.

PC/Mac/Linux-based questions are off-topic here at Android Enthusiasts, as this is an end-user site for Android, as long as it does not have any direct implication on an Android device. Please consider asking your question on SuperUser.

I'm voting to close this question as off-topic because it's more related to general computing (PC BIOS) and not about Android.

I faced a similar problem recently on my windows 10 laptop and found out that the Intel virtualization technology (vt-x) was disabled from BIOS.
In case you are using a new laptop which comes per-installed with Windows 8/8.1/10 then chances are that you cannot enter the BIOS manually while booting. Reason being they have changed BIOS to UEFI which is no longer accessible through boot but instead you need to do the following steps:
Go to Windows > Settings > Update and Security > Recovery.
Then under Advanced startup, click Restart now. The system will restart and show the Windows 10 boot menu.
Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings.
Click Restart to restart the system and enter UEFI (BIOS).
from here you can access the UEFI menu (which is similar to BIOS)
Search for the VT-x setting (It may be named as Intel VT or Vanderpool or Virtualization Extensions or something similar depending on your OEM and BIOS.)
Please refer to this link for screenshots on how to access the UEFI from windows 10: http://www.howtogeek.com/213795/how-to-enable-intel-vt-x-in-your-computers-bios-or-uefi-firmware/

If your new Mac M1 is having this problem, as of Android Studio Arctic Fox patch 4, I resolved the issue by adding a new virtual device (for the simulator) which was for ARM architecture.
Here are details with screenshots about the steps on ConfessionsOfAnAgileCoach.

When you switch on your device, it starts to boot as your preferences (HDD, Removable drive, Optical drive etc.) set in the BIOS. Before the OS boot starts, if you press a particular key,your device will show a window with options like Boot menu, BIOS settings etc. You can find the buttons beside each option, by pressing which you can enter those options. For example,
Acer - F2
Asus - Del
DELL - F2
HP - F10
These keys may be changed.
After you enter the BIOS set up goto the Advanced tab and enable the Intel virtualization technology, which may be aliased/called as Intel VT-x or AMD-V.
Hope this will help.

for Lenovo pc u can use Fn + F2 key to go into bios setting.After changing bios setting i am sure your AVD will work

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


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Download progress notification and Google Play Store showing different progress percentage
As the title says, I've noticed that the download progress in the notification bar and the progress in the Play Store shows different progresses. Screenshot:

My question is why does this happen? Is this a bug?
Also, when the download progress in the notification bar reaches 100%, the progress in the Play Store jumps to 100% and the app I'm updating gets updated.

While it probably wouldn't be an issue in using Play Store or the device, I  find it pretty annoying.

@Firelord and OP(Cool guy) : occasionally,  possibly due to the lag of displaying a progress bar (a little test I done proved this)  the play store one can be slower than the notification bar. That being said,  it always catches up at 100%, for obvious reasons.

I guess the progress bar would be the same on both but since your swipe down the notification the progress bar in the actuall app is not correctly reflected. See what happens if you click the notification while the app is downloading and check if the both the percentage values are same?

@Lucky No change even after clicking the notification. Seems like the accepted answer is correct (See this)

I'm quite sure that this is based on the fact that updates aren't loaded fully but in parts. The notification bar then shows the progress only for what is really being downloaded, the Play Store itself shows the progress for the entire app.

Discussion about this on quora

You could try wiping the data of the play store. It happened to me on my Galaxy S2, which ran CM. Wiping the data of the app did the trick for my phone, could work for your device.


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Can't get past the PIN-screen of my newly bought used S4
I recently bought a used Samsung Galaxy S4. The problem is that the previous owner did not factory reset is and even after putting in the memory and SIM-card from my old phone, I can’t get past the pin-code screen. I have tried factory resetting it myself, but it isn’t working. What do I do?

So you have resetted the device?
Or was the resetting to factory defaults not working?
Boot into the recovery ( volume UP + power button - press both until the screen turns on and release the power button then) and then perform a factory reset from there. This should delete all user data and your phone should restart to the initial startup configuration.

Try to go to the emergency call menu and dial ∗ # ∗ #SERVICE# ∗# ∗ there should be a list item where you can reset the phone to factory settings.
On my sony it is Customisation Settings > Reset Customisation.


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What exactly does "rooting" mean (for a new device that has no ready-made tools yet)?
Disclaimer: The question is not meant like these:

How do I root my device? – Take tool X/Y/Z!
Where do I find tool X/Y/Z for rooting? – Link, Link, Link!
What is "root"? – Full permissions on Linux, UID 0!

The question I have is this: When a new device with a customized Android gets released, what exactly do the "root release crews" do? And why does it differ for each device? Aren't all "Androids" across the different devices with the same x.y version identical? Yeah, OK, most have custom brand programs (because everyone wants user data these days, or for device-specific sensors and so on), but all have the same kernel and core tools (which handle the permission system).
Let's say I buy a new device and want "to root" it fully myself (without ready-made tools/images from others), where would I start? Do a full dump of the flash memory and change some bits?

Related: How does rooting work?

Possible duplicate of What does "to root a phone" mean?

It is NOT a duplicate, please read not only the headline of the question!

