Can I change the dalvik cache location e.g. with a symbolic link? I currently use Link2SD since my phone's onboard storage is insufficient for more than a few essential apps. It is very effective but limited to when the phone is on.

While changing ROMs, the dalvik cache is wiped and when the phone restarts you see a progress bar saying Android is optimising applications. So given a reasonable number of applications, the dalvik cache fills up the storage long before link2sd can do anything about it.

So is there a way that mounts a sd card folder as the appropriate cache location before the system gets on with booting and doing its business? I know it might involve creating a symbolic link but I just don't know when things are mounted and in what order.

Of course you can. Although it seems like there's no problem to migrate dalvik-cache to a normal SD card filesystem (the most common, vfat), it still is highly recommended that you format your SD card to ext4 (or the same as your /data) to ensure everything works fine.

So let's go. A full backup of all your apps is recommended before proceeding though if you feel lucky, it isn't required. Assuming that you have a terminal emulator to do the necessary jobs.

First, create a folder that you want to migrate your dalvik-cache to. Then chmod and chown the new folder to match /data/dalvik-cache. If you're running a SELinux-enabled Android OS, don't forget to change security contexts correspondingly. Run

ls -dlZ /data/dalvik-cache
ls -lZ /data/dalvik-cache

to see the original permissions, owner/groups and security contexts of dalvik-cache folder.

Next, copy all files from /data/dalvik-cache to your new location, for example /storage/sdcard1/dalvik-cache. You can use cp -a command to preserve file attributes, which would make things simpler.

Ensure no new apps start during the process of the following step.

Then, rm -r /data/dalvik-cache and create a symbolic link to the new location using

ln -s /storage/sdcard1/dalvik-cache /data/dalvik-cache

That's all. We're done. Reboot your phone (not required but recommended).

Some notices about this process:

The busybox may not always work well as Android is based on a highly modified Linux kernel. For example almost all SELinux-related functions do not work properly. You can test it out as shown below.

toolbox ls -Z /data
busybox ls -Z /data
toolbox getenforce
busybox getenforce

However these may work properly, depending on Android version:

busybox chcon <context> <files...>
busybox runcon <context <program> [args...]

Never remove your SD card. If you re-format your SD card, make sure it's still ext4 AND create the dalvik-cache folder back before booting your phone for the first time.


Galaxy S5 isn't getting any notifications but WhatsApp messages I have a Samsung Galaxy S5 Device running Android Lollipop 5.0.

Recently I've noticed that I'm no longer getting any notifications, but WhatsApp messages, which causes me to miss important emails from my work place, and from my boss.

It is very irritating, and I don't know what I can do in order to solve it...

If you want to turn off notifications for whatsapp go into settings -> application manger -> Whats App -> Then uncheck the box at the top that says show notifications. If you are using gmail click the side bar -> click settings -> click you account -> check notifications. Hope i helped and good luck!!


Samsung S6 screen is out. Can I recover my files? My issue is pretty much what the title says. I dropped my Samsung Galaxy S6 yesterday, contacted my insurance company, and will be receiving a new phone tomorrow. I work in the vet med field and have a ton of patient pictures on my phone that are needed for consultations with clients and varying specialists (not to mention my personal memories). My screen is in the process of being taken over by a black and purple blob and is completely out of order. I can still make calls via my Jeep's BT connection since I never disconnected. Is there any way to salvage my files and upload them to my PC? When I attempt to open my cell phone's folder after connecting to the PC, the folder is emtpy. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you in advance for any helpful advice or straight truth in the "I'm SOL" department.

As mentioned earlier the empty folder is there because your device is locked.

Try unlocking your device by using Samsung's Find my Mobile Service - https://findmymobile.samsung.com/

If you did not create a Samsung account or do not remember creating one then try signing in with your Gmail ID and password.


Can bought Android apps be shared between devices you own? On the iPod Touch/iPhone, since it is tied to your iTunes account, I am quite sure you can have your bought apps on multiple devices you own (can't test though, iPod Touch was stolen).

However, now I have the Motorola Droid, and am waiting for a tablet, and am considering getting a Nook and rooting it to run my own apps.

Question is, if you buy an app on the marketplace, how is the security done:

Is it tied to your Gmail account so you can share it between devices you own?
Is it tied to the device? (Don't break/replace your phone!)
As long as it's installed, you're OK? (If you uninstall, or wipe your device, it's gone).

I assume 3 is highly unlikely, though a possibility, so leaving it here as a potential answer to my question.

On your phone open the Android Market app, press Menu, then select Help, then choose Troubleshooting (under Users), you should now see the "Retrieving previously purchased apps" headline. This says:

  Your application purchases are tied to
  your Google Account and can be
  installed an unlimited number of times
  on any device.

  ...

  If you change devices, you can install
  previous purchases by making sure you
  sign into your device with the same
  Google Account you used on your
  previous phone.


LG G2's native camera app does not want to record anything Here is my problem :

If I try to record a video using my LG G2's native camera app, the recording does not start and tells me that I cannot record a video while calling someone. However, I am not calling anybody! I tried to completely close any app that could call (native phone app, skype, ...) but it does not work... the message is still showing up...

Edit : I forgot to mention that this only happens in "Normal" mode, every other modes work fine.

Edit 2 : It used to work fine, but this problem just randomly popped up and I can't get rid if it...

The problem was that the "Ok Google" feature was activated. The camera wouldn't allow recording because Google Now is constantly using the mic.


How can I load a Video Player App on my Nook Color without google play? My son's nook color is incompatible with google play, and the default video player app wont play local video files I've uploaded to his nook's harddrive via usb-cable. How can I download a new video player app to his nook 'without' google play?

I am using software version 1.4.3 and am not interested in solutions that involve rooting the nook, or rolling back to a previous version of the software.

Download/get the .apk file of desired application.

(Example: MoboPlayer from this link.)
Pass it to the android device.
Use any file explorer to open this .apk file.
Install the application.


ADB and Fastboot displays different devices I'm trying to unlock the bootloader of my device, Cherry Mobile Fuze, which is a port of Micromax A96.

As seen on the screenshot, is it normal that the ADB displays a device that is different from the device being displayed by fastboot?

Short answer

Fastboot, (recovery) and your "normal Android" are different systems, each using their own configuration and "device serial".

TL;DR

That's nothing unusual. Most devices1 use different IDs in normal/fastboot/recovery-mode to indicate the mode they're in. You can cross-check that with the lsusb command on your Linux shell prompt, which reflects this by different device IDs. On top of that, some devices even use different IDs depending on what "normal mode" you've activated. To give an example, here's what my LG P880 presents:

1004:61c5 when in charge-only normal mode
1004:631c with MTP enabled
1004:631e with PTP
1004:61f1 using the "LG Software protocol" (to connect with their PC counterpart, which is Windows only)
1004:61fe when in tethering mode

Easy to guess: the 1004 remains the same (it's the "manufacturer ID"). But the number behind the colon changes – so the device presents itself with different "product IDs".

However, this should not reflect on the "Serial" – as the device serial in all those 5 cases is taken from the same place (build.prop of the system running in "normal mode"), which is bound to the currently running ROM. Now what happens if you switch to "fastboot mode"? That's not related to the running OS at all (put in "easy terms", you could compare this with a PC's "BIOS" or, more correctly, the "Grub" bootloader). So fastboot doesn't know about the ROM's serial number, and thus uses its own. With recovery-mode it's somehow similar – in our comparison, you chose a different entry in Grub and thus booted a different system.

1: in fact, all devices I've tried, so I don't know of any exception – though with the amount of different devices available, I cannot guarantee there is no exception at all


Office Mobile not installed yet opening PDF files I have a Samsung A50 phone, stock Android which came with the device (from Comcast), everything up to date and not rooted. I have not registered for the Samsung Galaxy store or whatever is called, and therefore never installed anything from it.

I never installed Office Mobile on my phone, and looking at the list of installed apps in Google Play shows no Office Mobile.

Yet, starting today, attempting to open some (but not all!) PDF files (by tapping their name in the Document folder) opens them in Office Mobile rather than the "Google Drive PDF viewer" where they did open till the day before yesterday (I did not try yesterday).

There is not an option to force opening the files in "Google Drive PDF viewer". For a test, I installed the "Google PDF Viewer" (I wish they chose less similar and less confusing names). After that Android allows me to open the files with "Google PDF Viewer", but it fails with "Cannot display PDF (no file received)". After a reboot, the files were gone.

What may have happened? I can guess that the files corrupted and the "Google Drive PDF viewer" magically knew (and therefore was not proposing itself to open them), whereas the other two apps did.

Yet, why is there an app which I never installed and does not show up in the list of installed apps? Heck, if I search for it in Google Play, I even find it, and it shows me the option to install it!

1.When searching for apps. Tap the menu  hamburger, items on the right, then tap show system files etc.
It should be in there. From this you can go into the application information and clear everything especially "Defaults".
Or
2. However, you can try this
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aboutmycode.betteropenwith

Or just simply install office and uninstall it after you have demonstrated step one.

Good luck


Root my android tablet I have a 3Q lc1016c tablet, and i would like to root it, i have been trying to install the su through the update.zip but the installation aborted. There is an official release to update the ROM (update.zip) and it worked fine, i tried to take that zip and added the su but when i zipped then signed it and try to install it, i got the same Error, so i do not know if there is some special keys to sign with or. I want to understand why the official one is working and when i zip and sign the same folder it doesn't work.

It sounds like you're not using the correct update.zip file for your model; if the software/hardware architecture is not a match, installation will fail.


Unable to get bluestack downloaded data I installed Bluestacks and  I am trying to access files downloaded via Bluestacks but I seem not to find these files (folder is empty). I have also installed ES file explorer . Can anyone provide a  good solution on how to access these files ?

My path to shared data is
C:\ProgramData\BlueStacks\Engine\UserData\SharedFolder


Access phone without entering SIM PIN I have a SIM card completely stuck in the SIM slot of my old phone so it's asking me for the SIM PIN every time which I do not know. Opening a Samsung S6 to access the SIM-slot on MB is not the easiest thing so I'd rather not...

How can I close down the SIM PIN prompt to get into the phone?

