text:
Gmail notifications stopped working
I don't receive Gmail notifications on my phone recently, no sound, no light and nothing appears on the notification bar. Searching the web, I figured it might have happened because I turned syncing options off. So I turned it on except for some syncing options such as Pictures and browser. I still am not getting notified of new emails. What's wrong?

What Android version you are on? If 4.1 or higher: Check Settings->Apps->Manage Apps, look up the Gmail app, and make sure you don't have notifications disabled for it (yepp, one can do that with 4.1 and up).

@Izzy: It's Android 4.1.1 but I can't change anything in the Gmail app.

Thank you, that worked. But not from setting, from the setting of Gmail itself.

Not inside the app -- oh, I see where I was confusing: Go to your homescreen (hit the home key), and from there go to the settings. I meant the Android settings, not the app's settings, sorry.

Summing up results from the in-comment-discussion:
Starting with Android 4.1, notifications can be disabled on a per-app basis: Either by long-pressing a specific notification in the notification area, and navigating from there to the app which sent it -- or directly from the Android settings in Apps → Manage Apps, and selecting the app you want to disable notifications for: here you will find the possibility to allow/forbid an app to place notifications in the notification area. This is valid generally and for all apps, starting with Android 4.1.
As with the Gmail app, some apps also offer this option themselves (which then also works for Android versions prior to 4.1). You find it from inside the app, when visiting its settings page(s). But as said, this will vary between apps -- not all apps offer this option.


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Is there a way to use Chrome's phone interface on a Nexus 7 instead of the tablet interface?
I don't find the tab switching on Chrome for tablets easy. I know I can swipe from the sides to move between tabs, but I prefer the version optimized for smaller screens. Is there any way I can use the phone interface on my Nexus 7?
For comparison, here's Chrome on a Galaxy Note 2:

And here's Chrome on a Nexus 7:

I had the same issue, but I didn't realize I could switch tabs by swiping the address bar until you mentioned it. Now all that's left is for a way to view all tabs like viewing recent apps.

You can do this with App Settings. See this other excellent answer for details. https://android.stackexchange.com/a/125852

There is no way to change this for just one app, but it can be changed globally by increasing the DPI value.
You will need to be rooted to change the DPI value. This app will change your device DPI.
You will have to play with different values, but take a nandroid first!
Edit: I played around with DPI values and 240 will force the phone ui mode for apps. Remember that this is global, and that it will make the app drawer look strange, as well as disabling the users feature.

well this works but its not optimal

source: Stack Exchange

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

sort: votes


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Phone Radio uses 80% of my battery
I have GSam Battery Monitor, and it says that my Phone Radio is using about 80% of my battery. Why is this so high? I usually unplug my phone in the morning at 8AM, and I usually need to plug it back in between 2PM and 4PM. Maybe this is normal, but it seems very high to me.

Is the phone running on LTE service?

from time to time, but most of the day I am connected to the wifi.

Have you fixed it to some mode (3G or 4G), or is it set to auto-chose? In the latter case, especially with some "bad cells", this could lead to frequent switches. Moreover, the phone had to watch multiple bands for "strong signal". If possible, try to fix it to either 2G, 3G or 4G and see if this improves the situation. General rule: Higher numbers use more power (so 4G uses most, 3G less, and 2G minimal power).

@Izzy Okay. Last night I installed the phone's update to 4.1.1, maybe that will help too... How do I set it to use a specific type (2/3/4G)?

Not having a SGS, I can only give general information: In settings, network/telephony. Poke around a little, somewhere there it will have a drop-down/selection box where you can chose GSM/CDMA/GSM+CDMA/auto and things like that. Make sure to select only one type here (the one you have available in most areas you walk in). You can also check for widgets to switch between 2G (GSM) / 3G (CDMA) etc., so you have it accessible easier (not sure, but doesn't the SGS3 has something like that in the notification area, on top?).

Does SG3 has a radio?

@RG-3 Sure, every cellphone has. What do you think how it works without a cable? :) cellular-radio, not fm-radio :D

Might be related: What is Cell standby and how can I keep it from eating my battery?

this sounds like you move in and out of data service alot. 4G was very new in ICS and radio handoff wasn't very efficient. even if you have a newer version of android, what i'm about to describe will still help. if you are in a location with secure wifi access and little or no 4G signal, turn off your mobile data to keep the device from using battery by trying to find a signal. the radio firmware will chew thru power searching for signal, even with the screen off. turning off mobile data has helped me save a lot of battery in the past. you will still able to call and text, as 4G is a data-only band. if your device supports VoLTE, turn that off as well. doing that will force the device to route calls over another band that uses less power and hopefully has better signal strength.

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


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Allow only specific apps to use cell data, only when on 3G
I use Tasker to sync every 30 mins when on 3G. I'm on a limited data plan, and the only apps I use constantly are browser, a Twitter app (Echofon) and Whatsapp. Is there a way to allow only these apps when on cell data, and allow access to all on wifi, either with Tasker or otherwise?
I've seen similar questions here, but they're mostly outdated (pre ICS) and/or involve restricting access using DroidWall, which does not differentiate wifi and 3G.

Since when Droidwall does not differenciate between Wifi and 3G? It has checkboxes for both. As Droidwall is no longer continued, you might also want to check its follow-up AFWall+ (Android Firewall) (here the screenshots clearly show the differenciation).

@Izzy Incidentally droidwall was sold to Avast.... :\ AFWall+ has some glitchy teething problems...

Never heard anything of those! That would leave LBE as an option (careful on JellyBean -- don't install the app from the playstore on JB or you'll run into a boot-loop; check XDA instead. Pre-JB is fine from Playstore)? Works for me in this context (limiting apps to WiFi).

@Izzy: my knowledge of Droidwall was based on an old post here on Android.SE, thank you for correcting me. I'm on 4.2, and even AFWall+ seems to have issues according to comments on the Play Store page.

As I wrote, I did use neither of them yet -- so I cannot tell about issues first-hand. I use LBE from the playstore, which also offers this feature and works fine so far.

Related: How to view network traffic requested by a specific app?

I know of no way to restrict an app to the 3G network (as opposed to 2G/4G), but there are several solutions to restrict apps to either WiFi or mobile networks (or keep/allow them from/to both). Examples include DroidWall - Android Firewall1 (which you already mentioned, but which is discontinued), its successor AFWall+2, its fork Android Firewall3 (gone), and -- last but not least -- LBE Privacy Guard4 (no longer updated; go here for it's "big brother"'s English version). As below screenshots show, all four of them support separate settings per app for WiFi and mobile data respectively.

As the comments state, some of them might have issues (e.g. do not install LBE from the playstore if your device runs Android 4.1 or higher, as this will leave you with a boot loop -- check this XDA thread instead). But one of them should do for you, I hope.

Confirmed. My internal data (from my app lists at IzzyOnDroid) saw it last on 2014-08-28, so it's at least gone since October. Nothing I can do about that, sorry: it's neither listed at F-Droid, nor in the "Apps" repo at Aptoide. Thanks for pointing out!

Hmm, looks like LBE might be gone too.

@Seth Not really. Sadly, the international "Lite" version is (don't use on JB+ or you'll have a boot-loop). The bloated Chinese mega-pack still is available, internationalized by our friends at XDA. See here for the English one.

A great firewall app alternative for non-rooted is  https://github.com/M66B/NetGuard, it's open-source and well maintained and has been around for a while, I use it as well you can find it on the android Playstore  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.faircode.netguard

You can set permissions (Allowed All / Wi-Fi Only / Blocked All) on per-app basis with LostNet Firewall: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lostnet.fw.free

Please read the documentation regarding self-promotion in the Help Center.

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


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How to understand failure cause from Android system recovery?
My phone stopped working(it freezes on Samsung logo when restarting) one day. I'm tring to figure out possible cause using Android system recovery.
That what I see
    MBR checksum Error
Moviinand Checksum Confirmation Fail
lfs pass open fail
update media
E: Can't mount /dev/block/mmblk0p1 (No such file)
E: copy_dbdata_demdia:Can't mount SDCARD
 your storage no prepared yet, please use UI menu for format and reboot

Formating/rebooting wipe data do not help me earthier.
What can cause such sitation?

What device are you referring to?

samsung GT-i9003

How did this happen? Are we missing details here?

Best take it back and get it checked out with your carrier as that's not a good thing for checksum failure  especially on MoviiNAND chip itself... hardware failure am guessing here... :(

It just stopped working without any reason overnight.

The MBR refers to near-equivalent of Windows's MBR aka Master Boot Record, but in the context of PBL(Primary BootLoader) or SBL (Secondary BootLoader) so its high probability that is hardware failure! Take it back to your carrier to get it replaced. Sorry, cannot do more! :(


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Why does selecting the second use on the lock screen crashes OS?
Running 4.2 on a new Nexus 7 with two users setup with individual google profiles. Both have basic setups (a few apps, sign in patterns, no widgets running).
Both profiles having been running fine for a few days, then after a restart (the first time since setting up multiple profiles) every time I select the second profile it crashes and restarts.
Notes:

I can log in fully with the first user
I have uninstalled the clock widget (after reading some google posts about it)
The second the second user profile image is tapped, the system stops, the pattern doesn't appear, I can't move back to the first user, etc

Can you obtain a logcat of this when it happens?

@ t0mm13b I've just installed logcat viewer on the primary user (the one that logs in). It appears to be empty, a part from the things I'm doing since logging in. I'm not sure if there is a way to do a log dump from the last 24hrs system wide


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Disable notifications of some emails
I daily receive many emails. I need a better control of emails. I want to disable notifications of some emails. A notification means for me that my phone vibrates and my smart watch vibrates. To filter those messages out of my inbox is not a possibility because I want to review them later. I think smartly disabling notifications of some emails would be great. Sometimes, I receive 30 emails in a row from one sender, for instance, what I do not want i.e. 30 vibrations in your phone and/or smart watch. I would like to have a feature that:

disables notification for 3 hours if more than 2 emails received in one hour from one sender; and
disable notifications for 3 hours if two emails received in 5 seconds from one sender.

How can you disable notifications of some emails in Android 6.0?

Tried Tasker and related apps? IFTTT maybe worth a try. I'm not sure, though.

You could review which labels you want notifications for.

