File systems are organized in "blocks" of data, where each block has the same size. Internal storage (as well as some others which use NAND-Flash) on Android uses a block size of 128kB.

Especially video files are a bit larger, so they do not fit in a single "block" on the file system. In order to store them, they are split and spread about multiple blocks. This usually is no problem, as there is some "index" holding all the information of where those blocks are and what file they belong to. However: On a crash, some of that information might be lost -- while other parts have been preserved.

So your recovery process was 100% able to restore those files where complete information was available. I don't know what you used, but many of those recovery tools additionally scan all "unused blocks" (where the "index" says there's nothing stored currently) for data fragments, and this way discovers some additional files. But sometimes it's not possible to get all their pieces together, or do so in the correct order. Because of this, some of your videos might play for a few seconds (blocks), until the "lost information" part is reached.

I hope my explanation was understandable; I went for easy understanding instead of precise technologic terms.

As to your question on how to restore the missing parts: I'm afraid they are lost. But if you update your question and add information on what you used to restore your files, plus how you did it, we can look into it. One word straight ahead: I hope you didn't write anything on that SD card since -- or chances for restauration are really low.

First thing to make sure on data loss: AVOID WRITING TO THAT MEDIUM UNTIL YOU HAVE ALL YOUR DATA RESTORED (or all hope to restore them is lost)!!

First steps on data loss

STOP WRITING to the device you lost data from (in your case, the SD card). Lost data might still be left more-or-less intact somewhere on the medium, but the corresponding blocks are marked "unused" -- so each new write lowers your chances on a successful recovery
Make sure all subsequent access to the device is read-only. While you might not have access to a Write Blocker, some SD-cards offer a corresponding switch (use it!), or some card readers might provide something like that. With a Linux/Unix system you are well off also, as it is quite easy to explitly mount devices read-only.
Best idea is to make a block-level copy of the medium. On Linux/Unix, this can be done using the dd command. This copy can be done to an equivalent medium (which in your case would be another 16GB SD card, best of the same brand), but also to a file -- which then can be mounted (again, best read-only) as a Loopback device. All susequent steps should use the so-created disk image: This ensures, even if some action fails and destroys something here, your original medium remains untouched, providing an additional safety layer.
Having created a disk image, optionally make a copy of that again (easy if it is a file -- otherwise just repeat the first procedure with the image as source). This provides another level of safety, as, having broken something on the 2nd image, you needn't touch the original, but can start again from the first copy.
Having created and mounted the image, as described in the previous steps, you now can try with all available recovery tools to get as much data restored as possible. If one tool doesn't restore enough, try the next, and so on. If the image breaks, see previous step.
Having all data (or as much as was possible) restored, there's not much more you can do. You might decide to keep one of the images and/or the original. If not all data was restored successfully, you might even decide to send the original plus the image to some forensics specialist or data recovery service.
On the seventh day He rested from his work ;)

Useful tools

There are a lot of tools available to help you recover your data. I cannot mention them all here -- but at least a few should be named. Some are addressing the end user, coming with a nice GUI -- others are rather intended for the forensics specialist, coming with a lot of command-line switches, and again others might provide both.

Wondershare Data Recovery was already mentioned being used by the OP. I cannot say much about it, as I never used it: It is available for Windows and MacOS (and I run Linux).
TestDisk would be my tool of choice. It is available for DOS, Windows, MacOS, Linux, and more -- and I have successfully used it a couple of times.
PhotoRec comes from the same developers as TestDisk, and is available for a broad range of operating systems
Both tools are mentioned on LiveHacker's article Five Best Free Data Recovery Tools -- and as it says "five", there are obviously 3 more available.

I don't want to list up things I don't know -- but from here, everybody should find his/her way. Hopefully. So good luck -- or better: good results!


Rooted Froyo phone, deleting apk files doesn't free up internal memory

If you get an error like "insufficient memory", "storage low", or the like, this usually refers to the /data partition. That is not only where user-installed apps go to, but also their data.

You tried to free some space by deleting "pre-installed apps". They are usually referred to as "system apps", as they reside on the /system partition. So deleting them usually does not free up space on /data (to be more precise: it only frees up little, as those apps store their configuration and data there). Which explains why your "delete operations" had not the desired effect.

Following the insufficient-memory tag, you will find a lot of questions dealing with this issue. I heartly recommend you visiting its tag wiki first, which gives you some "first aid". For more information, check the highest frequented questions next. If there are still remaining points, feel free to ask a new question addressing those.

PS: This 3-step of "tag wiki", "tag faq" and "remaining questions" fits in many places. Unfortunately, our tag wikis don't receive the attention they deserve...


Moving app data from galaxy phone to tablet

If the devices are rooted you can use a program called Data Sync

If it's not rooted, you can use a program called Helium


Digital/Physical keyboard not sending input on occasion

You can try this:

Go into Settings>Application Manager and locate your keyboard.  This could be listed a few different ways, depending on your phone.  For example, I'm using Swift Key so that's what mine is listed under.  It could say software keyboard, or whatever for your hardware keyboard.  Anyway, once you find it, tap the button to clear the cache.  Unless you have a bunch of custom settings you are probably safe to clear data as well.  Once that is done give it another try.  This will solve a lot of annoying keyboard issues, but as you said, who knows.  It could be something else going on where a reset is your best bet.  Hope this helps!


Without more details, this leaves just two options:

perform a factory-reset (see the corresponding tag-wiki for details) and see whether that helps
if a factory-reset doesn't bring it back to working order, send it for repair. Your warranty should still apply.


Jelly Bean update for an Unlocked AT&T HTC One X?

Installing the Global version of 4.1 firmware on the AT&T-branded One X model will most likely be impossible due to the hardware differences between the different variants of this handset:

  [AT&T variant] is 0.4mm longer than the international model, and
  features a 1.5 GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 (MSM8960) SoC with
  an integrated on-die LTE (4G) modem instead of the Nvidia Tegra 3 [found on the international model]
  which requires an external modem and is LTE-incompatible, and 16 GB of
  internal storage instead of 32 GB.

You will either have to wait for HTC and AT&T to release an official version of Jelly Bean for your model, or take the plunge and root, bootloader unlock, and flash a custom ROM on your own if you want 4.1 sooner.  Instructions for doing so can be found at XDA-developers forums.


Inserting Single SIM Card into a Dual SIM Phone

You can insert only one SIM and work fine . See this In a dual sim phone, must both sims be used?
By just inserting second SIM battery won't drain extra. If at all there is any battery drain, it would be because of second SIM being active and checking for signal or registering itself on the network.


Set/Get value of variables in '/proc/sys/net' using terminal

You can get the values easily but can't set them without root access because the files are read-only (rw-r-r) for "others".

Get the values

Use D. Gibbs's answer to setup ADB.
Launch Terminal/cmd in PC and enter:

adb shell
find /proc/sys/net/ -type f | while read -r file; do echo $file $(cat $file); done

find will find the files under the location /proc/sys/net/. Tweak the location if the need arises.
while read will read each line of the previous output as a file,
do will allow execution of tasks (echo "filename" and show its value using cat),
done to complete the task.
Sources: 1, 2.

Snippet of output:

/proc/sys/net/core/dev_weight 64
/proc/sys/net/core/message_burst 10
/proc/sys/net/core/message_cost 5
/proc/sys/net/core/netdev_budget 300
/proc/sys/net/core/netdev_max_backlog 1000
/proc/sys/net/core/netdev_tstamp_prequeue 1

You may save the output into a file by using > <FILENAME> at the end of the step 2's last command.
Some files won't be saved or shown because of file permissions. In that case, root the device and repeat the aforesaid steps using su after adb shell command.

Set the values

Now that you've a table of file -> value, you can change the value using echo, provided that you've root access.

In the terminal, enter:

adb shell
su
echo <VALUE> > <FILE_PATH>

Change <VALUE> with the value you want to set and <FILEPATH> with the path of the file. E.g.

echo 46 > proc/sys/net/core/dev_weight

You can apply the steps in a terminal app on Android as well. Just make minor changes relevant to the environment, like > <FILENAME> in find command, and not using adb shell.


How to send few specific contacts to my old basic phone?

Here is a relatively simple description of the desired process:

Download your contacts from Google by following the simple instructions here
Open your e-mail program and start a new e-mail message.
Enter the cell phone number in the To: box using the format number@teleflip.com, where "number" is the phone number of the cell phone to which you're sending the message. For example, to send a text message to cell phone 123-456-7890, enter 1234567890@teleflip.com.(in this case you want to enter your own cell number) Please see source for more information
Type a message of up to 160 characters in the message box and then click Send (in this case, attempt to attach the contacts file that you exported from your Google account instead of a message!) .
Congratulations! Your message will shortly appear on the cell phone.
Hope this helps! Good luck


How to change calendar week start day in Android?

This is apparently not possible on a Motorola Droid with Android 2.1.

FroYo is slated to release next week. Maybe it will also change the ability to set this value. (If it does I'll change this answer.)

Sadly, this is still not possible with Android 2.2 either.


Have you tried using Light Flow? It does the what the same thing as the custom rom does and Instagram is on their list of support apps for their Pro version.


You can see a list of all apps in Settings -> Apps (or Applications) and then select the All tab to see factory-installed apps in addition to downloaded apps.


Open Engineer Mode and run other hidden codes on Moto G 3rd generation device?

These dialer codes all vary by OEM in their stock ROM's... the codes for stock firmware are often easily accessible via searching the Internet or via apps available from various sources. However, how custom ROM makers handle these codes, if they implement them at all, is an entirely different thing again.

There are some standard-ish codes, like *#06#, but even this is not consistent across all devices in all cases. There isn't really a standard for other codes nor is there any incentive for OEMs or ROM developers to even implement many of them.

Many dialer codes are also passed to the carrier, for things like Call Forwarding, checking your balance of money or minutes, blocking Caller ID, activating Call Waiting, etc... although there are some standards, actually commonality more than a standard, between some carriers, these are entirely carrier dependent as well on how and if they implement them.

To answer your questions specifically, well, as specifically as possible...

