text:
Remove option for dual SIM in Sony Xperia C3 Dual
My Sony Xperia C3 Dual phone (which has dual SIM slots) has now updated to Lollipop. I never use the second SIM slot, so is there a way to disable or remove the option because in lock-screen mode it gives me the notification about no service on SIM 2 slot?

On Mediatek devices, Gravitybox works well to hide the said SIM card notification. However, if this app does not work for your Qualcomm device, then use an alternative app named NotifyClean which can selectively hide notifications including the said one.
See if it helps.
Note:- Device needs to be rooted and Xposed Framework installed.

About Gravitybox

GravityBox is a module which primary goal is to provide the users of AOSP devices
with a tweak box to turn their vanilla AOSP ROM into custom ROM packed with additional features and tweaks
without need to flash anything. Most of the preferences can be changed on-the-fly without rebooting.

About NotifyClean

You could configure which apps are allowed to create notifications in the top left area, the notification area. If an app creates a notification it will be collected and added to the list.
You could deny all notifications of an app or only specific messages - if it's not a customized notification. So I used it to hide "waiting for connection", but not "you are connected".

Lollipop also allows to disable notifications natively; but in your case I assume all Android system notifications will default as hidden if you try to hide any of them.

Do not try to install xposed framework on Sony dualC3 d2502 lollipop 5.x.x it will be bricked...


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How to root Sony Xperia C3 Dual D2502 running Android 5.0.2?
I use Sony Xperia C3 Dual D2502. I've installed Android  5.0.2 and now I can't root it.  I can't root it using Sony Flashtool method.

Model Number: D2502
Kernel Version: 3.4.0+
Build Number: 19.3.A.0.470

How can I root it?

What are the error messages if you try to root it your way?

No error messages but the phone doesn't start after using the method,  then I've to install the firmware again :(

To root you must follow this handy tips
1) Before getting started with the rooting procedure, take a complete backup of personal data in your smartphone using appropriate apps. If you don’t take backup and follow the procedure given below, then your personal data will be wiped out, and you can’t recover them at all.
2) Ensure that your device has a good battery backup or else charge it fully, before carrying out the procedure.
3) Download Sony Xperia USB drivers and install it in your computer, so that you can connect Xperia C3 with it.
4) Enable USB Debugging mode in your device by following the path: Settings -> Developer Options -> USB Debugging Mode (tick the box to enable it).
When done you can start rooting
1) To get started, you have to unlock the bootloader of your Xperia C3. To do that, visit this page and follow the instructions given there to get the Unlock CODE (which will be sent to your email address).
2) Next, download Flashtool and install in your computer. Once done, switch off your device and connect it to the computer while holding the volume down button until the phone LED turns into blue color.
3) Now, click BLU on the flash tool and follow the onscreen instructions. Once it is done, disconnect your Xperia C3 from the computer and reconnect it to the computer while holding the Volume up button until you see the Flashtool asking for the Unlock code (Step 1). Just enter it and your device bootloader will be unlocked.
4) Next, download CWM and SuperSU, extract and save them to your computer. Once done, connect your Xperia C3 to the computer while holding the Volume DOWN button until you Blue color in the LED.
5) Now, open flash tool and select Fastboot mode. Next choose “Kernel To Flash” followed by “*.img” and finally choose the boot.img that you have got after extracting the CWM recovery (Step 4). The flashing process will begin and within few seconds will get completed. Once done, disconnect your Xperia C3 from the computer.
6) Next, switch on your device, connect it to the computer using USB debugging mode and transfer the SuperSU.zip file (Step 4) to the SD card. Once done, disconnect your device again.
7) Now, switch off your smartphone again. We have to boot into the recovery mode for flashing SuperSU. To do that, switch on your device while holding the Volume UP button until you boot into the recovery mode.
8) In CWM recovery, select “Install Zip from SD card”, choose the SuperSU file that you have transferred to the SD (Step 6) and start the flashing process. Once it is done, Reboot your device normally.
You can find the contents here: http://www.androidrootguide.com/list-android-custom-roms-official-roms-root-software-download-links from CWM to the rom
That is one way the other way to root your phone is to get UnlockRootPro. You connect your device and then select it from the dropdown menu and click root. But remember to do the handy tips on the first link.

Link only answer does not help if the link becomes dead later, and for the other way to root could you share the link for the app, steps to perform?

source: Stack Exchange

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

sort: votes


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HTC One X IMAP marking emails as read
I've synced my yahoo account to my HTX one X's mail client using IMAP which syncs regularly every 15 minutes, however if i've not looked at the phone for a while the email will mark itself as read and the notification disappears so i'm missing new emails if i dont open the client regularly. Is there anyway to stop this from happening?

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


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What does "awake" mean?
I obsessively check the battery info on my ICS phone, and I've noticed that I get the best battery life when the phone hasn't been "awake" much.  But I realized I don't really know what "awake" means.  I have not found a definition for it, and frankly am too lazy to download and grovel the SDK docs.
So ... what precisely does "awake" mean?

This is a power consumption thing. Most time when you're not using a smartphone it's in suspended state. I.e, as many as possible components are off and don't consume power. Awake means the CPU is in the running state. This usually means you're using it and the screen is also on.
Android devices also regularly wake up to check email, push notifications and so on even when thescreen is off. Also playing music or using navigation both with screen off forces the cpu to be awake.
Hence your finding: More awake -> more battery drain


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How to move applications to external memory card on ICS
I have an android ICS tablet and I'd like to install applications on the external memory card (not the internal memory / internal SD).
Is it possible to do so? A solution that does not require rooting would be great.

The "official" version disappeared in ICS. But you can use root-solutions (creating symbolic links) Therefore you need two partitions on your sdCard.
A complete explanation can be found here:
http://www.modaco.com/topic/331205-guide-how-to-get-more-free-space-for-your-apps/
(The root-variants still work)
you will need a rooted phone though

Which version are you mentioning?

You can use any of those versions, which require partitioning your SD-Card. But as I wrote: You have to root your device, sorry.
If its about memory. Most Applications which use a big amount of disc space can have their data saved on SD. (Like Navigation applications). If it is a specific application try searching for a solution for that specific application. For example: Sygic can save its maps on SD


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What factors does PowerTutor measure to show energy consumption?
I am trying to find the impact of the signal strength on the energy consumption of WIFI in Android using an HTC NEXUS ONE. I am sending several files starting from 1 kb to 600 kb.
I use PowerTutor as a measurement application however the values are almost the same for any signal strength of wifi.
Can you please help me to find out if PowerTutor can reflect the signal strength effect and what factors in fact does PowerTutor use to show how much energy was consumed by Wi-Fi? Do you recommend the use of another android app to measure the wifi consumption?

I really question whether it's accurate in general, but if it is, there shouldn't be any reason why it wouldn't reveal the signal strength effect. Hardware measurement through software is difficult, particularly when not operating at the firmware level on hardware designed to make the relevant readings available.

According to the developer's documentation, WiFi signal strength is not accounted for:

The power states we have considered in the power model includes:
...
   -Wifi: Uplink channel rate, uplink data rate and packets transmitted per second.

They have a link to a study performed by the University of Michigan (who is, as best I can tell, also connected to this app's development) that looks to go much more in depth into their thoughts on the matter, should you be interested.
I don't have any better recommendations for you as far as apps go. Has the standard Android Battery Usage information not been helpful? I imagine if you set up a test scenario where you send a continuous steam of data over WiFi for an hour, then change the distance from the device to the WAP (i.e. changing signal strength) and repeat the process, you might be able to see a difference in the battery usage attributed to WiFi.

authors: Вадим Санюкович


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How to upgrade SWM 8802 to Android 8.1
I purchased a SWM 8802 double din automotive head unit from ebay and I was under the impression that it would have android 7.1 installed as advertised. Turns out it actually has android 5.1, which has a tonne of limitations. I found a few forums online that contain some updates, but many members have bricked or bootlooped their units.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android-auto/android-auto-general/failure-swm8802-t3750908/page4
https://www.needrom.com/download/swm-8802/
I am wondering if anyone has been able to successfully update the SWM 8802 headunit to android 8.1 and if so, what is the exact process?
More specifically I have a couple issues I need to resolve:
Bluetooth - I cannot connect to my OBDII bluetooth device or control any bluetooth settings as there are no options for this.
Touch Beep - The head unit beeps every time I touch it and there are no settings to disable it.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Not likely... The OEM's of these head units, especially the "cheap Chinese ones" (no offense to anyone) often do not release kernel source code or OS upgrades, , which are almost essential to 3rd party ROM development, and updates are often only issued for critical issues. Android is not "generic" and must be built specifically for each device, without the kernel source this is almost impossible. If the OEM hasn't followed the Android GPL license and released the kernel source code, which happens often with "generic" low dollar products, these are often just considered disposable products.

Ok, thanks for the info. Seems like I don't have many options but to find some work arounds.

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


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Get Nexus 7 tablet out of reboot loop?
Nexus 7 tablet running Android, everything up to date a few months ago.
I was trying to cut down on those annoying auto-updates and all those extraneous apps I never use, and apparently did something stupid.  I disabled (may not be the exact name for the button) a few apps that I have no interest in, never use, and didn't think the OS needed.
Apparently I was wrong about the OS needing at least one of them.  I shut down the machine completely, and did a reboot.  After a few minutes, the OS comes up, and says it's "optimizing" app xx out of yy.  After it gets thru that, the tablet immediately reboots and starts this process all over again.  There seems to be no opportunity for user intervention anywhere there, other than shutting it off completely.  YY can be different on successive reboots.
Is there some way to recover and make the tablet usable again?  Did I irreversibly brick it?  Help!
Added
Was usb debugging enabled in the device? Or, do you have a custom recovery installed or bootloader unlocked? You would have to factory reset the phone if the answer is "no" for all of my questions
Yes, USB debugging was enabled on this tablet (it's not a phone) a long time ago.  However, if I remember right, a factory reset was performed since then.
I don't know what a "custom recovery" nor a "unlocked bootloader" is, so I'll assume I have neither of those.  Yes, I would love to factory reset the tablet.  It won't come up to the point where there are menus and I can do that though, hence the question here.

