Is it possible to permanently supress app updates?

You can use Titanium backup for this purpose.
However you'll need root access for this to work.
From this Titanium backup wiki:

Can I tell the Market that I do not want to update a specific app?
Yes. Just long-click on an app in the Titanium Backup list and hit
"Detach from Market".


cant do factory reset or hard reset on mi 5x

Reading the comments above, I can think  your volume up button may be broken? But remember, you can perform  a factory reset from the Fastboot mode too, simply connect your phone to the computer, install Minimal ADB & Fastboot (Windows), run it then type fastboot -w[press enter] the phone should be reset.

Also ADB lets you do many things on your phone including factory reset:

Enable ADB (USB Debugging) from the Developer's menu
Connect the phone to the computer
Run Minimal ADB & Fastboot
Type adb shell [press enter]
Type wipe data [press enter]

You're done.

ADB can let you boot in recovery mode and perform factory reset manually:

Type adb reboot recovery [press enter]

PS: Don't forget to install drivers to let your phone be detected by the computer.

Not on Windows ? Check this question related to a minimal installation of ADB for all operating systems.

Check also our ADB tag-wiki


Basically, you can back up everything which has a "data provider" available -- as e.g. contacts, call-logs, SMS, and the like. If you search the playstore for "backup", it will give you a lot of apps for that. One of the best non-root backup solutions for this probably is MyBackup Pro, which covers most of it -- though there are a lot of apps offering to backup/restore parts.

Most other app's data cannot be backed-up, however. Some of them provide possibilities to export their settings (and import them at a later point), others have dedicated backup apps (I remember e.g. something like that for Angry Birds).

For contacts and calendar, there's also the possibility to sync them with your Google account. I would not, however, rely on the "Google backup" for other things, as it is often reported to unsuccessfully restore. For that case, there are extra measures one can take. The easiest would be to logon to AppBrain with your Google credentials, and sync your installed apps. Appbrain then allows you to save that as a list with their service: you can then use this list to restore all apps you put into it -- or you could even send it to a different device (even a different user's device) for a "mass install".

In case you had some apps installed which are no longer available on the playstore, you could also take a look at AppMonster: in its payed (pro) version, it also allows batch-install. Plus, it captures each app you install/update and saves a copy -- which can be useful in the future as well: if some update breaks a functionality, you can ask AppMonster to simply restore a previous (captured) version.

And though this currently does not affect you (as your Android version is lower than 4.0), just to mention for other users (and your possible future device): starting with Android 4.0, there is the possibility for a Full Backup of non-rooted devices (rooted users always have this possibility with Titanium Backup ★ root).

Data stored on your sd card should not be affected by the factory-reset.


E-mails sent from Android not syncing to IMAP "Sent" folder

Unfortunately, the Stock Android Email app has the IMAP folder names hard-coded in the application, they cannot be changed by the user. The app expects the folders to have the following names:

Inbox
Outbox
Drafts
Trash
Sent
Junk

If your IMAP server uses different names, they are not properly synchronized with the Email app. There are two solutions to this:

Use different Email app
Get Android source code, modify names in Email application, rebuild Email application and replace original Email application on your device with the modified one

However, the second solution (of course) requires a rooted device and basic knowledge of how to build an Android application. But, I can say, I tried it and it works. The file where the names are stored is <Android-source-code-root>/packages/apps/Email/res/values/strings.xml. See the following excerpt:

<!-- Do Not Translate.  This is the name of the "inbox" folder, on the server. -->
<string name="mailbox_name_server_inbox" translatable="false">Inbox</string>
<!-- Do Not Translate.  This is the name of the "outbox" folder, on the server. -->
<string name="mailbox_name_server_outbox" translatable="false">Outbox</string>
<!-- Do Not Translate.  This is the name of the "drafts" folder, on the server. -->
<string name="mailbox_name_server_drafts" translatable="false">Drafts</string>
<!-- Do Not Translate.  This is the name of the "trash" folder, on the server. -->
<string name="mailbox_name_server_trash" translatable="false">Trash</string>
<!-- Do Not Translate.  This is the name of the "sent" folder, on the server. -->
<string name="mailbox_name_server_sent" translatable="false">Sent</string>
<!-- Do Not Translate.  This is the name of the "junk" folder, on the server. -->
<string name="mailbox_name_server_junk" translatable="false">Junk</string>

I have no idea why Google decided to make the names unchangeable withing the app. Probably they want to force people to use Gmail (I was told, the folder names work with Gmail).

If anybody with programming skills is motivated, I would love to see a patched version of the Email app, where the names of the folders can be adjusted in some configuration dialog. Should not be a huge thing to implement, I just did not have the time for it.


which hardware spec affects smoothness most?

It's not that simple. The 'headline' specs certainly matter, but so do a lot of things they don't print on the spec sheet: the RAM controller speed, the CPU and GPU L2 cache sizes, the power management settings, etc. It might have a 2 GHz quad-core CPU, but that's no use if it's always underclocked for power or heat reasons, or it's always waiting for the RAM. Cheap Chinese devices in particular often have good specs on the spec sheet, but they pair those with the cheapest components they can find, to keep the price down.

The quality of the software integration is a big factor. Old, buggy drivers, or wrong settings chosen by the manufacturer's software people, can really reduce performance. If they've also changed the system apps (particularly the launcher or the system UI), or included some always-running crapware or spyware, that'll slow things down too.

Really, the number on the product description that's best correlated with smooth performance is the one after the dollar sign.


How can one access hidden apps on the Samsung Galaxy Tab2 7.0?

These apps are not hidden. They were not meant to be launched.
The example you mention - Phase Beam - is a live wallpaper. To use it long-press on your homescreen and select live wallpaper.
There're many others that can't be accessed by the end user. They're meant to be used by another. Usually to provide a feature in a plugin form.


The simple answer is that it requires root to do things that would require root if they weren't automated by Tasker and you were doing them manually.  Tasker is irrelevant.

Edit: Turning on/off GPS does not require root.  Apps must be able to do it, because Power Widget can.  As for the lock screen, I think what you read must have actually referred to the keyguard (the "swype to unlock" screen).  The phone is not locked the same way as it is with a pattern/password when the keyguard is on; it's just to prevent accidentally keypresses, not for security.  Tasker can disable the keyguard.


How to change android system language if morelocale2 does not work

It's not that the locale is locked, it's just that it's only useful to change it to a language that's already on your phone. If the phone doesn't have a translation and other needed files for German, changing the locale to German won't have any effect. It's just like if you have a German phone and you install an app that's not translated into German: you'll get the app's default language.

You can only add a new system language by installing a custom ROM that supports that language, and as you've noticed, it's hard to find custom ROMs for Chinese phones.


How to protect all my passwords saved in Google if I lost a phone?

As Rexford commented, you should install and configure Android Device Manager on your device so that you can remotely lock it out.

You should also use full-device encryption, so that the passwords cannot be retrieved via physical access.

Finally, if your device's Chrome is set up to sync passwords, you should sign into that account on Chrome for PC and clear all of the saved passwords so that they will be removed the next time the device syncs:


How to block some SMS, but only allow phone calls?

Blocking Contacts entirely is easily enough done. There is also SMS and call filtering applications that are free on the market- ESET AV is also a paid alternative. SMS filter and clean inbox are two alternatives for SMS blocking which both work quite well.

To combine both, there is a aFirewall SMS and call filter.  With many of these apps you're able to create set filers for calls, SMS or contacts to prevent them from bothering you.


My desire HD too.

I just presumed that if the battery was too low and it tried to use flash, then it used too much power from the battery and turned off.


How can we remove the Work tab from the Samsung all-apps screen after the Profile is removed?

Turn on the Work Profile.
Next select Accounts and remove your old work account. (May not be needed)
Next select Uninstall Work Profile.
I did it so fast but I believe that was all the steps I took.


How to synchronize Google Play after a ROM change

Titanium Backup has an option to re-link apps to the Play Store.


An Android phone on my network keeps connecting to a malicious site

It sounds like the phone is infected by some kind of malware. You could do a factory reset to try to get rid of it. Doing a factory reset will remove all data (photos, sms, files, apps etc)! Don't forget to back up your data if you want to keep it.

After the factory reset, only install trusted apps (use your instinct / google) or you might end up getting the malware again. Not everything on google play store is safe.

You could also try to identify the malware and delete it if you think you are capable. You could try to look for apps installed on the device that have the internet permission (since the malicious app is trying to reach that website, it must have the permission) and use google to see if the app is known malware.


My Sony Xperia C4 can not Authenticate after a reset

Click on 'emergency call'. Type in this number ##7378423#*#. It will fail, but after a while, your google account will ask you to log in. Log in. The installation will go on. At some point, you will again be asked to authenticate. Only that this time the authentication does not crash.

// Probably typing the number does nothing, but I think its best you just exactly reproduce what I did.


Samsung Galaxy Spica won't boot up fully. Just restarts over and over

Try booting in safe mode. To do this simply press the power button while holding MENU + BACK


what would happen if there as a rooted device from the factory?

The problem with shipping rooted device by default is that it may increase the load of customer support for the device manufacturer and possibly on other user support forums. If the manufacturer are willing to accept that, then there's really nothing really bad with shipping rooted device by default.

Google really wouldn't care about it. They may have their concerns based on security risks, but ultimately if the user is willing to accept the responsibility and risks, they shouldn't have any issues with it. The extent of Google's objection to this is that they may reject the device as non compliant according to Android Compatibility Document and therefore refuse the device from running Google Play services. It probably would be possible for manufacturers to side step this issue and still comply with the Compatibility Test Suite (and therefore eligible for Google Play), by allowing the user to easily switch root mode in developer setting, like CyanogenMod did.

The application vendors that would be the most staunchly against such this would definitely be vendors that uses and develops DRM applications and media. Their business model relies on hijacking the user's device to prevent the user from having full control of their own device.

