text:
2018 Honor 10 Lite/HRY-AL00, DOESN'T CHARGE USB data works fine, ADB works fine
Not sure how the brand of the phone really helps, but from what I gathered:

Phone doesn't have a fast charge protocol. Very basic micro-B USB. Supports any 5V-1A USB charger. 3400mAh battery. The OS version is Android 10.
A while ago no cable would charge the Phone. I took it to a repair shop, and they replaced the charging port. I bought a new cable (specced for 2A), and found no issue for a while. This didn't last long.
Currently no cable will charge it normally anymore.
May have physical damage, as I have to twist the Phone-side plug hard for the Phone to respond.
If the phone is connected to a USB wall plug, the Phone still says it is charging, which normally has never occurred. Indicated battery percentage does not go up.
If the Phone is connected to a PC over USB, with USB debug mode turned on, PC side adb shell dumpsys battery returns a growing "charge counter" (uAh) but decreasing "level" (percentage). SOMETIMES the percentage may go up, but it's not guaranteed. The USB session is generally stable.
I have no USB multimeter yet, so no other info can be inferred from any charge session.

How should I troubleshoot this issue? Is the charging IC in the Phone somehow faulty?

Sounds like a broken soldering point on the connection between USB socket and mainboard of the phone. If only one connection soldering point of +5V or GNC is broken data may work as before but charging does not. The USB socket is very vulnerable to force when the plug is inserted, therefore I recommend to handle the phone with extreme care for people who want to keep their phone in a working state.

Since you mention that you have to twist the connector at the phone, it almost certainly means that either the connector is damaged or the electrical connection to the pcb is damaged (broken solder or connector wire).
Take it back to the same repair shop (under warranty), perhaps they did not solder the new port properly.


text:
Why do my wifi networks vanish until I turn airplane mode off and on?
Over the last few weeks, my Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G (Android version 13) seems to lose all wifi networks. Going to Wifi settings shows no networks connected or listed at all.
Every other device in the room can see my networks and others. There are no errors reported, and it's not hanging forever. I get a busy indicator for a few seconds, and then it turns off as if the wifi check just didn't return anything.
If I turn on airplane mode, wait a few seconds, and then turn it off again, it can suddenly see all the networks and connects successfully. Then sometime later (I don't know how long but hours, not days), I notice that the phone is using 5G again. If I go back to the Wifi settings, no networks are listed. This happens a few times a day.
I've tried restarting it a number of times and making sure the OS is updated. My wife and son each have an identical S20 and they are not seeing this.
Is this a known problem? Is there a remedy short of a factory reset?

Toggling airplane mode resets the wifi and that's the reason you can see the networks. I have no idea what is causing that but to rule out a misbehaving app check if it happens in the "safe mode" too and update the question with your findings

For details on toggling airplane mode and how it helps

I think there are a few things to try.

Click on the gear of the connected wifi and flick the auto connect switch to on.

There could be an app doing it. Look at the permissions of your apps and remove location permission  to drill down to the culprit.

There could be a hardware fault.

source: Stack Exchange

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

sort: votes


text:
Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2-830L & 830LC & 830F > Firmwares
I have a Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2-830L and I installed a firmware from 830LC on that device.
It is working with no problem.
The difference between these two firmware types is :

The 'L' models don't support calling.  The 'LC' models support calling
(dialler app).
If there were an LC version, you could probably install the LC
firmware on your L model.  That would add calling, but void your
warranty.

I want to know can I install firmware from 830F on 830L device?
What are differences between YT2-830L and YT2-830LC and YT2-830F?

I want to know can i install a firmware from [830F][4] on [830L][2] device? NO, you can't  See Can I install a ROM made for a different device? //For differences between models, sites like GSM Arena, XDA are better alternatives

@beeshyams I know - But these models are the same. Means YT2-830L & YT2-830LC & YT2-830F.

If they are the same it's unlikely they will have different model numbers

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


text:
Where can I find the log of bluetooth enable and disable
Problem
I have Samsung Note 20 and a Samsung Watch.  The watch wakes me up every morning between 4:42 and 4:43 am. This is independent of the time zone. It happens in NZ and Malaysia.  It happens even though I have "Do Not Disturb" on a time schedule.
I notice that the phone even disconnects from the car, while I am still sitting in the car (with it on).  It also disconnects from the car and watch when the phone is showing on an advert on an app. This happens often, maybe it's related to the ad that's being played.
Information
The notification is Phone disconnected. I have this notification on, to remind me if I  forget my phone.
Assumption
I  assume that bluetooth has been turned off or disabled.
Question
Where can I find the logs on bluetooth enable and disable, so that I can discover what process is responsible?

Run adb shell dumpsys bluetooth_manager command.

You need to turn on the "Enable Bluetooth HCI Snoop Log" option in the "Developer Settings" of your device.
The log Bluetooth log file is usually stored here:

/sdcard/btsnoop_hci.log
/data/misc/bluetooth/logs/btsnoop_hci.log

On Pixel 3a (Android 9). You can go to System > Advanced > "Developer options" > "Enable Bluetooth HCI Snoop Log". After enabling the setting, logs are stored in /data/misc/bluetooth/logs. If you cannot find "Developer options", you need to enable them. You can enable them by tapping "Build number" in settings multiple times (refer to Android Developers - Enable Developer options).
You can try these commands to get the logs:

adb bugreport report
unzip report.zip

After extracting the report.zip, the Bluetooth logs can be found in FS/data/misc/bluetooth/logs folder. You can open the log file using a tool like Wireshark.
The alternative is to generate bugreport directly from the phone. To generate bugreport from the phone, you can go to "Developer options" (assuming you enabled them by following the comment above) and select "Take bug report". You will see the progress in the notification and when it's finished, you can tap the notification to upload the bugreport to Google Drive or email so you can access it.

Hi. I don't have this option in my Android 10 device. Could you mention the device name and the Android version on which you tried this answer?

On Pixel 3a (Android 9). You can go to System > Advanced > "Developer options" > "Enable Bluetooth HCI Snoop Log". After enabling the setting, logs are stored here /data/misc/bluetooth/logs.
If you cannot find "Developer options", you need to enable them. You can enable them by tapping "Build number" in settings multiple times (https://developer.android.com/studio/debug/dev-options).

I removed the tick because the file is no longer accessible directly.  I am still trying methods to access it.

My device was rooted so thats why I am able to access the files. You try these commands to get the logs:

adb bugreport report.
unzip report.zip.
After extracting the report.zip, the bluetooth logs can be found in FS/data/misc/bluetooth/logs folder. You can open the log file using a tool like WireShark.

I am confused, is this command on windows running adb ?  And I have plus-oned your reply as it does have merit.

adb is a tool to communicate between a PC and an Android device. You are right, you need to run adb from a PC running windows(or other supported OS like Linux) while your mobile device is connected to the PC via USB cable.

Alternative is to generate bugreport directly from the phone. To genreate bugreport from the phone, you can go to "Developer options" (assuming you enabled them by following by comment above) and select "Take bug report". You will see the progress in the notification and when its finsihed you can tap the notification to upload the bugreport to a drive or email so you can access it.

@Fr0stM0urne, If you shift the information from your comments to the answer, I can tick it again.

@RohitGupta added


text:
Repacked modified super.img - can't see new files
I got a Chinese phone with an MTK6761 SoC, running Android 13 (has the virtual A/B partition and DM-verity/AVB enabled). I managed to unlock the bootloader and root it through Magisk and MTKClient tool running on Manjaro Linux. So far the only "issue" with that is that as I have seccfg modified, I have the annoying message at boot stating that the partitions are corrupted (because of dm-verity). In that regard, I tried disabling dm-verity through the usual methods with no luck.
The problem that I am facing is as follows:
I am attempting to modify the bootanimation file, which is inside the "product" virtual partition. I found that it is inside super.bin, so I unpacked it using the lpunpack commandline application with the command:
lpunpack super.bin ./Images`

Then, I found there was an image, product_a.img which has the bootanimation.zip, so I increased the allocated size by 10 MB with the following commands:
e2fsck -f product_a.img

fallocate -l 2275078144 product_a.img

resize2fs product_a.img 555439

Then, I mounted it to a folder named "product" with the following command:
sudo mount -t ext4 -o loop,rw product_a.img product

To access and modify its content I used Thunar Root and replaced the bootanimation file with my custom file. Then I unmounted the file using sudo umount product and repacked everything with the following command:
lpmake
    --super-name super
    --metadata-size 65536
    --metadata-slots 2
    --device super:5368709120
    --group main:4504506368
    -p "product_a:none:2275078144:main" -i "product_a=./product_a.img"
    -p "product_b:none:0:main" -i "product_b=./product_b.img"
    -p "system_a:none:1678229504:main" -i "system_a=./system_a.img"
    -p "system_b:none:139591680:main" -i "system_b=./system_b.img"
    -p "vendor_b:none:0:main" -i "vendor_b=./vendor_b.img"
    -p "vendor_a:none:411607040:main" -i "vendor_a=./vendor_a.img"
    -virtual-ab
    --output ./super.img

I must say that I had to place vendor_b before vendor_a because it being a 0 byte partition made lpmake complain if it was the last partition. To get the actual size of each partition I used the result of "stat" command for each, and I used a metadata-size of 65536 as it was "recommended" online.
Lastly, I flashed it to the phone through MTKClient:
 python mtk w super super.img

The partition was written successfully and the device started correctly but I could not see any changes. So I dumped once again the super image from the phone, and I verified the changes were actually applied to the ROM, and that is when I got really confused. I also tried removing files and adding files to the partition, only to find that the device do not see the changes but they seem to be there when I dump it back tu my PC.
I would really appreciate if someone could help me figure out what I am doing wrong.

disable dm-verity/FEC first

I tried disabling dm-verity using the command fastboot --disable-verity --disable-verification flash vbmeta vbmeta.img using the vbmeta_a.img image that I dumped with MTKClient, but that always results in a bootloop. What am I doing wrong?

you could try to flash vbmeta_a and vbmeta_b instead

I tried flashing vbmeta_a and b with the parameters to disable. The phone does its boot process (shows boot logo) but when it has to show the boot animation it turns off. Same thing happened when I tried to patch vbmeta_a with Magisk and flashed it with MTKClient. Perhaps I have to patch some other partition as well?

