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What information does stock Android send to Google by default, and how do I opt-out?
I'm about to buy my first Android phone. My understanding is that, in order to download apps and get updates from Google Play, I need to be permanently signed into a Google account that's linked to my name via credit card information.
I find Google's privacy policy too ambiguous to understand what data is logged from Android users. I don't want to share more information than the device needs to operate.
Here are some steps I plan to take already:

Turn off Google Now
Don't use Gmail
Use a non-stock browser
Use DuckDuckGo for search

My questions:

What other information does Android send to Google by default?
What actions should I take to minimise data collection from Google and other apps? (I'll be using stock Android 4.2 on a Nexus 4.)
Is Android still a good choice if I don't plan to use Google's services?

You could try a ROM like Cyanogenmod without installing GApps!

@wayback Thanks. I'm still interested to learn if there's anything in the default Android installation (i.e. even without GApps) that phones home to Google.

More related questions: Privacy level with an anonymous account?, How can I use Google Play without storing any Google account information on my phone?, Using the GPS instead of Google Location Services in Chrome, Is there a way to use Google location service without tracking my positions constantly in background?

One more: How to prevent google aggressively associating my account to my searches?

Android is FACC
Android might be many things, but certainly not "privacy first". At least not if you want to use Google Playstore as a ressource for your apps. While at creation (initialization) of your google-account on your Android device, you are asked "Do you want to store your data with Google?", this only means "Backups of your apps and their data, as far as they support it". Soon you will discover that your contacts and calendars are automatically synced with Google servers, without asking you, unless you explicitly opted out of that.
So if there are any firsts, it's FACC: Android comes Free of charge, is Ad supported, Cloud based, and highly Customizable. Nobody will argue the first and last items are very appreciable, while "the cloud" is fine with most, and the ads are mostly "accepted" (as long as they are not too agressive, like e.g. Airpush).
So what data do Google services collect?
Nick checked some sources (namely, Google's privacy policy), and reported in a below comment:

Google says it logs your "phone number, calling-party number, forwarding numbers, time and date of calls, duration of calls, SMS routing information and types of calls" in their privacy policy. It also logs your IP address.
But it doesn't say if this info is logged for Android users specifically, or if it's only collected from other services such as Google Voice. And it doesn't say whether it logs data even if you're logged out of Android services.

Sometimes what's missing speaks as well (sometimes even louder than the facts mentioned). So starting with the "worst-case scenario", we won't be too much shocked later on. Having created a Google account or not: as soon as a network connection is available, data can be uploaded to any servers. System apps can access identifying data such as imei or IMSI, your phone number, or even your locally stored contacts and calendars (yepp, paranoia-mode enabled again), and with an available network, they could transfer all data they have available anywhere. (Careful: I did not say they do so, just they could).

We may collect device-specific information (such as your hardware model, operating system version, unique device identifiers, and mobile network information including phone number). Google may associate your device identifiers or phone number with your Google Account.

(Source: Google Collection, see below)
Never forget: While Android itself is Open Source, many apps are not. But also keep in mind: this is not just the case with Android, but with any other system as well.
If you want to read some more on Google's privacy:

New Google Privacy Policy: Explained (01/2012)
Google’s in the Privacy Hot Seat Again (03/2012)
Google Collection: What is collected? An excerpt of the privacy policy (06/2012)
The Truth About Android Security (10/2012)

There's one really scary part:

We may collect and store information (including personal information) locally on your device using mechanisms such as browser web storage (including HTML 5) and application data caches.

(emphasis mine; source: Google Collection, see above)
First steps for privacy
At the very first you could check in advance how the device you want to buy comes configured. In most cases, there will be a lot of bloatware pre-installed, which contributes to the "data share". While you cannot really be forced to use those apps, it sometimes is not really possible to get rid of them without rooting. So the less bloatware there is, the better.
rooting is not always an option, as in most countries this will void your warranty. Otherwise you could decide for a more privacy-friendly custom-rom. So when you've got your new device, you will have to carefully check all options whether they might be intrusive to your privacy:

say "No" to above mentioned "Backup to Google" question. Otherwise, next to the list of apps you've installed from Google Play (which Google knows anyway), and data from several apps, also sensitive information like e.g. your WiFi passwords find their way into the cloud.
before you enter any contact or calendar data, make sure to have the sync disabled for them (see Settings→Accounts & Sync). You can still export your contact list easily direct from within the contacts app -- but if you are going to import anything again after e.g. a factory-reset or on a new device, make sure to check the sync options before that (that was how Google got my data, when I forgot that one time).
if you enable Google's location service, this will also send "anonymized" data about places you've been. I placed "anonymized" in quotation marks, as a study recently showed that de-anonymization can be easily achieved. So you might want to turn that off as well.

Android without Google?
Wouldn't it be more consequent then to use Android without Google? This question has been discussed more than once. And yes, it is certainly possible (and before you say it's a "contradiction in terms", I could split hairs and argue that Android is not developed "by Google", but by the AOSP, the Android Open Source Project). You will have to sacrifice some things (as e.g. a big part of the apps on Google Play are hard to find outside Google Play, for example). But if that's a price you are willing to pay to protect your privacy at max, here are some readings for you:

Can an Android phone run without Google?
Guide: How To Use Your Android Phone Without Google
"Android without Google" discussion @ XDA-Developers
XDA developers are also working on a pendant to Google Apps. The project is called NOGAPPS.

Privacy with Android and Google?
Okay, the above approach might be a bit too exaggerated for the most (but hey, only because we are paranoid, that doesn't mean nobody's after us, right?). So what's the way in the middle? I mean, aside the "first steps" mentioned above?
There are many things. In First steps for privacy I already described how to prepare a fresh, unbloated Android that comes with the Google Apps. Now let's look what to care for next:
Pre-installed apps
There might come some pre-installed apps not belonging to the Android core system. And not "really needed" for the privacy-concerned. Stuff like Google+ or Facebook. Starting with Android 4.0, we can simply go to Settings→Apps→Manage Apps, and disable those we don't want to use. This also might give a boost to performance and improve battery-life, as it rids us of several "background services" those apps were running. At startup. Even if we never started them.
Installing new apps
Don't click on everything fancy (well, need to remember that for a later part: ads in apps). Of course look around what sounds useful or interesting to you. But make sure to read through the comments (at least scan through them) for possible obstacles. Ignore those one-word comments like "great" and "shit", and also those just declaring "download problems" and the like. They do not speak about the app. But check if there were any privacy concerns in the past, or any other trouble for that sake.
Then make sure to check the permissions the app requests. Do they make sense (in the context of what the app is supposed to do)? Critical combinations for privacy are e.g. access to personal data (contacts, calendars, etc) with internet. Or simply internet -- as they could send anything. How hard you argue depends on the grade of paranoia you cultivate :)
Privacy helpers
Sometimes it's not avoidable to risk some permissions: of course a web browser needs internet access, as does a SMS app need access to your messages. So how to control or restrict them?
There are several helpers around (see e.g. this list at lisisoft, will take you a while to scan through it :). You can hide sensitive information using...

password stores
locked galleries
crypt containers (see e.g. Droid Crypt)

All these things do not even require your device to be rooted. But really forbidding apps to access things (or control their access) won't work without root. Examples have already be named in bassmadrigal's answer:

LBE Privacy Guard controls access to your data (call-logs, contacts, etc.), to critical functions (initiate calls, access location data, etc.) plus firewall your device (control which apps might access the net via WiFi, mobile data). Careful when you're running JellyBean or higher: the playstore version of this app is known to cause boot-loops there. Rather check XDA-developers, they have a fixed version.
PDroid comes in several variants: PDroid Privacy Protection being the original one, followed up by PDroid Manager and OpenPDroid. Other than LBE, these cannot be installed as an app, but need additional preparations -- as they are deeply integrated into the system. This not only adds another layer of protection -- but OpenPDroid is even OpenSource, which adds another layer of trust as well.

See also how to fake my personal information.
Want some shocking details?
Visit your Google Dashboard, log in with your Google account. Here you can find out whom you contacted most frequently, and what other data Google collected from you.
What happens with all your data when you die, or for any other reason become inactive?
Ooops? Yes, also something one should keep in mind in this context: Plan your digital afterlife. The linked article introduces the new Inactive Account Manager:

You can tell us what to do with your Gmail messages and data from several other Google services if your account becomes inactive for any reason.
For example, you can choose to have your data deleted — after three, six, nine or 12 months of inactivity. Or you can select trusted contacts to receive data [...]

(Read more in the linked article)
Protect your device
Now you've taken care no data is leaving your device, even locked data away in "data vaults", and secured the "back-doors" -- you should not leave the front-door wide open. Go to Settings→Security and set up a screen lock. Multiple choices here:

the good-old PIN code. Not really secure. At least not, if you use King Roland's PIN for Druidia's planet shield (or president Screw's for his briefcase; in case you do not know Spaceballs, the PIN was "12345" for both). Also not your birthdate or something like that.
a pattern-lock. More secure, as a relation to data retrievable by social-engineering is quite unlikely.
a password can be highly secure, if you use all characters available: letters (upper and lower case), numbers, special chars. And make it long. E.g. Ti1$spnc3h! -- how to remember that? Check: "This is a $uper secure password nobody can 3asily hack!"

