text:
Debug Android Permissions
I would like to analyze deeply the behavior of the android permissions.
When a permission is granted or not, what android do, etc.
I have some ideas, but I would like to know which one could be the easiest one, or any new idea, or if some similar works have already been done.
So I thought about:

frida
android studio using the debugging
making in local a java script using the same logic than in the aosp

The logcat in Android Studio is very powerful, I can see the ActivityTaskManager and GrantPermissionsActivity for example.
But I don't know what happened to call them, why these parameters etc.
So, if you have any ideas, any tips, any documentations, I'm interested in.
Thank you.

Have you checked out Stackoverflow.com? There are dozen of questions and answer about what to do to request a run-time permission. Usually one of the Google support/Androidx libraries are used which then should contain the call to request the run-time permission.

Or otherwise, browse the Android source code directly.

@AndrewT. yes it would be the last option.
My goal is to find something to look at what's happening, as gdb can do for a binary file.

Use a framework mod like Xposed to hook into system APIs and get callbacks when they are called. In practice there is nothing very complicated happening underneath. Android framework grants (or deny) the requested permission and saves the new state in a file. The state is also cached in services like PermissionManager, PackageManager and ActivityManager. So that when the app wants to perform a privileged operation, it's allowed or rejected accordingly. Some permissions operate at kernel level. So the app is added (or removed) to some DAC groups (GIDs) when permission state changes.

Ok thank you @IrfanLatif.
I read a lot of documentation to understand how the permissions are managed. And you are totally right. But I did this post because I would like to trace the services you mentioned, to see what's going on, what is called etc, in order that I don't need to read and understand this part in the aosp.
The problem is that I will have to, I think.


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My mouse’s right click act as back button in my Android TV browser. How do I disable it?
A USB mouse plugged into my Android Tv, and when I browse my website and right click on my mouse by default it work as a back button and website goes to previous page.
I want to remove this functionality i.e right button click should not work as a back button. Or at-least when I click the right button it should not take me back to the previous page. If there's any solution it will be helpful.

source: Stack Exchange

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

sort: votes


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Is there a way to get rid of the rounded corners in Android 12?
In Android 12, this is the default for widgets, the recents screen and it is hinted in the animations when resuming an activity. Is there a way to remove them and go to the good old squary look?

Display or icons? What device? Not sure myself, but this info should help in case anyone else knows.

@l3l-aze In stock Android 12 - regardless of the device (but I have a Redmi Note 9 running crDroid 8.2, in case you're interested) - many elements of the UI present rounded corners. For example: widgets, the long press home menu, the activities in the recents screen, the notification boxes in the notification area, etc. The app icon shape can be configured now as well as in previous versions. However, the rounded corners in the elements I mentioned cannot be removed.

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


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Is there a way in 2022 to remove factory reset option on android device
So I’ve Removed some bloatware like the browser google play store etc. and like you all are aware a simple factory reset brings them all back , the first solution I thought of was to remove the settings app but that’s not convenient at all (although it may work) . I’m trying to find a way to keep setting app however remove the factory reset option , would anybody have a code for such thing ? Or any alternative opinion is welcome. Thank you I can use any advice I can get

Make script to debloat and run it after every factory reset...
like this one
https://github.com/jasineri/android-bloatware


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Is possible pass SafetyNet with official Xposed Framework?
I know LSPosed passes SafetyNet on Magisk but I want pass SafetyNet on official Xposed Framework.
Is possible with modules like HiddenCore, or maybe a snet.jar or framework patching trick?

Official Xposed is dead since years (sadly). So No hope in doing these things via it...

I don't think bypassing SafetyNet was ever possibly by using Xposed. So the question is if it is possible to pass SafetyNet on a device with Xposed installed, by modifying the system or a Magical plugin or something completely different.

@Robert Sorry to say, but you're wrong... LSposed, which is literally an Xposed fork but still being developed has modules based on Xposed framework to pass safetynet!


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Extremely inconsistent battery life without app usage
I'm using my Pixel 2 (non-XL) rather sporadically throughout the day, most of the time I just keep it in airplane mode with WiFi (and WiFi Call) enabled, except 1-2 hours outside, plus 30-60 minutes of active use per day.
Bought it shortly after release and so far I typically always had around 2 days of battery life per charge (varying +-6 hours or so).
Now and then the average battery estimate dropped, went back up, etc. as you'd expect from a "guesstimate".
However, over the last two or three weeks the estimate dropped lower and lower and this weekend I arrived at 24 hours while still dropping (even while fully idle and with full plane mode, mind you).
At first, I suspected maybe my router and/or repeater (providing both 2.4GHz and 5Ghz) are acting up or confusing the phone (like constantly swapping channels). However, this seems to not be the case as neither keeping full plane mode without WiFi nor turning off 5Ghz or the repeater changed anything.
In fact, I couldn't notice any significant difference between power consumption whether airplane mode is on or off (including WiFi, Bluetooth, and WiFi Call being on/off). No matter what I do, batterystats/Battery Historian (3.1 Docker Image) show an average drop of around 3-6% per hour while idle (face down). The drop is higher while used, obviously.
Apps wise I don't see any massive outlier either. Only CPU tasks running repeatedly throughout the day is qcom.glink-smem-native-xprt-rpm, typically running for about 5 seconds over 5 minutes. While the phone doesn't doze all the time, it's shown to regularly be in light or full doze. I don't see any regular long wake locks except com.google.android.gms once or twice over time.
However, one very odd thing that got my attention is the estimated/calculated Coulomb Charge shown in batterystats/Battery Historian (which also matches AccuBattery's estimate; assuming it does its standalone calculation).
Using one example bugreport I'm having at hand right now:

Time since charging
Estimated Charge Left
Estimated Battery Percentage

+0
2615mAh
100%

+1h
2573mAh
97%

+6h
2386mAh
77%

+10h
2284mAh
64%

+10h20m
2178mAh
59% (active use)

+12h
2136mAh
54%

+18h
1987mAh
35%

+22h
1861mAh
19%

The last 20% would feel significantly longer than the previous percentages (as it should with the estimate being off), but it definitely doesn't last as long as 1800mAh should last in comparison (i.e. phone turning off, then only showing the static white battery screen). Two weeks ago the lower end of the scale sat at around 500mAh at 12%. Tried deep discharging twice so far, without the situation changing significantly; although that wasn't back to back).
Looking for "Coulomb Charge" unfortunately didn't really reveal any useful hints so far. Anyone experienced this before? What would be the next interesting thing to look at or try? Also noteworthy I'm not eager on just wiping the phone, having to once again setup authenticator apps etc.


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Google will randomly convert any 7 digit number into a clickable link summoning your phone app, how do you turn that off?
This is like the weirdest thing on the pixel phones. looks kinda like this Literally all 7 digit numbers will be converted into a hyperlink and summon the phone app, assuming you want to call that number. It's a nightmare for communicating technical and scientific information.
There is no searchable term for even finding this feature name, settings or search engine. Is there literally no way to turn this off?

See if this answer works for you: https://android.stackexchange.com/a/132283/96277

I just tested this on my Pixel 3a + Android 12 + Discord + Gboard + Google Phone app, but the behavior is somewhat different. Plain numbers are not linkified, only if they are prefixed with + (plus) character (similar to my comment for Nexus 4 on the linked question).

@AndrewT. interesting, What keyboard are you using? Perhaps it is linked to the keyboard? Do you have a screenshot?


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Galaxy S21: How do I leave my mobile hotspot turned on 24/7?
I'd like to have my mobile hotspot turned on 24/7. Currently, it gets turned off it's not being used for a while. How do I disable this behavior make it permanently turned on?

I guess you can't. Mobile Hotspot consumes battery, a lot, and is disabled after a while when not used.

I'm not sure how to do this forever but one way to keep it on longer is to make sure you, Auto connect to wifi' option is off.  Otherwise, when you go to a spot where you previously saved a known wifi connection, it will auto connect an hotspot can not stay on if wifi is on.


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how to get specific android OS for testing
I have a problem that only happens on Android 8. I tried the emulators and was not able to recreate the problem. I need to find a way to get a test device with android 8 on it. I tried Amazon a few times but each phone that advertizes having Android 8 would show up with Android 9 or something else.
I currently have a Device: Galaxy J7 2018 (J737A).
Questions:

Is there a way to revert my device to android 8/8.1? I have looked and have not found anything for this model number. Need the stock version.
Is there any online store that sells devices where users can choose Android OS?
Is there any other way to recreate a bug and debug on specific versions of Android e.g. Android 8 Oreo?

Android has a downgrade protection, so stock device with locked bootloader can not be downgraded. Your device has the correct age so that an Android 8 version should exist for it. Once unlocked you should be able to install (e.g. via Odin) a firmware downloaded e.g. via https://github.com/zacharee/SamloaderKotlin

Thanks, @Robert! I'll give this a try now.

@Robert  Odin keeps failing
<ID:0/007> Added!! <ID:0/007> Odin engine v(ID:3.1301).. <ID:0/007> File analysis.. <ID:0/007> Total Binary size: 5312 M <ID:0/007> SetupConnection.. <ID:0/007> Initialzation.. <ID:0/007> Set PIT file.. <ID:0/007> DO NOT TURN OFF TARGET!! <ID:0/007> Get PIT for mapping.. <ID:0/007> Firmware update start.. <ID:0/007> NAND Write Start!!  <ID:0/007> SingleDownload. <ID:0/007> sboot.bin <ID:0/007> param.bin <ID:0/007> cm.bin <ID:0/007> FAIL! <ID:0/007>  <ID:0/007> Complete(Write) operation failed. <OSM> All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)


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Pixel 3 Android 12- Can't see Alert/Silent switch in app-specific notifications
I'm on a Pixel 3 running Android 12. See this screenshot, I'm trying to set this app to Silent notifications (In Settings > Notifications > App settings) but the option is no longer appearing:

On my Pixel this Dialog has not changed by the update to 12. Just click in the channel name and you get the screen for selecting all the options like silent or vibrate.

