text:
Install TWRP and Magisk Manager on Moto G5 Plus without rooting
I would like to install Google Play Services for AR (ARCore) on my Moto G5 Plus, running Oreo 8.1 - this device is not on the official Google supported list. I believe this is possible with TWRP and Magisk Manager. I have the Android SDK, and all necessary USB drivers installed. I can load .apk's using adb.
However, I'd like to install TWRP without unlocking the bootloader or rooting the phone.
First question: is this even possible? or do I need to root the phone?
I tried to follow the instructions to install TWRP withOUT rooting, but when I try to flash the latest version of the Potter image, twrp-3.3.1-0-potter.img, I get a 'Preflash validation failed' error:
\android\Sdk\platform-tools> .\fastboot.exe flash recovery twrp.img
(bootloader) is-logical:recovery: not found
Sending 'recovery' (16342 KB)                      OKAY [  0.710s]
Writing 'recovery'                                 (bootloader) Image recovery failed validation
(bootloader) Preflash validation failed
FAILED (remote: '')
fastboot: error: Command failed

According to this answer, Moto devices do not support downgrading the bootloader. However, I figured the recovery image (3.3.1-0) was the most updated, and suited for Oreo 8.1. Is there any way to check bootloader versions of the image and that on my phone?
Thanks in advance for any insight!

try fastboot oem get_unlock_data https://androidmtk.com/unlock-bootloader-on-any-motorola-device

Thanks for the tip. My end goal is to install a profile that supports ARCore, and I'd like to do that without unlocking the boot loader if possible, because that will wipe my phone.

i am not sure that works without proper hardware support (camera, sensors) however you can't use TWRP or Magisk with locked bootloader. wiping on unlocking is a security feature. you can partially backup apps in cloud, pictures to pc, some apps allow adb backup

You are right. It does not appear to be possible to install TWRP without unlocking the boot loader. @alecxs, If you make that an answer, I will accept it.

according to this blog it is possible to downgrade bootloader and even install TWRP without data loss for Moto G4 Plus https://blog.elcomsoft.com/2018/05/demystifying-android-physical-acquisition

Fascinating blog, thanks for sharing.

Answer: it is not possible without unlocking boot loader.
Thank you to @alecxs !
Also for anyone interested, rooting has some side effects: cannot load the Netflix app due to safety net checks. Even with the magisk mod for hiding safety net flags.
And ultimately, ARCore still doesn't work, even after I flagged the Pixel 2 "image", and installed Google play services for AR.

This topic is old, but still pertinent. The previous answer is correct and I'd like to assert it:
The locked bootloader won't allow you to install a custom recovery, and that is the reason for the messages:
(bootloader) Image recovery failed validation  and
(bootloader) Preflash validation failed
I also have a Moto G5-Plus, and I've done the tests: the custom recovery (TWRP) will only install if you unlock the bootloader.
In addition, in my case, my phone was unlocked since 2015 and lately I started being denied access to my banking app due to security validations provided by Google APIs.
After some searching I've learned that in 2023 the "SafetyNet API" got deprecated in favor of the new "Play Integrity API" and in 2024 all apps that use that API must migrate to the new one.
Also I've seen that Google is detecting and blocking Magisk patches very fast...
So the best solution to me was to return to stock ROM (OREO 8.1), and lock again the bootloader.
My G5Plus is now able to pass the two required tests of device and basic integrity:

By just unlocking the bootloader it started failing the "MEETS_DEVICE_INTEGRITY"
If the API detects a rooted device it will fail also the   "MEETS_BASIC_INTEGRITY"

To learn about the new Integrity API: https://developer.android.com/google/play/integrity/overview
Here's a very useful app to check your device Integrity according to Google API:  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gr.nikolasspyr.integritycheck&hl=en&gl=US


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Can't boot to system (lineageOS) after updating TWRP
I've been using lineageOS 14.1 for a long time on my Galaxy S4 mini (gt-i9195) and recently wanted to try some apps requiring root access.
In the developer options I could set root access only to "ADB only". I tried installing su from https://download.lineageos.org/extras via TWRP but the installation failed (probably because I tried installing the arm64 version instead of arm, I'm guessing retrospectively?).
Anyway, I decided to upgrade TWRP to 3.3.1-0 (from 3.0.1-0 before I think) following random advice I found online.
I started flashing 3.3.1-0 to the recovery partition via TWRP but it got stuck while "Patching system unconditionally".
After more than an hour of this I powered off and restarted into recovery mode.
Surprisingly, TWRP now boots as version 3.3.1-0 without any issues.
However, whenever I try to boot system into lineageOS I just get the Samsung startup logo and then the screen stays black.
Any idea how I might be able to start up lineageOS again?
I would try rolling back to an older version of TWRP maybe, but I couldn't yet figure out how to get the image file onto the phone.
I tried installing adb on my desktop and plugging the phone in via USB but adb devices does not find the phone.
Might Odin work for this despite not having the standard ROM and without wiping the phone?
Unfortunately I don't have a backup, as I didn't have the storage space for it.
But while there's nothing super important on the phone I would still of course prefer not having to wipe everything.

If your main LineageOS system partition does not boot I would try to re-flash that image instead of fiddling around with the recovery twrp (which should not affect the main OS).

Solved it without any data loss by putting a zip of the same LineageOS version I was using on a SD card and re-flashing with that from TWRP 3.3.1 (wiping only cache and Dalvik).
Thanks @Robert.
I still don't understand how exactly I screwed my system partition in the first place but I'm happy anyway.

Can you be a bit more specific on how did you re-flash without loosing data?
Did you do just this: "On the device, select “Apply Update”, then “Apply from ADB” to begin sideload..."

It's been a while but I'm relatively sure I just booted into TWRP, selected "Install" and then picked the lineageOS image I downloaded on the sd card to install from there.

source: Stack Exchange

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

sort: votes


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Upgraded from KK 4.4.2 to CM 12 Lollipop, can't restore app data (S4 Mini LTE)
After taking a full Nandroid backup of my previous os and apps using CWM recovery, clearing cache and performing a factory wipe, I went ahead and flashed Lollipop. This is the ROM I used: https://s.basketbuild.com/filedl/devs?dev=F4k&dl=F4k/cm12/serranoltexx/cm-12-20150111-UNOFFICIAL-serranoltexx.zip
Upon first boot of Lollipop, I wasn't presented with any 'transfer existing apps/data' screen, but rather was just sent to the launcher screen. While lollipop runs fine however, I can't seem to be able to restore app data through either the custom recovery (just says "please wait" forever and phone gets stuck in a boot loop afterwards) or using apps on the actual phone. It is rooted (through both going into settings -> developer -> enable root access & also a flashable zip that I used) and both Titanium Backup(hangs at 0% and 1%) as well as Nandroid Manager(says 'error' when attempting to restore apps) both fail to restore.
Nandroid manager gave this output at the end: /system/bin/pm[6]: app_process: Permission denied
Is there any other way I can restore the app data?

If you did a full wipe then there is no "transfer existing apps/data" because there is nothing to transfer. Restoring data from another ROM is never going to end well (look at it like installing an iPhone app on Android). I did attempt to do something like you, too, but I made it work. Just restore all user apps+data and then manually use a file explorer like Root Explorer and set the according permissions to all the folders in /data/data (application data).

I did find a solution, eventually by using ADB.
I restored the nandroid user data backup from the stock ROM to the new ROM, then tried to boot it. After leaving it for a while, it got stuck in a boot loop, so I connected the phone to the computer and used adb shell to rename the app data folder (located at /data/data), so Android wouldn't recognise it.
I then booted the phone again and it went straight to the desktop like it normally would. All my apps were here, but not the app data, because I had renamed that folder previously.
I then used adb pull to get the new user data on my computer, then pulled the old user data also, so I could overwrite it.
After overwriting the new user data folders, I used adb push to get them back onto the phone, into the correct /data/data directory. I then went to boot the phone again.
The phone booted this time, but apps were crashing, because the permissions had been messed up. Whatsapp, to name one, couldn't access the message history, and refused to open. It had also planted a persistent notification warning that it wasn't functioning properly. To solve this, I downloaded an app from Google Play called "fix permissions" which did the trick.
All of my data was now successfully ported to Lollipop.

I did however switch back to the old ROM, and experience the same app crashing problem, but that was fixed instantaneously by clearing the /cache partition. Even though Lollipop is nice and 'just works', but I missed the familiar Samsung app interface.

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


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Can update.zip update-script be used to copy build.prop to an SD card?
I made the unfortunate mistake of lowering the dalvik heapsize to 64m and now my tablet is stuck in a bootloop . I've tried to make my own update.zip (including signed ones) and all fail to load in recovery mode, saying "Installation Aborted".
Is there any way to use update.zip to pull build.prop from the device? My computer does not find it on ADB so this is my only option.
**Edit:
I've now got a copy of the original build.prop from the stock ROM. I'm now having trouble getting that back on to the device, as it keeps halting at the extract section. I'm wondering if there is something wrong with the permissions I'm using or do I need to specify in the updater-script to delete build.prop?
mount("ext4", "EMMC", "/dev/block/mmcblk0p6", "/system");
package_extract_dir("system", "/system");
set_perm(0, 0, 0644, "/system/build.prop");
show_progress(0.100000, 0);
unmount("/system");

Since my recovery doesn't show output for ui_print(); I've used show_progress(); to see how much of the code gets run. It successfully mounts and runs anything, except extracting the package, where it just hangs up and says "Installation Aborted".

Can you download the ROM for your device? You could (which is read as maybe) dirty install over your ROM (not wiping the system and data, so you apps and info remain intact)……Or you could pull the build.prop and go about it the way you mention in your question.

I've downloaded the factory ROM, but for some reason I can't put build prop on the device. It keeps returning "Installation Aborted" as before. It can successfully mount the partition and set permissions, but can't copy the file. This is the update.zip that I've been trying: http://cdn.yard.cu.cc/ext/update.zip

What chmod are you using? Did you consider the dirty install, which would replace the build.prop

It would set these before modification set_perm(0, 0, 0777, "/system/build.prop"); then set these after modification set_perm(0, 0, 0644, "/system/build.prop");. I'm wondering if I need to delete the existing build.prop before attempting to write the new one? I'd expect the old one to be automatically deleted when I attempt to write the new one.