  I would like to know if there is a way of looking if the relative
  services are on my phone? If it isn't the case, how I can add them or
  run from PC with USB maybe?

Unfortunately, no... these are device and ROM dependent. I would suggest posting in the official support thread for your device and specific ROM to see if they have implemented in any way or there are alternatives that are specific to your ROM, device, and use case.

  Are the secret codes dependent on the ROM like I imagine or not?

Yes, they absolutely are...

Source: Years of being an Android enthusiast, ROM developer, and XDA Recognized Contributor. :)


The command shouldn't have any spaces. The correct command will be:

fastboot --set-active=a

Or if you want to write it in short:

fastboot -aa to set the active slot to A.

fastboot -ab to set the active slot to B.


Samsung Galaxy S3 keeps restarting, stuck on Samsung logo

It does look like a stuck power button. (as ridiculous as it may sound)

The behaviour in your phone is exactly as it is when I press and hold on my power button for an extended period.

By right, the device should not turn on by itself when the battery is inserted. It should remain turned off - only a hardware switch can turn it on. As your phone turns on by itself, it clearly shows that the power button is being pressed.

Furthermore, the power menu shows when you turn the phone on without touching the phone at all and again showing the power button being pressed.

I suggest you bring your phone down to someone who knows how to open up your phone to see if there has been any damage to the power button.


With try-and-error (actually on first attempt, which shows it was not pure lack): your fingerprint shown on android device is one that can be created using sha256 hash-function, that is awk '{print $1}' < ~/.android/adbkey.pub | openssl base64 -A -d -a | openssl sha256 -c.

Adb enhanced security (sha256 much better and modern than md5).

$ cat test.pub | openssl base64 -A -d -a |openssl sha256 -c
(stdin)= bc:67:e2:fc:24:0b:69:17:c2:34:cd:16:49:0d:8a:f0:af:d7:28:1a:1e:75:6c:d0:20:65:1f:77:94:a5:0a:53


Galaxy 5: GPS always stops working after phone has been in standby

I haven't tried this myself but the following supposedly helps in getting a faster lock for Samsung's Galaxy range of Android devices.

Make sure GPS satellite and Wireless networks has been activated.

Press *#*#1472365#*#*. This will bring up GPS settings.
Settings -> Parameter Settings -> Address -> Server Type: 1x MPC
Settings -> Parameter Settings -> Position mode: option3
Settings -> Fix Request Settings -> Session Operation: Standalone
Settings -> Fix Request Settings -> Server Option: Local
gpsOne XTRA -> Xtra Enable: Enable

Then try with Google Maps.

If you want to go back to the default setting:

Settings -> Parameter Settings -> Address -> Server Type: UMTS SLP
Settings -> Parameter Settings -> Position mode: option2
Settings -> Fix Request Settings -> Session Operation: MS-based
Settings -> Fix Request Settings -> Server Option: Default

See if that helps. Other users have also reported issues with the Galaxy range of not receiving SMS messages immediately after returning out of Airplane Mode. Seems a touch buggy...


Why does adb work only while the tablet boots?

If you have WiFi access in your place and the tablet is rooted, you can try adbWireless to see if adb runs well in your tablet. If it works then the problem may be your broken usb cable or usb connector.


Solved. As Andy Yan pointed me, I did it using 9008 Qualcomm mode. It still wasn't easy as I had to open the case, shortcut maintenance pins and find the right combination of flashing tool and firmware rom for my phone, but I did it. Case closed.


Any downsides to disabling the gmail app?

It is a standard message to warn that dependent applications will find some functionality missing. Few apps are dependent on gmail. Most other email apps would work fine in its place. The only deficiency that I noted was that the gmail app can accept HTML content sent (shared) from other apps. Other email app turn the HTML content to plain text.


Avoid Security for Outlook app in Android for lock screen

Depending on your device and version of android you are running. You can goto Settings > Security > Device Administrators. Then uncheck the box for Microsoft Outlook App. That should allow you to go back to "none" for unlocking. Not sure how it would affect the app.


I've rooted my tablet, now how do I get rid of this bloatware?

Yes, you can remove bloatware from rooted tablet, but not using stock uninstall utility. Use Titanium Backup to remove those bloatware. Its the simplest way.

The meaning of being rooted means you can access device as root user of Linux (Android is Linux). A root user can do everything on system. Stock settings utilities aren't designed to use this capability. So, you need to use a third-party app. Titanium Backup take over system as root user, so it can do everything including bloatware removal from ROM.


What is 0x10DB21 error code in Kingoroot?

The answer is simple:

Kingoroot does not work for Android 6

The vulnerability it uses for gaining root as been fixed in Android 6 and newer. Hence rooting will not work on those devices!

Cite from the site root-apk.kingoapp.com

  It perfectly covers Android 1.5 to 5.0 mainstream models from different manufacturers including Samsung, Google, HTC, Sony and else.

Hence before installing any third party app you should read the documentation before installing and running it.


Is it possible to install the Android browser and email app if they weren't built-in?

Stock Android browser and email app were discontinued since KitKat :

Google puts Android’s stock e-mail app in the Play Store
Android 4.4+ KitKat ships without browser app. OEMs have to license Chrome or build their own

They have been replaced by Gmail and Chrome as commented. Even if you are willing to face security risk to have it installed you can't downgrade from Nougat to KitKat (extremely unlikely). Only option left is to run a device of pre KiKat OS having those stock apps


I solved the problem this way:

When you listen to your podcast or music and launch Pokemon Go, the music stops playing. Go to your recent tasks, open your music/podcast app and start playing your music again. After that just open recent tasks again and switch over to pokemon go.

If your phone holds more than 1 app in RAM and is not killing them, this should work.


Does an Android Factory Reset also clear the cache partition?

Yes, a factory reset clear's the cache, dalvik cache, along with the user data.

<string name="factory_reset1">Wipes Data, Cache, and Dalvik</string>

The information on factory reset is hidden in the Source code.


I agree 100%.  This problem is a PITA, and AFAIK Google has not offered any feasible solution.  In addition, if an app steals your list of contacts, or anyone's cloud database gets compromised, every single contact you ever had gets released into the wild.
My current solution is not ideal, and is really a workaround.  It consists of three primary processes:

Use only local contacts, and do not sync contacts at all.  If you really want synced contacts, sync them with a private cloud operating on your own server.

Regularly backup all your contacts to a CSV or JSON file.  Manually cut and paste all the contacts from that backup that you don't currently need to an "old contacts" file.  After removing many of the contacts from the original file, delete all contacts on Android and import the smaller file of current contacts.  Of course, before deleting anything, ensure the export-import round-trip will work and no data (such as contact images and custom fields) is lost.

Now that you have a smaller list of contacts on Android, assign a tag/label to contacts you still want to have handy, but you will rarely contact.  Then hide all contacts with that tag/label from showing.  As you noted, this only works in your contacts app, but the larger issue is dealt with by process #2 above.

This workaround model is certainly not ideal, and is time-consuming, but I know of nothing better offered by Google.  Remember, Google is primarily a data mining company, and they seldom offer tools that result in them collecting less of your data.
An alternative to the above workaround system is to move all contacts to the OpenContacts app or the Contact Book app.  They are both completely open-source and store all contacts in their own private databases.  Google apps and other apps cannot read those contact databases (unless they are malicious and breach the Android security model).  You can use one of those apps by itself or in combination with the standard Android contacts databases.  If you do this, all apps with appropriate Android permissions will be able to see the Android contacts, but not those stored in the OpenContacts app or Contact Book app.


Is there an Android video chat client that displays video stream and text messages at the same time?

Voice chat programs uses an Internet data stream.  It isn't up to the developer of the application.  No matter which app you find it will be limited based on your phone service provider and the type of phone you have.

Take a look at this (the protocols that are available via some services and phone types:

(taken from this thread, Can I talk and use Internet or other apps at the same time)

  If you really want to know why and how this happens, without all the
  techie speak - - - -

  Verizon's 3G data and voice network is CDMA, and only a device with
  SVDO technology can use voice and data at the same time (as opposed to
  the current standard EVDO) on CDMA. The first device to do this was
  the HTC Thunderbolt. The Galaxy S3 also has SVDO, so you can surf and
  talk at the same time if you have Verizon 3G service.

  The VZW iPhone does not have SVDO, so it can't do it. The iPhone on
  ATT and Tmobile can do this, as those two carriers don't use CDMA -
  they use GSM, which can do voice and data already. I don't know why
  specifically, but just know that Tmo and ATT are GSM and Sprint and
  VZW are CDMA.

  Finally, any 4G LTE enabled phone on verizon can do talk and data at
  the same time, as the data will run over the LTE network and the voice
  runs over CDMA. So, devices like the Moto Droid Razr and other LTE
  phones can do talk and data at the same time, but only if LTE service
  is available. If in a 3G-only area, the Droid Razr can't do talk and
  surf together.

  Make sense?

So if this is a needed feature you would have to shop for a specific phone provider and a specific phone that will allow you to use Data service and Phone service simultaneously... again, limited by the phone service and phone, not the app.


How can I access my Samsung Galaxy S5's modem with QXDM?

This thread on the XDA forum describes it.

Here is a short code to get the phone to show debug mode:  *#197328640#


Always-On VPN option does not list my PPTP VPN

I was having this issue too. Apparently Google doesn't deem PPTP secure enough, so they disable it from the "Always On" menu.


I know that f-droid at least has a long timeout before cancelling the download but as @Izzy commented above, just download the apk from:

OSMand page

OSMAnd APK Version 2.8.2 (282) - Added on 2017-11-17


Does smart lock check all active verification methods or only one of them?

Smart Lock will unlock your device if any of the trusted places/faces/devices/etc. are found. Configuring multiple verification methods does not mean that you have to match all of them. You should be able to unlock your device with just your face without being in your trusted place. You can also unlock it by being in your trusted place and not showing it your face.


How to avoid expensive roaming fees when going abroad with my Android?

Go to: Settings > Wireless & networks > Mobile networks.

Make sure the "Data roaming" checkbox is unchecked. That will keep you from roaming accidentally, since you will have to enable it.

