text:
How do I back up the WhatsApp backup that is on Google Drive?
How do I back up the WhatsApp backup that is on Google Drive?
If I go to WhatsApp - Settings - Chats - Chat backup, it tells me the Google account that my backup is at and the size.

And if I go to https://drive.google.com/drive/backups, then I can see the backup there.

Google Drive doesn't even tell me the size of the backup! But it tells me the date or time of it which verifies with what the WhatsApp app shows.
How can I copy it off?
I tried Google Takeout  picking just Google Drive. But that just gives a 9MB file. So it didn't include it.

added note- It does seem a bit vulnerable to me because if some things go wrong eg phone breaks and new phone doesn't load old messages, and decides to do a backup then who knows maybe it could overwrite that one.(not tested yet) There's still a question of, even if I did backup the backup, whether whatsapp would even be able to read the backup or the backup or whether any third party app could.. but anyhow. Also.. I have some ideas maybe  I can copy it off the phone.. though id have to see if I can then reload it. Anyhow.

BTW I did have issue in past where a phone wouldn't load backup, (Afte it said something about "last chance"),.   which i resolved by removing a local file from the phone then it loaded. But  I want to backup the backup so the situation is a little bit less insecure!

Related/possible dupe: How do I access to my WhatsApp backup in Google Drive?

@AndrewT. it's not  a duplicate. He is saying he can't locate the file, and that he wants to get chat history from the file.  I'm saying I can locate it  And i'm not trying to get chat history from it, just trying to copy it / back it up.

I agree it's not duplicate per se, though the answer recommending a paid product also allows to download WhatsApp backup from Google Drive (granted, it might be an inferior answer after an answer with the FOSS alternative was posted here).

The user interface on Google Drive does not allow you to do this. And they will delete it after 5 months. So if you plan to not use your WhatsApp for a while, you'd better backup your local backup.

WhatsApp data takeout does not contain chat history.
Google Takeout does not include any backup data.
Google Drive does not allow you to copy/download backup data.
You cannot import/restore chats from different accounts (when you change your phone number).
WhatsApp will delete your backup immediately if you close your account or uninstall all instances of WhatsApp.
Google Drive will delete your backup immediately if you close or unlink your Google account.

But, there are FOSS tools for forensic analysis that allow you to extract from Google Drive.


text:
Where are APN configs saved in Android?
I want to know where exactly are stored the APNs that are added by the user on Android. I want to edit them manually using X-plore (or any other root file explorer).
I know that in /system/etc/apns-conf.xml are stored the APN that come preset with the device, but I'm looking for the XML file where the user added APN are stored instead.

For anyone else arriving here to find out how Android automatically picks up APNs, the APN preset configurations are now found in /etc/apns-conf.xml, and are linked to a SIM that is inserted by the mmc and mnc.

@Bilko /etc is a symlink to /system/etc. Both files are same.

I think it depends on your ROM .I recently checked mine and are in the following folder:
/data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/.(telephony.db). You can try opening this .db file as text with a suitable file explorer and see if you can find them. (These are apns in the ROM by default)
Edit
I created a test apn manually and did a search, I learnt that its actually stored here:  /data/data/com.android.settings/shared_prefs/com.android.settings_preferences.xml
(This xml also contains a lot of information found in settings but if you use a keyword search to try and find your manual apn, it will be much faster)
Some of the carrier apns happen to be auomatically added when you insert a new sim card, corresponding to the country, that is why they are stored in telephony database,I reckon. I hardly enter these apns manually even when I change a SIM card.

+1 On Android 9 manually added APNs are only added to telephony.db, com.android.settings_preferences.xml doesn't exist.

I rooted my phone running android 10 with Magisk and used the app SQLite Editor to add dun to my APN and bypass my hotspot limit. In the app I found the APN at: /data/user_de/0/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/telephony.db/carriers Once there I just searched for my specific carrier and edited the type field by adding dun.

When looking at a Pixel 3a device running Android 10 the location is data/user_de/0/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/telephony.db
user_de is the _d_evice _e_ncryption related user directory, use user instead if the phone does not support this
Not strictly related to the question about the user provided storage location, but this might be useful for people landing here after a search:
When looking in TelephonyProvider there are 4 different locations with increasing precedence:

Default APNs: /system/etc/apns-conf.xml
OEM APNs: /oem/telephony/apns-conf.xml
OTA Update APNs: /data/misc/apns/apns-conf.xml
Product APNs: /product/etc/apns-conf.xml

Note: In Android 10 the system partition cannot be mounted read-write. Use a Magisk module to change the APNs or update the APN under /data/misc/apns/apns-conf.xml. This path is writable after an su.
The APNs are finally stored in database /data/user_de/0/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/telephony.db. Like mentioned above be flexible here about the user_de part.
Also take note that an ApnSourceService method was introduced in Android 10(?). This is a vendor specific implementation to lookup APNs. This is a not documented service. If this service is active all the XMLs will be ignored. Use a Magisk module to turn off this service if needed.

/data/user_de is correct, it's the Device Encrypted storage on devices with FBE support. Many configurations have moved from /data/user (/data/data) to this encrypted path.

Thanks. I have improved the answer here.

source: Stack Exchange

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

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

sort: votes


text:
I have two phones same model, Google account sees older one but not newer one
I have two phones same model, Google account sees older one but not newer one
If I go to http://myaccount.google.com  then security then look under "your devices" so https://myaccount.google.com/device-activity    Then I see devices listed.
It lists my Moto G7 Power phone, the older one,  but doesn't list the other one  - the newer one.
And it lists, the older Moto G7 power, it just lists as Moto G7 Power. So if it did find the other one I don't know what it'd call it.
My older one(the one that is listed), runs Android 10.
My newer one(the one that isn't listed), runs Android 9.
(so yeah my older one has a later android than my newer one, and my older one is listed, while my newer one isn't.. so I don't think Android version is the issue).
I would like Google to see both devices!
Update
Now I see I was logged into a different account than the one I needed to be, on my laptop.. Google just sticks the letter "V" for my two google accounts.   Now the issue is slightly different and I have to dig more to figure out what that issue is.
Note- at a commenter's suggestion, I have included this comment in my question "I want it recognised partly for backup, partly for the 'find my device' option, and generally because I think google account should be linked to all my devices."

"Now I see I was logged into a different account than the one I needed to be, on my laptop", well, this might be a weird question, but make sure you're logging the phones with the same Google Account? I can see my 2 devices well on my main Google account.

@AndrewT. I did that though then I ran into a different problem that a google account that saw both phones could only make one of them ring.. anyhow now it seems to make them both ring.  One phone sent me to this link https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/3265955?visit_id=637619624900224879-1024371098&p=device_manager_location&rd=1  though I had all those settings on anyway. And suddenly the account was able to make both phones ring.

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


text:
question about a video recording cutting out at 4GB, vs continuing recording and a new file created. Phone is Moto G7 Power
question about a video recording cutting out
I have two Moto phones.
One when I do a 30-35min video, and that about 4GB size, it continues recording but makes a new file.
Both are not using an SD card.
The phone that stops recording, is running Android 9, and is build number PPOS29.114-134-2  (was PPO29.80-27 but updated to PPOS29.114-134-2)
The phone that continues recording is running Android 10, and is build number QPOS30.52-29-7-6
The phone that stops recording, has, under about..Model and hardware.  Moto G7 Power.
The phone that continues recording, has, under about..Model and hardware. Moto G7 Power (XT-1955-4)
Both are updated as much as possible.. but Motorola doesn't seem to let them both update to Android 10.
I know the compression on an oppo phone I have is much better, its 30min Mp4s are a fraction of the size.  The Oppo compresses mp4s well and didn't hit any 3.7GB or 4GB limit. The oppo 30min file is only about 850MB! And my Oppo phone is Android 11. Anyhow, no question re my Oppo phone.
G:\vids\aug8th>
...

<DIR>          newermoto
<DIR>          oldermoto
<DIR>          oppo

09/08/2021  16:50  4,081,015,200 newer_notupd_moto\VID_20210809_161905581.mp4  (31min 45sec)

09/08/2021  16:50     4,080,838,961 oldermoto\VID_20210809_161917546.mp4    (31min 24sec)
09/08/2021  16:53       416,864,956 oldermoto\VID_20210809_161917546_02.mp4  (3min 12sec)

09/08/2021  16:54     1,875,077,957 oppo\VID20210809161850.mp4   (35min 13sec)

What i'm wondering is, is it a difference between Android 9 and Android 10 that would fix it?
Not that that helps much at the moment since the phone that cuts out won't update to Android 10!
Both Motos are on only internal storage, neither have an SD card. So file system of an SD card isn't relevant here, as no SD card in the Motos.
I wonder if the Moto G7 Power that continues recording is a later model / better model of Moto G7 Power.

SD-Card formatted with FAT32 have a 4GB limit. As it is difficult to check the actual file-system where you have chosen to save the videos may be they always split the recorded videos to 4GB chunks?

@Robert A) I have no SD card in the phones as mentioned in the question and B) The 4GB limit isn't the issue here.. 'cos the issue is one phone stopped recording, but the other phone (also a Moto G7 Power), continued recording but created a new file.

For the European Union (an may be other region) there is another "tax" based limitation: For devices that can record more than 30 minutes videos they are considered as video recording cameras which are in a different (higher) tax group. Therefore some vendors limit video recording to 30 minutes on some devices. And the 4GB limit can still be an issue as the app doesn't know if there is such a limit or not.

Although it doesn't matter in your case, afaik even underlaying file system is ext4, still 4 GB file size limit applies to emulated storage (sdcardfs) for compatibility reasons with fat32


text:
Viewing files on Android phone from computer, only showing DCIM and Pictures folders, in internal shared storage
I have phones running Android..
When I connect either one to my computer, and click "internal shared storage", I only see DCIM and Pictures..
But if I go to any decent file manager app on the phone then it shows far more folders within "internal shared storage" e.g. Download, and other folders.
One of my phones, comes with what looks like a nice app for backing up, and it creates a folder with the backup, and I want to copy that folder to my computer. But I cant see how to access that folder to copy it onto my computer!
I'd be a little bit surprised if this is a situation where the phone has to be rooted to do it.. I do plan to, but this is an app that the phone comes with. So some may backup the phone before unlocking the bootloader.