A rooted system is a system that has a working su binary, that is, one that allows the user and/or processes to attain full root rights. So, in order to root a device, you "just" need to get that binary in place, and you're done. (In practice, it's not as simple; most superuser applications ship with a daemon that is actually responsible for giving apps root privileges, and they might also apply patches to the SELinux policy so processes can get root rights).
How you root device depends on the model of the device. There are devices that can be "unlocked". That usually means that it will disable the checks the system has in place to ensure that the device only boots an operating system supplied by your manufacturer. So, with the checks disabled, the easiest option to root your device is flashing a custom recovery (which is basically a stripped down OS, used to update the actual Android OS and for other tasks like backups). This recovery will then run with root rights, so it can also place a su binary on the device.
If your device cannot be unlocked, the process is much more complicated. In this case, the developers try to find exploits in the software that can be used to attain (temporary) root privileges, which can then be used to install a su binary. Obviously, since this process involves finding flaws in the device's security, it may take a long time for it to happen, or it might not happen at all.
This process of finding exploits is different for different devices, but you may find that some root exploits work for similar devices. Not all devices run the same operating system, or the same hardware. Device X might ship with a modified version of software component Y, which is vulnerable, while device Z doesn't ship with it, so you'll have to find another exploit.

If you can root a locked phone, then IMO it wasn't properly locked at all. To me, a phone is locked iff the /system, /boot and /recovery partition can't be changed by any means.

Sorry to give you an un-understandable answer, my bad, and though I completely messed it and gave wrong guidelines. Sorry but it is as most of the users here  How does rooting work?
it is indeed installing su bianaries and then supersu.apk and giving them each certain privileges. Also that su binaries does all the work itself.
You would just need a windows and linux, most probably linux as you can use adb on linux too, as it's a part of it.
So here guys is the ultimate rooting guide, which will walk you through rooting your phone, and as the android kernel is made up of linux, you need a linux installation to root your phone, just one step for this linux command. Here's the link:  http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2684210
Also su binaries contain all the data and you don't need to know anything else as su is same for all devices. Please sorry for my previous utterly idiotic answer. It's just about su binaries and supersu.apk which is to root.
Yeah and su binaries do get updated, so don't forget to download the latest binaries.

You just have to add the su binary and superuser app to manage root so how to do this?
This can be achieved by exploiting some vulnerability in the system, so you can execute the script that adds su binary to /system and the superuser app to the desired place. That's how all the rooting tools and apps work


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How to know if phone has been connected via USB? (connection log on the phone?)
I'm trying to find out if someone has connected the Android phone (Samsung Note 4) to the PC via USB. Is there a log somewhere on the device showing the timestamp of connection? Preferably without turning on the debug mode?

Another way is to use adb shell dmesg and look for power connection/disconnection logs there. That's the best source to consider. In Android 4.2.1 you can check kernel logs (if rooted) without ADB by browsing into /data/log_temp/.

Preferably without turning on the debug mode?

Sorry! I don't have a solution that doesn't require USB debugging as of now. A workaround is to use a rooted device and run ssh server on Wi-Fi.
Anyhow, if the device has been connected to PC using USB, then it must have drawn some power, miniscule and momentarily it may be.
Setup adb in PC, turn on USB debugging on phone or use the workaround, and enter the command:

For Lollipop 5.0.2:
dumpsys batterystats | grep -A30 "Statistics since last unplugged:"

or, to get the most relevant details only:
dumpsys batterystats | grep -A30 "Statistics since last unplugged:" | grep -B30 "Device is currently"

The output could be like:
Statistics since last unplugged:
  Time on battery: 23m 13s 868ms (100.0%) realtime, 23m 13s 868ms (100.0%) uptime
  Time on battery screen off: 22m 13s 363ms (95.7%) realtime, 22m 13s 362ms (95.7%) uptime
  Total run time: 23m 13s 868ms realtime, 23m 13s 868ms uptime
  Start clock time: 2015-08-09-06-50-16
  Screen on: 1m 0s 505ms (4.3%) 0x, Interactive: 1m 0s 758ms (4.4%)
  Screen brightnesses:
  dark 1m 0s 505ms (100.0%)
  Total partial wakelock time: 22m 13s 363ms
  Mobile total received: 0B, sent: 0B (packets received 0, sent 0)
  Phone signal levels:
  moderate 22m 35s 311ms (97.2%) 1x
  good 38s 557ms (2.8%) 0x
  Signal scanning time: 0ms
  Radio types:
  none 23m 13s 868ms (100.0%) 0x
  ...
  Device is currently unplugged

I've removed some output denoted by ... since it's not relevant here.
Now, the latest unplugged detail highlights:

Start clock time: 2015-08-09-06-50-16 -- On Aug 9, 2015 at 06:50:16 AM, my device was unplugged from USB
Time on battery: 23m 13s 868ms -- time for which the device has been running on battery since last unplugged

You can do the calculation now, based on your case.
Note that this info has nothing to do with full charge details. It simply tells us the details for the event when the device was connected to a source that supplied it power.
For Android 4.4.2:
dumpsys batterystats | grep -A30 "Statistics since last unplugged:" | grep -B30 "Device is currently*"

For Android 4.2.1:
dumpsys batteryinfo | grep -A30 "Statistics since last unplugged" | grep -B30 "Device is currently*"

Note: In the last two cases, Start clock time isn't available but Time on battery among other things.

All of this info would be helpful if only you have not plugged the device into charger or PC since the above battery-stats doesn't differentiate between the two.
Nonetheless, it is still a good lead!

This answer by Matthew Read also deals with the same thing.

I see. This is a good lead... I think the battery graph in control panel shows a similar output... but I've since charged my phone several times so it's not possible to trace back to the time my phone was in someone else's hand. So Android doesn't log USB plug/unplug at all?

It does log, the kernel logs precisely speaking has those plug/unplug entries. It's in the output of adb shell dmesg. I can't seem to find where does Android 4.4+ and 5.x stores these kernel logs which dmesg outputs.