Maybe. can you double check vbmeta is disabled? https://android.stackexchange.com/questions/221756/what-is-02-in-the-magisk-patched-vbmeta-img

Sorry I didn't answer. What I tried was running the fastboot command to disable and then dumped the vbmeta file again. Compared both files with HxD, the only difference is at offset 70, what was a 0x03 on the original is now 0x00. Tried to find the word "verity" but it does not appear on any.  The only words I can make out are avbtool 1.2.0 and a word "fingerprint" I suppose is the for the key to verify. There are other vbmeta partitions (vendor, system) shall those be patched?

yes, patch all these partitions with HxD manually and give it a try

I tried patching every partition as you said but I can't find "verity" on any of those images. What do I have to replace in HxD? By the way, thank you for your help.

see the hex 02 on the right picture

I tried setting to 0x02 on that position on all three files. Also I tried writing 0x00 on the other positions as shown on that thread but in either case, it keeps boot looping. I believe there is something different with this device that I am missing.

dig more into FEC


text:
Carrier apps still appear after stock android installation
So I have been trying to install stock android on my phone, but not having the desired result. Before I try on my current phone (Galaxy S9), I've been practicing on an old S6 edge.  The phone was bought in Canada, and has the Telus build on it from the factory.

Downloaded Odin (version 3.13)
Downloaded the firmware from Sam mobile (specifically, I have picked the XAC, carrier agnostic product code)
Flash with Odin
Reboot and wipe cache partition
Factory reset

But when I restart the phone - BAM! Telus bloatware remains installed.
Any idea what I am doing wrong, and how to do it correctly?
Edit: clarified question

Samsung have its own partition /preload for its bloatware which is usually not wiped on factory reset

If you really want to remove them, get root access on the phone and install Titanium Backup form the Google play store. Make sure you have unknown sources turned on. Open Titanium Backup, wait for it to set up, then select Backup/Restore at the top. Find the app you want to remove, and select it. On the menu that appears, tap Backup at the top of the menu, so if anything goes wrong you can try to restore it. Then press "Un-install !". After it's done, reboot your phone. If all goes well, you can go back to the list of apps, find the backup you made, and delete it.
!!WARNING!! IF YOU DELETE AN APP REQUIRED BY THE SYSTEM, YOU COULD SCREW UP YOUR ROM AND HAVE TO REFLASH IT! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!
Edit: this probably isn't a good idea

rooting is not a good idea especially with samsungs vaultkeeper these days


text:
What could I do to rescue some files from my sm-t320?
I installed cyanogenmod and twrp v2.8.7.0 a very long time ago.
Now that the O.S. has broken I'd like to copy some files to pc (windows 10), but I failed to find any solution til now on forums/youtube.

If the version of TWRP on your device allows in the Mount section to Enable/Disable MTP, you can use it to connect to your PC and copy files from the internal storage to the PC.
Or you can insert an SD card, and copy files from the internal storage to the SD card using TWRP's terminal with the following command
cp -R /path/to/internal_storage /path/to/sdcard/folder

Then insert the SD card to PC and copy the files.

or install twrp-3.3.1-0-mondrianwifi.img when MTP does not work


text:
where are Android Chrome bookmarks?
What is the path of the bookmarks file for Chrome in Android 4.1.2? eg is it in the /sdcard/data directory or somewhere else?

As far as I know, they are stored under:
data/data/com.android.chrome/app_chrome/default/bookmarks

unfortunately it appears that user must be root to get at that

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


text:
Must I install Google Apps again after installing a new ROM?
When I install a new ROM (cm-10.1-20130213-NIGHTLY-mako.zip) using ROM Manager, I have the option of adding another ZIP during the same reboot -- this is probably meant for the Google Apps (gapps-jb-20121212-signed.zip).
What if I don't add that Apps zip? What will I miss?
Whenever there's a new build that I would want to install, should I always also add this ZIP? Or can I skip it because I already added it last time?

If you don't install the Google Apps package the first time, you won't have access to anything that relies on Google's services framework. This means things like:

Google Play
Google Talk
Google Maps
The Gmail application

...etc, won't function on your device because they will lack the libraries needed to run.
You do not need to re-install the Google Apps package every time you update CyanogenMod. It will essentially back up your current ones and then re-install them during the flashing process. Simply flash the updated ROM however you normally would.

There's only 2 times you'll want/need to install gapps:

On the initial install of CyanogenMod ROM (or pretty much any custom ROM that doesn't have gapps integrated). Since CM nightlies are the ROM only you only need to install it once, Every subsequent install of a nightly only overwrites the ROM contents and doesn't touch gapps.
When you know there's an updated gapps package. The gapps package itself is updated from time to time and you'll usually want the most recent version installed.

To be clear, all official CyanogenMod ROMs are the ROM ONLY with all Google apps stripped out (hence having to install gapps seperately). This was due to a cease and desist order from Google to Cyanogen back in 2009 to remove Google apps from its ROMs...CM ROMs have been sans gapps since.

"When you know there's an updated gapps package" which appears to be at least whenever there's a major version update (CM10 -> CM11)

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


text:
New files in Download directory
I see the following two files in the Download directory: Flash_Player.apk and securedownload.bin. I am sure for 100% (well, for 99%) that I didn't download them intentionally. What are these files, what should I do with them (delete, I guess...). Is it possible to know, what program is responsible for downloading these files?

The securedownload.bin file is from your email app trying to download/save an attachment. The app creates this file (no matter what the actual name of your attachment is) whenever you try to view or save the attachment.
The FlashPlayer installer may have been automatically downloaded by your Browser when you tried to view Flash content.
In either case, these files should be perfectly safe to delete from your Downloads, since no apps are supposed to store critical files there.
(if an app places critical files in the Downloads directory, the app doesn't deserve to be used!)


text:
how to force the phone not to use wi-fi to upload video to youtube?
I do not have wi-fi at home and I want to upload video I took into my youtube account. I have generouse data plan so I don't have to use wi-fi to upload larger files like the application forces me.
I am on HTC Desire 2.1

Use the mobile YouTube interface instead of the YouTube app?

@Al Everett: I cannot find upload in the mobile interface. After switching to desktop the 'upload' button does nothing in my browser.

Apps like Tasker or Locale should be able to allow you to turn off WiFi based on what application is running.
See Also: Useful or cool Tasker recipes

How will that prevent YouTube from detecting there's no WiFi connection?

If the WiFi connection is turned off when the app starts up, there is no WiFi connection to be detected when the app is running. If there is no WiFi connection, WiFi cannot be used for uploading. Or for anything else.

As I understand the question, the problem isn't WiFi being used for uploading, it's YouTube refusing to use 3G.

yes @Matthew Read is right. I don't think that YouTube (site) is refusing to use 3G but HTC uploader (program/application) requires the upload to happen only through wireless. Although the video file is just little one.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5/


text:
App drawer icon gone from Cyanogenmod dock
I have a Samsung Galaxy S2, running the latest CM10.1.
I lost the app drawer icon on my Dock;
I must have deleted it.
The app drawer icon lets you go to the app list, and the widget list.
How do I get the app drawer icon back?
The icon looks like a circle with 6 dots inside it.

Here are two things you can do:
(1) Download the FREE AppDrawer app from Google Play.
It gives you a shortcut to the app list.
However, it does not give you the widget list.
(2) Reset Trebuchet.
NOTE: Use the procedure below at your own risk.
It clears (or resets) the contents of your home screen.
CM10.1 uses the Trebuchet launcher.
From your homescreen,
press the left menu button, and select Manage apps.
Look for Trebuchet, and click it.
Press the Clear data button.
Alternatively, you may find success (without having to repopulate all of your home screens) via simply selecting "Clear Cache" and then "Force Stop" on the Trebuchet apps menu.

(3) Long tap a free space on the homescreen to add a new widget/shortcut. As far as I remember there was one for the app drawer.

@Izzy It's gone in CM10.1. That long-tap now lets you select different types of wallpapers instead.

Only wallpapers? Gosh... And I thought that was due to some "minimalistic launcher" on my 4.1* devices (stock 4.1*, btw)... In that case I'd recommend to install a better launcher. I immediately switched to Apex Launcher, which comes quite handy on tablets as well as phones.

@Izzy Will try out Apex and see if it's worth using. :)

Good choice! I run it on multiple devices meanwhile. And I miss it on those which are not yet 4.x :) It's as comfortable as GoLauncher, but without all the nagging notifications (grin)

Happened to me too, and happened again now (CyanogenMod 10.1 M3). The first time I've just reset trebuchet data (very annoying). This time I've also looked into /datadata/com.cyanogenmod.trebuchet/databases/launcher.db and a few of its entries, including the trebuchet activity, are simply gone. Moreover, in CM 10.1 the only way to create a shortcut is from the app drawer, so I'm stuck...

I had to install Apex Launcher to fix this. I have no idea where the Trebuchet Launcher went.

This happened to me as well.  I finally figured it out.
It was not actually gone - it was hiding under the Contacts icon (the blue face on the bottom right).  Long press on the Contacts icon, then move the icon up.
Then you should have your 6 dots back and be able to launch apps again.
If it keeps happening, either remove all the other icons or install a different launcher.

It's possible that you reduced the number of items to show. Trebuchet doesn't move your icons when you shrink the grid; they simply remain off-screen. Check these:

Settings / Home screen / Dock: Icons and Pages
Settings / Home screen / Homescreen: Grid size and Homescreens.

