With a little extra care (such as taking backups first in case you want to go back), if you have root, simply rm-ing the .apk in /system/app is sufficient to remove system apps. Take care though, as removing certain apps may cause the system or other apps to crash.


If an inappropriate review is removed by Google Play, is its associated rating also deleted?

It doesn't delete it unless Google Play Review Team reviews that review and then deletes it including its rating if it doesn't follow Google Play Comment Posting Policy.

You can report a review either through Google Play Console or Play Store itself.

If you report through Google Play Console, you will be able to report it only once. If Google rejects it, you can't report it again.

If you report through Play Store, it will be hidden only for you, while it is still visible to all other users. If it is not deleted and Google rejects your report, the review will be visible to you again usually after a couple of hours, and the rating will still be counted, but you will still be able to report it again although Google will mostly reject it again and again.

However, in most cases according to my experience when I review 1-star reviews with hateful⁽¹⁾ comments, they don't get deleted. Google is very strict about reviews. They sometimes even delete real 5-star reviews and keep hateful 1-star reviews undeleted. That's frustrating I know. The only 1-star reviews that got deleted were those that were totally irrelevant to the app that promoted a service or another app or simply looked like an ad.

(1) By saying the word "hateful", I mean comments that curse or promote violence.


Where to download android for galaxy S5 (G900FZHU1ANE3)?

The newest available Image ( Android 5.0 ) for your Sm-G900F Samsung Galaxy s5 is available on sammobile.

Look at the instructions for flashing on this site:

Extract (unzip) the firmware file
Download Odin v3.10.7
Extract Odin ZIP file
Open Odin v3.10.7
Reboot Phone in Download Mode (press and hold Home + Power + Volume Down buttons)
Connect phone and wait until you get a blue sign in Odin
Add the firmware file to AP / PDA
Make sure re-partition is NOT ticked
Click the start button, sit back and wait few minutes


Seeing as both Epistle and its successor Draft are both no longer maintained and can no longer sync with Dropbox, this app simply called "Notes" seems be the closest alternative to them.


What's causing my games to sometimes exit to the homescreen?

If your foreground app is being closed without warning, the suspect is no other than Kernel. It generally happens when Kernel runs out of memory. In such case, Kernel reclaims memory by killing other apps, otherwise the device would be crashed. In such situation, Kernel doesn't respect multitasking (apps with background services, apps having icon in status bar etc) and in some cases, even foreground apps (when its very critical). When Kernel fails to do it due to CPU unavailability etc, the device really get crashed. This is how it works.

In your case, one or more reasons are responsible:

You've a load of lots of background running apps which draw lot of memory even during game play.
The game requires more resources than your device hardware provides. Its less likely because game runs most of times, but its possible that game does a lot of memory caching which outruns currently available memory.
There's memory leakage bug in atleast one of your installed apps.

When it comes to fully filled big storage, system requires somewhat more resources to locate a file in it, but it doesn't cause this type of problem. You can reduce memory card size or files in it to lower down performance impact, but its not recommended. Its better to hunt down and remove always-running apps which are not extremely useful. Even if its useful, you should find its alternative which doesn't always run in background.

In the last, you can always install CatLog to see what happened after game crash. If you find it as alien language, Google it or ask here.


How to remove sleep screen from Galaxy family?

This is Samsung's "Quick Glance" feature, which triggers when a hand is waved over your sleeping phone.

You can turn it off in Settings -> My Device -> Motions and Gestures -> Air Gesture -> Quick Glance.


How to display comments from devices that I don't own?

When you specify one of your devices (to narrow down the comments), the web page sends an AJAX query to google. It passes a GET variable, specifying the device; it also passes some POST variables, one of which is a token (so you can't simply browse to the page).

You could write something that requests a different device to get the comments. The only problem is that google has their own definitions for device models. You would have to find out the model id used by google for the device(s) you wish to browse.

Here is a starting point for your code. I grabbed my token value by using Tamper Data.

app_id = "com.rovio.angrybirds";
token_id = "FIND_YOUR_OWN_TOKEN";
device_id = encodeURI("LGE LG-VM670"); //this is sent as a GET, so encode
page_number = 0;

$.ajax({
  type: "POST",
  url: "https://play.google.com/store/getreviews?id="+app_id+"&reviewSortOrder=2&reviewType=1&fn="+device_id+"&pageNum="+page_number,
  data: { xhr: "1", token: token_id},
  dataType: "json",
  success: function(json) {
    parse_reviews(json);
  },
  error: function(json) {
    // it seems like the standard behavior from this url call is a response 'code' of ")]}'", instead of a 200 or other standard code
    parse_reviews(json);
  }
})

function parse_reviews(json_object){
  //this should extract the comments to a readable format
}

Here's a starting point for your list of devices. My two devices are the

Optimus V: "LGE LG-VM670"
Nook Simple Touch: "BarnesAndNoble NOOK"

Readers: Feel free to add your device in the comments.


If you can't boot the tablet and hard reset it in the settings, you could try to flash the official software using a computer and the tools/image available at http://pipo.cn/En This also does a hard reset. You can put the tablet in download mode by holding one of the hardware keys and pressing reset while connected to the PC with an USB cable.


How to set default apps on Samsung Galaxy S II + Android 4.0 (ICS)

Go to SETTINGS > MANAGE APPLICATIONS or APPS (depending on your ROM and version). Scroll through the list of apps and tap on an app that is the default for some action. This will bring up the app's properties that show the size of the app and other relevant stuff.

If the app is set as the default for a particular action - the CLEAR DEFAULT button will be active, else it'll be grayed out.

As an alternative - check out Default App Manager - it's an app that has similar functionality.


Launcher crashes when unlocking my x touch tablet

Well, I guess you launcher is experiencing problems with the your Android device. I would say if the problem persist first try clearing the cache and the data store by the launcher app, you can do that by heading over to the settings>application manager>Tap over the launcher and clear the cache and the data stored. Now try opening the launcher again and see if it shows you the same error again. If it pops up again then I would say better to uninstall the application. Rest I'll leave it upto you!


Prevent or Mute "Device Location Shared" notification from showing

To disable application notifications for versions prior to 5.1:

Open "settings".
In the device section of the settings menu, choose "apps" from the list.
Choose "all" from the menu to show a list of all installed applications.
Locate the application, in your case Android Device Manager, it may be labelled "Device Manager".
Highlight the application, then select "app info"
In the App Info screen, uncheck the "Show notifications" box.

You should no longer receive notifications for the the application.

Please note that not all applications enable to uncheck the "show notification" check box. At least not those on LG G3 device.

To disable application notifications for version 5.1:

Open "Settings".
Under "Quick Settings" open "Sounds and notifications".
Under "Notifications" open "App notifications".
Select the desired application from the list.
Use the on/off switch for "Block notifications". Turn on to block the application's notifications.


Is there an Android equivalent of Linux command "xinput --list"?

Enter the command su root to gain root access.
Enter the command getevent -p to see a list of devices - which will match and even provide more detailed info than the linux command xinput --list


What is the fastest way to turn the phone into silent mode?

Personally, I think that the easiest way (apart from sliding right to left, but that's not available on all phones) to put the phone into silent mode is to hold down the power button for a short period of time, then select Silent mode.


Client-side encryption of messages across apps

No. Apps on Android can't interfere with each other's operations to the extent you describe. I can think of two options that come close to what you describe:

Use a standard PGP app and copy-and-paste ciphertext between that and the chat app.
If the chat app you're using uses direct client-to-client transmissions, instead of every message going via a server, then you could set up a VPN and ask your partner to join it before starting to chat with you.

To be honest, neither of these options, nor the ideal circumstance you describe, sound like an easier sell than simply asking your friends to use a secure chat system. I suggest to you that Jabber offers this functionality while allowing a choice of clients, some of which can also use different chat systems, so it might be the easiest transition path.


One option - if you have root and a proper custom kernel you can use something like SetCPU to underclock your processor. CyanogenMod also has this functionality built in since at least CM7, don't remember if it's in CM6. That can be found in Settings->CyanogenMod Settings->Performance IIRC. Without root access, I suppose you could try to run some kind of "expensive" process in an attempt to occupy CPU cycles, but its probably not the best of ideas or an accurate portrayal of a slower device.


Micromax Canvas A1 is unable to install apps from Google Play Store

Backup your phone. Do a hard data reset (note, that this is different from a factory reset):

Press Volume Up + Volume Down + Power Button all at once.
Press Volume Up.
Go to recovery and then select wipe data/factory reset.

If you are facing any troubles, then this link should be helpful for you.


Thanks for introducing Lyx, pretty impressive open source app.
There are two products from Verbosus. I understood that Lyx is a Latex based tool and hence producing this link.
I am not confident enough whether suggested Latex editor will be equivalent to Lyx, but just trying to help.


Greenify and BootManager in Xposed Modules for Lollipop 5.0.1

For Greenify:

You can participate in the Greenify beta program by joining their Google+ community, which should work with Xposed for Lollipop. As part of the beta program, you'll automatically receive beta updates through the Play Store.
Otherwise, you can grab the APK from this mirror and install it yourself.

For Bootmanager:

Someone notes that it still works with this workaround

  [You] can click outside the popup message at start of boot manager and it works regardless of the "module not enabled" message.

Also note that as of today (4/Mar/15) Xposed for Lollipop is still an alpha version. It is not yet complete, and therefore several modules may not yet work with it. Even when it is finalized, it may take more time for the modules themselves to be updated with support.

The latest status update (Feb 19) to the Official XDA Forum also states:

  Keep in mind that this isn't my fulltime job and that an alpha phase might take some time. It would be illusionary to assume that we reach a stable state after a few days, with all the changes that have been done." source

The most you can do is contact the module developers and support them in the process of updating their apps for Xposed Lollipop support.


In order to uninstall apps on touch-wiz, go to the apps folder then tap the left soft button. Now tap uninstall and touch the minus button for the app you want to remove. Finally, tap yes when it says "(App you chose) will be uninstalled". Here is a video showing how to do it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYL6nYapr7I

  Also, while I realize this might vary from app to app, what would be
  some of the most common reasons/advantages to disabling an app?