If you want to enable it and use roaming lightly, there are some apps in the Market that will track your data usage for you.

However, in my experience roaming abroad has been so expensive that even roaming for a few minutes of data is not worth it. I usually either try to find a public hotspot or get a prepaid SIM card with data.


There don't seem to be any widgets that let you monitor twitter for certain keywords, but here's a workaround that might do the trick.

Try an application like Meta widget. It can turn any webpage to a widget.


Cannot root phone by installing superuser.zip CWM v6.0.5.1 Stable

You did succesfully installed the superuser framework but you need to install SuperSu what controls everything. Follow steps below to successfully install SuperSu:

Download SuperSu from the play store here.
Open SuperSu and you should see something like this:

Screenshot - Update SU binary (Click to enlarge)

Click continue.
Click normal. (If you see message for more then 5 minutes then reboot and try the other option)
Reboot your phone and now you should be rooted. Check it with a root checker app like this:

ScreenShot - Root check, Success (Click to enlarge)

Consider purchasing the pro version to support the developer here.

Hope my answer helps.


How do you root a device with Magisk when it doesn't have a custom recovery

This answer is not applicable to Samsung / Huawei devices

First, unlock your bootloader. This again ranges from very easy to complicated procedures getting unlock codes, waiting period etc, so read that up first and you have adb installed (this would help , if you don't have it Is there a minimal installation of ADB?).

Second, and very important read these installation instructions from Magisk Developer before proceeding. There are many variants of device architectures and OEM specific issues.

Third, read above  step thoroughly and accept outcome of your actions. Especially, Samsung /Huawei users, see respective linked sections.

Fourth, this answer is applicable to devices having

boot ramdisk in which case you need a copy of the boot.img (in which case custom recovery if available can also be used, but then we are assuming it isn't available)
If your device does NOT have boot ramdisk, you need a copy of the recovery.img
( To verify, install Magisk Manager and check SAR, as explained in official Magisk instructions, linked in second bullet point or read up the forums in XDA to figure out).

Substitute recovery.img for boot.img, if your device doesn't have ramdisk. Answer talks of boot.img as an example but they are interchangeable as far as process is concerned.

This process works on all  Android versions, including 11. I did it on my Pixel 4a running Android 11 (on earlier versions, my devices had custom recovery, so I didn't need this).

Extracting boot image (or recovery)

Get the official firmware package or OTA files from official firmware packages, your custom ROM zip (if using one), or go to XDA-Developers and seek for resources, guides, discussions, or ask for help in your device’s forum.

Pick up the firmware or full OTA (not incremental OTA) file that corresponds to the Android security update of your device , not necessarily the latest (you never know if the boot.img has been changed).

Prior to A/B partition system implementation ,these update firmware/ OTA packages came with partition images, which could easily be extracted and used for manual flashing. But now, these update packages come with a single Payload.bin file that contains the individual partition images (boot.img or recovery.img).

There are many blogs that tell you how to this. I found How to Extract Android OTA Payload.bin File using Payload Dumper Tool on a PC or Android Device to be very comprehensive and clear.

This shows how you can extract the boot image using a Linux machine, Android or Windows.I don't intend copy pasting the article with photos in it's entirety, but all essential steps are listed.
Using Payload Dumper Tool to Extract Payload.bin

Payload Dumper tool is basically a Python script/program created by developer ius that allows users to easily extract  Payload.bin

Installing Payload Dumper tool
On laptop (Windows/ Linux)

The tool requires Python 3 or above, which can be downloaded from the official page.

When installing Python, make sure that it’s added to the PATH on your PC. For Windows PC, this could be easily done by checking the Add Python to PATH option within the installer. For Linux/macOS, you can use the instructions provided on this page.

Download the latest version of the Payload Dumper Tool on your PC from this link and extract its contents to a suitable location. Upon extracting you should have a new folder named payload_dumper.

Open the command-line window on your PC in the payload_dumper folder, where the tool and the payload.bin files are present. To do this:

On a Windows PC: Hold the SHIFT key and right-click on an empty space inside the folder, then select the Open PowerShell window here option.

On a macOS/Linux PC: Launch the Terminal and change its directory to the payload_dumper folder using the cd command. For example: If the payload_dumper folder is located in the Documents directory, then the command should look like: cd Documents/payload_dumper

In order to use the tool on your PC, you must first install ‘Protobuf‘ (Google’s data interchange format) which is basically a dependency. To install it, enter the following command.

On Windows (in PowerShell): python -m pip install protobuf
On Linux/macOS (in Terminal): python3 -m pip install protobuf

Now to finally extract the Android OTA payload.bin file, first,extract the downloaded ZIP file to your PC . The extracted contents will include the “Payload.bin” file, which is what you’d need to extract. Copy the Payload.bin file inside the “payload_dumper” folder. Next,enter the following command.

On Windows (in PowerShell): python payload_dumper.py payload.bin
On Linux/macOS (in Terminal):python3 payload_dumper.py payload.bin

The tool will now start extracting the individual partition images from the Payload.bin file. Once finished, you will find the extracted files inside the same payload_dumper folder and you can pick up the boot.img or recovery.img

On Android. This is a little slower but also saves one step as you would see later.

Download the Payload Dumper Tool from here. Once downloaded, extract the contents of the payload_dumper_tool_by_ius.zip file to the root of your phone’s internal storage. You could extract it anywhere, however, the root directory is more convenient. The extracted ‘payload_dumper’ folder will contain the tool’s Python scripts

Now, download the  full OTA / firmware package from which you want to extract the firmware images. Once downloaded, extract the  package on your device to get the payload.bin file. Then copy the extracted payload.bin file inside the ‘payload_dumper’ folder that you extracted during step 1 above.

Download and install the Termux app (a Terminal Emulator) on your Android device. Once installed, launch the app from your phone’s app drawer.

Install and set up Python on your Android device. To do this, enter the following commands in Termux one after the other:
pkg install python -y
pip install --upgrade pip
pip install protobuf
apt update && apt upgrade -y

Now, use the following command to grant storage permissions to ‘Termux’: termux-setup-storage. As soon as you enter the command, you’ll see a prompt to “Allow Termux to access photos, media and files on your device”.  Simply press “Allow” to grant the permissions.

Change Termux’s directory to the “payload_dumper” folder using the following command, provided that you have the folder placed on the root of your phone’s internal storage.
cd storage/shared/payload_dumper

Finally, enter the following command in Termux to extract the Android OTA Payload.bin bile on your Android device: python payload_dumper.py payload.bin

Once finished, the extracted firmware images will be placed inside the same ‘payload_dumper’ tool.
You are nearly done!
Last step of patching images
(from the official Magisk instructions)

Copy the boot/recovery image to your device (this step not needed if you used Android method)
Download the latest stable Magisk apk from the official source and install on your device (grant permission for installing from other sources)
Press the Install button in the Magisk card
If you are patching a recovery image, make sure “Recovery Mode” is checked in options. In most cases it should already be automatically checked.
Choose “Select and Patch a File” in method, and select the stock boot/recovery image
Magisk Manager will patch the image to [Internal Storage]/Download/magisk_patched.img.
Copy the patched image to your PC with ADB:
adb pull /sdcard/Download/magisk_patched.img
Flash the patched boot/recovery image to your device.
For most devices, reboot into fastboot mode and flash with command:
fastboot flash boot /path/to/magisk_patched.img or
fastboot flash recovery /path/to/magisk_patched.img if flashing a recovery image
Reboot and voila!

(Text in Italics added)
For any issue with Magisk, you will find this guide by Didgeridoohan very handy.


HTC One SMS Backup File with no Extension Restore issue

Just changing the file extension will not help. As far as I know it's just some kind of encrypted text file. It's either a htc or an android specific file. In order to restore a message from that file you need an android device. It might work with the stock android sms app in an emulator but probably not. I suspect that it's only going to work with htc sms app.

[edit]:
The backup file is an encrypted sqlite database file not just some text file.


Chrome, autofill, and biometric security

At the time of this writing (v87, Dec 2020), Chrome for Android doesn't support biometric-protected credential autofill.
This has been reported on Chromium Issue Tracker #1139045 - Security Feature: Only auto-fill passwords after user provides fingerprint or PIN on Oct 16, 2020, and acknowledged by a Chromium contributor.

Comment 4 by palmer@chromium.org on Tue, Oct 20, 2020, 5:36 AM GMT+7
[...]
we could potentially implement a feature where Chrome auto-fills passwords only after the user supplies their fingerprint or PIN. (Safari on iOS has this: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208109) I'll change this bug to a feature request.


Phone won't shut up even in Vibrate/Silent mode

It is a fact that there are elements of the audio on devices that escape the Vibrate/Silent mode you are dealing with. I was disturbed at the difficulties of closing all audio channels, too. Years ago I found an app that made all the manipulation of the sounds on my devices clear and simple: Volume Ace. It makes it clear which systems still allow audio when in Vibrate mode, or when directed to be Silent. It allows you to control the outliers right from within a single screen, rather than through multiple menus or other activities. It allows for audio profiles for time of day, etc. It allows your settings to be saved, and recalled in case of unintentional disruption. I haven't needed to play with most aspects of audio in some time.

DISCLAIMER: I am not the developer, just a long-time satisfied user. I hope you find it as useful.


Phone is finding every wireless access point except mine!

It was indeed Wifi channels (as per phunehehe's comment) - setting the router to use band 11 suddenly brought the access point back into being detectable.  Excellent.


Android - “SIM card doesn't allow a connection to this network” ERROR

I think I am answering little late, but I feel my pointers might solve the issue. But still not sure.

Please check in what mode you are ? I mean are you in WCDMA only, GSM only or GSM / WCDMA preferred mode ? The best for both 3G and 2G could be GSM / WCDMA preferred mode which can switch the signal based on the 2G or 3G network. So try to change to other modes also(GSM only(For 2G only signals) or WCDMA only(For 3G only signals)).

If still no help then follow the next step.

Backup all your data to SDCard or PC and try Factory data reset. Don't do the Settings reset. Because it will do a reset of other things(Like display, Volume, etc). Factory data reset option do a reset of all the things in your phone. So make sure that all the data in your phone(Contacts, Call Log, SMS, MMS, Market Applications, etc) backed up properly.

