text:
How to prevent Spotify to access photo/media?
Spotify recently changed their policy and want to collect private data like contacts and photos/media.
I am using Cyanogen OS which has the cm permission manager. I can disable access to contacts for any app.
Since I never used an app that wanted access to my media I am not sure if the cm permission manager can prevent that too.
So how can you prevent access to media on devices with CM?(mine is rooted)

XPrivacy is all you need. You may check-out this answer too. Some answer here may also help out.

I managed to get the desired result with the XPrivacy module, part of the XPosed framework.
I can precisely remove permissions from any app. In case the app relies on those permissions to work I can generate false values.
(Click image to enlarge)

As you can see I am able to remove the permission to use the Internet or I can go deeper and remove specific functions if needed. Furthermore I can decide upon app usage of a permission, which means whenever an app tries to use a permission I am asked once if I want to allow or decline this.
However this is not recommended to people who are afraid of resetting or reflashing their devices if needed. XPosed goes deep into the system of Android. It runs stable but regular backups are a must, just in case.

XPrivacy doesn't remove the permissions asked by an app but simply restricts access to permissions (the data) when access is demanded by the app. See the app's description. There is a difference between removing and restricting here. Restriction here means that if the XPrivacy module is removed from the system or is somehow made not to run, then the app (previously restricted) would normally work and be able to access what it demanded under the constraints of Android. Removing the permissions implies that the app wouldn't be able to access permissions regardless of the state of XPrivacy.

Try this app if it can help : http://m.lizardo.store.aptoide.com/app/market/com.stericson.permissions.donate/4/3204650/Permissions+Denied+Pro

Some more information about the app would be useful, such as how to use the app, what does it do that the CM permission manager doesn't etc... Link-only answers are not encouraged since they are useless if the link dies


text:
Forgotten password: How do I disable the screenlock in Sony Xperia Z2?
I have a Sony Xperia Z2 upgraded to Lollipop 5.0 and I forgot my pattern lock. There is no "forgot password" or anything. How can I remove the code or fix it? If there is no solution to my problem, then how do I  factory reset the phone.

Welcome to the Android Enthusiasts! As that's a quite frequent question here, we've set up some first-aid for it in our locked-out tag-wiki. Especially see Can not unlock my Android device as have no internet connection? It has a collection of avalable methods to chose from. Good luck! // As for the "last resort", that's called factory-reset and is described here.

Once you solve that, I recommend you install an app like Cerberus and add it as administrator. Yesterday I forgot my phone at home, but was able to send it a command to unlock the phone and other things. When I got home, my phone still was unlocked.

source: Stack Exchange

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

sort: votes


text:
Unlocking Bootloader on Motorola ET1
I would like to unlock the bootloader on my Motorola ET1, but I have a problem: once I restart the device in the bootloader, it is not recognized by my computer (fastboot devices doesn't detect it) and therefore I cannot complete the process.
Why is this? I have the Android SDK installed on my Windows 10 Pro x64 PC, and the drivers are installed as well because I am able to use adb-based commands just fine.
Here's what I am doing to try to get the bootloader.
I connect the device to my computer and use the Android SDK to issue adb reboot bootloader which causes the device to restart and boot in to this screen.

My device seems to be listed in the Device Manager no matter what state my device is in.

fastboot devices does not do anything when I run it.

fastboot devices does not show the device. I am running Windows 10 Pro x64. Unfortunately, that is all the information I can provide at the moment because I do not have access to my computer.

Thanks for the update, David – I've integrated that with your question. Next thing to check: put the device in bootloader mode and connect it to your PC, then check with the device manager if it's shown there. Though your drivers work fine with ADB, devices often identify differently when in Fastboot, so the drivers might not "match" that.

@Izzy I have added the requested information to the question.

Thanks a lot! I've readjusted them a bit to make your question easier to read (less scrolling), larger variants linked (click to see). Looks like the driver you're using doesn't cover Fastboot. I'm no Windows user, so I cannot help you much with that – but IMHO the "generic description" in device manager suggests there might be a driver from Google to match it.

@Izzy According to the SDK Manager, I have the latest USB Driver installed. The device that I am using is several years old. Could the issue have to do with the tablet being intended for corporate use?

I doubt the latter. But again: there's nothing like the driver. On Windows, drivers are specific to the device usually. So "the latest USB driver" might fit in ADB mode, but not in Fastboot mode. Not that the driver must be incompatible – it might just not feel "responsible" for the (different) ID the device reports in Fastboot mode. On Linux, I just had to check with lsusb and add the IDs to the config. I've got no idea about Windows, so someone else has to take over here.

@Izzy Okay, well, thanks for carrying me this far!

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


text:
Why does google play music conceal music files from the user on an android but not on a desktop computer?
It seems inconsistent to me. I can do anything I want with files I bought from the play store as long as I'm on my computer. What's the point of restricting access on phones?

Google Music tries its best to hide the music files everywhere, but some cases (like connecting your phone to a computer) cannot be prevented. If you have rooted your phone you actually can access the files using the right tools.
It's part of fighting piracy: Google can't prevent piracy but they can make it as hard and inconvenient as possible so users will pay for their music.

Yeah but take phones out of the picture(I know this is an android forum). I can use a Mac to buy play store music. The files are right where I keep all my music on my mac. I was able to attach a google-purchased song to an email. So why different rules for different devices? Just wondering if anyone thinks that makes sense.

I think it's because Google is trying to push its music on de mand ("Spotify") service. If you can access the downloaded files, you can play all your favourite songs in the trial and keep the high quality audio files. It might also be a attempt at forcing users to use their music app, because you're less likely to switch to a competitor if it's hard to play your music in another app.


text:
Display multiple app screens at the same time
Is it possible to display multiple apps on the screen?
Normally, apps load fullscreen, and app-switching switches between fullscreen apps. Is it possible for an app to use only half of the screen and another one to use the other half?

You could use Floating Apps

Android N will support multi-window (if your device get it...)

If you have a Samsung phone, there is a split screen option. I personally have not used it, so you would have to look into it. The option is not available as stand, no.
There are some third party ROMs, that are capable of doing it but you would need to root your phone.  Have a look at the link below. I had a quick look out on the web and found this:
How to Get Multi-Window Multitasking on Any Android Phone or Tablet

Welcome to Android Enthusiasts! Whilst this may theoretically answer the question, it would be preferable to include the essential parts of the answer here, and provide the link for reference. Otherwise, your answer becomes useless in case the link dies. For further hints, please see: How do I write a good answer.


text:
Use cellular when connected to wifi
Is there a possibility to force an android phone to use cellular data when connected to wifi. For iOS I've found this https://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/173894/can-i-connect-to-wifi-but-still-use-cellular
Regards,
Nils

I'm pretty sure you cannot do that as the phone needs to connect to one protocol at a time.  I have a Wi-Fi hard-drive and the manufacturer of the device states that once you connect to the device you will need to either turn the device off to get cellular signal again or disconnect from it.

I just thought it must be possible somehow as it is on iOS.


text:
Device no longer connecting to wi-fi network
I have a Samsung Galaxy Core 2 for the past two years. it was working fine but all of a sudden the wifi in the phone is not working. Instead it shows "saved and secured" but doesn't get connected. What should I do?

The first thing I would try is switching the phone off completely so that means holding the off button down until the whole phone turns off (Reboot) Then see if it it works.  If not then go to the Wi-Fi setting on your phone and long hold on your connecting and click forget.  then click again and connect. that should work.
craigshawtech.com

Is it a specific Wi-Fi connection that won't work, or none work? If it's a specific one, then the problem may be on the Wi-Fi router, or it's connection to the internet.
Turn the Wi-Fi router off for a few seconds and then on again,and try connecting.  Try connecting with another device.
Also, you can try removing the connection from your device and adding it again.

Try forgetting the network and then connecting it once again. If you have recently changed your wifi password, then also this problem comes.

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


text:
no connection error in samsung S5830
"I have a SAMSUNG GALAXY Ace S5830
in which market and you tube are showing a 'no connection' error while google is working properly " what should i do?

Which Android version is running on that device? Do other networking-related apps work normally (e.g. can you use mail/Gmail)? How is your network coverage? Are you working via WiFi or mobile data?

You say Android "Market", which is an old version of Google Play. The Ace is an older device, and I imagine that in your case it's just been reset to factory settings, so many old versions of applications remain. These need updating.
The Market app should be updated automatically. Once that's done, then you'll be able to update You Tube and any other.
I had a Galaxy Ace and had to update eventually.


text:
Emergency alerts: is there any way to silence the "severe threat alerts" and "Amber Alerts" while I'm sleeping?
There are some emergency alerts I would be very grateful to receive even when I'm sleeping, but so far I've only receive alerts for things that didn't actually put me in danger or for things that I could literally do nothing to help with until I woke up the next day.
I would like the emergency broadcasts to be silenced at night, specifically the ones in the categories "Show severe threats" and "Show AMBER alerts."  I would still like to receive these alerts (so I can do something about them in the morning if I need to), just without any sound, and just for the period while I'm sleeping.  Additionally, I would prefer to still have "Show extreme threats" and "Presidential alerts" sound at night if it is possible.
I know this is a fairly specific order and in all my searching on this subject I have found no way to silence the emergency alerts without unsubscribing from them altogether, so I don't know if this is currently possible.  But that's why I came here, to ask if there's something I've missed so far.
Please note: I am talking about the emergency broadcasts you access through "Settings," rather than the feature available in "Google Now" I've seen floating around this website.
Phone info:   model: Moto G   Android version: 5.0.2

In the Emergency Alerts stock app -> Settings, there is an option "Emergency alert tone" with subtitle "Play a sample emergency alert tone."  When you do this, it plays the tone and a dialog says "The sound you hear now will be played when you receive an emergency alert.  The alert volume matches your phone's volume."  This indicates that you could avoid the alert sounding when you are asleep simply by silencing the phone when you go to sleep (or using an app to change the volume on a schedule).
This doesn't discriminate between different classes of alerts (e.g. make sound for some but not others); if there's an app for that (probably is) someone else can post that as an answer.

I don't have an app named "Emergency Alerts".