I fixed the problem by backing up using the stock recovery, then reflashing the factory firmware. I then went back into stock recovery and restored my user data.
The reason why it wouldn't accept my update.zip files is because they weren't signed by Archos.

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


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Does Google Takeout contain Android Backup for my devices?
In theory, Google Takeout lets you download all the data Google stores for you (or about you). Among these there should be the backup content of my Android devices.
Is it Android Backup included in the Takeout?
Should it be?
Is there a way to request that?

From https://takeout.google.com, you can download files stored in My Drive and Computers, which don't include mobile Backups:

From the question: Downloading Phone's Backups from Google Drive to PC or Alternative Phone:

You can not download the backup onto your PC. It can only be installed back onto the product it came from, or if it is an iOS or Android backup, then that can only go back onto that operating system (so back onto another phone or the same phone).

However you can "View details about a backup" and "Delete a backup" directly from a web browser or Google Drive app (source: Manage & restore your mobile backups in Google Drive).

I was afraid that was the case. I wonder how does it play with the GDPR and others, for which they built, right?

@GrzegorzOledzki sorry I'm very bad at grasping things related to ever-changing complicated legal matters. Personally I avoid products and services I don't trust. That's what I do in case of Google.

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


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Reset PIN from adb shell
I have forgotten the PIN of a device but I do have access to a root shell with adb shell and su
Is there some way I could remove the screen PIN lock or change it?

Does this answer your question? Can not unlock my Android device as have no internet connection?

no your comment above is a better answer than the link.

if your device is not encrypted with login credentials you can delete locksettings.db
adb shell su -c "rm /data/system/locksettings.db*"

However, bear in mind the following files are required for FBE encryption. If you delete these files you won't be able to decrypt userdata partition, all data is lost
/data/system/gatekeeper.password.key
/data/system/gatekeeper.pattern.key
/data/system/locksettings.db
/data/system/locksettings.db-shm
/data/system/locksettings.db-wal

How exactly does FBE's key derivation work?

@alexcs solution can work without root / su (sorry I can't comment on his answer) :
adb reboot recovery

(wait for reboot)
adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db

and reboot into normal mode with :
adb reboot

Alas this isn't working on my phone either, In recovery mode, adb won't connect anymore. Reboot and it wiill. But in recover mode "error: no devices/emulators found". Recover mode offered a menu, and delete cache seemed safest but didn't help.

The big axe
A brute force solution existed as I had access to fastboot too.
To remove the PIN, removed the entire userdata partition with fastboot
fastboot erase userdata
as described here:
https://android.stackexchange.com/a/175887/320098

To wipe the entire partition is pretty brute force to be - it removes everything

That is less brute force and more knock the building down....

@TankR. yes but that is what I did, the accepted answer would have been a better way


text:
Change default folder for Chrome bookmarks
Every time I add a bookmark in Chrome, it saves it to "Mobile bookmarks". I now have to press "Edit" and change the folder to "Bookmarks bar". I'm sure that Chrome previously saved to the last folder that was saved to. Is there a way to default to Bookmarks bar?

It seems like Chrome now does this - not sure if something was fixed recently! Cannot Reproduce.


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Audio resumes whenever bluetooth connects or disconnects - how do I stop this?
This seems to be independent of which bluetooth device I connect/disconnect to (car audio, ear buds, etc), and is also independent of whatever the last app I was listening to (VLC, Pandora, etc).
When I tell an app to stop playing, I'd like it to STAY stopped... not automatically pick up where it left off simply because I stopped or started my car, or got in/out of range of one of my bluetooth audio devices.

Just to clarify, is the issue strictly related to Android Auto, or also on general Android devices (e.g. phones, tablets)?

This is independent of Android Auto.  I don't even have that installed on my phone.

You can try Bluetooth Connect & Play app. It basically meant to start a specific music app playing when a specific Bluetooth device connects. But you can also select "Stop music from playing" option to keep any app from starting when the car connects to a Bluetooth device. I faced the similar issue on my Toyota and it did help.

Well, the app seemed to do the trick - thanks. It's unfortunate (and confusing) why I'd have to have an app to turn this behavior off, but hey... problem solved.

Good to hear that @Gazpacho. If it solved your problem, then you may accept my answer by clicking on the "Check" mark right next to my answer. When it turns green it means you've accepted the answer. Just a suggestion. It is up to you.

Using the app to restart VLC on Android 10 tablet. Works nicely with Bluetooth headphones. Haven't yet tested, but real reason I want it is for use in car. Currently pauses VLC when car ignition turned off: expecting VLC to restart when I start the car again. App very usefully sets option by target device, so I can leave smart TV unaffected.

Mate, this app wants access to make phone calls.  What the heck?


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How to turn on Wi-Fi Calling in Google Pixel 1 (not XL)?
As a preliminary question to Wi-Fi Calling feature on Pixel - How do I tell if it is using it?, how and where does one enable it in the first place?
Should it appear in the phone app's settings or in the general settings? Can you post a screenshot?
And does it only appear in either of them if the phone company supports it for this phone?

Yes, for the last Para

Yes the Mobile Network needs to support Wi-Fi calling.
From Settings -> Network & Internet -> Mobile Network -> [tap on]Advanced and scroll down a bit you should see something similar to the following which was taken on a Pixel 2 with Android 10.

I've accepted but are you sure Pixel 2 is identical to 1 in this case? I don't see this option at all so I must assume it's due to the mobile network.

You should then tell us what carrier you are using (and perhaps what region), otherwise this is what I see with Google/Android software.

Israel/Partner.


text:
How do I allow two apps on Android to open the same file type? i.e. Not have to choose a default
We have two applications that run on the Android platform that both use XML files to transfer data. (Android v8.0.0)
However when we open either app, the OS always asks "Which one of these two apps to you want to open this file with by default?". We don't want to set a default as we need both apps to be able to open XML files as required by their individual function.
Is there a way to tell Android "This file type can be opened by any app that wants to do so"?
At the moment we need to go into App settings and Clear Default on each app after we have run it in order for the other app to "take over" as default when we run that. Once we have set default  to either app, then the other one throws an error when it tries to open files because it is not the default app
That's not really a viable way forward.
Is Android even capable of this file type handling duality? Is there a setting we can change to allow files to be opened by "non-default" apps.
Changing the app code is not a short term solution, but if Android truly cannot handle the situation then we may need to, but that will not solve the problem for our users right now. Changing a setting in Android to allow what we want to have happen would be quicker and cleaner.
Thanks for your help.

While app development is off-topic here, you might want to clarify However when we open either app, the OS always asks ... Are you opening the app or opening the file and then that dialog is happening after a list of apps show up?

Opening either app. Both apps will try to open any XML files waiting to be processed in their own storage area. That's when the argument starts.

My guess is that your apps are using a third party library or a different app to do file selection. See: https://developer.android.com/training/basics/intents/sending#StartActivity Behavior is directed by the app selector. If you are using a third-party library you'll have to go back to both apps to change the behavior. If you are using any OEM or third-party File Manager, that is out of your control. Note this sounds like a failure in specs or QA so off-topic here.

Looks like Android can't be configged or rigged to allow this, so it seems like this is purely an app problem.
Thanks all.

No it is not possible to assign multiple apps as default for a single file type.
if you open a file, how can a computer know which application YOU want? you can only define one default or let the computer ask each time (no default)
Therefore i don't understand the logic of your question

Thanks for that. We are opening the app rather than the file. The asking to choose a default pops up when the app tries to open an XML file.
I get the feeling we will need to go back to one app developer and get the code changed so Android isn't feeling the conflict.
We don't want to set a default app at all, but Android insists on there being one whenever a file of that type is opened.

that's definitely some issue with your app. i have two different video players installed. both of them will open mp4 files without asking for default


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How to copy the entire contents of an android device to a linux PC
I am trying to create an exact copy of the filesystem on my android tablet on my PC.
The device is a rooted Nexus 7 (2013).
I opened a shell on the device through adb and attempted to create a tarball of the whole root directory, but my root access was limited to 15 minutes so there was not enough time for completion.
Can anyone help here, either by showing me how to copy the whole root directory?
*Note that I do not want a backup .ab file, only and exact copy of the filesystem

possible duplicate of Full Backup of devices

Lucky, it appears a full backup as explained in your link will return a .ab file, I just want an exact copy of the full file system in its original folders and etc...

Sorry @Chris M. Wrong linked question. Check this post for rooted solutions How to backup your Android device?

Thanks to the link provided by Lucky above, I was able to use the ./abd pull .* while rooted to copy nearly the whole device to my PC. however some files were omitted because root access was only granted for 15 minutes, not enough to copy all of the files. I suppose all I need to solve my problem now is a way to grant root access for an extended time period, any ideas?

Look at How to root my android device? post for more information on rooting your device.

If you just want to find files of a specific type, there's a one-liner which definitely should finish in your 15min window: find . -type f -name "*.pub (to be run from a shell while in the / (root) directory of the file system) – no need to pull the entire file-system to your PC ;)

The correct reference would point to our nandroid tag-wiki, as a Nandroid backup is what covers all content. However, this is only available via custom recoveries.
An alternative to that would be the dd command ("Disk Duplicator"1).

Disclosure: the following describes an application I wrote and maintain:
My tool Adebar is able to generate you dd scripts for all partitions your device holds, which you then can cross-check before execution. While doing that, Adebar tries to figure out what each partition is used for, so you won't end up just with cryptic names on the disk-images. To get to the content, you still had to figure the file system used on each partition (to be able to mount it as a Loop Device). But for the "worst case", you should be able to use these images to restore your device to the state it was in when you've created them (though I must admit I've never tried that yet).

files pulled/generated by Adebar (click image for larger variant)
Adebar is mainly written in Bash version 4, and utilizes adb to communicate with the device. It definitely runs fine on Linux. I have not tested it on other systems, and so far got no feedback from users maybe having tried that.