Regular application vendors shouldn't have problems with it. They may have concerns if the security of their apps depends on the restrictions their apps will not be able to protect the user's data properly. Ultimately though, since applications vendors manages user's data, if the user is ok with it and the user accepts the risks and responsibilty, they shouldn't have any real objections.

The companies that may be wary of preinstalled root are companies that requires that their employees installs a device adminstrator service in their devices. They may simply decide to ban such device from being used in their company network.


How to get root privilege in recovery mode?

Install the Superuser app from the Market and reboot.  Then try running su from adb with your device connected to your computer -- Superuser should pop up a notification on the phone asking if you want to allow it to run.  Then you can use it.  Note your phone must be rooted.


First check whether you phone can be unlocked: https://support.motorola.com/us/en/solution/MS87215

If yes then you need an unlock code, to get this code and unlock the boot loader follow the instructions at https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/standalone/bootloader/unlock-your-device-a

It is not possible to root your mobile without unlocking it.


Try to uninstall them with adb from your computer:

adb uninstall <package_name>

Make sure you have USB debugging enabled:-)


Microphone and Audio Input are separate inputs.

I can see the confusion as they both use 3.5mm Jacks, however Audio Lines require a pre-amp prior to the output side, the pre-amp amps up the raw line to give it volume and this outputs digitally formatted data rather than Analog data.

The Microphone on your Android is supposed to be connected directly to a small microphone inside the Headphones, this headphone Microphone is NOT pre-amped and therefore you get a raw analog output from that microphone.

The problem is because you are putting a pre-amped digital data into an analog raw line.

You can use a small microphone like the one in your headphones to test the cable is actually working.

To input Audio data into an Android device, you have many methods that do not require any cables like WiFi Media Servers or even USB OTG Microphone pre-amps .


Automatically runs Dolphin Browser on boot up

you cant make dolphin run on startup, but you can use an app called Kiosk Browser Lockdown

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.procoit.kioskbrowser&hl=en


Yes.you can reinstall the OS.

There's a low level flash tool called heimdall (or Odin) that can be used to reinstall the firmware or install aftermarket firmware onto the Galaxy Ace.


You can define the default number yourself:

open the "contacts" / "people" app
tap the contact to view it
long-tap (i.e. tap-and-hold) the number you want to make the default, a pop-up will open
select "make default"


Simplified prepaid phone balance with Tasker

Here is a summary of how I have implemented it. Besides Tasker, I also used:

AutoNotification, for a richer notification.
SMS Popup, for suppressing SMS notification for the balance responses.
SMS Auto Delete, for silently deleting those SMS responses after a while.

Profiles

Request Balance on Calls - on outgoing call: Balance Before Call, on exit: Balance After Call.
Process Received Balance - on SMS received from the balance numbers: Process Balance.
Show Balance Summary - on Balance variable set: Show Balance.

Tasks

Balance Before Call

AutomatedBalance = Yes
CheckConsumption = Yes
Request balance by SMS

Balance After Call

Wait 15 seconds
Unset CheckConsumption
Request balance by SMS
Flash "Balance has been requested"

Process Balance

response = number from each SMS response
Case SMS sender is the one responsible for
    Bonus balance
        BonusBalance = response
    SMS balance
        SMSBalance = response
    Normal balance
        BalanceConsumption = (Balance - response)
        Balace = response
    Favorite-number balance
        FavoriteBalanceConsumption = (FavoriteBalance - response)
        FavoriteBalance = response
    Same-carrier balance
        CarrierBalanceConsumption = (CarrierBalance - response)
        CarrierBalance = response
    Local landline balance, then
        LocalBalanceConsumption = (LocalBalance - response)
        LocalBalance = response
    Unknown sender
        # This normally means an error, when none of the above have been fired
        Append "(previous)" to Balance

Show Balance

If CheckConsumption
    If Balance is not currency
        notify "Error while getting the balance in the beginning of call"
    Exit from task
Wait 5 seconds
If Balance is currency
    If FavoriteBalanceConsumption > 0
        consumption = FavoriteBalanceConsumption
        Prefix consumption with "Call to favorite (min) consumed"
    Else if CarrierBalanceConsumption > 0
        consumption = CarrierBalanceConsumption + LocalBalanceConsumption +
            BalanceConsumption
        Prefix consumption with "Call to same-carrier number consumed"
    Else if LocalBalanceConsumption > 0
        consumption = LocalBalanceConsumption + BalanceConsumption
        Prefix consumption with "Call to local number consumed"
    Else if BalanceConsumption > 0
        consumption = BalanceConsumption
        Prefix consumption with "Regular call consumed"
    Else if AutomatedBalance
        consumption = "Free call"
    Else
        consumption = "Phone balance"
    Notify consumption and all balances
    Set all unset balances to zero
    Set all consumptions to zero
Else
    previous_balance = number from balance prefixed with "Previous balance is"
    notify "Error while getting the balance", previous_balance
Unset AutomatedBalance


Check the ADW launcher. An open desktop, lots of functionalities (does not replace the notification bar as it's an integral part of the system


How can I set my volume to be beyond 15 on my samsung galaxy S?

There are several apps allowing you to boost your volume above the set limit -- simply search the playstore for "volume booster". One examples would be Speaker Boost.

Without "external help" you also could try playing with your Equalizer (if there's any such pre-installed on your device -- otherwise you might get it at the playstore as well).


Android emulator in Windows 10 has no border

This isn't normally a Windows-centric area, and generally questions about emulators would fall into the programming off-topic arena. You can probably bring the emulator to the forefront in Windows 10 by the following KEYBOARD entries (and you should know them anyway by heart). The System Menu which, appears at the top-left of windows, can be accessed even WITHOUT A MOUSE! You can move windows into the current viewport with the keyboard + careful arrow usage.

Activate the specific window you want to move - you may be able to click with the mouse.
KEYBOARD entry to activate the System Menu: Alt + Spacebar
KEYBOARD entry to activate the MOVE command: Down-arrow + Enter
KEYBOARD entry to move the window to your liking: Arrows: Left,Right,Up,Down until you can see the menubar(s) you need.
KEYBOARD entry to leave the window in position: Enter
Continue with mouse, menus, etc. to find command related to positioning the window size permanently.


How can I install Touchwiz apps on Cyanogenmod?

There is an answer to your question here. Posted as an answer because I can't comment yet.

In short, you can't. The Samsung Apps need the Touchwiz framework to work. However, you can find alternatives to the apps here.


How can I sync podcasts (with progress) to my Android device with iTunes?

DoubleTwist was built for a similar purpose and does the job well. To use it, you can simply install the Mac app and the Android app and use their DoubleTwist Sync feature to synchronize iTunes with Android.


Install a custom non-touch CWM recovery via the adb, make a full backup in it, pull the created backup out via "adb sideload" function in the recovery. Then, you can play with the total backup of your system, just rename "data.ext4.win000" (internal storage file) to "data.ext4.tar.000" (and other files in similar way) and open it in FTKImager (even lite version is enough).

If you want just to reinstall the apps with their data on a new smartphone use AppExtractor with your backup zip


Hi. I need to turn my data off for both sim cards in Moto gen2.

From the home screen, swipe the Status bar down.
Tap the Quick settings icon
Tap SETTINGS
Tap Data usage
Tap to toggle Mobile data ON (Then it will ask you to disable mobile data?)

Tap OK.
The mobile data connection is now disabled.


Samsung Galaxy S3 will not turn on. Can this be fixed or can I retrieve photos?

It actually is possible to recover data from the phone's internal storage, but it's likely to be too costly to be practical, unless you have the only known photo of the space aliens in there.  What would be required, once all methods of getting the phone to boot and transfer the files have failed, is to desolder the internal Flash RAM chip from the phone's motherboard, then use an appropriate adapter (mount/socket and circuits) to read out the contents.

This is difficult because desoldering surface mount chips without damage requires specialized tools, and the equipment to read out a dismounted chip is pretty uncommon.  Forensic data recovery specialists would likely have the right hardware and skills, but it's unlikely anyone else would have all of it in one place.

Commercial repair of the phone is almost certain to involve replacing the motherboard, which will lose your internal data storage (the Flash RAM chip will still be on the old motherboard, which will likely be recycled for the metal content, i.e. shredded and melted down).


Selected notification sound overwritten by default

Maybe try turning off notifications in the system Messages app, if you can? Or changing them to the sound you want.


Is it possible to reorganize the SD card? Because it is a mess in there

You cannot restrict where the applications write the data on the sdcard. You can go and delete what ever you want on the sdcard, but it may be data for an application. If you move it, the application will think it has been deleted or doesn't exist, and it will just create the data in the same place again.

Google recommends applications use the /sdcard/Android/data/ folder, but if the application has permissions to write to the sdcard, they can write where ever they want on it. Some applications were created before the recommendations, others may not know the recommendation, and others may not care for what ever reason.

The "standard" is the following for non-application specific data:

Music/
Podcasts/
Ringtones/
Alarms/
Notifications/
Pictures/
Movies/
Download/

and then application specific is:
Android/data/<application>


According to: https://wiki.cyanogenmod.org/w/ClockWorkMod_Instructions#Making_a_backup

  ClockworkMod's backup/restore feature will generally only back up the
  /system, /data, /cache, /sd-ext, and /dalvik-cache areas. Other
  partitions such as /emmc, /sdcard, and /media won't be backed up.

  In
  fact, the backed up system will typically be saved to the /sdcard/
  partition in the /clockworkmod/backup/ directory, which, depending on
  your device, may or may not be actually located on a physical
  removable SD card.

According to your question:

  The firmware?

Definitely Yes.

  My modifications to the firmware such as root, Xposed Framwork, installed Xposed modules, etc?

Definitely Yes.

  My installed apps?

Definitely Yes.

  App data?

Definitely Yes.

  Other data I had stored on the internal SD card?

Definitely NO, /sdcard is not backed up, because of there would be a CWM backup. Read: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/help/how-to-backup-internal-sdcard-t1999853

Hope it help


Extracting firmware from a device for reflashing?