@rds What do you mean by labels? I would like to have the feature in all incoming emails behaving as described.

I find the plugin Do Not Disturb and its Now mode more robust than eNotify because it is will disable all notifications of all applications by one button. However, it cannot do it for some applications only. I think eNotify could work for that but do not like its cost, its appearance, ... Its userbase is too small to get my trust.

@beeshyams I did a small edit. Please, feel free to contribute too. It is community wiki.

Sure will do when I can add. Thanks for wiki. As requested, please link the apps too

authors: Игорь Валуев


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Dual Messenger - Where are files stored (e.g., WhatsApp)
I had a working WhatsApp (say, WhatsApp W1 in phone PC) in my Samsung J7 Prime, Android 7, recovered with the usual Backup to/Restore from Google Drive, from phone A (PA).
I meant to install a Dual Messenger - WhatsApp, restoring for it a copy (W2) from another phone (PB).
So I would have

W1 PA -> W1 PC
W2 PB -> W2 PC

This is the only reference I found on how to do it (which is a workaround, as if no "official" way of doing it existed).
Since some people acknowledged in comments that it worked, I followed it. I skipped the part of recovering Media from W2 PB.
Now I have the two working WhatsApp accounts, that is fine, so far.
But I am left with the following file structure:
/storage/emulated/0/WhatsApp/.Shared            <- From W1 PC
/storage/emulated/0/WhatsApp/.trash             <- From W1 PC
/storage/emulated/0/WhatsApp/Backups            <- From W1 PC
/storage/emulated/0/WhatsApp/Databases          <- Copied from W2 PB
/storage/emulated/0/WhatsApp/Databases_PhoneA   <- Renamed from W1 PC
/storage/emulated/0/WhatsApp/Media              <- From W1 PC

I have questions:

Where are files (messages, media, backups, etc.) for each WA installation stored?

Will I end up with a "broken" WA structure, which will cause problems? (so far everything is working fine).

Is /storage/emulated/0/WhatsApp/Databases_PhoneA needed?

Samsung's Dual Messenger/Dual App data is stored on

/Internal Storage/DualApp/WhatsApp
/storage/emulated/0/DualApp/WhatsApp

*For Samsung S10e, S10, S10+, Fold, Note9, S9, S9+, Note8, S8, S8+, S7, S7 edge, A80, A70, A50, A30.

That is not where my files are stored on my S10e. I have no clue where they are but it's not under either of those directories.

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


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Is stereoscopic vision via OTG and 2 USB cameras possible?
I'm thinking of making a stereoscopic night vision device by using 2 USB cameras connected via OTG (type C) to my Android phone. I've already tested 1 USB camera and some VR App from the Play Store and it was a success.
Will 2 cameras work if connected to the same OTG cable via a USB splitter/hub of some sort? Is there a way (or app) to display one camera over half of the screen and the other camera in the other half? Is it even possible to have 2 cameras powered and displayed at the same time?

Is it even possible to have 2 cameras powered and displayed at the same time?

It's possible and supported on Android by a number of APK, but never worked for me.
I just purchased USB camera endoscope and plan to install 2 or 4 of them via USB OTG hub (active or passive).
The problem is, APK searchable via Google Play don't support extra features in trial or free mode. On the other hand, it makes no sense to buy one another APK, over and over again just for a test to learn it failed to work for me.
The only APK which worked for me with my new USB camera endoscope is the one named in the manual, "AN98", but I don't get HD image resolution as claimed by a manufacturer. I get a very, very, very, low resolution to work in video mode 30 FPS.
Other endoscope APK failed to show any video or claim connection problems.
So to answer the question: Yes, you can. Try every APK which is relevant and claiming to support 2 USB OTG cameras via a passive or active hub.

Regarding the app AN98, did you mean this "AN98" on the Play Store?

Yes, AN98 from Play store or direct APK download
from
--www.kkmoom.com/an99.apk
or
--www.kkmoom.com/pc.rar for PC
the issue is my endoscope camera comes with 10m cable and Android rejects it
explained why:
"http://www.yourcablestore.com/USB-Cable-Length-Limitations-And-How-To-Break-Them_ep_42-1.html
"https://superuser.com/questions/64744/maximum-length-of-a-usb-cable/64747#64747


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Changing/reverting Samsung's "Recent tabs" color theme to Nougat (based on app's theme) on Oreo device
On Samsung devices running on Android 7.0 Nougat, the recent tabs have different colors based on the apps' theme. On Android 8.0 Oreo, they are all the same color.

I want to find a way to revert to the Nougat version. I plan to install Magisk, but rootless solutions are preferred.

I remember this same exact question a few days ago, but cannot find it to reference it as a duplicate. Did you delete, and re-submit this to place it at the top of the queue?

Related: How to get back colored app headers in recent apps list? (with an informative answer, but not the fix)


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Where is the location for old WhatsApp database?
In my internal memory, I found the WhatsApp database folder, but it only contains a few files, a maximum of 6/7 days.
Where can I find my old WhatsApp database files? Where would I get the previous days' or months' chat database?

You can't because it stores only last 7 days worth of backups

if you start what's app without restoring previous data it gets deleted and if you are talking about encryption you can eaisly access it by scanning the qr code in other device

Thanks for ur replies..Can I , in any way, restore deleted chats which not in the days of internal database dates? Further I have backed up my account with Google drive after the deletion carelessly. When I triedthat deleted part before back up never restored. What can I do?


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Nexus i9250 constantly reboots, freezes, etc
I bought a Nexus a couple of months ago, and sometimes it restarts when I am on a call.
Other times when I am on a call, it freezes, and restarts or unfreezes after a minute.
The phone is not rooted or damaged in any way. I sent it to an official Samsung service center, and they told me that the phone was fine. They also installed new firmware, but the phone still has all the mentioned problems.
Does anyone know an application to monitor the activities of the phone, such as the restarts etc? Something like a log file?
Thanks.


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Installation of BusyBox on panda board on Android ICS kernel
I am trying to install BusyBox on panda board which has an ICS Android kernel.
I used the steps below:

Download binary file which supports the panda board
Push it into /system/busybox folder
Install the BusyBox command line tools on the target by executing the following commands on booted filesystem:
pc ./adb shell
target$ cd /system/busybox
target$ ./busybox --install .
target$ ./sh  #here i am getting error like ./sh: precmd: not found
Save the original sh executable by renaming it, and then create a soft-link to BusyBox sh:target$ cd /system/bin
target$ mv sh sh.android
target$ ln -s /system/busybox/sh sh
Export
export PATH=$PATH:/system/busybox:/sbin:/vendor/bin:/system/sbin:/system/bin:/system/xbin

Step 3 is to install BusyBox, and step 4 is to make BusyBox shell as default shell. But I am getting an error in the 3rd step. I want to make BusyBox shell as default shell, so I can run scripts on panda board.
I appreciate any type of suggestions or solutions. Thanks in advance.


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Sync problems with Samsung Galaxy I9000
I'm having the following issues:

'Market' not functioning ('A network error has occurred. Retry, or cancel...')
Gmail not functioning ('No connection')
Red triangle in top-left of screen = 'Sign-in-error (email address)'

I think these issues are related to the problems I am having with sync-ing Contacts / Calender / Memo with the PC. The process stalls at 25% completion.
The phone also seems to be slower to respond lately.
Any ideas?


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Virtual track pad to control mouse pointer in android
I have a nexus 4 phone, which has lost half of the screen's touch capability due to its digitizer capability. I would like to have "TouchMousePointer Windows app" like app in android and place it on the screen where touch works. And thus use the phone inspite of this "nexus 4 soft touch problem".
I see that mouse pointer is by default available in android. Apps are present to use mobile as remote mouse to PC. Fusing these two application should be possible.
Is there any app in market for this requirement. Is there any simple method to overcome this problem?
The "virtual trackball app" that is currently available is too primitive.

Welcome to the Android Enthusiasts! For the app part, you better check with our sister site SR. If I understood your question correctly, you want to remote-control your N4 from your PC? Or rather use a "working part" of the digitizer itself to display a "virtual trackpad"?

@Izzy, it is the second one. I want to use a "working part" of the digitizer itself to display a "virtual trackpad" and use this virtual trackpad to control mouse pointer of the phone itself, so that I can access the content on the broken side of the digitizer.

Ah, thanks – reading your question again it seems I got confused by the second paragraph #D I don't have an answer, but related: Resize screen for Dead touch zone / Resize screen to display only on working part of semi-functional touchscreen. Not the solutions you're asking for, but maybe alternatives if the "primary goal" can't be achieved.

I read that, but it cuts the display also. I have this problem for more than a  year. Now the dead touch zone is half of the screen !!!

Then maybe it's time for either a screen or a device replacement – and ready the half-dead for some "second use" (see our broken-screen tag-wiki).

Thanks for the wiki link. I find two usages interesting. One more reason for posting this question is that I felt that such an app should be already present, because for a big phone or tablet you can use your thumb to browse and do most of the work (just like BB trackball) without using both hands.

Good points. Might I recommend asking that app question over at SR (link points to the question guidelines; we're quite strict over there)? As for the wiki: many of our tags have such wiki pages attached, just check them out when in need :)

Instead of trying to move the cursor to areas where the touch is not working, temporarily moving the screen to the area where touch is working looks like better alternative to this problem.
Niwatori-one-hand-mode app in xposed framework, gives options like that. Using this app along with other Launcher apps like LMT (launch bar) app solves this problem for me.


text:
Enable background location on Samsung M20?
Is there a way to allow specific apps to access the (coarse) device location when the location service is turned off?
It seems that on Samsung M20 with Android 10, the "location" button in the status bar (GPS location) needs to be active to allow any location access.
On Huawei Honor 7 with Android 5, for example, it was possible for apps with location permission to access the coarse location without GPS enabled, thereby saving a lot of battery when the precise location is not required.
Can this be achieved on Android 10 as well?