The advantage of disabling an app over uninstalling it is that the app doesn't need to be installed all over again (from scratch using WiFi and the google play store.) Instead, you can find the app you want to use again and enable it. Think of it as a file in the recycling bin of a PC. It is not being used by the computer by any way, but can still be restored and put to use if you wish so.


USB debugging option greyed out in Samsung Galaxy J5 runing Android 5.1.1

OK, here is I got the solution! there wasn't any bug or error in Android. It is because I have installed Samsung My Knox in my phone. Knox give an extra protection to device and also for some security reasons, Knox disabled USB debugging.

according to Samsung My Knox :

  If you are using My KNOX, you cannot enable USB debugging mode while the container is installed.

I have uninstalled Knox and now  USB debugging is working properly!

There is another application named Samsung Knox Express which give you option for enabling USB debugging, but only System Administrator can install this application.


Try a third party messaging app, such as Google Messenger or Handcent SMS to see if the problem is duplicated. If so, verify you're running the most current software version with Samsung Kies. If you are, try a factory reset and see if that works. There's a possibility that the Lollipop update for the S4 has some bugs that will hopefully be patched rather quickly.


How to fix "Unfortunately, com.android.keyguard has stopped"?

My solution: the error happened only when I entered a new SIM card. Without SIM cards the phone worked as expected (Alcatel Pixi 3). I had to disable sim pin using another phone, and then transfer the sim back to the mobile phone with the problem. Disabling sim pin check seemed to solve it.


You can not use Google Maps in offline mode according to its description. There are some tutorials in the Internet like these Google Maps Offline but are not recommended as it lasts only for 30 days in your device according to the tutorial. So looking at alternatives we have this app called Maps.Me which is totally as good as Google Maps. I have this app for myself. Try it.


Is it safe to use compression for nandroids (backups) created by custom recoveries?

Hope this helps

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2001834

I've used compression for a long time, won't stop anytime soon.


My Daughter forgot her pin to unlock her screen on her tablet. help?

If the device is logged into a Google account, try going to Google's Device Manager and click "Lock". Set the password you want and push it out.

I'm not sure what OS version introduced this feature, so if its too old an OS, i don't think this will work.


Can I remotely launch an app on my android phone?

Although there is not a general solution for remotely launching apps, here is a solution that applies to your situation:

First, install AndroidLost from the online Google Play Store.

this is the app you can use to control/wipe/access info about your lost device, yadayada

Give it a little time to install to your device, then install AndroidLost Jumpstart from the online Google Play Store as well

  This app will wake up the registration process on the androidlost app
  when ever a phone call is made, an SMS received, battery is low, a
  package is added, removed or changed.

So you have to install an arbitrary app from the Play Store as well to activate the service, but you can then go to androidlost.com to access functions to control your lost device! Including ringing an alarm ;)

EDIT 2015-01-29: Jumpstart won't help on a device with Android newer than 2.x, as in the description you can read: "Please note that google has changed the android API so this app only works on android version < 3."
So not possible with a phone with 4.x to register AndroidLost later, without the physical possess of the phone.


How can I download apps from Google Play to my Tab using my PC's Internet connection?

While one solution might be to setup reverse tethering, as eldarerathis already pointed out in his comment to the question (see: How to set up reverse tethering over USB?), this most likely requires your device to be rooted.

An alternative approach is described in an Article I've recently stumbled upon: How to extract direct APK links from Google Play Store. This basically uses a Java app on your PC, which is connected to your device via USB cable – and hence would perfectly match your needs.

You would need to download that Java application (Real APK Leecher), install it on your PC, configure it with your device ID (which you can find e.g. via the "dial code" *#*#8255#*#*), and then this Java app pretends to be your Android device, so you can use it to browse the PlayStore and download apps to your device.

Disclaimer: I didn't try this for myself, so I'm just sharing my find with you here.


How do I copy ADW launcher settings from the free to the paid app version?

Here is a partial solution (it doesn't copy widgets).

You must save the ADW settings as a backup in the free version, then restore them in the paid version.

Open ADW Launcher
Context menu > ADWSettings > System > Backup and Restore > Backup
Open ADW Launcher EX
Context menu > ADWSettings > System > Backup and Restore > Restore > (choose the backup time stamp you just created)
Context menu > ADWSettings > System > Restart ADW
Now you'll have to re-create your widgets.


Why do I only get push notifications when I turn my phone on?

This is most likely caused by a setting that's intended to reduce battery and service usage by turning off your data and/or wifi connection while you're not using the phone.

There's a few settings you should toggle:

1: Settings -> Power -> Sleep Mode
This is on by default and causes the device to turn off the data connection during longer sleep periods, meaning: When your display is off for a while it will turn off data (this includes wifi) and you won't be able to receive notifications anymore.

2: Settings -> WiFi -> Menu -> Advanced -> Keep Wi-Fi on during sleep
Change this to Always - Other options are "Never" and "Only when plugged in" (to the charger). If not set to "Always", your phone does the same as above. This is wifi only.

3: Settings -> More -> Wireless & networks -> Usage ->  Menu
Here, turn off the "Restrict background data" feature. Depending on your version of Android you can choose in detail which apps you want to allow in the background, and which not. Apps which aren't allowed an internet connection in the background won't receive notifications.

4: In case you're using a power saver (In my case: Settings -> Power -> Power saver) you should check the settings for it too. Mine has the option to "Put data connection to sleep when screen is off" - If you have such setting you should turn this off too.

Please note that your settings names may differ slightly from mine (e.g. "Power" could be called "Battery" and your "Data Usage" settings might be somewhere else) so you might have to look around a bit, the feature we're looking for should be called the same though.


How to find exact HTC One S version (S3/S4)

Easiest way. Check your packaging. Look for Model describtion on the back of the other label. Either z520 or z560, the z520 is S4, 560 is S3.

from wikipedia:

Processor and memory

One version of the One S uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4...In certain markets the One S uses the older Snapdragon S3... The two versions have slightly different packaging, the S4 is model Z520e/Z520m and states "Processor: Dual Core, 1.5GHz"/"CPU Speed 1.5 GHZ, dual core, whereas the S3 is model Z560e and states "Processor: Dual Core".


Do not mute Sound on incoming notification - Android, YouTube

The Don't Pause! app promises to help here:

  Are you tired of Notifications interrupting your music?
  […]
  Don't Pause was designed to keep your device from interrupting you when you are listening to music. If you are listening to music through your android phone and you get a text message or email, by default, Android pauses your music and plays the notification. Don't Pause fills in here. Don't Pause will run continuously once you start it and when you are playing music it automatically puts your notifications on vibrate. After you finish your music, Don't Pause automatically changes your setting back to the normal ringer.

I have not tried the app myself (no use-case for me), but a 4-star rating with more than 2.5k votes sounds promising.


If you are using the YouTube app while on mobile data instead of WiFi, it often will not give you the option to change the quality. So I would suggest using the app on WiFi or only when you have high cellular reception.


Create Calendar events via Tasker that starts when entering a location and ends when leaving it

Direct answer: Yes.

What you didn't ask: How :)

Have a location-based profile which fires when you reach the location in question. In the entry-task, create the first calendar entry ("Entered [location]"). Then, add an exit-task – in which you create the second calendar entry ("Left [location]").

You might have to add some checks to compensate for "drops" (e.g. entering the basement of a building might drop you to de-facto "airplane mode" with no cell network, no WiFi network, and no GPS coverage – which might "accidentally drop you out of the location"). So the exit task should contain something like setting a variable with the "current time", then a loop for e.g. 10 times having a Tasker › Wait › 10 seconds and location re-check, and then only log the "exit" when you really "left the building".

If you wish a single calendar item with the start time set to the locations entry, and the end time to when you exit it, a little modification is required:

in the entry-task, set a variable holding the current (entry) time
in the exit task, when submitting the calendar item, use the variable's content for the start, and the second variable's content for the end time of the event.


If it is stuck in bootloop, I suspect corruption in /system. You should either reinstall the stock ROM or install a custom one. The first thing you will need is a custom recovery. According to this post by flowish at XDA-Developers, you can do this by follwing these steps:

  Download the recovery (recommended latest build)
  extract and put to your /sdcard
  open terminal applications (like better terminal
  emulator) ,or you can use from adb shell and type :

$ su
# cd /mnt/sdcard
# sh install-recovery.sh
# sh reboot-recovery.sh

Here is the button configuration of the recovery:

  Power button : Select

  Volume (+) : Up

  Volume (-) : Down

After doing that, install a new ROM from the recovery. Here is a custom ROM (from a post by nizar07 at androidtablets.net) that you can install from recovery.


Encryption is always activated as long as both of you are using latest version of WhatsApp and there is no way to turn if off too.

You can also verify the encryption from "Verify security code" screen in the contact info screen.

Source: https://www.whatsapp.com/faq/en/general/28030015


In the People Application

Press the drop down next to phonebook and you can fine tune your contacts better. I had the phone tag checked and not the all contacts checked. I opted to switch to all contacts and have my phone filter out those without phone numbers automatically.

The alternative is to add a phone tag to each contact I want in my phone.


Can't run Doggcatcher and Endomondo simultaneously

I'm answering my own question from what I've gathered. There seems to be no way to prioritize, say, Doggcatcher, if it's playing music in the background. When the operating system runs out of memory, it starts summarily killing background processes. The best I can do is kill dispensable background processes before starting these two apps.

First I turn off sync. Then I go to Manage apps and open the Running tab, note which apps are running, open the Downloaded tab, and from there Force stop the apps. Note that if you simply stop the services from the Running tab, the apps will usually restart them. After that I clear the app cache from the All tab. I'm not sure how necessary this step is, as the problem occurs rather nondeterministically. After that I start Doggcatcher and Endomondo.

Especially Facebook app just keeps starting all kinds of services that consume a lot of memory, no matter how it's configured, so I uninstalled the app and started using the mobile site with web browser. The mobile site is also more robust, I think it has more features, and I got rid of the annoying notifications.


