Can preloaded apps be restored when Factory reset-ed

There are two parts to your question

Factory Reset.

a) Factory reset removes user data including apps installed by the user on phone. Since your device is rooted, you can see that everything in  /data
and /data/data will be wiped.

b) Factory reset does not flash stock ROM. Since you have deleted preloaded apps, they will not be restored. If you want them restored, you have to flash stock ROM

To understand more about factory reset, please read this

Factory reset to restore performance? What are the disadvantages?

Root.  You will not lose root on factory reset. Your phone will remain rooted

Please read this post to understand more Can I safely do a factory reset without losing root?

Further, unrooting will also not being back deleted apps

Please read this Will un-rooting return stock apps

  Additional Information on reverting to stock ROM (asked by OP in comments)

How can I flash stock ROM?

Source for downloading Stock ROM:  Sammobile, you have to register and download ROM specific to your model and region. You can check  here also Where can I find stock or custom ROMs for my Android device?
Flashing Instructions:  Can be found on many sites. Here is one such link (also having stock ROMs) from XDA. You can also see "additional information" of my answer


Home button takes me to the Default Android Home on HTC Desire X

Try installing a new launcher app (it really doesn't matter if you want it or not, you'll only need it for a few seconds) from the Play Store. Once it's installed, press the home button and Android should prompt you to choose a home app. Choose the one you want, select "Always", and then you can uninstall the launcher app you just installed.


You need both pieces. The LTE radio was disabled, in software, by the 2.0.1700.48 radio firmware update. In order to enable LTE, you'll need to downgrade to an older radio image (2.0.1700.33 or earlier), then use the *#*#4636#*#* dialer code menu to enable LTE. If you try to use the dialer code on the .48 or higher radios, it will not work.

If you're comfortable with unofficial images, there are also "hybrid" radios that you can use instead of downgrading below the .48 one. These basically attempt to integrate the updates present in the later radio images, while maintaining the "bug" that allows LTE to be enabled. They are made by third-parties and not endorsed or supported by Google/LG.

There is an XDA thread that compiles a list of all official Nexus 4 radios, along with downloads to each version. If you want to enable LTE, you need to do the following:

Unlock your bootloader. This will perform a factory reset in the process.
Download the radio you want, then flash it from fastboot: fastboot flash radio /path/to/radio.img
Boot into Android, open the dialer, and enter *#*#4636#*#*. This will bring up a new menu.
Select "Phone Information"
Scroll down a bit to find the "Preferred Network Type" option. Change this to "LTE/GSM". It should take effect immediately.
At this point, you can re-lock your bootloader if you choose.

There is also an app on Google Play that attempts to streamline this process. It requires root, and I cannot personally endorse it because I have never used it. Based on the reviews, it appears to generally work well on Jelly Bean (or earlier), but may have trouble on Lollipop.

Also be aware that the N4's LTE chip only supports one LTE band, AWS band 4. If your carrier has deployed LTE in your area on a different band, then you won't be able to use it.


Apkmirror.com is run by the same people behind AndroidPolice.com, one of the biggest Android news websites. All uploads are manually vetted and approved, and only free apps are allowed so you won't find any 'cracked' apks or 'warez'.

As you already have the Play Store installed, only an apk signed with the same key as the currently installed version will be able to upgrade the app so this is an extra verification of the apk you download. Therefore, if you download the app from Apkmirror.com you should be safe.

Personally, this one of the only sites I would trust to download apks from.


For login to snapchat use VPN maybe your problem is fixed.


That's the warning from Google Play Protect, which is quite new. It's detecting that app to be harmful, but often it detects some system apps as harmful (which are not available in play store). So if that app is a system app, then nothing to worry about. But if you don't wanna seen the warnings then go over to play store and disable both options in play protect. You can find that option in the left navigation bar....


Cannot install whatsapp in android 2.3.4

You should know that WhatsApp is no longer supported on devices running android 2.3 and below. Newer updates won't simply install. The support had to end on june, and we're on june.

You should consider upgrading to a newer phone.

However, in some exceptions, WhatsApp can be installed when you download directly the APK file.

Try downloading the file from here.


Where does Google Music store the “offline tracks”?

Your songs should get saved to /sdcard/Android/data/com.google.android.music/cache/music.

The reason they don't appear when you install a new ROM is because the folder they're stored in contains a .nomedia file, which excludes it from the media scanner. Google Music is able to keep track of them because it puts entries into its database (which is at /data/data/com.google.android.music/databases/music.db) which point to the file. Specifically, anything in the MUSIC table with a LocalCopyType value of 200 is a song on Google's servers which you've downloaded so it will be "available offline". This disappears if you wipe your /data partition when flashing a new ROM. If you have a sqlite3 binary on your device you can use the following to get a list of all songs that are available offline:

# sqlite3 /data/data/com.google.android.music/databases/music.db
sqlite> select * from music where localcopytype = 200;

If you want to have your music stored locally across ROM installs, the easiest thing to do is just to create a folder at the root of your SD card named Music (or similar) and put the files in it. The media scanner will pick it up that way. Alternatively, you can try removing the .nomedia file from the Google Music cache folder. That should allow it be scanned, too, but I don't know if Google Music will try to re-create the file on subsequent launches of the app.


Never mind. I just needed it to be root@username.no-ip.org:1234.


Why are certain songs on Google Play Music greyed out on my phone but not on PC?

I managed to fix it by checking my settings, "stream only on wifi" was turned on some how.. once I turned that off, everything available as before


How to access and/or delete an invisible Exchange account?

I think I have encountered a similar issue before. Not sure how I fixed it, but

see if you have a Device Administrator for Exchange. In the Samsung Galaxy S4, it's in Settings > More > Security > Device Administrators. Uncheck / Remove it there, do a restart, and see if that helps.
or:  Go to your application manager, and swipe to the ALL section. Then look for the Email app. Click that and do a Clear data and/or Clear cache. Also, look for the Exchange services app, and do the same. Restart, and see if that helps.

Based on Asker's feedback, the second approach fixed the problem. He also cleared the GMail app, although it's not necessary.


The Tab Switcher in Google Chrome on Moto G(3rd Gen) is stuck in accessibility mode

So after looking a lot and not getting any solution, I decided to flash my firmware. Reinstalled the stock factory OS from scratch and now it's good as new and the problems mentioned above are solved.

The following is for Moto G(3rd Gen).

Here's a simple tutorial an how to do this by lost101 of XDA:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/2015-moto-g/general/guide-fastboot-flashing-factory-t3187750

The link to the page with factory firmware images is also mentioned on the page above.

Make sure you download the right firmware according to your phone model.

Now I ran into an issue with my wifi after flashing with fastboot(My phone couldn't detect wifi during the initial android setup), so if that happens, use mfastboot(I think it has better compatibility with Motorola devices).
Just google to download the latest version. The commands for mfastboot are same as fastboot; just replace "fastboot" with "mfastboot".

Also note that this doesn't void your warranty as long as you don't unlock your bootloader, so make sure you don't type any wrong commands. The commands mentioned in the XDA-thread should be enough.


Write permission on certain paths, like the SD card (extSdCard)

One of the restrictions introduced with 4.4-kitkat was moving the WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission to protection-level "SignatureOrSystem", which means even if requested, a "normal app" (i.e. one you install yourself as "normal user" without any root specialities) will no longer get it granted. So there are very few things you can do to "work around" this:

obviously: rooting the device, and removing this limit
using the app's "personal" directory as storage for your sync'd files (i.e. <sdcard>/Android/data/<package_name>/, as this is the only place an app can write on SD with Kitkat)
using your internal-sd card as storage (as here the limitation does not apply)


How do I make myself device administrator?

In this thread, the poster was unable to find the cause, but was advised by Samsung to factory reset. According to the thread, phone info appears to be a hidden app with many permissions, perhaps malware.


set Video as Ringtone in Samsung Galaxy s4

First convert video into mp3 using third party app like  convert video to mp3 and than set ringtone.

OR

Simply change the extension of file from (.mp4/.3gp/.flv/.avi) to .mp3 and set it as a ringtone


Does Sony Bravia 2015 Android TV allow extending internal storage with a USB drive?

There is no problem with your USB. Use ES File Explorer or a PC to crosscheck. I have a Sony W950C model with latest android update installed. It doesn't show up USB drive in Storage & reset. May be we can expect this in future updates.You can still view Sony support page for KDL-55W809C to check if you have the latest version of Android.


Question about Galaxy S3 Mini: Weird Problem

There's a few options that I can think of.

Reinstall your ROM. Do it through Odin on PC or Heimdall on *NIX systems. This won't void your warranty, and will just install the ROM again. Ensure it is EXACTLY the correct one for your device / network. Check Sammobile for your firmware.
Extract the keyboard. Download your firmware zip and extract the keyboard.apk and install it manually.
Find the apk online (HUGE security risk IMHO)
Use an alternative keyboard.
Try wiping your cache in recovery and rebooting see if it fixes the issue.
Check if the keyboard is there at all in your 'all apps' list and force start, clear data, reboot.  (There probably isn't, but look for Google Keyboard as well, no harm)


Why do all the directories on my tablet have all these weird numbers?

It seems that you're connecting the tab in Media Player (MTP) mode. Try switching it to Camera mode, it usually gives better results. If I remember correctly, this option can be found in Settings -> Storage -> Menu button (top right) -> USB computer connection.


Transparent notification bar after Android 4.3 Update on Samsung Galaxy S3

From what you said in the comments above, there is a way to change the text colour & the icon colours along with the colour / transparency of the status bar.

It requires a rooted phone unfortunately but once rooted download WANAM Xposed from the play store here is a link Wanam Xposed work's on Samsung Android 4.2+ so you shouldn't have any issues

Once this is installed it will ask you to install the Xposed Framework, don't be alarmed it is required and will not harm your phone. Once the framework is installed you'll be prompted to enable Wanam Xposed from the new Xposed Installer, if not you can simply click on Xposed Installer, Click Modules and Wanam Xposed should appear and check the checkbox.

Now go on Wanam Xposed, note everytime you make a change it will only appear after a Reboot!