It isn't possible anymore, but I don't know how Samsung implements. [Here](https://www.androidpit.com/how-to-stop-android-apps-accessing-your-location#android 10-apps) is an interesting comparison between various Android versions wrt location

This article also confirms that the previous battery saving option is no longer available in Android 10: https://www.androidpolice.com/2018/03/08/android-p-feature-spotlight-location-accuracy-now-binary-setting-battery-saving-mode-gone/?amp

Background location is strictly limited in Android 10. There's also an additional permission in Android 10 that the apps have to declare: ACCESS_BACKGROUND_LOCATION.


text:
Can a hacker simply copy shared prefs from one device to another to hijack a user session/state?
I'm an Android apps developer. I'm trying to address a security concern in one of my apps.
I need to test a scenario in which someone will try to copy the shared prefs file (or files) from one Android device to another in order to have the same state that the original user has and use the app as if he is the original user (hijack his existing sessions for instance).
I tried to copy the shared prefs file from one device to another (where I had installed a fresh copy of the app with an empty shared prefs file). Copied the file from the original device using adb , copied it to the sd card of the target device and move it to the right shared prefs directory using a file management app with root privileges. This didn't work.
When I start the app on the target device - I can see that the shred prefs file get "rolled-back" to its initial form. Maybe Android has some kin of mechanism to prevent manipulation of an app's files/data.
So my question is - how can I test this scenario in other ways? any way to transfer the shares prefs from one device to another ?
Thanks!

define hacker, xD

Hacker - an evil tech person who wants to steal the user's session or state from an app by accessing his device , getting his prefs file and copying it onto another device.

There is more data inside the prefs file and because it doesn't fit your device (different serial no. for instance) it deletes the whole file. This can have many reasons: Incompatibility, Configuration, Security even. Maybe the server even refused to accept the session and already invalidated it. It all depends on the app and the developer.

In this case - I am the developer responsible for this app. I've gone over the code and verified it does not reset the prefs file.
I work with the server side team so I know for a fact that it is not the server that causes the file to be reset. I've disconnected the device from the network and the app behaves exactly the same.
The data inside the prefs file is encrypted and it would be difficult to decrypt but the scenario i'm examining is not that of information loss but app "duplication" by copying to another device. thanks for your comment.

Normally you need to copy de data folder from app.
Every app cotains cache to restore you own data. If you run your app > generates a shared prefs > minimize/close app > and remove that shared prefs. When you open/resume the app, the system restore that sessiom data from the cache.
Somethimes, this depends of the size and content from sharedprefs.
If you are worried about "hack" your app you can protect the saved data with some encrypt method. like base64 + salt, hash + salt, or any method what you want. Reversible or not.
Or simple you can storage your persistent data in a custom path/file and protect how you can with above methods.


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Recovery mode can't read fat32 sd card, only exfat
I'm running CM 10.1 (based on Android 4.2.1) on a Galaxy S III i9300. I'running CWM-based recovery v 5.5.0.4.
I'm dealing with a conflict with my Sandisk microsd 32 gb card. When I format my sdcard to fat32 and run recovery mode, the phone does not read the sd card. However, if I change the format to exfat, the phone reads the sdcard in recovery, but then it won't mount the sdcard when I reboot the phone. I get an "sd card damaged" error.
Likewise, when I connect phone to PC via USB my PC does not detect the card within the phone; I have to use an sdcard adapter and insert it in my PC to access it.
When I use CM updater, the system reboots and gives me the following error message under "verifying update package...":

E: failed to open /sdcard/0/cmupdater/cm-10.1-20130107-NIGHTLY-i9300.zip
  (No such file directory)
  E: Signature verification failed,
  Installation aborted

If I then pull the update from get.cm, I can access it from external storage, but I get this error message when I try to install it:

E: failed to verify whole-file signature
E: Signature verification failed

Everything is solved by converting to fat32--PC reads card, phone mounts card--except the issue of installing updates or flashing ROMs, kernels, etc in Recovery. This means that when I want to add media to my card I have to format it to fat32 and then re-format it to exfat when I want to access it in Recovery to do things like install updates to CM 10.
Am I missing something? Is there a way around this?
I read a post on XDA, though I can't remember where, that said that the size of the card (specifically, if it is greater or less than 32 gb) affects what format the S III will read it in. Is it true?

CWM shouldn't be verifying signatures, are you sure you're running CWM?

I just noticed that when I reboot in Recovery Mode, I enter into CWM recovery; however, when I use CyanogenMod updater and am prompted to reboot into recovery to install updates, I reboot into Android Recovery. Any idea why this happens?

I'm not sure.  However you could try manually rebooting and flashing that zip, since you know the path.

Have you tried considering a mutli-partition SD card? There are a few tools like SDMinste and Partition Wizard to help you create a dual partition setup on your SD card. You could create a small partition to store all your ROMs and updates, and a bigger partition for your user data.
However, there's a slight problem wherein Windows will only recognize the first partition. Refer this well written guide on XDA for a workaround.

I'll look into this and let you know.


text:
htc one s android update - how?
I have a new HTC One S, which is now running 4.0.4. Although I understood that HTC released the update to 4.1, when I check for updates (Settings -> About -> Software updates -> Check Now) it returns "There are no updates available for your phone".
Do the guys in HTC push the update in chunks of devices? Can I advance myself in the queue? Can I ask for the update?

Is it an international HTC One S or is a branded one (e.g. AT&T) ? Because when it is a branded one, it can take some more time. Patience is a virtue :-)

@ndsmyter: I got it in Germany without any contract - So I guess it is not branded then, right?

Probably not. A branded phone can be recognized by the brand logos everywhere, so you would've known. And you would have bought it together with a subscription to that brand.

Software updates are released by the mobile network of the device as well as the device manufacturer.
It normally goes like this:

Google release a new Android version.
Manufacturers take this new Android version and modify it to work on their devices.
Manufacturers test the version, and push it out to unlocked devices first via desktop software update and then via OTA update if available.
Mobile networks/Carriers then take the Android version modified by the Manufacturer and modify it themselves to add carrier specific apps/features.
Carriers pass it onto the manufacturer to release to the public [OR] carriers release it to the public via their custom OTA app.

As such, it can take some time to get the update, however I would advise you check using the desktop program if there is one.

I know that a friend already got the update (OTA as far as I know). Anyway, I'll try find a desktop sync program.

@Dror Is your device branded? Make sure it is the official HTC one, as that will give out updates.

How can I verify this? I got it from MediaMarkt, and it is not bounded to any contract. What is meant by "official HTX one"?

Make sure you get the sync software made by HTC, and is the device unlocked? Or is it locked to a network/carrier?

Do you mean the desktop tool? I am now downloading the software (available only for WIN...) My phone is not locked and I can use it through any carrier/network.


text:
How to create duplicate bookmarks in Android?
I'm using the stock browser on my new Samsung S3 mini (Jellybean) and am having trouble with the browser. When I go to the bookmarks page it seems to have two sections, one called "My Device" and one for my Google account, which seems to contain my bookmarks from my desktop Chrome browser.
I have 100 or so bookmarks on my desktop browser since I have a mouse and a nice big screen to go along with it but on my phone I don't expect to be able to browse more than a few very often so I'd like to create a set of bookmarks to access from the phone quickly and easily. I don't want to navigate around the complex directory structure that I have for my desktop.
I'm running into a problem though. It seems that the browser won't let you duplicate any bookmarks. When you try to add them it just says "already in use" if the bookmark exists anywhere under "My Devices" or my Google account and no matter where I'm adding the bookmark.
Have you all run into this problem and how have you solved it? Should I resort to stupid tricks like adding a "#" after all the bookmarks for the mobile version simply to convince the browser that it's a different page when it's not really?

What's the S3 mini's stock browser? The old one (known from Gingerbread, etc.) or already Google Chrome?

same as old one

Are you having better luck with Chrome?


text:
SGS2 I9100 Suddenly relocked itself (network)
I was just using my phone, when the network dropped out completely. I rebooted, but it just wouldn't connect.
When I toggled airplane mode, it asked me for my network unlock pin (my device is SIM-locked to the provider) - I had already had my device unlocked.
Luckily, I was able to use an app to get my unlock code.
Has this ever been reported to have happened before? How did this happen?

You are always asked for your PIN when returning from airplane mode -- unless you completely switch of the SIM-PIN request (see deactivate PIN-request after airplane mode). For the question itself: No idea, unfortunately... Did you get your network back (your question is not clear about that), and if so, how?

@Izzy I wasn't talking about the SIM pin - I was actually talking about the block networks/carriers impose to stop it being used on another network. It was suddenly re-enabled, and yes - I did get it back.

Umph? Never had such a PIN. Talking about SIM-Lock (device locked to a certain carrier, and not useable with SIM cards from other carriers)? That would explain my lapsus, as I never had such one...

Yes, SIM Lock - it's with us being in different countries calling it different things.

OK, no prob. But you might want to include that into your question, to enable "foreigners" to catch it. Hope you don't mind me doing so :)


text:
How to view history of data/apps I sent using Wi-Fi direct to another phone?
I am using Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean) on one of my phones. I want to see apps/files/data I sent to another phone using Wi-Fi direct.
I did a bit of research on this topic, but I found no answer to this question. I cannot find any option. I even searched "Files" but there was no option related to sending files/apps via Wi-Fi direct.
Is it possible to see apps/files/data I sent through Wi-Fi direct?

I recomend you to try SilFer. SilFer can transfer files using Hotspot, WiFi, WiFi-Direct. The app is available for Android, Linux,Mac and Windows.
Download the app on Google Play:
SilFer File Transfer - Android Apps on Google Play

I do not want any app right now. I just want to see my history of files and apps that are transfered using Wi-Fi Direct.


text:
How to grant permissions to ADB?
I can use ADB while in recovery mode (TWRP) so to use it normally, I followed Android - Enable ADB from recovery to enable USB debugging. There is always an error while switching users, granting permissions, unhiding apps, using am and pm commands.
This is the error that always comes:

Error: java.lang.SecurityException: Neither user 2000 nor current process has android.permission.INSTALL_PACKAGES.

How to grant permissions to ADB?

Call "adb root" before calling "pm install -r xxx.apk"

It's true that this gets the job done of installing an app, but it doesn't address how to grant a permission to adb. :-)


text:
How can I choose which Google Drive backup WhatsApp uses?
I have two phones with WhatsApp.
I have a WhatsApp backup on one Google account, and one on another.
Is there any way to choose which Google Drive backup to use, without removing all but one Google account?

To clarify, did you mean to restore the backup from which Google account, or to store the backup to which Google account?

@AndrewT. well, if an answer covers both then even better.