Anti-theft protection
Also a lot of solutions on the playstore. Highly praised solutions include Cerberus anti theft, avast! Mobile Security, and more. If your device gets lost, with a good anti-theft protection you can

check its position
sound an alarm
remotely back-up (retrieve) stored data, before you...
remote-wipe the entire device including its sensitive data

and optimally, the anti-theft app automatically informs you in case the thief changes the SIM. It hides itself (stealth mode) and, with root available, can even protect itself against a factory-reset by integrating into the /system partition. So the only chance a thief has is to immediately switch-off the device, put it into a Faraday cage, and flash a new ROM while it's still in there...
Anti-virus
...you can left out, if you've followed above steps. Yes, there certainly is malware around. But with all the protection levels taken, and careful selection of sources as well as the apps themselves, risk is absolutely minimal. I never had malware on any of my devices, though I've tested a lot of apps over the past years. After all, Anti-virus (or rather anti-malware, as yet there was no virus sighted for Android) might give a false sense of security ("What shall happen? I've got that Anti-virus."), as they cannot really detect everything (no heuristics, e.g.), but rather check against a database of known malware mainly.
Backup
Last but not least: Having turned off all Google services (or at least restricted them to a minimum), you will need an alternative backup. To be honest: even if you've decided to answer "Yes" to the above question of "Do you want to backup your data with Google?", you will need a good backup -- as that "Google backup" might be many things, but for sure not complete (apps must explicitly support it by implementing its API, which is done by few apps).
For this, if your device is rooted, I strongly recommend a little investion: do yourself (and your device) some good, and buy Titanium Backup PRO. You won't regret it. TiBu is a very powerful tool to backup and restore apps including their data, restore parts of nandroid backups (see: nandroid tag wiki and backup tag wiki for details), freeze/unfreeze apps, detach apps from the playstore, and much more. Scheduled backups included. Stored to your sdcard or, if you really want to, to the cloud.
Not being rooted, but having a device with Android 4.0 or higher? Take a look at Carbon - App Sync and Backup, so you can at least backup all your apps and their data, plus some of the system data. Scheduled backups are planned here as well.
Additionally, you might want to take a look at Full Backup of non-rooted devices for more details on this topic.
Conclusion
As I wrote, there usually isn't a simple answer. You can use "Android without Google", cut down all network connections, and so on -- but at latest when you also take out your SIM, it's no longer a smartphone. Android is designed to be network enabled, from its very beginning.
You could say "who cares", and let it all go -- and complain when it's too late.
Usually you have to find a way in the middle, deciding how much of your privacy you are willing to sacrifice for how much comfort/convenience. I just listed possibilities, showed what is to be found where, and what solutions exist to protect your privacy the one way or the other. Hopefully, my elaborations will help you making your decisions.

Thanks for the detailed response. If I turn off location services, Google Now, and contact and calendar syncing, but still use Google Play and data backup, will Google only know the applications I've installed (and my Wi-Fi passwords, which I presume are encrypted)? Or does signing into any Google service allow them to transmit additional information (like call and SMS logs, for example)?

As Google Apps themselves are not necessarily "Open Source", how shall one tell what they do in background? As soon as you're logged in with your account, e.g. your search history is recorded (at least with the default browser). Using Google's cloud backup includes your WiFi passwords plus several other app's data. I'm not sure about call-logs etc., but AFAIR that would be send to the cloud as well. Of course you will need a good backup; if you rooted your device, I'd recommend Titanium backup.

Oh: and your WiFi passwords are, ooops, ahem... not encrypted. They are saved plain-text on your device. Hopefully the backup itself will be encrypted -- but the first thing I turn off is that backup, so I never checked. And thanks to your hint I added another very important topic to the end of my answer: backups...

Thanks. Google says it logs your "phone number, calling-party number, forwarding numbers, time and date of calls, duration of calls, SMS routing information and types of calls" in their privacy policy. It also logs your IP address. But it doesn't say if this info is logged for Android users specifically, or if it's only collected from other services such as Google Voice. And it doesn't say whether it logs data even if you're logged out of Android services. Your answer has helped, but these unknowns make me cautious to adopt Android.

As I wrote, there usually isn't a simple answer. You can use "Android without Google", cut down all network connections, and so on -- but at least when you also take out your SIM, it's no longer a smart-PHONE. You could say "who cares", and let it all go -- and complain when it's too late. Usually you have to find a way in the middle, deciding how much of your privacy you are willing to sacrifice for how much comfort/convenience. I just listed possibilities, but can't make the decision for everybody :) Thanks for your details! Sometimes what's missing speaks as well...

@Izzy: Any recommendations for privacy friendly custom ROMs? I have checked the entire http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_custom_Android_firmwares and their respective websites and under their feature presentations, they all mentioned much UI stuff, but NONE mentioned privacy features!!! I want to have ensured that contacts, calendars, SMS & call logs don't get into the cloud but only locally stored and synced with my Mac through USB/BT/WiFi with SyncMate to remain under my control. I prefer to have slightly less usability for improved privacy.

I'm afraid such recommendations go beyound the scope of this side (see [help/on-topic]). But generally, if you take a ROM that comes without Google apps (and don't install them yourself), your conditions should be met. Most custom ROMs ship that way for license reasons either.

There are some inaccuracies with your answer. "app cache" is a feature of the web platform that enables faster load times. In the context of your citation, it doesn't look very threatening. Your assessment of the lock screen setting is also completely off: PIN > pattern, because any pattern can be replaced with a PIN, while the reverse is not true. I would put the password below the other two, because it has a very negative impact on usability, possibly leading to a less secure setup (longer idle delays to avoid typing the long password again).

You don't need to sign into Google. But without access to the Play Store, you do limit the apps you can install on your phone. Many apps are available in alternative stores like Amazon, but I don't think they have all of them. When you first start up the phone, it should ask you for your existing Google or to create a new one. There should be a skip option there.
If you do still want the benefits of Play Store, then you can sign into an account and limit things as you have plans to do.

What other information does Android send to Google by default?

Android itself will send anonymous data, such as Android version, device, carrier, and country to Google for usage statistics. I am not positive if this is sent through Play Store usage or if there is some code in the phone that does this. If it is the latter, there is no way to disable it.

What actions should I take to minimise data collection from Google and other apps? (I'll be using stock Android 4.2 on a Nexus 4.)

Limiting your use of Google apps will certainly be the biggest way to minimize data going to Google. For other apps, pay attention to the permissions that apps ask for when you install them. If you aren't happy with the permissions, many times the developer will explain the reason for the permissions needed (Read Phone State and Identity is used to make sure the phone isn't in a call, Get location may be used for localized ads in free apps). If you still aren't happy, don't install the app and try to find an alternative.
Also, if you do decide to use a Google account for access to the Play Store, keep in mind that certain apps/services are already set to sync with Google. To disable syncing for those apps/services go to Settings -> Google -> your username. Under this menu will show all apps and services that will sync with Google. Uncheck any you don't want synced. Keep in mind, any that are not synced will not be recoverable if your phone goes belly-up without a backup (like your contacts), so if you choose not to sync those, I would make regular backups of any important data. Google also features an account backup, which can sync certain Android settings like your wifi networks and bluetooth pairings and can restore those when a phone is wiped. This should be one of the settings when you do the initial setup of your device, but if not, or you want to check, you can verify what it is set to at Settings -> Backup and Reset -> Back Up My Data/Automatic Restore.
If you are rooted, there are apps/mods you can install that can allow you to limit specific permissions for each and every app (Permissions Denied, LBE Privacy Guard, PDroid, etc - each app/mod has its own requirements/limitations, check them out to find out which one will work best for you and what you are currently running on your phone). While this can help alleviate concerns about what apps can access, it can also cause unexpected issues with those apps if they do require a permission that was revoked. It can take some testing to get things where you want them.

Is Android still a good choice if I don't plan to use Google's services?

While running without Google does remove some of the benefits/functionality of running an Android device, it doesn't remove all fo them. You still get a easily customized OS that allows pretty much every default app to be replaced with an alternative 3rd-party app. Don't like the dialer? Replace it. Don't like the text messaging app? Cool, check out a couple of the big 3rd-party ones and see which one you like. I am definitely a fan of Android, even without Google's presence in the OS (although, personally, I wouldn't want to run it without my Google accounts linked, but it is still certainly feasible). I am not familiar enough with the privacy practices of other OSs, but I can't imagine they would be much better than Google's. Privacy practices are probably quite similar between all the major mobile OSs. Android may be a bit more singled out due to the tie-in with all of Google's services, but that ends up only becoming a concern if you decide to use those services. Android does allow you to sideload apps (install apps from outside the Play Store) by enabling a checkmark in the settings (it will pop up the first time you try and do it and ask you to enable it). I know that can only be accomplished on iOS after you jailbreak it (not sure about other OSs).
Another thing to consider, especially since you will be using a Nexus 4 is to look into custom ROMs. Many ROMs will not include any of the proprietary Google apps (like Play Store and Gmail) and only allow you access to it after you flash a gapps package (Google Apps). This removes everything "Google" related from Android (except for maybe that anonymous usage statistics I mentioned above). I run CyanogenMod on my Nexus 4 (albeit with the gapps package), and it runs great and adds additional features on top of what stock Android 4.2 includes. I see a lot of people on the CM forums running CM without Google's proprietary stuff included.

