text:
How to execute a file via adb command line?
I am trying to root my Motorola Xoom. Root checker pro currently tells me that "Executing this file can grant root access!" So I want to try that.
the file is located in system/bin and is called su.
I have gotten this far:
adb shell
cd system/bin
How do I execute the system/bin/su file via the adb command line?

have you tried simply to type su, followed by the Enter-key? Sounds pretty stupid, maybe, but that's how su works. No cd'ing, it's even in the $PATH.

I tried that and nothing happened... I'll say adb shell cd system/bin and once it says root@android:/system/bin #  I type su and hit enter. then the following line will say "su" and that's about it, i'm back at my previous prompt root@android:/system/bin #  ?

If the prompt character is a # instead of a $ then the shell already has root access. The root at the start should have been a bit of a clue.

Hm... Root Checker says "Root Access is not properly configured or was not granted". And both apps that I would like to use which require root (basically the only reason why I am trying to root) also don't work, saying I dont have root O_o

A few suggestions (this is a shell so I'm guessing you have basic shell commands) one or all of these may work:
First try: sh su
Then: bash su
Then: ./su
If it has an extension give all the above commands a try with the extension of su
Also as a suggestion to see what commands are available just type: help
[EDIT]
since you mentioned not having root access try using the sudo command before su (and the above commands if needed)


text:
ssh to termux server disconnects after X seconds
I upgraded termux recently.
When I do:
ssh phone

it disconnects after 44 seconds. It disconnects even if there is activity in the session (eg. ping google.com).
If I am active in termux using the phone, then ssh does not disconnect. So it seems Android is killing the ssh connection. tcpdump confirms that and shows a reset packet is sent from the phone killing the connection:
13:30:37.093254 IP 192.168.1.122.2222 > 192.168.1.129.41938: Flags [R.], seq 4542, ack 5622, win 396, options [nop,nop,TS val 3374991 ecr 3768615485], length 0

Before upgrading termux this did not happen. So something happened during the upgrade that caused this to happen.
I have tried both to click acquire wakelock and release wakelock. Neither helped.
I have tried both to click allow and don't allow in Battery Optimization for Termux. Neither helped.
As a workaround I can connect USB. Then Android does not disconnect the ssh-connection. This makes me think the disconnection is deliberate and related to power saving.
How can I make Android not kill the ssh connection?

Android isn't killing ssh but Termux app because it doesn't have a background service running. You  need to keep Termux in foreground. Or disable Battery Optimization for Termux and Acquire wakelock. When phone is charging over USB, Battery Optimization isn't in effect.

Thanks to @IrfanLatif I looked at battery options again.
And my phone was in Power Saving mode. When I disabled that, everything worked - whether Termux is running in the foreground or not.
So the problem was not related to the upgrade of Termux.

source: Stack Exchange

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

sort: votes


text:
Installing stock Android on Galaxy S3 fails. How to see why?
I have tried installing AUT-I9300XXUGNA5-20140129183554.zip and O2U-I9300XXUGNA5-20140224162541.zip on my S3. They both fail with "Installation aborted", but I have no problem installing cm-10.1.3-i9300.zip. I have tried both from external_sd and sideloading. Same problem.
I can see the information from the screen in /tmp/recovery.log:
-- Installing: /external_sd/O2U-I9300XXUGNA5-20140224162541.zip
Finding update package...
I:Update location: /external_sd/O2U-I9300XXUGNA5-20140224162541.zip
Opening update package...
Installing update...
Installation aborted.

The most prominent difference between AUT&O2U and cm-10 is size: The AUT&O2U are around 1 GB whereas cm-10 is around 200 MB.
Can I somehow do the installation by hand through the shell, so I can see exactly why the two zips fail to install?

Here is what I did:
unzip O2U-I9300XXUGNA5-20140224162541.zip

tar xvf ../I9300XXUGNA5_I9300O2UGNA1_I9300XXUGNA8_HOME.tar.md5

VOL Down+ Home+ Power
sudo heimdall flash --CACHE cache.img \
--BOOT boot.img \
--SYSTEM system.img \
--RECOVERY recovery.img \
--RADIO modem.bin \
--HIDDEN hidden.img \
--BOOTLOADER sboot.bin \
--TZSW tz.img

VOL Up+ Home+ Power
Wipe data/factory reset
Wipe cache partion.

VOL Down+ Home+ Power
sudo heimdall flash --CACHE cache.img \
--BOOT boot.img \
--SYSTEM system.img \
--RECOVERY recovery.img \
--RADIO modem.bin \
--HIDDEN hidden.img \
--BOOTLOADER sboot.bin \
--TZSW tz.img

A big thanks to @avirk for pointing out that stock ROMs must be installed with heimdall/ODIN and not with ClockworkMod recovery/adb.

You can't install the stock ROM zip like as custom rom. Extract the stock rom zip and you will get the .tar PDA file to flash via ODIN. Download ODIN 1.85 and also install Samsung USB driver and then reboot your phone in download mode by pressing three combo key VOL Down+ Home+ Power button. Now connect it to pc while ODIN is opened on PC. Now your phone should show up on some port and usind PDA button and browse the firmware you extracted from the zip on pc and select it and flash. You will loss the root by doing this and also all data will be wipe out.

How do I do it using GNU/Linux (i.e. no ODIN and Samsung USB driver)

I don't know about the Linux but you can so it with Mobile Odin but its paid app from Play store.

This is the link I got for Linux http://www.webupd8.org/2012/06/heimdall-odin-alternative-that-runs-on.html or use the Virtual pc to install windows.

@OleTange you might wish to check our odin tag-wiki, which mentions Heimdall as well (including some screenshots). Heimdall is a cross-platform "variant" of Odin which you should be able to use on Linux (and even Mac).

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


text:
Why does the number of available CPU cores change when an app is closed?
To find the number of cores available to you in Termux you run:
grep Cpus_allowed /proc/self/status

This number of cores is limited in a similar way to running taskset on GNU/Linux.
I am trying to be able to predict what that will return.
According to the app CPU-Z my phone (Huawei Smart P) has 1 HiSilicon Kirin 659 with 8 cores. According to the app CPU Info 4 cores are running the same speed (480-1709Mhz) and 4 cores are running the same speed (1402-2362Mhz).
After booting the phone and waiting 5 minutes to make sure all startup tasks have been started/completed I started Termux, login through ssh and got:
Cpus_allowed_list:       0-7

Which is exactly what I expect.
But if I press the home key, I get:
Cpus_allowed_list:      2-3

I thought this might have to do with how hard the cores are loaded, so I switched to Termux again, started 16 bzip2s. This does not change the number of cores I get immediately. But after 30s I get 4 cores:
Cpus_allowed_list:     0-3

And yet later I get bumped back to 2 cores:
Cpus_allowed_list:      2-3

This behaviour happens through ssh whether Termux is in the foreground or background.
The effect of the home key is only when running Termux: If I run CPU Info, then press home and then start Termux, then Termux still has 8 cores:
Cpus_allowed_list:       0-7

Only when I switch away from Termux using the home key, the app-list key, or the back key does the number of CPUs change.
Software controlled big.LITTLE could explain going from 8 to 4 cores if the limit was not enforced immediately after boot, but only activated later. Since the limit is not activated 5 minutes after boot, I think it is safe to reject this as the explanation. Also it does not explain limiting to 2 cores some of the time when running 16 bzip2s.
What is causing the phone to limit me from using 8 cores? How can I tell the phone not to do so? What is causing the limit to jump between 2 and 4 cores at seemingly random intervals?
(On top of this I had expected the cores to run at 100% speed which also does not happen).
The limitation does not happen if not run through ssh or if run in a tmux session where the tmux session is started via the terminal on the phone.

The CPU is an Octa core with BIG-little concept. Therefore this answer also applies to your CPU.

@Robert IF it was a big.LITTLE CPU why do I get 0-7 after boot? It stays that way if I do not press home. top clearly shows 8 CPUs running 100%. Also that would not explain why I am limited to only 2 cores some of the time.

I would assume that the device starts without specific CPU assignments. This also makes the boot as fast as possible. Afterwards (may be by the start of a special service) it applies the power configuration to limit the power consumption. New processes start with 2 cores and after 30 seconds of high cpu usage all 4 fast cores are allowed. Keep in mind that Smartphones are optimized for UI responsiveness, not for max CPU throughput.

@Robert I have updated the question. The big.LITTLE explanation does not seem to fit the evidence.

What is causing the phone to limit me from using 8 cores?

Linux Control Groups (cgroups). Android uses them to control how much resources a process can use. In particular the processes of apps are assigned to different cgroups depending on their lifecycle, which usually depends on the app's interactivity with the user.
For instance an app being actively used in foreground needs more processing power than the one staying idle in the background. So Android creates multiple descendant sub-cgroups for different states of the app (and non-app) processes:
~# grep . /dev/cpuset/*/cpus
/dev/cpuset/background/cpus:0-1
/dev/cpuset/foreground/cpus:0-6
/dev/cpuset/restricted/cpus:0-3
/dev/cpuset/top-app/cpus:0-7

cpuset is one of the multiple types of cgroups Android uses for different purposes.
As you can see that the apps in background are allowed to use only 2 (out of 8) CPUs, those running a foreground service can use 7 CPUs, while the top apps can use all CPUs. Android framework continuously switches the PID of an app between these sub-cgroups as the app changes its state.
Note that:

Different vendors may configure the cgroups differently depending on the number of available CPU cores on the device.
Setting CPU affinity of a task using taskset is filtered to just those CPUs allowed in that task’s cpuset.

How can I tell the phone not to do so?

The best way would be to modify the code and rebuild the ROM so that it no more uses the cgroups (or uses them the way you want). Or simply change the CPU values in the files shown above, hoping that they won't revert back.
But for a normal user this would do more harm than good, consuming more resources and badly affecting the device performance.

Related:

Android stops/pauses execution of my background script?

u0_a164@localhost:~$ grep . /dev/cpuset/*/cpus gives grep: /dev/cpuset/*/cpus: No such file or directory

@OleTange filesystem might be mounted somewhere else. E.g. in /sys/fs/cgroup. Check with mount | grep cgroup. Also you might need root privileges or permissive SELinux to access the directory.

Summary: the more cores you use the more battery you consume so CPU hotplugging turns off the other cores, and the others do the work which makes them at 100% CPU usage, which also give the best performance and the most balanced one.
It's CPU hotplug It turns on and off the cores when needed or not.
It's running 100% CPU usage because it's like this. Imagine, there's a 4 car, and let's assume the drivers are the cores. You have four lanes and 4 cars of course. Each one of them will take 100 pizzas. You can let one  core to do all the work and that's what hot plugging do. Knowing that a car with 50 pizzas consumes a lot less fuel than a car with 100 pizzas you can now see how we can have the same performance and save on fuel: load two cars with 50 pizzas and let them accelerate as quickly as possible to the destination (performance governor). They will get there as quickly as one car with 100 pizzas (same performance), but burn less fuel (battery saving).
If you want to make your phone run at 8 cores then you need to install a custom kernel, use an other CPU governor, use a custom CPU hotplugging, or without installing a custom kernel use an interactive governor, then tweak its parameters.
You can search on XDA for Advance Interactive governor tweaks.