You can't
From WhatsApp FAQ

In order to successfully restore a Google Drive backup, you need to use the same phone number and Google account used to create the backup

(Emphasis added)


text:
Honor 7 boot loop after changing display+frame
A few weeks ago, my friend's Honor 7 display cracked. So I ordered a new display+frame from "Ali" as I already have done a few times before. After transferring all the hardware to the new frame and connecting everything as it was before, two issues arose:

The battery seems dead. When plugged into a charger, the battery does not charge. But I found a useful thread which might work, so this is not the main issue.

The more pressing issue is:

The phone enters a boot loop when powered up (it does not matter if I power it up with or without a battery). SD card and SIM card are not in the phone when powering up. The boot loop consists of a short vibration and then showing the first screen "Honor - powered by android", then going dark and starting over. It is to be noted that no rooting or flashing was done to this phone.

I already tried the old display again but now the same issue arises there too. It can only enter "Fastboot mode" not "Huawei eRecovery". When trying to enter "Huawei eRecovery", it just vibrates really short and then does nothing.
Since the phone is still locked and I can't power it up, my hands are kinda tied up. Any advice would be great. Even if it is just telling me that nothing can be done here.

You should take the phone to a repair shop and explain the situation to them. Most likely a physical component is damaged or not connected, and the bootloop is caused when Android first tries to initialize or use that component. If recovery has the same problem, but fastboot mode doesn't, that narrows the problem down to a component that's initialized by the recovery image, but isn't by the bootloader. It could be as simple as that some RAM or storage, but not all of it, is damaged. This damage could be permanent or could just be a faulty connection. Possibly it was caused by the same physical stress that broke the display in the first place.

The phone worked fine after the display broke so I guess I damaged a component when installing it into a new frame. Thank you for you answer!


text:
How to set data usage cycle to non-monthly value?
My network operator charges to my account every 28 days rather than every month. How can I change the data usage cycle length under Settings > Connections > Data Usage accordingly?

You have no option to do so in the stock data usage controls. You will be better off installing a third party app, such as onavo count.

Thanks, but where do we find this onavo count? How about a hyperlink to help a reader not to go looking at shady websites inadvertently?

That's available in the Google Play store, hence I thought it wouldn't require a link. Nevertheless, the link : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.onavo.android.onavoid&hl=en&referrer=utm_source%3Dgoogle%26utm_medium%3Dorganic%26utm_term%3Donavo+count&pcampaignid=APPU_1_4-pCVYzCFae4mwXHnQE

This feature is in Android roadmap. You can just wait or vote for it
https://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=23676


text:
Disable DropBox's PDF reader
I have been seeing recently that DropBox opens PDF files stored in it through its own reader. I would like to open all my PDF files through Adobe, no matter where their location is. I do not want to use this extra functionality provided by DropBox.
How can I disable this option in DropBox? I could not find any option to disable PDF viewing. Is it a feature that must be added in future by DropBox?

Yes, this is a pain. Despite selecting "More" > "Open With" and picking Adobe Reader "Always" (which is then set as a default app within Dropbox itself - managed through Dropbox settings) it still opens Dropbox's internal PDF viewer when simply tapping the PDF file inside Dropbox. You must still select "More" > "Open With" each time, only now you don't need to pick "Adobe Reader" from the list (if you have more than 1 PDF viewer app installed).

In Dropbox, next to your file.pdf there is an arrow button (on the right), click on it and a menu will appear with options :

Share, Add to favorites, Delete and More.

Click on More and then it will display the options :

Rename, Move, Open with and Export.

Click on Open with and just select the application you want your file.pdf to open with.

I don't think the built-in PDF support can be disabled. I would suggest exporting and downloading the file instead, so that you can open it with and PDF reader of your choice.

You don't need to explicitly "Export" the PDF, you can "Open With" instead. From the drop down menu next to the file, select "More", then "Open With" and pick "Adobe Reader".

Open in the previewer in dropbox then click the screen to reveal the bottom menu, click the 3 dots in the bottom right and select open with.....  then select your choice app.

The "3 dot menu" in the PDF viewer (which I assume you are referring to by "previewer") does not contain the option "open with...", just "Export" and "Delete".

Install Adobe Reader app.
Add your Dropbox account in the Adobe Reader app.
Open your Dropbox folders and files from the Adobe Reader app.


text:
Full file names in ES File Explorer
In ES File Explorer, each folder has its name underneath it.  But if the name is long, only a truncated version of it appears.  How can I see the full name?
Bonus question: is there a more general way of seeing full file names when only partial names are shown?

Assuming that ES File Explorer is on the default view, which is Large Icon, long-press the folder/file, then select More - Properties to see its full name.
For a general solution (in case there are many folders/files with long names), the alternative is to change the view to list by selecting View - (any) List/Detail. In most cases, it will display a long enough name. The downside is fewer folders/files are shown.

In addition to Andrew's answer (Selecting More --> Properties on the bottom right corner of the app)
You can also select the file and press Rename on the bottom next to delete.


text:
"This app won't run without Google Play Services which are missing from your phone" on Samsung Galaxy S2
I recently rooted my Galaxy S2 GT I9100 phone.
I search some of the video on YouTube about how to upgrade OS from Jelly Bean 4.1 to Lollipop 5.02. I did the same and succeed in it.
The problem I'm facing right now that my phone has been updated to CyanogenMod Lollipop 5.1, but I'm not able to use any Google services Apps e.g. WhatsApp, Gmail, Google Maps, Youtube
I'm able to use pre-installed apps like Music Player, Dialer etc.
When I clicking on Play Store or any Google apps it is showing This app won't run without Google Play Services which are missing from your phone.
And 2nd Problem I'm facing is although it is updated to Lollipop, the phone is not starting like a Lollipop. When rebooting a blue Android appear and it is blinking and a yellow error sign or logo appears just below the Samsung Logo when the phone starts.
What should I do to use all the Google apps and phone work as it work in any other Lollipop Android phone?

Can this link http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/app-google-play-services-t2795911 be useful?

You can do this the easy way by just (re)installing your Google Apps. Download the right GApps package from CyanogenMod / XDA / Goo.im and flash it in recovery.
OR you can also use the APKs linked on the site in your comment. This method is not recommended and may dump your phone into a bootloop!
You probably want to download this one. Install it by connecting your phone to PC (make sure USB debugging is enabled and that you have ADB installed on your PC) and typing these commands in a terminal:
adb push <path to downloaded APK> /sdcard/GmsCore.apk
adb shell
$ su
# mount -o rw,remount /system
# cp /sdcard/GmsCore.apk /system/app/GmsCore.apk
# chmod 0644 /system/app/GmsCore.apk
# rm /sdcard/GmsCore.apk
# mount -o ro,remount /system
# exit
$ exit

Then reboot your phone.

It seems that Google Play services isn't installed or updated.
Try installing it from the plays store here:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.gms&hl=en
Edit: oops. Skipped my mind u can't use play store. Get the apk from XDA here and install it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/app-google-play-services-t2795911

Have you read OP's question? Play Store cannot function correctly without Play Services, so OP cannot install Play Services using your method. Kind of like a chicken-and-egg problem, I guess.

@aureljared sorry about that. Updated answer. :P


text:
Android-x86 7.1 Unidentified video number - HDMI from laptop to TV
I'm trying to set up a nice little Android 7.1 system to attach to my TV using an HDMI cable, though I'm having a bit of trouble with the resolution. I'm getting a black border around the screen.

This is what the laptop screen looks like without any black border

I've plugged in another laptop that has Windows installed and noted down the resolution which is 1280x768. I've also found the corresponding VGA values both 16 and 32. 1280x768x16 = 888 and 1280x768x32 = 889.
When I add either of these to the menu.lst file, I get a message on boot stating that I'm using an undefined video number.

I've typed scan to get the video modes available, but there are no resolutions that match the aspect ratio of my screen. I've tested the ones listed, but they still either don't take up the whole screen or match the aspect ratio.
The below image shows a list of codes that I have found.

The laptop I'm running this on is pretty old, but with Windows or any of the other Linux distros, I've found I have no problem.
System Specs
Is there any way of getting around this? Or am I going about this the wrong way?

OK, I've managed to figure it out, in case anyone was wondering.
Instead of booting with a vga=someNumber I used video=LVDS-1:d. This works a treat! :)
The only problem with this is would be that it doesn't use the laptop screen at all. But for me this is not a problem really.


text:
I can't boot to recovery mode in zenfone2
I manage to get into boot loader.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuixmZ11Kyc
However, after that, if I select recovery mode and click power button it goes to bootloader again.
The problem is I have CWM installed. And then I Install TWRM again. So it seems that I have 2 recovery modes even though I need only one. I wonder how to solve that.
I can finally go to CWM but only if I reinstall CWM and only for 1 time

Have you verified you have the correct file and tried just reflashing recovery with 'fastboot flash recovery recovery.img' (replace 'recovery.img' with the name of the TWRP or CWM img file)? You cannot have 2 recoveries, one will over-write the other, if you flashed TWRP and it won't work, try going back to CWM. Are you sure you are not doing fastboot flash recovery.img and forgetting the "extra" recovery parameter.?

let me try. So I can put recovery.img on my computer and do that.

Yes... How else would you do it? :)

Strange from fastboot I can do 'fastboot flash recovery recovery.img' but then cannot do adb reboot recovery because adb can't see any device. The device is connected and cwm installer can connect though. If I go to cwm adb see devices but I can't do fastboot flash recovery

oh fastboot only works on fastboot. Not on cwm.

Fastboot and ADB are two different and unique tools... ADB is for talking to Android with the operating system booted, fastboot is for talking through the bootloader on a lower level. Try fastboot reboot-bootloader and start recovery. You must reboot after flashing recovery

Is there a fastboot command that can boot to recovery?

No, but you should be able to start recovery from the bootloader via hard keys

I can get into bootloader fastboot. Select recovery and it goes back to fastboot


text:
Must I unpair one device from another in bluetooth?
My PC and 2 computers can detect bluetooth device. The device  is already paired with one of my smartphone.
The other smartphone cannot see my bluetooth device. Is this normal?
So once a headphone is paired with a cellphone, I need to unpair that headphone before I can use it on other smart phone?
What about if I no longer have access to the original smart phone (say I factory reset the phone). What would happen?
I unpair one of my headset. Now it shows up on my other cellphone. I paired with one and now it's not seen again. It's as if paired headset is invisible.
Update, I cannot pair my headset with one phone if it's paired to another. If I unpair from a previous phone, I can pair it with another phone.