If it isn't the overlapping WiFi channels: a normal Nandroid does include /system and /data, but I think you can just flash them separately. What you're referring as "firmware" is probably the /system partition.

If you guys are using the TWRP recovery, you should be able to add his entire TWRP-created recovery onto your device, boot into TWRP and start a restore, but simply uncheck all partitions except /system. I would make a Nandroid backup before attempting this, as it should work, but I'm not certain.

If you guys aren't using TWRP, it's possible manually via a straight adb dd copy (but...it's not perfect): http://www.modaco.com/topic/327661-how-to-backup-the-systemimg-bootimg-and-recoveryimg/

Basically, as that thread states, on his device, use adb dd to copy a system.img from his phone onto his /sdcard. Then, on your device, use adb dd to paste that system.img onto your phone. Things that need answering: what partition block is /system on (mtdxx) and whether the pull will actually create a full system.img (they note that this method doesn't always copy all of the /system partition).


Android 7 (Nougat): All my virtual keyboards are missing - can't find how to reinstall

Have you wiped cache/factory reset after update?
Maybe check under language and input in settings to find the device's factory installed virtual keyboard.

Response: I don't want to do a factory reset. I've added a lot of apps and customized the "look and feel" and don't want to do that all over again. The keyboard was working after all that. I'm hoping for a different solution.


How can I make a full, restorable image of my pre-root Android hard drive, as in Clonezilla?

In general, you need to root the device to make a full backup. After you've rooted the device, use nandroid (which it seems you already know about). You can make a backup that doesn't include the OS by following one of the answers to How do I perform a full pre-rooting backup of an Android phone?
By flashing the stock ROM and recovery for your device, and wiping the userdata partition. See Where can I find stock or custom ROMs for my Android device? to find the stock ROM for your phone.
Because if you've broken the OS, recovery, and bootloader on your device sufficiently that you can't just flash a ROM image the usual way, there's no way you'd be able to restore any kind of backup image.


Cellular data not working since 5.1 Lollipop flash

I'm back up and running.  Here's what I know at this point.  I'm posting it here because I think many people may experience the same behavior.

After much back and forth with Simple Mobile (note that they share some infrastructure with T-Mobile, Tracfone, etc., so users of those services may be affected as well) they found that my cellular data had been disabled on their end.  Nothing was wrong with my account, indeed, voice continued to work normally, it was just the data that had been disconnected.

I asked why this happened and the 2nd-level support person told me that they are still investigating but one thing that's possible is that a change in 5.1 Lollipop caused something to fail on their end.  She said they have been receiving numerous trouble calls with the same symptoms, all with phones recently upgraded to 5.1.

So, allowing for the typical misinformation that we all get from customer support, this actually seems like it's plausible.  I don't want to spread misinformation, but if anyone else is tearing out their hair with these symptoms, try leaning hard on your carrier to check your line.


How to fix my multiple account sign-in issues?

According to this forum deleting the YouTube account resolves it.


How to clean up related files from deleted apps?

You might want to take a look at SD Maid. This app requires root for full functionality. This "cleaning made" takes care for multiple remains: a "corpse finder" checks for what an uninstalled app might have left, the "system cleaner" scans the devices known directories with unnecessary files. You can check for the biggest files on your device to free up space, and even optimize and shrink bloated databases to speed up access and free space.

The app includes a file manager, and also allows you to search for files.

SD MAID Corpse Finder and System Cleaner (source: Google Play; click images for larger variant)

Edit: For more details and discussion, you might want to visit the app's thread at XDA :)


Does the myTouch 4g Slide require a data plan?

Is there is nothing special about the myTouch the answer is: No Android smartphone requires a data plan, but it's no fun without a data plan.

The phone works perfectly fine without a data plan ( of course, syncs won't happen ). The major disadvantage is that you have carefully check that you don't accidentally transfer any data while connected to your mobile carrier, because this results usually in high fees. But Android has a nice setting to disable mobile data permanently. This should keep you safe.


I have always felt the need for this and been using in KitKat and Marshmallow.

Since your device is rooted, it's easy. Install Gravity Box Xposed module and under Navigation bar tweaks → Custom key settings → Long press action (Kill foreground app)  and choose your Icon Style/Set custom image for the icon to sit always on your Navigation Bar. Simply press it to get rid of the unresponsive app

You see the icon on extreme left, below Yahoo mail


Although annoying at first, try resetting default apps for everything. You will need to select Always for usual apps like your browser etc.

Settings->Apps in the 3 dot menu should be "Reset App Preferences"


How Can You Change Which Microphone Is Used During Calls?

I just found a way to do that. You can use Tasker to automatically start the loudspeaker(which starts using secondary mic.) and then also add a rule to Tasker to reduce the loudspeaker volume to minimum which will very closely simulate the situation.


There's lots of apps that perform the function of restricting access to other apps. Simply head to Google Play and search for "app locker".


Can I schedule a night restore/wipe? Or other management solution

There are two products in market which i found awesome :)

SureFox :  Kiosk Mode browser for Android Smartphones and Tablet which restricts user to browse only selected Websites, Which has many more options inside Browser Preferences For eg. Private Browsing and many More. try exploring this.

SureLock : You already Know about it ;)

You can try using SureFox on top of SureLock


I've found a solution.

Go to SuperSu >> Settings >> "Fully Unroot This Device." Done.


Is flashing a ROM made for a very similar model to mine possible?

Possible? Yes. Dangerous? Extremely.

Depending on how similar the model is, you could have it work fine, not work fine, brick, or, in extreme cases, perma-brick.

If you're willing to take the chance, that's fine, but understand that you could do serious damage to your device if you do.


Yes, this is definitely possible!
My recommended tool to accomplish this is Solid Explorer File Manager by NeatBytes.
In addition to being a great file manager, it also creates a Share target named "Save to..." for saving any content as a file in your storage.  I've personally used it for this purpose hundreds of times, and it works quite well.
Another tool that may interest you is the wonderful ShareListener by Red Apps LTD.  It's a simple tool without any UI of it's own that is:

A simple app that registers itself as a Browser. When opened, the link is then shared and can be opened with any apps that listen for the share intent.
Useful for apps that don't have a share functionality but allow users to click on links.

Source: Google Play store description.
Since it needs no primary UI of its own, here is how it looks to the user:

Source: Google Play store screenshot.
The magic of ShareListener is that when you try to share a link.  Many apps will only allow you to open a browser.  ShareListener will allow you to share links with non-browser apps, including Solid Explorer!  When used in conjunction with Solid Explorer's Share target, you can quickly save any link to storage instead of opening it in a browser.


What is the minimum number of modifications in order to install a custom ROM?

To install a rom you have to root your device, there is no way without rooting your phone as long it isn't rooted yet
Sorry dont understand your second question.
You have to flash a custom recovery such as Clockwork Mod Recovery. You need a custom recovery because you can't control the default recovery (no way to acces it). So you have to set your phone in downloadmode and flash the root and the recovery.

Have a loook at this step by step  tutorial where everything is explained ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2215996).


What ClockworkMod does is a so called Nandroid Backup. Basically, this contains an image for each of the file systems of the device (i.e. one image per file system) -- and thus it is a full backup/"image snapshot". The format of the snapshot might differ and depend on the device and ClockworkMod version being used; for my Motorola Milestone 2 most of the file systems seem to be captured as YAFFS2 image, i.e. the image uses the same file system used on the device. So it is comparable with using dd on Unix/Linux (see Wikipedia), at least in my case.

Newer versions of ClockworkMod Recovery (6.0 and up) also do "incremental updates" to save space on the backup medium and allow for faster backup (see e.g. this TechieBuzz.COM article). For this, you might also want to check our question How can I tell CWM to perform a full backup instead of an incremental backup?

More details you can also find by following the clockworkmod tag.


Gmail notification on lock screen does not show subject

Found it! The setting to change is here:

Open the Gmail app. Go to Settings > (Email address) > Manage Notifications > Lock screen > Show content


If you long-press the phone number, you'll get prompted to add a contact. Unfortunately you still need to manually enter a lot of information.


I learnt from here (in the question, not the answer) that if one sets a custom resolution in pixels rather than selecting from the built-in ones, then the emulator does not display the skin with the emulator controls.

Below is the configuration I therefore set to solve my problem, at the same time not creating new problems:

I just estimated the dimensions in pixels of a WQVGA size instrument and set that as my custom resolution.


Can android user become a super user in android?

Depends what you want to do. With su (if it is installed) you became a superuser... But if you want to access some files you actually need to be the user system.  This looks like it is your case. The credentials of user system can be given to an app (apk) if you are the owner of the android os image or you have access to the private keys the os was built with... If you do then you need to sign your app with those keys and mark it in manifest as user system...


For completion I am posting the typing shortcuts here.

  • Alt + Spacebar: Insert a special character

  • Shift + Del: Delete the character to the right of the cursor

  • Alt + Del: Delete an entire line

  • Shift + Shift (press it twice): Activate caps-lock; press shift once
  more to exit

  • Alt + Trackball-Left: Move cursor to beginning of line

  • Alt + Trackball-Right: Move cursor to end of line

  • Alt + Trackball-Up: Move cursor to top of page

  • Alt + Trackball-Down: Move cursor to bottom of page

  • Shift + Trackball-Left/Right: Highlight text for cutting or copying

  • Menu + X: Cut text (will cut all text on-screen unless specific
  characters are highlighted)

  • Menu + C: Copy text to clipboard (will copy all text on-screen
  unless specific characters are highlighted)

  • Menu + V: Paste text from clipboard

  • Menu + A: Select all text in the current field


What's the directory location for Newsstand documents?

Without root access on the device, probably nowhere. With root, most likely in /data/data/com.google.android.apps.magazines. If the app stores data on sdcard, it should be found below Android/data/com.google.android.apps.magazines.


Do calls to Java native interface in android apps run within Dalvik VM?