If you are rooted [...] apps/mods you can install that can allow you to limit specific permissions => this does not require a custom ROM (I e.g. run LBE on a rooted stock ROM with my LG Optimus 4X), so you can remove the restriction in parenthesis :) Good points, besides. You might want to explicitly mention all that "PIM sync" (calendar, contacts) which by default is enabled (and one has to explicitly "opt-out"), plut the "Backup your data with Google" one has to opt-in. As the OP, I still miss the "privacy first" approach with Android...

Thanks for the insight and the info on running LBE on a stock ROM, Izzy. I've made your suggested changes.

You're welcome. Just one mistake introduced: PDroid does require a Custom ROM (as do PDroid Manager and OpenPDroid) or at least a deodexed ROM (according to several install instructions), recommendations mostly go to CyanogenMod here. Careful with LBE in conjunction with JB (boot-loops with the playstore version; see XDA for details and fixes). As for "privacy practices", I highly doubt they are better with iOS (nor worse, just "different"). // Maybe you want to come to chat for further points? I cannot promise "full attention" there, but try my best!

I missed the part about requiring deodexed ROMs in the description I read. It does seem it will work on any ROM as long as it is deodexed. Rather than getting specific for each app/mod, I just generalized it to have people check the requirements/limitations for each. Otherwise this could get into a big app/mod review post. And chat won't load on my work computer. We are stuck with IE8 (shudder) and it gets in a refresh loop.

I thought this might make a good "community wiki" -- but of course I could place my "additions" in a separate answer as well. Though in one big "wiki-like" answer, it could be "better organized"... As for chat, whenever you have something working available, be welcome. I'm usually "connected" there and monitor it, though my responses might be a little "delayed".

"Android itself will send anonymous data, such as..." is IMO technically not correct. The Google Play Store (i.e. Google Services Framework) will send this data. Android without any Google apps does AFAIK not send any data to Google.

I remember reading something a few years back stating that sending anonymous statistics was something that was coded into Android itself and not provided by adding Google Play. I couldn't find that reference, but I also couldn't find anything refuting that. That is why I put the additional information in there trying to clarify that I could be part of just Android or added via the Play Store. Should I change the first sentence too? Because I thought it made sense.


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LED on Xperia Z only in operation while charging
Using the LED to know when a notification is available is of great use to me, but my new Sony Xperia Z appears to only turn on the LED notification light while it is on charge.
It turns orange to say it's charging, and turns blue (slow flashing) if I got a missed call or text message, but it will only do so while it's pluggin in. And to confirm I can get a missed call, wait for the LED to turn on, it wont, I put it on charge without disturbing it's 'locked state', and immediately I get slow flashing blue instead of 'charging orange', that is too say I can see before I put it on charge it should be on, but only turns on once i plug it in.
I like how it works while it's charging, but I'd like similar functionality while it isn't charging. I am using STAMINA mode, is this a battry save issue? How can I get the LED working as I'd like?

This is a known bug in Xperia Z (sources 1 and 2).
Currently the only way to restore the LED functionality is to:

de-select Settings -> Backup & reset -> Backup my data and Automatic restore
perform a factory reset from Settings -> Backup & reset -> Factory data reset
Complete the reset manually (that is, without restoring apps/data from the Google account)

Hopefully this will be corrected in the next update.

that is a scary fix that doesn't intuitively suggest why these steps are needed... can you elaborate? I like my google account data (contacts etc), don't want no data but have a working LED instead. If you can elaborate I'll definitely mark yours as the answer..

You can keep your Google account data (like contacts, calendar markings etc), but not the backup data (including which apps are installed, WiFi passwords etc). I have no exact explanation for this behaviour, but it seems from the second source link that Xperia Z is not the first Sony device to have similar trouble.

Hi you can use LightFlow to setup how the led should act and in Stamina mode remember to add LightFlow umder apps active in standby mode.
Settings/Powermanagement/Stamina mode/+ add application
You have many possibilities with LightFlow.
Free version
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rageconsulting.android.lightflowlite
Full version
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rageconsulting.android.lightflow
Hope this is will help you.

sorry friend, but this app DID NOT fix the issue, LED did not work if not on charge, I added the app to the Stamina mode. Would have liked to be able to test more thoroughly, but only had 15 minutes after purchase to get a refund, and I needed it, issue still continures

source: Stack Exchange

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

sort: votes


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Reading ReStructured text on android?
I found/got referred to  this book : http://www.djangobook.com/
Which had a github page having files in the .rst(ReStructuredText) format.
What is a format that I can compile this to so that it can be read by some app on an android device and how?

rst2pdf is an application that can be used to compile Restructured text into pdf.
To read a pdf on your android should be trivial-ish. Grab any pdf reader.

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


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Asus TF300TL - cannot get videos showing on both tablet and on 8" monitor via HDMI
My issue concerns ability to show video on both tablet and on external HDMI monitor simultaneously.
I just recently bought my very first tablet Asus TF300TL and for its companion a 8" lilliput monitor with HDMI. I had this lovely idea of using this setup for car entertainment for kids in addition to everyday surfing.
Unfortunately I noticed today after brief testing that videos are only showing via HDMI monitor when cable connected, when I stop video and return to Asus desktop the screen is displayed on both 8" ext. Monitor and on tablet.
I've tried to browse around the web, but it seems difficult to find info.
I haven't yet updated to Jelly Bean. Do you think it would bring more options for video output or is this Asus hardware (or firmware) limitation?
I really appreciate if anybody has an idea what could I try, I'm a newbie with tablets and Android in general.


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How can I configure Android to login to an ISA proxy server?
I see that if I did a long touch over a Wifi network, I can specify some proxy settings. In my company we use a Isa Proxy server, and each user has to login through domain server.
Is there any way to configure that on our tablets? ( Android 4.1)

How is that login done manually? Is it a so-called "captive portal", where you login via web browser?

nop. It is our company network wifi. We connect yo internet through isa proxy server I think, using proxy server ip, 8080 port and our domain user and password

Ah, I see. Android 4.1, huh? Try long-press the corresponding AP in your network list, chose "edit", enable "advanced". Fill in your proxy configuration. Check if that solves your issue, and please report back; if that did the trick, I will set up a corresponding (and more detailed) answer.

Yap, I tried that but there is no place to setup the domain username and password.

Oh, I see. Is your device rooted? Then you might want to take a look at ProxyDroid. Another thing worth a try is using user:pass@proxyserver for the server address (e.g. if the proxy is 10.11.12.1, user joe, password foo: joe:foo@10.11.12.1) -- this is how it works in some browsers for password-protected urls. If that does not work, another page worth reading on the issue is Android-Proxy.Blogspot.DE (don't be irritated by .DE, it's in English).

ProxyDroid works perfectly but you have to be root. I also try with user:pass@proxyserver and seems to work (without proxy droid) Thanks!

Thank you for the feedback! I converted my comment into an answer, so you can "accept" it and other users can identify this post as "issue with a solution" :)

There are multiple solutions. As you have Android 4.x, long-pressing on a WiFi APN in Settings→Networks & Wireless→WiFi lets you edit an APN. Check the "Advanced" box, and you can configure the proxy. Though this form does not offer separate fields for username/password, here's a trick how to do it:
For the server name, enter user:pass@proxyserver (e.g. if the proxy is 10.11.12.1, user joe, password foo: joe:foo@10.11.12.1) -- this is how it works in some browsers for password-protected urls. In case this makes trouble (should not, but who knows), further details can be found at Android-Proxy.Blogspot.DE (don't be irritated by .DE, it's in English).
Another possibility would require your device to be rooted: ProxyDroid offers some comfort in connection with proxies. Next to supporting multiple profiles, it is also capable of handling different authentication methods.

The WiFi APN won't allow me to save any changes to the proxy when there is a '@' character in the server name. I'm using Android version 4.1.1.

What has an "@" sign to do in a server name? I'm not 100% sure (would need to check that with the corresponding RFC), but I don't think it should be there. Could cause confusion if that server shall act as part of an email address: johndoe@m@il.example.com: Which part is the user, and which part the server name here? I'm tempted to say it's the fault of the person naming that server ;)

Sorry, I meant doing user:pass@proxyserver does not work for me when setting up the proxy in Android. It won't allow me to save the modified WiFi settings when I type that in the server name field ("Save" is faded out). When I remove the '@' symbol, then it allows me to save the settings.

Ah, OK. First time I hear that. If there are no dedicated fields for user/pass, I have no idea what to do in such a case then, sorry.

You can use the Drony application to authenticate with your proxy.

Would you mind including a link to the app you're recommending? I cannot find any app with that name.


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AutoMount ext2 SD-card on Huawei U8350 (Android 2.2.2)
On the Huawei U8350 (Android 2.2.2) the init scripts all appear to be in the root partition -- which actually is a ram disk (initramfs), so any changes to it aren't persistent across reboots.
Is there a way to run a command at boot-time to mount an ext2 partition on the External-SD without unpacking and reflashing the root image?

I think there might be a place where the system could be looking for some init.local or equivalent.

Yes, this is where we might find the answer - or you know, maybe where the system calls some command that uses a config file that I might be able to edit, thereby allowing me to call some other command.. This is the kind of thing I would be looking for.

Keith, we deal with end-user questions here. And how many end-users do you thing fiddle this way with their root partition? :) I never did, and never had the need for it. So no, I wasn't aware of that fact. I'd rather consider this a development question (borderlining power-users, or somebody had already close-voted) -- and thus you find the relevant topic on SO. But, as said, you might check the init.rc whether it contains any hooks (makes calls to files outside the ramdisk).