I do know the PIN of the phone but not for the SIM

Phone: Galaxy S6

In order to unlock you need PUK(Personal Unblocking Key) code. If you have your SIM card kit, that was given to you when you purchased your SIM card then you might find PUK code on that. Since you pointed out that your phone is old so you might not have PUK or SIM kit, in that case Contact your carrier for PUK, they will ask you some details which varies carrier to carrier.
Then you have to block you PIN by entering it wrong multiple times(5-10 times) and you will be asked for PUK code. Remember, if you enter incorrect PUK code 10 times you SIM card will be blocked and you will get a message SIM card registration failed.


Bluetooth keeps turning on by itself - Is there a way to determine why? I saw similar questions but there was no generic answer to the issue.
Is there a way to determine what is turning my BT ON? I don't have rooted phone (but can ADB)

I got Samsung Galaxy S5 with Android 6.0.1.

What I did:

Turned off BT scanning for "fine localization"
Revoked permission to change phone settings to ALL apps that had one (including g services)
Disabled all BT scanning related things that I have found.

How to find what is turning BT on?

You gave permission to all apps to change the phone settings as per need which means some app which uses Bluetooth connection is using that to turn the Bluetooth on. Change that setting and it will work fine


Phone log shows numbers not Exchange Contact Names Just got my Galaxy S3 and like it so far, but they have changed so much around.

Problem= The phone syncs with my Exchange contacts list, but when I receive a call and when I look at the log list, only the number shows, no name or any other info. Sprint people couldn't help.

Also, would have been helpful if they had a sheet to show the new way to navigate to to the previous Android feature. Like the App manager, it was a widget so you could end apps that were no longer being used. I can't find that feature anywhere.

There are a vast multitude of app manager apps in the play store. I use the Android System Info app but it does more than just management.

As for your exchange issue what are you using to sync? I know the Android pre-installed has issues with exchange depending on how the server is setup and each version has different quirks. You may try using Touchdown to see if it will get all of your contact information into the phone, however it is only a free trial and I believe $20 after that.


How can a rooted Android phone generally get bricked? I've rooted my phone but now I'm scared that it would be bricked. I've seen a page on "Tips to prevent from bricking" and it said to install custom ROM recovery or something like that. I think there were two things; ClockWorkMod and Team Win.

I tried to install one and downloaded ROM manager but didn't work (didn't find my device model name).

Doing what kind of things increases the probability of bricking my device?

Doing exactly what you are doing is probably the biggest chance of bricking your phone - experimenting without proper knowledge and understanding of how things work. Go into xda-developers and find your phone's forum. Then start reading - how to install a ROM and a Recovery, change kernels etc. Read the threads and follow the steps exactly as they are shown and you won't be having any problems. All it takes is for you to mess up a single step, to brick your phone - may it be you download wrong file, not for your model or you type in wrong command etc. Still Android these days (not like back in 2010 for example) are quite resilient. It's not too difficult to recover from almost all kinds of bricks.

TLDR Read how other people did it before you on accredited sites like XDA-Developers and be careful.

Story time: I've been doing this (rooting, installing roms etc. - being power user)  for 5-6 years now so I know my stuff. I started unlocking my LG G4, then rooting, then installing recovery. What I did here was really stupid. Instead of installing a recovery I booted into it - so I had access to it only once. But I didn't notice right away. I installed my files, and the installer required a restart, and to boot back into recovery. But since I didn't install recovery the first time, as soon as I restarted my phone I literally messed up. I went into semi-soft brick. No access to fastboot, couldn't hook up my phone to my PC to execute commands, and the phone was in bootloop, only going as far as the logo.
Well I panicked a bit, went into the forum and started reading for solutions. At the end, something written for totally different thing allowed me to push some commands, and salvage my phone.

Also on your comment: And in general, don't root if you don't know what it is. Many people do root exactly for your reasons "people say its cool" I rooted to install xposed and get some modules I need.


WhatsApp won't install via playstore or as an APK... [insufficient space] My partner just received a new android phone.  It looks nice, but Whatsapp won't install.  It gives an "insufficient memory" error.  I've tried to clear the cache, install it from an APK, all with the same result.

The internal memory reports that there is 1.5GB free.

I've already reset this phone several times. It is running android version 4.4.2 and the software is up-to-date according to the manufacturer.

Any other suggestions or tips on how to get it working?

Many applications install without a problem, there just seems to be a problem with YouTube updating and Whatsapp installing.

Installed a 32GB microsd card into the phone and set it as the default install location for apps.  All programs updated and downloaded successfully.


Galaxy Note Phones lock when call ends Galaxy Note 3, and Galaxy Note 4 Edge:

When a call ends because:

The caller hanging up first, or
Ending call using Bluetooth earpieces (a number of different brands and models)

The device LOCKS.

It does not do that if you end the call first using the buttons on the device screen.

Also this problem is with:

Phones that are encrypted and phones that are not.
Phones that have S View covers, or have no cover at all.
Phones that use PIN lock, and phones that use fingerprint lock.

Note also that this problem does not occur on S3 or S4 to my knowledge, but that is simply a friend claiming that he does not have this problem with his phones.

As far as I can tell, that is simply the phone working as designed. If you receive a call while the device is locked, the device will remain locked after the call ends. This should be the same whatever device you use.

It may be different if you set your device to have no lock screen, but I hadn't tested it.


What DNS servers are used when connected to wireless data? What DNS servers are used when connected to wireless data (not wifi)?

Is there a way within Android KitKat to tell?

While the setprop method to change DNS does not work, the getprop method to read those values should be still valid today:

shell@A0001:/ $ getprop | grep dns
[dhcp.wlan0.dns1]: [192.168.1.1]
[dhcp.wlan0.dns2]: []
[dhcp.wlan0.dns3]: []
[dhcp.wlan0.dns4]: []
[net.change]: [net.rmnet0.dns2]
[net.dns1]: [208.67.222.123]
[net.dns2]: [208.67.220.123]
[net.rmnet0.dns1]: [208.67.222.123]
[net.rmnet0.dns2]: [208.67.220.123]
[net.wlan0.dns1]: [208.67.222.123]
[net.wlan0.dns2]: [208.67.220.123]

To clarify my answer: using a terminal emulator app (like Terminal Emulator for Android), as a normal user (no root permissions needed), you can execute the command I showed (getprop | grep dns) and get an output like that.


Samsung Galaxy S2 not enough storage I have a Galaxy S2 and a memory card installed. There are tons of free space on both. When I install any app, it downloads and then says not enough storage. How to solve this problem?

It's running ICS, and it's the latest available for it in my region.

I tried moving most apps to the SD card and uninstalled some. I also restarted the phone as well. Now, it shows low on space notification in the notification bar.

There was a thread similar to yours a while back. It refered to a Stackoverflow thread with a overwhelmingly positive answer.
One of the answers is to clear dumpstack. Here is the excerpt from the Stackoverflow answer.

Here's a very simple solution that works on my Samsung Galaxy S II and NOTE 1 ; I have no idea about other models:
Open the Phone app and switch to Keypad.
Dial *#9900#
On the screen that appears, click on the button labelled "Delete dumpstate/logcat".

I've restored about one GB of system space this way.

Hope this solves your problem.


Destination host unreachable while using WiFi on 2.2 I upgraded my HTC EVO to 2.2 using a ROM I found online. (Sprint's OTA update wouldn't work)  All has been well, but I have been having troubles with my WiFi. I can connect to any AP, security or not, and I get an IP from DHCP no problem. However, I can't get online.  Using a ping tool to try to ping things on my LAN returns destination host unreachable.

The IP settings are correct. Seems my EVO's routing table is messed up. Thought's on how to narrow down the problem and/or fix it?

I figured out that if I disable 802.11n mode and just leave b/g enabled, then my phone works on WiFi just fine.  It seems that there was an issue using 802.11n on my phone.

I don't yet know if the issue was my AP or my phone, but I guess I will need to find a way to disable 802.11n on Froyo.


where to find the folder "/driver/net/"? I am trying to build an adhoc network using Samsung Galaxy S4.

Having established the network on the first handset, I am trying to connect another SGS4 to the same network.

The second SGS4 seems to discover the network and connect to it, however it generates, locally, a different network MAC address (BSSID) and hence can't actually connect to the same network, though it is connected to the same SSID (network-name).

In order to set a fixed BSSID in the second SGS4 I need to change some flags on the wireless-driver which usually is located in /driver/net/wireless/. Nonetheless, looking around, I can't find this folder in my rooted Samsung Galaxy S4. I've searched almost everywhere but can't find it.

If there is any other way to set a fixed BSSID, I'm of course open to that as well.

The discussion you've been reading is about compiling a modified kernel and a custom ROM for the Galaxy S4, using a replacement wireless driver that's been changed to add support for ad-hoc Wi-Fi networks. The path /driver/net/wireless is a path in the kernel source tree, which contains the source code for the driver that needs to be changed before compiling the new kernel. It doesn't refer to any path on the device itself, or anything else you can change on the device.


How to purchase an app on Google Play without a credit card? I live in India and I don't have a credit card. I have tried using debit cards, internet banking and a virtual credit card from my bank (State Bank of India), but none of them work.

How can I purchase an app (PowerAmp) without a credit card?

Google Wallet is not acceptable because my phone runs Gingerbread and it isn't compatible.

I am from India.  I think Google play gift card is not available in India till now.  I will tell you a method through which you can purchase android apps from Play Store in India without credit card.

The only legal way to buy paid apps from Play Store other than credit card is by creating Virtual Credit Card. Virtual Credit Card is an artificial credit card which acts similarly like any ordinary credit card and you can use it for on line shopping. But in virtual credit card you have to transfer the amount first just like debit cards.