You can now go on Theme and click either Background Color (or Colour as it should be :) ) and this will enable you to select a colour for the status bar, or you can click on the following

Circle Battery Color
Stock Battery Text color
Signal Icons Color
Clock And Date Color
Status bar icons color (remaining icons)

Each of these will change the icons instead of the status bar background colour

Hope this helps!


WiFi File Explorer is perfect for this! i'm using it right now, in fact! The newest version allows for uploading as well as downloading from PC to device, over wifi. I've been using this app for a while now, and i can honestly say it works perfectly, and there are good devs behind it that are updating with useful functions consistently.


How can I download the zip file directly to sd-card?

You can Download the Cyanogenmod Zip file using any Web browser.

Locate the Downloaded file using File Manager App like (Ex File Explorer or  Fx Explorer)

Search for file using the search option in File Manager App.

If your File is in Internal Storage, Long Press and select the option Move/Cut/Copy to Paste into SD Card

If the File is already in SD Card then use the above steps to Copy/Move it to other folder.


How do I enter the Safe Mode on a HTC Desire?

This applies to the original HTC Desire, codename Bravo. The instructions have been tested to work on the GSM version of the phone with Android 2.3.3.

How to enter Safe Mode

Power off the phone.
Press and hold down the menu button, and then press and let go of the power button, but continue holding the menu button. The phone will power on and start booting.
The phone will vibrate when it enters safe mode. Let go of the menu button when you get past the HTC logo with "quietly brilliant" animation, or when you feel the phone vibrate. You will see the text "Safe mode" in the lower left corner of the display if the phone has entered safe mode properly.

How to leave Safe Mode

To leave safe mode, follow these instructions.

While in safe mode, press and hold the power button until you see the power options menu.
Tap the option "Power off". The phone will now leave the safe mode and quickly reboot into normal mode. Note that it will not actually do a power off. If you want to power off repeat these steps once more (while in normal mode).

Important notes about Android 2.3 and Fast boot

If you have upgraded to Android 2.3.3 then you should have "Fast boot" disabled. If Fast boot is enabled the phone will not do a complete power off. This has the advantage that the phone boots more quickly. But to enter safe mode the phone needs to be completely off. You can achieve this by either disabling Fast boot first, and then powering off the phone. Or you can power off, with Fast boot enabled, and then take out the battery to disconnect the power source, and then put it back in. Then you can enter safe mode as described above.

You will find the Fast boot option by pressing menu button, then going to Settings, Applications, and then check or un-check the option "Fast boot".

If you have Android 2.2 or below, then you don't need to worry about Fast boot. You can check which version you have by pressing menu button, then going to Settings, About phone, and then Software information.


How to type a question mark without using the shift key in Swype?

The fastest way I've found is to actually swipe from the "m/?" or "z/!" keys directly to the space bar. That'll insert a punctuation mark and then a space. In the same fashion, you can insert a period or a comma. The other similar shortcut I use creates an "'s" by swiping from the apostrophe to the "s".

Some similar suggestions can be found in Swype's online reference, specifically in the "Swype Gestures" section of http://www.swype.com/tips/advanced-tips/.


Keyboard scroll down in Google Reader app

It doesn't seem to be possible.
At least not in the post it self. In the list of posts it is however.

The only way I am able to scroll in posts, is sideways, which changes the post.

It could be done programmatically though, by combining and rewriting some stuff. But then it is of course no longer Google Reader :)

A suggestion however (which is what I do) is to make a small hole in the thumb of the glove. Then the skin is able to make electric connections on the touch screen :)


Is it possible to run two instances of android on your phone at the same time?

Sounds like you want an Android virtual machine host, like VMWare on desktops/servers.

As far as I know, there are no Android OS virtual machine hosts that can host Android OS virtualized instances. (There are desktop/server hosts that can host Android OS guests though--think AVD, GenyMotion, etc.) I'm guessing an Android host isn't a common case, to want to virtualize multiple instance on a single embedded device. And because of the complexity in doing that, it would have to be pretty low level, maybe even tied to specific devices. So it is unlikely someone will create one any time soon. Sorry.


There is no problem in Firefox. I have tested the said website on Firefox v35.0.2 and v40.0. It shows the graph as good as it does on Desktop.

If you are running the latest release yet facing that issue then it implies that your Firefox's configuration is messed up. I've NoScript addon installed and I allowed cloudflare.com and ocks.org in it, since both are needed to show that chart.

I suggest you open Guest mode in the browser and visit that site. It should definitely help in understanding whether it's Firefox itself or your custom configuration that's causing the issue.


Video Recording stopped because battery was low, restore file?

I found this -
i had a similar problem with a mp4 file that was corrupt, and not being able to find version 1.5 of grau anymore. i came up with this solution.

  [Scenario] video.mp4 (200mb) grau version 1.6 + (only does 50% of
  video for free version)

  [Directions] make 2 of the same video files and name them 1.mp4 and
  2.mp4 this means you will copy video.mp4 in the same fold twice so you have two of them!

  in DOS (Run: cmd.exe)

  locate to the folder where you have the two video files type in the
  command to merge the files together

  copy /b 1.mp4+2.mp4

  you will now see that 1.mp4 will be 400mb and not 200mb

  now use grau video repair tool and it will do 50% of the file you
  merge. meaning you will get 100% video freee!

Source


Bought an app, uninstalled it and automatically got a refund - how to disable?

It's an old question but here is what I could find

Google Play Refund Policies (click on "refund policies" on first line). says

  You may get an automatic refund if you uninstall a paid app shortly after first buying it. If you want to reinstall the app, you'll have to buy it again and you will not be eligible for a refund on that purchase.

(Emphasis added)

That explains why you got a refund and IMO, it has nothing to do with an app being on sale. It's applicable to paid apps.
Google doesn't define shortly (I couldn't find)
I couldn't find anything that one can opt out to prevent this happening, so don't be in a tearing hurry to uninstall paid apps (you have 48 hours to claim a refund - see this answer)
As per this blog, if you purchase but don't download the app, you can circumvent the immediate - uninstall - refund


How to free Internal Storage by moving data or using symlink / bind-mount with Adoptable Storage?

First of all, symlinks don't work on Android's emulated storage. A workaround is to use bind mounts instead. See this answer for details.
But with Adoptable Storage you don't need to:

Create symlink to external SD card
Manually move data to external SD card
Bind mount a directory from external SD card

Because what you see as /sdcard or /storage/emulated/0 should already be on Adoptable SD Card.
When you format external SD card as Adoptable Storage, it's mounted at /mnt/expand/[UUID], which holds a file hierarchy very similar to /data partition, like /data/app, /data/data and /data/media etc. When you migrate your data to newly created Adoptable Storage, data from /data/media/ is moved to /mnt/expand/[UUID]/media/ and the later is now emulated and bind mounted at /storage/emulated (which apps see).

You can check this by executing df or mount command on a terminal app or adb shell.
Without Adoptable Storage:
~$ df --output=source,target
Filesystem                  Mounted on
/dev/block/dm-0             /data
/data/media                 /storage/emulated
/dev/block/vold/public:8,1  /mnt/media_rw/[UUID]

* dm-0 is FDE encrypted userdata partition, vold public volume is external SD card or USB drive.
Before moving data:
~$ df --output=source,target
Filesystem                  Mounted on
/dev/block/dm-0             /data
/data/media                 /storage/emulated
/dev/block/dm-1             /mnt/expand/[UUID]

* dm-1 is FDE encrypted Adoptable SD card.
After moving data:
~$ df --output=source,target
Filesystem                  Mounted on
/dev/block/dm-0             /data
/dev/block/dm-1             /mnt/expand/[UUID]
/mnt/expand/[UUID]/media    /storage/emulated

* Actually /data/media or /mnt/expand/[UUID]/media is emulated to /mnt/runtime/[default|read|write]/emulated which is bind mounted to /storage/emulated.
You can only move apps (along with their data) to Adoptable Storage which have installLocation set to preferExternal or auto by app developer. In case of auto, default install location (set using pm set-install-location) decides where app will be installed. See this answer for details.

If you want more free space, replace large directories (like /data/media, /data/app and /data/data) with mounts (or bind-mounts) from partitions (or directories) on external SD card. However (DAC and MAC) permissions should be taken care of, otherwise apps (or even OS) may break.

RELATED:

How to move apps from internal to external storage?
What is /storage/emulated/0/?
How disk space is used on Android device?


Can I run a webserver on an android device?

Absolutely! You can either:

download a ready made one - like kWS - Android Web Server or
write your own - here's some code to integrate in to your project or just use as is.


"Lucky try" & "Recommended" shortcuts always appear on homescreen, how to remove it?

Looks like a spammy app. Check the ones you've installed last before this trouble started:

From your home screen, go to the Android Settings › Apps
scroll the list to find above mentioned apps. For each app:

open its entry
scroll down to the end of the page opening, where you should find the permissions listed (which the app has requested)
check if the app has the permission to create shortcuts

Alternatively, use a Permission Checker – aSpotCat is a good candidate for this, CRAM App Analyser seems to be capable of the same: showing you all existing permissions, and on selecting one of them, all the apps requesting it.

aSpotCat and CRAM App Analyser (source: the resp. Playstore page; click images for larger variants)

The related permission goes by the name INSTALL_SHORTCUT, and most likely will be titled "Install Shortcuts" or something similar.

Once you found the possible culprit, get rid of it: uninstall the app (if multiple, only one a time) and see whether the issue goes away. If the whole racket ended, you've got the troublemaker eliminated – and in case you've uninstalled other apps before on this road, it should be safe to re-install those as they were most likely not causing the issue.


What is the best way to get my Samsung Note 3 SM-N900V to at least Nougat 7.0?

found a non corrupt Root_de_la_Vega-SM-N900V.7z here:
http://rootjunkysdl.com/files/?dir=Galaxy%20Note%203/MI9%20build%20root
http://rootjunkysdl.com/files/Galaxy%20Note%203/MI9%20build%20root/Root_de_la_Vega-SM-N900V.7z
I am about to give it a go myself.


So what does Cyanogen Inc shutting down mean for CyanogenMod and similar ROMs?