Hiya Robert, to clarify, what is the "channel name" in this screenshot? Fwiw, I have noticed that the Alert/Silent feature is still available in the notifications tray when I long-press on a notification I've received. But I haven't been able to find the setting anywhere else.

In your sample screen shot the Instagram app has the notification channels Instagram Direct, Instagram Direct requests and Instagram Direct video chat. In Android such channels are defined/created by the app https://developer.android.com/training/notify-user/channels


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Is it allowed for an app to ask for 5 stars with NO incentive?
I am aware of Play Store policy against reviews with an incentive. But is it OK if an app just asks the user to leave  a 5 stars review if they're enjoying the app with no incentive whatsoever? Thanks!

It's not against the policy, so there is nothing wrong //what is your concern?

That's rather a question specific to Play Store and its policies, not to Android.But like @beeshyams I see nothing wrong with that, you also have it in other areas: "If you like this, spread the word!" As long as it's not bound to some condition ("you cannot continue using this app before…", or something alike).


text:
Go into main screen directly
Good day!
ColorOS version V6.1.2,
Android version 9
The problem I am facing is: when the screen on, it shows a cover page, I need to swipe up once, then it enters the main screen. (there's no password setup for the screen on.)
How can I make it goes into the main screen, once the power button is on (without any screen protector or cover etc)?
Thank you!

Sounds like on your device is "Swipe to unlock" activated. I am not familiar with ColorOS - on regular Android devices you could change this in Android Settings -> Security -> Screen lock.

@Robert, thank you for the comment. But seems it's different and there's no "Screen lock" in Security...


text:
I have a Samsung A51 android smartphone, how can I adopt my SD card as internal storage
On my A51 android smartphone how can I adopt my SD card to internal storage.

you can't as this feature is not supported by Samsung https://android.stackexchange.com/q/241909


text:
I need more frequent updates of my Facebook calender on my phone than Google Calender offers
There seems to be a limit to how often Google Calender updates subscribed calenders, something like once per day. I need a more frequent update than that, once an hour or so, because my Facebook calender, which I subscribe to in Google calender and from there sync to my Android phone, often changes several times a day.
On my Mac, this is not an issue because I can set the calender to update every 15 minutes.
How can I achieve more frequent updates of a subscribed calender on an Android phone while I also display my other calenders in the same view? (That is, if the solution is some other calender service, app or whatever, it has to be able to display my other calenders similar to how it works in the stock calender app)

So you have set-up Google to pull changes from your Facebook calendar or is the Facebook calendar directly set-up on your Android phone using the Facebook account?

Google pulls it from Facebook. Didn't know you can add the Facebook calender directly on the phone, can you? How?

The frequency Google pulls external calendars is not up to the user to decide. That seems to be done by some magic algorithm on Google side. So directly syncing the Facebook calendar would be a preferred solution as you then have the power to change the sync frequency.

@Robert That was kind of the solution I was looking for but since it is OT to ask directly for software recommendations I had to put it like I did.

From what I read the Facebook app supports adding events into an Android calendar. Not sure if this is a real sync. Alternatively calendars are usually exported in iCal format and there are apps that can sync local calendar with an iCal URL.

Yes, but that is a manual process. On my iOS-devices and desktop computers, since they sync directly and on my command, keeping the Facebook calender up to date works fine. The problem with Android stock calender is that they take the detour via Google Calender for their syncing.


text:
Delete Android app installation history
I last used Android about 7 years ago, yet Google is still storing a list of “installed” apps. How do I delete this?
I can browse it at https://play.google.com/apps.
Things I’ve tried that didn’t work:

Ensuring Google doesn’t still think I have an Android device - they don’t
Clicking on the app then clicking the “Installed” button - “no device” error
Going to “Delete a Google service” - not listed
Going to “Apps and services” - listed, but no option to delete
Browsing Google Play settings - no option to delete data

I’m hoping for a solution better than deleting my entire Google account.


text:
Block URLs from Android Webview
I am looking for a solution to block all URLs except a few which are required for my device to function. I have all the root permissions required to make changes.
Is there any way we can block all URLs except a list of URLs (approx. 10 URLs) from a common place in android Web-view Framework so that all the Native applications can access the common code and access set of Allowed and Blocked URLs

Potential duplicate of https://android.stackexchange.com/q/245445/2241

Run dnscrypt-proxy on your device which allows very flexible whitelisting / blacklisting of domains.


text:
malware and viruses
Are applications downloaded from Play Store are not completely safe as Android is developed by Google and is based on Linux so they do not watch applications an end user is downloding why we need to have a malware or virus scanner

Who says you need an virus scanner on Android (except for those companies that sell those tools)?

Food for thought

Google can take two months to remove malware apps from app store. You can also search for "Google removed malware from Play Store" to see other occurences.

Do you have anti-virus to protect Ubuntu?


text:
How do smartphones decide whether a phone call is spam or not?
Like everyone else, I'm receiving spam calls. With my current job, most communication goes over the Internet (online meetings, chats, etc.) so in my case, it's nearly only spam.
What I'm wondering is how can the phone decide whether a call is a spam call? It can't be based on the phone number since 99% of the time (it seems) those are spoofed. Once in a while, I get calls from people who received a spam call with my phone number spoofed.
I've heard a year or so ago that the TELCO were going to implement a system to help verify phone numbers, but I've not seen anything more than that.

Smartphones don't decide. The phone app or equivalent connect to a server (~ online services) that compare the number(s) with a database of known spam numbers. If found, it is relayed back to the smartphone(s) and displayed as spam on your screen.

For example: Google's own Phone app and its caller ID & spam protection

@AndrewT. It sounds like the Spam Detection is based on the caller ID which is what's getting spoofed. I thought that the TELCO were working on a system to detect the spoofing...


text:
How to setup my Android wifi config for vpn sharing using astrill?
https://wiki.astrill.com/Astrill_Setup_Manual:Enable_VPN_Sharing
I am trying to enable VPN sharing from my computer to my Android device. I got to the step where I change the IP Settings from DHCP to Static. I entered the IP address in Gateway, DNS1 and DNS2 as instructed.
However, I am unable to save because the IP address field is missing. Does anyone know what to enter and where to find it?

Maybe this app helps?

You need a free static IP in your local subnet. Check your router which IP addresses in the range of 192.168.46.x are assigned for DHCP and from the remaining select a free IP.


text:
iptables-restore not working after iptables-save
I am trying the below
with iptables-save > test.rules i am saving the saved rules file
then with command iptables-restore test.rules, i am trying to restore the rules
On iptables-restore, seeing below error.
iptables-restore v1.8.4 (legacy): quota2: option "--name" cannot be inverted.

Error occurred at line: 106

Below is Line 106 generated with iptables-save
-A bw_global_alert -m quota2 ! --name globalAlert  --quota 2097152

What could be the reason, i expect this basic save and restore to work without issues.
Note : All commands are run as root on custom board.

"option --name cannot be inverted" - delete the exclamation mark


text:
Which root method is safe and can be unrooted easily safely without aftermarks
Question Which root method is safe and can be unrooted easily safely without aftermarks
I want to root my mobile lyf water 7 and change modify  settings of PM set install location  and if it works then I will like to unroot and install
Moving installation location on non rooted Android 5 Lollipop device
I googled founded three methods

Twrp installing  and installing super user

Installing magisk which writes on Bot  partition and don't touches the system partition

Installing kingoroot or one root

Xda rooting batch file

https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/lyf-water-7-ly5504.3524381/
Which of the above rooting methods are safe to install what are pros nd cins of each methods and which  and can be unistalled easily and don't leave any after marks after unrooting
How to unroot with all four methods

Superuser

Magisk

Kingoroot or one touch root

Xda batch dile

How to manually root a phone?

Does this answer your question? Is the root file different if a custom rom is installed?

https://topjohnwu.github.io/Magisk/install.html#uninstallation

go with Magisk it is safe and maintained. Note for Android 4 Magisk v22 is required. Magisk v23 only support Android 5+

btw no need to unroot, you can set Automatic Response Deny and withdraw all root permissions, that has similar impact than unroot


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What is the difference between Nearby sharing and Bluetooth sharing on Android?
Both can be used to share files, so how they are different?

As far as I know "Nearby sharing" can make use of Wifi and thus transfer larger files in a shorter time. And as you require Android 6 on both devices it may make sense to also show the old simple Bluetooth sharing.


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Can't run `fastboot boot kernel` on Poco M3
I'm trying to boot a kernel without flashing it, on my Poco M3. I already unlocked the booloader and I'm on fastboot mode. Some fastboot commands like reboot work, but for fastboot boot, I did
fastboot boot boot.img
Sending 'boot.img' (98304 KB) OKAY [ 2.318s]
Booting FAILED (remote: 'unknown command')
fastboot: error: Command failed

I also tried fastboot boot Image or fastboot boot Image.gz, same error.
How can I boot a custom kernel in my Poco M3 without flashing it?

Does this answer your question? fastboot boot TWRP.img Not working

@alecxs unfortunately not

found some stuff about hidden fastboot oem commands maybe it is helpful 1, 2, 3

I noticed fastboot --base ADDRESS and --page-size BYTES default values does not fit. but override with 0 and 4096 did not succeed either


text:
How can I disable FRP Lock on my Samsung Tab A6 without the ability to start the device?
When I try to start my device it's in a boot-loop. And I also can't access the recovery menu
(which you can enter with Power + Home Button + Volume UP). So I can only enter the download mode.
Thanks!

Enter the download mode using Home + Volume Down + Power and flash stock ROM using odin... That's the only solution to get your device working back.

