text:
Where are custom kernels being flashed to in internal memory?
I've unzipped zip files for custom kernels and noticed that the majority of the files that are being applied are in a /kernel folder. However that folder is unlisted when listing the root directories using both Root Explorer and ES File Explorer. Where is this /kernel folder?

The kernel is part of the "boot image", which is stored in a separate partition in the flash memory, not in a normal file. See http://android-dls.com/wiki/index.php?title=HOWTO:_Unpack,_Edit,_and_Re-Pack_Boot_Images

May be you can explain a little bit more on what you are trying to do..
Also, if you can list those custom kernel files, we can help better.
If I need to flash a custom kernel, I follow below process:

Get the source from the git repository
Make my changes to the kernel source. Change could vary from adding a simple debug printk statement to adding a new driver.
Build the kernel source using cross-compiler toolchain
Change the phone to Fastboot mode (I'm talking bout G1 phone)
Use 'fastboot' to flash the custom kernel (zImage) using command: 'fastboot flash:raw boot zImage ramdisk.img'
Use 'fastboot reboot' command to reboot the phone using the new kernel

Hope there is some clarity now.


text:
Why does "Preparing SD card" message appear on Optimus One P500 3-4 times a day?
On my Optimus One P500 it shows.
Preparing SD card

The above message shows at least 3 to 4 times in a day.
During this Apps on SD cards are automatically closed.
Any files opened(Music/PDF) as not accesible.
Is this a issue with me or Optimus or android 2.2

Update: The problem had gone after I hard reset the device. I assume it was some application which was offending. I have the list of application previously installed on App Brain. I will try to find the culprit and update.

The problem is resolved with the new update available from LG

What update? 2.3?

I had a similar problem that was fixed by formating the card in the phone.
Settings -> SD card & phone storage settings -> Unmount SD card. Then format the card on the same screen.

It is not a problem with 2.2 in general, although it may be specific to 2.2 on the Optimus.  (Did you ever have 2.1?)  This should normally only happen when the SD card is manually dismounted from the phone settings or by connecting the device to a computer.  It might be an app causing this problem -- you could use Titanium Backup to "freeze" your apps one by one until you hopefully discover the culprit.

I suppose this might happen if the SD card is losing its connection, although that would be more troubling.
Have you checked to ensure that the SD card is well-seated in its slot?
(This assumes, of course, that you can access the card.)
Another worrying possibility is a flaw with the card itself.

source: Stack Exchange

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

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

sort: votes


text:
HTC mains-to-USB charger: use to charge other non-HTC but USB-chargeable devices?
My HTC Desire Z came with a charger that consists of a mains electric plug with a USB socket for attaching the phone to to charge via USB.
Other devices such as the iPod touch can be charged via USB.
Assuming that there is a standard for USB powered charging, i.e. a amp/watts/voltage rating, then could these devices be charged from the same adapter, safely and effectively.
This would save money buying additional mains adapters, when, for example, the iPod touch does not come with a USB mains charger, though it does come with a USB sync cable for iTunes and also for USB powered charging from a PC.

I've successfully charged my Samsung Galaxy Tab through my HTC Desire Z USB mains charger.

I treat chargers with the same specs as interchangeable... many USB chargers are rated as 5v 500mA (or .5A); in most cases, you should be able to interchange them (it may take excellent eyesight to actually read the specs; on my Motoroloa chargers, they are very faintly engraved).   Some Apple chargers produce more current than the standard 500mA, so I would not use them to charge products other than the intended.   Since most computer USB ports are rated for 500mA, chargers with the same rating should charge any USB-chargeable device without problems.

You can probably get even more info at electronics.stackexchange.com

+1 for your comment pointing more information, and for making me aware of a site I didn't know.

Additional amperage (700ma) isn't going to hurt the device.

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

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


text:
Restore a ROM Back-up
I am going to try out CyanogenMod tonight on my phone. Before I do that, however, I am curious about one thing. I performed a NANDROID backup, per instructions that I received on this site (thank you to Bryan), as well as a Titanium Backup of all my applications and data. What I am confused about is - say I really screw something up during the CyanogenMod process? How would I recover from that? From my own research, it appears it works something like this:

Made NANDROID backup. (Should be on the SD card.)
If something goes completely screwy, boot into Recovery mode (hold X on boot, Volume Up + Camera key).
Flash using the NANDROID backup off the SD card to return to a safe state.
Get Titanium and restore all apps.

Is it really that simple, or am I missing some aspect? (I should just do it, but I'm a bit worried about royally screwing up my phone.)

It's really that simple. :)
And you wouldn't even have to do step 4 (because your NANDROID backup is like taking an image of your phone, that includes all installed apps and data too).
If you wanted to do a quick test, you could try installing one app, then restoring to your NANDROID backup.  When it's done, it should no longer have that one app  you installed.  And it'll also show that your backup is good.

Excellent! Thanks for quelling my fears. I use my phone a lot (my primary means of internet access right now) and I would hate to really screw it up. Glad to know that there are solutions like this. Excited to check out Cyanogen tonight! :-)

+1 - I have been toying with the idea for some time and I was worried about getting my Droid X back to a working state if something went wrong.  Does ROM Manager do the same type of ROM backup?

@shambleh With ROM manager you install Clockwork Recovery.  Then inside of Rom Manager you can initiate or restore backups.  You can also do this inside of Clockwork Recovery on boot (you should always be able to get into it even if your phone gets stuck in a boot-loop or similar).


text:
Phone calls over headphone jack?
I'm looking at buying a new car.  Many of the cars I see now come "standard" with an audio-in jack.  The option of a Bluetooth connection is usually much more expensive.  My question is:  If I plug my phone into the audio-in jack with a cable to the headphones port, can I use the phone "handsfree" effectively while operating the vehicle?  That is, will the incoming sound come over the speakers, and not echo hopelessly into the input on the phone itself?  Or do I basically have to spring for the Bluetooth, either at purchase time or aftermarket?

I have tried to do this in my own car - here's my experience with it.
From a "hearing the person" perspective, the headphone jack into the car's speaker system works great. What's even better is that the person doesn't (generally) hear themselves talking either (no echo or feedback). This is using an original Moto Droid, so your mileage may vary.
The problem that I have with this kind of setup is having the person hear me. I still, generally, have to hold the phone up to my mouth for the person on the other side to understand what I am saying. I have found it helps a little bit to enable speaker phone, but then the person sometimes gets the echo feedback. It's really a no-win situation.
Most likely, you'll have to get an aftermarket blue tooth headset.

It's interesting that we have the same phone but different results from the mic.  I suppose one should expect inconsistent results when hacking together a solution.

It's possible to use it this way but the quality of the results are going to depend on your phone, the car and how loud you have the speakers.
I have done something similar with my Moto Droid 1 and will share my experience:
The only difference between my configuration and the one you are inquiring about was that instead of plugging directly into an audio jack in my car I used an FM transmitter that I plugged into my headphone jack on my phone (which then wirelessly beamed the phones audio to 88.1 FM on my stereo).  In the past I have done the same thing with a tape deck adapter.  Needless to say the result was that all audio on my phone was coming out of my car speakers.  I did this to listen to music and podcasts and accidentally discovered the hands free component when I got a call while it was hooked up this way.
Needless to say I was surprised to find that there was no feedback loop, no echo, and the person on the other end couldn't hear the speakers at all.  It was also reported to me by the person on the other end of the line that my microphone was picking up my voice just fine, even though the Droid was sitting in my cup holder.  None of this really seem logical to me but it worked.  That being said I don't know how a different phone would respond with a different car.  I suggest that you bring a male to male 3.5 in headphone cord when you test drive the vehicle and place a test call to someone you've already briefed on the situation, so they can help you evaluate the quality of the call.


text:
What is the maximum Xperia X10 memory card size?
I just bought an X10 and I would like to have as large a memory card as possible. What is the largest one that works with X10? Does it work with 32 GB cards?

Has anyone successfully used a 32 GB card on X10?

I took a chance and bought a 32 GB card, class 4. It works. I believe it is a Zap or something.

This post suggests 32 GB cards work. I'd rather someone on this site said so though.

Acording to the specs here GSM Arena: Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10 the X10 can take up to a 32GB microSD card.


text:
Second spellchecker doesn't work
I have a Nexus 4, and I'm using Google keyboard on Android 4.3.1. When I switch the keyboard language from French (the system language) to Polish, spellchecking stops. I have the polish spell-checking dictionary installed.
Suggestion works in both languages. Spell-checking works only in french.
What should I do?
I'd rather fix this problem than use another keyboard.

Looks to me you are mixing up 2 different things in your question: Auto-correction and Spell-check. Are you looking for Auto-correction (where the misspelled word is replaced) or for spell check (where the misspelled word is underlined)?

I realize my question could have been better worded. I'm looking for spell check. Suggestion works in both languages. Spell-checking only works in french, but the polish spell-checking dictionary is installed.

This may depend on the keyboard used (Android vs Google). I have fixed this by selecting Gboard and adding there the languages I need.


text:
History of files sent over Bluetooth?
Does Android keep a history of the files sent via Bluetooth? I didn't see anything like that in the user interface (there's a log of received files, but not sent ones), but maybe there's a hidden log file  somewhere?
I need to check past activity. Installing an app to start logging this now won't help me.

Go to settings and turn on bluetooth. Click menu button and you will see the option Show received files. Alternatively every files sent via bluetooth will be stored in a folder named bluetooth in storage (if the files are not moved).

Thanks, though I'm looking for the log of sent files, not received ones. I've updated my post to make it unambiguous.

Show received files will show both uploaded and downloaded Bluetooth file logs under two tabs. You can view it there.

What version of Android are you using? I'm using 4.2.2 and I don't see any tab.

Me neither on 4.3 and 4.4.2.

There's a user interface that's providing the log/history of Bluetooth sharing.
To view the log you need to activate Bluetooth and send any file. After sending a notification appears and by clicking it you can view the logs.