CM's own blog is unreachable now, but XDA-Developers already summed it up and clarified some important bits:

All monetary and infrastructural support for CyanogenMod from Cyanogen Inc. will cease. -> CyanogenMod will no longer receive nightly builds after December 31st... unless the team finds another host to build nightlies.
CyanogenMod will rebrand as LineageOS.
The CyanogenMod team will not continue official development on the CyanogenMod project, but the work will continue in LineageOS.

Since it's clear that Cyngn is going in a new direction, Cyanogen OS will almost certainly have no future - it's not community-driven in the first place. CyanogenMod, on the other hand, will live a bit longer, until Lineage truly dawns (or fails).

UPDATE Dec 29, 2016: The GitHub repo and Gerrit code review platform of LineageOS are online, and I have personally verified that codes are fully buildable, and previous CM users can seamlessly transition to current builds. Also, from what the Gerrit shows, the team is now working on renaming all CM elements to Lineage/LineageOS, amongst the usual bug fixes and improvements.

UPDATE Jan 13, 2017: Rebadging is almost complete: LineageOS 14.1 now has a redesigned setup wizard with no CyanogenMod presence. LineageOS 13 remains mostly untouched, since Marshmallow is near deprecation. The download site itself is also accessible, though building has yet to begin.

UPDATE Jan 18, 2017: LineageOS now has its own bootanimation, thus rebadging can be deemed as completed.

UPDATE Jan 23, 2017: All systems operational, and first official builds have rolled out!


How to use Tasker with the new OpenVPN version?

Ok, thanks to this web. Seems that I am right and the configuration has been changed. The new settings for connecting will be:

Send Intent
Action:android.intent.action.MAIN
Cat:None
Extra:de.blinkt.openvpn.shortcutProfileName:PROFIL ENAME
Package:de.blinkt.openvpn
Class:de.blinkt.openvpn.LaunchVPN
Target:Activity

This is able to start the OpenVPN connection using a OVPN file. For disconnection, I also need to change the profile:

Send Intent
Action:android.intent.action.MAIN
Cat:None
Extra:de.blinkt.openvpn.shortcutProfileName:PROFIL ENAME
Package:de.blinkt.openvpn
Class:de.blinkt.openvpn.activities.DisconnectVPN
Target:Activity

The author comments -and it is true- that when disconnecting the application remains opened on the screen at foreground. A solution proposed on this forum for this issue is to use a not existing profile as a connection. When trying to connect to this non existing profile, the first action will be to disconnect the current one. As the profile does not exists no connection will be performed.


podcast app that can play downloaded podcasts trasferred from PC

As far as I know, there is no specific solution like that for podcasts.

If you have them as media files, you can of course upload them to a device and play using any multimedia program like VLC. The downside is that you will have to organize them yourself.

However, I really encourage you to try a podcast app like Podcast Addict. Most of these allow you to choose to stream or download the podcast, keep track of new episodes (you will get a notification on your device), search for new podcasts and much more :-)

In general, the biggest point-of-view change when coming from iOS will be the fact that your Android phone is much more autonomous than an iPhone :-) You are expected to do most stuff locally on the phone and it is most efficient that way :-)


Did you use custom sound app? like viper or something?
I suspect those app are the thing that cause the problem.

Try to use on another device (android devices).
If there are no problems there then I could assume the problem between software or hardware on your android device.

Hope that helps.


If your device is a popular device then chances are you will be having updates at least once a month.

You can use GooManager app to update your Custom rom GooManager APP link.

  GooManager automatically checks your custom rom and search for
  updates.

  This app is a front-end for the Android file hosting site, Goo.im. It
  allows for downloads of ROMs, Google Apps packages, kernels, apps, and
  any other file available via the website. Update notifcations are
  available for ROMs and Google Apps packages. Please note that
  notifications are not via GCM (push messages) but run at start-up, and
  every 2-24 hours (configurable in-app).


How can I check when was the phone rooted?

As for the first part: Yes, that definitely means your device is rooted.

For the second part of your question, IMHO it's close to impossible to figure the exact timestamp of rooting (apart from yourself noting it in some document). Though there seem to be tools reporting it, as mentioned in this answer1, I'm afraid that timestamp is not much reliable (unless I missed something). According to Andrew's comment, those apps do so by checking the timestamps of certain files, such as the su binary. Depending on several conditions, that might be totally off:

if those binaries have just been updated (e.g. SuperSU updates the su binary when new versions are available), that timestamp is definitely much later than the time you've rooted the device
if they have not been updated, it might report the time the binary has been compiled (depending on how it checks the file's timestamp)
I'm not sure how such an app could distinguish above two cases
if you have restored the device from e.g. a nandroid backup, it could again be wrong even if it checks when the file was "last written"

So if any tool tells you the date, I wouldn't count on the fact the date is correct – unless the dev can explain how the check is performed, and prove why the reported timestamp is correct.

1: the linked answer was deleted while I wrote mine


What is the typical range when using ANT+ on Android?

Hard to say the exact range. There is plenty for your standard usage scenarios with standard ANT+ sensors.  e.g. phone mounted on bike or in jersey pocket picks up bike sensors while riding no trouble.

Testing my app IpBike with USB ANT stick emulating the sensors and the app running on an Xperia Active I can wander around the same room with no loss of reception.  To test loss of reception cases down the garden 10m through the window is not enough to totally lose reception but it is getting patchy. I have to go around to the front of the house and get a good number of walls between the phone and the ANT stick for a total loss of reception.


Google+ not signing in in Clash of Clans

Well the problem was a bit weird

Actually the problem was that there was a newer version of the game, they difference was in the minor release number

Neither Google Play or the game itself prompted me for the update, I downloaded the APK fro. third-party websites and sideloaded it and now it works pretty good

Also if you're are in the one of the blocked countries by Google, try some VPN app


Mute Phone Mic when Headphones are Plugged In?

You might try an app called Pilfershush.
It takes control of the microphone so that other apps can't use it.
Just remember to turn it off before you try to use the phone for a call.
PilferShush Jammer (Block unwanted use of onboard microphone) - https://f-droid.org/app/cityfreqs.com.pilfershushjammer


Temporarily rooting an old 2nd generation Moto G - how can it be done?

If there is a way to "temporary root" your device it can be usually used by any app - unless you are able to fix the used vulnerability on-the-fly (but I think there are only a few people world-wide who could do so).

IMHO the best way to unlock the bootloader, install LineageOS. Even the nightly releases of Lineage are usually very stable. Lineage is by default not rooted. After installing Lineage you can activate encryption using a long password (have to be entered only at boot).

A unlocked bootloader is not nice but way more secure than a vulnerable system which can be exploited by any app. An unlocked bootloader at least requires physical access to your device. If your user data is encrypted only the system could be modified. Hence it would be only a problem in the "evil maid" scenario, but not in case of a device loss.


Is there a way to remove the stock Google apps without rooting your phone

Not a chance, sorry. You cannot remove pre-installed apps (System apps) without write access to /system – which you won't have without su (rooting). All you can do is deactivating parts if the Google Apps – you probably cannot even deactivate them all, as some will show up as "protected" (aka "I am too important").

Best way to really get rid of all of them is to flash a custom ROM, which usually comes without GApps.


You can use an app called ClockSync, which fetches time from NTP servers and updates the device's date and time.  Rooted users can make this app to update time at configurable interval.


I was able to finally get Google Photos to back everything up. It's not a perfect solution, but it does seem to work for now.

Uninstall / Reinstall.

I just completely uninstalled the app, then immediately reinstalled it from the Google Play store. One of the first things it asked about in its "first-time setup" procedure was whether or not I wanted it to backup my files over cellular data. It defaults to "Wi-Fi only", but I changed it so it would back up on both Wi-Fi and cellular data.

After going through the rest of the "first-time setup" prompts, it began backing everything up, as well as giving me a "clean up ### MB of files" option. I chose that because, why not? I noticed that it did go ahead and back up all of my photos, but the spinner kept running at the top of the app, saying 285 items left (I'm not sure of the exact number) and appeared to be stuck at that.

I decided to let it go and see if it would eventually get through them all anyway. Hours later, I saw that it was on 162 items left. Finally, hours after that, I got the much-sought-after cloud-with-a-checkmark icon. It had finished backing them all up.

Perhaps it got stuck on some long video files or burst-shot photos—I don't know. In any case, I think the uninstall / reinstall procedure is what did the trick for me.


Follow the instructions on this website to reinstall Google Play on your phone.

http://www.androidauthority.com/install-google-play-store-312812/


In the Gmail app, there is a search icon (magnifying glass) that appears in the top right corner when you are within a mailbox. If you're using the stock, general Email app (with the yellow "@" icon) then I'm afraid there is no search function supported.


Why does Navigation keep choosing a different route?

Google Navigation uses traffic information in some countries, e.g. USA and UK. If you are in one of those, yep, it will pick an optimal route based on traffic.


Use titanium backup, which lets you disable/remove apps like that. Or, flash a new rom that doesn't include gapps, download a gapps package and remove the Play Store, then flash that modified package.


Whatsapp: traveling with a pay-as-you-go SIM card

Switch the SIM, answer no when whatsapp asks you to switch numbers.

REF: https://apple.stackexchange.com/a/122021

If you switch SIM AFTER installing WhatsApp, you are good to go with the old number. The servers "save" your activation phone number during that initial SMS.

I tested it on my own phone (it's a Gingerbread p1000n - All hail the venerable P1000) with a borrowed SIM card, the app just kept sending messages with my old phone number. WhatsApp did not ask to switch numbers. There is a "change number" setting.

If you reinstall the app while switching SIM, then you have to restart and get a new number.

About what is usually done when travelling, I can say from the World Cup visitors we received, several just bought a new temporary SIM card after arriving here in Brazil. The local phone companies even set up special and attractive prepaid plans for the football fans.

YMMV anyway, and you should check your home carrier overseas fees and the local fares. Usually you can get a better deal buying a trowaway SIM. Here in Brazil we even do it when traveling to another state.

If you want to keep your number and still enjoy the reduced local mobile internet fees, you can try and get any old android device that can do tethering (or buy a unlocked mobile hotspot), and then insert the other SIM into that device, then tether the internet to your main phone using the old phone as a mobile hotspot. Just turn off data and use wi-fi.

On Verizon's Global (not really global) plan, I urge you to read what Peter Shankman wrote of his personal experiences with that. My advice, is: DON'T. Or if you do, monitor closely your fees.