Please read this question and answer for details why not all files and folder are visible at the moment from the PC https://android.stackexchange.com/questions/202728/why-my-dcim-folder-is-empty-seen-in-the-computer-but-not-empty-in-the-phone

so in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GitMOYdsA9I  where he shows here https://i.imgur.com/9gou0yT.png  windows explorer showing lots more folders than just DCIM and Pictures, he must have run a command like that suggested at your link to do it?

I've just tried on Nexus 5 (Lineage OS 14.1, Android 7.1.2), looks like the USB connection mode was set to Transfer Photos (PTP) and thus only showing DCIM and Pictures? Can you try Transfer Files (MTP) mode to show more folders?

@AndrewT. Thanks, I think you're right.. my Moto phone doesn't have an MTP option but it has a "file transfer" option which is probably the same thing, and that shows all more folders.  My oneplus phone has some strange issue that this guy seems to face https://forums.oneplus.com/threads/usb-file-transfer-not-working.1054546/ where you choose file transfer and double click the thing and it shows nothing at all

If file transfer mode is screwed on your device you can still use adb to pull files from your device via comand-line. Just enable developer options on your device and adb. On PC side install Android SDK or minimal ADB environment.


text:
How to dismiss an individual entry from the Calendar Notifications list?
On my Nexus 5 phone running Android 4.4, if I have several calendar notifications come at the same time, I can easily dismiss them all at once by either:
1) pulling down the notification menu (screenshot below) and then swiping to the right over the entry labeled, say, "3 events" as seen here:

2) tapping on "3 events" from the notification menu to display the Calendar notifications list and then tapping the "Dismiss all" text at the bottom, like in this screenshot:

I'd like to dismiss individual event notifications from the calendar notification list seen in option #2 above, for those times when I get a couple activities done but not all at once.  I see no way to do that, though, other than to tap on each entry, which then pulls up its full calendar entry, and then tapping the back button, which brings me to my full calendar view, and then going back into the notification menu, selecting the events entry, and repeating.  Swiping to the right over an individual entry on the calendar notifications list does nothing.
Is there a quicker way to remove select entries directly from the calendar notification list that I'm missing?  On my old Android 2.3 phone, I could mark a little checkbox next to each entry on the calendar notification list and dismiss only selected reminders, but I see no way to do that in Android 4.4.

I have the same issue on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.  And like you I used to be able to do it on my old gingerbread phone.  Annoying that is seems they actually took functionality away in later versions.

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


text:
Share internet from Nokia S60 (Symbian) to Android 4.4
The devices are Nokia N95 and Sony Xperia Z1.
I tried JoikuSpot to share the connection over Wi-Fi, but Android doesn't support ad hoc access points.
I was about to give BlueVPN+ a try, but its author states that it doesn't work with Kit Kat versions (4.4.*) due to a VPN issue.
Is there any other solution?

If the developer of the app says it can't be used with KitKat, it can't be used with kitkat.


text:
Samsung Galaxy S7: dark photos with sunlight
I recently bought a Samsung Galaxy S7.
The camera is really great at night, but at daytime the photos are turning out way too dark. I tried tweaking the settings, also in manual mode but didn't help.
Any ideas how to improve my daytime photos?
2nd question: is there a good hdr app (real hdr, not just an image filter).

Samsung's camera app may have developed more options since mine, an S3, but the settings allow configuration of 'Effects' and 'Scene'.
'Effects' controls color and warmness, and specific washouts or enhanced colors, while,
'Scene' implies filtering based on the usage of the device in conjunction to surroundings. It takes into consideration emphasized lighting (outdoor, dawn, sunset), light dispersion conditions (beach, snow), diminished lighting (night, fireworks), focal lighting (candlelight, backlight), need for speed during exposure (i.e. sport events).
Used separately or in conjunction, they could resolve your issues.


text:
What is Google Partner Setup?
What does the Google Partner Setup app that is pre-installed on almost every Android device actually do?
Why does it need each of those intrusive permissions, especially the Phone permission?
Why does it want internet access, and what data is it transmitting or receiving?

Google Partner Setup was not preinstalled on my recently purchased Galaxy Note 10, but it installed itself after I had been playing with the phone for about two days. I suspect that the installation was triggered by the first-time use of some other app that would like to use Google Partner Setup, but I don't know what app that might be. IAC, on my Note 10, Version 9-566081 claims not to need any privileges. P.S. Perhaps the installation was triggered by my use of Google text-to-speech services,

Google Partner Setup is an app that helps you run applications in conjunction with Google products. For example, with this application's help, you can use the calendar from your device with a ToDo app that you've just installed.
As for the intrusive permissions, you are right. I don't understand why it needs all those permissions, if all it does is interface with other Google products. This software cannot be downloaded or deleted because it comes with certain hardware.
I am not sure, what the result of deleting this app (on rooted device) could be. I have just greenified this app on my android tablet, I'll report back if I face any issues.
Source: http://answers.informer.com/68993/what-does-google-partner-setup-for-do-i-need-it-on-my-phone

Its been around a week and no issues yet. The system performs great without the overhead of the Google Partner Setup! Only problem is that it starts on its own frequently, and you need to manually greenify/hibernate it every now and then (unless you are rooted, of course, in which case it should happen automatically).


text:
How to fix missing wishlist icons in Google Play Store?
I have noticed that some of the time, the Add to Wishlist icon is missing from some apps within the Google Play Store.
Some apps show the icon, some don't.  Grabbing a different device shows the same issue: some apps show the icon, some don't.  But across devices, it's not the same apps.
What I've tried:

Clearing the cache for the Google Play Store
Clearing the data for the Google Play Store
Clearing the local search history in the Google Play Store
Completely emptying the wishlist in the Google Play Store
Reverting the Google Play Store to an old version, and allowing it to update itself

None of these techniques yielded any positive results.
What can be done to improve the Google Play Store to consistently allow the wishlist icon to appear for every app it displays?
(BTW, if you post a WFM comment, please also include your Google Play Store version number as well as the number of apps on which you verified the wishlist icon was visible.)

If you ever installed some app adding it to wishlist isn't available for that app anymore.


text:
Phone returns after a few seconds to main menu
Whatever I chose to do on my Android smartphone, after a few seconds it exits the application or option by itself and returns to the main screen. Any idea what could be causing this?
It is a BML GT-N7100 (SKU MH0693W) with Android 4.1.1

Welcome to Android Enthusiasts! We're excited to have you here, but we'll need more information to help you. Could you please [edit] your question and add information like which phone you use, which Android version you have, how long you've had the problem, etc?

If your phone has hard keys, it could be that the home or back key is stuck, making the phone think you're pressing it repeatedly. If this is the case, you'll need to get the phone seen to by a technician.

No hard key, the "back" key is as well touch-sensitive.


text:
64gb SDXC Cards in Galaxy S2, or 64gb SDXC cards where only 32gb supported
I spent hours looking for a solution to my issues with my 64gb Micro SDXC card that my girlfriend purchased me for my birthday.
From what I understand only capacities up to 32gb are officially supported. But thread after thread informed me that users of my phone had successfully used one. When I first plugged in my SD my phone said "Preparing SD card" and then, after a brief pause, "SD Card safe to remove". The card wasn't mounting.
I tried inserting it into my SD adapter and formatting in NTFS on my laptop. Side note - whoever designed SD adapters and ports can go straight to hell. I was terrified of damaging my expensive new card since it got stuck in the adapter, and the adapter left 1mm of space outside my laptop. Holy crap.
After formatting in NTFS the phone informed me it'd have to reformat the SD card. Progress, I thought, until after the formatting message I had the same issue.
I thought maybe my firmware was the issue and spent a couple hours trying to figure out how to jailbreak. Long story short I gave up.

Welcome to the Android Enthusiasts, Ryanman! Thanks for sharing your problem and solution, that's great and useful! But may we ask you to place the solution into an answer? As it stands now, your post looks like a problem without any answer when viewed from a list. Sure I could do that for you, but I don't want to steal your reputation and declare it mine :) // Btw, a remark: Android does not (natively) support NTFS, which is why your second try failed. Same applies to ExFAT, as far as I know.

Absolutely @Izzy ! Right now I have to wait to answer this officially as an answer (8 hours) since this is a "new" account, but I have an alarm set and will do it as soon as possible.
And thank you for the xtra info. I figured with Microsoft's control over ExFAT it might be an issue. I was hoping that with an NTFS formatted card that Android could at least recognize it and reformat in FAT on its own but at least I didn't blow $40 on this SD card for nothing!

Oh, you're absolutely correct! I completely forgot about that new-user-restriction. Great you're on it! Ping me again to upvote when done :) I'm in a comparable situation (with a 32G limited device). Your solution made me re-think about whether I should give it a try. As a Linux-guy, I had the added chance of using ext4, which is supported by Android. And as author of Android books, I could at least blame the expense at taxes partly (business-expense), so the "loss" wouldn't hit that hard :D

The Solution: Thanks to the guys on This Thread I figured it out. I also used the same tool they described, Minitool Partition Wizard, though I'm sure you could use any partition tool.
In windows on an SDXC card you can only format in ExFAT and NTFS. With a third party tool, you can make the card a FAT partition. Once you do this, the card is recognized in my S2 with no issues. I assume this will work with other phones that have "grey" support for large capacity SDXC cards.
Hope this helped y'all!

As well as being in the right format, there are two types of SDXC cards. For devices that say that cards above 32gb may not be supported, they only support the V2 Sd card, and devices that say they support above 32gb, the take both v2 and v3. V1 is now redundant.


text:
Programmatically enable data connection every 30 minutes?
How can I enable (WiFi and Data) connection every 30 minutes, then keep it active for 2 minutes (time required to get any notifications), and then disable the connection again?
Are there any solutions besides Tasker?

Plenty. Best known for that is probably JuiceDefender. Llama and other automating-tools will handle that as well.

DS battery Saver Pro has the exact functionality, in case you would like to see an alternative.

If you dont want to pay for Tasker, use the free alternative Automate. It has similar functionality and can automate the same things.