Thank you. But when I try it fail's and I get this error message in Odin: "ID:0/003 Complete(Write) operation failed.
 All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)"


text:
Can't transfer data from one phone to another using data cable
When I connect two phones using data cable and otg they charge but no data transfer option comes.One is Android 6 and other 7.Earlier 2 or more years ago I tried doing it and it was successful but now it only charges.


text:
How can I disable Google AMP in Google Search on Opera?
AMP creates some issues such as dark mode incompatibility on some websites. How can I disable Google AMP in Google Search on Opera?


text:
Upgrade Asus Zenfone 4 Z01KD to > 8 OS
As of September 2022, Slack will stop supporting the app for Android OS versions earlier than 9 (Pie). I have an Asus Zenfone 4 Z01KD mobile, stuck at Android 8. I have read suspicious guides online on how to download software updates of dubious origin to flash the upgrade "manually", or on how to get developer options activated and make the ZUI update recognize there is an actual update of the OS available. The latter don't work for me and the former look messy or dangerous.
Is it possible to safely upgrade a Zenfone 4 to OS later than 8? (There is no tag for #zenfone4, but only for #zenfone3 and #zenfone5).

Assuming that Z01KD is ZE554KL, perhaps as you know, there doesn't seem any official update to non-beta Android 9. This leaves the only option: custom ROM. However, searching a little bit about custom ROM for this specific model... doesn't seem promising at all.

@AndrewT. Thanks. Why do you say not promising ? (which by the way, is my same impression). Would you mind posting the least worst solution, just to have an available option to compare with?

Because I couldn't find any custom ROM for this specific model at all, even on XDA Forum (which is supposed to be the main hub for ROM developers). Either their community had a technical difficulty in developing one, or there's no interest in making one. Thus, my current answer as of now would be: there's no way to upgrade past Android 8, unless using an incomplete beta Android 9 is okay.

@AndrewT. thanks. What about Android 10 or 11?


text:
Does Google Nexus6 support 64bit android apps?
I have a 64bit android application with "minSdkVersion=20" (means it can be installed on Android 4.4 above).
My question is:
can this application be installed on Google Nexus6 with android 6 ( Marshmallow)??
Does Google Nexus 6 support 64bit apps at all??
Thanks.

According to GSMArena the Nexus 6 has an Krait 450 CPU which means it is ARMv7 =32bit only.

Possibly related (but not yet answered): How to run 64-bit apps on a 32-bit Android smartphone without root access?. Android apps themselves are independent of bitness; only if they contain native libraries. Does the app only contain 64-bit native libraries, not the corresponding 32-bit ones?

@AndrewT. It only contains 64-bit native libraries. thank you too.


text:
How to completely discharge a mobile device?
In case of laptops we should remove battery, then turn it off and hold power button for 15 seconds to completely discharge the motherboard. Whats the procedure in case of a smartphone or a tablet with non removable battery?

Completely discharging a battery can damage it, so you should only discharge a battery if there is no other way. Instead just power off the device, this usually cuts off power of most of the chips in a phone.

@Robert looks like the question is about discharging the device, not the battery.

... which sometimes I have to ask, is there a reason why you want to discharge the device?

@Andrew T. becase I wanted to clean comtacts with alcohol which isnt dielectric.

@Robert so I can clean usb ports with non dielectric cleaner safely then?

@YaY Sorry bit I don't know, I am not familiar with dielectric cleaners.


text:
how to stop Mobile shutting down on apps using as Battery dropping from 70% to 0% in Android 6.0.1
Question:- how to stop Mobile shutting down  on apps using as  Battery dropping from 70% to 0% in  Android 6.0.1.
I have formatted my External micro sd card as internal and  automatically while  installing apps it moves to external  sd card even Facebook and many common apps installed on micro sd card. but still many are on  internal memory.
i googled and founded that its may be battery calibration problem i tried to fully discharge battery  to 0% by restating  then again recharged it to  100% and i tried accu-battery app and many other apps for battery calibration but  problem  persisted of shutting down of phone at 70%- to 75%  while using if its kept  on standby  ie. not used it  sometimes dont shut down till 35%
From last 2-3 days  my android 6.0.1 OS mobile phone is restating even charging to 100% as its heavily used or many apps opened it just show low battery sound  in main OS window to 0% and immediately shuts down. After shutting down if i charge it on black screen it  shows 50%-75% battery remaining on keeping the charger on mobile  when i keep the charger connected  it  then never gets shut down... but the mobile back panel gets heated up drastically and on seeing in accubattery app the temperature of internal   sensor shows  battery temp  in red sign from 47 degree to 50 degree many times.
I have tried in safe mode its still shutting down ...i tried in maintenance or in boot menu mode its not shut down .... now i am confused

is due to  os android 6.0.1 crashing  :- (formatted -2-3 times still occurs)
is it due to apps moved or installed in external micro sd card crashing ( as in safe mode it works fine dont shutdown  in 36% of but apps moved installed in external card not showing in safe mode)
is it due to overheating of chips  or circuits
or its due to some particular app crashing ( i tried
is it due to some internal or external memory card sectors became bad due to formatting 3-5 times in this week )
is battery life is finished is battery failing ( but its working fine in safe mode on common system apps)

solution i think:

I think to format external sd card to zero level or low level formatting so that it become  fresh and clear which   can be done through mini partition tool

I think to format internal memory sd card through adb shell fstim  or dd if
dd if=/dev/zero of=/sdcard/filler but it doesn't make much sense on flash storage. Running fstrim  to clear unused space so that it gets refreshed and any junk saved can be freshen up

Any suggestions opinion are welcomed  kindly  give your technical  expert advice for solving the issues....
Thank you in advance for  reading answering and giving your precious time  and  precious technical advice or opinion

Based on the installed Android version it is obvious that we are talking about an older phone. On older phones it is not unusual that the battery power suddenly drops if the phone needs a bit more power (if the phone consumes more power than the battery can provide for some seconds the voltage drops). This is a clear indicator that the battery is nearly dead. The only way to fix this problem is to replace the battery as the battery will only get worse not better. You can test that by yourself by connecting the phone to a charger. While it is connected it should to go off anymore.

Thanks @Robert for the explanation! I have the very same issue on one of my devices running Android 7 – and I can confirm the shutdown always happens when something suddenly calls for "more power". Examples include (but are not restricted to): making photos with flashlight (makes photos fine without, but though at 70%+ battery shuts down with flash), track recording via GPS, playing a (streamed) video. Replacing the battery? Yeah, I'd try that if it were replaceable (it's not in the affected device unfortunately).

@Robert gr8 to see if reply brother thanks a lot for our quick reply and sharing your valuable and precious knowledge and experience ..I will surely get new battery  soon for the same but it will take 3-4 days as mobile set is old and it's not available in local market have to purchase online....Meanwhile any trick to sustain battery fro some days and. Get temporary solution so that my work don't get hamper or stopped

Either

battery is genuinely gone kaput
some app keeps running in background - try removing apps like fb, whatsapp etc and see if it persists
check if location and wifi are off and wifi scanning is also off


text:
Can I recover data from overwritten file on Android?
I have a Samsung Galaxy S8+ on which I wrote a lot of text in a simple text editor app I got from the Google Play store. I saved this in a text file, and later, I used the Samsung My Files app to locate and open a different text file. I noticed at the time that two instances of the text editor were running. That seemed interesting but not like a problem.
But then I tried to open the first file to write more and found out the entire contents were replaced by the text from the second file. I did not backup the file before this happened, but the text it was replaced with is much smaller, so there could be chunks of original text remaining in freed sectors.
I installed a bunch of android data recovery applications on my Windows PC that said they could recover overwritten files, but I haven’t got one to show me either unused sector contents or deleted temp files from the text editor. Can anyone recommend recovery software or another method that might work?

If you had used Samsung Editor, there were some chance to restore it using Samsung backup but as you've used third party app Simple text Editor, unfortunately, it already have a few reviews mentioning the overwrite problem you've faced with no supporting reply from the dev. With that in mind, considering the restricted Storage access as Media Storage in Windows started with Android 6/7, Recovering files had become a very limited area, prior to that, the storage was available to be accessed like a Memory card/Pen Drive which was easy to recover.

For this, AFAIK and experienced, the typical Recovery software won't show this file as deleted or won't provide you the previous version of the same file currently over-written.

Does this answer your question? Can I access the Memo data without rooting?

Does this answer your question? Is it possible to recover deleted files without root on Android 12?

get (decrypted) block partition image and search for plain text in HxD editor

Thank you. I do not have Smart Switch installed, and I don't want to install anything on the phone in case it writes over the data I am trying to recover. Getting the block partition image hasn't worked (with adb) because the phone isn't rooted. I think rooting will be my next step.

Do not try to unlock bootloader! take some hours time and read careful each and every sublink you can find in depth starting from my link, before even think about trying to root. you should understand that there is no solution so far, you will be the very first..


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How can I get root or TWRP without being able to enter any recovery?
I have a phone running Android Marshmallow (6) and apps constantly crash. Most apps I would like to use do not support Android 6. I would like to update to a custom ROM or a newer version.

adb and fastboot work
fastboot mode and recovery mode do not work
the device does not have too

How can I proceed? I find it's sort of chicken and egg problem with no recovery and no root. To be clear, I can't even get into stock recovery. The phone is Xperia Z2. Flashtool works but I can't find any newer versions of FTF files.

Some of the steps may be relevant: {Root}{Sony Xperia Z2}{MM}{23.5.A.0.575} unlock bootloader, root and ROM flashing

read about FOTAkernel and get help on official support thread on xda-developers

There are constant notifications that an app has stopped working. Any idea how I can stop these so that it's easier to work on the phone to get root? I had to dirty flashing a FTF and think these errors happen because the version of Android is older and doesn't support them.

You can ignore those message or perform a factory reset. When unlocking the bootloader a factory reset will be performed anyway.

Is there a way to backup the apps and (more importantly) their data using adb without root?