1: careful: it's nick-named "Disk Destroyer", as if you use it the wrong way around (i.e. swap source and target), you can end up with a "disk without content"

While this solution also works, @Josh Holland provided a faster way of solving my issue, but thanks anyway for I will certainly make good use of your application in the future.

Always good to have alternatives! So congrats to Josh for providing a solution exactly tailored for your (and similar) issue(s) – need to upvote him for that (ding done.) Glad you see use for my application as well – it's also good to have a device documentation available to cross-check with, which Adebar creates, too (see the blue box in above graphic), and a "complete backup" (red box: partBackup for a partition-based backup) cannot hurt either ;). Btw: the Github page also holds a wiki to get you started.


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Run script using init.rc doesn't work
I'm trying to run a script that exectues when the device has finished booting. This particular device does not support running scripts from an init.d directory, which is why I am using init.rc.
The init.rc file has been modified to include the following code
on property:sys.boot_completed=1
start initAsic

service initAsic /data/local/tmp/runn.sh
user root
group root
oneshot

The boot image has then been rebuilt and flashed to the device. The changes can be confirmed by viewing the init.rc file located at /
Currently I am only using a simple test script (testScript.sh) which issues the following command
echo hi >> /data/local/tmp/test.txt

The testScript.sh and text.txt file has 777 permissions set and both have been pushed to the device using adb push.
Their current location is /data/local/tmp/
For some reason it seems that my script is not running, as I can't see any text being written to test.txt.
Am I missing something?
Could it be an issue with SELinux?
My device currently has SElinux set to permissive. This was done via altering the BoardConfig.mk file and doing a rebuild of the boot.img.

Does this answer your question? How to run an executable on boot and keep it running?

Add disabled keyword to service. After reboot check log: dmesg | grep -C5 initAsic.

Apolgies for the late repsonse and thanks for your suggestions.
@alecxs I have seen that post and replicated most of the steps in one of the outlined processes but not step for step - the only difference being the locations of the files that are being run. Didn't have any success.
@IrfanLatif I've added the disabled keyword to the servies and ran the dmesg command. It seems that my suscpicon was correct, as it's returning service initAsic does not have a SELinux domain defined. I should be able to sort out the issue now - will let you know how I go and post an answer. Thanks.

By running the command dmesg | grep -C5 initAsic I saw that I was getting this error code returned
service initAsic does not have a SELinux domain defined

The issue what that I needed to add the line seclabel u:r:init:s0 to my init service as this is a requirement of init. The complete service now looks like this. The disabled keyword has also been added as suggested by Irfan.
service initAsic2 /data/local/tmp/runn.sh
seclabel u:r:init:s0
user root
group root
oneshot
disabled

Also note that SElinux must be set to permissive to allow this service to run or  preferably - as setting SElinux to permissive is a security risk - defining the appropriate rules for SElinux and using the modified policy.
More information on the topic here: https://android.stackexchange.com/a/207647/218526
This post was where I found the suggestion to add seclabel property. It also has more useful information regarding the SELinux issue I was encountering: https://stackoverflow.com/questions/43600261/init-warning-service-myservice-needs-a-selinux-domain-defined-please-fix

What's the purpose of adding seclabel when you are making SELinux ineffective by setting it permissive? Disabling SELinux is a security risk. Instead define context and/or inject proper SELinux rules. See details here. Or at least use some permissive context like Magisk's for your service only. See my answer to the question marked duplicate by @alecxs.

tbh @IrfanLatif I'm not sure why it worked. Setting SELinux to permissive should have made it ineffective but for me it seems it did not - I will look into it a bit more to confirm that it wasn't another factor that contributed to it working. I do understand it's a security risk but for my purposes (rapid prototyping) it is ok. In the future I plan to properly define SELinux rules.

It worked because seclabel field is a requirement of init that you fulfilled. The point is, seclabel is of no use when SELinux is set to permissive. It's no more protecting the service or any other file/process.


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How to stop a Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014) from booting into recovery?
My Tablet is stuck in booting into a (not working) TWRP recovery. It shortly shows the Bootloader screen with "recovery booting ...", then the screen turns black and it reboots.
The LineageOS itself was booting fine. I tried all kinds of button combinitions to cancel recovery booting and get the system to boot, but it keeps booting into the broken recovery.
Is there any kind of hotkey to get the phone into a "boot to system" mode again?


text:
Login into a phone with broken screen using adb
I have a Android 10 phone with broken screen (it doesn't display anything and doesn't react to touches) that has ADB enabled. It boots (probably to the lockscreen) as I can see it in adb devices and it gets an IP, but unfortunately adb devices lists it as unauthorized.
I tried unlocking it with a keyboard via USB-OTG (pressing the power button, then pressing enter (not sure if needed), then waiting a moment (in case enter only caused a wrong pin message) and then entering the PIN again and pressing enter, but it doesn't seem to change things and I cannot see if it was successful.
My PC is authorized and usually I was able to use adb pull/shell/..., but I think this might have required unlocking the screen.
Is there a way to get somehow blindly authorize adb access to the data?

Your main problem is that adb requires the phone to operate as USB client where as connecting an USB keyboard/mouse requires the phone to operate in OTG mode as USB hosts. To my knowledge both modes can not be used at the same time and the adb authorization dialog vanishes once you disconnect the adb usb connection. So the only way would be to use the USB keyboard to pair a bluetooth keyboard, then switch to adb ,mode and use the bluetooth keyboard to authorize adb. Doing that all blind is next to impossible.

Good point. The question is whether the popup always appears after a reboot, even for known devices. I know it does not appear for every new connection, but it may reappear after a reboot. I hoped that unlocking with OTG first and then connecting to a computer would result in an authorized adb connection (since the computer previously was authorized), but it is still unauthorized and I can't see if there is a popup or not.

Adb authorization Dialog only appears upon first connection (or better every time the connection is established until you agree go it) . But since Android 12 or 13 there is a function active by default that removes the trust state after some weeks or months. This function can be disabled in developer settings.

It's Android 10 and seems to still have adb but unauthorized. Sadly I have no idea what's on the screen and the phone also does not support HDMI output. Usually I use adb all the time, so I am also confused why it is not authorized.


text:
Remove list of running apps from the lockscreen
When I pull down the notification shade twice when the phone is locked, I have an entry at the bottom of the shade showing "X apps are active". When I tap the entry, not only can I see a list of running apps without unlocking the phone, but I also have buttons to stop them.
How can I disable the list when the phone is locked?

From the linked article:
The button on the bottom of the shade:

The active apps list:

I can only see the apps that have active notifications in that list on my lock screen. Have you restricted notifications on lock screen or do you allow them all?

Just in case it's relevant, could you mention the device model?

@Robert I have them restricted, but it's not about the notifications but about the list of active apps, as described here. Did you pull down the shade twice?

@AndrewT. I think the list is present on all phones with Android 13 and 14.

Pulling down twice does not change anything because I start at the upper screen border, this way you directly get the full page: screenshot https://postimg.cc/xJs7YYn6 And the two active apps are just my "permanent" notifications because of VPN and battery monitor. Other active apps do not appear there. Tested with  a Samsung tablet on Android 14 and a Pixel phone on Android 13, both with a PIN protected lock screen.

I have a Samsung Galaxy M12 running on Android 13. While the "active apps in background" is shown on the Recents Screen, I don't see it on the lock screen or on the quick setting drawer. Granted, manufacturers do like customizing their Android... So, I'd assume your device is Pixel 6 or newer, as per the article?

@AndrewT. Pixel 8 and on my phone it looks exactly like in the linked article, butI can access it from the lockscreen, while the article claims one needs to unlock the phone first. Maybe that was changed in Android 14?


text:
forgot my pattern for lock screen
I'm locked out of my tablet because I can't remember what my screen lock pattern is. How do I reset factory settings if I can't get into the tablet?
please help this is all new to me

Boot into your Recovery in this way:

Shut down your device
Google for "(your device name) recovery"
In your recovery you can perform a factory reset.

authors: Орхонцэцэг Хорлоо


text:
Sending email from an alias using Gmail app
I use G-Suite for business. I have the main domain (Let's call it example.com) and a number of secondary domains (we'll use example.co.uk for this). I have set up aliases so that I can receive email sent to joe.user@example.com and also joe.user@example.co.uk.
Using GMail on the web I can select a default email address for outgoing email. So, although my primary address is joe.user@example.com my outgoing email appears to come from joe.user@example.co.uk
So far, so good.
Now I want to do the same thing on my Android phone and tablet.
How can I set up Gmail for Android to use my alias joe.user@example.co.uk instead of my primary address joe.user@example.com?
Note that I don't want to reset the phone and sign in with a different address. I just want to change the GMail alias.
One answer to this question suggests it's not possible, but that was five years ago. Has anything changed?

It's still not possible if you use Gmail app.
Alternatively, you can use FairEmail ( link to the community ads promotion), which let's you do this and has many more features available.
I use  Gmail aliases with this app (not affiliated to it) . You can refer to the extensive app FAQ
in case of issues or join the active app forum on XDA

I suspected as much. I was just hoping that I might have missed something in a settings menu somewhere. I'll post something to the black hole that is Google's Help & Feedback system and see what happens. Thanks for your input!

Thanks. May as well leave a link here for the feature request (or edit into answer), so that others can "star" it


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YouTube Premium: Downloaded videos - Original channel deleted?
I have subscribed for YouTube Premium and have downloaded some tutorial videos I want to keep. However, the channel owner will be deleting his entire channel soon.
Research online is difficult and I'm seeing mixed results, where some say the downloaded videos are kept when this occurs, and others saying they are deleted as well when the channel is deleted.
Will the YouTube app save these videos? If not, how can I hang onto them?

I would just avoid this problem and re-download the video to a file, in a way it can be played in any video player. Such Youtube download tools exist for various OS.