I experienced the same problem with Cyanogenmod 11 and was quite disappointed that this was Cyanogemod 11's official app launcher. Icons of apps installed on SD kept disappearing after each reboot.
The only solution that worked for me was to install Google Now which installs it's own app launcher that has all the modern features and works flawlessly.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.launcher

If appdrawer is missing then simply tap and hold your shortcut area i.e. your contacts, default messaging app arra, a pop up will appear, select default icon then select appdrawer, that's all you have your app opening button on your home screen. Thanks in advance


text:
How do I install a .apk on my Nexus 7 using the browser?
I recently got an Asus Nexus 7 Tablet shipped to me, and want to be able to use all of the .apk files I have saved on my computer (all purchased/downloaded legitimately). Here's the issue:
I'm in the navy and underway, and will be for quite some time. I have no ability to connect my Nexus to a wifi/wired network (not allowed to plug it into a ship's network computer via USB), and I have no ability to connect my personal computer to the internet either, so setting up a Google Play account on the tablet is a no-go. My laptop is a Macbook, and I DO have Android File Transfer installed, but that's pretty much all I'm working with here.
When I plug my tablet into the laptop, Android File Transfer pops up, and I can drag and drop files onto the Nexus, HOWEVER, I don't have any file manager program to access the .apk files once they're on the tablet.
I have tried going to settings and checking the Unknown Sources box in the Security menu, dragged and dropped an assortment of .apk files into the Nexus root folder, and then have entered "file:///sdcard/xxx.apk" into the Google Chrome internet browser window ("xxx.apk" being whatever file path I'm trying to access). But when I hit "Go", the browser page just flashes, refreshes with a blank address bar, and it's like nothing happened.
Is there any hope for me, or is this Nexus 7 just going to be a very expensive paper weight until I finally see land (and wifi) again?
Thanks in advance for any advice!

The first thing worth noting that your original attempt at pointing your browser to the .apk directly should work (see the comments starting with Stephen Schrauger's). It's not really clear why this would not be the case for you, but you may want to double-check your Downloads app (in the app drawer) and your pathing. It could be that it's "downloading" in the background but it happens so quickly that you do not realize it.
If for some reason that really isn't working, then you can try a potential workaround. This is pretty ugly, but it does work. I've tested this on my Nexus 10, for reference.
Create a folder on your laptop that contains your apk files (we'll call it apkfolder for the purposes of this example), then within that folder create an HTML file (we'll call it apkinstall.html) using a text editor. Since you have an Astro apk, use this as the content of the HTML file:
Install Astro

Where Astro.apk should be the actual name of your Astro apk file.
Now copy apkfolder onto the root of your Nexus 7's storage using Android File Transfer. Make sure that all the apks copy over as well as the HTML file.
If you are using TextEdit on a Mac: TextEdit will attempt to treat things as RTF files by default, so even if you save it with a .html extension it may not work. One workaround I've found is to go to Format > Make Plain Text before you save the file. You'll know you're in the correct format when the rulers and such disappear from the TextEdit window. Then you can save the file and make sure you use change the .txt to .html.
Next launch your browser, and point it to file:///sdcard/apkfolder/apkinstall.html. You should get a mostly blank page, with a link that says "Install Astro". Click that link to install the Astro apk from your storage, then use Astro to install all your other apps. If you're using Chrome, then you'll probably need to pull down the notification bar and tap the "Download complete" notification to actually kick off the install.
In the more general case, if you didn't have a file manager apk, you could instead add a bunch of link entries to the HTML file - one for each app - and install all of them that way. In your case, this shouldn't be necessary.

I am html illiterate, so I'm not sure if I did something wrong, but there is no link, just the exact text from the html document: Install Astro

@mbamb19s: So Chrome displays the plaintext when you open the file? Is it saved with a .html extension? Make sure it didn't end up with two extensions (e.g. apkinstall.html.txt or something). Some text editors will do that do you.

@mbamb19s: if you're using TextEdit on your Mac, see my edit. It appears to save the file in the wrong format by default. It may be easiest to delete the file and recreate it with the same content (the text you typed in looks exactly correct).

I've tried retyping it, making a new .html file, and still it doesn't show up as a hyperlink... very odd. I've made sure that it is saving as a .html as well, so I'm not sure what the issue could be.

@mbamb19s: If you're okay with using the Mac terminal, you could try that. Launch a terminal, then run echo 'Install Astro' > ~/Documents/apkinstall.html and it should create the file for you. The only other thing I can think of is that Android File Transfer is messing with the file encoding, but I that seems kind of unlikely. You could test the HTML file in your Mac's browser to test that scenario, though.

Can't you just type in the file:/// link directly to the apk, without the need for an intermediary html file? It should pop up asking if you want to download it, then when you say yes, it will show up in the Downloads list, which can be used to open and install it.

@StephenSchrauger: Apparently that wasn't working for the OP (it does work for me). Unless it was downloading and the OP didn't notice it, maybe.

@eldarerathis: Ah, I must have glanced over the second part of the question, or I would have realized that already (or maybe it was changed after I first read it). My bad.

@StephenSchrauger: I can see why that causes confusion. It does work on my devices (and I presume yours as well), so it's not really clear why it wouldn't be in this case.

@eldarerathis: Thanks you for all the suggestions, your terminal idea did work, and made a working html link. Once I click on the link, it appears as if nothing happens, but if I click on it multiple times, it comes up with a "This site is attempting to make multiple downloads" warning... I don't know where it's dowloading to, as the actual Downloads tab is still empty... This may very well simply be a junked up Nexus 7 (though it is brand new). Again, thanks for the troubleshooting invested.

@mbamb19s: Do any of your shipmates have a rooted phone? If so, you could have them turn on a wifi hotspot and a file sharing app (assuming they have anything like that). Then you could download the file explorer app from their phone to cause it to show up in your download folder. Or if any of them have a laptop with ADB. Wishful thinking, but it might be available.

@mbamb19s: That is odd that the downloads tab is empty, although that sort of explains why pointing the browser directly to the apk didn't work either (haven't a clue why all your downloads would be seemingly disappearing, though...)

@mbamb19s: Maybe the best thing to try is a full factory reset. Since you don't seem to have anything useful on it yet, there wouldn't be any downside. Then retry the solutions provided and see what happens.

I'll try a factory reset and see where that takes me (like you said, there's nothing useful on it right now anyway). I hadn't thought to ask whether one of my shipmates has ADB on their laptop. If neither of those work, then this darned tablet will make for a great shaving mirror. You both have been very insightful. Thanks for all of the help


text:
Why do cell phones don't really turn off (unless battery removed)?
I've known this for a long time.
A quick google confirms that many people think the same.
Basically, that when shutting down a cell phone, the antenna still communicates with the tower. Triangulation will still work, as well as some other stuff.
Only when the battery removed, is a cell phone "really" shut down.
Not that I care but it's interesting to know why!
If possible, please provide primary sources - it's time to shut all the myths around this down!
Update, the following question has been suggested:
What is the fastest way to shutdown unrooted Android phone?
Obviously, this is semantically NOT equal.
The answer there, despite being a very detailed answer, does not provide the reason WHY the baseband processor remains ON.
For a technological feature to exist on perhaps Billions of devices, there must be a need for that... Especially since it drains battery and costs cellular tower bandwidth.

How would anything someone writes here change what you think? If you want a prove you have to do it yourself: Buy a Software Defined radio (SDR) and capture the GSM/UMTS/LTE frequencies used by your phone when it is shut down.

I don't understand your comment. I asked for a primary source on "why do cell phones don't really turn off" - do you mean that I am wrong and they actually do? Basically, I would like to know why - like, it costs battery, it costs bandwidth with the tower... If there's a reason, surely there's someone with the technical knowledge to explain, maybe refer to a document...

In Android everything radio related is a subsystem that operates inpdependent of the main OS. Usually this subsystem is shut down when you shut down Android. There might be some devices that do not shut down the radio subsystem completely but in my opinion this is more a bug than a "spy feature". The only subsystem that should run when the device is off is the real-time clock.

I think your main problem is the definition of "shut down". Shut down is when you press the power button for 2 sec and then select "Shutdown". Your  definition of "shut down" seem to be more like "shut down the display (switch the display off)"

yeah, I had a feeling that asking this question might make me look like some NSA-paranoid or 5G-hypochondriac... I didn't mean it this way! Have you never heard the same? That cell phones keep talking to the tower when shut down?

nah, I mean shut-down as in: press the power button for 2 sec and then select "Shutdown"

Does this answer your question? What is the fastest way to shutdown unrooted Android phone?

@IrfanLatif Thanks for the dig-up :) It does confirm that I am not the only guy thinking the baseband processor continues to work even when the phone is shut down! I just wished to know why? What would be a reason to want to keep the baseband processor up despite the user requesting to shut down?

why depends on who is asked. i have my own opinion (and i don't believe baseband is necessary for alarm clock)

@alecxs I respectfully disagree. Why does my Diesel car have a DPF? Because it emits toxins and the DPF reduces this pollution. I can refer you to the DPF patent and the reasoning behind it. I find it hard to believe a function like keeping the BB processor alive, has no technical reason... If you were inferring to espionage, that's a reason too, although I think there would be at least a "fake" reason for us to chew on!

just because you find it hard to believe doesn't force such reason exist. but good luck finding one anyway

so, you mean that about a million of bugs were fixed in the making of the cell phone as we know it today... And nobody noticed that the radio chip is still on despite the CPU shutdown? Despite draining the battery? Despite being a regular security risk for hackers and deep state to exploit?

no, you said. i would say it is willingly designed (and specified)

@alecxs again referring to espionage? I mean, I believe that is very much a possibility. Just in case you were not referring to espionage, would love to hear your reason

espionage implies that you are person of interest, i wouldn't use that as synonym for tracking. we do not mark birds with rings because we are interested in this individuals. it's all about the data. i assume commercial interests as origin, political interests as consequences of technical availability. think tanks can predict general possibilities years before a concrete usage case occurs. google maps live traffic or corona warn app are just two examples how that data can be used. telephony carriers cooperate with police since cell phones exist

A telephone that is not in contact with the local cell phone tower cannot detect an incoming call.  When someone places a call to your phone,  you probably want to get notified that your phone is ringing, even if you have hit the power button.  The power button turns off the display,  but doesn't actually shut down the phone.
Being in communication with the tower uses some battery power.  It's quite low,  but it isn't zero.
This is true for a smart phone, and also for a dumb phone.  A cell phone of 20 years ago also used battery to maintain contact with the tower.
Addendum:  When I tap the OFF button on my phone,  it goes into Standby mode.  The screen goes dark, and I have to enter a password before using it again, mostly.  But it still can accept incoming calls, and it alerts me when one comes in.  When I go through the POWER OFF procedure,  and somebody calls my number,  they receive a notice from the phone company that my phone cannot be located.  I do not know whether baseband operations are still drawing current.

poor wording on my part.  By "turned the phone off" I meant  "hit the power button".  This doesn't reall turn the phone off.  Will fix.

question is about completely turned off phone, not about just display/stand-by. baseband is active as soon as sim card and battery is inserted, no matter if phone is on or off (not even sim pin is necessary)


text:
Is it a Kernel or a ROM that provides power_supply battery files?
Long story short I was installing custom ROMs to my Android device and one thing that stays in place regardless of ROM I use is a wrong battery stats monitoring. The device always behaves like it's being charged, although it's not.
I've checked the /sys/class/power_supply/battery and voila - there's no battery, only /sys/class/power_supply/usb. According to some docs I've found that will make the system think it's connected to an external power source.
The question is what is responsible for creating this battery file - is it a kernel, or a ROM (i.e. LineageOS, Resurrection Remix etc).