You can back up any filesystem by backing up individual files, e.g. in a tar archive. Assuming that you have a set of Linux command line utilities (e.g. a full BusyBox installation):

adb shell 'tar -cz /sdcard | uuencode sdcard.tar.gz' >sdcard.tar.gz.uu
uudecode sdcard.tar.gz.uu

The uuencode/uudecode step is necessary because adb corrupts binary files on output (it adds CR before every LF).

You can open the archive in any archive browser (except the one built into Windows, or at least older versions of Windows, because it only supports the zip format).

To restore:

adb shell 'cd /target/directory && tar -xz' <sdcard.tar.gz

I don't know if there's a lower-level tool to dump an sdcardfs filesystem. Since sdcardfs is a view of an underlying filesystem (i.e. a stackable filesystem), rather than a filesystem built on top of a storage device, there's nothing to dump. But the underlying filesystem is built on a storage device; if you dump that, you will get a full backup and you can access the sdcardfs part by using the sdcardfs driver on the backup and mounting it with the same parameters.

FUSE is pretty much irrelevant here. It's an implementation technique, not a description of the filesystem format.


It does work, not sure on your device but on the Nexus 6 running 5.1.1 under Settings > Language and Input. There is an option for spell check. I use the Google keyboard and I assure you. It has spell check. It's in the keyboard settings under text correction.


Will copying everything from /data/app and /data/data be enough for app's backup?

To do a backup like you want, you can just copy everything from /data/data except the lib directories/symlinks (they will fail when you want to restore/push them).

A very easy thing to do is adb pull /data/data and then delete all the lib files (as symlinks are only files but those refer to directories).

Upon restore you can install each app, using adb install for example, and restore the data manually, ie. just push it back and fix permissions.
Make sure the apps in question are not running.

To fix permissions you can either do it manually/with a quick shell script. Read the owner of each app's data directory and recursively set that owner (and group) to that owner and group (using chown user:group -R /data/data/<package name>). Users and groups are in the format u0_a000, the symlink to lib is owned by install.


Which engine does the stock Samsung Browser use?

After reviewing some user-agent strings, all native Samsung browsers I saw use WebKit.
There are particular idiosyncrasies when working with this family browser amongst devices, and a lot of weird behavior. According to What browser does the Samsung Galaxy use? on Stack Overflow, there is some "value-added" by Samsung to the AOSP browser.


How can I download and install custom roms for the droid x?

I think the instructions you find in this thread are fairly clear, aside from the process of rooting your phone and installing ROM Manager.

All the standard disclaimers apply, of course.  What you do with your phone is your business and nothing any of us say makes us responsible if you brick your device.


Unfortunately the sound files are placed in /system/media/audio which is out of reach without root. One reason why this is done is to prevent killing camera noise in regions where camera noise is required by the law.

Not being able to root the phone is purely Verizon's fault - they enforced locked bootloaders on almost all their devices. Furthermore, one can probably wait for root to come out for S7E (many users and relatively new - still has some hope), but P905V being a 3-year-old device certainly isn't gonna get anything new in the near future.


You might keep trying patterns if you think that after a number of wrong patterns you could get right one but android will setup a timer to wait if wrong pattern is drawn and each time timer to wait will increase.
The next option would be a hard reset your device.
Please keep in mind

• Resetting your device will completely erase all user data on the device.
• After reset you may be asked to sign in with the previous Google account (as a security feature named FRP) that the device had previously signed in before Resetting. So, make sure you have sign in detials of that account.

How to hard reset Samsung tablet A ?

Switch off the device.

Press and hold the Volume Up key + Home key + Power key simultaneously.

Release keys when the Samsung Galaxy Tab screen displays.

Recovery menu would take a little time to appear(It would take couple of seconds to show you System Update so wait.)

Choose wipe data/factory reset by pressing volume - button.

Press power to confirm factory reset(choose delete all user data.)

It would take couple time to reset it, after process is done the option may appear to 'Reboot' device or it may be Rebooted to system automatically.

Now you would be asked to set up your tablet and you all screen lock is disabled.


backing up system image before rooting: please help

First, there is no such thing as a "full copy" of the system stored anywhere on the device, as it is with the Windows recovery partition you describe. Neither is there a "program which reinstalls the android operating system from scratch" stored on the device, so you could back that up (installation is always done via rom-flashing, which takes care of itself).

Second thing is a chicken-and-egg problem: in order to create a partition-image backup, you will need root access -- so you cannot do that backup before your device is rooted (and a custom recovery is in place to provide the necessary tools). But then you no longer can backup the original state, as that has been altered by the rooting process (and custom recovery installation). So the only way to have the "real stock state" available is to download a stock image.

However, the rooting process itself is reversible (see the unrooting tag). And with a full stock installation archive (including the recovery and everything), you should be able to restore the "pre-rooting" state. Not having a Samsung device, I can however not tell about any flash-counters which would let Sammy know what "dirty work" you did in between...


Can I use the adb shell to know that the phone support OTG or not?

Yes.  All you need to do is test for the presence of the file that enables it.  On devices that do:

# adb shell ls /system/etc/permissions/android.hardware.usb.host.xml
/system/etc/permissions/android.hardware.usb.host.xml

And otherwise:

# adb shell ls /system/etc/permissions/android.hardware.usb.host.xml
/system/etc/permissions/android.hardware.usb.host.xml: No such file or directory

Of course, it's possible for a device to be misconfigured — but you have to actually physcially test OTG to determine that.


Not sure if this applies as it's been a while since this question was asked but thought I'd answer it it since I had a similar experience now.

I also have a Motorola G2 and it was having slowness issue just last week, and I saw on android pit website they suggest you go in to the developer options and speed up the animation which can cause slowness if it's set to default that is 1 second, I changed it to .5 seconds and it really makes a big difference, and now everything works much faster.

And there's another suggestion there as well for clearing the cache. I'm posting a link here: https://www.androidpit.com/how-to-speed-up-the-moto-g-2014-for-better-performance


Motorola Xoom "Complete action using" dialog won't display to select an activity

Solution: apparently there is a bug with this in Android 3.2.  Rotating your Xoom will fix it.


How to set up LAN Printer with IP address

I have been through a similar struggle, but a Brother HL-2250DN networked printer and Android Pie. Printer is not showing up when searching in Default Print Service.

I can see the Brother printer on the network using Fing, and can ping it by its IP address so it isn't a network problem.

The Brother supports Internet Protocol Printing (IPP) which is apparently supported by Android, but I'm not convinced Brother's implementation is good. It also supports other protocols supported by Android, but enabling them all doesn't make the printer show up.

I discovered if I shared the printer from my Mac, it did then show up in Default Print Service, and I can print from my Android. Unfortunately, sharing from Windows doesn't seem to work in this way.

It would be nice not to need another client powered on in order to print, but that probably requires a printer natively supporting Google Cloud Print or properly implementing an Android supported promoting protocol.


The phone locks it self while it lays with the screen down

The only documented example of this I could find was in Sony phones. Turning off Stamina fixed it for this person. They also recommend clearing the cache for Stamina

  Turn off Stamina mode from Power management.
  Go to Settings -> Apps -> All -> Stamina mode -> Force stop, Clear data and restart your phone.


No Users settings on my Samsung Galaxy tablet running on Android 4.4.2

If it's not there, then either your ROM is messed up somehow, or the menu item is hidden extremely well, or Samsung chose not to include the Users functionality in your ROM, period.

There is a way to force your device to display the Users setting screen; working or not. You just need to launch the Users activity in com.android.settings. One way to do that is by installing Nova Launcher, adding the Activities widget to the homescreen, and choosing that activity from the list.

If that still doesn't work, then your device really does not include the Users functionality (which is surprising, as it's a tablet).


The file media_codecs.xml located in /system/etc lists the codecs available for a particular device.

To read it via adb shell:

adb shell cat /system/etc/media_codecs.xml

Part of Media_codecs.xml content on my phone:

<MediaCodecs>

    <Settings>
        <Setting name="max-video-encoder-input-buffers" value="10" />
    </Settings>

     <Decoders>
        <!-- ffmpeg video decoders -->
        <MediaCodec name="OMX.ffmpeg.h263.decoder" type="video/3gpp">
            <Limit name="size" min="16x16" max="1920x1088" />
            <Limit name="alignment" value="2x2" />
            <Feature name="adaptive-playback" />
        </MediaCodec>

        <MediaCodec name="OMX.ffmpeg.h264.decoder" type="video/avc">
            <Limit name="size" min="16x16" max="2048x2048" />
            <Limit name="alignment" value="720x1280" />
            <Feature name="adaptive-playback" />
        </MediaCodec>

        <MediaCodec name="OMX.ffmpeg.hevc.decoder" type="video/hevc">
            <Limit name="size" min="2x2" max="2048x2048" />
            <Limit name="alignment" value="2x2" />
            <Feature name="adaptive-playback" />
        </MediaCodec>
    </Decoders>

    <Encoders>
        <!-- mediatek video encoders -->
        <MediaCodec name="OMX.MTK.VIDEO.ENCODER.MPEG4" type="video/mp4v-es" >
            <Limit name="size" min="16x16" max="1920x1088" />
            <Limit name="alignment" value="16x16" />
            <Limit name="block-size" value="16x16" />
            <Quirk name="requires-allocate-on-input-ports" />
            <Quirk name="requires-allocate-on-output-ports" />
        </MediaCodec>

        <MediaCodec name="OMX.MTK.VIDEO.ENCODER.H263" type="video/3gpp" >
            <Limit name="size" min="16x16" max="1920x1088" />
            <Limit name="alignment" value="16x16" />
            <Limit name="block-size" value="16x16" />
             <Quirk name="requires-allocate-on-input-ports" />
            <Quirk name="requires-allocate-on-output-ports" />
        </MediaCodec>

        <MediaCodec name="OMX.MTK.VIDEO.ENCODER.AVC" type="video/avc" >
            <Limit name="size" min="16x16" max="1920x1088" />
            <Limit name="alignment" value="16x16" />
            <Limit name="block-size" value="16x16" />
            <Quirk name="requires-allocate-on-input-ports" />
            <Quirk name="requires-allocate-on-output-ports" />
        </MediaCodec>
    </Encoders>

  <!-- <Include href="media_codecs_mediatek_audio.xml" /> -->
  <!-- <Include href="media_codecs_mediatek_video.xml" /> -->
    <Include href="media_codecs_google_audio.xml" />
    <Include href="media_codecs_google_telephony.xml" />
    <Include href="media_codecs_google_video_le.xml" />
    <Include href="media_codecs_ffmpeg.xml" />
</MediaCodecs>

It may also point to other files as on my phone to get a complete list. Therefore, use the command below to get the full list of files listing codecs available on your device.

adb shell find /system/etc -type f -name "media_codecs*.xml"

You can then filter the files on the codec types with the following commands:

cat /system/etc/media_codecs*.xml | grep "type="

Media Codec Info app offers an easier way to list the codecs on a device.