From Google Support - Delete your channel, which addresses this from content creator view

Closing your YouTube channel will permanently delete your content, including videos, comments, messages, playlists, and history.

Also here, support says

...  If you delete a video, it's permanently deleted — you can't recover it through YouTube.

(Emphasis added)

So, the videos are lost. Even if you download them for off-line viewing, you will not be able to play them because they aren't available any more. For more details on off-line viewing see this answer. It's an old answer but still valid because I see many videos which I bookmarked or downloaded go missing because of channels removed / videos being deleted because of ownership disputes (private videos) in addition to YouTube updates.

Your best bet may be to reach out the content creator and explain the situation to them and explore if it is possible that they upload to a private cloud and give you access (provided this arrangement doesn't run foul of YouTube copyright)

If you do find a way out, please feel free to post your answer here, so that it helps others :)


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Jellybean 4.2 Auto-Download and Display file
I'm looking to mount a cheap 7" android on my wall to display current tasks, events and household requirements.
Does android 4.2 have a built-in tool that can download a file from a server every 5 minutes and display it on screen?
I know it must have rsync but I'm not sure about the displaying information

To do it myself I would sure put what you need for rsync or scp in a shell file and put the command in cron:
Shell : crontab -e
Write : */5 * * * * /home/bly/get_newest_stuff.sh

You didn't mention what you want to display... videos, images, text, run loader for a running presentation program.
At least you can open images with ImageMagick.
# display whatever.jpg

There's no built-in tool to do this - why would there be? - but there are several apps available depending on exactly what kind of information you want to show and how you want it displayed. For example, you could do worse than my app Showr, which is a home screen widget. You tell it the web address of an image file, or an RSS feed with images, and how often to update it, and it updates the image and displays it on your home screen. It's a free download from Google Play. My users often use it to display information like weather maps and charts, as well as more fun things like webcams, photo blogs, and logos or pictures of things or people they like.
You might also use home screen widgets for other kinds of information. For example, if the events you want to display are in a Google calendar (or can be imported into it from an iCal file or similar), then the Google calendar app can display upcoming events in a list on the home screen.
There's quite a few task list apps too, and they usually have home screen widgets and push capabilities, so if you add or complete a task from your phone, the list on the wall updates automatically. Remember the Milk is one such, which I use, but you have to pay a subscription for unlimited syncing.

Thanks. It's still going strong on Play store and is super useful.


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How to save an ISO (or similar) of a whole Lexibook tablet (Android SO)?
A friend has 2 Lexibook android tablets (kids' tablets). One is completely clean and the other is fine.
He wants his clean android to be exactly the same as his good one.
How does he copy?
I got the tablet's in my hands and the main problem until now is I can't even download nandroid. Is there anyway I can?
Please note: he is looking to have a complete copy, not just data and not just software.

...and this answer to that question. Yupp, agreed.

Thanks for the links. I got the tablets in my hand now and the "faulty" is actually empty and I weren't able to get the backup done yet because I can't download the nandroid so I am unable to proceed with the instructions received in the answers you pointed me too.

This Lexibook is a children's tablet and is a real pain. I deactivated all protections in the settings but how can I download the nandroid tool to backup the system?

Tat "Nandroid tool" is part of custom recoveries. Details can be found via our nandroid tag-wiki. Besides, such a transfer only works between identical devices; never restore a Nandroid backup from a different device, as that is very likely to cause a "brick". Carefully read all related information before you proceed.

The device being a Lexibook it created many problems to many parents as I could see online. We gave up on those devices. Thank you for your advice @Izzy.

authors: Юлия Суржикова


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Screen flickering galaxy s3
I noticed that my galaxy s3 sometimes show flickering on display when I am for example closing apps. I disabled HW overlays but it didn't help. I read that it can cause battery. My battery is fairly old (2 years) and Can withstand 3 hours surfing net and listening to music on 1200 mhz.
How it can be battery? It's giving low voltage to CPU/GPU and that's why is graphical rendering so bad?
Or it causes kernel? I have custom. I never had stock so I don't know if on the stock it's OK.
I have archidroid based on CM11
EDIT: Here is video. Screen flickering on my phone https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXPK9V9ENow&feature=youtu.be

I had this too on my S3 4G variant. The battery is the problem as it does not give out power consistently and suddenly just drops all power output. You have to replace the battery. The screen flickering is an indicator for a broken/completely used battery.

Thank you for your answer. Can you post this comment as answer please?

I had this too on my S3 4G variant.
The battery is the problem as it does not give out power consistently and suddenly just drops all power output. You have to replace the battery.

The screen flickering is an indicator for a broken/completely used battery.

But if it is battery, screen flickering should be visible also when screen is inactive, right?

I mean when screen is turned on but nothing is moving etc

I know. I had this, too. The screen just flickers, but the battery is at way more than 1 or 2%. This means that the battery is broken/worn out and you need to replace it.

I bought new battery but screen flickering is still showing :(

That's weird. For me it fixed any flickering. May be some damage to your screen eg. water or much dust.

Here is screen flickering on my phone >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXPK9V9ENow&feature=youtu.be

I don't see any hardware related screen flickering. Maybe something is wrong with your ROM or one of your various modules you have installed. Battery-related screen flickering is way more visible and makes your screen gradually becoming darker until it's black.


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How can I view the list of available conference rooms in Microsoft Outlook for Android?
How can I view the list of available conference rooms in Microsoft Outlook for Android?
For example, on the Microsoft Outlook web interface, one can view the list of available conference rooms:

I haven't found any answer so far.

I am still interested if someone has any idea.

As of December 2018, the room finder is not yet implemented on Outlook for Android.
The following article Compare Outlook for PC, Outlook on the web, and Outlook for iOS & Android lists the features available on different versions of Outlook. Meeting room finder feature is listed as No (meaning not available) on  both Android and iOS but available on Outlook for PC and Outlook on the web.


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Should i be worried of these permissions from an app?
I was going to download an app ( not giving its proper name because there are many other apps who wants same permissions) but when i was looking for what  'app permissions' it needed. I saw permissions 'camera' , 'identity' , 'send sticky broadcast' and 'request install packages'.
Why an app actually needed to take permission of camera when there is no need of camera anyhow within the app ?
And what are those settings permissions under other section ?

You can always ask the developer (E-mail at bottom of play listing)why they explicitly need a permission. They may or may-not answer though.

Without knowing what the app is about, it's hard to tell. Camera e.g. is not only for taking photos – but also used to scan barcodes, and to control the flash light.

No, there is no use of Camera at all.

From what I have found, a Sticky Broadcast is a broadcast from an application that stays hanging around after it has been dealt with. It helps for things like battery level. I found this here.
As for Request Install Packages, it

Allows an application to request installing packages

Source: Android Developers
As for why an app would need permissions to something that it seems like it has no business using, there could be a few explanations. I am a developer and can say that there might be something in the API for Camera that is used, but the actual camera is not. Without know what app you are wanting, one could not say definitively.

Hey it is confusing me that there are all types of permissions written in the blog you attached. Could you please deliver me 'request install packages' means will app ask me before pushing any packages or updates to the device ?

@JohnMasamune It should show an installation dialog when it tries to install an app unless the developer went around that and installs the package silently.

Yeah that's my reason to ask this question that if one can make changes to installed apps silently.


text:
Flash Galay S 3 Mini on Linux
I tried to root my Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini (GT-I8190) to pull the boot.img to flash a custom kernel.
However rooting doesn't seem to be that easy for the Galaxy S3 mini. I was recommended to flash a custom recovery (CWM) to be able to install a random ZIP update file, which is rooted. (I can't believe, it's that difficult, but it seems like...)
So I downloaded all the necessary files (CWM and Update.zip) and looked for a Flashing software. Quickly saw, that fastboot didn't work (Seriously Samsung?!). So I looked for other tutorials NOT including Odin, since I'm working on Arch Linux. I finally found Heimdall and built it.
So I thought I could now flash the recovery. In my PIT, the Partition no. 20 (Index 19) and with the name "Kernel2".
So I tried to flash it: heimdall --Kernel2 recovery.img and heimdall --19 recovery.img. Both reported success, on both methods, the device download screen showed, that the download was complete and the device rebooted.
Still stock recovery
I even tried to flash the Android kernel (Index: 20, Name: "Kernel") with my compiled boot.img, which didn't contain a ramdisk (I don't care, if the device is lost. It's a test device). And it booted. With stock Android.
What's even wierder, is that my device shows:
CUSTOM BINARY DOWNLOAD: YES (5 counts)
CURRENT BINARY: CUSTOM
SYSTEM STATUS: CUSTOM
So it did in fact receive the images, but didn't flash them somehow.
Thanks for reading that question and even more thanks for helping!

Ok, I figured it out.
I had to run it with root permissions.
I don't know, if I've overseen the sharp in the instructions, or if it really wasn't mentioned.
Anyways. Here's my solution, if you're asking the same (in order to not be that guy )


text:
How to enter a URL into a smartphone without doing a search?
Scenario: I'm talking in-person with someone and during the course of conversation I think of a website whose URL I know from memory, and I want them to type the URL into their smartphone and access the website directly without performing a web search (just like you could do on a traditional computer web browser in the address bar).
To be clear: I don't want it to do "search as you type", I don't want it to create suggestions based on partial matches, and I don't want it to do any kind of search that delivers search results. I don't want the entered string to be sent to a search engine to do any processing of any kind. I just want it to open a connection to the indicated website (i.e., go directly to DNS lookup followed by HTTP or HTTPS connection to the entered URL). Also, in this scenario, I have no way to generate a QR code for them (I don't own a smartphone, and might not be carrying my computer with me).
Do smartphones have that facility (i.e., a field to enter a URL without passing it to a search engine, exactly like the old browsers used to do with the address bar)? If so, how do I instruct the Android user (and/or iOS user) to find the field where they can type in the URL and not have it be processed by a search engine?

I don't see a problem here, just check the different browser apps for an option to disable the automatic search. This has nothing to do with Android, just with the browser app you are using - I assume you are using Chrome by default.