@Joshua Where do you go to select which classes of alerts you want to receive?  It's probably around there, but the answer (that silencing the phone is probably effective) remains the same.

I go to the defaultmessaging app, Messaging -> Emergency Alerts -> Settings.  One there, there is so option to set an emergency alert tone.  I can only choose to receive or not receive the following emergency types: extreme threats, severe threats, and AMBER alerts; can set a frequency for receiving alert reminder, and can set whether to vibrate on an alert.  That's it.

When sleeping I put my phone in flight mode.
Assuming if you won't want to be disturbed by emergency alerts, you also don't want to be disturbed by less important things like phone calls or social media "news".

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


text:
Change Android USB Device Name for Windows Explorer
When I connect a Motorola Moto E (gen 2) using USB to a Windows 7 computer, the phone is shown in Windows Explorer as "MotoE2(4G-LTE)" which is a bit techie, but I know immediately what it is.
When I connect a Motorola Moto G (gen 2), it is shown as "XT1072" which I don't find very helpful.

I can edit the name in Windows Explorer, which is useful and permanent in that I later get that same new name if I connect the phone to a different computer.
However the popup on connection still uses the XT1072 name

I assume the USB device name is determined by the phone. Can I change XT1072 to something else (e.g. MotoG2) in Android settings?

This link Change USB Model Name globally on the device and this Change USB Device Description are related which might be helpful. And please also mention if your device is rooted or not and the Android version in your question. ;)

It is just a name for the device that the manufacture put there. Change the name, call it what you like, it does not matter.
The pop up is part of Windows and will call on the device's real name (what the manufacturer called it). This device name is embedded into the your mobile device and can not be changed without going down to a low level of programming.
In your phone spec on GSMarena, you will notice that your phone has multiple names.

@craig Instead of posting multiple answers, you should [edit] your answer and add the additional information that you want to provide.

Ok thanks the first post sorry will do next time


text:
I accidentally disabled a game app, and want to enable it again
I have an app called Episode Choose Your Story. Every time I open it, it closes. I've tried unistalling and reinstalling it, but it's not working. I think it's disabled. How do I get it to work again?

No, it is not disabled, that's for sure. Only system apps can be disabled. User apps need root access to be disabled (freeze). Besides, you can't open a disabled app like the way you mentioned. There must be an issue with the app causing it to be closed. Contact its developer in that case.

Do you get Unfortunately this app has stopped working message? Or does the app closes without any messages? Are you using and Launcher applications?

Was this app working before you uninstalled it? I just wanna make sure that your phone meets the requirements to run the app properly.

Sometimes when app gets updated, its hardware requirement, like more requirement of ram or better graphics, increaces which cause app to crash like you mentioned.


text:
How do I undo imported contacts?
It started when I wanted to backup my Mom's contacts online in my email. I took backup of her contacts in a .vcf  file and transferred it into my phone via Bluetooth. Later that day, I wanted to go to the Bluetooth folder but I couldn't find it. Neither can I find the .vcf file.
I went to Bluetooth menu -> received files and clicked on the .vcf file (not a real file, just a link). To my further surprise (read 'frustration'; the file existed) all the contacts of my Mom got imported into my phone. Android didn't ask me to import them.
Moreover, I have no idea where is  that file located.  I searched the storage (extsd & SD0) and nothing came up.

If you'd synced your contacts with the Google account earlier then you may remove that account, delete all the contacts (take their local backup first), add your Google account, and sync the contacts. It should be same as what undo would do. Alternatively, sort the contacts using date/time and then delete them. There are many related apps in market. You may also look at How can I sort contacts by date added?. If you've root access, and you want to get your hands dirty then edit the contacts.db yourself. Simply sort contacts based on ID or time there.

FromNokia 3310:
                                Contacts => Option => Share Contacts => Mark => Back => Done => Blue Tooth sharing screen comes => More  => Select BlueTooth Device => conn.
In Android Phone
Go to contact => More (option in top right side) =>Settigs => Import Export Contacts => Import VCard files(VCF) from your device storage to contacts on your device

The OP doesn't asked to import from .vcf, bluetooth received vcf file got imported to his contacts and he needs to remove those and find vcf file.


text:
How do I remove a Google Account from my phone?
My gal pal used my Galaxy S5 to sign into her Gmail.  She Added "another account' to my g-mail but could not find a way to sign out when done. Now, all of her mail and calendar stuff is showing up on my phone!  Help me stop this!

Here's a way how.

Go into the GMail App
Select the menu button(top left of the screen next to "Inbox"
Click the down arrow next to your email
Select manage accounts.
It will take you to another menu, select "Google"
Find her account, click on it, and in the top right corner of the screen there should be 3 dots you can push to bring down a menu, and select remove account.

Can also remove the account in your phone's settings menu. Scroll down til you see accounts.


text:
How do i unbrick my lg sunshine
I had app hangovers restarting over and over again and could not open my settings on my phone app or any other application so I open the back of the phone and turned it off by pulling the battery out and when I put the battery back in its stuck on the lg logo screen and wont do anything else

I read the following procedure should work.
LG Shine II

Power off the phone completely.
Press and hold (in this order) Volume Up+Volume Down+Home+Power, until you see the Android character and a box-unloading animation.

LG Sunrise L15G

Power off the phone completely
press and hold the Volume Down and Power button together for a couple of seconds.
When the LG logo is displayed, let go of the Power key, keep pressing the Volume Down and then press once more the Power button.
You should release all buttons when the Factory Mode appears on the screen.
Confirm process by choosing appropriate options using Volume rockers to navigate and Power button to confirm.

You might lose any contacts, messages, photos etc that you have not already backed up.


text:
My Galxay Grande Prime can't connect to 3G anymore
I used to connect using 3G without any problem. But suddenly the 3G connection is not working anymore.
Problem:
The networking Symbol "H" appear for few seconds (2s-3s) and they disappear and it keeps appearing and disappearing as long as the 3G is on, I tested that during those few seconds the network works fine.

Note that the WIFI works fine.
What I have tried:

Reboot.
Switch-off and Switch-on 3G.
Restore default settings.

What are the options that I have ?
Android 4.4.1
Galxay Grande Prime

The sim card was broken, I tried another sim card and it works fine.


text:
Netcat udp listener upon boot
My goal is open a UDP listener on port 5555 upon booting my device. It's suppose to be looking for a specific message that will tell it to do some updates. I have a service started upon boot that has a shell script the run net cat. I have cross compiled netcat to run on my machine.
My init.rc has something along the lines:
service update /system/bin/update.sh
    class core
    critical

My update script is:
netcat -luvv -p 5555 2>&1 | while read cmd params; do
case $cmd in
   #do stuff
esac
done

So in this, my service does get started, and netcat begins. Only issue is it's not recieving any messages I'm trying to send out. Also, if I try to send out any messages manually through netcat, like echo hello | netcat -u localhost 5555, it's not sending out any bytes.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

authors: الورد الجوري


text:
What is the difference between formatting sd card via pc and phone?
Almost every question about problem with sd card have answer "format sd card by your phone". So what is the difference when I format sd card by PC or by phone? (file system is fat32)

None really.
I suppose the biggest reason why people make such recommendation is because an end user could easily end up formatting the card with an incompatible filesystem, like NTFS.
This in turn will cause further confusion to the user and additional forum posts.
It is safer to just ask them to format the card using the phone's interface.


text:
Not able to install google play services!
I can't install google play services, either from play store or from a downloaded APK.
When I downloaded it from play store, the following error was displayed:

incompatible with other apps using same user id

I can't login to my Google+ account.
I can't factory reset my phone as my progress in game clash of clans will be lost so other solutions are preferable.
I'm rooted.
Android version: 4.0.3
Model: xoloA500

If the error you're getting includes an error code (usually a number), you could check our google-play-store tag-wiki for a possible solution (it lists the most common errors).

Possibly your installation of Android's lost track of what apps have what UIDs? In most custom recoveries (TWRP definitely) there's an option to 'fix permissions', which might fix this problem.


text:
Extract & repack system.img for Nexus 5 lolipop
I'm following this link to extract; make some changes & then repack system.img which is present in nexus 5 image. (Version Tag android-5.1.1_r9)
The guide works for 4.1.1, but not for 5.1.1_r9.
Because, there is no sparse_crc32.c & simg2img.c present in ext4_utils folder.
So how can I extract & repack the img file.
P.S. - I dont know much about gcc.
Please help.
Thank You

Those files have been moved to another location:
check folder libsparse/ in the following repo
https://android.googlesource.com/platform/system/core/
I have checked it with 6.0.1 image, and it works.


text:
Retrieval of contacts from gmail
Good day. How do i retrieve/send contacts from my gmail, to my android device. The con acts were not saved on my phone or SIM card, only on the gmail account.
Please help.
Thanx

You can sync your gmail contacts to your S6 like this:
Go to:

Settings
Accounts
Google
Click on your account name
Toggle Sync Contacts On
On upper right corner select More
Select Sync Now

You can use as alternative to only show your gmail contacts not store them on the phone like this:
Go to:

Contacts
Upper right side select More
Settings
Select Contacts to display
Select your google account (or select the first option but this will show you all contacts from all accounts / or select customized list and edit witch account should show what)

Thanx for the response.  I tried both these methods before I posted my question and neither of them work. I thought that it was perhaps because my contacts were not stored on my S6 or on my SIM. However, when my cell service provider did a remote access test on my phone (we downloaded a link that gave them access to my S6) we added her account to my phone and her contacts immediately were added to my contacts list, even though her contacts had never been saved on my S6 or my SIM before. This led us to believe that it must be a setting on my gmail account .


text:
How to disable the droplet/beep sound of the lateral volume buttons on Samsung Galaxy A3?
I have a Galaxy A3 with Android 5.0.2 and when I press the sound buttons in order to turn the volume up or down, those buttons make a beep/droplet sound. How can I disable this sound?
I know it was possible on previous devices, as I have a Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet, where these annoying beeps are disabled.
Is there a way to do that in perhaps in Settings or with the installation of a third party app?


text:
How can I connect to an android device using its hostname instead of its IP?
I have 4.2 version.
I developed application which implements a webserver on the device. so If I want to connect to the device all I need to do is address its ip: http://192.168.10.x:8080.
I want to replace the IP with a predefined host name, just like 'computer name' in windows: http://android_device:8080.
I found that I need to use Netbios, but I dont know how to activate a service like that.
Is it possible? I dont mind rooting the device.
thanks!
Asaf

I suppose a dynamic DNS updater can help. See https://play.google.com/store/search?q=dyn+dns

If you have an answer, I'd appreciate it at https://android.stackexchange.com/q/230644/22600 Thanks!