While Automate is "free", it follows the "freemium" model, so it does have in-app purchases.

@Ryan Yes, but automating the Wi-Fi as OP was asking for can be done without any purchase, for free.

You could try Android bot maker which can automate taps at particular co-ordinates..swipes etc..  But root access is needed for this app...


text:
Error - Insufficient storage - Nexus 7
Device: Nexus 7 (2013 WIFI)
ROM: AOKP_FLO_KITKAT_NIGHTLY_2014-07-31
Rooted: Yes
Recovery: TWRP (Not sure if this is needed)

I am posting this because I recently started getting "insufficient storage" error on my device. I've had this before and I knew exactly had to fix it because I had come back from a vacation then and there were a lot of pictures on the device; So it was a simple matter of moving all the pictures and videos off the device for it to start working again.
This time however it is a little confusing for me. I will start with some pictures:

Settings > Storage / ES File Explorer > Top_left menu > Tools drop-down > SD Card Analyst (click images for larger variants)
So far everything looks fine, I seem to have a lot of space left to install one measly app right? Just to confirm, I used Clean Master to try to move some apps to device storage:

Clean Master > App Manager > Move
No gimmicks here, Clean Master sees that I only have one storage medium on my device. So why do I get these errors?

Google play (Trying to install an app that is less than 1MB in size) / AIDE (Trying to run an app)
I'm just confused about the whole thing. Everything else seems to be saying I have enough space, but apps are not being installed because I don't have enough. What can I do here?
EDIT: Even more weirdness, it won't let me install the 300Kb file with the image I posted above, but it lets me install a 3Mb file from the playstore. Basically I can install some apps but not others and it doesn't matter the size, my device just wants to make me crazy no problem. Ex. This app (2.6M) installed fine, but this one (2.1M) didn't due to "Not enough space".
What I have tried:

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1834105
Installing and running DiskUsage and here is a screnshot:

Couple observations:
--> It let me install this App and still not letting me install the other apps I have tried with the insufficient memory message still showing
--> The above pic shows that I have enough space left on the /data partition to install atleast A LOT of apps!

Output of running the df command:

Note I have tried the solution posted at the "Possible Duplicate" link and it did not work nor did I expect it to. The problem here is not that I have insufficient space to install apps because as you can see, I have a lot of space and I am able to install some apps. The problem is deeper than that and probably has to do with the way files are installed on my tablet

possible duplicate of Google Play: Error downloading app - insufficient space

Hint: A good starter on this topic is our insufficient-memory tag-wiki. Contains first aid, and links to several of the most important posts here for that issue.

Thanks for the comments, I have tried the solutions there, but either some solutions are not applicable to my situtation (i.e. My tablet uses solely internal storage and I have over 8gb of internal storage left and I can still install some apps but not others) or they are not for my device (Most of the solutions are for devices other than Nexus 7 or related to android market which has long been replaced by play store)

So the problem seems to have resolved itself. After restarting for the umpteenth time, it is finally working now. My God!

Have you tried factory resetting? Keep a backup beforehand.

I had this issue with my phone and found that i had a lot of pictures/videos text messages voicemails taking up most of my storage once i deleted them the insufficient storage went away

You might have needed to wipe the user cache, which I think happens automatically over time (hence the umpteen reboots solving the problem).

try to flash EBR to increase your system memory from phone memory.
you can find about this in detail if you search with your phone model.
Warning !
this process might cause your phone DEAD!
void warranty and boot-loops
this process is done with specific ROM flasher of that phone brand.


text:
How can I save Android photos in the WebP format?
WebP images are at least 20% smaller.
Windows can open WebP images after installing the WebP codec.

I don't think there is a camera app that directly converts the format as WebP. And I don't find any converter app on Android either. Anyway, WebP is only supported from Android 4.0+ officially, so the non-portability might be the reason why there is nothing useful at the moment.

I am using Android 4.3 - do you know if Google Camera can work with WebP (as it is for 4.4+ only) ?

No, there is no setting to change format in Google Camera. Everything is in JPG.

Open Camera added WebP support in version 1.45 (2019/01/14).
It can be set from Settings - Photo Settings - Image format - WebP.
However, from the official help page, it should be noted that:

WebP - This is an alternative (lossy) file format to JPEG. It offers smaller file sizes, but saving takes longer, and some applications may not support WebP images. Note that WebP images are generated by converting from a JPEG with 100% quality (since the Android camera API does not have native WebP output).

(Emphasis added)
There was also a remark by the developer on a discussion for "WEBP Support" back in 2016:

Unfortunately this isn't straightforward, as the camera driver will only output JPEG or (if supported) RAW. Converting from JPEG means it's already lossy (I support one could set 100% and convert, but that doesn't necessarily mean lossy AFAIK, just minimal compression). Converting from RAW could work, but requires adding support to decode/convert RAW images so is a fair bit of work (Android's RAW support is only for getting the files from the camera API, and saving them).


text:
How to get mp3 files from Saavn app?
I am using Saavn for listening to and downloading music. The problem is that the app downloads all of its data to my internal storage. I have only 8GB of storage in which only 5.23GB is user usable.
Now the cache size of Saavn is more than 2GB. I don't have space to install new apps but I don't want to delete the songs.
I tried to move the mp3 files. I navigated to the Android > Data > com.saavn > songs folder and found mp3 files whose names are random 10+ digit numbers. When I try to play these files My music players is unable to play them. I even tried other apps like N7 Music Player.
Is there any way by which I can either extract the mp3 files or I can change the storage to SD card? I see no option for this in Saavn.

You can play the curr.mp3 which is the currently playing offline song. Other offline downloaded song will be encrypted so you can't play with other players. Check this video for more ;)

I’m voting to close this question because it refers to an app that no longer exists. If you have a question about JioSaavn, please ask a new question.

It will vary depending on your phone and version of android. But in Settings>Applications>Saavn you should find a Move to SD button which will move the app and its data to the SD card.
If the app was preinstalled on your phone the button will not be there since the app probably cannot be moved out of the system partition. In which case, I recommend clearing the app's cache and using a different service that can be installed on the SD card.

You can not play that file because those files are encrypted.
So the names of those files will be like fhADdff.mp3 or any name with alphabetic or numerical digit.
So, first of all play the file in the Saavn music app which you have add to the offline mode in saavn for some seconds.
After that go to the ES file Explorer or any explorer and find the folder com.saavn.android/songs (typically under /data/data).
In that folder there would be file with name curr.mp3 which is the file you have played in saavn offline mode.
Copy that file in any folder and rename it.
Now you can play this file in other music player..


text:
Can you reset private mode on a Samsung Galaxy S5?
I set up private mode when I first got the phone, but now I can't seem to remember the password; it's none of my usual ones. Is it possible to reset (read: wipe) private mode and start over, without having to factory reset the whole phone?
I have root, if that helps.

No you can't reset the Private mode password. Only way is to reset the Phone. Read more on this androidforum thread

@Lucky I don't mind about the content of private mode, I can reset it if necessary, but I would like to avoid to reset the whole phone... Maybe there's a way to do this? It's something different from just resetting the private mode password, as it would lead to the loss of the private mode content

I'm not surprised the only option is resetting the phone entirely.

Try wiping the Dalvik/ART Cache (as you are on root, you can boot into any custom recovery tool and perform this).
This resets the settings without wiping the data. So you can setup the private mode from the beginning.

Did you try to install Samsung Kies on your PC? Try to download it, connect your device and click the Backup/reset tab, and then click "Data backup".
The easiest way it factory reset. If you have any private data who you don't want to loose say what sort is it, there are numerous ways to backup them.

Is there a way to reset just the private mode content (and password) instead of the whole phone? I don't mind about the content I had previously protected, I have a copy of it, I would just like to be able to use private mode again

You'll be able to use private mode after factory reset. But there is no know solution to reset private mode without the reset.


text:
"Battery too low to update automatically" message
My phone is less than a year old, and I really don't use it that heavily, but the battery life is terrible at times (not always).  Sometimes, it will drain to single-digits (percentage-wise), and then a message keeps appearing at the bottom of my screen; about every 5 or 10 seconds.
The message is, "Battery too low to update automatically".  I've googled that message, and there are only 3 or 4 results returned; none of them are relevant to my issue.  That leads me to believe that this message is likely related to a specific app, and not a standard Android or LG message.
Does anyone know how I can find-out what's causing that message?  I feel like, once I locate that issue or application, then I can stop that constant updating, and hopefully prolong some battery life.


text:
Apps can't see my pictures
Apps like Facebook or Tinder or any other can't see my freshly uploaded pictures (via USB cable)... File explorers can see them without any problems... what is going on? I even tried to post them to my GMail and download, but apps can't see those pictures even after downloading (file explorers like EZ can see them in Download directory)... that really makes me mad... what the is going on?
Nexus 5.

Did you check for a file called .nomedia?

Are you able to see other Photos in those apps or no Photo is available in those Apps?

I am able to see other photos. Seems that new ones don't appear. Like they wouldn't be indexed or something...

I discovered a solution, that someone may find useful:
There is a way to make your photos visible for apps that are not seeing them by just opening the photo in original Android photo app. Doesn't work with ES or similar, has to be original build-in app. After that, photo starts to be visible everywhere.


text:
Can I set the alarm to stop after some time?
I’m Sabbath-observant, and in my tradition that includes not manipulating electronic devices.
I set the alarm clock on my new phone for a convenient wake-up time, and expected the alarm to eventually turn off on its own as other alarm clocks do. It didn’t; it was beeping—ten minutes on, ten minutes off—until nightfall when I could turn it off.
Is there a setting, or an alternate alarm clock app, that will turn the noise off after some specified time of being ignored?

The feature I was looking for is called (on the apps I’ve found that have it) “auto-dismiss”. I’m trying Alarm Clock Xtreme Free, which offers this feature; if I’m happy with it I’ll upgrade to the paid version.