I think this is perfectly on-topic.  I've done nonsense like this all the time (although nothing than can specifically help you here I don't think).  Writing a script might be somewhat development related but the concern is an end-user one.  In any case, I've cleaned up the comments here a little.

As for the problem at hand: Is it necessary to run do this in an init script?  Tasker or something may be able to simply do this immediately after the system boots.


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Verizon HTC Incredible 2
Will rooting my HTC Incredible 2 allow me to switch carriers ? If not does anyone have any information on how to unlock my phone from Verizon ??

CDMA carriers tend to not allow phones from other carriers to operate on their networks. There is not a way to get your Incredible 2 to operate on another network. Rooting your phone will have no affect on this.
Per This link, here is an explanation:

What CDMA vs. GSM Means to You
For call quality, the technology you
  use is much less important than the way your carrier has built its
  network. There are good and bad CDMA and GSM networks, but there are
  key differences between the technologies. Here's what you, as a
  consumer, need to know.
It's much easier to swap phones on GSM networks, because GSM carriers
  put customer information on a removable SIM card. Take the card out,
  put it in a different phone, and the new phone now has your number.
  What's more, to be considered GSM, a carrier must accept any
  GSM-compliant phone. So the GSM carriers don't have total control of
  the phone you're using.
That's not the case with CDMA. In the U.S., CDMA carriers use
  network-based white lists to verify their subscribers. That means you
  can only switch phones with your carrier's permission, and a carrier
  doesn't have to accept any particular phone onto its network. It
  could, but typically, U.S. carriers choose not to.
In other words, you can take an unlocked AT&T phone over to T-Mobile
  (although its 3G may not work well because the frequency bands are
  different). You can't take a Verizon phone over to Sprint, because
  Sprint's network rejects non-Sprint phones.


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Setting alarm on with a single click
I'm looking for a way to set an alarm on my android 4.0 phone with Nova Launcher with a single click. An ideal solution for me would be: I install an alarm clock app (if necessary), create alarms in it and save them with aliases (for instance 5:30-"gym", 6:30-"sleep in", 7:30-"weekend"), then the app creates 3 shortcuts with respective aliaces or it shows a widget with these three options and I place those on my home screen. So when I finally decide whether I want to go to the gym tomorrow or not, I just unlock the phone and click the corresponding button - clean and simple. Let me know if there's a solution that might work. I'm even willing to try another Launcher, if one of them has it. Thanks!

The best that I can recommend is two clicks. If you create multiple alarms in the clock app, you can label them with different names. Then you just open the alarm app (mine is set to open when I click on the analog clock on my main screen) and turn the alarm on you are interested in. I don't know of any apps that will have a widget to enable a single alarm. If you can't configure a widget to open up just the alarms, you can use https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.solo12zw74.alarmshortcut to create a shortcut to the alarm app on your homescreen.

Thanks! I had two clicks at some point, when I had a separate Alarm Clock app start, when I clicked on a Watches widget. But having time shown to me in notifications and in a separate widget seemed like such a waste ... Looked up the app you suggested. The funny thing is that quickly turning on alarm clock seems to be a Russian thing :)

You can do this with tasker. Let me know if you would like me to submit an answer with details.

@bassmadrigal gave the app a try and it fails 100% on my 4.0 ICS. Too bad.

Bummer... If you have a launcher that can do shortcuts, like Apex or Nova, (or get the app Any Shortcut), you can do it that way as well. For launcher shortcuts (the following is for Apex, but Nova or the app should be similar), go to the homescreen and long-press on there and go to Shortcuts -> Activities -> Clock -> Alarms (on mine there were two, but both worked).

Buy a Samsung S3 - it alarm app has a built in widget function that allows you to set a widget, and then assign the alarm you want to it. Its a 2 block widget and you can toggle it on and off, plus it provides details about the alarm.
Perhaps you could see on XDA if someone could pull the app for you and then you could try running it on ICS.
I am surprised there isn't another app out there that is similar.

Buy a Samsung S3... - Buy a Veyron Bugatti! I wonder when you'll suggest us to buy the Big Ben.


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From where on the network is time information received?
From where is the time information updated when the option Date & time settings -> Automatic - Use network-provided values is selected?
Is it from GSM, WiFi, GPS or anything else?
I believe it is from GSM, but I'd like to get a confirmation.

How do you know their provider is correct and not your's?  Compare it against a known accurate source, like NIST's time service and see if either is actually correct.

The time is set by your carrier. Have you tried unchecking the box, changing the time and then checking the box again?

The keyword is NITZ - that is where it comes from, certain ROM fail to handle it, others do. If it fails, can always fallback on a NTP app (this requires root BTW) :)

Good point, @t0mm13b -- if NITZ is the only source this would explain why my device is so much off per day (my provider is on the "unsupported" list). But not how it setup the date correctly and the time also rawly, initially. Is there a fall-back if NITZ is unavailable? With GPS off (I always have it off), it could only be network-based.

Can always use NTP, it happens to mine too, sometimes the clock is out a fair bit, I use ClockSync over wifi to "correct" the clock, then again my handset is rooted :)

Thanks to t0mm13m's comments:
The keyword is NITZ - that is where it comes from.
Certain ROMs fail to handle it, others do. If it fails, can always fallback on a NTP app like ClockSync (this requires root BTW) :)


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Nexus 7 randomly reboots and resets date to 1999
Twice now my Nexus 7 has randomly rebooted while it was charging and the date was changed to December 31, 1999 and the time has been changed; this time it was set six hours ahead. Does anyone know what's going on and how to stop it?
Update: It just happened again today, 4/28/13. This time the time was set 2 hours ahead. It's been charging every time this has happened.
Edit:

I use the original charger and cable. However, the charging port is a
little bent and I can't do a data connection to a PC, and it can
be a little hard to get it to charge sometimes.
I do not use any docks.
My Android version is 4.2.2
I updated the Android version myself using ClockWorkMod Recovery as I am rooted.
I have 63 apps installed.
I do not use task killers.
I have not yet done a factory reset since I won't be able to re-root (see note about charger above) and it would take quit a while to re-download everything since I only have internet occasionally. I will do a factory reset only if it's the last resort.

This isn't too big of a problem, just annoying.

I have N7 too. I never heard or read about anything like this. It can be faulty battery or charging circuit, but it can be just SW problem.
First, please, add some important details to your question:

Did you use original charger?
Did you use original USB cable?
Did you use original dock?
What android version do you have?
Do you have this version out of box from the first day (from factory) or did you get it as OTA update or did you update it yourself?
How many apps do you have installed?
Do you use any task killer?
Did you try reset to factory defaults?

Added the details you wanted.

Do you mean by "the charging port is a little messed up" that the micro USB connector on your Nexus 7 is dirty and has a poor contact?

The metal "frame" part of it has come apart at the joint and is a little loose, and the one of the gold contacts got bent up and I had to flatten it.

Ouch, I think that damaged micro USB connector on your Nexus 7 can be culprit of your problem. You can check this theory: rent the dock from friend and try to charge through the dock's pogo pins, I bet that everything will be all right.

I don't think I know anyone who has one but I'll check. I am also planning on replacing the port anyways, just haven't yet.

Haven't fixed it yet, but while jiggling the charger trying to get it to work out reset again. Pretty sure that's the problem. Thanks


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Connecting an android phone through the wifi with proxy
I am currently abroad. I have internet on my PC via a RJ45 cable on Win7 PC. It works fine through a proxy (address + specific port).
Now I want to use my smartphone but there is no wireless connection in my room ...
So how to create a hotspot from my PC (which has a wireless card) so I can go online with my smartphone (which also has the wifi function)?
I tried the virtual router solution manager and Connectify and the classical solution proposed sites (control-> Network and Internet-> Network and Sharing-> new connection-> ad hoc wireless network -> name + password + WPA2) then share the map. But without success ... I mean the Android phone says I am connected but I can't reach anywebsite with chrome or the preinstalled Android Internet browser. Usually I succeed with this virtual router goal time is not working probably the raison de proxy application!
PS: If it's easier I'm also starting to connect my pc to the internet via usb cable. But rooter my smartphone as my smartphone procedure is complex ...

I wonder that it even says it's connected! Is your device rooted? To my knowledge, Android does not support ad-hoc mode out-of-the-box. Usually one sees ad-hoc "spots", but cannot connect to them. If you can install apps (e.g. via mobile network or another hotspot), you could use e.g. Fing - Network Tools to check whether you can reach the router or beyond per ping etc.

Hum my mobilephone is not rooted (is a ZTE blade III). Thanks I ll try with fing network tools

Based on my experience, when using a virtual router on a PC with an internet connection only through proxy, in order for your Android device to connect to the same proxy your pc is using, you have to configure your WiFi connection proxy settings on your Android device to use the same proxy settings on your PC. Afterwards, you can succesfully connect using your android phone. I've already tried it on my Note3.

did you specify the proxy configuration when you were setting up the network, you need to enter the proxy details in the network configuration try Google nexus 4 android network configuration website its for nexus 4, but hope its similar to any other android device.
http://support.google.com/android/bin/answer.py?answer=1649770.
get an english one or translate this page if its in french.
Hope it helps

"translate this page if its in french" Or just remove the language hint (e.g., "hl=fr") from the URL.