That's not an Android specific question, but rather general networking stuff. You need something to resolve the name. As the IP you've named points to a "local network", and if you want to connect from a single computer only, the easiest way to achieve this is making use of the Hosts file of your computer's OS. On Linux this is /etc/hosts, where you can simply add a line like this:
192.168.10.15 android_device

That's it. Syntax is the same on other OS's, just the location of the file might differ: see this section of the linked Wikipedia page for details.


text:
Recover deleted files in Android
I have deleted some files by mistake on my Android mobile, and I'd like to get them back. I tried using Dr. Fone, but it brought me A LOT of documents and images back which are not even deleted, for example it showed me icons used in Viber, icons used in Skype. It showed ALL documents even non deleted. And on top of that, when I tried to recover a document, it asked me to pay and so on. I'd like to have a free solution for this.
I tried an App called: Undeleter, but it asked me to if my device is rooted or not, and it told me that my device does not appear to be rooted. (I don't know what rooted means). What should I do? I am an absolute beginner and any hint is appreciated.
Thanks.

There are 2 methods of recovery at the top of my head:
Making an image of the entire flash partition that contained the files and using filters to find deleted but not yet overwritten data.
For this to be successful you definitely need root access, which means to have access to the highest system privileges in Android.
You need them to access the device directly.
There are Android apps and Linux Programs (you can run those aside of android if you have root access) that do scrape the deleted files for still whole enough files automatically.
To get root access on your device I may redirect you to xda-developers.com/root wwhich has also a nice explanation what root does.
--
This method has less chances of success but does not require root access.
Copies of the files in question that remained in cache folders. (Often the case with images.)
Therefore just search through any folder including hidden ones for folders with words like tmp or cache, maybe there is a thumbnail version still left.
Search with a file manager, not with the gallery. Most file managers have an option to show hidden files and folders in their settings.
--
Also here is some plausible guide from Androidpit that recommends specific apps.
https://www.androidpit.com/how-to-recover-lost-data
I am not affiliated with Androidpit.
I know very well how to do a root recovery manually but can not test any apps that automate it because I dont have an android phone right now. (3310 ftw)


text:
Where does Lollipop stores notification policy?
Unlike its predecessor Android versions which saves notification policy in the file /data/system/notification_policy.xml (the file which saves the package name of apps you've selected to stop giving notifications by unchecking "Show notifications" from Settings → Apps → your app name) Lollipop doesn't seem to follow that concept.
I have a Oneplus One running rooted CyanogenOS 12 (CM12). I also tested Paranoid ROM (AOSP) running Lollipop and the behavior remains same i.e. disregard for that file.
In the logcat's output the entries I see when I uncheck and later check "Shows notifications" for an app (e.g. AutomateIt) is:

[ 08-24 15:46:43.441   899: 1966 V/NotificationService ]
enabling notifications for AutomateIt.mainPackage

[ 08-24 15:47:01.361   899: 1966 V/NotificationService ]
disabling notifications for AutomateIt.mainPackage

Surprisingly, the source code of Notification Manager Service doesn't seem to disregard the said file.
So, where does Lollipop keeps notification policies which are effectively executed by system?
Edit: Compared to Android Kitkat or below, how Lollipop uses that file? Can a user simply change the content in that file and expect the notification policy for an app to be changed after a reboot. The process is very simple in Jelly Bean though.

Since this commit notification policy settings were migrated from the separate /data/system/notification_policy.xml file to the generic AppOps subsystem. Now they are stored in /data/system/appops.xml together with other AppOps settings.

+1. Based on the answers here it would seem that appops is not specific to CM ROMs which answers my earlier (now deleted) comment.


text:
"Show notifications" is greyed out for some apps. What's causing it and how do I change it?
There are some apps for which "Show Notifications" is greyed out, thus effectively barring you from changing the notification policy of that app.

Why or when does it happen?
I've noticed this issue for system apps only? Does it mean that only system apps can have this option greyed out?
How do I change the notification policy for such apps?

(Click image to enlarge)

I have a rooted Android 4.2.1, 4.4.2 and 5.0.2. I'm aware of changing the notification policy in Android 4.2.1 and 4.4.2. You may move the focus to Lollipop, only for third point.

Related: Unchecking the "show notifications" for the Phone app

There are some apps for notification settings, some of them claiming to be capable of that. I've not tested any, so I cannot say for sure.

@Izzy Thanks for the link. Using notifications_policy.xml in Android 4.2 and 4.4, I can  easily disable app notifications for any of the app regardless of that greyed out check-box, so I don't have to rely on third-party apps. But the issue is more conceptual, the reason I asked three questions under one hood.

Ah, so you've got a partial solution already – but look for a final one :) Well, I'm not aware on any not requiring a 3rd party app (which you surely would prefer). If there's really no such, feel free to post your answer with an app from my list, if you found a satisfying candidate. Good luck!

jan's answer already addresses how to change the notification policy for such (disabled "show notifications") apps.
As for why and when (or essentially, in what condition it applies), your guess of system apps is on the right track.
To be exact, as Sergey has explained in the comment, only packages that are signed with the platform key (from vendor/manufacturer, e.g. AOSP) will have this privilege. These packages are part of the core platform. Other preinstalled apps (including apps with some special privileges, which are signed with the shared or media key) and "system" apps (apps which are put on /system/app folder and granted access right) are not counted.
Summary: as of the latest version (Android 5.1.1 Lollipop), the checkbox is disabled if:

The app is signed with platform key (part of the core platform), or
The app is not installed on the current user (in multi-user case)

From InstalledAppDetails.java (this is what "App Info" displays),
private CompoundButton mNotificationSwitch; // this is the "show notifications" checkbox

...

private void initNotificationButton() {

    ...

    if (Utils.isSystemPackage(mPm, mPackageInfo)) {
        mNotificationSwitch.setEnabled(false);
    } else if ((mPackageInfo.applicationInfo.flags & ApplicationInfo.FLAG_INSTALLED) == 0) {
        // App is not installed on the current user
        mNotificationSwitch.setEnabled(false);
    } else {
        mNotificationSwitch.setEnabled(true);
        mNotificationSwitch.setOnCheckedChangeListener(this);
    }
}

Note:

Utils.isSystemPackage() returns true only for packages signed with the platform key.
This doesn't apply on Android 6.0 Marshmallow due to overhaul on App Info's user interface; there's no checkbox, instead there's a centralized notification settings per app. However, the underlying principle is still the same that you cannot block notifications on an app that is system package.

Thanks for the link. But in My Paranoid and RR Rom some system apps like HTML viewer, Launcher, Download and more doesn't have that option greyed out. It would be much appreciated if a bit more reasoning concerning my point 1 and 2 is provided.

@Firelord Utils.isSystemPackage() returns true only for packages signed by the platform key, which should be used only for packages which are part of the core platform. Other preinstalled apps (including apps with some special privileges, which are signed with the shared or media key) are not considered as “system” apps here.

With root access, there are some apps such as 3c Toolbox that allow you to change the notification settings for any app. App Ops is another one that gives you control over all apps' general permissions.
You can actually manage all app permissions from the command line with root access. In Android 5.x, appops was added. It gives control over general app permissions.
Find your app's package name by looking through the list generated by:
# pm list packages | sed 's/^package://'

Get a list of permissions and their mode (allow/ignore/deny/default) for a particular app:
(Note that get parameter is not available in 5.0.2 or earlier Lollipop releases, but was introduced in  Android 5.1.0)
# appops get <package_name>

Set a particular app's permission:
# appops set <package_name> <permission> <mode>

To accomplish the same thing as unticking the "show notifications" box in the application manager:
# appops set <package_name> POST_NOTIFICATION ignore

From my experience, using deny as a mode can break appops so that permissions can't be accessed or changed from an app, so I recommend using ignore, which is what the system uses.
If in some case, you end up breaking access to app ops through something like the application manager, you can reset the permissions for an app:
appops reset <package_name>

For more control over detailed permissions, you can use pm in the terminal. This works with older Android versions.
Find your app's package name by looking through the list generated by:
# pm list packages | sed 's/^package://'

Then list the permissions for a particular package:
# pm list permissions <package_name>

Find the notifcation permissions:
# pm list permissions <package_name> | grep NOTIF

Grant or revoke a particular permission:
# pm grant <package_name> <permission>
# pm revoke <package_name> <permission>

The permissions listed with package manager are very detailed. Using a capable app to manage them may be a more practical route.

Hi! I added some info about get parameter availability  because it was confusing me since Android 5.0.2 or any 5.0.x release doesn't have it. Feel free to rollback, but why would you? :)

Jan, how do you revoke an app's ability to show a toast in Android 4.4.2? Unlike 4.2.1 Kitkat has appops.xml but doesn't have the binary appops for us to do anything with that file. And changing that file does nothing even after reboot. I'm interested in this question. See if you can help there or at least here. Thanks!

@Firelord, thanks for making that modification. I wasn't aware of the appops difference between Lollipop versions. Also, I went ahead and posted to the link you provided here. It got a little to long to post as a comment.


text:
A swipe on status bar opens on quick setting instead of notifcation panel
In short: any idea how to set a swipe on the status bar to open the notification panel, not the quick settings one? (It was the default setting before I installed/uninstalled an app)
The whole story:
Samsung Galaxy SIII 4G GT-i9305, Android 4.4.4, rooted
Nova launcher
Xposed messed up my settings. Before I intalled this app the notification panel, was fine, it opened the notification panel by default (not the quick setting one). So I had this panel:

Now when I open the notification panel, it opens on the quick setting panel so I have to click on the lines icon (top right) to get back to the notification panel.
This is annoying. I did restart, pull the battery, restart, pull the battery, but the change made by Xposed remains: my notification panel open on the quick setting panel. See here:

I'm not looking for an app, but the right file I should edit to get back the settings I had before installing stickmount. Any idea what files could have been edited, could keep this setting modification even after uninstalling the app?
Thanks for your help!
EDIT: in Safe Mode, the problem is solved because the Xposed update is removed

CM has an option like this called Smart Settings which opens quick settings when swiped from the right of the screen. Maybe you have something set up like that as well?