There are a lot of alarm clocks around, and B"H one of them should solve your issue.
I'm using AlarmDroid, which in its "advanced settings" has an option saying "rings max 10 minutes" (set by default), and just below a checkmark for "change to snooze-mode afterwards" (also enabled by default) -- so you could disable snooze mode, which would solve your issue (as the alarm would automatically turn off after 10 minutes).
Though I'd prefer to have snooze mode, plus an option to say "stop the alarm after xx if the user did not respond" -- some other app may have that, or it could be requested of the developer. The argument of "shomer shabbat" may be convincing for him (as pointing to a group of interested customers which might chose his Pro version for this feature).
EDIT: while searching for something else, I just stumbled upon Shabbos Alarm. The name alone seems to answer your question, doesn't it? It allows you to...

[...] set multiple alarms, choose which ringtones you want to ring, and set how long the alarms will ring for.
  It works perfectly whether you call it Shabbos Alarm, Shabbat Alarm, Shabbis Alarm, or any other kind of Alarm for that matter :-)

Didn't try it out (yet), but thought you might be interested to hear about...


text:
How to Install our android image in laptop ? How to make android boot-able image for laptop?
I have Android Source Code image and i want to install it on Laptop . I want to know how we made bootable image for laptop with android image.
What I have to do so that laptop detect the android image.
There is some site which provide android image for laptop , in which i have to download image but i want my android image been install in laptop. Is any tool is present which make boot loader for android image.GUIDE ME

Unless you have an ARM-based desktop, you need an emulator. There is one included in the Android SDK (for Windows, Linux, etc.).  Can you re-state your question?

i have x86 system and android 4.0 image.Can it's possible to make such a bootable image like here  http://www.android-x86.org/download

You want to check out Android x86 project. They have documentation and installation instruction for installing an Android on a regular laptop/desktop.

thanks Ryan . Can it's possible to make iso image for booting from your android image ? .Just like Android x86.

@i_max 77: build instruction for android x86, there is also build instruction for making isos. You can't use your own image, at least not without rebasing the patches that android x86 are maintaining into your image and recompiling everything.

This would require any applications to be recompiled (or be available in source).  Looks interesting ..


text:
App to count my daytime minutes
I'm looking for an app that can count my daytime minutes usage.  I only get 200 free airtime minutes between 7am to 7pm Mondays to Fridays until the 24th of each month.  (After 7pm my plan has unlimited minutes.)
Preferably, I want to be alerted by the app when I'm going over, i.e., by the 28th it alerts me if I've exceeded 26 minutes.

Phone Usage is a great app that can monitor usage and do all of the following! (description on app page)
Monitor your phone call, text and network data usage.
★★★★★ "Loads of similar apps on the market, but this one beats them hands down."
★ Set limits on daily, weekly and monthly usage.
★ Alerts when you break your usage limits.
★ Widgets for calls, texts and data.
★ See which apps are using the most data.
★ See who you call the most.
★ See usage per hour, day, week and month.

You might want to take a look at DroidStats:

(Screenshots from the Playstore). It also offers you to define free numbers (which you are not charged for), to exclude them from your calculation. As the screenshot2 shows, you have widgets giving you a view at a glance without invoking the app itself. In fact, I only do so if I want to browse statistics: Whom I called most, with whom I talked for the most time, and the like.
As for notifications: The donation version at least allows you to place the widgets inside the notification bar. I think you got a warning when reaching your limits, but I'm not sure as I rarely happen to do so ;)


text:
Lost data upgrading roms, but data is still there when viewed with Clockwork and Clockwork alone. Can I recover it?
I lost my data upgrading to M1 CM10.1 through CMUpdate, but I still see it when I go into clockwork recovery mod. I tried accessing it through adb and adb shell but I cannot find it. Furthermore my Galaxy Nexus is reporting that it's full.
I have tried this method: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1994705
However, it does not recover all my data and if it does it's often renamed and/or corrupted (i.e. images merged together, mp3s losing metadata, and so on)
Is there a way to access it using CWM and copy it to my PC? What commands is CWM using to access that otherwise inaccessible data that I could run from adb?
I tried tweeting the CWM guy but he never got back to me.

If you were going from CM10 to CM10.1 — that is, moving from Android 4.1 to 4.2 — your data "loss" is probably because the path to your emulated SD card has changed due to the new multiuser support.  Previously, the SD card was /data/media, but now it's a subdirectory such as /data/media/0, with additional subdirectories (such as /data/media/1) for additional user accounts.  The files should've been moved to the new location automatically when you first booted CM10.1, but maybe that didn't happen.
Using a root file manager or shell, create a /data/media/0 directory if it doesn't exist already, and then move all the other files from /data/media into the 0 subdirectory, and it should become visible within Android again.

If you use ClockworkMod for backups, you may find that it can no longer find your backups directory, because it's still looking for /data/media/clockworkmod, not /data/media/0/clockworkmod.  You can fix that by creating a symlink in the old location.  From a root shell, run these two commands:
cd /data/media
ln -s 0/clockworkmod clockworkmod

I selected this one as answer because it is THE solution, though thanks to Koush i was able to find the data as well.

you are a wonderful human being

Use adb shell and look in /data/media.
Should be there.

Welcome @koush to ASE! The hallowed creator of CWM!!!! As your first time here.... +1... :D

Thank you so much, after a bit of fiddling with remounting I was able to get all the stuff I needed :)

Titanium Backup offers this when you have the Pro key.
To get a copy from the cwm folder you can use adb pull.

I can't because it it's inaccessible on adb shell, using the pc or cyanogen file manager so there's absolutely no way I could point to the folder. It's only under clockwork that I am able to see it.

Also not sure how Titanium would help me, I only need to recover my media. I don't care about the apps.


text:
Can an app register itself to consume certain URLs?
This is not a programming question but a usability one.
News site example.com has an annoying habit: when I follow a link to an article, the site first displays a pop-up saying “come use our app instead!” So I did, but article links still open the web browser, and still bring up that pop-up.
I’d like to file a bug with the app developer. Could the app have been designed to consume all URLs beginning with http://example.com/? (Otherwise I’ll complain to the web site designers.)

What you're describing is generally referred to in Android parlance as an "intent filter", and yes - Android supports this via the <data> element in the application's manifest file. You could point them to that documentation link in your bug report. You can also find examples on Stack Overflow with some relevant code samples:

Android Respond To URL in Intent
Intercepting links from the browser to open my Android app


text:
Antenna Patch/Adaptor for Galaxy Nexus i9250
It's been a month of searching what kind of antenna adapter/patch am I going to use.
Anyone knows what kind of patch is this?
Thanks.

You will need a MS147.
Be careful, you might kill your internal Antenna connecting an external one.


text:
How do you set the default search engine in firefox?
In firefox if I type a bunch of words instead of a web address and hit go it does a google search.
You can install addons for other search engines and they appear in a list below the address bar and you can click those to perform the search on that engine instead.
Is there a way to make one of these search add-ons the default?

There are some settings in the about:config screen that seem relevant to this (search the config page for "search" and you'll see them), but I've never been able to make them work with anything other than Google.

There is the "Second Search" extension for Firefox, which suggests to be available for Android as well. Not using Firefox on Android, I cannot tell if it really works here -- but it might be worth a try. I use it on my Linux machine, and it not only lets you set a prefered search engine easily, but also lets you easily switch between installed search engines.

Thanks guys. Figured it out by looking at the desktop version. See below.

Figured this out by looking at the desktop version.
Enter "about:config" into the address bar.
Search for "keyword.url"
Set the value of this setting to the new search provider. For example: "https://www.duckduckgo.com/?q="
UPDATE:
This has changed in the newer versions of Firefox (desktop version too).
You now have to install search engine addons.
Then enter "about:addons" in the address bar.
Long press on the search engine add on that you wish to be default and select "Set as Default" from the menu that appears.


text:
Google Nexus 7: I can't manage my device administrators
Can someone please help me?
I've installed the McAfee protection on my tablet and later changed it to Kaspersky. When trying to deactivate McAfee as device administrator it didn't work. Therefore now I can't uninstall the app.
I've also noticed that I can't deactivate any of my device administrators.
I've tried to Force Stop the application on the Installed Devices menu, but the option isn't available.
I don't want to reset my tablet and loose all the data. What should I do?
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

As an end-user, you should be able to activate / deactivate device administrators. Unless, of course, you have a rogue app that is preventing you from doing this. Contact McAfee and ask for some assistance. Or, restart your device and try again.

I had the same issue. Unfortunately if you have tried to check\uncheck more than two or three times you will end up resetting your device. Explained here
https://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=53130


text:
How to stop getting whatsapp messages from websites I visit?
Whenever I visit some website I receive whatsapp messages from them.
For eg. I visited this Bombay shaving website and after that I received below message. I did not do anything on website like providing any access or anything, I just scrolled a little bit and closed the page.
Is there any setting by which I can stop this?

Could you add the link to some websites that do this?

@AndrewT. this is the one I shared above. Bombay shaving company.  I got coupon in one of of the payment app. I clicked redeem which opened their website in integrated browser and thats it, I did not like the product they shown so I closed it. And then got this message from them on whatsapp.

This does not happen normally. The browser had no knowledge of your mobile number. Options..

You may have visited a related website where you did provide the information and its being shared.  Use the privacy options to clear your  history.
Or you have a virus or malware. Run a decent scanner. Many, such as Kaspersky have free versions.

I got coupon in one of of the payment app. I clicked redeem which opened their website in integrated browser and thats it, I did not like the product they shown so I closed it. And then got this message from them on whatsapp.

The undisclosed payment app leaked your info when you used (or tried to use the coupon). Somewhere there must have been a T&C link saying that would happen.


text:
Some magic to remount /system
First of all:
Phone's model is Alcatel One Touch Idol Mini / 6012X
Chipset model is MT6572
The short version:
The device is in boot loop and to resolve this I must rename a file. The problem is that the file is in /system and I haven't granted ADB superuser permissions (So ADB simply hangs on "su", even when running scripts through ADB. Also "at" is not installed). Another problem is that I haven't installed a custom recovery and, more importantly, I haven't even unlocked the boot loader.
I can't manage to install custom images via SP Flash Tool (SP Flash Tool doesn't find the device although the VCOM USB drivers are installed).
What's worse than this? Alcatel doesn't provide a way to reflash the stock ROM.
So, my question:
Is there some kind of magic to force "su" to execute through adb without adb being granted permission by SuperSU?