How to turn off offering to turn on Google Assistant?

In Settings, select Apps and notifications. Click Google Assistant, then click Disable.


Why do some Android devices (Samsung) show battery charge in steps of 10% whereas others (HTC) show more accurate percentage?

I don't believe this is a hardware limitation, but just the way the phone's manufacturer chose to implement the battery reporting code.  My Droid 2 also only showed by 10% increments.  However, on my current setup I'm using the Circle Battery Widget available on the Market and it displays the percentage in 1% increments.


Can Titanium Backup successfully backup and restore Google Authenticator between ROMs?

It worked fine for me.

I recently replaced my Sony Xperia Z with a Nexus 5. I copied over the Titanium Backup files and restored them, including Google Authenticator. No problems to report, I can still connect correctly to sites and apps requiring a code.


Deactivated HTC Droid Incredible not installing apps

I have three Droid Incredibles that we have replaced with different phones. The play store still works on all of them.

Check out this post for the most recent Google Play apk and side load it.

If that doesn't work, I would recommend doing a factory reset. It seems like your system has gotten confused.

Alos, look into Airplane Mode Wifi app to keep your wireless radio off but leave your wifi on.


Attempted installing Google Play Store, but ended up installing Android Market!

I browsed a bit on Android Market and then I pushed another file from the zip downloaded. It's named MarketUpdater.apk. That's what updates the Market to Play Store!

Tried starting from scratch and pushed market updater too! So it was Play Store right when it sat in.


Configuring a google account for a child

Yes, you have to lie.
A separate google-account is the only way to protect your under-age kid.

All other options have these restrictions:

no privacy settings.
apps using of private data can not be restricted.
child can not install child safe games.
child is not allowed to communicate with parent using text messages.
child always uses parent account.
only one age, so only one child possible.
all data of child is lost when the child is allowed its own account.
apps of all children are also your apps.
child can not have contact information.
you are not allowed to create a google+ page for your child.
children receive all notifications. E.g. your private e-mail.
etc.

I just found out again by not lying. All drawings, letters to grandma, games and in-game-progress, pictures etc are gone.


Are there codes to insert Android emoji?

Yes
There are Unicode character codes for standard emojis. There's a complete list available here, but some common ones include U+1F601, which is . The actual representation of the emoji might differ across platforms though, as seen below.

Additionally, simply entering the Unicode codes into the app might not necessarily display the character since it assumes you want to enter the literal code and not the emoji representation.
Several services including Telegram, WhatsApp, Slack, GitHub, etc do allow for this fortunately, through a different list of character codes, such as :smile: for . Again there's a complete list available here.


How to Disable brand logo and boot animation

You can delete /system/media/bootanimation.zip and the second boot animation would be gone. You need to root your phone to do that though. Also, this would make your home screen appear faster, but not fully functional until it competes boot.

Changing or removing the first boot splash is trickier, it requires recompiling the kernel with a blank boot splash and flashing that to the device - which is dangerous, hard and , as it requires you to unlock the bootloader, possibly void the warranty and it also runs a risk of bricking the phone.


It doesn't support this out-of-the box, but you can swing it by using the Xposed Framework and the Xposed GEL Settings module:

Install the Xposed Framework installer
Open the XF installer and select "Framework" at the top of the menu, then press the "Install/Update" button on the next page
Reboot
Install Xposed GEL Settings, either from Google Play or via the XF installer's repo interface (the "Download" item on the main menu).
Launch XGELS and open the app drawer (tap the top left icon or swipe from the left edge). Select "General" from the drawer, then switch on "Rotation" on the list of settings.
Go into the XF installer and select "Modules" from the main menu. Check the box next to XGELS to enable the module.
Reboot again


Android Sound Drop Down Menu - Volume Buttons Broken

This works from the lock screen https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.phhuang.volumecontrol


How can I remove unwanted app icons from the screen?

Sounds like you tapped into some spam trap. Certain apps place advertisements this way -- though the new playstore rules do no longer allow that. Others do the same in the notification area. Airpush is the best known evil source of such.

I suggest you scan your device for such apps. Try e.g. with TrustGo Ad Detector. Quoting from the apps description:

  It is common for advertising networks to collect information on how you use your device. Your information is then used for targeted marketing campaigns.

  Some common and aggressive methods include:

  Pushing ads to your Android notification bar
  Creating unauthorized shortcuts on your home screen
  Modifying the default browser, homepage and bookmarks settings
  Subscribing you to emails and text messages when an ad is clicked
  Making phone calls and downloading malicious files when an ad is clicked

At least one line sounding familiar? (remark: emphazation is mine).

EDIT: Once you've identified the malicious app, make sure to...

report it to Google (according to the current playstore rules, this kind of advertisement is not permitted)
comment on the app to warn off other users
uninstall the app and leave it out
think about whether in the future you want to use any apps from such developers which do not respect your privacy
nothing bad with ad-financed apps -- but it a) should be clear where those ads come from, and b) they should be related to the app itself, i.e. being displayed in that app when it's used -- and not outside in different places whether you use the app or not


How to update HTC desire 630 to Android 7 without rooting the phone?

No, you won't, just because HTC does't support it anymore.


How can I use a smartphone/tablet without being distracted by it in classrooms?

Just simply remove the apps from your tablet or disable them if you cant delete them.

If you want them to stay on the tablet then go into the app settings and configure them respectively.

Also Do Not Disturb is your friend, I'd put it on a schedule and set it.


Merge calls option shows a popup 'Conference call not allowed'

It's operator-related. Although the phone can support conference calling, most consumer calling plans don't let you do that.


How to find out if my mobile data is working or defective?

I found the problem: Roaming was active. That's why mobile data wasn't working.

Simply disabling roaming fixed the issue.


Restrictions of Play Store on custom ROMs

There is no such restriction. I use custom ROMs on two of my devices, and the Playstore is acting normal.

The only problem you might face is that the Google Play App won't come pre-installed. You need to flash a package called "GApps", which must match the Android version used by your custom ROM. Usually, the corresponding links are pointed out on the page where you download your ROM from.


Contact account association with non-HTC phones?

The people application itself is an HTC exclusive, but merged contacts from multiple sources (GMail, Exchange, Twitter, Facebook, SIM, carrier phonebook, etc) is a standard Android feature for 2.x (maybe earlier). By default the system tries to intelligently merge identically named contacts, but you can manually add/remove contacts from the merged identities.


test usb functionality from the handset?

This sounds like a driver issue.

You should be able to download the HTC Sync for the desire HD and it should include all the system drivers you need to connect to the device.

I am thinking driver because if you have the drivers for "Google Experience Devices" installed on your system already, and the other device is running an AOSP ROM, like cyanogenMod for example, then the android sdk drivers will work with that ROM. The other device, that isn't recognized, is running a non-AOSP rom, it will require the manufacturer drivers for the device.

Again, I am just guessing since I am not sure what ROMs you are running, or what PC operating system you are connecting the devices to.


Stroke Patient - Android Ice Cream Sandwich TTS

Well, it seems from the API that Android includes a TTS engine, so I'd imagine there would be quite a few apps. I've done a quick search, although I don't have a smartphone so I cannot vouch for the suitability, but here is one app that seems simple enough. Text To Speech Toy.


Can Windows be installed on a n Android Phone

In short: no.

I'm afraid there is little support in the area of custom flashing for your device as it is, even on the Android side.

This topic on XDA guides you to root the device and install a custom recovery but doesn't give any links ROMs, which you'd need. There is, however, a topic that allows you to install Cyanogenmod 12.1 (Android 5.1.1) here. Note that this is a not officially supported ROM and by the looks of the comments there appear to be quite some issues at the time being.

That doesn't mean all hope is lost. There are rumours by reputable resources that Microsoft is working on a way to install Windows 10 (partially) on an Android device but I wouldn't count on it arriving any time soon. Even if it is, there is no way of saying it'll be compatible with the K3 Note. The question is why you need this operating system. If it's specific Microsoft apps you're looking for, there's already a wide range of them available on Android (and iOS) such as Cortana (beta), Bing, Outlook or Word.

Virtualization can be a solution for you but you'll need a running Windows machine to connect your device to. Just Google for "run Windows programs on Android" and you'll find plenty easy-to-follow tutorials to get it done.

As for dualbooting, you'd be roaming dangerous territory. Dualbooting on an Android device is completely different from your average home PC dualbooting Windows and Ubuntu. There are tools like MultiROM, Safestrap, DualBoot Patcher and GRUB for Android but they are in most situations highly experimental.

I hope this helps you in the right direction and at least answers a part of your problem. Whatever you do, make a nandroid backup so if you get in trouble, you can still restore your original setup.


Should I Skip Recovery Installation Step From CyanogenMod ROM

You can check whether you're susceptible by installing this app - Exynos Mem Bug Checker.

Next - installing a custom kernel isn't all that difficult and neither is it too risky if you know what you're doing.

For the S2 - Siyah kernel and Dorimanx kernel are the two most popular ones. However, the latest kernels are meant for Android 4.2.x and higher. So, use the correct version for your OS. Should you decide to install a custom ROM like CyanogenMod or Paranoid Android etc., it will install a kernel with a recovery too (as an example - Siyah and Dorimanx - which is based on Siyah - have a touch based recovery, so you can scroll through the options by touch instead of repeatedly clicking the volume buttons to scroll as in CyanogenMod or others).

The CF-Root kernel that you installed to root the S2 is a modified stock kernel, IIRC. Therefore, it might be susceptible to the Superbrick / eMMC bug.


did you try changing the network model...is it stuck on edge..after changing the network model go to your network details and make shure your are on the selected network mode


How to Use Camera in ICS to store images on internal memory?

You need a device with both internal and external memory. If your device have two different mounting points, then you have internal memory. One is for your (now damaged) SD slot, and the other is for the internal memory. Folder names shoul be /mnt/sdcard and /mnt/extsd (actual names may vary depending on the device).