You can even configure Chrome the way you want: https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/privacy-settings-chrome-android/

That doesn't work. The people in the scenario I described are non-technical. They don't even know if they're using Chrome or not. Also, they usually don't want to hand me their phone to make config changes (like I'm sitting next to them in a bar, or meetup group). I just wanted to know what button to tell them to push to make it do the thing I described (just like on a computer browser). If there is one, great. If there isn't, there isn't.

Then I only have one suggestion left: Don't enter the URL, use a QR code instead the the URL is sent as one to the web browser and the address bar search and suggestion feature is not used. Anyway if you want to keep URLs secret you are doing something wrong - use a password protected site instead.

Thanks for the note. I might not be able to generate a QR code on short notice (as I don't normally carry such devices myself) and might not know in advance what QR codes I might want. Also, the point wasn't to keep the URL secret, it was to see if smartphones have the equivalent function as the computer web browser.  If it doesn't, it doesn't. I'm OK with that, if that's the answer.

I am sorry but your question does not make sense to me if you don't care about the privacy of the URL. If you want to enter an URL just enter in in the web browser and just ignore that it performs autocomplete in the background. If you keep on entering the url the entered url will be used. May be you should edit your question and create a real example how and why you want to disable autocomplete (the "how" I already explained to you).

It wasn't just about autocomplete, it was about what I specified in the original question (just asking if a certain functionality exists). I have my answer already so I won't add to the question (in order to avoid adding additional confusion).

Summary (after one month): "No can do." The functionality of entering a URL without doing a search (as it exists on computer browsers) does not exist on smartphones conveniently (i.e., without doing some kind of obscure config changes or app installation, which would not be suitable to do in the scenario described in the original question).

These days, browsers on mobile devices, use one bar for searching with an search engine and inserting a specific URL request of web site.
What you need to do is simple tell them "Touch top bar/address bar and insert this specific URL" or "Insert this URL in the bar and send".
You need to know that if the inserted text is a correctly formatted URL (protocol://domainOrIPAddress:port/path/filename) then the browser will show you directly the web page, otherwise it will use the default search engine for retrieving a possible list of sites that you maybe want to see for the inserted keyword.
In summary, you don't need something special, everything should work without you doing anything on browser settings. However I think there is an option to deactivate the bar for searching cases and only use it for inserting URL, but it's more convenient how it works normally, so by default is one bar for searching and URL request in all browsers.
However, for not letting search engines look on your search/request you need to uncheck some settings on browsers like "Suggestions by Search Engine/Bookmarks".

It didn't work.  I followed your instructions on a friend's smartphone and it did a "search as you type" displaying a list of search results, indicating that the URL was passed to a search engine (which is exactly what I said I don't want).

Sorry I mistook your question on this part. Like on desktop browsers there are some setting that you can play with. The name is browser dependent but in general there is a checkbox "activate suggestion by provider" or "activate suggestion by history". You need to uncheck this options. So you need to say  "Go on settings -> Uncheck/Remove setting" and after that go to search bar and write this URL. Hope this helps and I'll update the answer after your veriffication

I'm not sure what you mean about browser dependent.  The people I'm referring to either aren't using a browser or aren't aware of one being there.  They are non-technical.  Also, disabling their ability to do a normal search seems a bit severe.  I wasn't looking for a solution that disables any normal capability, nor one that requires complex reconfiguration (or installing an app, or coding, installing another OS, etc...  even though I know all of those solutions might exist).  This might be some person in a bar and I just want them to go to some URL without it being recorded by google etc.

Sorry man, but Internet is a public so in reality even the providers could theoretically speaking register your requests for looking in them. You need to give them faith that they aren't looking. When you send a packet on the network, especially with technology wireless like WI-FI every one can sniff your packets and if they aren't encrypted easily look what you have requested. In the end if they are interested they will look. However you can use some other services to have more privacy like VPN and so one, but its maybe over kill for your case.

In the end if you don't want to be recorded the best way is to create a personal program that makes the request in an encrypted communication like TLS, or use some service like VPN, DuckDuckGo and Tor having faith in what they promise. However there will be obviously a trace that you are using this service, but Google for example will not know what you were doing in this sessions. So sorry, but there isn't a easy solution to not be tracked with the basic app that we are normally using (default browsers and so on)

Thanks for your efforts to respond, but the key issue is not whether it is recorded (that was just an example of an effect of passing to a search engine, hence the "etc."), it was simply to not pass the results to a search engine (as stated in the original post).  I'm aware of the underlying workings of the Internet, I was just trying to find out whether or not smartphones have (without substantial config changes, apps, or programming) a space for entering a URL without performing a search (just like browsers do, or did).  That is what I wanted to know.  Other considerations are not important.

No there isn't a default component which do that, maybe on a very specific but not the most used ones. You need to change some settings for not using the address bar with search engines and only for inserting URL otherwise.

None of the above worked for Chrome, but I stumbled on the solution. You type the address in the bar, then hold it. Initially just one word is selected with the cursor (like when you delete characters), but if you keep holding it down the whole address will be selected and a few icons will come up at the top. One of the icons is "open" so you just tap that and the requested page will open instead of doing a search.

Note: my answer is speculative, so take with a grain of salt and YMMV, etc.
You can access the Chrome internal page located at...
chrome://omnibox
...and play around with the options to potentially achieve what you're looking for.  The notable options include the zero suggest and prevent inline autocomplete toggles.  However, please note I have not tested these functions myself and hence cannot say for certain they will produce the desired results; if you have the time and desire to do so, here is the official resource regarding that internal page.
Another thought I had was that you can use any text-field outside of the browser to type your URL, and then switch over to the browser and directly paste the url into the omnibox.
Finally, there should be several ways to access a terminal emulator, which then gives you the option to directly open whatever literal URL you input as a command.  I can't speak for certain, but I would make the assumption that this would circumvent autocomplete; in fact, you might test this with, say, a shortcut widget/application or other indirect means available to call on a URI you specify (e.g., generating the URL into a hyperlink in a word processor and clicking it; also works in Excel/Sheets with the hyperlink() function, etc).
Whether or not these are acceptable depends on your intent behind your question, as it's a bit ambiguous even after reading the OP over several times: do you not want any autocomplete entry logs?  On server-side or device-side?  Do you simply not want to visually see autocomplete predictions populating in-line as you type?  Is your concern privacy-centric (in regards to ISP, or the device owner, etc), or some other criteria?  I know you've tried to narrow your question down to be more context-specific, but understanding these facets would help the community be better able to answer your question and perhaps even qualify workarounds that might otherwise have been neglected.


text:
What is the meaning of 1,000,000-5,000,000 installs in google play?
I used to see a number in Google Play Store app on my tablet showing the number of installs for an app. However, when opening google play in PC browser, e.g. for the DI app (shown in figure) under "ADDITIONAL INFORMATION" section of the app page, it reads Installs: 1,000,000-5,000,000. What does this number show? If this is a range, how can it signify number of app installs?

It is a range as you state. And I don't think you can find a specific number.

It shows the total number of downloads for that app. Related/dupe question asked. http://android.stackexchange.com/questions/87472/how-to-see-download-count-of-an-android-app-on-google-play-store

So, how why this much difference? 4,000,000 difference!!! Doesn't google manage to give a more accurate install statistic?

Accurate download statistics is available to the developer of that app in the developer account dashboard. Dashboard sample

As you said, it is a range. That being so, it cannot signify the number of installs.

Those getting revenue out of it- developer and Google need to know the exact number. Exact figures would be available with them.Thanks to Lucky for confirming
From a user perspective, I am not sure how exact number helps unless that metric is used to evaluate merit of the product! Which is not the use case for most

There is a source, which claims to provide you a view of the downloads and revenue figures, Sensor Tower (I have no idea how reliable it is- you could cross check with a developer). Website says:

Sensor Tower is the leading app analytics platform focused on helping companies with mobile apps understand and improve their organic user acquisition, analyze their app’s performance, keep up to date with competitors and manage reviews. Over 90,000 mobile companies and developers use Sensor Tower to improve their downloads on iOS (iPhone, iPad and iPod) and Android

App mentioned has this statistic using the above source


text:
Unable to enable hotspot option in android 4.4
The device of mine is Lenovo A5500 and I used to see tethering and hotspot option in setting but I am now unable to locate that. Actually it is I here but I don't see any option to configure and enable it. Screens are included for more information.

The option for WiFi hotspot should be restored after rebooting the android handset, at least it was the case for me.


text:
Hangouts Error on Android Phone: Cannot connect to the server
I'm getting a "cannot connect to the server" error when I try to use Hangouts on my phone. Every other Google app works. SMS works but not Hangouts messages. All my other devices work with Hangouts messages.

Is the time, date, and time zone correct for its location? Maybe some failed connection is occuring because of inaccurate authentication.

Yes, all those are correct, wbpgacz.

It turns out that this issue is due to the restricted background data setting.
Navigate to Settings -> Data Usage
Find the following apps and make sure "Restrict Background Data" is switched off:

Hangouts app
Google Services
Google Play Store

Go to Settings > Apps > swipe right to "All" > click the menu button of 3 vertical dots > click on "Reset app preferences".


text:
Sdcard not recognized after formatting
I own a mtk phone, a Wiko Rainbow (Wiko -- a french low cost phone brand) and I recently got a quite awfuling problem: the sdcard is no more recognized afetr having been formatted
The sdcard of the phone was no more recognized on any PC for some time. So I decided to format it so this issue be fixed.
Then I did.
But now, the phone doesn't recognized the sdcard at all. No way to see it in phone browser. the sdacrd doesn't appear in Settings> memory too.
I tried many kind of formatting : fast formatting, or not with Windows 8.1, I also delete the FAT 32 partition on sdcard, then recreate it in FAT32... No more success...
So I tried to access trough adb but no success...I get a strange error I've never seen when trying to cd to usual mouting point of sdcard (/mnt/sdcard1/)
The error: Transport endpoint is not connected.
Any idea so I recover my sdcard please ? that's really boring !
Thanks in advance
The phone has a stock recovery, is running android 4.4.2 KitKat, and is rooted.
[Edit] tested with an other Wiko Rainbow (which had some sdcard problem too) and same issue !! Exactly the same ! sdcard no more recognized with "Transport endpoint is not connected." issue trough adb ! I precise I used an other sdcard, but same brand that the first
So, to resume we have 2 phones Wiko Rainbow, 2 Samsung class 10 SDHC card, and exactly the same issue for the 2 devices ! Problem can't be software, because it's been updated some days ago for the both smartphones, and the problem didn't solve.
So I tend to think the samsung sdcard may be defective, due to too many R/W perhaps ? I have no idea.... Can somenone enlight me ?
Thanks in advance

Which software did you use to format the card?  Were you using a built-in or stand-alone card reader?