I doubt that. That would render the entire security system useless if it were possible.

According to this thread, your device is rootable using framaroot.
As you only need a temproot, the first thing to try would be to:

extract the temproot binary used by framaroot and push it to /data/local/tmp or any folder where you can set permissions
flag this file as executable then run it
$ chmod 777 filename
$ ./filename

if successful, you have temp root and can remount the system read/write
# mount -o remount,rw /system /system

I'll mark your answer as correct (although I've managed to "update" the phone via the officially provided tool - thank god it doesn't check versions prior to updating)


text:
Is there any way to disable the repeated animation in the notification bar, for app update downloads?
I've just acquired an Android 9 phone.  It is part of the Android One scheme, so the software should be really stock Android.  I do not currently wish to install a custom ROM, or otherwise mod the OS at a root level.
I've turned it on, and obviously it started catching up with updates :-).
I don't like that it keeps showing an animated download icon at the top of the screen.  I don't want my attention repeatedly drawn to this, thanks.  (I don't know why anyone would?)
I have set "Remove animations" in the accessibility settings.  However, the animation still keeps appearing.
Is there a way to disable this animation?
Presumably I could go in "Manage Notifications" and disable Google Play Store, but...
I happened to notice that in "Manage Notifications", if I click on "Google Play Store" (instead of the toggle button next to it), I get a detailed list of notifications which I can disable individually.  Some of these look important.  I don't want to disable notifications that critical security updates have been released for Chrome, Play Services, and so on!
I can see seven "categories" of notifications.  Does one of these cover the animated download icon?  If so, what else will it disable?

High priority
Account alerts
App updates available
Updated apps
Security and maintenance
Connectivity
Device setup

I don't have Android 9, but if some of the notifications are like on Android 8, then you can try the following:

Open Settings -> Apps & Notifications. Click on "See all apps", then the 3-dot and select Show system apps.
Look for Download Manager, click on it.
Click "App Notifications" or "Notifications", then disable "In progress"

Note: You may find 2 Download Manager. One of them will have the notifications' categories listed.

Settings -> Apps -> All apps shows Google Play Services and com.google.android.apps.handwriting.ime, but it does not show Download Manager. Google Play Services has a category for "System update", which at least provides some reassurance, but nothing else relevant.

"Manage notifications" is equivalent to Settings -> Apps & Notifications -> Notifications -> See all from last 7 days. This shows a list of apps sorted by most recent notification. It includes Google Play Services. When the download icon was animating, I think the "notifications drawer" showed a notification from the specific app - Play Services for system updates, Play Store for app updates, and the same for the Map app when downloading offline maps.

@sourcejedi I find it strange that there is  no Download Manager listed among your apps even when you select to show system apps. Are you able to view the list of all apps installed on your phone?

Sorry, I hadn't followed your instructions correctly.

@sourcejedi The same notification is also present on Android 9. Did stop also stop the animated download icon?

Yes, thanks for the answer!


text:
"USB Connected" constantly flashing on screen
The USB connection keeps coming up on the top bar of my Samsung Galaxy S. It wears down the battery and the phone turns itself off randomly, sometimes its hard to get it to turn back on, I have tried connecting the USB cable to the computer then disconnecting which did nothing.
Can someone help?

Try different USB cables and different ports (on you computer) or even different computers. I had a similar problem (with a different phone) but only with a specific USB hub. Using a different USB port on my computer made the problem go away.

Your usb port is bad - this is a hardware issue. Take the phone in for warranty service.
Edit: I had this happen on my Nexus S as it came out of the box today. I flashed the latest stock ROM, then re-installed CyanogenMod over top (and restored my data). It seems to be a little less flaky. You may not be able to do anything of the sort, but it may help others.

this could also be caused by a cheap or bad cable. I have a cable that I bought that doesn't seem to fit perfect and if i move the cable/phone the littlest bit, it "unplugs", then plugs back in.

His phone is likely no longer under warranty. I'd suggest, just in case, doing a factory reset. If that doesn't resolve it, your phone is likely on the road to total failure. Random power-offs signal kernel panics (CPU faults - unfixable) or damage to the components which deliver power to the phone from the battery. Either way, the outlook for your phone isn't great.

I assumed, Ryan Conrad, that OP did not have a cable plugged in.

I have one thing to say. Before even concluding it as a hardware issue, you can do one more thing.
Go to Settings -> Privacy -> Settings Reset -> Reset Phone
It doesn't remove any personal data on the phone and resets the Settings only.
The phone restarts itself. Now plug in your Cable to the PC and see if the same issue continues to happen. If it happens again then it is purely Hardware issue.

resetting my Sony Z2 has resolved that problem


text:
How to effectively search for apps on/without using Google Play?
Okay, so basically the Google Play store search is only for typing in the exact name of the app you already know and want to install.
Every time I look for an app with certain functionality, I'm having great problems in finding it. Usually the results contain tons of spam applications and very few of useful ones, or ones actually fitting the search keywords I used. Sometimes I find the apps I was looking for while browsing the store (hundreds of pages...) or digging through "top xx apps for yy" sites that usually come as a result of a regular google search.
My question is - are there any alternatives? How do I search for Android apps that do what I want them to do without digging through hundreds of pages of crappy, unrelated apps at Google Play or reading lists of hundreds of apps on silly web pages whose sole purpose is advertisement? I've read that there once was something called Chomp, but it seems like it doesn't exist any more (not sure, I think Apple bought it).

And, have you tried using full-fledged Google Search? site:play.google.com search terms should be helpful, even on your device.

Try combined search words to narrow down the result list. If you e.g. look for an alarm reminder, "alarm reminder" gives you 1.000+ results -- while "alarm-reminder" (note the "minus" replacing the space) shrinks it to 48, relating to both terms (and not just either one of them).
Sometimes also the rules from Google's main search engine apply here (I could not yet figure out when they do and when they don't). So "alarm +reminder" should list only apps whose name/description contains both terms -- while "alarm -reminder" should list only those containing "alarm" but not "reminder". As said, this works sometimes, while the first rule mentioned seems to work always.
I just tested it, and surprisingly even some more advanced keywords work: "clock +intitle:alarm" really lists only apps having "alarm" in their name (and "clock" in their name or description; though this I did not verify completely). I suspect the playstore search is just a "customized Google search" -- so you might play with other "tipps and tricks" from its "big brother".

If I remember correctly (and assuming they haven't been patched out), there should be search operators for the developer name as well as star rating.

Quotes help to force the Play Store to do a keyword search as I show here, however doing a comprehensive specific search may require quite long queries. See my answer about App Finder below for an alternative.

There are some alternative front-ends to the Google Play store, like AppBrain, AndroidZoom that use a totally different search engine, and index apps differently, you may have different results if you search on there for your apps.
See also this previous question for some more info: What are the alternative Android app markets?

AndroidZoom is currently defunct.

I abandoned Google Play because:

Downloads get aborted on network interruption
Loading of app  details  is slow
Screenshots of apps are not clear on the small display

Now I use the following apps:
Mobogenie

Good for browsing and downloading apps, even on slow and interrupted internet connection
Zoomable screenshots allow viewing details clear on small devices

F-droid

Easily install open sources apps
Offline browsing
Multi-version download

Aptoide

Multiversion support
After installing some apps, I  just realised they are not working as advertised by the developer. Some apps didn't even launch. In most cases, this is due to a bug introduced while adding new features to the app. Downgrading to an older version fixes this. Aptoide allows doing so by navigating to the multi version tab.

1mobile

For searching apps from lots of stores
Even paid apps can be searched and then opened in Google Play using the share menu
Apps can be downloaded directly from their website (info: they provide two links one for the current app and the other for their marker app with the same name)

With App Finder, there is now an advanced search engine designed to find the best apps with a specific functionality.
It searches the descriptions of 2,300,000+ apps from Google Play, with data for all 200+ countries.
With an advanced search language and many filters, it makes it often possible to refine the search to a point where all remaining results can be examined in a few minutes, as I show here.
Available from Google Play here.
For more information see the thread on XDA, and here.
Disclosure: I am from Skyica LLC, the developer of App Finder

just updated the info: AppQuery is now available worldwide and the number of apps increased from 1.5 million to 2.2 million


text:
Install Google Chrome in Android 4.1.2
I have recently recovered my old tablet (Motorola Xoom Wifi). I am now on Android 4.1.2. The only important thing I am missing after recovery is Google Chrome.
I can see the application on the Google Play Store as Chrome Browser - Google, however the store indicates me "Your device isn't compatible with this version". I remember having some Google Chrome on the Xoom before recovery and I remember seeing the same message when I was offered to update Chrome recently (last few months). Is there some archive I could download older Chrome versions from?
Is there some way to check what exactly does the new Chrome require my tablet does not have?
The only browser I have available now is the "Browser", and while it works, I would definitely prefer using Chrome.

See related answer http://android.stackexchange.com/a/134597/131553

do you have synced your google account?

@RahulGopi Yes, I did.

I think this is mostlyI was looking for - http://android.stackexchange.com/questions/148367/how-can-i-securely-install-an-older-version-of-chrome-on-a-device-that-wont

I have Chrome 54.0.2 840.68, which is a prior version to what is available on the play store
Min API level is 21 and targetted is 25, which corresponds to Android 5.0 and 7.1.1 as can be seen here
API level was read using manifest viewer
Incompatibility warning is being shown as your Android version is not supported. Options you have and associated risks are explained in the accepted answer here Chrome Browser is not supported on this device (Samsung GT-P7500). That leaves you with choices of:

Upgrading your Android version
Accepting security risk of using earlier version downloaded from a secure site as commented
Using a different browser

What is a bit confusing to me is even the quite recent 55 version is listed as "Min: Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean, API 16)" . Is the manifest viewer info more reliable?

I see your point and I really don't have an answer. On one hand the site is reputed and on the other the app is only showing what's there

App shows min and targetted sdk levels . SDK kernels are same as API - Despite its name, this element is used to specify the API Level, not the version number of the SDK (software development kit) or Android platform as explained here

When I have tried to install that particular 55 version, it does not work correctly for me. It  installs, starts, but crashes (disappears silently) once I start typing URL. Version 42 works fine. I did not try any versions in between yet.