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Settings app crash after Samsung update
Performed a software update today on my S22 Exynos (no root, stock firmware).
Update went smoothly, but now settings app won't open, instead crashing immediately.
Clearing cache partition did not fix it.
So I checked the logcat and I found this:
04-22 03:05:37.832 19859 19859 D AndroidRuntime: Shutting down VM
04-22 03:05:37.832 19859 19859 E AndroidRuntime: FATAL EXCEPTION: main
04-22 03:05:37.832 19859 19859 E AndroidRuntime: Process: com.android.settings, PID: 19859
04-22 03:05:37.832 19859 19859 E AndroidRuntime: java.lang.RuntimeException: Unable to start activity ComponentInfo{com.android.settings/com.android.settings.homepage.SettingsHomepageActivity}: android.view.InflateException: Binary XML file line #59 in com.android.settings:layout/sec_settings_base_layout: Could not inflate Behavior subclass androidx.coordinatorlayout.widget.Opacity

Full error stack trace.
This error seems different than presented by other similar questions, which involved missing packages. Right now I have no idea what to do with this information, but if anyone can help me avoid a hard reset I'd be very grateful.

backup your apps with D2D, adb backup or google drive, adb pull -a /sdcard pictures to PC and do factory reset


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In which markets does the Xiaomi Redmi 10C have NFC?
I just bought a Redmi 10C from an official Xiaomi Store in Malaysia, but I'm from Australia where we don't really have Xiaomi. There's also not really that much info about them in English.
I naïvely expected all new phones just came with NFC these days since all the kids use it to pay for everything at home. But this is a budget phone and the kids in Australia all probably have way more expensive phones.
While trying to figure out whether I had NFC or not I found some offical specs on Xiaomi's site including

NFC
Availability varies between markets
*Functions may vary in some markets

I'll survive without NFC but I'm still curious. I checked Xiaomi's site for several nearby countries and couldn't find any mentioning that NFC is present.
So does anyone know which countries / which markets do get a Redmi 10C with NFC support?

The main question is: are there two different hardware variants sold unter the same name or is this a software issue? I would assume it is the latter and that in some countries NFC can not be used because Xaomi didn't have the license to enable NFC for that model. To my knowledge every country or region has an institution like the FCC in the USA which tests and certifies wireless devices. May be Xiomi has skipped that test in some countries because they had no plans to sell the phone there?

@Robert I assume it's more than one hardware configuration, differing by which components they include. But I'm totally new to NFC so maybe you're right. Xiaomi definitely sells this model directly here in Malaysia because I bought it from one of their official shops. It is not sold in my home country. If there's a way to test the hardware or even a hardware teardown I'd be interested.

@Robert Apparently the previous Redmi series offered both a 9C and 9C NFC in some markets. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJq0g4XRC5U&ab_channel=TechLegend Perhaps there will be a 10C NFC but it's not yet released in any markets? In any case that still doesn't answer the software v hardware question but it suggests differing hardware.


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What to do when phone is super slow?
My Samsung Galaxy S7 with Android 8 is super sloooow... even happens now that it takes so much time to unlock the pattern screen that it will go black again because of the timeout... when I click into an input field, it can take 20-30 seconds before keyboard appears... it's just becoming unusable. Not always, sometimes in another part of day it happens that it's not so slow, but right now the problem persists.
How do I fix this? I tried different tools to see what's consuming the CPU but all those apps monitoring this are of no use since they are just showing themselves, probably because my device is not rooted. And I am not sure if I want to start rooting my device in this situation.
Also, my 256 GB micro SD card probably has some problems, because sometimes longer videos get corrupted. Not sure if it's related, but the situation becomes a bit complicated.

Have you adapted the SD-card as internal storage?

@Robert you mean, the external micro SD card? No, don't know about it... I just moved few apps to it. And default camera and voice rec directories.


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How to repack Magisk boot image? (Magisk installed)
everyone.
I have a OnePlus 5t, updated to Android 9 and Project Treble.
I have my own Magisk module for my own tweaks, but I am not satisfied. I found that I need a patched init.rc in order to have one script of mine run when I need it.
There is an official howto chapter dedicated to an "overlay.d" directory that can modify files on the root of the filesystem, say /init.rc, https://topjohnwu.github.io/Magisk/guides.html#root-directory-overlay-system , however, this "howto" is terse and hard to understand for people not familiar with Magisk's internals.
There is also a script that should help to repack the boot image https://github.com/topjohnwu/Magisk/blob/master/scripts/boot_patch.sh , but it is relying on certain commands not in that directory.
By trial and error I have found a way to extract "magiskboot" from the magisk's install Magisk-*.zip, and I also found that this magiskboot can unpack the /dev/disk/by-name/boot partition. (I know, that is probably insane, a partition is not a file, but somehow magiskboot manages to navigate it by itself.) But that requires running that command on the phone itself (with magisk's su), and I am not sure how valid this is. Trying to run the "boot_patch.sh" by first copying it to the phone, and using the extracted rootfs.cpio seems way beyond my ability, and I am also very unsure whether this can be done with the system booted, or I should do it from TWRP, or whatever.
So, a decent guide (for dummies) on how to patch the boot image would be appreciated. I only need to add two files: custom.rc, with the service description, and a custom.sh with the service code itself.
Help would be appreciated!

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

Note magisk doesn't actually modify files on filesystem, that's why it's called overlay ;) https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2073775

@alecxs no, unfortunately not. I had followed that guide, before asking this question, and I have my "service.sh" in /bin/, and service.rc in /etc/init/ , but the service is not getting registered with the android init, and `setprop svc.start custom" does not trigger it. Overlaying is totally fine, I don't really care how exactly my services get into the system, as long as it does not trigger dm-verity and cts.

so "for dummies" downgrade cpio 2.12, run unpackimg.sh, create overlay.d directory, copy-paste custom.rc example code and place file in overlay.d, name your script myscript.sh and place in sbin, run repackimg.sh and fastboot boot image-new.img


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Where in a smartphone with Android are deleted and cleaned the files that are visible when testing with "root integrity check"?
Where in a smartphone with Android are deleted and cleaned the files that are visible when testing with "root integrity check" ?? Clearing the cache and user settings do not help, obviously something else needs to be deleted in memory ?? Where do I delete the files I see from in root integrity check? How does this work?

What "root integrity check" are you talking about?

Android System Recovery "root integrity check" will check your read-only system partition for modifications. If anything is reported, flash memory is either corrupt or something (or someone) had root access and modified stock ROM intentionally. Your device is therefore compromised/corrupted.
Flash stock ROM from fastboot. In case you want to modify/delete reported files, read back system.img from SP Flash Tool and loop-mount ext4 partition image on linux PC


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Suspicious data usage by apps
Here are a list of apps that I found on my phone:
Now all of these apps seem to be preinstalled as they aren't device administrators and are impossible to disable or uninstall.
They all seem to be sending data somewhere on a daily basis, as seen here:

Now obviously a smartphone would require a fingerprint service as well as one for factory tests, but why should they send data continuously? What is the data that they send? Is there any way to restrict it?
Device is a POCO M3 running MIUI.

https://www.xda-developers.com/report-android-phones-transmit-data-to-adups-a-chinese-firm

I have Poco M3 but I have only com.huaqin.

@alecxs The part that worries is the most is that I can't find any information online. My phone has been acting weird as well so maybe I'll have to replace it.


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My android can send message but cannot receive message
I am using Vivo S1 and I have some issues recently.
My phone works perfectly when using WiFi or tethering from another phone. But when I use mobile data from my SIM card, I cannot load anything and cannot receive any messages from messaging apps.
It is more strange that I COULD NOT RECEIVE messages from message apps (Line, Discord, etc) except WhatsApp, BUT ACTUALLY CAN send messages through those apps. So, anyone I send a message to can read my message.
I am assuming I have my hardware broken, but still have a doubt. Any idea what exactly causes the problem?

Since this only happens on mobile data, I think a hardware problem is unlikely. On the other hand, your carrier probably has a special plan/quota related to messaging apps. You might need to confirm with them though.

Ah I see, I think I'm going to contact my carrier to confirm my plan and the issue. Thank you for your answer.

maybe the apps are not allowed to use background data


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Exclude folder from storage booster deletion?
My samsung phone has this storage booster feature which deletes cache and unnecessary files daily but it has some caveats. There is a game that can't function without data files which are being deleted daily by the storage booster which results in me downloading massive files everyday.
Is there a way to exclude the app or game from the storage booster?


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How to Customize Floating Menu When doing Long Press?
When you long press a text from browser or other apps that are clickable, normally you will see copy, select all web search and the triple dots, for instance just like on this screenshot below when I long press a text on Chrome browser

Suppose I tap the triple dots, this is what will appear:

As you can see, there are entries which some of those are the apps that I installed, that means, whichever apps that I install and it's available to appear in the list will be listed there.
However, not every app can do this. For instance this dictionary app that has different list:

And this one has Google translate in the front because I installed the app and it has a bit different entries from the list

From the experience like we can force an android app in a dark mode though the developer of the app doesn't provide this feature by turning on the toggle button in the Developer Options in the setting, I'm thinking that it's not that impossible to, for instance, change the behavior of the long press so that I can modify what should be in the list.
This will be very helpful if it's possible. Because when I'm too lazy to open another app and I need a translator, I can just long press the text and the translator is listed in the floating menu.
At first, I was thinking it's just designed by default, I mean, suppose the developer app A is making it possible that the app B will be listed in the floating menu when the user long presses the clickable text. Until I realized that when I install app C, and the app A itself is so old, and unlikely that app C will appear but it does, which means any app as long as it's compatible, they will be listed there.

Dupe, but no solutions found yet: How to set which options appear on the text selection toolbar?, How to edit the Android context menu?