[UPD:] In the document I've provided they write about  /sys/devices/power_supply, not /sys/class/, although here the /sys/class/power_supply/*/ is mentioned as a Kernel interface. Should I assume that it's a Kernel issue then?
It's interesting though, that the stock ROM does show battery stats correctly, although nothing was added to /sys/class/ and TWRP recovery I'm using shows battery charge as -1%.

Did you check ls -d /sys/devices/*/power_supply/battery or ls -d /sys/devices/*/*/power_supply/battery or ls /sys/class/power_supply/battery? Both ROM and kernel are involved in hardware handling. There must be some binary blob in /vendor acting as HAL which interacts with kernel, which ultimately deals with hardware. Mostly custom ROMs keep on including the same blobs in their ROMs extracted by someone. Do you face same issue with your stock ROM?

@IrfanLatif I've updated the question. Will go and read 'em manuals a bit more, thanks for showing the direction. And no, stock ROM was fine.

So you have checked and there is no /sys/class/power_supply/battery/status? If it exists cat it.

Yeah, there's even no /battery there - just /usb.

And there is no pgrep -a hardware.health either?

Nope =) I've decided to install stock ROM and then check what does it look like from the console. Will be back as soon as there'll be anything interesting to share.


text:
Backup data from android device (Xiaomi mi A2)
I need to backup data from my android phone. OS is broken (unknown reason). see attached sreenshot https://i.sstatic.net/znSXR.jpg
I can't enter bootloader - device stucks.
That's the only options I have https://i.sstatic.net/6uB0o.jpg
Device is not rooted. I'm PHP developer but have no android skills. I already tried adb, but unsuccessfully:

adb backup says "adb: unable to connect for backup: closed"
adb shell says "error: closed"
adb pull says "adb: error: connect failed: closed"

I can put ROM update via "adb sideload" but it says "update package is older than current build", as I have newest Xiaomi update
I do not want to make hard reset before making a full data backup.
thanks for any help

If your bootloader is previously unlocked, in recovery the entry 'reboot to bootloader' should bring you fastboot mode, there you can try to flash TWRP

Unfortunately there is no known method for flashing TWRP with locked bootloader for your device. However, some hackers have investigated exploits via EDL Mode Qualcomm HSUSB QLoader 9008 (which you can trigger via test point) if your data is worth it, you can find someone who may break in. here is the theory http://forum.xda-developers.com/xiaomi-redmi-5a/how-to/bypass-bootloader-lock-redmi-5ariva-t3772381 and here is a method where the exploit is used http://xiaomitips.com/guide/how-to-root-locked-redmi-note-3-snapdragon.

beware even if managed to flash TWRP, you must find the right TWRP version which is able to decrypt your userdata partition. official latest is not always the best! for example Redmi 5 TWRP v3.3.1-0 has broken decryption, but there is a inofficial TWRP v3.2.3-0 which will successful decrypt (with default_password out of the box)

Thank you, this comment gives me to know  that is too difficult for me :) also there are many risks and the threat to waste a time. I already did a factory reset and that helped. all apps has been restored from google cloud. I just lost all the photos, but it is not a problem. thanks again for your time

authors: Микола Чорний


text:
Is there any app that can accept incoming calls and play a voice message using Text To Speech?
I used to use an app that could do exactly that. When a person would call, the app would accept the call, enable the loudspeaker, and play a voice message aloud using text-to-speech. Meaning, the app would accept the call, enable the loudspeaker, and play a voice message aloud from the phone's speaker.
As the call would be on loudspeaker, the caller would be able to hear everything that was being said. The call would end when the caller (or the receiver) would hang up. If no one hung up, the call would continue indefinitely after the message was read aloud. The app was completely free.
Unfortunately, I cannot find that app now. Does it still exist? If not, is there any other app similar to it available currently?

Any decent hands-free driving app should do this.  Try Ultimate Car Dock.  OTOH, this is probably off-topic

Welcome to Android Enthusiasts. Please note that questions directly asking for app recommendations are off-topic. Instead, we prefer the asker to just state the underlying problem that they want to solve and not put any restriction for apps-only, so we'd appreciate it if you could [edit] the question, add some details, and/or remove the restriction. Otherwise, you might be interested in our sister site, Software Recommendations Stack Exchange instead.

Related, though maybe not answering the question fully: Accept call then play a pre-recorded voice message to caller, How to use Tasker to answer a private number, play an audio file to the caller and hang up?


text:
Is it possible using Cerberus to enable ADB Debugging on my broken android
I have a OnePlus Nord 5G and stupidly I never enabled ADB Debugging, and now the screen is completely ruined. However, I still have the Cerberus connectivity. I have tried through the various means Start Service and Start Application to try and enable ADB debugging. Is this at all possible or am I chasing a dead end?
I have also downloaded Screen Stream through Google Play to my phone and then started it remotely through Cerberus with hopes of trying to connect. However, I am met with a Press Start to begin on the Screen Stream webpage 192.168.1.106:8080. Any way around this as I cannot touch the screen to begin anything.

I don't think there are a lot users around that are familiar with Cerberus. May be you should describe what functions you can execute using Cerberus at the moment.

Is this the Cerberus trojan horse?


text:
Mounting an extra partition as a fake external SD card
Nowadays, phones don't have SD cards anymore, but some have a ton of storage. So, I was thinking of creating a fake external SD card using an extra partition to be able to store all of your zip flashable files, pictures, and music and have it stay when you inevitably format user data when flashing a ROM or whatever.
My question is: How to properly mount a partition as an SD card so that Android thinks you have an external SD? (you see it in a file manager, can store pictures on it directly, etc.)
What I've done already :

I have created an extra partition on my OnePlus 6 with parted, it's sda17
I have successfully mounted this partition to be able to use it normally
(mount -t ext4 -o rw /dev/block/sda17 /external_sd)
This command allows you to navigate to /external_sd and see your files, but Android doesn't think that you have an external SD card.

I'm thinking of using a Magisk module to mount everything properly at every boot (if this is even possible)

Its not true that phones dont have sdcards anymore.  I still have them in the latest Samsung phones.  Whats the purpose in making internal storage into sdcard ?  It makes no sense to me.  For me, the main advantage of an sdcard is that you can just transfer it to your new phone. How will this help ?

Every time you flash a custom rom the entire userdata partition is formatted (for a clean flash). If i were to buy a Redmi note 12 turbo with 1TB of storage, I'd like to allocate some of that space to have some form of permanent storage for photos, music, etc... Having it be a fake sd card would just allow apps to recognise it (if it's a directory in the root of the filesystem you can only access it with a rooted explorer, or termux).
Also you are right, there are new samsung phones with sd cards, but none are good. They are less powerful that my 150€ Poco X3 Pro with less features.

It's just not possible, and even if it was, you would need root.
Jbrimbelibap is also right, every time you factory reset, it'll wipe ALL user data including newly created partitions.

Of course you need root to do that kind of black magic ;) ! Keep in mind I've already gotten an extra partition mounted and I have file on it on my test phone. It's already useful to store my app bakcups and zips for TWRP and Magisk as a permanent storage, so that part is confirmed. Really what I don't know is if "fooling android into displaying that partition as if it were an sdcard" is possible.

I like your idea, I have it too, and made it real.
Anyway, I have an SD card with 2 parts formatted as NTFS and a second partition formatted as NTFS too. Why NTFS? When an app creates a folder in an ext4 partition, other apps can't access it because ext4 keeps uid, perms, etc.
mkdir /mnt/product/1
mkdir /mnt/product/2
mkdir /mnt/product/3
mkdir /mnt/product/4
mkdir /mnt/product/5
mkdir /mnt/product/6
mkdir /mnt/product/7
mkdir /mnt/product/8
mkdir /mnt/product/9
mount.ntfs -o rw,dirsync,nosuid,nodev,noexec,noatime,fsuid=1023,fsgid=1023,gid=1023,mask=7 /dev/block/sda36 /mnt/obb
mount -o rw,dirsync,nosuid,nodev,noexec,noatime,fsuid=1023,fsgid=1023,gid=1023,mask=7 /dev/block/sda36 /mnt/product/1
mount -o rw,dirsync,nosuid,nodev,noexec,noatime,fsuid=1023,fsgid=1023,gid=1023,mask=7 /dev/block/sda36 /mnt/product/2
mount -o rw,dirsync,nosuid,nodev,noexec,noatime,fsuid=1023,fsgid=1023,gid=1023,mask=7 /dev/block/sda36 /mnt/product/3
mount -o rw,dirsync,nosuid,nodev,noexec,noatime,fsuid=1023,fsgid=1023,gid=1023,mask=7 /dev/block/sda36 /mnt/product/4
mount -o rw,dirsync,nosuid,nodev,noexec,noatime,fsuid=1023,fsgid=1023,gid=1023,mask=7 /dev/block/sda36 /mnt/product/5
mount -o rw,dirsync,nosuid,nodev,noexec,noatime,fsuid=1023,fsgid=1023,gid=1023,mask=7 /dev/block/sda36 /mnt/product/6
mount -o rw,dirsync,nosuid,nodev,noexec,noatime,fsuid=1023,fsgid=1023,gid=1023,mask=7 /dev/block/sda36 /mnt/product/7
mount -o rw,dirsync,nosuid,nodev,noexec,noatime,fsuid=1023,fsgid=1023,gid=1023,mask=7 /dev/block/sda36 /mnt/product/8
mount -o rw,dirsync,nosuid,nodev,noexec,noatime,fsuid=1023,fsgid=1023,gid=1023,mask=7 /dev/block/sda36 /mnt/product/9
mount -o rw,dirsync,nosuid,nodev,noexec,noatime,fsuid=1023,fsgid=1023,gid=1023,mask=7 /dev/block/sda36 /mnt/media_rw/1111111111111111
umount /mnt/obb
mount -t sdcardfs -o rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,noatime,fsuid=1023,fsgid=1023,gid=1015,mask=6 /mnt/product/9 /mnt/runtime/default/1111111111111111
mount -t sdcardfs -o ro,nosuid,nodev,noexec,noatime,fsuid=1023,fsgid=1023,gid=9997,mask=18 /mnt/product/8 /mnt/runtime/write/1111111111111111
mount -t sdcardfs -o rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,noatime,fsuid=1023,fsgid=1023,gid=9997,mask=18 /mnt/product/7 /mnt/runtime/read/1111111111111111
mount -t sdcardfs -o rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,noatime,fsuid=1023,fsgid=1023,gid=9997,mask=7 /mnt/product/6 /mnt/runtime/full/1111111111111111
mount -t sdcardfs -o rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,noatime,fsuid=1023,fsgid=1023,gid=9997,mask=7 /mnt/product/5 /mnt/pass_through/0/1111111111111111
mount -t sdcardfs -o rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,noatime,gid=9997,mask=7 /mnt/product/4 /mnt/androidwritable/0/1111111111111111
mount -t sdcardfs -o rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,noatime,gid=9997,mask=7 /mnt/product/3 /mnt/installer/0/1111111111111111
mount -t sdcardfs -o rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,noatime,gid=9997,mask=7 /mnt/product/2 /storage/1111111111111111
mount -t sdcardfs -o rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,noatime,gid=9997,mask=7 /mnt/product/1 /mnt/user/0/1111111111111111