Further, what do you think gives "best balance performance" on high load? Certainly not disabling cores. And 16 bzip2 processes certainly need more than 3 cores for "good performance". So could you please explain – and back your claim?

Use an interactive governor then tune its parameters

Its the way your kernel turn on and off the cores if its needed or not in the bootup all cores are on because android bootup are sometimes slow so developers try to turn on all the cores to make it boot faster

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


text:
How do I remove GIF emojis from Gboard?
I can see how to remove emojis from Gboard, but is it possible to remove just the GIF emojis?

Play Store -> GBoard -> Uninstall -> Select the three dots on upper right -> disable auto-update
This will mean that your version of GBoard is without gif functionality, as it was introduced in a later update

Hi @Chris, thanks for the answer attempt, and the effort of putting a picture too...  However this doesn't really solve problem because it assumes someone has the old version, but the asker has the GIFs already... Keep trying and contributing!

This will only work if Gboard is installed as a system/built-in keyboard (it will say "Uninstall updates" instead to revert to the oldest version on the device). If it's installed as an additional/3rd-party keyboard, uninstalling and reinstalling it will still install the latest version with the GIF emoji feature already there.


text:
How to delete app remnants without root privileges?
I installed Chrooma Keyboard on an Android Nougat device.  It worked fine, including swiping to enter text.
After adjusting Chrooma's settings several times, it started to have a problem where keyboard swiping always resulted in an exclamation point instead of a word.
No problem, I thought.  I cleared Chrooma's cache and data, and tried it again.  The swiping error persisted.  I then uninstalled Chrooma, cleaned the device using SD Maid Pro and CCleaner, and rebooted.  I thought for sure those steps would clear everything out in order to reset Chrooma to its initial state (and fix the bug).
But alas, even after taking all those steps, the bug in Chrooma (which was not present when it was first installed) persisted.  This indicates that it likely wrote some sort of configuration file to a storage location that was not cleared by clearing the app's data and cache, and even by uninstalling it.
Without root privileges, how do you completely delete remnants of an app?
Note: I only use Chrooma Keyboard as an example in this question... the question applies to any app.

Most likely the bug was introduced by an update of Chrooma. In such a case nothing you can do will change the situation. Contact the app developer for a fix.

@Robert Thanks for your comment.  It all happened within 30 minutes, and there was no update to Chrooma during that time.


text:
Customising a custom ROM
I want to know is it possible to edit a custom ROM from zip and then zipping it again (flashable) to a device.  Will it brick the device?
Thanx

Depends on what type of customization you make to the ROM.

Depends on how the ROM is packaged and what you change in it before repacking. You should be able to unpack and make edits using suitable tools for unpacking the ROM.
A better option is to first flash it, then root and make your changes in the files as needed :-)
And yeah it can brick the device if you flash bad code

What possible ways are there to pack / compile a rom...  I mean there must be a universal way to extract the rom file the contents may vary within it...  Care to explain a bit please

Yes it is certainly possible. You need a Linux system however
First determine the format that has been used
If the zip has a system directory it's the old KitKat format
Otherwise check system.transfer.list for the version
Anyway if it's just a system directory you can just extract the zip, add files, modify the updater-script and pack it back
The more complicated stuff:
Case 1: assume system.new.dat
This is actually a sparse (iirc, not really sure) system image that you can extract with sdat2img
You'll get a system.img
Mount this as an ext4 loop device
Perform your modifications
Unmount the system image
Use img2simg to convert system.img to a sparse image then flash it with fastboot like this
fastboot flash system system.img
Case 2: system.new.dat.br
This is just a system.new.dat compressed with brotli. Do not directly run sdat2img on this
First install brotli and decompress it to system.new.dat
Follow everything as said in case 1
There is no easy way to convert it back to system.new.dat. You could use the AOSP build system to do so but if you want to make a flashable zip use the edify command "package_extract_file()" to extract the system.img from a flashable zip onto the system partition.
Also be careful. Remember that any files you add this way will have incorrect selinux contexts. You will have to use chcon to set the correct selinux contexts. Use ls -Z to check what contexts other files have and apply a suitable context

Well, the best would be to first flash the rom, test all of its functions and bugs and then, after testing, you can unzip the rom zip, make your own changes and then just rezip the files.But be careful for all the changes you make, a few changes can be like changing and removing if you want any system apps, change the default wallpapers and ringtones, but you shouldn't never touch any other files.

Is it possible to make a significant change like removing / adding preinstalled apps to rom or like changing the default launcher,  status bar and other theming hacks...  I know how to do all these with magisk modules nd xposed but I'm curious to make these changes to the rom so that j don't need to waste hours on flashing and then molding stuff

@ghost_83 theming hacks need the core framework to be modified which requires rebuilding ROM

Can the rebuilding be done without syncing the aosp manifest or any other rom manifest?

No. You need source code obviously.


text:
Take multiple pictures instead of making a video (Samsung Galaxy S10e)
I have a Samsung Galaxy S10e (Android 10) and I can't take pictures fast after each other when I holding down the shutter button. It will always take a video.
In the begin, it was well possible to do it with my smartphone. I can't find a setting to enable it. Is that option removed?
Update: I can only find a setting for Swipe shutter button to edge to.

In the camera settings, look for Hold Shutter button to. You should see 3 options: Take a picture, Take the burst shot and Create GIF. Select Take the burst shot.
This article explains the difference between the 3 options.

Take a picture. Essentially, it is identical to the single tap gesture.
Take the burst shot. You are using the Galaxy S10 burst mode. All photos taken in the burst mode will be always saved in the phone storage even you set the storage as the SD card.
Create GIF. Galaxy S10 camera will take a series of photos and saved them as one GIF animation file. Please note, the resolution of the GIF animation is 480*640 (VGA) only. You do not have the option to change the resolution for the GIF.

I can't find that option. See my questio for more info.


text:
How to send SMS from terminal in background on Android?
I'm trying to send text message (SMS) from my Android terminal app in background (sim 1 or 2).
I can send message in foreground using this command:
am start -a android.intent.action.SENDTO -d sms:121 --es sms_body "test text" --ez exit_on_sent true;
input keyevent 22;
input keyevent 66;

But this command don't work in background.
So, how can I send message in background from my terminal?
Note: Android version 6.0. Rooted device

With "terminal" you mean an app like Termux or do you mean adb? If it is an terminal app does it have the permission SEND_SMS?

app like termux and permission set ok!

The syntax that appears to work as attested over at our sister site stackoverflow is and is explains in detail:
adb shell service call isms 7 i32 0 s16 "com.android.mms.service" s16 "+1234567890" s16 "null" s16 "Hey\ you\ !" s16 "null" s16 "null"

"Isms method number (5 and 7 above) may change with the android version . Read full explanation to understand it."

It's not working. just display Result: Parsel(00000000, '....')

Firstly, you need to get the actual Service/package name for the service you are trying to call. You can get a list of Your devices Services by throwing the command: adb shell dumpsys -l. Look, for the Service'(s) with mms it will have a syntax of something com.whatevs mms.service. located use that in your command instead of just coping and pasting. Also inform me of the actual name and I will edit the answer. Lastly, reading the extremely detailed answer by @Taknok expailing the what's going on the subid is could be wrong too.

In my terminal dumpsys -l show nothing. But if I run service list it's showing imms com.android.internal.telephony.IMms and another one isms.

Try both but first try the isms one just because that's the command your throwing. If that is a no go then try the Imms one. Also if you can look at the manifest you can most likely get the subid along with the service you need to utilize to send an SMS.

also not working. However I build an apk for solving my problem. Thank you for your answer.


text:
Unlocked boot loader ADB issue
I am trying to downgrade my Nexus 6P from Oreo 8.1 to 7.xx. I’ve unlocked the boot loader and can communicate with the device through Google’s adb fast boot command line which works fine (up to a point).
I get this far, and it fails every time. Here are the files I am trying to flash. Is there something I am missing? I’ve installed the Google USB drivers too, as I thought that was the issue.

You should open the flash-all.bat file in an editor and check which fastboot command it tries to execute after displaying checking version baseband.


text:
Encryption Unsuccessful even after system backup restore
The steps I performed:

Flashed TWRP with Odin
Made backup
Flashed LineageOS 14.1 with TWRP
Flashed SuperSU with TWRP
Flashed Open GApps with TWRP
There was a problem, Google Play Services kept crashing, I decided to restore stock ROM
Restored the backup I made in 2 with TWRP
Opened my restored system and decided to encrypt the device
Either the encryption failed itself or I somehow disturbed it
After restart Encryption Unsuccessful keeps appearing
I restored backup from 2 again I still get Encryption Unsuccessful
I flashed LineageOS again - started nicely
Once again I restored backup from 2 again I still get Encryption Unsuccessful

In the meantime I wiped Cache, Dalvik Cache, Data and System numerous times.
So it looks like the stock ROM keeps seeing the information about the failed encryption process even though I wiped the 4 partitions mentioned above. Interesting part is that LineageOS doesn't care.
Any ideas on how to get the stock ROM back on its feet?
EDIT
Flashing the stock rom with Odin didn't help either

What type of backup did you made (how did you do the backup)?

@Robert via TWRP "backup" function

Found out the way to fix it:

Download stock firmware (*.tar.md5)
Flash it with Odin (it removes TWRP and replaces it with a standard recovery)
Start Android - still "Unsuccessful encryption" error
Boot into recovery mode (now it's standard recovery instead of TWRP)
Run factory reset
Start Android - now it finally starts - problem solved
Flash again TWRP with Odin
Restore the old good backup with TWRP
Done

So basically the factory reset form the original recovery mode fixes it.
Also I found out why the tablet bricked. When it performs encryption process it looks like it's off (no lights, sounds or anything). Do not disturb it, after 20-30 minutes it finishes the encryption and turns itself on. Just leave it be until the screen turns on.


text:
Device won't boot - Shows g.co/ABH secutiry error
Device is a pretty much new LG V30 from verizon, running android 8.
I have done pretty much nothing with the device yet. No root, no tinkering, nothing. I accidentally accepted the software update request it showed me today, which I didn't want. I shut the device down but every time I would turn it on it would start the update progress.
The only other option I had was booting into recovery, so I did that. I was presented with the following options:

So I went with factory reset. After that the phone won't boot anymore, and all I see is this screen:

What can I do now? I could use warranty, but is there anything I can do myself right now?
Again: No root. No unlocked bootloader. Nothing. I used LG's "require password on boot" feature though, which I assume is equal to android's full disk encryption. (?)