What device? Most manufacturers do not implement the full capabilities given in the answers below. Most headsets allow only one or two pairings, but placing the phone in pairing mode and pairing to a new device usually over-writes the previous ones. I know most Plantonics devices you can clear all previous pairings, but I have had my headset paired to dozens of different devices with no issues.

The other smartphone cannot see my bluetooth device. Is this normal?

A phone that isn't already paired can only see the device while the device is discoverable. This is a special mode you put the device into (usually with a button or combination of buttons on the device). The manual for the device probably describes this as part of the pairing procedure. If you repeat this procedure, your new phone should be able to pair just fine.

So once a headphone is paired with a cellphone, I need to unpair that headphone before I can use it on other smart phone?

Not usually. The pairing process just allows the two devices to swap special data (encryption keys) to allow them to recognise each other in future. After pairing, both devices remember the key. It's no different from saving the key for a Wi-Fi network in your phone, except it works both ways.
While phones can remember lots of pairings (and show you a list of paired devices), devices like headsets are a lot simpler, and can only remember a few. Exactly how many is different from headset to headset. Once it's reached this limit, most likely pairing a new phone with the headset just makes it forget the first phone you paired. Unpairing just means forgetting the key: it's something either side (the phone or the headset) can do without the co-operation of the other side.

What about if I no longer have access to the original smart phone (say I factory reset the phone). What would happen?

Nothing happens, just like if you lose or factory reset the phone after giving it the key to your Wi-Fi network. Your headset will still remember its half of the key, but that half won't do anything any more. If you pair the headset with enough other phones, it'll probably overwrite that key with a newer one eventually.

Bluetooth Wikipedia says (see Communication and connection-emphasis mine)

A master Bluetooth device can communicate with a maximum of seven devices in a piconet (an ad-hoc computer network using Bluetooth technology), though not all devices reach this maximum

While there is a limit on active devices that
can be connected , there appears to be no limit on number of pairings. See how many bluetooth pairing can be made?

Having said that, it seems to be device specific (as also pointed out in above link). I have a Bose WiFi speaker that can pair only 5 devices

The other smartphone cannot see my bluetooth device. Is this normal?

Shouldn't happen unless the device / second smartphone limit has been reached. Can be checked by deleting unnecessary / unused pairings on both devices (by wiping cache partition of your smart phone and resetting device as per instructions provided)
Seeing is different from simultaneous working. Simultaneous pairing is not always possible. See this good answer

So once a headphone is paired with a cellphone, I need to unpair that headphone before I can use it on other smart phone?

Not necessary. Previous answer explains

What about if I no longer have access to the original smart phone (say I factory reset the phone). What would happen?

Pairing info of smartphone would remain on the device and would be of no use. Harmless, unless you reach the limit and future pairings are denied on this account


text:
I want to push this file to my cell phone
I do adb shell
Then I do ls
~ $ ls -l
drwxr-xr-x    4 root     root          4096 Feb 14 08:54 cache
lrwxrwxrwx    1 root     root            13 Jan  1  1970 charger -> /sbin/healthd
drwxrwxr-x    7 system   system        4096 Jan  2  2000 config
-rw-r--r--    1 root     root          2925 Jan  1  1970 config_init.sh
drwxrwx--x    4 root     root             0 Feb 14 09:57 data
drwxr-xr-x    2 root     root             0 Feb 14 09:57 datadata
-rw-r--r--    1 root     root          4350 Jan  1  1970 default.prop
drwxr-xr-x   12 root     root          3140 Feb 14 11:15 dev
-rw-r--r--    1 root     root          1320 Jan  1  1970 droidboot.init.mofd_v1.rc
drwxr-xr-x    2 root     root             0 Feb 14 09:57 emmc
drwxr-xr-x    2 root     root             0 Feb 14 09:57 etc
drwxr-xr-x    2 root     root             0 Feb 14 09:57 external_sd
drwxrwx---    7 system   system        4096 Nov 15 10:10 factory
-rw-r--r--    1 root     root         16565 Jan  1  1970 file_contexts
-rw-r--r--    1 root     root          1604 Jan  1  1970 fstab
-rw-r-----    1 root     root           595 Jan  1  1970 fstab.charger.mofd_v1
-rw-r-----    1 root     root           806 Jan  1  1970 fstab.mofd_v1
-rw-r-----    1 root     root           595 Jan  1  1970 fstab.ramconsole.mofd_v1
-rw-r-----    1 root     root           151 Jan  1  1970 fstab.zram
-rwxr-x---    1 root     root        653412 Jan  1  1970 init
-rwxr-x---    1 root     root          1938 Jan  1  1970 init.class_main.sh
-rwxr-x---    1 root     root           109 Jan  1  1970 init.firmware.rc
-rwxr-x---    1 root     root          5253 Jan  1  1970 init.rc
-rwxr-x---    1 root     root           436 Jan  1  1970 init.watchdog.rc
-rw-r--r--    1 root     root          1081 Jan  1  1970 intel_prop.cfg
drwxr-xr-x    3 root     root             0 Jan  1  1970 lib
lrwxrwxrwx    1 root     root            10 Feb 14 09:47 logs -> /data/logs
drwxr-xr-x    2 root     root             0 Feb 14 09:57 mnt
-rw-r--r--    1 root     root          3220 Feb 14 09:56 original.fstab
dr-xr-xr-x  125 root     root             0 Feb 14 09:47 proc
-rw-r--r--    1 root     root          3070 Jan  1  1970 property_contexts
drwxr-xr-x    3 root     root             0 Feb 14 09:56 res
-rw-r--r--    1 root     root           240 Jan  1  1970 rfkill_bt.sh
drwx------    2 root     root             0 Jun 26  2015 root
drwxr-xr-x    2 root     shell            0 Feb 14 09:56 sbin
drwxr-xr-x    2 root     root             0 Feb 14 09:57 sd-ext
lrwxrwxrwx    1 root     root            11 Feb 14 09:57 sdcard -> /data/media
-rw-r--r--    1 root     root           534 Jan  1  1970 seapp_contexts
-rw-r--r--    1 root     root            73 Jan  1  1970 selinux_version
-rw-r--r--    1 root     root        141154 Jan  1  1970 sepolicy
-rw-r--r--    1 root     root         10548 Jan  1  1970 service_contexts
dr-xr-xr-x   14 root     root             0 Feb 14 09:47 sys
drwxr-xr-x    5 root     root             0 Jan  1  1970 system
drwxr-xr-x    2 root     root             0 Feb 14 09:57 tmp
-rw-r--r--    1 root     root          3388 Jan  1  1970 ueventd.mofd_v1.rc
-rw-r--r--    1 root     root          4487 Jan  1  1970 ueventd.rc

Now there is a zip file that contains my cyanogenmod. However, I couldn't find in which directory it is.
It is on the external sd card.
So how can I push some files to the root directory of my external sd card?
I did
cd /
ls -R *.zip

I got nothing even though I know that some zip files definitely exist
I did cd /external_sd
But the directory is empty

If it is for installation, you can use an app like WebPCSuite?

If you want to push your files inside sdcard. You need to push it inside /mnt/sdcard/. That is where your sdcard is mounted inside adb shell

I think this has to do with device or Android version. In my Android 4.2.1, external SD card is mounted at /storage/sdcard0 and /mnt/sdcard is a symlink to it. // Your second part has an issue. The card is mounted by Android at boot or when it is plugged after boot. adb shell has no role in it.

Yes by default sdcard is mounted on /storage/sdacrd0 but his screenshot has no listing of storage folder. So i suggested this one.

It seems that the name of the directory is /external_sd/
c:\Users\jim2\Downloads>adb push BlissPop-v4.0.3-Z00A-NIGHTLY-20160207-0726.zip /external_sd/
4930 KB/s (401167841 bytes in 79.457s)

c:\Users\jim2\Downloads>adb push cm-12.1-20160208-UNOFFICIAL-Z00A.zip /external_sd/
5369 KB/s (358202764 bytes in 65.145s)

c:\Users\jim2\Downloads>adb push Slim-z00a-5.1.1.beta.0.5-OFFICIAL-8-16-15.zip /external_sd
5001 KB/s (312582947 bytes in 61.032s)

However, if I go to adb shell
And I do
cd /external_sd
ls
I see nothing.
However, CWM can see the zip files on my /external_sd


text:
What are the pros and cons of selling rooted androids for resale "as-is" to the general public?
For my question, let me give some background.  My business is to data clear phones and tablets. I've been tasked with research into rooted devices. I have a very basic grasp of this concept. I think what I've found is that rooted devices can be 'unrooted' but only if one knows what rooted it originally. I've found this:
You’ll have to use either a terminal emulator or ADB. Here are the commands to uninstall it:
mount -o remount,rw /system
rm /system/app/Superuser.apk
Would that be a good way to remove the root from all cells across the board?
Specifically what I need to know is what do rooted devices mean to the cell phone data clear industry? Is there user data in a rooted device after data clearing it manually?

Please edit your question and write a more meaningful title. See also http://meta.android.stackexchange.com/a/1182/440 I guess one approach would be to flash the stock ROM followed by a factory reset.

Since a device is "rooted" (generic Android device, no names of manufacturers, this is just a guideline, mileage will vary), chances are:

boot-loader is unlocked
custom recovery is installed

The above two usually go hand-in-hand together, along with running a perhaps, custom ROM.
If the above criteria is held true for that said device, then its a matter of issuing a fast-boot to format all partitions individually as in using fastboot erase xxxxx where xxxxx is one of:

boot
recovery
data
system

That, may fit the criteria to the vague representation of data clearing industry, or some standard that was stipulated and to be carried out as per the OP's question.

Samsung phones don't have fastboot remember, or a bootloader for that matter.

Who says Samsung.... OP never mentioned a thing about it!!!

