text:
Can't create a primary, not a logical partition in SD Card
1. Summary
I can't set primary, not logical partition in my SD Card.
After my attempts, I can't write anything to SD Card.

2. Hardware and software
2.1. Smartphone

ARK Benefit S401,
Android 5.1.1,
CyanogenMod 12.1 ROM,
Rooted, Busybox installed,
TWRP Recovery,
Successful worked with another and non-mounted SD Cards.

2.2. PC

Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB EN,
MiniTool Partition Wizard Home Edition 10.0,
EaseUS Partition Master (Free) 12.8.

2.3. SD Card

OSMR 8 GB (7,5 de-facto),
10 class,
Error checking:

Surface Test:

I have card reader as well.

3. Steps to reproduce
3.1. Reason
I have 1,7 GB User Partition in my phone, it's not enough for me. I want to move my apk + dex + lib files to SD Card. I read, that I need to use Link2SD and to create new primary partition in my SD Card.
3.2. Partition creating
I create backup all my MicroSD data.
I try to create partitions, use these instructions:

How to use Link2SD App for Partition SD Card — Full Guide,
[TUT]How to Create Partition in SD card/MicroSD for Windows user.

4. Result

I select primary, but in result I get logical, not primary partition:

I can't move my apk + lib + dex to SD Card:

Second partition not found

After my operations I can't to make screenshots, download applications to SD Card. I probably can't write any data to SD card. I get errors:

Can't take screenshot due to limited storage space, or it isn't allowed by the app or your organization
Mod.apk_download: open failed: EROFS (Read-only file system)

5. Not helped

I create logical, not primary partition for 2,5 GB again.
I create ext2 and ext3 partitions instead of ext4.
I try partition recovery:

6. Formatting
1. SD Memory Card Formation
I try format my SDCard use SD Memory Card Formation. Quick and overwrite formatting failed.

2. Diskpart
I try to format my MicroSD use diskpart:
C:\System Volume Information>diskpart

Microsoft DiskPart version 10.0.14393.0

Copyright (C) 1999-2013 Microsoft Corporation.
On computer: DESKTOP-EEOT0TN

DISKPART> list disk

  Disk ###  Status         Size     Free     Dyn  Gpt
  --------  -------------  -------  -------  ---  ---
  Disk 0    Online          931 GB  4096 KB
  Disk 1    Online         7681 MB      0 B

DISKPART> select disk 1

Disk 1 is now the selected disk.

DISKPART> attributes disk clear readonly

Disk attributes cleared successfully.

DISKPART> select partition 1

Partition 1 is now the selected partition.

DISKPART> active

DiskPart marked the current partition as active.

DISKPART> format fs=fat32

    0 percent completed

DiskPart has encountered an error: The parameter is incorrect.
See the System Event Log for more information.

DISKPART> exit

Leaving DiskPart...

3. chkdsk
chkdsk g: /f /r
The type of the file system is FAT32.
Volume Serial Number is 0352-6F30
Windows is verifying files and folders...
File and folder verification is complete.
Windows is verifying free space...
Free space verification is complete.

Windows has scanned the file system and found no problems.
No further action is required.
    5,231,600 KB total disk space.
            4 KB in 2 hidden files.
        1,236 KB in 295 folders.
    1,902,568 KB in 1,076 files.
    3,327,788 KB are available.

        4,096 bytes in each allocation unit.
    1,307,900 total allocation units on disk.
      831,947 allocation units available on disk.
Cannot write boot sector.

4. HDD Low Level Format Tool
After these actions nothing has changed.

7. Do not offer

Please do not suggest me to buy new telephone/SD Card/PC.

I would have tried to dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/sdX bs=1M count=1 to clear out any traces of corrupted partition info that may cause lesser tools to fail format the card. In case dd fails, you can be pretty sure to have hardware problem with the card. In addition, the S in the SD card name refers to "Secure" - SD cards can be put to permanent read only state (either full storage space or partially) and if some misbehaving software has done that, there's no way to undo. In practice, that belongs to "broken hardware" case, too.

1. Answer
Unfortunately, in this case you need buy a new SD Card.

2. Argumentation

4pda post:

Если у вас не записываются новые данные на карту, а старые после удаления появляются вновь, и форматирование не помогает — карта труп, и восстановить её не удастся!

Translate on English:
If:

New data don't write to SD Card (4.3 item of my question)
Old data show again
Formatting doesn't help (6 item)

That:

You lost your SD Card.

I could not refute this in my case.

To be clear. You're not going to move Dalvik Cache to sdcard because the Dalvik Virtual Machine is set to prepare application classes cache to the data partition that claims your internal storage. You can move the app files to sd because they are in the user end but the dalvik cache is managed from the system end by DVM. You can create the partition but having system apps' classes there, there ain't a way. Or did you just mean apps to sd? Which is possible?

Thanks for the answer. I read Link2SD FAQ: // Native apps2sd — this method moves apk + lib files on Android 2.3+ // Link2SD — Link2SD moves apk + dex + lib files of the application to the second partition and creates symbolic links in the original locations on internal storage. // I want to move to my SD Card apk + dex + lib files.

I got you now what you meant

I edit the question, based on your answer. Thanks.

Okay. It's now more clearer. I see you're using computer, is there any other way to have this done locally on phone?

Now I can't download any apps to my phone, see 4.3 item( .

The sdcard you're talking about. Is it an external sd or the inbuilt internal storage. Because if its the external it won't affect phone downloads. And if its the internal, that is too low because of partitioning, you need to repair the file system using TWRP. But after doing some settings, if yiur device has a twrp made for it

1. I use TWRP recovery. // 2. I use custom boot with memory substitution (memory replace). That is I loaded the apps and saved screenshots/screencasts on the external SD Card.

If incase the partition you created is a ROFS or any ROFS. You can use adb to mount it as RW. These codes: Incase the data part is now RO, you can use|           su && mount -o remount,rw /data && mount -o remount,rw /data/media | since you have root. See if you can copy something to it if so, just backup all /data partition and format it then restore it with TWRP

Here it seems there are two solutions which you may need. Do you want to make link to sd work or you just want to revert and make file system readable again

I can't format my SD Card, I update my question.

1. I want, that my SD Card at least worked as before. // 2. If it possible, I want to create 2 primary partitions for successful Link2SD usage.
Thanks.

If you want to try to make the sdcard workable. Try to make file system using adb while sd is on your phone to see if it goes through. Commands: mkfs.vfat -v /external-sdcard or mkfs.ext2 -v /external-sdcard I'm assuming this is how your phone calls external sd from the root folder and follow the steps more kinly to make link to sd work again


text:
Stock s8 wont play notification sounds
Here i got exonys version of samsung galaxy s8 64 GB running with android 7.0 stock rom.
I have set my notification settings to sound and vibrate. Many times when a message arrives , SMS or wapp , my phone would just vibrate for a fraction of a second and either won't play notification sound or play it for less than half a second.
What should happen , that happens occasionally , is vibration and notification tone should play for atleast 1 second (it did on my old s3).
Also it gets worse when phone is on sleep mode , you might get barely a millisecond of vibration and no sound.
It's annoying and requires me to manually check the phone multiple times a day to make sure i didn't miss any important messages.

You'll have to configure a third party alert for notifications, set longer notification sounds and hoping you haven't activated priority mode by any chance and also ensure no app is overriding that. Like the truecaller ring silently setting of blocking

@ThallyAce I have priority mode enabled should that be a problem

Maybe if it never notifies you upon certain numbers or even all numbers if adressbook sync is experiencing trouble hence not serving names to call or sometimes messages. Sometimes uneven behavior occur. But meanwhile disable priority mode and try it and see what happens

source: Stack Exchange

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

sort: votes


text:
How to disable notification sound in Facebook application
I have the Facebook application installed and I can't seem to figure out how to turn off the (really loud and sharp) notifications sound, what I tried so far was

go to Settings > App Settings > Sounds in the App and untick the option
go to Settings > Notifications Settings but I couldn't find a relevant setting

I don't want to mute or lower the device volume because I have other apps with  notifications that are actually important for me, I use a OnePlus2 with Oxygen3.6.1 if it helps

If that's the case. Edit the app with Apk Editor from Play Store. Delete the .ogg files compile it and install. If not so, check whether your phone has notification sound scheme at settings and notifications since you want other apps notifying.

That's a valid (and pretty clever) solution, but won't that mean I would have to redo the same process every time a new version will be available ? Also, for some reason, Settings > Notifications on the device doesn't handle sounds, which you would think it would :/

Yeah but recompilation takes only minutes. But earlier I answered some question about how to disable an app from being updated from store. Use that application that edits to change package name of the app. You won't receive updates

According to the article How do I turn off in-app sounds?, you should be able to disable the sounds under the Media and Contacts entry at the bottom the of the Setting section. However on my Wife's Samsung Galaxy S9 (SM-G960U1) that section was missing:

Instead, I was able to open that section using Find Friends -> Contacts -> Settings. No idea why the section was missing from the main settings page, but any changes you make still seem to work once you can get into that section.

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

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


text:
Is it possible to install a custom Android ROM if the bootloader is locked?
Suppose the bootloader of an Android device is locked.
Is there any way to install a custom ROM without unlocking the bootloader? If yes, then how?

It depends on the ROM you are trying to flash. If it is based on the stock kernel, then it is possible. But it's difficult to give a universal answer - it depends on your device, the security aspects but into it and the ROM you want to flash. Best is to search the XDA forums for your device and see if such a ROM exists for your device
Such devices are few and most devices require bootloader to be unlocked and custom recovery installed to be able to flash a custom ROM

Specifying your device and Android version will help you get good  response

Just download sp flash tools. Turn phone off and flash whatever you want...

Yes, however, this method will not work on every phone.
Prerequisites

Back up all data on your phone
Unknown sources enabled in security settings
Being prepared to void warranty.