Thanks. Unfortunately I've dismissed the notification at the time, and new notifications of this kind don't show previously sent files.


text:
How to import an existing mmssms.db to an Android Virtual Device?
I've downgraded from Cyanogenmod 13 (Android 6.0.1) to Android stock 5.1.1, and kept my previous mmssms.db file, but it is incompatible with older Android versions. I would like to import this database in an Android Virtual Device running Android 6.0, back it up using SMS Save & Restore, then restore the .xml file produced by that app on my device.
However, when I copy my old com.android.providers.telephony directory in the /data/data/ directory of the AVD, neither the Messenger app, nor SMS Backup & Restore see any message. The directory and its contents are owned by the radio user, belong to the radio group, and have chmod set to 771.
How can I check what is preventing the system from accessing my database?
Or how else can I retrieve my sms ?

It's possible that CM 13's mmssms.db is not fully compatible with stock 6.0.1.  Do you absolutely need to import the messages into 5.1.1, or will accessing them on a PC be sufficient?

I absolutely need to merge the two databases, not just access the old one on a PC.
Edit: based on your suggestion that CM 13's mmssms.db in not compatible with Android 6.0.1 stock, I will try installing CM 13 on the AVD.

Any luck with CM13 on the AVD?

Google's emulator is really slow and hangs when I use adb to reboot to recovery/bootloader. Maybe it will work better with a virtual device having an Intel Atom processor; I will try that later today.

I've finally managed to restore the contents of my previous database on my current device and I will explain how.
The idea was to copy the backup of /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony from my previous installation, to an Android Virtual Device, back it up there using SMS Backup & Restore in XML format, then restore that XML backup on my device. SMS Backup & Restore merged the messages from the backup with the current device's messages so I didn't have to merge the two databases by hand.
In my question, the AVD running 6.0.0 wouldn't read the contents of my database because it was created on CM 13 which is based on Android 6.0.1. But Google doesn't seem to provide an emulator image based on Android 6.0.1, so I still used an AVD running 6.0.0. For performance reasons I've configured it to emulate an Intel Atom (x86) CPU and installed Intel HAXM driver on my PC (I've followed this answer to do that).
The mmssms.db database holds properties about itself, especially version numbers, so I've edited them to make Android believe that it dealt with a database of a version it could deal with. I've opened mmssms.db in SQLite Expert, clicked on the "Database" tab, and in the property list, found the following lines:

schema_version
user_version

I've downgraded these to 44 and 60, respectively.
Then I transferred my backup of /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony to the AVD using adb push, after making sure that location was already empty there. Using adb shell I've set the owner and group of everything in this directory and its subdirectories to radio, and in the database subdirectory the chmod value to 660.
I've rebooted the device.
I've installed SMS Backup & Restore on the AVD through ADB. (The .apk of that app can be found on an existing device in /data/app on a device where it is already installed. I didn't bother installing Google Play Services on the emulator to get it from the Play Store, but you can do that.)
I've backed up the messages and copied the resulting .xml over to my real device, where I've used SMS Backup & Restore to restore it. Voilà.

I had to do an extra step compared to @Cutter answer to get it working with LineageOS 14.1 (original mmssms.db came from Android 5.1).
Change the user_version from 64 to 68:
sqlite3 mmssms.db
PRAGMA user_version;
PRAGMA user_version = 68;
.q

In recovery mode (adb reboot recovery):
adb push mmssms.db /data/user_de/0/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/
adb shell chown radio:radio /data/user_de/0/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.db
adb shell chmod 660 /data/user_de/0/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.db
adb shell chcon u:object_r:radio_data_file:s0 /data/user_de/0/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.db
adb shell ls -alZ /data/user_de/0/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.db

The important thing was to additionally change the file SELinux security context with chcon.
And after rebooting the old SMS messages were finally recognized!

jansohn's solution works for me.
I pulled the mmssms.db file from a previous NANDROID backup of my phone and was able to restore all the old SMS messages from it by doing those commands in an adb shell.
It didn't work until I used:
adb shell chcon u:object_r:radio_data_file:s0 /data/user_de/0/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.db

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


text:
Jelly Bean OTA Update failing on Nexus S ("assert failed")
I've got a Nexus S phone. It was never rooted or modified. It currently runs the most recent version of Ice Cream Sandwich (that was installed as an Over The Air update, without any issues).
Couple of days ago I received a notification from my phone about Jelly Bean upgrade being available. Unfortunately every time I try to install it there is a problem. The phone reboots and starts the upgrade process, but after about 30 seconds it stops and displays an image of a red triangle with an exclamation mark. When I press power+volume up to see what happened, this is the message it displays:

Finding update package...
Opening update package...
Verifying update package...
Verifying current system...
assert failed: apply_patch_check("/system/etc/gps.conf", "[random letters and numbers - probably a hash]", "[different combination of random letters and numbers]")
E:Error in /cache/9ZGgDXDi.zip
(Status 7)
Installation Aborted.

I tried "wipe data / factory reset" and "wipe cache partitions" options, but the issue persists.

I bought the Nexus S last year in November with 2.3.6. Two weeks later it was updated to 4.0.3, the next update was 4.0.4 sometime in June and finally to 4.1.1 last week, without the error you described.

Yeah, I do realize most people don't have this problem. The question is what do I do now...

Had you applied any GPS patch earlier?

Have you already contacted Google's spport? Is the system still working with ICS tho?

@roxan - No, I haven't. I don't think it is even possible on an unrooted phone.

@ott-- No, how do I contact Google Support for Android?
Yes, fortunately the phone is still working with ICS.

Might be worth a shot in getting a flashable zip to install the gps.conf file into /system/etc? it could be corrupted and thus the patching of it failed

@t0mm13b How would I do that?

Hurrey!
After quite a bit of research I am now able to answer my own question. I was able to clean install Jelly Bean (in opposite to the usual method of upgrading) using official images posted by Google. This obviously solved the issue.
Here are my instructions how to do this.

This looks like the file didn't download properly. Are downloading the file over wifi or mobile network?
If over mobile network, try wifi, and if wifi try mobile network.
It looks like the file is corrupt and cannot be flashed - try opening the file on your computer or by using a file manager on your device.
You can also try and use desktop update software.

I downloaded the package multiple times. It seems to me the error message doesn't point to a problem with a update package (the "Verifying update package..." phase went ok), but with a file on my current system (the problem happens during the "Verifying current system..." phase).
What do you mean by "desktop update software"?


text:
Tasker Bluetooth connection times out
I'm trying to make a Tasker profile/action that automatically connects my Android device to my phone via bluetooth for internet access. I'd like it to be invoked whenever the device is unlocked. The phone is paired via bluetooth and manually connecting works, but when I try running the Bluetooth Connection > Connect action in Tasker via either the MAC address or name, it times out.
17.00.49/LicenseCheckerTasker Checking cached only
17.00.49/LicenseCheckerTasker Is direct and license was validated
17.00.49/LicenseCheckerTasker Cached only: Licensed
17.00.49/Ew add wait type EasyAction1 time 2147483647
17.00.49/Ew add wait type EasyAction1 done
17.00.49/E add wait task
17.02.08/E Error: 1
17.02.08/E Could not perform Bluetooth Connect action. Timed out.

Screenshots:

Are there any known solutions to this, or other steps I should take to troubleshoot?

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


text:
Unable to mount '/metadata'
I am using MiMax2 and trying to flash crdroid ROM with TWRP.
While formatting data, this error shows up:
unable to mount '/metadata'

When sideloading through ADB, it shows error:
assert failed update_dynamic_partitions(package_extract_file( dynamic_partitions_op_list ))

When mounting with command mount /metadata, it shows following error:
mount: /dev/block/mmcblk0p62 -> metadata: invalid argument

Is there a way to solve the problem? Till now, no solutions in other forums are unable to solve my problem.

The ROM you had installed before formatting was a stock ROM or a custom ROM?

It was a stock ROM (default ROM with Xiaomi devices)

Self answering my question,
I needed to flash Retrofit Dynamic Partitions ROM before flashing main crdroid ROM.


text:
Formatting Micro SD card issue
I'm trying to format a 64GB Micro SD card into 70% portable storage and 30% internal storage. My phone runs Android 6, it's rooted with Magisk and I installed TWRP. Unfortunately, I can't successfully do it; I keep getting this error:
C:\Windows\system32>adb shell
shell@j3xnlte:/ $ sm has-adoptable
WARNING: linker: app_process: unsupported flags DT_FLAGS_1=0x8000001
WARNING: linker: zygisk: unsupported flags DT_FLAGS_1=0x8000001
true
shell@j3xnlte:/ $ sm list-disks
WARNING: linker: app_process: unsupported flags DT_FLAGS_1=0x8000001
WARNING: linker: zygisk: unsupported flags DT_FLAGS_1=0x8000001
disk:179_128
shell@j3xnlte:/ $ sm partition disk:179_128 mixed 70
WARNING: linker: app_process: unsupported flags DT_FLAGS_1=0x8000001
WARNING: linker: zygisk: unsupported flags DT_FLAGS_1=0x8000001
Error: java.lang.IllegalStateException: java.util.concurrent.TimeoutException: Thread Binder_B gave up waiting for partitionMixed after 180000ms
1|shell@j3xnlte:/ $

It also doesn't work when you try it as 100% internal or portable. I tried formatting it as ext3/ext4/exFAT in TWRP and then using adb but it didn't help. I'm unable to find any fix on the XDA forum/Reddit. I'm pretty sure the Micro SD card itself isn't at fault as I was able to format it successfully using a different phone. (These two "unsupported flags" errors don't seem to be related to the problem).
Update:
I still can't get adb to format any drive on this phone (I encounter the same error), but I did manage to do it using a different method. First, I wiped the drive using TWRP and then formatted it using the built-in Android formatting tool. I had tried this before, but each time it would either get stuck forever at 20% or make 100% of the internal storage invisible to MTP and only suitable for app storage. However, this time it somehow worked - I have no idea why. MTP and root file manager shows only one drive of 58.90GB, and it behaves like the default internal storage. I will leave this post open as I didn't really solve the problem but more like got around it. Thanks for all the help (and grammar correction of this post :D ).

Based on the model, looks like you have a Samsung Galaxy J3 2016? Possibly related: How to adopt SD card as internal storage on Samsung devices?

