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What Options Are Available For Viewing the LogCat?
I recently had to capture my logcat for my HTC EVO 4G device to try and identify the reason why updates sometimes fail claiming there is insufficient memory (issue discussed more extensively here).
However, the log captures EVERYTHING which means you have a lot of unnecessary information as well which makes it hard to look at the raw data without getting overwhelmed with the amount of data. I am trying to isolate the data relevant to the updating process so we can see what's going on that is triggering the error when there is enough space on the internal storage that can't be exhausted by the size of the installer and/or application size.
Does anyone have a suggestion for a LogCat viewer or recommendation? What solution works best? Preferably a visual (GUI) tool that can process the file with filtering capability and hopefully intelligent grouping and so on.

https://github.com/wangfei1975/superlog/

A good starting point is a Google search on "adb logcat filter", which yields interesting results already on its first page. Including the logcat help page from the Android project itself, which lists quite detailed options. Especially follow up to the Reading and writing logs link, where filtering options are explained.
The basic syntax is specified as
[adb] logcat [<option>] ... [<filter-spec>] ...

Interesting options include to write the output to a file (-f <filename>) and using human-readable timestamps (-v time). The filtering example given should get you started on the second part:
adb logcat ActivityManager:I MyApp:D *:S

In short terms: Show all Info messages from ActivityManager, Debug messages from MyApp, and Silence everything else.
As long as you're completely out of ideas what exactly you're looking for, you might at least have some ideas on what you are not looking for, and could use something like GamesApp:S FunnyApp:S MoreApp:S [...] to filter out stuff which is definitely not of interest. So your command could look like
adb logcat -f special.log -v time GamesApp:S FunnyApp:S MoreApp:S

When you have excluded the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth. – Arthur Conan Doyle: The Adventure of the Beryl Coronet (Sherlock Holmes)

For the output I did the old school windows trick of just running adb logcat > log.txt and that's how I got mine which was fine. The output is surely the same but good to know there is a built-in option for it, will use that next time. How do I identify the tag for the item I am trying to capture, remember that we are trying to observe what the updater is doing so we can see why its causing insufficient memory when there is space. SO what tag should I use? play updater or application specific? not sure how they are grouped or performed.

I totally agree with alternatively excluding things to tidy up the massive spammy output but if we can find out the output specifically generated by the update process (which is what we are trying to observe for space management behavior) that would be more useful, no? Ideas? I am not familiar too much with how Android tags each process, so not sure if the update process is tagged under play or under the specific application being updated, or some core process than handles updates in general. Thoughts?

I'm no developer either. So my approach would be as described above, to narrow down results by filtering out what I'm sure I definitely don't need. The human-readable timestamp is helpful here as well, as you usually know what time you've triggered the action (substract a little at start and end, and cut off heads and tails). Sorry that I can't be more helpful; but with some luck someone else might be able to jump in?


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How to stop notifications of OTA update after rooting?
I recently rooted my device (4.1 version Asus tablet). However, when I connect my device to internet, it automatically search for  and download system firmware update every time. Then it asks me to tap the notification to update the system. There is no option provided to disable that. How can I disable checking as well as downloading the update?
I read this question also, but there is no solution.
Edit: My device is Asus MeMo Pad tablet.

What is the tablet model? Please mention it.

@k1chy I edited the description. Thanks for pointing out.

If you are having root, use Titanium Backup to disable/freeze CMClient.apk & DMClient.apk. This will disable the tablet to check for OTA from Asus servers.
If you want to update the tablet to latest firmware later, unfreeze/enable the apks and proceed with updating.

That worked. Thanks. Could you upvote my question please?

source: Stack Exchange

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

sort: votes


text:
Can't use `adb shell` in recovery mode
I have a Chinese tablet named Quest. I have accidentally repeated the pattern lock more than 5 times. Now I have also forgotten the email address.
So for a factory reset of my tablet, I simply booted it into recovery mode. But it shows an Android bot lying with a red exclamation mark. After spending hours, I found a shortcut i.e., Vol + and Power to access the recovery menu. But my tablet doesn't go to the recovery menu even when I pressed the keys.
So I simply connected my tablet to my PC via USB and installed drivers. In adb command prompt, I typed adb devices. Now my tablet is listed as 20110301 recovery. I can simply use only adb pull, adb push, and reboot commands. But I can't access adb shell to unlock my tablet. it simply says exec '/system/bin/sh' failed: No such file or directory (2).
What can I do?

Have you checked with Cannot unlock tablet as have no internet connection? Many ways are listed up there, maybe one of them proves helpful for your situation as well.

Thanks for your reply!!!But it does'nt solves the problem.Because they are also telling to use adb shell to unlock the tablet.But i can't even access adb shell .What to do?.Other methods does'nt works.

You've "forgotten the email address"?  Have you ever used Google Play Store on a PC to install apps?  If you're failing to factory reset then your only option (as far as I'm aware) is to use the email address.

If you tried all methods mentioned there, I'm out of ideas, sorry. Except of trying fastboot mode and use fastboot -w to wipe all userdata and cache (which basically is the same as a factory-reset).

My tablet doesnt support fastboot mode.when i started into recovery mode it shows only android bot lying down with red traiangle and cant get recovery menu even after pressed power then press volume up.What to do ?Is there anyone in the universe to help me.Anyway Thanks!!!

Now i tried to create a directory /system/bin/sh and it is successfull.But when i execute adb shell command it says /system/bin/sh permission denied.

/system/bin/sh is no directory, it's an executable (the shell interpreter). If it wasn't found, it's rather likely that /system wasn't mounted. So if you created the bin subdirectory, this could prevent future mounts completely (as the mountpoint must be empty, but now contains that directory). Can you run the mount command? How did you create that directory without shell access?

I have created the directory by simply pushing a dummy file into /system/bin/sh like this adb push dummy.zip /system/bin/sh now the directory is automatically created.For using mount command it is possible in shell only.Is there any other way

You have a stock recovery. Try to boot to fastboot, using ADB: Apply this command in ADB while in recovery:
adb reboot-bootloader

or:
adb reboot bootloader

Try each one, if the first works, good. Check if the device is visible by:
fastboot devices

If it outputs nothing, try the other command. It should work now.
Now you have to flash the recovery using fastboot flashing abilities. After that, try again.

I'm in the same situation and I tried to put the device into fastboot without success. Do you have any other ideas?

On stock recoveries, the ADB utility only registers that the device is connected when you invoke the sideload utility which gives an error when you try applying adb shell or any other thing. It only accepts push commands to the device. ADB also works when your phone is on, which is a problem when you have boot issues and can only get to recovery.
Best case scenario with prerequisites: flash custom recovery via Odin.
The stock will prevent certain commands; TWRP or CWM is the industry's (root) finest and gives a provision to initialise the sideload utility or even better yet, backup to an external SD Card.
Press Home + Power + Volume Up to get to recovery.
Voila, your adb commands will work as required, not to mention factory resets and wipes.

I have the same problem with the E-Tech ET-7008B tablet, the USB debugging is off before they made too many pattern mistakes.
My advice is to make sure the USB debugging option is checked/turned on before making any security password on your devices, but it would be easier to unlock those stolen or lost devices.

If you wipe the user data. That's a factory reset.
fastboot -w

You can boot a custom recovery and also root it from there. Just fastboot boot recoveryname.img, and flash the root package, su, and superuser.apk.
If it doesn't work, it's safe because it didn't flash, just booted it. Because it will let you boot a recovery.IMG on the phone and not flash anything. Try that.

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


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How to make an Android update for your own device?
I have this devices which the android version is 4.2. After read some articles about Kitkat, I'm really excited and want to try to experience it on my phone. However, it seems the manufacturer won't update it to Kitkat in the future. So I think I'll do it my own. I understand and accept the risks.
So, what should I do now? I read some articles about this but can't make a check list of things to do. Will it be a build from the scratch or I can re-use the old kernel? How can I extract the old driver?
If someone can provide me a guide or a check list, it will help me so much! Any idea will be appreciated!

@bmdixon: Thank for the link, I'm interested in the unoffical part, but I like to know how to make the updates myself, not wait for developers...

You're probably best looking at this question then. Personally i'd say that XDA is probably best but there are plenty of others sites mentioned in that question that would help.

Thank @bmdixon. If I found something interesting I would post it here. Hope you guys do it too!

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


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Android PTPP VPN session stalling after precisely 30-31 minutes
My Android 4.2.2 device (MINIX neo X5 TV-box) uses PTPP VPN connection to Netflix via a HideMyAss VPN server. The problem is that the Netflix session always stalls precisely 30-31 minutes after the VPN connection was established, claiming there is no data connection, although the VPN status (in android settings) says "connected". It works again (for another 30-31 minutes) when I disconnect and reconnect the VPN connection.
I usually take the occasion to get myself a new cold beer, but it adds up :) does anybody have an idea how to fix the problem?

Does the rest of the Internet work? Or is it just the Netflix service?
In any case, contact your VPN service provider for advise. As long as the VPN connection is not terminated (as you say it isn’t) any problem is likely to be much easier debugged on the service providers side. You have noticed a pattern, and that should be debuggable for them.

The intire internet connection (not just netflix) goes down until I disconnect or reconnect the VPN.
As suggested, I  have now contacted the VPN provider HideMyAss, let's see what they say.


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Restoring using ROM Manager
I created a backup file successfully using ROM Manager and saved it on my PC. I lost all my data on mobile and now I want to restore my mobile using the backup file I created.
I copied the backup file to mobile but in ROM Manager its still showing 0 backups. Where to copy the backup files in phone so that ROM Manager can find it?

What device and recovery are you using?

Its MTK based device, I am using latest ROM Manager.