Method

Download and install an on-device one-click-root root-management application on your phone (notable mentions include Kingo Root and Kingroot, both personally tried and tested to work)
Use the application to root your phone and gain root access.
Download and install an on-device partition-flashing application. (notable mentions include Rashr, Flashify or even the official TWRP app)
Download a custom recovery for your device (TWRP recommended, see here)
Use the app you downloaded to flash the recovery file you downloaded.
Reboot into recovery (device-specific)
Install any custom ROM you want

You are now rooted and have a custom recovery installed; this is an enormous security risk, especially since anyone can delete your lockscreen password from recovery mode and hence have full access to your device.
If you brick your phone you will have a very hard time getting out of such a situation because your bootloader is locked.
I have personally tried this method before on a Nexus 5 running and Lollipop 5.1.1 LMY48M and it worked.
I would recommend going the "old-fashioned" way to root your device and unlock your bootloader.


text:
(SOLVED) How to recover data from Android ... /sdCard/ ... /Downloads on Xiaomi Mi5 MIUI8 (Android 6 Marshmallow)
UPDATE: 2018/06/27, bootloader implies wipe and it is a dead end for Data Recovery, mount as USB Mass Storage implies root to change settings, and for Mi5 or MIUI 8 this implies flashing ROM (dead end too as implies Data overwritten) so the only method I found is this (if the device is functional) then with the RAW partition dump recover files is easy
(LEGACY-post as is solved)
I have a problem I want to solve:
Notice: This is a specific problem, please try to advice on that matter (see complications at the bottom), any help and clarification will be very appreciated.
Fact:

I deleted by mistake files on path .. sdCard / .. / Downloads (internal memory)
Seconds after mistaken-deletion, I shut off the device, to prevent overwriting.

Specs:
Smartphone
Xiaomi Mi5 Miui 8 (Android 6 Marshmallow)
Non-rooted
Stock-recovery
WiP (workflow):

I notice about USB Mass Storage instead MTP (as key feature to connect device to PC) (and use some kind of recovery app like (Recuva or R-Studio (r-tt.com))
But I don't know how to activate that (Mass Storage) on my specific device and MIUI (Android version)

Another choice is create a image dump from custom recovery (TWRP) but how to install custom recovery...
... without changing the stock ROM,
... I saw unlocked bootloader is needed
Complications:

How to recover data from (internal sdCard, eMMc | UFS), without overwriting data.
How to root (if needed) without the changing of custom-ROM (if it is possible), on this specific device.
How to install custom recovery (bootloader unlocked is needed) to make a "raw image dump" exact byte-by-byte from the recovery ( isolated image dump, to work with IT Forensics tools)
Xiaomi Mi5 (how to root, methods, if it is needed), and how to install custom recovery, TWRP (bootloader unlocking etc)
Thanks in advance, first post here (a reader for years), I hope some people lead the way ^^, I want to learn.

Xiaomi Mi5 particularities: (more info-sources will be appreciated)

root methods (without ROM-changing)
TWRP recovery (stock ROM if possible) => create internal memory RAW image) to work with.
Bootloader-unlock methods and process

Please focus on one question (you are asking 4 of them)- one question at a time will help you get quicker answers and is best suited for this site. There is nothing stopping you from asking multiple questions !

While waiting for answers, please take a look at our data-recovery tag-wiki and the questions using that tag. As you correctly assumed, using a custom recovery requires to unlock the bootloader, which usually implies a factory-reset. There might be a [tag:rooting] method that works without; as @beeshyams pointed out, that would be a separate question ("How to root the Xiaomi Mi5"); our rooting index doesn't have that yet and neither could I find that question on our site, which means you should go for it.

You are right @beeshyams (my mistake, as newbie) I will create separated questions to isolate the problems, then link that to the "main problem".

Thanks for suggestions @Izzy, I will (Data Recovery tag and related for clarification), as you said I want to avoid "as maximum as possible" writings on internal-memory, avoiding "factory reset" or wipes as possible. After TWRP is installed, I could create a NANDroid backup of specific partitions (raw images) then set them read only and mounted on PC I could use some IT-Forensics apps... to recover deleted (non-overwrited files)

If your device is unlocked, you could even use TWRP without installing it: fastboot boot twrp.img would directly boot it without any modifications to the device.

Thanks, that is good idea, the problem, device has locked-bootloader, now I am searching for an easy and minimal method to unlock bootloader (without flashing ROM, wipes, factory reset)... Other devices have easy methods to unlock bootloader, I will create a question as how to unlock bootloader methods in this particular device, searching for the best method, less agressive with internal memory writings.

Flashing TWRP or boot via FastBoot with TWRP image It is technically impossible with a locked bootloader? There is nothing like a hack or something? ... If not I could backup partitions via ADB? If unlocking-Bootloader is the key, I need to find a proper method (official, unofficial or new back) thanks for answers.

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


text:
How to compute all space taken up by an app and its associated files
(Using Android 6)
While trying to determine the size in memory taken up by a given App I got two widely differing values.
    Settings. Applications. Application manager. Whatsapp.
gave 134 MB (App 63.90 MB, Data 71.18 MB), while Total Commander gave 900 MB.
How can I get the size taken up by all files that reside in my cell phone associated with a given App, which would otherwise not be there? I am pretty sure it must be closest to what TC gives, but I am not sure everything from WhatsApp is within its directory, and even less sure that it applies for a general App.
Why does Settings give such a low value?
What is it counting as App and Data?

Related questions:
Similar (old) question (but not the same):
KitKat - How to identify the REAL size of apps (app + datas + ...) to be able to install other ones
Related (very old) question: what is my personal data storage as opposed to program storage  and how can I reduce it?

Questions related to the issue that inspired this one (I am constantly running out of space):
Missing space/Storage space running out Galaxy S2 [tried almost every solution I can find!]
Why am I constantly running out of space on my Galaxy S2?
Microsoft apps always eating up space with data, for apparently no reason
I can't find files taking up space in my android phone

Which Android version do you have? I think it's higher than 5.

Later versions of Android do not count cache data when showing the app size. So you can f.e. see that Instagram takes 150 Mb of your storage while there are more than 2 Gb of Instagram cached data (true story!)
As for Whatsapp, the size of media sent and recieved via Whatsapp (images, videos etc) is not shown in Settings. But since these media are stored in Whatsapp folder, their size is counted when you look at folder properties in any file manager.

Thanks. This answers the second question (do you have sources for that info?). What about the first? See updated question.

Well, what is "true size"? Only binaries? Binaries + appdata? Binaries + appdata+media+cache? Something else?

Everything that would not be in the system if the App were not there.

Well, it's your definition. Google's one is  that "true size" is binaries and appdata. And size of them you see in Appmanager (btw you can see size of cache and clear it if you tap on "Storage" in App info). And by your definition it is not possible to count. Think about media. I have many megabytes of pictures recieved and sent with whatsapp. I woudn't have them if I woudn't have Whatsapp but this doesn't mean that Whatsapp size is hunderds Mb large.

Alex, my intention is not to come up with a consensus on a definition of "True Size". Please see updated question. I doubt "it is not posible to count". Actually, with TC I have counted everything under directory WhatsApp, including the "many megabytes of pictures recieved and sent with whatsapp". It would still miss the count if there were anything due to WhatsApp that is outside that directory, and then the question, for WhatsApp specifically, and also more generally. I still wonder if there is any specific reference to what is Settings counting, beyond the general answer provided.

In "Settings" you see the size of binaries and appdata (whatever it is), if you tap on "Storage" you'll also see the size of the app cache.


text:
Log out from Google account on Android 6.0.1
How can I log out from my Google account on Android 6.0.1 in my Galaxy A5?
I tried the following:

Settings -> Accounts -> No such option anywhere...
Settings -> Cloud and Accounts -> Accounts -> Google -> [three dots top right] -> Remove account -> [some warning] -> Remove account (to confirm) -> [hint saying "Account is needed by some apps. You can only remove it by resetting to factory defaults..."] -> [back to square one]

Which defeats the point because then I'd need to re-install my apps, for which I'd need to re-login.
I'm happy to take unusual routes, i.e., brute force log out by deleting files, tokens or even the entire Android tree in the file system etc. if that's an option.

Fun fact: I managed to log out (I'm pretty sure it was via the second option from above) last time I logged in, which was about 2 months ago. Has something changed recently? Did Google become even more adamant in pressing down its surveill^Wservices down its users throats?

AFAIK it's been the same since last year (re: Option 2). It may make more sense to back up to Google cloud ( not optimal- at least most apps would be there on restore but yes you have to log in). Else, root the device, take a nandroid image, remove account and then after setting up restore /data

Seems to be some samsungian specifics. I had no problem deleting an account on 6.0.1 on other vendor (Settings -> Accounts -> Google -> three dots -> Remove account -> confirm). Tested it right now - there was no warning about resetting to factory defaults.

Partly answering my own questions:
It appears that you can sign out any (other) device by going to Google's recently used devices list and revoking the device's access. At the very minimum, the Play Store app will whinge with a permanent notification (one of the kind that won't go away, no matter how many times you acknowledge it) that you need to sign in again.
Edit: The notification goes away if turn off notifications for Play Store and turn them back on.
The downside:
Under syncing of app data etc. still happens under Settings -> Cloud and Accounts -> Accounts -> Google if triggered manually. Not sure how that's possible if the device has access revoked...
Man alive, this is an awful user experience... If Google was asking money for this kind of service, they'd be bankrupt tomorrow.

I encountered this problem yesterday and solved it with some hints from Winston's own answer.

Revoke phone access to Google. After few minutes a permanent notification will appear on a phone. This notification is by Google Play services not Google Play Store.
Disable Google Play services in Settings -> Apps. There was a notification about Viber malfunction.
Remove Google account in Settings -> Cloud and accounts -> Accounts.
Enable Google Play services in Settings -> Apps.

Note: Samsung A3 2017, Android 7.0


text:
How to block Spam SMS messages from contacts without number?
I receive spam from "Bubbleroom" contact without contact details after pressing three dots regularly.
I am thinking how you can block messages from "no phone number" and such cases.
Those messages are just advertisements.
Fig. 1 Example 1, Fig. 2 Example 2 of spam messages

It would be great to do it without 3rd party application.
I know the thread Block SMS without number but it only offers 3rd party applications.
Phone: oneplus 3T
Android: 8.0 Oreo

which Android version? Is your device rooted

I'd also check with installed apps having the permission to write SMS (not necessarily send). Could be some "adware".