It appears that Kindle Fire is designed to restore its wallpaper on every wake, and that to prevent it, you have to have rooted the KF, and use a file manager to remove the system's write permission from the new wallpaper file.  See this article on xda-developers forum.


Actually, even if you know that a kernel can allow you to overclock your CPU to a certain speed, there's a little file which consists of a frequency limit.

This file is to be found into /sys/kernel/cpufreq, and its name is hardlimit. Inside it, you'll find the maximum frequence, defined in Hz. For instance, and for your case as well, its content will be 1728000, which is equal to 1728MHz.

By using a root file editor, which usually integrates a text editor feature, you can edit this limit to the desired frequence (in your case, 2457000. Please notice that, even if you succeed in editing it, the file may be rewritten after a reboot. Given that, make sure to check if your kernel supports init.d, and, if yes, write a little script to change the file at boot.


Run this command:
adb shell setprop debug.egl.force_msaa true

To disable, replace true with false.
Tested on OnePlus 6 running Android 10.


Put the side of your hand on the left side of the screen and swipe to the right. That should do it.


Updating old Android Jellybean (4.2.2) Device

According to the Wikipedia page for this device, officially, it only supported 4.2.2 at the highest.
You'd need to update it using a third-party software, such as LineageOS.
That said, the tablet itself is outside of even their maintenance window, and depending on which device you have (the Cellular version or the Wifi version), will need to manually build their latest OS for it.
All the standard disclaimers about modifying your android device with aftermarket software remain relevant here.


Why does controlling CPU frequency require root access?

If have to disagree with Sparx, if you change the CPU frequency via the supported methods that every modern CPU provides, changing it, even in a fast sequence, doesn't affect stability. I would even rule out hardware damage, because of the sophisticated security mechanisms in modern CPUs (overheat protection, etc.).

Why can only root set the frequency and the frequency governor? Well, first because it's Linux that only allows root to do so. Second, I think that it's because the average user shouldn't care about. It's the system that decides which frequency is the best in the current situation. It does so automatically, without user intervention and it does the job good under Android (IMHO). While thinks like SetCPU can prolong battery life, it also can shorten it, if it's done wrong. The question here is: Do you believe that a 3rd party App does better battery management than the one that the manufacturer of the device? In certain cases sure, but not always.


The best practice for flashing stock Samsung firmware is through Odin on your PC with the original USB cable. This will remove the root and return your device in stock condition with the desired downloaded Android version.
The process is very easy you just have to flash the MD5 file using ODIN in download mode you can follow this useful guide with images Samsung Stock Firmware downloading and flashing guide


I had experienced that before, 2 times ( one with CWM and one with TWRP). I fixed it by:-

Pulling out the battery, re-insert it, and boot into download mode
(vol up + power button + home button).
Use Odin (if you don't have one, download it here)
Download the stock firmware for your specific device here
Once your stock firmware finished downloading, head over to Odin and click AP. Browse for the stock firmware you've downloaded and
click OK.
Connect your phone to your computer and click start at Odin.
Wait for a couple of minutes, and there you go! You fixed your phone.

Hope this helps.


How can i run Wifi direct in my andrioid ICS tablet?

Install and run ES File explorer on both Android devices and connect them both to one Wi-Fi access point. Long press on the file and use Send option and choose scan. After some lag the target device will be listed and just selecting it will prompt for confirmation on the target device. Once confirmation is accepted, the transfer will take place.

You can see ES File Explorer's help page for more info.


What is google's policy regarding the images of the apps?

Please read the terms and conditions of the site, specifically, under sub-heading 6. Rights and Restrictions, and I'll quote:

  No Public Performance. You agree not to display content contained in
  Products in whole or in part as part of any public performance or
  display even if no fee is charged (except where such use would not
  constitute a copyright infringement). Use of a tool or feature
  provided as an authorized part of Google Play (for example, “Social
  Recommendations”, as defined in the Music terms below) is permitted,
  provided that as you use the tool or feature as specifically permitted
  and only in the exact manner specified and enabled by Google.

  Capturing of Streams. You may not use Google Play or any Product in
  conjunction with any stream-ripping, stream capture or similar
  software to record or create a copy of any Product that is presented
  to you in streaming format.

  Sharing. You may not use Products as part of any service for sharing,
  lending or multi-person use, or for the purpose of any other
  institution, except as specifically permitted and only in the exact
  manner specified and enabled by Google (for example, through “Social
  Recommendations”).

  Proprietary Notices. You may not remove any watermarks, labels or
  other legal or proprietary notices included in any Product, and you
  may not attempt to modify any Products obtained through Google Play,
  including any modification for the purpose of disguising or changing
  any indications of the ownership or source of a Product.

The italic-ized and bolded heading is my emphasis and thus would lead to OP's intention to be in violation!


Installing Custom Rom on a S3 with Damaged Volume Down

Without a volume-down key, you can't:

go into recovery mode/download mode without a PC
reduce the volume (duh)
select options in CWM
take screenshots in AOSP-based ROMs

Possible workarounds, by order of mention above:

use adb reboot recovery / adb reboot bootloader, as said in the comments
use a USB jig to force the phone to boot into Download Mode
go into Settings > Sound > Volumes and change values from there
use TWRP or CWM Touch instead
use third-party apps. I think GravityBox for Xposed has the option to add a screenshot option and advanced reboot to the power menu, but I haven't been using Xposed for a long time.


Saw the exchange of comments between you and @Firelord. Let me try clarify .
You have a cell phone , call it phone A, which can connect to two networks say WiFi1 and WiFi 2. These networks are registered on phone A so passwords need not be entered.
Let us assume this is at home connected to wifi1 and is unattended
Now you go to work and want the phone A to switch automatically from WiFi 1 to 2.  This is what we understand as  "remotely" from your question
How do you tell phone A to switch? You have to perform some action. This action is called "trigger" . For example, you have another cell phone B  at work or borrow to send SMS or give a can give a "missed call" to phone A.
What phone A does when it receives the trigger (s) are called actions. For the actions to run on phone A, you need to have MacroDroid installed on it. Not required to install on phone B
You may want to have some conditions under which this should work, like time of day, day of week and many more. These are called "constraints". The macro runs only is the constraints are "true". If you don't have any constraint,it will always run when trigger conditions are met
Trigger (s) + Action (s) + Constraint(s) create a macro and MacroDroid helps you create macros
MacroDroid,  was recommended by since it is easy to learn (that's why I use it) and the behaviour can be easily customized to get the result you want. Besides,free version allows you to create up to 5 macros and so for the task at hand, free version suffices.
Macro for your requirement would look like this:
Trigger
Call missed → Select Phone B number
SMS received → SMS from (select phone B) →  SMS content (enter any content based on which actions will happen)
In this example I used " switch WiFi"
These triggers work in logical OR, meaning to say that actions will happen when either phone A gets a missed call from phone B or gets a SMS having "switch WiFi"
Actions
WiFi configure → Forget Network → WiFi 1
Wifi configure → connect to network → WiFi 2
Constraints
Time of day → start time (select)  → end time (select)
(I chose 9 am to 6 pm)
Or
None (if you leave it blank, it runs always)
Save the macro and ensure it is enabled   before testing
EDIT
Based on clarification but by OP that the device to be controlled has only email option and no SIM, only the trigger would need to be amended, as below:
Incoming Notification → choose mail app or any other app that gives notification like hangouts → Text content contains (enter your selected text trigger)

You may be prompted to enable notification access for MacroDroid. Grant that

Ensure that mail or other app like hangouts has notification enabled

If you want to use mail app

a)  You can enter the chosen text in mail header
b)   There may be times when multiple mails are received at nearly same time, so the app may miss out on reading the notification. To avoid this, you can consider opening a dedicated mail app for this purpose.
System Settings

Do not Greenify MacroDroid and exclude it from task killers, if you use them.

Enable MacroDroid in "Auto Protect"(Huawei phones) or "Stamina Mode" (Sony phones or "Power Nap" (Stamina Mode Xposed module for non Sony devices). Also, if you update to Marshmallow in the future, exclude MacroDroid from Doze. Refer this: Is there a way to exclude an app from Doze?

These features prevent app(s) to be active when the device is not awake, conserving battery. May not be pertinent to your phone but adding this as a general precaution.

Enable MacroDroid in accessibility settings and also allow it as device administrator in security settings.

For Lollipop, enable notification access from notification settings


Does Google provide a global games achievements system like Game Center? or Xbox LIVE?

Just announced 24 July 2013 is Google Play Games.

The Play Games platform was first announced at Google I/O back in May, but until now, there wasn’t a dedicated app; you could see your achievements and online leaderboards inside your apps, but there was nothing that brought that all together.
The Play Games app changes that. It shows you all of your Play Games compatible titles, as well as those your friends are playing. And if you don’t yet have any Play Games friends, the built-in suggestion feature will help you find some.
Asphalt 8 Airborne, Riptide GP2, and Prince of Persia: The Shadow and the Flame are just a few of the titles that support Google Play Games, and you’ll find hundreds more in Google Play.