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Samsung Galaxy S4 "Prevention Information" USB OTG
I am trying to connect things to my S4 with a USB OTG cable. Standard devices such as mass storage, keyboard and mouse all work fine. My problem seems to be with vendor class devices.
I connected an FTDI USB to UART bridge (TTL-232R-3V3) to a USB OTG cable and installed the FTDI app. I plugged in the OTG cable and the phone reccognised the FTDI chip, launched the app, waited a few seconds and then closed the app again.
I got the message:
"Prevention Information, An application has been forced to stop for an unauthorized attempt to access system in your device". (Including the grammatical error)
I have the same problem with my Arduino Uno using the ArduinoDriod app.
I tried both devices on a friend's Huawei p6 and they both worked fine. From what I can tell, this issue is specific to the S4 and seems to be related to the recent update to Samsung Knox.
Does anyone know of a work around that doesn't involve rooting the device?
I am still in the 14 day trial period of the phone, so I could swap it for a different one. How do I tell if the Galaxy Note 3 or the LG G2 will have the same problem?

Community bump prevention: this question was closed because the question seems to have been abandoned (OP hasn't visited the site anymore for more than 5 years, and no answers have score above 0). If anyone can evaluate the existing answers, feel free to vote accordingly and reopen the question (or mod-flag the question requesting for reopening). For anyone else having the same issue, please post a new question and refer to this question as additional context.

I did also read about this. KNOX seems to be blocking the communication to USB devices in some cases.
The Google Nexus 5 (LG) is also available now. Its pretty cheap for the features it offers. You should take a look at it before you swap you device. There is also a ROOT available for the SGS4 but it would break your warranty ofcourse:
This is where i read it
more about the root. only use the one from the xda-developers forum!

Thanks for the source re- knox causing problems with OTG.
I think I'm going to take the plunge and buy a Xperia Z1.

I had the same problem, and I did a backup on my PC using KIES and factory restored the phone. Then I reconnected the device to my PC, it found the backup made with KIES and then I restored my information from my KIES back-up on the pc back to the phone.

Did you mean doing a factory reset will fix the USB OTG issue? As of current writing, it isn't really clear if that's the case...

authors: เด็กอัมพวา เด็กบ้านนอก


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Market won't show some apps on custom rom
I installed cyanogenmod 10.2 on my samsung galaxy s3 and asus tf101g, and it looks like both of them have one problem with apps showing in play store.
For example I have buyed Mantano Reader Premium and it's showing on "All" section, I can install it and it'll work, but it wan't show in "installed" section, so i'm not getting any update notifications or such. I tried to restore market links with Titanium backup, but it did nothing. In fact, i think the links are ok, because it was installed from market. App reinstall obviously not helping too.
Searching solutions i got some varians:
1) Use Market Helper by Jummy: com.jrummy.apps.google.play.api
Didn't help. I tryed to delete market cache and data, modify device properties in Market helper and reopen market. Nothing helped
2) Modify build.prop and set ro.build.fingerprint to some "good' value.
Didn't help. Actually i found that cyanogenmod already have some value from samsung s3 stock rom, and I also tried to modify it to something from other devices, remove data and cache from market and restart device. Also got nothing.
So, is there any good solution? What exactly is restricted:

Device name?
Android version?
Region?

How I can find and fix that?
For example here is some affected applications:

Facebook
Mantano reader premium
Whats app

They appears in "all" tab, u can install, but it wan't came on "installed". Wan't appear in search also.
I'm using market 4.4.21.
Thanks for helping.

this is not the place for this question

So, where is the place?


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Question Mark on Lock Screen
I've updated my S3 Mini, and now i have a question mark on my lock screen, it's right below the time, and right to the date, and above the message "discharging x%"
What is this question mark?

Would it be possible to get a screenshot?

Sure, how can i do it? :( i've tryed home+power button but i guess it doesn't works on lock screen

It does work on my galaxy S3 running JB, though you have to hold it for a few seconds.  Alternatively, there's a setting in settings->motion that will allow you to trigger a screenshot by swiping your palm across the screen.

i don't have that menu, but have another one that worked :)

Does the question mark do anything if you touch it, swipe across it, or drag the unlocker up to it?

I had this on my Nexus 4 for a while I believe it happened when it was unable to update weather data or something (That's the weather widget - or it was for me)

It was something about the weather in the clock.
thank you all


text:
What are the differences between Perseus and Adam kernels
I have a Galaxy S4 i9500 and have started looking into Android development and custom ROMS to get a feel on how they are made, what changes they provide and to what they focus on. But I always end up with one question that has gone unanswered at least to my full understanding.
Whats is the difference between the Stock kernel (The one that comes in 4.2 or 4.3) and the Perseus and adam Kernels.
It terms of CPU usage, RAM usage, speed and Battery usage, in what do they differ. What do they offer that the stock or other versions do not?

Welcome to Android Enthusiasts! Different devices have different kernels so it's important to list your device (I've edited your question to include it for you). Your other post indicates that you have a Galaxy S4. I don't think the question is off-topic, but you're more likely to get a faster answer from the XDA Developers Galaxy S4 subforum. I'd be surprised if anyone here was familiar with this kind of information.

Thank you dotVezz for the kind words. Will follow on your advice.


text:
Which baseband version is the official one for the 4.3
I am confused between the official version mentioned in sam mobile and the one my country offers. They are both 4.3 but one is I9500XXUEMJ8 and the other is I9500XXUEMJ5. So which is the most updated one. I would guess the J8 but then I also need to think which one is the latest one for the S4 I9500 (Octo Core).
I have also seen several ROMS offering either one or the other. Getting me more confused in the process.

Welcome to Android Enthusiasts! I don't think the question is off-topic, but you're more likely to get a faster answer from the XDA Developers Galaxy S4 subforum. I'd be surprised if anyone here was familiar with this kind of information.

You didn't mention which country you are from.
As much as possible, use the version that is intended for your country and your network. I9500XXUEMJ8 and I9500XXUEMJ5 will most likely have the same features, but different modems (using a modem that is not intended for your country can give you a poor signal or cause other issues like heating).
I9500XXUEMJ8 is obviously more recent, based on its naming convention. If you're trying to flash the ROM from sammobile, you can still get the firmware that's not for your country. But you risk two things here (and possibly others):

It may not have the region / language you want
It may not have the correct / suitable modem for your country.

In the second case, you can always flash a modem for your country (after you flash the ROM). But if you don't want to deal with possible issues (and headaches), better get the version that is intended for your country and your network.


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Is Camera on Nexus 5 always as slow as in the Engadged Hands-on?
http://www.engadget.com/2013/10/31/google-announces-nexus-5/
In the Engadget video above, we can see that Nexus 5, with its quad-core 2.3GHz processor, is a very fast phone indeed: all the IU is very-very fast.
But then near the end of the 3-minute as above (2:35/3:26), they showcase the camera.
Wow.  The app takes more than a second to launch.  Then it takes more than a second to take each HDR picture, yet somehow the presenter comments that it takes "quick snaps".
Since when are 1s+ snaps "quick"?  Will the camera be as slow in the non-HDR mode, or will it be as flaky and unusable as the post-4.0 zero-shutter-lag feature of Galaxy Nexus, which has been completely destroyed with the 4.1 update?

HDR - by design - takes time to snap and process. 1 second is indeed very fast. I can't speak for the N5 yet, but I've got Android 4.4 on my Nexus 4 right now and the camera takes very fast (non-HDR) pictures.

@dotVezz, even if so, the interface of a simple delay, instead of actually showing you which pictures are taken, seems to be the exact same poor experience that I'm getting on my post-4.0 Galaxy Nexus, alas without the HDR.

The HDR function in the Nexus 5/KitKat camera app is an optional function that's switched off by default.

From some informal testing with my new Nexus 5, how fast the HDR function is at taking photos seems to depend on what's in the photo. Taking a close up picture of the well lit surface of my desk seems to be pretty fast (feels like under 2 seconds), taking a picture down the length of my open plan office towards the window seems to take a few seconds longer. It seems to depend on the variation in the lighting (and possibly the depth) in the photo, which would make sense as HDR works by taking photos for different light levels and combining them.
Taking a photo with HDR off seems to consistently take a photo pretty nearly instantly.
For me the camera app launches in about 2 seconds from the lock screen (swiping the lock screen left without unlocking) and in under a second from an unlocked home screen.

The above was written using a Nexus 5 running 4.4. In addition the 4.4.1 update promises further camera speed enhancements, the speed-ups should apparently be particularly noticeable in low light. More: AndroidPolice: Android 4.4.1 Will Improve The Nexus 5's Camera, Update Expected To Roll Out Over The Next Couple Of Days


text:
Why is the ART VM slower than the Dalvik VM, at sorting an array when the array size is 62000?
Look at row 62 of this graph.
It is the time taken for a quick sort integer array, on a VM for android 4.4 (KitKat). How come that ART is faster except at an array size of 62000? In fact, it is significantly slower than Dalvik, as Dalvik takes 238 seconds, but ART takes 333 seconds. The result does not even fit the pattern of results, in rows 61 and 63. I could even say that its anomalous.
This is very strange. Why does this happen?

I am not sure if it is off-topic on android.se, but this may probably get better attention on Stack Overflow. If you feel like migrating this question, flag for moderator attention.

I think this should be on http://stackoverflow.com/

Most probably the test is inconsistent. Have you tried repeating the test at least 100 times to have pseudo-valid statistic results? And are you sure the emulator is a valid platform on where to test such low-level things? It may be optimised for the Dalvik VM.
Best guess is to try it on a real device, like the new Nexus 5 or waiting for the Nexus 4 and Nexus 7 updates.

I was not the one doing the tests, I came across it while I was on an IRC channel, with a well known developer.

I told you why I suspect the test is inconsistent, no matter who made the test. I'd suggest to run the code yourself once you've got a proper 4.4 release for your smartphone, or wait for further tests. That result may be the result of several factors, one of them a CPU or emulator hiccup. In statistics this kind of data is considered an outlier and most algorithms just ignore them (more or less).


text:
Nexus 7 refuses to boot unless plugged into outlet
I've looked around the internet for this problem ad/or solution for hours and have found absolutely nothing on this problem.
My tablet is brand new, straight from the box.
When i have it plugged in and turn it on, theres absolutely NO problems at all. Everything works like it should and the battery is detected and charges fine (at 100%). I can even unplug it after booting it and it will continue to run.
Now if i try to turn it on without it being plugged in first, it refuses to turn on.
I tried the 30+ second power hold with no result.
I also took the back off and disconnected/reconnected the battery port but it still doesnt work.
Anyone have any thoughts ?