Hello, I used the basic format software of Windows fisrt (right clic > format > ), then I used Minitool partition software.  I used a SDHC card reader

I have found that any time I have formatted an sdcard in windows, android has an issue reading it. If you can, use linux (or a mac) to format the card, or have android format it. You can use a Linux "LiveCD" to boot in to linux to format. But really the easiest way would be to format it in android, on the device.

Hello,
First, have a great year :)  (it's 00:33 where I live). I hesitated to format with gparted because having very hard problem with the last time I formated a sdcard for Android. But I will try this, thanks for your advice. I hope it will resolve that issue... :)


text:
Bootloop, can't go to recovery, oem not unlocked
I'll try to be straightforward. A couple of days back, I was using my phone and it got stuck, so I removed the battery as usual, and restarted it. It got restarted at that time, I plugged it in for whole night, and in morning it again stopped responding. I restarted it, and this time, it got bootloop. I opened recovery (It was accessible for first 2-3 trials), wiped cache, restarted and nothing happened. Its still on bootloop.  Now, I cant enter into recovery.
Device: Intex Aqua Turbo 4G, MTK 6375M, unrooted, oem locked, Debugging was turned on.
Things tried:

SP Flash tool: Download DA goes to 100%, then it shows BROM Error, code- 4008, or fax8 (different codes on different versions)
Fastboot: is accessible, device is detected on pc (using fastboot devices), but as OEM was not unlocked, cant flash)
Recovery, as stated is now unaccessible, all it shows is "Intex logo" on selecting recovery mode. Same goes for normal boot mode. Only fastboot works.

I can attach the BROM Error logs, if required. The memory tests of SP Flash tool goes fine, except that it writes NAND flash was not detected , and UFS was not detected. I dont know what this means. I can attach the scatter file too, (I thing that can be the culprit) if required.

Guess the downvote was due to your massive use of bold (I've fixed that in your post now). For starters: have you checked with our boot-loop tag wiki already?

@Izzy Thanks, I don't know how the Bolds got in first place. I've read the boot loop wiki, but as stated, the recovery cant be accessed, and I dint thing I can go into safe mode either, it was only possible if the device booted once, Ive not done it previously, if anyone could suggest a method, that would be great.

Always check the preview before submitting ;) The bolds got in by your ---- lines directly following a paragraph. If you wanted them to be horizontal rulers, make sure to have an empty line before and after. // Still not clear: did you try to get into safe mode – or did you not because you thought it won't work?

what is your question? do you want to recover userdata? do you want to factory reset?

Safe mode is unaccessible. I just want my phone turned on back, even if the userdata gets deleted. It just shows the intex logo as of now.


text:
How to do a factory reset on Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4?
I decided to try encryption on my Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 wifi version just for fun. But during encryption process (somewhere at the end) it turned off the screen and hung.
Anyway my tablet was encrypted, but I wasn't asked for setting a password or encryption key. And it's appeared to be hard to do a factory reset on an encrypted device, since I have Cyanogenmod instead of stock ROM and TWRP instead of stock recovery. Any "official" way to hard reset the tablet was unsuccessful - for some of them I was asked for decryption (I don't have a password) and for the other TWRP recovery was unsuitable - it just led to an infinite boot loop.
So how can I do a factory reset?

So the only way I could resolve the issue and reset my tablet was to install CWM recovery (the last working link I found). I believe stock recovery would work as well, but I didn't have or find one.
The second step is to go the Settings → Backup & Reset → Factory data reset and clicking "Reset tablet". It will warn you about unavailability to backup or recover your data since device is encrypted and then will reboot device to recovery and provide factory reset.
Again, it would probably not be a problem if I'd have stock recovery. But in my case this was the only way to provide reset for my device and it took some time to find this out.
I also could try using restoring stock ROM with Kies or Odin, but I didn't have a working copy of Windows...
BTW here a few different ways you could try for other devices:

If you know your password or you have a stock recovery it should not be a problem at all - just use the default way to wipe your data (through recovery or android settings).
Use fastboot erase userdata (it didn't work for me, because Samsung has no fastboot mode, they have their "Download mode", which is a bit different)
Probably there is a way to reset/recover your device through some vendor provided tools (like Kies/Odin for Samsung devices).
You are so unlucky :(. Try to search about how to do factory reset for your particular device.

authors: Андрей Букаров


text:
Change wallpaper via ADB/terminal
Is there any terminal (ADB) command for Android to change the launcher wallpaper?

If you mean your wallpaper, that will depend on the launcher app and Android version. You would need to know the specific Activity and method in the launcher app which deals with changing the wallpaper, and trigger it via the Activity Manager (am) command.

yeah actually I mean wallpaper . my launcher is lenovo launcher & my android version is 4.4.2

I think the wallpaper is managed by the SystemUI's com.android.systemui.ImageWallpaper service. Try setting an image by using Activity Manager (am startservice) as @Tamoghna said with -d argument specifying the picture's path. I'm not sure what Intent Action to use (in -a argument).

One option (requires root access) is to replace the wallpaper file with your image but keeping the same name in the directory /data/system/users/0/ and making appropriate changes in wallpaper.xml file. You would also need to restart (soft/full) the device.

I know this thread is old and dead, but it came up when I was searching the same topic. So I'm posting a response anyway for posterity.
This works for me on Android 5.1
am start -d file:////data/local/tmp/black_white.png -a android.service.wallpaper.CROP_AND_SET_WALLPAPER -f 0x1 com.android.launcher3/.WallpaperCropActivity

file=/Users/Mantis/Desktop/yoshi.jpg
dest=/sdcard/Download/"${file##*/}"
adb push "$file" "$dest"
adb shell am start \
    -a android.intent.action.ATTACH_DATA \
    -c android.intent.category.DEFAULT \
    -d file://"$dest" \
    -t 'image/*' \
    -e mimeType 'image/*'

This was the method I used, file= declares the variable for bash, use the file path of the image you want from your computer here.
dest= declares the destination variable, or the location you want it on your device, I just did the sdcard > downloads.
Then the commands to initiate the push and update the wallpaper. Some devices may ask what you want to use to complete this action, "Wallpaper" should show up, at least it did for my devices and then you click on that to complete the task. My assumption is on certain devices it will default that action depending on your devices apps.


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Is it possible put Waze in a movable tile window, the same way Google Maps can?
Is it possible put Waze in a movable tile window, the same way Google Maps can as shown below?

Not without any dev work on Waze's side

This is picture-in-picture (PiP) mode, and Waze has not supported it yet.
Google Maps v9.60 added support for PiP mode in August 2018. Also, as per the official Android Developers documentation,

Your app controls when the current activity enters PiP mode. Here are some examples:

An activity can enter PiP mode when the user taps the home button or swipes up to home. This is how Google Maps continues to display directions while the user runs another activity at the same time.
[...]

The support of this feature can be seen on the Google Maps' app info where it shows "Picture-in-picture" under the "Advanced" section, whereas Waze only has "Display over other apps".

Google Maps
Waze

As explained in the documentation, supporting PiP needs additional development on the app side, thus it is not something that can be enabled by the end user.
This feature has been suggested to Waze on November 2018, Activate "picture in picture" (PIP).. However, the latest status is "Not right now" since August 2022.

On the other hand, some vendors have their own customization, like Samsung's pop-up view that may be acceptable as an alternative.


text:
Is Samsung Tab S8 going to respond faster than Tab S3
My wife is using Tab S3.  And finds it a bit slow to respond.  I am looking at the Tab S8 Ultra.  I know the CPU is more than twice as fast.  But does this translate to response speed ?

And the reason for the downvote is ?

Yes it is. There's more RAM, a better CPU, and a newer operating system. It'll almost be like night and day.
Click here for a specs a specs comparison between the two.
Click here for a review of the snap dragon 8 gen 1 inside tge Tab s8.
If you click here for 8 gen1, and here for Marvell PXA986, you'll see that the Snapdragon 8gen1 in the galaxy tab s8 is over 1000 times faster than the Marvell PXA986 in the galaxy tab S3.

Your answer could be improved with additional supporting information. Please [edit] to add further details, such as citations or documentation, so that others can confirm that your answer is correct. You can find more information on how to write good answers in the help center.


text:
How to chose an Android device for testing software?
The software I produce on Android isn't an app at all. It's a mathematical modelling library, built entirely with the NDK, which is tested with a command-line test harness in the ADB shell. It is licensed to ISVs, who produce apps based on it.
The library (and test harness) are only produced in aarch64 form, so I need a 64-bit device to test them on. I need something that runs as quickly as possible, with at least 10GB RAM and 256GB of internal storage for the test data I push onto it. The device needs to be able to run tests continuously for several days at a time (there are a lot of test cases) without running out of power. It can stay plugged into a host computer the whole time - there's no need for it to be used as a personal device.