If still no help take the phone to a nearest Sony Ericsson Customer Care center.


Never heard it was, and I'm pretty sure if it were I had heard. (Originally "Ximian Evolution", by the way ;) Neither have I heard of something comparable. Mail, Calendar, Todo etc. are available as separate apps, sometimes also in combinations, but then mostly only combinations of calendar + todo, not with mail.

Closest coming is probably Pocket Informant (USD 10), joining calendar, tasks, and contacts:

Pocket Informant 3 (source: Google Play; click image for larger variant)

I personally favour a combination of Business Calendar (bought the Pro), Business Tasks (integrates neatly into their calendar app), and K-9 Mail instead on my Android devices (and yes, on my Computer I use Evolution).


How do I block private numbers from calling me?

Motorola uses a vanilla Android experience (similar to Android One & Pixel) and it ships with the Google dialer and Google contacts app. As such, you will not find as many options in your phone as we see in Xiaomi or Huawei or Samsung phones. The call blocking option is also not present in the stock Android setup.

You will have to resort to a 3rd party app from the Play Store. I wouldn't recommend any as there are many call blocking apps and you should be free to evaluate them and choose the one to your liking.


Custom Boot animation slows, freezes and crashes phone

For me, the solution was to shrink the frames by half (540*960) but leaving the description text as it was – it seems that it just was too much data.


How can I tell at what rate my battery is charging?

Battery Indicator Pro will tell you or you can go into Settings -> About -> Battery and look there.


How do I disable the backlighting for the menu and back buttons on a Galaxy SIII?

GravityBox module for Xposed Framework can do it. Xposed requires root, but from reading your question, it looks like you have root.

Download KitKat
Download Jellybean

From the XDA Thread:

  Button backlight modes (default, disabled, always on while screen is on)


How do I connect Android devices to a WiFi AP and mobile data network simultaneously?

Despite the wide-spread information of its impossibility, an app named Super Download claims to be capable of this, as you can read in the article Combine 3G 4G Mobile Data + Wifi together to Boost Download Speeds at Geeknizer.

As expected, this comes from one of the XDA developers (elban) -- and, also expected, it requires your device to be rooted (not an issue for you, as you're running CM9;) ).

According to the article, you should keep some things in mind additionally:

Using both connections is not supported on all devices / rom combinations.
Some web servers may provide insufficient functionalities on the requested files.
The Lite version has a filesize limit of 50 megabytes. You’ll have to buy full version to go further. But if you download it from here (using barcode below), its free, with full features, courtesy of XDA).

EDIT: t0mm13b was so shocked that he dug deeper, so I can now add the link to the FAQ of Super Download...


Application Installed Not Found in Android Folder?

Depends on the application. In case of applications downloading additional data, some applications create their own folder on the SD card, or they to their appropriate folder in the Android folder on the SD card (either in data or obb), or even somewhere else. Application itself (without the additional data) should normally be stored on the /data partition.


Does Android 2.2 log digits dialed during a call, and if so, how can I clear this log?

As far as I can tell, it's not logged by the default dialer.


The best method would be this way:
 unlock bootloader>flash custom recovery from fastboot>flash super SU .zip file from recovery
if this is possible, on some phones it isn't..
If you by safe way mean "the way that won't screw your device" then there is no way, in every possible way of rooting it's possible that something goes wrong but in most times flashing stock firmware resolve trouble.


No. At least not without bugusing. All permissions not written into the manifest, will not be granted to the app by android. Since Android 6 an app can also request permissions at runtime. Then they are not in the manifest and the user does not grant them when installing but as soon as the app requests those permission, the user will have to grant them.

In short: you have control over the permissions and there is no easy way to bypass this system.

There is however the possibility to use other apps to bypass the permission handling. E.g. if your app does include a chrome browser window, it's not necessary for your app to have the internet access permission since chrome already has that permission.


Roam on certain countries, not in others

An app named Roaming Control (maybe even its free trial) might help you out here. From the app's description:

  Roaming Control automatically enables or disables mobile data connection, airplane mode or auto sync based on the currently active network operator.
  [...]
  Besides manually defined network operators, Roaming Control also supports special rules for your home network, for national roaming and for unknown networks. For certain networks, free roaming partner networks are also supported.

To me that sounds like an exact match to your requirements. To give you a better idea, here are some screenshots:

Roaming Control Screenshots (source: Google Play; click images for larger variants)


What are the possible locations that a game can store coins/gold count?

I'd recommend decompiling the apk using apktool or any other tool.
Then search in .java files for strings containing "\" or "/" .
It's time taking but worth a try.


Why can't I install safestrap on galaxy s4 nc1

Found this on XDA:

  You can solve Safestrap installation issues by downloading the Selinux Mode Changer app from the Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mrbimc.selinux&hl=en. Install the app and set selinux to permissive. Done! Please thank @Maribou for this great find!

Source: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2787681

I had the exact same issue and this worked for me.


Why are APK'S buggier than Play store downloaded apps?

The Play Store version is the official version, which often has updates pushed out on a regular basis. Developers put effort into maintaining the play store version. If you are using an APK version downloaded from elsewhere, there is both the danger that you have put malware on your device and the high probability that it's older than the official release.


How to update Android System WebView on MIUI

Looks like MIUI's Package Installer is blocking updates of system apps, so you have to disable "Turn on MIUI optimization" in "Developer options". After that system starts using Android's Package Installer which behaves as expected and allows to update.

Note that if you want to reenable "Turn on MIUI optimization" option, you'll have to reboot your device after that for everything to work again (e.g. your device may stop receiving sms from short numbers).


See if you still have available memory in your storage. Shark for Root won't record any packets if your device has insufficient memory.


Does your device auto-mount its storage to the PC when connected?  On most devices you need to pull down the notification bar and click the USB notification to mount.  You should dismount the same way, after dismounting in Linux, before unplugging the device.

And, how much free space do you have?


How to edit update.zip to prevent fastboot removal and recovery reverting to stock?

It usually requires a new boot.img which contains your kernel..
If you flash the update, it should flash all images, Network, Boot, System, Recovery and even sometimes the Cache..
 I would imagine that you need to Patch the boot.img to work with TWRP, or other custom recovery...
Sometimes it's a simple as changing SElinux permissions off enforcing ...

You can try to edit the recovery script because it does work on some devices, but you will most likely hit some sort of " checking update.zip is valid "... ( this usually makes a md5 and then calculates the update.zip md5 against the original )


No sound whatsoever on phone (on calls, or while playing a video or mp3)

it turns out some cold connection was the problem - not the speaker itself.
I had to open the mobile phone case and spend sometime figuring out which connection was cold.

Once I found it I re-soldered it. If you're not into electronic your best bet is a local repair store.


Disable permanently or uninstall the exchange services

First try clearing the app data of the stock email app in settings->apps, if that doesn't work:
If you go to settings->apps again and click on the stock email app (not gmail) then click disable, that should do the trick.
However:
If you still have a non-gmail email you could try lowering the sync frequency from push to every 30 mins.


Adding email address from Gmail to Contacts

You don't need to copy the email address. Gmail pulls it from an auto-created contact (with only one value). Merge this contact with the contact you created manually.

Procedure: Using stock contacts app, Select the contact in which you want to insert email. Tap Edit from menu. On Edit contact screen, tap Join from menu and choose email address contact.


How to hide xposed presence for other apps?

Sudohide
by SudoCode755
Its a continuation of FatMinMin's MinMinHide.
With this module you can hide applications from each other. It was buggy in the beginning, but it works great for me.

How to use
To hide an app from another, simply choose the target app and then select the apps you want hidden from it. Don't forget to hit save.

Photo

Reference links:

Xposed Repository

Github source

XDA support


Go to Settings, and under the "Wireless & Networks" section tap More....  There should be an option called Default SMS app.  Tap it, and select the "Now SMS" app.  You should be all set now.

[Edit]:
Apparently, Google deliberately disabled the SMS functionality on cell-enabled Nexus 7 tabs (both 2012 3G and 2013 LTE tablets are impacted) with the 4.4 update. The recommended solution is to flash a custom ROM that re-enables the setting.  Keep in mind that this will require unlocking the bootloader, which may void the warranty.


What does the message: 550 Invalid name or chroot violation mean?

Looks like this is a pretty common problem.

One of the comments in the second link says that you need to change /sdcard to /mnt/sdcard.  Apparently Android 2.2 changed the way the SDCard is mounted and the error you're receiving comes from /sdcard being a symbolic link in 2.2 rather than an absolute path.

http://code.google.com/p/swiftp/issues/detail?id=86
http://code.google.com/p/swiftp/updates/list


What is the recommended video format codec and container to play on android devices

The Android Developer Guide covers this pretty thoroughly.  They have all the supported formats as well as recommendations.  I would additionally recommend using the same resolution as your screen if your device can handle it, that will much improve the quality.


how to exit developer mode on android 4.0 ice cream sandwich

To Disable Developer mode goto settings-> developer{ } then there is a slider on  top of Developer options which you can on/off.


Nokia phone has pre-installed survey: how can I remove it?

It is a 5kB app, with the package name com.evenwell.nps.
It is a system app, which i can't find an option to disable, if you have root your mileage may vary.

You could try opening up Digital Wellbeing (system > Digital Wellbeing), and setting a block on it that way, I have turned off Digital Wellbeing though, so i can't vouch for it

I have a Nokia 3.1, and from experience it pops up a day after setup, and hasn't come back to me for the past 7 months.


I think My Files does not allow you to create files. You could try a 3rd-party app like File Expert though; this app lets you create both files and folders.


I'm not sure about formatting as internal storage, if your device can read it, it's already formatted for Android, and can be used as either internal or external... just switch it.

Also, some applications don't allow moving the app for compatibility and security reasons, it's not always device dependent.

Try scrolling through the apps and see if you can move any of them across.