There are two trusted ways of creating Virtual Credit Card -

Create Virtual Credit Card from bank - Many banks are having a service of creating a virtual credit card for online shopping. STATE BANK OF INDIA and HDFC BANK are two banks which I have used for creating Virtual Credit Card especially HDFC BANK's NetSafe service is awesome and just perfect for any online shopper. Amount charged for creating virtual credit card is very minimum.
Create Virtual Credit Card from Entropay - If your bank doesn't give the service of creating virtual credit cards then you can use ENTROPAY for purchasing apps from the Play Store. Entropay is an online service which I strongly recommend for creating virtual credit cards, as it is completely safe and secure. All your information is protected by encryption. Creating virtual credit card through is very easy you just need to fill up your details and your virtual credit card is ready in minutes, now transfer your fund to virtual credit card and start shopping. EntroPay is used worldwide and processes thousands of transactions daily. For using EntroPay you need to pay certain charges.

Earlier Google only sells android apps through its Play Store in India but now Google has start selling books and movies also, so this Virtual Credit Card method work perfectly with them also means you can buy android apps, eBooks and movies without credit card using Virtual Credit Cards.

I hope this post is helpful for you.


my phone stopped showing contacts or logs. First there was just a lag. Then it showed nothing but was able to use the search function to find the right contact in the list. Finally nothing works. Have to go to Google Contacts to find my contact list and type the number manually.

Go into settings then apps, go to all apps on the scroll at top of page, go down until you find the phone icon with call and message log beside it, force stop it, then shut down phone for 2 minutes, not precise but I left mine off this long, then restart, all logs should be back, hope it helps


Samsung Galaxy A5 (A500FU) - Installing Custom ROMs impossible I took the CyanogenMod for my device (Galaxy A5 aka A500FU) from this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/samsung-a-series/development/dev-help-to-create-cm12-rom-galaxy-a5-t3153129I took the zip file and put it on my sd card, opened up TWRP and wiped all (of course I made backups) and flashed it. But there was the error:
error executing updater binary in zip

I tried in Odin, but there comes an "unexpected" error. Of course I've also tried to put the zip in a tar file, but it still does not work at all...

What am I doing wrong?
Thank you

I fixed it earlier, but for all others: I downloaded TWRP from another developer, now it works flawlessly.


Is Google Play Store geo-targeted? Some companies are telling me that my games are better listed in some countries than in the US.

I'm using VPN to try to check if it's true, but the top free games seems to be the same in all countries. Am I wrong ?

Does the Google Play store have a different listing in different countries?

Yes. For certain countries, Some Apps are geo-targeted. For example, Certain Video-Calling apps aren't available in the Middle-East.


Connecting multiple USB devices using a USB hub that connect to the USB port of a Android devices Is it possible to use and connect a USB Hub on any generic and major Android tablets that only have 1 USB port and connecting multiple USB devices (depending on how many port the USB Hub have) such as the following:

USB PC keyboard
USB PC mouse
USB Camera
USB Floppy drive
USB CD/DVD Writer
USB Fan
USB Thumbdrive/Flash drive

Typically yes, you can use a USB hub to connect multiple devices without any issues. Whether or not these peripherals perform adequately may depend on the amount of power that they require, but that's common to un-powered USB hubs in any situation.

Google's Android support pages actually mention USB hubs. E.g. the Nexus S support page on keyboards and other devices specifically states:

  To connect more than one USB device at a time, use a powered USB hub to reduce the drain on your phone’s battery.


How do I prevent KitKat from showing two alarm icons in the notification bar? I have Nexus 5 with KitKat. When I set an alarm with Google Now, I see this:

Why is there two icons? How can I fix this?

I think the one on the right is the icon that shows you have an alarm on (always shows when you have an alarm). The one on the left is a notification and should disappear if you dismiss the notification.


Data Recovery - Is the internal sd-card part of /data (gs4)? On every other phone I have owned (with CWM recovery) when I did a factory reset, it left my (internal) SD card contents intact.  I wasn't thinking and did a factory reset and deleted everything.

As you all know reformatting a hard drive doesn't actually wipe the drive.  From the looks of things the internal sd card is part of /data.  So I took data's block device and did the following from ADB shell

I'm not looking up the exact paths but I believe I determined the block device to use by looking at "busybox df -h"s output

dd if=/dev/*--PATH-TO-mmblk-WHICH-DATA-IS-ON/ of=/cache/img1.img bs=1M count=1024
tar cvzf /cache/img1.tar.gz /cache/img1.img
*Copy img*.tar.gz to network share on my comp with ES file explorer
rm -f /cache/img*

dd if=/dev/*--PATH-TO-mmblk-WHICH-DATA-IS-ON/ of=/cache/img2.img bs=1M count=1024 offset=1024
tar cvzf /cache/img2.tar.gz /cache/img1.img
*Copy img*.tar.gz to network share on my comp with ES file explorer
rm -f /cache/img*

dd if=/dev/*--PATH-TO-mmblk-WHICH-DATA-IS-ON/ of=/cache/img3.img bs=1M count=1024 offset=2048
tar cvzf /cache/img3.tar.gz /cache/img1.img
*Copy img*.tar.gz to network share on my comp with ES file explorer
rm -f /cache/img*
,
.
.

I did this with all 10 or so GB of /data/ (forget actual size, but it's a 16GB model).  I then opened these up in a hex editor and searched for known strings in my saved data (contents of messages from SMS backup & restore).  I was unable to find my data.  As far as texts are concerned I was able to find raw texts on my current device (not before I reset),

My question is, is the internal sd card on a different partiton than /data/?

It appears that the internal SD card is on the same partition as /data (I verified with my GT-I9500 at XXUEMJ9 - 4.3, output below):

root@ja3g:/storage/emulated/legacy # df
Filesystem               Size     Used     Free   Blksize
/dev                   931.8M    76.0K   931.8M   4096
/mnt/secure            931.8M     0.0K   931.8M   4096
/mnt/asec              931.8M     0.0K   931.8M   4096
/mnt/obb               931.8M     0.0K   931.8M   4096
/system                  2.7G     2.1G   588.6M   4096
/efs                    19.7M     9.2M    10.5M   4096
/cache                   2.0G    32.6M     1.9G   4096
/data                    8.8G     8.3G   540.4M   4096
/persdata/absolute      11.8M     4.2M     7.6M   4096
/mnt/shell/emulated      8.8G     8.3G   520.4M   4096
/mnt/shell/container     8.8G     8.3G   520.4M   4096
/mnt/ntfs              931.8M     0.0K   931.8M   4096
/storage/emulated      931.8M     0.0K   931.8M   4096
/storage/extSdCard      14.8G    10.4G     4.4G   8192
/storage/emulated/0      8.8G     8.3G   520.4M   4096
/storage/emulated/0/Android/obb     8.8G     8.3G   520.4M   4096
/storage/emulated/legacy     8.8G     8.3G   520.4M   4096
/storage/emulated/legacy/Android/obb     8.8G     8.3G   520.4M   4096

Some other manufacturers have different implementations of the layout; in fact, this decision was the largest possible reason why the Mass Storage option disappeared and MTP had to be used - because /data used ext4 which most Windows PCs can't recognize.

Some CWM versions do not perform a format on /data when you request for a factory reset - that is because they are either:

Running on a pre-3.0 version of Android that uses the older implementation
Using a manufacturer-defined custom layout
Running custom "Factory Reset" code that does only rm -rf on the folders

As to why the plaintext cannot be found, I'm not entirely sure - but I thought it might have to do with the formatting being done with secure erase (MMC_CAP_ERASE).

More information can be found here: http://teamw.in/DataMedia

And in the 4.2 source code itself: https://android.googlesource.com/platform/docs/source.android.com/+/android-4.2.1_r1/src/tech/storage/index.md


How can I set up canned response in Android Messages app? Is there a way to configure Android Messages with a list of custom templates? For instance:

"I'm away right now."
"Thank you for contacting us. We will get back to you soon"
...

In the Android Messages app, I could then select one of these custom messages when responding to someone, or when contacting someone by SMS for the first time.

There isn't a way to set up templates in the Google messaging app. Closest is Smart reply which suggests replies based over time but no where close to templates

You will need to use apps that do this, as claimed (not tested by me) or consider other alternatives


Display the reason I just got an alert? My phone makes a noise when I get a text or email.

Can it also display a line of text saying what the text or email is from? I hate having to check all my apps to see which one wants my attention.

I also want to know why it wants my attention, as in, who just texted me? Who just emailed me? what did they say?

You should see a notification icon in the bar at the top of the screen.

Swipe down and you can click on the notification to load the application that generated it.

In addition you can install SMS Popup or something similar to display the details of the SMS on screen immediately. I haven't found anything like this for email though.


Some Apps not woking in cellular Data I have an Blackview BV 8000.

Some Apps like Chrome, Stack exchange, Facebook, WhatsApp... Work without a problem.

However apps like Gmail, YouTube and Google play store don't work on cellular data.
I always get an error message, that tells me to check my internet connection (cellular or wlan/wifi, that I know is good).

In settings there is a network access control panel, where I unlocked those apps, however they still don't work under cellular data.

I realize this is a pretty basic answer, and you might have already tried this, but have you tried uninstalling and reinstalling those apps? Even if it's saying "check your internet connection", sometimes error messages don't reflect the real problem. Those apps you mentioned (Gmail, YouTube, and Google Play Store) all come from the same developer. If this problem just started recently, it could be a glitch in a recent update.

Alternatively, are you sure that you're logged in to those apps? The apps you mentioned are all dependent on your being properly signed in to your main Google account, via your device's accounts settings. If you've inadvertently logged out or deleted your Google account login, you'll lose access to those accounts.

Of course, if you haven't done this already, try restarting your device (turn it on and off). No joke, that actually fixes a lot of problems. :-)


How can I solve Play Store Error ”unknown error code during application install:-102“ When I update the ES File Explorer today, I met the error. And I have checked a lot of site. Most of the site never mentioned the -102 error code. How can I solve it.

I have checked this post on the xda-developers, but I cannot found the error code -102.

This question mentioned the error code -102, but the question is I am not the developer. I cannot change the signing certificate.

A Google Search turned up different possible reasons for that. Let's walk them one-by-one:
Installing from Android Market. Unknown reason-102
This post on our sister site gives the most likely reason in your case, being a problem with the certificate:

I solved this with using a different signing certificate. The Android docs suggest a life of 10,000 days, but that now creates expiry dates after the end of time in *nix timestamps, which is some time in 2038. I generated a new cert that expires in 2037 and resubmitted the apk and it now installs ok. Unfortunately I had to change the identifier of the app and copy all the descriptions/graphics to the "new" app because play won't let you change the cert on an existing app.