The error is known for Android 6: https://github.com/topjohnwu/Magisk/issues/5589 Can you use root permissions via su in an adb shell or does this trigger the same error?


text:
Pixel 6 constantly restarting, overheating, and draining battery rapidly - how to identify problematic apps?
I’m experiencing a major issue with my Pixel 6, since yesterday morning. The phone keeps restarting on its own and gets very hot. After a restart, it works fine for about a minute, then it becomes extremely laggy, freezes, and restarts again. Additionally, the battery seems to drain very quickly.
Here are some specific details:
Model: Pixel 6
Android Version: 14
Build-No: AP2A.240605.024

Booting into recovery mode (the problem does not occur in this mode)
I suspect that there might be one or more apps causing the system to crash and overheat. However, I am unable to check for software updates or properly manage apps because when I try to open the app list, it loads indefinitely and then Android crashes anyway.

How can I identify and remove apps that might be demanding too much performance and causing these issues within a short time frame after booting? Any insights or suggestions on how to resolve this issue would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!

Is the phone rooted?

Make sure you have backups. Reset your phone and troubleshoot from there.

Nope, the phone wasn't rooted. I've tried to workaround a factory reset. However, I couldn't wait any longer and had to do it. It works now.

For reference: This happened after using Pixel Buds Pro for about 1h, but I don't think there's any connection. I've used them also before and for a longer period.

If possible, connect the phone to a computer with adb, authorize it and collect a bugreport using adb bugreport. This will create a bug report zip.
There are other ways of creating the bugreport, but this is one of the easiest.
Then upload it to battery historian. There is a hosted version of it at https://bathist.ef.lc/. It will tell you which app is using a lot of CPU and how.
Warning: bugreports contain personal data like your Google gmail, possible contact names or other private contents. I don't know who owns the hosted historian instance and what they do with the data.

The statistics didn't help at first. ChatGpt helped me to find the last updated apps. However, it didn't resolve the issue. With adb top I've found the phone has a cpu utilization of 800% (probably because of 8 cores), but none of the app has a high cpu utiliziation.


text:
Broken screen, need to recover data
my Pixel 4a Screen just went black for whatever reason. Developer mode is not enabled, so no adb possible...
I can unlock the device using a keyboard. Does anyone know of a way I can get my data without replacing the screen?
I can install apps via the play store website from my pc, so technically i can install a screen share or backup app, but I would need a guide that gets me step by step through the app setup once installed.
Easiest way would be to change the USB-Connection to MTP but I didn't find a way to connect my phone to the PC & a keyboard at the same time - any ideas?
Bonus question: How can i get to the app drawer and search + open a specific app with just the attached keyboard?
Thanks!

Related: Enable ADB .. Galaxy S7 w/ broken screen Found (but not tested): https://www.reddit.com/r/GalaxyA50/comments/zz4cw2/help_with_getting_talkback_turned_on_no_screen/ You probably should mention what you think the OS version is as screen shots may be of assistance


text:
How can I receive a Google Maps notification when people share their location with me?
When someone is sharing their location using Google Maps with me, normally, I should receive a push notification.
But for years now, I don't receive any notification anymore, no matter the phone (tried with several ones) or Android or Google Maps versions.
I have noticed in the Google Maps Notifications settings that I'm missing some entries as showed below on my Google Pixel 6a:

Then in "Location and profile", here are the entries:

When switching to another Google account, I have the missing entries for sharing notifications:

It sounds like it's related to my personal Google account, but I've never figured out what or how I can re-enable these notifications back.

I'm living in France.
I've checked that I'm recognized as an adult (> 18 years old) at https://myaccount.google.com/age-verification
I'm the Family manager on Google Family.

Any clue?
Originally posted on: https://support.google.com/maps/thread/76333024

Possible dupe: Mobile Google Maps' setting for receiving location share notifications, but the answer might not be applicable since the menu itself is not visible.

There's also Google Maps Help - Get Location Sharing notifications mentioning "Location Sharing notifications aren't available for certain accounts and sharing via links.", but it's unclear what "certain accounts" means.

I note the "Get Location Sharing notifications" doc is about setting up notifications "to know when they arrive at or leave a specific location", not a notification that a new person has shared their location with you.  (It looks like "for certain accounts" means "The sharer is under 13 (or the applicable age in their country).")

Thanks for your replies.
Indeed, there are 2 different features: Google Maps notifications upon departure or arrival of a contact, and when someone is sharing their real-time location with you.
This page is the closest to the real-time location sharing I'm asking in my question: Share your real-time location with others.


text:
Files inside random directories are not readable by ls or any binary in linux
This is from my Android mobile. I am using a terminal app similar to ubuntu which is installed in my mobile. I am doing copy of my files to laptop and some are being skipped randomly.
When doing ls dir on few directories, files are not listed though I can see those are there and accessible via file manager.
I checked the permission of the directory, all normal. Other files inside another directories are being read by ls and other binaries. All these are present in my home directory.

For example HDoc is a directory inside Download directory inside sdcard/internal-storage. Files are there inside HDoc but not being read by ls or any other binary.
Even tried with sudo though my phone is not rooted so it is not real root.
$ cd sdcard

----- Other working directory permission -----

localhost:/sdcard$ ls -l Download/ | grep -i MAG
drwxrwx--- 2 root 9997    8192 Jun 17 18:49 MAG

localhost:/sdcard$ ls -l Download/MAG/
total 0
-rw-rw---- 1 root 9997   5562037 Feb 16  2021  1.jpg
-rw-rw---- 1 root 9997   2133364 May 29  2023  2.m4a
-rw-rw---- 1 root 9997   1019910 Aug  9  2023  3.png
-rw-rw---- 1 root 9997 671989652 Sep 25  2022  4.mp4

----- Non-readable directory (have files inside)-----

localhost:/sdcard$ ls -l Download/ | grep HDoc
drwxrwx--- 2 root 9997    4096 Jul  8  2023 HDoc

localhost:/sdcard$ ls -l Download/HDoc/
total 0

localhost:/sdcard$ lsattr Download/HDoc/
localhost:/sdcard$

localhost:/sdcard$ sudo su -
root@localhost:~#
root@localhost:~# whoami
root
root@localhost:~#
root@localhost:~# ls /sdcard/Download/HDoc/
root@localhost:~#
root@localhost:~# chmod 600 /sdcard/Download/HDoc/*
chmod: cannot access '/sdcard/Download/HDoc/*': No such file or directory
root@localhost:~#

What could be the reason of not able to read the files inside some directories? Is it 000 permission on those files? And how come file manager is able to access?
I already tried another terminal too, same issue.

Updating adb tools or trying with different versions may help

Please describe just how you're getting these directory listings? Are you using adb shell or some other tool?

I am using normal terminal in my mobile (installed an app in mobile). For example, google play store"Termux", "UserLAnd", etc.

Your device is rooted obviously and how about SELinux. Is it active or disabled?


text:
Gmail blacks out if you scroll the message
My mother has a relatively new (2-3 months) Samsung Tab S9 FE tablet.  It has developed a problem where if she attempts to scroll through the body of an email in Gmail, the body will blank out, as shown here:

This happens whether scrolling with finger or stylus.  If scrolling with the stylus, the small animated blue circle does appear even in the blacked out area.  Scrolling back and forth will cause the email body to reappear, usually only very briefly.  If I go back to the message list, then re-open an email, it appears normally again until the finger or stylus are used on the message body.
The non-body parts of the screen (header, time banner up top) still show during the email body disappearance.
If you click through a link in the email and open a browser, it displays normally even when scrolling.  Moving through the desktop (e.g. flipping between screens or bringing up the list of applications) all works with scrolling activity.
What I've done: I turned off dark mode in the gmail message settings.  I went into Settings -> Display and toggled every setting back, reproduced the behavior, and forth.  Things like light mode/dark mode, refresh rate, and Vivid colors.  None of those settings made any difference.
Device details: Device is a Galaxy Tab S9 FE, model SM-X510. One UI version 6.1.1, Android version 14, security patch level 10/1/2024.  Current version X510XXS6BXJ1/X510OXM6BXJ1

Could be a problem with the HTML rederer, most likely the email is shown in a WebView. You can enable developer options to see what app is used for providing WebView.  Usually on Android 14 this should be the invisible app Android System WebView. Make sure this app is updated to it's latest state.

I verified that Android System WebView was the HTML renderer and that it was up to date.  I also tried clearing its cache and disk.  No luck, but thank you for the idea.

After trying all suggestions here tried the following steps:

Backup the device config to Samsung's 30-day cloud
Reset the device to factory defaults
Sync basic settings from her cell phone (wireless, Gmail at least)
Test Gmail (the problem disappeared)
Restore the device from Samsung's 30-day cloud
Test Gmail (the problem still disappeared)

So the factory reset seems efficacious but I'll probably keep my fingers crossed for a while.

It seems to me that you are selecting the image instead of scrolling.  Don't rest your finger and then scroll.  Scroll as soon as your finger touches the screen.
If this is not the case then take into where you purchased it from.

The problem was not selecting - the image above is a looping gif, it gives up a lot of detail :) and I also tested on multiple emails, some without images.


text:
Browse or mount SD card over WiFi on Linux?
Is there a way to browse the contents of my SD card from my Linux (Ubuntu 10.04) machine over WiFi?
I used to connect with a mini-usb cable, or send files through gmail. Surely there must be a way to access the files through wifi.
My main focus is ease-of-use, I don't particularly care about speed or security. Although I do prefer a non-cloud solution due to privacy concerns.
(I have not actively searched for a solution yet. I will do this now, so maybe I will answer my own question. Which, as I understood from Atwood, is proper use of a StackExchange site.)

I use FTPServer ( http://www.appbrain.com/app/ftpserver/lutey.FTPServer ) to browse and copy files to and from my phone over wifi. On Ubuntu you can connect to an FTP server and browse it as if it is a directory.

That's indeed the easiest I think. (Although I'm using SwiFTP now.)

WiFi File Explorer allows browsing of the SD card through a web based interface. Quite nice, but perhaps difficult to copy a large number of files.
http://lifehacker.com/5626268/wifi-file-explorer-manages-your-android-sd-card-from-a-web-browser
On Air (Wifi Disk) 'allows you to easily transfer files over your Wi-Fi connection by accessing it as if it were a drive', but only for Mac I suppose.
SwiFTP is an FTP server, which does what it says.