I need help recovering vital data from a corrupted sd card formatted as internal memory with the phone off

If the SD card was formatted as Adopted (internal) Storage recovery of this data is only possible if the device was rooted prior the SD card being adopted and you have access to the device in a functional state... If you can't satisfy both requirements then your data is not recoverable, at least not in our lifetime, if fifty supercomputers that could check a billion billion (10↑18) AES keys per second (if such a device could ever be made) would, in theory, require about 3×10↑51 years to exhaust the 256-bit key space to brute-force hack the data.

If the devices was rooted and functional, it's easy, and that information is available in multiple other questions here. The key component to these solutions is you must access the encryption key from the device, which requires the device be functional and fully rooted, have a Linux computer with a microSD card reader, and a bit of Linux terminal knowledge.

The rooting must have occurred prior to adopting the SD card as internal storage though, because for most modern devices rooting requires unlocking the bootloader, which also wipes all data in the device including the encryption key.

Without access to the encryption key from the device, the data is not recoverable by any known method. Be aware that even if you happened to get the encryption key somehow and if the data is actually corrupted in the card, recovery of any data will likely be impossible.

Advice for the future: Don't use adopted storage (internal storage) unless it is absolutely required for the device to function as you wish, meaning it would likely have very little internal storage (less than 8GB or possibly 16GB), as adopted storage puts very high read-write usage on the card which can causes it to fail unexpectedly, a situation which is quite common as you have experienced. SD card expansion can still be added and used as Portable Storage (external storage) and can be used to store pictures, documents, music, and other files and data, this usage is not encrypted and can be read in any compatible device.


How to change the language of the playstore on android phone (samsung galaxy S4) or at least of applications

You can change the system language by goint to Settings > Language & Input > Language and selecting English (UK or USA, as you wish).

En français, ça se situe dans Paramètres > Langue et saisie > Langue.

But be aware : by the changing the system language, every applications will be changed to that language.


Why would the TRWP Nandroid backups of system and vendor partitions be different between backups?

Answer to your question is dm-verity:

  The dm-verity feature lets you look at a block device, the underlying storage layer of the file system, and determine if it matches its expected configuration. It does this using a cryptographic hash tree. For every block (typically 4k), there is a SHA256 hash.

So /system and /vendor partitions are always mounted read-only because mounting R/W causes changed hash values of the partition/filesystem (at least some inodes belonging to filesystem structure may change even if you don't touch a file), thus breaking the security feature. To make any changes to them, we need to disable dm-verity which must be your case.

TWRP creates backups in two ways. boot, recovery etc. are just dumped (dd) as a whole, so their hashes don't change because those aren't mountable filesystems. /system and /vendor are either dumped as images to retain dm-verity as discussed above. Or otherwise a tar archive is created to keep the backup size minimum. In second case even the filesystem is unchanged, a new archive file is created every time you do the backup. If the files aren't changed and are read/written by the archiving utility in the same order, using same options/parameters every time, then created archives should be identical. But even a minor factor e.g. compression may cause a different hash value every time.

So you must have dm-verity disabled, and therefore you will keep on getting changed hashes. But the contents don't change (if you don't change yourself or Magisk/GApps don't put some addon.d script), so a regular backup of both partitions isn't required. In fact only /data backup is enough, boot, /system, /vendor are already part of flashable zips.


I find Skype to be very poorly optimized, especially for video.

Maybe you should try other alternatives to Skype for video like Hangout or Tango? Just to be able to see if you will be getting the same issues as you do with Skype. If you do, then it means you have issues with your network.


What are the effects of live wallpapers on battery consumption and speed?

It depends on the live wallpaper in question, but in general, the wallpaper only runs when the home screen is visible. Since you're usually running an app or have the screen off, the live wallpaper has no effect most of the time: the extra battery use is limited to when you're looking at the home screen.

This isn't always true, though. Some live wallpapers also run extra things. For example, the live wallpaper might periodically run in the background so that it can change its appearance based on your email inbox, or weather reports from the internet, or the accelerometer. For that reason, some live wallpapers might use quite a lot of battery.

In that respect, live wallpapers are no different from any other app. If they're inefficient or do a lot of work, they'll run your battery down quickly. If they're efficient and simple, you won't notice any extra battery use. Unless reviewers comment on it, you won't know until you try.


This is a common problem with Android and Ubuntu. I got around this by using ADB to transfer the data.
Turn ADB on in your phones settings and make sure you have downloaded the ADB package on your computer (http://www.webupd8.org/2012/08/install-adb-and-fastboot-android-tools.html). Then run in terminal:
adb devices

to check that your device is recognized. Once you have done that you can transfer files using:
adb pull /sdcard/place_on_phone ~/place_on_computer

and
adb push ~/place_on_computer /sdcard/place_on_phone


Memory almost filled by Android System and Google Application

Recommended approach without rooting:

Go to Settings › Apps and select the "All" tab
Pick the first "useless bloatware" in sight and tap its entry
Tap (in this order): Force-Stop, Clear Cache, Delete Data, Uninstall Updates (if any), Deactivate
Repeat for the other bloatware items.

What does this do?

force-stop: make sure the app doesn't continue to run and create new data/cache
clear cache: remove all cache files belonging to this app
delete data: remove all user- and configuration data the app might have
uninstall updates: if there are updates for system apps, those are installed in user-space. So removing them frees space you can use otherwise – plus is required if you want to …
disable: make the app unavailable. Though you cannot uninstall system apps, you can deactivate most of them. This ensures they don't clutter your GUI (all the app's icons on your home screen and in the app drawer will be hidden), the app should no longer start automatically (and create new data/cache), plus it should not be updated anymore

This won't entirely cure the issue (you cannot e.g. regain the space those apps use on the system partition), but should ease the effects. At least some space can be gained this way.

A little warning: If unsure what an app is for, better do not apply the above steps on it. Though the system shouldn't allow you to disable essential apps, better be safe than sorry.


Changing Google Play country: Are there any side-effects when it comes to available apps?

I did this when I moved across countries - the apps are unaffected. If you had apps which are available in the earlier country then you can continue updating and using them. The only downside is that if you have credit in your account, then that doesn't appear in the new country. You can still use the credit if you change your play store country back to the old one.


Failed to verify whole-file signature while rooting on Moto 2G XT1064

Your on Marshmallow, you need to do some extra steps...

First, install TWRP 3.0 or higher, or be able to boot it one time, and you need to have SuperSU 2.76 or 2.78 (even #'s are stable versions) on the device.

Start TWRP, go to Advanced - Terminal and enter

echo SYSTEMLESS=true>>/data/.supersu and press ENTER

Then exit and go back to home and Install SuperSU normally.


Android - Treat external storage as internal storage?

Not directly... only Marshmallow can adopt external storage as internal, but assuming this is the Blu Dash 5.0, you can root it, and use an app like Link2SD or App2SD to move apps to the SD card. You way want to consider a larger SD card though, since you have to partition the card and will lose some normal storage space.

The real problem is that you only have 100mb of internal space available, to use these apps you need to install them normally on internal storage, then move them to the SD card. With so little space to work with there may be several apps which cannot be installed so they can be moved.

This is the problem with buying a phone with only 4GB of space, although the price seems right if it is almost unusable for anything besides a basic phone, it may not be the right phone for you. I would suggest getting a phone with a minimum of 8GB of storage and 1GB of RAM.


Try holding down the home button, the volume up button and the power button for a few seconds. If that doesn't work, try the volume down button. Vol up will try and boot into recovery, vol down into download mode. Source


Transfer Facebook Messenger messages from one phone to another

Added March 2019: the "Account Key Backup" seems to have been removed from Messenger, so I have updated this answer.

According to a Messenger help page,

  In order to switch to a different account or access your account on another device, you'll need to add a password. To add a password to your account:

  From Chats, tap your profile picture in the top left corner.
  Scroll down and tap Password.
  Tap to enter a password and tap OK.

  You should now have a password associated with your account and can Switch Account

The Messenger help page currently states "This feature is not currently available for Android" but it is present in the Android app.

Old solution: (cannot be used anymore)

To transfer Facebook Messenger conversations to a new phone without a Facebook account, while keeping the same phone number, do the following.

On the old phone, open Messenger and tap your profile picture to go to your profile settings.
Tap "Account Key Backup".
Select the option to back up your account key to Google Drive. After the backup has been made, Messenger will say

  Account Key Backed Up - Your account key is saved to Google Drive with the email address ***. You'll be able to sign into Messenger if you switch phones or uninstall the app.

On the new phone, install Messenger, and open it.
Select the option "I do not have a Facebook account", and enter your phone number. You will receive an SMS with a verification code to enter in Messenger.
Messenger will ask you if you want to continue with your existing account; answer yes. Messenger will tell you that an account key has been found on Google Drive and use it to copy your conversations. However, secret conversations won't be copied.

You will be logged out of Messenger on the old phone, and will no longer be able to use Messenger there.


Android 2.2 on Verizon, specifically Droid

There isn't a release date yet. Every rumored date gets pushed back. The most recent was a July 13th date that is now pushed to 'August'. This is all hearsay, though.

Only way to currently get 2.2 is if you are rooted and install either a vanilla build of 2.2 or a custom ROM built with the 2.2 source code.

As soon as the official update hits, expect the 'update.zip' to be all over the web within the first day, then we can all download and install it (rooted or not).

How to root a Droid running 2.1
Once rooted, download ROM Manager from the market. This app will download and install many different ROMs for you.

NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE :)


Root - How to remove one of the superuser app?

Run the SuperSU app. If you’ve uninstalled it for whichever reason, all you need to do is Reinstall it from the Google Play Store.
Click on the Settings tab on the top right corner, and then click Full Unroot. Confirm with 'Continue'.
Once this operation is done, which takes a few minutes, you can reboot your Android.
Uninstall SuperSU.( If Exists.....)


Creating a multipartition bootable SDcard manually

I recommend you to take a look at parted or gdisk tool for this. It allows to create partition from specific sector with desired size. Then you can use dd command to copy the .img into these partitions.

If you are looking for an partition app. for rooted device, you can try parted4android.  Disclaimer: I'm the dev.


How can I let apps use their default notification sound on Moto G5

As said earlier you cannot choose a custom notification sound for each app, however you can change the notification sound for all apps.