As you cannot fix this yourself, it would mean contacting the dev to check and fix.
Android InApp Purchases Error Code 102
Unlikely to match your case, as ES File Explorer is a free app requiring no payment. But for others coming here because of the "error 102" in the title, let me quote from that post on our sister site as well:

Error Code 102 refers to connection refused.
Error 102 (net::ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED): Unknown error

Please go through the following link I hope it may help. Link gives the description of network errors but related to Chrome. As your error is a standard error and might not because of your code but due to some configuration settings.
https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/117805?hl=en


What do I get if I install a custom ROM instead of installing new launcher, new phone app, ...? I have been thinking about installing a new ROM, like CyanogenMod (most probably), but thought it would be a mess to return to stock ROM if I messed it up, plus, last time I checked, not all features are guaranteed to work (camera, tethering, ...).

Now, my question is not about how to backup the old ROM, because I found another solution: as my phone is rooted, why not remove the stock launcher, the stock music app, stock browser, all the Samsung Software Update and Holy Quran and Samsung Apps and Swype and all the apps Samsung forces me to use? These are easy to back up (in case), and I can replace them with a browser of my choice, ADW Launcher (CyanogenMod's one), music player of my choice, keyboard of my choice, etc.

So what does a custom ROM offer more than just custom launchers and widgets and looks? Or is my option "utopia"?

Note: I'm not sure if that matters, but I'm on a Samsung Galaxy Fit GT-S5670, Rooted Android Froyo 2.2.1

Another Note: I read this question and its answer, but the answer there only states things that could be done with a home replacement app...

UPDATE It seems nothing can't be done with apps. It's just easier and faster and more stable to use a custom ROM, that is if the ROM for your device is stable enough.

Two major cons to simply using a different launcher Vs. a whole new ROM:

Custom ROMs often offer a later version of Android than is available for your device from a manufacturer or carrier.  No amount of launchers will give you the newer functionality of latest OS versions.
Very often removing manufacturer/carrier "bloat" is not as easy as deleting some APKs from /system/app directory.  In cases of custom UIs such as Samsung's TouchWiz, or Motorola's BLUR, or HTC's Sense, many of their apps which replace stock core functions (e.g. Phone/Dialer, Contacts, etc.) are interwoven with the system and each other in such a way that simply removing them may cause crashes or other system instabilities.  Installing 3rd-party replacements does not resolve anything, since these apps are always running in the background, using up valuable resources.


Unexpected random shutdowns in Galaxy S2 Recently my Samsung Galaxy S2 has been doing this very strange thing, it just switches off on its own. However the screen flickers like two or three times really quickly before it switches off.

It all started when i went on holiday and the signal was poor up in the mountain (not sure if this helps but i'm gonna type it anyway). so since then I've had it on flight mode accessing WiFi only and making use of Bluetooth, yet it still randomly does it. are there any logs I can check to maybe see what the problem is!?

Automatic shut off can mean any of these;

too many running applications running in the background. (Start your your phone in CLOCKWORLD and select to clear CACHE)
refrain from charging your phone while playing games and running so many applications as this may speed up the aging of your battery.
maybe its time you replace your battery if the above doesnt seem to work.


Downgrading Nexus 7 Android 4.4.2 to 4.2 I want to downgrade my nexus 7 android 4.4.2 to 4.2. I am already rooted. How can i downgrade? I've got a nandroid backup. If I restore that will it be again running as android 4.4.2?

I need help. Thanks in advance.

If you downgrade, you will need to re-root it again.

If you are confident in flashing and using Google's adb and fastboot tools, then could point you to the direction of Google Factory Images for the Nexus.

Be aware of the differing versions available, flashing the wrong one could end up messing the device and having to re-do the flash again.

You will have to identify it, it would be shown on the bootloader screen, and pick the appropriate version, there's the 2012 model, 2013 model with variations of WiFi, one with 3G+WiFi and another with LTE.


What does "encrypt all outgoing email" really mean? I have a Samsung Galaxy Stardust with Android 4.3.  In the email app, under security options, there is an option that says "encrypt all outgoing email".  But my understanding of S/MIME is that in order to encrypt e-mail to someone, I have to have their public key.  So it seems like this option can't really do what it says it does.

It actually gets the public key of the receiver before sending the email. So yes, it could do what it says.


Will 'Erase SD card' fully format it? My Android 4.2 phone only has an option Erase SD card under System Settings, but not an option to format.

My card has read errors on some files I want to fully format it to check if it's just a case of logical disk errors (those would go away) or if it's hardware and I should replace it.

I did try this (what's to lose?) and it said Checking SD card and was done in a few seconds; that's what makes me ask the question.

Would plugging it into my Windows computer and formatting it there be better? Or running chkdsk?

I know that there is not really an old-fashioned formatting going on on SSD devices, but I want all card logical sectors to be scanned (read) for errors. Will 'erase' do that?

Erasing the SD Card will format it. If you doubt it, then it would be better to use a card reader and format it via PC.


Xperia Z3 bootloop after TWRP Xperia Z3 D6633

I followed the very many tutorials (pick any on google) saying to flash (in fastboot) the file bootZ3monxtest01.img

fastboot flash boot bootZ3monxtest01.img

Now I have a bootloop around the sony logo.

No system, only recovery (TWRP) available

I can also reflash the whole system through Sony's Flashtool, but it kills the point, as a custom working recovery is required for later rooting

Obs. 1:
Needless to say that the "usual" is to flash recovery onto recovery partition. I tried that. Nothing happened

Obs. 2:
KingRoot rooting method worked, but I fail miserably to replace it by SuperSU

Obs. 3:
It's my third attempt

:(

I found another method (buried lightyears deep on the net):

http://squidstech.com/2016/11/27/root-z3-23-5-a-1-291-d6603-d6633-d6653/

It flashes the recovery via ADB
(requires a prior kernel change, though, that can be restored after)


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

If you have multiple Google Accounts on your device, you have to change the active account in the Play Store to the second, third, etc, one and make it active.

Open the Play Store app, tap the 3 line menu, and you should see the active account on the left and the "unselected" account on the right, tap the icon on the right and go to the app, you should not be able to install it.


How to flash firmware from XperiFirm? Can Newflasher save user data? My phone is stuck in a bootloop and I would like to try to fix it by flashing stock firmware. I used XperiFirm to download firmware. But then in Flashtool it won't load. I tried going to tools -> bundles -> fileset decrypt but it just doesn't load it.
I'm running Windows and noticed a part of Flashtool was detected as a trojan. I made an exception and reinstalled so this shouldn't be a problem.
I tried clicking on the XperiFirm button directly inside Flashtool, but it really quickly flashes and goes away without doing anything (nothing is even added to the log).
I looked into using Newflasher but am wondering if there's a way to save data? I would like to do a dirty flash.

I couldn't get the XperiFirm integrated into Flashtool to work. Even with the stand alone, it didn't have the firmware I was looking for. I ended up just Google searching the the firmware with "ftf". Flashing it with Flashtools worked fine.
TL;DR download the desired firmware as an FTF found through a Google Search. Flash it with Flashtool.


Is "Inbox" the old stock email application? I am setting up a new Nexus 5X with Marshmallow. There does not appear to be a default mail application as in prior versions; instead there is just the GMail application. Is the Inbox by Google application what was formerly the stock mail application called "Email"?

No. Inbox is a very different application that was opened to the public in early 2015. It's primarily designed around the idea that your inbox is like a to-do list of sorts. The project's website explains this in more detail.

The "Android" email application is no longer developed by Google in any meaningful capacity, aside from ensuring that new platform releases do not break the build (and some translation updates, which are mostly automated). The Exchange and IMAP/POP features were instead rolled into Gmail, which is now considered the "stock" email application on any Google device.


Cannot add Google accounts on Huawei U8825D/G330D This is a Huawei U8825D/G330D running Android 4.0.4 on a contract with China Unicom. I have used two Android phones in the past, and was always able to sync all my Google services by logging into a Google account on my Android, but I haven't been able to add a Google account on this Huawei phone.

I tried going to Settings > Accounts and Sync > Add an Account, but the only types of accounts available for adding in the menu are Huawei Cloud+, Company, Email, and Wandoujia (an app store service popular in China). There is no option to add a Google account. This doesn't only create the problem of not being able to sync Google services - without a Google account enabled on this phone, I cannot even open Google Play store, Gmail, and the like. I am able to install these apps on the phone, but when I click on them, a screen (of the background frame of, say, the Play store) would briefly show up before the app closing itself in a moment. I tried restoring the phone to factory settings but it has not worked.

This may be a late response but after finding the answer I thought I should publish it. If you have a Huawei phone that's been set up for the Chinese market then you'll find you cannot simply add a Google account.
First, using Huawei's own application manager, find Google's Play Store and install it. Once installed, use it to install Google's own YouTube app.
From YouTube you can sign in add any number of Google accounts.


Is it possible to share a hard drive connected by USB in a local network? I have an android smart TV with android 4.1, USB and LAN port. For file transfer I have a USB hard drive which I move from my computer to the smart TV, but it is kind of annoying.

I would like to leave the hard drive connected to the smart TV, and share it in my local network so that I can access it from my gnu/linux machine.

Is this possible? Thanks in advance.

Thanks to Firelord for pointing me in the right direction, I played around with a SSH Server called SSHelper (it's FOSS and can be found on the play store), and got what I was trying to do.

The website has enough information to get it working, and it is very easy to set a passwordless login.

The only con I see, it is that is rather slow for big file transfers.


Enable notifications for some emails in gmail application on Android I am not sure this is good place for this question, if not, if you could please route me to right page.

So the thing is, I have android phone, and I have GMail account, and application GMail installed on my phone. I get notifications but only for mail that is arriving in Primary Inbox.

Since I am programmer and I have my team on my job and we are using GitHub, and any time someone changes something in the project I get email notifications. But, this email notifications goes into Forum section, and I do not get notification on my phone?