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android - difference between running process and cached background process
In my running processes,
camera has 1 process and 0 services running. I don't have it open in the foreground so why wouldn't this be a cached background process? How can there be a live process if the app isn't in the foreground?
Could someone clear this up for me?

authors: عطالله العنزي


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Is there hidden storage in android devices
Is there any Hidden Storage in android devices . my android phone has 4GB ROM (Internal Storage) 1.5GB usable . I have scanned the phone with recovery software to recover deleted files i have found 11GB of deleted files for recovering. how is it possible it has only 4GB available does it has some hidden storage
I am not asking about the link reference of files or overwritten of deleted file .i am  asking about my rom is 4GB and deleted files are 11GB( showed in the recovery software ) it should be 4GB thats the maximum space available in the phone .  but there is extra 7 GB where are these files located in the device .

You're not approaching that quite right. Every time you boot your phone, start and app, flush your cache and so on you are rewriting real files time and again.
PNG, TXT, XML, most commonly, and so on. Those overwritten and/or deleted files don't ever actually "disappear" from your device. Their link/reference is removed from your device's file allocation tables [more a windows descript on that, but still prety much the same] but, the remnants do just that. They remain. Your recovery tool keys in on file magic and/or footers , usually contained in a definition file and copies over the recovered files to a specified location. May of those files are duplicates of the basic png files that make up your apk UI's as well as the os. Most of those recovered files will be broken though.
The only sure fire way to actually delete a file is a secure wipe, and there are different standards of secure on that point.


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Move data of some Apps to SD card
I have Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime (4.4.4 and rooted) ... I have some dictionaries Apps... I installed the main App.. when we want to use.. we should download dictionaries package for each language we want... I tried to move the folder to SD Card ... it's ok!! But the files dont belong more to App so it doesnt recognize them (as if one should download them again).. if we move back the folder to internal memory... it's ok again.... is there a method?!!

Have you checked with our app2sd tag-wiki, which explains the principles and names the multiple approaches available – such as Data2SD, Link2SD, or DirectoryBind?

I think Link2SD could help you. It allows you to move apps to SD and link them so the system "thinks" they are still on your device's internal storage. I would give a try.

Could you include a method? One line answers are not really helpful :)


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Using PC to control Android (ex : using mouse or keyboard to tilt, rotate, emulate gyroscope, etc)
Is there any way to input fake sensor data from PC into your android phone (not the opposite)? Like using WASD from PC to make your android phone thinking they are being tilted, rotated, etc even though they actually aren't.
I want to try google cardboard applications. Most of them require gyroscope in order to run properly. Sadly my phone doesn't have gyroscope installed in it.
I'm thinking if there's already a bunch of options to use the data from the sensors from an android phone to do a lot of things in PC (joystick, etc), why not the opposite?


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How do I screen pin an app in Android Lollipop using command-line?
I'm aware that I can go to Settings → Security → Screen pinning → On, and then tap Overview → touch the pin icon on the app listed there and it would be pinned, effectively putting the app into kiosk-mode.
(Click image to enlarge; hover to know details)

But how do I pin an app using command line? I tried input command but with no success.
I'm using rooted OnePlus One running CM12.

Activity Manager among other things manage Screen pinning. You can invoke the am command to pin an app regardless of the Screen pinning being activated under Settings.
However, know that the pinning wouldn't be fully automated this way i.e. you still would have to confirm on the screen whether to pin the app or not, although I provided a way to interact with the screen only the very first time.
Google mentioned here:
(Emphasis mine)

If the requesting app is not a device owner, the user is prompted for confirmation. A device owner app can call the setLockTaskPackages() method to enable apps to be pinnable without the user confirmation step.

Also note that an app cannot be made device owner just by using some set of commands, unless it fulfills the criteria set for it i.e. it must be a candidate for Device Administration (the apps you see in Settings → Security → Device administrators), which is hard-coded into app's manifest. Google has mentioned here what must be included in an app's manifest to use Device Administration API.
Even then, you still have to make the app the Device Owner -- a specialized type of device administrator who once activated cannot be deactivated unless you have root access or do factory rest on the device. Contrary to simple kiosk mode which you activate by pinning an app from recent tasks list, a device owner app can make it extremely hard for you to evade the kiosk mode which means the normal evading technique like holding down Overview button or Back button or both could be rendered useless.
It is up to you to choose a method for making your favorite app the device owner.

That was just a bit of context to explain why you need to interact with the screen, and why there is no complete command-line way to screen pin an app.
Things to do
Setup adb, connect the phone into PC, enable USB debugging in phone,  launch the app you want to screen pin,  launch a shell on PC, and enter:
NOTE: It has come to my notice that in Android 6.0 lock-task has been replaced with task lock. Hence, make appropriate changes in any command  before using the latter.

adb shell
task_id=$(dumpsys activity | grep -A2 "(dumpsys activity recents)"| grep '#'| cut -d ' ' -f 7| cut -c 2-); am lock-task $task_id

As an alternative: This command would work if the app is launched from scratch i.e. not resumed from recent tasks list:
adb shell
cur_act=($(dumpsys activity | grep mFocusedActivity | rev)); task_id=$(echo ${cur_act[0]} | head -c -2 | cut -c 2-| rev); am lock-task $task_id;

You would get an output Activity manager is not in lockTaskMode. Ignore it, and if you've read the links I mentioned in the context you would know why it has been outputted.
Tap Start on device's screen to confirm screen pinning.
(Click image to enlarge)

I uploaded the screen recording here (5.62MB size) which would show you that the command can also screen pin the launcher app.
As an alternate of going to screen and tapping the confirmation dialog, you can use any of the following approaches:

Issue keyevents  to go down, go right, and simulate enter on the confirmation dialog.
adb shell input keyevent 20
adb shell input keyevent 22
adb shell input keyevent 66

(Here are listed  some common keyevents)

Enable Pointer Location under Developer options, pin an app and hold Start on the confirmation dialog, and locate the X and Y coordinates.
Alternatively, use adb shell getevent -l to get X and Y coordinates. Here is a good solution by Tomas.