Possible duplicate of Block SMS without number

@TimothyLanger Not, because I do not want to use 3rd party apps and do as much as possible without them. Please, read the body.

@LéoLéopoldHertz준영 you could e.g. use one of the Permission Checker (link goes to my site). Those should list all permissions – not just those Google deems the user worthy to see :) If you found some likely candidates, you could either uninstall them and see if the issue goes away – or first check e.g. at AppBrain what libraries they have and whether some ad libs are among them (if no libs are listed for an app, it might not yet have been scanned, though).

@Izzy Done with AppBrain Ads now, but still not sure if any app is causing. How can you differentiate if the SMS coming from someone else trying to spam me?

I cannot. Neither did I say it definitely is adware – just that it's possible. And especially with SMS, only few apps should be permitted to write them. An app that has not to deal with SMS should not have that permission. So if there is an app matching this description (having the permission without the need), it's a likely candidate.

Those "no phone number" have numbers but it is hidden. I was able to see them but using an iPhone thought...


text:
Sync volume control?
I'm running 7 on my Galaxy s6. Is there an app or setting I could change to where all the volumes are the same when I change them?
(Ex when the media is half way, all of them are half way)

Volume Sync- Sync your Volume does exactly that
It can sync all the volumes - Notification, Media, System, Alarm and In call volume together or selectively as you want
I didn't try them all synced at same time but it worked well -just installed, tested briefly

Technically this app only syncs your devices volumes to the ringer volume and not the other way around.  To quote the app "The app will sync all the selected volumes below to match the ringer volume when it's changed.." This can becoming frustrating because if you adjust the "media volume" while listening to music for example it doesn't actually update "ringer volume" while it does update the "media volume" when adjusting "ringer volume."  I honestly though the app was broken until I read the fine print.  I am still looking for one that just syncs media & ringer volume.


text:
OEM Unlocking iVOOMi Me5
I have iVOOMi Me5. its with Android 7.0, 2GB RAM and 16GB ROM.
In its Developer Options, there is an option to enable OEM unlocking.
If I enable OEM unlocking and USB debugging,

please let me know, what I can expect?

Will I get root access?
Will I lose all data and installed application?
Will I be able to use my phone in the same android and applications?

With Regards
FewL

OEM unlocking toggle
What this does:

Allows you to run the fastboot oem unlock command from fastboot mode and hence root your phone.

What this does not do:

Wipe your phone
Delete your applications
Clear your data, photos or media
Change your Android version
Root your phone
Anything else

Why you would want to enable this:

If you're rooting your phone, updating the OS or just unlocking your bootloader.

USB Debugging
What this does:

Enables full access to your device from a connected computer (security risk)

What this does not do:

Wipe your phone
Delete your applications
Clear your data, photos or media
Change your Android version
Root your phone
Anything else

Why you would want to enable this:

If you're making use of the adb program to communicate between a computer and your phone. More info.

Final judgement (TL;DR)
I recommend you keep both of these toggles switched off unless you are a developer, are helping a developer or wish to root your phone.

+1 was writing out an answer - you beat me to it

Thank you for replying. I want to flash my phone with MIUI9 Stable. Can I do it? Please guide.

@user725162 You should ask a separate question for that ("How can I flash my Mi5 with MIUI9 stable?"). This is a Q&A site, not a forum :)

Tomothy: There's more to usb debugging than just developing apps (maybe you want to include that link to our corresponding tag-wiki with your answer). For end users, there's especially adb backup and also adb logcat coming to aid in many situations. And it's certainly not restricted to "developers or root users". One more thing: oem unlock does NOT root the device. It just allows you to e.g. flash a custom recovery, which a.o. helps in the rooting process.

Remember that for many devices if you turn on OEM Unlocking you still might not be able to unlock the bootloader of your device without a code from the manufacturer or additional commands. Not all devices, in fact very few devices, can be bootloader unlocked simply by flipping this switch and entering "fastboot oem unlock".

@user725162 Harsh fact - don't expect any custom ROMs for less popular devices, let alone MIUI9 (which is not open-source and thus harder to port).

@Izzy♦ I did not say that fastboot oem unlock roots your phone, but it gives you the availability to do so.

@TimothyLanger It's a bit ambiguous for non-native speakers, but of course you're right: it's meant as "allows you to ... root your phone". There's no "s" at the end of "root". So my apologies for misreading it. Still, the second part remains: there are many useful aspects of "USB debugging" even for end-users ;)

OEM unlocking
Toggling this on allows you to use fastboot to unlock your bootloader. This is needed if you wish to install a custom recovery like twrp (see also: recovery-mode) – for most devices a required step if you wish to install a custom ROM.
As pointed out: this toggle just permits you to unlock the bootloader – it neither does the unlocking itself, nor does it root your device or perform any other action. If you don't plan on any of the above described things, keep this toggle off. Note that the process of unlocking itself (not the switching of that toggle) on most devices performs an implicit factory-reset – i.e. it wipes all your data. This is a security measure.
USB debugging
This is a very useful feature: when enabled, you can use ADB to access your device for many purposes – including the most complete backup you can create without rooting your device, accessing the system logs, copying files to/from the device, and more.
The "security risk" involved with this switch is relatively low: on first access, you will have to "authorize" the requesting computer on your Android device – so an unauthorized person would need to unlock it (if the person can do that, it also can switch the toggle). You still can keep it off and only toggle it on when needed.
The links above are going to our tag wikis, I recommend you looking into them for further details. Another recommended reading is my article ADB for end-users (as pointed out, disclosure: I'm the author of that article, and that link goes to my own Android website).


text:
what is "com.google.android.ext.services"
What is com.google.android.ext.services? I accidently found this app in the running list and when I open it contains a settings and then it have opening links option inside it that contains the apps that I have installed in my phone and this help me to disable some of Google apps that I can't do in settings.
I have provided the screen shots of my phone, I disabled about 4 google apps with this and it can also have the option to disable the sytem's important apps like "message" etc. When I searched it in google and mi community I can't find anything and I want to know the thing behind this.
It also contains an option "special acces" which contains details about apps usage and battery optimisations etc.

com.google.android.ext.services is a package found in Gapps.
The answer to this previous questions should provide the explanation on what the app does.


text:
Hide Whatapp message preview on the front screen
On new Samsung A3 2017, I want to hide Whatapp message preview on the front screen but keep the sound.  Is this no longer possible?
Thanks

Do you mean the lock screen?

Or is this what you're talking about?

Did you check at Settings >  Lock Screen & Security > Notification on Lock Screen? There you can hide notification for specific apps.


text:
My phone is making weird music when I am not touching it
My Moto G play just stared to do weird stuff, it started to play a really creepy music that I didn't even have on my phone. Google play music an Spotify (which are the two apps that I use for music) are not open. I never download a hacked app and my phone have not been rooted And I never been on suspicious websites. Can I solve the problem without reseting all the phone?

Put your phone in Safe Mode and see if you are still hearing that music. If it stops, that means a user installed app is running in background. Now, depending on the Android version you are running, you can check for running apps in Settings> apps> Developer Settings> Running Apps and try to stop all the apps from running and see which one was playing the music.
(If you don't see developer settings goto Settings> About and tap 7 times on the build number)


text:
What does this symbol in notification bar mean?
What does the circled symbol below mean?

Please see: Meaning of 3/4 broken circle icon? and 3/4 circle with plus in it?.

@Izzy thank you, I just saw that first question right before you posted the comment :)

Happens :) If you're as much around on this site as I am, you're easier to remember what already has been asked – and with some luck also how to find it :)


text:
How to control how long Google Assistant keeps listening when there is silence?
I'm using Google Assistant to take notes on my phone via my bluetooth headset.  However, when I'm taking a note, if I don't talk for about 1.5 seconds, it immediately asks me if I want to save the note using Keep, even though I'm (sometimes) not done with the note yet!
This is unfortunate, because I have time it, and from the point I tap my headset and go through all the (voice) steps to start recording until I can actually start dictating my note a minimum of 13 seconds have passed.  This extra delay means I have to keep in my head exactly what I was going to say for at least that long, while remembering the things to say to get it to start recording.
As a workaround, I tried just continuously talking.  However, after just under a minute of talking (speaking numbers at a rate of about one per second) it stopped automatically to save the note and I found it had transcribed only 55 numbers.
Update: It's okay if Google Assistant stops and saves my current note, as long as it keeps listening for additional commands from Bluetooth.  Currently, it seems like as soon as the note is finished it stops listening and I have to start all over again.

@beeshyams no, it's a Nexus 6p

From Google help

There isn't any way at this time to force the microphone to stay on for Voice Typing. When you pause for several seconds, voice typing assumes you're taking a break. This likely helps to conserve your device's battery as well

I haven't found any workaround on XDA .
So, I guess sending Google feedback is the only way out for now


text:
Refund Google Play apps but haven't got my money back
I had purchased a game on Google Play but later I realized that it was too bad, so I requested a refund. I've received a refund email from Google but I haven't received my money back. Is that a problem?
When I opened the Payment History page, it writes Canceled next to that game. I purchased that game using my phone bill.

No
It's not a problem. Sometimes it takes time to refund. It's happened to me earlier.
Nothing to worry about since you got your confirmation mail as also transaction is cancelled
If you wish to be doubly sure, you can call or chat with Google help from the Google Play Settings → Help and feedback
Edit: Just stumbled on this from
Google Play Refund help.
If the status shows cancelled it means

If the status is "Cancelled," the order was never charged and so you will not see a credit on your form of payment.