There is WiFi FTP Server from Google Play store which I plan to download and chronicle setup. It has many positive reviews (4.4 stars out of 5 stars) and 500K+ Downloads.
There is a free version with ads and a paid version that is only $0.99 which is a small price to pay to support the developers (IMHO).
My goal is to have static IP address for phone on Home WiFi network and Ubuntu's cron run a job every morning to mount external storage card, log last access time for 3600 filenames and then umount external storage card.

Are you promoting that app or fell prey to rating? It contains trackers , why not always free and ad-free MiXplorer or open-source SwiFTP? Personally I use pure-ftpd. Btw Android mounts /data as well as (emulated) /sdcard with noatime.

@IrfanLatif It turns out the package is no good for mounting in Linux because you need to use sshfs as per my answer here: How to mount Android external storage over WiFi instead of USB. The atime is displayed (but incorrect because of noatime in /etc/fstab) whereas in Nautilus WiFi FTTP Server shows "Unknown" for atime. The GUI Nautilus does me no good I needed to fuse mount it so I could use CLI commands. Also, FTP has security flaws. SSH is the way to go I think.

SSHFS? That's for SFTP, not FTP if I'm not mistaken. To be able to see Last Access Time is of no use when the original file doesn't have relevant time stamp at all. Yes SSH is far better than FTP, that's why I went that far. I have both SSH and FTP servers running on my device as native service when I turn on WiFi. FTP is chrooted to /sdcard/FTP where I put files that I want to share over WLAN. Other party can access the files even in a web browser, that's the only benefit of FTP.

@IrfanLatif +1 to Q&A. It's a valuable resource.


text:
How to use the front camera with Tango?
Like lots of us, I guess, I discovered Tango today (one the greatest app !)
As I own a Galaxy S, I wonder if we can use the front camera while talking.
I know we can do that using the builtin visiocall app.
Does anybody know the hack ?
http://www.appbrain.com/app/tango-video-calls/com.sgiggle.production
Thanks.

Nobody tried this out ?

There doesn't seem to be a reason you can't use the front-facing camera. It seems that's what the app is designed for. It even says here that you don't need a front-facing camera.
Why you think you need a "hack?" Looks like you just need another person with the Tango app... http://tango.me/product/how_tango.php. Maybe I misunderstood your question...

The Recent Changes list for v1.4.4857 (released around 11/11/10) states:

We added support for front facing cameras on Samsung devices
We fixed an issue that was causing some HTC EVOs to reboot when launching
  Tango

So it looks like they needed to change something specific in their software to let you use the front facing camera, and they've done that now!


text:
Flashing a New Kernel
If I'm going to flash a new Kernel with ROM Manager Pro, do I need to reinstall my MOD, delete my data, or delete my cache?
I am running CM 6.1 and want to flash one of ChevyNo1's kernels but will I have to reload CM and all my data?

No, you do not have to reload or delete anything.
However do make sure you take a NANDROID backup before you install one of those kernels.  You can potentially get into a reboot-loop that can only be broken by flashing another (lower mhz) kernel or restoring to a previous NANDROID backup.
I went from stock kernel to now running the ultra low voltage 800mhz ChevyNo1 kernel.  I couldn't get it go any faster with ultra low voltage without a reboot-loop.
Basically you will start with the lowest processor speed kernel at a certain voltage and work your way up.  So try ULV 800mhz, if it runs stable at 800mhz, try the 1ghz, then the 1.1ghz, etc.  If you're wanting to conserve battery, then try the ULV kernel.  If you're wanting processor speed, the LV kernel should be just fine.  Your mileage will vary because no two Droid processors are made exactly a like (because these kernels are going outside of the processor's design specifications).


text:
Root no longer root
I rooted my nexus one and successfully used a lot of root-only apps. But one day all these apps stopped working, saying I don't have root. Terminal emulator says "permission denied" for everything again, as if I wasn't root. But unlocked lock is still showed at startup. How would I fix that? I don't want to root again, because I will have to do a large backup then.

Are you stock or do you have a custom ROM?  And if the latter, which one?

Stock, not custom. Just rooted.

Did you by chance have an automatic OTA update?  That would do it.

Probably yes. Do I need to root it again? Or what?

Yes,if you updated, you have to root it again.

To avoid unrooting after OTA update,

Open SuperSU
Go to Settings
Enable Pro (you have to purchase the SuperSU Pro from PlayStore)
Enable Survival Mode


text:
How do I copy text from my PC to my phone?
I am looking for a way to copy text from my home computer to my phone, sort of a shared clipboard. Right now I go to the zxing QR code generator and paste the code, take a picture of the screen with the phone, and set the barcode scanner to copy text to the clipboard. It seems like there should be a simpler way. Does anyone know of a way to do this?

You can install the WiFi Keyboard app from Android Market. A good app, supports both USB and WiFi input. You need to follow information carefully, to get work around.

Thanks for pointing this out. The WIFI Keyboard works great. I'm more and more amazed of what's possible with our little devices  :)

Great! Now I'm not scared of those password fields anymore!

Some more information would be useful, to make it a complete.

The app is longer on Google Play :(

Chrome-to-Phone

Looks interesting, but I like that WiFi Keyboard does not require any software on the PC, just a wifi connection.

chrome to phone doesn't require any software too, and it's simpler in its use than WiFi keyboard, you just highlight the text you want to copy then click on the icon besides the address bar in your chrome browser

Sadly, it says "This item is not available on your carrier" :(

That app is longer on Google Play :(

Google DocsDrive allows collaborative editing between phone app and webapp. Updates typically propogate from one to the other within a few seconds, and just appear in the document on the updated device, with markup to show that it came from someone else.
I use it for brainstorming sessions with my colleagues on the go, I like it better than SMS/Email because it's easier to see what they're talking about (their text appears in the pertinent part of the document)

As of now the new "Docs" native android Apps is awesome: it shows you live the text being taped on your PC!!! Thanks for sharing this trics!

Try ClipSync
It's an app I have written that will update the clipboard on your PC once it has detected a change in the android clipboard over WiFi. (And vice versa.)
So you can do:

ctr+c (win) -> long press - paste (android).
long press - copy (android) -> ctrl+v (win).

QRCopy is a free app that lets you share your clipboard between your PC and nearly any other device.  It uses qr codes to transfer information, so it works on any device that has a QR code reader.  The Windows version includes a fast QR code reader that works using your webcam, and it has a mobile app that runs on most other devices.  Once you have some text in your clipboard you just press windows-v and it pops up in an onscreen qr code ready for you to scan using your mobile.  To send text back to your pc you use it's qr code generator on your mobile to copy your text to a qr code, then on your pc you just press windows-c and it will fire up your webcam and use it to read the qr code on your mobile device.  It only takes a second or two, and it works in any program.
http://www.qrcopy.net
[Disclaimer: I am a friend of the guy who created QRCopy.]

Perfectly valid answer IMO. Worked great for me. There's a bug (or a feature?) however. I wan't able to type my text into the text box on the page, just the URL bar.

You can try Pushbullet app (also requires the chrome extension for windows). It's includes universal copy and paste (currently only supported on Android and Windows).

To enable the feature, you'll have to go to the advanced settings on
  each device you want to sync. Once you turn it on, copying text on one
  device will automatically send it to the clipboard of all the others.
  The developers state they're working on adding iOS and OS X support,
  but for now it works pretty well between Android and Windows devices.

How, specifically, does this solve the OP's problem?

PushBullet has a shared clipboard between Android devices and your PC when Pushbullet is installed in chrome and on the android devices.

You can use AirDroid. It has a clipboard feature and works over Wi-Fi.

Works like a charm. Allows sending files, URLs, and app APK's as well. Thanks for the recommendation.

Clipboard doesn't work on newer phones.

Use UniClip. It has a desktop client, with global keyboard shortcuts to copy, paste text to/from your other devices.
To copy text from PC to Android,

Copy a text in your PC, then hit CTRL + Shift + C.
Your mobile will be notify you about the incoming clip, you might have to shake your mobile few times (this can be changed in preferences) to copy the
clip to your mobile's clipboard.

To copy text from Android to PC:

Copy some text on your mobile device.
You will be notified of an incoming clip on your PC, press Ctrl + Shift + V to put the  clip on your PC's clipboard. And then paste it like usual on any
application.

Download the desktop client from: piyushagade.xyz/uniclip
Features:

Users can decide if/which their devices should update their clipboards. So, if you want only only one of your device to update their clipboards, then you can achieve this by shaking only that particular device.
The applications are very light on resources.
Android application maintains session's clipboard history.

Disclosure: I am the developer of the app

I use a standard text file synchronized through Dropbox. Works in both directions.

Thats is easy! Have whatsapp running on your PC. And paste/write text on to your account and access it on phone immediately!! enjoy the super fast sync.
and the other way around to get it on PC.
No extra apps, whatsapp is always on the most easily accessible part on your phone anyways!
and you always have a history. Who else messages yourself on whatsapp? :)

clipbrd is a chrome extension and android app works great across multiple pcs, macs, and android phones

I use Evernote to sync text between PC and phone.

I use AutoRemote and Tasker to copy text, as well as files. It does have a steep learning curve to use it, but it is an extremely powerful tool to transfer data, and there are many tutorials online to help.

I wrote bash script that will do that (for linux). It will require internet too. All you need to do is

create a launcher for the script and put it on the panel.
Highlight the text you want to transfer and click on the launcher.
A barcode will appear on the screen and you can scan that.

Link to script

I would recommend Alt-C app. It has 2 parts a small desktop application that runs in the system tray and an Android app. Basically, you copy any text with the keyboard shortcut alt-c and then you can long click and paste it on your phone and vice-versa for a phone to PC copy paste. The advantage this app has over ClipSync and Clipbrd(Both apps I've used before), is that Clipsync only works if both your device are on the same wifi network and Clipbrd requires you to keep Chrome browser running, which eats up resources. Also unlike other apps that only allow copying and pasting a single item, Alt-C keeps a list of up to 50 items synced across your devices.Personally, I feel the ideal solution would be a clipboard manager app like Ditto or 1Clipboard with cross-platform cloud synced shared clipboard.

So how does Alt-C work since you said clip synch needs devices to be in same network?

@xavier_fakerat they pass the data through their cloud servers.

+1 but then its also a disadvantage if you're not exclusively connected to an internet connection. I prefer local connection however, but this is still worth a good answer!