Is there any way I can change settings so that emails from GitHub still get into Forum section but for me to get push notification of GMail application informing me I have new email from GitHub...?

To enable notifications for Forum emails, follow the steps below:

Open Gmail → open the menu on the top left → settings → youraccount@Gmail.com → manage labels → forums → label notifications "on", notify for every message "on".

You should now be getting notifications for those emails.


How can I (permanently) remove an sd card without harming apps on the device Forgive me if this is already asked, but I couldn't find it anywhere.  (Most results involved 1 device and moving data between 2 sd cards.  I have two devices and I want to move all data off the sd card to the first device so I can move the sd card to the second device.)

I've upgraded devices (HTC Thunderbolt to Samsung Galaxy Note II) and would like to remove my SD card from the Thunderbolt and use it in the Note II.  To get a clean start, I will format the sd card before placing it in the Note, and I know how to do this.

I want to keep my Thunderbolt and use it as a "poor man's tablet".  It's already removed from the cell service and I'll just use it on the home WiFi messing around with some odd projects.

I've already uninstalled a bunch of apps, and moved any remaining ones from the sd card back onto the Tablet.  What I don't know is how to protect the apps that remain from getting damaged when I separate them from the files they've been storing on the sd card.

For example, there's a lot stored in:

/sdcard/Android/data/  (such as Google Maps and Swiftkey)
/sdcard/data/
/sdcard/.android_secure/

How do I protect the apps on the Thunderbolt from being harmed from permanently removing the sd card?  Do I have to clear all their data, or uninstall/reinstall them after removing the card?

As Izzy said in the comments really your best option is to just buy a new card. They are super cheap especially if you buy online. I just looked on Amazon and the cheapest 16 GB SD card I could fine was just over $12.00 US. I'm sure you can go to your local electronics store and pick one up for around $20.00 US if you don't want to deal with buying online and shipping and whatnot.

But, if you are stingy (most of us are, lets be honest!), make sure you have migrated all of your apps back to internal storage with AppMgr III. Once this is done you can shutdown the phone and remove the SD card.

If you want you can create a backup of your SD card just in case you need the data on it in the future. You can just copy and paste all of the files into a folder and then compress it, or you can create a disk image of the drive, whatever is more convenient to you.

Then turn on your old device with the card NOT inside of it. Go through all of your downloaded apps and see if any of them were relying on data on the card. Once you find the apps that need the SD card you can then choose to uninstall and reinstall them, or see if you can transfer the files off of the SD card and then back onto the device and then point the app to the folder. It might take a little bit of screwing around, but perhaps the feeling of having extra cash in your wallet will overcome the frustration of dealing with data migration. Good luck!


Can I remove User Dictionary Application itself ? not just words in it? My process monitor shows the User Dictionary Application is taking up all the CPU the device has got so even phonecaller app crashes.

I'd like to remove the whole User Dictionary Application if possible.
I don't want to use this feature anyway.

Would I be able to remove it ?

If I could, would removing User Dictionary cause any serious issues ?

On my Galaxy S3, running 4.1.2, the User dictionary is a background service that can be disabled. If you are running a similar device look into the following:

Settings\App Manager\All\User Dictionary
Click the disable button.

If you are using a different device or system this could get you started in the right direction.


Screen-casting/screen-capturing the camera view (appears black) For demoing an Augmented Reality app, I would like to do a screencast of the Android device's screen (HTC Desire S).

The open source project androidscreencast works fine, except for the camera view. The overlays on top of the camera show through, but the actual camera view itself just shows up black. I have the same issue with the ddms tool that comes with the Android SDK - I can capture the screen, except for the camera view which appears black.

Here's the image I get using the ddms tool if I try to capture the screen when I have the normal camera app running: http://twitpic.com/83uztm

Please does anyone know why this is and how to get around it? Is it some kind of security feature, or a bug?

I came across something earlier that looked like a code workaround someone had come up with, but I don't have access to the app's underlying source code, so I need a non-programming method of getting this to work.

Sorry, without root, is probably not possible. With your device's OS version and the fact that you want to capture an overlay (video playback), even harder.

Prior to Android 3.0, screenshots were taken using the framebuffer, that is accessed by opening the /dev/graphics/fb0 device. This location requires root access, and even with root may not work for all devices. Some devices use a pair of framebuffers and toggle between them.

Additionally, and more related with your current problem, the framebuffer doesn't contain surfaces in an overlay (often the case with video playback). That's the reason as to why you don't get the video, only the application frame.

Support information by developers on stackoverflow by this answer and this answer.


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.

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.


Alternative way to perform factory reset My friend's daughter was playing with the unlocking screen and of course she used up all the attempts and locked the device for good. Since this tablet was bought some time ago just for her amusement, no one remembers what was the google account they used - possibly a phony one created just for the purpose of using the device. This discards google recovery as an option.

It's a cheapo tablet sold here by Walmart under ONN brand. I did some research and have found it's being made by YiFang Digital and marketed as M7000NBD

http://www.yifangdigital.com/product/M7000NBD.aspx

According to the manufacturer, it's powered by AML8726-MXS Dual Core + Mali TM-400 and it's running Android 4.2. Unless it came like that from the factory, it's not rooted, and it has only 3 buttons: PWR, VOL UP, VOL DOWN.

My friend doesn't care about the data stored on this device and I offered to help thinking that I will be able to perform a factory reset the usual way. I was wrong.

When I use the PWR + VOL UP key combination, to enter Android system recovery, first thing that shows up after the boot is an Android figure with a red triangle and an exclamation mark. If I press the PWR+VOL UP again, the system recovery menu shows up but I can not navigate through its options. At least not using the VOL UP/DOWN buttons.

The only button that works is the PWR, but since "reboot system now" is the option selected by default, it's the only action I can perform from within this menu.

When the above failed, I thought about ADB as an alternative way. Unfortunately the USB debugging seems to be turned off so, as far as my limited knowledge goes, there is no way of running ADB shell in that case. For obvious reasons, there is also no way of switching it on.

Is there any other option to factory reset this device? Or maybe there is a way to make the system recovery menu respond?

If it makes any difference, I have a Windows 7 desktop and two notebooks running Windows 8 and Ubuntu 13.10 respectively.

I think you should take a look at fastboot commands. Fastboot works in bootloader mode even when phone is not switched on in Recovery or ROM or even if Android isn't installed on phone. In later case, bootloader can be accessed by certain button combination while powering on device; usually Power + Vol Down. Though ADB is more flexible, but in your case it is out of the question.

What you can do now is :
Step 1: Unlock the Bootloader
Step 2: Flash a Custom Recovery (like TWRP)
Step 3: Flash a custom ROM that you want
(For detailed steps and commands, visit: XDA-developers)

Beware that some original ROMs can't be flashed by custom recoveries that's why i suggested a custom ROM in step 3.

After that reboot your device and turn on developer options and ADB in that new ROM. Now you can reboot to recovery and access ADB to flash your original Recovery and ROM through ADB commands.

A bit lengthy but it has always worked for me.


Error while running debian on Arm6 based phone I have cynogenmod7 on my optimus one phone. I followed this guide to run debian on it. When I give this command:

busybox mount -o loop,noatime $kit/debian.img $mnt

I get a no loop device, file doesn’t exist error. I tried setting up more loop devises like loop1, loop2 so on, even tried loop99 but still I got the same error. Is there any work-around this issue?

Make sure you follow the tutorial exactly unless you know what you're doing (well, unless you know what you're doing, you shouldn't be attempting to install foreign system, like Debian, over Android; the tutorial said it clearly: If you are following this tutorial only because you want to /flex on your friends and you don't know anything about linux, then you really _should_ stop reading this tutorial.).

Make sure that the shell variables $kit and $mnt are defined and have the appropriate values (if you follow the tutorial correctly, then $kit should have the value /system/sd and $mnt should have the value /data/local/mnt).


How to simulate no GPS fix I wonder if there is a way to simulate NO GPS signal without going in the basement. As if you were inside a tunnel or under the earth surface. I am not talking about location mocking. I wonder if we can leave the GPS turned on but prevent application from getting a GPS fix.

You want a Faraday cage. There are do-it-yourself instructions for making one out of aluminum foil. You can also approximate one by trying prebuilt metal boxes like microwave ovens, metal filing cabinets, or refrigerators. Just put your device inside to see whether it blocks the GPS signal.


Is there a way to see when the last time an uninstalled app was installed? Here's the situation, I'm trying to work things out with an ex, but her friend saw me on Bumble and told her. I haven't used the app since before her and I started dating, but I must have just deleted the app without ever deleting my profile. It's been uninstalled for well over a year. Is there a way to see the last time an uninstalled app was installed so I can show her that I have not been using it?

Thanks!

The information you're seeking is located inside the library.db which is located at /data/data/com.android.vending/databases. It is part of Google Play Store app's data.
Note: I presupposed that the app was installed via Play Store, as otherwise, this solution is of no use.
For an unrooted Android

Use adb to pull data of com.android.vending (Google Play Store)
  adb backup com.android.vending

convert the backup into tar file using Android Backup Extractor (ABE) or other means you know of.
(ABE needs Java Runtime Environment and has README.txt for usage). ABE would unpack the .ab file into a .tar which you can then extract using an archiver like Ark, 7zip, WinRAR.)

Locate the library.db under databases directory and use an Sqlite viewer software (such as DB Browser for SQLite) to open that file.

Search for the package name of your uninstalled app (com.bumble.app in OP's case) under the doc_id column, and note down the corresponding timestamp in the purchase_time column in that same entry. That is a unix timestamp. Furthermore, a free app is also considered purchased (for zero amount) in this table, so do not be confused by the column name.

Use a site like Epoch Converter to convert the timestamp into human readable form.

For a rooted Android
You can use an SQlite viewer app to view that database. I used MyAndroidTools (not available on Play Store anymore) for testing purposes.


How can I secure my pictures, videos and other files stored on my phone? I am looking for a way to protect every sort of data that is saved in my Android phone from being stolen. I have done some research on Google Play, the only app I found with all the features is Folder Lock. Other than this app, the majority of the apps do only have a couple of specific features. Is really Folder Lock the most comprehensive app available at the moment?