Putting the phone in Safe Mode (when swipe down in the status bar, it open the notification panel)
Restart the phone in normal mode

If this doesn't work, first go in recovery mode and swipe cache and then redo the 2 steps above.
The safe mode actually remove the Xposed update, so I can't have both Xposed and the notification panel with a simple swipe.
P.S: I didn't try Adem answer (I don't have a backup of the build.prop).

Maybe it's some TouchWiz bug and if you can't figure out what's wrong, you could use a third party app called Color Status Bar.
It has some themes built-in for notification panels.
Or you could also have a look at some modded TouchWiz-like notification app in this XDA thread
EDIT:
If the issue is solved in Safe mode, then its evidence that downloaded app caused the phone to behave that way.
Safemode allows you to boot up your device with only the core pre-loaded applications running, meaning any apps you’ve downloaded won’t be running.
Copy the build.prop to external sdcard when in safemode and compare it with the build.prop when the issue occured. That will give some insight on  why it might've occured.
Restore that build.prop, if the issue is still not solved in Normal mode.

Thanks for this, I did what you say. When Color Status Bar is active, the panel open first on Notification but the notification doesn't have all the settings I had on the original notification (so it's no a good solution). Also I am very dependent on my battery so the less app of this kind I have, the better it is. Uninstalling Color Status Bar didn't revert the notification panel to the default. (It's not uninstalling StickMount that caused the problem it's installing it, unfortunately uninstalling StickMount didn't revert to the default behavior)

Try to restore your build.prop to original. Worked for me.

What's the reasoning behind it?

I don't know, but I had the same issue. I tried everything, and this was the one thing that helped.

Thanks Adem! I don't have a backup of the build.prop and I could solve  the problem by going into Safe Mode (see selected answer)

If you Nova launcher Prime, check whether swipe down gesture is attributed to Quick settings or not.
Nova Settings -> Gestures & Inputs -> Swipe down.

Thanks but this is only available  with Nova Prime (paid version). Putting the phone in Safe Mode resolve the problem.

authors: LïZïtÀ öRtËgÄ


text:
What are the security implications of enabling NFC on my Andriod device?
My first NFC-capable Android device (running Lollipop) is on its way. I've been doing some research, and got some info on how NFC events are handled internally, but I'd like some more practical information on how careful I need to be when I have NFC enabled. For example:

I've read that the NFC is only on while the screen is on. Is this universally true?
If I just want to set up some custom tags to control settings on my device (around the house, work, car), is there a way to whitelist the tags I want to trust, and reject or require manual confirmation of any other tags? (I'm guessing if this functionality exists it would require a third party app?)
Is it possible for a malicious device somewhere masquerading as, for example, a simple URL tag to use Android Beam or similar functionality to skim information off my device without my knowledge?

Pretty sure #1 is false.

It sounds like you're overthinking the capabilities of NFC. Most devices are configured so that the phone must be unlocked in order for an NFC to be triggered (this can be overridden with an app). Unless you place you phone on a tag with the screen on and unlocked, the tag won't be read.

Right, but what if I do deliberately tap something expecting it to just be, say, a URL, and instead it tries to skim information from my device. Is such a thing possible?

It definitely is possible for a tag to not do what you think and there is no way of finding out until scanned. But this is a similar concern to the risks you take using public Wi-Fi or having NFC-chipped credit cards that can be scanned right through your wallet. Personally, I haven't seen an abundance (or any, for that matter) of public NFC tags asking to be scanned. I use NFC tags specifically for what you are looking to do- like setting a timer when I put clothes in the dryer. If I saw a tag out in public, I would think long and hard before scanning it.


text:
Format of phone number in imported contacts
I created a VCF file (VCARD version 2.1) of contacts and imported it into an Android 5 phone. A Motorola Moto G 2nd generation.
The VCF has phone numbers formatted correctly for the UK (e.g. "01234 567890")
BEGIN:VCARD
VERSION:2.1
N:;John;Smith
FN:John Smith
TEL;HOME;VOICE:01234 567890
REV:20150824T162717Z
END:VCARD

but Android has altered them to a format that looks like a US format ("012-345-67890).
How can I stop this happening?


text:
Run Bash Script from Terminal
I have modified a kernel's ramdisk to include a "settings" terminal run bash script.
However, when I type in terminal
su
dp

I get file is not found.  dp exists in the ramdisk as /sbin/dp
I've attempted to create a symlink on flashing it with the following
symlink("/system/bin/dp", "/sbin/dp");

However, I notice the symlink is never created (yes, I have data, system, and cache mounted during the flash process)
How can I ensure dp is run via just typing in the above?

/system/bin should be in the PATH for that. Have you made your script executable by the user trying to invoke it (e.g. chmod 0755 /system/bin/dp)? I place my "user stuff" in /system/xbin, which is also in the path, and never had any issues with them not being executable (unless I forgot those permissions, of course).

well.... the script is in /sbin/dp   What I want to do is create the dymlink to /system/bin (or /system/xbin)

Just wondering why. Isn't /sbin in your $PATH? For me it is. Apart from which: I'm not sure if your call to symlink() is correct (not familiar with that one from flashing). For the CLI tool, syntax would be ln -s <file> <link>. Maybe you've just got it the wrong way around? The code in your question puts the target (link) first, and the source (file) last.

Not sure why it's not in my path.   Yeah, I was thinking of executing a shell command to do it...  we'll see how that goes :)


text:
Can one achieve directory permissions on Android?
On any android device 99.5% of the apps want the permission "Write / Read contents of SD card" in a combination with "Full network access".
Theoretically these 2 permissions are enough for the app to read all of my personal files (cloud storage) and send them to their server. Is there a way to only permit apps access to their folders?
Why do all apps have access to all folders? Why is such a basic concept not implemented?

You would need a permissions manager. Look around on this site. Your question is already  answered. (Hint: apps like XPrivacy, Privacy Guard, and more).

Folder level permissions are not a good choice for sdcard (whether it is emulated or external). It makes things more complicated.
By default, sdcards are mounted noexec, no binaries are able to execute from sdcard. Needless to mention, many external sdcards at the moment are formatted with fat32, permissions arent an option for them.
Every app has their own uid/gid. If an app has to have exclusive read/write permissions (preventing other apps to read that content) onto a folder on sdcard, then chances are that the folder is inaccessible to other apps. This kind of situation breaks things.
For eg, Music files go under Music folder on sdcard. If that folder has exclusive permissions to only a particular music app, then U cannot have multiple music players on your device.
Another example is a third party file manager cannot even access all the content on sdcard, which makes file manager pointless.
If at all such concept is available, chances are that android/google enforces sorting of files/folders on our sdcards. I wouldn't prefer that. I would rather like to have files/folders sorted the way I prefer, not the way someone enforces me to.

Bharat G,  hi, noexec can be overriden on a rooted device by exec'ing the binary as su from the sdcard in the same fashion of a script ./binary

Why do all apps have access to all folders?

That's because that's the explicit purpose of external storage, to share data between applications that have not necessarily been designed to work together.
If an application you use is storing private data in external storage, stop using that application. Application developers and users alike often got the misconception that external storage is for storing large files. That thinking is wrong and dangerous. If a data isn't intended to be shared, they should be stored in the internal storage, no matter how large they are. Another dangerous misconception is equating external storage with SD Card.

Why is such a basic concept not implemented?

That's an incorrect assumption. As of Android 4.4, applications can access an application specific directory in the external storage without holding the broad READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE/WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission. Starting from Android 4.4, those permissions are only necessary if an application wants to either use data shared by another application through external storage.


text:
Disable Notification Vibration for Specific Apps
I would like to change a setting for my Android (v5.1.1) to make my YouTube app show notifications (on the Lock Screen and Status Bar as it currently does), but without vibration and sound.  That is, I want to override the default notification volume/vibrate settings.
Looking at other Android StackExchange questions such as this one, it appears that this might be a feature I would need to rely on the developers of the app to implement.  Assuming this is not the case, is there is any setting that would allow app notifications while disabling the volume/vibrate only for that app?

Via https://www.xda-developers.com/stop-vibrations-android-apps/ :
Vibration can be disabled per-app with an adb command:
adb shell
cmd appops set [package] VIBRATE ignore

The [package] is usually something like "com.somecompany.someappname". There are a various programs that will let you see the name of apps (the page there suggests one), but
adb shell 'pm list packages -f'

should do it as well.
More detailed info about installing and using adb is listed at the top link or in other answers on SE.

Seriously, this is the only way?

@0xC0000022L: If there is another way, I don't know of it. I agree that it seems excessive for this to be necessary; the ability could easily have been made revokable via GUI in Android's per-app "App info" settings, just as various app permissions can be slid to "off" and "Manage app notifications>Block all" can be set to "On", but it is what it is.


text:
im tring to recover my freinds contacts but when i go to gmail it will not let me put in his gmail account how do i do this
how do I recover my contacts from my freinds Google email account he lost his phone and when I go to gmail it won't except his email account only mine because it's my phone.

Welcome! Poor question. -1. Please [edit] your question and fix the spelling and grammar, then ping me using a comment beginning with "@unforgettableid:" afterwards.

You can ask him to export his Google contacts as a .csv or .vcf file and send that file to you. Then import that file from the contacts app in your phone.


text:
Usb connection malfunction
I had samsung galaxy tab 10.1 gt-p7510 wifi only version.
couple of weeks back, my tab couldn't connect to my pc or any other PC I've tried on.
It says the Usb connection malfunctioned and is not recognized..
whats the problem, how do I solve this...?