We'll there is no fix for this. I have had my N7 for one month and it is doing the same thing described--if it is not plugged in it will not start up. So here is what I have experienced relative to this problem.  First the N7 I just pulled out of the box did the same thing. So I brought it back to the store to exchange it and to be safe I tried the next three at the store and they all had the same problem.  The fourth one worked for a month. Now that it will not start up I called Google they would help only if I bought it through the PlayStore.  They passed me to Asus who gave me only one option -  return to have it repaired not replaced.  I am very disappointed in Google.  They know they have a problem but do not want to say so in the public. Very sad


text:
No way to access recovery menu in android china tablet
My Quest tablet is accidentally locked yesterday it asking for gmail and password but i forgot the gmail id and password.So after a long search i found lots of things such as unlocking tablet pattern lock,gmail lock,pin lock etc.These topics only be successfull only when the tablet is in recovery mode.So i tried to put my tablet into recovery mode by pressing vol + and power button.But there appears a android bot lying with red traiangle exlamation.So i simply tried to access recovery menu by pressing power and the vol + .But nothing happens neither than a dead android bot lying down with a red traiangle.
IS THERE ANYONE IN THE WORLD TO HELP ME!!!!.

Same issue (different viewpoint): can't use adb shell in recovery mode. According to the comments there, ideas from Cannot unlock tablet as have no internet connection? have already been tried without success. fastboot -w seems to be no option as OP wasn't able to enter fastboot mode either. adb shell seems to have trouble finding /system/bin/sh in recovery.

You are correct lzzy but my bootloader doesnt support fastboot now adb shell gives permission denied error 13


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Downloading...Do not turn off target on galaxy s4 sch-i545
Yesterday evening I received the update to Android 4.3 on galaxy s4 sch-i545 and figure to do updates and the phone stuck at 83% and he remains stuck at Downloading ... Do not turn off target. L `I left it 3 hours and nothing happened, still remained blocked. The phone is the global mode and use a different sim than Verizon. Sorry I do not write good English but I hope you understand. Thank you!


text:
Combine SIM contacts to single contact back in phone
I have researched on the net for this and have come accross useful apps like Merge+, Duplicate contacts, etc.
But they don't exhibit the feature that i am looking for..
When we copy contacts from phone to SIM, if a contact has multiple numbers associated, each of these numbers gets stored as a separate contact. For example, contact "abc" with numbers num1 and num2 will get stored as two separate contacts abc->num1 and abc1->num2.
I want to merge these contacts back to single contact when imported to phone. How can this be accomplished?

This may just have to be a slow, manual process. I don't know of any other way.

Not sure if this is exactly what you mean (hence being a comment), but if you log into Gmail and go to your contacts, there is a merge tool.

This is not about google contacts but any contacts inside phone. I don't want my phone number contacts on the net!


text:
THL W3 with v4.0.4 - periodically getting "Restricted Access Changed" and losing all SIM services
What happens exactly: when I use my SIM's data connection, after 1-5 minutes of operation (be it while the phone is active or locked), I get a notification "Restricted Access Changed", losing all SIM services -- voice and data. And I get prompted for my PIN. This only happens when I use the SIM's data connection. Using my home router's Wi-fi never introduces this problem.
I had this out of the blue since several weeks ago. I didn't drop or hurt my phone in any way.
I tried using SIM cards of 2 of my friends on my phone. They never had problems on their phones (their Android versions are more recent than mine, just pointing that out). Again, after 1-5 mins of idle/active operation on my phone, we get presented with the same error message and PIN input dialog.
I tried these:

Reset to factory settings -- no apps, nothing. Only started Play Store and locked the phone. Just a minute later, boom, the same problem.
Removed my SD card. No change.
Tried putting the SIM more firmly in the slot (used some paper to make it fit tighter). No change. Though, I only tried that once and not very stubbornly. I guess I'll try that again in the meantime.
In my mobile network, I only have the options of "GSM / WCDMA (auto)" and "WCDMA only". Using either of both doesn't change anything.
Switching off 3G seems to "fix" this, which is of course no fix at all since the network gets at least 3 times slower. Not to mention I can't view any video, etc. I can't count that as a solution.

Here are few links from my google hunt:

Restricted access changed (XDA-Developers)
Unlocked Chinese Android/Restricted Access Changed (Howard Forums)
"Restricted access changed" + "Voice call service blocked" (XDA-Developers)
Restricted access changed (XDA-Developers)
HTC One S is showing, Restricted access changed. Data service is blocked (XDA-Developers)

Some thoughts:

I didn't manually install new applications by the time the problem started occuring.
As said, I didn't drop or hurt the phone in any way.
My data plan is having a limit of 1.5GB. I rarely go over 500MB, and the last month was no exception (I am regularly checking the used bandwidth and traffic on the phone).
The phone is rooted. I am periodically getting BusyBox updates -- I suspect that might be the culprit since it updates a plethora of system files. But I admit that I am no expert in rooting and/or flashing Android phones, and the last sentence might have been an extremely nooby statement. Sorry if that's the case.
The problem is consistent: with 3G enabled and only using internet from my SIM (again, not through Wi-fi, the problem is not present there). However, there's no fixed period. It varies between 1 and 5 minutes, even though I had 2-3 cases where it worked properly for ~15 mins. I am suspecting that the moment the phone's networking hardware/software goes over a certain load, the problem occurs.

Steps I didn't try:

Flash a new ROM. Thing is, THL don't have more recent ROMs than the one I got the phone with when buying it off a friend. He downloaded the latest image from THL's website and flashed it, then rooted it. We never tried using unofficial ROMs.
Flash only the radio software. (I don't have an idea how this could be done, though.)
Call my mobile provider to ask if my IMEI is blacklisted. Or if they have a malfunctioning cell in the area. (Still though, that can't explain why the problem does occur 6km away in a park as well, so I don't think a malfunctioning tower/cell is to be blamed).
Go to repair shop for diagnostic/repair of the internal antenna. I would like to leave that as a last resort. From what I hear, this could easily cost $100. And that phone costed me $200. If I have to do this, I might just go and buy a brand new Galaxy S4 as well. Still, I don't want to just throw it away. Obviously, even if I replace it, I'd like to be able to sell it and not burn the guy I sell it to.

I am out of ideas now. Even though I am by no means an Android expert, I have tried quite a few possible solutions without any effect so far.
Can somebody help with this, please?

Interesting. Have you tried inserting the sim chip into another device? It might be useful to know if these results/issues can be reproduced in such a case.

Yes, and I forgot to mention it in detail: when I tried friend's SIM cards in my phone, they also put my SIM in their phones. No issues with my SIM whatsoever on their phones. Everything leads to the conclusion that the phone is at fault. Either a malfunctioning antenna or a faulty software.

And just to clarify, did their sim chips have issues in your phone? (Also, it might be a good idea to edit the question and add this info)

Yes, I tried 2 more SIM cards on my phone and in all cases the problem reappeared. Conversely, my SIM on their phones didn't present a single issue over a 30+ minutes of work (which is plenty enough time for the issue normally appear 10 times). This led me to the conclusion that it's a phone issue, not SIM issue.

I had similar problem with my brand new Snopow M6 phone. And I'm sure, that this may be common to most Chinese Android phones. First, in Estonia we have 3 major mobile operators, and with SIM cards two of them my phone worked nicely, it did not work with my own SIM. Also tried almost everything, but then started check IMEI code through the operators' networks. And found out, that my operator follows the idea, that its not good enough just not to be in their blacklist, You have to be in their white list. So I gave them a call, and they manually added my phones IMEI to their white list and phone works flawlessly since then. So, if you buy a Chinese phone from the Internet, then first check Your IMEI through carrier, random internet sites might give You an answer, that phone is not blacklisted, but that might not be enough in some cases.

That's useful to know, but doesn't seem like it could lead to intermittent problems: it would either work perfectly with your carrier or not at all.

Well, it's some sort of clue. Once my phone is back from a local repair shop, I'll definitely check that out. Thank you.

@DanHulme I admit I never tried this, actually, and now I regret it -- not because I regret selling a chinese phone, no ;) but because that might've given a conclusive answer to this problem.

@DanHulme I'll accept your answer even though I still don't know if this is officially the solution in the case of the THL phones.

@dimitko You're replying to the wrong person. It's not my answer: I'm the one doubting its plausibility.

@DanHulme Silly me, too tired. Sorry.

Dial *#*#4636#*#* >> Phone Information >> Set preferred network type: WCDMA only if you have 3G connection, GSM Only if you have 2G Connection and CMDA if you have CDMA Connection. The problem occurs when the phone searches for WCDMA in WCDMA preferred and ends up getting something else.

If you're in Europe, I've found that setting it to "GSM only" resolves the problem. On my Nexus 4, I've tried setting it to "LTE/GSM/CDMA auto (PRL)" in the hopes that this also works when travelling to the US.

Nope; this appears to simply come and go on the Telfort NL network, regardless of the setting.

As stated in another comment of mine here, this is a non-solution for me. I successfully "downgraded" my mobile connection to the default 3G which was very slow. But what the hell is the point in this? Might as well just replace my phone, as I did back then (Galaxy S4). Never had any problems since. I have to conclude the problem was either in the Chinese Android modification or in their hardware.

I had similar problem with my phone HTC desire 816 dual sim. the problem started when I travelled another country and inserted a sim of that country in SLOT 1 of my phone. my problem was solved when I removed sim of my country from SLOT 2. So my solution is like that, though its a dual sim phone, yet I cant put 2 sims of 2 different country at a same time.

Below setting fixed issue on my Moto-G
Go to Settings>Wireless & Networks>More...>Mobile networks>Preferred network type>select either 2G or 3G as available

With respect, back when I had the THL W3, that was definitely not what I was looking for. I wanted the HSDPA (an enhanced 3G) mode which allows you to easily browse image-heavy social networks like Google+ and 9GAG. I already discovered that switching to much lower speeds "fixed" the issue but I wanted it to work on full capacity.