Once you have them, use this command:
adb shell input touchscreen tap <x> <y>

where <x> and <y> are the respective coordinates you noted.
Since the X and Y coordinates will always going to be same whenever the confirmation is shown (provided that you are not trying Landscape mode coordinates on Portrait mode), you can use it for complete screen pinning using command-line.

As for the  command doing the screen pinning, it's very simple. The part responsible for activating screen pin is am lock-task, and its usage goes as:
Type adb shell am and notice this line:
am lock-task: bring <TASK_ID> to the front and don't allow other tasks to run

Bring <TASK_ID> (which is the task ID of an app in use) to front while not allowing other tasks to run simply means kiosk mode.
I couldn't come to know what are STACK_ID and TASK_ID in general, but I know how to find them. Use any of the following approaches to get  TASK_ID of the app in focus or launched by a user:

dumpsys activity | grep -A20 "(dumpsys activity recents)"

or enter dumpsys activity recents for detailed output about all recent activities, but would be excessive for out goal. The former's output would be like:
* Recent #0: TaskRecord{68f58f6 #1441 A=com.slovoed.oald U=0 sz=1}
* Recent #1: TaskRecord{9888887 #1415 A=com.cyanogenmod.trebuchet U=0 sz=1}
* Recent #2: TaskRecord{29c6fe30 #1438 A=com.icecoldapps.serversultimatepro U=0 sz=2}

The numeric value before A= and after # is the TASK_ID of the app. In the example, it would be: 1441, 1415, 1438. These TASK_IDs would be found in the next command's output.
am stack list

It would list all of the activity stacks of which TASK_ID is part of.
Stack id=1 bounds=[0,0][1080,1920] displayId=0
  taskId=1438: com.icecoldapps.serversultimatepro/com.icecoldapps.serversultimatepro.viewStart1
  taskId=1441: com.slovoed.oald/com.slovoed.oald.SlovoEdTabActivity

Stack id=0 bounds=[0,0][1080,1920] displayId=0
  taskId=1415: com.cyanogenmod.trebuchet/com.android.launcher3.Launcher

dumpsys activity | grep mFocusedActivity

It would give the app's package name which is in focus (simply, the app displayed on the screen dominantly), its task ID, and some other details:
mFocusedActivity: ActivityRecord{30672d7f u0 com.slovoed.oald/.OALDTabActivity t1441}

The value after t and before } is the TASK_ID of the app.
You can also get TASK_ID from:

 dumpsys window displays

 dumpsys window tokens

 dumpsys window | grep mFocusedApp

There may be more ways but the ones I mentioned should suffice.
Cheers!

I suspect that TASK_ID is assigned to a component of an app and not the whole app itself, but I don't have a source to support my claim.

@Firelord.....great detail and documentation +1

Readers: I now noticed that I've used cut tool in some of my commands which is not natively available in Android versions prior to MarshMallow. Consider adding busybox in your system to take care of cut not found issue and make appropriate changes in the commands.


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i cannot open my playstore application, using my google account
Everytime i open the play store store, it always directsme to the playstore setting where redeem appears and directing me to type my google password. just as i typed my password, connection problem always appears, where signal is strong.

Welcome to the Android Enthusiasts! I've just re-tagged your question (from what you wrote, this has nothing to do with root-access). Please take a look at our google-play-store tag-wiki, which contains some first-aid hints for all kind of playstore issues, and see if your issue is covered – or some of the more generic solutions help you.

Similar to Server Error! Play Store failing
Well you need to delete hosts file, which is done via root privileges, without root you can't delete that file and I am afraid that play store won't work without deleting this file.

Please explain what does hosts file has anything to do with the problem? More specifically, which entry or entries in that file are the cause of issue?

Actually, it's not any of the entry which blocks access to the play store. Hosts file is a list of ip addresses that your device or perhaps your google play services can access. Sometimes this file gets messed up so that even if the entries are correct, play store won't open, and the only way to get it working again is to delete the file itself. The file is located in system/etc.

You could also save the file with another name and let play store make another hosts file and maybe after some time you can have a look at both to compare and find the root of your problem. I did once but find no wrong entries at all.

Normally, the hosts file remains very much empty with two entries of localhost. What is this thing that can mess up with it?

Well, not at all, many applications that require google play services, will automatically register an IP address for itself in the hosts file, if it has another IP address that is not already registered. Once my hosts file had about 26 IP addresses. Sometimes an unregistered IP address, could be the issue.

But many times, this for gets messed up by play store, like interrupted downloads, or like unsupported app, downloaded by other means. Sometimes ip addresses conflict with each other and could also be due to any as blocker, using lucky patcher or any other app to block ads.

authors: Моніка Моніка


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How to ssh into an unrooted Android device using sshdroid from a Linux computer
I can't seem to ssh into my Android device. I have not rooted the device and I don't really want to. I tried connecting to it via the terminal using the following command:
ssh root@ip-address:port-number

the error I received was:

name or service is not known

How can I resolve it?

First, if you have not rooted your device, you obviously cannot login as root. Second, have you configured and started the SSH service on your Android device? Have you verified the IP address and port number are matching?