I think I see the source of your confusion. Dalvik VM isn't a virtual machine the same way as VMware or Virtualbox. In that kind of VM, VMware (or whatever) is pretending to be the whole computer. Every operation has to go through the VM, it has to be prevented from accessing the real hardware, and if it does access the real hardware, VMware has to do some work to pretend to be the real hardware, give the result to the OS, and have the OS give the result to the application. There's a whole copy of the OS running inside the VM, so it's an application, on an OS, on VMware, which is itself an application running on an OS, which is then on the real hardware.

Java and (by extension) Dalvik VM isn't like that. It's more like an abstraction of the real machine. The real hardware isn't being hidden from the application, and there isn't an extra copy of the OS there.

A Java application is just a process on the phone like a non-Java application. When a Java application makes a function call via JNI, Dalvik has to do a small amount of book-keeping to pass the objects used in the function call to the native code, and then the native code just runs in the process, with no VM involved at all. Then there's a little more book-keeping to get the result back to the Java code.

The code within the JNI call is as fast as any native code in a process where there's no Java at all. The only overhead is the book-keeping on entry to and exit from the call.


How to change various settings of wireless connection in Android

I manage to get it works by change the router wireless mode from 802.11n only to bgn mixed, or better option like Izzy suggests gn mixed


Android does have similar tracking/security features that you can access remotely if you lose your phone. They call it Android Device Manager. I do not know which Android phones have this built in. If it is not built in to your phone, you can download the app.

To locate your phone, simply visit this link and log into your Google account.

I know that the application supports:

Locate Android devices associated with your Google account
Reset/Enable your device's screen lock PIN
Erase all data on the phone
Ring the phone for 5 minutes if you've misplaced it


How can I save contacts on the SIM card alone by default?

You haven't mentioned which phone you use.

Unsure about ICS, but on Gingerbread, go to Contacts - press MENU > MORE > SETTINGS > SAVE CONTACTS to - SIM

This is available on newer versions though, YMMV.


There is no difference, except that region maps are based on administrative divisions
Source

Geographic Regions
Data on the download server is organised by region. The /openstreetmap directory contains files that have a whole continent's data in them, and for some continents there are subdirectories in which you find individual files for various countries. Some countries again have their own subdirectories with data for administrative subdivisions. For Germany, all "Bundesländer" are available as separate files, and for England we have many individual counties.


Query the system service battery (possibly requires root access)

dumpsys battery

Output would be like

Current Battery Service state:
  AC powered: false
  USB powered: true
  Wireless powered: false
  status: 2
  health: 2
  present: true
  level: 70
  scale: 100
  voltage:3950
  temperature: 260
  technology: Li-ion

level: 70 is the battery percentage here.

Not sure about Android 2.3 but  this is relevant for at least Android 4.2.1 and above:

(Prefix adb shell next to every command to run the command using adb.)

This would give you a list of all the historical broadcasts as well as the sticky ones:

dumpsys activity broadcasts

In the output search:

Sticky action android.intent.action.BATTERY_CHANGED:

The lines next to it, until you encounter a new sticky broadcast, are useful to us. In my devices, they are listed as:

Intent: act=android.intent.action.BATTERY_CHANGED flg=0x60000010
Bundle[{icon-small=17302819, present=true, scale=100, level=100, technology=Li-ion, status=4, voltage=4140, invalid_charger=0, plugged=0, health=2, temperature=200}]

Assuming that your Android has grep utility, you can shorten the search by using:

dumpsys activity broadcasts | grep -A2 "Sticky action android.intent.action.BATTERY_CHANGED:"

(Source: Monitoring the Battery Level and Charging State)
Alternative: it is possible to query the battery info from /sys  or I should say the Linux kernel.

/sys/class/power_supply/battery/ has some files with useful information. The file named capacity is equivalent to current battery percentage. You can get an accumulated info from uevent file as well.

For more and related info, read my answer here.


Camera starts on boot after L upgrade - Nexus 10

When you unlock how are you swiping?

If you swipe to the right, that will open the dialer after you input your pin.

If you swipe to the left, it will open the camera after you input your pin.

If you swipe up, it goes straight to the home screen after you input your pin.

(https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/nexus/TkooKgxhgmg)


Default kernel version of Android-x86 ISO

How can I know what is the default kernel version?

By reading the release notes. With every new release, the development team publishes the major changes compared to the previous releases. The kernel version is mentioned under the Key Features section.
The Release Note for 8.1-r4 indicates:

Update to LTS kernel 4.19.110.

For 8.1-r5:

Update to LTS kernel 4.19.122.

For 9.0-r2:

Update to LTS kernel 4.19.110.

When the iso file is not for the latest version, then the kernel is also mentioned with the filename.
For example, there are 3 64-bit files for 8.1-r4. The first 2 are for the kernel 4.19.110 (not mentioned on the filename), while the third filename has the kernel mentioned - kernel 4.9.

64-bit ISO:  android-x86_64-8.1-r4.iso
64-bit rpm:  android-x86-8.1-r4.x86_64.rpm
64-bit ISO with kernel 4.9:  android-x86_64-8.1-r4-k49.iso


Making mediaserver immediately scan a file created through ADB

Okay, it seems the answer is trivial. My fingers don't have to lose the comfort of typing adb push, yet I would be able to cause media scanner scan my pushed file, automatically and immediately. Here's my script tweaked to my needs:

(Note: root access is not required in Android)

#!/bin/bash

function push_file () {
    target="${@: -1}";
    file_path="${@: -2:1}";
    [[ "$prog_bar" == "-p" ]] && adb "$@" || $call_adb push -p "$file_path" "$target";
}

function broadcast () {
    file_name="$(basename "$file_path")";
    [[ `echo "${target: -1}"` != "/" ]] && unset file_name;
    [[ `echo "${target:0:1}"` != "/"  ]] && target="/${target}";
    $call_adb shell 'am broadcast -a android.intent.action.MEDIA_SCANNER_SCAN_FILE -d '"\"file://$target$file_name\""'' > /dev/null;
}

if [[ "$1" == "-s" ]]; then
    if [[ "$3" == "push" ]]; then
        prog_bar="$4";
        call_adb="adb -s $2";
        push_file "$@" && broadcast;
    else
        adb "$@";
    fi
elif [[ "$1" == "push" ]]; then
        prog_bar="$2";
        call_adb="adb";
        push_file "$@" && broadcast;
else
    adb "$@";
fi

I then setup an alias named adb in .bashrc like this:

alias adb='bash FILE'  # FILE refers the file path of the said script

This was possible thanks to the very helpful article: Handling positional parameters at Bash Hackers Wiki.

Note: the script  more or less requires a *nix based OS in PC with version 4.x of Bash installed and support for .bashrc. If you intend to use the script, you're encouraged to edit it to suit your working style.


Try clearing data from Google Play Services and all Google apps and deleting your Google account from your phone. Then reboot and try logging back in.


File Explorer for HTC Desire X - too many permissions asked for?

ES Datei Explorer is more than just a simple file explorer. It offers a bunch of additional features, which explain most of the permissions you've listed. I'm using this app for years already and can assure you: it never abused any of the permissions (especially I never saw it making "phone calls", and yes, I supervise such things).

But for the things you list:

Storage: What do you thing where your files are, um, stored? All file managers access the "storage". Otherwise they couldn't write there, so you could not copy/move files.
Phone Calls: This is a Permission Group, not the permission COST_CALL itself. The only permission from that group which ES File accesses is read phone status and identity. So it can detect whether there is an incoming/outgoing/ongoing call (and see the remote number), as well as check your device's ID (IMSI). Not sure what for the app needs this, though.
Network Communication: This app can also access the network (feature list: Remote File Manager). So you can e.g. use it to copy files from/to your computer, e.g. using Windows Shares (also known as Samba, SMB, CIFS). A feature I really enjoy quite often. So nothing bad about this!
System Tools: Again a permission group. Here the app requests: modify system settings, connect and disconnect from Wi-Fi, set wallpaper, install shortcuts, uninstall shortcuts, access Bluetooth settings, prevent phone from sleeping. All mentioned permissions are explainable from the app's feature list, though the "modify system settings* is a little unclear.
Hardware Controls: Once more a permission group. Only used permission here is control vibration. So no danger from that, either.

So the point is to look behind those "Permission Groups" what permissions are really requested by an app, and cross-check that with its features. If something's unclear: ask, as you did :) "Better save than sorry" is a good attitude!

If you're still concerned, and rather want a more minimalistic solution (as you don't need all those features), there are plenty alternatives. But I personally can warmly recommend you this app, from my own experience: It's easy to use, and never let me down in years. No "permission abuse" either.


Lg g3 smart cleaning stops working occasionally

Go to Setting
Open Developer Options
Under Apps, uncheck the box Don't Keep activities

Voila....


I can't purchase anything on play.google. I get error "error retrieving information from server [DF-RPC-01]"

This usually happens for one of two reasons:

The payment information registered to your Google account is invalid and causing problems.
The application data of the Google Play Store is corrupted

Managing your payment information

Verify if your payment methods are still up-to-date in Google payments center and in the account section of the Google Play Store. Note that they should match the personal information of your Google account.

Clearing the Google Play Store cache

Open the Settings app.
Click on Apps.
Select Google Play Store from the list.
Click the Force stop button and confirm. The application is now forcefully closed.
Still in the same window, click on Storage.
Click the Clear cache button.
Now reboot your phone and try again to see if the problem went away.


Copy an entire Android Image to multiple devices

MDM(Mobile Device Management) is a great option when managing multiple devices. Google has their own MDM.

  MDM begins at a centralized location, usually a single workstation or
  computer. From this centralized point, the administrator can use the
  Mobile Device Management software to oversee all the devices in the
  network. This is done by using the software to set up a suite of
  policies so that all devices that have access to the network will
  adhere to enterprise standards.

  Once the policies are set, administrators can then enroll smartphones,
  tablets, laptops, and even desktop computers into the network.
  Depending upon software capabilities and corporate security
  requirements, device enrollment can be accomplished, either by
  physically connecting devices to the workstation, or wirelessly.