You have two options:

Change the default storage for your pics. On Android 4.0, open your camera app, click on the "options" icon, there are 3 options, exposure / balance / settings, the first setting is "local storage", turn it on
Use a new camera app with options on where to save the photos you take. I love camera360 because of its amazing filters, and you can shoose where to save the photos


No "delta updates" in Google Play Store on Android 4.1+

I've got a Nexus S running a 4.2.2 ROM. I just noticed I'm not getting delta updates about a week ago. Though I've been on 4.2.2. for much longer, so it could be another problem not related to the Android version, especially since the Play Store can update independently from Android.


system ( com.Android google.com.gms ) share from gallery app suddenly stops working and crashes

Considering that the error seems to be that an icon can't be loaded I would assume the following:

The sharing menu shows a list of apps to share the selected content with. This list shows for each app it's app icon plus the app name.

It looks like one of the installed apps, that is shown in the sharing apps list, has a problem loading the app icon. Unfortunately the error log has no indicator which app icon fails to load.

Unless you recently installed a system update the problem is caused by one specific app that has been installed or updated recently recently.

Note: The sharing list is AFAIK automatically generated by the content type to be shared. Each app contains in it's manifest rules and content types it can accept. Upon installation these information is AFAIR copied into a central system-wide XML file (don't remember the exact file name). Hence by modifying this file it would be possible to remove certain apps from the sharing menu, however this XML file is updated/modified if you install or update an app. Hence the manual changes may be overwritten frequently (I never tried this therefore I don't have any experience how long a modification can last in this XML file).


Can we connect external Bluetooth Dongle in Android Tablet?

If you are able to connect an external Bluetooth Dongle to the Android device, it ought to work for you, even with an intrnal Bluetooth present.

Android devices with OS v3.1 and above shall support USB host capabilities. So, it is advisable to experiment with devices with the above operating systems. However, it will be on your end to make the dongle work for you; i.e. by creating a separate application for the same.


Can an intent to open the camera specify a prefix to the names of any photo's taken?

Yes. The app that starts the intent (i.e. the app with the "take photo" button) is responsible for choosing a file name and creating the file. It then puts that file's URI (its path) in the intent. The camera app then opens that file, writes the photo to it, and gives a result back to the first app.

The upshot of this is that it's up to the calling app (the one with the "take photo" button) to give you a way to set the file name, if they want to do that. The file name will take effect whatever camera app you use.

The intent protocol doesn't provide a way for the calling app to ask for more than one photo, so there's no way for an app to offer this feature without launching the camera app several times in succession.

If you're interested in the details, the official Android developer documentation describes it, with code examples.


Restoring original 2.2 firmware on Samsung Galaxy Tab GT-P1000L

Download the firmware from: http://hotfile.com/dl/146491093/3b7d6c9/P1000LVIJR2_P1000LZVVJR3_ZVV.zip.html or www.sammobile.com

After that follow this "how to" to install the new firmware:

http://androidromupdate.com/2012/02/26/how-to-install-p1000xwjq8-android-2-3-6-firmware-update-on-galaxy-tab-gt-p1000/

  Make Preparation before flashing:
  - Back-up all important data stored in your device (this is important to keep all your data in safe, if something went wrong)
  - Ensure that the battery is fully charge (power lose may interupt the process and might brick the device in no time)
  - Galaxy Tab USB cable wire – a good conditioned USB wire.
  - A PC/laptop with working USB port that runs in Windows OS, this will not work on Mac users)
  - Install Kies on your PC just to get the driver of the TAb, or grab the driver.
  - Disable any antivirus program, and also Kies if you have it installed.

  Download tools and stock ROM:
  Odin Downloader with pit and Driver
  for Galaxy Tab Stock ROMs:
  Choose the right P1000XWJQ8 stock Firmware
  according to your country or carrier providers. The build number
  is the same on each packages but varies with different CSC file on
  each specific countries, so you should choose the right firmware for
  your device to avoid any functionality issues. These stock
  ROM’s can be found in at sammobile.

  Odin Flashing Procedure
  1) Once you downloaded the right stock firmware for you device,
  extract it using winrar, 7zip or any other program to have the single
  .tar.md5 file.
  2) Run Odin on your desktop.
  3) Check the PDA checkbox
  and tick the PDA button and then load the extracted
  P1000XWJQ8_P1000XXJPZ_P1000DBTJQ1_HOME.tar.md5. (No pit repartition
  necessary if you have your device runs in original firmware) (Pit file
  is only needed for advacne users who installed their device with any
  custom ROMs and getting an error flashing official firmware. Grab the
  Pit file here, if you needed it)
  4) Ensure that the “REPARTION”
  checkbox mark empty, just only the Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time
  remains to be checked.
  5) Set the Galaxy Tab into download mode – Turn
  it Off first then gently Press and Hold the Volume Down And Power
  Button together at the same time.
  6) Once the tab displays in download
  mode screen, connect the USB cable. Check Odin if the ID:COM turns in
  yellow color and message say ‘Added!’ (it means that the device is
  properly connected and already recognized with Odin)
  7) Hit the
  “START” button to begin flashing or installing the firmware.   DO NOT
  TOUCH the phone while in flashing process, just wait until it
  completely finishes.
  8.)  A word “PASS” on Odin window will then appear as if the flashing succefully done. Wait until the tablet completly reboots., before
  removing the USB cable.

  Do a factory reset, *2767*3855#  to regain a full fresh firmware
  installed. Then confirm the newly installed firmware *#1234#.
  That’s it..


How to make custom apps to appear by default in the lower dock panel in my custom ROM

You'll need to edit the apk for the default launcher, which in this case is TouchWiz launcher. You'll need to figure out how TouchWiz gets its default setting, my guess is it would be in some of the xml files in the /res/values/ folder for the launcher, which should make modding easier as you'll only need to extract the apk, edit the files you need, and recompress and probably resign the package but it may also be hardcoded into the code in which case you'll need to decompile, reverse engineer, and recompile the Dalvik class files in addition to the previous steps.

These are some tools that might help you do these modifications:

apktool: A tool for reverse engineering Android apk files
smali/baksmali: An assembler/disassembler for Android's dex format
jarsigner: tool to sign an apk (included in SDK)


Use proxy for stock android download manager? Play store not downloading through shadowsocks

The only way to force everything through a server like a proxy on Android is a vpn. There are several apps to use a proxy via vpn

The theory is that if you get a bad proxy not everything is effected. Generally only web browsers respect proxy configuration and other apps must specifically support it (which they do not generally)

Also check the proxy configuration and that it is accessible


Are deleted WhatsApp messages still recoverable even after deleting a contact

If you have automatic backups sent to Google Drive, that will be your easiest solution. If not, search for a local backup on your phone itself and recover with this method:

Your phone will store up to the last 7 days worth of local backup files (Google Drive will only have the most recent). If you wish to restore a local backup which is not the most recent, you will need to do the following:

Download a file manager.
In the File Manager, navigate to sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases. If your data is not stored on the SD card, you may see internal storage or main storage instead of sdcard.
Rename the backup file you wish to restore from msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12 to msgstore.db.crypt12. It is possible that your earlier backup may have been on an earlier protocol, such as crypt9 or crypt10. Do not change the number of the crypt extension.
Uninstall WhatsApp.
Install WhatsApp.
Tap Restore when asked.

https://www.whatsapp.com/faq/en/android/20887921


How to transfer video from a smartphone (with microUSB port) to an external portable mini-DISPLAY (AV, HDMI, VGA inputs)?

If you are looking to mirror the display only and don't need touch inputs, I used something like this before to achieve the same via microUSB: Rocketfish MHL HDTV Adapter.  Likely you can find either an HDMI to miniDISPLAY adapter, or maybe a different cable that fits your needs (the one I've linked is the one I purchased and used myself so I can at least vouch for it's functionality; at that time, I believe I used it with a Samsung Note 4 - Android 4.4).

Additionally, I have seen wireless dongles that act as a receiver, but I have not personally tried these before.


You can't have email push notifications over POP3. It's an old protocol and simply doesn't support push. It doesn't matter what client you use or what kind of mail server.

If you can set up Outlook to access Gmail through IMAP instead of POP3, and if Outlook supports IMAP IDLE for push notifications, then you'll get push notifications. Otherwise, you might have to use a mail client that does support IMAP IDLE, such as K-9 Mail.


Using Bluetooth keyboard and mouse via Remote Desktop

Yes they will work. If the keyboard & mouse supports windows, then they should work via remote desktop. Be sure to have the latest version of the app!


Installing downloaded apks from external site

Any apk files installed in your device usually stay on its internal memory. The apk configuration defines whether the app should stay on the mobile's internal memory completely, or it may shift a few resource files (images, etc.) to the sd card. The main files (technically: the java class files and layout files) remain on the internal memory of the device.

This may be changed if your device is rooted, and you have partitioned your sd card to allow installations on it (technically: EXT4 extension replacing the FAT32 extension of a part of your sdcard, which won't be accessible to the user from the device as a Mass Storage).

Apps2SD is an app which eases the process of shifting apps capable of transferring resources from apk to sdcard, so as to free up some memory on the internal memory. The app does not help install apks on sd card.
Hope this helps.


Android 4.2: How to get the Easter Egg, a new daydream, and Developer options?

Jelly Bean Easter egg:

Go to app drawer and open Settings, go to bottom and tap About phone
Repeatedly tap Android Version 3 times: It should open a screen showing your current wallpaper and a red Jelly Bean
(This step is optional) Tap the red Jelly Bean once and it will change to a smiling Jelly Bean android head, and the screen will
show the text

  Android <4.x version>

  JELLY BEAN

That screen is the Jelly Bean easter egg. But don't close it: it has
to be open to enable the...
Android 4.2 hidden daydream:

Tap and hold down on the red Jelly Bean for about 1 sec.
You'll see an animated screen with lots of colorful Jelly Beans and smiling Jelly Beans, which you can play with, pushing
("flinging") them off the screen.

In that moment the hidden feature will be enabled: that animated
screen is known as BeanFlinger and from now on it will be
available (with black background, though) to be selected as one of
the Daydreams. The Daydreams are an Android 4.2 new feature,
consisting of screensaver apps that can run when your phone or
tablet is docked or charging (more info about Daydream).

Enable developer options (If you enabled them, but you want to revert this process, see Note 3)

Go to app drawer and open Settings
Go to bottom and tap About phone
Tap repeatedly Build number 7 times. Starting at 3rd tap, you'll see a toast saying You are now X steps away from being a developer.
After 7th tap, you should get a toast saying: You are now a developer! (If you keep tapping Build number, the toast will change to: No need, you are already a developer.)