I would recommend using full disk encryption and keeping your bootlaoder locked and phone unrooted if you want the best possible encryption that Android natively provides.

This article explains how to do a full system encryption on Android.
http://www.howtogeek.com/141953/how-to-encrypt-your-android-phone-and-why-you-might-want-to/


S5- Stuck in bootloop I somehow deleted my ADB shell (of rooted S5) in superuser and then I was trying to flash it back. And because I didn't backup my root I ended up with it saying:

KERNEL IS NOT SEANDROID ENFORCING
SET WARRANTY BIT : kernel....

I can't seem to get it to go back! What should I do resolve this issue.
Thank you.

You have flashed a custom kernel. You should reinstall the ROM on your phone. Go to www.sammobile.com/firmwares and download the appropriate one for your device and then flash it with ODIN.


How can I Automate for selected apps to only use cellular data and not Wi-Fi... and vise versa? I tried doing it myself (On Automate) but it's a bit too advanced. Can I get your help?
Also, I think Android overriding data connection when wifi is on might have to be factored in. I could use Afwall (and Netguard?) to control what connection they use but if the wifi is on, then the app won't be able to use data. For example, on Afwall, I have app x restricted from using Wi-Fi and enabled for it to only us data. But if both WiFi and data connections are on, then the app gets no connection. But if I turn Wi-Fi off, then it will get connected. Turn Wi-Fi back on and no connection again. How do I get around this?
Android 7 | Rooted

On the Apps section, select App in foreground? Tap on the block. On the package option, select your app. Press Save.
On the Connectivity section, select Wi-Fi set state block. Set the Wi-Fi option to On. Press Save. Link the block to the Yes output of Step 1.
On the Connectivity section, select Mobile data set state block. Set the Mobile data option to On. Press Save. Link its input to the No output of Step 1.
On the Connectivity section, select Wi-Fi set state block. Set the Wi-Fi option to Off. Press Save. Link its input to the output of Step 3. Then link its output to the input of Step 1
Your flow will look like the image below. Give it a name, give the necessary permissions, start the flow.


How to read the data of a SD card configured as "Internal Storage" I have made a factory reset in my moto g2(Android 6.0) after removing the SD card which was configured as Internal storage. After the reset, my phone is unable to detect the SD card and asks to format it for either use it as an Portable or Internal storage.
The SD card is failed to be detected by any card reader/other devices.
How to access the data's in the SD card?

You don't... if the SD card was encrypted adopted storage, and you removed it and factory reset the phone then you have lost all possibility of accessing any information on the SD card. You are better off just to reformat the card and start over.

The encryption "key" was stored on the device, but when you factory reset it the encryption key was deleted, it was a random key and cannot be regenerated. You have lost all possibility of accessing this card.

If the card was portable storage, then put it in a PC and try to read it, if it still won't read the card is probably bad or corrupted and should be formatted or replaced.


Should I leave ZRAM activated on a device with 512 MB RAM or not? I have an old Android Smartphone (Samsung Galaxy S Plus i9001).
It has a 1 core 1.4 GHz CPU and 512 MB RAM, OS is Cyanogenmod 4.4.4.

It runs smoothly and quite fast. The phone will only be used for phoning and a litte bit of photo. (Not quite smartphone useage but there are no classic phones anymore)

The kernel (CM11 kernel) comes with ZRAM activated. The description in Trickster Mod (Tuning tool) says about ZRAM: "reserves 10% of your device RAM as compressed swap space".
Free space after boot, without opening another program is about 150 Mb.

Question:
Should I leave ZRAM activated on a device with 512 MB RAM or not?

Leaving ZRAM on may actually be beneficial to your little S Plus if you leave it on, though your limited use cases (Phone and Camera only) may not see a huge benefit over not having it on. The cache exists to keep commonly used programs, files, and useful bits of data on the memory instead of stored in a page file - this can speed up your phone a little and increase the lifespan of the device.


Fastboot command returns a list of question marks I am trying to root an Acer Iconia Tab A200 tablet using a script. I have adb working and fastboot works too, however, command fastboot devices returns a list of question marks. Eg:

???????????? fastboot

Image ilustrates the steps followed and the result:

I execute command fastboot devices in the bootloader which is already unlocked. Using Ubuntu 14.04. udev settings are already set (the file with vendors IDs).

What can I do to get the correct result? How can I make fastboot work well?

Thanks in advance!

It can be a cable fault. Change the cable. In my Redmi 3 on a cable from old Xperia P i've had question marks,
replaced the cable to a newer cable from Redmi Note 2 and voila - the correct number displays instead of the question marks.


How can I monitor and log data connection mode and rate, and log with location? I would like to understand what connection type and theoretical data rate my phone is using for its data connection, and how it changes with different locations.  I'm not looking for an actual data speed test like speedtest.net, but rather a logging of the type of data connection (GPRS, HSDPA, HSDPA+) and the specific modulation and UE Categories (see the table for User Equipment (UE) categories in this article).

This information should be available from the phone's radio, without actually sending additional data through the network.

I would like to have this information logged, along with a rough location, maybe as a background process (which would only run when a data connection is active so it would not drain the battery).

I think that the network data you need is available through logcat. View the network buffer on your phone using either alogcat (Android 4.0 and earlier) or adb (any, but required for Android 4.1 and later). I had to use this statement in adb:

adb logcat -b radio GsmSST:D *:S

The resulting list included log entries like the one below:

D/GsmSST  (  707): [GsmSST] handlPollStateResultMessage: GsmSST setDataRegState=0 regState=1 dataRadioTechnology=9

This is from a Galaxy Nexus which is GSM - if your phone is CDMA it will look very different and will need a different adb command. Note the dataRadioTechnologyportion. Do a little testing to work out what the numbers mean (my Google-foo isn't working well enough to find the answer online).

Then, all you need to do is track your location using whatever method you like. Correlate the logcat output with your location logs using timestamps and see what you get!


Changed device DPI now stuck in a bootloop Device: OnePlus One
ROM: MultiROM with CM11s as internal, and CM12 nightly as secondary
Recovery: TWRP
Backup location: USB OTG
Backup method: Online Nandroid Backup application

So I have quite a dilemma on my hands. I wanted to try something, so I installed a root DPI changing app. I must have set it incorrectly because when I rebooted, everything was so large that I couldn't even unlock the device.
So I followed the application's advice, I copied the build.prop backup to /system. And I went into a boot loop. Then I tried copying the stock build.prop for my device to /system, but it didn't help any.
Everything else seems to work fine. I have TWRP installed, and I have a good backup, but it's on a USB drive, and the data partition is ~6.5GB, so it won't go back on my phone. So here are my options, as I see them:

Fix build.prop, of which I don't have the original file.

Problems:

I have no idea how to do that.

Restore from my TWRP backup.

Problems:

I have the backup on a USB drive.
TWRP doesn't seem to want to recognize that there is a backup on the USB OTG.
The data file is 6.94GB (over Android's 4GB file size limit), so I can't move it back.

Dirty re-flash the OS while keeping my data.

Problems:

I don't know how to do that.
I've heard that problems persist if that's done.

Wipe everything and start from scratch.

Problems:

Obviously, I don't want to do that.

The reason for a boot loop after editing build.prop is its permissions.
Just go to TWRP > Advanced > File Manager and navigate to /system/build.prop. Select it and change its permissions to -rw-r--r--. To do that, enter 0644 in chmod and reboot your device.
If you cannot see build.prop in /system folder, go to Mounts and select System in the TWRP home menu.


Gboard: Is there anyway to switch language by swiping spacebar? I have two languages on Gboard and when I want to switch between them, I have to press the globe button. Is there anyway to switch language by swiping spacebar?
I've seen this feature on Samsung Keyboard and I was wondering if it's available on the new Gboard.

There is no as such settings that enables you the Language switch on the basis of swiping Spacebar.

But there are two options you can set in the settings.

1. Enables the Switch Language Key:- It enables you with the same features like swipe to change the language, on Clicking on this Globe Switch key your language will get automatically switched based on their preferences in the Settings.
if you have to do more with the language then this is the best option.

2. By clicking on Spacebar:-
if you have disabled the Language Switch in Settings. then you can get the language Popup by clicking on the Spacebar.


What is the official name of the "open apps" view that is navigated to by hitting the square system button? On Android, there are three buttons along the bottom system bar. When I hit the square one, a UI displaying all the currently "open" apps.
What is the official name of this view?

It's called Recents Screen:

The Recents screen (also referred to as the Overview screen, recent task list, or recent apps) is a system-level UI that lists recently accessed activities and tasks.


Bad ROM flash - Kindle Fire stuck in boot My KF won't finish booting.

I started to root my KF from my iMac using these instructions and with the files it points to.  I got as far as flashing it with FIREFIREFIRE which appeared to complete normally but at the fastboot reboot following, the device hung with its splash screen displayed ("kindle fire").  I waited 3 min and restarted it - same behavior.  I tried a hard reset and got the same behavior.  The KF has Android 2.3.4 and Kindle Fire 6.3.1.  A copy of the terminal output (with comments obviously inserted later):

jrobert@Gacrux platform-tools$ adb kill-server; adb devices
* daemon not running. starting it now on port 5037 *
* daemon started successfully *
List of devices attached
1836002600000001    device

###  Neato - iMac sees the KF.
###  Into and out of the shell:

jrobert@Gacrux platform-tools$
jrobert@Gacrux platform-tools$ adb shell
$ ls
config
dropbox
cache
sdcard
acct
mnt
vendor
d
etc
ueventd.rc
ueventd.omap4430.rc
ueventd.goldfish.rc
system
sys
sbin
proc
init.rc
init.omap4430.rc
init.goldfish.rc
init
default.prop
data
root
dev
$ exit

### Push fbmode utility to KF and run it:

jrobert@Gacrux platform-tools$ adb push fbmode /data/local/fbmode
4976 KB/s (510876 bytes in 0.100s)
jrobert@Gacrux platform-tools$ adb shell chmod 755 /data/local/fbmode
jrobert@Gacrux platform-tools$ adb shell /data/local/fbmode
jrobert@Gacrux platform-tools$ adb reboot

### Flash the KF with FIREFIREFIRE:
jrobert@Gacrux platform-tools$ pwd
/Users/jeff/Downloads/Kindle/RootingTools/android-sdk-macosx/platform-tools
jrobert@Gacrux platform-tools$ fastboot -i 0x1949 boot u-boot.bin
creating boot image...
creating boot image - 210944 bytes
downloading 'boot.img'...
OKAY [  0.055s]
booting...
OKAY [  0.003s]
finished. total time: 0.059s
jrobert@Gacrux platform-tools$ fastboot reboot
< waiting for device >
^C

###  At this point, the KF hung, as the instructions said it might,
###  displaying its splash screen: "kindle fire".  After 3 minutes,
###  I forced a shut down and restarted it. It displayed the splash
###  screen and hung again.  I tried a hard reset - held the power
###  button down for 60 seconds, and restarted it.  Same behavior.