@Izzy I have thought of that. Then how can I check for my username in my android device? I use sshdroid and it starts a ssh server for me. I am not sure how to verify that.

run id, your regular user id would be something like uid=10061 [u0_a61]

This answer states to use ssh <user>@<ip> -p <port> instead of the "colon syntax". Then, you can define a port (default: 2222) and password in SSHDroid's "options". To connect, according to the screenshots on the app's playstore page, you can use any username with that password. Thus, e.g. ssh me@<android-ip> -p 2222 should do the job.

PS: No need to add "solved" to the title (which is done on a forum usually). On SE sites, the "check-mark" is used instead – thanks for ticking that :)

Summing up from the comments

This answer states to use ssh <user>@<ip> -p <port> instead of the "colon syntax"
In SSHDroid, go to "Options" and check/define the port (default: 2222) and password to be used
According to the screenshots on the app's playstore page, if not using root mode you can use any user name to connect. Thus if you followed above steps, this should now work (of course with <android-ip> replaced by the real IP address of the Android device):
ssh me@<android-ip> -p 2222


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System Data folder swelled to over 50% of the whole disk space after updating to 5.0
I have a LG G2 Mini and a few weeks ago, I got a notification asking me if I want to update to Lollipop - I did it and, to my surprise, a few days later all the apps stopped updating screaming that there was not enough disk space - being confident that there is at least 3GB free, I went to the settings to check and... there was only 400MB free, with "System Data" folder under "Other" occupying 5.2GB (out of 8GB my device comes with).
This state of things has persisted ever since and, as a consequence, my phone is really laggy, apps crashes often and I can't even update anything. From what I googled, some people had this problem as well on various devices but no one came up with a definitive solution. I've tried zeroing the apps cache but to no avail, it only freed 30MB or so.
What can I do with it, apart from the ever-present golden advice of a factory reset? I would prefer not to root either. Is there anything I can do, then?


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How to use GPS to remind me to shop for something?
In my town I have to do a lot of shopping in a lot of different places. Sometimes I find myself wanting to remember to buy some things when I'm passing by a certain place.
Is there some easy and free way to achieve this with an Android phone?

I have often been wanting an application like that. But I would primarily want location to be decided based on WiFi SSID rather than GPS coordinates, since most of the time I have WiFi enabled and GPS disabled. I also find it easier to remember the SSID than GPS coordinates.

@kasperd Android will use whatever location services you have enabled.  I don't think any of the answers are restricted to GPS.

Lots of choices here for Location based reminders :)

Google Keep is a free application that allows you to take notes, and create location or temporal reminders that will trigger the notes.

Google Inbox also has this feature built-in.

I have used Keep with good results when I gave it a precise address, but once I set a location reminder "When I'm at CityName", and I didn't get the notification until several weeks later, when I just HAPPENED to be very near the center of the city.  I absolutely LOVE Google Keep, but this was disappointing.  :-\  Maybe they have improved it in the mean time, but I'm still a bit leery of trusting location reminders myself.

Google Now also has this feature (location-based reminders)

You can do this via Google Now or even via browser. Just say "Remind me to buy ice cream the next time I am at Fry's" and the next time you're at Fry's, it will remind you to get ice cream.
Most of the Google Now features are available via any browser as well. Just search Google for that same statement and it will offer to "Set a reminder" above real results.
Real handy and should be available on any phone running Jelly Bean (4.1) or higher, so likely most phones released in the last 3 years or so.

This is the most straightforward and convenient way, but I have found that it's not always accurate - sometimes I haven't been reminded until after I had left.

@StephenAngelico Yeah, I've tried it a few times over the last day and I've had the same issue. It's a bit disappointing

Shifu is a free android application available on Google Play Store that lets you create reminders in most flexible ways. Apart from location based reminders that you require, you can also set reminders on Calls, Wi-Fi connectivity etc.
It has other interesting features too, check it out.

Tasker was designed for this type of thing, but I'm not sure I'd call it simple.
I use it to prevent the phone ringing (auto hangup) when maps and USB power is on the phone... when I'm driving.

If possible, explain the steps to fulfill OP's question. You don't need to describe in many words, just a simple "Tap , select " should be enough.

authors: Алексей Кирюхин


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OTA Update Error - "Package expects build fingerprint of ..."
I unrooted and re-installed stock recovery from CWM on my Nvidia Shield Tablet. But when I tried to install an OTA, I got However when I tried to install the update, I got a red triangle error. After checking the log I got an error saying "Package expects build fingerprint of ... or ..., this device has ...."
I can't remember what the fingerprints were, but the first one was something that began with "nvidia/", had a bunch of numbers in the middle followed by an underscore, then it ended with "/release-keys".
However the device's current build fingerprint was exactly the same as the first, except that it cut off halfway through, right after the numbers and the underscore.
Resetting the cache didn't work. How was this error caused, and how can I fix this without wiping my data?

As far as I know. You cant install an OTA with a custom recovery. Not unless you download the OTA and manually flash it. I had a similar problem when I was trying to be lazy when going back to stock for the recall. Ended up downloading the stock image and flashing with adb/fastboot. Did you download the stock image from nvidia's website? Also not sure why it would be asking for finerprints seeing how the device doesnt have a f.print scanner.

@jer3my it's "build fingerprint", an identifier of a build (e.g. firmware), not a physical fingerprint.

@AndrewT. oh derp. My bad. Lol

Anyone having the same issue? I have given an explanation here. Read from: No, you cannot switch to any random newer update using incremental OTA update...

I've faced the same issue when trying to update OTA from Android 4.4.4 to Android 5.1 and now from Android 5.1 to a new version.
I'm assuming your phone is rooted and you have a custom recovery installed.
1. Find out your build fingerprint.

Install CID Getter and check the ro.build.fingerprint entry.