Edit: Just talked to LG. Since my phone has [very minor] physical damage on its back, the warranty stands void per LG. What can I do now?
I can't even access fastboot. It just puts me into recovery. What am I doing wrong and what do I need to flash, assuming I can make it into fastboot?

[Googling error] (https://support.google.com/android/answer/6185381?visit_id=1-636692181638229495-149233797&p=verified_boot&rd=1) suggests it's best to contact OEM. Best to do that given it's in warranty

I'd just love to understand why/how this happened. I assume it has something to do with the encryption but since I requested a full factory reset that should vanish, shouldn'it it?

Factory reset sets the encryption to default keys not remove it, if that's what you are implying

Default keys being what? Shouldn't there be no key by default? I mean, when I first got the new phone it wasn't encrypted at all. (?) At least it didn't ask for a password on boot..

By default phones of recent versions are encrypted. Password on boot is additional (optional) thing to ensure that phone can't be used for basic services lulls making /answering calls without entering password

Now that explains why the "whole encryption" only took 5 seconds. Thank you a lot for clearifying that. I guess I'll take it to verizon then and see what they say.

@beeshyamsI have edited the question and added new information. LG claims the warrenty is void so now I have to fix it myself. Never LG again. That's ridiculous.

That's sad. Hope you get useful help soon


text:
How to download a list of all members of WhatsApp group?
I participate in a WhatsApp group and would like to know if it is possible to download a TXT list from all members of this group.


text:
LG Phoenix 3 stuck on firmware update
My LG phoenix 3 is stuck on firmware update when it was being unlocked from the network and it is showing: "do not unplug until the process is complete".
What should i do?

See https://android.stackexchange.com/questions/148733/lg-phone-seemingly-stuck-on-firmware-update


text:
LG K10 MT6753 boot partition deleted
I have a little issue with my LG K10 K430. I was experimenting with it, to learn the adb function. Well, I stupidly erased the whole boot partition using rm, and then my phone is not booting anymore. It is showing the LG boot logo, but is not starting up, keeps rebooting.
I tried to:

Repair it through LG Bridge, to flash the stock ROM through LG UP and LG Flash Tool. But the phone is not staying in flash mode or download mode, cant boot into Fastboot. The only thing that apparently works is the Factory Reset mode, but only shows the interface. It only reboots the phone and nothing else.
Flash the boot image through SP Flash Tool but has no luck. The phone is detected by Windows but only for 3 seconds, then it disconnects. No matter what I do, when I connect the phone to my PC, it quickly disconnects, even with Driver Enforcement deactivated. I tried LG drivers and some other drivers for Mediatek, but still have no luck.

Is there any other way to recover the boot partition's data or to unbrick my phone?
I hope you can help me.
Thanks in advance.

@BoLawson the real location of that link (without Google Amp): https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g3/help/tutorial-fixing-fastboot-mode-started-t2995854/

Please have a look at this video on backing up MTK Devices ( Mediatek ) prior to any system changes MTK Backup & Restore

Ok, you definitely need your CDC Drivers ( MTK Preloader Drivers )
MY Stock CDC & MTK Drivers
Some drivers are .INF files, You need to right click and install ... These files are pulled from an MTK 6735 ROM   - CDC Drivers are usually universal for all MTK.
And probably the newest SP Flash Tool ( V 5.16+ )

5.16 has new support, so get the newest version if you don't already have 5.16+
SP Flash Tool 5.17.zip
Ok, I'll need more information to completely resolve the problem.
How exactly did you remove boot with RM ...
And have you got a Boot Image For The Device....
I can help get everything working but please make sure you have the files above, and you need to watch the video ( English ) to understand how SP Flash Tool works ... Please do all these things and comment the answers ( the code you used to wipe ) etc....


text:
How to root Exynos S8 SM-G950F?
I have rooted devices before: an A3 2016 and a Note 3 Neo. I don't remember the exact procedure, but it was quite effortless.
Now I have an S8, the SM-G950F variant to be precise, and everyone states different things.
Do I need TWRP recovery that everyone is talking about to root the phone? Can I do it in a more simple way without 80 downloads and 50 programs? Also I'd like to use a rather reliable method to do it because not losing my data would be an added bonus.
I am using Android 8.0 Oreo.

Rooting has become pretty straight forward since Magisk came out. This is one approach to root your device.  All you need is a custom recovery and then just flash the Magisk systemless root .zip.
First step would be installing the custom recovery TWRP.
This device uses dm-verity!
This means that swiping to allow system modifications will prevent you from being able to boot if you are using the stock kernel. In order to bypass dm-verity's boot prevention, you will have to install a kernel that has dm-verity disabled in the fstab.
Odin Install Method (No Root Required):
You will need to download and install Odin on your PC.
Once you have Odin installed, download the proper .tar file for your device from the download link above.
Power off your device. Turn on your device using the proper key combo to get into download mode and attach the device to your computer via a USB cable.
Use the PDA tab or button to browse to and select the tar file that you downloaded and flash the device.

Note many devices will replace your custom recovery automatically during first boot. To prevent this, use Google to find the proper key combo to enter recovery. Once TWRP is booted, TWRP will patch the stock ROM to prevent the stock ROM from replacing TWRP. If you don't follow this step, you will have to repeat the install.

Time to root via custom recovery:
`Download the Magisk zip file.
Reboot to a custom recovery and flash the flashable zip
Reboot and check whether Magisk Manager is installed and the version matches the one in the OP
If for some reason Magisk Manager isn't installed/upgraded automatically, please install/upgrade manually!`


text:
Why doesn't my downloaded file appear in the Download folder?
I've downloaded a Powerpoint presentation of the Facebook mobile app and when I go to the downloads folder and search up the name of the file, it doesn't appear. It just says "No results found. I use a Samsung A6.

What happens when you click on  the notification? It should open the file, then you could check the file location on the your PowerPoint associated app. Or check the settings of Facebook if the download location is the Download folder

If you are able to open the downloaded file(s) for example with adobe acrobat reader for PDF files, you can check the details/information about them from the app and obtain the info on their location(s).

I came here with the same issue. Facebook downloaded a pdf, I can open it in Adobe reader. wanted to share it but it's not in my download folder and reader has no details option and a search for the file results in nothing (at least from my downloads folder)


text:
How can I play a video in the earpiece with VLC?
By default, videos play in speaker with VLC. How can I play a video in the earpiece with VLC?
I don't see any option:

This answer may not be 100% because you asked about VLC, however Stealth Audio Player is able to play audios (& audio from videos)  via the earpiece.

Usually, there are two ways of playing music on Android device. You can either use your headphones or a speaker. But how about a third option?
The purpose of this app is to enable the users to listen to something when they do not have earphones and they don't want to use speakers.

This is useful not just for usual audio files, but also for podcasts, and comes in handy for when you forgot to bring headphones and do not want to disturb those around you. Stealth Audio Player enables you to make good use of the tiny speaker to listen things which should not play from the main big speaker.

Be aware that it hasn't as many options as VLC and other players.

NOTE: This is not a full fledged music player.

Disclaimer: I am not related to the app's developer(s).


text:
How can I set the screen to turn off during a video?
I want to set the screen to turn off during a video from the gallery if there are something about 30 seconds without any touch,
How can I do that?
Is root necessary?
My android version is 9.0.

I believe you can do it through an adb shell without root. However, the way I know of you have to manually input the commands. I do not know how to set a timer. I believe the power button is keyevent 26. Try opening an elevated command prompt and with adb throw the command: adb shell input keyevent 26 that should press the power button and hopefully turn of the screen. Then throw the command again to turn it on.

So you mean that I need to try that line of code to check if the power button is keyevent 26?

Yes, it might work depending on your android version. You need to invoke an adb shell with the shell send the command input keyevent 26 which should simulate a power button push shutting of the screen.

What do you mean when you say "it might work depending on your android version"?

My android version is 9.0, would it cause different code?

"As soft input methods can use multiple and inventive ways of inputting text, there is no guarantee that any key press on a soft keyboard will generate a key event: this is left to the IME's (input method editor) discretion
In general, the framework cannot guarantee that the key events it delivers to a view always constitute complete key sequences since some events may be dropped or modified by containing views before they are delivered"
Yep, it still is 26
https://developer.android.com/reference/android/view/KeyEvent.html#KEYCODE_POWER


text:
App not installed error on Huawei Mate 9
I downloaded apk files from Chrome. After the downloads completed, I pressed Install. But after 2~3 seconds, it just said App not installed. For example, I downloaded an app called "TutuApp". It won't install and doesn't give any information on why so I can fix it.
Anyone knows how to fix this?
My phone is Huawei Mate 9 with Android version 8.0.0.
I'm new to Android and a complete noob.

Have you provided permissions like as shown in this link https://android.gadgethacks.com/how-to/sideload-apps-android-8-0-oreo-now-unknown-sources-is-gone-0184399/

it worked now... I just factory reset my phone and it worked... even though it didn't work after the last 3 times i reset the phone... ehh... it work... thanks for helping anyway!