Go into Settings > Sound > Default notification ringtone > choose whichever ringtone you like


Do I need to root my phone to get a tcpdump?

Yes, tcpdump is an administrator-level application (I highly doubt there will ever be an Android permission level to view all other apps' network traffic). Once rooted, if you have tcpdump binary (compiled for your device's cpu type) on sdcard, try:

su
mount -o remount rw /system/
cd /sdcard
cp ./tcpdump /system/xbin

Now you can use tcpdump command.

Without rooting, you could intercept traffic on your wifi LAN by setting a proxy to your computer in your device settings, and installing mitmproxy in a virtualenv on your computer and running it.


Create a profile to disable other profiles

Disabling a profile constitutes as an action so you need to do something in a task only. Tasker supports toggling the status of profiles from a task.

Create a new task and use this action: Tasker → Profile Status

Name: name of the profile to be toggled
Set: On/Off/Toggle

When would you or how would you like to run this task is upon you to decide. You can setup a location profile, a time trigger or perhaps, bind the task into a widget (1x1) to toggle all those profiles from a single touch on a shortcut.


GT-I9082 - Unable to enter download mode through ADB

Luckily I have Grand Duos too and I can confirm it is perfectly bootable into Odin Mode (aka Download) by

adb reboot download

Tried it just now.

What I can propose to you:

Try to get rid of all other emulated/physical devices by restarting ADB-server and/or ejecting non-necessary ones.

adb kill-server

I can guess you have them as you use -s clause.

Learn the difference between Odin Mode, recovery mode and bootloader mode. Maybe you are confusing them?

I have custom recovery but this doesn't prevent me from booting into all this modes.


Missing silent, vibrate or sound toggle on Lollipop's power button

This is a known issue with Lollipop, please see the following:

Issue 79445: No silent mode


App not installed error while trying to install nexus media importer

Because this app chek your license, if you buy this app from play store it runs automatically otherwise if you try a free version of this application it shows application not installed ...


Offbrand Android Tablet - Google Mail/contacts/calendar issue

Warning - I've not tried this.  I've a lot of experience with Android but haven't specifically tried hacking Google services on to a non AOSP based ROM.  I recommend that you make a full nandroid backup through clockworkmod or any other recovery tool before you attempt this.  If you can't backup, I'd think seriously about not trying this.

That said - Google doesn't like ROM developers ship their ROMs with all the Google framework apps installed, which is good for you because it means that everything you need to get up and running properly with the Playstore, GMail, Google Accounts etc can be found in one handy zip file.  Have a read up of this page, take note of this paragraph:

  Google Apps packages are not cross-compatible with other major Android versions. For example, the 20120224 pack for Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0) is not compatible with Gingerbread (Android 2.3). Likewise, the DRC83 package for Donut (Android 1.6) will not work with Honeycomb (Android 3.x). Flashing an incompatible package may cause a variety of bugs, boot-loops, crashes, force-closes, kernel panics, plagues, rashes, coughing, sneezing, headaches, diarrhea, vomiting blood, blood dripping from scrotum, thermonuclear war, unending Tic-Tac-Toe games, Mayan Doomsday, flooding, purple pustules forming on the face, a bricked device, exploding batteries, or nothing at all. Regardless, it is not recommended, and support will not be provided by any competent developer to a user who has done so.

The file which matches your OS version (Gingerbread, 2.3) is http://goo.im/gapps/gapps-gb-20110828-signed.zip.

Flash this file via the recovery console, or you can install manually by following the script at \META-INF\com\google\android\updater_script.

Again I warn you that you could mess up your device, and I'm willing to bet there aren't that many ROMs out there if you mess up the current one.

Good luck!


How do I migrate my SMS (text messages) from iPhone to Android?

After some digging into google, I came across a software called Backuptrans. The features listed include Transfer SMS between Android and iPhone, Save SMS from Android/iPhone onto local database on computer, Restore SMS from local database to Android/iPhone and many more.

I do not have an iPhone to check this software. This seems pretty good. The work steps are as simple as importing from iPhone to the computer and exporting to the Android device. More details with screenshots can be found here

The only downer for this solution is that you have to pay some cash (a minimum of $29.95) to use it fully. Since you are not comfortable with iSMS2droid (iPhone SMS Import), this seems to be the best option available.

On an additional note, iSMS2droid is worth trying before you buy Backuptrans.


How to port a SIM card to an Android phone

If you have an unlocked phone, I don't think there should be any problem. The SIM card for GoPhone is apparently just a regular prepaid SIM card and is not tied to the phone it is sold with. If the phone doesn't recognize the APN for 3G, just go to Settings > Wireless and Networks > Mobile Networks > Access point Names and enter the appropriate access point settings manually.


How to solve "application can not be installed" error

First, make sure you have sufficient internal memory (that should be more than just the app size, because app needs to store data too). The storage for apps is different from internal mass storage. You can find it under Settings > Storage, look for the Applications label.

Also, if the app is, say 20 MB, keep at least 50 MB free, because apart from the app storage, Android also tends to slow down when short on internal memory.

If you're trying to update/overwrite an installed app, try removing it first. source.

If that didn't work, try this solution. It is aimed at Titanium Backup, but I guess it might work for other apps too.


I am not sure if you can starting an intent with a relative file name. Better use the absolute file name and use am start to view the file:

am start -a android.intent.action.VIEW -d file:///storage/emulated/0/mypdf.pdf -t application/pdf


Looks like all you need is here; http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1085725

There you can download the kernels, and the scripts and Lordmodue app to use them.


Settings app crashes on (re-) enabling work profile

Removing work profiles from settings > accounts and adding again worked for me. Still better than doing factory reset.


How do I get SMS messages to be sorted in chronological order?

I don't know how your stock messaging app works, but HandcentSMS does this exact thing, and very well at that!


Samsung Galaxy Note 3 - Eye detection on non-native apps?

There's an important distinction to be made: Android in its stock form, and Samsung's version of Android, with the Touchwiz framework.

The Touchwiz functionality for the eyeball recognition works with only with apps 'native' to Samsungs Touchwiz version of Android. Apps like Samsung SMS, Samsung Internet, Samsung Gallery etc.

Air Gestures can be ported to 3rd party apps, Flipboard is an example of this.

Fore the eye recognitions stuff, like  smart scroll etc. the app needs to be embedded in Touchwiz. However, the 'keep screen on' functionality works over apps, so the screen shouldn't lock while gaming etc.

After looking into this myself, I havn't found any Xposed or other modules to override this for root users. Also, on the S4 Google Edition (running almost1 stock Android) there is no eyeball recognition whatsoever, and cannot be implemented.

Also, from a developer's point of view it, even if it was possible to access this functionality, would it be worth implementing it for only one device, and not being accessible on any other phone? It's a good idea in a way, but I don't see it expanding for a while, until other OEMs decide on similar tech perhaps.

1 Techincally the Touchwiz framework is there to enable the S-View cover. On the HTC One Google Edition HTC Sense is there to allow Beats Audio to be built in.


Instead of Restoring the Stock rom, Just download the Latest version of the Play Store from the web and then move it to the System/app folder. Also, I recommend you don't use KingRoot. Instead, get a custom recovery and Flash SuperSu.


Why doesn't ATT Samsung Galaxy S2 detect ICS update OTA and how to update?

It appears that the Ice Cream Sandwich update for the Galaxy S2 on AT&T was never pushed over the air, but only via Samsung Kies.

In order to install the update you'll need to install and use Kies. If you do, I strongly recommend creating a system restore point (Windows) before installing it.


Can I change my ICS phone camera trigger?

You could probably give Camera Touch-Free a try.

  Solution for touch phones that did not have hardware camera button such as Samsung GALAXY S II.
  Making shots on touch phone without touches.
  Just use hardware buttons "Volume Up" or headset.
  Use "Volume Down" hardware button for exit from application.

Others worth trying:

Sensor Camera Pro:

  (New) Use the headset's previous and forward media button as focus and shutter release.

  You could also search Google Play for: camera headset


For pre-Android 4.3, if a tablet (or any device) has root, will all its user accounts have root access?

With rooted device, only one account called root with both user and group id of zero is present, does not matter how many accounts there are. Similar to Mac OSX, Linux counterparts.

There is a singular Superuser.apk, all accounts can run an app that requires root privileges. It boils down to what apps have the permission granted. AFAIK Superuser.apk is not multi account aware? if I am wrong feel free to correct me

Multiple accounts are only available on tablets, however cannot confirm either as do not have one. :)


Disable Touchwiz launcher on a rooted Samsung Device

There's no need to uninstall the Touchwiz's launcher or to install a new ROM. The solution to this particular scenario is to disable the package asociated to the Touchwiz's launcher APK (Thanks to @AaronGillion for pointing out its name and location).

To do this just execute the following command as root in the ADB shell:

pm disable com.sec.android.app.launcher

In both, Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7" wifi (Android 4.1.2) and Samsug Galaxy tab 4 7" Wifi (Android 4.4.2), the previous command worked correctly.

Having my custom launcher installed but having selected deliberately the Touchwiz's launcher as the default launcher, after disabeling its package my custom launcher was set automatically as the new default launcher.

Just as a side note, notice that I had the same results in both tablets even though on the Tab 3 I installed the custom launcher as a regular app and on the Tab 4 as a system app (/system/priv-app/).


Find a list of all apps that launch at boot time

On Android 7+, you can do:

~$ pm query-receivers --components -a android.intent.action.BOOT_COMPLETED

Or:

~$ dumpsys package resolvers receiver | awk '/android.intent.action.BOOT_COMPLETED/{p=1;next}/:/{p=0}p {print $2}'

Related: Disable autostart on boot


Are ROMs with deodexed programs faster or slower than odexed?

Deodexed ROMs do not have the .odex files integrated into the .apk's, they are removed.  What eldareathis meant in his answer to the other question is that the reliance of the .apk's on the .odex files is removed; some information is integrated back into the .apk, but not the actual .odex file itself.  This page has some technical details.

Deodexed ROMs may be slightly slower because of this; however I believe that as the Dalvik cache is built up from using the ROM, the performance gap is minimized.