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lpmake complaining about not having enough space
I am trying, following this tutorial, to re-package a super.img file, but am confused by lpmake.
I am trying to package the following 3 images:

partition
size

lineage-18.1-20220511-UNOFFICIAL-arm64_avS.img
2035568640

vendor.img
312594432

product.img
1945939968

total
4294103040

using the command
lpbinary/binary/lpmake \
    --metadata-size 65536 --metadata-slots 1 --device super:4294103040 \
    --group main:4294103040 --partition system:readonly:2035568640:main \
    --image system=./lineage-18.1-20220511-UNOFFICIAL-arm64_avS.img \
    --partition vendor:readonly:312594432:main --image vendor=./vendor.img \
    --partition product:readonly:1945939968:main --image product=./product.img \
    --sparse --output ./super.new.img

and I get back:
lpmake I 06-14 05:43:50  7411  7411 builder.cpp:1012] [liblp]Partition system will resize from 0 bytes to 2035568640 bytes
lpmake I 06-14 05:43:50  7411  7411 builder.cpp:1012] [liblp]Partition vendor will resize from 0 bytes to 312594432 bytes
lpmake E 06-14 05:43:50  7411  7411 builder.cpp:698] [liblp]Not enough free space to expand partition: product
Not enough space on device for partition product with size 1945939968

I don't know the size of my super partition, so I simply set --device super:4294103040, thinking that the sum of the images should hold on a partition of the same size.
Why is this not working? Does the partition needs to be bigger than the image? If yes, by which factor?

super = group main + metadata-size. sure you want the readonly flag?

@alecxs a. How do you know the metadata-size? b. I am not sure I want the readonly flag. How can I decide?

lineageos comes without google bloat. some people want install OpenGApps or microG to get google play services functional, therefore system must mounted rw

@alecxs Thanks a lot, I was not aware of this. In my case (where I don't want to install OpenGApps or microG), I believe it does not change anything, but I am glad I know the reason why now.


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LG V60 Thin - Incoming calls sometimes show a square Answer, sometimes round Answer button? Why?
On my LG V60 Thin, Android 11, and I have Google Voice enabled, and Google owns my cell number.  (I expect it is related to this).
When someone calls me, and my phone is almost always on Mute ringer, I get two different interfaces for the incoming call.
Sometimes it is a square button, single touch answers.  This rings in my Bluetooth headset but not on the external speakers.
Sometimes it is a round button, press and hold to answer.  This is completely silent when this rings the phone.
Problem is, as far as I know, I cannot tell why the round or square app answers.  I would like to always use the square button to answer, but cannot figure out where this might be controlled.
(I checked. If I call the real phones # that Google Voice redirects too, it comes the same as calling the Google Voice #. So I expect this is somehow related, but not this easy an answer).

Maybe a bug wiith Google Dialer?

Or the LG Skin?  Thus the question, if anyone else has seen this, knows what it might be. Or even what the different round/square buttons indicate.


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Samsung Galaxy J7 Core non responsive to back button and menu button
I am using Samsung Galaxy J5 Core. I accidentally clicked on an advertisement on a site, which caused the back and menu buttons to not respond.
I've tried using two Security Antivirus and scanning shows no viruses either. What is the cause of this problem?

Have you rebooted the phone?

Yes, i did reboot, data reset and wipe cache but all of them without any change

What you you mean by "data reset"? Is it factory reset? Please note that you are using an Android device which runs an Android version that is dangerously vulnerable to user's privacy and Operating system's integrity. If a factory reset did not solve your problem then you might have been infected with a system level malware, although, detailed investigation is warranted here to rule out resouce constraints (slow storage, bugs, and what not).

@Firelord Yes, i meant factory reset. so, how i can fix the infection of system level malware? It's very annoying -_-


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Where is the path to to the Google Chrome sqlite database on Android?
It seems like the known methods for copying open tabs out of Android Chrome no longer work (a debug interface was removed) and I'd like to see if I can squeeze the open tabs from the sqlite database.
Does anyone know where in the Android filesystem Google Chrome stores its database?

Some answers from the duplicate question (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) refer to file-based solutions, though looks like Chrome for Android uses a text file to store the tabs, not SQLite.

Thanks! I'm glad I asked this question since previous queries for "mobile chrome copy urls of all open tabs" didn't get me there.


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Mulitple user accounts on Samsung A20e
I have a Samsung Galaxy A20e, apparently Android lets you have multiple user accounts... but I dont see this listed anywhere in the settings for my phone?

That Android allows multiple user accounts does not necessarily means a Samsung phone running Android also provides this feature. Each phone manufacturer can modify their used Android version to a certain degree.

Possible duplicate: Multiple User Accounts on Galaxy S10/S10+/S10e (although for different models, possibly the same reason and solution)


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Auto brightness turned off, but it's not
I have problem with auto brightness setting on my android smartphone.
Auto brightness turned off in settings, however it still works via not changing the display brightness, but changing lighntess(or contrast, idk) of the intarface colors.
VIDEOS:
https://i.sstatic.net/LVwxZ.jpg
https://i.sstatic.net/RqFxj.jpg
SPECS:
Android 11
MIUI 12
Does anyone know a solution of this problem?
It's really important for my work with UI Design.


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How to spoof/change IMEI that is sent to the service provider using an open source or "official" software?
I bought my phone (Pixel 2 XL) abroad and hence, my IMEI is not present my country's IMEI registry. Hence, I'm not allowed to use any service providers. Hence, I want to spoof/change my IMEI so that the service provider will receive a different IMEI and hence, I will be able to use my phone.
What's the most secure way of doing this? I believe there used to be the PDroid project but AFAICT, it is not maintained anymore. Likewise, there's the Xposed framework, but it doesn't seem to be maintained either. I guess I can also use stuff like Qualcomm Product Support Tool (QPST) to change the IMEI directly on the chipset, but I wasn't able to find an "official" copy. That is, I registered to Qualcomm's website but they don't let me access to their "support software" section. Hence, I cannot download an "official copy" of QPST.
So, what are my options here? I would prefer to use an open source software, or if closed source, prefer the software to be directly provided by an "official" source, such as Qualcomm, etc.

Xposed has been superseded by EdXposed, a Magisk module (and there are other Xposed forks you can try).


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How to use only part of the screen?
I am working on a blackberry-style keyboard attachment for any Android phone (https://github.com/Dakkaron/Fairberry).
For the next revision, I'd like the keyboard to be able to slide over the screen, so that it is roughly in the same location that the virtual keyboard would usually cover. I want to do that to get a more comfortable typing position.
But since the keyboard covers the screen, Android shouldn't use the screen area below the keyboard.
Before Android 11 I could just call wm overscan from some automation tool like Automate or Tasker. But in Android 11, they removed that.
Is there any way to achieve that?
Constraints

Should work on Android 11+, or at least 12+
Would be better if it doesn't require root
Should not require a reboot, since the keyboard can slide out to reveal the whole screen
Nav bar doesn't have to be accessible, since I can remap the functions to the phyiscal keyboard.

Things that I looked into so far:

Keeping the virtual keyboard open even when no input is selected. I couldn't find a way to do that.
Enlarging the navbar, so that it covers the area below the keyboard. I only found a solution that requires root and a reboot every time the navbar size changes.
Keep split screen open. But since only the bottom app is swappable, that means, you are stuck on one app. Also doesn't work for the launcher and causes issues with many apps.

Possible duplicate: Decrease the screen size (not resolution) on Android 11 (wm overscan is deprecated)

While there is some overlap, it's not a duplicate, because over there, they are looking straight for a wm overscan replacement, which doesn't exist. So I'm not really looking for a way to reduce the screen size itself, but rather a way to reduce the size of the content of the screen. So, for example, a way to keep the virtual keyboard open at all times would work for my question, but not for the linked one.


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Rooting android with the dirty pipe vulnerability
there is a newly discovered Linux Vulnerability has which lets you inject code in root processes (source), i have been looking into it but failed to pull anything off, for what i understand to gain root access we have to inject the su binary or (magisk?) into the file system, i have made a elf executable to run it on my phone but not much more, if someone who knows more than me, who can figure out how to use this to root the phone it would be nice.
It's just curiosity and I know this wont be a very efficient way to gain root but could be great for devices with locked boot-loaders like huawey devices.

Due to the fact that Linux kernel version 5.8 (or above) has only been an Android option since Android 12, legacy devices aren’t affected. https://www.xda-developers.com/dirty-pipe-linux-vulnerability-root-android/

I know, and i have a compatible device.


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Load URL/URI from NFC tag automatically
I have a Redmi Note 8 Pro which can read NFC tags, and I wrote an NFC tag with a custom URI for an app (Obsidian). The custom URI makes the app to open and write something inside it.
The "problem" I have is that when I read the NFC tag, a panel pops up and I have to manually click it in order to "load" the URI, it's not done automatically by just approaching the NFC tag with the phone.
Is it possible to somehow automatically load the URI by approaching the phone to the NFC tag? Or is this a security measure of some kind to prevent loading malicious URIs?

I think you already got the point, this is for security reasons. As you never know what an NFC tag contains and an URL could start an operation on a web site you are logged in.

But you could use a workaround: don't write an URL to the tag, just use it as it is and use a programmable app like tasker. Create a script to open the URL you had programmed. As trigger for this script use that a specific tag (identified e.g. by it's ID) is read via NFC.


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Android hidden account
Is there any way to create hidden account in Android as it described in Cory Doctorow book "Little Brother"? When I enter pin code like 1234 this will open first account. When I enter 5678 this will open second. Is there any launcher with this feature?

Duplicate of: How to switch user profile based on password / lockscreen pattern and referenced in this thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/how-to-switch-user-profile-based-on-password-lockscreen-pattern.3895406/ but most likely only possible with root/Custom ROM.


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according to following a post i tried to change system partition size ,now my storage is unuseable what should i do?
my cmd gone wrong here

i tried three times but failed(every time same problem)
now os is working in system folder but storage is not showing
is there any solution?

flash stock ROM and don't try ever again until you know what you are doing!