I use airdroid.
But a very simple & handy solution should be with default APP.
gmail is installed in everyone's mobile -android/iOS (I think)

goto gmail in browser
type anything in new message
close it. this saves it in draft.
Open gmail APP in mobile.
Goto draft. You will find your message (text) over there.

I have skype on my pc and phone. if i like a url i can paste it into there and send it to any address then it pops up on my phone as well.

I recommend My-Clipboard.com, paste from phone (browser/app), then open in browser on PC and click copy :)

try https://etell.me no registration needed. Simply create a customised tag e.g https://etell.me/my-temp-text and you can update text there e.g on your phone; then visit the same URL on your laptop. It’s based on Google Firestore so the data are synced between devices on the fly.

Many good solutions in this thread, my suggestion is Snapcopy (http://snapcopyapp.com/) that i've used for some time now and does exactly what OP needed. Cheers!

Can you provide steps to use this for the objective?

Sure: 1. Install the app 2. Install the chrome extension 3. Copy, paste

You can use my app, Reader’S Checkpoints (RSC) which supports this functionality. The app can be downloaded free from Google Playstore, here is the link. With this app installed on your android phone, all you have to do is, head over to the website http://rscweb.in/ on the computer from which you need to transfer the text and click “send text to phone”. On the field that you see just type in/paste the text which you need to send to your android phone. Now click “Generate QR”, a new QR code will be generated. Now just open the Reader’S Checkpoints (RSC) app and scan the QR from your computer to receive the text instantly on your app.
Further details regarding the app can be found here
The app also offers a ton of other features like sharing text from android device to computer, adding a note and sharing it using a unique url, share text from any app on your phone to pc without even opening the Reader’S Checkpoints (RSC) etc.


text:
Why does my HTC Desire browser crash on startup after update?
after I've applied recent OTA update (2.29.405.2) to my HTC Desire I can't use built-in browser anymore. It crashes every time I run it. Here is a stacktrace:

12-08 20:13:45.929: ERROR/AndroidRuntime(2147): FATAL EXCEPTION: main
  12-08 20:13:45.929: ERROR/AndroidRuntime(2147): java.lang.UnsatisfiedLinkError: nativeEnableGifAnimation
  12-08 20:13:45.929: ERROR/AndroidRuntime(2147):     at android.webkit.HTCWebCore.nativeEnableGifAnimation(Native Method)
  12-08 20:13:45.929: ERROR/AndroidRuntime(2147):     at android.webkit.WebView.fnEnableGifAnimation(WebView.java:13341)
  12-08 20:13:45.929: ERROR/AndroidRuntime(2147):     at android.webkit.WebSettings.setIsEnableGifAnimation(WebSettings.java:1617)
  12-08 20:13:45.929: ERROR/AndroidRuntime(2147):     at com.android.browser.BrowserSettings$Observer.update(BrowserSettings.java:335)
  12-08 20:13:45.929: ERROR/AndroidRuntime(2147):     at com.android.browser.TabControl.createNewWebView(TabControl.java:707)
  12-08 20:13:45.929: ERROR/AndroidRuntime(2147):     at com.android.browser.TabControl.createNewTab(TabControl.java:180)
  12-08 20:13:45.929: ERROR/AndroidRuntime(2147):     at com.android.browser.BrowserActivity.onCreate(BrowserActivity.java:430)
  12-08 20:13:45.929: ERROR/AndroidRuntime(2147):     at android.app.Instrumentation.callActivityOnCreate(Instrumentation.java:1069)
  12-08 20:13:45.929: ERROR/AndroidRuntime(2147):     at android.app.ActivityThread.performLaunchActivity(ActivityThread.java:2751)
  12-08 20:13:45.929: ERROR/AndroidRuntime(2147):     at android.app.ActivityThread.handleLaunchActivity(ActivityThread.java:2803)
  12-08 20:13:45.929: ERROR/AndroidRuntime(2147):     at android.app.ActivityThread.access$2300(ActivityThread.java:135)
  12-08 20:13:45.929: ERROR/AndroidRuntime(2147):     at android.app.ActivityThread$H.handleMessage(ActivityThread.java:2136)
  12-08 20:13:45.929: ERROR/AndroidRuntime(2147):     at android.os.Handler.dispatchMessage(Handler.java:99)
  12-08 20:13:45.929: ERROR/AndroidRuntime(2147):     at android.os.Looper.loop(Looper.java:144)
  12-08 20:13:45.929: ERROR/AndroidRuntime(2147):     at android.app.ActivityThread.main(ActivityThread.java:4937)
  12-08 20:13:45.929: ERROR/AndroidRuntime(2147):     at java.lang.reflect.Method.invokeNative(Native Method)
  12-08 20:13:45.929: ERROR/AndroidRuntime(2147):     at java.lang.reflect.Method.invoke(Method.java:521)
  12-08 20:13:45.929: ERROR/AndroidRuntime(2147):     at com.android.internal.os.ZygoteInit$MethodAndArgsCaller.run(ZygoteInit.java:868)
  12-08 20:13:45.929: ERROR/AndroidRuntime(2147):     at com.android.internal.os.ZygoteInit.main(ZygoteInit.java:626)
  12-08 20:13:45.929: ERROR/AndroidRuntime(2147):     at dalvik.system.NativeStart.main(Native Method)
  12-08 20:13:48.398: ERROR/ActivityManager(92): Error running process
  12-08 20:13:48.398: ERROR/ActivityManager(92): java.io.IOException: Error running exec(). Command: [/system/xbin/procrank] Working Directory: null Environment: [ANDROID_SOCKET_zygote=11, ANDROID_BOOTLOGO=1, EXTERNAL_STORAGE=/mnt/sdcard, ANDROID_ASSETS=/system/app, ASEC_MOUNTPOINT=/mnt/asec, PATH=/sbin:/system/sbin:/system/bin:/system/xbin, ANDROID_DATA=/data, BOOTCLASSPATH=/system/framework/core.jar:/system/framework/ext.jar:/system/framework/framework.jar:/system/framework/android.policy.jar:/system/framework/services.jar:/system/framework/com.htc.framework.jar:/system/framework/com.htc.android.pimlib.jar:/system/framework/com.htc.android.easopen.jar:/system/framework/com.scalado.util.ScaladoUtil.jar, ANDROID_PROPERTY_WORKSPACE=10,65536, ANDROID_ROOT=/system, LD_LIBRARY_PATH=/system/lib]
  12-08 20:13:48.398: ERROR/ActivityManager(92):     at java.lang.ProcessManager.exec(ProcessManager.java:226)
  12-08 20:13:48.398: ERROR/ActivityManager(92):     at java.lang.ProcessBuilder.start(ProcessBuilder.java:201)
  12-08 20:13:48.398: ERROR/ActivityManager(92):     at com.android.server.am.ActivityManagerService.logProcessResult(ActivityManagerService.java:9437)
  12-08 20:13:48.398: ERROR/ActivityManager(92):     at com.android.server.am.ActivityManagerService.access$900(ActivityManagerService.java:155)
  12-08 20:13:48.398: ERROR/ActivityManager(92):     at com.android.server.am.ActivityManagerService$9.run(ActivityManagerService.java:9614)
  12-08 20:13:48.398: ERROR/ActivityManager(92): Caused by: java.io.IOException: No such file or directory
  12-08 20:13:48.398: ERROR/ActivityManager(92):     at java.lang.ProcessManager.exec(Native Method)
  12-08 20:13:48.398: ERROR/ActivityManager(92):     at java.lang.ProcessManager.exec(ProcessManager.java:224)
  12-08 20:13:48.398: ERROR/ActivityManager(92):     ... 4 more

I have tried factory reset, but that doesn't help. Does anybody know how to fix the problem?

O.K. I've resolved the issue by re-applying the OTA update from sdcard with recovery mode.

@AI Everett Will do, the site says that I only can do that after 20 hours :)


text:
Do I need network's SIM in in order to receive OTA update
I have a UK HTC Magic which is from Vodafone - I am in France for the time being and don't have the Vodafone SIM in. The phone is on the internet via wifi a lot.
Do I need to have Vodafone's sim in the phone in order to receive the Froyo OTA update that was announced today?

No, you don't. The updates are received from the Servers of the Provider/Manufacturer. This adress is saved in the ROM. So you just need an internet connection via 3g or wifi.


text:
Android phone does not show up on file manager when cable is connected
Android phone does not show up on file manager when cable is connected.
Thunar is my file manager.
I am using Ubuntu-Mate.
It used to work ?
My phone is a samsung a25.
Can someone help me?

Have you tested a different USB cable? have you checked Windows device manager if a device appears when you connect your phone? Is the phone unlocked (enter pin after reboot on lock screen)?

"File manager"? Linux? macOS? Windows? Atari? Need more info.

Hi, looks like you've found the solution by yourself. Consider posting it as a proper answer since self-answering is not only allowed but even encouraged. Thanks.

@Andrew T. Thanks for your positive attitude. You encourage me while a few look for ways to complain.

It was a bad cable. Replacing the cable connecting an android phone to my desktop computer running Ubuntu Mate 24.04 was successful in allowing the transfer of files.

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


text:
How can I improve copy times between an Android phone and my home computer
How can I improve copy times between an Android phone and my home computer.
It is a USB3 port which has faster transfer speeds than the USB 2.0 that is on the right side of my desktop computer. Direct cable from the smart phone to a USB 3 port. I do NOT use WiFi.
Thunar is my file manager.
Transferring 1.5 Gb of data in the form of pictures and videos takes around 45 minutes using the Copy command.
I am using U_Mate 24.04.
Galaxy A25 5G
Android Version 14

Please identify how you are transferring, if over a USB cable what is the Android device USB speed / PC USB speed, if over WiFi provide details. Regardless, identifying the Android device model and OS version may be helpful.

If you search for "USB file transfer speeds on Linux" you'll find quite a bit. Just looking at the PC I can't tell if the front USB panel even supports USB 2.0 standard, you'll have to check you PC's Linux log messages. You would also have to check if the back USB ports are different. It may help to know if both the PC and Android phone are connected to the same WiFi, i.e. if PC has a ethernet connection to WiFi router, you may have better speeds from the phone to your PC via FTP/SFTP over WiFi (a Gig of data will still take time).