An answered by @p057 you need to set proxy in Wi-Fi settings on your phone. The reason is that hotspot network (AP or ad-hoc) cannot be configured to use proxy. Proxy is used on per-connection basis by apps themselves. It's not enforced system-wide. For details see Why proxy set on Android does not work when used as hotspot?

HI Irfan, this is actually such an old post that I do not have this problem anymore. I will accept the answer of p057. It may help people having currently the same issue.

@S12000 that's good. Answer is for future visitors' reference, it's applicable to all Android releases available to date.

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


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Droid RAZR - Is there any way to clear the numbers from the screen when using the dialer?
When I need to check my voicemail, I have to enter my password, of course.  However, when I do, it displays it in big, clearly visible characters across the top of the screen for the duration of the call.  I think this is incredibly stupid.  Is there any way to clear it after entering it?
EDIT:
I do realize there is the option to hide the dialpad and input box during the call.  However, whenever I need to use the dialpad again I need to make it visible, which then shows my password still at the top.

What android version is this?

EDIT: I do realize there is the option to hide the dialpad and input
  box during the call. However, whenever I need to use the dialpad again
  I need to make it visible, which then shows my password still at the
  top.

That is an indication of proximity sensor, when the handset is near the ear, the screen blanks out, when you're pulling the handset away, the screen comes back on and can see the dialpad, along with the numbers entered!

Is there any way to clear it after entering it?

When you make a check to voicemail, you're dialing the number, then enter the password, then after checking the voicemail, you hangup, does that not clear the dialer?
In certain dialers, you can actually long press on the dialpad's top screen to bring up a menu, to select all, then cut... OR long press on the keypad's backspace button
Maybe, if this does not suffice, then the only thing that comes to mind, is to either shield the screen from prying eyes or, use an alternative dialer.

The proximity sensor feature is not what I was talking about.  That turns off the screen.  There is actually a button on the screen to hide the dialpad itself.  This is probably going to be my best bet.  As far as it clearing after ending the call, that's not the issue.  I don't want it visible while the call is active.  I did try long-pressing on the input box but it didn't do anything.  Also there is no keypad, so 'backspace' isn't an option.  I guess there isn't a way.  Perhaps an alternative dialer would work.  I hadn't thought of that.  Thanks.

OP: Please state what version of Android as I was taking a gamble with the question and not certain...

I believe it's 2.3.4 (yes I know it's old)

@vertigoelectric How did you avoid getting the ICS and JB updates?!

My phone is rooted, and I've blocked updates.


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How could I set the number of Android original desktops?
Android has 5 original desktop on my phone, I couldn't delete one of them. How could I set the number of desktop?

That depends on the "launcher" you are using. So as long you didn't install a launcher from the Playstore you can name, it would be helpful if you updated your question with some more details: what device you have, what Android version you are running. This way people knowing the device might be able to help you. -- for a start: you might try to pinch your homescreen (tap it with two fingers, pinch them together). On some homescreens this brings an overview, where you can add/delete screens.


text:
Factory reset Cynogenmod 10 OS in LG P-500 makes applications crash
Previously my friend installed cyanogenmod 10 OS in my LG P-500 phone. It was working so superb.
I had to do factory reset to the phone for deleting some files, after which I am unable to open any of the applications, not even browser and play store.
I installed Dolphin browser, which is also getting crashed in 1 min itself.
Now I decided to re-install the OS.
All zip files required for installation are with me, but I don't know how to install Cyanogenmod OS .

Since you already had CM10 installed, you should be having the ZIP file with you.
If you do not have it, you can download it from the previous source and place it in your sd card. If you do not have and do not know the source from where you already downloaded, you can try the one from where I had downloaded (Courtesy).
The reason I am trying to stick to your previous download is that these ZIP files are unofficial CM builds and are compiled from same source by many developers, each adding their own bells and whistles and most importantly bug fixes.  Hence you already know what is working and what is not with your previous ROM which will avoid you any nasty last minute surprises.
As far as the ROM that I am using, apart from what is mentioned in the blog, Google location service is not working. Which means that News and Weather app, Google maps etc will not get your location without GPS.
After deciding which ROM ZIP file to use, place the ZIP file in sd card and switch off the phone. Please backup whatever you want as the following steps is going to erase all except the SD card contents.

Reboot your phone into recovery mode. To do this, press and hold Home button, Volume down button and while holding both down, power on the device. Do not release the home and volume down button until you see the CyanogenMod recovery console.
Then simply follow the steps as said in the blog.


text:
Titanium Backup batch options
Does "Backup all user apps" also include app data too and does "Backup all system data" include backup of messages and contacts ?

TiBu's FAQ says:

Click “Backup all user apps” (if you want just your apps) or “Backup all user apps + system data” if you want everything backed up. This doesn’t seem to always backup SMS and contact history.

Unfortunately it doesn't explain all options in detail -- but from the above quote one can conclude:

"Backup all system data" normally includes contacts, SMS, etc (but might miss some history -- not clear if the latter a) refers to an old version, as I never experienced that, or b) is device-specific)
"Backup all user apps" must include the data, otherwise the term if you want everything backed up wouldn't make sense.

To make sure, just visit the above mentioned FAQ for a closer check, which might answer other questions (you didn't know you've had ;) on the way.


text:
What does TRWP backup include?
If I would take a backup via TRWP, does it include all my apps, app data, messages, contacts or it would just take backup of the ROM only, so I could get a fresh ROM with factory restored when I restore it ?

Not including /data/media in TWRP was a truly moronic decision.

TWRP will backup all apps and data except /data/media unless you use Magisk module "TWRP helper" or solution mentioned here

To my knowledge, TWRP does a nandroid backup. As you can read in the tag wikis of the mentioned tags (nandroid, backup), a Nandroid backup takes images of your partitions. It's not a backup on the file level, but on partition level. So it includes everything stored on those partitions. Doing a full Nandroid backup of your system thus includes the entire system, one file per partition. There are only very few things not contained, such as the radio-firmware.
So to put it as a short direct answer to your question: Yes, a full Nandroid backup would include all your apps, app data, messages, contacts.
Though it might be complicated to extract them separately (Nandroid can't do that, it's always an "all-or-nothing". But e.g. Titanium Backup can read data from Nandroid backups. Just in case you'll need that :)

what about media -> photos, videos?

Well, aren't those stored on the device, @jj_? If a Nandroid backup includes all storage, why should it skip a folder when doing an "all-or-nothing" (except when skipping "all" due to some error occuring)? Please see our backup and nandroid tag-wikis for details.

wait a second, this is actually getting less clear :) Yes, a full Nandroid backup would include all your apps, app data, messages, contacts. - Does it also include the files on the sd-card (images, videos, downloaded content, some app content)?

@jj_ No. Nandroid backups concentrate on device storage – external storage usually is not included.

How do you link to tags, like that?

@NickolaiLeschov should be in the help. Just hit the [edit] link to find out :) [tag:backup] iit is.

It is very important to answer this question correctly as many people rely on this backup. Until when you actually need it, you realize that it is not exactly what you think it is, which is disastrous.
Let me answer this question very clearly for everyone:
TWRP backup does include apps and their data BUT skips media files such as your pictures, videos and music!
I took a full TWRP backup before I sent my phone to service. When it was back, I restored the backup. My phone started like it was before. Soon after I realized that my photos and music was completely gone. I looked everywhere in my phone but there was nothing left from my pictures! Luckily, I for some reason had a hunch about it and copied my photos separately. And music can be restored easily. (Although I remembered that after 3 weeks that I made a separate copy of my photos). It really hurts!
It backs up data partition but for some reason skips the /data/media folder.
Another discussion on XDA
Most importantly the GitHub discussion

You are right TWRP will backup all apps and data except /data/media unless you use Magisk module "TWRP helper" or solution mentioned here

TWRP does NOT backup internal media.  TWRP specifically states it will not backup /data/media.   See https://twrp.me/faq/backupexclusions.html.
"To be absolutely clear when you do something like this:
Creating a full backup in TWRP (including /data partition)
Factory resetting your phone
Restoring your previously taken full backup
Result: all your saved data will be there but your data on the internal storage gets LOST!

You can backup System,Data,Boot,Recovery,Cache,efs
System , Data , Boot are selected by default which includes your ROM , Apps , Appdata , Kernel and you can choose to backup Recovery , Cache , efs which bundles things on your internal SD card like your contacts and photos and videos. TWRP also provides compression which is pretty handy if your backup becomes large.


text:
Google Nexus 7 3G free storage not recognised by Play store
I have 85% free space of my 32 GB internal storage (there is no external sd card on this device), and yet I cannot download any new app or even update an old one, because Google Play Store keep telling me there is not enogh free space.
I am running Aopk ROM, tilapia-userdebug 4.2.2 JDQ39

I've just added the 'insufficient-memory' tag to your question. Please check its tag wiki for first-aid. Does that help you to solve your issue?

I've been getting this error a lot lately (stock N7 16gb), too, and I have plenty of room on my device. Usually I can go back in and tell it to update and it will work the second time.
Just now I was getting an update message on an app and when I went in to update it there was no update option. I wonder if this is related to the new Google Play version coming out.
I went to Google Play on my laptop and told it to update the app and it worked that way.
You might try downloading the apk for the new Play Store and see if that helps.