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Seeing a floating "notification square icon" on my MIUI 12.5 phone - why?
Here I was, just living my life, a happy camper of a MIUI 12.5.1 phone (Mi 9 SE to be specific), and everything was just fine. Well, not exactly, but for the purposes of this question it was.
Then, a couple of days ago, I noticed something very weird: The application launcher screens - my home screens - now had a square icon floating over them! It had the icon of a Signal user, and a smaller notification-like icon on its corner... I think it was the blue Signal app logo. When I would press the icon, A Signal (?) screen would come up with the message.
I could only kill this window by long-pressing on it, then dragging it to an (x) icon which would appear at the bottom of the screen. But with a new message, it appeared again. For now I haven't gotten any new messages, so I don't know if I'll see it again or not.
My questions:

Is this the Signal app's doing, or is it my MIUI?
What is this "feature" called?
How can I disable it permanently and for all apps?


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"The Magic", that Magisk isn't supposed to do
I have magisk 24 which I futilely tried to downgrade  using XDA's  guide but did not succeed, which is the 2nd part of my Question . There is something v interesting I note ( not sure how long its been with through various Magisk versions )
So here are my questions
 df -h /data
 Filesystem               1K-blocks     Used Available Use% Mounted on
/sbin/.magisk/block/data  22442480 18250808   4191672  82% /system/xbin/zcip
# If I try rm -f below file it says resource busy , which means that mount is actually using that file
:/ # ls -al /system/xbin/zcip
-rwxr-xr-x 1 root root 1333960 2022-02-05 06:17 /system/xbin/zcip
olivelite:/ # $_ --help
BusyBox v1.30.1-osm0sis (2019-02-28 17:35:07 AST) multi-call binary.

Usage: zcip [OPTIONS] IFACE SCRIPT

Manage a ZeroConf IPv4 link-local address

    -f      Run in foreground
    -q      Quit after obtaining address
    -r 169.254.x.x  Request this address first
    -l x.x.0.0  Use this range instead of 169.254
    -v      Verbose

$LOGGING=none       Suppress logging
$LOGGING=syslog     Log to syslog

With no -q, runs continuously monitoring for ARP conflicts,
exits only on I/O errors (link down etc)

     # mount  |   grep -i 62
/dev/block/mmcblk0p62 on /data type ext4 (rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,noatime,discard,noauto_da_alloc,resgid=1065,data=ordered)

/data partition is mounted on a file ( see above  I tried to peek in that file and its some kind of networkiing file ) ? wth ? ok before that /data was mounted on
this file /data/app/*youtube*base.apk and /data/app/*youtubemusic*base.apk both.
I cant get the log on screen of that since I uninstalled both these apps and after that
it showed up as above. While  the above 2 apps were installed it showed not
/sbin/.magisk/block/data but /data being mounted on these 2 apk. df showed the former apk while mount   command output showed  additionally /data being mounted on  the latter apk as well. /data being mounted on points that are actually files ? I dont get it  ?
Whats happening and what can explain this. I am sure if I delete /system/xbin/zcip  it will  catch some other file to mount.  Has anyone w/ magisk (24?) had the same exp like this ?

2) I cant downgrade from `magisk 24` to `less then 24`. I totally uninstalled. Then installed patched 23 (and less) images via `TWRP` -I was left rootless. So I have 24 or no root.

for downgrade uninstall apk, wipe cache partition and delete /data/adb directory manually, then pick the json url from raw.githubusercontent.com/topjohnwu/magisk-files (or /magisk_files <v21.4) and patch stock boot.img

"/data partition is mounted on a file". You need to understand at least two things: Linux bind mounts, and how Magisk uses bind mounts to be systemless and for Magisk modules.

this might help https://i.sstatic.net/YoTfl.jpg

yes it does. On the face of it al  appeared so "malwareish" ... thx. But  earlier it bind mounted on /data/app/<app name> . I see the idea of being system-less using this hack.


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How to repack a system.new.dat.br with open source command line tools?
We can decompress a system.new.dat.br and then convert to an img, like this:
brotli --decompress system.new.dat.br -o unpacked_system.new.dat
sdat2img.py system.transfer.list unpacked_system.new.dat unpacked_system.img
mkdir system && sudo mount -o loop unpacked_system.img system

I couldn't find anywhere a way to not mount this. I wanted to not mount this because it needs root, and because inside a docker container is hard, and also because I shouldn't need root to repack system.new.dat.br.
So, how can I both decompress unpacked_system.img, modify its files, repack it and convert back to .dat.br?

Does this answer your question? How to mount Android 10 vendor image file / how to mount ext4 .img in write mode?


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How can I disable app drawer in Android 12?
I’m on a Samsung S20 5G, Android 12 (just moved to this phone).
On my old phone which ran android 8.1 (I don’t remember the exact model, but it was a phone from Huawei), In the Display settings I could disable the app drawer and make all the apps show on the main Home Screen.
I’ve been looking around in settings and I just can’t seem to find an option that lets me disable the app drawer.
Do I have to drag all the folders and apps in the drawer to the Home Screen for it to go? Or is there a simpler option in settings?

"In the Display settings I could disable the app drawer and make all the apps show on the main Home Screen." possibly some customization done by Huawei because there's no such feature on stock Android 12. Some Samsung devices have Easy mode, though I don't know if it's similar to what you want. Otherwise, 3rd-party home screen app might have such feature (though I don't know), or lastly, manually drag all the folders and apps from the drawer.

Do a web search with this query: "iOS like launchers for Android". Try the launcher apps you find there. One of them might fit your bill.

@Firelord Thanks for the suggestion! I’d rather not use a launcher though, since I really like how Android 11 looks with One UI 4. If I was desperate, I would probably use it.

@AndrewT. I was thinking of using easy mode, but it also disables many other things that I do like about android, so I’d rather not use it.


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Recover deleted file from /data without root
I have a non-rooted P30 lite which I no longer use. To cut a long story short, there are about 100 files (mix of PDF and videos) I need within my /data directory that were deleted about a week ago which I could do with recovering. I'm aware that it is possible that the memory has been trim'd in this timeframe. The phone was only used for two days after they were deleted before I turned off the phone after upgrading.
I have found this answer here: How to recover a deleted file from /data partition? but unfortunately it needs the phone to be rooted. I can't root the phone as the bootloader cannot be unlocked. I have full access to the phone and everything on the phone works fine.
What options do I have for trying to recover these files? As I no longer use the phone, I am happy to risk the phone/use potentially destructive methods to recover them.

you haven't read the linked question correctly. It's not about root is required, it tells you (even with root) "WHAT MAKES RECOVERY OF DELETED DATA IMPOSSIBLE: file/directory is simply deleted from File Explorer app or from commandline + Filesystem on device is Flash Filesystem F2FS + Filesystem is (SECURE) TRIM or ERASE + Deleted file is encrypted (so no file carving is possible)" either files still exist in trash can or they were already lost in the exact moment of delete

that's annoying. thanks @alecxs


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Can't update apps even though I have space
Can't update apps even thhough my Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus is having 10 gigabytes of free RAM. The update fails and the playstore glaims I have "no space". Any idea?

PlayStore is not complaining about your RAM (volatile memory, lost when reboot or shut down the phone)), it is complaining about missing flash memory (persistent memory, survives power off and reboot).

Could you send a picture of the playstore result. I believe the s9plus doesn't not have 10GB ram as well. You can try to clear playstore cache or install 3rd party stores like Apkpure or uptodown to install the updates you want if you believe that playstore has problems.


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Prevent phone from turning off video during call
I got a new Samsung phone (Galaxy A32 5G) and it has a "feature" that I find disappointing.
I was in a video call with my grandmother, using Viber. When I switched to another app (I wanted to look up something on my calendar), the video stream automatically stopped. When I switched back to Viber, I was able to turn on my camera again, after some fumbling; my grandmother did not manage to turn on hers, although I cannot say if it really was impossible, or if she didn't find the right button. In any case, it greatly distressed my grandmother (who is very afraid of "breaking" something on her phone) and was also very unwelcome for me.
On my old phone (Moto X4), when I switched between apps, Viber continued transmitting video. I think there was a small window still showing the other person, or maybe the other person just kept seeing me, and when I switched back, I saw them again.
My questions are:

Is the problem related to the Samsung UI (the Moto X4 was, I believe, very close to a stock Android), or to the fact that the new phone uses a more recent version of Android? It is on Android 12, and I noticed that, when asking for permissions, it only lists the options "deny", "allow once" or "allow while the apps is running", but not just "allow" - maybe Viber loses camera permissions when I switch?
Is there a way to prevent this from happening?
If I cannot turn it off on this phone (or if turning it off requires rooting), would returning this phone and buying another one (e.g. a current model of a Motorola-brand phone) solve the problem?

Looks like it's a restriction since Android 11.

@AndrewT. the mystery grows deeper then! The page you linked is about both microphone and camera, and it seems that both should work the same way. My microphone continued working when Viber was in the background, only the camera stopped.


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How to change aspect ratio of screen
I am trying to change the aspect ratio of my phone's screen, presumably by changing the resolution, to achieve the result shown in the image.

I am not trying to just change the resolution without changing the screen size as you would with an app such as 'nomone resolution changer'
I am not trying to hide the top and bottom of the screen as you would with an app such as 'notch hider'
I am not trying to just move the icons on screen as you would with 'adb overscan'
I want the device to behave as if those areas of the screen are not there at all, so they just stay black all the time
I know this will require root so bring on the root solutions
Thanks in advance

I knew of a root app that does exactly what you wanted. Trying my best rememeber it. WIll put up answer if I do .

HEBF optimiser [ROOT] has a screen resolution setting that I guess does exactly what you want.


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Take Pictures via Voice Command on a oneplus 7
I want to take photos automatically if I tell the phone "take picture" or something similar. Can this be done with Apps like Macrodroid or IfTTT?
Happy to hear your suggestions.

See if this can work for you: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.joaomgcd.autovoice // Tasker subreddit has some good folks who can tell you if this app can do the job you are after or not.