Automated and improved these commands via the Automate app using a second disk as a normal SD card (SD card mount under /mnt in a folder named its serial number [like "1111111111111111"] and you can use 'mount --longopts' for learning mount options)


text:
Question about Region setting in Redmi note11
Yesterday I wanted to change the language in my Redmi Note11, but by accident,  I saw Region setting set as United States(system).
I want to ask that, I live in Thailand, bought this phone in Thailand and never been to USA. If I leave this “region” setting as USA instead of Thailand, Does it affect to

My Security and Privacy
My mobile data charge and cost
My Wi-Fi Security and Privacy
My phone feature

It doesn't affect any of those items. It is for time settings, date format, default keyboard, etc.
I would change it to Thailand, none the less.

Thank you very much for your information.


text:
Can't mute volume/speaker on Samsung A02s during a Twitter Space
I am using a second phone to host Twitter Spaces from a branded account, so that I can speak in the event with my personal account. The branded account will never be used to speak, it is used to just host.
I tried to reduce the volume on the phone used for the branded account, a Samsung Galaxy A02s, to zero. Because with any bit of volume there's a terrible feedback loop between the two phones I am using for the Space. However, the phone will not completely mute the audio.
I can't mute the phone by pressing the volume down to zero. I can't turn the volume for the Twitter app to zero. I can't find any way to silence the app in settings. I am at a complete loss.
How can I completely decrease the volume on the Twitter app to zero?

The solution was to plug an old set of headphones into the 3.5mm port.

You could add that as an answer.  Yo are allowed to answer your own questions.

I wish we could find an answer to this. What is the Twitter app doing to hijack the phone? hacking mute and volume features.


text:
I need a way to trace GPS trails in the background
I have tried several GPS apps over the months, but so far all have fallen short of what I want. My needs are:

Takes a location at short intervals, and writes it to a file (KML or similar open format).
Keeps the GPS active between points, rather than turning it off and restarting a fix each time.
Starts tracking a path as soon as it is launched, without needing to press buttons or choose menus.
Continues tracing in the background or with the screen off.

Applications I have tried:

GPS Trace: Meets criteria 2, 3, and 4; fails 1. Defunct (no longer on market)
GPS Logger: Meets criteria 1, 3, and 4; fails 2.
GPS Essentials: Meets criteria 1 and 2, fails 3 and 4.
Tasker: Meets criteria 3 and 4, 2 partially, fails 1.

Is there a solution for GPS tracking that meets these criteria? I would be happy to pay for such an app, especially if it included additional features such as the ability to be turned on or off from Tasker. Thank you.

As a developer, I am not inclined to the 3rd need. Starting a GPS while launching an app is not possible due to restriction in API. Hence, my app will fail or will start logging invalid entries on start. Hence from developer's point of view the 3rd use case seems to be not worthy. See a related post: http://stackoverflow.com/questions/4498075/start-android-gps-service

OsmAnd could be worth a check (its in fact a full fledged offline map/navigation app). You need to enable plugins 'background' and 'tracking'

Considering how many apps can do this @Narayanan, I'm not sure I understand your comment. Enabling GPS cannot be done by an app... but that's not the same as starting to trace, when the GPS is already enabled.

GPS Logger suits all your needs (2 is an option you can turn on)

GPS Logger has been updated to now allow constant logging! And while My Tracks does almost everything right, it did require a separate Tasker plugin. More, it failed to create a new track after being turned off. So, nearly a year later, I'm switching to this.

If you are ready to compromise the third requirement, Google's My Tracks, fits your other needs perfectly.

Since My Tracks can be turned on and off via Tasker, My Tracks serves every purpose. Thank you very much for the answer... no compromise!

Tasker can write location to KLM file: Did you see this gps tracker made in Tasker xml (http://tasker.wikidot.com/tracker) it creates a kml file and stores
Acc:%LOCACC Prv:%LOCPRV Spd:%LOCSPD Alt:%LOCALT  into that file.
To view a KML file that Tracker creates you can either:

view it in the Google Earth Android apo
upload it to your desktop and open it with Google Earth.
upload it to the web, and put the URL to the KML in the search box of Google Maps. This still only works on a desktop computer, but allows the viewing of a kml or kmz file without installing Google Earth.
several other tools exist for publishing kmz files.

I did not. I'm still happy with the GPS Logger solution, but this looks like it would also work, and require no external dependencies.

Trace my Trail is not only a GPS logger but you can also insert POIs and indication and get alarms when you are following the recorded track.

Third wish indeed seems to be a show-stopper. Sacrificing that, you might want to take a look at Locus Maps, which gives you the additional benefit of being an offline/offroad navigation with many map sources buit-in to download from. Plenty add-ons available, too.
Might ask the developer (e.g. on his forum) to add Tasker support. As he's very responsive, chances are quite good he will like and implement the idea. If so, item #3 would be solved as well.


text:
Goclever Hybrid 3G Update will I lose any factory apps and settings
I have very recently bought a Goclever Hybrid 3G tablet/combi.
When going on Goclever web site I saw that there was a new update which is to improve power system problem? It says that if I download the update without back up of apps and data I will lose all, so to back up externally to a PC. I am not too clever on things like back ups so I was hoping that if I download the update without backing up the apps and data would the apps and data that came with the tablet remain on board only losing stuff that I have put on or will I end up with an empty shell.
Please help.
Barry.

That very much depends on the update. The manufacturer/vendor might have made only "bug fixes" with this update -- but he might as well have decided to replace the entire system. In neither case you end up with an "empty shell" (I wish that would be the case!), as manufacturers/vendors are rather known to add stuff nobody really wants (see: bloatware) rather than to remove apps that ship with Android by default -- but it might very well be that some apps got replaced or will simply be removed.
What surely will be gone, according to the description you gave, are all your data and the apps you've installed yourself, as obviously the update implies a factory-reset. If your device is already running Android 4.0 or higher, you might wish to take a look at Full Backup of non-rooted devices for how to make a good backup. At least apps+data should be restorable to a newer version of Android then; for other things (SMS, call logs, etc.) you might rather prefer some dedicated tool -- or rely on your Google-Cloud-synced data and pray they will restore automatically (if they start to, don't interrupt them: you cannot re-start the restore, which is one thing making it so unreliable). See also the backup tag and especially its tag-wiki for details on available backup methods plus hints for recommended readings on this topic.


text:
Link2SD proper usage

I have a 64 GB micro SD card.
I partitioned 1.2 GB as Ext2 with Mini Partitioner (highest option was about 4 GB).

This is great and all, but from all of the literature I've read, Link2SD seems like it would utilize the entire SD card, not just that second partition.
If what I'm seeing currently is correct, the only thing that Link2SD does, is give you an extra GB via the Ext2 partition, and imposes a dependency so that you're never able to actually remove the card due to the links.
I believe my thinking is wrong so any help is appreciated.

The literature you read was wrong, then. Link2SD only uses the extra partition. The main partition is still mounted under /media/sdcard or somewhere similar.
With Link2SD, you cannot physically remove the SD card, but you can mount the SD card on the computer. The second partition does not get mounted, so the apps are still accessible while the standard partition is mounted on the computer.
If you want more space, you can always repartition your SD card manually on your computer, if your version of ClockWorkMod (CWM) doesn't have the size you desire. GParted on linux is a handy GUI, and there are apps for Mac and Windows as well.
And you can still install apps to your SD card the normal Android way, though the dalvik cache and other data will still use up the internal memory (which is likely limited in your case, as that is the reason to use Link2SD in the first place).
Purpose of Link2SD
Here's an hypothetical example+. You have 180MB free internal memory. You have a standard 16GB SD card.
When you install an app to the SD card, 10%* of the app is actually still on the internal memory. So when you have installed 1.8GB of apps, you run out of internal memory, even though your external SD card could hold a bunch more.
In comes Link2SD. Now, your SD card is actually 12GB standard and 4GB for linking. New apps get Linked, but this time 100% of the app is moved, so you can install 4GB of apps instead of 1.8GB.
You shouldn't be limited to 4GB, either. ClockWorkMod (CWM) may only list 4GB as the maximum size, but you can use a computer to make the linking partition as large as you want.
*Made up percentage. It varies by app.
+Not so hypothetical. With my old Optimus V, this was almost exactly my setup.

So if I'm understanding you correctly, Link2SD allows a memory-strapped user to shift his files around and possibly obtain 4 more GB (all tuts said 4 was the max)? I believe I'm still not completely understanding the benefit. Would it be possible to make the primary partition of the sd card 512 MB and make the second partition 50+ GB?