Already a SD-card reader might be a bottleneck if not USB3.x, and flash memory is slow in general - the phone's internal flash might not be a speedy type, and e.g. a uSD card might also set limits. I'd say that a proper USB 3.x card reader combined with suitable flash-memory media might be the quickest. Assuming your phone has a slot for that media.

It is a USB3 port. I am not using a SD card. Direct cable from the smart phone to a USB 3 port. I do NOT use WiFi.

The phone has an USB-C port however according to Samsung it supports only USB 2.0 which means you are limited to ~30MB/sec for large files. Smaller files will be transferred slower because of general overhead. And I would try to use adb instead of MTP or one of the other "consumer protocols" that is most likely used by your file-manager on PC side.

@Robert Can you provide an actual example of "adb instead of MTP or one of the other "consumer protocols" that is most likely used by your file-manager on PC side." Thanks.

What do you mean by "actual example"? Just try it out yourself. Enable Developer Mode and adb on the phone and install adb e.g. via your Linux packagemanager. Adb is a pure command-line use it via adb pull / adb push.

@Robert I have a developer settings, but it has nothing that I see for "Enabling Developer Mode." I see Version 14.1.00.6.

developer settings is what I call developer mode. Then just enable adb (Android Debug Bridge)

@Robert I appreciate your attempt to help me. I will post my question on other sites who may have a better understanding of what help I am seeking.


text:
How to Enable USB Debugging (Security Settings) on a Poco X3 Pro with a Broken Screen for scrcpy and Backup My Data First?
I have a Poco X3 Pro with a broken screen (the screen doesn’t turn on, it’s just dimly lit in Fastboot and during boot) due to water damage, and I need to control it from my PC using scrcpy. The phone is unrooted, and I can’t access the UI due to the broken display. I can temporarily install TWRP (even though it reverts after reboot).
I want to use scrcpy to control the phone, but to do so, I need to enable USB debugging (Security Settings), which I can’t do without access to the screen
Here’s what I can do:

The phone can enter Fastboot mode, and I can temporarily install TWRP.
USB Debugging is already enabled.
USB Debugging (Security Settings) is disabled. (Xiaomi devices require this toggled on)
to be able to use scrcpy
I have no access to the screen or UI.

Before making any changes, I’d like to back up all my important data (apps, system data, personal files) or do a full-phone backup as a precaution, in case the process is risky or anything goes wrong during the procedure.

I would try first using an USB mouse. Use it directly to control the UI or use it to pair a Bluetooth mouse.

"USB Debugging (Security Settings) is disabled." You can control still the device with UHID: scrcpy -KM.


text:
How to get default banner notifitications back (Black rounded banner notifications on Android 14)
After having played around with settings to setup my phone better, my banner notifications have changed style:

I've searched for "notification" and gone through all settings to try and figure it out, but after having spend an hour going through menus I'm non the wiser. The "new/black rounded" banners have no action buttons so they are quite useless.
I'm on a Zenfone 9 running Android 14.


text:
Can Android phones restrict background syncing to secure WiFi connections?
Context:

T-mobile G1
CyanogenMod
No data plan

WiFi is available for free in many places, including my home, local libraries, and even at least 1 doctor's office. However, not all of them are secure. While I don't mind using insecure networks for Google Maps or simple Google searches, I don't want to transmit my Google account infomration/e-mails/contact list/etc. in the clear.
Is there a way to keep the phone from doing this?
Incidentally, I really don't want to turn off background sync completely because that would defeat the point of having a phone that's (more or less) always up to date.

In general, you should never assume that any internet connection is secure. Not even if you owned the hotspot. Internet is built under the assumption that intermediary links are unreliable and not necessarily trustworthy (not even your service provider or the backbone operators should be considered trustworthy). That's why we have developed various authentication and encryption protocols which can ensure secure communication through these untrustworthy channels.
In short, use HTTPS or SSL when accessing informations that you don't want anyone snooping on and do not use apps that do not use HTTPS/SSL. Gmail always uses SSL when communicating with Google servers, although last time I checked not for Calendar or Contacts, though this may have changed since then.


text:
How much user-available memory do you need?
How much user-available memory is needed in an android phone that runs Gingerbread and is likely to be upgraded to Ice Cream Sandwich in order to be able to install and work with a reasonable number of apps.
Of course, the answer might differ depending on the usage profile of the specific user so 2-4 number ranges would be useful (e.g., light, typical, or heavy user).

Folks, I think this is a good question. Many users have that problem and this gives much grief to guys with medium class phones (that often come with less /data space). My former top of the notch HTC Desire comes only with 145MB originally. Even with moving apps to the sdcard you will hit that rather quickly.

Agreed! It will put an end to faffing around trying to work out what is the minimum for ICS.

should be this a community wiki for other ICS users to fill in their details here?

That could be somewhat merged/tied in with this question http://android.stackexchange.com/questions/25502/how-to-move-applications-to-external-memory-card-on-ics

@ce4 I own a "medium class phone", and I can vouch for the space issue! My phone seems to have a bytes eater bug inside! :) +1 for this question!

@t0mm13b, I would keep the questions separated because as people mentioned (and indeed in my case) this question is more relevant when people shop for a phone. A  link to a possible solution to insufficient memory is, of course, useful but more relevant at a later stage.

How much more /data space does ICS need in comparison to GB?
Easy answer: The same.
3rd party installed apps need as much storage on both GB and ICS and maybe ICS' internal apps need a little more storage, but that's negligible. Most often it's just the user apps that grow bigger and bigger by time (with bigger devices. It's the same with bloated websites as connection speeds grow).
I have installed ICS on all of my current devices and can say that it's not a big difference. I typically need 400-800MB with some games (MaxPayne, GTA3, etc.) and consider myself a medium-to-power user (with number of apps installed).
Breakdown for my Nexus S: 650MB used
Internal stuff, summed up: around 100MB (after some usage time)
User installed apps+data: 550MB
Dalvik-Cache: 85MB (15MB for internal apps, 70MB for user apps)
App sizes: 350MB (15MB for internal updated apps, 335MB for user apps)
App data: 190MB (40MB for internal apps, 150MB for user apps)
Remaining: 25MB for the FS journal and misc random stuff

So I guess, you need around 80-100MB for the minimal stuff (maybe less) and on top of this all that you want to install.
I think the comfort zone starts at 250MB if you move apps to the sdcard and 500-750MB if you won't.

This is the minimum specs for ICS:

Minimum chipset: ARMv7 and upwards, SnapDragon S2 and greater, preferably. (MSM 7225, 7625, 7227, 7627 - forget those chipsets as they are ARMv6)
Minimum RAM is 512Mb,
ICS is bigger than Gingerbread ROM, we're talking Stock ROM, (GB weighs around 65Mb, ICS weighs in around 120Mb), then again ROM modders have somewhat trimmed down ICS to about 90Mb)

The crucial thing to remember is this, if your /system partition is small (I define small as around 120-140Mb) then ICS is going to have a hard time running in that storage space.
At the bare minimum, the /system partition would be ideally 200Mb to cater and give breathing space for ICS.

Just to clarify, 200Mb will leave 80Mb for apps on ICS? If so, would that be enough for a small, medium or heavy apps user?

Cannot answer that explicitly as to each and their own personal tastes :)

The OP doesn't ask about /system but only about /data. I guess the RAM is also not of question here (It does count however count, right). It's solely a question of how big /data should be to feel comfortable.

I suppose, but then again, when the play store updates google apps (GMail, Maps, play store), it goes into /system as when gapps gets flashed in, it adds those into /system as well!

nope, /system doesn't get touched (HTC phones lock it for example completely, the infamous S-ON flag on the flash for the /system partition). You can see it if you look at an updated system app: You can uninstall updates of the market for example. BTW: TitaniumBackup just allows this, it's called 'integrate system app updates into /system' or so. User data of system is by the way also stored at /data

If you have CWM, and flash the gappsinto it, that's what I was talking about, but then momentarily forgot that if you're not rooted nor unlocked... different story :) Zte, Samsung and Sony when rooted/unlocked, allows it to happen, the official gapps zip does load the google apps directly into /system

:-) ah, ok. That's of course correct (for modded phones however) .zip updates can of course and will write their stuff to /system because /data loses its content after a wipe.


text:
Get installed apps as APK within Android?
I'm looking for an application that will let me easily export any application I have to APK format (I'm not rooted). Normally, AirDroid does this easily and I love AirDroid for that. However, one of the downsides was that I need to be around a computer to do the said process. Are there any apps that offer a way for me to output the APK file from within the Android itself? I can see that some backup solutions provide this but I don't want a whole new backup system just to do this one small task. A small utility app of sorts would be really nice which has only one purpose and that is to produce the APK file.

Backup apps using Astro File Manager.
Alternatively, you can use a little app dedicated for this task: App Backup & Restore.

Yup, that's what I needed! Thanks! Shame it can't backup system apps too though.


text:
micro-usb headset on android 2.3
I have a samsung galaxy ace which I am trying to setup to work with a usb headset. The problem is that the usb headset has a micro-usb connector and my phone does not seem to be recognizing it at all.
I only need to use the headset to activate a phone call. I do not need to hear any audio from it, I just need to be able to press the 'phone' button on the headset and have it answer the phone.
I've read up on the android developers guide and it seems as though a passive usb headset must be communicated with in host mode. It also says host mode is only available on android 3.1+
I was wondering if anyone could tell me if there is any way to get this to work? using the specific speaker output port is not an option.

I believe this is impossible.
The headset requires power from the device. Android versions before 3.1 state that they can not support powering the usb bus.
From the developer guide:

When the Android-powered device is in host mode, it acts as the USB host and powers the bus. When the Android-powered device is in USB accessory mode, the connected USB hardware (an Android USB accessory in this case) acts as the host and powers the bus.
USB accessory and host modes are directly supported in Android 3.1 (API level 12) or newer platforms. USB accessory mode is also backported to Android 2.3.4 (API level 10) as an add-on library to support a broader range of devices. Device manufacturers can choose whether or not to include the add-on library on the device's system image.

unless there is a custom android OS that supports usb host mode, I believe what I'm trying to achieve is impossible


text:
Auto-rotate setting disabled permanently on Toshiba AT100
About a week ago, the setting for auto-rotate on my Toshiba AT100 (running stock 3.2.1) got permanently disabled somehow, and I am unable to change it. It says it is "on", but the setting is grayed-out, and the screen does not rotate with the device.
Does anyone know how to re-enable this setting?