That's not to say that individual developers or partnerships might not aggregate their own games in their own "game center". For instance Mobage, OpenFeint (recently killed), and the new Rovio Accounts.


How to enable the SD card to be written on by all apps [Mrashmallow]

Yes, you can use adaptable storage to do this. This means that your SD card with merge with your internal storage and display itself as one big SD card. This is really nice if you need extra storage, but things can go crazy if you pull your SD card out of your phone as it's used as internal storage.

Just make sure NOT to pull out your SD card from your phone if you decide to enable this.

You can enable it in 2 ways:

ADB:

adb shell sm set-force-adoptable true

From Settings

Go to Settings -> Storage -> SD Card -> Format as internal


Install update in recoverymode delte phone?

To answer your question:

Installing the zip will delete (or change some apps) but not all. When you flash the zip it overwrites the "system" partition on your phone and so it changes which system apps are on your phone. Since google apps are system apps, but are not included in the CM zip, this is why you have to reflash gapps after because they get deleted. However, the zip does not overwrite the "data" partition which is where most of the user apps are (apps that you installed from the play store and such). But, flashing the zip without wiping the system and the "data" partition, and consequently all of your applications, is known as dirty flashing and is not recommended. It is especially not recommended when making a large jump such as from CM11 to CM12. Regardless, you should always perform a android backup before flashing anything just to be safe.

Now for a solution:

There are apps such as Titanium backup which allow you to back up your applications before wiping and flashing and then restore the applications once you've upgraded.


Complete list of hardware keyboard shortcuts for Desire Z?

As the links in the comments are partly broken, I try to sum some things up here -- before the remaining links go to Nirvana as well.

Global Shortcuts

Access number pad – Tap the 12# button on the keyboard
Turn on CAPS – Tap and hold the up arrow/Shift key until it has an underline.
Access keyboard settings – Tap the Gear icon on the keyboard

Browser Shortcuts

Homepage – Menu + Spacebar
Find – Menu + F
Select text – Menu + E
Page Info – Menu + G
Share Page – Menu + S
Downloads – Menu + D
History – Menu + H
Settings – Menu + P

Messaging Shortcuts

Press C to compose new message
Press R to reply
Press A to reply all
Press F to forward

(Source: HTC.COM)

Assigning your own Shortcuts

While on the Home screen, you can quickly open an app or an item by pressing a keyboard shortcut.

While on the Home screen, open the slideout keyboard.
Press and hold any of the keyboard keys (A ~ Z).
Tap OK.
Tap Apps or Shortcuts, and then tap the app or shortcut that you want to assign to the selected key. If you are assigning a shortcut to an item on your phone, follow the screen instructions to proceed.
While on the Home screen, press and hold the key you’ve assigned a keyboard shortcut to. The app or item opens.

(Source: HTC.COM)


How can I replace a carrier-customized system with the original version?

It might be possible in some cases (I know Sony has released blobs before for ROM devs to use), but generally OEM's have agreements with carriers and release only carrier-laden ones. I know you said "without rooting", but you could technically flash a custom recovery and from there flash a "de-bloated" stock ROM from another developer. I know it's probably not really what you mean, but it does technically avoid rooting :P. That's probably going to be your best bet. Another, more ad-hoc option would be to freeze carrier apps (via titanium backup or something similar), and/or use alternative launchers like Nova or Apex to hide them from your app drawer. I don't think you need to be rooted to freeze an app, but I could be wrong. I feel your pain though, had an HTC Evo 4G back in the day. Never have I ever cared less about Sprint's sponsorship of NASCAR.


Increasing my phone's charging rate while tethered

Charging rate is set by hardware and software, and can't be modified by software only.

Charging rate depends on the following:

resistance between D+ and D- (determines is it a official, unofficial or USB charging)
hardware technology and limitations (QuickCharge 2.0, 3.0)
cable length and quality (bad cables usually have more resistance)

For the S3, as far as I know, you can charge slow (USB, 5V 500mA) or fast (wall charger, 5V 900mA).

The charging type is set depending on the resistance, which is different for wall chargers (fixed to activate fast charging functionality in phones chip) and standard USB charging. If you want to charge quickly while tethering, the only valid option is to have your phone connected to an official Samsung wall charger which will ensure a higher charging current. There may be an option to set the USB connection to "Charge only" but that doesn't guarantee that the fast charging will be turned on.


JOdin3 and Heimdall - corrupt PIT file - Samsung i9300

As I wasn't able to solve the problem related to JOdin3, I rooted the device using heimdall and CF-Autoroot. It worked flawlessly. I installed Clockwork Recovery and I'm able to backup the system. Now, I can continue upgrading the system to CM 12.1. Anyway, heimdall-frontend seems to be more advanced than Odin.

Here's a tutorial for it: http://www.all-things-android.com/content/how-root-samsung-mobile-device

The tutorial shows how to use CF-autoroot by using the heimdall-frontend. First, you need to download/create the PIT file from your mobile phone. Be aware, that there is no finished dialog or something similar shown. After doing this, you can flash the recovery image and the cache image from CF-autoroot. If everything went fine, you should see "Flash completed successfully"!

I installed CM 12.1 successfully and Android 5.1.1 is now running on my I9300. :)


That calendar app is the default included in AOSP. Carrier and manufacturer customizations frequently replace the AOSP variants in favor of modified versions.
This is what's happened with the Galaxy SII updates. Instead of vanilla android you received Touchwiz.

If you'd like it on your phone, you can install it from the Play Store or flash a custom rom like Cyanogemod or AOKP.


How to send .apk file over mobile Gmail?

Blocking .apk files and encrypted archives as email attachments is clearly mentioned in GMail policy:

To protect you against potential viruses and harmful software, Gmail doesn't allow you to attach certain types of files, including:
...

Password protected archives whose content is an archive

To protect your account, Gmail doesn't allow you to attach certain types of files...:
.ade, .adp, .apk, ...

So no one can help with that except Google. You can go with file sharing as suggested by others here, and Google as well:

If you're sure the file is safe, you can ask the sender to upload the file to Google Drive. Then send it as a Drive attachment.

Source: https://support.google.com/mail/answer/6590
But if email attachment is the only option you want to go with, use GPG/PGP encryption which is very commonly used in emails, even to encrypt whole emails including subject and body. Many e-mail clients provide OpenPGP-compliant email security. On Android you can use Termux or OpenKeychain for GPG file encryption. Both are open-source and free (I've no affiliation with either).


Forgot password on Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 - how to reset?

If you have time, let the battery drain. Then power up the tablet with the charger. Press Power + Volume Up to go to recovery (until you see the recovery screen) and reset the tablet.
If not, hold Power + Volume Down for up to 45 seconds to restart the tablet. When it restarts, press Power + Volume Up to go to recovery (until you see the recovery screen) and reset the tablet.

Sources:

Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 Reset Guide: How to Master Reset, Reset Network Settings, Soft Reset your Tablet

Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 - Factory Data Reset (Powered Off)


what is the most comfortable way to ssh and vim/latex/c++ on android?

So, I have a Nexus One.

Firstly: do not try to use the soft keyboard for any form of coding. It's workable, to an extent, with connectbot's help, for system administration, but coding is flat out. If you insist on trying, look at Full Keyboard.

Secondly: the screen size is an issue, at least for me. I haven't found a font size that is both readable for long sessions and displays enough code on the screen.

Coding and longform text are still definitely a Computer thing.


Reverse tethering hangs at netcfg (Cyanogen + Linux)

Found the following on How to get internet on your phone via USB | forum.xda-developers.com

  It is working now. After setting up ICS type in console emulator on
  your phone:

ifconfig usb1 192.168.2.2 netmask 255.255.255.0 up
route add default gw 192.168.2.1 dev usb0
iptables -F
iptables -F -t nat
setprop net.dns1 8.8.8.8
setprop "net.gprs.http-proxy" ""


Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 keeps restarting as mad when charging (until airplane mode)

Your phone is in beta rom.Try to flash latest global stable rom by edl mode,maybe this may solve the issue.


How can I attach a file to an MMS message?

Regular android messaging apps tend to disallow files other than image/video.

I use Tmail by Phonelight available from Google Play Store:

  Tmail breaks the restrictions of all the Messaging apps. It is the only app that allows the user to attach any kind of file to an MMS message. You are now not limited to image, audio or video file. Tmail has expanded the MMS capability.

You can use the trial version to test it. the unlimited version costs 0,81€.


Device or resource busy when deleting Youtube folder from /data/app

The problem was caused by the Vanced-related files in /data/adb and /data/adb/service.d operating on the Youtube folder hence it being busy. The solution was to delete all of these files, reboot, then delete the Youtube folder. It seems the Vanced contributor failed to realize this and instructed me to delete the Youtube folder while Vanced was still operating on it.


Will I be able to change the region on my HTC desire S?

There is only one RUU available for Desire S in htcdev website which should work on all HTC Desire S.


Can rooting be the cause of battery drainage?

Short answer: No

Long answer: It's all the apps and services running in the background, some great apps I use for monitoring what's going on with the phone:

System Panel [theres also a lite version, SystemPanelLite Task Manager]
CPU Spy
BetterBatteryStats

With those you will be able to narrow down what is causing all the battery drain

Also it may be wakelocks on your kernel


How are good, fair, poor and bad defined for signal strength?

I can answer this for WiFi:  received signal strength indicator (RSSI) in the 802.11 standard is only required to be orderable. This means for a single device you can tell when its reported value x is greater than its reported value y, but not by how much because there may be no real scale. Every device can report different values for the same real signal power, and the values across devices are not directly comparable because they can each use different values and they may have no scales. A device is only required to be able to tell a signal is stronger or weaker than another signal.

For reference, see
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Received_signal_strength_indication


How can I access EPST on the Motorola Droid 1 (Verizon)?

This may not be what you're looking for (I can't find any options for EPST in this menu) but give ##7764726 a try.  The password is 000000 (six zeros) and it should bring up a menu with 9 different options.  Maybe what you want is in there somewhere.

I know that using option 4 and setting EVRC-B will make your call quality better.  Normally it's set to EVRC.