They were being general, so make sure you cover all the corners ;)

I realize my question was not the best. I am really trying to understand this topic by deadline time and realizing I  need way more time. My supervisor is leaning towards the belief that these cells are data cleared. But with root access on them, I disagree and I need to be certain. Thank you all for your input.


text:
Broken screen, need to boot to original firmware
This is kind of an odd question, but I have a Razr with a broken screen which has safestrap 2.x (maybe .10) installed and CM10 currently booted up, using VNC/ADB/LOTS of patience, I managed to backup all my information in the CM10 partition.
However, I need to boot to the original firmware (the other partition), however since the screen is broken I can't see safestrap windows to do so, what I'm asking for is if someone has screenshots of the safestrap windows that enable me to blindly navigate (since the physical buttons work) through the screens in order to boot to the original firmware, then I will repeat the ADB/VNC process to remove the safestrap traces so I can send it to Motorola.

Please check out my answer to this question, which could be useful for you. Originally this was going to be an answer to your question, but I did not post it here because it does not respond exactly to what you're asking.

Does that work with safestrap? I mean can I visualize the safestrap/recovery screen? o.0

I'm not sure about it: also that's why I didn't post that as an answer here. Anyway you could try that to see if it works for you.


text:
FFMpeg stream to FFServer from Back Camera
I'm looking for a way to stream my camera video from my Android phone to an FFServer, like I would with FFMpeg from the command line in Linux:
ffmpeg -f video4linux2 -i /dev/video0 http://IP:8090/cam1.ffm

This command works perfect from any Ubuntu machine, of course. I'm looking to be able to do both audio and video from my Android to my FFserver.
I tried installing FFmpeg 4 Android. It installs fine, starts and binds, but it won't stream. No error message or anything passing it this param:
ffmpeg -f video4linux2 -i /dev/graphics/fb0 http://IP:8090/cam1.ffm

Not sure if it's just that program or what since there is no error message at all. Or is there another software that will allow me to do this?

Some device manufacturers dont use /graphics/fb0 to access camera due to different camera drivers. My help to you is going on a native NDK application to do that. Look in here http://javacv.googlecode.com or https://code.google.com/p/spydroid-ipcamera/. Regards


text:
Low internal memory, but high local and SD memory
I have a MID android tablet which has been giving me low storage messages during some downloads lately. But when I check, the local and SD have practically 3GB free. So, where is this data going, and how can i direct it to local or the SD?
I'm new with tablets; this is my first one.
the local and SD have 3 GB free combined(sd has 2 GB local has 1 GB), the system disk shows about half full (795 MB left) and I have no idea how to move my apps to the SD.

Do you mean local and SD have practically 3GB free each, or both together? For "low storage" warnings, SD is mostly irrelevant. How much free space do you have on internal storage? Also, check the "Related" section of this question (in desktop browser, it's to the right) for other "low storage" questions. We had this issue quite often here, so your question probably is already answered.

I have system memory and internal memory, so "internal memory" is not all non-external memory

I've just added the insufficient-memory tag to your question. Please check its tag-wiki, which will answer your question.


text:
Purchasing sd card will solve "insufficient memory storage" issue?
After unsuccesfully rooting my android 4.1.1 tab,I can't download anny apps even though I still have 4 gb of
free memory on my internal storage.
I've done factory resetting but it didn work,will inserting an sd card possibly resolve my concern?
Can I restore apps I lost by doing this?

"I can't download anny apps even though I still have 4 gb of free memory" <- you're supplying way too little information. Why can't you download any apps? What is your error message?

Buying a new SD card will not solve the problem. In Android phones, all applications are installed in internal memory. Some apps/games which ask for big data to be downloaded from the net also save the data in internal memory. So, if you insert external memory card in your device, then still you face same problem.
To solve this, first you need a external SD card; at least 8GB more would be better. Then, you need to configure your device so that it forcibly installs all data on external SD card. For more information, read this.

I'm pretty sure by factory resetting all your apps are lost. What you can do is login your account in Play Store and click My Apps, and redownload all your lost stuff again.
I'm not sure though if plugging in an SD card will solve your issue with downloading apps, but when my phone with ICS didn't have an SD card even though it has an internal storage, it wouldn't let me capture photos. My bet is, yes you need to plugin an SD card. Try borrowing one first and see if that solves your problem, then buy one. I think you should definitely buy one though, for your media like music, photos and videos.
One more thing, if you don't want to lose apps, I suggest you download Appmonster. It saves your applications as apk files in your external storage. What does this mean? You can backup all your apps, revert to older versions of applications, and even save app memory. Just uninstall the apps you don't need and install them whenever you need them. All this, without having to go to the Play Store.


text:
Block an outgoing call to a specific number
I have a relative who keeps calling a premium-rate telephone number. I want to block the ability to call this specific number because it is able to rack up a very high bill in a matter of hours.
They also have a feature phone (dumbphone) where as far as I found out it is not possible to block a specific outgoing number, nor do the phone carriers in my country offer the ability to block the calling of premium numbers (or the calling of one specific number).

My first option is to buy a cheap smartphone and somehow block this one premium number there. It would be best if I could block the number directly in the phone settings (parental controls or something similar?) and lock the setting with a password.

The second best option would be to install an app that can again block a specific outgoing number and lock the setting behind a password. They would not be able to root the phone or do anything similarly technical to circumvent the limitation.

My third option is to take the phone away altogether, but it's used to stay in contact with other people, so this is a bad solution (albeit one I must reach for in case the other ones fail).

What solution would you recommend to block a specific outgoing phone number? Does some version of Android have parental controls with a block of outgoing calls? Or is there a good app for it?

At ATT I have blocked numbers in the past(not sure how easy it really is).  Doing it at the carrier level would probably be the easiest.

Unfortunately the phone carriers in my country do not offer the ability to block the calling of premium numbers (or the calling of one specific number). I have already asked them about it.

It's probably unlikely you'll find a way to block outgoing calls, however you could use an App Locker to lock the call application with a password, I think receiving calls would still be normal but opening the call app to dial a number would require a password

I would like the phone owner to be able to call others, just not this specific premium number.

Maybe some "old folks" launcher replacement could do the trick – i.e. one that only has the "important numbers" as "buttons" for direct calls. Then hide the real phone app, effectively limiting the owner to those numbers set up with the launcher. My site is currently down because of an hardware issue, but hopefully back in a few ours; you could then check with this list of apps if this approach is acceptable.

Don't have time for a full answer, but fdn is the setting you are looking for. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fixed_Dialing_Number

Izzy, aBochur, thank you for your suggestions. I would like to solve it as a blacklist (forbid specific numbers), not a whitelist (allow only specific numbers). Is there a solution for a number blacklist?

On Xiaomi phones running MIUI (their Android port) you can restrict calling to a list of fixed dialing numbers or to numbers with certain prefixes. Similar options may be available in other Android phones as well, be sure to check before you buy a phone.
In MIUI 9:

open the phone app
select menu ('hamburger' icon on bottom left)
select settings
scroll down and select 'Advanced settings'
select 'Fixed Dialing Numbers'

Otherwise, Android apps for parental control should provide that functionality.

I suppose FDN is a SIM feature, not phone-specific feature


text:
Peeking in notes from Samsung Smart Switch's backup
My Samsung Galaxy S6 just drowned and I'd like to get stuff that I saved in Notes. I did some googling to find out what the app is called. I found some people referring to Memo, but I don't think that is right in my case.
I can't check this out because my phone just died. It is a "Note" app with a yellow icon and it comes with the OS.
The backup to my PC was made with Samsung Smart Switch.
Where are the notes located in the backup, and how can I read it?

Did it look anything like this
Or like  this?

Hmmm, the Memo icon looks familiar. Could be Memo....


text:
How do Google and Samsung's "Find My Device" service can bypass Android's Secured Lock Screen?
As I know, when the phone is locked that means it has been encrypted.
So how do Google and Samsung's "Find My Device" service bypass Android's Secured Lock Screen? Does it mean they have our decryption key?

When the phone is locked it doesn't necessarily mean it's encrypted. Usually it's the other way around.

@Izzy, isn't it File-Based Encrypted with direct boot (https://source.android.com/security/encryption/file-based) ?

As I wrote: Encryption will certainly require a "lock" (password) – but a lock doesn't require encryption. Screen lock usually doesn't: while you lock your screen, the file system stays "decrypted".

@Izzy, even the file system stays "decrypted" but the rest still stay encrypted right ? We still need the key to decrypt in order to fully use, don't we ?

I don't understand what you mean. When locking the screen one simply locks the screen, nothing else. If encrypted, the file system always "stays encrypted" – even if the device is unlocked and you're working with it. Knowing the encryption key and passphrase, the OS can access it. As soon as you shut down, the passphrase is forgotten and the file system thus inaccessible. But that has nothing to do with locking/unlocking the screen. IOW, "bypassing the lock screen" doesn't touch encryption, AFAIK.


text:
What's the difference between com.android.chrome and com.google.android.gms.chromesync?
I'm trying to understand what is the difference & the purpose of two lines in /data/system/sync/accounts.xml which relate to Chrome app.
<authority id="101" user="0" enabled="true" account="email@gmail.com" type="com.google" authority="com.android.chrome" syncable="true" />

<authority id="202" user="0" enabled="true" account="email@gmail.com" type="com.google" authority="com.google.android.gms.chromesync" syncable="true">

When I turn off sync in device, Chrome app will (only) switch the boolean flag sync_switch inside  /data/data/com.android.chrome/shared_prefs/com.android.chrome_preferences.xml which also has the lines:

<string name="sync_acct_type">com.google</string> which means I logged in to a Google account

<string name="sync_acct_name">my_gmail@gmail.com</string> represents my email to sync with

Questions:

Why do I have two lines related to Chrome; com.google.android.gms.chromesync & com.android.chrome?
Assuming com.android.chrome is the Chrome app, what is chromesync?
What will happen for multiple users?
I have two accounts (my work & my personal) but in Chrome I'm logged to my personal, will it sync both?