You should be able to power it on and immediately hold the volume down button to get to the bootloader. You should get a menu with "start" being the defualt; use the volume keys to select "recovery", and then press "power". You should get an Android with an exclamation mark; press power + volume up. Wipe data/factory reset should be an option there (volume up/down to select, power button to activate again).
This will of course erase all your data.
There are YouTube videos showing the procedure; here is one (unfortunately overly-long) video I found:  Nexus 7 Hard Factory Reset Fastboot Bootloader Recovery Mode.

This sounds exactly like what I was looking for.  I'm not where the tablet is now.  I'll try this and report back in a day or two (not sure when I can get to where the tablet is currently).

This sequence works partially.  If I hold volume- down when powering up, I get to the menu with the recovery option as you say.  Clicking power makes it go black for couple of seconds, then there is a picture of the android on its back with the belly door open, a exclamation mark above it, and "no command" written below.  No clicking seems to have any effect, except holding power for maybe 10 seconds powers the unit down.  Where did I go wrong?  It's tantalizingly close, but I'm still stuck.  Now what?

@OlinLathrop that's where you should press power + volume up

I looked at the video you linked to more closely.  You have to first press and hold power, then click volume+, then release power.  That did the trick.  I was able to factory reset the tablet and get it working again.  Thanks very much for your help. Sorry, but I can only upvote this once.

"that's where you should press power + volume up" or rather, press and hold until something happens. Worked for me.

At least, I got the wipe data/factory reset option and that seemed to work, then it took a long while to boot up.

This worked for me too. I am trying to restore my android tablet to clean working order after 3 years of being rooted and not able to install OTA updates. it entered boot looping after I performed the flash step, and this got me past it. very long initial boot time.

Apparently, you can enable apps using adb: Enable and disable system apps via ADB
Maybe you can quickly do this while the phone is still booting. (I don't know how soon adb is loaded.) Maybe it works through the newest versions of twrp, which support adb!
Good luck!

I followed that link, but it is all over my head.  It looks like somehow they got into a text command shell, but I have no idea how to do that.  The tablet keeps rebooting in a infinite loop without any opportunity (that I know of, hoping you folks might be able to help) to get in there and do anything with it other than power it down completely.

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


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Android is draining the battery on Kitkat 4.4.2
I have a little bit unusual case of Android draining the battery.
Mobile: LG40, Android: Kitkat 4.4.2
Mobile phone was never connected to any data network (wifi or GSM). No updates, no new apps, no GPS, no Bluetooth. No playing games or using other apps. Just a couple of calls and SMS. Battery could live in this for 10 days nonstop. After 2 years battery changed (for original piece). New battery again could live for 10 days.
Until now. After 6 months after battery change, something is wrong with the process "Android OS". It consumes more than 80 % of the battery, which drains it in 24-30 hours. Even without any call.

Sometimes the restart can help for few days, but after that it starts again draining. Storage is ok, more than 1GB free, SD card is completely free (2GB). I have never done a factory reset on this phone, it is about 2,5 years from the buy.
Any idea?

You have to find the culprit with the app : BetterBatteryStats (link)
Requirement : rooted device

Thanks for an advice, I hope it can be solved without rooting and even without the internet ;-)


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Is it possible to kill your phone by installing wrong system software?
I asked a question yesterday about my Sony Xperia Z1. It look likes it is completely empty and I don't have the ability to flash anything on it.
But my question is:
Can you break your motherboard by rooting, flashing or whatever?
My custom ROM (PAC-man ROM) worked perfectly fine until I restored my TA partition.
My previous question:
Sony Xperia Z1 won't start up again!

I left a comment how you could fix your Xperia on the other question.

Nice question! Short answer: Yes and no, it depends on how a device is designed.
One needs to now how a device initially boots and look at the involved components to be able to answer this question. To get an idea, here are some examples from my memory:

All newer Google Nexus devices (except the Nexus One) are pretty much unbrickable.
Most Samsung models for example have their bootloader on the eMMC chip: Brickable
To unbrick, one needs an alternative way to boot from e.g. USB to fix it (this solution exists for the original SGS i9000, but there's currently no way to do it with later models)
Sony Xperias have the bootloader in non-writable mask ROM: Unbrickable.
You could delete the whole eMMC chip and still boot into Flash Mode or fastboot mode (needs model specific key combos on boot), unlock the bootloader or use their software (PC Companion) to revive it. See Androxyde's FlashTool and Sony's FlashTool.
Raspberry Pi's have the bootloader in mask-ROM which then boots from the SDcard: Unbrickable
(Well, this is not a real Android device per se, but you get the point. PS: The Pi can be damaged by overclocking)
Some Samsung eMMC chips have faulty firmware: Brickable (source)
A way to fix it has recently been found but it's very risky and only tried by one of the devs. CyanogenMod's Wiki has more information.
The original HTC Magic had its bootloader on the eMMC: Brickable
In general: If one part of the chain is breakable (without the ability to revive it), you can brick your device. For example, it's possible to get into a catch-22 situation where no further action is possible (e.g. unlockable bootloader + broken system&recover) although the device would still boot to the bootloader.

Yes, it is possible to hard brick your device if you do anything wrong with your TA partition. There are loads of threads in XDA-developers warning people not to do it if they are not confident.
Few examples of backing up TA partition threads here.

Tutorial - Manual TA partition backup and restore
Root, backup TA

Loads of warning when they advertise these methods.

Fair warning: Flashing your TA partition is dangerous stuff, do this
  wrong and you can most certainly hard-brick your device. I will not
  take any responsibility at all for anything you deem might have (or
  might not have) been a result of these procedures, be it bricked
  devices, lost DRM-keys...

I disagree. In theory you can brick a device, sure, but the Xperia line is not really brickable at all.

@ce4 no, Xperia devices will definitely be bricked if incorrect data is written to the TA partition. The TA partition contains IMEI, serial number and other important data and probably include some sort of integrity check. Even flashing the TA partition with the one from another device of the same model bricks it. No fastboot and no flashtool. This is not just a theory, a few users actually did that as seen on xda forums.

Ref: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=40293456#post40293456 See this and some following posts

Apart from the risk of breaking your bootloader, which others have mentioned, there are other ways a custom ROM can destroy your hardware. For example, you might install a kernel that has no or misconfigured power management support.  In extreme cases, this might cause the CPU to overheat, damaging it permanently.


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MTP mode instead of charging with plugged in wall charger
My Galaxy Tab P1000 was charging when it fell down.
I tried plugging it in again to continue charging but the battery icon now appears with a cross mark and instead the MTP mode initializes. How can I get the Galaxy Tab to charge normally again?

It's possible the fall caused damage to the tablet's internals, and that damage is preventing charging.  If a reboot doesn't resolve this problem, your options might be limited to  getting a replacement unit, or taking this one to be repaired.

It's most probable that some pins of the micro-usb port in your phone have been disconnected from board due to falling down, so the phone does not receive charge, and it detects connection to PC instead of charger. Get your device repaired by official samsung service.

Most of the time this problem is being caused by dust, dirt, grime, or some other type of contamination coating one of the usb pins on the inside of the usb port. Easiest fix is to blow some compressed air into the usb port repeatedly until the dust/dirt is blow clear. You can also use "Contact/Control Cleaner & Lubricant" available from Radio Shack. Remove the phone battery and hold the phone upside down while using the compressed air or cleaner/lubricant to blast the usb port clean. Wipe off any residue then re-install the battery. Power up your phone and it will now function properly.

Alright guys, I had the same problem as you are experiencing. When I plugged my tablet to the wall charger it just showed a lightning icon crossed with a red cross, it wrote mtp connected and did not charge. I have read some forums about this problem there are only a few of them.  I have decided to reset to the factory settings, since I was desperate at this point, I did not even hope. Then i solved my problem just by checking the connection between the box u put in the wall plug and the cable. Honestly I wanted to throw it away but luckily i did not, it works fine now.
Hope this could help you or even if it does not I just wish you good luck with solving it.

I just blew into both the port on my tab for charging, and the port on the cable. Now, it charges normally again! Go figure!

Perhaps dust! :)

Sometimes the simplest solution is the best. Oh how i wish i could blow the dust out of some SNES games again...

I had the same problem until I tried one method by accident.

Connect the tab with the relevant port.
Now slowly connect the USB side of the connector to the USB port in your computer (remember to be slow enough till 50 percent of the connector is pushed in).
Your tablet will now start charging normally using the PC.
Now you can push in the remaining half of the connector into the slot.

This seemed like the strangest solution but guess what...IT WORKED FOR ME!!!  Wish I could give you more than one point!

The behavior you are seeing is consistent with plugging the tablet's USB cable into a standard USB port.
If you plug the tablet into the "official" power adapter, you should see neither the red "X" on the battery icon, nor the MTP scanning update.
The tablet will only reliably charge (and thus no red "X") when plugged into the special wall adapter, because the adapter is modified to deliver a higher current output than a computer's USB hub or a generic USB power adapter will deliver.  When the tablet detects that it is on a standard USB connection it displays the red "X" on the battery icon as the tablet may not gain battery charge as fast as it uses it (the tablet's screen and network connections together can drain more than a standard USB connection can supply).
The MTP scanner is the media scanner that runs when the tablet thinks it might be plugged into a computer.  I believe this is so it can quickly copy media off to your desktop, but I'm not sure on the details.  Basically, its another symptom of using a vanilla USB port.
See this question for more details:
How much power does a Galaxy Tab 10.1 charger need to supply?