Some PCs may not recognize the Galaxy devices; if by PC you mean Windows, you can install the USB drivers by installing Samsung Kies.
One possibility is to try different USB ports, but since you have tried other PCs this seems less likely.
If the drivers are installed, the cable is the next likely culprit. Some cables are only for charging. You could borrow one to try, but data-transfer cables are cheap.
http://forums.androidcentral.com/samsung-galaxy-tab-2/302789-samsung-galaxy-tab-2-7-0-usb-device-not-recognized.html
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1861433

I've installed kies and tried it on both windows 7 & 8 but still the same problem is there, maybe i should try another USB port.

In the meantime I tried installing on my own Galaxy Tab Pro and Kies didn't work for me. Instead I used the directions in the following link; it took Windows a while, but it finally did recognize the drivers. http://www.android.gs/download-samsung-usb-drivers-for-android/  If the drivers turn out not to be the problem, try with a different USB cable.


text:
is there any problem if i reset my unrooted andoif mobile that is previously rooted?
My phones play store is not connecting to internet it shows connection error.... and some of the app is not connecting to internet. I think factory reset may solve this problem but I have rooted my phone and then unrooted. what will happened if I reset my phone?   device name : Intex Aqua Q5 (released recently) currently no firmwares available on the internet.  Android Version : 4.4 kitkat

"what will [happen] if I reset my phone?" -- take backup first. You would lose third-party apps, apps data, all custom settings and more. I don't know how your stock recovery would reset the phone so take backup of internal SD card as well.

This seems to be an XY problem. Instead of trying to get your supposed solution working: Why not rather asking the real question? Have you checked with the first-aid given in our google-play-store tag-wiki?

Resetting your phone won't cause any problems, but all third party apps will uninstalled. If you don't want to reset you could try booting into safe mode instead.


text:
Should I re-lock bootloader after flashing developer preview on nexus 5?
I have flashed the Android M developer preview 3 on my Nexus 5 phone, for which I was required to unlock the bootloader. Now that the flashing has completed successfully, should I re-lock my bootloader? I had seen threads on xda siting that phones could get into boot-loop if bootloader is locked after flashing. I have no custom recoveries installed or the system is "as is" received from google. So do I relock or will it soft brick my phone? I am only a noob. Please be detailed.

Come on, no answers? Where are you guys?

Nobody is answering? That's weird.

AFAIK, in general, you can safely relock the bootloader, but you will need to unlock it again to flash/root. I haven't tried relocking the bootloader, but I guess since you're using developer preview, relocking it might be bad. Just wait until Android release the final version of Android 6.0, flash it and relock the bootloader if you want.

Don't take a risk until stable version of android M is released. And you also want to recover it to your original firmware. locking-bootloader will make it difficult for you!

I keep nothing on my phone that I cannot afford to loose. So regarding wipe when unlocking bootloader, I can wipe it anytime. Only thing is, it must not brick my device.

Yep, It can brick your phone and will loose your phone.

I hope this answers your question.


text:
Is it possible to start an infinite loop within init.d?
I would like to create an init.d script to control the fan of my Odroid XU3 under Lollipop 5.1.1, CyanogenMod 12.1.
I already make one on linux which is working well and would like to port it to android.
The script is an infinite loop which is active every 5 secs. Is the Android init.d module able to use an infinite loop will it brick the device ?
https://github.com/AlexisTM/Odroid-XU3-Fan-Control-services

Couldn't you run that loop in a script file (using e.g. while TRUE), and start it as a "daemon" in the background (i.e. with an & appended on its call)?

Sure I can ! It was just for information ! Thanks !


text:
Running your own .sh script at vold.decrypt=trigger_shutdown_framework via init.rc (android 5.0)
I want to workaround a vendor bug in an Android 5.0 phone (chinese, MTK, no proper source)
Problem is due to a bug in some binary, /data is not properly released on
vold.decrypt=trigger_shutdown_framework

and
vold.decrypt=trigger_reset_main

As a result, /data does not unmount (even if fuser -m and lsof report no process "holding" it)
A workaround is to use busybox to do a "busybox umount -l /data", encryption goes to proceed fine then, but you can't do it over ADB every time you want to DEcrypt your phone (remember, bug manifests for trigger_reset_main too!)
So, my idea was to change init.rc along the lines of
on property:vold.decrypt=trigger_reset_main
    start forcedata
    class_reset main

on property:vold.decrypt=trigger_load_persist_props
    load_persist_props

on property:vold.decrypt=trigger_post_fs_data
    trigger post-fs-data

on property:vold.decrypt=trigger_restart_min_framework
    class_start main

on property:vold.decrypt=trigger_restart_framework
    class_start main
    class_start late_start

on property:vold.decrypt=trigger_shutdown_framework
    start forcedata
    class_reset late_start
    class_reset main

And then declare a service
# CUSTOM FORCEDATA SERVICE
service forcedata /system/bin/sh /forcedata.sh
    disabled
    oneshot

And put an forcedata.sh file in ramdisk which basically contains the busybox umount -l /data thing
BTW, Lolipop, nastily, no longer allows you to push messages to logcat, so debugging this one is becoming extra-hard
Problem:
The script doesn't run at all.
I suspect it is due to Selinux shenanigans, but can't verify for sure (logcat does not appear to contain useful pointers)
Did anyone here have success with running .sh scripts via init.rc modification under Lolipop, and if so, how do you do that ?
P.S.:
Using Carliv to un/re pack the boot.img


text:
Remove "ad-type.google.com" adware in any Android device browser
ad-type.google.com is appearing regularly whenever I access the web through Chrome. It's a new adware and there are no solutions available other than

Go to system Settings > Applications > Chrome > Clear cache

But this seems to be not working. After few minutes, it appears again in few devices, we can't uninstall the browser in Nexus devices. Factory reset also doesn't work according to few of them who tried
Related link on Google product forum.

Based on a thread on Android Central forum, disable JavaScript for temporary solution. Also, it might the case that not only your device, but your router is affected too. Will research more about it.

Also, some info on Avast forum... probably changing DNS might help.

ad-type.google.com redirect adware has been most stubborn malware on the internet now.
Step 1: Disable JavaScript in all your browsers
Step 2: Install Malwarebytes Anti-malware for android
This should inhibit the infection.
If Problem persists go ahead with next step
Step 3: Your router might be infected too.
 Ask your ISP(internet service provider) to change your DNS server settings.
Also see protect your phone from infecting

changing DNS server settings possible with 3g/4g/3g ?

@LOG_TAG you have redirecting virus when using wifi or mobiledata?

@LOG_TAG you can change DNS settings in 3G/4G using OverrideDns app. Your device should be rooted though.

while using mobiledata it's redirecting

@LOG_TAG there;'s no solution for mobile data yet, as for WiFi you can use   OverrideDns app but needs root access

Thanks for the info, what I did is downgraded to kitkat and upgraded to Nexus 5 android M image, now it's working fine.  I'm not sure it's a right solution

Malwarebytes Anti-malware helps me saving a lot of time. I've tried to reset my ASUS Z010D several times but it is still infected with ads. After scanning with this tool, the AsusNetwork.apk has been discovered that it has a high risky.

There is host file in /system/etc/ Folder. You need ROOT access.

Just go to host file using root browser.
Open it with text editor.
Write following code : ad-type.google.com 74.125.224.72

You will now go to google.com PAGE.

while using wifi it's loading fine!! when I switch from wifi to 3g adware popups redirects , any reason?

I can't root my device, any chance wait for google chrome update will work??

Currently this is the solution i know. If you solve it let us know!

Adbock for non-rooted devices
Adfree for rooted devices
The two above adblockers should help you block the ads, but they can't fix the problem for you. You'll need to root your phone and follow the answer from Saif-RX that is at the top of the page.

Faced the same issue for the past one week. Have tried the below

Installed AV and ran scan. nothing helped. [Didnt Help]
Cleared Chrome cache [Didnt Help]
Disabled Javascript. it worked but few contents were missing in the webpages. [Partially worked]

Was about to factory reset the phone but did one last thing which helped.
Settings-> Storage -> Cached Data. Cleared this and the problem is resolved.
Try this. This should work. Worked for me :)..
Hope this helps

This website is responsible for the browser redirection (http://www.onclickads.net/)
You need to block it in order to stop the malware that redirects your browser
I blocked it in my home router and since then when i am on that wifi, i get no redirections

If you are using UC browset go to
Browser setting-----> clear records ----> clear all record
It will definately help.


text:
How can I test functioning of internal component (sensors, NFC, pedometer etc...)
I recently dropped my LG G3 in water. I opened it and let it dry for a long time.
It now work properly but some components does not seems to work anymore. For example light sensor, proximity sensor or pedometer seems broken.
Is there any way, or application, to have a full check-up of my phone component to see what is going on ? I want to see if all component are still detected or not and if I can do anything about it.
Thanks in advance for your help.

Try these :
Sensor Kinetics
The Sensor Kinetics app is an advanced monitor for the standard sensors that are available on Android devices. It offers a comprehensive look at the dynamics of the combined functionality of the sensors. The app demonstrates the use of each of the sensors and provides a look at the charts associated with each of them to know how fast the sensors are operating. The chart viewers allow users to measure the accuracy and behavior of the sensors.
(Click Image to enlarge)

Sensor Box for Android
Sensor Box for Android detects all available sensors on your Android device, and vividly shows you how they work with amazing graphics. Sensor Box for Android also tells you which sensors are supported by the hardware, and provides extremely useful sensor tools that could be used in our daily life.

Sensor Test
The Sensor Test application is a capable tool that is ultimately designed with the aim to detect the functionality of each of the sensors that are available on the user’s Android device. It displays the default sensors and shows the real time data and information of each sensor. This app provides support to Triggers sensors and supports devices running on Android 4.3 and above.
Phone Tester
The Phone Tester is an application that lets users to analyze and detect if the components and hardware of their device are operating correctly. Apart from checking the functionality of the sensors on the device, users can also detect Wi-Fi, telephony, GPS, multi-touch, battery and system information. The app also comes in a Pro version that shows more information including phone memory, CPU speed and SD card memory without any ads.
AndroSensor
The AndroSensor is a complete diagnostic tool allows users to know everything about their Android device and its status. It supports all the sensors on the device and detail on which of these sensors actually work or which of them are supports by the device hardware. The tool displays the real time sensor details in both graphical and text form and users can also record sensor data using the AndroSensor QuickBar into a CSV file.
Sensor Checker
Sensor Tester checks the functionality from Your Android Device. Many Apps use sensors, but it is possible that Your device doesn´t support these sensors or are defective. With Sensor Checker You see which sensors are supported and if they work right. An example for a sensor app is a magnetic field sensor app like compass, or some apps where You have to shake your device.
Try also: Sensors Multitool & Sensors Test

Thanks for this very complete answers. Moreover I used CPU-Z and Elixir. witch confirmed me that most of my sensors were broken.