Based on this do you have some switch near volume button? If yes, try changing it.

I'll try this when I get home!

Bahh, I feel like a wooper now, but it works! Thanks @roxan :)


text:
How to sync contacts and calendar with Linux system, without using Gmail?
How can I sync my contacts and calendar with a Linux system?
I'd prefer to sync with my desktop, but setting up a server on the internet would also be possible.
I want to avoid Google mail for privacy reasons.

It depends on how you are managing your contacts and calendar on your Linux system.
If you are using Evolution, Sunbird, Thunderbird, Lightening, Kontact or Yahoo then MemoToo will get the job done.

Take a look at Funambol (which I think MemoToo is built on). See also:

How do I sync calendars using Funambol? (There's a fix)
How to sync calendar with android without google?
Suggestions for syncing data to someone besides Google? Funambol?


text:
Any answering machine app (or widget) out there?
Is there any app which can function as an answering machine, with multiple recorded messages, like "gone to take a shower", or "in a meeting" and easily switch between those?

Google Voice allows you to record different greetings and switch between them or assign them to different callers, unfortunately the app doesn't handle these things so you have to manage those settings on the web (voice.google.com).
There's an app called Visual VoiceMail (not to be confused with your carriers visual voicemail app), that works with Phone Fusion's Fusion Voicemail Plus service which replaces your carrier's voicemail like Google Voice does and claims to allow you to change and schedule different voicemail greetings from their app.


text:
How long does the Android browser keep its history files for?
I'm one of those people who actually likes to keep all my old history files, since I like to see what sites I was browsing 6 months ago.
So does anyone know how long the Android browser stores data for? Or is there a maximum file size of the history file that it collects? Are there also any Android history archival utilities available?

To my knowledge-- all Android stock browsers will keep the history forever.
Until the cache is manually wiped or wiped because of an OTA update -- since I'm pretty sure the updates wipe the cache before booting-- Even still, I'm pretty sure the browser's cache isn't touched in that process.
I'm quite certain you have nothing to worry about in terms of losing history.
If you are running 4.0.x (I think it's exclusive to that version- you could check), you can get the Chrome Beta browser, which keeps your history in sync with your Google account-- along with your bookmarks, and of course the history from any other machines you run Chrome on.
Pretty neat.


text:
How can I fix the "Can't open timeline using this device" error when trying to migrate to my timeline to be on-device?
I recently received an email from Google telling me to migrate my timeline to be on-device. When I clicked the "review settings" option from the email, it opened my google maps app.
After loading for a few seconds, it would display an error reading, "Can't open timeline on this type of device. To keep going back in time, use the Google Maps app on a supported smartphone. Important: Timeline isn't avaliable on Android Go devices."

The strange thing is, my device isn't running Android Go. Here are my device details:

Device Make: Pixel 6a
OS Version: Android 15 (Build AP4A.241205.013)

Security Patch: December 5, 2024,
Google Play System Update: November 1, 2024

Google Maps Version (from in-app): 24.50.01.704483103 (#1067838727)
Google Play Services Version (from system settings): version 24.47.61 (260400-704347912)
Google Play Store Version (from in-app): 43.9.17-31 [O] [PR] 700738295
Phone not rooted, have entered and exited android public beta multiple times through non-wipe exits (QPRs)

Troubleshooting steps I've already taken:

Restart device
Check for Android updates, app updates (in Google Play Store), and Google Play System Updates (in device settings)
Clear Cache and Data of Google Maps, Google Play Store, and Google Play Services

Related Google Help Article: https://support.google.com/maps/answer/14169818
What haven't I tried yet that could be causing this, and how can I fix it?

Update: I recently received an on-device notification from the Google Maps app asking me to migrate my timeline to be on-device (with similar wording to the email). Tapping the notification led to the same error mentioned above.
The notification read as follows:
"Keep your timeline?" "Timeline is changing. To avoid losing visits and routes, update your settings by Jun 9."

Is the phone rooted? AFAIK, Android Go is determined by the value of ro.config.low_ram in build.prop. (Ref: Disable Android Go?)

@andrew-t Phone not rooted, running stock software. Although I have entered and left the Android beta program through no-wipe exit updates (through QPRs). Maybe that has something to do with it? Will update question later with this info.


text:
Turn ringer to loud from vibrate when a particular contact calls
What can I do to make my phone ringer switch from vibrate to loud when a particular contact calls?
I tried using Tasker and created a profile for a Phone state, when a contact calls > set ringer volume to max.
It works... like this: when my phone is vibrate, and I get a phone call from the contact, the ringer goes up to high... however the call is still is on vibrate. The new high ringer volume affects only subsequent calls (from any contact).
So it doesn't exactly work as you can see. What can I do?
I use Nexus 6p with Marshmallow.

Put your phone into priority interruption mode and star the contact for which you want the phone to ring. Then automatically your phone will ring with volume when that particular contact calls and it will vibrate for other calls

Can you tell us what is silent mode here? There is Total Silence/Alarms Only/Priority but no such thing as Silent in Marshmallow.

@Firelord I added "/silent" assuming that will be the same scenario, but I'm looking for a solution for when the phone is on vibrate. I'll edit the q-n

@ulmas Okay. Do you see a problem in the answer below? You've neither accepted it, nor mentioned any issue with it, yet it seems to me that the problem is unresolved. Can you explain the issue with that answer here or there so that other posters avoid it?

@Firelord I upvoted the comment that reflected my opinion about the asnwer :)

@BarathVutukuri Priority interruptions would disable any kind of notifications, which is why the question is about the vibrate scenario.

@ulmas priority interruption will allow starred contacts to be ringed without disablling the ringtone.

Try adding a Action -> Media -> Play Ringtone -> Type: Ringer to your Tasker profile, to explicitly play the default ringtone after you set full volume. You can also apply a custom ringtone if you want.
Tested on Galaxy S5.
Hope it works for you!

Yes, it works but how do you stop that ringtone then? I started my task, left the device untouched for an  hour and the device kept ringing the ringtone! Media Stop event didn't help either.

On KitKat and Lollipop the ringtone does not stop. Noted in the Tasker documentation: In some Android versions ringtones will endlessly loop due to an Android bug. For that we can use Media -> Music Play instead, followed by a Music Stop.

That issue appears to be present in stock Android 6.0.1 as well. Can you consider incorporating the info available in your comment into your answer? I'm sure I won't be alone here having that endless loop in Tasker.


text:
Dvorak keyboard layout on stock Android
I just updated my Nexus 7 to Jelly-Bean 4.2, and it has the swipe keyboard which is awesome. I want to keep this feature of the stock android keyboard, but with the Dvorak keyboard layout. Is this possible?
I'm NOT looking for a replacement. I like the built in keyboard, I just am wondering if it's possible to change the stock keyboard layout.
Also, if it's easy to switch between Dvorak and qwerty that's preferable :-)

This is supported in stock android.
Settings -> Languages & Input -> Android Keyboard (Settings icon) -> Advanced settings -> Custom input styles -> Add style -> Set Language & Layout
Then to activate this style, go back to the keyboard settings and go to the input languages and uncheck "use system language" then check the languages you want. :-)

This doesn't seem to work these days? I don't see "Advanced Settings".

I believe it is possible. Choose the layout from SETTINGS > LANGUAGE AND INPUT and the settings button on the side of the ANdroid keyboard.
You might also try long-pressing the SPACE bar on the keyboard.
This page does mention that Jelly Bean has in-built support for DVORAK.

This worked! I'm trying it now :-) I'll post the steps later :-)

Too bad that there seems to be support for that one US English Dvorak layout only.
I'd find other options such as right-hand / left-hand Dvorak or the German or Swedish Dvorak flavors useful and interesting... But they don't seem to exist natively, even with my 7.0 version.

Too bad that there seems to be support for that one US English Dvorak layout only.
I'd find other options such as right-hand / left-hand Dvorak or the German or Swedish Dvorak flavors useful and interesting... But they don't seem to exist natively, even with my 7.0 version.

Currently,
Settings ->
Language and input ->
Google keyboard ->
Preferences ->
Custom input styles
Select language of choice and Dvorak
Then
Settings ->
Language and input ->
Google keyboard ->
Languages
Turn of system default
Select English(US) Dvorak or similar


text:
OTA update failing after rooting phone
I have an unlocked Nexus One that I rooted to remove a system application (Twitter), but now the OTA system update fails with the message
Verifying current system ...
assert failed: apply_patch_check("/system/app/Twitter.apk", "<long hex string>")
E:Error in /cache/c8847c98b948.signed-passion-FRG83-fromFR91.c8847c98.zip
(status 7)

Un-rooting the device doesn't seem to fix this. Is there more to removing a system app than doing a 'rm' of the .apk? For example, is there some configuration file that also needs patching?

What ended up working was re-installing the stock Nexus One (a.k.a. Passion) image. There seem to be several different ways to go back to a stock installation, but what worked for me was:

Download the PASSIMG_Passion_.zip file from shipped-roms.com
Re-name the file passimg.zip and copy it to the SD card via USB
Booted into hboot (hold the volume down button while powering on the phone)
Selected 'yes' when asked if hboot should install the image

The above steps were inspired by this post in the XDA-Developers forum. After doing this, OTA updates started working again.

It looks like you need to re-add the Twitter.apk, update, then remove it again.  Have you tried that?  The patch itself is trying to find that apk for the update (not sure if you can change the patch since it is probably signed?).

From what I've read, the system update removes the exploit which allows rooting the phone in the first place. My hope was to remove the app while rooting the phone was still possible.

HA! Those bastards. Don't worry there are exploits to root it and to replace the recovery as well for the OTA. www.unrevoked.com

I tried re-adding Twitter, but the update still fails with the same error.


text:
Backspace in Evernote does not delete words at an even speed
In Evernote if I hold down the backspace key too long it deletes way to fast. Worse yet there is not undo option. I have lost many notes this way. Is there a way to change the rate at which the backspace key works (or at least hold the rate constant) or is there an undo key? I think Evernote is great but this is almost a deal breaker because if you loose your notes it doesn't matter how good the other features are.
UPDATE: the fact that the main productivity program for Android lacks even these simple functions was the largest reason I got rid of my tablet.