There is also a detailed table for refund timelines. Summary below :

Credit or debit card - 3 to 5 business days
Direct carrier billing (prepaid / pay-as-you-go) - 1 to 30 business days
Direct carrier billing (postpaid / contract) - 1 to 2 monthly statements
Google Play balance (gift card or credit balance or Google wallet - one business day
Online Banking - 1 to 10 business days
PayPal - 3 to 5 business days


text:
How to install app onto sd card with root (Samsung)
SM-A520F | Android 7
What I've tried:
I partitioned the sd card using minitool partition wizard. I partitioned it into 100gb fat32/exfat and 20gb ext4 partition. I was able to install apps onto the ext4 partition and read things from the fat partition.  However, there was a couple problems. I could never see the ext4 partition, all I saw was the internal storage (32gb) and the sd card fat partition (100gb) so I didn't know anything about the sd card ext4 partition.
Secondly, on reboot the fat partition would not mount. I would have to take out the sd card out and put it back in to get it to work.
Thirdly, even when the fat partition would mount it would not show up in windows mtp. When I plugged the phone into the computer all that I could see was the internal storage, so if I wanted to put anything onto the sd card I would have to take it out and put it into the computer.
I've used this adoptable storage module to enable installing apps on sd card. It "worked" but I face two problems with this: solid explorer only reads the sd card so it says I'm only getting 120gb (not 120gb + 32gb) and secondly it doesn't load magisk modules properly, so vanced youtube or viper4android don't work. Also now I can't get reverse this.
I've been trying for a while now, I would really love some help.

Not an answer, but some hints: 1) In past times with USB mass storage, Android only showed the first FAT partition of the SDcard to the PC. I assume that hasn't changed with MTP. 2) adoptable storage works that way: you don't get the sum of internal + SDcard, but the internal storage gets "replaced" by the card.

@Izzy Thank you for telling about the adoptable storage, didn't know about this. Regarding the FAT partition, I am almost 100% sure the FAT partition is the first one, see here

And there's also the fact that it doesn't mount on reboot.

That's why I didn't make it an answer :)


text:
Trying to find out what app is being used with the “sharing” notification as pictured
Sharing notification-top left of phone
Which is that app?

Open the notification tray and the application's name should be written there for each notification. (Android 7.0 Nougat and above)

Here are two examples:

As you can see, the app name "Termux" is visible next to the application's notification icon.

Here's another example, where you can see the app name "Hangouts" is written next the application's notification icon.

None of this has anything to do with rooting your device, it's built in to stock Android.

a) Termux doesn't require root / b) I'm trying to point out that the notification-causing application's name is written at the top. I'll give another example then.

Sorry my mistake got what you meant


text:
Audio Equalizer for YouTube Music app
I want to adjust music played by YouTube Music app (don't mix up with Google Play Music).
How can I do it?
Built-in MusicFX equalizer doesn't affect YouTube Music. I also tried several external apps, which claim that they are OS wide, and in fact they're able to adjust sounds from standard Music app and Play Music app. But none of them work for YouTube Music app. They only can change volume while it's playing.
If you suggest app-based solutions, please, don't suggest apps that you haven't tried yourselves so they worked for you. If there's a solution with features shipping with Android itself, all the better.

If your device is rooted V4a and Dolby both work

Welcome to Android Enthusiasts! Please note that recommendations like Is there an app for X are off-topic here (see What topics can I ask about here? for details). For where your question might fit better, you might want to look into Where can I ask questions that aren't Android Enthusiast questions? and Where to ask for app recommendations?. I've adjusted your question accordingly so it doesn't get in danger of being put on hold as off-topic.

I use Viper4Android and it works for me on YouTube (Have been using it since ICS era). It requires root though.
Installation method various depending on your Android version.
If your device is supported by Magisk, I recommend you to use the Magisk Manager and install the Viper4Android module through it.
Official way is to install using the app Official XDA thread (You'll probably need to set Selinux mode to permissive to let it install drivers which I personally don't recommend, so go for the Magisk way)

Could you please [edit] your answer and include a link where to find Viper4Android?


text:
How to set static IP on command line or adb shell?
I can't seem to use netcfg on Nougat. If I use ifconfig ip is not updating.If there is another method to change IP on command line or adb shell, I am all ears.

You can try using ip command.
How it compares to ifconfig
Edit:
To set up an IP address you can use:

ip address add 192.168.0.77 dev eth0

or the long form

ip addr add 192.168.0.77/24 broadcast 192.168.0.255 dev eth0

look up current config using

ip addr show

In you terminal, run these commands:
adb root
adb shell
$ ifconfig eth0 192.168.138.2  # to fix your address
$ netcfg  # show address

why ifconfig IP will automaticaly lose after a while？


text:
Broken Nexus 6p Recovery
So while I was overseas in Vietnam I dropped my Nexus 6P and broken the screen.
The screen is completely black and completely unresponsive however when I use the fingerprint scanner it still vibrates.
Stupid me decided to restart the phone by holding down the off button, which I immediately regretted as of course, Now I must enter my PIN to be able to get into my phone.
SO basically, Im asking if its possible to recover any data from my Nexus 6P with a completely unresponsive screen, and requiring PIN on startup.
I Believe that debugging was enabled

Plug in an OTG adapter then a USB mouse?

Yes, you can. Connect your phone to a PC and use ADB to backup your data. Follow this guide to setup ADB, Fastboot and the Android SDK Platform tools on your PC: https://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6p/general/guides-how-to-guides-beginners-t3206928
Load your phone into fastboot mode by holding the power button and the volume down button at the same time, from there you can choose recovery mode by the volume and power buttons navigation of your phone, then access and copy your data from your PC by ADB.
Alternatively you could temporarily load a custom recovery as suggested here:  can fastboot be used to backup device?
For more Info see this answer here: Enabling ADB on Nexus 6 with dead screen


text:
How can I hide ADB status to apps?
my bank app, for some unknown reason, refuses to start if USB debugging is enabled. It can run without problem if the device is bootloader unlocked and rooted, but for some reason, the developers are checking ADB status, and if debugging is enabled (no computer connected), it tells me that I have to disable it before starting the app.
Now, since this is illogical, I am searching for a way to hide ADB status.
On my device, a Xiaomi Mi 5x, I need to VPN into China each time I need to enable ADB (they did this "for safety"/limit grey market), so I have no intention to disable it, ever.
Can I hide it, even with root?

Have you tried Magisk? It even makes your rooted device pass SafetyNet, so you can still use Pokemon GO and Android Pay and many other bank apps. https://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/magisk/official-magisk-v7-universal-systemless-t3473445

I tried using Magick hide with that app, but it still detects that adb is enabled. I dunno, their testers don't use adb? This artificial block doesn't make sense, what kind o hack i could do with adb? See logcat in real time?


text:
I can't share a paid app with a family member
I'm using my brothers google account so i download an app he bought, but even though i'm on the account and synced it and everything, it still says i need to buy it. idk what's wrong, could location be the problem? he's abroad
sorry if this is a dumb question ._.

Are there multiple apps in the device? Also please tell us which app

Was Family Library properly set up on ALL the devices by ALL the members equally? See this part of the Google Documentation covering sharing.

If you have multiple Google Accounts on your device, you have to change the active account in the Play Store to the second, third, etc, one and make it active.
Open the Play Store app, tap the 3 line menu, and you should see the active account on the left and the "unselected" account on the right, tap the icon on the right and go to the app, you should not be able to install it.


text:
How does having an unlocked bootloader make it easier to bruteforce the passcode on an encrypted system?
I've been told that if my bootloader is unlocked then it is easy for someone to install a new boot image and just brute force my passcode.
What is it about having the bootloader locked that makes it difficult to bruteforce the passcode? Is the encryption key derivation unique for each operating system image? What prevents someone from just hooking up the encrypted partition to another bootloader and bruteforcing it through there. What exactly is happening when the bootloader is locked and how does this protect against bruteforce attacks?

Of course you could break the encryption key outside of the device, however for doing so you need to access the central encryption header of the encrypted partition.
A locked system usually does not allow to read arbitrary data from flash. Hence you can't read/extract the required information unless you can run own code or attack disassemble the device and try to access the flash on hardware level.
If you can't install software to the device and don't attack on hardware level the only remaining way way is to use the password prompt UI provided by the operating system. O course attacking the key via UI is very slow compared to a GPU assisted brute-force attack.


text:
Get Internal Storage path for pulling over ADB
To clarify, by internal storage I'm referring to the folder that's shown to you on a PC when you connect your device.
I can use adb shell pm list -f -s/-3 to get the paths of system apps and user apps respectively. I don't know how I can find the internal storage path though.
From my 5 minutes of googling I've found it could be at /sdcard/sdcard0, though I've yet to see that in any official documentation and I have no clue if that's consistent across phones/android versions.

Depending on your Android version, there could be a few "canonical" directories:

In old times sdcard and userdata are two separate partitions:
/storage/sdcard0

In modern times (mostly Android 5+), sdcard is part of userdata
/storage/emulated/0
/storage/emulated/legacy

Finally, there's always a convenient way to reach it
/sdcard

Simple, right?

I would assume /sdcard is considered a partition. Are there any caveats for copying files into this dir/partition in an updater-script ?

@MattM. Nope. For sure.


text:
Where are game apps' storage files saved? I would like to delete them
I installed The Trail on my Moto E 4.
I uninstalled it. But, I thought I might try the game again. So, I reinstalled it. But, the game started up from where I left off the first time.
So, how do I get rid of the previous game data files?
It seemed like the second installation took a lot less time.
I am new to these larger games. I have tried a few of the smaller ones like Float Plane. (Are files for that game still on my phone, too?)
I do have a File Manager app.

You can go to Settings > Apps > The Trail > Storage then click Clear Data and Clear Cache
If The Trail requires you to log into an account or Google Play Games than either delete the account data, or create a new account.

This answer is unlikely to be helpful because the OP has already said he uninstalled and reinstalled.

That is correct. The app is not listed in Settings.

Game save data is found at:
/sdcard/Android/data/[package.name.of.app]

And it's running resources collection, familiar as obb file is at
/sdcard/Android/obb/[package.name.of.app]

Incase obb is not visible and you're sure it is not yet deleted, you have root, and a root file manager find it at
/data/media/obb/[package.name.of.app]

Delete it and you'll be free from that. If it's undeletable. Delete it when device is off with TWRP recovery File Manager. Usually this results from invalid permissions set to the folder or file in the folder though it's less unlikely if you have not been running root in your device
That's all you need


text:
How to move app's data to PC? I cannot find it
My Android device is low on storage capacity and some services do not work correctly, i.e. camera. About device: (Samsung Galaxy S5 mini, SM-G800F, Android Version 6.0.1) .
Now, I want to find out, where the data is and remove it from the device to the computer. (I removed the external SD card, before taking the screenshots below).
I open the "My Files" Application, which looks like this:

However, the "Storage Map"  Application does not reveal, where the GB are stored, as it only has 1.47 GB:

When I copy the whole "Phone" folder with the USB cable to my computer, I even only get 0.99 GB.
I've given up, this has been going on for half a year now, but I cannot identify, where the data is. Does anyone have experience with this?
How can I get the space back? I read about rooting the device, but it sounds sketchy at best, as people have reported various issues: e.g. this post. I just want to be able to use the device. I was thinking copying everything to the computer, resetting the device and then copy it back would solve the problems, but this does not seem to be a viable solution. What should I do?