The simplest solution is to use a 'phone based on a SoC that uses sufficiently little power that it can stay fully charged while running its CPU full-time. This is much easier if there's no need for the screen to be powered on.
As of early 2023, 'phones based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G can meet this need. The one I've been using is a Vivo X60 Pro, with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. You can monitor the battery state through USB via adb shell dumpsys battery. The advantage of the 870 over the high-end 700 models is that the 800 models have twice the memory bandwidth.
I previously tried doing this with 'phones based on the Snapdragon 888, but with no success. I was unable to find one that could accept enough power to keep the battery from draining while both running at full speed and plugged into a computer via USB. Of the devices I tried:

One had two USB ports, with different charge capacities. If you plugged the high-capacity port into the custom charger, the low-capacity port would not talk to the computer. If you plugged the charger into the low-capacity port, the high-capacity port would talk to the computer OK, but the low-capacity port could not keep the battery charged.
The other had a single USB port and wireless charging. However, putting the device on the charging cradle immediately cut off communication through the USB port.


text:
Transferring Data between old and new phone
TL;DR: Switching from A70 to Fairphone 4. What is the best way to transfer data/settings?
More context: I need to transfer data between two phones: An Samsung Galaxy A70 (2019) and a Fairphone 4. Both will be running stock and Android 11.
What is the best way to basically mirror or copy my old A70 to the new Fairphone 4?
I used Smartswitch when previously switching but I don't know if on can switch from a Galaxy phone to a NON-Galaxy phone using Smart switch.
Samsung's Websites more or less aggressively markets Smart Switch to be the way to switch to a Galaxy phone from your old potentially NON-Galaxy phone. Of course there is some marketing talk involved in there trying to promote Galaxy Phones.
In this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kB3r9O2BACw) another way is showcased but I didn't see this way when switching to and from an Android phone prior.
I am afraid the A70 is going to die soon and I am unsure if my Smart Switch backup on my PC will be sufficient so I am asking this question before the Fairphone 4 even arrived.
Thank you for your help in advance! (and sorry if my English isn't perfect)

I don't know if Smartswitch will work, but in my opinion the best way for migrating data is directly between two phones (direct USB connection).

yeah yeah, but "how". Its not just gonna magically transfer the data yk. And I'd like to keep apps and setting data and such just all in one

The new phone starts with the set-up wizard which includes as data migration tool that can make use of a direct USB connection. At least that is the way it had worked with my Pixel 4a. I would suggest to got to a Fairphone related forum and ask there if such an USB direct transfer is possible with Fairphone 4. Note that a lot of apps can (especially banking/financial related) as they use AndroidKeyStore which contains entries that are by definition bound to the device and thus can not be exported or migrated.

Thanks for the explanation! I did not know that but I do remember getting Logged out of such apps. I will see if the data migration tool is a thing on the fairphone. Maybe it wasn't a thing on my prior Galaxy's because, well Smart Switch. If it isn't, well thats an inconvenience but not the worst.

So, I just received my FP 4 (and my A70 is still alive!) and it does indeed have the data migrating feature. Not the one with the USB-C cable but a wireless version through Google Cloud. I guess that works too just waiting for it to download now!

Your answer could be improved with additional supporting information. Please [edit] to add further details, such as citations or documentation, so that others can confirm that your answer is correct. You can find more information on how to write good answers in the help center.

I am not sure either if you can transfer to a non-Samsung Device.  But the process is as follows
On Old Phone

Log on to the Google Account you want to use.
Go to Settings
Select Accounts (or Account and Backup)
Select Backup (it could be a toggle)
On some phones you will have a selection list, select all
Proceed to Backup

On New Phone

Activate (log into) your Google account with teh backup
Go to Settings
Go to System
Go to Backup
Toggle Backup to Google Drive
Proceed

I have listed one option, there are others there.
From support.fairphone

Also thank you! I will look into this incase the data migration doesn't pop up from itself


text:
Can't install CA certificate
We're trying to set up a new VPN infrastructure and have hit a roadblock with Android. For some reason we are unable to install the corporate CA that's issued the VPN server certs.
My LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11) test device says "Failed to install certificate" if I try installing with Certificate Installer from the file store. It says nothing at all if I try to install from within the Settings app.
System logs give me this parse error, which makes no sense. This is the same PEM-encoded X.509 certificate used with no problems in almost 100 Linux servers as well as Windows, macOS, and iOS VPN clients:
03-17 09:33:07.388  3319  3338 I MediaProvider: Using lower FS for /storage/emulated/0/Download/r1_root_ca.crt
03-17 09:33:07.400  1046  1764 I ActivityTaskManager: START u0 {cmp=com.android.certinstaller/.CertInstaller (has extras)} from uid 10113
03-17 09:33:07.403   577   577 I android.hardware.power-service-qti: Power setMode: 5 to: 1
03-17 09:33:07.414  1046  1764 W ActivityTaskManager: Tried to set launchTime (0) < mLastActivityLaunchTime (1416012)
03-17 09:33:07.437  8437  8437 D CredentialHelper: # extras: 1
03-17 09:33:07.437  8437  8437 D CredentialHelper:    CERT: 2706
03-17 09:33:07.438  8437  8437 W CredentialHelper: parseCert(): java.security.cert.CertificateException: com.android.org.conscrypt.OpenSSLX509CertificateFactory$ParsingException: com.android.org.conscrypt.OpenSSLX509CertificateFactory$ParsingException: java.lang.RuntimeException: error:0c0000be:ASN.1 encoding routines:OPENSSL_internal:WRONG_TAG
03-17 09:33:07.440  8437  8437 D CertInstaller: Attempting credentials installation, has ca cert? false, has user cert? false

Are there any special requirements that Android has for CA certificates that I'm not aware of? Are there particular certificate elements that cause problems?

Figured it out; we have always left the full OpenSSL output in the certificate file, secure in the knowledge that clients would only parse the contents between -----BEGIN CERTIFICATE----- and -----END CERTIFICATE-----.
Apparently Android is the exception to this rule. We removed all the human-readable data, and the certificate was processed successfully.


text:
Trying to buy an app on a degoogled device. Why is the app "not compatible with your device"?
I have a degoogled lineageos phone. I'd like to be able to play "A dance of fire and ice" and "cytus" on this device.
If I have previously purchased these apps, I think I should be able to install them through the aurora store (Or worst case, extract an apk from another device and install it). The only problem is that I don't actually own any android devices with gapps to purchase these apps on, and the play store web interface doesn't let me purchase an app if I am not logged in on any eligible devices.
Therefore I decided to set up a waydroid install with gapps, to try and get this stuff to work. However, after having done this, and navigating to the store page I see: "This app won't work for your device", and when I go to the web interface, I see the following:

Of course android is being its usual opaque self, and not actually telling me why it "won't work on my device".
I think I might be able to fix this by setting up waydroid in such a way that the playstore thinks that my device is in fact compatible with this app, just that I have no idea what it wants me to do for it to accept this app. Is the screen resolution wrong? Wrong android version? Something else entirely?
I already purchased a play store gift card which I can't return anymore. Therefore there is no use in giving up because something might not work. I was willing to take the gamble when I bought that card in the first place anyways

The app is not paid, but uses in-app purchases. In-app purchases require Google services to work. Not sure what happens if the app tries to access Google services to check the license and your in-app purchases and it does not exists. A crash is very likely.

A dance of fire and ice is paid, also, I should have said cytus II instead of cytus, cytus is indeed not paid but has in app purchases.

For third party apps you should better directly link to the PlayStore entry. Your screen shot shows that it has in-app purchases (and it is additionally a paid app). Note that Google recommends for paid apps to perform a license check at start-up to avoid illegal distribution of paid APK files. This license check is similar to an in-app purchase check and for both AFAIK Google services are needed. https://developer.android.com/google/play/licensing

The link to the playstore entry:
https://play.google.com/store/search?q=a+dance+of+fire+and+ice&c=apps
Also, I know very well that the resulting apk might not work. I just want to try it, I already purchased the gift card anyways.

You can try to install Android Emulator from Android SDK. Google provides emulator images with built-in Google services and Play store. Buying apps in the emulator should be possible. It would be at least worth a try if the app you want is available in that environment or not.

Based on the screenshot, it seems Waydroid is using an x86 image which is very rare nowadays, and rarely supported on games that depend on native libraries. Consider trying an ARM image instead.

I guess it makes sense that x86 would cause compatibility issues, started a pixel 2 through android studio, which seemed to let me purchase the app. The aurora store let me install the app on my main device, and I am now successfully playing a dance of fire and ice on my degoogled phone.

Robert's comment seems to have fixed it (I used the emulator built into android studio, which I happened to have already installed, with a device that has the play store installed). I guess the reason waydroid didn't work is because it was on an x86_64 device, like Andrew T. mentioned.
Either way, I managed to couple that emulated device to my phone, and I was then able to purchase a dance of fire and ice through the google play web interface. After doing this, I could just install the app through aurora, on which I am logged in with my google account. This works, and I am now happily playing a dance of fire and ice on my degoogled device. Though I wouldn't be surprised if not all apps allow you to just run them like that without gapps.
update:
tried cytus II as well, this one didn't work.


text:
Skype sound volume
I have Android 2.1update1 and I installed Skype from the Android Market.
In many times when I use it to talk to other people using Skype the talking volume is too loud!
How can I turn it down a little bit?
I just didn't find any volume settings regarding Skype.

Use regular volume button on phone that you use for phone calls or music

you mean the two volume adjusting buttons on my phones left side, that sets the "ringer volume"? - no, it has no effect. :(

What mobile phone you have? (I'm just wondering why you still on 2.1)

LG GT540 & Samsung GT i5800

You have to adjust it during the call, not in the menus.

When i adjust volume in Skype, it tells me i'm adjusting the In-call volume, which is (believe it or not) the same volume setting used when you're in a regular phone call. If you can't adjust this through the settings, i'd try making a normal phone call, turning the volume down, then trying a call in Skype and seeing if the call sounds have changed.

New version of Skype uses system volume for calls. So change there in system preferences and volume in Skype will be changed too.

I tried all sound adjusting settings in the menu, but with no luck. it's always the same sound volume (in a Skype Test Call). Where exactly is this "System Volume" in Android? please tell :) ty!

It depends on your Android version. Usually it is somewhere in Settings->Sound->Volume menu.