The above steps enable the Developer options screen, disabled by default in 4.2 (more info). From now on, you'll see the Developer options in Settings screen.

NOTES:

Tapping the Android Version in About phone screen 4 times will do
the trick too, showing directly the smiling Jelly Bean.
In Christmas season, along with the jelly beans, you'll may see a
wandering candy cane! It works in both BeanFlinger easter egg (left image)
and BeanFlinger daydream (right image).

If you don't need Developer options you can either turn off the switch in that screen (left image) or clear data from Settings app (Settings > Apps > All > Settings) if what you want is to completely remove the Developer options entry from Settings screen (right image).

All of the above work in Android JellyBean 4.3 and Android KitKat 4.4.x too


How to download apps on 4gb storage so I can move it to the SD card?

Welcome to Android Enthusiasts Stack Overflow!

To answer your question, you will need to move apps to your SD card off of system storage after their downloaded.  You can't download directly to the SD card, unfortunately.

Once an app is downloaded, open up Application Management in Settings and click the check box next to the apps you want to move to SD.  This should free up some space.  Be advised, however, that not all apps can run from the SD card.

It's in your best interest to clean up as much as you can, rather than trying to stuff apps on your SD card.  In the Data section of Settings, you can see what items are taking up the most space.


Yeah the 4170 contacts is the thing because of which it's taking so long. What I'd suggest is, try removing your Google Account(after syncing everything ofcourse) so that contacts are removed and THEN try starting WhatsApp.

Enter your number with no contacts and let it initialize. That should fix the problem. After WhatsApp is running just log into your account and resync contacts to phone and WhatsApp.


How can I use Tasker to reconnect bluetooth when the connection is lost?

An app called Bluetooth Auto Connect by a developer named refluxa has the ability to connect to specific bluetooth devices (that have been previously paired) and it acts like a Tasker plugin. So you can have a task that turns on bluetooth, and create a loop that runs five times and uses this plugin to connect to a specific bluetooth source. Then, check if bluetooth is connected and, if it is not, turn bluetooth off.


How do you input Cantonese characters in Android?

Use Cantonese Input. Install the keyboard and add it as an input method. You can then use any of the following to input characters:

  Pinyin (Yale, Jyutping and Cantonese Pinyin standards)
  Cangjie
  Handwriting
  Voice
  Stroke


Change desktop icon of an app (.apk file)

You can try apk edit.

Launch apk edit.exe and load the apk file you need to change icon
The exe will display the app icon and name under General tab
You can change the icon and load the apk back to the phone

Note : This process will cause problem on update of the app.

When google play notifies the update, you can uninstall the app, install the app again and change the icon.


How to Transfer Files on to a Phone When PC No Longer Recognizes it?

Firstly, this shouldn't happen. Android's MTP is designed in such a way that it will handle any and every kind of internal memory structure your device has. Maybe your drivers are having an issue, it should show internal memory in your PC regardless of being portable mode or not.

Nonetheless, you can use apps like Airdroid or ShareIt to transfer files over your local wireless network. Just connect both devices on same WiFi and follow the instructions in the app. Airdroid is easier to use with less hassle and doesn't require you to install anything on your PC.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sand.airdroid


Notification icon that looks like 4 patches stitch together (shaped like Windows icon)

It is pretty easy to figure out app icon on notification panel , downloaded from Google Play Store

App notification icons usually are on the left half of notification panel
Google Play → My Apps and Games → Installed  brings up all apps on your phone. Just scroll through and match with icon on notification panel
Google Play → My Apps and Games → All  brings up all apps you downloaded , including on your earlier devices. This icon was familiar since I had used it on my earlier device and matching icons tells me it is AVG Antivirus. Thanks to Mathew and Vivek confirming same in comments


Mobile network turns on by itself after Android 4.0.3. update

Maybe turning Data Enabled to off (Mobile network settings on CM9) might help. In that way, it'll sync only when WiFi is available.


Linux ADB Driver for LG Viper (LG-LS840)

Normally, the quickest 'fix' to see what's going on is to try sudo adb devices (or sudo ./adb devices if you downloaded adb stand-alone.) If that works, then your permissions aren't right. Once the server starts you can use adb without sudo.

However since you said other phones work, my guess is that the LG phones attempt to auto-detect or auto-negotiate MTP / USB Mass Storage and don't like your Linux system (this is nothing new, vendors don't test this.)

There are no drivers for Linux for this (aside: I hope there never are.)

Check dmesg and lsusb output - it's possible they're doing something funny on the phone side with USB.

You may need to force any sort of auto-mounting or USB storage option to "charge only" which should make the phone behave.


You can do a factory reset . To do this you press the Vol UP and power key together .If that wont work, try the Vol Down as I may be wrong . You should at some point of messing with the buttons get a Broken Android picture of the robot . Then you play with the buttons and get to a menu that has "Factory Reset "


Are apps in SD card available after a factory reset?

To add to @Mattthew 's comment, even if you move the apps to SD card part of them always reside inside internal memory. Also the system needs to know what apps are installed, apps like Market need to know about them. So, no they won't work after factory reset.

For big games like from gameloft the extra data you downloaded from inside the game will work though. I don't know what will happen to this with the new Market policy of allowing upto 4GB files.


Can apps modify the system-level "Display->Auto-rotation" setting?

According to this StackOverflow question, YES.

Excerpt:

public static void setAutoOrientationEnabled(ContentResolver resolver, boolean enabled)
{
   Settings.System.putInt(resolver, Settings.System.ACCELEROMETER_ROTATION, enabled ? 1 : 0);
}


Where is the permissions tab in Google play?

When you click Install to install the application (on the web or on the phone), you will notice a pop-up that says what permissions the app has and if you want to continue or not.

If the app is already installed, click on the Installed button and the permissions will appear.


Go to the contact you want to add the ringtone to, press the menu button in the top right corner and select Set ringtone. The mp3 file has to be in the /sdcard/Ringtones/ directory for the phone to find it.


Unable to install bootloader on MotoDroid with froyo FRG83D

You may have a bad file, either from a bad source or it just got corrupted.  I would try again.  Follow this tutorial on DroidForums.net.  It reportedly works fine with FRG83D.


Can a non-rooted Android 4.0.3 smartphone’s ROM be backed up?

To answer your first question, you cannot do a whole image backup from within Android without root, as no application or service you can run will be able to read the system partitions.

If the "recovery" console (a small, BIOS-like image installed on the device) contains backup support, it has access to the raw partitions and could create a "Nandroid" backup image (see About the android recovery mode).  If your phone's default recovery does not support image backup (it would be somewhat surprising if it did), you may be able to install a new recovery, without "rooting" the Android installation.  Booting into recovery is very device specific (e.g., hold down power and volume down), and its features (and replacability) are fairly specific too.

If you have a recent Android Development Kit (ADK) installed, you can use the adb backup (and adb restore) commands to backup your installed apps and (some of) your data.  But its not a complete image/ROM backup.  I can't find any official documentation, but this   XDA Dev Forum post goes over it in some detail.

To your second question, see: How do I root my Android device?  There are suggestions and pointers there that may work for you.


How does it looks like on the galaxy tab?

The Galaxy Tab is pretty much like any other android device. You can transfer images to it, but not directly from, say, your Camera.

It does not have USB ports on it for external devices, like thumb drives.

Connecting to a NAS, out of the box, also really isn't possible. The device does not support mounting NAS (NFS & CIFS) out of the box. You could use some file manager applications that do support SAMBA, like Astro File Manager. But you would have to copy the file to the Tab before you can watch a video or listen to the mp3 for example.

With that said, it would be possible, if rooted, to install the modules needed to mount NAS shares. I have done this with my Galaxy S device. The advantage of being able to mount the share on the system level, I no longer have to copy the files over to the device, since the shares are mounted on the device, it "thinks" they are actually on the device.


How do I bypass the Verizon activation on a Samsung Fascinate?

After doing some additional research I finally came across a YouTube video on how to bypass a Samsung Galaxy S Continuum activation screen. The steps outlined in the video are very simple:

From the Activation Screen select Emergency call.
Enter the following *#83786633 (*#TESTMODE) which will disappear when you press the last 3
A toast with the text Softkey is enabled will appear
Then press the home button


Tablet Touch Screen partially unresponsive

I know this is a low tech answer but I've had this happen before, normally due to screen smudge from fingers or liquid splash/residue on the screen.
Give the screen a good clean (use cloth from a pair of glasses) and see if the problem persists.  Failing that, shutdown, remove the battery, and leave it for 5 minutes just in case it's a charge/capacitance issue.


Reading all the questions associated with this type error, you get the impression it will require root to enable you to delete the app from the /system partition if it remains.

Previous to doing that, I would suggest trying this, just to be sure it is not a file or folder remnant getting in the way:

  Some apps leave remainders during uninstalls that aid in the
  restoration of state or level information upon re-installing a later
  version. Usually these remains are unimportant to a user who does not
  intend to re-install or to any other user where consistent state or
  level data is unimportant. These remains have a particular name in an
  app that can clean them up: "corpse files".

  SDMaid
  is a disk cleaner that can locate, and delete, files related to
  corpses. Install the app, and select CorpseFinder from the menu to
  locate, and, optionally delete them.

DISCLAIMER: I am not the developer, just a satisfied user.

If this is not the solution, see the answers for more intensive actions through other questions here.


How can I resume cancelled app dowloads after attaching a Google account?

There is no way to resume a cancelled download queue in the play store. You will have to trigger a restore again.

The only way to initialise a restore is via the setup app, so you would have to wipe again, and then let it restore. Make sure you connect to WiFi in the setup this time however.


Is there a way to give permissions temporarily?

I have already asked this question Is there an alternative to Bouncer- Temporary app permissions?
I found a temporary solution.. using automate app. You can use its interact block to automate the steps real easy. But it only works when the element is visible. That means we will have to scroll manually. Rest all is easy!


Configure Android for ONLY IPv6 on T-Mobile

Update [2013-04-30]: I believe the reason I am still able to access IPv4 websites, is because of DNS64+NAT64. The public IP address I'm getting from http://myglobalip.com is the public IPv4 interface of the NAT64 gateway.