There's 'App not Installed' Error on Android on Stack Overflow.
For my case, Google Protect was on, so I was unable to install app.


text:
How to repair an android device after partially formatting its root directory
My phone is Samsung Galaxy SM-J7 and it's rooted. I heard a linux command which could format the entire operating system from root directory (I do not want to mention it here). I've been curious to know what happens if I try it on Android, and I sadly did so today using tsudo on Termux. After executing that, I realized I'm playing with fire.
However, while everything was being deleted, I stopped Termux app so my device was partially formatted. After a minute, it turned out that my phone does not even accept my password. Hence I decided to wipe its data using Google Device Finder. I did so and also a factory reset, and my device booted up with a long delay afterwards. Anyway, almost every thing went well, but I saw that Wifi and Mobile data are not working...
Now, is there a way to repair my operating system?
Any help will be appreciated.
Edit:
In order to see what filesystems I have on my device (as @IrfanLatif asked), I installed ADB Shell and executed this command in Command Prompt:
adb shell mount > result.txt

This is the content of result.txt after executing the command:
rootfs / rootfs ro,seclabel 0 0

tmpfs /dev tmpfs rw,seclabel,nosuid,relatime,size=701408k,nr_inodes=175352,mode=755 0 0

devpts /dev/pts devpts rw,seclabel,relatime,mode=600 0 0

proc /proc proc rw,relatime 0 0

sysfs /sys sysfs rw,seclabel,relatime 0 0

selinuxfs /sys/fs/selinux selinuxfs rw,relatime 0 0

/sys/kernel/debug /sys/kernel/debug debugfs rw,relatime 0 0

none /acct cgroup rw,relatime,cpuacct 0 0

none /sys/fs/cgroup tmpfs rw,seclabel,relatime,size=701408k,nr_inodes=175352,mode=750,gid=1000 0 0

tmpfs /mnt tmpfs rw,seclabel,relatime,size=701408k,nr_inodes=175352,mode=755,gid=1000 0 0

tmpfs /mnt/secure tmpfs rw,seclabel,relatime,size=701408k,nr_inodes=175352,mode=700 0 0

tmpfs /mnt/secure/asec tmpfs rw,seclabel,relatime,size=701408k,nr_inodes=175352,mode=700 0 0

none /dev/cpuctl cgroup rw,relatime,cpu 0 0

/dev/block/platform/13540000.dwmmc0/by-name/SYSTEM /system ext4 ro,seclabel,noatime,block_validity,norecovery 0 0

/dev/block/platform/13540000.dwmmc0/by-name/EFS /efs ext4 rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,noatime,discard,journal_checksum,journal_async_commit,noauto_da_alloc,data=ordered 0 0

/dev/block/platform/13540000.dwmmc0/by-name/CACHE /cache ext4 rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,noatime,discard,journal_checksum,journal_async_commit,noauto_da_alloc,errors=panic,data=ordered 0 0

/dev/block/platform/13540000.dwmmc0/by-name/USERDATA /data ext4 rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,noatime,discard,journal_checksum,journal_async_commit,noauto_da_alloc,data=ordered 0 0

/dev/block/platform/13540000.dwmmc0/by-name/PERSDATA /persdata/absolute ext4 rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,relatime,data=ordered 0 0

/dev/block/platform/13540000.dwmmc0/by-name/CPEFS /cpefs ext4 rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,noatime,data=ordered 0 0

tmpfs /storage tmpfs rw,seclabel,relatime,size=701408k,nr_inodes=175352,mode=755,gid=1000 0 0

/dev/block/loop0 /su ext4 rw,seclabel,noatime,data=ordered 0 0

/data/knox/tmp_sdcard /mnt/knox sdcardfs rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,relatime,mask=0077 0 0

/data/knox/sdcard /mnt/knox/default/knox-emulated sdcardfs rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,relatime,low_uid=1000,low_gid=1000,gid=1015,multi_user,mask=0006 0 0

/data/knox/sdcard /mnt/knox/read/knox-emulated sdcardfs rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,relatime,low_uid=1000,low_gid=1000,gid=9997,multi_user,mask=0027 0 0

/data/knox/sdcard /mnt/knox/write/knox-emulated sdcardfs rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,relatime,low_uid=1000,low_gid=1000,gid=9997,multi_user,mask=0007 0 0

/data/knox/secure_fs/enc_media /mnt/shell/enc_media sdcardfs rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,relatime,low_uid=1000,low_gid=1000,gid=9997,multi_user,reserved=20MB 0 0

/data/media /mnt/runtime/default/emulated sdcardfs rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,noexec,relatime,low_uid=1023,low_gid=1023,gid=1015,multi_user,mask=0006,reserved=20MB 0 0

/data/media /storage/emulated sdcardfs rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,noexec,relatime,low_uid=1023,low_gid=1023,gid=1015,multi_user,mask=0006,reserved=20MB 0 0

/data/media /mnt/runtime/read/emulated sdcardfs rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,noexec,relatime,low_uid=1023,low_gid=1023,gid=9997,multi_user,mask=0027,reserved=20MB 0 0

/data/media /mnt/runtime/write/emulated sdcardfs rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,noexec,relatime,low_uid=1023,low_gid=1023,gid=9997,multi_user,mask=0007,reserved=20MB 0 0

/dev/block/vold/public:179,33 /mnt/media_rw/4482-1BED vfat rw,dirsync,nosuid,nodev,noexec,noatime,nodiratime,uid=1023,gid=1023,fmask=0007,dmask=0007,allow_utime=0020,codepage=437,iocharset=iso8859-1,shortname=mixed,utf8,errors=remount-ro 0 0

/dev/block/vold/public:179,33 /mnt/secure/asec vfat rw,dirsync,nosuid,nodev,noexec,noatime,nodiratime,uid=1023,gid=1023,fmask=0007,dmask=0007,allow_utime=0020,codepage=437,iocharset=iso8859-1,shortname=mixed,utf8,errors=remount-ro 0 0

/mnt/media_rw/4482-1BED /mnt/runtime/default/4482-1BED sdcardfs rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,noexec,relatime,low_uid=1023,low_gid=1023,gid=1015,mask=0006 0 0

/mnt/media_rw/4482-1BED /storage/4482-1BED sdcardfs rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,noexec,relatime,low_uid=1023,low_gid=1023,gid=1015,mask=0006 0 0

/mnt/media_rw/4482-1BED /mnt/runtime/read/4482-1BED sdcardfs rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,noexec,relatime,low_uid=1023,low_gid=1023,gid=9997,mask=0022 0 0

/mnt/media_rw/4482-1BED /mnt/runtime/write/4482-1BED sdcardfs rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,noexec,relatime,low_uid=1023,low_gid=1023,gid=9997,mask=0022 0 0

Guess I have lots of filesystems.
Edit2:
Now, take a look at this:

Along with message,
Device does not have DRK, please install...
I saw this during the first reboot after Odin passed the first operation. Actually I had trouble downloading the firmware from SamMobile, so I downloaded a firmware from someware else. The downloaded zip file contained only one file with extension .md5. And the instructions told me to set it in AP section on Odin.

Flash a ROM – either the original one, or a custom ROM. And consider trying hot stuff in an emulator first next time :)

Linux and Android have some major differences in root directory. My guess is that the said behavior is due to /persist deleted, but can't tell for sure unless I don't know what you exactly executed and what are your mount points in rootfs, though they are same on most devices.

@Irfan Latif This is what I executed, tsudo rm -rf /. Now I'll try to copy Root Explorer apk file to my phone via my PC and check what's deleted. Though I hope /su/bin is not deleted and the root access is intact.

@JavadBayat I don't why you tried this command. This recursively deletes everything it can subject to DAC and MAC permissions it can have, except the read-only filesystems. Your OS would be intact because that lives on read-only /system filesystem. Reflashing firmware is best option for you right now.

@IrfanLatif You see, I'm not an expert in Android operating system. I know mostly stuff about Windows. Could you explain more on how I can reflash frimware? And you were right, I found no folder named persist at root directory. And I rooted my phone again because everything in /su was deleted.

@JavadBayat what filesystems you have on your device? You can get by mount command

@IrfanLatif I copied Termux apk file from my PC to my phone, and installed the apk. When I run Termux, it says, "Termux was unable to install boot strap pakages. Check your Internet connection and try again." As I previously mentioned, my wifi and mobile data don't work. So I can't use Termux to execute mount command.

@JavadBayat use adb shell

@IrfanLatif After installing ADB shell with a lot of trouble last night, I executed mount command. Please see my edited question.

@JavadBayat most probably the problem would be due to EFS, CPEFS and PERSDATA partitions. Rather than making further experiments, better go for flashing. Start from here: https://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/search/sm-j7/

Please see my edited question. Anyway, I was disappointed, but I rebooted my phone and saw mobile data is working. Thank goodness! But I still suspect that there is something missing in my phone's OS.


text:
Microphone Permssion in Pie not listing all apps
I have a Pixel phone. Recently I checked App permissions →Microphone permissions, and it shows 5 of 24 apps allowed.
But when I open the microphone permissions, it lists only 4 apps. Is this normal behaviour ?

Thanks for editing your question. I am deleting my answer because I can't help with the missing 3 dots. Maybe some Pixel owners can help

@androidbeginner Did you confirm with a 3rd party app like Addons Detector or aSpotCat?


text:
How do I understand the storage usage of an application? How do I solve my phone becoming slow?

When I installed the FB application, the size was 49MB. As recommended, I then move it to the SD Card. I expected that the memory internal usage would not be so congested. The app was working fine initially. But later, the app and my phone was working very slowly, and many times stopped working. Then I checked, and I found the memory usage's status is very different between installation and the current. There are 237MB memory occupied (after I cleared cache the memory), and only 55.88MB stored on SD Card.
Then my question is, where is the rest of the app is stored? In internal memory? How do I solve my phone from being very slow?

There is a lite version of this application designed for low memory device. You should try it

Yes, that FB Lite I also installed. But there is limitation with the number of characters I can write in the status. It limited me to write my though.

49 MB is the size of the installer, the install itself will be much larger. And moving an app to external storage does not move every component of an app, you will never get a 100% data move.
Not sure who advised you to move facebook to external storage, but it is best practice to leave apps on the default install location (interal memory for most apps). External storage is not directly attached to the phone motherboard, and MicroSDHC SDXC card speeds are lower than internal soldered-on memory. So unless you are running critically low on space for internal memory, leave facebook in (or move it back to) internal memory.
Also, don't have both facebook and facebook lite installed. It's a resource burden and may even cause conflicts. For the sake of speed, go with facebook lite if you can. But uninstall one of them.
About cache clearing. Although "cache cleaners" and similar tools look good, a cache clear is at best ephemeral and at worst annoying as all the apps that needed cache in the first place need to repopulate. The exception that proves the rule is facebook...clearing cache once in a while frees up a ton of memory and noticably improves performance. Facebook cache is the one cache item I do delete manually from time to time.
If an uninstall of one of your two facebook apps, and a move back to internal memory, and a facebook cache clear don't help, you'll need to investigate other possibilities.

Quote: Not sure who advised you to move facebook to external storage, but it is best practice to leave apps on the default install location, I did it just because I worried that the internal memory will not be enough. I normally did it as more apps installed, the more slow the phone. I will try to reinstall it and leave in internal memory to see if it is help.

In addition to facebook, I suggest moving as many other apps as possible back into internal memory. I would leave at least 200-300MB free for proper OS function but other than that, unused memory is wasted memory.External memory is best used for user files such as documents, pictures, videos, music etc.


text:
Bootloop after installing GApps in Lineage OS
I installed Lineage OS 16.0 on my Moto x4 using TWRP. I reboot and installed GApps. While installing there were no errors. But then after restart the Phone it stays in start sequence and after ca. 10 min it goes back to TWRP. When I only install Lineage OS it works fine, but without GApps.
So I tried a few variations of combine these versions:
TWRP: twrp-3.3.1-0-payton, twrp-3.3.0-1-payton
Lineage OS: lineage-16.0-20200219-nightly-payton-signed, lineage-16.0-20200223-nightly-payton-signed
GApps: open_gapps-arm64-9.0-pico-2020019, open_gapps-arm64-9.0-pico-2020028, open_gapps-arm64-9.0-pico-20191017
Can you please help me? Did someone know what I am missing or doing wrong?
Edit:
I found that I start in Slot A and installed Lineage there, but after reboot I am in Slot B but installing GApps works without shown error beside that main problem. When I go back to slot A and install GApps there it breaks with error code 64.

check if /system_root/system/build.prop is existing file, gapps fails to detect system-as-root when build.prop is symlink

Any chance that you can capture logcat output during bootup process and add it to your post for diagnosis?