Read all the posts but did not want to do software surgery on my Nextbook 7 while it was under warranty, so I called Nextbook support. After a long delay they gave me a solution that worked. I had little free memory so apps would not update even though I had only the original Google apps installed. For some reason the apps were duplicated in my internal storage partition.
The solution is go to Bootloader by holding down the power and volume at startup. Then scroll down to Wipe data/factory reset click power and then yes. Now scroll down to Wipe Media Partition, click power and yes. Then Reboot system.
My memory went from 40 megs free to 260 megs free. All is good. I am betting this solves some of the other issues with performance as well.

Sounds kind of like using a cannon to kill a mosquito. You did a full factory reset just to get space back?


text:
How to hide the carrier name in status bar?
I'm using MIUI rom and in the Philippines, the carrier name is pretty long. "Globe Telecom-P" and it takes up a lot of status bar space. Gah. Is there a way to hide this?

As far as I remember, Phono can replace the carrier name with a logo. Maybe you could give that a try and report back? If it does solve your issue, I will make it a more detailed answer.

Thanks for this suggestion. It doesn't seem to work. I can see my carrier's logo come up like a standard notification, but like a standard notification, it goes away, too. I wonder why it's working pretty well in the screenshots.

It's quite a while ago I used it last time. It's icon went to the very left of the navigation bar. I last used it on Gingerbread... Have you checked its settings? According to its tips & tricks section, there's an option to hide the icon from the status bar. Other hints to find there as well. Could also be a device specific problem, so you might want to contact the dev.

Hmmm. I think Phono works but there's a problem with my ROM. It's a new beta one, I forgot to add. I now remember in older ROM versions when there are notifications that you set to show persistently on the status bar, it would stay there and stay over the carrier but now the carrier name gets priority. It happens with other app notifications, too.

In that case, the issue is better addressed in the ROMs forum. The devs should know what they changed, and whether/where there's an option to adjust that behaviour.

Phono can address my original problem, but the carrier name being persistently on the status bar is the ROM issue. I mean, if it was on a good ROM, Phono would definitely answer my question. So if you can add it as an answer, I'll mark it :)

Done -- thanks! Good luck, hopefully the next Beta of your ROM fixes that -- or you might try a different ROM :)

Thanks! Yeah, sooner or later it will get fixed. I can live with this issue for now.

Phono is able to replace the carrier's name with a logo:

Phono (source: Google Play; click image to enlarge)
Take a look at above screenshot. See the T logo in the upper left, on the notification bar? That's placed by Phono. It additionally offers a bunch of widgets to show you network strength and other things, plus some shortcuts (as shown in the screenshot).
I used Phono successfully on HTC stock ROMs as well as with CyanogenMod. Though your seem to have issues with your current Beta-ROM, those might hopefully be fixed with an update, so Phono will work on that, too -- otherwise it might still help you in case you decide to switch ROMs :)

On Moto X/4.4.2 at least, Phono adds a logo but the carrier text remains


text:
How to switch off HDMI
I have an android box with a HDMI port. Im connecting it to a projector. To the same projector Im also connecting a PC via VGA cable. Now I want to give my box a command to switch off the HDMI port, so that I can see the image of my PC.
Is there some shell command way to do this? Via ADB? Or any other suggestion?
Thanks!

Turn off the Android HDMI port in Settings. It is likely either:

Settings -> HDMI -> Off, or
Settings -> Display -> HDMI -> Off


text:
Game runs on wrong resolution
I love laying this game on my phone, I have played it since I had a Nexus S.  After switching to the Galaxy S3, I found it didn't work well, so I just used my Nexus still, but now that device is broken, so I would like to figure out how to make it work on this device.
The game is called Legends of Yore, and the problem is that it displays very small. When I play it on my Nexus, it displays "normally" (phone mode), but on the S3 it displays it like it would on the computer (I'm going to call it tablet mode, because it's huge). It shoves everything that it would display on a desktop into the S3 screen, making buttons small and unusable.
I don't know much about how the game is coded, but I'm guessing that it is treating the S3's higher (than the Nexus) screen size, or pixel density, or whatever, as capable of running the game's tablet mode.
So, is there any way to make the game run in its phone mode?
This is kind of an old game, not very popular I don't think,  hasn't been updated in a long time, developer is unresponsive, and the official community forum has long been overrun with spam, so I am assuming that the developer doesn't really care about updating the app to work with modern phones, if that's indeed why it won't work right. But, I love playing this game, and I hope someone can help.

Frankly, this sounds like the developer needs to code their app to work on different screen sizes. There's not really anything you can do.

The app IMO has not been configured for High Resolution screens and hence you see small buttons and are unable to play.

Is there any way to change that without having the source code or something?

From your description, it sounds like the game has two layouts and is switching between them based on the resolution of the screen (number of pixels) rather than the physical size of the screen. Android allows you to use either or both of these to choose a screen layout (amongst other things), but it's up to the app developer to get the criteria right and to test it on different devices. Using resolution instead of screen size is a common problem with software ported from PC, because most PC software makes the same mistake.
You can't work around this application error in stock Android. It would be possible for a custom-rom to let you lie to the application about the resolution, but it would likely have undesirable side-effects (possibly making the game unusable anyway). I don't know if any ROMs do have this feature; trying one out requires replacing the operating system on your phone.
Changing the app to fix this problem would require reverse-engineering it. You'd require some programming experience to do this successfully, and doing so may be illegal in your country.


text:
How to put the Kindle Fire in airplane mode?
I use the Amazon Kindle Fire (Android 2.3.4) model no: D01400 FCCID:ZEV-1229. I use this device in developing Android apps.
In my device WiFi is available, and also cyberoam for security purposes. I want to test the device is connected or not connected with WiFi.
I know if you want to check the network connection and you have cyberoam then you want put your device in airplane mode. How can I do that?

@Izzy have u any idea about this?

Nope. If I had, I would have written. Just updated your post to make it better readable and easier to find for those being familiar with the Fire. I have no idea how far Amazon might have modified Android. You might have an entry in the power-menu (long press power button while screen is on) or not. There should be an option in Settings->Networks & Wireless -- but as "no network" would mean "no current ads on the lockscreen", Amazon might have removed that as well. I'm not familiar with their devices, sorry.

@Izzy i try all of possiblity.

Please report back then, luck or not. "Not being familiar with" does not mean "not being willing to learn" :)

On the original Kindle Fire Airplane mode does not seem to exist, but you can turn off wireless using these directions:

Tap the Quick Settings (the Gear) icon in the top right hand corner of the Home screen.
Tap Wi-Fi.
Ensure Wireless Networking switch is in the off position.

On the new Kindle Fire you can enable airplane mode by doing the following:

Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap Wireless.
Tap On next to Airplane Mode

i try first one .but it's not working in where Cyberoam is available.

Can you use Dalvik Debug Monitor (per the instructions here) to take a screen shot of what you do see so that I can get a better idea of the issue you are experiencing?

i use the simple instruction to put  device in airplan mode.but i can`t put if cyberoam is available here. i follow the simple step but i can't success.and another thing my device is first one.

There is a metric boatload of Airplane Mode apps on the Play store. You might find one there that meets your needs.


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How to hide audio, video or images at gallery?
Is there anything to be done if I don't want particular folder containing audio, video or images being displayed at gallery or any audio application ?
Actually I am facing problems since my audio books are also being listed at all songs playlist of music players.
Any suggestions ?

You find a possible solution in many posts around here -- if you know what to look for, that is...
Responsible for files turning up in the gallery etc. is the media-scanner, so you have to keep that one from processing the directories you want to ommit. The usual approach for this is placing a file named .nomedia (note the starting dot) into all directories you want to exclude (in your case, the ones containing your audio books). Simply put, this tells the media-scanner: "No media here, just skip this folder".


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Android and DEX files handling at runtime
I'm trying to understand a few things around how dex files are handled by android.
What I do know is that an APK ships a dex file, the system gets it, optimises it at install time, and stores the resulting ODEX file (optimised dex) at /data/dalvik-cache/myOdexfile and then runs the application from there.
Is that really how it works?
What happens when a dex file downloads and opens a new dex file from the internet? is that optimised as well?
Also - the system, afaik, keeps the original APK around, right? I think that is kept at /data/app/myAPK-1.apk. Is that used in any way by the system? When?
Can you somehow manually force regeneration of the odex file from the stored APK file after installation?

just like .class file (byte code) is executed in JRE in desktop systems. Android have Dalvik or ART that understands byte code  but in .dex format.  For android .class file is further converted into .dex file and then apk is formed.