How to disable auto hide navigation bar in cyanogenmod 11?

I think you're talking about Expanded Desktops. Can't you disable it from the Power Menu?

Image from phandroid.


How can I use the stock Android settings app on an LG G2?

Short answer: You can, but you shouldn't. Install a custom ROM instead.

Long answer: Some features in your stock ROM may be dependant on that ROM's Settings app, because it might contain some preferences that affect them. Your Settings app may be missing some Lollipop settings simply because the ROM doesn't support them. You can try to install the AOSP Settings app, but there's no guarantee it will fully work because of those two issues. A solution to that would be to flash an AOSP (or AOSP-like) ROM, such as CyanogenMod, probably the most popular one out there.


I just found this, which does not work on my personal device (permission denied, not rooted).  Will try again on the affected user's device.

This gives a path: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?s=36bdbe78a049f9e358a0421113d922c2&p=54912072&postcount=7

  Browse to /data/user/0/com.android.email/databases and copy EmailProvider.db to your computer. Other phones might have their database in a different location. Download and install Sqlite Database Browser from sourceforge.net if you haven't, and then skip down to the sqlitebrowser instructions here:

This gives instructions and a different path (presumably because of different Android version): http://ubuntu42.blogspot.fr/2011/11/android-recover-mail-password.html

Summarized:

adb pull /data/data/com.android.email ~/email_of_phone
sudo apt-get install sqlitebrowser
sqlitebrowser


Sensitive option is missing on App Notifications

I assume that you are seeing the "Block" and "Priority" options from the screenshot, but not the "Sensitive" one. In this case, I have been able to replicate your situation.

In the Sound & notification settings page, there is an option called "When device is locked". If this is set to "Show all notification content" then the "sensitive" option is available. If it is set to "Hide sensitive notification content" then it is not.

From a little bit of experimentation, I think that this option is poorly named. As far as I can make out, what actually happens is,

If it is set to "Show all notification content" then the content of notifications is shown on the lock screen unless you have specified that that app's notifications are sensitive, in which case they are hidden.
If it is set to "Hide sensitive notification content" then it is assumed that all apps are sensitive, and no notification contents are shown (but the titles still are).
If it is set to "Don't show notifications at all" then no notifications are shown on the lock screen.

In other words, despite the wording, the "When device is locked" menu is an overall setting, and it can be overridden for individual apps when this is applicable.


Is it possible to keep multiple address books on a single phone?

One app that works to create different groups of contacts is contacts plus. It is a bit of a crummy interface but works. The only way I found of doing via the native Google app is by creating different Google accounts and saving the contacts to each specific account, then signing in to an account and signing out of the other when you need to use another set of contacts.


auto switch problem on music on(android version lollipop )

You can resolve this problem  "Go to Settings - Accessibility - switch off Air-shuffle function for Music, FM radio, Pictures, Camera."


After Lollipop - when I add account there isn't an option to sync contacts/calenders - only email

I had this same issue.  I had to delete the account and do the manual setup instead of the automatic installation using m.outlook.com as the server name.  Once this was done it gave me the options to sync contacts, calendars, etc.  Before that on the automatic setup it was only giving me the option to sync email.

Hope this helps if you didn't get it working by now.  Odd thing was that mine just recently started doing this it wasn't right after the Lollipop upgrade.  So no idea why it started.


How do I change the Umi Super's shortcut button to take screenshots?

Install Xposed edge module (see the help and support section on basics of how to use this module)
Select Keys from main menu and tap to reveal the next screen which has hardware keys listed (You can also add hardware keys if not listed). In the corresponding drop down menu you have actions of click, double click and long press. Map the action to taking screenshot (full screen / selected region)


A rooted device has likely been required since Android 7, where it begun to cause DHCP issues otherwise, since Android 8.1 certainly. Earlier it depended on the device manufacturer or carrier. Automate has a Wi-Fi hotspot set state which should work in any case.


What's the difference between a service and a broadcast receiver?

Android applications have three kinds of components. In general, users don't need to know about them: they're a way for app authors to program particular behaviours into their apps. But if you're watching your apps' behaviour closely such as with a task manager, or if you are automating things with an app like Tasker, it's helpful to understand how they fit together within the system.

An activity is the most familiar type of component: it's a window you can see: either full-screen or dialog-sized. An activity only runs while it's displayed on the screen. Once you leave the activity, Android will keep that app in memory ready to be started again, but the activity won't run, meaning it won't use battery or network. An app starts an activity using an intent. The intent can specify explicitly which activity to start, or it can specify an action to perform (such as opening a particular file). If more than one activity can "handle" the intent, you see the dialog asking you to choose one.

A service is another application component. Once another component (maybe an activity, or another service) has started a service, it runs in the background until it stops itself. This means that a service could be keeping your phone awake (using a wake lock), running down the battery, or using lots of network data, without anything showing on the screen.

Apps can use services to do long-running processes in the background, such as downloading files from a server, or checking for email, or checking your location. Although services don't show up or interact with you directly, they still show up in the "Running apps" list. From the Settings app, choose Apps or Applications manager, and then Running. You can stop a service that way, but it's not usually necessary. Because services aren't directly visible, Android considers them less important than activities, so they'll be the first to be killed when your phone needs more memory.

Broadcast receivers are the third kind of component. Like services, they only exist in the background and don't interact with you directly. But unlike services, they can't stay running or perform long tasks: they exist to respond to events. And unlike activities and services, more than one broadcast receiver can be started in one go.

A component broadcasts an intent, possibly to one app, but more often without specifying a particular app. In this case, the intent usually represents an event that's happened, such as the battery running low. The system finds all the broadcast receivers that have registered an interest (using an intent filter), and runs each in turn. Each broadcast receiver can react straight away, for example by creating a notification, or it can start a service or an activity to take further action. As soon as the broadcast receiver has handled the event, it is stopped and will not run again until another similar event is broadcast.

An example of all three components working together is when you download an app from Google Play. First, the Google Play activity provides the visual interface for you to choose the content to download. The list of apps might be one activity; clicking the "install" button starts another activity to show the confirmation or payment dialog. When you confirm, the dialog activity starts a service. The service will continue to download the content even when the activity has finished and is no longer running.

But perhaps the phone loses Internet connection while the new app is downloading. If this happens, Google Play's download service will register a broadcast receiver, with an intent filter to say that it's interested in network connectivity changes, and then the service will stop itself. When the phone connects to the Internet, the system broadcasts an event. Android will start the broadcast receiver the Google Play service registered, along with any other broadcast receiver waiting for that event. In this case, the broadcast receiver will start the download service again. The service will create notifications as the download proceeds, and when it finishes, it will send its own broadcast to inform other apps that the new package has been installed, and will then stop itself. In turn, this will start broadcast receivers from other apps, to update the list of apps in the launcher, etc.

In summary:-

An activity represents a window on the screen; a service performs a possibly long-running background task; a broadcast receiver runs for a short time, to handle an event.
All three are started using intents, but using a different mechanism. The launching app has to state explicitly which type of component to start (by calling a different method in each case).
When an app starts an activity using an intent, it only starts one activity (possibly showing the "Complete action using..." dialog to let you choose which), and the same goes for services, but broadcasting an intent may start several broadcast receivers, possibly from different apps.
As a user, you interact with activities directly; you don't interact with services, but they can slow down the phone and consume resources; you don't interact with broadcast receivers, and because they're short-lived you don't need to worry about managing them.


Installing Apps on External Sdcard jellybean 4.2.2

You can't install directly to the SD card. In many cases you can move much of the app and its data to the SD card, but the OS and the app have to support it. Even then, you need to install normally and then move it.


Phone sometimes can't detect any WIFI networks

This is an issue happening because of problem in the wifi module of the ROM you have flashed.

Try to get a fresh ROM and also don't forget to read the bug reports of it.

If you see many download links, download the stable instead of nightly / experimental.

Flash it. Or else, go back to stock ROM


Exporting progress from Google Play Games to iOS Game Center

Apparently, exporting progress from Google Play Games to iOS Game Center is possible if the game can also connect to Facebook:

On your Android device (where the game progress is located), log in to Facebook (see screenshot below)
On your iPhone device,  log in to Facebook, and it will retrieve all game information.


Where does YouTube put videos on my device?

Try navigating to Internal storage/Android/data/com.google.android.youtube/files/Offline/(system generated folder name)/streams.
Alternatively, you could also use a video downloader that can retrieve videos from YouTube. There are several of these on Google Play.


How to convert a number to words in MS Excel Android app automatically?

The simplest approach is to use a VLOOKUP() table
put the number in A1 and in B1 enter:
=VLOOKUP(A1,C:D,2,FALSE)


How can I split files on the computer and then assemble them on android device?

If you're able to transfer the split files from your pc to your android device, which most probably will, you can use this app to join the files.

Also make sure you split the file using 7zip on your pc.

Hope this helps


2.3.6 update for Samsung Galaxy S 2 GT-I9100

Samsung's Kies software is the official way to download and install updates. These updates are released on different dates for different countries and networks and some countries/networks don't have all updates. It may be that your network hasn't tested and certified the update yet, or they might not be releasing this version at all.

This page lists most of the official updates available via Kies for the Galaxy S2 I9100 phone:

Samsung Galaxy S2 Firmware Updates via Kies Official Releases compiled list (2012) | Android Stock ROM BlogPost


Yes... I do this all the time when apps/games I might like come up for sale cheap or free, or major titles I might use someday, although they don't have to be on sale. In fact, I often don't even let them install and cancel the download. They are always in your apps list or "Library" as it seems to be called now, to be installed later.

Once you have purchased an app, regardless if it is on sale or not, or whether you actually install it or not, the license (and thus the future rights to install the app), are tied to the Google account you used when you purchased the app. As long as you use the same Google account, you can reinstall the app to the same or any compatible device that is connected to the Google account you used to make the purchase.

You will notice if you have paid for an app that it will appear in your list or searches with an Install button instead of a "price" or purchase button, you can click it and select the device you wish to install it on without paying again.


Why has speech-to-text stopped working on my phone?