Whenever I used LineageOS 16 I had to use the "other" recommended GApps package by LineageOS.
The so called "MindTheGapps" package.
See here: https://wiki.lineageos.org/gapps.html
MindTheGapps link: http://downloads.codefi.re/jdcteam/javelinanddart/gapps
Mirror: http://downloads.codefi.re/jdcteam/javelinanddart/gapps
I realize they list OpenGApps there as well but for me, only MindTheGapps worked fine.
Ps.: LOS 17 never had this issue on the other hand. The phone I was using is a OnePlus 7 Pro.

Do MindTheGapps also have different packages (nano, pico, ...) like OpenGapps?

So I tried the link you gave me, but I have still the same problem.

And I couldn't find LOS 17 for the Moto X4


text:
How to make an Android smartphone actually go to sleep?
When I turn the screen off on an Android smartphone, I want battery life to be conserved.  Thus, I don't want any third-party apps running in the background, and I don't want the device periodically turning on WiFi (or connecting via 2G/3G/4G/5G).
I set up a test Android Samsung smartphone running Android Nougat, and installed just 25 popular apps.  I set all 25 apps to "Always Sleeping" in Settings.  I then let the device sit for 8 hours with the screen turned off.  During those 8 hours, the Android device connected to a WiFi router 59 times and transmitted/received data each time.
I don't want to turn on Airplane Mode, because I still want the device to be able to receive and log incoming phone calls.
Is there a way to accomplish this with Android (on a non-rooted device)?

"Idle devices in Doze periodically enter a maintenance window, during which apps can complete pending work (syncs, jobs, etc.).". That's how Doze works in Android. So that cannot be altered without modifying source code. Keep WiFi off if you are concerned about that. Preventing apps running in background is possible: Disable autostart on boot and restrict background execution

@IrfanLatif Thanks. If I turn WiFi off, won't it just connect via cellular data?

Actually I meant keep internet connectivity off i.e. WiFi, Mobile Data, Ethernet or any other mode of connectivity.

@IrfanLatif Ah, thanks for the clarification. I wish Google (and Samsung) made it easier to toggle data.  It's buried deep in the Settings.  Even with all connectivity turned off, will the background apps keep waking up the device (even though the screen doesn't come on)?  (Note: I haven't finished reading the content from link you kindly provided.)

You don't have a tile to turn off Mobile Data like WiFi? // Yes apps keep running in background (if allowed by permissions) irrespective of internet connectivity (but their activity is reduced e.g. no notification fetches, no syncs etc.)

@IrfanLatif I wish there was a tile with that functionality. IIRC, Google removed access to that tile by default because they want you to always be connected to the internet, likely because it's more profitable for them. Some good manufacturers (not Samsung in this case), created their own tiles or enabled the hidden one. I recall a hack to enable it on a Samsung device, but the tile  disappears every time the phone reboots. To toggle data on this Samsung flagship device, you have to go to Settings -> Connections -> Data usage -> Mobile data -> Data. They made it as inconvenient as possible.

Well AFAIK the Mobile Data tile is enabled in AOSP. The removal is OEM-specific thing.

@IrfanLatif Thanks.  That's interesting. I recall a discussion about it, and their conclusion was that it was Google's decision/direction.  It's possible people involved in the discussion were mistaken.  Whether it was Samsung or Google that made this decision, the result is obviously not good for the customer.

@beeshyams Thanks. For non-rooted devices, do you have to grant Naptime elevated permissions via adb after each reboot?

As discussed in comments

You want to make sure that the device enters doze mode quickly and disconnect wifi / mobile data when the screen is off. Aeroplane mode is not an option because you need to be able to make /receive calls.

You can achieve that by Naptime app:

Naptime lowers your device's power consumption while the display is off by empowering Android's built-in doze power saving functionality.

Faster idle means less power being consumed uneccessarily. By default doze can take a while to kick in so Naptime just speeds-up that process automagically for you.

It can also automatically disable W-iFi, mobile data, location & bluetooth as soon as doze kicks in.

In addition, Naptime  can also help in enabling doze while in motion (phone in your pocket and you are walking).
It requires root but for unrooted devices it works with elevated privileges through adb commands given in app instructions.
This is a one time process and need not be applied on reboot (AFAIR).

In addition, have a look at this question How to tame "Phone Idle" battery drain on unrooted device? for other apps that can help you. I would recommend you try Wakelock Detector [LITE] (XDA thread)  which is handy in detecting apps that keep your device awake. It gives a better metric than the one you mentioned in question (make sure you follow the instructions).

You can identify such apps and decide on suitable alternatives.

As a second line of defense, in case you aren't happy with Naptime, try, Greenify is another useful app that can come in handy to tame troublesome apps. This works with unrooted devices with adb privileged permissions. Alternatively, you have an open source app Brevent that works as well but adb privileged permissions are required after a reboot. IMHO, with improved Android battery management in recent versions, you may not need this line of defense at all.

Also see this for more Disable autostart on boot and restrict background execution

I do it by disconnecting from data, WiFi & Bluetooth, then turning on airplane mode & power off.
Can also go to the dialer pad and dial *#*#4636#*#* (star-pound-star-pound-4636-pound-star-pound-star), tap phone information and scroll down to enable radios, and move the selector to the off position.

OP doesn't want to turn on Airplane mode. How turning off radio would put the device to sleep?

U must not have seen last 2 words.  "Power Off" device after these items.

Ok. But OP doesn't want to power off the device. The requirement is to get better battery performance by increasing sleep time.


text:
ADB pull stops after first error
I am trying to do a full copy of /sdcard of my unrooted OnePlus 3T to my Windows PC.
So far I've tried:

adb pull /sdcard/ C:\mylocalfolder\
Works OK but as soon as there is an error it stops the process, so the copy process has been truncated. The error is due to a file containing a colon ":" in the name, so it can't be copied to Windows.

adb exec-out tar c sdcard > sdcard_backup.tar
Doesn't work, it stops immediately and creates a corrupted 4kb file.

Copy the files using Windows via Data Transfer mode
Windows halts calculating time to copy files.

Adb pull would be the ideal solution so far if is there a way to skip/ignore errors so it can continue copying the files, or perhaps try to skip the files with certain characters.
I've tried both Adb version 1.0.32 and 1.0.41 (latest version as of July 2020).
Any suggestion?

Keep a small Linux distro installed on PC as secondary OS (even on a USB). Make life easy. // tar is the best way to handle cross platform file name issues. It should work. Try adb shell tar c sdcard > sdcard_backup.tar. Also unlike exec-out this won't merge STDERR with SRDOUT.

try adebar or adb-sync

@alecxs is there any way to tell how much progress this command made? It seems to me like the target tar file size is not updating

@lucidbrot maybe via logcat but i don't know. consider adb is broken, i can't for the sake pull files from samsung usb-c. small files are fine, but after ~ 1 min adb crashes. got the feeling it is related to usb speed

@alecxs I have let the exec-out run overnight and it managed to grab nothing for about two hours, then the tar was suddenly 8.3GB, and now the rest of the night it doesn't seem like anything new was added... it still does not think it's done though. I have aborted it now, but the tar is not even a valid tar file.

@alecxs it could really be related to usb C though. I've had problems with bastboot as well - it only worked over usb 2.0. Got that idea from [here]((https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/help-press-any-key-to-shutdown-in-fastboot.3816021/)

@alecxs I see. In that case I'll do it on linux. Thanks! (I had wakelock on - I was in the recovery at the time)

if you have (git) bash or cygwin you can also use winadb-sync (i have created today) it will continue on errors and get the missing files on second run

I'd still love a way to continue copying via adb pull even though there is an error. In my case, a file that was there at the beginning of the copy disappears because trash is emptied during the pull, Details: adb: error: failed to copy '/sdcard/DCIM/Camera/.trashed-1707529490-PXL_20240111_014436490.jpg' to '/srv/be/mm/adb-pull-sdcard-backup-2024-01-22/DCIM/Camera/.trashed-1707529490-PXL_20240111_014436490.jpg': remote open failed: No such file or directory

Quoting is recommended to make it more clear which commands will executed on client and which pipes/redirections are designated to run on host side. Basically this command should work:
adb exec-out "tar -c /sdcard" > sdcard_backup.tar

Have a look into corrupted 4 kb file. you will see the tar header and file content. there is a leading string before the tar file begin:

removing leading '/' from member names

$ hexdump -C sdcard_backup.tar
00000000  72 65 6d 6f 76 69 6e 67  20 6c 65 61 64 69 6e 67  |removing leading|
00000010  20 27 2f 27 20 66 72 6f  6d 20 6d 65 6d 62 65 72  | '/' from member|
00000020  20 6e 61 6d 65 73 0a 73  64 63 61 72 64 00 00 00  | names.sdcard...|
00000030  00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00  00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00  |................|
*
00000080  00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00  00 00 00 30 30 30 30 37  |...........00007|
00000090  37 37 00 30 30 30 30 30  30 30 00 30 30 30 30 30  |77.0000000.00000|
000000a0  30 30 00 30 30 30 30 30  30 30 30 30 30 30 00 30  |00.00000000000.0|
000000b0  30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30  30 30 00 30 31 34 37 35  |0000000000.01475|
000000c0  37 00 20 32 2f 73 74 6f  72 61 67 65 2f 73 65 6c  |7. 2/storage/sel|
000000d0  66 2f 70 72 69 6d 61 72  79 00 00 00 00 00 00 00  |f/primary.......|

problematic exec-out will redirect stdin and stderr. at least avoid error messages, or even better catch stderr completely
adb exec-out "tar -c sdcard" > sdcard_backup.tar
adb exec-out "tar -c sdcard 2> /dev/null" > sdcard_backup.tar

Note the skipped leading / root dir in command line. This time a 4 kb tar file is produced
$ hexdump -C sdcard_backup.tar
00000000  73 64 63 61 72 64 00 00  00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00  |sdcard..........|
00000010  00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00  00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00  |................|
*
00000060  00 00 00 00 30 30 30 30  37 37 37 00 30 30 30 30  |....0000777.0000|
00000070  30 30 30 00 30 30 30 30  30 30 30 00 30 30 30 30  |000.0000000.0000|
00000080  30 30 30 30 30 30 30 00  30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30  |0000000.00000000|
00000090  30 30 30 00 30 31 34 37  35 37 00 20 32 2f 73 74  |000.014757. 2/st|
000000a0  6f 72 61 67 65 2f 73 65  6c 66 2f 70 72 69 6d 61  |orage/self/prima|
000000b0  72 79 00 00 00 00 00 00  00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00  |ry..............|

looks like a healthy tar archive. let tar do it's work. it reveals the file is a symbolic link
$ tar -vtf sdcard_backup.tar
lrwxrwxrwx root/root         0 1970-01-01 01:00 sdcard -> /storage/self/primary