The built-in Move to SD Card method does not move everything to the SD card, so users with a small internal partition and a huge SD card are still limited to the number of apps installed. Cache, dalvik-cache, and some data is not stored on the SD card. Whereas Link2SD basically uses the second SD partition for everything. It can be a bit slower (as sd cards aren't as fast as internal memory), but it gives you full use of the external memory you have.

Also seems like if I were choose to "Set the default install location of the apps; auto, internal, or external (for Android 2.2 and higher)" that I would just run out of memory quicker due to the even smaller partition than the internal memory (1.2 GB as opposed to the 16 GB). I believe I am not understanding the apps intent.

The 4GB max isn't really a limit. CWM has that as the max option, but it can be larger if you resize the partitions manually on the computer. And the second partition is ext, not FAT32, so 4GB isn't a limitation there, either.

I don't believe I understand when you say "Link2SD only uses the extra partition." and " but it gives you full use of the external memory you have." Are you saying that it gives me full use of the 4 GB partition or full use of the full sd card?

So in theory, if I were to reformat my sd card again, and this time were to reverse the instructions to make the secondary Ext2 partition 50+ gigs and make the primary 1 gig, that would enable me to have a much larger space in which to have symlinks and such. Is there any downside to doing this?

I edited my answer to explain better the purpose/usefulness of link2sd. And in theory, yes you should be able to use 50+ gigs. The only downside is the speed - a class 4 SD card will make the phone feel sluggish, especially if the apps you link run on boot or are services that run all the time (ie widgets or background services).

Thank you that explains it. I have a class 10 Sandisk so I should be good I suppose.


text:
Failed to root Galaxy S (Fascinate) after three methods
I have tried three methods for rooting my previous Android device, running 2.3.5 (Gingerbread). It's a Verizon Samsung Galaxy s (Fascinate - SCH-I500).
I have all the drivers installed for the device on my computer (Windows 8) and have USB Debug toggled. SuperOneClick failed to work after three attempts. Local rooting (No computer used) did not work either as that only rooted it about five seconds after boot, displaying a message on the home screen. The last method involved installing and app from the Play store and some software for my PC which I have forgot the name. I'm at a loss on how to root it so I can flash a custom ROM I have.
I had a general idea on where to start but as you've just read, all has failed. Side note: during all of these methods the SD Card was in phone but never mounted as per all the various instructions.
How can I root this reluctant device?

Did you take a look at our rooting index (linked from the 'rooting' tag)? It lists How do I root my Samsung Galaxy S?. Tried that method? (I might be wrong with this suggestion, as there are multiple variants of the Galaxy S around, but it's worth a look).

I have tried that method. No luck

As you describe your Samsung Fascinate is running Gingerbread, there's a rooting guide provided at TheUnlockr which you could try. It uses the odin tool to root the device, so you would need Odin Tool, Samsung Drivers, ClockworkMod Recovery, and Superuser for this.
Install the Samsung drivers first, then install ClockworkMod (which is where Odin is needed). Copy SuperUser to your SDCard, then boot into CWM (turn off the device, simultaneously hold Vol + + Vol - + Power). Select install zip from sdcard, then choose zip from sdcard. Chose the SuperUser file you've copied to your SDCard. Let it flash, and reboot using the reboot system now menu entry. Your device now should be rooted.

Looks like this worked? Then I should see to add it to the rooting index :)


text:
Does rooting mean I will always run my device as root?

Possible Duplicate:
How exactly does “root” user access/account works? Do all applications run as root on my phone after rooting?

I understand the root user under Linux and the goal of rooting an Android device. Though, when people say "rooting", does it mean I will always use my device as root? Or just while I apply my changes?

No. Rooting in that case means that apps are able to request root. If they do so, then usually a pop-up appears asking for your permission.

It also means you are able to use su and sudo in a terminal emulator. Although I guess that's really just prompting the emulator to request root.


text:
How can I install apk that allowing only installing from google play?

I have apk that I want to edit the assets on him and upload that back to the device. The apk downloaded originally from the google play, and I used apk extractor to get the apk of the app.  But when I'm trying to install the new one from apk, and not from the app store, I'm getting an error on start saying app not installed from google play store, reinstall from there.
I put my hand on the code by revers engineering with jadx.
So I know that they check by install package name and I even found the function to edit, but I can't edit because (because I don't know how to recreate the classes.dex file and I think because this is not like the real source code, I get a lot of run time errors).
I tried also adb shell pm install -i com.android.vending -r [package name] didn't worked...
Does anyone know what I can do?
Thanks,
Alon.

One edits a classes.dex by baksmaling it and then smaling it back with ApkTool, which can deconstruct an app into assets and source code. The code is written in a low-level language called Smali, partially resembling Assembly. Editing Java or Kotlin directly is not possible.


text:
Why does an app have a different icon on my actual phone vs on Bluestacks and its Desktop Icon?
Why does an app have a different icon on my actual phone vs on Bluestacks and its Desktop Icon?
The icons do work, and are related to the app they're for.
The app is "Eternal Senia: Hydrangea after the Rain".
It's free, so you can check for yourself if you want.
The icon on my phone is Senia's head, while the one for Bluestacks is Rita's.

There are two main reasons why an app shows a different icon:

Some apps provide different APK files for different platforms. Different APK files means that of course not only the code but also resources like images can be different. However it seems like the app you mention is only available in one version.
An app contains images and icons for different device resolutions. Therefore if the display pixel density (measured in dots per inch - dpi) of your actual phone and the Bluestacks VM differs you may see different images. How much they differ depends on what images has been created by the app developer.


text:
Default browser is automatically reset to Chrome
Firefox is my default browser since forever, until as of a sudden it stopped to be, and Chrome is set as default. I can set it back to Firefox but it eventually lasts only for some time.

Suddenly when I open a url I will open again in Chrome. This is a very annoying behavior, and I don't know how to fix it. I want Firefox as my default browser.

Phone Model: Galaxy S10+
Android Version: 12
OneUI: 4.1

I have never had that issue.  Mind you I use Brave as the default browser for the last 3 years, I use to use Firefox.  Maybe it's because it's Firefox Beta.  I am guessing that its signature changes on every build.

well it even changes the same day i.e. no updates of FF take place

@Rohit you might be right at all. I switched to FF non-beta and the issue seems gone. If you answer my question I happily vote for it

I think it's because it's Firefox Beta. I am guessing that its signature changes on every build.
Recommended fix: install Firefox (non-beta)


text:
Missing recovery mode on Android?
I can't hard reset my Android phone it seems like my recovery mode is missing what should I do to make it back to normal or default? I already tried to perform hard reset but it only reboot to menu.
My phone is O+ 8.38z
Android version 5.0
It is still working
But i can't access fastboot and recovery mode

Welcome Android Enthusiasts! What is your phone model and Android version?

Unfortunately, nobody can help you without any information about phone model, android version, phone state (is it working? reason for factory reset?) what exactly you have tried (steps to reproduce?) Why do you think recovery mode is missing, are there any error messages? What menu (picture?)

I already edited my question

https://www.quora.com/How-do-I-hard-reset-an-O+-3-38z-android-phone-easily there is one extra step required after selecting recovery mode


text:
Android 11 - Folders structure of hundreds of Categorized applications with their unique manually selected folders Backup
I made folders of applications according to their categories on my Android 11 Tablet, I have hundreds of Applications due to my needs and work, for this reason they need to be categorized, each folder has its own name and its individually selected icon (from Nexus Icon packs).
The whole process of creations and assigning is very boring and time wasting. in order to save time on each factory reset operation I need to make backups of all those folder structures and their manually selected icons.  Can anyone help on how to backup all of those things with their folder structure and icons.

It sems like you are talking about the launcher and the app icons/folders it shows. Have you tried to use a launcher that supports exporting/importing it's configuration like Nova Launcher (AFAIR import/export requires the paid "prime" extension).


text:
Does Android support SNAT/DNAT on iptables?
Does Android support  DNAT/SNAT target on iptables ? Is there another alternative for doing port forwarding ?

How to port-forward internet using Android Hotspot to PC?


text:
Screen-lock: any way to specify a list of sensitive apps to opt-out locking all apps?
Recently I started using screen locking, just because I started using NFC and Google Wallet. If the device does not have a screen-lock set up, Google Wallet removes the cards in 5 minutes. Okay, this sounds reasonable to me for the security reasons. I don't consider all other applications super-sensitive so for me this is totally fine not to use screen locking for them.
The annoying thing about the screen lock is that it locks almost everything except a more or less safe audio player with very limited capabilities like "start"/"stop"/"prev/next track": switching to another playlist requires the device to be unlocked; using a dumb calculator with zero personal data requires the device to be unlocked; opening a short-lived Firefox Focus instance requires it too.
I find the idea of locking all apps regardless their sensitiveness quite annoying, and I'm wondering is there probably a way to screen-lock only a specified list of applications I consider critical?
Currently I have a Pixel 6 Pro device with rooted stock Android 14 (not sure if I'm fine to switch to another Android-based OS, but why not?), so I guess Magisk-, XPosed/LSPosed-, XPrivacyLua-based extensions might be great in this case.

Its easier to use a Screen Lock or App Lock app.  I have used AppLock in the past and it works well.  You can select which apps need to be locked.
Since then I have moved to Kaspersky for its anti-virus functions.  IT comes bundled with App Lock, so I am using that.  This too works well and allows you to select the apps.

Did you have success with using these third-party lock screens along with Google Wallet (with cards not being removed by it)? I think this might not work well because Google Wallet would still expect a system level lock screen (not these third-party ones).


text:
Is it possible to restore my device to pre-factory reset for saved logins?
Basically, I have reset my phone after an absolute nightmare of forgetting my pattern.
In order to sign back into my Google account, it wants to send a notification to my S23. However, naturally, this doesn't do anything after the reset.
Is it possible therefore to:

Work out what my previous device ID was before the reset? I still have websites saying I'm still signed in on the 'old phone', but I don't think it's possible to grab any more detailed information and sadly, I made no backups of the phone
If A is possible, can I spoof my device ID in order for apps like Google and Facebook to send a notification to my device?

Unfortunately, the recovery process for each account has failed. Google won't offer me a reset as I'm still allegedly signed in somewhere...