###  adb and fastboot get no response.
###  The power LED stays green.

jrobert@Gacrux platform-tools$ adb devices
List of devices attached

jrobert@Gacrux platform-tools$ fastboot reboot
< waiting for device >
^C
jrobert@Gacrux platform-tools$ adb shell /data/local/fbmode
error: device not found
jrobert@Gacrux platform-tools$ adb shell /data/local/fbmode
error: device not found
jrobert@Gacrux platform-tools$ adb devices
List of devices attached

jrobert@Gacrux platform-tools$ adb reboot
error: device not found
jrobert@Gacrux platform-tools$ adb kill-server; adb devices
* daemon not running. starting it now on port 5037 *
* daemon started successfully *
List of devices attached

jrobert@Gacrux platform-tools$

###  Growl on the  iMac responds to my unplugging the USB while
###  the KF is powered up ("USB Disconnection  kindle").
###  Growl doesn't respond to my plugging in the KF's USB
###  with the KF powered up.
###  Growl responds to my powering the KF up or down with the
###  USB connected.  The KF file system does not get mounted.

adb and fastboot client get no response, and neither lists a device.  Growl on the iMac responds to my unplugging the USB while the KF is powered up ("USB Disconnection  kindle"). It doesn't respond to my plugging in the KF's USB with the KF powered up. Growl responds to my powering the KF up or down with the USB connected.  The KF file system does not get mounted on the iMac.

I can power it on and off with the power button (it requires a push-and-hold to shut down) and the power LED lights and goes out when I do.  I've tried push-and-holding the power button as soon as the LED lights; the unit shuts down after 10 seconds or so, just as in any forced shut-down.

I've ordered parts to make into a factory-cable and hoping I can recover it with that.  Is there anything else I can try in the meanwhile?

There are the two things of note that I see in your data:

The instructions indicate that you should use fastboot -i 0x1949 boot u-boot.bin. This is actually not correct, because the fastboot boot command is intended for hotbooting a boot.img, not a bootloader (they are different). The original XDA instructions give the proper command, which is fastboot -i 0x1949 flash bootloader u-boot.bin. This will install FIREFIREFIRE on your device, overwriting the stock bootloader.
Generally, if your KF hangs at the boot splash screen, it's stuck in fastboot mode. You can reset it to the normal boot mode by connecting it to a PC and executing fastboot -i 0x1949 oem idme bootmode 4000 and then rebooting. If you have FIREFIREFIRE installed you can leave off the -i 0x1949 flag because it uses a different vendor ID.


WhatApp Profile Pictures from Contacts I have a Samsung Galaxy S8+. I have a few contacts who have not set a profile picture within WhatsApp. Previously, it would automatically substitute their lack of profile picture with whatever picture I had set for them in my Samsung Contacts app.

Yesterday, I have wiped my device and upgraded to the latest Android 9.0 Pie Beta (build ZSAI) and I've noticed in WhatsApp, this no longer happens.

Despite the contact having a picture in my Contacts app, WhatsApp just shows a white person on a grey background.

I've looked through the settings and permissions. I can't see anything obvious, but I expect I'm missing something silly.

Any suggestions?

Samsung Galaxy S8+
SM-G955F
Android 9.0
Build number PPR1.180610.011.G995FXXU4ZSAI
WhatsApp version 2.19.34

Thanks!

Whatsapp has removed that feature for sometime now (i.e using photo from phone contact). When you upgraded Android you must have also downloaded the latest version of whatsapp. I liked the feature.

Did anyone find a way around for this..?


Moto X 1st Gen - WiFi not working after upgrade to Android 5.1 My Moto X upgraded to Android 5.1 recently and since that happened I cannot connect to WiFi.

When I try to connect to a saved network, it will briefly show "Connecting..." underneath the WiFi SSID, then it will revert back to "Saved".

I have tried the following and gotten the same result:

Turned off WiFi, then turned it back on.
Rebooted my phone.
Rebooted my router.
"Forgot" my home WiFi network then re-connected and entered the password
Changed WiFi frequency band on my phone
Tried connecting to a public WiFi network at a coffee shop.
Reading this thread: phone won't connect to wifi after upgrade to Android 5.1

Occasionally I will be "connected" to the WiFi, but I won't be able to get any data. When this happens, the WiFi symbol usually shows an exclamation mark over it. Most of the time though, I can't connect whatsoever.

I'm going to recommend you to try 2 things, then if all else fails contact Motorola.

Clear the system cache. Many post-update issues can be fixed with this. It clears out all of your phone's temporary files, and after a update, the cache is usually junked up with all kinds of stuff. This site does an excellent job explaining the process. For users with other devices, a quick Google of clear system cache device name OS will get you what you need.
Factory reset your device. It may seem bit extreme, but it usually gets the job done. Avoid restoring from a backup if possible as it may restore the issue as well.

If that doesn't work, Motorola has a decent customer support system, but expect to be on hold a lot. (At least less than Comcast)


Availability of the Menu Key As seen on backwards compatibility for the Android phones, do some phones always have traditional physical keys like the Menu Key, ususally on Gingerbread and older only? I was wondering if most modern phones running on Jellybean and Ice Cream Sandwich will always have virtual Action Overflow button in replace of the Menu Key.

There is no real standard here — every manufacturer does whatever it likes. E.g., many Samsung devices (including Samsung Galaxy S4 and Samsung Galaxy Note II) use the traditional layout — Menu, Home, Back (with Menu and Back as touch keys, and Home as a physical key; and the Back key is really on the right side, while many other manufacturers place it on the left side). Given the Samsung market share, there is a significant number of phones shipped with recent Android versions and still having the Menu key.


Airplane Mode Timer that LOCKS I have found airplane mode apps where I can set a timer for when it comes on. However, I can't find anything that requires a password to turn it off. I need to set it up on my friend's phone for his son so that it forces the phone into airplane mode every night so his son goes to bed. I've tried various Parental control apps, and they suck. Also, it would be useful to have the option to manually turn the service off by sending an SMS from another phone.

Please, don't tell me that my friend needs to take away his son's phone at night. I agree. But it's not my kid so I can't do it myself.

You don't need a password for anything here, neither you've to worry much that the Airplane mode would get disabled by the kid.  Of course, if the kid is smart then s/he would find a way to by-pass the restrictions  imposed using the following solution.

For the solution, you need to use an automation app app like Tasker (paid but trial is available) or MacroDroid (free/Pro). I've demonstrated the solution using the latter because its free version does the job.

Note: Device needs to be rooted.

We would create a macro which would make sure that if the kid disables Airplane mode by any means the Airplane mode would get turned on automatically as long as the time period remains true.

Install and launch MacroDroid.
Tap Add Macro  → Airplane Mode Changed → Airplane Mode Disabled → OK.
Under Add Actions, tap Airplane Mode On/Off → Airplane Mode On → OK → (leave options unchecked) OK → proceed.
Under Add Constraints, tap Time of Day → choose Start Time and Stop Time i.e. for the time period where you want Airplane mode to get enabled and remain active until another time is reached, such as 22:00 to 05:00 → OK → proceed.
Name the macro as Persist Airplane Mode → OK.

Your macros would show up under Macros at the default page of app.
Create a new macro to start the Airplane Mode for the time where you want the kid to sleep or go to bed:

Tap Add Macro → Day/Time Trigger → choose Days of the week and Time of Day, such as Saturday, 22:00 → OK.
Under Add Actions, tap Airplane Mode On/Off → Airplane Mode On → OK → (leave options unchecked) OK → proceed.
Ignore Add Constraints and name the macro as Start Airplane Mode.

The Airplane mode can be turned off easily after the device is rebooted and before MacroDroid is started from startup. MacroDroid wouldn't activate the Airplane mode automatically after reboot unless told to do so.

To make sure that Airplane mode gets enabled automatically after reboot, make the following macro:

Tap Add Macro → Device Boot.
Under Add Actions, tap Airplane Mode On/Off → Airplane Mode On → OK → (leave options unchecked) OK → proceed.
Under Add Constraints,  tap Time of Day → choose Start Time and Stop Time i.e. for the time period where you want Airplane mode to get enabled and remain active until another time is reached, such as 22:00 to 05:00 → OK → proceed.
Name the macro as Activate On Boot → OK.

Now, create a final macro which would disable the Airplane mode at a particular time:

Tap Add Macro → Day/Time Trigger → choose Days of the week and Time of Day, such as Saturday, 05:00 → OK.
Under Add Actions, tap Airplane Mode On/Off → Airplane Mode Off → OK → (leave options unchecked) OK → proceed.
Ignore Add Constraints and name the macro as Stop Airplane Mode.

You also need to activate MacroDroid as Device Administrator so that it can't be force-stopped or uninstalled easily.

Go to Settings → Security → Device Administrators and choose MacroDroid in it.
Also, go to Settings → Apps → MacroDroid → uncheck Show notifications so that its icon and notification doesn't remain visible or persistent.

I've not tested the SMS feature in MacroDroid but I've no reason to believe that it wouldn't work. Give it a try.


How to access IPv6 websites via the mobile network my landline only has an IPv6 address (well in addition IPv4 via crappy DSLite). I'm anyway trying to set up an owncloud server at home and access it from remote locations. So the task by now is to access the owncloud server via IPv6 using my Android 5.0.0 phone (Moto G 2014).