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Semi-dead Tablet - Is this a touch screen trouble or just a software glich?
My tablet is HKC P077A with 8GB ROM, 512 RAM and a 7'' Touch screen (Android 4.0.3). I am having 2 problems

When I switch on the tab, first "HKC" logo comes to screen and then disappears to show "android". This is standard. But after that the thing wont move forward. Just keeps on showing "andriod" with a flashing like thing implying the loading process. But after long wait there is no start screen and nothing changes. It just hangs there....
But if somehow got it to get into normal working(I donno how, but It sometimes boots ok and gets into normal working mode, with home screen and apps and everything). So once I get it right the other problem I am having is that the touch is giving VERY bad response. I have to click at spots multiple times to select that thing. Also the response is very slow. Its like the tablet is hanged. But when I tried connecting a mouse (through OTG) and everything works fine again. Is my touchscreen gone bad..??

I am already done with, reset (from "settings> backup and reset") [I cant find how to do factory reset on this model from "off" state(read below)]
I have tried to get into reset screen by pushing "Power Button+Vol up" button. Then I know the tab gets turned on (I can hear a small white noise from the loudspeaker) but nothing comes to screen. So the "Robot with heart open" is never shown.
I also tried using "power button + Volume down", this takes me to a screen written in chinese.
Now, I don't know Chinese but from the look and feel, its a troubleshooting window, where I can check weather components of my tablet are working (eg. I click one menu(with difficulty), then the front cam turns on, another menu makes loud sounds from speaker and another flashes many colors in screen etc). I found that most are ok except something called "T" (On the screen, its the last item to the right, is it "touchscreen"??)
So, what can I do to get my tab to work smooth again..?
Is the touchpad having trouble..? Need I do any specific troubleshooting..??
Any Ideas on which key combinations to get on to the "factory reset" menu from off state..??
Now, I seems I have lost the ability to boot into Android. So I am now stuck on "problem 1(above)"

Anybody please.....Is this time to dumb the thing...??


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Samsung Galaxy Player 5.0 can't connect to any of Google services
I'm not really sure if this question is fit for this site, but a few days ago my Samsung Galaxy Player 5.0 stopped being able to connect to Gmail, Google Talk and Play Store using their respective apps on the device, also the device isn't able to connect to the GCM service.
The device is running Gingerbread 2.3.5 and isn't rooted.
Can someone explain to me what is going on with my device? In case this question isn't fit for this forum I'll ask for moving it to a different forum. Thanks in advance for any help.
EDIT
More information:

Device is connected to internet.
I am logged with a Google Account.
Router isn't the problem, other devices are able to connect to the
services I described previously.
The device doesn't lose access to
the internet.

Is internet still accessible? Did you try to switch off/on your player and wifi router?

yes, there's no problem with the internet connection at all since I can open web pages but the Google services apps (Hangouts, Gmail, Maps, etc) can't get access

Are you logged in in your Google account?

yes, I am logged with a Google account


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Hide the address bar ("omnibox") in Chrome for Android without scrolling?
I'm dealing with a web app that I can't scroll up and down or zoom (scale) in and out, and there is just a tiny bit of the bottom of the page that doesn't fit on the display. Since scrolling and scaling is unavailable, there is simply no way to access it.
However, if I could just hide the Chrome address bar (I believe it's technically called the "omnibox"), then everything would fit. Unfortunately, the only way that I've been able to figure out to hide it is to scroll down the page--which, again, I can't do.
Is there a way to auto-hide the address bar in Chrome for Mobile, without having to scroll down?

Don't work around the problem: the only way to fix it for everyone is to complain to the developer of the webapp. Likely they have only tested it in Safari on iPhone.

As a developer myself, I certainly appreciate this sentiment, and I definitely want it fixed. However, I don't think demanding a "real" fix excludes finding a workaround until they do fix it.


text:
Are there situations that a crashed Android app's task will remain running in the background?
Quick question to help me understand how my phone's performance is affected when an app terminates "irregularly".
When an Android app crashes (or otherwise terminates irregularly), could the task keep running even though it's inaccessible?
For example, when a Windows app (like Excel) crashes either "on it's own," or because of a programmatic error on my part, and I then restart Excel, the Windows Task Manager will sometimes show 2 or more instances of the application (sucking up resources even though the extra windows aren't visible/accessible) until I manually CtrlAltDel→End Task or Reboot.
My question(s) are:

Can the same thing happen when an Android app crashes?
If multiple instances were indeed running, would multiples show in Android Task Manager?
The Clear Memory button in RAM Managerisn't exactly descriptive of what it's "clearing".  Is it doing anything helpful in cases like these?
Are the answers to these questions affected by whether or not the crash produces the standard Unfortunately, xxxxxx has stopped. Report/OK dialog (as opposed to just returning to the home screen)?
Is there a better method for keeping an eye on resource usage that might not be easily identified with builtin Android Task Manager?

A quick explanation (or a point in the right direction) would be appreciated... As a coder (but not for Android!) the info I've found is either too simplified or too advanced to answer my questions.  :)
I'm running Kitkat 4.4.4 on Samsung Galaxy 3.

If the app crashes the app will restart most probably by default and continue in background.
You cannot run multiple instances of the same app in android.
The clear memory button is used to free the memory occupied by all open apps and the apps will restart.
Don't do it frequently because the apps will occupy the space again and it will take more power and processing power to free the memory and reload the apps.
You don't need to be concerned with resource usage, android os is smart enough. Just make sure you don't keep unnecessary apps on your phone and huge media files that are not required.

That's what I needed to know, thank you!  The only part I'm unclear on is the difference in a crash that displays the "Unfortunately xxxxx has stopped" dialog, versus just returning to the home screen.


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Why does Google Play show the currency AED for Egypt?
I used HMA to change my location but the google play didn’t show the corresponding currency. For example, it showed AED for Egypt, CZK for Myanmar, UAH for Congo. Which location should I move to get the currency of Egypt?
For more information, when I haven't logged to google account, google play store shows Egypt currency. However when I create new account, add a Egypt Billing address, it show AED currency.

As bizarre as it may seem, this is likely happening because you are signed in with your Google Account while accessing the Play Store. Sign out of your Google Account, clear all caches and history and then visit the Play Store and you should see that the currency will now be changed to the currency in Egypt.

For more information, when I haven't logged to google account, google play store shows Egypt currency. However when I create new account, add a Egypt Billing address, it show AED currency.
Of course I would like to change to Egypt currency to buy app with better price

When adding a Egypt billing address, did you also add a credit card which was issued in Egypt?

No. I used a card from Vietnam. I wouldn't be surprised if it showed Vietnam currency but actually showed aed. However I accepted yout answer. The reason why Google Play shows aed for account in egypt may be out of this question's scope

The best practice is to clear cache and cookies when changing IP (remember to clear flash cache too). Alternatively you can use incognito mode.
Furthermore I have strong feeling this has to do with VPN servers being used by HMA during the connection. On HMA support page, they actually have acknowledged that they're testing new servers and often times these may not reflect true location (I recall experiencing these same issue with Psiphon VPN showing a mismatch between selected and apparent locations):

During the recent upgrades of our network we have replaced certain
  servers with the new, better ones, allowing greater speed and a more
  stable connection. We are aware that when connected to these new
  servers, our customers are getting Google results in Czech. As these
  servers are brand new, it may take some time for the Google to reflect
  their true location.

Additionally I suspect, the VPN configuration somehow gets buggy especially when congested with traffic such that it "auto-picks" servers close to your actual location, probably because there is faster speed and lower latency than servers that are much further from real location.
You may therefore wish to check if the IP location of the chosen connection is correct on geoip.hidemyass.com or similar IP checkers (such as maxmind.com or whoer.net).


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I cannot root or access developer options
My Samsung Galaxy Tab A (model number SM-P550 if you want to know the specs, Android version 6.0.1) will not allow me to "unhide" or "unlock" my developer options no matter how many times i tap the build number. On another note i am unable to root my device and because i do not currently own a pc and i have tried every mobile rooting technique i could find, thank you for adressing this issue.
Edit - so i finnally figured it out, this device has many "accounts" and you can only access thing like the dev options on the "owner" but i was using "guest" but i still cannot root but im sure i will figure it out eventually, thank all of you for your suggestions and help!

What does "will not allow me to access" mean? What did you try, and what happened?

Did you try tapping on the build number 10 times in the "About Device" section? That enables the developer options.

What i mean by access is no matter how many times i tap the build number and no matter what else i do i cannot "unlock" or "access" the developer options.

Look like you're running a quite old AOS version (6.0.1) from early 2016, and unfortunately Samsung are notorious for buggy firmwares. I'd recommend you to look for a different updated firmware and try that. Or if recently bought, take it back to your shop. As WillW said, all shop bought Androids should have this possibility, unless you got a stolen device that have been blocked somehow.

Could you [edit] your post to include all the relevant information? If people have to watch a video to understand what your problem is, they're much less likely to try to help. It also makes it less likely that your question will come up in search results.

@not2qubit no infact its roughly 6 months old so i cannot take it back to the store where i bought it, also i dont even remember where that is. But i think this firmare idea sounds pretty good but i dont know how to do that.

@Gokul NC - im sorry i dont understand whet you mean.

Every Android should be able to get developer options.  Wrichik Basu's comment says how to show developer options. However OEM Unlocking (first step to root) is disabled on basically all Samsung phones.

Yes i know how to do it but it wont work, nothing i do works.

hymm, interesting. Try deleting cache for settings as per the later portion of this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94qQbr_J9cw

next resort is update to android nougat

I tried clearing the data of the setting app as the video said but the developer options still will not "unlock" no matter how many times i tap the build number.