You should remove the device form your account https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/3067630?sjid=15906456687386033949-EU#remove If you can not login on the web portal because of the device reset you need to recover your account https://accounts.google.com/signin/recovery


text:
What happens with phone with no SD storage (only GoogleDrive) when you don't have cellphone/internet signal? And how much data does transfer takes?
I have a S8 android phone with microSD card where all my pictures are stored. Now I need to change phone, and I've just learned the recent phones don't have microSD slot and all goes to Cloud Storage like Google Drive.
Except... Isn't Google Drive limited by, among other things, your capacity to access the Internet? What happens if you take a lot of pictures or videos somewhere where you don't have signal/internet reception? Does it not save the pictures or the videos? Furthermore, does the transfer of videos eat all of your data when you get signal back? Does it slow down the phone if you have shitty reception and you get off-on when it's trying to upload?
The sellers in mobile shops were just able to answer 'It works.' and I need a bit more specifics...
For information, I often need to go to places with no phone signal, that's why I have concerns.

Sorry, what what you have learned is wrong. There are still a lot of phone with Micro-SD card slots (so you want to continue using a micro-sd card you just have to chose the correct model). But many users don't need a micro-SD card anymore as the built-in flash memory is large enough (e.g. 128GB) and all files are stored there. If you upload it to cloud is your choice and is independent of the micro-sd card or the flash storage size.

Thank you for correcting what has been told to me, I appreciate it. I will look at further model than what's been offered in the mobile shops.

As Robert points out, phones are still available with micro-SD card slots.  You have to select the right model from your favourite manufacturer.  It often costs a little bit more.
You will also find that

Some phones come with only one slot for the SIM card.
Some phones come with two slots for SIM cards and the second slot can be used for a micro-SD card instead.
Some phones come with two slots, one is for the SIM and the other one can only be used for a micro-SD card.

You mention that you have an S8.  I only use Samsung phones and the above is true for their offerings.


text:
How to switch to vibrate mode using only hardware keys
I have a Nexus 4, and I would like to be able to switch it to vibrate mode without having to look at the screen or unlock it. My previous phones had this ability (my iPhone had a switch dedicated to this on the side, and on my flip phone before that I just held down the volume down button). I've found this feature pretty useful in many situations where I realize after the fact that I want my phone to be silent, but I don't want to show that I'm silencing my phone (movie theaters, churches, meetings, etc.). I keep my phone in my pants pocket, and the other two phones allowed me to silence them without even removing them from my pocket.
I've tried holding down the volume up, volume down, or power buttons, but that doesn't do anything. I know that there are apps that I can configure to automatically silence based on my location, time of day, and/or calendar items, and while those are useful they still don't give me a universal way to silence the phone with minimal interaction. A home screen or lock screen widget won't work for me because my work requires that my phone lock itself, and doesn't allow me to put widgets on the lock screen.
I'm also not interested in rooting my phone, but a free or paid app (preferably on the Google Play store) is fine. Really, an ideal solution would be an app or setting that allows me to press and hold the volume down button (while the phone is still locked) to put it in vibrate mode.

The following short procedure should work:

press power button (enable the screen)
hold power button for 1 second (new required step on Android 4.2.2, not needed on 4.2.1)
press volume up or down until phone vibrates
optionally press power button again (turn off screen)

The idea is to enable the screen first, because then volume buttons would be enabled to change ringer volume (when screen is off they only work for music volume if it is playing).
Then depending on what volume you had set you need to press volume up or down:

if volume was set to silent, press volume up once, the phone should vibrate, now the phone is in vibrate only mode
if volume was set to regular ringtone, press volume down several times until phone vibrates. Now phone is in vibrate mode. Pressing volume down again would enable silent mode.

So you need to press volume down or up until you feel single vibrate and the you can leave the phone as is and it should turn off screen after short time by default. There shouldn't be much risk leaving screen enabled in a pocket for a while, but if you want you can press power button again to disable screen, but you risk pressing volume keys again which might either put phone in silent mode or enable ringtone.
Full procedure that should always work:

press power button (enable lock screen)
press volume down up to 7 times until phone vibrates then stop the procedure (this assumes there are 9 levels of volume, see below)
if phone not vibrated press volume up (you were probably in silent mode), phone should vibrate
if phone not vibrated repeat the procedure only one more time (maybe screen was enabled and first step turned it off)
optionally if phone vibrated, press power button once to turn off screen

Phone changes between following states when pressing volume up/down keys:

Maximum volume
...
...
Medium volume
...
...
Minimum volume
vibration only
no sound, no vibration - silent mode

The procedure was tested on Galaxy Nexus, but since Nexus 4 is very similar (same button layout/number, OS version, nexus brand) it should also work for it.
Update: Since android 4.2.2 changing volume on lock screen as described above does not work. There is additional step needed: holding power button for at least 1 second when screen is enabled. This will bring the "power off/airplaine mode" dialog and volume buttons will work there.

Thanks, I tried it out and I was able to do it with the phone in my pocket.

I struggled with this for a long while as well.
I found Silent Mode Switcher, which lets you the press power button and shake the phone to switch it to vibrate mode. Easiest way I've found, and it works great on Nexus 5.

Yepp, possible -- TaskerMan is back :) One solution would involve Tasker, available for about EUR 5 at the playstore (free 7 day trial on the homepage). Tasker is an automation solution, connecting "events" with "tasks". In your case, the event would be the corresponding hardware button pressed -- and the task to silence/vibrate your phone. Unfortunately, the volume buttons don't seem to be available here, but...
Condition: Event → Hardware → Button: Camera
Task: Audio Settings → Vibrate On
Optionally you can have it adjust volume settings as well, of course (a task can consist of multiple actions).
There might be alternative apps able to do this, but I cannot tell for sure what they cover (I'm using Tasker here for years, so I've lost track about the others ;) But you might want to take a look at the free Llama as well (though from its description, it cannot act on hardware-key-events).

That would work, but unfortunately the Nexus 4 doesn't have a camera button. And according to https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups=#!topic/taskerreq/VebYCEl4yRE, an Android app can't get access to the volume buttons


text:
How can I send large files from my device to my computer, without using a cable?
I have a Galaxy S3 (GT-I9300) with 500MB worth of videos on it (2 in total).
I want to transfer those files to my computer. The catch, I have no cable.
How can I transfer those files as quickly and as reliably as possible? Bluetooth isn't an option (it would take hours), can it be done over WiFi? I've tried WiFi direct, it doesn't recognize my PC.

You can use airdroid

If your remote pc has Linux, you could do it through scp command.
See here an explication of the command. You could run this command from a terminal emulator like this one.
Short example:
scp -r path/to/folder user@remote-PC:/path/to/where/to/save/the/filesscp path/to/file user@remote-PC:/path/to/remote/location/where/to/save/file* -r option means recursively copy entire folder.
If your remote pc has windows, take a look at pscp.

Another way is to install ES File Explorer File Manager. * Select the local files you wish to transfer (actions -> copy) * In LAN section access a folder from your remote PC and paste (actions -> paste) the selected files.* The folder from remote pc has to be shared with write permission.

I'm afraid my PC has no Linux, it's a Windows machine. Thanks for your answer anyway!

If your remote pc has windows, take a look at pscp.

How do I use it with a phone? (I'm not an expert with UNIX systems)

Don't make it that difficult. If you've got normal WiFi at home, and created at least one "shared folder" at your Windows machine, take a look at the ES File Explorer File Manager. It has an auto-discover option which finds the share, and then you can copy, browse, and whatever however how long you want to :)

@Izzy For me scp is the easy way. :)

@Ovidiu Yeah, and rsync is also fine. And I write my eBooks using a plain text editor, and do a lot of things from the command line. But for a simple Windows user, there must be icons to click -- and they get shocked when there's nothing but a black screen with a prompt where one is expected to type in commands :) Which means, in short: different people -- different solutions.

@Izzy could you please add that as an answer? ES worked for me

@MadaraUchiha I gladly would -- but see above: Ovidiu already included it with this answer, together with some details on how to use it and even some hints on possible "traps" to avoid, so I see nothing to add to it (if you do, feel free to suggest and I will do!). Glad it worked out for you!

@Ovidiu: It would probably be best if you put your two separate suggestions into different answers. Then each could be evaluated (and voted on) by its own merits.

Well, i was working on stg also and didn't see Izzy's comment. Glad if either one of the answers/comments helped your transfer those files.

I use WiFi File Explorer for this sort of thing.  There are free and paid versions.  The app acts as a web server showing the file system as a web page with all the nessasary options to copy to and from another device viewing the website.  You browse to it over the wifi link.  Works really well although for a really big transfer plugging the cable is is faster.
It will be a year or two befor we start to get phones with 802.11ad style wifi with multi gigabit wifi speeds which will make this a doddle.


text:
How to remove apps from android market website?
There are a few apps that even though I uninstalled them (through android market mobile app) still remain present as 'installed' when I go to my website market account (they are not on my phone any more).. I tried installing and removing them again, but it didn't help.. Did anyone have the same problem? Is there a way to fix this so that they don't show up any more?

Well, Now you CAN remove the unwanted apps from your market website as well as from the market history. All you have to do is delete from your all apps list.
Goto your play store app and select My Apps Then swipe the screen to your left to see the ALL apps list.
Just click the crossed circle icon (pointed with the green arrow) to remove the desired app.

Make sure you have uninstalled the app before removing. You can uninstall the apps directly from the All apps list as well.
Note: It seems that this list only contains market installed apps. (i.e. apps other than user installed .apk apps)

@pootzko, you're welcome. :)

If you want them removed from the Market app list of previously installed applications, you will have to clear the data in Settings -> Applications -> Manage Applications -> Market.
To get them to not show as installed on the Market website, I would think that this will "clear" once your device does a sync and then the site processes that sync. You have no control over how the website shows applications that are installed. I'd say way a few days and if they are still showing as installed, you can try contacting google about the issue.

edit: this answer is outdated, please see Sid's answer

I reported this to Android Team, and got this reply:

Hi,
Thanks for writing in. I understand
  that some apps are still showing on
  your account even after being
  uninstalled.
Keep in mind that all the apps you
  download will always show on the
  Android Market website for history
  purposes. Uninstalled apps will be
  removed from the Android Market app on
  your device after a few days.
Regards,
The Android Market Team

So, that means they will never go away from the Android Market website...