Your link shows device chipset as also a factor - arm / x86 etc

Version 42 is compatible with 4.0 , so  probably working fine

For the record: version 49 seems to work fine so far.

I am now on the 4.4.4 Kitkat on the same device (rooted, Omnirom) and I see the same behaviour: recent build (starting with 50) tells me "Unfortunately, Chrome has stopped", last build which works is version 49 again. Could I check somehow what exactly is my tablet missing, as recent Chrome should supporting 4.1?

@Suma:: sorry, don't know, that could be another Q, linking this Q as background

Google play store shows many apps as incompatible although they might work just fine. If you are okay with downloading third party applications, you can download the .apk file for Google chrome from http://www.androidapksfree.com/apk/chrome-browser-apk-latest-version-download/
Inform me if you are unable to install the application after downloading it.

I have already tried the Beta / Dev Chrome, as those are shown to me by the Play Store. None of them works for me.

It means that the latest version of chrome browser can't run on your device

What you can do is install an older version from a third party

But it is quite risky to use an outdated browser as you can be infected by malware.


text:
Android apps not compatible between roms
I have a Samsung Galaxy S2 with CM10, I was testing SlimRom and notice that some applications that I bought on PlayStore showed the message "This app is not compatible with your device". It's the same device with different rom.
Any ideas about why this happen?
thanks!

I've had that before, I think it has something to do with how the device was named on the build.prop. I had a device that runs on ICS before, I changed rom to another ICS and one of my apps showed incompatible on the Play Store. I installed the app from a backup copy and it ran without problems.

@ShedoSurashu This is the correct answer, why not post it as such?

Your best bet is to back up your apps prior to switching ROMs so you can install the app from your local backup and not rely on the Play Store.  You can also modify your build.prop to fool the Play Store.

Done! @Matt. :)

I've had that before, I think it has something to do with how the device was named on the build.prop. I had a device that runs on ICS before, I changed rom to another ICS and one of my apps showed incompatible on the Play Store. I installed the app from a backup copy and it ran without problems.


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Forgot lock screen PIN
Imagine I forgot the PIN for my lock screen.  Is there an alternative way to unlock my locked Android phone or tablet?  Other than resetting my device, and losing any data that was not backed up?
I could make sure not to reboot my device, because after rebooting the device, the PIN would be the only option.  But let's say I do not use fingerprint or face recognition, so I could not use those to back up any further data before I reset my device.
Let's say I did not write my PIN on a piece of paper, or a password manager like Google Passwords.

I did start looking at the tag wiki, like it recommends. But the top links seem a bit old. https://android.stackexchange.com/tags/locked-out/info

I am sorry for anyone in this situation.  The answer is almost certainly no. You are out of luck.
Contents

Can I unlock an Android device using my Google Account password?
Can I unlock an Android device using my Google Account password, and the "Find My Device" app or website?
Can I unlock an Android device using "Smart Lock"?
Can I unlock a Samsung Galaxy device using my Samsung Account password?
Can Samsung unlock a Samsung Galaxy device, if I show proof of purchase?
Can I pay someone to unlock an Android device?

1. Can I unlock an Android device using my Google Account password?
This is no longer possible.  The feature was removed in 2014, when Android 5.0 was released.
It is only possible on ancient devices using Android 4.4 and below.

Android help: Can't unlock your Android device
howtogeek.com: What to do if you forget your Android phone's PIN, pattern or password

2. Can I unlock an Android device using my Google Account password in the "Find My Device" app or website?
This feature has been removed.  There is no way to do this, even on old devices.
In a previous version of Find My Device (originally called Android Device Manager), the Lock button allowed you to  replace your current lock screen with a temporary password.
Note that in the current version of Find My Device, the Lock button has been replaced with Secure device:

Spiceworks forum: 2018: How to unlock my device using android device manager

3. Can I unlock an Android device using "Smart Lock" instead?
Smart Lock will not unlock a locked device.  To clarify this, it was eventually renamed to Extend Unlock.
You will not be able enable Extend Unlock if you have not already enabled it enabled.  Enabling Extend Unlock requires entering the PIN, but you have forgotten the PIN.  You cannot enable Extend Unlock using your fingerprint or face.
Extend Unlock can only keep your device unlocked for four hours or less.
If you do not want to lose data / photos / whatever is stored on your device, then you need to make sure that data is backed up immediately.

Android support: Choose when your Android phone can stay unlocked
2019 Android support: Choose when your Android device can stay unlocked

4. Can I unlock a Samsung Galaxy device using my Samsung account password?
The Samsung Remote Unlock option was removed in 2023.  This was an optional feature, that you had to specifically set up in advance.

SmartThings Community: No "Unlock" Option for Galaxy Device
Google search: Samsung "remote unlock" removed site:www.reddit.com

I understand this hurts people, and was handled badly.  It would be nice if Samsung could provide an opt-in PIN backup service, like how Windows laptops and tablets etc can be recovered using Microsoft Account recovery options.  Personally I wouldn't bother, based on my impressions of Samsung support.  However, it is certainly convenient for Google that the competing manufacturer is not able to differentiate here.
5. Can Samsung unlock a Samsung Galaxy device, if I show proof of purchase?
Your Android device is securely encrypted, using your PIN.  Samsung does not store a copy of people's PIN, in any circumstances (see above).
Samsung online support is sometimes unable to understand or apologize for this, but it is true.  If they suggest otherwise, please read the experiences linked below.
Staff at Samsung Service Centre could talk to you about this, and help you erase and reset your own device.  They might also suggest safe places to store a copy of your new PIN.

Samsung Canada: What can you do if you forgot the PIN, pattern or password of your Galaxy device
Samsung Community: comments in response to online moderator

6. Can I pay someone to unlock my Android device?
You are welcome to send me as much money as you like.  You could also ask for help by posting online on twitter.com, for example.  On such networks, many people offer to let you send them money!
Please be aware that neither of those methods will help you unlock your phone.


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Alcatel One Touch pop C3: How to install TWRP?
The problem I'm having is mainly because all the websites that I've searched are next to impossible to follow. Either links are dead, or something horribly went wrong while translating, so I'm asking here.
I got an Alcatel One Touch pop C3. Not the "one touch 3" version, the 'C' is significant. Up until recently, it was impossible to load a different ROM on it, but it seems Lineage OS has released a version for the One Touch pop C3, so I wanted to give it a try.
with adb I was able to check that the bootloader is unlocked, with fastboot I tried to upload the TWRP image (TWRP-3.1.0.0-PopC3.img), but it won't work.
I can boot into fastboot with:
adb reboot bootloader the device boots into a blank screen with => FASTBOOT mode...
I can list the device in question with fastboot devices
When I then do fastboot flashing unlock nothing happens, it just sits there.
Same thing happens when I do fastboot oem unlock.
When I tried to do fastboot flash recovery TWRP-3.1.0-0.PopC3.img, I get the following error: FAILED (remote: 'partition 'recovery' not support flash') (sic).
I was lead to believe, that the only way to successfully upload the file onto the phone, is via "SP Flash Tool" I have version v5.1824.00 installed which I believe is the latest one.
And that's where I'm pretty much stuck. I've installed the MT65xx USB VCOM drivers in a Windows VM, and that's pretty much it at this point.
I've also tried the Linux version of SP Flash Tool, but whenever I select the scatter loading file, and choose the TRWP image as recovery image, it just sits there and doesn't seem to do anything.
Do I need to boot into the fastboot bootloader, or something?
I can access the phone with adb and fastboot just fine, but I have no idea what that SP Flash Tool is doing, or if it is doing anything at all.

More detailed explanation of the process you tried and any messages from the failed process would improve your chances of getting an answer. As far as and and fastboot is. Concerned. How did you find out that your bootloader is unlocked with adb? Specifically what and command did you use? Where you in the bootloader when attempting to use fastboot? What fastboot command did you use to try to flash the recovery .img? What was the error message after the failed flash attempt?

@BoLawson alright, I amended my question. Pretty much all websites I found, claimed that MediaTek devices are generally unlocked, but I need to use that SP Flash Tool utility. Most of what I used just doesn't report anything. No error messages, etc.

Umm, I hate to break it to you but your bootloader is not unlocked. What adb command did you use that stated your bootloader was unlocked? I am interested to learn a new command.

@BoLawson Well, what I found online, led me to believe that since there are no error messages, it is unlocked. In fact most sources stated that most MediaTek cellphones aren't locked right from the get go. By now I managed to load roms with SP Flash Tool, but it ain't working. After a factory reset, it only ever goes back to the recovery menu and cannot boot into regular Android.

Here are some other resources to learn about android along with android enthusiast.
https://developer.android.com/studio/command-line/adb
https://android.googlesource.com/platform/system/core/+/master/fastboot/
https://www.xda-developers.com

Well, it seems as if I can't really access the phone right now anyway. It won't boot into anything except the recovery boot loader. I guess I've bricked it.

Hi! Mediatek phones don't support flashing through fastboot, as far as my experience tell me. Now, for SP Flash Tool, did you try Step 10 exactly when it needed to be tried?

@Firelord yep, did exactly as stated there, and even got the "green ring" as they call it. Still, only boots into recovery shows "Erasing" for a split second and then shows me the recovery boot menu. Not sure what to do from here on out.


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“Message Not Sent” notifications for days
I replied to an SMS but my message couldn't be delivered. I presume because the originating number wasn't a mobile number but the fixed line on the sender.
Now I'm getting that notification in the notification bar every 10 minutes or so. How can I get rid of it ?

"Message not sent - Touch to review the message and try again".

When I touch the notification, it opens the SMS app, with the threads list.
I deleted the message thread, tried to clear the cache, restarted the phone...
This was more than one week ago. I waited for the SMSC to give up trying to resend the message (after 3 days I believe). This is not a setting a network issue since I'm able to exchange SMS with other parties without problem.
It's the Android Messaging application version 4.4.4-37.