(In my case, its value is motorola/peregrine_retbr/peregrine:5.1/LPB23.13-35.5/5:user/release-keys)

Check your value again.
Double-check it, and triple-check it, it's very, very, VERY important to get it right to the last bit.
2. Obtain the zip file for your OTA update
Start the OTA update process (settings -> phone -> check updates). It will download a file and place it on your internal memory, for instance for me it's /cache/Blur<long file name>.zip.
Obtain that file and place it on your computer (I have used my custom TeamWin recovery to do that).
3. Check the updater script
Inside this zip file, there will be a file called /META-INF/com/google/android/updater-script.
There will be a line similar to the one below:
getprop("ro.build.fingerprint") == "motorola/peregrine_retbr/peregrine:5.1/LPB23.13-35.5/5:user/release-keys" ||
getprop("ro.build.fingerprint") == "motorola/peregrine_retbr/peregrine:5.1/LPBS23.13-35.5-1/1:user/release-keys" ||
abort("Package expects build fingerprint of motorola/peregrine_retbr/peregrine:5.1/LPB23.13-35.5/5:user/release-keys or motorola/peregrine_retbr/peregrine:5.1/LPBS23.13-35.5-1/1:user/release-keys; this device has " + getprop("ro.build.fingerprint") + ".");

What's it doing in this case? This line checks for the build fingerprint and aborts the process if it's not exactly either motorola/peregrine_retbr/peregrine:5.1/LPB23.13-35.5/5:user/release-keys or motorola/peregrine_retbr/peregrine:5.1/LPBS23.13-35.5-1/1:user/release-keys.
4. Compare your build and the updater script.
Seriously. Check it again.
5. Edit the updater script
Delete this line. Place the edited file on the zip file.
6. Patch and be happy!
Use your custom recovery to apply the patch without signature verification.
OBS:
If you have flashed anything that modifies system files -- including, but not limited to, SuperSU and the Xposed framework -- you might need to revert those files to their original state, since the OTA update will perform a check on many system files. In order to revert those files, consult the documentation from whatever you flashed.

Did this worked with anyone I have same error?

@TechWolf It didn't for me.

This answer isn't immediately applicable to OP's Nvidia tablet, but I'll leave it here in case it's useful to others.
https://mirrors.lolinet.com/ hosts many Motorola stock ROMs. I don't know if the site is trustworthy or not, but I'm using it now.
After you download a stock zip, use https://github.com/dlenski/motoflash2sh to generate a flashing shell script which doesn't depend on the existence of an existing unmodified stock ROM. The resulting script will have fastboot erase userdata || exit 1. Remove or comment-out this line if you don't want to clear all data on the phone.
I don't know if you can install those zip files through TWRP.


text:
How to smart read PDF files in android on a mobile screen?
I have a large PDF file in my phone that I want to read while in transit. I have the adobe app downloaded for this purpose but there is no smart read feature in it. I do not want to scroll the screen horizontally. Is there an app that I can use to do this?
[Edit]
I do not want the app to read it aloud for me. I just want to scroll vertically by myself with the contents of the file fitting the screen and the words still readable.

What is smart read? Do you want the app to read aloud the text in pdf? or you want to scroll the pdf vertically by yourself?

Hi! Questions asking us app suggestion/recommendation are off-topic here. See [help/on-topic] to know more. Since the title is on-topic I recommend an edit to remove the off-topic part from body.

You can use @Voice Read Aloud app from the Play Store. Using @Voice Read Aloud app you can read aloud the text displayed in Android apps, e.g. web pages, news articles, long emails, TXT, PDF, DOC, DOCX, RTF, OpenOffice document files and more.
Note: You need Text-To-Speech engine and voices installed on your device to use this app. You may use more than one if you want.


text:
Invasive advertising in Android notification center
On my Samsung Note 3 running stock Android 4.4.2 I got the following message in the pull-down notification center:

You watched FooBar. Here's another video you might like.

I didn't click the notification, but it has a black-and-white Youtube icon in the lower right corner. How do I disable this intrusive advertising in the notification center? Is this part of the stock Youtube application? I've never seen this before, but it may be part of a recent update.

Are you comfortable in blocking all ads? You can use an ad blocker then. 2) Can you post a screenshot of that notification you said? If it is indeed a notification then you can see which app it belongs to. Hold that notification and go to App Info. You'll see the app details. You can uncheck "Show notification" and you won't be bothered again this way. Side-effect: you would never receive any notification from that app until you check "Show notification" again.

@Firelord: Thank you, you have confirmed my suspicion that it is the official Youtube app causing the issue. You might as well turn that comment into an answer, as it answers both the question asked and my underlying concern. Thanks!

I've never been bothered by an advertisement  since ages because of my ruthless choice of using a full-fledged ad blocker like AdAway. You may try it if the device is rooted, or try adblock-plus for non-rooted devices.
Let's come to the issue. If that advertisement is indeed a notification, then you can tap and hold that notification → App info, and you would be shown the app's info which generated that notification. If the app's notifications or toasts are not important to you, uncheck Show notifications and you won't be bothered again by the app through notification or toasts. This also implies that you would receive no notification at all from that app. It's take it or leave it approach. Check Show notification by going into Settings → Apps →  and things would come back to where they previously were.
For Android 4.2.1 and 4.4.2:
(Click image to enlarge; hover to know details)

For Android 5.0.2:

An alternate way to find out which app owns the current notification is to issue the command (after setting up adb of course) :-
adb shell dumpsys notification

(Android 4.2.1 needs root access for dumpsys.)
It will give detailed output for each of the current notification. Under each record, look for entries like pkg= or contentIntent=. You can see the package name of the app. See the corresponding app name using App Browser (Lollipop already shows package name below an app name in Settings → Apps).