Google assistant can pretty well do that.
Set up Okay Google and say "Okay Google, take a selfie" e.g

This works but it would be nice if it takes the photo immediately. Plus if I repeat the speech command it doesn't work while the camera is on.


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Does Google Assistant driving mode run on old cars made for Android Auto?
We have an ~3 years old Opel car which was made for Android Auto.
It always worked using an USB cable only (not over Bluetooth).
Bluetooth is also supported but only for making phone calls and not for Android Auto.
Now I heard that Android Auto was replaced by Google Assistant driving mode.
I cannot get it to work over cable nor over Bluetooth.
I hardly assume my car does not support the new Google Assistant driving mode.
Can someone confirm Google Assistant driving mode only runs on new cars?

Can you describe more about your automobile, like Year of manufacture and the model.

@AbhishekDutt Opel Karl 2019


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Recover data from soft bricked (unrooted) Galaxy S8
My S8 G950F got stuck in a boot loop after an update (there was little storage left before the update, but not sure if this is the reason for failure). I tried flashing it with Odin (with HOME CSC), which was successful according to Odin. Now if I start the phone, it says “installing update”, then “no command” and loads recovery mode.
If in recovery mode I select “Lacking storage booting” it will go into “Optimizing app X of …” which goes through all the apps, but then loops again until it reaches some other “Android recovery” mode that has only 4 options: “try again”, “power off”, “erase app data”, “view rescue logs” – the last two options regular recovery mode doesn’t have.
My goal is to backup or pull the data from the phone as sadly it was not backed up.
One thing I have left to try is to install TWRT via Odin and try to do a backup using it. From what I understand, in order to do so I need OEM to be unlocked in dev settings which would allow the bootloader to be unlocked. I don’t think I had OEM unlocked. I also don’t know if my bootloader is unlocked regardless of that setting: there is a “reboot into bootloader” option in recovery and when I do that it boots into a mode that says “Downloading” and looks exactly like regular downloading mode but without the writing that usually shows in the background (such as “odin mode”, model, binary etc.) Does this mean I have bootloader unlocked or is it a locked version? Is there a way to find out if OEM and bootloader are unlocked without booting?
Another Hail Merry option would be to wipe and factory reset it after flashing (which hopefully will take it out of the boot loop) and then root and try to recover some files with a data recovery tool, but is there any real chance of getting stuff back? Since data on SSD isn’t truly erased without being overwritten, it has to be recoverable somehow, right?
Finally, I would like to know if anyone has any idea what could potentially be wrong given the symptoms? Since flashing didn’t fix it, then it isn’t the firmware that’s the problem, so it seems? But then what is it?

Does this answer your question? How to recover data when everything is locked (FRP, OEM)


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Can't left click with USB Mouse on Firefox for Android in Tablet mode
I have a Rog Phone II (ZS660KL) & Desktop dock (ZS600KLD). When docked, the Rog phone asks the user to pick a display mode between:

Mirror mode
Twinview mode
Tablet mode

Mirror mode is way too small (huge characters and icons) for an external screen. On both of the other modes, Android gets a second display; in Tablet mode, the second display is more adapted to a desktop-sized external monitor.
However, when using Firefox for Android (main or Nightly, versions 92 and 95), in both "Tablet mode" and "Twinview mode", my Logitech mouse (M-U00007) connected by USB to the ZS600KLD dock, cannot left click on any link or item inside Firefox. Clicking on a link with the physical left button results in an action similar to right click: a context menu appears to open the link in a new tab etc. Middle mouse button does the same "software right click" action. The physical right click does nothing. The back button works, but the forward button does not.
I also tried with an M185 that does not have the forward/back buttons, and the issue is the same. More interestingly, for both mice, the left click works in the address bar field, because it hands over to the Google keyboard. It's only where Firefox actually renders stuff that it does not work.
I currently do not see how to correct this bug, except switching to Chrome or using Mirror mode. This very specific issue does not happen in Chrome for Android or in Mirror mode.
Any idea how to solve this? For example, force a re-mapping of mouse events to specific actions?


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Recovering media which is deleted month before from android 10 mobile storage
I have deleted a some media files month before, then I used my mobile as usual. Yesterday I performed a factory reset to mobile clean since it's storage is full. Now I need to get back my media which I deleted month before. Any possibility for this?

If your phone cam with Android 8 or newer then it should be encrypted by default which means data recovery after a factory is absolute impossible because the used encryption key is gone.

Hey @Robert Thank you, are you certain with this?


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Does File-Based Encryption (FBE) in contrast to Full-Disk Encryption (FDE) allow deletion of individual encrypted files?
As far as I understand, Android 9.0 switched from Full-Disk Encryption (FDE) to File-Based Encryption (FBE), which means that encryption is done on a file-by-file basis by default.
If Android no longer encrypts the entire internal storage (or partitions) but only individual files, shouldn't it also be possible to delete individual encrypted files, preferably from an unrooted device?

Going by your comments below you might wish to [edit] your question to include your reason – i.e. along the lines of "I need to delete {this file}, how can I do this", which would increase chances to get the answer you're after. // Apart from that: I did not check, but FBE might also encrypt the file (and directory) names – so though you might be able to delete a specific file you'd have a hard time identifying it. Next question left is: can you access that file at all (without root)?

@Izzy "I did not check, but FBE might also encrypt the file (and directory) names" - Did you seriously just rephrase my question and frame it as some sort of answer?? xD

Of course, what else? You didn't even ask your real question ;) As for the quoted part: See my comment below. I'm using FBE on my Linux machine, and file names as well as directory names are encrypted along – so all you can see is "garbage". // And now it's your turn to [edit] your question to fit the "narrative" you really have in mind :D People can only answer questions as they are – and yours seems to miss the part you really wanted to ask (going by your comments).

As you don't ask the question you want to have answered, I won't place an answer – but you can read the specs yourself (keyword: metadata encryption). As for expertise, check my profile and my publications, they should speak for themselves. Also hover your mouse over the diamond next to my username for some additional clues ;) That said, I withdraw from here as I see my help is not wanted. Hope you still find the facts you're looking for.


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The first few scripts at Android boot-up
What are the first scripts executed by the Android boot-up process before it starts running processes that do not have root privileges?

They are init services defined in .rc files.


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Change tablet OS
I have an old android tablet. I want to install another OS on it. I am afraid of problems after installation. Is there a way to return to exact previous OS (android 5.1.1) if I have problems?
Tablet: Galaxy Tab A6

The article is written for Galaxy smartphones, but it may also work for Samsung tablets: https://www.xda-developers.com/download-stock-odin-firmware-samfirm/

Does this answer your question? Explain "Don't Downgrade!" warnings when flashing stock firmware

https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/rom-unofficial-n-14-1-sm-t285-lineageos-for-samsung-galaxy-tab-a-7-0-lte-gtexslte.4290531

@Robert Thank you!

@alecxs The link is useful. Thanks


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Can an ADB backdoor persist after factory reset
Recently I started playing with automations in my Android device. Specifically, I used Automate, Tasker and MacroDroid. I also downloaded some Tasker plugins, and some ADB connectors for these apps.
A few days after, I noticed weird stuff. For example, apps were being installed automatically overnight. Also, there was this time when I downloaded Twitter and it downloaded 2 apps: the original and a mock app that only had the login page, clearly a phishing attempt. My guess is one of these apps installed a backdoor in my phone and people were sending remote commands to it.
Anyways, I know that ADB is not root access, but I don't actually know the privileges (fs, proc...) it has. How deep can an ADB installed backdoor persist in Android? Could it survive a factory reset? I think I'm about to sell this phone and get a new one, but I don't want to sell it to someone if it has a backdoor, I wouldn't want to harm someone else's privacy.

A factory reset should be enough. If you want more assurance, flash the stock ROM on your device (just to rule out the possibility that some really evil malacious software has evaded factory reset)//In any case, I would like to sell a phone with stock ROM flashed to give them best experience


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How do I hide 'No Internet Connection' in fullscreen Chrome (on airplane wifi)?
I've started using my phone to watch movies via the in-flight wifi when flying, however Chrome stubbornly reports 'No Internet Connection', which appears as a fairly sizeable and annoying banner on the top when watching a movie fullscreen.  Note: In this case there really is no outside internet connection, I just want to be able to dismiss the warning.
Is there any way to suppress this message?
Or any suggestions on an alternate browser to download+use that might not have this issue?  I've found so far that Firefox browser doesn't work at all for Southwest's in-flght pages.

I didn't find any flags at chrome://flags related to your requirement. But if you ask for browsers there are too many but most of them are chrome based like Opera, Brave, Edge etc. So give them a try. One which is use personally - Via Browser. Some more - Samsung Browser, Kiwi, DuckDuckGo and soooo onnnn...


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is it possible to use a mobile phone internet access as a hot spot to a PC and PORT FORWARD for TELNET access to BBS running on laptop?
I have set up a BBS on my laptop and use my mobile data for all internet access.
I am able to connect to other BBS's via TELNET so assume port 23 is open on mobile network, EE.
I assume my phone is acting as the router and can get its IP from cmd: ipconfig listed as default gatway.
also setup dynamic IP via NOIP with a host name pointing to the laptop IP found on the noip system
BUT no one is able to connect to 'myhostname.ddns.net:23?
firewall is configured to open port 23.
I am thinking is because I am using mobile data for internet access and port 23 is not open for inbound traffic on the mobile network. yet i did read in another post that EE dont block any ports.
Does anyone know how I can enable connections to my BBS over the mobile network? even if it involves some android app on my phone to open the port
phone is Galaxy A20e
Android 11

Does this answer your question? How to port-forward internet using Android Hotspot to PC?

its half answers it, as it gives the reason no one can connect to the BBS while i use mobile hot spot as internet access, BUT it looks like it can be done via an app, such as https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.elixsr.portforwarder&gl=GB

I suggest rereading my answer. It already mentions the app you linked. The app does just port forwarding which my answer explains in very detail. "no one can connect to the BBS" (from internet) is due to the fact that your mobile data network is behind CGNAT put by your carrier. That's a different issue explained in the other answer linked in the above linked answer.