In boot mode /sdcard is just a symlink to /storage/emulated/0
while in recovery mode /sdcard is a bind-mount of /data/media/0
tar does not traverse symlinks by default, therefore the command works in recovery mode. for boot mode use tar -h flag, or provide directory path instead of it's symlink.
furthermore on windows cmd.exe may add additional \r carriage return for each \n linefeed. therefore avoid streaming plain data, instead use compression algorithm which produces no linefeeds at all. this can be done with gzip
adb exec-out "tar -ch sdcard | gzip" > sdcard_backup.tar.gz
adb exec-out "tar -c storage/emulated/0 | gzip" > sdcard_backup.tar.gz

This tarball archive can be extracted from tar as most tar implementations will auto-detect and invoke gzip automatically.
$ tar -vtf sdcard_backup.tar.gz
drwxrwx--x root/sdcard_rw    0 2018-01-01 01:00 storage/emulated/0/
drwxrwx--x root/sdcard_rw    0 2018-01-01 01:00 storage/emulated/0/Samsung/
drwxrwx--x root/sdcard_rw    0 2018-01-01 01:00 storage/emulated/0/Samsung/Music/

For windows we can use 7-Zip as alternative unpacking program, it will handle most of compression algorithms.

Holy! That was faster than expected... oh right, I grabbed the wrong sd card. But for the internal SD card I can confirm that this method is working :D creating a 3GB backup of the internal sd card only took a few minutes.

At the time of writing, 9 hours later, my external SD card is still not done backing up with that command (from recovery, screen unlocked). I have aborted and got a 7GB file. That seems like it was very slow.. 7zip reports a compression rate of 95% but fails to open the (aborted) file as it is apparently faulty. I think I will go the way of just taking the card out and reading it on a different device to copy it.

adb pull on the external sdcard did stop at 48% though. blkid reports my ext sdcard as type exfat

You (and android) were right! My problems backing up were because my fs on the sdcard is broken as reported by fsck.exfat /dev/block/mmcblk0p1. Sadtimes. Thanks!


text:
Is this possible in Android that a file/folder can have multiple owners and group?
So in my scenario, I am trying to assign multiple groups, the user to a file in /dev/. So I have created a custom AID in config.fs and the corresponding [path], mode, caps parameter also configured. Also modifies my apk to uses this new gid.
At runtime, I saw that a custom group is created and my process(java process) also has this custom gid in Groups(cat /proc//status). But still, I can't perform the operation on /dev/* file.
So my question is this possible in android that a file/folder can have multiple owners and groups?

not sure about mounted namespaces, but in linux world subgroubs can be members of groups. on file system level you can only chown single group

I don't know of any OS where a file is owned by multiple users or groups. You can have multiple supplementary groups though, or something like ACLs. Not clear what you are trying to do. From config.fs I guess you are developing a ROM? That's off-topic here. And you talked about DAC only. What about MAC (SELinux)?

@IrfanLatif ok to elaborate more in android /dev/snd/pcm* is owned by user system and group audio. just for some reason, I want to access PCM device from an apk. instead of assigning the full audio gid permission I thought to create a custom gid and have this gid also in /dev/snd/pcm.


text:
No Vibrate During Calls
Is there a way to get my phone to not vibrate during calls? I want it to vibrate for various notifications when I'm not in a call, but it's a bit startling with my phone up to my ear.
I've found a few SMS apps that can do it, but I'm hoping for something general, across all notifications.
EDIT: Upon further testing, it seems that my phone (Moto G, Andriod version 5.1) doesn't vibrate during a call by default, but sometimes it messes up and allows the notification vibrate to go through.

https://androidforums.com/threads/help-turn-off-notification-vibrate-during-phone-calls.126748/

It might be different on other devices, but in a Samsung this is how you do it:
In the dialer app go to menu>settings>call settings>call alerts>notify during calls. Turn that off.

I don't have that option on my Moto G. Also, does that just affect call notifications, or all notifications?

It mutes all notifications from vibrating during calls. Look in settings>sound>also vibrate during calls. See if you have such a setting

I have an option called "Also vibrate for calls", but that just toggles whether to vibrate as well as give the ringtone when receiving a call. Turns out that my phone doesn't allow notifications to vibrate during a call by default, but messes up sometimes (see the edit that I added to the OP). Thanks anyway.

I have that option "Notify during calls", but it additionally says "Hear a sound when receiving a new notification" – so it's not related to vibrate, it's also not changing anything for my hangout calls etc.

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


text:
How to install Play Store on Jio Lyf LS 4005?
I have recently bought a Jio Lyf 4005 which has Android 5.1 Lollipop running. But it does not have Google Play Store, instead it has Lyf Store (provided by the ISP) which has only a few apps available. Is there any way I can install Google Play Store on it?
I have already tried following and failed:

Downloading and installing Google Accounts Manager, Play Store and Google Play Services APKs. It keeps showing the message "Unfortunately, Google Play Services has stopped." When I try to open Google Play Store it shows the "Cannot Connect to the Server [RH-01]".
I have rooted the phone and tried to copy GApps files to system folder but I am unable to paste anything there.

Any help is much appreciated.

Please see our google-apps tag-wiki, which has some instructions on this. After reading that, also follow up to How can I install the Google Apps Package (Play Store, …) on my Android device?

I have finally figured it out. You can install Play Store on Flame 6. See this blog entry and follow steps: https://tanninpower.wordpress.com/2016/10/28/how-to-install-google-play-store-on-reliance-jio-lyf-flame-6-ls-4005/

Be welcome to answer your own question with the details you've found! As a link might die, please make sure to directly include the basics. Thanks a lot!

I don't have 15 reputation on this site! Can you un-protect it?

Seeing the amount of spammy/low-quality answers we've already had to remove here, I'd prefer not to. You're only lacking 2 points. A single accepted edit would suffice, be it a question/answer here or a tag wiki. Feel free to ping me in chat to approve the edit, so we can speed up things ;)

Finally I have figured out how to do this. To install Play Store on Lyf Flame 6 follow these steps:
Download required APKs and play_store.zip files from TanninPower.

Download required APKs and play_store.zip files from TanninPower, put them on your phone.
Install KingoRoot and root your device.
Install SuperSU
Uninstall KingoRoot
Install Flash Fire, load play_store.zip file in it and flash it. It may take some time and phone will restart after it.

Play Store should now be installed. You can uninstall SuperSU and FlashFire, it will not affect Play Store installation.

Looks like you have done so much. Seems like they have cut the server connection between Google PlayStore and they use their OS. Only possible thing for you to do is flash a custom rom. To do it,

install Clockworkmod or TWRP mod.
Find an appropriate Custom Rom made for your phone.
then install Gapps if they dont have it.

all the best

I have tried searching for custom ROMs for this phone. Do you think that custom ROMs can be available for such phones? Can I use some other phone's ROM on this one?

@DDC No, ROMs are device specific. Is there custom recovery for your device (TWRP or CWM)? If so, backup and move the backup to a safe location, then flash a basic gapps package from opengapps.org


text:
'applypatch' process using too much CPU
I have here a brand-new Samsung Galaxy Duos 2 and there's something that bothers me about the "applypatch" process. It uses too much CPU (up to 50%) and runs continuous like a service. Now, what does it do there?
I think this happened after I updated my firmware through Settings > About device > Software Update or maybe after I restored some apps from my other phone. Is this just normal like it would patch something and will stop as soon as it finishes its job or is there something else I should be alarmed? Do I need to stop it?

 (Click on the image for larger version)

have you tried restarting your phone? does it help?

yes, MANY times, actually, it's still there up to now, so it is running for 3 days total.

I have already found out the problem, it's because of the Upgrading of the firmware. I brought my phone to Samsung and they found out that the firmware installed in the device is somehow not genuine (don't know about this, I got my device from Globe Telecom as brand-new.)
Disclaimer: this solution is for Samsung device under warranty period. Samsung said the problem occurs when you update through OTA when you have an inconsistent internet connection making the 'applypatch' running as if it cannot find all necessary files for upgrade and continuously searching and patching it. Solution to this is to backup first your device, bring it to Samsung Service Center then have them format it and install a genuine OS. After that, my device is back to normal with updated genuine Android 4.2.2 Jellybean and just have to restore my data.
If your warranty is over and if you're already rooted you can just reformat your Android device with a legit ROM and everything will be back to normal.


text:
How do I set the timer tone on a Galaxy J7?
My previous Android phone, the Galaxy Note S5, had an option for setting an MP3 ringtone for both the alarm and the timer.  I'm now using the Galaxy J7, and it appears to allow a ringtone to be set for only the alarm, by tapping on a set alarm and changing the "Alarm tone" setting.  How can I set a ringtone for the timer?  I tried tapping the timer duration, but that didn't do anything.
EDIT: Here is what the Timer screen looks like.

EDIT: I downloaded the Google Clock app and that works ok--less friendly UI, but I can set a timer ringtone.

Add a picture? And can you be more specific about which clock app you're using?

@owlswipe, I'm using the Clock app that's included standard on the J7 (the one that has Alarm, Stopwatch, and Timer options).  I'll get a screenshot and add it.

If there's no settings menu within the clock app, try looking inside Settings -> Sound.

@owlswipe the clock app has settings for the alarm, but not for the timer.  Changing the ringtone in Settings->Sound does not change the tone for the timer.


text:
Stop screen from dimming while on charger
How can I stop the screen from dimming when my phone is charging? (the same thing the screen does when it's about to turn off).
Note that my screen already stays on, but it gets darker after an idle period.
Nexus 6P, stock Mashmallow.

I achieved this using Tasker. I created a Profile that, when plugged in, activates a task that sets the display timeout to a huge value. I accompanied it with an exit task that sets a normal-length display timeout.

I achieved this by adding a macro in macrodroid. Pretty simple and straight forward.
Like @spiffytech said when plugged in set the time out to never and when unplugged set the time out to 15sec.


text:
Just rooted and can't enable premium messaging
When I attempt to enable it, it's stuck like in the picture.

I then receive the message: Free Msg: Unable to send message - Message Blocking is active. I've tried other messaging applications, but I can't get it to work. My phone is a Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S.