I installed another SMS application (Handcent next SMS not to name it) and could access and delete the pending message (in Delivery Report / Undelivered).

authors: الخطاب جبريل


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Old ringtones from android 1.0?
I had a Android Dev G1 phone (which has long since bitten the dust). it was running android 1.0 (later updated to 1.5). I have just gotten a HTC Desire running 2.2. There was a nice ringtone on the 1.0 that i'd like to get again. Is there anyway to download the ld ringtones that were on 1.0?

My Android 1.6 phone has the following files in the /system/media/audio/ringtones directory. Are any of these the one you want?

Noises2.ogg
BirdLoop.ogg
Noises1.ogg
Big_Easy.ogg
No_Limits.ogg
BentleyDubs.ogg
NewPlayer.ogg
BeatPlucker.ogg
World.ogg
MildlyAlarming.ogg
VeryAlarmed.ogg
MidEvilJaunt.ogg
TwirlAway.ogg
LoveFlute.ogg
Thunderfoot.ogg
LoopyLounge.ogg
Third_Eye.ogg
InsertCoin.ogg
Terminated.ogg
Growl.ogg
Steppin_Out.ogg
Glacial_Groove.ogg
SpringyJalopy.ogg
Gimme_Mo_Town.ogg
SitarVsSitar.ogg
GameOverGuitar.ogg
Shes_All_That.ogg
Funk_Yall.ogg
Seville.ogg
FriendlyGhost.ogg
Savannah.ogg
EtherShake.ogg
RomancingTheTone.ogg
Eastern_Sky.ogg
Road_Trip.ogg
DreamTheme.ogg
Ring_Synth_04.ogg
CurveBall.ogg
Ring_Synth_02.ogg
CrazyDream.ogg
Ring_Digital_02.ogg
Club_Cubano.ogg
Ring_Classic_02.ogg
Champagne_Edition.ogg
Revelation.ogg
CaribbeanIce.ogg
Paradise_Island.ogg
Calypso_Steel.ogg
OrganDub.ogg
Cairo.ogg
Noises3.ogg
Bollywood.ogg

I can't remember the name of the ringtone. However I think it was a jungle type, upbeat, 'happy' sound. I think it might have been the default ringtone in 1.0

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5/


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android.process.acore has stopped
I backed up one galaxy S3 and did a restore on another. Then I try to boot the new one and I get a message "Unfortunately the process android.process.acore has stopped". After hitting OK a few times I get Unfortunately TouchWiz has stopped. Then back to the first message. I can't get past this msg.
I thought that maybe I should do another Restore but I can't get to anything cause this happens as soon as I boot.

Did both devices run the same Android version? If not, did you use the Migrate option in TB on restore? And did you restore system stuff -- or only your apps+settings? Restoring system stuff to a different device often is a bit tricky...

the Android on both are 4.0.4. No I did't check the Migrate option. But the build of the number of the Baseband are different. Could this be a problem? I selected Apps+settings I don't remember seeing an option for restoring system stuff.

In short, never ever back up system apps and settings from one handset and restore to another, that is exactly what happens! :)
Mismatches with system app's key signature conflicts with another's ROM's key signature, and variants of settings as well may not exist on the other, all of those can lead to breakages such as what the OP is experiencing.
The only way to get that back, is to perform a factory reset to restore everything back to its original state.

How can I do a factory reset?

Go into Settings > Backup & reset > Factory data reset, that's in ICS fwiw :)

but the whole point is that I can't get to Settings! I can't get past this message.

Oo damn, my bad... hummm... get the original firmware for your handset and manually flash it with odin.

How would I know what that is? Did clockworkmod reocvery make a copy of it when it was flashed?

@Alex Failing to answer to your last comment - is both handsets rooted, does both have clockworkmod recovery? That should be part of your question above. I do not know if your CWM make a copy, when did you last use it?

@Alex You can do a factory reset without going via settings. Steps are described here: Galaxy S3 - Factory Reset.

Thanks. Yes, this is what I did, and all back to good, now! thanks

Phew! Glad it all worked out @Alex :) \o/

I have this problem when restoring the backup from 6.0.1 build MMB29K to 6.0.1 build MOB30D.  After failing once, I reset and during next restore, I was careful enough to avoid any system app. But still the process crashed.:(


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What does zipalign mean and how does it fit into how we use our Android devices?
What does "zipalign" mean and what is its significance?
When a ROM claims to be "zipaligned" what does that mean and what the difference from a ROM that is not "zipaligned"?

This mechanism is described at the Android developers site as follows:

zipalign is an archive alignment tool that provides important optimization to Android application (.apk) files. The purpose is to ensure that all uncompressed data starts with a particular alignment relative to the start of the file. Specifically, it causes all uncompressed data within the .apk, such as images or raw files, to be aligned on 4-byte boundaries. This allows all portions to be accessed directly with mmap() even if they contain binary data with alignment restrictions. The benefit is a reduction in the amount of RAM consumed when running the application.

In short: .apk content can be easier/faster/more optimal accessed due to the order of data inside the packed file.
For deeper information, there's a "complete guide" available at AddictiveTips: What Is Zipalign In Android And How To Make Apps Zipaligned, which answers the second part of your question:

Quite understandably, situation would be reserved for unaligned application packages. Resource reading would be slow and memory usage would be on the higher end of the spectrum. It would also depend on how many unaligned applications are present. For example, if less number of applications with an unaligned home application, you’d see slower application launch times. This is the best case scenario. For a worst case scenario, having a number of unaligned applications will result in the system repeatedly starting and killing processes, struggling with lags and huge battery drain.

For programmers it's more or less similar to struct alignment in C.  Don't do struct x { uint16_t id; uint32_t data[100]; }; if you want it to be 32-bit aligned; use struct x { uint16_t id; uint16_t padding; uint32_t data[100]; };

There appears to be no downside do why aren't all apps zip aligned? Also is this really even a concern for end users or is it only relevant to developers?

It's an additional step for the dev I'd say. And of course the performance is a concern for end users ;)

To add to above how exactly zipalign works -

In an Android operating environment, data files stored in each application package are accessed by multiple processes, for example, the installer will read the data manifest to determine the associated permissions; the system server can read these resources for multiple reasons, like displaying notifications; the Home application, for example, will read resources to get the application’s name and icon. Since Android is based on a a true multi-tasking operating infrastructure, these files are continually and repeatedly accessed. Finally, but not least, the application itself reads the manifest data.
As Android is Linux-based, memory-mapping plays a key role in efficient handling of processes. Essentially, the optimal alignment for the Android OS’ resource-handling code is 4-byte boundaries. What this means is that, if APKs are memory-mapped to 4-byte boundaries, and aligned accordingly, the OS will not need to ‘read through’ the whole application package to get to the desired data manifest. Every system process will know in advance where to look for it’s desired resources, and hence will execute much smoother and faster.
Summing it up, zipaligning an APK results in all uncompressed data within the package to be aligned on 4-byte boundaries, allowing all portions to be accessed directly with the memory-map. RAM consumption is lowered while execution because the querying code doesn’t have to read through the entire application package.

Source

Why doesn't it read through the entire application package? Are manifests guaranteed to be at a specific offset?


text:
Swype flashing on and off
I just upgraded my Samsung Galaxy SII phone, unlocked from Gingerbread to stock ICS (ver 4.0.3), and I think it looks cool in many aspects. One thing I am getting annoyed with though is the Swype. I used it all the time before, and it was amazing. What is happening now is that when I swype, get my list of suggestions, then I have about 2 seconds to click on the proper word before the suggestion list goes away, and my screen refreshes. This is killing the battery very fast, and is very annoying when typing longer messages. Is there a way to set the suggestion bar to stay put like in Gingerbread?

Have you tried uninstalling and re-installing Swype yet?

@Chahk How do I do that?

I guess it depends if Swype came pre installed on your handset. In that case I don't think you can uninstall it. In either case, try going to Settings -> Apps and see if Swype is listed. Tap it and try to uninstall it. Then you can go to http://beta.swype.com, download the installer, install it, run it, and follow directions to sign in and install the beta.

@Chahk Built in app. Force Stopped it, then it worked properly for about a minute, and is back the way it was

Is this happening only within a particular app, or everywhere?  I've just noticed this behavior in Chrome browser on my Galaxy Nexus running a custom 4.1.1 ROM.  Other apps with text input (Google Voice, Gmail, Email, Google Talk, Trillian, Google+, TweetDeck, Tapatalk) don't seem to be impacted.

Every app... GMail, Browser, SMS

@Chahk I found the beta, installed it, and it seems to be working (over 2 weeks testing). Make that an answer and I'll mark it as such

As per @Chahk's answer

I guess it depends if Swype came pre installed on your handset. In that case I don't think you can uninstall it. In either case, try going to Settings -> Apps and see if Swype is listed. Tap it and try to uninstall it. Then you can go to beta.swype.com, download the installer, install it, run it, and follow directions to sign in and install the beta.


text:
Is there any way to change the emoticons in the standard android sms app?
The green robot smilies are incredibly irritating, IMO.
I'm open to suggestions of other SMS apps that have different emoticons as well, but the few I've looked at seem to just skin the standard SMS app, emoticons and all.

From what I've been able to glean - No, it's not possible via any built-in settings in the stock Messaging app.
Handcent SMS, however can disable all smiley icons so all you see is the actual text - the punctuation characters. To do this in handcent press MENU > SETTINGS > CUSTOM STYLE > BUBBLE SETTINGS
Move thru the list of options shown on the bottom (contained within a tab with an arrow) until you see DISABLE SMILEYS. Click that and when prompted SAVE your settings.

If you are willing to root your phone, it is possible to change this. You can go into the mms apk and change the PNG files of the Smileys to whatever you like. Then you recompile the apk, push it to your phone, and restart. If you are running cyanogenmod or any other theme that uses a theme system, this change is possible using this too.

I just had to figure this out for my girlfriend's phone yesterday because she also doesn't like the standard Android smileys.
After installing Handcent, Go to "Settings" --> "Application settings" --> "Smileys & emoji settings" and there under "Smileys settings" you can choose which type of smileys to use.
So switch from "System default" to "Handcent" then you get the non-Android smileys :)

If you want eyecandy then try Handcent SMS.

Handcent STILL uses those d--n robots! grrrrrr....