For general information, you might want to refer to the odex tag-wiki and the tag-wiki for the dalvik tag. But your question even covers some parts not contained there -- and only now I realized that indeed all .apk files seem to include .dex files (I always thought only the "odexed apps" do that), and you seem to be right about what the "O" stands for -- at least it makes much sense. So forgive me, I'm not a developer :)
But still I might be able to answer at least a part of your question.
Yes, your description seems to match how it works (until the question mark, at least). But, to my knowledge, no app should download and install .dex files separately. If not running with root permissions, that would even be difficult (as the app could not write to /data/dalvik-cache, lacking the file-permissions). So we can skip the second part as, according to Aristotle's logic, from a wrong assumption one could derive everything :)
Second: Yes, the system keeps the .apk files. If your device has a Custom Recovery installed, you could manually wipe the Dalvik cache from there -- which would force the Android system to re-generate it on its next boot. Basically, this is even done for the system-apps (.apk files are located in /system/apps for those, and thus survive a factory-reset), namely when you do a factory-reset.
Third: Oh, already answered. Yes, by wiping the Dalvik-Cache.

thanks for your answer. Couple of points though: Wiping the dalvik-cache is a valid point, however that may initiated by the user only on rooted phones, correct? Is there any case a non-rooted device needs to delete the cache, or can the user force the system to do just that, on non-rooted phones? Also, about your other point: Applications have the capability to download and run .dex files from the internet at runtime - although I'm not sure about installing them. I guess they could be downloaded on a temp location in /data/data/myapp/files and be run from there each time.

see http://stackoverflow.com/questions/6857807/is-it-possible-to-dynamically-load-a-library-at-runtime-from-an-android-applicat or http://stackoverflow.com/questions/1001944/android-remote-code-loading/2450049#2450049

Dalvik-Wipe: yes, correct. Custom Recovery Menu, or root via terminal. On non-rooted: only via factory-reset AFAIK. .dex: yes, they can download them -- but not directly execute AFAIK (see yjarabi's answer). They cannot place them into the Dalvik cache, but of course to any place they have access to (their own directories below /data/data/<packagename>, /data/local, etc.).

> Is that really how it works?
Yes, I think it works very like that.
> What happens when a dex file downloads and opens a new dex file from the internet? is that optimised as well?
I think it is not possible for an application to open a dex file directly.
> Also - the system, afaik, keeps the original APK around, right? I think that is kept at /data/app/myAPK-1.apk. Is that used in any way by the system? When?
Yes, APK file contains all of assets and resources needed by the app when it runs. So, as an android developer, I'm pretty sure that apk file is used everytime an app runs.
> Can you somehow manually force regeneration of the odex file from the stored APK file after installation?
Yes, if you clear dalvik-cache folder manually (your device should be ROOTed obviously), then system regenerates needed odex files when you run apps. Some apps, like Titanium Backup, has an option to clear dalvik-cache. Also, I remember that there was same option in recovery menu of my device.

About the second question, apps can run dex files, by using ClassLoader. One example of an app that does it is "DevAppsDirect". One reason for having such functionality is plugins. Anyway, I'd like to ask something too: do apps have any other files that are similar to dex files ? Also, now that Android Lollipop is about to be available, would they still exist? what will replace them, and where will their replacements be found? Some claimed there would be replacements and that it will usually be larger. Is that true?


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Samsung Champ (GT-3303k) to be converted to Andoid?
I have a Samsung Champ. Model number GT or CT3303k. I want to convert this phone to an android system. Can this be possible for my phone specifically ?

Nope sadly you cannoy convert it to Android.

Reason: very low end device from 2010. Not possible.


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Can I share Google Keep notes between people?
Is there a way to share the notes of Google Keep between different persons? For example, could I link the notes to the todos of Thunderbird Lightning, or can I share the notes between two different Google Accounts?

No, neither the Android app nor the Web interface will let you do that. Frankly, you're better off with the established sharing tools of, say, a Google Document.

Thanks for the answer. I still think that this would be a nice features but at least I know now that I am not too stupid to find the right settings.

I think it's a design goal of all Google products to keep it simple. Simply use Google Drive if you want that feature.

Since Google Keep doesn't currently support collaborating on notes, you can also try Cozi Family Calendar & Lists for sharing notes. It's also available on iOS.

As of now, yes:
Google Keep: Share ideas with friends and family
Each note now has a share button you can use to share it. More info:
Share & collaborate in Google Keep

It's a step forward, but not quite enough for me. I want to be able to share groups of notes, even future notes I haven't created yet if they are added to a shared group. Think Trello's Boards and Organization feature.  An organization is made up of people and boards of notes. A board of notes can have extra people added to it that aren't in the organization.

Currently there is no way to share notes on Keep in the same way that you can share a document.
However, if your goal is to share notes between a fixed amount of persons (e.g. family members,) you can always create a new Google account, add it to all Android phones that you need to share on, and enable sync of Keep only on that account.

Well, that's one way of doing it!

Yes, I already thought about doing that, but hoped for a cleaner way.

It works quite well for sharing of other content as well, such as apps, books, music, and other media purchased via Google Play store that generally cannot be shared between different accounts.  You just have to remember to keep an eye on the Play Store during purchasing, to make sure you are buying from such a "shared" account.  Just keep the account between few users (yourself and your spouse for example,) and you won't risk Google coming down on you for sharing (which is against TOS, as far as I know.)

@fabee Keep is a fairly new service, so it's quite possible that this feature will be added in the future.  After all, other documents on Drive have had sharing features for a while, so it only makes sense for Google to add them to notes as well.

Yes, I never give up the hope :)

In Google's initial blogpost about Keep they stated, "You can access, edit and create new notes on the web at http://drive.google.com/keep and in the coming weeks you'll be able to do the same directly from Google Drive." - so hopefully we will have the same sharing functionality soon.

Try Wunderlist, they have a great IOS and Android app that does it. I know some people who use it and they really seem in love with it.

I think the app has an inbuilt functionality to share to your Google+ profile etc
Update to the latest version if you haven't seen the option.

Yes, I've seen that. However, I don't want to share the note itself with other persons (such that we can edit it both).

Like a note that both of you can edit? Not sure if Google Keep can do it. Evernote Premium users have this feature though.

Hmm, that that would be a great feature to include ... Thanks.

Maybe give ShareNOTZ a try.  It lets you share notes, lists, and reminders,and of course it keeps your own notes synchronized between all your devices.  Full disclosure:  I'm the developer.  As such I'd love any feedback you may have.  Thanks!

Welcome to Android Enthusiasts! Please confirm what relationship (if any) you have with this app: it's OK to recommend your own app on this site, provided you're honest about it.

Looks like the app no longer exists.


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How do I insert a non-breaking space with the Android OS Keyboard?
At times I insert a non-breaking space (on my Mac) instead of characters in a Last Name field when filling out forms. Is there a way to do this using the default or some other keyboard on my Nexus 4 (4.2.2)?

It's not possible with the default keyboard. Someone may answer to suggest a keyboard which has this functionality.

Sounds like a case for Hacker's Keyboard. But as I never checked, I cannot tell for sure if it supports this.

The other difficulty is that the font must support it. It is the case for Droid Sans and Droid Serif, but others font may not implement it.

You might want to try with Hacker's Keyboard. They offer "compose key" functionality, which can be used for non-breaking space and more:

Hacker's Keyboard (click image for larger variant)
See the "circle key" to the right of the space bar? If you long-press it, according to the FAQ, this activates "compose key mode". They seem to follow the "standard rules" here, so "2x space" should give you a non-breaking space. A list of supported compose sequences can be found in the code.

The source moved to here, but the wiki is not maintained. https://github.com/klausw/hackerskeyboard/blob/master/app/src/main/java/org/pocketworkstation/pckeyboard/ComposeSequence.java

A workaround is to copy the non-breaking space from somewhere (e.g. the Wikipedia page has it in the first line between the quotes), or from between the brackets here:
[ ]


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Briefing Alarm News and Weather Not Read Aloud on Galaxy S3
I've got an alarm set daily on my Galaxy S3 with the briefing alarm type selected in my  alarm's settings with all three briefing content items selected (weather, today's schedule, and news).
However, when the alarm begins, it shows the weather, today's schedule, and news onscreen, it plays a brief melody, then it plays the alarm sound I used previously (ticktac alarm), when it should be speaking the items aloud.
I've tried rebooting the phone and deleting and recreating the alarm, but I cannot get the phone to speak the items aloud.  Any thoughts?

Have you checked your device's TTS settings? It might have trouble with the voice engine, or with the language being configured.

With the tip from Izzy, I was able to determine that the problem was that I didn't have Samsung TTS as my preferred TTS engine.
To fix this, go to Settings > Language and input > Text-to-speech output, and you can select Samsung TTS there (mine was set to Google Text-to-speech Engine).
EDIT
Well, I was mistaken apparently.  My alarm has reverted back to showing the news and weather and playing my old alarm.  I'm assuming this is a bug at this point, unless someone can find a solution.

Select driving mode in settings

Could you expand your answer and explain how to do this? Just from your answer, I do not know what you are suggesting.


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Listen which URLs an app tries to connect
Is it possible to listen/monitor an app's network activities?
I have this one app, and I couldn't figure out where it gets its images. I tried to google an app to listen to other apps connections, but I didn't find any. I'm looking for similar functionality as Google Chrome's network tab from developer menu.
I have rooted Nexus 4 with 4.2.2.

OS Monitor lists network connections by app:

OS Monitor and Connection Tracker listing connections (source: Google Play; click image to enlarge)
As you can see, OS Monitor lists up all connections, and lists the corresponding app "owning" this connection along. This should enable you to see all servers your suspicious app connects to. There are other apps available with the same feature as well, as e.g. Connection Tracker shown in the second screenshot.
If you really need the full URL, the above won't bring you there (both apps use methods similar to netstat, which only reveals the hosts). Instead, you might want to take a look at e.g. tPacketCapture, which "sniffs" your network traffic (without requiring root), and saves the protocol in so called .pcap files. These again can be read then by e.g. Shark Reader.

I couldn't really get the URLs of connections in neither of them, or then I couldn't find the place for that. OS Monitor is crashing.

"OS Monitor crashing" must mean you're running JellyBean (known issue, they're working on it). And no, both apps seem to use netstat, which does not reveal the full URL but just the server. As you didn't specify what exactly you intend, I obviously mis-interpreted this part as "checking where that server is". If you really want the full URL, you either can look into the logs (logcat, maybe it's put there), or need a "packet sniffer".