You probably need a root hider or root disguise. That is probably checking to see if you have root access and if so won't compete.


text:
Sony Xperia X Rooting issue when the unlock bootloader flag is set to no
I am trying to unlock a Sony Xperia X that was locked to a Canadian carrier (Freedom). The previous owner sold me the phone unlocked (SIM) but he failed to unlock the bootloader.
I followed the instructions here and realized that the rooting status states that boot-locker unlock is set to no.
I also got the developer options enabled and made sure that the OEM unlocking is set to true and USB debugging set to true.
Next I ran adb devices and my device shows up.

However I ran fast-boot devices after starting the phone in bootloader mode (Volume Down + insert USB cable), it doesn't recognize any device.
I am wondering: is there any way I can get around Sony's restrictive Boot-loader unlock setting and get root on my phone? I desperately need to get rid of some bloatware.

Have you installed the fastboot drivers? Windows requires different drivers for ADB and fastboot mode. Boot to bootloader connect the device and check the device manager for unknown devices.

So this is what I did, after connecting my phone and firing up a CMD window ,I looked for fastboot devices and it showed nothing. Out of curiosity I rebooted into bootloader using fastboot command ( think it was fastboot reboot bootloader ) and it booted my phone in the bootloader mode. This should confirm that I have the right fastboot drivers installed right ?

The only real confirmation that fastboot drivers are working correctly is that fastboot devices lists your device. Boot to bootloader and search for Android Bootloader interface or something like this. See also: http://www.wtfandroid.com/fix-fastboot-device-not-recognised-problem/

@Robert Thank you. i will give this a shot when i get home. i wouldn't be surprised if the fastboot drivers are not installed properly


text:
How to create custom shortcut on homescreen with extras parameters?
I would like you create custom separate shortcuts to MPV player for each of my IP cameras around the house.
I can launch MPV to directly play the camera stream using adb
adb shell am start -n is.xyz.mpv/is.xyz.mpv.MPVActivity -e filepath "rtsp://login:password@192.168.2.1:554//Streaming/Channels/1"`

I tried editing sqlite db /data/data/org.lineageos.trebuchet/databases/launcher.db and adding new entry for each shortcut but it didn't work. I'm not 100% sure how to pass extras variable in format like
Intent;action=android.intent.action.MAIN;category=android.intent.category.LAUNCHER;launchFlags=0x10200000;component=is.xyz.mpv/.MPVActivity;s.filepath=rtsp://login:password@192.168.2.1:554//Streaming/Channels/1;end

It seems that you have root access, given that you can edit that database. In that case, why don't you use Tasker app? You can setup a shortcut (as many as you want) with that first command of yours.

@Firelord thanks, that looks like it could achieve what I want, but it seems Tasker is paid app. It is somewhat ridiculous such a basic feature is so hard to achieve - creating shortcuts with arguments is a basic feature that normal desktop OS have built-in for decades.

The app Automate (Llama labs) as well as Terminal Emulator also has a 1x1 widget where you can attach your commands.


text:
Running metasploit on android error
I am trying to run metasploit on Android using Termux.
I've already installed it but when i try to run msfconsole command i get this error:
ruby: No such file or directory -- /data/data/com.termux/files/home/metasploit-framework/msfconsole (LoadError)

Thanks for response
EDIT :

Second EDIT

Please Share a Screenshot of the Home Directory on your Termux Terminal....to do so... Simply Execute the following commands and Share the Screenshot of the result... cd ~ && ls

You should try to execute metasploit and then make the screenshot. How did you install metaspoit?

I installed it from this tutorial : https://null-byte.wonderhowto.com/forum/to-install-metasploit-framework-android-part-1-termux-0186792/            Second screenshot added

If you're new to MetaSploit Framework, I strongly recomment against trying to run it on Android. MSF itself is meant for experts, and configuring it on non-GNU/Linux systems add another layer of complexity as well as requirement for previous knowledge in related subjects.

Also, the tutorial provided many ways of installation. Which one exactly did you follow?

I followed the first way.


text:
How to root Mi TV 4A?
I tried all rooting technique but nothing is working
Problem no 1: I can't use USB debugging options (don't have USB to USB cable) but I can able to use adb over network after boot.
Tried all kinds of apps: Kingroot, Towelroot, Kingo root.
Nothing is working ☹
I have a useless recovery mode (because of USB to USB cable, I cannot connect).

Tv model: Mi TV 4A
Android: 6.0.1
No Gapps

Have suitable TWRP & need to install TV Gapps.
Note: It's not a TV box.


text:
Lock computer USB connection with anther password
I'm looking for a way to lock computer USB connection with second password, not with the regular lock screen password but with a different password. Thus, people who already know the password of my device will not be able to transfer files and connect it to the computer without the other password.
There is an app on the play store that called:
Smart AppLock (App Protector)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sp.protector.free
It has the so-called option "USB Connection Lock", but it isn't working... Is there a similar way to do it? I searched the internet but did not find anything close.. maybe some code to use with ADB?

You need an app or a way that detects whether com.android.settings/.Settings$UsbDetailsActivity activity is in the foreground or not. If in foreground, than create an overlay or a new activity on top of it which would act as a password lock (the type of which you are seeking). So far, I have not been able to find an app that offers detection of a specific activity launch.

I'm not a developer, so what can I do?


text:
Move the pointer and control it with the head
My name is Stéphane. I am disabled (quadriplegic).
I have a Mac Os 10.15.7 computer where I can move my mouse pointer with my head with this system and with my webcam.
Is there a way with Android to use the webcam to move the cursor?
Thank you.

Welcome Stéphane! Although I am not personally aware of such a system, I imagine at least one does exist. Accessibility functionality on Android is fairly advanced, and I have a hunch a system exactly like what you describe is available. I'm sorry I can't be of more help in that regards.
As a possible simple alternative, years ago a quadriplegic colleague of mine was a computer programmer at a very prominent tech company.  He would strap a pencil-like device to his forehead using a specially-designed headband and write computer programs.  Instead of a pencil tip, the tip of the device was more like an eraser.  Back then, there were no touch screens, so he would be pressing physical keyboard keys.  I wonder if something similar would work for you, but with a tip that works with touchscreens.
Another quadriplegic friend had short 10-15cm (4-6") arms that were rounded at the ends. At the ends of each (or just one... I don't exactly recall) small appendage, was a small ~1cm cavity in which he could attach tools, including a similar pencil-like device (with an eraser-like tip) which he used to type.  He even drove a customized vehicle (a large van that had a wheelchair lift).
I don't know, but maybe some of the above gives you ideas!
I also have a hunch that organizations that help quadriplegics and paraplegics would have good resources for exactly the type of system about which you inquire.  I know that for people with very limited vision or blindness that there are some amazing organizations that help locate (and possibly help fund) obtaining tools like you describe to help accommodate their needs.  I imagine (and hope) similar organizations exist for quadriplegics and paraplegics.
In summary, I hope someone else here will be able to offer you a more specific answer to you question, but in the meantime, that at least a little bit of what I wrote will be of help to you.


text:
Many apps crashing on phone after Google app disabled and re-enabled
The Google app was taking up half a gigabyte of storage even though I never use it, so I cleared its data and disabled it. After I did this, Gmail and Outlook crashed, so I re-enabled the main Google app. Gmail and Outlook were still failing, however.
Since the main Google app was now an earlier version, I thought maybe I should update it. Although I can open the main Google app, it crashes as soon as I switch to the "Update" tab, so that's not an option. I also tried clearing my Gmail and Outlook data to see if that would help, as well as disabling and re-enabling Gmail, but neither had any effect.
I've also cleared all data from Google Play Services and restarted my phone to no avail. If I try to visit Google settings from the Settings app, then the Settings app freezes. What can I do to make these apps operable again? Note that not all Google apps are afflicted. For example, I can still use Drive, YouTube, and the Play Store.
For a little more detail, the Gmail is receiving data. I can see new messages for the half-second that the app is open before  it crashes. If I try to send a crash report, the crash-report-sending services crashes too.
I'm using a Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge running Android 8.0.0.
EDIT:
Previously I wrote of only a few apps that have crashed. As I have tried to use more, I have found that apps unrelated to Google have crashed -Stack Exchange being one of them, as well as an open source reader app (that wasn't even installed through the Play Store, it was installed through F-Droid), a game, and the built-in Samsung text messenger app.
In recent verbal conversation, someone suggested that I may have unintentionally deleted a security token, and that is causing the widespread malfunctions. However, he does not know how to get a new one if that is the case, and of course neither do I.
EDIT 2:
In the early afternoon today, about 24 hours after the initial problem, the main Google app managed to update itself without any intervention from me and everything came back online. Perhaps there is a 24-hour check for updates that Google performs for built-in apps automatically outside.of the app store. In any case, once this occurred, the other apps which had been compromised began to function as well, so now everything is back to normal.

You can try to manually download the Google apps from https://opengapps.org and manually install the newest version of those apps you have disabled/reset, especially Google Play Services and Play Store.

Thank you. Frankly, I don't know how to install those. I've installed from APKs before but not tars. Also, I've updated the post with additional information that may help. Based off the breadth of non-Google apps that are crashing, and the timing of the crashes, it sounds like it's an authentication problem rather than version incompatibility.

Tar is just an archive format extract it and identify the APK files you need. You don't need all of them just the relevant I mentioned to get Play Store working again so you can update the other apps via Play Store.

Thank you! In the early afternoon today, the main Google app managed to update itself without any intervention from me and everything came back online. Perhaps there is a 24-hour check for updates that Google performs for built-in apps automatically outside.of the app store.

Great to hear you are back up and running.  Yes, Google Play will force itself to update, and I am currently unaware of any way to prevent this from happening.  In your case, it wound up being a good thing (until all the Google bloat fills up your device again), although in some cases it is not.

Yes! I'll just clear caches without disabling the apps next time...

First, instead of a few dozen little apps, each supplying an API or a service, Google changed the scheme (a few years ago) to incorporate all of them in one app.  Most Google apps depend on it, many non-Google apps depend on it.
I'd try uninstalling all the non-system apps that are crashing (you can't uninstall a system app unless the device is rooted), update the Google app (again), update the Google system apps and reinstall all the uninstalled apps.  (If that doesn't work, reflashing the ROM - and losing anything not backed up - may be your only resort.)

Thank you! As noted above in the second edit and the comments, the problem has been resolved. However, this is good information, so it's worth an upvote. For what it's worth, uninstalling and reinstalling non-system apps unfortunately did not help.


text:
Screen offset when running some Android apps on PC (not Chromebook)
I installed Android onto my laptop so that I could play a game called Psych with my brother.When I launch it, the screen is shifted to the right and the mouse is limited to the area of portrait orientation (see image).