:S sorry about that, I was sure it used different icons

Seems except of installing third party software like Handcent or probably changing some apk files manually or some other magic for normal users, there is no way to do it. I can't believe it, it is total fail from Android to not have options to disable these smileys. No matter if their look is irritating or not :)

I had this annoying problem on my Galaxy S4.
If you don't use the - , as in smiley :) or sad :(  then it won't convert it to an emoticon or create an MMS.
If you use the menu when in the messaging app (in a thread) and hit the "Insert Smiley" you get a list of the text to emoticon translations. Just don't use any of the exact text sequences and it won't recognize and then convert them!
Way too simple.

all_licenses: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5/


text:
How do I downgrade Android 2.1 to 1.6 on a Garminfone?
I need to send in my Garminfone to T-Mobile. I've rooted it and installed the 2.1 upgrade. The master reset doesn't restore it to 1.6. I know Super One Click will unroot it. Does anyone know how to revert back to 1.6? Thanks.

From what you're asking it sounds unlikely, but did you do any kind of system backup before/after rooting, and definitely before loading a custom ROM? I think you're going to have problems finding a download of the original ROM anywhere as Garmin are extremely protective of their map app and data which will be embedded in any original ROM.

not sure about the root process for Garminfone, but if you have access to your bootloader (usually termal like with a list of options) just put a 1.6 stock rom on your sd card and flash it.
I tried googleing "stock 1.6 garminfone rom" with no success, probably because of what GAThrawn said, but someone over at xda-developers might have something if want to go check out there forums.

This is supposed to be an update for 1.6, but I'm not sure how you'd load it.  http://www.garminasus.com/en_US/support/software/006-B1130-00.update


text:
Is there a fitness app which can record my workouts across multiple activities?
I've been using MyTracks for tracking my running, and another app (which I forget the name) to record my cycling routes.
I also do gym, swimming and karate, is there an app which lets me keep track of my fitness workouts across multiple activities? I.e, I don't want to have an app for each one, its annoying.
I'd like to record things like time spent training, lengths/laps (for swimming), possibly bike/rowing/treadmill times/speeds/distances for the gym etc.
This will allow me to track myself over a period of time and see how much I've increased the duration/effort in my training.
Any suggestions?

Try out Cardio Trainer.

It is able to record many types of workouts including walking, running, weight lifting, swimming (do you rely on your water-proof case?), yoga. You can also prepare your own custom routine (never tried that, but in your case, it might come handy).


text:
How to import contacts from galaxy s3 to nexus 5?
How do you import contacts from a Galaxy S3 to a Nexus 5?
They're both Android devices, so is it a simple process?
Do I need to save them to a SIM card?

If you use GMail and add contacts there, there is nothing you directly need to do outside of signing into that same account on the other android (and perhaps checking to sync contacts).

This might be useful: http://android.stackexchange.com/q/637/98

http://mashable.com/2013/08/20/sync-android-contacts/

Several ways actually. The most simple way I found was to sync all your addresses to a Google Account. If you don't have one create one. On the S3:

From Settings Scroll down and choose Accounts and Sync.
Choose Add Account.
Choose Google.
Choose Existing to add an existing account.
Type in the email id of the account.
Fill in password and sign in.`

On the other device, simply sync to the account again. All your contacts will be pulled in.

Just tried it on my nexus 5, didn't work

Er, what didn't work- the sync from S3 to google happened?

yeah I ended up copying to sim. Then from sim

Well it's great- especially that your SIM could hold all data. But i'm surprised that sync did not work.

The simplest way would have been using the contacts' app integrated export/import functionality:

on the "source device": open contacts, open menu, select "Export/Import", export to SDCard. This will export your entire contact list (including photos) to a .vcf file in the root of your sdcard.
copy the resulting *.vcf file to the "target device"
on the target device: open contacts, menu, export/import, import from SD. Chose the file.
Done.

See also:

transferring contacts
How can I transfer my all contacts from old HTC Wildfifre android 2.1 to LG Optimus Vu
Moving from one droid to another

You use your gmail account to configure your contacts from one android phone to another.

Login into you google account from your Galaxy S3 Phone.
Sync your contacts with your gmail account.
Import contacts from your gmail account to your Nexus 5 by syncing your Nexus 5 with your gmail account.

Get access to all your contacts.

You can use Dropbox on your S3 to save all your contacts in a cloud server as a VCF file (above), then sign in into the Dropbox account using your Nexus 5 and save the contacts in there. Google should work fine.

You can use superbackup application from appstore. It stores almost evrything in seperate csv files, that way you can change your devices on fly, and still wont loose any data. Goodluck

Could you link the app?

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.idea.backup.smscontacts&hl=en


text:
How do I access settings in WhatsApp on Samsung Galaxy Note 3?
I don't see the ellipses icon ("...") in the top-right corner of the screen on my Samsung Galaxy Note 3. Without it, how can I get to the Settings screen in WhatsApp?

Not clear question.

Seems your device has physical menu button. The "overflow" menu button won't be shown if there is physical menu button. This article somewhat explains your "issue".

As suggested in the comments, try pressing the hardware "Menu" button:

click for larger image
On latest Android versions the overflow (ellipses) button is hidden in apps on phones with a physical Menu button.


text:
Clockworkmod recovery, unable to backup the /data partition
My device is a rooted Samsung Galaxy S4 mini (serranoltexx) with CWM 6.0.4.6 recovery.
When I try to take a nandroid backup of my device it gives me the this error:

error while making backup of /data!

Flashing a ROM works fine, is this a permission issue?

Is /data successfully mounted when you enter recovery? Check if you can access /data in another way (e.g. adb). If you can then the backup script is broken.

Well, my recovery supports neither adb or console line. I forgot to mention that it is a CWM-based Recovery. TWRP doensn't officially support my device and my device was shipped to me with this recovery installed.

AFAIK cwm should support adb (at least it did on my phone). Is there any real log file that gives the error a bit more clear then just there was an error ?


text:
System forgets settings and doesn't allow to install applications after reboot
I have bought BLAUPUNKT ENDEAVOUR-1000 HD month ago, installed couple of games and apps, then moved them to the sd card, it was working perfect, then I turned it off and now wach time you re start, the tablet require new set up (as its brand new) and shows 0.00 KB internal memory, sd card is free, so I can't install anything and my tablet does not remember my settings, accounts etc. Should I try with the place where I have it and the warranty, or am I missing something? Tried with Root explorer, now when I connect it to the pc and try to access on the tablet, system, then the tablet restart by itself.

it's the same problem with my 1000HD in three times and, sorry, there isn't a solve. You must get the warranty and put it on ebay if it's ok after the repair.
It's not a hardware problem it seems to be a firmware problem and it will going on and on. You will get it as good as new from warranty repair an some weeks later - kawoom, same problem. There is no fun with this device. Sorry.
Best regards and so sorry for my english
Marko


text:
How can I stop yahoo starting up (trying autorun manager by mob)
Yahoo mail is starting automatically
How can I stop it from doing so?
I have tried autoruns   MobiWIA - AndRS Studio
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rs.autorun&hl=en
which shows a bunch of "intents" for yahoo mail but I don't know what to do from there.
My phone is rooted.
I can see it looks like I would have to uncheck certain intents but i'm not sure which

Have you seen How can I stop applications and services from running? As for "what to do from there": unmark the checkboxes that would be. But that also might render the app unusable, so you've got to experiment which to uncheck.

@Izzy yes I saw that, he has a section about preventing apps starting up and mentions autoruns, hence i'm using autoruns that he mentions, and yes uncheck, but what checkboxes that's the question, what intent(s) specifically to uncheck.

Hard to give general/generic advice on that. I always try to figure by their names (which are not quite readable in your screenshot) what they are about, and decide on that. If you'd e.g. uncheck #4 (PushNotificationReceiver), you'd no longer get informed you've got new mail unless you check for yourself (Cloud Messaging). The others I cannot read.

well, the aim is to stop it starting up.. i've just tried another app called startup manager. I did something and they might not be starting up now. looking under settings running apps

Of course it is. But it starts up whenever one of its intents is called. That can be boot_completed – but as well one of several other things, such as "network state changed", "sd card mounted", or even "battery low" – depending on what it registered listeners for. If you're rather looking for an "easy way out", you might instead try Greenify, which can "hibernate" an app when you don't explicitly run it in foreground.


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does flashing a kernel ever wipe anything on the phone? + Doing it without CWM?
does flashing a kernel ever wipe anything on the phone?
and is it ever dependent on android version?
e.g. 4.22 or 4.3
I have CWM and i've seen the option to install from zip within CWM recovery.
but is there a command with adb or fastboot to do flash the kernel? what is it?
Or do you pretty much have to install it via CWM>

No, flashing a kernel only wipes the old kernel. Generally, user-space drivers in the system image will be specific to a particular version of the kernel driver, and each kernel driver version will only work with certain kernel versions, so only flash a different kernel if you know that it was built to work with your user-space version, or vice-versa. Usually stock ROMs will only work with the kernel that came with the ROM, and third-party ROMs will say which kernels they work with.
On devices that support fastboot, you can use fastboot flash boot boot.img to flash the file boot.img to the boot partition. This is the one that stores the kernel.

You write "Usually stock ROMs will only work with the kernel that came with the ROM, and third-party ROMs will say which kernels they work with" <-- so some ROMS include kernels and some don't? are they flashed with the same command? and will they wipe everything?

Also I don't know if you're familiar with CWM, so where the bootloader recovery portion is flashed with CWM Recovery, and then the option is available to install from zip. Is that the same as this command fastboot -w update blah.zip

This site works best when you have a single question. It sounds like you want someone to explain lots of things about custom ROMs.

The above 2 comments contain 2 questions. One is on a sentence you wrote(that's the first comment). The other(the second comment) is what I asked in my question just being more explicit. So it's not like i'm trying to throw lots of new things into my question. But if you think the original question is too big then I could split it.

it will replace your existing kernel. But before that make sure your ROM is compatible with new kernel or you will end up in boot loop.In certain kernel WiFi may not work. You may have to install WiFi modules separately.

Is there a way to find out what ROM I am currently on?