Solved. Thank you,

Solved. Thank you, What was confusing is there is a video about the App, that implies that the App port forwards, then goes on to say that the gateway IP needs to be public. because of this I thought i could apply for a public IP from my service provider, so thought it would be possible. After doing some reading I see that it is not that at the moment, not possible, due to CGNAT on IPv4, BUT all being well in the future when (if) mobile service providers move to IPv6 it may be. thaknk you for you reply.


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How to handle Play store accounts in a medium sized company
What is the best way to handle Play Store in a medium company where it is not needed a google account for each user?
We have about 30 users with Android, they don't have and don't need a google account, the only problem we are facing is to install and keep updated all the apps.
I don't like the solution to let them register with a new google user account because so they will start using google address-book, mail, drive and not the official tools of the company.

You need a Google Account for downloading apps from Play Store and you can't use one account for all because of the device limitation: https://android.stackexchange.com/questions/42506/is-there-a-maximum-number-of-devices-allowed-on-a-google-play-account

You are looking for MDM (Mobile Device Management) solutions. Asking for which one meets your needs, comparison etc is off-topic AFAIK

Either use an MDM -mobile device management- or send them link of the APKs files through whatsapp-telegram or gmail.

currently I'm sending apk, but applications will not update


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Will background sync on chrome take up extra mobile data?
I have the samsung a32 5g.
I noticed there's an option called background sync on chrome that supposedly makes sure interactions between others are done securely done without error. I know it probably uses more battery, but what about mobile data? Is it worth keeping it on if I'm mainly just going through the web, and will it affect data usage if I'm not sending emails?

Not sure if this description of backrgound-sync refers to the same functionality but based on the description this seems to be a feature that can be used by web-sites to provide an offline-functionality for actions that sends data to a server. Data sending is just delayed and stored on device until you are online again.

I see, would it really matter for battery life or data?

For data it just a delay, if you send something now or in 10 minutes doesn't really care. For battery I don't know, the amount should not be really significant, as long as you don't use it with 100MB+ uploads.

Sorry to clarify you mean there will be a delay until there is a stable connection to send something if the sync is turned ON? I don't know how this would affect data but wouldn't it refresh some web pages or something while you're not using it and that's how extra data would be used?

What I wrote was only for the case where you are offline but perform an upload. If you are online ai don't know if data is sent directly. I would assume that depends on how the website is implemented.


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Why does Signal is not availlable for installation on Samsung Tablet
I want to install Signal on a Samsumg Galaxy Tab A (2016) with Android-Version 8.1.
According to Signal official page, Android 4.4 or superior is required (so, this should be no problem)
But in the Google Play app on the tablet, I can't find it.
And on the website ( https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.thoughtcrime.securesms ) , it clearly shows that Signal is NOT 2 of my tablets (the Tab A above, and a even younger one)

( x sign to show the Signal app is not availlable on this device, and the "v" sign for availlable)
I have 2 ideas to explain this fact:

I installed Google Family Link on these tablets. But as Signal is not age limited, I really don't understand
these tablets has no SIM card slot. They are "WIFI version only".

Could someone help me installing Signal on this Tab A ?

https://github.com/signalapp/Signal-Android/issues/10432

https://signal.org/android/apk download the Signal APK directly

Signal is only available for devices with built-in cellular functionality. But you can install and activate it manually. Note that for people using Signal as default SMS app it will get bit more complicated to send you an SMS instead of an Signal message as by default Signal prefers a Signal message instead of an SMS if the recipient is activated in Signal.

@Robert But Signal is installable on my laptop and desktop computers, which don't have cell phone connection.

Here is a good related feature request for me to track. https://community.signalusers.org/t/allow-android-ios-devices-e-g-tablets-but-also-phones-to-be-linked-to-the-primary-device-i-e-used-as-secondary-device-like-the-desktop-app/2884/223


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How to get MX Player to show .gif files in file lists?
MX Player is able to play .gif files, but does not populate its list views (i.e., internal file explorer) with them, even when explicitly defined as an extension through the relevant settings page (it accepts the change and refreshes with no error message, but nothing new loads on the front end and going back in reveals the added entry does not persist).  The only way to play them is by opening through another app as video, and then selecting MX Player.  I've reached out to the dev team but they have advised that as far as they are concerned, this behavior is in line with their expectations according to their categorical interpretation of the .gif file extension not qualifying as a "video" media file container (a distinction I fail to comprehend, much less concur with).  In any case, I'd like to see if there's any method to take matters into my own hands, e.g., any .cfg files or similar preference store that can be modified directly to "force" persistent recognition and enumeration of the file extension?

I would recommend to ask questions about MX Player as suggested in the app description on XDA: on http://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/mx-player or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MXPlayer

If the developer didn't mention any solution/workaround, then it's unlikely there's any configurable setting that can be modified by the end-user. Looks like it's the logic in the app, which means that it needs to be modified and built from the source code (or reverse-engineer and modding, but that's outside of the scope of this site).


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Force resize widget smaller than allowed
The default launcher on Google Pixel Android 12 does not allow some widgets to be resized as small as they could be. Chronos fit+ for instance is a 2x2 sized widget, so even when configured as a small 1x1 icon it still takes up extra space:

This is likely an application issue, but you use to be able to resize them as small as needed. Any workarounds?

Looks like it has something to do with the additional behavior on Android 12.

This post found a workaround where you change the Display Size option in Android settings to Small, resize the widget, and then change back your display size.


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Google fit - Putting app to sleep & optimizing battery usage: Do they interrupt tracking KM distance?
I'm using google fit to track my walking distance for pokemon go, and I'm not sure if I need to make it "never sleep" or not allow it to be optimized for it to work well in the background.
Does sleeping apps save that much battery? Should I allow google fit to never sleep or optimized for battery for it to work well? Is it worth putting it to never sleep if it doesn't take up that much battery?

Optimizing apps does save battery. How much? Depends on the app. No general answer. If you need the app to work always, don't optimize, it's that simple.

Thank you, I worry too much about optimizing battery and app usage so I wanted to know if anyone knew specifically whether or not some settings won't affect their usability in my context and save battery at the same time. I don't think it's a huge battery drain so I'll keep it unoptimized.

If you are serious about battery, rooting the device goes a long way


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Dual SIM phone: Disable/Enable SIM card on Airplane Mode
I have a Samsung M32 (current Android version: 11, Knox version: 3.7).
I'm using dual SIMs, 1 for homeland and 1 for the overseas. I want to ENABLE the overseas SIM and DISABLE the homeland SIM when I get on the plane after turning ON the Airplane mode. The reason is, if I turn on the overseas SIM beforehand, I will have to pay a daily usage charge in my homeland and vice versa (I have to pay a daily usage charge for homeland when the airplane lands on another country).
Is there any software solution to this or should I disregard the dual SIMs and use the phone as single SIM?
Thanks in advance.

Possibly related/duplicate: How do I put only one SIM card in dual-sim smartphone to "Airplane mode"?.

AFAIK, Airplane mode will disable telephony service no matter what. While it's possible to manually turn on WiFi and Bluetooth back after turning it on, there's no way to enable any SIM on Airplane mode.

Thank you for comments.
"How do I put only one SIM card in dual-sim smartphone to "Airplane mode" is asking to enable/disable SIM cards without the airplane mode. My question is enable/disable during the airplane mode.
On the other hand, as you've commented; I'm trying to find to disable one SIM in Airplane mode in which I can not understand why this option is not available.

This is a super valid use case and I'm surprised that not more people encounter this. It makes you think that nobody who actually relies on dual SIM for multiple countries/continents was involved in designing the dual SIM UI. It should be noted that you can change the SIM preference for calls and texts in airplane mode, but not for mobile data. The only "solution" to avoid charges seems to be turning off airplane mode at 30,000 ft to make the switch without connecting, which is obviously nothing you should do.


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Continue a music playlist as an Alarm
Back when Google Play was still alive, I found an Automate script that would turn on the app at a specific time, continuing whatever playlist it had last been going through. It made for a really handy alarm, since I wouldn't reflexively turn off music the way I would an alarm, especially as it changed every day. And I really appreciated it continuing the playlist since I could curate the play order and manually switch to another playlist at the end.
Ever since Google nixed Play in favor of Youtube Music, I haven't found a way to replicate that - the only way I can get YT Music to play a playlist in order with an alarm is if it starts over every morning, which really doesn't help you get through a 50 song playlist over time.
Is there a way to use a music service as an alarm like that? To continue the set playlist in order where it left off the morning before? I'll entertain any music app and automation combination, but am really hoping there's just some setting I missed in the default Clock/YouTube Music combo.


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Some android apps not working on WiFi, but working on mobile data
I've had a strange scenario these days.
While on WiFi connection, whenever I tried accessing certain apps from my android device, they would be stuck on the loading screen forever. Other apps were working fine, there were only few apps with this problem, that were not related (ex: Skype and some food delivery apps)
Then, after switching to mobile data, those apps were working fine. Switching back to wifi, the apps were stuck again at loading.
Then, I found out that multiple devices connected to this WiFi network were encountering the same problem with the same apps. Then, I knew the problem was with my network. I restarted the router and then everything worked fine again.
My question is: what could be the reason this happened? The router was untouched for at least half an year, and this problem appeared only last few days. Could it be that those apps were asking for location and the WiFi couldn't provide it properly or something happened to the network by a malicious encounter?

I'm not sure why this was migrated to here. Apps don't need to connect to WiFi to locate itself (further reading: Wi-Fi positioning system). This looks like an issue with the router, not Android.

I have the same issue with galaxy s23, did you managed to find a solution?

Yes, it was in fact, the router. Did a router restart and worked fine after. Not sure why it happened, but it was the router.