My theory is that the app is a portrait app, but when it is displayed on a horizontal screen (like a Chromebook), it will stretch out these edges so that it doesn't look bad and the user can just click the important things in the center (that is why the mouse is limited to the portrait area). But for some reason, when it launches on the computer, it will be forced to start displaying from where the portrait apps start from, causing it to shift over.Please inform me, if my theory is correct or if it doesn't work for another reason, what the reason is, and most importantly, tell me how to fix it. Please ask me if there is any other information I should provide.

"I installed Android onto my laptop" -  What do you mean by this?  Are you running Android in an emulator or a virtualized environment perhaps?

@CzarMatt I installed the iso

Forgive me, I still don't see what you mean.  "I installed the iso" - was that the game or Android itself?  Did you install Android, as in the Operating System on PC (laptop) hardware?

@CzarMatt Android itself

Before we address your theory and subsequent request for a fix, we need to establish some basic info about Android.
Firstly, Android is a Mobile Operating System.  Your laptop is most likely more closely related to the common desktop/personal computer type of operating system.

"While computers such as typical laptops are 'mobile', the operating systems usually used on them are not considered mobile ones, as they were originally designed for desktop computers that historically did not have or need specific mobile features."  --  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_operating_system

As such, your laptop's hardware is not the best host for the Android OS.  Since Android is built on top of the Linux Kernel, it usually is built to contain just enough hardware configuration and driver support to function on its intended build target or host device - usually a mobile phone or tablet.

"While the Linux kernel contains code for all the different chip architectures and hardware drivers it supports, an individual system runs only a fraction of the codebase. An average laptop uses around 2 million lines of kernel code from 5 thousand files to function properly, while the Pixel phone uses 3.2 million lines of kernel code from 6 thousand files (due to the increased complexity of an SoC)."  --  https://source.android.com/devices/architecture/kernel

This means that the Android OS you installed on laptop hardware is doing its damnedest to actually function.  The stripped down Linux Kernel now driving your laptop's hardware more than likely is falling back to generic drivers with limited feature capabilities.
Secondly, your laptop probably has hardware features not usually found in native Android - and conversely, the Android OS looks for mobile-centric hardware features in order to, for example, render the UI.
Which brings me to your first inquiry;

My theory is that the app is a portrait app, but when it is displayed on a horizontal screen (like a Chromebook), it will stretch out these edges...

This has a grain of truth in that Android doesn't know how to properly drive your laptop's display.  Android has tons of sensors, including a bevy of Motion Sensors that help Android decide on configurations screen orientation.
Since among other things your laptop lacks these sensors, Android cannot determine in which orientation to display the user interface.  The Android OS you installed is probably having difficulty ascertaining other display hardware attributes such as pixel density, resolution, color encoding, screen size, etc... hence the "stretched out edges" you note.
Finally;

tell me how to fix it

You're more than welcome to contribute to the Android Open Source Project while simultaneously building your own custom Linux kernel with help from around the Internet.  Though this is an utterly daunting task for even seasoned developers.
A better option, in my opinion, is to reinstall a more appropriate Operating System for your laptop (e.g., Windows, Ubuntu, etc...) and simply run an Android emulation software suite such as BlueStacks 4 or Nox Android Emulator.


text:
Play store - share button missing
Am I blind or is there no share button so I cannot easily send somebody a link to some app from my phone? On a PC, I can copy a browser URL. I am pretty sure there was this share icon somewhere on the phone, but seems like it is no longer present.

In that menu I have a share button (PlayStore Version 13.8.16 235060107). May be you have set an app as default for share that is incompatible with PlayStore?

A bit weird but click on the developer name under the app name, it shows the list of apps by him/her, then and go back and click the dotted menu and Share item will be available.

@Alireza is correct and his comment is the correct answer. It's a bug. Google is not able to fix their store for 3 years now. Go figure.

This happens when you go to Play Store from within settings > app >app info (depending upon your OS).
If you go directly to Play Store (not from app info of installed app) and search for the app, you can find the "share" option.
I noticed this ever since I upgraded to Pie in January.
One on the left is from within settings and on the right is direct search on Play Store.

Anybody can test if this was fixed in Android Q?

@Vitas at the very least, I just checked this is working properly on Google Pixel 3a, Android 12.

Still missing here... Google Pixel 2 XL with Android 11.

Yes. Still missing

This is not correct.

@CaptainCrunch it was correct at the time of writing. Google changes tons of things unfortunately :(


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WhatsApp profile pics of some contacted added but now have disappeared
Some of my contacts didn’t add a pic on their WhatsApp profile. As I had pics of them, I added their pics from my phone contact list, and they were automatically transferred to my WhatsApp.
But suddenly, some of these pics disappeared on WhatsApp. I still can see them in my phone contact list, but not on WhatsApp anymore. And I still can see their last seen, so I believe they didn’t block me...
What could be going on??

You are facing this for one (or a group of) user, or for all users you added pics? If it is for all, it might be related to some update on the app's behavior (It seems odd to me that someone else is able to choose a picture of me - even if it is for his own phone - for a social app). Also, another thing, if a user blocks you, his/her pic is removed. Wouldn't this be the problem?

For all the ones I’ve added pics in my phone contact list... But I think they didn’t block me, because although the pics I’ve added for them disappeared, I still can see the last time they were online.


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Bluetooth mouse suddenly stopped connecting to Android tablet
I have a Lenovo Yoga Tab 3. I also have a bluetooth mouse, Microsoft 3600. Some time ago (~ 3-4 weeks) I could successfully use my mouse with my tablet. But now, after I do the pairing nothing happens, the pairing seems successful but the mouse doesn't work. The mouse still seems to work normally with OTHER devices because I can use it on my android smartphone and 2 laptops (work and home).
I have tried removing all bluetooth devices, by all I mean two devices: my bluetooth keyboard and the non-working mouse, and I also tried a factory reset.
I also did what is described in this article, but it didn't help.
I started connecting all the bluetooth devices I have, they all work correctly, except the mouse. I also noticed that on the tablet it doesn't say connected near the mouse:

Try deleting all paired connections on the device maually or by deleting cache and data of Bluetooth app and pair again

How do I delete the cache and data of Bluetooth app? BTW: I've performed a factory reset also

Factory reset takes care of it (sorry, missed that) . Aside, by going to apps and from 3 dot menu (depending on your Android version) selecting to display system apps >clear storage >cache and data

No, factory reset didn't help, I also cleared the data and cache of the Bluetooth Share app.

I am out of ideas. All the best

does the Bluetooth used batteries in that case change the batteries because the battery power for Android could be more

I tried the batteries, no luck!


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Google play store app installation history
What would cause the Google history to show certain apps installed, but then uninstalled, all at the same exact time or within one minute of each other?

Maybe the apps were updated during those times.

So are you saying that when apps are updated, they automatically uninstall and reinstall? Is that certain?

It's my theory yes. Even on a PC most apps (programs) when they are updated, the old version must be removed in order to install the new. To be 100% sure, update in the near future an app and check if their activities will be reflected as uninstalled and installed as shown on the images you posted

Did you test? What were the results?


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Block all incoming calls
I need to use internet, but without being able to be called. So basically just block all incoming calls.
I used to enable flight mode, but doing so, I'm not able to connect to the internet.
Is there an alternative?

Some Samsung devices have a feature called "Blocking Mode", which allows this. You can check if your phone has it from Phone -> Call settings -> My Device -> Blocking Mode -> Disable incoming calls.

I found an app based solution for the question. Most of the call blocking apps works by blacklisting the contacts while our goal is to blacklist all of them temporarily. Adding all the contacts in a blacklist can be tiresome and so, an app with whitelist method is much more suitable here. I found and tested the following apps that can do such easily:
1) Whitelist Call Blocker

Whitelist Call Blocker is a call blocker, with that you can determine which callers reach you. So it is possible with activated Whitelist Call Blocker, that for example only the group "family" can reach you. All others only hear a busy signal. Of course, your phone will not ring if the caller is not a member of an allowed group to call you.
By working with groups there are only a few clicks to block or allow hundreds of callers by Whitelist Call Blocker.

2) Call Block -- Run this in Whitelist mode.

"Call block" is a free full-featured app to block harassing phone calls and SMS for you.
We offer four block modes, the dynamic interface will change automatically, so you can know the current mode easily (block modes available: Block all, Block blacklists only,Accept whitelists only, Accept contacts only)
  This app also provides answering modes. There are four modes: Power off, Busy, No service, The number is not in service.


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Using Parted, Gdisk, fdisk or other tools to re-format an Android device
I have a Lenovo Yoga tablet 2 Android version which uses an Intel chip.
I have managed to install TWRP on the device.
I need to use a tool in the TWRP command line environment to resize the partitions on Android and also see if I could install Ubuntu.
I found this guide:
How to run "parted" command in terminal emulator on my android smartphone
However the tools are all for ARM CPUs and mine is an Intel one.
I also have the deb files for the tools on my x86-64 Ubuntu PC. But the terminal in TWRP cannot install deb files as there is no dpkg I think.
How do I get such tools running?

Even if the CPU is PC alike, regular Ubuntu will not work because Android devices do not have a BIOS/UEFI which you could use to boot Ubuntu.

Yes it does. You just need a terminal to get into the UEFI. It lets you boot from a file too.

Here is the code:

adb shell
su
mount -t efivarfs efivarfs /sys/firmware/efi/efivars
printf "\x07\x00\x00\x00\x01\x00\x00\x00\x00\x00\x00\x00" > /sys/firmware/efi/efivars/OsIndications-8be4df61-93ca-11d2-aa0d-00e098032b8c
reboot

Please make it a proper answer giving all details. It will help others and you may earn some reputation if the answer is well written with all details


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Can I increase the volume of the end-of-call beep?
According to this article, Google softened the end-of-call beep to an almost inaudible level following customer feedback. I happened to like the beep because it made it easy to know if a call had been dropped when the signal was rubbish. Is there a way to bring it back? (I know it’s still there, but, as I said, it’s almost inaudible, even when the call volume is set to max. I’d like to raise the beep volume.)
Thanks for any help.


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"Failed to delete" message when deleting files from SD card
I use smartphone with Android version 5.1.1 Whenever I try to delete files (videos, images, ebooks, etc) from my SD card I get the "Failed to delete" message. I looked for the solution to the problem online but didn't find the matching. What I tried was I unmounted my SD card and mounted it to my PC. Then I ran cmd as administrator and tried these commands in order:
diskpart
list disk
select disk 1 (which pointed to my SD card)
attribut disk clear readonly

It didn't work out.
What do you suggest to do?

It happened to me atleast 2 or 3 times alraeady. I did not manage to recover it since it's in readonly. If DISPART did not cut it, there's no other way I think.

It's a very common problem for less reputed SD cards. It can be fixed by doing a full format on the SD card. (Not a quick format because it doesn't check for bad sectors or data redundancy errors). Don't forget to keep a backup before formatting.