You're (almost for sure) won't  be able to see those data without root. Here is a good answer to your question.

I'll give you a good list of things to take care about if you want to free some space. But before that. You need to be aware of this:

System the phone is running claims storage too up to 2.7GB for big ROMs at /system
Dalvik-Cache which the Dalvik Virtual Machine uses to prepare system applications classes files claim your internal storage at /data/dalvik-cache

These two will take up to 4GB maximum by default. That's why, for example, on a 16GB phone you might only access 12GB as the user end memory.
Back to creating space on a hogged device, things to note:

Photo Thumbnails hidden data at /sdcard/.thumbnails or /sdcard/DCIM/.thumbnails You need to enable viewing of hidden files to see this. It contains previews of photos as loaded by gallery app
Package installers .apk files systemwide. They can be shared ones or downloaded ones except the ones downloaded by Google Play since it deletes the installers immediately after successful install. Search for .apk and delete the packages that you already have installed
Temporary application files like Es File Explorer's recycle content at /sdcard/.estrongs and uninstalled vault applications like Gallery Lock apps which dump data at /sdcard/data or any other folder
Application updates also can use a lot of space if you regularly update them. Uninstall the updates of apps you don't like using a lot or which updates don't make any significance for you. You can disable automatic updates at Play Store
Some phones don't delete application data after app uninstall. Take care of files at /sdcard/data and /sdcard/obb delete the folders of package names that you currently don't have installed apps for them on the device from the folders
Social messenger folders like sdcard/WhatsApp and /sdcard/pictures/Telegram etc also need to be taken note of

Those are the basic things that hog space on your device. Advanced issues for root users include:

activity logging files at sdcard like MTK logs
dalvik cache of deleted system apps or renamed system apks
application data of directly over installed apps at data

I think after addressing all these. Things will be a bit better for you

Aha, is the `/sdcard/´ not actually referring to the SD card, but to internal storage?

What s a good file explorer? (like Windows Explorer on Android?)

/sdcard is the location of internal sd while /external-sdcard is the external one. Based on their location from the root of file system

/sdcard is the location of internal sd while /external-sdcard is the external one. Based on their location from the root of file system. Good file explorer? What do you mean to say. Incase you're looking for an app that can work good for you doing the above, use Solid Explorer on Android


text:
Locating a wallpaper that comes activated by default after ROM flashing
So I have a v5.1 ROM that has this one wallpaper that automatically comes activated by default when the ROM is flashed that I wish to locate and "remove/replace" - yes I do not want to salvage the wallpaper which I am aware could be done with root and root browsing. I have unpacked the system.img and look it up in the 'media/images' directory where I have found image files on other Lollipop system.img with no success. I have also tried to bring out all JPG and PNG files that exist in all ROM folder directories and the said image file was still not amongst them. This brings me to think that it may have an extension I am not yet familiar of which one of you may be already. A pointer will be greatly appreciated.

Default wallpaper is found in /system/framework/framework-res.apk and /system/priv-app/SystemUI/SystemUI.apk. Incase of the lock screen paper
To remove it copy the .apk to sdcard and rename the apk to .zip so that it is extractable by archivers like RAR. Extract it's contents and find it at
/res/drawable-hdpi-v4

If your phone's resolution is 480x800
/res/drawable-xhdpi-v4

If your phone's resolution is 720x1280
/res/drawable-xxhdpi-v4

If your phone's resolution is 1280x2440
They are renamed as:
default-wallpaper.png
keyguard-wallpaper.png

Their file extension can vary to jpg mostly in many devices. And as added by Andy, it can be found at  /res/drawable-nodpi resolution of device is not considered. It always persists under all resolutions
For example mine is found here

And it's properties are

This goes down to tv-dpi or xxxhdpi for android tv. Replace it with your favourite but ensure to keep resolution of the paper for good results, zip it again and rename it back to apk. Replace it with the system one.
Note: For framework-res.apk I recommend you to use TWRP file manager to replace it to system original apk because framework is always actively used on a boot device and will crash the system if you try to replace the apk using root on a boot device.

The wallpaper is often resolution-independent (a single large resolution one), therefore it can also potentially be found in /res/drawable-nodpi. In essence, just search the whole extracted framework folder for wallpaper and it should pop up.

Many thanks to both of you, Sirs. And sorry it had to take me over a month to see that my question has been answered. You should however be both glad to know that the question was still applicable to date and hence I am eagerly looking forward to try out both pointers :)


text:
Android system update stuck for every
My phone is Pixel I. I got a notification for the latest Android 8.0.0. The screen says it is updating, and it has been two weeks...looks like it is not going to finish forever.
There's no indication whether it is ongoing, or is stuck. No button to stop/restart.
Any idea how to fix this?

It possibly has encountered an error updating. Stoping it will render your device unusable which I'm sure is your only option right now. If you had unlocked your bootloader you can do this: https://www.androidcentral.com/how-manually-upgrade-pixel-nexus

reflash?...lol. Google is learning a lot from M$.


text:
Google Docs crash
I have non rooted HTC One M8 (Android 6.0)
When I try editing document in Google docs aplication, it crashes (more like minimization). That happen every time after I press any letter under document.
I tried:
1) deleting cache
2) rebooting phone
3) changing keyboard (current is Swift)
Can someone help me?
Many thanks!

Try updating app

I have latest version

I've been having the exact same problem the past month or so, and in looking for solutions I just found the app CCleaner could cause it. Just removed the CCleaner app and Docs works perfectly! Same problem for you perhaps?


text:
Smart unlock says "no devices" despite one being connected
Honor 6A, Android 7.0. Bluetooth active, smartwatch paired and connected, phone contacts and calls are visible from the smartwatch, smartwatch accepts files via Bluetooth. However, when I try to set up smart unlock, it says "no devices" and the phone keeps asking for PIN every time I unlock it. Any ideas?

Try impairing, clearing Bluetooth app cache, pairing again

@beeshyams Cleared cache for all apps. No effect.


text:
System default camera app not showing up
I am not able to find the system default camera app icon in menu on my GiONEE P5L handset (Android version 5.1). But the app is still on the phone and it's working as well. Able to take photos and videos. I want to show the icon in app menu. Someone please help me.

Able to take photos and videos.  and not able to find the system default camera app icon in menu . Then, how?

Able to open camera using notification toolbar shortcut

Check default camera in settings->apps. If camera app is found there, then its working well. Try with another launcher (Ex. Nova launcher) and check it.

Yes, the camera app is in settings > apps and it's working well as I said in my initial post. Ok I'll try with another launcher. Thanks

Open Google search and type "open camera"  then it will open

As I said camera is opening & working without any issue. But camera icon is missing. Please help me


text:
How do I set my phone to require the storage decrypt password after restarting?
When an encrypted Android phone is started, this is what happens (to my best knowledge):

Boot phone
Decrypt storage, which requires PIN or password
Start up Android
Homescreen appears
(You may have to enter SIM card PIN code, but let's ignore this here)
Phone works, which requires PIN or password to unlock home screen

So password or PIN are required twice. Let's call these PIN1 and PIN2. On phone1, I have to enter PIN1 and PIN2. On phone2 I only have to enter PIN2.
How can I configure phone2 to have to enter PIN1 as well?

After encrypting phone from Settings, Security
Head to Lockscreen, Screen lock, set the password afresh and check Require password or pattern on start up.

And then you're automatically asked for it on power on. Take note that accessibility turning on disables this setting

Thanks. I think I've found the answer. Phone2 doesn't have this option. It's on Direct Boot, which is a method to boot up the phone without decrypting all data. So it can reboot without interaction, but only after entering the PIN it decrypts data. Some apps (like alarms) can write data to a special part of storage that is accessible in Direct Boot. So these alarms keep on working. See https://www.howtogeek.com/269422/how-to-enable-android-nougats-direct-boot-for-less-annoying-encryption/

Okay. Good luck


text:
What's the best way to turn an Android device into Linux server?
I have an Android device with a broken screen and I'd like to turn it into a dedicated Linux server.
Now I'm reading articles found by googling but I'm still not sure what is the best way to do this. One way I've found so far is using Linux Deploy after rooting my phone. However, I'm still not sure it is the best and valid way since I have a little knowledge on Android and Linux.
I have listed below what I want.

A dedicated Linux server so it doesn't need to be run alongside Android. (I don't worry about its performance but I want to fully utilize the device's performance.)
A server which can be accessed via SSH clients such as PuTTY.
A full featured Linux server on which I can run Python and MySQL. (I hope it can be a replacement for my Google Cloud service.)

Can somebody give me a guide for this?

Depending on your definition of Linux, this would be very phone specific and unlikely to run any "standard" Linux distro without Android.
Android uses the Linux kernel, and a lot of Linux bits, but overlays that with Android functionality which can't easily be stripped out of the phone - and indeed any attempts to do this will depend entirely on the make and model of the phone.

What make and model of phone ?

@davidgo It is LG G2.

Since Android IS Linux you can use the existing Android configured by your carrier/manufacturer to to run Linux applications. The other approach is to replace the entire OS on the device and this is heavily dependent on the device. Not because compatibility with the CPU or even drivers is a big issue but because carriers lock down features of the device and the boot loader process is extremely convoluted on android devices as well as the need for a image or "rom" to install the distribution as well as a way to flash it to the device all of which are things that are specific to the device and may be locked by the carrier.
You can use an app called Linux Deploy to install a chrooted Debian distribution. But this will use the Linux kernel provided by the Android OS itself.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ru.meefik.linuxdeploy

I disagree that Android is Linux -  https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2009/02/an-introduction-to-google-android-for-developers/   Also - Linus Torvalds classified Android as a Linux Fork - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duDC_u4ydVo - but I acknowledge that this is arguable.