-WillW- how do i do that?

try https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS00050677/. Under the update via computer section

if that doesnt work you can use Odin: https://forum.xda-developers.com/tab-4/general/guide-how-to-restore-stock-firmware-t2979006

It says you need the usb debugging option enabled but its in the developer options witch i cannot access.

if you want to install a stock rom via odin, you dont need usb debugging to be on, just boot into odin/download mode and flash a stock rom, then do whatever you need.

While i do know alot about mobile devices were getting into uncharted territory for me so i would need a step by step tutorial if im going to do this.

thats what the XDA guide is doing. We are essentially wiping your android  and reinstalling the newest from samsung

Okay but i also dont know anything about backing up my device without a pc.

samsung switch can back up using a PC, I dont think you need USB debugging enabled for that

Unfortunately i dont own a PC.

Can you access recovery if yes then click apply update via adb...then do a
Fastboot into a custom adb enabled recovery like twrp or cwm
$ fastboot boot /tmp/cwm.zip

Or
$fastboot flash recover twrp.img

After booting into recovery you can have your ADB enable also then you can root your device

But adb  requires USB debugging mode enabled, which is in the dev options. Anyways he is at a dead end.

Sounds like a good plan but unfortunately i dont really understand what most of that means.

Samsung devices have no fastboot.

I do not know how to access recovery mode, but im sure i can figure it out.


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Can APK cause any harm on open (without installing)?
We downloaded some APK files and attempted to open them only to encounter the "There was a problem parsing the package" error. So it didn't even make through to the Install screen. However, as it turned out, the files contained malware with a very high probability (according to VirusTotal).
The question is, could it still cause havoc inside the phone even though it didn't go through a proper installation?

If the APK file was not installed this reduces the probability a lot.
The only way I see that could harm a device would be if the file itself would contain an exploit against the Android MediaStore Service. This service processes all files on the internal shared storage sections (/sdcard/ aka /storage/emulated/0).
The Android MediaStore Service has several vulnerabilities since Android 5 where it was included the first time. Video files, picture files and other file formats were affected, but I do not remember that the ZIP format could also be used to trigger an exploit.
It also depends on what Android versions your phone is running and of course what security patch level your device has.

Android 9, the latest version according to the update tool. Under `Android security patch level' it says December 1, 2020. Here's an actual VirusTotal scan report, if it helps.

Quite often, whenever there are problems during a download cycle -say, your browser developed a conflict during the download of a particular package, and if the error appeared to resolve itself to the browser, no flag (or notification to the user) would be raised. HOWEVER, if the issue ACTUALLY was not fixed completely, and only appeared to be fixed to the browser, then the likelihood of the app installing correctly is remote. The first sign of such a problem would be exactly what you experienced. "Problem parsing..." This message, by itself, will tell you nothing.
But the answer to your question, in THIS case (download issues), would certainly not do your device any harm. Before even posting the question, you should have done SOME secondary tests, to reveal additional information on the situation. The only way that the conditions you described could damage your device, would be if whatever you downloaded was actually OPENED, after download. The first thing I would check, if concerned about possible damage, would be the source of the error. This can be done by examining whatever WAS downloaded. A simple text editor could try and open whatever is there, if it is complete. If it isn't, it SHOULD be deleted right away.
Other items to check are any other things you downloaded from that source.  Since it seems you left everything alone, you should be quite fine. Next time run at least 1 test before beginning to panic ;).


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Pictures and videos not showing in the gallery
I've been experiencing this issue for a month or so. I was using the camera and I received a message of some memory error, but was able to continue taking pictures. Then I realized that the pictures were not showing up in the gallery.
I connected the device to my PC and the files are actually there. In addition, I am able to continue taking pictures and access the files when using the camera (I touch the recent photos icon and I can see them).
I have tried many things, such as removing the DCIM folder, erasing the .nomedia files, and erasing data from the internal memory, and none of them seemed to work.
Could anyone help me?

Have you tried triggering the Media Scanner manually? There are many apps in the playstore helping you doing so, e.g. SDRescan, Rescan SD, or Media Library Repair Scanner.

Consider any of the solution mentioned below.
Solution 1
Note: Follow the steps for both Internal and external SD Card

Go to File manager  -> Android ->  Data -> com.android.gallery3d.
Delete the folder (com.android.gallery3d) in both internal and external SD card.
Go to Settings -> Apps / Application manager -> search for Gallery -> open Gallery and tap on Clear Data .
Switch off your phone and wait for few minutes (say 2-3 min) and then switch on and wait for few minutes.

That's it now. All the images and videos would be showing under Gallery.
Solution 2

Go to the respective folders where images/videos are stored.
Go to Settings > Show hidden file and see if there is  a .NOMEDIA file. If there is such file then delete it.
Switch off and switch on the device.

That's it.
Solution 3
If above solutions don't work, then you have to search for apps in Play Store which scans SD Card . SDrescan is good. It's only of 20KB in size. And then scan the memory card using that app.

Workaround: In my case, the images with a very long name didn't show up in the Gallery. After I renamed them, they showed up.

Update: A rename by adding one more character (in the Total Commander
/ X-plore app that can see them) triggered the display in Gallery (or other Apps like Google Photos, WhatsApp, and Telegram that can share images), so it is not about the name length. The owner didn't change, the timestamp didn't change either.
The root cause remains to be discovered.

same thing happening to me. All the videos I download are in SD Card / Download. But I have to rename them (even add or remove 1 letter) from file manager. It starts showing them in gallery.

This happens because the downloaded image isn't indexed right way. The indexing tool works based on some triggers - like renaming an existing file, deleting some files etc and this is why it starts showing up after you rename it.
Source - https://forums.androidcentral.com/showthread.php?t=640672&p=4985918&viewfull=1#post4985918

The solution to your problem requires two steps:

You have to delete .nomedia file by connecting your phone to a computer. Once you are done with that, come back to your phone.

Go to storage in Settings and do 'UnMount SD Card'. Wait for a few seconds and do 'Mount SD Card', and that's it.

All your photos and videos will now be listed in the Gallery and respective apps.

As of September 28, 2023, I had this exact problem, so I started doing some research and nothing worked.  I remembered that I was messing up with my phone earlier and changed some settings, so I went back there and figured out what was causing this problem.
In order to fix this. Follow the steps on the screenshots I'm going to attach.

First go to Settings ⚙

Scroll down to Apps

Top-right corner, you will find 3 vertical dots that look like this ⫶

Select Special Access

Select Usage Data Access

Click the 3 vertical dots ⫶ on the top right corner again

Then click Reset App Preferences

✔ Done.

Just so you know, the phone will tell you. You will not lose any data by performing this. But you might have to sign in to apps again like Uber or apps that require sign-in.

First, go to File manager > Settings > Show hidden files > then rename the folder .nomedia to .adc. Then restart your phone and remove the SD card directly without unmounting. Then reinsert it to the phone during switch on and watch. By default, it will scan the SD card and show media in the gallery and music.
If it does not work, then delete the folder .nomedia and do the step of removing and inserting the SD card again, then open the gallery.

.nomedia usually is a file, not a folder 2) OP already stated those files removed 3) removing the card without unmount from a running system is strongly discouraged, as it might lead to data loss.


text:
Open YouTube links from Facebook Messenger app in the Youtube app
I am unable to play YouTube videos from the links I get on my Facebook Messenger app.
Here's what happens:

A friend of mine posts a video link to me (YouTube link) as a message on Facebook.
I receive it on my Android mobile in the Facebook Messenger app.
I click on it and it shows a dialog box (you can call that a pop-up) which asks me to choose an app to open the video with.

Now earlier, there used to be video player apps on my mobile along with the internet browsers installed on my mobile that used to come up there. So I would select an internet browser, and it, in turn, would re-direct me to the YouTube app itself.
However, now, I am only getting video players in that dialog box as an option to open the YouTube video, but of course, if I select them, they are not able to stream the video.
Has anyone found a way around this problem? It is really bothersome.

I don't quite understand what you mean by "I am only getting video-players in that Dialogue Box as an option to open the YouTube video". Do you mean the YouTube app and web browsers don't show up in the chooser, but some other video players do?

Yes, exactly ! Not some, all video players except YouTube and internet browsers show up ( I have MX Player and Samsung's default video player installed on my phone)

If it's not too sensitive, could you post a link that does this? I'd only expect other players to show up for a direct link to a video file, and I'd always expect YouTube to show up for a youtube.com/watch link.

All youtube links behave this without exception when sent through the Facebook Messenger app

@DanHulme, Here's a link which causes this problem. It's a standard YT link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jk9TW5U1_So

Go to the Settings on Facebook Messenger app on Android
Navigate to "Photos and Media"
Activate/turn on "Open links in default browser"

Have you tried this? Does it work?

Try going on to app settings and turn on "links open externally" fixed it for me.

Are you sure this works for Messenger? I don't see the option on Messenger itself, only on the main Facebook app.

That setting exists only in the Facebook app, not Messenger. It also has nothing to do with this type of behavior.


text:
Which VCF field do I use to specify a group in Android?
I'm creating a VCF file on my website. It works nicely with the export, and most data are being imported, but the group is not created or used on Android.
I've tried using CATEGORIES and ORG. I also tried to look at KIND and MEMBER, but couldn't figure out how to use those, seems to refer to URI's and not a group name in the phone book. If I export a contact, it doesn't fill in the group in the contact.
Which VCF field do I use to specify a group in Android?

The source of the importer is mirrored here on omapzoom, you can look up which fields it uses.

Here's a list of valid VCard fields separated into supported/unsupported by Android's VCard importer: VCardConstants.java.
As of Android 4.3, ORG is supported while CATEGORIES is not. Check it yourself for more clarification.
You may also want to compare what has changed in 4.0/4.1/4.2/4.3 here.


text:
Turn on Nexus One without Power button
My Google Nexus One has a broken power button. I'm using CyanogenMod-7.2.0-passion on it. I would like to configure trackball to turn on my device (after battery died or after changing the SIM or SD card).
Are there any ways to configure the trackball as the default power switch instead of power switch on top of the phone?