I would try clearing the data for it.  Do so via Settings -> Applications -> Manage applications and finding Voice Search (or the relevant app if you're using another) under the All tab.


I installed an incompatible kernel with CyanogenMod - what do I do?

Resolved: Using this (http://android-revolution-hd.blogspot.ca/2013/12/how-to-copy-rom-zip.html) Then flashing the zip uploaded to the device. Note: If your cellular stops working or glitches out re-flash the stock radio (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2513701) Or completely re-flash stock then you are free to continue ROMing!


Marshmallow - disable unlock touch feedback

Your concern from a security point of view is  very valid for these two reasons:

Password can possibly be guessed by somebody who repeatedly and closely watches you swipe pattern or key PIN by following the ripple pattern
Smudge Attack Wikipedia entry says:

  A smudge attack is a method to discern the password pattern of a touchscreen device such as a cell phone or tablet computer .... The smudge attack relies on detecting the oily smudges left behind by the user's fingers .... Under proper lighting and camera settings, the finger smudges can be easily detected, and the heaviest smudges can be used to infer the most frequent user input pattern (the password). The researchers were able to break the password up to 68% of the time under proper conditions.

(emphasis supplied)

Commonly advocated counter measures against smudge attack are

Wipe the screen after every unlock, (impractical as it may sound) ;
Use a high quality oleophobic screen protector to minimise smudges, in addition to wiping after every unlock

There are two ways of mitigating security risk-using apps for  un-rooted devices and other means for rooted devices

Un-rooted Devices: Since Lockscreen mechanism is a part of the core security of Android devices , apps can't interfere or modify it's functioning . These apps take the approach of asking the user to set the lockscreen security to none and then impose a lockscreen design of their choice, in effect, a layer on top of disabled lockscreen. One such app  is Hi Locker which is a lock screen app, offering a lot of features. Relevant to this question are

Pattern Lock:   This allows you invisible mode in security options. This mode hides the ripples. Which means the typical trailing lines joining the dots are not shown. However, this is a risk from smudge attack view, unless you change the pattern very frequently
PIN Lock: This allows you to set a Random keyboard in security settings. With this the keyboard changes with every lock / unlock, and is recommended for security against prying eyes and smudge attack. Screen shots below show this on consecutive lock / unlock-note the randomized digit placement

Rooted Devices: This takes the approach of directly modifying the lockscreen functionality of Android, without using any apps. I am aware of one method and there may well be more.  This is based on scrambling the key board while entering PIN. This requires Xposed framework to be installed and Gravity Box module to be installed. This module aside of tons of features offers means to PIN scramble (under Lock screen tweaks). This PIN scrambling feature is similar to the one shown in the above method as far as user interface is concerned.

Since rooting tag, xposed-framework cover related aspects, specifics to OPs device are not covered here. OP can study them and if need be ask a separate question

OP's device is not rooted but has indicated in comments that he is willing to root the device to meet his requirement . Rooting without fully understanding the risks  could  be a bigger risk. IMO, rooting the device and taking adequate precautions to safeguard against the risks is highly worth it.  It is up to OP to decide which course but using app based method to start with could be a good start.

Edit: I just noticed your edit, which shows that the free version of app is unusable due to ads. Unfortunately, Free always comes with a price tag of ads as far as apps go ( There ain't no such thing as a free lunch at play !). So your options are limited to a) buying the pro or buying an ad blocker for unrooted devices b ) searching for other apps from the list at serial 1  on notes below c) Root your device and use Gravity box or flash a ROM that has this feature inbuilt (understand CM 11 , which is quite old has it - I am not aware of other ROMs)

There isn't much one can do about that, unfortunately

I have been searching and there appears to be no free without adds. Also searching for timepin throws up similar apps which modify PIN based on current time in various configurations. But all of them are ad supported.

Additional Information

Where to find a PIN lock screen that scrambles the keypad on every use?  a related question on scrambling PIN lists out some other apps as well, which have not been tried by me.
There have been feature enhancement requests to Google to include this as a default feature in Android OS for long. Issue 10496:    Randomize screen lock pin keypad option was opened in 2010 and closed in 2014 ; Issue 74338:Option for keypad number randomizer on lock screen settings to increase PIN entry security was opened in 2014 and closed in 2015 ; Issue 181566: Option for keypad number randomizer on lock screen settings to increase PIN entry security was opened in 2015 and thankfully is still open - head over there and star it to support or leave a helpful comment - I just did and there are less than 10 folks supporting- do your bit !
Answer here to Touch Screen Password Guessing by Fingerprint Trace from Security SE , wiki on smudge attacks and other net searches reveal a product by Whispercore, which seems unavailable now


How to recover files from SD card on HTC Merge?

If there are video or photo on sdcard you see it to plugin your sdcard on device to can read an sdcard. On htc there are no encrypt of data on sdcard by default


In settings, Click Default Calendar to select a default calendar for new events. Then, when you click new event, there is an option for calendars. Make sure PC Sync is selected and not Exchange.


How can I delete ALL alarms in the stock Clock app?

I deleted all alarms in Android Jellybean 4.1.1 by performing the following operations in Settings > Apps > All > Clock:

Force stop
Clear data
Clear cache

YMMV


changing dns settings on android - not working

First you must have dnscrypt installed.
These scripts require root access:

#!/bin/sh
#root is required

#daemonize dnscrypt
dnscrypt-proxy --daemonize --resolver-address=208.67.220.220:443 --provider-name=2.dnscrypt-cert.opendns.com --provider-key=B735:1140:206F:225D:3E2B:D822:D7FD:691E:A1C3:3CC8:D666:8D0C:BE04:BFAB:CA43:FB79

#this will redirect dns query traffics to localhost
iptables -t nat -A OUTPUT -p udp --dport 53 -j DNAT --to-destination 127.0.0.1

If you want to restore DNS to default, run this:

#!/bin/sh
iptables -t nat -D OUTPUT -p udp --dport 53 -j DNAT --to-destination 127.0.0.1


People are still misunderstood about the notion of Recent apps functionality. It has always been the same! This is very similar to an OCD of pressing F5 on a Windows based system to boost up the system.
Recent apps is more of a utility feature in android and not a task killer. There is however no relation to the apps actually running in the background.
When you reboot your phone the RAM does start with a clean slate and this is no different for Android L release too. Some apps will always start after a boot and that is how it works. The system makes some apps ready for use in that way.
Recent apps is just a list of apps that you have recently used and not those which are necessarily sucking up on your RAM. For a real RAM usage, look up the list of running applications and not recent apps. No new way of handling RAM has been introduced in Android L as well and it is just an idea of keeping the list of recent apps persistent now. For an analogy think of recent apps like a web browser history and not the open tabs that you can switch to anytime. Apps are loaded/stored into the RAM as and when needed.
On the contrary a better notion would be to use RAM to its optimum use. Linux based systems are designed to work that way. Say you have 100 of the apps installed but use 6-10 apps very frequently and on daily basis. Eventually these apps are automatically managed and stored by RAM for quick access and loading. Loading an app when RAM is in clean state consumes more battery and resources than rather loading it from cached state. The more you use the system the better it gets.
Android manages the memory itself pretty well. The least you can do is close some of the apps yourself when not needed. We need to stop worrying about the number of applications running in background and just let Android be Android.
Source


Boot loop after messing with the smallest width option in developer options. (Redmi 5 plus)

Wipe all data and restart. That's what I did after I made the same mistake of changing the width drastically from 392 to 1000.
It messes with the UI and goes into a loop.


Will playing a game in a Android phone while charging damage or cause harm to the battery or the phone?

Playing while charging does not damage the battery or phone directly.

The only problem is that:

battery gets warmer when is charging, and phone also gets hot when playing. So, when you play while charging, phone gets too hot and we know that battery life would be affected when it works in very hot conditions.

Sources to read more:

http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/how_heat_and_harsh_loading_reduces_battery_life

http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/how_to_prolong_lithium_based_batteries


Galaxy note 8 battery drain with mobile data

To be fair, I think this should be the expected result considering the device is using a lot of resources which are mostly power (CPU) hungry.

When using mobile data and additionally have mobile hotspot activated, you essentially utilising two communication radios (4g and WLAN) which themselves require considerable power.
It is mostly like there are some services running in background when there is an active internet connection. (e.g sync, silent updates etc)
This power we are talking about is coming from the battery hence it becomes very hot, just a symptom indicating it's "working very hard" to supply power to the device' resources and consequently a heavy battery drain is inevitable.
Although screen is considered to cause a high battery drain when the device is idle, its certainly not the case the the device is active and using its other hardware.

You may want to further analyse the batter statistics with other third-party tools from playstore (e.g battery drain analyser)

Also try to regulate the up-time of your mobile hotspot, to minimise battery usage.


Problem Sync'ing/Downloading from Google Play

Go to

Settings>Apps>All>Google Play Store>Clear Cache & Clear Data
Settings>Apps>All>Downloads>Clear Cache & Clear Data
Settings>Apps>All>Download Manager>Clear Cache & Clear Data

If you're rooted I would suggest wiping cache & dalvik-cache from your recovery.
Also you could try installing the latest version of google play application using the apk.


BQ Aquaris X5 - Unable to mount sd card rw via USB

Under Linux, use the tool gMTP (available from the standard repos of most distributions as package gmtp). Then it works. I also have a Aquaris X5 with Cyanogen OS.


AppBrain offers to update app that marketplace does not

Were these pre-installed apps? You won't get market update notificatins for apps that are pre-installed, you have to go to the market and manually install any newer versions of the app and then you'll get future updates via the market.

The same thing happened with my Droid.  I heard about an update for Facebook (which came on my phone), but never saw an update in the market until I searched for it and manually installed the app.


Samsung Galaxy R - No files in default music player

I sometimes have problems with the media indexer ("Media Storage" Service), then I just do the following to let it rescan and rebuild all media files on the phone:

Settings > Apps > All Apps > "Default music player" > Force stop, Clear data, Clear cache
Settings > Apps > ALl Apps > "Media Storage" > Force stop, Clear data, Clear cache
Reboot phone
Unlock your phone and wait 10-20 minutes, don't do anything, don't open your Music App, don't care if it locks again just let it be for at least 10-20 min.