Cheers!


text:
Can android collect info about wifi routers even if Google Play Service is disabled?
Androids newer versions have changed the 'GPS' button into a 'Location' button which now offers 3 options for determining your position (recording wifi router information and comparing it to a google database, using the devices GPS, and doing both) each of those options prompt a disturing and annotying popup each time you turn the GPS on, "advising"/badgering the user into sharing his information with Google.
The only solution which was suggested to me for this popup problem (without installing any 3rd party apps or rooting the phone) involves disabling the Google Play Service- it worked great exept that it created something strange which I'm not sure about... If previously the user could choose which way of locating he wants and the device remembered it- now every time the GPS is turned on it is automaticlly goes into "local device&wifi tracking" mode (the first option).
I want to know if a)Does the device indeed monitors that information (even if it can't send it anywhere with google services being disabled)? b) any way to stop it? c)can this default be changed so that only the local GPS chip will be used?
Thank you very much!

Which specific Android version is it? I suspect a 5.x. 2) I've not connected my device  to a router since ages but to device hotspots, so I don't know what kind of router details you're talking about. But, in Lollipop, see /data/misc/wifi/networkHistory.txt. 3) "local device&wifi tracking" mode (the first option). -- please post a screenshot, 4) any way to stop it? -- don't bother stopping it, but restrict it using a firewall, 5) can this default be changed so that only the local GPS chip will be used? -- is the device rooted?

@Firelord Thank you very much for the response, yours is the most helpfull one I got!  1)yes it is 5.0.2. But is it not the same on KItkat? 2) Thank you (I'm not 100% sure what router details are being copied by android but I'm assuming it would include IP, MAC and other identifiers) but my device is not rooted, do you know any way to see this networkhistory nevertheless? 3)screenshot attached. 4) Can firewalls (without root) be trusted though? It is my understanding that they work by the pronciple of directing all traffic through them... 5)

5)nope, the device is not rooted (fear of losing the warranty). :(

actually, if the device is gathering info even with a firewall on- then if a trusted app sends those recordings during the time that I allow it to access the internet (like if I want to activate GOOGLE PLAY for a moment)- then the firewall won't help. Right?

The non-root firewalls in Android usually works by utilizing local VPN. They don't send but fool the apps that the device is connected a a VPN so that every kind of data pass through them and be applied its rules. I've not searched/researched yet but it could be that they send data to their servers as well.  If it is a matter of strict privacy then rooting is must. // 3) I assume the screenshot is yet to be posted // 2) In my network history, the details were SSID, BSSID,  CONFIG, MAC, among other things. No, there is no such file in my Kitkat.

And you're right that if the app is allowed even momentarily to be connected to Internet via firewall, it will send that data to its servers. In that case, you've to restrict them app from collecting such data. It may be possible by stripping or restricting the permissions, but most methods require root access, not all. There are some answers on this site that could help in this regard.

See this answer for non-rooted devices. Do check-out other answers on the same page as well.

@Firelord (and whoever read this post) 3){A slap on the forehad} I thought the pic has finished uploading. Attempt #2 :P.

I am very sorry to hear that (both about the need for the firewall to run from root and the need for permission restriction regardless of the firewall).

However you did mention about the possibility to have some restrictions without any root and I must say that I've spent a while exploring this issue and all
I found was some very suspicious app which presumed to do so (MoboClean). Nothing else (that  could affect Google services).

5)Great link, the idea of removing permision directly from the app is ingenious. Although after delving into how those permission removal applications operate I'm now very much distrustful of such things (code injection is just begging to happen) but it did lead me to a cavalcade of google searches at the end of which I've learned something about APK decompiling and XML editing. I've spent the last days experimenting inside an android emulator with various apps so I think I got the hang of it. Any app I'll install in the future I'll edit myself.

However, albeit it is a great improvement(!), the core problem still remains since it seems that some apps (Google play among them (and other system apps)) are crashing either at the recompiling stage or when the code tells them to use said permission (which for Google related products happens a lot).

Another question, what permissionn exactly allows an app acces to this Network history? I'm assuming it is not "location".

THX!

The photo: http://imgur.com/wmrnIDr

I'm sorry. I believe I've reached the extent I could help here. I could try doing search/research but I'm engaged in some other important things and I'm not much into this site right now. Anyhow, I've upvoted your question considering the efforts you've put which are visible in the comments. For the burning questions that you've as of now, you may consider asking them separately. Good luck!

@Firelord Oh god, no, I didn't mean for you to actually starting making a serious research and expending significant time, I'm grateful for your attention as it is.
Anyway thank you very much, I'll try to continue and battle out this losing war... :P

Android collects information about WiFi routers through the normal course of WiFi operation. You cannot get around this fact if you want to use WiFi. During normal WiFi operation the device listens for management packets like beacons that are sent from WiFi access points, and this information, which is used to communicate with WiFi APs, can be used to estimate location with an appropriate database (Google, Apple, Skyhook, etc.).
In some older versions of Android, it was actually possible to read the AP information with network permissions only and estimate the location using this information with a custom query to a database (not directly through Google's service). In more recent versions (maybe starting at 6?), I think this loophole has been fixed, so that the results of a wireless scan no longer give AP information that can be used to compute location. See https://stackoverflow.com/q/34957118/4107809.
I don't know anything about the default settings.


text:
Change the date format of the default Phone app in Micromax canvas 4
In the Phone app (which came as as a preinstalled on my Micromax canvas 4 Device, running Android 4.2), the date format used (in the call logs for example to show history of calls placed/received) is USA-Style like mm-dd-yyyy., like 08/09/2015 (for 9th-August-2015).
I checked the phone app's settings but could not find a way to change it to dd-mm-yyyy., like 09/08/2015 (for 9th-August-2015).
Of course, I can certainly install another 3rd party app which can give an option to customize data format, but just want to check if it is possible in the preinstalled system app.
Anyone knows how to change date format from mm-dd-yyyy to dd-mm-yyyy?