I tried the following solution and the problem was resolved. This is not a hardware problem.
Go to Settings → More network → Mobile network → Network provider → then in the options select Automatic detect network provider.
After this the phone will go through some registration process and the problem will be solved.


text:
How can I connect my phone without a HDMI port to a non-MHL TV?
I have an older LG p990 that has a HDMI port, and with the right cable I am able to show movies on it on the TV.
My new phone is a Nexus 4, it has no HDMI port. Based on this question and answer, I know how to connect it to an MHL compatible TV. But how can I use a TV without MHL capability? Is there an adapter for that? How is it called, where can I buy one?

MHL compatibility on a TV only means that it will supply sufficient power (500mA, 900mA, or 2000mA, depending on which version of the MHL spec it is compatible with) through the HDMI port to power the adapter and charge the phone.
An MHL adapter will work just fine with a non-MHL TV.  You just need to supply your own power from a regular charger.  This is what the female microUSB port on the MHL-to-HDMI adapters is for.  You plug the charger into that, plug the HDMI cable into the TV, and MHL cable into the phone and you're off to the races.
Not all phones support MHL however, the Nexus 4 in the question supports SlimPort instead.

authors: عبدالله يحيى


text:
How to update Cyangenmod 10.1 to 10.2?
I have Cyangenmod 10.1.3 installed on my Xperia Z. When I tried to download Cyangenmod 10.2-20131101 nightly build in my phone's settings, no error but it silently failed after some time. I tried again but the problem persists.
Any idea what went wrong?
Am I supposed to download the zip file, copy it to my phone and boot into recovery mode to do a manual installation?

I'm not a CM user so I don't know for sure, but I don't believe nightly builds support OTA updating. If you're desperate to test a nightly, you have to flash it manually.

@Dan is correct - you need to flash it manually through CWM or TWRP. I also think that you need to perform a factory reset when upgrading from 10.1 to 10.2 but I can't remember.

You can't upgrade form 10.1.3 to 10.2 directly. You must flash it manually from recovery and you also have to wipe data.

You should follow these steps:

Download the relevant ZIP file from get.cm
Copy the downloaded ZIP file to your devices storage card
Using an app such as Titanium Backup, do a complete backup of all your installed applications.
Boot into recovery, and follow these steps:

Wipe data (all data)
Install the zip file as usual

Once done, reboot device.
Using the backup app, restore your apps.
Reboot device.

You will now be running the latest version. The data wipe is highly recommended, but your device should still work without it - you must wipe the dalvik cache at the very least however, or you'll get a boot loop.
Important Note
If you use google apps (GApps) then you must make sure you download the version for CM 10.2. If you do not, you may experience compatibility errors.

CM 10 and above includes self-updater.  Go to Settings -> About device and you should see an option for updating CM.  You can choose which updates to download (stable vs. RC vs. nightly,) and download them from there.  Once the download completes, you'll have the option to boot to Recovery and apply it automatically.  Or you can still do it manually from /sdcard/cmupdate/ folder.

@Chahk when using that method, you must remember to reinstall the GApps. Also, I don't trust the CM Updater as much as I should.

Several sources state that no wipe is needed while updating CM 10.1 to 10.2:

You can also do this manually (which is required if you flash
  additional things like kernels), by downloading the update to your
  sdcard (from http://get.cm) and rebooting into recovery to flash the
  update (and any additional zips - although, if you have the gapps
  installed from http://goo.im/gapps, there is no need to reflash
  those).
Contrary to popular belief, there is no need to wipe ANYTHING when you
  update CM. This includes your cache partition, your dalvik cache, and
  your battery stats. While wiping these won’t hurt anything, you can
  increase the time it takes to boot up CM after you install the update.
  Android is smart enough to manage both your cache and dalvik cache
  without you intervening.

I faced no issues after following this advice.


text:
Home-screen shortcuts disappear after reboot
In my Lenovo A2107a the shortcuts of the applications that they are running from the sd card or the onboard "USB" memory partition, they disappear after rebooting. How can I set of fix that?
The applications were moved via Android's interface and not by another app.
Android 4 ics.

You might want to [edit] your question and add how you moved those apps to SD: App2SD? Link2SD? That might make a difference, as the latter completely moves apps over, and sdcards are usually mounted after the boot_completed event (so the homescreen app might check for them too early). (I'm not sure about this as I never used Link2SD; but still, that information might be useful for those who know).

Related: Can I prevent home screen shortcuts from getting deleted or moved around? and android 4.1.2 apps shortcut disapperead from home screen

@AlEverett don't see how the first one is related, personally. OP: does this happen for all apps installed on the SD Card, or just some?


text:
Lock screen notifications not useful - how do I change it?
The first screenshot is when my locked Samsung Galaxy Note 3 AT&T wakes up when receiving a notification. I'm not too pleased with the lack of information displayed. How can I have it display the content of the notification as well?

The second screenshot is when I wave my hand over the air sensor and the screen wakes up showing the status of my device. Same comment here, the content here is mostly useless.
First of all, what is causing the blue lock screen display? Is there a way to disable it (I might have installed another app)? Second, how do I change both screens to show more useful content?

Has the screen always been like that? Did it appear after you installed an app? There is no way to fully change the lockscreen - lockscreen replacement apps have you disable the main lockscreen. The only way would be with a custom ROM.


text:
Where I Can get my karbonn a9's Driver for PC [Tianyu HSUSB Driver]?
I am having karbonn a9 and I am not able to install Tianyu HSUSB driver for my laptop.
I have visited 100s of site but not got a single Driver which is proper.
Please help me I am getting error like following image when I connect my device to computer.

Have you tried Kosh's Universal USB driver? Should work for many devices (not sure about yours, but certainly worth a try).


text:
What's the best way to switch from Stock Android OS to Cyanogenmod on Galaxy S3?
I would like to switch my Stock Android OS to Cyanogenmod with the least trouble possible on my Samsung Galaxy S3.
So basically I would like to keep:

My data (files, contacts, sms)
My apps
My apps data (progress of games)

Is this even possible?
What is the best approach to do this?

If your device is not yet rooted, an alternative to Alex's suggestion of Titanium Backup (which I'd second otherwise) would be to use adb backup (creating a backup file for each app separately is important here, as adb restore just works per backup file, not per app), or one of its frontends. There's also the possibility to do that directly on the device, using e.g. Helium Backup.
Please also take a look at the backup tag-wiki for more information.

You can do it with Titaniun Backup, thought it's not sure that everything will work as expected. Apps are the most problematic.
Some apps and games now store their data on Google's servers, though I don't think there are many that do that yet.

Titanium Backup is the gold standard for backup apps. However... a note: You need to be rooted in order to get Titanium Backup. For many phones, gaining root for the first time involves a factory reset. Therefore this may not be the best option.


text:
What does deleting a file really do?
When I run an app, select a file, and choose "delete" what happens then:

the file is moved to trash (and later is removed by OS when some conditions are met)
the file is removed from the filesystem at once
(1) or (2) depending on an app

?

Obviously it depends on the app. A "delete" button in an app might do anything or nothing. It would be a lot easier to give a meaningful answer if you'd [edit] your question to say what's the particular problem you're trying to solve.

@DanHulme, thank you. One note -- if you say "it depends on the app" it implies that Android OS supports the Trash mechanism (if not, there would be no chance of postponed removal). My problem -- I simply want to be aware (want to know) how the deletion of the file is handled for security reasons. IOW -- is undeleting is as simple as browsing through (hidden or not) Trash content, or does it take something more sophisticated like recreating files from some raw data dump.

That also depends on the app. The Trash feature you mentioned is Windows Explorer feature. Which is also kind of an app. Other Windows programs may or may not use the trash either.

There's no OS-wide "Trash" or "Recycle bin" like other shells have. However, the Android design guidelines recommend app authors to put something like that in each app as appropriate, to allow undoing deletes. Thus, in one app, a delete button might delete the content immediately, while another might mark the content as deleted but wait for some time before deleting any files in the filesystem.
There are even more possibilities with apps that sync to a server: they might need to keep 'deleted' content around for the next sync, or it might be on a server somewhere, never deleted.
In addition, not every item of user data you might delete is a file. Some apps might store things in a database, so after you delete an item, part or all of it might still be present in the app's database.
Of course, like any filesystem, once a file is deleted, most of its content remains on the storage. Someone with physical access to the storage, or a rogue root app, can almost certainly still read it for quite some time after it's deleted. It's pretty easy to recover files in this way, especially if your phone acts as a USB mass storage device when plugged into a computer.


text:
nexus 4 not allowing me to copy files
I have a nexus 4 and had been trying to copy files with Windows 7 - but when I plug it in, it  doesn't show up in my device manager but when i enable USB debugging in the developer options, it shows up under "Other devices" and Windows can not seem to find the appropriate drivers for it. What's happening here? How can I make the phone to show up in my My Computer to copy files to/from it?
Thanks,
Ron
edit I now tried to install the drivers I found on http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1992345 and now my nexus 4 shows up as an Android ADB Interface but I still can't see it in my device manager... :o

I've figured it out, had to enable MTP mode under Settings => Storage - > settings button on top right -> USB computer connection and then enable MTP from there.


text:
how to disable android headset/aux volume limit?
While using my old Samsung Exhibit II 4G and now on my relatively new LG Nexus 4, I have noticed that music or media playback through headphones or auxiliary cable stops after about 30 or so seconds if the volume is higher than 3/4 of the max. Is this a bug? What seems even more confusing is that if you press play again, it stops the playback after less time (like 10-15 seconds) and continues to shorten the time it will play back until you lower the volume below 3/4. Can this be disabled? And what is it anyway? It is not app-specific and it doesn't care if I have the volume maxed out if I'm using bluetooth or the built-in speaker.

Sounds rather like something is overheating (hardware) especially the shorter times on repeated attempts. Presumably whatever that is is not in the speaker part of the circuit or when transmitting to bluetooth, but is specific to the headphone/aux jack part of the circuit.
So, probably a hardware bug (or "design flaw"), rather than a "limit" you can "disable."

It doesn't make sense that it is a hardware issue since I haven't seen any android that *didn't behave the same way, whether it was a Samsung or a Motorola or an LG.