"Android 2.1update1" - I tried all the "volume" adjustments in settings. i think this is a bug. :)

Try another firmware. Also if you use unofficial ROM, please clear everything you can during update.

I use the offical firmware. I don't want to use un-offical, trojaned firmware. :P


text:
Signing Firmware
I have successfully created my own custom firmware and loaded it onto a phone. But I was wondering why I didn't need to sign the firmware before loading it, or was it signed with a debug key similar to when you test your own android app?

Did you install it to on the phone with a custom recovery menu? They often have the signature check disabled by default, so that could be a possibility.

I installed it on a Nexus one and just loaded my images through the bootloader

AFAIK the N1 doesn't require signed firmware, at least not once you unlock the bootloader -- it's a dev phone.  Unofficial confirmation:

I specifically purchased a Nexus One because it supports the ability to flash the phone with unsigned firmware.

What about other phones?

@Hank It's possible with some, but not all.  The Galaxy S can have a custom recovery installed once you've rooted it, for example, and naturally the custom recovery doesn't check to see if the firmware's signed.


text:
Password to ssh connec to termux
I tried to test ssh on termux  which prompt of the password

At temp my screen lock number but failed.
What's the password?

You need to use the passwd command to manually set one.
When invoked dirently, it doesn't ask you for your previous password and just sets a new one:
~ $ passwd
New password:
Retype new password:
New password was successfully set.
~ $

The you can SSH into Termux using this password.
However, I recommend using an SSH key after you're all set.

In order to work you have to install openssh.


text:
Is it possible to migrate an SD card formatted as adopted storage to a new phone without reformatting?
My phone (Moto X Pure 2015, a.k.a. Clark) hates me.  It's a refurb that I doubt was properly fixed, which was a replacement for my last one that had a bad USB port, but the issues didn't start until post-warranty (both original and 90 day for refurb).  My wife decided to get an iPhone, so now I have hers, which is also a refurb, but it still works correctly for the most part.  I would like to migrate everything from my phone to hers...including the 64GB Micro SD card formatted as adopted storage...without formatting the card.
Is this possible? Are there any options that don't include extra memory cards, usb sticks, or computers?  I know I can move everything to an intermediary storage device, or to a new card in the new phone, but if there's a way to do it without that extra step, that would be nice to know. I'm rooted and running nearly the latest Lineage OS nightly (4/3), if that makes a difference, and I'm open to things like key extraction if I can get a good guide on what I actually need to do.

Are both devices rooted?

@beeshyams See my answer. As I wrote, it might have a missing step: I've never tried that, as I don't use adoptable storage (and don't plan to).

@Izzy yes, both devices are rooted

Though you did not (yet) confirm both devices are rooted, this solution might be of interest for those where they are:
Following up to our adoptable-storage tag-wiki, you will find a link to How to decrypt adopted storage? Based on that, the following approach seems feasible:

From the original device, extract the encryption key file located in /data/misc/vold
Copy this file to the new device

There's a missing step, though: As the file has no fixed name, I assume this must be stored in some settings database. So that database entry must be found and added to the new device. On the other hand, the name might as well be derived from the label of the SD card it belongs to.
So basically, this answer might be incomplete – but the approach worth a try. If someone can provide the missing step, please do so in the comments and I'll integrate it here (with credits given, of course).

But even if the encryption key is somehow moved from one device to another, wouldn't this be similar to moving a hard drive from one computer to another? Meaning the files will likely be there but the device probably doesn't know how to use the files or what they are for.

That's especially correct for apps installed on the device and their data, @acejavelin – good points. OP didn't ask for that aspect, and so – shame on me – I didn't think of this. In other words: It might be technically feasible to move the card including its encryption to a different device, but it would be absolutely useless to do so, LOL

@acejavelin Unlike a computer, there are some standards for how storage is used.  I doubt the OS would detect externally installed applications, but theoretically, applications should detect their files.  For instance, TitaniumBackup has been able to reload its config from the card after wiping the device.  A counter-example is Google Play Music, which doesn't recognize downloaded music on the card, and it must be re-downloaded after a wipe (same account, same songs).

@NDGeek I can confirm TiBu – but that's nothing to do with "adoptable storage". Don't mix that with "portable storage" (SD cards): once adopted, it's rather internal  storage, i.e. /data/data & Co. Which is why acejavelin is absolutely correct: even if the card is "successfully transferred", there's rather not much benefit from that.

@Izzy My point is that I can wipe /data via TWRP, ignoring the "internal storage" SD card, and it will effectively reset the device.  However, I don't lose access to the card.  I'm not exactly sure how this ties into the encryption key being located in /data.  It may be that it's actually a copy from another location.  It may also be that the phone stores the encryption key in hardware, and copies it to /data on initial boot, or something else entirely.

@NDGeek you confuse some storage locations. Please check with our storage tag-wiki. The "internal SD card" is only linked below /data, so wiping that partition only removes the link which then is recreated at the next startup. And adoptable storage is not the "internal SD card", though it adopts the "external SD card" as "internal storage". Still I'm confused on how the encryption key file survives that wipe…

@Izzy I apologize if I'm using the wrong terminology.  I believe we're talking about the same components, but I'm using the wrong names.  As for how the key survives the wipe...I don't know if it's Nougat or TWRP specifically, but an XDA comment points to Nougat: "The .key will take care of itself automatically"

@NDGeek a magic key then :)

Tag wiki of the adoptable-storage which you used is a good start point :

When you adopted the external SD card, it is encrypted with a key that is unique - hardware key that is specific to your device ( not common to model). This means you cannot read the SD card on another device, even if same model.According to the [Android documentation][1] :

.. Keys are associated with adopted devices based on the adopted partition GUID...Because the contents of an adopted storage device are strongly tied to the
  Android device that adopted it, the encryption keys should not be extractable
  from the parent device, and therefore the storage device can't be mounted elsewhere.

In other words, you cannot separate the device and external SD card as separate entities to access memory - ( except when device is connected to a laptop )
Technically, it is possible to retrieve the information contained in the card by recovering the key , in the absence of device. Foot note in the wiki offers a couple of methods but you would need access to a computer , which you do not wish to use
There may be another catch - Samsung encryption may be proprietary and details are not made public

To sum it up, your best bet would be to transfer contents to a laptop, and transfer them to the external SD on your new device
Edit: If both devices are rooted there may be a way, which I am not aware of ( seeing Izzy's comment)

I'm sure a TWRP /data backup and restore to new device could do the trick as well if I'm not mistaken. Would be much simpler in my opinion.


text:
Factory reset on merged storage - Shall I lose my data
As we know, merged storage (that is, an internal SD card partition emulated by FUSE in the data partition (/data/media/0 → /storage/emulated/0) is a common thing to be found on recent devices running Kitkat and higher. Now, since this is my internal storage and contains all app and non-app data, will doing a factory reset be true to its name and wipe all of /cache and /data, including /data/media? Or, will it be considerate and keep the things under /data/media?
Note: I am asking this question to clarify a doubt and because I am not willing to do a factory reset to check this on my Nexus 9, which is the only device I have which has merged storage; but note that I asked this question for all devices with merged storage in general, which implies most stock devices with stock Android recovery on Android 4.4 and up. Please do not take the question just in context of Nexus devices. To prevent the question from being considered too broad, here are the constraints:

The device must have a standard processor (Snapdragon)
It must be AOSP stock. No OEM customized ROMs (Touchwiz, ZenUI, ColorOS) needs to be considered.
Devices are not rooted and have stock AOSP recovery.
AOSP version can be considered for 4.4.4 and 5.0 to 5.1 .
It must have merged storage.

(An answer relating to Motorola Moto devices and the Nexus 5 & 9 will be enough)
P.S. : I know that TWRP preserves /data/media while doing a wipe of /data and /cache, but I am referring here only to the stock recovery's behaviour in case of a factory reset.

@Firelord, although I mentioned my Nexus 9, my question is for all merged storage devices in general. Can someone actually confirm what "delete all user data" means? (As every device says that but the sdcard doesn't get wiped anyway)

@Firelord, The question refers to the behaviour of the stock AOSP recovery, which OEMs don't customize. Also, the question is about Android rather than specific devices. See the constraints, only Kitkat 4.4.4 and Lollipop 5.0 and 5.1 's recoveries need be considered

Thanks, @Firelord, would you consider posting your research as an answer?

According to the article  Reset your Nexus device to factory settings (Nexus 5 and Nexus 9 listed too) by Google,

By performing a factory data reset, all data will be erased from the device. While any data stored in your Google Account will be restored, all apps and their associated data will be uninstalled. Make sure you back up your data before you do a factory data reset.

The testimony of a Nexus 4 owner, coupled with supporting arguments from other Reddit users confirms that factory data reset will nuke everything.
As per AndroidPIT on How to factory reset the Nexus 5 for better performance

Since the release of Android 4.4, the ‘factory data reset’ option (accessible in the settings menu) performs the same job as a ‘hard’ reset. All of your user files, apps, etc will be deleted and your device will revert to a factory fresh state.

Their hard reset is not our hard-reset but our factory-reset using recovery mode.
Guide To Perform Hard Reset Android HTC Nexus 9 on guidebelajar blog (has useful screenshots) confirms that factory data reset for Nexus 9 would also remove every user file created or moved into the device.

As per the article How do I reset my phone? by Motorola

if you decide to factory data reset using Settings app, you would be given a choice to erase media (files under /data/media/ such as music, videos, pictures),
should you decide to boot into recovery mode, everything would be deleted

The information is also valid for Moto G (1st Gen, 2nd Gen, 3rd Gen) family of devices.
(That's all for now)


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Smart lock not present in Security Settings
My device is listed to support Smart Lock, which bypasses the lock screen security when in a trusted environment. A saved location, bluetooth device, trusted face or voice is required to use this feature.
The location of the Smart Lock is normally in Settings → Security → Smart Lock , but it isn't present.
Is there a setting which disables Smart Lock? and how can it be re-enabled?

Smart Lock can be re-enabled by activating it in

Settings → Security → Trust agents → Smart Lock (Google)