  From this point, enrolled devices can be configured to meet enterprise
  needs through a host of options including personalized app catalogs,
  user restrictions, app blacklisting, and so forth. These
  configurations help to ensure that all devices comply to set policies
  while at the same time allowing users the best device experience
  possible. At any time a device is enrolled into the network, MDM
  software allows administrators to make policy changes, push apps,
  install updates, and any other changes that are necessary.
  Administrators can even disenroll and restrict devices whenever
  necessary.

There is an alternative, you could enable developer options and enable USB debugging. Later a simple script that runs adb tcpip 5555 for all devices allowing you to connect them to a network. Now you can perform actions on all phones including keystrokes using keyevent by relaying the devices. Something like adb shell input keyevent KEYCODE.

I would prefer MDM as it is a little hassle-free, but using adb has worked for me


How to root a Samsung I9070 Galaxy S Advance/S II Lite?

Solution for at least I9070 / I9070P on Linux:

Flashing only system.img with Odin or Heimdall (use 1.3.1 version) does
not increase the counter.

So download an official stock ROM for your phone, extract it,
convert the system.img (sparse ext4 image) to an normal ext4 image as described here. Loop-mount it, add a su binary to the xbin subfolder with the correct file rights and ownership (06755 root root)  and if necessary add other files which are on your phone in the /system folder but not in the stock rom. Repack everything back to a sparse ext4 image and flash it.

At the end install the Superuser or SuperSu app which belongs to the su binary you added to the system image.


There can be three reasons for this:

Your battery is dead or the Battery Status Indicator (BSI) pin on your battery is faulty. In either case, you have to replace the battery.
The BSI pin head on your phone hardware is faulty.
The firmware on your phone has a bug, and is unable to properly read the battery charge.

The third one is very less likely. The second option is less likely, but in my case (a Samsung Galaxy On7), both 1 and 2 had occurred at the same time.


No way to revert back to an old version since you are on marshmallow, Samsung won't allow you to, for security reasons.

You can get back some space by uninstalling  bloatwares, but you'll need root.

Try also moving movable apps to an external memory, works with mine (I also have a J5 8GB), at Settings > Application > Application Manager


Are calls made by third-party apps logged?

If you mean logged by your phone company then yes any calls that go over their network will be logged and billed to you. If the 3rd party app uses VoIP or something similar they won't log it as a call but then you also won't be billed for it except for the data charges.

If you mean logged on your phone so you can check it in the call history then that depends on the application as it is possible for an app to edit your call history.


As noted in the answers to the questions you linked to it isn't possible to just sign out of the Gmail application and not other Google services.

In order to achieve the functionality you want though have you considered using an application lock such as APP Lock? With this you can require a PIN to open the Gmail app. Whilst it doesn't turn off email access it will prevent the whole family from being able to access your mail.

N.B. If you have kids using it as well then it might be worth requiring a PIN in order to purchase anything on the Play store, this might prevent some nasty surprises appearing on your credit card bill. You can see how to do this here.


How can I delete all mail from gmail stored on my Android device?

Gmail account is directly linked to the internet and stores few bits of data onto the device. Even if you are not connected to the internet, the data will stay on your device. Logging out of the Google device will remove your preferences or settings, but the data can on your device is still visible. To remove the data, you need to do a factory reset, which will wipe out the entire data (including your internal memory file).
This can be done in two ways, reboot from settings, Settings --> system or about phone --> reset --> factory reset.
Or manually by switching off the phone, and then pressing power and volume down button simultaneously. You can find more information here https://www.androidcentral.com/how-factory-reset-android-phone


How can I view a TLS 1.2 only website on an outdated tablet?

You can use Opera Mini, which still supports Android 2.3 and uses its servers to compress data.


HDMI connection between HD TV and Asus ME 302C

Yes, with a HDMI to Micro-HDMI cable, just plug the tablet into the TV and select the HDMI input on the TV. It will mirror the tablet display on the TV.


Does restricting background data for an app turn off notifications too?

If you're still connected to WIFI you should still receive those notifications. It sounds like you're just turning off the mobile data(as stated on my Galaxy S5), but not the WIFI data.

If you're not connected to WIFI you shouldn't receive notifications because it takes data to check for updates with the Facebook app.


Subfolders and files ignored when copying from sdcard to PC through USB

Seems I just needed to wait a little longer for the "Copying..." dialog to pop up again. Windows is weird sometimes.


Why does Android not include an Add Hardware Wizard?

On desktops and laptops, drivers are a necessary evil. Hardware is often user-serviceable and prone to changes, and there is a huge variety of possible combinations. On phones and tablets, this isn't quite so. You can't really change the hardware easily. It's entirely safe to disallow driver installation since you don't really need it.
It is a lot easier to break ARM devices than x86 with messed-up drivers.
Drivers on Android must be written for specific kernel versions and all. This is easy to do for a manufacturer, but hard to get right as a user.
Most USB On-The-Go devices are USB interfaces, for which drivers are included.
Driver installation requires root access, which is disabled by default on the vast majority of Android devices.
Allowing driver install exposes a massive surface for the installation of rootkits and other malware.  And, in fact, such malware can persist across devices wipes and firmware upgrades.

We will likely see some kind of driver installation if Project Ara takes off. But I imagine it will be along the lines of each component having its driver loaded onto it and installing when attached, as opposed to allowing the installation of arbitrary drivers found on the Internet.


OnePlus One does not connect via USB (Yes, I have tried the usual suspects)

I also have the same problem and tried whole lot of things, it did not work for me. Now only following things needed to be checked:

Found a comment on the support forum that the Marshmallow CM is having issues with USB to PC connectivity but OTG works.(I haven't tried OTG myself yet but will be definitely check it). So here we need to flash the phone to an older CM version to get the phone detected in hte PC. Reference-> https://forums.oneplus.net/threads/usb-not-working-anymore.453049
It's an hardware issue. The USB ribbon port needs to be changed.

Also please do let us know if you got your problem solved and how.

Thanks.


Forgot Samsung Tablet password & do not want to do a factory reset

It would defeat the object of having a password if you could get in without it. You have to factory-reset the device. Next time, set up a Google account on the device: it asks you to do it the first time you turn it on.


Google Goggles will do what you are asking. It does an analysis of any taken picture (without saving it to your phone). The results of the analysis will depend upon your picture (for example, if you take a picture of a famous painting it will tell you what the painting is).

In your case if you take a picture of a phone number, it will highlight the number in the picture allowing you to select and dial it.


How do I troubleshoot my IR Blaster (Samsung Galaxy Tab 4)

In galaxy S5, we can use *#0*# to open the Hardware module test app. So I guess it needs to work for your galaxy tab 4. If it works, then click on the IR module to test it.


Disable history syncing on Chrome for Android

In the

Main Android settings > Accounts > Google (related account) > Browser Sync

remove the tick should work


How to repartition Google Nexus 4 (aka. LG E960)?

As mentioned above, the Nexus 4 uses plain GPT on its storage to split it up into partitions. Any tool able to modify GPT should work. By far the biggest problem for me was getting an appropriate tool - the fdisk bundled with TWRP can only list partitions on a GPT disk, without making any changes. I prefer not to use parted (available from Termux), due to its inability to display/modify partition GUIDs (may have changed since the last time I checked).

Looking back, it may be possible to dump the entire storage to a computer, make changes there, and put the whole thing back, but I specifically wanted to avoid writing over critical partitions (loaders, kernel, etc.), so I set out to get gdisk for android.

I eventually found this thread, where the author prepared an archive with gdisk and a few other tools.

Requirements:

Computer/VM with adb, fsck.ext4 and resize2fs
This zip file

Overview

The relevant partitions (system and userdata) are 21st and 23rd on the storage. The 22nd partition is just cache, so there's no harm nuking it, and making a new one after data from the other 2 are in place.

The TL;DR version of the procedure is:

pull the data partition to computer

[PC] adb pull /dev/block/mmcblk0p23 userdata.img

put gdisk on the phone, and use it to modify the partition table - grow system while retaining its starting sector, shrink userdata by the same amount, and re-create cache between them

[PC] adb push gdisk /tmp/
[adb-shell] /tmp/gdisk /dev/block/mmcblk0
...

use resize2fs on the phone with the system partition to grow it
use resize2fson the computer with the userdata partition's image to shrink it to appropriate size
push the modified data image to the phone

[PC] adb push userdata.img /dev/block/mmcblk0p23

format the cache partition, reboot into system


Setting's "Search" function doesn't work properly on Android N Preview 3

I cleared data and cache from settings app and it's worked for me. Not factory reset and clear cache from recovery. I went into settings>apps>allaps,settings>storage and clear cache and data


Overheating.

You may have used it intensely and when you lock the screen you then put it in ur pocket?

Your phone will be overheating and restarting itself to stop damge to the circuits/processor.

Similar user issue here


In Android Google Sheets, "enter key" (->|) won't move to cell below. How to fix?

It depends on the keyboard you are using. I tested it first with Gboard and secondly with Hacker's Keyboard and Microsoft SwiftKey Keyboard. With Gboard pressing Enter, insert a new line on the same cell. With Hacker's keyboard and Swiftkey, it takes you to the cell below. So, a possible solution is to use another keyboard (if GBoard is your default keyboard) while using Google Sheets.

Why is there not an option to specify "enter" key behavior, as in Excel?

That's a question Google developers (Gboard) will answer better than us as to why their keyboard behavior is different from the other (I have not found a webpage yet a reason for this behavior).

(Or is there one and that's what I can't find?)

There isn't one (for now).
Disclaimer: I am just a user of the mentioned keyboard apps.


If nobody else is having the issue, I'd send it back for a replacement.  You probably just got unlucky.  Though you might also want to compare the WiFi signal strength with your other phone, and try some speed tests to see if it's actually an issue or if the number of bars is just misleading.