If I open the IPv6 address in my browser on the phone while connected to the same WiFi as the owncloud server everything works fine. But once I turn off WiFi and switch to cellular data the server can't be accessed anymore even though my router is configured to pass every connection to the owncloud servers IPv6 address range. This result is still reasonable since via the mobile network I only have an IPv4 address and no IPv6 address, so I can't communicate directly with an IPv6 target.

Are there some tricks to still reach an IPv6 host through an IPv4 connection on Android? Using tunnels ect? Or is this completely impossible by design?

Thanks a lot for replys!

You can only reach IPv6 sites from your device if it has IPv6 connectivity, whether it be via an IPv6-enabled WiFi network or via your mobile carrier's network. It is not generally possible to reach IPv6 sites if you only have IPv4 connectivity.

The below is no longer relevant because SixXS is now defunct. Thanks to Rodney for the tip-off.

You can set up an IPv6 tunnel for the times when you are on a network that doesn't provide native IPv6. I was able to find two Android apps which set up tunnels to the free SixXS network:

The Androiccu app is based on the aiccu program for PCs that sets up SixXS tunnels. It claims to require a rooted phone.
IPv6Droid claims to be able to do the same, without requiring the phone to be rooted.

I've used SixXS and aiccu since 2006 and they are generally quite good, though their points of presence can go offline or be decommissioned without notice.

I haven't tested either app, as I've had native IPv6 at home for a few months and on my mobile for a couple of years now. Given that I know in general how tunnels are set up, I would expect the app requiring a rooted device to be more reliable, and if you are rooted, I would start with that one.


What is this Overlay Application and How can I get rid of it? Recently this "app" has shown up on my phone. Tapping it gives me access to things like the home and back button, as well as screen lock.

I can't figure out what app or setting has caused this to show up recently and I'd very much like to get rid of it as it gets in the way of using other applications. There aren't any apps that I see in the settings panel that I recognize as being this kind of tool (Lux, Twilight, Lumen, "toolbar", etc).

Thanks for adding the comment. This looks like the "Navigation Dock" feature of Huawei's EMUI. Because these Chinese system skins will include all features that are included with an iPhone.

You will find the option to disable if you search for navigation dock in your settings app.

It should also be somewhere here (varies slightly per device).

Settings > Smart Assistance > System navigation > Navigation Dock.

Let's see how that goes.


EXT4 partition not recognized by system I partitioned the sdcard with my linux box but it is not mounted by the system. I did fdisk in the phone's terminal and:

Command (m for help): p

Disk /dev/block/mmcblk0: 7948 MB, 7948206080 bytes
4 heads, 16 sectors/track, 242560 cylinders
Units = cylinders of 64 * 512 = 32768 bytes

             Device Boot      Start         End      Blocks  Id System
/dev/block/mmcblk0p1   *          33      226176     7236608   c Win95 FAT32 (LBA)
Partition 1 does not end on cylinder boundary
/dev/block/mmcblk0p2          226177      242560      524288  83 Linux

I have CM7 for Milestone, it should be supported. Tried with mount -a but there is not even a /etc/fstab. Any ideas? Thanks!

Thanks!

0.08-11.04.05 RC4: - 07app2ext script included in /system/etc/init.d - works via bind mount but is compatible with symlink versions. (warning - do not put more than one app2ext script in init.d as it could result in loss of apps)

Checked source from /update-cm-7.0.0-0.08-11.04.18b-Milestone-signed/

system/etc/init.d/05mountsd mounts /dev/block/mmcblk0p2 in boot: $BB mount -o noatime,nodiratime,barrier=1 -t auto $SD_EXT_PART $SD_EXT_DIRECTORY; That's reason for empty fstab. Next system/etc/init.d/07app2ext will create directories if needed, move some files if needed and finally bind mount directories from /sd-ext into /data/

Solution: Are you sure you created filesystem instead of only partitioning?
Check logcat for errors.
Try to mount with mount -o noatime,nodiratime,barrier=1 -t auto  /dev/block/mmcblk0p2 /sd-ext.


Nintendo Switch Controller delayed response on Android TV 9 I'm owning a Xiaomi Mi TV 4A that runs Android TV 9. I would like to play games on it with the SNES -aka Super Famicom- Nintendo Switch Bluetooth controller.
Connecting the controller works but there is a big delay after pressing a button and there are random other issues like multiple steps instead of one after pressing the D-Pad in a direction.
Is this an issue with the controller or are there settings I'm missing?
I updated the OS, tried reconnecting the Gamepad and rebooting the TV without success.

Sadly this is an issue with Nintendo Switch Controllers
While Nintendo Switch Controllers use Bluetooth HID, they aren't completely conforming to the specification which means that you'll need a modified driver (and that is hard on Android).
Bluetooth HID (Human Interface Device) is the spec that allows for bluetooth keyboards, mice, and gamepads to communicate with supporting devices.
So I found this project trying to document the interface to the Nintendo Switch. As can be seen at the end of Issue #7 HID protocol for Bluetooth/USB there has been some success on Linux, but Issue #92 for Android has remained unanswered.
Changing the bluetooth driver is a Custom ROM level change. A compatible Android bluetooth driver would have to be made and support your bluetooth chipset and your platform hardware. As you are running TV hardware, I have doubts that any Custom ROMs exist, and then writing a driver supporting the Bluetooth chipset would be a further obstacle.
Based on:
Nintendo Switch Reverse Engineering HID Notes
Issue #7 - HID Protocol for Bluetooth / USB
Issue #92 - How to communicate with joycon in Android platform?


Wifi tethering blinks to ON/OFF mode while connecting the device to data Wifi tethering shows an error while activating data on my android device. What may be the cause? Please reply.
Thanks in advance.

I am using Xiaomi phone, First of all I will switch on the tethering function on phone, and connect it to laptop. After that, I will connect the phone with internet. Then it shows the wifi tethering icon,and after some seconds it will goes to hidden state(turns-off tethering), again shows and hides, until data is off.

'Android System' system application which controls tethering feature if android phones. I had provided restriction to it unexpectedly. And enabling it for data usage, solved the problem.


Root Android tablet with adequate SuperUser app I'm an Android developer doing a project which requires rooting the device and doing some su task to fulfill the needs. The problem is that all the rooting software solutions that worked for me (iRoot, Kingoroot, Kingroot) have inadequate SuperUser app that brought TONS of additional malware stuff such as unintended lock screens, ads etc. Also, when my app does some su command the SuperUser app won't let it do it unless user accepts root permission in the dialog. I can't accept that - the app is running in kiosk mode on devices located in stores. I think there are two ways:

Please provide some rooting programm which has normal SuperUser app that won't do shady stuff and ask for root permission all the time (at first launch it would be ok, or set in the settings).
Or the rooting solution which won't install its own SuperUser app. I assume there are some decent SuperUser apps on the market that will allow my app do well.

The target devices run Android 4.4.2 version. Thanks in advance.

The easiest way to do so is to Root your device with kingroot, then replace it with SuperSU.

Here is a detailed guide provided by MrW0lf : How to Remove/Replace Kingroot/KingUser with SuperSU


My phone's screen died but it still works. How can I get the text messages from it? People are still sending me texts even though I can't read them. I've gotta get a replacement quick, but I also need to get the important texts I missed. Is there any way I can get them through my pc?

To be clear, the screen is completely blank but I can still unlock it via touch pattern.  It takes a few tries but Android File Transfer on the mac will tell me if it can or can't connect.  If it can't, I just try again and I can get it.  So the touch part still works, it just doesn't show any information.

The phone is a Galaxy Nexus.  When I connect it to my Mac, I can see the files in it via the Android File Transfer window. However, I can't find the texts here.

I have the Android SDK installed and I was told I can do this:

adb pull /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.db

However the device shows up as offline when I do adb devices.  I can't figure out a way get it showing up as online without being able to use the screen.

AndroidLost is an app that might fit your need. Though the aim of the app is different and can do much more, the abilty of the app to read sms and send it to email is an interesting
solution to your problem.

Read its FAQ and Getting Started sections - you need not even touch your phone as long as it is connected to Internet for installing this app.


Remove KNOX from a pre-installed Samsung Galaxy Note II How should one remove KNOX from a pre-installed Samsung Galaxy Note II or similar?

As I understand it, Samsung's official instructions for removing KNOX do not even remove the KNOX installer, but merely turn the KNOX installation off.

I'm curious about this approach to removing KNOX from Samsung phones.  As I understand it, removing the aboot.mbn and sb*.mbn files simply prevents them from being installed.  I doubt this helps if your device already has KNOX installed.

Could I first downgrade my GT 7100 to a pre-KNOX firmware?  And then flash a new firmware with the KNOX bootloader removed?  Or could I simply substitute the aboot.mbn and sb*.mbn files from a previous Samsung firmware?

Also, how could I actually find an old firmware for the Galaxy Note II?  I must presumably identify a firmware that's suitable for the hardware somehow?

Also, I'm using heimdall under Mac OS X rather than Odin under Windows, so maybe I could just flash the ext4 .img file directly?  Is this a problem?  Is Odin required to avoid setting some warranty void bit or osmething?

Now my current firmware is N7100XXUEMJ9, which I've managed to download, appears Russian.  The most similar firmware available on Samsung's site is N7100XXUENC3.  It does not contain the aboot.mbn and sb*.mbn files.  Instead N7100XXUENC3 has sboot.bin tz.img boot.img recovery.img system.img modem.bin cache.img hidden.img.  I presume I could just flash the system.img from that without replacing the boot stuff?

Root your note 2
Install titanium backup
Either uninstal or freeze Knox.apk and all associated processes through titanium backup.
As AWLAYS, make a complete backup before any changes.


Should I resend message with one mark in WhatsApp Messenger? I tried to send a message and found that it has one mark. I can see the last seen message, which means that it was not yet seen. Should I try to send the message again?

One checkmark means that the message has been delivered to Whatsapp servers, but has not been delivered to the recipient's phone. You don't need to send it again, the message will be delivered to the recipient the next time his/her phone connects to the Whatsapp servers, assuming you're not blocked. Sending it again will not help, since it's already delivered to Whatsapp servers.