Related references

https://chromium.googlesource.com/chromium/src.git/+/lkcr/chrome/android/java/src/org/chromium/chrome/browser/sync/ui/SyncCustomizationFragment.java#189

https://chromium.googlesource.com/chromium/src.git/+/lkcr/chrome/android/java/src/org/chromium/chrome/browser/sync/ui/SyncCustomizationFragment.java#325

https://chromium.googlesource.com/chromium/src.git/+/lkcr/chrome/android/java/src/org/chromium/chrome/browser/sync/ui/SyncCustomizationFragment.java#351

com.android.chrome is Google Chrome's package name.

com.google.android.gms.chromesync is part of Google Play Services used to sync Chrome's bookmarks, history and password. It's part of Chrome Sync that was made available for use via Google Play Service a few years back as stated in this article:

If you've ever used Google Chrome on Android –let's be honest, you probably have– then you've probably signed into your account and activated Chrome Sync to have things like bookmarks, history, and passwords in constant harmony across all of your devices. While this works really well, the setup process gets a little redundant for users that install all three variants of Chrome (Stable, Beta, and Dev). However, it looks like Chrome Sync is going to move, or at least become available directly through Google Play Services. Several activities and providers have been added, along with some of the necessary strings to implement the same functionality in the GMS package.

What will happen for multiple users? I have two accounts (my work & my personal) but in Chrome I'm logged to my personal, will it sync both?

If you are logged to Chrome with only your personal account, then only your personal account should be synced.


text:
How can I restore a WhatsApp backup while retaining stuff from after the backup?
For a number of reasons, I just deleted my entire WhatsApp images folder by accident. I backed WhatsApp up yesterday morning, but yesterday night, I had a sentimental conversation with a friend about some issues I've been having, and I don't want to lose that either.
How can I go about doing this without losing that conversation?

No you can't(realisticaly).  Recovering data from a deleted folder on a phone might result in a couple bits being recovered with the right tools but not even a sentence of the conversation.

If that doesn't work then, how can I restore a backup if Whatsapp came with my phone, and thus can't be uninstalled, only disabled?

your terminology/phrasing does not make sense to me.  I'll take I guess what you mean.  When you restore your phone to factory settings the default apps are not touched at all only the android OS.  If you take to a professional shop $100+ dollars they might be able to recover something but highly unlikely.

I believe you are wanting to merge to backups is that right?  Your question is not clear.

You actually could have a perfect backup that was automatically created after a night conversation and before accidental erasing.
WhatsApp creates local backup files at 2 am (up to 7 states), also it saves data to Google Drive (if configured). Check dates of files in sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases as well as in the Drive interface (again, if Drive backup was configured).
If the automated backup was not performed in a desirable timeframe, you will need to mess with local backup files and app reinstallations to get your old, yesterday's state, copy images to a safe folder, and restore a backup with night conversation.
Official FAQ states that you can force an app to restore a particular backup file:

To restore a less recent local backup
Your phone will store up to the last 7 days worth of local backup
files (Google Drive will only have the most recent one). If you wish to restore a local backup which is not the most recent one, you will need to do the following:

Download a file manager app.
In the file manager app, navigate to sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases. If your data is not stored on the SD card, you may see "internal storage"
or "main storage" instead of sdcard.
Rename the backup file you wish to restore from msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12 to msgstore.db.crypt12. It is
possible that an earlier backup may be on an earlier protocol, such as
crypt9 or crypt10. Do not change the number of the crypt extension.
Uninstall WhatsApp.
Install WhatsApp.
Tap Restore when asked.

Sources:

https://faq.whatsapp.com/en/android/20887921/?category=5245251
https://support.google.com/drive/answer/6305834?co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid


text:
Is it possible to block SMS without setting an app as the default SMS app?
Is it possible to have an SMS app that can block some kind of SMS (i.e. where text contains "XYZ" phrases), but I don't want it to be set as the default SMS app?
I've seen something like SMS Radar but don't know if that can do the task.

This isn't possible as of Android KitKat (4.4). Only the default SMS app is able to stop the broadcast of the SMS message to the other apps.
That said, since Android N, you should be able to use blocking to block SMS and Calls from a particular telephone number using Android N Call Blocking.
https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/how-to-block-a-number-in-android/
Note that some Carriers/OEMs may actually disable this blocking feature or make it harder to get to.
There is a Content Provider and API starting in Android N that would allow apps to programmatically block calls and texts, you need to either be the default SMS or phone app, a system app, or a carrier app. While becoming a default app is something the user would allow you to do, only carrier-approved apps could become carrier apps.
https://developer.android.com/reference/android/provider/BlockedNumberContract.html#AUTHORITY_URI

thanks. btw, i am not interested at all in the blocking sms or calls from number. I wanted programaticall way to block sms containing the specific string.

Updated with Android N Blocking API info. To block am SMS with a specific string content you'd have to be the default app. Because you would need to check the contents and make a decision as to wether or not to allow the SMS to propagate through the system.


text:
Send notification to someone when the device is unused after a period of time
I have an elderly person in my family. I want to get notified when this person stops using the phone, say for one day, so that I check up on them and make sure they are ok.
How to achieve this?

SeniorSafety on GooglePlay
This application has an inactivity option as well as fall notifications, gps tracking and other useful options for senior safety.

It is not free, though (inactivity alerts are only available upon subscription). Are there any free alternatives?


text:
Can you see the time and/or date a website was visited on the Samsung Browser?
Can you see the time and/or date a website was visited on the Samsung Browser?

Have you checked history of the browser to see if it displays date and /or time, i dont have samsung device so i checked chrome and found it atleast shows date so chances are that samsung browser should also have that much info in history

I did look but didn’t see. Just says “today”, then “last 7 days”, but if the browser is already on a page when you open it, it’s gonna show up under history for that day. I was really hoping for more specific details. Thank you!!

You definitely can view the history with details about date and time. In the latest version of Samsung Browser, go to Bookmarks tab and then you will see the history section there.
I'm pretty sure in all browsers you can do such a thing.

Thank you. I have looked and all I see is where it says “Today” then underneath that it says “Last 7 days”... so I’m not sure how to tell when the website was actually visited. If I open the browser and it’s on that page, it’s going to show up under “today”, but I don’t see a way to see the time or anything. Any ideas on where else I might be able to see that info? If I click the website it just takes me there.

My bad, you are right. I doesn't show the exact date or time. Try using other browsers, I think they provide more info. For example, in FireFox the history is classified based on month.

Thanks! Just needing the info for someone who’s already using Samsung Internet. Darn, was really hoping there was a way!!


text:
Hangouts, Google Voice, and "SMS is no longer supported" notification on a WiFi-only tablet
Although I have been a long-time user of Google Voice and Hangouts, I only recently got my first Android tablet (WiFi only, no cellular).
The way the first two interact with the tablet is puzzling and frustrating:

As far as I can tell, Hangouts is the tool that Google wants us to use for Google Voice SMS messages.

It seems that recently Google removed SMS support from Hangouts except for Google Voice SMS that is still supported, and provided a way to choose what app to use as the main SMS app.

With Hangouts installed, everything seems to work, but I get constantly spammed by a Hangouts notification saying that SMS is no longer supported.  I have found no way to silence this notification unless I disable all Hangouts notifications, which would make me miss other Hangouts IMs.

In the attempt to silence the SMS is no longer supported spam notifications, I tried to install other SMS apps, but since my tablet is WiFi only, I am unable to install them.

I only found one SMS app that would install without the cellular hardware (I think called Messenger) and it spammed me with so many advertising notifications that I had to uninstall it, the cure was worse than the illness.

How to silence the Hangouts' "SMS is no longer supported" notification? Otherwise, how to install another SMS app on a WiFi-only tablet that stays nice and silent (which is ideal as I probably will never use it, I would only install it to silence the Hangouts notification)?

Related: How to block specific notifications from an app?

I had the same problem and I also wanted to avoid installing an extra app just to get rid of a notification.
The only thing I could think of is Facebook Messenger which I already use. After I downloaded it, the notification disappeared and Messenger was now the default app for SMS.
In case the notification doesn't disappear automatically, go to Settings -> Apps -> (Gear Icon top right) -> Default Apps and you should see 'SMS App'. Just tap on it and choose Messenger (or any other app you want to try). My tablet has Android 6.0.1, so instructions may differ on other versions.
P.S. Firstly, I tried to revoke any SMS permissions to Hangouts so I can clear it from the default app for SMS, but it didn't work.

Unfortunately, this is even one of the sticky notifications which can't be just swiped out of the notification area.
If you, however, swipe it to the right and keep your finger pressed, a gear symbol will appear on the left. When you click this, you can permanently disable this notification. Did the trick for me, at least.

AFAIK, this will disable all Hangouts' notifications? OP mentioned that he didn't want to disable all though: "I have found no way to silence this notification unless I disable all Hangouts notifications, which would make me miss other Hangouts IMs."

See How to block specific notifications from an app?


text:
Bluetooth disconnects when starting to play music
I have a Jabra Move headset that has been working wonderfully for months. However, today it started having connection problems to my Motorola Moto Z: it connects and remains connected indefinitely, as long as I don't start playing any sound.
If I have sound from Google Music or Facebook, the headset plays 3 seconds, disconnects, and reconnects. I have no idea how to solve this.
Here's what I tried:

Restarting the mobile phone
Restarting the headset
Reset the headset
Unpairing and pairing back

I am running Android 7.1.1.
I have no idea how to fix this, please help.

From the bluetooth settings try up-pairing the headset. And then pairing it again you can test if this works.

@rajat do you mean unpairing? I have tried it as well :(

Please do share which version of Android is installed.
Assumption made, there was a recent update to Moto Z  to Android 7.1. There is a high possibility that the bluetooth headset + Moto Z + Wifi versions are now at conflict. From experience with most bluetooth devices, Moto Z will have to rollout a fix or you can get another headset.
Or you can try this

Disable the wifi + hotspot.
Unpair the devices.
Restart both Moto Z handset and the headphone.
Pair both devices.

Looks like a long list, but takes less than 2 minutes to do. Hope it helps.

Thanks. Indeed, I am running Android 7.1.1. I will try your suggestion, but it is weird since other bluetooth headsets work properly


text:
Why droid explorer show different set of folders than the one on file explorer?
This is what droid explorer shows

This is in file explorer

According to file explorer I am at the root. So How can I see what's on file explorer via droidexplorer or via versa?

The former shows the root file system – the latter what MTP provides (usually the internal or external SD card). Different directories/places, hence of course it shows different sets of folders :)

According to file explorer I am at the root. So How can I see what's on file explorer via droidexplorer or via versa?