How do I install a custom ROM on sony experia ray ST18i?

You have to install the drivers and then install ClockworkMod with help of x-Parts from Google Play to enable the recovery menu


This approach achieves desired functionality by communicating with Android APIs at AIDL level making use of ADB

Run the command:

adb shell service call audio 7 i32 3 i32 0 i32 1

Here, the service call refers to IAudioService. Click here  for more info.

7 is the function named setStreamVolume. It is the 7th in the list of functions in the interface IAudioService. Verify it here. (setStreamVolume takes 3 parameters streamType, index, flag)
i32 is to write the integer INT into the send parcel. (Alternatively we can make use of s16 for UTF-16 string)
3 is streamTypevalue. (Value 1 → phone, 3 → speaker, 4 → alarm, 6 → bluetooth)
0 is index value and 1 is flag value

See the source here.


try to use flags in Chrome command line without ROOT

Its worked. You need set flag and next:
Command line like that:

adb shell

shell@:/ $ echo "chrome --user-agent=MyUser" > /data/local/tmp/chrome-command-line

For check, you can download file from phone

  adb pull /data/local/tmp/iron-command-line d:\


Sorting the contact by VCard's categories

Open Contacts
Menu -> contacts to display
Choose Customize
Choose your email or G+ account
Select that groups to show
Hit OK and all the individuals with those labels will be shown

Source: Tested on Contacts app running on a KK 4.4


What can I do when my GPS doesn't work (or if my tablet doesn't have GPS)?

I have several bluetooth-GPS adapters that I use with all of my devices when I need a superb signal because a specialiced receiver is almost always superior to a smartphone's internal GPS (due to integration constraints).

GPS Receiver: My favourite is the Bluemax 4043 bluetooth receiver. It has more than one day uptime, it can also log 32MB of GPS data and uses a cheap Nokia BL-5C battery. Linux support! OpenStreetMaps Wiki has a comprehensive list of good receivers (search for the bluetooth enabled ones).
Software support: Cyanogenmod7+ can connect to GPS bluetooth receivers, stock Android users may install 3rd party apps like Bluetooth GPS Provider.

It's very handy for my Nook Color tablet that has no GPS but bluetooth (Asus Transformer Prime users also have this kind of problem).


i have a SPICE COOLPAD MI 515 AND I CANT ACCESS TO MY STORAGE

You could try editing the file over an ADB interface.
You can install the appropriate drivers and the ADB Interface, and then use a program called PuTTYTray: https://puttytray.goeswhere.com . There, you can use the built-in Linux text editor using the command called vi to edit the vold.fstab file to return your device to its original configuration.


How can I display my maps (from maps.google.com) on Android smartphone?

Have you explored the layers option in your Maps app? Your saved maps can be shown as a layer.

In the following image (courtsey: HowTo.Cnet.com) you can see the "My maps" section. Expanding My Maps will show all your saved maps. It requires a data connection to use this feature.

Update:
While composing this reply, I cross checked my input with the Google Maps app in my mobile. My mobile is running v2.3.3 and having Google Maps of version 6.x. I could see the "My maps" section in the layer and I could overlay one of my saved maps.

When I saw OP's comment that "My maps" was not found, I cross checked it with my Nexus 7 running 4.3.3 and Google Maps v7.3.3. It has indeed no "My maps" at all. After some search, I understood from this page that "My Maps" has been removed - may be in favour of Google Maps for Business.

Update:
I just found a new app from Google at its Play store named "Google maps engine" which seems to overlay the stored (though not the old ones, but only the ones that were created with new Google maps for desktop) maps.


Is Wi-Fi always favoured over other data connections?

In Android, AFAIK, when you connect to an active Wi-Fi network, mobile data (GPRS, 3G, etc) will be disabled (even if are turned on) temporary. So it would be OK to just connect to the Wi-Fi network. But, if you want to be sure about disabling mobile data, you should go to Settings -> Wi-Fi and Networks -> Mobile Data and uncheck the option to disable mobile data.
(in ICS it's in Settings -> Wireless and Networks -> More -> Mobile Networks)


It may be worth noting that the boot time for the nexus one is about a minute.

I think the expected use pattern of Android devices is 'always on', so it's been optimized for everything but boot time.


Can I install Ice Cream Sandwich on my HTC Wildfire?

I doubt it, but take a look at the new CM9 release of CyanogenMod and see if the Wildfire is supported. I have the HTC Desire and haven't bothered checking as I'm happy with CM7 (Gingerbread) but I think the Desire is missing some needed hardware features and as the Wildfire is lower specked than the Desire it is probably not going to be supported either.


Why doesn't Skype on HTC Wildfire function properly?

I'm afraid that if the official Skype app does not work then you are probably out of luck. Skype do not let third party applications use their service, so you are unlikely to find anything that works.

I suspect the issue is down to the CPU speed of the HTC Wildfire, which is only 528mhz. It's likely that the processor simply can't keep up with the demands of the application, which is why you get the stuttering, and why performance is the same on other Wildfire's.

Unfortunately you may have to stick with your other VOIP application.

Edit: There are a lot of posts on the Skype support forum where people are complaining of poor performance on the HTC wildfire. The Skype rep does say they are aware of it and trying to improve performance, so you may just have to wait for an update to the application sometime in the future.


You could try something like VLC Remote. It can apparently even be configured to work with an MPlayer install instead of VLC if you prefer (according to this project, at least). There's also a remote app for Songbird available, and you can find it in the Market as well.


You don't need to back up anything under /system since a factory reset or flashing the original ROM will restore everything there.  And if you were flashing a different ROM then the .odex files would likely be useless anyways, since they're for specific app/OS/device versions.


how to get back up of all phone data after Flash stock ROM?

First of all, I would suggest not writing any new file on your device until the deleted ones get recovered. You can use tools like Wondershare Dr. Fone for android(Its a PC app) https://drfone.wondershare.net/android-data-recovery.html. Its paid but you can try it for free if it works or not for you. Another tool I remember is Disk Digger(Android app) and its pro version Disk Digger Pro which requires root access. If they dont work you may need to seek professional help. But remember dont write new files on your phone as they would overwrite the deleted ones and make them unrecoverable.


Can Galaxy S2 ICS be updated to enable spell-checker without rooting?

Based on Android ICS spell checker does not know how to spell (English)?, spell-checker seems to be enabled [but there's some issues].

Right now, I'm on Samsung Galaxy S2 ICS [using CyanogenMod], and there is a checkbox to enable Spelling correction. When I was using stock ICS, I could turn off spelling / auto-correction, but it might be because I was also using a 3rd-party keyboard [GO SMS Pro]


How to root Moto G 3rd generation running Marshmallow?

Excerpt from my XDA Tutorial on rooting the Moto G 2015 -

This guide covers ALL Moto G 2015 models (including the G Turbo) that can be bootloader unlocked and have TWRP available, it doesn't matter if it is the XT1540, XT1541, XT1543, etc., the method is identical. In fact, this method will work on all 2015 and 2016 series Moto phones running Marshmallow, including the Moto E, X, G3, G4, and Z.

Please read completely and make sure you understand each step and how to do it, if you don't get something search the thread or ask an open question.

tl;dr version for advanced users: Skip to "How to do it" section

I am writing this tutorial because there are still lots of failed root attempts using older "standard" methods that do not work on this device. I also do not like the "one click" root methods, because they can and do fail (KingoRoot will brick a Moto G3, regardless of what it's web page says), and when they do people have no idea how to fix it. The manual way is not difficult, and it teaches you how to work on, fix, and use your device on a level above that of the average smartphone user.

I will only cover the details of rooting, the prerequisites are covered elsewhere in detail and I will link to reliable sources for the information. Specifics of the prerequisites are outside of the scope of this tutorial, but are open for discussion in this thread.

Prerequisites:

1) Device must have an unlocked bootloader. See Moto - Unlocking the Bootloader for more info. NOTE: Performing this prerequisite will give you all the tools (fastboot) and drivers needed to continue, and wipe your device, meaning erase all your information and programs. Make sure to backup any important data first. This step will also permanently void your warranty once an unlock code has been issued by Moto, it doesn't matter if you even use it, your warranty is done.

2) You need to have TWRP installed or one-time booted via fastboot. CWM and other recoveries will NOT work at this time. See TWRP for the Moto G 2015 or TWRP for Moto G Turbo.

3) You need a copy of the latest STABLE SuperSU ZIP from Chainfire's site on the internal storage or SD card of your device.

4) Reboot and start TWRP recovery, the method you use to do this doesn't matter (boot or flash).

How to do it:

Now, the procedure is the same whether you are trying to root the first time, or you did it the old way just flashing SuperSU and are now not able to boot...

In TWRP, go to Advanced and open the Terminal, in the terminal type this EXACTLY as shown:

echo SYSTEMLESS=true>>/data/.supersu

Now press enter (there is no confirmation returned), then exit and press the Home key. Go to Install and select the SuperSU zip file you downloaded from Prerequisite #3 and swipe to flash it and reboot. No need to clear caches or anything else but you are welcome to if you wish. You can install SuperSU updates normally through the app going forward (as of this posting).

Why do I have to do this???

For whatever reason, the install script for SuperSU does not recognize that this device (like many others) requires a systemless root installation. By creating /data/.supersu in the TWRP recovery environment, the SuperSU install script parses the file and sees "SYSTEMLESS=true" and ignores what it auto-detects and forces a systemless root installation.

Hope this is helpful to someone!

As always, if this is the first time you have booted TWRP or attempted root... BACKUP IN TWRP FIRST!!! Once the system is modified, it cannot be undone (easily) and you will always have a known good starting place if the worst happens.

DISCLAIMER: I am not responsible for anything that happens... Your device, your responsibility, no matter what happens... Although all the information here has been tested and is known to work with no issues except where noted, things occasionally can and do go wrong and we cannot foresee every possible scenario or circumstance.