Whatsapp last seen is blank and shows only when online

Because in their settings, they have disabled for others to see their last seen time.


Google Maps shows wrong location on Android 2.2

Try Settings > Applications > Manage Applications.

All > Network Location > Clear data.


Your phone is not hacked. Try clearing cache and reboot your phone. It should then act normally.


On android, how can I unzip more than one zip files at once?

Okay, so just tried another app RAR by Rarsoft and it did the job perfectly, though extracted all the zips to same folder....enough for me.


Android Install button inactive, cancel works

Anurag's suggestion worked for me. From the install screen lock your phone with your power button then unlocked and voila there's the install button


Try Frama root apk .
It roots all high end devices.

How to install:

Download Framaroot from XDA
Run, choose Superuser or SuperSU
Select Boromir or another character
You will see :-)
Reboot device
Root- installed


How can you tell whether you are running a official Android program or one modified by your phone maker?

You can compare what your phone had with the emulator for your Android version. The emulator is a pristine Android, with no manufacturers modifications.

It is arguable whether Google-branded applications (which are not included in the emulator), are stock apps or not; but AFAIK Google-branded apps are usually not modified by manufacturers since they weren't open source and also Google-branded apps are updated regularly by the Market.


How do I transfer iPhone contacts to an Android phone?

I'd probably suggest using Google Sync to sync the iPhone contacts with the Google account, then using that account for the Android.


this is hardware fault, check the LCD belt or the LCD


Can I send messages via Facebook App without installing Facebook Messenger?

No, unfortunately.

To chat, you need to install the facebook messenger application. You can send offline messages (facebook mail) with the facebook app.

Not really a solution: But without either the messenger app or the facebook app on my phone, I find that I tend to use my free time a lot better than constantly reading updates on my social networking applications. The important people in my life have my mobile number and can contact me in case of an emergency. Try it. You will appreciate the simple things in life more.


There are quite a few apps that can show the PID of running apps and services.

One which I use to find a lot of info about what's going on in my phone is the Android System Info app, you can see the PIDs of some built-in services in this screenshot:


Can I connect a slimport to a DVI only screen using an HDMI to DVI adapter?

Yes it works! However there is no guarantee that it will work with every DVI screen.


Google playstore showing "similar app available here" in green bar

To what I know, Play Store only suggests lite versions of the apps under this current setup. The lite versions of Google apps (at least) were originally developed for Android Go smartphones. But then Google decided that users of standard Android smartphone might also wanna try the lite versions.

So, you get app suggestions for YouTube, Google Maps, Facebook, Messenger etc. WhatsApp isn't shown since WhatsApp doesn't have a lite version.

The current setup is only there to push a lighter (and faster?) version of the same app. Its intention is not exactly to give you similar apps. Similar apps are offered later on, at the end of the app description.
Yeah the wording could have been better, but Google is the boss. Maybe Google will expand the functionality in the future to get something like what you're expecting in the latter part of your question.

Edit: From the source (in comments), it does look like Google is also suggesting a bigger version of the app when you're browsing the lite verison. Still, my answer stands relevant as it is only doing the juggling between lite and standard app and not exactly doing similar/related apps.


Question about data storage after deletion of app

Basically yes, any kind of data erased from a memory can be recovered since the space is "marked" as empty so new datas can be overwritten over them.
Those datas can be easily recovered with software like Recuva or more advanced forensic tools. You need to overwrite them with a third-party software.

On Android this can be achieved with apps like Secure Eraser. (
This kind of applications can not guarantee 100% that the data have been permanently erased)

Also remember that a list of the applications downloaded from Google Play is available on GPlay app under the App > My Apps tab. You can also see them from a web browser on this page after logging-in to your Google Account.


Does encryption, factory reset, encryption make a safer used phone?

Factory-resetting twice is pointless. The first factory reset will already wipe all user data: the second won't delete anything that wasn't already deleted by the first. Encrypting the device is also a waste of time, because you've already factory-reset the device.

It might make some sense if you were the seller of the phone, and you wanted to overwrite the internal storage several times to make sure the buyer couldn't recover your data, but that's the opposite of what you want. A single factory reset will delete all the user data, giving you a clean slate.

If you're worried about the previous owner having left a backdoor in the OS, then ensure the bootloader is locked and flash the stock ROM yourself. This way you're sure to have a clean OS.

If you suspect the buyer has enough skill to backdoor the bootloader so that it will also make changes to the new OS as you flash it, and also disable signature verification so that it will still boot but looks like the bootloader is locked, then just don't buy a phone from them. If you think they're that good, and that desperate to get hold of your data, then they'll find a way around whatever you do. You just can't trust the device at all in that case.


Redmi 3s Prime stuck on logo (Not Rooted!)

I went to recovery mode by pressing Power + Volume up  then selected recovery mode. Pressed blue button (It was written in Chinese)  selected reboot to system it booted normally.


A bit of googling indicates that several people have had to build fastboot specifically to work with this device.  I found this one for Linux (last post) and have verified that it runs and isn't malicious: https://software.intel.com/en-us/forums/topic/494961


How to Switch from 4G to 3G Galaxy Epic 4G SPH-D710?

go to your settings and then go to Network Settings and change your network mode to WCDMA/GSM .


Expand RAM on Micromax Canvas A76- Android 4.2.2

You cannot expand your RAM to SDcard!
Instead you could create swap space in sdcard.

You could use applications like Swapper from google play store. The device must be rooted to do that.

Swap space may not be as fast as RAM.


How do i find apps which weren't installed from Android Market

The whole answer relies on the fact that when this query is made (requires adb) :

adb shell pm list packages -3 -i

the installer for an app is listed in the output next to app's package name. We can filter the installer names in that output to single out apps not installed from Play Store.

Note: if you've a rooted Android OS, you may check /data/system/package.xml since the said command exposes the information found in that file, but in a more legible manner.

Automation

I found Tasker (user guide) apt as well as flexible for the job. Create a task named NonMarket and create the following actions inside it:

Task → Run Shell

Command:

pm list packages -3 -i | grep -ve "com.android.vending -ve "com.google.android.feedback"

Store Output In: %AllPkgs

This will store the package name of all the third-party apps  currently installed, but not from Play Store,  in the variable AllPkgs. Replace -ve with -e in the said command if you intend to list apps currently installed and were installed from Play Store.

Any line in that variable would be following this template:

package:PACKAGE_NAME  installer=INSTALLER_NAME

Here,

PACKAGE_NAME → package name of the app;
INSTALLER_NAME → package name of the installer app, such as com.android.vending or com.google.android.feedback for Play Store, org.fdroid.fdroid for F-Droid, null if installed manually by adb or from an ordinary file manager and so on.

Variables → Variable Search Replace

Variable: %AllPkgs
Search: package:
tick Multi-Line
tick Replace Matches
Replace With: leave it untouched since we intend to remove the match from the lines

Variables → Variable Search Replace

Variable: %AllPkgs
Search: .*
Note that there is a whitespace before .* and it has to be included.
tick Multi-Line
tick Replace Matches
Replace With: leave it untouched since we intend to remove the match from the lines

After the execution of this step, each line in the variable AllPkgs would contain only the package name of an app.
Variables → Variable Set

Name: %ret
To: tap Enter key in your keyboard for once

I learned this step from the post here by plepleus. This step is needed because we intend to copy each line (has a package name of an app) from AllPkgs into a separate variable. It is for ease of use.
Variables → Variable Split

Name: %AllPkgs
Splitter: %ret

This step makes an array of AllPkgs and each line of erstwhile AllPkgs is assigned to an index of that array. Hence, the size of the array is the number of lines AllPkgs had.
Variables → Variable Set

Name: %count
To: 1

We're creating a variable named count and initializing it to 1, for the purpose of looping on all the elements of AllPkgs.
App → Test App

Type: Package Name
Data: %All(%count)
Store Result In: %Label(%count)

This step finds an app's label from its package name and assign it to an element of array Label. See Variable Arrays in Tasker's userguide on Variables, if you're confused in this step.
Variables → Variable Set

Name: %AllLabels
To: %Label(%count) - %AllPkgs(%count)%ret
tick Append

The last step, on its every execution in any cycle of the loop, would overwrite the value assigned to the variable mentioned in Store Result In. This step would assign that value into a new variable named AllLabels and Append makes sure that new cycle only adds but doesn't overwrite previous changes.

When the loop ends, AllLabels would be having lines where each of them would be having a particular app's label and package name.
Variables → Variable Add

Name: %count
Value: 1

This step increments Count variable, so that we can move to next cycle of loop.
Task → Goto

Type: Action Number
Number: 7
If: %count < %AllPkgs(#)+1

This step finally implements the loop. When this action is executed it checks whether count is less than the maximum number of elements in the array AllPkgs. If yes, it remains in the loop and creates a new cycle, else, the loop ends and we continue to rest of the actions below it.
File → Write File

File: /sdcard/unknown_sources.txt
Text: %AllLabels

This step writes all the lines stored in the variable AllLabels into a file named unknown_sources.txt under /sdcard. If you're making replacement in the first action, make sure to change the file name in this action to keep the results stored separately.
Variables → Variable Clear → Name: %Label

You would end up with bizarre outcomes if you don't clear an array manually created by user and uses it in a task.
Alert → Flash → Text: Task completed.

Run the task using the play button. Once the task ends check the file to find the content you're seeking.

Command-line

I couldn't ignore command-line which makes the objective so easy to be achieved in this particular case.

Dependencies

Requires busybox tool. If you don't have it installed, refer to: How do I install missing command line tools onto an Android device?
Requires aapt tool. If you're running a CM or its derivative ROM then ignore this requirement. Otherwise, for Android 4.x, you can consider downloading the binary from here. For the purpose of installing it in device, follow the root or non-root approach mentioned here, appropriately.

Android 5.x users: ask Google for assistance.