@KG6ZVP On the contrary, I hadn't seen a single device that behaves as you described. One Samsung device I had gives a warning about going higher than 3/4th of volume, but doesn't prevent you from doing so anyway.

I experienced it on my Samsung Galaxy Exhibit and my Nexus 4


text:
How do I import a user CA for the Email app properly?
For my own setup I use a personal CA: "Gert van Dijk CA". I'm using this for HTTPS and VPN successfully by importing the CA certificate into the Android keystore. I'm having trouble getting the Email app recognize this. Here are some notes about the current setup:

The custom CA is listed perfectly fine in Settings -> Security -> Trusted Credentials -> User.
Chrome and "OpenVPN for Android" are working with this custom CA. I can see a green location bar when connecting to https://mail.mydomain.tld.

This all looks good, until I come to setting up my Exchange mail. It simply won't connect to mail.mydomain.tld with the error "Couldn't open connection to server". However, when I change "Security Type: SSL/TLS" to "SSL/TLS (Accept all certificates)" it will sync my mail just fine! This makes me believe the stock Email app isn't taking the user credentials in the key store into account. Why?
Logcat shows me this line when receiving the connection error:
I/Exchange(10278): IOException while sending request: java.security.cert.CertPathValidatorException: Trust anchor for certification path not found.

To verify I've set up my Exchange server correctly, I navigated to https://mail.mydomain.tld/Microsoft-Server-ActiveSync and the location bar is perfectly green!
How can I make the Email app take the user trusted credentials into account here? I don't want to trust all possible certificates for security reasons.
Android versions: 4.4 (Nexus 5), 4.3 (Nexus 7 2013).

Ah well. It appears that the Stock Email app doesn't do SNI. This means that in the initial connection to the server it was presented with another certificate it should discard (but didn't). It seems to me that this is a feature request for the Email app, as other apps do implement SNI.
Changing the Apache SSL configuration to use SNI with an initial certificate signed with the "Gert van Dijk CA" still didn't solve it. Logcat then showed:
I/Exchange(12307): IOException while sending request: Cannot verify hostname: mail.mydomain.tld

Setting mail.mydomain.tld as initial certificate solved it. I consider this an ugly work around until this has been fixed in the Email app.


text:
Galaxy S-4 Active connect via bluetooth to IMAC desktop
Can I transfer data from my galaxy S-4 Active Phone to my Apple IMAC Desktop Via Bluetooth? Such as Music, Photos, files ??
Thanks
Carl


text:
Change the name of the Wi-Fi hotspot
Device: Samsung Galaxy Note 3
The wireless tethering hotspot name is AndroidAP. I would like to change this if I can.

I have a Samsung Galaxy S4, but you should have something similar to this: System settings > Connections > More Networks > Tethering and portable hotspot > Portable Wi-Fi hotspot.

If you don't see Configure button (not visible on my S4 5.0.1), try pressing device Menu button while you are at the Mobile Hotspot settings page (which shows your hotspot name and password)

I don't seem to see a place to rename like you do. Here is what I see under tethering and portable hotspot: http://imgur.com/stE9HIM. Under More Networks: http://imgur.com/PSQWMbL. And finally under connections: http://imgur.com/UmlIDyr

Oh, now I see! I tap on "Portable Wifi Hotspot" and I then see the screen that allows me to configure it! I was confused because the on/off switch on that line looked like it was the only control for that line, instead of also being able to tap on it and enter another screen. Thank you very much!

This option no longer exists in Lollipop.  However, from this forum I discovered that the configuration has been hidden unless you hit the menu button ("recent key") on the bottom left of the phone (opposite side as the the back button).  Who decides to make cryptic changes like this?!

Oh man!  @JessRiedel I have been searching for so long for this.  I'm with you: who makes stupid changes like this!?    It would be worth a separate answer to this question with this information, I nearly missed your comment altogether!


text:
Is it possible to reboot the Nexus 4 without root?
On the Nexus 4, the power menu only allows you to shutdown the device, but not reboot the device. Of course, you could wait for the device to shutdown and then power it up again. What I'm looking for is the ability to reboot in one action.
A lot of apps provide this ability, but it seems that they all requires root.
Is it possible to reboot the Nexus 4 without root?

I found one solution: adb reboot
This requires connecting the device to a computer, so it's not perfect, but it works pretty well if I just want to reboot it when I go to sleep.

I don't have a 4 but I have an original 7. You can get a reboot on the 7 by pushing and holding the power button until it reboots. So try that. Sometimes you can go to the shut down menu and long press where it says shut down, but that may just be mods. But if it were me I'd try those, just to try it. :-)


text:
HTC text photos
I have an HTC from Sprint and today the text photos changed. There was an option to choose Photo or Gallery and I chose Photo "all the time" and now when I click on a message photo is does not open. It just says Media not Found. How can I undo this??

First: What are "text photos"? Where did you chose "photo or gallery"? And what HTC device is it? Could you pleae [edit] your question and add those details? Otherwise it's hard for us to help you, as we cannot see what your issue is about.

There are multiple options:

The very extreme: Uninstalling Google+ as described by Miguel's answer. This will work because the new "Photos" app is part of Google+; an uninstalled app can no longer be the default one.
Installing another gallery app (there are plenty of nice alternatives available, like e.g. QuickPic). As this introduces an additional option, the system will ask you again which app to use.
Go to Settings→Apps, switch to the "All" tab. Scroll to the Photos app (if not found, try the Google+ App), open its entry, and "clear defaults". No additional install/uninstall required, this will simply "undo" your action as requested.
Take a look at Default App Manager, which allows you the same in a more convenient way (e.g. much easier when you don't know which app holds the default).

I uninstalled google+ from my phone, and it fixed the problem.

Was having same problem opening pictures attached to text message: Media Not Found and/or Google+ has stopped working. Removing the updates solved the problem.


text:
How to record More than 4GB Video on exFAT?
I have a Galaxy S4 4G (I9505) with a 32GB external micro-SD card formatted as exFAT. I use this to record some seminars that takes often 0.5-1.0 hour. The video seems to stop after 30-45 minutes based on the video resolution, but always when the file size reaches 4GB.
I know that ex-FAT allows more than this. My device reads it fine and everything, but the camera app still enforces the limit. I'm using the stock app, on a non-rooted Android 4.2.2 (OTA update), the Samsung version not the Play one. It's also usually not a battery problem (battery is often above %50 after recording, and sometime it's in charger from laptop or power plug).
If I understand correctly, Android API allows overriding this limit and maybe making it unlimited, but I can't find any video recording application that does have this limit disabled. Can you suggest any?
Otherwise, if there is another custom ROM or whatever that I may install to get a modified stock app without the limit, I'd take that as an option, although obviously just recommending a 3rd party video recording app that overrides the limit sounds like a much less hassle (even for someone familiar with rooting and flashing, from my old Galaxy S 1 days).

This is not an issue with android. The 4GB file limit is inherent to FAT file systems. I hope this stackoverflow link provides some insight: http://stackoverflow.com/questions/4662412/why-are-fat32-disks-limited-to-4gb-files

exFAT is not FAT32. exFAT is a Microsoft format that's meant to override the limit but be lighter than the full NTFS filesystem. It's supported in some relatively new phones natively, like Galaxy S4.
Read about exFAT on Wikipedia or check something like http://www.tech-recipes.com/rx/2801/exfat_versus_fat32_versus_ntfs/ for more info.

Because Samsung cannot predict if the user of the phone will have their sdcard formatted with something like exFAT or FAT32, they (samsung) put a size limit of 4GB in to the camera app. If they did not have the file size limit, and a user did have the sdcard formatted with FAT32, the file would not save to disk and could cause other issues as well. They had to scope to the lowest common supported format.
You might be able to find some cameras that have this limit removed. For example, here is a post on XDA that someone modified the camera for the Note 3 (this may, or may not work for your phone) to remove the size limit. The time limit of 90 minutes still exists.

Had exactly the same problem. ExFAT is not the solution as Samsung prevents videos over 4 GB. The solution is an app that records for a preset time, then automatically start a new recording. I use AutoBoy Dash Cam. I can now record for hours and hours. You then stick the videos back together. There is a slight glitch at the join, but minimal.


text:
Android default calling app don't suggest other calling apps even after reseting defaults
Good day.
I have a Samsung Galaxy S3 mini (GT-I8190N) with its default Android 4.1.2 and default Phone application.
When I try to make a call with it, it never suggest other calling apps, so I will be able to chose.
I have tried to "Reset app preferances" from settings, I have even wiped my phone, but it didn't suggest me other apps to call.
Have anybody came across that problem? Are there any suggestions how to solve it?
Thanks in advance!

Your question indicates that you expect Android to present a list of available calling applications when you press the call button in an application. This is not the case.
The "open with" dialog only appears when an Intent is broadcast for which there are multiple applications that have registered to receive that Intent with an Intent Filter. When a call is started using the default phone app, no such Intent is sent.
Your question doesn't specify what Intent you are trying to listen for, but I'm going to go ahead and assume it is ACTION_CALL. An ACTION_CALL Intent is broadcast when an application that does not have calling functionality wishes to initiate a call (and thus allow another app to handle it). It is not broadcast from the default phone app because the default phone app can make the call itself.
I would recommend reading through the Intents and Intent Filters documentation again to ensure that you understand how they work and why the behavior want doesn't happen.


text:
Application downloading error (919)
I am experiencing a problem with Google Play in my Android phone.
When I download new apps from the Play Store, it completes 100% and then shows me an error:
(unknown Error code during application install:''919'')

Could be an issue with your network, if we believe SO: unknown error code during application install 919

this happened with me the other day and i believe as izzy said it has to do with the network.

I get this error installing some apps, but for others it works just fine.... What is the issue? I don't understand...

Converted from my comment on the question itself:
According to a post on StackOverflow, this is most likely a network issue. In his answer there, Vignesh writes:

Its due to wifi restriction, when i connect the internet through my service provider its working fine. Able to install any application.