I believe you will be unable to get the G2 to do what you want - As its a relatively niche phone, with locked (albeit probably hackable bootloader) there won't be a standard Linux distro for the phone - and rolling your own would be inordinately difficult.


text:
How do I enable language button in samsung keyboard
How do I enable language button in samsung keyboard
I upgraded to android 7 in my samsung galaxy and the language switch button was gone

I brought it back through enabling all accessibility services but i can't do that
how can i have it without enabling accessibility apps

Pressing on the globe icon (second from bottom left) should change the language.


text:
Restoring the backup of an encrypted phone
I had an LG G2, running LineageOS 7.1 with enabled encryption. I took regular backups using TWRP 3 (which can deal with encryption).
The phone broke. I now want to restore the backup using TWRP on a new LG G2.
How can I restore the backup from the old phone using encryption onto the new phone (no encryption yet)?
I tried to restore the backup as-is and it doesn't boot (black screen). Anything special that I need to do before restoring?
Should I first encrypt the new phone and then restore the backup? Or do I need to strip the encryption from the backup somehow before restoring it?

As it turns out, TWRP/nandroid backups aren't encrypted. The encryption layer sits lower at the level of the device.
You can therefore restore the backup on a new device like any other backup simply by using the restore function in TWRP. You have to re-enable encryption afterwards, of course.
This also means that backup data is not encrypted and therefore must be protected in storage. I've never read this anywhere; be aware of the security implications.
Edit: The reason for the above mentioned boot problem was unrelated to the backup. I had the wrong bootstack on the new phone and first needed to upgrade to the most recent stock rom.

There's no reason as to why the device won't turn on at all if it's of the same exact model as the backed up one. Unless if the twrp backup got corrupt and you restored ignoring the message digest check (MD5). Remember before accessing TWRP if device is encrypted, TWRP asks for decryption password to decrypt data hence you copied files after it's decryption. There's no need to even think about encryption. Just if the backup doesn't work, and I'm sure you have TWRP, grab a freshly downloaded lineage and flash it to device. It's better to have a working phone with your data lost than having a bricked one


text:
Just bought Galaxy Note 8 but
When I got the phone for the first time and started it up, it showed the recovery mode and I selected reboot system. The phone had 0 battery.
I've seen lots of unboxings and the phone starts up normally.
Is there any explanation?

The phone had 0 battery, this may have many reasons.Charge it. You need to test these things also.Charging status, duration, draining etc.

My guess - it's a refurbished device

OEM's typically ship devices at about 40% charge or little more as that is the ideal charge level for storage (from the OEM to your hands it can take months ). After refurbishment, this was not done and the already low charge dropped to near zero
During refurbishment, previous owners data is wiped out (factory reset) and possibly in your case it was done through the recovery options and carelessly not booted back to normal

To confirm , try using Phone Info -Samsung which has an option to check whether your device is refurbished (I haven't owned any Samsung device for a while, so I don't know if it works on your model or not)

Did you buy it from some refurbished seller ?

Just tested it out and said it was an original one. Did some search in the web and this app seems legit.

Well it was a guess.


text:
Nexus 7: battery charging stalls at about 20 percent, even w/new batteries!
I've got a 2012 wifi Nexus 7 tablet. The battery will not charge much above approximately 20 percent. I've installed a new battery, tried charging using a nice Anker brand usb cable, tried several different good chargers, replaced the little usb/audio jack wiring harness, cleared the cache, as well as tried charging after shutting down from the OS then holding volume down button when powering up the selecting "power off" from the broken android window. Other suggestions? This is a nice little device that I still have uses for. Thanks in advance...
Update: OS is Lineage 14.1 20171112

Thanks for the detailed response. I have been wiping regular and Dalvik cache using TWRP. Hadn't tried this in safe mode. I'll google SM, try it and report back. Note this problem was present with the previous battery running one of the last CM releases for this unit, not sure that the wipe and reinstall that I did to w/Lineage had any effect on this issue. I'd assumed that this was a battery problem.

I'm thinking that most if not all "new" batteries for sale having been in a warehouse for years and may be degraded. This is actually the second "new" battery that I've bought trying to solve this problem. Performance and runtime appear normal for the percent remaining in the battery as shown both by the AndroidOS icon in the toolbar AND percent shown when in TWRP in upper right. Thanks for your help w/this Beeshyams!

Tablet was plugged in all night. Currently the tablet is booted into the OS, plugged into a charger and showing 4% with the "lightening bolt" in the battery icon indicating that it is charging. Typically now the battery level will drop to 3%...then 2% and the tablet will shutdown. Bluetooth + Wifi are both off, and the device  goes to sleep after 30 secs to conserve power.

Let us continue this discussion in chat.

@beeshyams you get the prize! Ordered a replacement battery from the vendor that was "newer" than the previous one he shipped. This battery showed 60% when initially installed in my Nexus 7. Shut the tablet down, plugged into external AC overnight, and the battery level in the morning was still at 60% charge. I've just downgraded the OS from Lineage 14.1 20171112 to AOSP_grouper-ota-eng-20151229, (Android M, 6.01). After 2hrs  plugged into AC the battery is at 87% and appears to be charging normal. Most curious given that I ran this thing for months on Lineage 14.1 w/no charging issues.

That's great. Let me know if you want to self answer or want me to answer. Either way is fine by me

On second thoughts you should self answer :)


text:
Lanix X110 (Mexican made, generic android 4.4.2 OS) Random "ghost" apps appear from nowhere and other issues
I have some issues with my phone and I hope someone could help me
when I arrived home  just found in my phone some random apps with the "system" logo in them, like in this case those were named launcher

I stumbled across some apps like that in the past and I unistalled them but im scared that if I uninstall those my phone's OS gets corrupted
Because it had happened to me before but it was after getting an e-mail from a teacher and I coulnt recover even after doing a factory recovery so I sent it to warranty
Another issue I had in the past its that its way too slow, it takes a lot of time to just open google maps
Another one consist in not being able to detect any wi-fi network at all
The last issue I had (and the reason I had to root it) its some full screen and sometimes inapropiate ads that appeared in the lock screen, system settings, home screen, and other system apps
I hope you guys have some answers and suggestions on that
Regards

Hey guys im back, with this issue, as those adware keeps on coming back, even trough i've deleted those apps, but they keep on coming back, and its now annoying as it installs more and more, in that case what do I do, I dont want to factory reset, also that the fact that dr web detects the system calculator as a virus

Do this. Those are brought to you by some app integrated to system. If you could be kin enough you could realize that even advertisements appear on status bar and or drawn over other normal apps. But though even if you haven't seen ads in your phone, automatic installation only is too worse an issue to live with.

Snatch Dr.Web antivirus from any source you're convenient with,
Install it and then run a full system scan.
Take note of Adware originated apps, binaries, and frameworks if possible. The app reports Google Play Services also as an adware but don't delete it.
Since you have kingroot, install a root file manager like Es File Explorer, or most preferably Solid Explorer and grant it root access.
Navigate to the reported files and delete them except Google Play Services.
Get back to kingroot and remove root access. Reboot your phone and you'll be good.

I did this on my Sony and all those things went away

@beeshyams thanks for your comment about Es, the questioner should then look for some other root app to get rid of the infected files. You can recommend an app so that I can refine my answer

@beeshyams Okay I'll do that

I used Avira Antivirus as i've used that one in the past, and it deleted the files from me, fixing issue #1 (and the main one)


text:
Insufficient Storage - SD Card used as Internal Storage
I've formatted my SD card to be used as the internal storage on my LineageOS phone (Android 7.1 - HUAWEI Y5).
When I attempt to install anything from the play store I am unable to. Accessing the files through any file manager shows the SD card and Internal Storage merged as one (36GB total).
What can I do? Is there any application, Xposed module or Magisk module for this situation?
PS:Typed on my phone, hasn't been checked for grammar or spelling mistakes.

@Thally Ace It gives me the classic "uninstall an app to make space for this one"

And when sdcard is out leaving only internal storage. Does it give the error still about space?

What error does Google Play Store give. Insufficient storage? Or any other. And could 36GB be insufficient? Please note that application package rests on /data/app which is obviously internal, then all it's data is got in the sd. That means you may encounter that error if internal storage is below 15% of it's original size no matter how massive is your external sd. If that isn't still the issue, I think that's a bug in the Lineage OS you're running. I'm running lineage too. That feature works perfect like on any AOSP


text:
How do I find out the address of [Settings>Display->Cast] devices?
I see a [TV] Samsung 6 Series (50) wireless display in the list from display settings. But I do not own a Samsung television, so I would like to know the IP or MAC address of this device to double check with my router's list of connected devices.

Its just detecting  a device compatible with WiDi and not necessarily connected to it besides it doesn't require an access point.

So it's not inside the LAN ?

Its more like bluetooth technology (thinking backwardly) you can't really identify a device's bluetooth MAC let alone without even made  connection/pairing. It is just scanned and put on a list of available devices

You can't easily identify its MAC address as its not connected to any AP.
Wireless display (WiDi) does not require any Wi-Fi Access Point or router or hotspot for operation. It uses WiFi Direct® (or Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ Miracast®) technology, for wireless connection to WiDi compliant receiver.
Having said that, it therefore implies that by your device identifying [TV] Samsung 6 Series (50) in Settings→ Display →Cast is not connected to any AP, but it just being detected by your device as a "nearby device" and does not even reveal its MAC/IP explicitly even if you make the connection.

However the easiest way to identify its MAC/IP is allowing it to connect to any of available wireless AP:

Go to your TV's menu and choose Network → Network Settings
Choose Wireless for your connection type
Choose to connect to the  SSID
At this point, the Smart TVs will show you a screen with the Wireless MAC address.
If not, go back to the Menu and choose Network → Network Status.

Alternatively check on your device's list of connected devices and get the IP.

Note: I have even observed that my Smart TV (Samsung) shows in the list of Available Wireless Display devices on my tablet, even before connection.


text:
How to perform double tap to zoom on android device with adb shell
I want to perform a double tap on the screen or mouse with adb shell. Is this possible? I'm not interested in waking or turning off the screen, but to increase the zoom on a picture.