Please see the new answer


text:
Disable or lock Google Play on my android phone
How can I disable/lock Google Play on my phone(may be restrict it with a password)? I tried this way and followed the steps given there. But it's not asking any password for free apps.

I didnt understand what is support version. When I go to settings in Google Play app, it shows me version as "3.10.10"

What do you mean not asking any password for free apps when you wanted to disable Google Play? Clarify?

If you want even more controle, you can have a look at some corporate apps. For example: MobiControl or SureLock

It won't ask for a password for free apps since there's no danger of financial loss of any kind, it is a good point however
There are apps on Google Play that can 'lock' certain apps check 'https://play.google.com/store/search?q=app+locker' or something to that effect
This one looks like it does the job: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDEsImNvbS5kb21vYmlsZS5hcHBsb2NrIl0.
They will enable control of apps via a pin

There may not be any financial danger!!! But there can be adult apps(free) which kids are not supposed to download

I have just gone through the link, it locks the installed apps but what i want is stop Google Play from downloading anything

Oh.. I just got it. I think I can lock Google Play using this app. I will give it a try. Thanks

From google play download applockr or you can disable the app via settings>apps>all applications then by selecting the google play application and pressing the disable button to disable it until you want to enable it (do the same process but the disable button will be replaced with the enable button)

I think the explanation on this post is what you need: http://www.android.gs/block-google-play-android-market-from-inappropriate-downloads/

Please don't use URL shorteners here.  As well, if the link goes down this answer is useless -- please summarize the relevant information in your answer.


text:
Screen timeout when reading
I have my screen timeout set to 30 seconds, which is a good interval normally.
However, when i am in a browser reading or Adobe Reader or ThinkFree or whichever other reader, I would like the timeout to be larger or never.
Is there anyway of doing this in Froyo without manually setting it to 30 mins and after I'm done reading all I wanted to read, set it back to 30 seconds?
Thank you.

I use Screebl for this. It uses the phones orientation sensors to keep the screen on permanently if it's held at an angle. You can then set the timeout to something very low such as 15 seconds which kicks in when the phone is laid flat.

Hadn't heard of that one.  That's the good thing about Android.  If there's a need, someone has tried to fill it.

I use Tasker for this. You can have separate screen timeouts (and other settings) for individual apps. I bump up the timeout for my ebook readers.

I don't know of a quick way to change this setting while reading, except that some reader apps have a setting which you can turn on which overrides the screen timeout while reading.  I believe Aldiko has this setting, but it's been a while since I've used it.  Not sure of any other reader apps which have it, but it might be a good suggestion to send to the developers of your favorite app.

Thanks, Blake. I thought there was no real solution for this but I thought I'd ask to make sure.

Most ebook readers have a "Never Turn screen off" setting.

all_licenses: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5/


text:
Calendar access from apps: only some calendars are displayed
I've Sony Ericsson X10 mini pro with Android 2.1 and root. I want to have a separate timetable calendat that will not be visible in some places (calendar app). I think I've some good reasons for creating a seperate calendar.
I sync calendars in my phone with my Google account. I've enabled auto-sync, but I've tried to force sync manually.
However, although the Sony Ericsson calendar app* can see all the calendars, other apps (e.g. Jorte, Business Calendar Beta, Profile timer and Android Agenda Widget) can't. They can see only some older calendars. Deleting visible calendars didn't solve this problem: the deleted calendars had disappeared, but the new calendars haven't been shown.
I've also tried to delete my account and resync, but it says "This account is required by some applications. You can only remove it by resetting the phone to factory defaults (which deletes all your data)...".
I've also tried to find something interresting in ddms. Error like this is displayed regurarly once a minute (almost exactly, see http://img6.imagebanana.com/img/8eey69l4/plochu1_086.png ):
ERROR/ActivityThread(2823): Failed to find provider info for calendarEx
*) Sony Ericsson has replaced the default calendar app by their one.

Can you see the new calendar on the Google Calendar web page using a laptop or desktop (i.e. not your phone)?

Yes, I can. The new calendars are also created from my laptop. BTW: I've found these calendars in database and they are neither shown nor synced, see http://pastebin.com/Pk6ZWn6J . I've also read that it is possible to enable them in the default Android calendar app, but, unfortunately, the Sony Ericsson's replacement is poor. :-( I've tried to extract calendar app from Android emulator, but there is no such app :-( But I've extracted the sqlite3 binary and analyzed it as mentioned above. I'm not sure if I should try update command. (I don't want to break anything.)

I just re-read the question and I'm suddenly not sure what it is you're looking for.  Is the problem that you've created a new calendar and can't see it in non-default calendar apps?  Or can none of the calendar apps see it?

The Sony Ericsson calendar app (which is poor) seems to be the only app that can see it. However, it behaves strangely: I add a new event and it is not displayed. I don't have checked whether these calendars are kept synced, but I don't think so.

So I've finally solved it using the update command (disable sync; restart; update; restart; enable sync) and ot seems to work well. The update command was like:
UPDATE Calendars SET sync_events=1, selected=1 WHERE _id > 3

I had tried compiling the Android Calendar from source, but I was getting sone errors about invalid NDK or SDK version.

I'm glad you found a solution. Don't forget to "accept" this answer so future readers with the same problem will know it's been solved.


text:
What is the "code" after the app package name in /data/app/?
Just by curiosity, since I wasn't able to find an answer after googling, do you know what are these "codes" after the packages names of my apps in /data/app/…?
This number is neither in androidmanifest.xml, nor in cert.sf, nor in manifest.mf (inside the meta-inf folder).
For example the package name of Clash of Clans is followed by the "code": com.supercell.clashofclans-Bd6GIb47XTzpL16jgR1kZA==

See also the identical question in Stackoverflow.com.

That's a random string appended to apps installation path in order to force developers don't hard-code paths in apps, instead use proper APIs.
Quoted from Android 8.0 Behavior Changes:

You can no longer assume that APKs reside in directories whose names end in -1 or -2. Apps should use sourceDir to get the directory, and not rely on the directory format directly.

Thanks for the explaination. But why don't they want people to hard-code the path, is it a security?

@sebastienfinor you are right, also they have put this point under Security heading.

@sebastienfinor The commit message that introduces these changes says: "This prevents apps (both normal and ephemeral) from learning what
applications are installed by checking for the existence of
/data/app/com.example.package-1."


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After the playstore update I'm no longer able to use my Play Store credit from my Google Rewards app
I have $6 in my google rewards app sitting there and there's a button on the app to take me to the app store. When I click on a premium app the option to pay for it with the rewards balance does not appear.
Has anyone else seen this issue? I am using a pixel 3. The balance also shows in my Google Pay app as well. I have been able to do this in the past no problem.

Which "rewards app" are you talking about (please add name and play store link)?

@Robert updated


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learning then mastering and using Android for a Linux "guru" using the command line?
I am a 60-year old Linux guru: coding Bismon (documented here) and using and coding on Unix since 1987 (SunOS3.2) and Linux since 1993 (but I never used Windows, and very probably never will). Of course, I do like command line interfaces. My sight is not very good but did improve (I got cataract surgery a few months ago). BTW, I did contribute to GCC plugin system thru  GCC MELT (an obsolete Lisp-like DSL -that I designed and implemented- to extend GCC)
For my 60 years birthday, my grown-up kids gave me a tablet: Huawei MediaPad M5 (Android 8) which I completed with a Logitech bluetooth physical keyboard.
I want to understand much more how Android works. Of course it runs a Linux kernel (so same syscalls(2)), with a strange bionic libc. I knew (and wrote a technical report - some internal survey document) the internals of JVM and JNI in 2001. I do know a bit of Java.
I don't have the time to study all the source code of the open source parts of Android. I probably would have the skills to do that, but not the motivation and time.
It seems that Android is using setuid & chroot techniques quite differently than usual Linux distributions do. Where is that documented? Apparently, each JVM (for every Android app) is running under its own uid.
I would like to be able to code small GPLv3+ applications for Android. What do I need to learn. I just did download the SDK tools for my Linux AMD2970 desktop.
What are the next steps? I know that Qt has been ported to Android and wish to code for it.
What would be the Android equivalent of the ALP book to code Android applications with both Java and C++ (Android NDK). Or where is the equivalent of section 3 of man pages for Android? I am considering cross-compiling musl-libc for my tablet.
I am afraid of rooting my brand new tablet (that could lost the warranty). I might be tempted to install some Debian-like thing on it within a year. Is that reasonable?
I might port SBCL to my tablet (if that is easy, which I don't know).
PS. I am a free software enthusiast.

Dear Basile I am sorry but your question is off topic on all StackExchange sites as every answer would be opinion based. Therefore it is impossible to decide if an answer is correct or not. Anyway I would recommend to just use AndroidStudio and develop a simple Java based app. C/C++ is possible but makes development and debugging way more complex. If you have concrete development question you can post them on https://stackoverflow.com

Hello Basile. The objectives of your question are outside the scope we have established for this site. However, certain forums like Linuxquestions, XDA, and Reddit might be able to help you out in this case though. Good luck. :)

"I am afraid of rooting my brand new tablet" - Huawei disallows bootloader unlocking, so you won't be able to do that anyway, which will limit what you can do in the long run.

I guess that within a year, someone could find a way (for rooting my tablet). People are creative.


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Can anyone tell me what this notification is?
What is this icon?

This is not my phone, so I cannot click on the app. Any info would be appreciated.

Unfortunately, with million of Android apps exist, and even some of them are distributed off-site/private, it's infeasible for the community to identify random notification icon anymore. Sorry.


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Infinix S4 refusing to hard reset
My Infinix S4 is refusing to boot/on completely whenever I try to turn it on. It just shows Infinix and then turns off and then shows Infinix again and then turns off. It keeps doing that way till the battery is dead. When I try to do it hard reset it tells me

failed to format/cache: permission denied

I have tried doing hand flashing but it keeps telling me

failed to format/cache : permission denied

It looks like your /cache partition is corrupted, sufficiently thoroughly that the OS can't format it. What was done on the device before this started? Were you trying to flash it, or clear the cache?


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How to log GPU usage using GPUWatch?
I want to log GPU usage on my app. I see there is GPUWatch option to monitor an app's GPU usage. It shows graphs but how to log this data? I need to save it.
Alternatively if there is any other ways to log GPU data, through ADB or Android Studio, please advise.