What is best practice for charging galaxy tablet? Will charging for long periods 24/ 7 damage it?

It's true that the underlying technology behind Lithium batteries cannot stand being overcharged (batteries that are overcharged may overheat and explode); however all consumer grade Lithium batteries have a chip that controls the optimal charging strategy and automatically cuts off the current once the battery is full.

Barring manufacturing defects, yes, it is safe to keep your device charged all the time. Keeping the device in the charger as much as possible is, in fact, the best practice to prolong the battery lifetime.

If you're in situation with heightened risk of having devices with manufacturing defects though, for example if you are running an application development shop that have dozens of continuously plugged devices in a small space, you may want to minimize your risks by switching the charger off when the device are not being used. This is good for saving energy anyway.


To install any custom recovery, you first must unlock the bootloader. There is an app for that at XDA which, other than the oem unlock method from fastboot, will allow you to unlock/relock several times.

Once unlocked, remaining steps are pretty easy:

installing CWM

The following works at least for "Open Euro" variants (I cannot tell for others):

Download the image from the CWM page (they have the LG Optimus 4X HD listed there)
give it a short name, for example recovery.img, and copy it to the root of your sdcard
open a terminal app (or run adb shell from your computer), and then

su
cat /mnt/sdcard/recovery.img >/dev/block/mmcblk0p1
sync

power off the device and reboot into recovery to check if you succeeded.

Source: XDA

installing TWRP

TWRP images for the P880 you can e.g. find here. For original links and description, please refer to the TWRP page for the P880. According to the descriptions there:

download the image file
boot your device into fastboot/bootloader mode
run fastboot flash recovery twrp.img to install the recovery image
run fastboot reboot
while the device reboots, hold power and vol- to boot once into recovery (TWRP will then run a patch to prevent your device from reverting to its stock recovery, which according to the details there some P880 do).

Also worth knowing

acejavelin correctly pointed out in a comment on the question:

  If you have a flashable ZIP of CWM, TWRP, PhilZ, or even stock recovery, you can flash that recovery from any working custom recovery. Recovery runs completely in RAM, so you write a new one from recovery. Verified through personal use on several Nexus, Moto, and HTC devices.

I can confirm that with one exception: On most devices you cannot flash a custom recovery using the stock recovery, as the latter usually checks the signature. Exceptions exist, however.


Samsung galaxy s4 - how do i find out what my phone is locked to?

try a Samsung Galaxy S4 code:

*#7465625#  View Phone Lock Status
*7465625*638*# Configure Network Lock MCC/MNC
*7465625*782*# Configure Network Lock NSP
#7465625*638*# Insert Network Lock Keycode

Have fun!


can I bypass screen lock request to log in to google (Samsung Galaxy S)?

Try logging into your Google account on your computer and changing the password to something very simple like "123456".  Then try it on your phone again.  I had a problem once logging into my Nook account on my Droid so I logged into the website and changed my password from the standard complex string of random numbers and characters to a plain string, and it let me in.


Can't access internet in Chrome, Internet Browser

I guess the problem is with the adblocker, try uninstalling the adblocker services and try restarting the device, and open Google Chrome to see if that works out for you !


Is there an app that will vocalize (text to speech) a message (SMS)?

There are a number of apps that will do this.  DriveSafe.ly is what I use right now, but haven't really had the opportunity to thoroughly test their TTS engine.  It can also be set up to start whenever bluetooth is paired, or if you put it in a car dock.

I did try another one out a few months ago, but can't remember the name right now.  A search through the app market (or your favourite online app site) may reveal some more.


Try this, from the Whatsapp FAQ.

  To restore from a backup, follow these steps:

  Uninstall WhatsApp.
  Decide which backup file you want to restore.
  Rename that file from "msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt" to
  "msgstore.db.crypt"
  Install WhatsApp
  When asked to restore, tap [Restore]


Market Downloads, GTalk and GMail notifications fail when on company VPN

I think GTalk uses port 5228, and the notifications and Market downloads both use the GTalk protocol internally.


Can I set the default browser differently for different websites?

There seems to be an app called "Browser Auto Selector" which looks like it will allow you to associate a domain with a browser.
Here is the link to the page on AppBrain for the app, http://www.appbrain.com/app/browser-auto-selector-free/info.usamimi.kfc9.superakiraman.browserchooser_free


https://www.quora.com/How-do-I-record-WhatsApp-call

This should help you. It's a Quora tutorial on how to record whatsapp calls. Just grab any app that do that, there are a lot of them. The multi audio problem is mainly based on the version of android you're running, not only the phone you're using. For example in android 6.0 there are 3 main audios: notifications, music and allarms. I hope that this'll help you, let me know.


Are you talking about a folder on your PC with a bunch of playlist files in them? If so, you could use an app like DropBox to copy your playlist folder to your phone when you change your playlists on your PC. Then you can browse to them using the File Explorer on your phone.


Sony Live With The Walkman : Phone is restarting continuously

I also own the same phone had the same problem. The solution: start your phone before it restarts, switch off Bluetooth. It might restart again after switching off Bluetooth but once done it will work well without restarting.


How do I recover the offline feature in YouTube?

Offline videos are now only available for YouTube Red subscribers.
Youtube Help


Can anyone explain Android storage space?

You can always resize your partitions (if you have root). I've doubled my /data partition (the place where apps are stored), by reducing the emulated SD card and enlarging the data partition. It is not the easiest task, but it may be worth your while since I think that your device is not much usable otherwise.


USB storage blank or unsupported filesystem

Best thing you can do is first try and get anything off the drive you want from a computer.
Then reformat the drive to FAT32 and try connecting it again if your still getting the error report back


Prevent WhatsApp from automatically backing up messages

There's no way to do that. WhatsApp updates its backup at 4 am(for me, can vary) everyday locally for easy recovery of chats.


No. Favouriting a file in Dropbox for Android is like "pinning" in some other software: it downloads the file to the device and keeps it there so you can access it offline. I don't use the iPad version, but I assume it has the same effect there.

Since you might want different files on different devices (for example, you might want a lot of PDFs or videos on a tablet with a bigger screen and more storage to put them on), favouriting a file only applies to the device you do it on.


Troubleshoot/ Tune Android performance / speed

There are a bunch of Tutorials around on the net on how to increase performance of your Android device (e.g. on LifeHackers here and here). One thing to definitely keep your fingers AWAY from are so-called "boosters" and (automated) Task-Killers. As rm-vanda already stated, they make things only worse; tasks should only be killed if they misbehave (e.g. are hanging, running havoc while eating your CPU and the like). Android manages its RAM fine, no need to worry about that.

As for the auto-starters, I can recommend AutoRun Manager, which is actively maintained and simply the best of all I tried (and I tried a lot).

To figure out what is consuming your ressources, a good candidate helping you would be System Tuner. While the free version simply lets you monitor activity life, the pro-version also offers background-monitoring and stores its data for later analysis.

Some other steps you could perform include:

from time to time, clean up caches (to remove old data and get back precious internal memory; helping apps in this segment include Cache Clear, Quick Cache Cleaner, CacheCleaner NG, and Android System Cleaner - the latter taking care for more things than just cache
Moving some rarely used Apps to SD (if they don't have widgets you are using) saves additional internal space.
uninstall unused apps


Android screen rotation takes too long to get triggered

It means your activity is taking very long to be recreated since every time you rotate the screen, entire activity gets redrawn. It doesn't mean the phone sensor is slow or anything, you just need to optimize your code such that it doesn't load data (whether from internet or local storage) on orientation change but only recreates the layout. Hope I made myself clear.


What is a 'global' phone? (ex: Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge model SM-G935F)

Okay, so I chatted with a Samsung representative, and they informed me that their global model phones are indeed considered international. In re-reading my question now, I realize my question may not have been as clear as it could have been- I'm in the market for a new S7 Edge, and so was curious about what it meant when one of Samsung's phone models was "global," such as the SM-G935F.

So, the rep said the global model, and any non-US models (Japan Docomo, Taiwan, Japan au, Korea, Canada, etc) are considered international. He also confirmed that they do not currently work on Samsung Pay, and he does not know when this will happen, if it does.

So this is correct:
--US--
SM-G935A (AT&T, Cricket USA)
SM-G935P (Sprint, Boost, Virgin USA)
SM-G935R (US Cellular)
SM-G935T (T-Mobile, Metro PCS USA)
SM-G935V (Verizon USA)
--International--
SM-G935F (Global)
SM-G9350 (China) [credit: Andy Yan]
SC-02H (Japan Docomo)
SCV33 (Japan au)
SGH-N611 (Japan Docomo)
SM-G935D (Japan Docomo)
SM-G935FD (Taiwan)
SM-G935J (Japan au)
SM-G935K (Korea)
SM-G935L (Korea)
SM-G935S (Korea)
SM-G935W (Canada)


How can I tell what "Internal error" in Google Mail app

It sounds like the database is corrupted.  I would go to Settings -> Applications -> Manage applications and clear the data for Gmail and Gmail Storage.  If that doesn't work, try clearing the data for everything Google (Talk, Google Framework Services, etc.).


What permissions are granted to an app with device administration privileges?

Yes, a device administrator only has permissions to do what it says.

If you change the permissions of the app that the administrator is associated with, the administrators permissions will not change

(Answer made from the following sources):


How to undo "Enable autofill for [website]" in Firefox?

External autofill apps change a certain boolean in the Firefox for Android configuration variables, this "setting" can nly set back to the old setting by completely uninstalling and reinstalling Firefox or better by changing it in: about:config

goto about:config
search for: dom.forms.autocomplete.formautofill
set it back to true
refresh your login window and... fixed!


How to unlock Android phone without the touch screen

You can use a USB cable and buy a USB mouse so that you can use that [a mouse] instead of touch screen. Check out a USB adapter for Android that fits your budget [and make sure it's compatible with your device] and purchase it.