Android Enthusiasts
Q&A for enthusiasts and power users of the Android operating system
Latest Questions
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Google/Android Device Backup taking up a lot of space on my Google cloud storage. How do I shrink it?
I was at 99% of my Google drive storage the other day, so I went into my Google storage and deleted an Android phone backup for an old phone stored on Google storage, that took up about 3gb, with my current phone backup taking about 3.5 GB. Fast forward a few days, I get that annoying red notice on...
I was at 99% of my Google drive storage the other day, so I went into my Google storage and deleted an Android phone backup for an old phone stored on Google storage, that took up about 3gb, with my current phone backup taking about 3.5 GB. Fast forward a few days, I get that annoying red notice on my profile again, and now I check and my phone back up is now taking up 6 GB! It seems like it will take up what ever storage it is able to?
I don't want to delete my phone backups outright, but I also want a couple gigs of storage for things I need, and to get rid of that red notice.
Is there a way to choose what is backed up to this category (I have photos backup turned off) or to cap the size of the backup? All I really want backed up are device preferences and text messages. I definitely don't need 6+ GB of my app data and device preferences backed up.
inund8
(101 rep)
Jan 3, 2025, 09:08 PM
• Last activity: Jun 17, 2025, 09:40 PM
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1
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KeepasDX: Is the password sent anywhere?
Does the database password ever get sent to the Google servers if I use [KeepasDX][1] app to open and decrypt a file stored on Google Drive storage via SAF? If I am opening a .kdbx database file through generic android file picker (documentsui, invoked by the app upon clicking "Use existing database...
Does the database password ever get sent to the Google servers if I use KeepasDX app to open and decrypt a file stored on Google Drive storage via SAF?
If I am opening a .kdbx database file through generic android file picker (documentsui, invoked by the app upon clicking "Use existing database" button) using Google Drive's SAF (Storage access framework to do so) will the password/has/key be shown to the server when I decrypt it inside the app or is the decryption done locally?
infinitieunique
(61 rep)
Oct 7, 2024, 12:07 PM
• Last activity: Oct 7, 2024, 04:13 PM
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3
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541
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How can I sync a text file edited on my Android device with Ubuntu One app?
I've just got the Ubuntu One app on my Android device to sync files between my Android device and my desktop computer. I see that the app has the ability to automatically sync uploaded photos, can it also sync other files? If I download a text file from my Ubuntu One with this app and edit it on my...
I've just got the Ubuntu One app on my Android device to sync files between my Android device and my desktop computer. I see that the app has the ability to automatically sync uploaded photos, can it also sync other files?
If I download a text file from my Ubuntu One with this app and edit it on my Android, how do I sync that file?
James
(823 rep)
Dec 22, 2011, 11:56 AM
• Last activity: Aug 19, 2024, 03:43 PM
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Can't Find Any Backups After Uninstalling And Installing Whatsapp Because It Told Me To Do So
I was a Whatsapp beta user. A few hours ago it wanted me to update the app because my version is no longer viable. I tried doing that, then it told me, since I was a Beta user I need to first delete Whatsapp, opt out of Beta, then download it again. I wanted to make a manual back up since last one w...
I was a Whatsapp beta user. A few hours ago it wanted me to update the app because my version is no longer viable. I tried doing that, then it told me, since I was a Beta user I need to first delete Whatsapp, opt out of Beta, then download it again. I wanted to make a manual back up since last one was from 2 AM but it didn't let me enter the app, just that announcement page. Then I said "Okay, I already have back-up. I will lose messages for only one day. Okie dokie." Then,
1. I uninstalled whatsapp
2. Opted out of beta
3. Installed it back, didn't prompt me for local back-up
4. I tried to find cloud back-ups, turns out I don't have any (weird).
5. I tried to find back-ups manually using a file manager: there is none (weirder).
6.?
My phone made back-ups every day at 2 AM. I have seen it for years. Where are they? Messages themselves aren't that important but the images are gone too! Only thing that is in my Whatsapp folder is a "media" file that has images, videos, and audios which are passed down from my old phone.