I think the answer to this question is: T-Mobile uses some sort of transitional technology called 464XLAT to provide IPv4 connectivity over an IPv6-only GSM wireless network. There is more information about 464XLAT at this URL: https://sites.google.com/site/tmoipv6/464xlat.

Ultimately, it doesn't seem possible to disable IPv4 functionality altogether. Obviously, doing so would break a lot of applications from functioning properly, but I really wanted to do so entirely for testing purposes, to see what would and would not work.

The part that confuses me is that the 464XLAT RFC requires a "CLAT" daemon, which I don't believe exists on my stock Galaxy Nexus 4.2.2 Jelly Bean ROM. With this in mind, I'm not entirely sure what sort of configuration I'm running.

Here is the 464XLAT RFC.

If I use an app called Network Info II to view network interface information for rmnet0 on my Galaxy Nexus, I can see that I have ONLY an IPv6 address configured. In fact, the app even has an IPv6 "tab" specifically designed for viewing IPv6 information. I cannot see any IPv4 information when I have selected IPv6 as the APN.

More T-Mobile IPv6 information can be found:

T-Mobile IPv6 is Here and Now
Top Free Apps on T-Mobile IPv6-only Network


You can manually update the firmware using Odin. Find the firmware you want to install. Try www.xdadevelopers.com and search for firmwares and various other Roms that "might" be available for your tablet.


Where are the water damage indicators on a G2?

See the white circle right above the battery contacts? It's in the picture. That is the phone's water damage indicator. How do I know? Because mine is bright red. Trust me, there'd be no doubt...


Are there any Japanese handwriting input app

yeah there's Google Handwriting Input available on PlayStore. get it.


Galaxy Tab2 fails to see functioning Netgear router

Check the MAC address on your tablet, and compare it to the MAC address listed for the tablet on your hot spot in the configuration window. If the two MAC addresses are not the same, your hot spot will not connect and an IP address will not be assigned.

I am currently experiencing this problem where something keeps changing the MAC address in my tablet . I have not been able to resolve it, including performing a full factory reset.
I am certainly open to any advice or suggestions on this issue.
Thanks


How do I access files on an Android device from a LAN connected computer?

It's simple to share Android files to Windows PC. Install ES File Explorer in Android device. Go to Tools and select Remote Manager then you can see turn on. Press on it. And you will get an address like ftp://192.168.1.24:3721/ enter it on your PC file explorer and you can access to your Android phone from PC.

You can change settings of remote manager to get SD card and phone memory.


Android 5.0 Gapps Flashes in Android 6.0 Genymotion

Try to update google apps through play store and run play games app by google. If it works then great. No problem will be shown in future if you can run latest google play games app successfully.


'Network permission' notifications for apps in Android 10 - turning off

Getting rid of that annoying notifications is possible but not easy. I had exactly the same problem and used Automate https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.llamalab.automate to solve it.
In Automate I created a flow that waits for a notification to appear (you can define conditions which must be met to select only these unwanted notifications) and then executes 'snooze' operation on it. The length of the snooze time is freely adjustable, I chose 48 hours. That solved the problem once and for all.


replace the HTC unlock system for a keyboard combination in Android 2.3.5?


Default permissions for new files and default umask

A quick Google search reveals a new API in Java 7 that allows permissions bits to be twiddled for individual files. This doesn't help with changing the umask, but it should allow you to override it after file creation. Check out:

http://docs.oracle.com/javase/7/docs/api/java/nio/file/Files.html#setPosixFilePermissions%28java.nio.file.Path,%20java.util.Set%29

If you really do need to change the umask, it doesn't seem to be a function currently exposed directly by the BCL. You'll have to resort to native calls, or use a library to do it on your behalf. I hear that such libraries do already exist -- you'd be looking for one that gives access to POSIX operating system functionality.

As for why files on the sdcard ignore the umask, sdcards are typically formatted using the vfat filesystem, which is basically backwards-compatible to MS-DOS/Windows 95 and doesn't recognize the concept of users. As such, it has no way to restrict access to a file; if you can't restrict access for particular users, then you'd only be restricting access for anyone, and why would you ever want to do that? :-)

What vfat has are file attributes -- read-only, hidden and system. There's no effective way to map the majority of UNIX file mode combinations to these. The driver, thus, simply always reports files as having a particular mode, set when the filesystem is mounted. Android mounts sdcards so that that mode is returned as 0755 (-rwxr-xr-x).


This device can be rooted using the Zergrush exploit (which is the base exploit in the Gingerbreak app).

To root:

Make sure you have the ZTE ADB drivers installed
Ensure USB debugging is enabled on your device
Download this zip folder and extract the contents
With your ZTE connected to your computer in USB debugging mode, run the batch file - this will use the Zergrush exploit to gain temporary root, and will then push the su binaries, as well as setting suid to make permanent root work correctly

Source


google play services constantly crashing

The problem solved, previously we had used System app remover to remove some system apps we thought we don't need, we removed google maps, as Izzy guessed google play services was looking for it without finding it ending in a constant crash.

When we restored back google maps app , cleared data no more crashes since then and the phone became faster and more responsive too :) .


It possibly has encountered an error updating. Stoping it will render your device unusable which I'm sure is your only option right now. If you had unlocked your bootloader you can do this: https://www.androidcentral.com/how-manually-upgrade-pixel-nexus


Cannot open message application on Samsung Galaxy S2 and Deleted all of my Contacts

The only way that I have tried is to download GO SMS Pro and delete the longest message.


How do I root my Samsung Galaxy S5 (SM-G900V)

The Verizon and AT&T versions have locked bootloaders and are not able to be rooted at the moment.


Device is vertically upside down.
  Device is locked in Portrait mode and horizontal.
  Screen is facing the center of the Earth.

I suggest you try Automate (user guide) as well as Tasker (free trial; user guide). Both of them offer the features you're seeking. A peek:

(Click an image to enlarge it)

Before I leave you here to tinker with those options, here is some information to ease the tinkering:

In Automate app:

Device Orientation block can be found under Sensors.
Device lock can be found under Interface. Practical usage requires setting Automate as device administrator.

Tip: It is easy in Automate to trigger an action on a prerecorded motion gesture

In Tasker app:

Orientation trigger can be found under State → Sensor.
Display Orientation trigger can be found under State → Display.
System Lock action can be found under Display.

Tip: In Tasker you can setup multiple contexts.


I had the same problems. I followed the reset device in Recovery Mode instructions here, and it solved them for me -

https://support.google.com/nexus/answer/4596836?hl=en


TWRP Not Flashing Correctly on Note 3 (SM-N9005)

Solution by @beeshyams that worked in my case:

On Odin in the options tab; Uncheck the Auto Reboot option.
When Odin finishes the flashing procedure; use the suitable key combination to boot into TWRP Recovery Mode.
From the TWRP menu; boot into system.

Tip : In some cases, if a problem occurs try to flash an older version of TWRP

From TWRP

  Note many devices will replace your custom recovery automatically during first boot. To prevent this, use your preferred search engine to find the proper key combo to enter recovery. After typing fastboot reboot, hold the key combo and boot to TWRP. Once TWRP is booted, TWRP will patch the stock ROM to prevent the stock ROM from replacing TWRP. If you don't follow this step, you will have to repeat the install.

Hope this solution help others too.


How can I auto-end the media process on Android?

Seems like it would be far more useful to find out why the media scanner is using so much of your phone's battery.

I had a similar situation once, and it turned out to be caused by some filesystem corruption on the SD card. I took out the SD card and used fsck on my PC to check the filesystem for errors, and repair it. I then put the SD card back in my phone: media scanner ran once and finished normally. It no longer ran all the time, running down my battery.

You might like to try something similar before you attempt something that might stop apps on your phone (such as Gallery) working properly.


Sometimes you can not move files like this using USB. I have faced this issue there are two solutions for this:

1.You can use external card reader and then make copy.

Instead of Drag and Drop open your sd-card window and location where you want to put the files. Then Select folders->copy them and without closing the window paste on the destination.


Hide onscreen buttons of back, home & recent apps in Keyboard apps on Moto G5 Plus

Or go to settings > display > expanded desktop and hide the navbar for your keyboard apps.

If that doesn't work, use tasker to hide the navbar when a keyboard is open.


Are there earphones with support for buttons similar to the OEM earphones?

Search for "android headphones" at Amazon.com


The reason is that Android uses it's own management classes to read/write wpa_supplicant.conf in conjunction with networkHistory.txt file.

The WifiConfigStore in the Android framework does not write entries in wpa_supplicant if not found in networkHistory.txt

I've had success by first adding the network in networkHistory.txt before adding the network via wpa_cli.

However, in general, the usage of wpa_cli in Android is broken by the behavior of WifiConfigStore.


Nexus 5 not appearing in Windows 7 Device Manager

Thanks to @DanHulme in the comments.  He asked me if the phone registered a connection in the notification bar and it did not.  I wiggled the cable then pushed it all the way to the left and the phone was detected by Windows.  Must be a dirty or failing micro-USB port.  If cleaning it does not work I will be returning the phone under warranty.


is it possible to restore back to an earlier date on my samsung tablet 2?

You mean like a Windows Restore Point that is created automatically? Android doesn't have this feature. What is normally done for Android devices is to create a manual backup that can be done using nandroid or a third-party application like Titanium Backup. Then, you restore those back-ups.


Samsung Galaxy S3 Latest Firmware Contacts App Lag Issue

I had a similar issue right after the update. My situation was far worse. If I were to receive a call from 'specific' contacts, the phone would crash (com.android.phone module) and I wouldn't be able to answer it, let alone identify who was calling.

The simple solution for this problem is to Export all your contacts onto your internal SD card. Transfer them over to your computer and Import them by Kies. (This method solved my issue. Maybe it will help you too.

Regards,
Sterex


Wi-Fi sleep policy when mobile networks are turned off

According to my experience, it does not turn mobile networking on. I have Android 2.2 on HTC Desire HD.