My little script

#!/system/bin/sh
# Check if the busybox binary exists under /data/local/tmp/ or /system/xbin.
# Set the detected binary's path into the variable busybox or exit if file
# doesn't exist or executable permission is not set
if [[ -x /data/local/tmp/busybox ]]; then
    busybox=/data/local/tmp/busybox;
elif [[ -x /system/xbin/busybox ]]; then
     busybox=/system/xbin/busybox;
else
     date +'busybox binary not found or executable permission is not set. Exiting';
     exit;
fi

# Check if the aapt binary exists under /data/local/tmp or /system/bin or /system/xbin.
# Set the detected binary's path into the variable aapt or exit if file
# doesn't exist or executable permission is not set
if [[ -x /data/local/tmp/aapt ]]; then
    aapt=/data/local/tmp/aapt;
elif [[ -x /system/bin/aapt ]]; then
    aapt=/system/bin/aapt;
elif [[ -x /system/xbin/aapt ]]; then
     aapt=/system/xbin/aapt;
else
     date +'aapt binary not found or executable permission is not set. Exiting';
     exit;
fi

# List third-party installed packages not installed from Play Store. Replace -ve with -e if you intend to list packages installed from Play Store.
pm list packages -3 -i | grep -ve "com.android.vending" -ve "com.google.android.feedback" | $busybox sed 's/package://g'| $busybox awk '{print$1}' > /sdcard/pkgs.txt
#$busybox printf "List of third-part installed apps not installed from Play Store:\n\n"

# For each package, get its label and print it with package name on standard output
while read line; do
    path=$(pm path $line | $busybox sed 's/^package://g');          # retrieve path of package's APK. Required for finding app's label
    label=$($aapt d badging $path 2>&1 | $busybox sed -ne '/application: label=/p' | $busybox cut -d "'" -f2);   # Retrieve app's label using $path
    printf "$label - $line\n";
done < /sdcard/pkgs.txt

Save the script under /sdcard into a file named nonplay.sh and run that file from a terminal emulator app in this manner:

sh /sdcard/nonplay.sh

Demo output:

(Click image to enlarge)

(Note: those apps listed in the image were downloaded from Play Store some time ago in my Primary ROM. Since they were sideloaded in this secondary ROM, they appeared in the output. If I successfully update any of the sideloaded app from Play Store, it will be considered that the app is installed from Play Store.)


There are 2 options:

Root your phone.
Install the Samba Filesharing app, or any other Samba server for Android.
Install samba on Ubuntu, or any other Samba client (there are some on Android too). This should do: sudo apt-get install samba, or any other equivalent command on another OS. You don't need this step on a Windows machine.
Optional: Install an app on your PC to make it easier to configure samba on your PC. apt-cache search samba should give you some good results (or anything equivalent).

The point is that this Android application will let your device show in the "My Network Places" of Win XP, and the "Network" of Win Vista/7 and Ubuntu. From there you can browse to smb://ANDROID/ (or \\ANDROID for Win) in your file manager.

Make sure you set the WORKGROUP correctly on the Android app. And if you face some problems with accessing your phone, try using the IP address instead of the name (ANDROID by default).

Otherwise, if you're not rooted for example, you could install a file manager app with support for Samba shares (like ES File Explorer or File Expert for example), or any other samba client (like AndSMB). This way you could access shares on other computers on the network (but not share your own SD Card, you need a samba server on your device for this to work).


No one can hear me on my Galaxy Note 8 Edge! How do I fix?

Most apps use secondary source to capture audio when the primary source is down. The source switching is automatically done and, in a phone with good memory, might be seamless.

It is highly probable that your Mic (primary audio source) is down. When recording, the app might actually be switching over to secondary source for audio (which might be the loudspeaker). My advice is that you change the Mic of your phone.


Flashing Nexus 7 factory image fails on writing userdata

This can be resolved by manually performing the actions specified in the flash-all.bat file. I had the exact same problem and this stack exchange page got me sorted.
Flashing Nexus 5 factory image fails on writing userdata


Can I grant permanent access to external storage to an app in Nougat?

Manually granting permission

For rooted devices, there is a way to inject a specific permission inside the /data/system/packages.xml file, which details any and all installed apps, alongside their signatures and permissions.

The permission mentioned above is <item name="android.permission.WRITE_MEDIA_STORAGE" granted="true" flags="0" />, which is usually granted to system apps only. This line must be added under the <perms> node of the package name one wishes to grant permanent access to the external storage, be it an SD card or a drive attached via OTG.

For Android to acknowledge the new permission, a reboot is needed.

Revoking permission

To revoke the abovementioned permission, one just needs to remove the <item name="android.permission.WRITE_MEDIA_STORAGE" granted="true" flags="0" /> line they themselves added.

Automated alternatives

If one does not want to manually edit packages.xml but has Xposed, it is possible to achieve a similar result by using the XInternalSD module. Upon activating it, enter its settings and disable any checkbox but the one next to Full access to external SD card.

This, depending on the Android version in use, is able to grant read-write access to external media. It is tested and running up to Nougat 7.1.2. This method is not granular, hence any app will be able to access any external media.

I am not affiliated to either XInternalSD, or to its developer.


Why does my phone need to connect to google servers?

Lots of apps use this connection to do their work. As well as Google's own apps such as Gmail and Hangouts, third-party apps that use any of the following features via the Google Play services library need such a connection to work fully:

license verification or in-app purchases
push notifications using Google Cloud Messaging
Signing in with your Google account or syncing or backing up your data to Google's servers
Most Google Play Games Services features (e.g. online multiplayer and leaderboards)

Even so, the indicator isn't really meant as an indicator about Google's servers. Since Google's servers are always there, Android checks if it can reach them as a way of knowing whether it can reach the Internet in general. That way, it's easier for you to know what is wrong if you're on a captive Wi-Fi network; that is, the kind that redirects you to a login or terms & conditions page.


"Could not do normal boot invalid kernel length"

I ran ODIN as administrator and was able to flash Chainfire. I was then able to boot in normally, and after that flash TWRP again. Still not sure which step caused that issue but it is resoled now.


integrate Google Photos with android system

Google Drive was the integrating factor till July this year. It was possible to sync photos with Drive. Drive also works with ios.

Now that it is discontinued, there is no automatic way to upload but from Photos settings you  enable sync to drive (tap on the cloud icon) or using the share option upload to third party cloud/messaging/mail options.


How do I move apps from my phone to tablet?

Your Galaxy S5 Active should be able to create a Wi-Fi network, and share its own cellular data.  This is usually referred to as "tethering", or "mobile hotspot".  The settings are different for various Android devices, and sometimes are a paid feature (or may be missing completely) depending on the carrier.

Generally, on Samsung devices like your S5 Active you can find it under Settings -> Connections -> Tethering & Wi-Fi hotspot.  You can activate and configure it there, and then use your daughter's tablet to connect to the newly created Wi-Fi and access Google Play Store, or other app stores (like Amazon, for example.)  Here is a video that shows how to find the settings.


My bluetooth headphone is paired however sound is still from my phone?

Can Bluetooth device connect to several devices at once? Is that where
  the confusion is?

Yes, but you can play sound from only one of the connected devices at a point in time, not both.

For example, my SBH80 headphone from Sony supports connecting two or three devices to it. But there's a catch. You could only listen to sound coming from the device that connected to the headphone first. In other cases, none will play through the headphone. Some headphones are kinda designed to play sound in a first-come-first-serve approach. Others get confused, and don't play anything at all.

To get your music playing, ensure only one device is connected to the headset.

  Usually I turned on my headphone and I will be listening to my
  smartphone sound right away. Now it isn't.

This is happening because your computer probably connected to headphone first. Disconnect PC and sound should resume automatically. If it doesn't automatically, re-pair (not take to the repair shop!) the headphone with the phone.


Remove "Folder Open" "Folder closed" announcements without disabling Accessiblity

Found a solution that worked for me.  From this page:

Go to Settings> Application Manager> All> Google Text To Speech Engine
Instead of disabling it entirely, hit "Clear Data"

Note: This solution may or may not be permanent (I have a feeling when I next actually use a feature with Voice, it will re-enable), but it's easily repeatable at need.  It's mostly viable for me because I don't use such features terribly often.  If you use Maps every day or whatever you might need to find a different answer.


recent songs are showing up in files but not on music apps

I have the exact same problem, but I can't figure out how to fix it. I've solved the problem before by clearing all my music data (files and everything), and just replacing them, but that is a painful prospect, and really should only be used as a final resort.


How do I update all my apps with the new Google Play Store?

On all my devices, if there are more than one app to be updated, I can see the Update <x> button above the apps list, in the header bar with the "Updates" text. This will update all apps that don't require manual updates.


change notification sound for Google Keep

The UI is not clear in this case, but you can actually change this in the Android Application Notification settings for the Keep app.

(On Android 9): Go to Settings > Apps and Notifications > Keep notes > Notifications. Then you have to tap on each of the Notification Categories individually (e.g. Others, Reminders, Shared notes). As mentioned, from the UI it does not appear these Notification Categories are tappable but they are. You can then set various parameters for that Notification Category such as sound, notification dot, display behavior, ...

More info: How to use notification channels on Android Oreo


Trying to factory reset, but it's not listed at all as an option

This is a quite often asked question -- so please see the "Linked" and "Related" sections for more answers.

A good place to check for answers concerning factory reset is always hard-reset.com. At Samsung I5800 Galaxy 3 Android hard reset, they write how it can be done for your phone. Basically, it involves the following steps:

Using hardware buttons only

Press MIDDLE of the VOLUME + MENU (middle key) + POWER ON for 1-2 sec
Release Power. Recovery menu appears.
Select Wipe Data/ Factory reset with volume down, then press MENU
select Yes - delete all user...
press MENU or POWER button

They further recommend: to hard reset i5800 Galaxy 3 battery must be fully 100% charged.

Alternative approach

As you still can turn on your phone normally, there's a second option available:

open up yout telephone app (dialer)
dial *2767*3855#
follow the instructions

This is not a real phone call, but rather a "magic number" (shortcut to system functions).

Last word: Be aware that with a factory-reset all your manually installed apps and all your data on internal/phone memory are lost, so backup what you need before! I guess you knew that, but just in case ;)


I was able to solve the problem by removing the SD card before booting into TWRP, like suggested here.