You can try Lg G3 hidden testing menu to test all the components
Depending on the carrier, your codes will be different. Check out the list below:

AT&T: 3845#*850#
Sprint: 5689#*990#
T-Mobile: 3845#*851#
Verizon Wireless: ##228378 (+ send)
International Models: 3845#*855#

Just dial the codes in your dialer.
Source:http://lg-g3.wonderhowto.com/how-to/unlock-hidden-menu-run-diagnostic-test-your-lg-g3-0156740/

Where is the source? See How to reference material written by others.


text:
recursive adb pull a directory using $EXTERNAL_STORAGE parameter
I wish to pull a directory from an Android device which contains screenshots, reason why, is that I don't know the name of these screenshots to pull them 1 by 1, so pulling the directory seemed a better idea.
My command is,
adb pull "\\$EXTERNAL_STORAGE/screen/" .

However I get the error,
remote object '\\$EXTERNAL_STORAGE/screen/' does not exist

I have tried with and without the trailing '/' but both same error message, and I have verified that 'screen' does actually exist.
My question, is it even possible to pull a directory, as opposed to individual files, and if so, what am I doing incorrect?
EDIT:
I have read a similar issue, but my device still shows the error above rather than "Is a directory"
Recursive adb pull
Thanks.

See this answer by Gilles. It should help in using that variable.

If the screenshots are getting saved in external SD card then I believe external SD card is set as default write-disk. In that case, you can do,
adb pull /sdcard/{YOUR_DIR}/ {TARGET_DIR}

I use my custom alias named adbshots which is,
/usr/bin/adb pull /sdcard/Pictures/Screenshots/ /root

thanks, this did work. I was attempting to utilise the EXTERNAL_STORAGE parameter but its fine. On further thought, I guess its that adb pull does not initialise local parameters like adb shell does; therefore it doesn't work.

Your $EXTERNAL_STORAGE seems to be a variable initialized in your OS. It needs to be a path like /XYZ/ABC/ -- the *nix way which ADB can use to trace the source dir in Android. While the question is solved, you may still troubleshoot the issue. See what is the value of $EXTERNAL_STORAGE.

$EXTERNAL_STORAGE points to the path of the external sdcard on the device.
adb shell echo \$EXTERNAL_STORAGE
/storage/emulated/legacy
I just wanted to use that to find te location of the ext sd card, I was unaware that /sdcard/ was basically a pointer to what I was attempting

It is true that $EXTERNAL_STORAGE points to the external SD card but the variable has its scope inside the Android. When you use it with adb pull, then ADB treats it as a variable defined in the host system, ultimately, the command would fail if the variable is not defined or initialized explicitly in your host or the current shell session.

try this. This should work.
adb pull /sdcard/screen/

Typical usage of adb pull goes by adb pull <remote> <local>. Please explain how your command is relevant for the objective OP wants to achieve.

Yes, that point is true that <local> is not needed if you want the source to be copied into the directory from where the shell is invoked from. But in your command, /sdcard/. is <remote> and screen is <local>. It would fail for sure.

Firelord Thanks for reply it was a mistake.I have corrected it.


text:
"You can't delete contacts from read-only accounts."
I'm trying to delete contacts from my Google account that's synced with my Nexus 5. It's synced as a Google account, not using Gmail IMAP or anything like that, but all of the contacts display this message when I try to delete them:
You can't delete contacts from read-only accounts, but you can hide them
in your contacts lists.

I don't understand why the Contacts app (default, from Google) is saying my Google account contacts are read-only. How do I correct this problem so I can fully edit contacts from my phone?

Tried both the proposed solutions, yet it still get the same warning. In the end I deleted unwanted contacts via the Contacts interface within desktop Gmail.

In case, this happen when add contacts wia others application, like whatsapp. The only way I found to delete this is going to contacts.google.com from some PC/laptop

Have you tried going into the Apps list (the All tab) and clearing data for Contacts and Contacts Storage?
Once that's done you can resync your phone with Google to get all of your original contacts back.

Mohammed your advice made me delete all my contacts

^ What he said!
However, I had to CLEAR and STOP both Contacts and Contacts-Storage.

Goto settings: Apps
Goto ALL TAB
Open: contacts: Clear-data, Clear-Cache, Force-stop
Open: Contacts-Storage: Clear-data, Clear-Cache, Force-stop
Goto settings: Accounts
Open: Google: Select (your) account
Select: Contacts: Toggle on/off (force sync)
You may have to force sync twice
Open your contacts app
Only contacts from Google-Contacts should be there
If not, you may have other contact accounts, or contacts stored on phone

Thanks!
In addition to this, being a Verizon customer I had to go into Accounts and disable the "Cloud" account.  Then I was able to delete contacts properly from the App. I believe the Cloud account is via Verizon and NOT Google which is where I rely on my backups/syncing to take place.  Great help otherwise.  Thanks.


text:
I deleted Android OS from my Karbonn device
I have a smart phone (Karbonn A50,Android version 2.3.6) which was rooted earlier.
While accessing my files on the memory card, I came to know that I can access the system files and apps:think OS. I've selected all the files and tapped to delete them and got a warning not to delete. On repeated trying, I was able to delete them to some extent and the device got stuck.
Then I removed battery and switched it on. Nothings works. The phone gets stuck on boot logo (karbon smart) and if try to switch it off it doesn't, until I remove the battery.
If connect to PC, it notifies that something has been detected but no device is seen in my computer. I can't access factory reset either.
Please help me.

hmm :( please do help man

You mean you deleted Files from /SYSTEM/ folder.
If yes then Bro you did a big mistake. Your device got corrupted.To recover  Download android ROM for your device from internet then go to download mode and flash it using ODIN .

You can download ROM from LINK: http://androidxda.com/download-karbonn-stock-rom-models
Download ODIN from http://odindownload.com/ (Requires PC)

I would NOT recommend downloading odin from that site. There are plenty of posts and etc on XDA saying that site packages viruses and malware with odin. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2712008&page=2 You can find plenty of legit links on XDA for odin.

hey can you please give in detail the process of getting download mode and flashing
thanx!

You can goto download mode by press and hold volume down button home button and power button together! Then when you will see download screen leave keys and follow instruction.

Connect usb cable to your phone and pc

Run ODIN and select rom you downloaded for your deice from above link.

Click Flash and wait. You phone will auto-reboot after complete.

After your OS will load, disconnect usb cable and do setup.

Done! Enjoy........ And hit the UP button of this answer.


text:
Queue up episodes in Play Movies & TV
In Google's native "Play Movies & TV", the app that plays your movie and TV content purchased from the Play Store, is there any way to queue up something to play next, or an option when watching a TV series to have it automatically play the next episode?
Maybe I've been spoiled by the Netflix app, but I was playing a TV series I had downloaded for my son on the Chromecast through a Nexus 7 tablet, and I kept having to manually select an episode to play once one was finished.  Sort of annoying since each episode was only ~10 minutes long.
I couldn't find any option for what I want but maybe I am missing something?

Use the YouTube app. Within the YouTube app under your account you can find purchases. Within purchases are playlists of seasons of TV shows which you can queue up to play in a row.
Netflix still does it better as it checks on you occasionally so you don't binge every episode.

Thanks!  I don't know if Youtube had that integration when I was originally looking for it, but you're right, it looks like I can get at those via the YouTube app and queue them up now!

New answer due to a new option within the Google Play movies settings. There is an option to enable binge watching which will autoplay the next episode in your library.

App version: 3.22.14 [AU]

With this option checked, it still doesn't work. At least when using Chromecast. I'm not sure if this works when not using Chromecast.


text:
How can I change the function of the volume key in messenges?
I have a Galaxy S5, android version 5.0
When I have the default messenges app open, if I press the volume key it increases or decreases the size of the font rather than the volume. Is there a way to change the function of the volume keys

Open the message app. Press the menu key. Choose settings. Choose "Display". Uncheck the option change font size.


text:
Combining Ghostery and HTTPS-Everywhere on Android?
On my PC (Windows 8.1) I am happily using Firefox with the Addons Ghostery and HTTPS-Everywhere. I really like this combination so I winder how I can achieve the same things on my Android phone.

I tried the Ghostery Browser for Android which however does not bring HTTPS-Everywhere-like functionality and offers no way to install such a plugin either.
I tried installig Firefox for Android and installing the Ghostify and HTTPS-Everywhere addons. This works quite well but is not very comfortable to use and quite slow. Also, Firefox crashes from time to time and does not cache loaded tabs in a way that they can still be viewed when offline without reloading. This is my favourite feature of Google Chrome and it would be a pity to do without.

So is there any way to combine the functionality of Ghostery, HTTPS-Everywhere and the nice Google Chrome functionality and its lightweightness?
... on Android?


text:
Connecting Android device to a basic TV
How can I connect my Android KitKat to a basic TV (not smart TV) with the cable of CD player or other? Any trick or tips?

Do you mean connect it to the tv, to play video? Or just connect the audio part?

Could you explain more clearly what do you want to achieve? With "the cable of CD player", you're giving a hint of using TV for audio output, but is that what you really want to do?

Depending on the Android device you are using, this will connect to an old TV:
RCA Compact RF Modulator
What are you using for the video out on the Android device?


text:
Disable cookies for specific sites in Firefox
Firefox on my PC allows me top disable cookies for specific sites by clicking on the website's icon. When cookies are disabled generally, I can enable them the same way in the menu behind the icon. Firefox on Android doesn't show this menu when I click on the icon. How can I disable/enable cookies for a specific site on Firefox for Android?