If you need assistance, we need detailed information about what what's going on and what you have tried to do... Please provide details including:

1) Device model number and Android version
2) TWRP version
3) SuperSU version
4) Output of 'cat /data/.supersu' from TWRP terminal

And a copy of recovery.log if possible, and any other pertinent information you can think of. Without  specific information there is nothing that I can do to assist you and request for help may be ignored.

Photos added showing what a proper command and flash should look like. Note that in picture 1 the exit command is not needed, you can just back out. In pictures 2 and 3 a proper flash of SuperSU is shown, note that system-less mode is specified and the boot image is patched, this is what should occur. It is normal for it to loop once or twice, but that is it, first boot could take 10 minutes plus.


If you download Dolphin browser, add the Desktop toggles add-on you should be able to view it as a normal webpage (make sure to enable desktop toggles and delete the "m." in the url)


If I set my phone to "vibrate mode" and I then receive phone calls, can the vibration damage my device?

I don't think continuous vibration while the phone is ringing can destroy a phone. It can drain battery though. I always set mine to vibrate, and it's still fine.

Some phones or custom ROMs let you adjust how strong the vibration is.


How do I make my phone fully customizable?

The Hodor trick is done using this Hodor Xposed module, which requires Xposed framework.

For a rooted device, installing Xposed is indeed a good way to customize without stepping into the realm of custom ROMs, but it comes at the usual risk of bootlooping and other problems. If you're only looking to do it for fun, and have no idea of how to recover from such failures, I advise you against it.


Impossible to format corrupted SD card formatted as internal storage

It sounds like the other answer of the FAT being corrupt is likely, I would try "zeroing out" the card...

First, verify the device... it will be something like /dev/sdb or similar, make absolutely sure you know this device is correct. Then, in Linux open terminal and enter the following command:

$ sudo dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/sdb bs=8192

Substituting the correct device name for /dev/sdb.

DO NOT interrupt this process or it could possibly brick the SD card.

Once it has completed, eject and remove the card... wait a few seconds then reinsert the card in the card reader. After this, open gparted (or your partition manager of choice) and create a new FAT and partition. In gparted, this is accomplished by selecting Device, then Create Partition Table from the toolbar menu, I would recommend using msdos as the partition type. Then after that process completes, select Partition - New, and change the File System to fat32 (or whatever is appropriate for your card) and click Add. Then Apply (the "return" arrow in the menu bar).

Once this has been completed, remove the card and reinsert it, it should be readable in Linux, Windows, and most other operating systems.


How do I change the lock-screen wallpaper?

I also had this issue. I'm using LG GT540. When using default LG home screen, I can change the LockScreen Wallpaper.

But if I use any other Launchers the option is not there.

Now what I'm doing is: I will switch to LG Homescreen just for changing the Wallpaper and then will switch back to LauncherPro.

You should do something like this. I know this is not the answer you are looking for; I'm just giving you some hints.


Deleted my stock phone application from android phone after rooting as a result can't call for now

It seems you have taken no backup, which implies that you have to flash the stock firmware. Since you have rooted your phone, I believe you already have a custom recovery like TWRP installed (if not, go ahead and flash one. Search google for the exact instructions for your phone). Then search Google for the stock firmware, and you should be able to find a version of the stock ROM. Download and move this to the phone storage, and flash it with the custom recovery. You might have to clear all internal storage data and/or Dalvik cache and system partitions before/after the flash. Check Google and XDA Developers for the exact instructions.

Note that this will delete all the data of your internal storage, so make sure to take a backup before proceeding. You will lose root access as well, and the custom recovery might be overwritten with the stock recovery.


Linda File Manager allows you to do that. Just long press the file and select Create Shortcut. A shortcut icon shall appear on your Home screen

As a side note, it is also a nice file manager.

There might be tons of other options, though.


From SM: Go to Settings → My Device → Home Screen Mode and select "Standard Mode", then hit "Apply".

Next, go to Settings → My device → Lock screen. All will be active now.


First N sec not played from pulseaudio over HDMI on Android TV

Found the cause:

check this question:
https://askubuntu.com/questions/218444/sound-output-starts-delayed

so I commented out this line:

 load-module module-suspend-on-idle

in file /etc/pulse/default.pa, and issued pulseaudio -k waited for restart and now it works without any delay. Hurray!


Is it possible to make a call without having access to the contacts list?

In Android 5, a feature called screen pinning was introduced. The idea is to actually pin an active app screen so that it cannot be quit, no notifications are shown, and so on. Think of this feature as restricting yourself to a single app screen until it is unpinned again. More information can be found here.

To come back to your specific problem: start the call app, pin its screen and hand it  out to someone. This person is now able to use the pinned app screen, but cannot switch to another app. If you enable the corresponding setting, this person will also not be able to unpin without knowing your password/pin/pattern.

It should be noted that you need at least Android 5 Lollipop for this.


How to figure out what the Android Software Update is?

I tried a few methods I could think of:

Wireshark the WiFi packets -> nothing
adb logcat to see if anything extra info is logged -> nothing
I found out thought, that most of what we see on the "Update" screen is hard-coded and only the "Improved stability..." part is dynamic.
adb pull /cache/fota/update.zip or adb pull /data/fota/update.zip -> requires root

After almost giving up I found http://sammobile.com. The sad thing is that it only works for Samsung phones, which I have luckily. The fact that my phone's origin is German or Austrian and the date the update showed up helped me narrow it down to
12-11-2014 Firmware Updates:

Germany (DBT)                   GT-I9505    GALAXY S4 LTE   4.4.2   I9505XXUGNK4
Germany (Black Edition)(DBT)    GT-I9505    GALAXY S4 LTE   4.4.2   I9505XXUGNG8

and since I already have I9505XXUGNG8, it must be the first one, which is weird because I would swear the color is black like this

Then I checked the carrier's listing:
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/GT-I9505/DBT/ which seems to correspond with the timings of my past received the updates. So I checked my CSC (*#1234#) and found that indeed this is my current version so the update is still 4.4.2.

Edit

I did the update and after checking About device it was indeed updated to I9505XXUGNK4.


How do I collapse outlines in OneNote app?

Almost one year later and version 15.0.3232.1047 and this critical function is still missing - unless someone can explain how to this?

So I would say the answer is no


This is not possible. The XT1060 for Verizon is a CDMA phone with GSM world-compatible capabilities. The XT1053 is their unlocked GSM-only model. It would lack support for the Verizon-specific CDMA functionality that would allow it to work on your network. ROMs are very much, permanently, dependent on their device and can't generally be shifted to another device, except in the rare case that different model numbers are only for marketing purposes and the internal hardware is actually identical. It's not, in fact, JUST the carrier that's different. A lot of other functionality has to change to support that carrier.

Your only alternative would be to find a custom ROM built for the XT1060 that incorporates the specific functionality you're looking to get from the XT1053.


my phone stopped showing contacts or logs.

Go into settings then apps, go to all apps on the scroll at top of page, go down until you find the phone icon with call and message log beside it, force stop it, then shut down phone for 2 minutes, not precise but I left mine off this long, then restart, all logs should be back, hope it helps


How to disable Peek/Heads up notifications on LG G5 with Android N

are you looking just to shut off the notifications?

If so:
from the Home page -> Pull down from the top and click on the Sprocket (or Settings) -> If you have the Grid View click on the Sounds&Notification -> Click on Apps -> Scroll down and click on Settings

From here, you can control you want the Peek, but making silent, or click on the Lock Screen and Hide all notifications.

I hope this helps.


Connecting android tablet as testing device


Where is the backup folder of TextSecure and Signal?

The folder is located just in the base dir of your SDcard:

/sdcard/TextSecureExport

Since Textsecure is now called Signal, there is no extra folder. It is located directly in your SDcard home folder:

/sdcard/SignalPlaintextBackup.xml

Note: sometimes the phone doesen't show the folder on your computer, then you could use a filemanager on your phone (like Ghost Commander) to move the backupped files into another folder that is visible on your computer.


Android USB "Disk Drive" disappeared on HTC EVO V 4G (Virgin Mobile)

When connecting to a Mac, it's no longer a direct option, but there's an easy workaround.

From the Mac, download, install and start this app:

http://www.android.com/filetransfer/

The Mac app will prompt you to connect your Android.
Plug the Android into a USB port.
On the Android, select “Media sync” mode.
On the Mac, the file transfer app will show a window with file/folder selections.
On the Mac, open a Finder window, then drag and drop files back and forth between Finder and the Android File Transfer app.

Unlike the old “Disk drive” option, the Android File Transfer app does not provide access via a mounted volume.


Wifi WPA Enterprise - In android 11 under 'Online Certificate Status', what is the difference between the various options?

"Certificate status request" is the official TLS terminology for OCSP stapling.
The Android option is very likely a direct mapping to the corresponding wpa_supplicant option (just like the "Domain" field is domain_suffix_match, and so on).


Google play store: set language to the local language

You have to set your System display language to German, not your Google account language to German:

Paramètres -> Paramètres Avancés -> Langues & Saisie -> Langue -> Allemand (Deutsch)
Einstellungen -> Erweiterte Einstellungen -> Sparche & Eingabe -> Sparche -> Deutsch


Before using any steps backup your personal data
Use a Bloatware free Stock-Rom or Custom rom which has support of your Android Phone. You can find your phone's stock rom on XDA-Developers forum.
Now comes the flashing step.

You can do it in two ways:-

1. Flashing from androd Recovery Mode in TWRP. Requires root
See Here to know how you can do it:-
https://www.google.com/search?q=flashing+roms+with+twrp

2. Flashing rom from PC. This doesn't requires root.
See here to know how to do it:-
https://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+install+custom+rom+on+android+using+pc

These steps will remove the virus apps which were in your root and will give your phone a relief.


Maybe not exactly what you had in mind, but coming close: There are several clipboard-action apps available which might come close to that. I didn't try them, so no guarantees – but their descriptions are promising they can do that. Two examples would be:

Speaklip
Auto Speak Clipboard 2

Hopefully one of them proves helpful to you. Good luck!