Give this feedback to app developer or comment on the Playstore page.

This question appears to be off-topic because it is about a feature request (or defect report) for an app.

Not really. I'm asking if there is an option to change it. I'm also asking if there's an undo button which certainly isn't a bad question.

Is it definitely just Evernote? I'd expect the backspace behaviour to be set by the input method (soft keyboard), not the app you're typing into.

The backspace key
The backspace keep repeated action is controlled at application level, either by the keyboard App, the Evernote App or the Android System.
AFAIK, there's no setting to control the spead of the action repeat cycle.
The undo feature
A premium user of Evernote has a backup privilege that creates a snapshot of every note on the Evernote server every 8 hours.
HELP: Need to restore text deleted from a note

Note history creates a snapshot of your not on our server every 8 hours.

Aside from that, there's no undo capabilities on the application.

Note: As already suggested on the comments under your question, you could submit a feature request to have a Redo functionality.

At the beginning of the icon bar with Bold, Italics, Underline, etc. there are icons for Undo and Redo (right-rotating arrow and left-rotating arrow). I only noticed them recently.
I too wonder why the backspace speed speeds up uncontrollably.


text:
How to restore nandroid?
I created a nandroid backup and copied the files to my computer
boot.img
cache.ext4.tar
data.ext4.tar
nandroid.md5
recovery.log
system.ext4.log
ta.img

I deleted the files on my phone to save space and now have copied them back. I used Online Nandroid Pro and not sure how to actually get it to do a complete restore?

Did you look at their help info yet? How much did you do already? What part is not making sense? Please provide more information. Did you take a look at the apps XDA forum thread https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttp://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t%253D1620255%26sa%3DD%26usg%3DAFQjCNHMcZo_vjC3JaITFTS8OvONZo4lng&sa=D&usg=AFQjCNFACj6mROgyufNlWz3qy7Cfks8kFg

@HasH_BrowN I've tried a lot of things. Can any app restore from a nandroid backup even if it's not the same one that made it, for example can TWRP restore a nandroid made from CWM? Also when I do restore, should I expect to no longer see apps that I've installed since the nandroid was made? I'll take a look at the link.

@HasH_BrowN my question is how do you use the user interface? I can't see any option inside Online Narndoid to restore and it requries Nandroid Manager to select a recovery. In nanroid manager there is "explore  backup", which lists a bunch of files and "restore data" with some options. So what do I do to get 100% restored from the nandroid?

You might wish to see: Restore only part of nandroid image – and, of course, our nandroid tag-wiki. Will save you from waiting for answers which are already there :)

@Izzy I want to do the exact opposite: how do you restore ALL of the nandroid image? So that anythings added after the nandroid image will no longer be there.

To restore a nandroid backup, the device cannot be in "normal operation mode". You have to boot into your (custom) recovery (see our tag-wikis on: recovery-mode / clockworkmod / twrp), from where you can trigger a full restore. With ClockworkMod Recovery, it is e.g. found in the Backup & Restore sub-menu.
Stock recoveries don't offer taking/restoring Nandroid backups. But as you were able to create one, it's pretty safe to assume you've also got a custom recovery installed to your device.

I do have TWRP and I tried this but it didn't show the nandroid backup, as if it wouldn't find it.

Have you placed your backups in the right location? See: Where are TWRP backups stored on SD card? If so, you might have to ask the TWRP guys for details.

I once extracted single apps and apps data using a normal archiver explorer in my Arch Linux system. In Windows, 7-Zip FM or Winrar should do the trick.
Obviously it is quicker done if you restore the full backup all at once with a custom recovery (but I believe you already merged the archive parts the backup is done in), but I once made a backup after the system launcher went to a systematic crash, so I couldn't do anything, and doing a full restore would led to the very same problematic, so I had to get back the data of the apps I wanted to restore that way.
Just open the .tar files, they are compressed archives. data.tar contains what the data folder contains in your Internal Storage: upon all the folders, data/app contains the apk of the applications you have installed, and data/data their saved data, which is you may want to restore. Inside that folder, every app has its dedicated folder (e.g., data/data/com.google.android.apps.maps for Google Maps). Copying it in your data/data folder in your phone with a root file manager will restore the data for that app.
Again, for a complete restore, just copy the whole packages (supposing you left them untouched) in the directory they were (to find out which it is, do another backup and you will see where it is created), boot into a custom recovery like CWM Recovery and do a full system restore, pointing to where the backup is located in your phone.


text:
How do you close apps in Android so they aren't taking up resources?
This may sound silly but it's a good point. In apps such as web browsers pressing the back key only navigates the browser back to the previous page. Pressing the home key makes an app disappear, but isn't it still running in the back ground? So for apps like web browsers where pressing the back key doesn't close them how do you close them when you want to change applications and not have an unused one taking resources?
Isn't it a bit rediculous that there's no built in way in android to exit an app?

Advanced task killer is very simple, light(< 300kb), and can be placed as an widget to kill all the running process in a single touch.
Also if you have developers options enabled in your phone you can select the number of background process limit or what to do when user leaves a process.

Thanks can you elaborate? I installed advanced task killer but don't see any option to kill all processes at once. There's a few I would like to leave running as exceptions e.g. antivirus, vpn client. I do have developer options enabled.

you can use any task killer or task manager for it.
Or simply you can go to
System ->Application -> Running -> select app and click on stop.
if android v 3.0 + then
just long press Home key On lenovo long press menu key and just left or right
slide you app it will get killed...
ok...


text:
Search a PDF for a specific phrase
Is there a way to search the text of PDFs? For example I want to be taken to the page with the word "dog" and have it highlighted? I can't find a way with Amazon Kindle or ezPDF reader. Initially I made this question app specific but at this point I don't care; I will use any app that can search PDFs.
The PDF can be searched on my desktop computer.

Amazon Kindle App does not support PDF search. Its only applicable for your kindle ebooks.

I think it depends on the PDF, if it is searchable or not, for ezPDF does have a search function that highlight the searched text, as you can see in the image below:

Screenshot (click image for larger variant)
And there are many other applications that can highlight a searched text in PDF, like Adobe Reader, MoonReader+, Quickoffice, etc.


text:
Is it bad to kill tasks in android, by using things such as holding down the home key and selectign "close all"?
I use advanced task killer pro and also hold down the home key until a list of apps open shows up and choose "close all". Someone was telling me this is bad for the device. Is this true? How else can I speed up the device when it is running slowly?
I forgot to mention what I find strange is when I hold down the home key to display running apps, its list is different than the list of running apps advanced task killer has.

Short answer is: "That's Ok for device, don't worry"
Long answer is: killing task is the only way to speed up your system. When you kill an app by task killer, you close the app itself and all services or receivers bounded to it. That action would be harmful for the application, if it's downloading some data from the internet (some content update for example). Or application will stop sending notifications about new events. Almost all core apps will raise again in a few minutes. That's Ok for device, don't worry.


text:
How to find out firmware
How does one determine what firmware they are using? I've looked in settings -> about phone and can't find it. I know I'm using Android 5.1.1 and have CM.

Could you add more information about "find out firmware"

@SuperThomasLab for example when they say this is for ".167 firmware", how do I know if I have it? http://techbeasts.com/2015/02/09/boost-sound-xperia-z2-z1-sound-mod/

or here they talk about firmware 23.1.A.1.28, 23.0.1.A.0.167  and 23.0.1.A.0.167  http://xperiafirmware.com/8-firmware/51-sony-xperia-z2-d6503

It depends and differs by the mobile manufactures.
For Sony, Samsung and Motorola devices you can find in Settings > About phone > Build Number.
If you have a Samsung device you can also check the version of firmware you currently have by dialing *#1234#.
In HTC devices it will be under Settings > About Device > Software Information > Software Version. (eg. 3.16.401.9)
The firmware number consists of several elements, all of which are essential for the functioning of the phone:
- PDA: Android operating system and your customizations.
- Phone: the actual identifier of your device.
- CSC (Country Exit Code): the languages and country-specific parameters.
- Bootloader: the boot loader program that runs at startup to all unit processes.

 Screenshot - Click to enlarge image(Source - Ref)

Which part of the build number is the firmware version?

The settings menu shows the firmware version as the build number in samsung and Software number in htc device.

While this is an old thread, others may find it by a search as I just did. On my Chinese tablet I have not found a way to relate the displayed build number of the firmware (V1.0.0_V7 - but V7 is the hardware version) with a downloadable version. However, Aida64 tells me that there is a file /system/build.prop described as Build Properties; examining that file, which is text, I find a great mass of information, thought not a build number as such. In my case I have a build date, which solves my problem: it is earlier than the date of the firmware I can download. I suppose the details are likely to vary from one device to another, but the general approach may be the best if there is no clear information. Some of the information displayed by "About" is not that useful; apparently my serial number is 0123456789ABCDEF


text:
Cannot start into recovery
I did have dual recovery but after bricking the phone had to flash new FTF file. Ever since, I am unable to reboot into recovery. I've tried turning on the phone and pressing the volume up and volume down buttons but it just starts normally. I tried adb reboot recovery same thing. I have root on the phone. I also tried flashing a new recovery through adb but it fails with an error message.

Doesn't flashing FTF overwrite that recovery you've flashed?

@AndyYan that's a good question, I thought not but was just assuming

It certainly does from my experience (unless you excluded boot or FOTA partition when flashing, which is unlikely). Just flash one again.


text:
change icons on sensation lock screen
I've just got a HTC sensation and I've worked out how to change the icons on the home screens, but is there a way to change the icons on the lock screen?

Yes, this is possible without apps. The icons on the lockscreen are the same ones that you chose for the home screen:
Here you see the icons I originally had on both screens:

By changing the apps on my home screen adjacent to all apps, this change is mirrored on the lock screen:

To change the icons adjacent to all apps on your home screen, long-press them until you can move them around then drop the old icons either into the trash can (that appears when you long press) or into a free space on another part of the home screen.  You can then replace it with an icon of your choice.

There are various lock screen apps on the market, but so far the best I've seen is WidgetLocker, very customizable and in my opinion worth the small price.