I have been using Packet Capture app, which for me is simpler than setting-up "wireshark" on Android.
The app is free, doesn't require root access, but may request to install user certificate to decrypt SSL connection (it's using MITM technique, as mentioned on its app page; you don't need to install it if you don't want to know the content of SSL connection)
Usage

Open Packet Capture app
Tap the Play (green triangle) icon to start capturing
While it's active, open the app you want to listen its network activity
Wait until the app finish its network operation
Switch to Packet Capture app, and tap the Stop (red square) icon to stop capturing
Open the log by tapping its entry

when I run Packet Capture on Android R, it just displays a white screen, the app does not even open. Is there any other alternative?


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Samsung Galaxy S Captivate power button
My captivate's power button was acting up a few weeks ago. But the other day it just completely stopped working! I either have to plug it in to my charger or completely take my phone apart and take the battery out and put it back in. It's weird because it's like the power button is stuck or something. The power off screen comes up and I don't know it's just frustrating. What can I do to repair it? Is it worth repairing? Should I wait for my upgrade in June and go on with this problem? or Should I just throw the phone away and go without it until june? Please help! Thanks!

I would try factory resetting the phone, just to rule out any software issues (like a recently installed app acting up.)  If it's truly a hardware problem, there isn't much you can do other than taking the phone to where you bought it and seeing if it's still under warranty.


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Format SD card after playing with fdisk (No card reader)
After playing with partitioning using FDISK (from busybox) i finished and now i want to format it back to whatever is usable under Android.

Using same FDISK via Android console i deleted all partitions, made a clean DOS partition table, made a new partition and changed its type to b (Win95 FAT32).

I got no microSD adapter to read the card from my linux PC and format it there.
What should i do to format it into a usable condition?

As you wrote: format it? Just creating a partition does not yet make it usable. I cannot look it up from here currently, but there should be a mkfs.vfat in /system/sbin for this.

@izzy I know a partition needs a format. Thanks for answer even through its in comment.

If it solved your issue, I can make it an answer with some more details :) And sorry for the second sentence -- must have missed that in your questions last paragraph, my bad...

@Izzy I am getting mkfs.vfat: lseek: Value too large for defined data type everytime.

How big is the card, and what parameters did you use? That error usually indicates you're breaking some limit (comes e.g. when you try to extend a file beyond 2 GB on FAT and the like). Or, according to this XDA thread, you might need a different version of BusyBox (see post #12).

#Izzy I had a 4 gb card. Thanks, the busybox you provided actualy helped.

Glad to read! I summed up the comments and made it an answer. Would be nice if you could accept it (by clicking the checkmark next to it) -- which makes it easier for other searchers to identify "issues with a working solution". Further good luck, and see you next time :)

Summing up from the comments:
With BusyBox, Android provides tools for formatting from the command line. In your case, this would be /system/sbin/mkfs.vfat. This is reported to sometimes throw an error like:
mkfs.vfat: lseek: Value too large for defined data type

According to this XDA thread, this is the fault of Busybox. Using a different version (as reported in post #12 of that thread) should solve the issue -- and did it in your case, luckily.

Android has built-in formatting capabilities that are usually available via Settings -> Storage -> Format SD card (or something similar depending on the device you use).


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Gallery images appearing in mixed up order
I have an HTC One X with stock Android 4.1.1. As you know, Android 4.1 introduced a "nice" feature to the gallery which allows grouping images by events. Unfortunately, after this update I started to notice a very annoying and intermittent bug: sometimes, if I have a group with hundreds of images, some of them appear in jumbled up order. I use Dropbox to sync them to my PC, so I don't usually connect my phone via USB to the PC. After seeing this issue, I browsed via USB to some of the images that appear in the wrong position and it looks like the EXIF date is correct, but, for some reason, the phone shows a different hour for this images in the "Details" section. It appears as if it misreads the hour when indexing them, showing them as having been taken one hour before the date in the EXIF data.
I have tried to clear the cache of the Media Storage application and restart the phone, but, unfortunately, this did not do the trick and I think that a few more images got mixed up after it finished rescanning.
Does anybody have any idea what might cause this bug and how can it be fixed?
PS: I installed Total Commander on the phone and it displays the proper date for the images and it also picks them up in the expected order, so this is clearly a bug in the Media Storage app.

Three things come to my mind first: 1) timezone differences, 2) DST, 3) Exif-Date versus File-Date. Something might get messed up on sync (file-date wise). I'm not sure where the media-scanner takes the date+time from, Exif or file date, when both are available (well, when Exif is available -- file date always is available, of course).

@Izzy The pictures are taken in the same place (city) so timezone and DST issues should not occur, and I do have several similar sets from different cities that have the same issue. What I do see is that the date shown by Total Commander is different than the one shown in the Details section of the media gallery for the same picture, which makes me believe that Media Storage does not read the actual file date...

pictures are taken in the same place (city) so timezone and DST issues should not occur .||. I use Dropbox to sync them to my PC => Also same city? You can vouch for each of their servers to be setup correctly? Wow :) TC shows file date, so if that differs from gallery, the latter obviously must be using Exif. Which again makes my "server time zone /DST differences" theory unlikely, as sync wouldn't touch the Exif data. Not sure if Dropbox would, OTOH, try to "correct" things... Can you check with an Exif viewer?

@Izzy I think we can take Dropbox out of the equation here, since I only mentioned it to avoid being redirected to the people who complained that accessing images via USB touches the files and alters their date, and I doubt that Dropbox alters files on the phone during upload. Just after seeing that some of the images got mixed up (on the phone), I hooked up my phone to the PC to inspect dates on the images and I couldn't spot anything fishy. I'll also compare Exif data a bit later, just to be sure, but I doubt I'll find anything relevant.

I'm not really expecting any changes in Exif either. But ruling things out helps to find what's left: When you have excluded the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth. (Arthur Conan Doyle) :)


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Which A2SD should I use with AOKP VJ 4.2.2 Jelly Bean v2.1 on HTC Desire
I have a rooted HTC Desire with the AOKP VJ 4.2.2 Jelly Bean v2.1 ROM from here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1863780
I have successfully installed the ROM but am confused as to what solution to use for Apps2SD/A2SD.  I'm a real beginner on that stuff!
I have tried 40ad2sdx-a2 installed as in recovery from a zip file, and also installed through adb push, but the phone won't boot.  Have formatted the SD card with 2 primary partitions (FAT32 14gb and then EXT4 2gb).
Basically, I just want a Jelly Bean ROM with plenty of space for apps..!  Can anyone give me a recommendation of an A2SD method that works and step-by-step instructions how to install?

This ROM has stock A2SD . Check comment

Yeah I see that - I just don't understand what "Stock A2SD" is or how to enable it...

Create an ext4 partition with 1Gb space (for example). Then, the first time you enter the ROM, type in terminal emulator:
su
a2sd xdata
y
y

Now, you have 1Gb internal memory.

What is y? is that a command?

probably 'y' is meant as keyboard input for confirmation (when a2sd executes).

it is mobile specific ? I can use this command to any mobile?

this answer should be accepted ! it is working fine on my device

I have cm10 4.1.2 on my desire
to get more space I partitioned the sd card (using rom manager I think)
After struggling for some time to get a2sd working with no luck I downloaded mount2sd from google play - this app was great it just seemed to sort everything out with virtually no input from me.
I dont understand it but I assume its a script that analyses the phones memory and then sends commands to a2sd to make it work best with the card - great for someone like me who likes things simple.
Might be worth a try
Martin


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How can I root my Yarvik Tab411?
How can I root my tablet, the yarvik tab411? I tried to find information on the internet, but had no success.
The tab runs Android 4.1.11 2.3.3.
1 according to the link, this device currently ships with Android 4.1.1. Marrssel has an older version, running 2.3.3. (comment by Izzy)

Generally it helps to provide a few more details: e.g. a link to technical specs of the device, mentioning which Android version it runs, etc. Also, reading the tag info (hover your mouse over the 'rooting' tag) should have given you some start, and e.g. pointed to our rooting index -- where I cannot find your device being added. Nevertheless, you could check there whether one of the methods sounds promising.

I updated your question with some more details (please check if they are correct). I also removed your second question from this post (one question per post!), you can check this question meanwhile for details on that.

According to a thread in the yarvik forum (besides, the first hit on a Google search for yarvik tab411 root), you should be able to use the SuperOneClick tool. But while the name suggests "one click" should be pretty easy, it might be not the case.
However, you will need to:

download SuperOneClick e.g. from here
download and install the device drivers (for your device, possibly to be found on the yarvik's support pages) on your Windows machine
activate USB Debugging on your device
run the SuperOneClick application as administrator (oops) on Windows 7
now the most difficult: click the "root" button :)

As I have no yarvik tablet, I could not check the above. It's just the result from a little Google search -- so forgive me in case it fails...

it works. I have anrdoid 2.3.3 (I forgot to mention ...sorry) and I download SuperOneClick 2.3.3 and....done!!!  thx for help!!!  have a nice day.

Glad it worked! You could mark this answer as "accepted" then (using the checkmark next to it) for other users to identify this as workable solution. Thanks!

This has a section in our FAQ, describing it including screenshots. "Accepting" is the last item in this section -- but of course the other hints are useful, too :)