I was getting the same thing when updating apps. Tried over wifi and service provider network same thing was not with just one app all apps that were set to up date even google apps.  I cleared the cache and it seems to be working fine now settings/app manager/googleplaystore/clear cache

An anonymous user inserted the following as an edit "It has to do with insufficient storage. Clearing the cache will free up a little space, but you will need to remove or export old unused apps/media."

I Know its already answered but this answer may help to fix it and help someone. source link
Method 1
Check your phone memory, how much is free. You can transfer your apps to sd card through ‘apps2sd/app manager’ (free). Clear your cache and data now. For this, follow these steps:

Go to menu>settings
Go to Application and then press manage application.
Now select google play.
Then you have to click on clear cache.
After that come to the home screen.
Go to download manager.
Select clear data.
Once you clear the data the problem will resolved.

Method 2
If your problem isn’t solved by using method 1, try using a different internet connection than you’ve used previously. It means, if you are using your mobile data to download and install or update the apps, you can try using your wi-fi network, or vice-versa. This method is reported to work in most of the devices by the users.
Method 3
Change your APN (access point name) settings:

Go to menu > settings > wireless and networks > mobile networks > access point names.
Edit APN settings as one of your friend’s APN in the same carrier.

The method 1 is the most commonly used, and you can try it first and in case it doesn’t work, you can try those which are given underneath.


text:
Any way to stop ridiculous translations in Google PlayStore?
Most of the translations are nonsense in Google Playstore. Looks stupid, amateurish and most of all they are annoying.
Words by words meaning nothing!  My mother language is finnish and Im using finnish keyboard layout/language settings on my devices and not going to change them. I dont want to change my account info nor my language settings to english either.
I just want to see get rid of these stupid autotranslated infos in Playstore.
Most of them are just rubbish "A man has a spruce childish cat and his dock the bank a dog is letting manipulate processor and litter more green guy. Screen broken man shooting wife borrowed a child desktop. AMAZING APP! 95/100 stars!" - that sentence can be anything...
Im quessing im not wrong if I say that 99% means nothing when autotranslated. Only few infos are correct.
I cant believe that you cannot turn off the translation in Playstore!?

AFAIK you can't. It's up to the dev when the app is uploaded to decide whether its description should be auto-translated to languages he cannot provide his own description for.

Then it is better to leave the language as it is. Why even bother translating info when the app isnt translated at all? Playstore was better, now it is only full of rubbish translations! All this looks so amateurish and childish that it makes me thinking about changing ecosystem when buying a new device. Are we really living a year 2013 with Android? Looks more like living with first steps of a baby.

While I totally agree (Playstore became absolutely unusable for me when it converted to "Tile-Store" this summer: if I want to see tiles, I prefer my bathroom), this is nothing we here at ASE can deal with. We have no influence on Google, nor on its store, neither on all those devs deciding to have those stupid machine-translations forced upon us. Nor can we offer any other work-around but "use another one" (hint: AppBrain is an alternative frontend to Google Play which I personally favour a lot).

One thing you can do is to poke at the devs - if they get push back from the auto-translations, then you can perhaps get them to stop using the feature.

This is not entirely up to the devs anymore. If the devs haven't translated their app themselves then Google Play automatically(!) uses auto-translations, which is insane! This cannot be switched off. The devs cannot do anything about this except provide real translations. And nobody is going to translate his app to tens of languages. Of course one hack is to copy-paste the English texts to all other languages as "translations".

Possible duplicate of Is there a way to turn off translation in Google Play

You can force the language that app descriptions are shown in on the web version of the Play Store by changing the language code in the link. This is shown in the URL as hl=language, for example hl=en for English, hl=fi for Finnish or hl=fr for French.
So for example, to see an English description for the GMail app you'd got to this link:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.gm&hl=en
Or in Finnish:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.gm&hl=fi
Or to see it in French go here:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.gm&hl=fr
Or in German go here:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.gm&hl=de
You'll see that all that's changed between those is the &hl= bit at the end of the link, yet the whole Play Store page including the description and reviews has changed to the relevant language.

I use the same workaround as you, I am adding &hl=en to the end of link all the time. It is a pity that previous version web Play Store has a handy pulldown menu with other languages and it is missing in the latest version. I asked myself: Why it is everything so dumbed now?

@jis Sometimes I generally ask myself whether features are being permanently removed, instead of added, to everything I use. Maybe it's just perception bias.

Very old post, but maybe someone still search for an answer. You can change language for Play Store with Xposed Framework Module: App Settings.

OP didn't say his/her device is rooted and Xposed framework installed, so your answer has assumed it; it is not that assumption is a bad thing but it should be mentioned, 2) A hyperlink to the said module along with a brief description is always helpful since why should one bothers checking this app on some  page then to other page if I can know it right here. Please edit.


text:
Android 4.2.2 Screen Capture on Galaxy Tab 2 10.1
I've browsed for  this information and everything I've found says to hit the power button and  volume down at the same time and a white line appears around the screen and you have a capture.
I've tried so many times and i just can't do this.
I can get blank the screen
I can make the Power Off, Flight Mode, Restart dialog appear
I can get the volume slider to appear
I can even get the volume slider to appear and power off dialog to appear at the same time.
I've tried pressing both together, pressing one and then the other, Holding one down and pressing the other, holding both down. I even tried pushing my tab against the desk, edge on, to flatten both buttons at the same time.
And after 30 minutes I still can't seen to get any screenshots, but I have rebooted twice.
Is there some that works on voice or shake or hold on screen that would allow me to do this?

It works out that you just have to keep trying. The Power and Volume down together (for around a second) will eventually yield a screenshot about 1 time out of a hundred. Took a look at most of the apps out there and they either need you to root the device or install loads of other stuff, work for phones rather than tablets or just don't work.
Guess I'm stuck with the crazy combination!

[by anonymous] All you do is press the power button a split second before the volume button and holding both down for 2 seconds until you see the white outline. Works every time.

I own the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 and that isn't the way to do a screen capture. Holding the power button with the volume buttons cause the Galaxy Tab to reset.  On my model (there may be other models that may have a different location for these buttons....my reference book shows the buttons on the lower right) the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 has 4 buttons on the left bottom of the screen.  The curved arrow is the back button. The house is the home button  The two rectangles are the recent apps button. The fourth button is a rectangle with a cross - that is the screen capture button...just press it.

Yes, this incredibly easy way to get a screen capture was what I'd previously used - but since Samsung pushed Jelly Bean 4.2.2 and I updated that forth icon is no longer there and my  frustration and reason for me asking the question.

Ah....thought you just didn't know how to take a screenshot.  Yes, i have heard the same thing - that the update to Jellybean 4.2 removed the screenshot button.  From what I understand, you need to hit the power button and the volume down button AT THE SAME TIME.

I'm sorry for my English :)
I had the same problem! And I did everything you did and nothing! But 1 minute ago I just press the power button and volume down at the same time for 2 sec and a white line appeared!!! around the screen and I had a capture! It's really hard to do!
Just try once more! Good luck! :)

Press and hold the power button and volume-down button at the same time. It works.

like I said - it only works every now and again for me. Its a poor design that removing and easier / friendlier way of doing it from the device is a big fail.

The buttons must be pressed for as long as 2 or 3 seconds.


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how much current can Samsung Galaxy S II take for charging with whatever ROM?
What is the maximum power SGS2 can use when charging, given a capable charger?
I use power-consuming apps while driving a car (navigation + video registrator), and looking for ways to minimize battery drain. Ready for custom ROM if it will allow higher current.

According to this youtube video, where the user measured actual current drawn while adjusting the settings, the maximum is 650ma (.65a).
Contrary to the first answer, the charging device cannot in any way "push" current into any device; it is like the AC outlet, which can supply a lot of current, but will never supply too much unless there is a defect or short.
The charger can only supply current, hopefully enough to satisfy the amount the device is trying to draw. You cannot damage your device by using an adaptor that supplies higher current, you can only slow down the charging by supplying too little.  The device itself contains the charging circuitry that controls how much current is drawn at various stages of charging.
If the wall adaptor could damage a device by supplying too much current, then it would not be safe to plug it into the computer USB port, which is often capable of supplying higher current when properly negotiated by the device.

As @logos has said rightly having any modifications on ROM does not
   have any effect on the charge/Discharge.

First of all let's understand the simple concept of battery
consumption.
The device requires charge to run the software and perform various
tasks done by the processor(graphics, antenna, GPS, Bluetooth etc.).
It only depends on which kind of processor is used by your device and
not by the ROM,having an updated or Increased ROM will only give you
speed but not charge. IF this processor design is not good then due
to some usage itself the device gets heated up thereby raising health
concerns.
As the number of charge consuming hardware increases(NFC, Wi-Fi,
Bluetooth, Graphic card, high output speakers, camera etc.) the
battery capacity also increases (2500mAh or 3500mAh).If the battery
capacity is less then you will suffer from low battery very soon and
if the battery capacity is high(i.e. around 3000mAh) then the time
required to do a full charge(100 % charge) will take some time
Due to this many smartphones in the market having higher capacity
battery(Devices with high capacity battery are fixed permanently in
your device for example Motorola e has higher capacity battery which
can easily last for a day, has its battery soldered permanently in
the phone and cannot be removed)

So next time you purchase a device go for a  high capacity battery as well as the latest Android 4.4.4 operating System(the latest operating system of android is by far the best for consuming less and efficient battery management) .
Visit this site for further details about smartphone batteries.
Now coming to your phone usage in order to improve the battery life

Try reducing the screen brightness to optimum level and not automatic
brightness.
Turn off the  mobile data/Wi-Fi/G.P.S when not in use.
Use headphones instead of a speaker on your device wherever possible.
Last but not the least as you would be traveling a lot in your car
invest in a Car charger accessory which is readily available and also gives you charge on the move.

Chraging is generally limited by hardware, not the ROM - ie, the charging cable and the device charging input and battery.  Different charging adaptors can provide different amperages (eg, the Note II charger provides a 2amp feed).  Using the wrong amperage may damage your device by overloading the charging port or battery, depending on your hardware; it's unlikely tho as the hardware should limit this.
If you're finding that your car charger is not providing enough juice, you might want to try buying a charging cord with higher amperage than the charging cord you're currently using.  The maximum charge rating for a Galaxy S II is for 5V/1Amp.