Do you've root access? Firefox for Android doesn't have in-built permissions manager interface neither it gives per-site option to change some settings. However, it does have the permissions.sqlite which holds permissions related to cookies. I guess you would need to manually edit that file to get the job done.

Yes I have root access. But does Firefox need additional permissions to modify its own cookies? It somehow must be able to access them, otherwise, I couldn't delete all cookies.

With Firefox 57 support for extensions not using the WebExtensions API was dropped. Before that, you could whitelist specific sites using the Cookie Whitelist for Fennec addon. The WebExtension API currently doesn’t offer a way for an extension to modify cookie permissions. Adding an API for that is discussed in Mozilla bug 1291841.
This leaves you with the following options:

Try to find an older version of Firefox for Android and use the old addon (not recommended due to missing security updates and because you could find an APK containing malware)
Wait for the API to be added
Try to modify permissions.sqlite manually as suggested by Firelord in the comments
Use another browser for sites needing cookies. I use Firefox Focus when I encounter a site needing session cookies. For sites needing permanent cookies to stay logged in you would need another browser.


text:
Why used internal memory is greater than total size of apps?
My phone reports 131MB internal memory use but when I add up the sizes of all apps in internal memory, it doesn't add up even to 100MB. I don't have any media whatsoever in the phone. What is the culprit for my ~30MB loss?
Edit: The storage space started to drop significantly after I have upgraded the stock Android Market app to Google Play Store app. After this, I think Google Play Services has been downloaded, which takes up a lot of space. Still, it should not be taking up that much space. Strangely, when I plugged my phone to my PC via USB, the reported internal storage dropped to 70MB again. I can't find an explanation for this.

Did you check all the files (including hidden files and cache)?

Most likely cache as @LorenoHeer said. Could also be photos, music files, videos and etc. Depending on your device. Look in the storage  option under Settings. It should tell you how much free/total space you have, then it should break it down into apps, media files, misc and etc.

Actually, when I plugged in my phone to my PC via USB, it dropped to 70MB. I can't find an explanation for this.


text:
Would uninstalling Play Store and Play Services delete user data on phone?
If I uninstall Google Play Store and Play Services will that delete files such as texts, pictures and more. My issue at hand is this error continuously appearing on my phone: "Google Play Services has stopped".

No, it would not delete your files.
You should always keep a backup of your data anyway. The error you are seeing is because these services are defined as system services and there could be some of the other background services which are are trying to access it.

Google Play store and Google Play services are system apps which require root permissions to be removed.
If you have root permissions, yes you can remove Play Store and Play Services completely and doing so will remove your google account from the device and might break other Google propreitary apps on system, if any. And no, it will not delete any texts, pictures, videos, or any files on sdcard. And if your device is on lolipop, removing Google Chrome might remove WebView and break Messaging app (it fails to open complaining about WebView). But messages are not deleted, once you restore Chrome they are back.
And if your device doesn't have root permissions, you cannot completely remove Play store and Play services as they are system apps. All You can do is to remove google account from device and uninstall updates for them. Be aware that if you don't remove Google account and uninstall updates for them, they still get autoupdated on their own. And no, uninstalling updates for play store and play services will not delete any texts, pictures, videos, or any files on sdcard. It should be safe.


text:
Unable to restore WhatsApp chat
I have followed all the possible ways to restore my WhatsApp chat, but I'm unable to do so.
I uninstalled and reinstalled WhatsApp three times and had my WhatsApp data in my SD card even after I moved it to my new phone. I'm unable to get my data back. I'm even unable to rename the backup files.
How do I restore the chats?

WhatsApp encrypted database needs same phone number to be decrypted.

Back up your chats on your old phone.
    Go to WhatsApp > Menu Button > Settings > Chat settings > Back up chats.
Transfer your External microSD card to your new phone if your WhatsApp/Database folder is located in your external microSD card.
    Please see below if your WhatsApp folder is located in your device's internal memory.
Install WhatsApp on your new phone.
You must have the same phone number in WhatsApp that you had when you backed up your chats.
Click Restore when prompted to restore your message history.

Note: You cannot restore chat history from any other phone type to Android, or from Android to another phone type.
Related discussion: I'm getting a new Android. How do I move my chat history over?


text:
Pictures do not appear at the gallery?
I'm using Android 4.1.2 (I tagged with 4.1 jelly bean because there is not a 4.1.2 tag, my phone is Samsung galaxy S3 mini.
If I open my gallery, in wich all pictures on the phone should be present, only pictures on picasa and pictures taken by the camera do show in the gallery. I have a lot of pictures in my phone, for example pictures on the downloads folder. They don't show up.
I tried with the answers of other questions and it was in vain.
I restarted the phone many times. I re-scanned the device with this app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.promethyl.force.media.scanner&hl=en
I went into settings, manage applications, all apps, I stoped the media storage app and the gllery app, also deleted all data (and thus the cache, in fact after deleting the data I tried to delete the cache but the phone didn't let me, I realized that it was because when deleting all the data, It also deleted the cache)
Also music on the phone do not display in the music application. I also deleted music app data, but still it's not there.
EDIT 07/09/2015: The solution that worked for me was to delete .nomedia "hidden" files, in particular a .nomedia file in the MAIN folder preventing the media scanner to scan anything in the main folder of the SDcard. After deleting it, all pictures everywhere seem to be scanned and they appear in the library.

Clear app data of Media Storage app.
Find and delete .nomedia files on sdcard.
And reboot.

Terminal command to delete .nomedia files recursively.
Install Terminal Emulator for Android app. Open it and enter the command.
find $EXTERNAL_STORAGE $SECONDARY_STORAGE -iname ".nomedia" -exec rm {} \;
NOTE: Since android 5.0 doesn't allow third party apps to delete contents of external sdcard, U may need root permissions before that command to delete any .nomedia files on external sdcard. In terminal emulator, Hit su and enter and grant root permissions before using that command.

how I find .nomedia files? Are they hidden files? I have to find them everywhere?

@Santropedro Bharat is suggesting that you download a terminal emulator from the play store and run the command they provided. It will search your SD card for all the .nomedia files and remove them.

I searched the nomedia files and I can remove them manually. Ill try first that to see how it goes

yes they are hidden files. Any file/folder name starting with period is hidden. U dont have to find them everywhere, only in the paths where u have media and want to show up in gallery/music/video players. I just gave that command for ease.

Yes, it worked, in some sense, but it worked! I just deleted a couple of nomedia files. There was a .nomedia file inside a very important folder, the PHONE folder. I think that means the scan was skipping everything inside the phone folder, wich is practically everything. I don't know when to accept an answer. I think I should wait some days to see what happens before accepting answer, to see if this is the definitive and permanent solution.

Ok. Better delete all .nomedia files recursively with the command. Coz u maynot get to all of them manually. Ur gallery might become crazy temporarily. And then put .nomedia file in /sdcard/Android/data/ and other folders that u think are not media ones.

+1 Could you link the app? I think you can also do find $EXTERNAL_STORAGE $SECONDARY_STORAGE -iname ".nomedia" -exec rm {} \; or find /storage/{sdcard0,sdcard1} -iname ".nomedia" -exec rm {} \; or find /storage/  -iname ".nomedia" -exec rm {} \; to nuke from any detected storage.

@Firelord , thanks for the suggestions. wasn't aware about the $SECONDARY_STORAGE variable.


text:
What are some steps to diagnose what is slowing down my LG G2 D800?
It just took me 40 seconds to switch from Facebook to my SMS.  (I got a message while I was in Facebook App, and I clicked on the SMS pop-up and it took good 40 seconds to make the switch)
While thankfully not everything takes this long, I am curious to try to diagnoze what could be the issue.  I have no idea where to begin.    Most other things take anywhere from good 2-5 seconds, like app switches, email send-offs, etc.
Can I have some troubleshooting steps I can use to make some steps towards speeding up my phone?
Factory Reset does help, but I have done 3 of those in the last 1.5-2 years and I would rather do something else now.  Maybe figure out what the issue is rather than just postponing it again via Factory Reset.

1) Try to free internal memory! Delete apps that you don't use, transfer photos to your pc, etc!
2) Disable unwanted apps! If you want, you can root your phone to remove bloatware, too! That helps a lot!
3) Use (one time per 15-20 days) a clean up app like cleanmaster, ccleaner etc! Delete it then, because daily usage it's not good for smartphone!
4) Clear cached date from apps that you use!
5) If all else fails, factory reset!


text:
LG G3 - 4.4.2 - Stop SMS converting to MMS
I used to have Nexus 4, I was able to disable SMS converting to MMS. It did not convert my messages to MMS when I do group messaging.
Now I have LG G3 with Andorid 4.4.2, when when I do group messaging, it sends it as MMS automatically.
i went to Messaging Menu - Creation Mode - Set it to "Restricted". it still does that. Is there any way to stop MMS completely?
Thanks for your time!

Welcome to the Android Enthusiasts! Similar questions have been asked here before and might be helpful for you. Please see the "related" section of this page: How can I prevent my device from automatically converting SMS to MMS? / Sending single SMS message to multiple contacts causes MMS, also Send SMS instead of MMS when texting multiple people.

Thanks Izzy. I have read through the answer already before posting the question. Almost all of them lead to this setting - "Under "Multimedia (MMS) Messages, uncheck the item that says: "Group messaging- Use MMS to send a single message when there are multiple recipients". but I don't have that option. Hence the reason for my question. i was able to do this on my Nexus 4. LG G3 does not seem to have it. Hard to believe a new phone would not support it.

Thanks for the additional details! Good to see you did your research before posting your question. Hint: in such cases, it's good to point that out in the question as well ("what you've tried and where that failed") – so people know they don't need to recommend the same things again :) // Sorry, as someone who rarely uses even SMS, I unfortunately cannot be of further assistance here. Good luck – hopefully someone else jumps in soon!