Could you upload the APK of your phone app? My device doesn't have such issue, so I can't try anything as of now, other than to Google.

"My device doesn't have such issue" Which device it is and how can u change the date format in your device? I will try to upload my apk too, but if u can help with above query, i can give it  a try too

Actually mm-dd-yyyy date format is used in American English(USA-style) and dd-mm-yyyy is used in British English(UK-Style) So to change date format in your device simply change language option in your device from US-English to UK-English.
Settings->Language & Input -> Language -> English(UK).
I hope it would help.


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Youtube not playing in Wifi
I have this real strange problem that youtube is not playing on my Onda Tablet (dark screen and "problem while playing"), when I am in my home wifi. When I use my mobile as a hotspot and connect my tablet to it (also via wifi) it's working.
I use several android devices and the Onda Tablet is the only one, which does not play Youtube.
Other Video Players work without problems. This also happens, when I browse to m.youtube.com in a browser on the tablet.
Here's what I already tried:

Clean Cache and data of youtube app
reinstall youtube app
manually downgrade youtube app
changed DNS of the tablet to 8.8.8.8
Factory reset the tablet
Reset my router
My only guess is a misconfiguration in the wifi options of the tablet but I could not find one.

My Tablet:
Onda air v989 running Android 4.4.4
Any help would be much appreciated.
Thank you!

So, I came across the solution for my very specific problem:
My tablet seems to have a problem concerning youtube and IPv6. It's probably some flaw in the firmware.
After speaking to my internet provider I am now constantly leasing an IPv4 Adress and youtube is working just fine.
If you have similiar problems you should definitly try this out!


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scp is given access to a subdirectory. How to command scp to change parent directory?
When using scp, I am given access to a subdirectory. How should I amend the command to copy files from a different parent directory? I am using the standard scp command as follows:
scp -P port-number hostname@ip-address:path/to/file path/to/folder

I need  clarification. 1) To what hostname@ip-address belongs to? An Android device or other machine? 2) Where are you running scp? Are you running on device itself using ADB or terminal app, or scp is local to a Linux machine, in which case the hostname would be of an Android device.

@Firelord it belongs to my android device. i am running it from my Linux machine in the terminal.


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Tasker: Conditionally End Calls for Contact Group
Dear Android Enthusiasts:
Just got myself an Android for work and started fiddling with Tasker.
The goal consists of two parts, the first part is to send calls from a specific Contact Group ('Work') during certain times. Second, I want to let them through if they are persistent, i.e. call me X times within Y minutes.
The first part was a breeze to create. But the second part is a lot more complicated as I need to keep track of every caller and the amount of calls within Y time separately.
Currently the 'Profile' looks like this:
Event: Phone Ringing
Caller: CG:Work
Task: Test
This is what task 'Test' looks like:
1. End Call, if %TIME < 6.15 & %TIME > 19.30
This works to block calls from the contact group 'Work' within the given timeframe.
Any suggestions on how to implement part 2? I was thinking of pushing the caller to a keyed array every time it gets blocked where the %CNAME is the key and an integer is the value. Also add an action to check against the array every time I am called from the CG before I end the call to see if I have been called before. Finally, I would need to 'pop' every key from the array that hasn't been updated for Y minutes.

Part 2 should be easy depending on the way you't want to log the calls. I would recommend using the writing a csv file then you can use the call in related variables to keep track of who call and when the call started but you'll need to create a timer for the duration of the call. You can find these variables by searching the webpage I've linked for Call Name. Don't use the variables that start with CO they are for outgoing calls.
The timer would be triggered when you pick up and end the call. You could then subtract the beginning time from the end time to get the duration. You don't need to write these time in the log in order to get the duration but you might want to at least log the start time to give you a better frame of reference.


text:
Get battery usage data at finer resolution
The biggest battery usage culprits on my phone, according to both the battery settings page and to GSam Battery Monitor, are always "Android System" and "Android OS." I also have "Watchdog" installed, which keeps warning me that "Android System" is using a lot of background CPU.
GSam explains helpfully that "Android System" includes the packages "Input Devices," "Key Chain," "Settings," "LocationServices," among others, and the processes "servicemanager" and "audiod" among others, but it doesn't break down the battery usage of each piece.
Is there any way to see battery or CPU usage info for each package/process separately, so I can figure out which specific component of "Android System" is burning my battery? It's hard to troubleshoot when I don't have detailed info about what's wrong.

dumpsys batterystats (or dumpsys batteryinfo pre-Lollipop) should give you the information you are looking for, broken down by process/package.  The machine-readable format (--checkin flag) will show specific UIDs if you need them.
You will probably need root to run that command in a terminal on your device, but it should also work from adb shell.

How can I use this? dumpsys batterystats (run with adb since I don't have root) gives a LOT of information, but I'm not sure it includes what I need. It shows wake time per PID, but that's not really useful since PIDs change, and wake time isn't the same as battery usage. The only part of the output that estimates power use in mAh breaks it down by Uid, which seem to map to packages, but I can't find a way to map Uids to packages.

@Josh Running it with the flag --checkin will output a computer-readable format that stats with a map of UIDs to package names.  You can see the format here: https://source.android.com/devices/tech/power/batterystats.html

authors: حمید پاینده راد