"The maximum charge rating for a Galaxy S II is for 5V/1Amp." -- I wonder if there is any link confirming 1A here?

"Chraging is generally limited by hardware, not the ROM - ie, the charging cable and the device charging input and battery" I believe it will be more correct to say that it can be limited by each of them. Although cable is much less likely to be a bottleneck -- more likely a charger and a device itself. And this comment suggests ROM can also limit the current -- the question is (a) whether any kernel allows more than 950mAh, (b) if not, to find an official confirmation Siyah really allows 950.

@yurkennis: Google is your friend.

This is where I started in the first place, prior to posting here.

Well, you can either take my experience and general knowledge of the phone or leave it as you like - I'm afraid I can't provide supporting material for everything I know.  I recall picking up the 1amp fact (all chargers are 5V, for whatever reason) on xda-dev when reading about 2amp Note II chargers, but wouldn't swear to that being the source.
As for the ROM being able to modulate charging rate, I've not heard of such a thing myself but I'd be extremely leery of fiddling such if it was present - sound like a sure recipe for disaster.


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Samsung Galaxy S2 'Not Registered on Network'
I have a Samsung Galaxy S2 that I want to sell.  I have reset it to factory settings.  However, I have a problem.  When I bought the phone new, it was on O2.  I changed fairly recently to Virgin Mobile.  Now, however, I have taken the SIM out of it to put it in my new phone.  The original SIM (O2) was PAYG, which changed to SIM only contract and that was still the case when I changed to Virgin.  Now, when I put the old (O2) SIM back into the phone, it says Not Registered on Network.  I've tried a factory reset and messing with the APN settings but nothing seems to work.  I'm at my whit's end. Please help.

From what I understand of SIMs, it's the SIM that is "not registered on network" since I'd guess you haven't kept up the payments on it when not using it, having moved to a new one.
If the phone works with your active SIM, it should work with a new activated SIM bought by the new owner, or an active SIM moved from the new owner's old phone.
Mind you, I have a phone with a useless SIM slot that's on a non-SIM network, so I might not have the right grasp of this, but that was what I had gathered about SIM phones - that for all intents and purposes your account was as portable as the SIM, and you could toss it into a phone and your account would follow; or get another SIM and have another account (ie, a country-local one when traveling.)


text:
What are the different signal indicators avalable on the notification bar?
The signal indicator on my phone often shows "3G" or "H+" in the signal indicator. When there's no connectivity it doesn't show anything.
I'm referring to the icons in the status bar like these:

What are the different signal icons that are shown in android? I've never used an LTE/4G handset or even been on one of those networks so I'm also curious to see what indicators are used for those.

Relevant: What does “H” mean in the signal indicator?

They are referring to the mobile data connection:

1x: 1xRTT (slow like a dialup modem (here: 80–100 kbit/s), shows up on US Cellular CDMA networks with Google Fi in Northern California)
G: GPRS (slow like dialup modem, here: 56–114 kbit/s)
E: Edge (enhanced GSM, about 400 kbit/s)
3G: UMTS (384 kbit/s to 7.2 Mbit/s)
H: HSPA (enhanced 3G, sometimes shown as 3.5G; up to 21 Mbit/s)
H+: HSPA+ (even more enhanced/faster HSPA; up to 42.2 Mbit/s)
4G: LTE (thanks to eldarerathis for confirmation); up to 300 Mbit/s
5G: not yet in the wild; up to 10 Gbit/s planned

The bars obviously show signal quality, and the arrows show whether data transfer is in progress. As for the colors (your pictures show blue and gray signal icons), please refer to What does it mean when the connectivity icons in the status bar go white/gray?

Sometimes the signal strength indicator has an ! where the full strength bar would be. What does this mean?

@AlLelopath No idea, I've never seen that. If you have a screenshot of that, I'd recommend asking a new question, including the screenshot and a link to this question (for context).

Oh, found it here. The exclamation sign simply is a cry or remark by your network provider that it can't connect you to the internet at that moment. The reason can be low connectivity at your current location or you have simply turned the data connection OFF.

On CyanogenMod 10.2, I currently got R, which I think means Roaming.

Confirmed: R stands for Roaming, in the sense of being booked into a "foreign" network (i.e. that does not necessarily mean additional costs apply, unless you make/take a phonecall or have data-roaming active; it just signals you're booked into that network).


text:
What is the FastBoot? and what is the difference to obtain the root on Nexus devices?
I have some doubts about fastboot and some other stuff.
I am an owner of an old HTC Desire on which, a long time ago, I installed Cyanogen Mod Android distribution.
Although I installed the Cyanogen I have many doubts about the fastboot and the Android architecture.
What exactly is FastBoot? What it is for?
I also have a doubt about how obtain root permission on the new Nexus 5, reading online I have understand that to obtain root permission on the Nexus devices I have to connect it to my PC and to execute a program that give me the root...but this is the same thing that I did on my HTC Desire.
What is the difference? Why many people say that obtain root permission on Nexus devices is easier than on others devices? It seems to me the same thing !!! What am I missing?

You've already used the correct tags. Their tag-wikis will answer most of your questions, e.g. the fastboot tag-wiki goes into details on what Fastboot is (for). Many of our tag-wikis contain such explanations or even first-aid hints, always worth a look ;) Not having a Nexus devices, I'll leave the remaining parts for others to answer.

Have a look at this answer: http://android.stackexchange.com/a/46682/30106. It should at least solve your queries for fast boot.

@naveen "fast boot" is not the same thing as "fastboot."

When talking about gaining root for a given device, it usually means obtaining it for the first time by developers. There are generally two ways of doing this. You can either find a software vulnerability that can be exploited to elevate permissions and sneak in the su (superuser) binary into write-protected system area, or you can flash an image of the device with root already in place. Needless to say, exploiting vulnerabilities is a lot more difficult. This is where fastboot comes in.
On some devices (mostly HTC and Motorola) Fastboot is a special start-up mode that allows you to flash pre-made images onto various internal memory partitions. It is similar to Samsung's "Download" mode, except instead of proprietary software like Kies or Odin (and Heimdall), it uses the fastboot utility that comes standard with Android SDK.
However, flashing can be, and usually is, restricted by device manufacturers to only images signed by the manufacturer themselves (or the carriers). This is what is referred to as bootloader locking. Most new phones ship with locked bootloaders, which makes it impossible to flash custom ROMs. You are back to having to root via the other, more difficult method.
Nexus devices come with unlockable bootloaders, so that you can flash ROMs easily and without restrictions.  Unlocking a bootloader of a Nexus device is very easy as well.  A pre-rooted image usually surfaces very quickly for these devices after they are released.
It is worth noting that with Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean) and even more so with 4.4 (KitKat) Google has changed some low level OS security policies, which renders old rooting methods obsolete. Unlocking the bootloader and flashing a modified image of the OS that circumvents these new policies will soon become the only way to really achieve root.  You can read more about this here.


text:
will i lose my pictures during a factory reset?
I accidentally deleted my app store and cant figure out how to get it back or open it again. I've read that I should do a factory reset. What will I lose if I do that? Im worried about my pictures.

A generic answer can be found in the factory-reset tag-wiki. Basically, it "empties" the /cache and /data partitions of your device, so all the apps you've installed and all your apps' data will be gone for good. This does not necessarily apply to data on your SDcard: while some devices/ROMs offer to "wipe" those along, this is not done in most cases (in my experience) – and when it's done then usually only when the user explicitly specified to do so.
Now for your specific problem: If you really deleted your app store, a factory-reset won't bring it back: gone is gone. If you're unsure on what made it disappear, and your device is not rooted, it's unlikely you've really deleted it; you might rather just have disabled it. So while a factory-reset in that case would bring it back, so would an atomics bomb kill a fly. Before you go to factory-reset your device, try the following:

Go to Settings→Apps
To be on the safe side, select the "All Apps" tab
Scroll to the very end of the list. On some devices/ROMs disabled apps end up there, and on all devices/ROMs I've seen disabled apps are marked "disabled". See if your app store is there.

If it's there: tap the entry to open it, push the "enable" button
If it's not there, scroll through the entire list: it might be ordered alphabetically or by some other criteria, and have the "disabled apps" mixed in. When found: see previous item (open, enable, done)

If you didn't succeed with those steps, you still can try a factory-reset.


text:
Can not delete picture from Android phone
An image someone sent me to my gmail, has ended up on my phone gallery, I am unable to delete.  Any ideas?

Have you tried to delete the email from your handheld?

It is possible that due to it being in your Gmail, and your account being set up on the phone, that when you try to delete it, Gmail resyncs it to your device.
So my advice would be to log into Gmail.com and remove the email from there, making sure you remove it from trash as well. Then attempt to remove the picture from your gallery.


text:
Is it possible to get an answer to a silent sms from a turned off phone?

Silent SMS
Silent messages, also known as “silent tms”, “stealth sms” or “stealth
ping”, are employed nowadays to locate a person and thus to create a
complete movement profile. They do not show up on a display, nor
trigger any acoustical signal when received.

I heard it is also possible to get an answer to such a silent SMS from a phone that is completely turned off (sure there must be some energy in the battery still)
How would that work?

If it's turned off, it's not booked into any network. So how should it be able to even receive that SMS? I doubt that's possible.

@Izzy - "Off" doesn't necessarily mean off off.

Take the battery out. Then it's off, OFF! Unless it's a super special spy agency duplicate of your phone with an extra battery - in which case you should drop it in the ocean, or strap it to the bumper of a bus, or set it on fire...or leave it at your office while you go hunt down the spies that think you are at your office. Then again - airplane mode.

@Compro01 Well, we might get really paranoid and think "they just say alarms don't work with the device off so we think silent SMS can not work then either". And the same "fake" is happening when you turn your device on and it takes a couple of seconds for it to connect to the cell tower (where it then had to be connected to already before powering up). I don't say it can't be done – but it's rather very, very unlikely.

If you search the web, there are many sites, where they say it IS possible (translated: "A Silent SMS will also be answered automatically when the phone is turned off.") . I personally doubt that too. But I could also imagine, that some phones have some decent hardware like RFID or such that could still answer while OFF.