So what you need to do is; before you create the message, when you are at the screen where all of your text messages show up, tap the menu button in the to right of the screen. Then tap settings and go to multimedia message. Once there uncheck the box that says Group Messaging. This can only be done from the screen where you see all your other text messages and can create a new message. Not once you are in the text itself. Hope this helps.


text:
Wi-Fi works well in other devices but shows "limited connectivity" in my Sony Xperia Mini Pro
I have a BSNL router in my house. I can connect and browse using Wi-Fi in my laptop and my brother's and dad's mobile but it shows limited connectivity in my Sony Xperia Mini Pro.
It has WEP security. I've used that Wi-Fi earlier but now it shows as limited connectivity to mine alone. Even if I enter the wrong password, it shows "obtaining IP address" and shows "limited connectivity". I've also  used static IP address option in that. It gets connected in that case but I can't browse.
How do I solve this issue?

Mybe You have a firewall app that it limited your internet access
Check it

use dynamic ip address ..and forget network and restart  your mobile  and then enter correct password in wifi network .and  stay in wifi router range.


text:
Streaming audio from smartphone to PC without bluetooth
How should I do this if I wanted to stream Spotify using my smartphone but the audio comes from the speakers connected to my PC? I only have USB speakers that can't be connected to my smartphone using the 3.5 mm jack.

My first question would be: why not just stream Spotify right on the PC? You can stream right in a web browser or install the desktop app.
Second question: Could you please clarify your device and your PC?

Streaming or browsing directly could be blocked if it's at work, so it would be impossible to either stream or even download things. The PC probably lacks Bluetooth adapter too as many working PCs do.

@deags - Good points, but don't give up because of corporate blocks. For a long time, my company blocked Spotify so we couldn't use the desktop app or Spotify site via browser to stream... until I installed a VPN Proxy browser extension (like HOX) and then I could stream Spotify (and Pandora) in-browser while connected to the corporate network.
Granted, there are all types of corporate blocks, so installing browser extensions isn't always possible. You don't know until you try.

Fair point, but I can still think of a few more scenarios where you want to stream audio from phone: 1-Legally being unable to install stuff yourself on the work PC, there being no internet at all (rare but still possible). 2-The PC has no internet connection. 3-You want to listen to your mp3s (not Spotify though). 4- Someone's calling and you need everyone to listen but the phones speaker's are bad... but you have your computer there with slightly better audio or with recording software.

Connect your device android device and PC with Xender (app) and enjoy your phone as audio streaming server.


text:
How safe are downloadable lock apps?
I've noticed quite a few lock screen apps and some of them do seem to be rather interesting.
But, are they really that secure? I've seen some where I can bypass them by using the Recently Opened Apps list. I've also noticed that some of them show whatever was previously up when I turn my phone on again.
These shortcomings seem to imply that they're very easily circumvented. Is this true and is there a way to make them more secure?

To put it simply, we have to go back to basic: do you trust the developer of the lock screen apps? Take note that different Android version may give different behavior, and the developer doesn't/haven't tested them, so it might be a case of bug. And lastly, to make them more secure, give your feedback to the dev when you find the security hole!

It depends. Some are secure while most are insecure. For example there are finger print apps. Most of the people knows the trick so its insecure.

Pressing home button also bypasses app

If you feel you must have a different lock screen than the stock one available on your device, there is certainly a degree of insecurity. I used WidgetLocker for a few years on two HTC devices and it worked perfectly, but installed on a Samsung Galaxy S3 the app would unlock with a simple press of the home button.
It really does depend on the device you have as well as the app. You might be better off searching the web for instances where users have your device and what apps they specifically recommend.


text:
ClockWorkMod Recovery supports three backup formats. What's the difference between them? Which should I choose?
I'm using ClockworkMod Recovery v6.0.4.5.
One of ClockworkMod Recovery's features is that it lets me back up the data stored on my phone's built-in flash memory.  The "Choose default backup format" menu lets me choose from among three options:

tar
dup (dedupe)
tar + gzip

What's the difference between each of the three options?
Which option should I choose?
(Note:  Elsewhere on this site, there's a related discussion.  It speaks more about the dedupe format, but not the other two formats.)

The formats

tar

This is essentially snapshots of all partitions each in single file with extension tar. If you make two backups of the same rom with little difference in user apps, two snapshots of tar files are created, consuming more data on your sdcard.

dup (dedupe)

This backup format backups up individual files in the partitions renamed uniquely depending on some hash algorithm. The major advantage of this is it takes up less space on sdcard. If you make two backups of the same rom with little difference in user apps, the second backup only contains changed files. And when you delete the first backup from recovery, the common files are never deleted, so you don't loose your second backup. But it creates many files on sdcard, thereby many indexes.

tar + gzip

It is same as the tar format with gzip compression applied to save some space on sdcard.
Which one should you choose?
Which one to use is upto your choice. I wouldn't recommend dup format as it takes considerable time during operations. But if you donot backup/restore frequently and concerned about the space on sdcard, u may use dup.

+1; thank you.  Hmm.  I'm backing up an almost-full 8 GB Android device onto a 32 GB MicroSD card.  I want to create backups every so often, and it would be nice to be able to store dozens of backups on one MicroSD card.  So I think I will use dedupe.  Still, I'll keep in mind that it's slow; maybe I'll start the backup at a time when I know I won't need to use the device for a while.

It's too bad that dedupe is slow.  On other platforms, incremental backups are faster than full backups.


text:
some questions about flashing and flashtool before i start
I just received my new chinabrand mtk based phone (ULEFONE Be Touch 2) and want to flash it from linux.
So I would like a few questions answered on for hand. Please answer these point by point. I know things might look very oblivious to you, but for me it isn't at all. So an answer to you may seems to be a logical answer to all of them. It would probably leave me even more in chaos.

What does Flashtool do?
What does ABD do?
What does fastboot do?
Do I need to root before I flash? I would love to be able to avoid the rooting process at all (for now)

I just want to flash the right ROM and after if that works then I might become interested in rooting. Not the other way around as when things go wrong with flashing it would also void warranty.

If yes will my new ROM still be rooted afterwards?
If yes, how to avoid that?

Kind Regards.
Matthieu

What does Flashtool do?

Your CPU is made by a chinese company called MediaTek and they have released a tool to flash stuff on devices that use their chip called SP Flashtool. So this tool does what it says. It flashes data onto your phone, and where and what data is flashed is determined by the scatter file your provide(where) and the files you open in the tool respectively(what). So if you supply a wrong scatter file, there is a good chance of bricking the phone.

What does ADB do?

Android Debug Bridge (adb) is a versatile command line tool that lets you communicate with with your device, push files or download files from the device, execute commands on your mobile etc. More about it here.

What does fastboot do?

'fastboot' is a special diagnostic and engineering protocol that you can boot your Android device into.  While in fastboot, you can modify the file system images from a computer over a USB connection. To do this you can install fastboot on your computer.

Do I need to root before I flash?

No. But I have read on many sites that you need to, and also heard some of my friends say that you need to. I say no because rooting and flashing are quite independent tasks.
Android is linux at it's core. In linux, if you need to  do an administrative task from a normal account, you need to sudo or su(switch user, by default to the root user). But su or sudo are binaries located in /usr/bin/ or /usr/sbin, and android does not come with them. So you cannot normally get administrative previlage on your phone. Rooting simply means to install these binaries on the phone.
Flashing is something that happens before the OS, ie Android runs. So the question would be like if you need to have a program installed on your present OS to replace the OS with another one. The installation of other OS, (in your case, flashing a ROM) happens before the existing OS loads. I thing you get the idea.
If you think that I am wrong, please tell me why in the comments. You should give a credible reason.

If yes, will my new ROM still be rooted afterwards?

You will be installing the stock ROM, which does not come with the su binary. Hence no. If it was a pre-rooted/custom ROM, it will be rooted after flashing.

thank you for this VERY clear explenation.. told me all i hope to know!

authors: ابو قاسم العجمي ڛۜــطــۉڔہ


text:
How to stop "Monkey Test" and "Time Service" apps
When I long-press the "home" button to close all apps, there is an app named "time service" with android symbol and another named "monkey test" that are always open.
How to stop this?

Take screenshot when you see those symbols or apps, edit the screenshot to point them, and then share the screenshot with us.

seems like this is related to: http://android.stackexchange.com/questions/120541/how-to-delete-a-file-e-g-malware-app-that-cannot-be-even-removed-with-root-ac

"Monkey Test" and "Time Service" are being reported recently by some anti-virus programs for Android as malware, as reported here in the Norton Community forum, and here at Android Central. In general form, they suggest the normal actions:

Disabling installations from "Unknown Sources",
 Settings -> Security -> Device administration -> Unknown sources
Disabling the app,
 Settings -> Application manager -> AppName -> Disable/Uninstall
Checking to see if "Device Administrators" has it blocked from uninstalling, and then trying the uninstall again.
 Settings -> Security -> Device administration - > Device administrators
Factory Reset

Both communities also suggest the use of some uninstallers for malware, which I won't cover here, in addition to rooting as a final option to totally remove it/them.


text:
Change privacy settings on Hangouts
Hangouts shows a green phone icon when someone is on a voice call.
Is it possible to hide this indicator to other users so nobody knows if I'm on a call?

Welcome! Good question. Please [edit] your question in order to improve its title so that it forms a complete grammatically correct sentence.

Yes, press the 3 bars on top left, choose Settings, under Account Settings select your username (username@gmail.com), select "Share your status" and uncheck Device
Keep in mind, this will remove the little mobile icon when you're chatting as well. I have found that some of my friends message me more if they think I'm on my computer.


text:
Can't do battery checks
On my Sony Xperia E C1505, I can access the service menu via dialing *#*#7378423#*#*. If I then get to the tests menu, I can test the battery. However, the start level is at -1% somehow, meaning I can't do these tests as well. How do you get a device at -1% battery?
Why is this happening, and what can I do to fix this?

Couple of reasons:

The battery level is read from the  chip, which resides in the battery casing. It is probable that the chip has gone bad and can only be verified by replacing the battery
Less likely is that the fuel guage drivers which process battery information like voltage, current, temperature, NFC etc and in turn feed it to the other parts of the OS have been corrupted and only a factory reset or flashing stock ROM can help establish

Service center is always an option if you are lucky to find competent people

Yeah,  I switched in a new battery and it was fine.

Great. Nice it helped :). thanks for accepting