No, this isn't possible. Some CM versions allow you to use the trackball to turn the screen on, but there's no way to turn the device on from cold this way. When the device is off, Android isn't running, so nothing in Android can listen for a button press. The handling of the power button is much lower-level in the device firmware, and isn't available for users to change.


text:
No WhatsApp notification on Xperia S after updating to JellyBean
I have Xperia S running Android ICS, and the notifications of a new message of WhatsApp appeared in the top notification panel showing an icon of WhatsApp. I received an update to JellyBean and after that, I'm not seeing the notification icon when a new message is received.
If the volume is high, all I can hear is the new message tone, but there is absolutely no notification showing the new message received.
Does anyone know how to solve this problem?

Found the solution myself. In Settings>Apps>Whatsapp. There is a check box right below the Icon which says "Show notifications" Check it and it is solved.

If you found an answer to your own problem, please post it as an answer and accept it, so that the others can also get benefited from it.

From OP's self-comment,

In Settings>Apps>Whatsapp. There is a check box right below the Icon which says "Show notifications" Check it and it is solved.


text:
Disable swipe lock screen on Galaxy S4 running JellyBean
Every since my Galaxy S4 phone was upgraded to Android 4.3 (Verizon), I have had a problem disabling the swipe lock screen.
I go to Settings -> My Device -> Lock Screen -> Screen Lock:

If I set the option to 'Swipe', I get the swipe lock screen, as expected.
If I set the option to 'None', I still get the swipe lock screen.
If I set the option to 'PIN', I get the swipe lock screen and the PIN lock screen. (It is annoying to unlock the phone, and more so when I receive a call.)

I test this by using the power key.
Is there a bug in the software or is there no legitimate way to disable the very annoying swipe lock / swipe lock screen?
Is there a 3rd party way to allow a PIN lock without having a swipe lock as well?

I was able to fix the problem and my phone is working now as expected. I'm not sure exactly what I did, but I'm pretty sure it had something to do with editing the swipe settings while in the lock screen by pressing the menu button. If you can replicate the error, please post it.

I have changed Setup > My Device > Homescreen Mode from "Easy mode" to "Standard mode", and the lock screen swipe options came alive. I hope this helps.

Change it to face unlock, do the setup, reboot, unlock your phone with the face unlock, then set your lock option to None and reboot.


text:
Auditing application's use of GPS
There is an application on my phone that triggers the GPS at random intervals. The start of this polling doesn't correlate with any newly installed applications so I imagine a recent update or recently activated feature in an existing application is causing this behavior.
What options do I have to audit the GPS usage on my phone (Galaxy S4 - Verizon)?

Android 4.4 allows you to view recent requests - this is probably the closest you can get...
This probably exists in prior versions too, I just don't have a device with JB to test it with. You get there from settings->location

It appears that at least on Verizon's image of 4.3 the settings app does not have this feature where you described it (or maybe at all?)


text:
How to get the full path of an image viewed in the default Gallery App on the Samsung Galaxy?
The Android is the Samsung Galaxy S7.
Can someone tell me how to get the full path of the files being displayed in the Gallery App?
I have tried to figure it out by creating a folder, placing picture in it, then browsing to the pictures in Gallery.  It shows the folder name, but doesn't show the path to the folder.
If I create a folder: /sdcard/mypictures/, it's show the images in an album called mypictures.  It doesn't show that the mypictures folder is off the root of sdcard.  If I make a subfolder in /sdcard/mypictures/march2017, it shows the images are in march2017.
I'm trying to figure this out because browsing a friends phone, we are trying to grap pictures from it.  We see them in Gallery, but can't figure out, of his years of storing and sorting pictures on where they are actually located.
I'm sure there is a way to get the path.  Hopefully someone can help.

I was able to figure out how to get to the path by this message and steps provided by beeshyams.
The menu button on the Samsung Galaxys is the hardware Return Key.
The problem is that, there isn't an onscreen menu for the recent Samsung Galaxy androids.  I was stuck on the 3 dot menu step.
The Samsung Galaxy has a hidden hardware menu.  Pressing and holding the Return Button activate the menu feature.
While having an image in view, press and hold the Return Button, this bring up a menu that include the Details option.  Clicking on Details brings up a lot of information on the image, including a map marked where it was taken.  It also shows a properties block that includes the path of the image.

Glad it is solved +1

Firstly, the option of installing a file explorer, as in my earlier solution (now deleted) was not tenable as the device from which pics were to copied is not OP's. OP edited his question to highlight using Gallery app only
On my device Moto X Play with stock gallery app, the method is - When I open any of folders and select a pic, a tick mark appears and from the 3 dot menu → details → scrolling down I can see the path as /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/camera/xxx.jpg. This information section follows information about the geo tagged information of pics
On the chat, we could not find a way to get to the 3 dot menu on OP's device and OP found the way out using hardware keys as explained his answer


text:
WhatsApp only shows contact numbers instead of names on Samsung Galaxy S3
On my Samsung Galaxy S3, the contact names are gone on WhatsApp. All it shows are contact numbers.
Is there a way to fix this problem?

Make sure WhatsApp has permissions to allow it to look at your contacts.

Initially you may have added an account in your phone and later changed that account. There can be a problem of sync.

So how would actually fix this problem? If you don't have an answer to the question this may fit better as a comment.


text:
Can't use `adb shell` in recovery mode
I have a Chinese tablet named Quest. I have accidentally repeated the pattern lock more than 5 times. Now I have also forgotten the email address.
So for a factory reset of my tablet, I simply booted it into recovery mode. But it shows an Android bot lying with a red exclamation mark. After spending hours, I found a shortcut i.e., Vol + and Power to access the recovery menu. But my tablet doesn't go to the recovery menu even when I pressed the keys.
So I simply connected my tablet to my PC via USB and installed drivers. In adb command prompt, I typed adb devices. Now my tablet is listed as 20110301 recovery. I can simply use only adb pull, adb push, and reboot commands. But I can't access adb shell to unlock my tablet. it simply says exec '/system/bin/sh' failed: No such file or directory (2).
What can I do?

Have you checked with Cannot unlock tablet as have no internet connection? Many ways are listed up there, maybe one of them proves helpful for your situation as well.

Thanks for your reply!!!But it does'nt solves the problem.Because they are also telling to use adb shell to unlock the tablet.But i can't even access adb shell .What to do?.Other methods does'nt works.

You've "forgotten the email address"?  Have you ever used Google Play Store on a PC to install apps?  If you're failing to factory reset then your only option (as far as I'm aware) is to use the email address.

If you tried all methods mentioned there, I'm out of ideas, sorry. Except of trying fastboot mode and use fastboot -w to wipe all userdata and cache (which basically is the same as a factory-reset).

My tablet doesnt support fastboot mode.when i started into recovery mode it shows only android bot lying down with red traiangle and cant get recovery menu even after pressed power then press volume up.What to do ?Is there anyone in the universe to help me.Anyway Thanks!!!

Now i tried to create a directory /system/bin/sh and it is successfull.But when i execute adb shell command it says /system/bin/sh permission denied.

/system/bin/sh is no directory, it's an executable (the shell interpreter). If it wasn't found, it's rather likely that /system wasn't mounted. So if you created the bin subdirectory, this could prevent future mounts completely (as the mountpoint must be empty, but now contains that directory). Can you run the mount command? How did you create that directory without shell access?

I have created the directory by simply pushing a dummy file into /system/bin/sh like this adb push dummy.zip /system/bin/sh now the directory is automatically created.For using mount command it is possible in shell only.Is there any other way

You have a stock recovery. Try to boot to fastboot, using ADB: Apply this command in ADB while in recovery:
adb reboot-bootloader

or:
adb reboot bootloader

Try each one, if the first works, good. Check if the device is visible by:
fastboot devices

If it outputs nothing, try the other command. It should work now.
Now you have to flash the recovery using fastboot flashing abilities. After that, try again.

I'm in the same situation and I tried to put the device into fastboot without success. Do you have any other ideas?

On stock recoveries, the ADB utility only registers that the device is connected when you invoke the sideload utility which gives an error when you try applying adb shell or any other thing. It only accepts push commands to the device. ADB also works when your phone is on, which is a problem when you have boot issues and can only get to recovery.
Best case scenario with prerequisites: flash custom recovery via Odin.
The stock will prevent certain commands; TWRP or CWM is the industry's (root) finest and gives a provision to initialise the sideload utility or even better yet, backup to an external SD Card.
Press Home + Power + Volume Up to get to recovery.
Voila, your adb commands will work as required, not to mention factory resets and wipes.

I have the same problem with the E-Tech ET-7008B tablet, the USB debugging is off before they made too many pattern mistakes.
My advice is to make sure the USB debugging option is checked/turned on before making any security password on your devices, but it would be easier to unlock those stolen or lost devices.

If you wipe the user data. That's a factory reset.
fastboot -w

You can boot a custom recovery and also root it from there. Just fastboot boot recoveryname.img, and flash the root package, su, and superuser.apk.
If it doesn't work, it's safe because it didn't flash, just booted it. Because it will let you boot a recovery.IMG on the phone and not flash anything. Try that.


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Stock camera app missing and front camera reported as rear camera in XOLO Q1000s
I bought a new XOLO Q1000s recently, and I made sure to test the back camera before buying it. After four or five days, when I tried to use the camera for the first time, it shows only the front camera; there is no option anywhere to shift to the back camera.
I tried installing other camera apps to get the back camera, but that didn't work. I then did a factory reset, but after that, the camera app itself went missing.
My phone is not rooted, but I no longer have a built-in camera app. I can install other camera apps, but they only show the front camera. When I tried to shift the camera in the camera app, it said you have no front camera! And yet it shows the front camera and doesn't use the back one. Similarly, when trying a flashlight app, it says I have no flashlight, even though my mobile has one.