How can I change directory of AnkiDroid to external Storage

The reason you are not able to store an app on your memory card could be using a card formatted in "Portable storage" mode. In that case no one single app can be pushed out of internal memory, but reformatting of a memory card in "Internal storage" mode can change that. Another reason could be a restriction made by app's developer and there is nothing a user can do about it.
Sources: https://www.androidpit.com/how-to-format-microsd-cards-as-internal-storage
https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/data/install-location.html


Map displays incorrect data. Maps appear as fragmented tiles

try clearing the appdata and cache. still if your problem isnt solved try unstalling the updates you have done to the app.
you can do all this by goin to the settings then application manager select the app and do whats mentioned above


How to fix "Unfortunately, the process xxx has stopped"?

Try deleting the data and cache of every app that gives you this error.

It's very common that this junk causes troubles because they were set up in other conditions of the Android SO.


After Uninstalling Google Voice, I cannot receive phone calls, busy signal

I was able to resolve the issue by calling Sprint and having them fix it on their end. Looks like GV doesn't properly give the phone number back when you remove the service from your phone on their website and dial *38.


Touch input does not work right when phone is plugged in

I had the same problem with the HTC Nexus One and it was directly related to heat. Whenever the phone got too hot the touch screen would flake out. Charging the phone makes it heat up, the worst time for me was when it was in the car dock, heat from charging and from the screen being on all the time. When ever it did this all I had to do was hold it in front of the AC vent for 15 - 30 seconds and the screen would work normally.


OpenSignal have an App which will give you a lot of information about the tower that you are connected to, which direction it is in, which other towers are available in the area, including ones on other networks, etc.

Free App
Gives all the information that you have asked for
Allows you to monitor your coverage through the day
Allows connection testing
If you are willing to share your data it is added to the data available to everybody.


How to pair ICS phone with other device that has no Bluetooth PIN

I don't think it'll work out of the box, you'll need an app that has the required code to work around the default Bluetooth protocol of requiring a PIN for devices to be paired securely.

There is an app called WiiScale which allows a user to link the Wii Balance Board with their Android device, provided they're rooted. The plus point of course is that it's compatible with CM which you're running. :-)

Alternate app: FitScales


Send SMS through internet to another country

I don't know about Canada, but here in the UK some carriers have apps that let you use your WiFi connection to send texts and receive using your normal phone number. I'm not sure about using this overseas but you could probably use a proxy (like Hola) if this is blocked. Even if an app exists but you cannot receive texts with it then this is generally free when roaming because you have no control over who sends you an SMS.


How do I temporarily disable an app when there is no "Disable" option

Manual methods might be tricky here. I'd recommend taking a look at Greenify, which will take care for such apps automatically (after you've told it so – you're the boss after all ;)

Greenify (source: Google Play; click images for larger variants)

As the screenshots show, Greenify can "hibernate" apps automatically when the screen is off (and it can do the same when configured apps are not in foreground) – which is basically like an "automated freezing/disabling" of the app. Big difference: you no longer have to care for that yourself. App icons and everything remain accessible. From the app's description:

  Greenify help you identify and put the misbehaving apps into hibernation when you are not using them, to stop them from lagging your device and leeching the battery, in an unique way! They can do nothing without explicit launch by you or other apps, while still preserving full functionality when running in foreground, similar to iOS apps!

To point out some details which where misinterpreted1, please take a closer look at the first screenshot. You can see it shows 3 sections:

"Not hibernating automatically" (showing "Lux Lite"): This shows you've got the last word which apps Greenify shall deal with. In fact, without you doing so, Greenify won't deal with any app.
"Will hibernate in minutes after screen is off" (showing Evernote & Co): This is one of the ways Greenify can deal with apps: things which do not need to be active while you switched off your screen can be sent to sleep (though the selection in the screenshot seems weird to me: I'd never put my automation app – here IFTTT, in my case Tasker – into this section)
"Hibernated" (showing "Amazon Kindle"): So the apps there are put to sleep, though the screen is on (otherwise this section wouldn't make any sense as you'd never be able to see it). These are the apps "put to sleep" whenever they're not running in foreground: why should an eBook reader (here: Kindle) be active when you can't see it (unless it's using TTS to read a book aloud, of course)?

Greenify comes for free and doesn't require root to work (see top of second screenshot: "Working Mode: Non-Root") – though it unleashes its full powers with root, its Donation package, and the xposed-framework.

If you want to learn more on this app: there are currently over 70 answers mentioning it, feel free to browse :)

1: before I complemented my answer with this information; see e.g. comments on this other answer


Backup my Android without my Apps, Settings, Config's, etc.

Odin is not a backup utility, its rather more of a means to flash boot/recovery and the rom itself. So that's one off the list. :)

Use CWM to backup the entire handset to SDCard - this includes, boot, recovery, system, userdata partitions. Easy and much quicker to restore from! The latest Titanium Backup can do a restore from a nandroid created by CWM.

Can you include a screenshot of this "ClockworkMod based recovery mode" as that does not sound quite an official CWM and hence would be slightly concerned. Official CWM would have this as shown below! Note the lack of the wording 'ClockworkMod based recovery mode'.

To perform the backup, use the Volume down key to scroll down until you reach 'backup and restore' as shown:

Hit the Home key, to bring you to this screen, the highlight bar is on '-Backup' for some obscure reason, the screenshot failed on this one so no screenshot, hit the home key again to start the backup process.

When you do a restore, it will erase boot/system and userdata, and does the job in dumping everything back in place. As if nothing has happened next time by rebooting within CWM. Consider this as a equivalent of a Windows System Restore Point, cannot go wrong there.

But ultimately, what you're asking for, Titanium Backup does it quite nicely. See the screenshot below, where there is a list of apps and can choose which to backup/restore.

Here's a menu option to do the extraction from a CWM backup.

Ultimately, it is up to you how to do the backup, pretty much in the same way doing a backup on Windows, the strategy used will depend and vary, to each and to their own. Personally, as I experiment a lot with ROMs, I do a straight nandroid backup, then get down to flashing another ROM and if I don't like it, I can go back to CWM to do a restore.

As for Settings etc, I ignore them, as that can be a minefield which may cause a ROM's apps to force close so I disregard them and selectively choose which apps I wish to backup.

Using the two combined can be quite potent means of backing up.

Edit:
This question - how you managed to take a sreenshot of CWM? If I'm not mistaken, it is run at the boot point making it act like a "BIOS" in terms of PCs. So how did you do it?

The recovery is identical to Android's ROM running from /system, it has its own kernel, near identical to the one used when booting into /system. The recovery has the init.rc script heavily modified to not to start up the Android's services that makes up the standard familiar environment. In fact, if you were to peek into the init.rc, it executes one program, called appropriately enough recovery which is what you're seeing here.

When the bootloader runs, its like this in English pseudo-code

load kernel from boot partition at memory address.
If Volume Down key is pressed then
read from recovery partition's kernel and chain boot load mechanism (read recovery's kernel into memory address, and jump into the entry point of that kernel and start running, overwriting the previously loaded boot kernel) and execute run scripts to bring up recovery program a lá CWM and hence in recovery environment
else
continue to run as normal reading from system partition and execute run scripts and bring up services a lá Android OS and hence in system environment.
endif

So quite clearly, there is no difference behind the scenes, the kernel, shell scripts, etc.

As to how to obtain the screen-shots, that is a specialized script specifically for the Zte Blade and using the linux tools imagemagick command line utilities involving ffmpeg and mogrify, it is hardcoded to use the resolution of the screen for the Zte Blade, i.e. 800x480, and using adb to pull in the framebuffer, pass it into ffmpeg, and flip it over. IIRC, it does not work on any other resolution and depends on the kernel itself if it has framebuffers compiled in.

#!/bin/sh
adb pull /dev/graphics/fb0 fb0 && ffmpeg -vframes 1 -vcodec rawvideo -f rawvideo -pix_fmt rgb565le -s 480x800 -i fb0 -f image2 -vcodec png $1.png && mogrify -flip -flop $1.png && rm fb0


Camera isn't available - Trusted Face ( Android Lollipop - Nexus 5)

I believe that this is an issue with the Smart Lock app itself. When I enabled the face unlock I started getting this error. The camera ceases to work after some time, when I notice that the smart lock icon just blinks on the lock screen (which shows a failed attempt to access camera). Then neither the camera app works nor can I access the camera via Smart Lock settings. I started having this issue whenever I enabled face recognition and I stopped having this issue altogether when I disabled the said feature.

It's a shame that despite being an extremely efficient and fast feature, this causes such a problem that it needs to be disabled.


Mute all notification sound except Call Message and WhatsApp to be on Vibration Mode

I believe the easiest way to accomplish this is through do not disturb mode with custom exceptions.

Allowing calls and text messages through do not disturb mode is easy. Simply set "Calls from" and "Messages from" to "All" on the "allow exceptions" menu under the do no disturb settings.

For other apps, such as Whatsapp, you can do the following:

Enable do not disturb mode.
Go to Settings > Notifications.
Select the app you would like to modify.
Select the type of notification you would like to exclude from do not disturb mode, such as message notifications.
Enable the "Ignore Do not disturb" switch.
Back out of this screen and repeat steps 3-5 until your notifications are configured as you desire.


Is it possible to install CyanogenMod for "Samsung GS4" on a "Samsung GS4 Active" device?

This is actually an important question, and far better to ask now than try it and be stuck with a blank screen!
Android ROMs are specific to the device. This is why CyanogenMod and others have the specific device model and code name on them.
Even in cases where the deveice looks and feels the same and has the same name e.g. Samsung Galaxy S4:

GT-I9505
GT-I9500

They both run Android 4.4 now, and they look and to all user purposes are the same device. Under the hood there are differences, and no ROM will be compatible between the two.
I had used the Google Edition S4 as my example as ROMS weren't compatible between two devices with EXACTLY the same hardware, but work arounds are being found. The general rule is: If your device isn't specifically listed do not install the ROM!
In your case here I'm sure it will brick the device as there is different hardware (buttons etc), a different model code, and a different partition structure.


Where can I find the ANDROID_ID on my device?

You can do this via adb. Does not require root, as far as I know (tested on a Galaxy Nexus running 4.2.1 built from AOSP source):

shell@android:/ $ content query --uri content://settings/secure --projection value --where "name='android_id'"
  Row: 0 value=<your ID in hexadecimal>