@Firelord I want to double tap to zoom in / zoom out in pictures or websites, not related to waking the device.

Have you tried the keyevent 168? It seems to work here. 169 for zoom out.

Thanks to @Firelord for pointing out the solution. These are several keyevents that work on a Samsung Galaxy S7. You cand send either the code or the name of the event:
Turn on/off the screen (clicking the power button):
adb shell input keyevent 26
 adb shell input keyevent KEYCODE_POWER
Zoom in a little bit:
adb shell input keyevent 168
 adb shell input keyevent KEYCODE_ZOOM_IN
Zoom out a little bit:
adb shell input keyevent 169
 adb shell input keyevent KEYCODE_ZOOM_OUT
See all the official KeyEvents on Google Developer's page:
Android KeyEvent
Another option, much more powerful and sophisticated, is to use minitouch, which is a minimal multitouch event producer for Android.


text:
Flashing BLU Life One X2 Mini wiht Stock ROM
I am experimenting with custom ROMs on my BLU Life One X2 Mini and had done the following:

Unlock bootloader
Root device
Install TWRP
Create a NANDroid backup

And was in the process of wiping the phone using TWRP to prep for the installation of LineageOS when my phone suddenly restarted.
It would appear that the wiping also cleared TWRP. I'm not sure why; I had specifically installed it on the recovery partition...
As a result, the phone now doesn't boot into Android, but it's still visible to my computer and as far as I know, I'm only able to flash it using QFIL.
I'm looking for options to either:
A) Use my TWRP backup and somehow deploy it from QFIL
B) Get a QFIL ROM that is made for Life One X2 Mini
Finding these is a pain with all the click bait websites and triple redirect download links..
Also if you know of any other alternative, I'd be happy to learn it.
Thanks

At this point, the only solution is to flash a stock firmware using QFIL.

Try this link: http://blox2.com/rom-stock-blu-life-one-x2-mini/ (not tested)

Thanks yeah I landed on that link before. Sadly all of its download links are broken

Which model is that phone? Is it the T470 model?

Try finding your phone firmware here: https://www.stockrom.net/blu

Thanks @esQmo_ even though that link only has a ROM for the non Mini version of the Life One X2, I took a chance and flashed it. It then allowed me to reinstall TWRP properly along with LineageOS, thanks!!

Glad you solved your problem.


text:
How to avoid advertisement in YouTube
I would like to know if there is a way to avoid the advertisement in YouTube videos in YouTube application for Android  ?

If you have a rooted phone or tablet, you can install YouTube AdAway. It is an xposed framework module that stops/blocks videos ads in the Youtube app.
You also need to install the xposed framework, and activate the module.
Disclaimer: I am still using version 11.45.59 of the Youtube app and the module works as stated above. I am not sure about more recent versions
Edit: Try Youtube Vanced, a modified version of the Youtube app that prevents ads and has other features.


text:
How do I know that a charger is a Turbo Charger for my Moto
I have a bunch of USB chargers lying around and I wanted to clear the mess. Is there an easy way of knowing which ones support the Turbo Charging function of my Moto G5?
Does every company have its own version of fast charging or is there pre-agreed protocols that are negotiated between phones / batteries & chargers.
I do have this monitoring app "Ampere" installed & it shows 1630 mA right now as the charging current at a 24% battery level.
Can one tell from this whether we are in fast charge territory?
Also, can one typically tell from the specs printed on the charger itself? e.g. This charger shows

Model C P49L SPN5967A Output 5.2V 2A

Does every company have its own version of fast charging or is there pre-agreed protocols that are negotiated between phones / batteries & chargers.

Yes. See this answer How does fast-charge work?. This list is not exhaustive and doesn't cover all types but get the idea

I do have this monitoring app "Ampere" installed & it shows 1630 mA ....

Yes. It's a fast charger, normal charger will not charge usually beyond 1100 mA

Model C P49L SPN5967A

Google it. You will find listed on Amazon and in the supported phones, you will see that they ( I didn't verify all) support fast charging

How do I know that a charger is a Turbo Charger for my Moto

It doesn't seem to be going by the list of supported phones. But be aware that some or most turbo chargers do fast charging and vice versa. But it's best to get one that specifically supports your device

You can input the battery size in the calculator linked in the answer and see how long normal charging would take at 1.2A and compare that how long it takes to charge with your turbo charger https://android.stackexchange.com/a/161482/131553


text:
Suspicious "push" directory in Android phone storage
Android version: 5.0
Directory: push > locks > [files]
There's more than 3000 files in that locks directory. Each file has a name similar to 55ee5f08..._1471113497966 in length 38 characters. Each file has no file extension, and is zero bytes in size. The entire locks directory is zero bytes in size as well.
What is the purpose of this directory? Can I safely delete it?

Is it a Mi phone? Also what is the complete path of directory? Is your phone rooted?

@beeshyams Thank you for helping! My phone is Micromax Unite 3. It is NOT rooted. The complete path is phone > push > locks > [files]

Sorry no idea about that


text:
Most versatile encrypting option for SD? (without root permissions)
I want to protect my data in case of robbery or loss of my phone; but also to be able to recover my data in case my phone becomes unresponsive/breaks.
Internal memory
This is protected by authentication (PIN/Biometric).
Should I also encrypt it? Is already encrypted?
And would there be any way to access its files from another device? (e.g. my PC)
SD-Card / External memory
Here will reside most of my personal data.
I want to prevent the sensible data from being read without authorization.
But should be readable from outside the Android device (in case the phone breaks; or if it needs to be reset to factory defaults).
Not everything strictly needs to be private though.

Spotify cache doesn't need to be encrypted.
photos/videos, WhatsApp medias or other specific apps' data need to be encrypted.
Dropbox, Evernote and other apps are indifferent as they are implemented already with encryption.

# Implementation
I thought to eventually create two partitions of my SD: one encrypted and the other open. But maybe it's overkill.
Android native encryption
This prevents any other devices to access the SD, when took it out and plugged somewhere else.
Also in case of factory reset the access to the encrypted SD is lost completely. What if I have to because of some technical problem that makes my phone unresponsive?
This answer give some insight of how it works.
Generic encrypted filesystem
I am not aware of the options but would be great to have encrypted partitions that ask a verification/authentication when mounted.
Ideally Android would manage it automatically (encryption password associated to the system user), authenticating to the SO; while instead mounting the partition on other devices would require to type the auth password manually.
Practically, like the native Android encryption, but with the ability to mount the partition somewhere else, if the password is known.
Does anything like that exist?
Private Area (or similar, depending on the phone brand)
My device provides an encrypted Private Area; but I guess it won't allow any other device (let's say a laptop) to access it.
I don't want to be dependant just on some specific proprietary software, running just on a specific device, in order to secure my data.
Is there any other option using the same approach? (selective protection/encryption/sandboxing)
#UPDATE: I found Parallel Space that seems promising. Not sure if the technology is the same; didn't try it yet, so maybe doesn't fit for encrypting data on SD
Other options
I need to keep most of my personal data and settings on the SD; to have the SD encrypted; and being able to unlock & read it on other devices, inserting a password (either to copy files or to backup in case my Android device doesn't work anymore).
All this without rooting the phone.
What are the options available to realise this? Or alternative approaches?

I used this open source, multi platform compatible app on the past, to encrypt selected internal / folders. See if it helps you https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.paranoiaworks.unicus.android.sse

Looks like a great tool; and supports many platforms. But requires manual operations for each file/folder (and needs Premium for batching multiple ones). I'm looking more for an automatic en-/decryption option (e.g. photos encrypted automatically once stored). Maybe I am looking for a filesystem solution; but not the "closed one" offered by Android.


text:
How can I use a smartphone/tablet without being distracted by it in classrooms?
I want to use an android phone without being distracted. I want to be able to block calling applications such as the calling feature in whatsapp, facebook messenger, viber calls, as well as google hangouts. There are some of my friends who directly call me when seeing my online.

Just simply remove the apps from your tablet or disable them if you cant delete them.
If you want them to stay on the tablet then go into the app settings and configure them respectively.
Also Do Not Disturb is your friend, I'd put it on a schedule and set it.

Exactly. I have tried the "DO NOT DISTURB" feature but it just appear that it cannot block facebook calls. So when I use my tablet to go online and search a word from google translate, I receive an incoming call which is highly annoying.


text:
How to stop Android apps starting automatically when internet connect?
How to stop Android apps (such as "todoist") starting automatically when internet connect?
(non-root device)

That's how these apps keep their data in sync. What are you trying to achieve by stopping them running?

You can go to the app info screen (Settings > Apps [> App List] > Select App) then click on Data Usage. This provides a number of options to control its access to network.
You do need Android 5.0 or up I think.


text:
Not possible to make complete backup of my phone without wiping it?
Phone: Fairphone 2 (Android 6.0.1)
OS on Laptop: Linux Mint
To get a complete backup of my phone I want to follow the suggestions here:
Is this the right way to use dd for a full backup?
For this I have to be root first, otherwise I can not do this, right?
So is there no way to get root without wiping your whole device?
My problem is that I have nicely configured and set up my device but want to do complete backups from now on.

Rooting itself does not wipe anything...  Unlocking the Bootloader does and, other than a few devices with specific exploits, is a requirement to wipe the device.

It is correct that you cannot perform a complete backup without either rooting the device or installing a custom recovery. The latter definitely requires to unlock the bootloader, which usually (very few exceptions known) implicates a factory reset (wipe). As for rooting, you might want to ask, specifically for your device, how to root it. As it is not yet listed in our rooting index, that question is permitted (we have the policy of one "how-to-root" question per device).


text:
Disabled mobile data but some data still transmitted
I have expensive mobile data plan so I disabled mobile data in settings. But I still have a little amount of mobile data traffic every day that I paying for. (something near 100-1000 bytes, I inspected it in payment detalisation provided by operator)
I use home wifi for internet access so I need to disable only mobile data but not wifi.
I enabled restrict background data option but still have mobile traffic. (screen1)
In APN menu I can't delete/edit default APN supplied by mu operator. I created and selected fake APN as sugested in How can I disable mobile data completely? but still have mobile traffic.
How can I (but not disable wifi)?
I suspect OS Android or Google services make this traffic.
(screen2)
My phone is LG X style K200DS Android 6.0.1.