Actually, I think it is a hardware issue. I have had issues like that and never knew what the problem was until one day I had a broken screen and took the phone to the repairer. After changing the screen, I realised that the rear camera wasn't working (I've never had a problem with the camera on that device). I took the phone back to him and he just re-adjusted the camera cords or something else (I don't know the technical term for cables) and it was working just fine.


text:
How to show only Gmail's contacts in the Contacts app?
I have recently reinstalled Android on B63M due to some problems with the SD Card. I decided to keep all my contacts only in Gmail, as a centralized solution to avoid problems in the future. I do not want other SIM or phone contacts to show in the contacts list anymore.
However, if I try to uncheck both the SIM and phone contacts and I do check all possible Google contacts groups and the option for showing only contacts with a phone number1, no contact is shown at all. If I also show the phone contacts, then the Google contacts are shown (and thus I have some duplicates), but removing the phone contacts removes the Google contacts too.
Note that the contacts are perfectly synched and all under the My contacts group. It's not a synchronisation problem. I'm asking why I must select the show phone contacts in order to see any contact at all (from whichever source you like. Even SIM. I cannot show only the SIM contacts without the show phone contacts enabled.)
To make things clearer, here are some screenshots of the situation:
Here I have set only the phone contacts (Contatti del telefono in Italian), without Google contacts:

Here I have added the Google contacts in the options and they are shown (see red rectangles. Note the number of contacts at the top going from 116 to 156):

Now, I'd expect that removing the phone contacts I should see only the Google contacts (in this case those that above have red rectangles and the other not shown), but this is what I get:

On the right, it just says that there are no contacts to show and that I can add new contacts or import/export from other sources.
What should I do such that this last set of options does show the Google contacts?

1 Having or not this option active doesn't change anything. Even if it is not active no contact is shown.

Go for third-party contacts apps to avoid further problems...

@SachinShekhar Which one? I'd expect a good contacts App to: 1) Require less than 0.5 MB of storage, 2) Provide all functionality of the built-in application (without bugs) 3) No useless permissions/features 4) Free 5) No ads. If you know any application that fulfils these requisites then I'd consider your answer.

Try EX dialer.... Its lightweight and it provides more features than stock contacts app. But, its over 1.5MB which you can tradeoff.

@Bakuriu: Unfortunately, the stock Contact app is crappy when it comes to this sort of thing. Under Contacts to display menu option there is a cog-wheel icon at the bottom of the screen which give you some option to display your contacts based on a given Gmail email address. It may or may not be what you want. Have a look anyway...

@ChuongPham I don't see any wheel in the option menu. Maybe you are using a newer version of Android.

I'm using JellyBean, stock Android, and the cog-wheel icon is next to the Customised List option. It's the last option shown when you choose Contacts to display.

The contacts app is pretty rubbish, try downloading a few and see if any of them suit your needs.

@RossC Actually I find the contacts app quite intuitive. The only thing where it fails is what I have described here. If you know some better contact app that could suit my needs you can answer this question. By the way: downvoters: please explain since I believe I did everything possible to clarify what I'm asking.

I wouldn't recommend any particular app as I do understand your needs, but the actual execution varies wildly in these apps. I'm using the new google dialer (the one built into search) and for every good point theres a few things I really don't like. I never use any contacts app I just dial them directly so it isn't an issue for me. http://www.tomshardware.com/news/address-book-apps-dialer-apps-third-party-speed-dial,20492.html Maybe one of these will help. The best bet, to my mind, is to try a few and find what you like!

The easiest way is to get the Gmail app from the Play Store.

First, type any number(s), select the save option, then it will show you blank field options. Along with those fields, find the option (it will be on top) or drop-down like embedded menu depending on the Android phone model. The blank fields to save will change upon selecting the type of field you selected.
Second, by default, it will be in SIM or phone or your email by the time you're checking which else is there the option in that only contacts are saved.
Thirdly, for saved contacts, go to Contacts > Options. There scroll and find "Contacts to display". I hope your problem must have been solved.
Procedure is correct, but options may vary or be located in different ways by different manufacturers
Finally, coming to other handsets like Karbon, Celkon, Micromax, so-called Chinese handsets in India. Previously, it is found that they don't have any proper sync options. For example, in costlier and top-brand handsets, contacts sync with G+, FB, etc., and give users suggestions to choose contacts still in social & chat apps where else it is not that much we can expect on unknown handsets. What I mean to tell you is contacts matching nearly to your already saved.
The easiest way if possible is to add contacts directly from Gmail on a PC. But you need to log in with the email you're using and require sync in mobile check contacts after logout.
Recently, it has been seen that contacts are directly saved to Viber, Telegram, etc., and not synced with any other app or phone.

Go to Contacts > [Sitting Button] > More > Accounts.
Be sure the following are checked:

Background data.
Auto-sync.

I'd -1 this answer but unfortunately I don't have enough reputation. As I have already stated in the question contacts are synched. I have both auto-synch and background data active, and I have manually asked for a synchronization multiple times. This is not a problem about synchronisation. It's the App not displaying data that it does have available.

Contacts/People > Menu > Contacts to Display > select your gmail account to display.

I'd -1 this answer but unfortunately I don't have enough reputation. I'm asking this question exactly because what you describe does not work.


text:
Tell HTC EVO browser to always "select all" when moving to URL field
Every browser I've used selects the full URL whenever I move into the URL field (address bar), but my new HTC EVO doesn't select anything. Almost always when I move to that field, it's to enter a completely new URL, so the extra steps (press, hold, wait, then select all) are annoying.
Is there some way to change this to work like every other browser on the planet? (Short of installing another browser, which I'll do now, anyway, while waiting for an answer here.)
Even a faster way to "select all" would be welcome.

My best guess is that this behaviour is not configurable and maybe solely HTC's fault (you most problably had a look at every option of your browser already before asking here).
Some options that come to mind:

You might want to try a different browser than the EVO's default (Dolphin, Opera, Firefox)
Root, unlock and install CyanogenMod or something different (alas, not an option for many due to difficulty, risk and warranty problems)

Thanks. I tried Chrome, which is horribly buggy. Right now, Opera seems to work quite well.

Good to know you like Opera, I'm also a long time Opera user from v5 or v6 on (cannot remember, must be early 2000's)


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How to backup Swype personal dictionary?
How do I backup my Swype personal dictionary ?
I Googled and found a thread on the Swype forums: Backing up and restoring your user dictionary (ROOT USERS ONLY)
I followed the exact procedure but somehow its not working. I am not able to see old words. Did it work for anyone?
I even used Titanium backup to restore but still of no use.
Can someone tell me how to backup and restore my Swype personal dictionary?

With Version 1.3, this is now an option in Swype. You have to log in with your credentials (I think you probably registered when you downloaded the beta installer). It gives you the option to backup and sync your dictionary across other devices using Swype.
http://www.swype.com/about/specifications/

I have version 2.0.2xxx, and it's a setting that is automatic after it's checked.  It used to be annoying in previous vers; after updates the personal dictionary would get lost, but that is cured now.

this doesn't answer the question clearly ,please consider adding further details like where is this setting ...


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Any way to use another name for the external_sdcard folder?
On my Android tablet, the SD Card is shown as an external_sdcard folder, no matter how I rename the card.
Personally I don't like the auto-assigned folder name. Is there a way to use a different default folder name for the SD card, such that the folder name looks more consistent with my other folders?
(Android 4.0.3 WiFi only)

Do you have a file explorer? If so you could try renaming it from here by long pressing on it. But this may prove to be an issue with mapping to it...

That would not only require root access, but also break mounting the card (you would need to update the "fstab" as well). Further, that's probably not what ohho had in mind -- he was rather thinking of the LABEL being used as mount-point name (as it is with modern Linux systems for removable data mount points dynamically being created), so it's easy to see which card is in the slot.


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What is a goldcard and how does it work?
I know how to create a Goldcard, but I'm curious as to what it actually is and how it works. I've done some Googling but can't find any information about the details.
To create a Goldcard one needs the CID, which from what I can gather is an SD identifier for the card. The CID is then reversed and entered into a site which generates a Goldcard image. The image is copied to bytes 0x000 to 0x170 of the device.

Does the CID change when the card is formatted?
If I plug an SD card into my computer, will I get the same CID as when it's in the phone?
Is the Goldcard image a boot sector?
How does it fit in with the FAT32 filesystem on the card?
How is the Goldcard image generated?
Could I generate one myself, or modify an existing image for a different CID?
What does the Goldcard do when the phone boots? Does the phone boot off the card?
How does this bypass the restrictions to allow other firmware to be flashed?

To partially answer my own question, the CID is a unique identifier assigned to the SD card at manufacture time. It is stored in a special register which is accessed using the SEND_CID command. From page 93 of Part 1 Physical Layer Simplified Specification:

The Card IDentification (CID) register is 128 bits wide. It contains the card identification information used during the card identification phase. Every individual Read/Write (RW) card shall have a unique identification number.

The CID therefore does not change when the card is formatted, and will be reported the same regardless of which device the card is plugged into.
The card does have an MBR partition table, and the Goldcard image is inserted into the code area of the MBR (between 0x000 and 0x1b7). There is therefore no direct interaction with the FAT32 filesystem. The first 128 bytes of the image are null however, and so it doesn't seem to actually be executable.