According to file explorer your at the root of that storage – not necessarily at the root of the entire file system on your device. MTP doesn't serve the entire file system, but "shared storage" (internal/external SD card) only, which is why, if you have both internal and external SD, you'll usually find 2 entries for your device.

authors: молдаван Мол


text:
Cannot cast Xiaomi Poco X3 to my Windows 10 and Windows 11
I tried casting Xiaomi Poco X3 to my Windows 10 and Windows 11 but it doesn't work. When I try to do that, I got this message.

Other smartphones can do that just fine. I tried the solution mentioned on Reddit thread but not helping.
I wonder what I should do.
Note: I ended up using Airdroid and some alternatives. It's working fine. So I wonder why something that worked fine with Airdroid doesn't work with official companies.
Note: I tried again with another software called Miracast 4k the result is the same

Other phones work just fine


text:
What should I do after I install 128 GB of storage on my android?
I install 128 GB extra storage on my android.
The thing is, most of those spaces are empty.
I cannot, for example, move my most space hoarding apps over there.
I can move files but I have no idea which file I should move.
My phone is POCO X3 NFC
I am using MKIUI Global 12.0.7 Stable
Some says I should integrate the flash card with my normal ssd. However, I do not see such option in settings
I installed https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.a0soft.gphone.app2sd
It says I can move app but I need to format SD card as internal by going to
Settings > Storage > SD card
Well, in settings there is no menu called storage.
It seems that in APP there should be a button that say Change.
I see no such button.

I can go to manage apps and I am supposed to see this

I don't. My typical screen shen I click manage apps look like.
See. No change button. I should format my SD as internal. I do not see any such option. I can format my SD but there is no option that it's formatted as internal.

Why did you add 512GB of extra storage?  What function were you hoping to fulfill by doing so?

I added 128 GB. The internal storage is almost full.

So the device came with 384GB of storage?  With what is it filled?

formatting SD as internal is a waste of real internal storage, sure you want this?

the original storage is 128 GB. it's full often due to whatsapp getting big. So I add another SD card for extra space

Your device comes with (fast) 64/128GB UFS Flash Storage. moving apps to (slow) MicroSD Card requires formatting as adoptable-storage (and makes Internal Storage unused).
In case you really need more storage for apps consider rooting your device. (Along with several disadvantages) you get ability for mounting single apps to MicroSD Card manually.
Partition MicroSD card to exFat and Ext 4 for link2sd?
How to bind mount a folder inside /sdcard with correct permissions?

Any easy way to make adoptable storage? I am using POCO

What do you mean by making internal storage unused? I want to use both internal storage. however, I want some apps to move to micro sd card.

the whole /sdcard is moved to adopted MicroSD card, it's either or

the sm partition commands should work to format as internal. check df when done. then try your app again

Say I have 128GB memory and 128 GB SD card, will I have 256 GB total space?

No. you will have 107G for apps and 119G for movable apps and media. so the max. pictures to be saved is 119G formatted as internal (compare: for portable storage the max. pictures to be saved is 226G)


text:
Skipping audio track using headphones
I have Samsung Galaxy Ace.
I listen to music using headphones. If I press button on headphones, it pauses/plays music. It is really annoying that I need to take phone out of my pocket, unlock the screen, and skip a song.
Is there a way to press a button on headphone, have it skip the current song and move to the next song like on Nokia phones? Is there any music player supporting this?
Thanks in advance.

Have you tried double press? While attempting try with different time gap between each press.

There are plenty of solutions available on the Google Playstore -- just search it for "headset control. Having a Philips headset, I use their Philips Headset and am really satisfied with it: One tap = pause/play, two-tap = forward 1 track, 3 tap = backward 1 track. Long-Tap (hold it) = volume up, tap and then long-tap = volume down... Most of these apps follow that scheme, many also allow to customize it. JAYS Headset Control should be a good option as well, but didn't work to well with my Philips headset; so if one doesn't do as expected, don't give up but try another.

The link to JAYS Headset Control appears dead.

@Firelord it's just an example; the search link should still work. According to Appbrain the app was indeed unpublished in 2017. I could also add the link to my corresponding app list :)

I find plenty of apps that do more than needed and ask for more permissions than I am willing to give :(

Double tapping on the button with two little dots works for me


text:
Pandigital Supernova tv audio problem
I was wondering if anyone has had sucess in getting audio through Mitsubishi 1080 DTV speaker when connecting tablet to tv.  I am using a SIIG  Hdmi to VGA converter with audio.  The video comes through great but when I connect the red and white audio cables the sound comes through for about 2 seconds then nothing.  If anyone has had sucess doing this please tell me what you equipment was used to accomplish this. Thanks

Have you tried playing audio from any other device via the same input? This way you could verify that it's not a problem in the TV. It could also help to test the tablet with another TV.

Thanks for the input.  You want believe this it was the power cord on the converter causing the problem.  I don't know why but when I unplugged it the sound came through prefect.  Thanks for the suggestion.

Glad to hear the problem was solved. You may want to answer your own question and mark the answer as accepted as soon as it's available :)

OP solved the problem:

it was the power cord on the converter causing the problem. I don't know why but when I unplugged it the sound came through prefect.


text:
Make Automate Task to manually sync Google Voice
Some network I connect to during my daily life, do not allow for push notifications. So I want to make a task that syncs all my accounts. This was easily done with Llama for Gmail. I just told it when I'm connected to those networks that don't allow push, to sync every 5 minutes. The strange thing is that Google voice is not show up under my google account in settings as a syncing app. You have to actually open the app and click the refresh button.
Does any one know a way to make a manual sync with Google voice in the background? Can I run some intent?


text:
Text displayed as hieroglyphs on website
On my mobile browsers, the text just shows up as hieroglyphs in this site. The menu items also do not show up as well.
Does any one have ideas where this comes from?
Screenshots (click to enlarge):

(1) What Android version are you on? (2) Are you using stock ROM? Or custom ROM?

Text is readable on my Samsung Galaxy S2, running CyanogenMod 10.1

(1)(2) no idea. i just got a hint from the customer and looked it up on http://www.browserstack.com. The thing is the text problem is one thing, but the disappearing of the menu item another which could not be a text-problem i think.

Does your screenshot come from an emulator? Or is that an actual Samsung Galaxy S2? Browserstack? [yes, I noticed you mentioned that, but I'm not familiar with BrowserStack]

Just an emulator, but people who have an actual device told me about both errors.

And are you the developer of that website?

The menu is also black for me.

yes i am. thats why i am asking. on all devices i tested the site the menu problem and the font problem did not appear.

In that case, this question should be moved to StackOverflow.com. Programming / Development-related issues are not discussed in Android.se. I will flag this question for move to StackOverflow.com :)

nobody is answering there. so i thought it might be an android problem. thats why i posted it here.

Probably has something to do with your CSS or JavaScript. I think you probably should describe in StackOverflow the code / libraries you are using.

Although this question is asked from a developer who sees this problem, I don't think that we should close it as off-topic as a user could ask the same question.

@Flow Point taken. The answer would most likely be development- / implementation-related though.

This is due to a lack of font support on the device.
On my Nexus 7 I see this:

this is ok. i mean the site takes Arial. Just have to reset the font size. but on the other on i posted its not even a font, even if i activate Arial only.

@Max it is device and Android version dependant sorry!


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How to customize font size and color in Jelly Bean?
The combination of small font size, low contrast color schemes (gray on gray), and the erratic operation of the auto-intensity makes the screen difficult to read in many circumstances.
I like auto-dimming, but I think it follows the wrong curve and is often too dim for the ambient conditions. The only alternative is to disable the automatic function entirely, which still results in often having the wrong brightness.
Can anyone recommend the simplest approach to customizing the font sizes and colors for the JB user interface? I liked Gingerbread's UI, but would prefer stick with the JB OS if the UI could be made more like GB.
(Phone is Nexus S 9020, Jelly Bean 4.1.2)

power control widget lets you quickly switch between three brightness levels.

When dealing with an automatic feature that is IMHO very useful, and that "almost works", I'm the type of person who wants to find a way to fix it, rather than give it up entirely and use a manual method.   I'm hoping somebody will say "oh, the auto brigheness curve is in file abc.xyz, just edit the table there"

Also worth a look: Spare Parts Plus. Amongst others, it lets you adjust the font size.

You can go to Settings > Display > Font size, to change the size. I'm not sure how to change the color though.


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Galaxy tab 2 10.1 is showing x and y coordinates and mouse lines on the screen
My Galaxy tab 2 10.1 is showing x and y coordinates across the top of the screen. When I swipe my finger on the screen, a line is trailing behind it, like what I am doing are showing. It was normal one day, then showing this the next day.
Does anyone know how to hide these details?

Goto Settings--> Developer options-->(Uncheck) Pointer location.
Thats it.

I have a huawei raven doing the same thing but don't have the same options under accessibility. Cannot find where developer options is located

Tap on Build Number (under About Phone) 7 times. It will enable developer options.


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DAVDroid CalDAV Calender does not show as phone calender account
I have a Xiaomi Redmi 4X Device with stock Android (no custom OS installation or modifications). I run a Radicale CalDAV server at home and have installed the DAVDroid app (via F-Droid). Inside DAVDroid app, I have set up the connection to my CalDAV server and DAVDroid shows up the calendar, so the connection to the server is fine.
Problems occur when I want to use the calendar with the Calendar app on the phone. In the calendar app, I want (i.e. I have) to choose the CalDAV calendar as a "calendar account", but the DAVDroid account is not showing up in the list of available calendar accounts although it definitely exists.
(I did some other tests using the aCalDAV app from the Google Play Store and the aCalDAV account shows up and is working).
Is there maybe a problem that DAVDroid has because it does not have all the needed permissions? I have no idea how to resolve the issue, so any hints are welcome.

I'm not familiar with this app, but it sounds like it just doesn't support being used with the system calendar storage. If you don't get an answer here you should ask the developer of the app.

That seems like an issue with the "default calendar app", as it works with others (OP described such). So the easiest solution is using a 3rd party calendar app, e.g. ETar. I'm a long-term user of DAVDroid (on multiple devices, though no Xiaomi) and never had that issue (I'm using Business Calendar Pro in case you want to know).

I solved the issue. It was an issue with a permission problem, that prevented DAVDroid to do synchronisation. I assume that I granted the permissions "too late" (after DAVDroid already tried a sync before the correct permissions and failed).
A restart of the phone and manual re-triggering of the synchronisation process solved the problem.