I assume you're using LTE? If so, try "locking" the device to UMTS (3G) and below. Without usage of mobile data, there's no advantage for LTE anyway.

@Izzy Thanks for suggestion but where I can find this option?

Check in Settings. It's in a slightly different place with different ROMs, but there's a setting to chose the preferred network type.

@Izzy I found this menu and set GSM (2G) only. I will check whether it helps. Thank you anyway.

Cool. Let us know then!

@Izzy Unfontunately switching to GSM only doesn't helps. I still have small traffic

Sad. But was worth a try. I just remembered that recommendation for avoiding roaming costs (mentioned that LTE triggers small data packages even with mobile data off).

Install app like Glasswire and you can monitor your outgoing traffic. Or you can use firewall apps and try to disable the data on every app.

I definitely need some firewall (that works without root because I don't have one). I will search for it. Sorry, can't upvote this ansver due low reputation

@Yaros be welcome to take a look at my list of Android firewall apps. Has several candidates working without root. NetGuard is often recommended, being very flexible and covering a lot.

I installed "NoRoot Firewall" app and configured pre-filter on global rules tab. (filter for all ports, all ips, mobile network connection only) It works, I have no mobile traffic anymore.


text:
"Ok Google" i.e google assistant does not work for anyone but me
If I say "Ok Google", the assistant starts up just fine. However if my wife says it, nothing happens. She tried it several times, speaking loud and clear, but nothing happened. Is the assistant somehow expecting my voice only? Voice Match ist disabled, though.

Train her voice by going to
Settings → Google → Voice → Voice Match → OK Google Voice Model → Retrain Voice Model
on 7.1.2  for other versions  you may need to search in settings

This only seems to work for up to 3 people since you have to say "Ok Google" three times. What if you want it to work for more than three people?

Ok, I asked another question here.


text:
how to open whatsapp with out scanning QR code
i want to open whats app in browser . but i have to scan the QR code produced in the browser through camera.
is there any way to get my whats in browser.
problem is my camera is not working it is not even opening .so i cant scan it .
is there any way to open it?
which tells how QR code works.
how do i permit whats app in browser?

It looks like you already found that your question was asked before.

@Dan Hulme I HAVE ASKED FOR AN  ALETERNATIVE WAY

You need to read site rules and know how it works here. Asking a duplicate question, even if the dupe target hasn't got a satisfactory (in your eyes) answer, isn't allowed.


text:
Moto G 2nd Gen - looping on optimizing apps
I believe I have a Moto G 2nd Gen (may be 1st or 3rd, not really sure). When I turn it on, it displays the Motorola splash screen animation and then displays "Optimizing app 1 of 150", then 2 of 150, etc. until 150 of 150. Then it restarts the process from 1 of 150 again forever. I have run it overnight and it still keeps repeating.
I have all my data backed up already, so I wanted to try an external factory reset. However, following the instructions (pressing power button and volume down, selecting "Factory") only led me to a picture of a green robot with an open chest plate with the caption "No command." This forced me to restart and led me nowhere.
When I tried to boot in recovery mode, the white notification light began blinking slowly, but nothing really happened.
What should I do next?

When you get to the "Dead Andy" screen and it times out saying "No Command" hold POWER and tap VOL UP and release quickly. It should open the stock Recovery menu where you will see the various update and reset options.
I would first try to Wipe the cache partition and reboot and see if that clears the issue. If the problem persists, go back to the stock recovery menu and perform a factory reset.


text:
Moving Content from Galaxy S7 to iPhone X
Apple Move to iOS app really sucks. It is only available to transfer a few items from Android to iPhone and you have to factory reset iPhone to bring up the app.
So my question is: what is the fastest way to transfer 60G content, including Contacts, WhatsApp, Music and Photos.

Apple Move to iOS app really sucks. It is only available to transfer a
  few items from Android to iPhone and you have to factory reset iPhone
  to bring up the app.
So my question is: what is the fastest way to transfer 60G content,
  including Contacts, WhatsApp, Music and Photos.

Apple’s made it easy for Android folk to move all of their data from their Galaxy  HTC, or Lenovo phone, etc. i konw some ways:
For contacts: Apple’s official mail app supports iCloud, Microsoft exchange, Gmail, Yahoo,  so if you use one of those services, linking up your email account is pretty straightforward. Source.
For photos, videos.
Apple suggests you use PhotoSync ($3, iOS and Android). You’ll find those freshly synced photos in the Photos app in Albums. You can also move photos and videos with a computer. Download Android File Transfer then go to Transfer > DCIM > Camera to drag the images from your device to a folder on your computer.(source)
For messages.. sorry, i dind't know.. if you found great way to transfer messages from phone to another phone, please let us know.


text:
Remove Alarm Tone?
Last year I bought an RCA Voyager (tablet) running android 6.0.1 (marshmallow), and between now and then I have added custom tunes to my 'Alarms' folder to spice things up a bit.
My problem is that I accidentally added an alarm that I do not wish to use. I searched the whole clock app for a remove or delete option, but could not find one. I deleted the tone directly from the 'Alarms' folder, but it is still registered in the list (only it now uses the default sound). I attempted clearing the application's data, that didn't work either. I downloaded an app for removing ringtones and alarm tones, but it would not even run. I went as far as installing an app that can access the /system directory, but it was too complex in there and I did not want to break anything. My  device is not rooted.
So this really boils down  to: is it at all possible to remove custom alarm tones?

Did you rebootb after deleting? Wondering if it was removed but it shows the name. Reboot causes media scanner to index the files again and you may find it gone

Yes, i did try rebooting. It didn't work. I wonder if there is a config file of some sort that I can manually change?

Hi. Are you using the Google's Clock app (default clock app in many Android devices)? In that app if you long-press on the custom tone you would get the option to remove it. Is that option not available or not working? https://i.stack.imgur.com/guf2x.png

@beeshyams I'm not entirely sure what you mean. There is a directory called /, if that's what you meant. There is also this.

@Firelord I did try the long-press, it didn't work. Yes, I am using the default clock app for android 6.0.1. It looks like this.

@CardinalSystem I tried Android-x86 6.0.r3 release which is technically the stock Android for a tablet. I was able to remove the custom alarm tone entry from that list by renaming that sound file (remove .mp3 extension) where it is originally located. That triggered Media Scanner and the entry was dropped from the list. You can rename it back. Alternatively, since the details are stored with external.db of Media Storage, you would have to edit out the entry. Try the first approach though.

@beeshyams I tried a one minute long-press, it did not work :(

@Firelord i tried the first method, but the alarm remained registered. Only this time it had the default sound.

Seeing that no non app solutions have come up suggest try Ringdroid. It's open source and well rated

@beeshyams I tried that app, it only deletes the audio file. The name is still registered in my alarms only it plays the default sound.


text:
How do I backup app data from a secondary account and move it to a new phone
My son has been using a rooted Galaxy S4 with Resurrection Remix Nougat 7.1.1_r6. He is under 13, so my user is the primary account, and I created a secondary account for him.  I am now switching him over to my old Nexus 9, but now that Google has accounts for kids, I have made his account the primary account on the Nexus 9.  How do I backup the app data from the secondary account on the Galaxy S4 and move it to the primary account on the Nexus 9 under a new google account?  This is what I have tried so far:

Titanium only works in the primary account and doesn't seem to let me back up data from the secondary account.
Helium only runs in the primary account, and doesn't seem to let me back up data from the secondary account.
When I connect my PC to the phone, I can view photos, but I cannot view the app data directories.

You could try [tag:adb] backup while logged in with the secondary account. I've never tried it, but IIRC it should then access the data of that account. No guarantees, but worth a try. Please let us know if that worked out then.

There is similar question on Stackoverflow: https://stackoverflow.com/q/50978678/150978


text:
A reset problem on a RCA, Android tablet
I was given 2 used 7" RCA model RCT6873W42 Android tablets. The batterys on both tablets are charged up and the tablets turn on. The last owner didn't do the "wipe data/factory reset" in the right order. They didn't remove the last Gmail account that the tablets were sync to before doing the factory reset.  And I keep running into a roadblock on both tablets when I get to the point in the set up were it asks for my Google email address. See the screen capture. I did the "wipe data/factory reset" 2 times. No change. I don't know how to bypass the "Factory Reset Protection" and I can't get the last owner's email address and password in order to open up the tablets. Is there a way to around the "Factory Reset Protection"?
Steve
Update I now have what the eBay seller calls an "OEM MICRO USB male to female USB OTG Host Adapter For a RCA Voyager RCT6873W42 Tablet". I must be doing something wrong in trying to get the tablet to see the prog "Bypass any Samsung Google Account Lock.apk" or I am using the wrong APK prog.
Also I have found that I have full access via a back door to all non rooted files and directory's in the tablet via the USB cable when connected to my Windows laptop. What I can do with that back door, I don't know. But I can read and write to the tablets. I also have ADB/Fastload for windows. I have used ADB/Fastload to root a cell phone and a tablet before. But that cell phone and tablet didn't have FRP installed in them. They were older OS's.

The post [How to bypass "Verify your account" (Factory Reset Protection)  by Andy Yan] is for a Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge cell phone. What I have are tablets. These tablets CAN NOT be used to make calls even to 911

Did you read through all the methods? Not all methods necessitate a dialer. Also, that post is a general pointer to this type of question - to prevent being flagged as a duplicate of it, try the solutions posted in there and edit your question to reflect how they wouldn't work.

Have you tried removing their Google account in settings?
To remove a Google account, go to settings, then either Google (Or accounts). If prompted, tap the account name. Tap MORE. Tap Remove account. Tap REMOVE ACCOUNT to confirm.
If they have a passcode or screen pattern then you'll have to find a way around it. But if not then that should help.

FRP happens in Setup Wizard where you wouldn't have access to Settings or any other app (unless worked around by an exploit - but then again you still need the original account's password to be able to remove it).

I don't have access to the "original Gmail account that the tablets were sync to"  And I have to wait for payday to buy a  USB-OTG cable.

I got the USB-OTG cable. The tablets won't see the USB-OTG cable. I am about ready to take these tablets out for TP