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Install google APPs in Nexus7 with Cyanogenmod already installed
A few days ago, I installed the latest Cyanogenmod (version 11) on my Nexus 7. When I booted it up, I discovered that all the Google Apps were gone.
I downloaded a .zip file from http://wiki.cyanogenmod.org/w/Gapps but now I'm stuck. I don't know how to install it. I extracted it and I do see a lot of .apk files, but there's much more stuff in there (system/ directories and whatnot).
The question is: Once I have that .zip file, how do I install the Apps (without blowing up my Nexus, if possible). I've found some results on google, but (AFAIU) all the methods I found explain how to install the Google Apps while installing Cyanogenmod, which is not my case.
Newbie here! Don't hit me too hard, please :-D

Newbie here! Don't hit me too hard, please  well since you asked I guess I can't! Seriously though: It is better to ask now and get an answer than to just go mad flashing things half cocked and totally brick the device! As the answer says below, just flash GApps, just make sure you have the right version (i.e Kitkat Gapps!) Happy flashing (nowhere else can I say that without looking like a weirdo)! Edit: Flashing, half cocked...? :|

Its actually ok to install Gapps, or any other zip packages (if they're meant to be flashed), after Cyanogenmod has been installed. You'd use the Install zip from sdcard option while in Recovery mode (presumably ClockworkMod, if you followed CM's install guide) to flash the Gapps zip file. Then reboot your device and after that you'll notice that it will take a little longer to start up with a message saying "Android is upgrading". Wait for that to finish and then you'll see all of the Google apps installed.


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Is there a quicker way to change languages for speech-to-text?
I really love using speech-to-text in my SwiftKey keyboard, but I can't use different languages unless I go to Settings > Speech-to-text > Language. This is quite bothering and I hope there's a way to change language every time STT says "Speak now".
I don't want multilingual support like "Ciao, how are you?", I only want to choose STT language without going to Settings
Here's an example of what I want:

Just one tap on the world icon  to switch between languages:

Screenshot from Google Pixel 6 on Android 12  with Google keyboard.


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Rooted, encrypted Galaxy Note 8" stuck in bootloop
I poked at things I shouldn't have after rooting/encrypting my Galaxy Note 8" tablet (GT-N5110) and now it continuously loops through the bootup screen.  It gives me just enough time to see the "enter passcode to decrypt" screen after the Samsung logo, then it re-boots.
This is a tablet, so no battery removal. I hadn't flashed any custom ROMs (except adding ClockworkMod recovery), only rooted and encrypted the device. I accidentally erased the wrong thing when messing with a debloater app, which is why I am now stuck in a boot loop on an encrypted device. No fastboot option, only ClockworkMod--which can't help because of encryption.
I have ClockworkMod installed, but I still can't factory reset since I can't unlock the encryption.
Help?

It's for a different device, but see if this XDA post will help: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=20479867&postcount=24 In summary, you can flash a ROM via fastboot; it might work. Can't check the google link there; it's blocked from my end.

Community bump prevention: this question was closed because the question seems to have been abandoned (OP hasn't visited the site anymore after posting the question, and no answers have score above 0). If anyone can evaluate the existing answers, feel free to vote accordingly and reopen the question (or mod-flag the question requesting for reopening). For anyone else having the same issue, please post a new question and refer to this question as additional context.

Things to try

I'd say take off the batteries, put them back, go to download mode, and reflash the ROM. Better off download it again to be 100% certain it's OK (even if it is, sometimes certain ROMs happen to work only after a couple times flashing).
Also read the documentation of the ROM in case it needed your storage to be in a different filesystem format (ext4 or whatever).

Use Odin 3.09 Specifically
Find stock firmware
(I use sammobile.com)
Try factory Dongle to force odin donwload mode (If you cant get into download mode)
flash


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CHKDSK (check disk) for Android
My Android tablet "went berserk" this week and eventually, I managed to stop the behaviour that was stopping me from even getting the "desktop" to stay up front.
I eventually discovered a corrupted directory (the name was "mashed").  I deleted it and the device now seems stable.
What is the Android equivalent of the Windows/DOS CHKDSK command?  I want to be able to scan the device and repair any nascent problems on a regular basis.

note that you'll need root privilege to run fsck on system partitions.


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Will I lose my pictures during a factory reset?
I accidentally deleted my app store and can't figure out how to get it back or open it again. I've read that I should do a factory reset.
What will I lose if I do that? I'm worried about my pictures.

A generic answer can be found in the factory-reset tag-wiki. Basically, it "empties" the /cache and /data partitions of your device, so all the apps you've installed and all your apps' data will be gone for good. This does not necessarily apply to data on your SDcard: while some devices/ROMs offer to "wipe" those along, this is not done in most cases (in my experience) – and when it's done then usually only when the user explicitly specified to do so.
Now for your specific problem: If you really deleted your app store, a factory-reset won't bring it back: gone is gone. If you're unsure on what made it disappear, and your device is not rooted, it's unlikely you've really deleted it; you might rather just have disabled it. So while a factory-reset in that case would bring it back, so would an atomics bomb kill a fly. Before you go to factory-reset your device, try the following:

Go to Settings→Apps
To be on the safe side, select the "All Apps" tab
Scroll to the very end of the list. On some devices/ROMs disabled apps end up there, and on all devices/ROMs I've seen disabled apps are marked "disabled". See if your app store is there.

If it's there: tap the entry to open it, push the "enable" button
If it's not there, scroll through the entire list: it might be ordered alphabetically or by some other criteria, and have the "disabled apps" mixed in. When found: see previous item (open, enable, done)

If you didn't succeed with those steps, you still can try a factory-reset.


text:
Bookmark a page to be accessed on both mobile and desktop Chrome easily
It looks like that one bookmark instance can only exist on one of Chrome folders. Such that when I want to visit a site from both my phone and my laptop, I always have to change my bookmark folder back and forth depend on where I stored that bookmark page.
Can I bookmark a page and view it on both mobile folder and desktop folder?

Use slightly different URLs as bookmarks (e.g. add &dummy=1 at the end of one of them) so that they are "different bookmarks".

Yes, you can, but you have to synchronize Google Chrome with Google Account. You can change synchronization interval, etc., etc., in device settings (Accounts). How to force make bookmarks synchronization, you can read here.

I have syned my account on both Desktop and Mobile, but I think it is exactly the synchronization that caused the issue because one instance of bookmark can only exist in either mobile folder or desktop folder. If I bookmark this page on Chrome Desktop, then bookmark this page again on mobile bookmark. This page disappears from the Desktop bookmark.


text:
TextExpander for Android
I'm on a Mac and iPhone. Going to switch to Android and Windows.
TextExpander is an app that is "expanding custom keyboard shortcuts into frequently-used text". In other words: a text expansion tool.
For example, when I type gm1, my email shows up. When I hit d2, I see today's date, "130830".
I currently have TextExpander on the Mac, have the library in Dropbox, and sync it to iPhone so that I have all my snippets on both Mac and iPhone (well, at least in the iPhone apps I write in like plain text).
I know that

AHK kan do snippets via :*:gm::[my email address]
Breevy is a text expander for Windows

But can I make text expansion play as nice on Android-Windows as on iPhone-Mac?

You may want to check Textspansion that works for Android.
I'm not affiliated with the author although we make a text expansion software for Windows.

TextExpansion does not come close to TextExpander.

It does not sync with any computer app.
Expansion does not make [shortcut] into [expanded thing] when I type it, instead, I need to: exit my current app, go to the Expansion app, find the entry I want, tap the entry I want, then paste.

But can I make text expansion play as nice on android-windows as on iPhone-mac?

Blueduino has a soft keyboard mode that allows to type text which is then expanded, it's seamless integration.
It also shows a small icon and proposals if a shortcut is detected which works well with most of the apps. Using it as an accessibility service is the main operational mode for modern devices which allows to use it with the devices' stock keyboard or the keyboard of your choices.
What's cool is the support of shortcuts when used with Bluetooth hardware keyboards which is what you want e.g. with Android Desktop.
It doesn't offer sync with text on your computer, but shortcuts can be exported to a file and then imported again.
It's in the Google Play store.

How do you like it, do you have pros or cons?
Any enhancement ideas?

Snce you're asking for enhancement ideas, I assume you're affiliated with the app. Note that Stack Exchange expects users to disclose their affiliation clearly on the post. Otherwise, it might be deemed as spamming/astroturfing. Thanks


text:
I have a refurbished Samsung Galaxy Tab with no Android Market App
I bought a refurbished Samsung Galaxy Tab running
Android 2.3.5

There is no app for Market on the phone.
When I get to market directly, it only shows my Iconia and I've already downloaded things there that I also want on my Galaxy.
When I'm told to sign in to google account, it says I can't add that account, it's already there. I'm not trying to add it, I'm trying to sign in through the google system.
Skype will not download, either.

Maybe a factory reset could help too, at least with signing into the google account

Have you tried installing the Market?  I've installed the 3.4.4 Market from Android Police a few times, if you're looking for a safe file.  Just put it on your SD card or internal storage (make sure it has the .apk extension) and install it via a file manager.  Settings -> Applications -> Unknown sources needs to be checked for this.


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How To Prevent Uploading From Interrupting When Screen Is Off?
When screen goes off, uploads get interrupted especially YouTube uploads and everytime i have to resume phone to continue uploads. The problem is that in case of YouTube, videos stutter which i assume at the moment upload was interrupted.
I have JuiceDefender Plus just to add. Is there a way to prevent uploads from interrupting, at least by instructing the screen not to turn off when uploading?
UPDATE: What i want is to be able to keep screen turned on while uploading.
HTC Desire S
Android 2.3.3 (unrooted)

Settings -> Wireless & Network -> Wi-fi settings.
Press the [Menu/Options] button, and select Advanced
Now choose in the Wi-fi sleep policy : Never
Keep in mind that your battery is going to drain faster (because the wifi will never be turned off unless you manually do it), and is easy to forget that you changed the sleep policy.

You may try checking the Settings -> Applications -> Development -> Stay awake checkbox. Note a caveat mentioned in the Android manual: "Don’t use this setting with a static image on the phone for long periods of time, or the screen may be marked with that image."