Turning off "charging" sound effect on Xperia Z3 Compact

No. Assuming your phone is updated to Lollipop, the sound is just always on now.


How can I copy photo caption in Whatsapp?

Yes you can, but not forwarding but using sharing option.
If you received a message with captions OR you sent an image with caption and you want to share/forward the same message with multiple contacts, then
Select the image with caption -> Press Share (instead of forward) -> Choose Contacts
Voila! You can now share image with captions :)

Source : How can I forward an image with captions in WhatsApp?
UPDATE
Follow these steps for sharing a media with captions.

Select the media with caption
Click on vertical triple dot icon on top right corner
It will open a menu and it will have a share menu item
Clicking on share menu item will show the list of apps
Select WhatsApp and then choose the contact to whom the media is to be set with caption (refer below given screenshot).


The short version is that you need to upgrade your tablet to a newer version of Android.

The long version is that the font rendering changed in Android, upgrading text from "unusual, like handwriting" to "simple and readable". At the beginning of 2013, Adobe donated their CCF rasterizer to FreeType (the font rendering library used in Android and Linux in general), which integrated the changes for version 2.5. It wasn't until the end of 2014 that the updated FreeType library was merged into Android's repository, so the earliest version of Android to get the update is 5 (Lollipop).

The Nexus line of devices generally gets Android updates really quickly. Other Android devices often lag behind by several months or just have support quietly dropped. If your tablet still has the problem and doesn't have any updates available, then switching to a third-party version of Android (e.g., CyanogenMod or Replicant) is probably your only option. Be aware that this could easily brick your tablet if everything isn't done perfectly, so you do it at your own risk.


Idle device and inactive phone consuming too much battery

I found what caused the excessive battery drain was, i changed the Preferred network setting to just use G3(WCDMA)(or whatever network your carrier uses) instead of the auto/global setting it has by default, now the inactive phone drains 28% of the battery, better than before


Andoid App install workaround, country device not valid

Developers may restrict their apps to work only on certain devices, countries, and some versions of Android. But, you can bypass theoe restrictions to install apps that are “not compatible with your device.”

P.S: You should have ROOT access to fool Play Store, but didn't guarantee if the apks will work correctly on your device.

I won't tell you why some apps are not compatible with your device? and on your Android device, Those won’t appear in Play Store search results. You are seeing those incompatible apps on the Google Play website only.

How to bypass device restrictions ?

On your system partition there is a build.prop file storing the device,  brand and manufacturer.

if you have ROOT access device, you can edit the build.prop manually and change your device model and brand entirely. This will allow you to install apps that are marked as compatible with your new spoofed device., the values to be modified are:

ro.product.model
ro.product.brand
ro.product.name
ro.product.device
ro.product.manufacturer
ro.build.fingerprint

Be careful, when dealing with ro.build.Fingerprint

You can simply download Device Spoofer apk from Play Store on your device. Once it’s installed, don't forget ROOT is required; launch the apk and spoof your device to any model available on the list. after rebooting your device, You can then install apps compatible with that new device.

Tricks for Installing Country-Restricted Apps
Some apps are only available in certain countries. If you have forgotten to install your bank’s app before travelling or you want to install a video or music-playing app that’s not available in your country, you may be able to fool Google into thinking your device is actually in another country.

We have used these tricks in the past to install US-only apps from outside the US. However, none of these tricks worked for us when we tried them while composing the article. It’s possible that Google is sure our account is outside the US because we have paid with a non-US payment method on Google Play. However, we have included these tips in the hopes that they may still work for some of you.

How to install country restricted apk?

Just use any VPN apk from Play Store to Install country restricted apks. Use Wi-Fi only when using Play Store, and disable cellular connection with AirPlane Mode.

VPN applications don’t need ROOT access. just restart your device, connect to another country's VPN, and then open the Google Play app. Your device should be located in another country. maybe you need to clear Google Play Store data & cache to detect device’s new country.
Install the App’s APK File
If an app is marked as incompatible because you’re in the wrong country, you may be able to locate the app’s .APK file and sideload it onto your device.

Install apk from unknown sources

On your device, downlaod the APK file you want from sources other than Play Store.
Launch any File Explorer apk and navigate to your downloaded apk (Tick the option "Install from Unknown Sources" on your device Settings)

P.S: Downloading and installing apks from web include many security risks. You shouldn’t download APKs from untrusted sources.


How do I configure the keyboard and mouse in BlueStacks?

The newest (mid May 2015) update of Bluestacks adds a graphical interface for editing keystrokes for the current application.  It's a HUGE improvement for those who don't have the aptitude or time for programming.


How can I clear the cache(s) of my g2x from adb?

I am not sure about the G2X, but when I would reboot in to recovery on my Galaxy S Vibrant, I used to have to "apply updates", which would run the update.zip that was on the sdcard, this would bring me in to the clockwork recovery.

I also know that the adb reboot recovery does not yet work correctly on the Galaxy S Vibrant version, so this could be the same issue on the G2X.


How to turn off the beep sound when pressing volume up/down buttons on Lenovo s660?

Just some clarification, the tone is not a media file that's played. It all done programmability as seen here: https://github.com/CyanogenMod/android_frameworks_base/commit/3c786740240d8cc3b7615e36b6fad698bf79a825

After looking at your device, you probably won't be installing Xposed & Gravity Box as I couldn't even find TWRP available for the S660. Upload your SystemUI.apk and I'll have a look at it.


How do I install an OEM's launcher in my device?

The apps made by OEM are specific to their devices and ROMs.

The apps may depend upon external libraries that the phones don't have..

  Anyone having a device made by those OEMs should be able to upload the APK of their launcher, so why it is not possible to install them? As an example, see How to download and install Samsung TouchWiz launcher any Android device?

You can directly install the APK, but it won't work.
Because, you need to place the lib files in the /system partition necessary for that app.
That's what flashing the zip file does :)

The only way to get it working on other devices is porting the app by editing and linking the necessary library files.


Bought my friend's Samsung S6 but can't restore with new Google account

It's a new Anti-Theft feature of Android since 5.1. Your variants:

Wait 72 hours and try again.
If that didn't help, you should find 5.0 stock ROM, flash it and then upgrade back to Marshmallow or what have been previously there.

P.S. Of course, the fastest way is to cooperate with your friend, log in to his account and then enter the new account :)


I wonder if you say you have decrypted your phone because my phone (CyanogenMod 11) says explicitly that the only way to decrypt is a factory reset. http://imgur.com/iFXxsbC.png

So in your case I would look if your phone is really decrypted.


It's pretty simple if you're using Android 4.0 or later. Just go to Settings > Developer Options > Show Pointer location (or Show touches, whichever works) and toggle that on.

Note: If you don't see the developer options, you need to go to Settings > About Phone and tap on Build number several times.


As you can reproduce the crash you can connect your phone via USB to a computer and start

adb logcat -b all

and then start the problematic app on the device.

You will get the logcat output until the device reboots. Hopefully there is an indicator why the crash happens.

Note: this requires enabled adb on the device and adb running on your PC.

There is a second way reading the kernel messages after the reboot happens, but the path (e.g. /proc/last_kmsg) of the saved kernel messages have changed over the time and it is not enabled by default on all devices.

If you are interested in this way see for example this topics:

How can I enable last_kmsg?


How do I make sure that a custom ROM will fit my HTC Desire?

The HTC Desire by default allocates 250 MB of its internal memory for the /system partition, 40 MB for /cache partition and 147 MB for /data partition.

The ROMs are usually packed in ZIP files and are usually about 155 MB in size. However, they do get bigger when unpacked. Here's how to verify that you will be able to flash a custom ROM on your phone.

Download the ROM you want to flash. I will use SuperNova ROM here as
example.
Unpack the ZIP file. In my case, this is
Supernova_2.4.0.1_signed.zip.
Right click on the system folder and click Properties. Note the
size of it. In my case this is 203 MB.
Right click on the data folder and click Properties. Note the size
of it. In my case this is 17.9 MB.
Compare the found sizes to the reference sizes above.

If your system folder is less than 250 MB and your data folder is less than 147 MB then it's all good. You will be able to flash the ROM using the stock HBOOT image. This is true in my case for example.

However, if you find that your data folder is bigger than 147 MB (which is unlikely), OR if you want more free space for things like apps and user data, then you will need to flash a different HBOOT image first which will layout the partitions differently so that you get more memory allocated to the /data partition. One such HBOOT image is called "Bravo Oxygen r2". For more information and to download a differen HBOOT image, go to the AlphaRev website.

What is contained in the system and data folders is what will get copied to the corresponding partition once you flash the ROM.


Google Play downloads app data to internal storage first then installs the app to external, hence the low storage message. There is no way to change this without rooting and using a symbolic link.


Volume Limiter

I stumbled upon your question googling the same thing


How can I free up more space on my Android (2.2 Froyo) phone?

I have an HTC Desire, too, and I really had the same problem for a long while.
Until I found this post:
http://www.getele.com/how-to/how-to-install-apps-to-your-sd-card-on-android-froyo.html

You do NOT have to root the phone, or something like that. It tells you to download the Android SDK to your computer, then connect it via USB and enter only one small one-line command. After that, ALL apps (except system apps) will be moveable to SD card, and also have SD card as default install location.

Since then, I really get the most out of my phone, and have dozens more apps. At the moment about 130 apps. Some of them shrink from 23mb to 120kb, others are not so drastic, but it REALLY helps.

Hope I could help,
Heval


How to open password protected ODT file using LibreOffice

It should prompt you for the password when you attempt to open it, if not, try OpenDocument Reader available in the Play Store... if neither can open it, it is likely a corrupt file.


Change a system setting missing from the UI directly?

Got an answer on XDA, tried it, worked: http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/help/change-setting-missing-ui-directly-t2927313

Basically they suggested to change the setting in build.props but the phone didnt pick that up. So in the end I overwrote the default audio file with the one I wanted.