RFID is a VERY short range technology, and just as likely (if not more likely) to be in your shoes (or many other non-electronic products - even your clothing) as in your cell phone. Either one has to pass within 40 (or less) feet of a RFID reader for RFID to locate you.

"Take the battery out" Alas, Ecnerwal's advice aged poorly :(. I still look for phones with replaceable batteries whenever mine is due for replacement, but as of 2018 it hasn't been worth the trade-off. Not because the trade-off between water-proofing / thicker phones and replaceable batteries is so large, but because nobody manufactures both options so there's nothing to choose from (my old Android and pre-Android phones without IP ratings never had dust or water issues, but apparently that's just me). It's also curious that nobody found the answer to this question in a decade now.


text:
Android Nexus 4 KitKat
I am looking to buy a nexus 4. I know that the new nexus 5 is coming out, and it is being released with Android KitKat installed. If I get a nexus 4 from a store such as best buy or another one, will my Nexus 4 come with Kitkat? If not, When is KitKat expected to be realised for the Nexus 4. If I am not in a rush to get a new phone, would it be better to by the Nexus 4 now, or the Nexus 5 in a few months?

Is there any reason why you want to buy the Nexus 4 from Best Buy as opposed to directly from the Google Play Store ($60 cheaper from Google)?

@dotVezz this would be because Google doesn't sell the nexus 4, now that there is the nexus 5

(Sorry for bombarding you with questions) Is there a particular reason you want a Nexus 4 instead of a Nexus 5? Also, you may want to look into the rumors of an LTE Nexus 4 re-release later this month.

Whether or not it would "be better" to buy it is entirely subjective, and not really something we can answer. The dupe has the only timelines publicly available.

This question is both easy and difficult to answer because there's little official information about the rumored re-release. So everything I say concerning that should be considered an educated guess.

If you buy a Nexus 4 right now, you'll have Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean).

Android 4.4 (Kit Kat) Will be an automatic Over-The-Air update sometime in the middle of November (So about a week or two).

If, at any point, you buy a Nexus 4 from a retailer other than Google, it will most likely come with 4.3, and you will need to make sure it gets updated.
If you buy the (Still rumored, not yet officially announced) re-release of the Nexus 4 later, it will most likely come preloaded with Android 4.4 if you buy it from the Play Store.


text:
How do I get rid of "Network may be monitored" in KitKat?
Ever since I've installed my own CA in the key store I'm getting warnings that the network may be monitored. Well, I guess that's a valid warning if I don't trust these certificates, but I really trust my own CA here; even more than the ones preinstalled.
How do I get rid of this warning I see at least once per day popping up?
This is on stock Android 4.4 KitKat on a Nexus 5.

I was looking into the same issue, and it was answered on XDA http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2537794
In short - it is possible if your phone is rooted to move the certificate to the System section.
Very annoying that it is not possible to exclude certificates from this warning - it only produces noise when I know that the cert is OK to use.

This is similar to the answer by Langley, but it actually works for 4.4. Please include essential parts from the link inside your question. It is preferable over simply linking on Stack Exchange.

I have the same problem, can you try putting the certificate into the "System certificates" as shown here:
http://nblock.org/2011/09/03/how-to-update-the-android-certificate-store/
I don't have a linux system on hand at the moment, so I cannot really try it out. Let me know if it works!

That blog post applies to pre-ICS (2.3) and in addition to that, it's considered Samsung-specific and for rooted devices only. I don't think it's a good idea to perform this to avoid a warning. And I can't perform that - I don't want to root my device just for this.

I'm pretty sure that any solution besides waiting for Google to fix this will result in your system being rooted or even having a custom rom/fix which requires an unlocked bootloader.

The easiest way is to install the certificate using Settings -> Security , and then go to a terminal window and do this:
$ su
# cp /mnt/ext_card/data/misc/keychain/certs-added/* /system/etc/security/cacerts/

As far as I can see this is the same answer as the currently accepted answer. http://android.stackexchange.com/a/57836/38289


text:
Adblock plus not working
I installed Adblock Plus on my Galaxy Tab 3 and it doesn't work. It keeps saying "Waiting for traffic on port 2020". I tried following these instructions and setting up the internet connection to use proxy local host and port 2020. My device is rooted. By the way, is there a simple website I can use to test to see if Adblock plus is working?

If all else fails, you could try a different ad-blocking program. I use AdAway now. It is available in the f-droid repository, which I assume is where you also got Adblock (since Google Play Store has removed all ad-blocking apps).

You're correct on needing to have your device rooted, be sure and double check whether your device is actually rooted or not, you can can do this by getting an app called "Root Checker Basic", it's free.
You also need to give adblock plus "SuperUser" rights using an app called SUPERSU.
This can be obtained from the google play store for free, after installing it simply run adblock plus again, supersu will will then qss if you want to grant super user rights to the adblock app, select yes with no timeout limit as you don't want it constantly nagging you to re approve it's rights every 15 mins.

I had the same "waiting for traffic" problem when I rebooted (worked perfectly before reboot). Simple solution is to manually force close ABP via settings, open ABP and it will function properly again

very interesting; I didnt have the "waiting" problem, but it was just not working; I reboot and nothing changed, still ads coming thru it; but the force kill seems to be working til now! So many ppl having problem with it, and the answer is so simple; I read they have no ppl to work on it right now; may be someone could contribute a patch that would make it run smooth to us all :), thx!

If you are rooted, I would recommend AdAway. Adblock previously targeted the hosts file which is global. The hosts file method does not require setting any proxy settings. Adblock decided to change to the proxy based method though. AdAway uses the hosts method (and thus requires root)
Link (apk link if you scroll down):
https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=org.adaway

Make sure that Filtering is enabled. Open the Adblock Plus app, and turn ON Filtering.
Also, make sure that filters are updated. In the Adblock Plus app, update the filters by clicking on the circular double arrows.
Then, restart your phone. If it's really rooted (you might want to check with a root checker app), then you don't need to do anything else.
To verify if Adblock is working, you can install an app that has ads. In the example below, I installed the Back It app. At the left, you can see a Line add at the bottom; Adblock is disabled here. At the right, you can see there is no ad, and there is an Adblock Plus icon at the notification bar.

Fanboy's list hangs on "downloading..."

@Celeritas Why not try something else? I use EasyList.


text:
Galaxy Gear not locking Note 3
Device: Samsung Galaxy Gear paired with Samsung Galaxy Note 3.
I am receiving notifications on the Gear from the Note, so I know it is connected.
I have turned Auto Lock on. When I did this, it asked me for a new unlock pattern and backup PIN, which I gave. Now, when I hold the Note 3, it has reverted to just "swipe to unlock". However, when put the watch down on the table and walk away (5 metres, ten meters), the Note 3 doesn't lock.
Below is a Screen shot from Note 3 showing: Gear Manager > Settings > Auto lock turned on.

Screenshot (click for larger variant)

OK, this is what I have found so far.
It isn't locking exactly i.e. when the watch is out of range, it doesn't automatically lock the phone - if the screen was active, it stays active until it times out normally. But when I try to open the device, I need to use the secure method to open the device. And when I bring the watch back into range, I can just swipe to open it.
Is my expectation off here? I thought it would lock the device when I go out of range.


text:
Voice commands for contacts with unusual names
Device: Samsung Galaxy Note 3.
My partner's name is not "anglo" and I have not worked out a way to pronounce it and have it understood. Are there work-arounds for this?

Can I get the phone to pronounce the name so that I can try to use the same tortured pronunciation?
Is there a way to set a simpler "nick name" for a contact that can be better understood?
On my device, can Google Now do the same thing instead of S-Voice I.e. "Call partner_name/nickname" and would it be any better?

Number 1. would be my first try, too. Just put the name in some text, and use TTS to have Android speak it. There are plenty of TTS apps available on Playstore; a tiny free app like Auto Speak Clipboard 2 should do fine in your case. I don't know about 2. (never tried), and can't tell about 3. (have no Sammy Note).

Well, @Izzy thanks - that worked! I installed Auto Speak Clipboard 2, heard the tortured way it pronounces my partner's name, replicated that and experienced the exquisite dichotomy of having something finally work while being extremely embarrassed at having spoken a beautiful name as though my mouth were full of banana peels. If you put this as a separate answer, I will gladly accept it.

Done! Glad it solved that easy. And next time remember which part of the bananas to eat and which part to throw away – sounds you've had it the wrong way around ;)

I would try the first approach, and have the system pronounce the name. To do so, a simple TTS app like Auto Speak Clipboard 2 will do: Install it, copy her name to the clipboard, send out all cats and your girl (to avoid their punishment), and have that app speak what it thinks the name should sound like. Have some Valerian ready in case you freak out ;)

Well, there is another way that helps too. Set a phonetic name: http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/06/10/tip-add-a-phonetic-name-to-contacts-voice-recognition-just-cant-get-right/ I have spent the last two hours trying to create a phonetic name that reproduces the correct pronunciation and am about to throw my brand new phone through the window. But at least I have options.. Set a phonetic nick name or contort my vooooowells unteeel aye canne pro-nunse-ee-yate her name.

@RobertMarkBram: Feel free to make it a separate answer. It's perfectly fine to answer your own question. // And yes, I had my play with that part as well: convincing the German TTS to pronounce my nick correctly, I had to mis-spell it as "isi" :)

Hmm, next annoying thing: I have given a unique name as the phonetic name - no one else has that name anywhere in their records, and S Voice recognises the name.. but brings up the four contacts in my address book with her surname, so I still have to choose.

Well, as in my previous comment suggested a separate answer, I suggest a separate question here. Include a link to this one (so you don't have to repeat the entire story or duplicate background info), and describe the second issue. An example action (what you tried to accomplish, how you did it, and how S-Voice reacted (bringing up the 4 records, of which 3 should not match the phonetics if I understood correctly?)). Our site works best with one question per "page".

A simpler way to do this would be to open the contacts/people app, go to phonetic name, and use voice typing, speaking naturally, to enter it into the phonetic spelling field.