It is only when charging. Don't get the last part about "screen marking".

screen marking refers to a problem that happends when you leave a screen turned on with a static image for too long. The screen gets marked with that image (more like burned), and will look permanently like a watermark in a sheet of paper. It depends on the technology of your screen, but you should not worry about it.


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Is there anyway to access and write data to the internal storage or System Storage from PC?
I tried to detect my Android storage in Windows. But Windows only detect one storage device, which is my external storage (when activated). How do I actually activate or share the internal storage, so that I could gain access the internal storage and write data onto it?
Final Objective:
Write binary data from PC into both internal and external storage.
Note:
For External: I found several ways of doing it. One is to Remove the external memory and plug it into the PC card reader and start writing. or we could share the storage media.
For Internal: I couldn't even detect the storage from the device nor I don't know how to remove the memory. Should it be while the power is off or on to be able to detect the internal memory from PC? Should I have a root access to the phone before able to do it? (I tried rooting the phone, but no luck)

What device do you have?  Are you talking about an internal "SD card" like the Galaxy S devices have or about the main (system) storage?  The latter just isn't made available to the PC.

I'm using Samsung Galaxy Gio. I didn't know that there's two storage. Yes, if possible I prefer both, because my objective is to write data to all area of the storage available.

There are many storage locations in an Android device (specially in Samsung Galaxy - series)..
Storage Locations which don't require root access:

External SD: If your device supports removable MicroSD card, its mounted on /mnt/sdcard/external_sd (also hard linked at /sdcard/external_sd).
Internal SD (also labeled as USB Storage): This is mounted at /mnt/sdcard (also hard linked at /sdcard).

You can access File System of device over Wi-Fi. To reach storage locations, just follow the paths. Here, you can write anything without problem, but there may be problem deleting files/directories here due to limited FTP permissions (follow last part of answer to remove this limitation). If you access file systems using USB connection, there shouldn't be any permission problem.

Storage Locations which require root access:

System Storage: Its protected storage of system reserved for apps. e.g. /data partition.
ROM: Its the storage where firmware files can be located. e.g. /system partition.

To write here, you do need root access. If your device isn't rooted, you are out of luck. If you are rooted, you can use Root Explorer or ES File Explorer to write anything here. Note: You need to mount some partitions with R/W access to write. e.g. /data partition is already mounted with R/W access, but /system and /dbdata partitions are mounted with R/O access.
Accessing them on PC is somewhat tricky: Use Terminal Emulator to mount the partition with R/W access permanently (if its not). Install a native linux FTP server & execute it under root user. Make sure to configure FTP server for accessing the location you want to access. Done! You can now access this location over wi-fi using any FTP client.

Update:
Its not a concern for questioner, but its worth mentioning: When internal SD is not present, removable MicroSD card might be mounted on /mnt/sdcard (also hard linked at /sdcard). And, all these mount points are decided by manufacturers, firmwares and may be different. So, its always better to check with mount command in Terminal Emulator.

Note that not all phones have both (1) and (2), some may only have one or the other.

@GAThrawn That's true, but Galaxy - series always include (2). When it comes to (1), I am not sure about his Galaxy Gio.. That's why I put if your device supports...

Wow, what a great answer.. (3) is what I am looking for. Thank you very much. I gonna try it out :-)


text:
Samsung Galaxy S, Front facing camera is not an option
First off, I'm very very new to this.
How do I activate my front facing camera in my Galaxy S? It's up to date on software according to the US Cellular store, I brought it in for an update not long ago
(I'm running hardware version I500.04, it's model number SCH-I500, firmware version 2.3.5, and kernel version 2.6.35.7, not sure what's necessary)
When the camera, skype, or YIM is open, there is no option to change camera display. I'm not sure what to do, because it appears to have a front facing camera installed.
Does anyone have advice? I've looked around, but haven't been able to find an answer that truly answers my question.
So...how do I activate this camera? It's a large part of why I bought the phone.

Open pre-installed Camera app & tap this icon to switch cam:

Same icon is found in Camera360 Ultimate (my fav) to switch cam.
Front-facing cam is automatically activated during video calls over 3G (if you are using pre-installed Dialer app).

I don't have that camera button, my menu stops at the fourth icon from the bottom. I'll check out that app though! thank you.

Then, its better to use Camera360 Ultimate. If you're rooted, you can upgrade inbuilt cam app from others APK.. I have Galaxy S too and that button is there.

Sachin, sir, I think you grossly overestimate my skill set. I'm trying to figure out how to root, but am running gingerbread (I think), so that involves a new version of it, and some form of program I don't quite understand. Do you have a suggested walkthrough? I'm googling to no avail- need a 'rooting for dummies' style instruction manual, aha. I'm entirely out of my depth here. Thank you though, I adore that Camera 360 Ultimate app already!

Worths a new question..

On my S4 one day the icon for toggling between cameras simply disappeared.  After reading the above answer and the other replies not being of help , I just stated digging around. Sure enough what I cound was while in shoot mode I hit the menu button left of home and it listed only "change icons" or something like that. Up came a screen if icons one of which was the change-camera icon that had gone away! Just like any desktop icon, holding it down and dragging it to the location I wanted it in was the trick.


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Can I increase the in-call volume of my microphone?
I have a Sony Xperia Active which is barely 2 months old and its in-call mic volume is really low. Is there any way I can increase the volume?

I think that is either a hardware or  a firmware issue. Have you tried recording with the mic? Is it loud and clear?
If it is a firmware issue, report it to Sony. And if Hardware related problem, use a headset, or change your device.

Sorry, this is a really old question. I don't even have that phone anymore :-|

Oops.. i didn't see that coming.


text:
Asus Transformer Slider frequently freezes
I am a not-so-proud owner of an Asus Slider tablet, the one with the slide-out keyboard. I find that whenever I shake the device, open the keyboard, or otherwise move the tablet, it freezes up.
I sent it into ASUS for support, but they said they did not find anything wrong with the tablet. I also tried leaving the tablet out to see if it would unfreeze, but it did not. Please help?

I solved these problems upgrading it. Go to Setup -> Tablet information -> Firmware update.
Using Android 4.0.3 i have no more reboots, nor freezes.
Manual downloads and instructions are available on the Asus site here.

It dutifully reports "There is no update for your device currently."

You could install a 3rd party aftermarket firmware like AOKP or CyanogenMod (originally intended for the TF101 model).
From what I read, one can use ROM images for the almost identical TF101 model (and maybe also flash a SL101 compatibility package on top of it that changes only some minor things (more keyboard models, sound settings, etc.). Even Asus' official update zip for the TF101 is fully compatible with the SL101.
Source: XDA


text:
Switching to TouchNooter home from Stock Home
So I have just rooted my Nook with TouchNooter.
When I press the home button it asked me which I want to set as the default GO Launcher or Home. I chose Home as the default.
Now, I can't figure out how to get back to the TouchNooter homescren. How can I do so?
Thanks

possible duplicate of I checked 'use as default' when choosing the default launcher, but now I can't start ADW.Launcher any more

Nook Simple Touch doesn't have the settings options mentioned in the other post.

@moesef: I recommend editing your question to add a link to that other question and the reason why it's not a duplicate.

You can go to Settings>Manage Applications> All Applications> then, find & select the Home app--- scroll down, and select "Clear Defaults"
The next time you press your home key, it will give you the same dialog asking which app to use.


text:
How to recover data from a damaged SD card?
I have an HTC Inspire.  I have had my 8 GB SD Card for three years...needless to say, it has like 5000 pictures and hundreds of videos on it.  It has a lot of music on it too, but I'm not worried about that.  I just want my pictures back more than anything.  I got a message on my phone that told me I should safely unmount my SD card before removing it.  Since I haven't taken it out for months, I didn't think anything of it.  A few hours later, it said "SD Card damaged.  You may have to reformat it."  When I clicked on that, it said "Are you sure you want to format the Sd card?  All data on your card will be lost."
I have tried plugging it into the computer, but there's not an option to view files.  I tried putting it in my dad's phone, and his phone didn't even recognize that it was even in there.  If anyone has ANY ideas, whatsoever, it would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you!!

I assume you canceled the format.  Did you try plugging the card (without the phone) in to a PC (via an adapter or what have you)?

Do you have ClockWorkMod installed?

To try to get your pictures back, have a look at the options on this older questions: Data Recovery - How to Restore Deleted / Formatted Files on HD Micro SD Card

I encountered the same problem with my SD card and Samsung Galaxy S a while ago. The solution was to plug the card into a card reader and run chkdsk x: /F /V to repair the file system.
If this doesn't work, you'd have to use some file recovery software to fish out the files from a broken file system. There are many different applications for this, you can find some by googling for "file recovery free", or try PhotoRec.

How successful in recovering files is PhotoRec? This same situation being the use case.

I haven't used it on SD cards, but it was very handy when my external hard drive screwed up it's master file table, recovered every single file.

If you have a damaged SD card that neither programs nor companies\stores can recover the data from, I shipped mine to Germany to a place called RecoverFab: http://recoverfab.com/
1-2 days after they received it, 100% of photos and videos recovered. SUCCESS! I tried Transcend in Taiwan first, the makers of my SD card could not recover data off of it, RecoverFab did.
I'm sold. [answering here b/c it won't let me answer normally, protected?]

Use Card Data Recovery. It can help you recover data from SD card.

Crashes after a while under Windows 7 x64. Installs TenorshareNCDRService crapware service. Does not remove it on uninstall, needs to uninstall it separately.

If you have ClockWorkMod flashed you can try mounting the SD card to USB when you have booted up in the recovery mode.

The most popular free program for data recovery is Recuva. For advanced recovery, you need to upgraded to Pro version. Another available options is Dr.Fone for Android. It has a default function to recover deleted files form SD card. Here is the tutorial.
P.S. For important data, it is highly recommended to backup in different devices or with cloud service.