It remembers my profile picture and header photos of the groups.
Unlucky User
(11 rep)
Mar 27, 2023, 10:54 PM
• Last activity: Apr 18, 2023, 07:51 AM
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0
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Is there a way to backup an Amazon Fire tablet to Google cloud?
I'm assuming I have to root the tablet and install and log into Google+ to be able to do this. I want to backup an Amazon Fire tablet with all it's apps and data to Google cloud, then log into an Android tablet on that Google account, then access all the account settings, apps and data from the Amaz...
I'm assuming I have to root the tablet and install and log into Google+ to be able to do this. I want to backup an Amazon Fire tablet with all it's apps and data to Google cloud, then log into an Android tablet on that Google account, then access all the account settings, apps and data from the Amazon Fire tablet on the new Google tablet.
So I guess what I'm trying to do is migrate from an Amazon Fire tablet to an Android tablet as painlessly as possible.
Llewen
(11 rep)
Mar 31, 2023, 01:13 PM
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0
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834
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Best way to achieve offline folder sync in Android?
The Google Drive client for desktop platforms allows to Make Available Offline any folder you want, usually inside a virtual drive (e.g. `G:/myFolders/syncedFolder` in Windows). How can I achieve the same offline folder sync in Android devices? I've tried 3rd party software that does it, but it's to...
The Google Drive client for desktop platforms allows to Make Available Offline any folder you want, usually inside a virtual drive (e.g.
G:/myFolders/syncedFolder in Windows).
How can I achieve the same offline folder sync in Android devices?
I've tried 3rd party software that does it, but it's too buggy to use with important files (it accidentally deleted my data once).
Daniel M.
(1 rep)
Feb 25, 2023, 04:02 PM
• Last activity: Feb 25, 2023, 04:42 PM
3
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0
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2662
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How to record video from an Android phone directly to a cloud?
Perilous times... I have to be able to record/stream a video through my Android, just like anyone does to its local storage, but instead, directly to a file somewhere on the cloud. What's most important to me is, if while recording a video the recording stops, there's a guarantee that's what's been...
Perilous times...
I have to be able to record/stream a video through my Android, just like anyone does to its local storage, but instead, directly to a file somewhere on the cloud. What's most important to me is, if while recording a video the recording stops, there's a guarantee that's what's been recorded till the last seconds is already in the cloud, and is a playable file.
Realtime playable streaming is not essential. I want to make sure that while I'm recording a video I know that most of the video is already on the cloud, and the video extends while the Android phone is in the recording state.
What are the solutions to this?
Ideally, I want to be able to record to a shared directory on the google drive.
Kukuster
(51 rep)
Nov 16, 2020, 01:08 PM
• Last activity: Jan 5, 2023, 09:49 AM
1
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0
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125
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Android 11 file system and cloud storage
I have documents stored in the cloud, and I used to have a use case like this: 1. I edit documents on a PC 2. These documents are automatically uploaded to the cloud 3. I download documents to my phone via the application But after buying a smartphone on Android 11, I ran into a problem that it was...
I have documents stored in the cloud, and I used to have a use case like this:
1. I edit documents on a PC
2. These documents are automatically uploaded to the cloud
3. I download documents to my phone via the application
But after buying a smartphone on Android 11, I ran into a problem that it was no longer possible to download files to the folder I needed because of updates in the file system, but the application still allows you to download to the Downloads folder, but the whole trouble is that the application stopped seeing files with the same name and offering to "Replace" them"or "Skip", but simply duplicates each time adding an index at the end of the name, which negates the use of the cloud, because you constantly have to keep in mind that after uploading documents you need to go in and delete all the old files (and there may be a lot of documents).
Is there any solution so that when downloading files, it is possible to replace files, and not duplicate them
Angus123
(111 rep)
Dec 11, 2022, 09:59 AM
• Last activity: Dec 12, 2022, 03:30 AM
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0
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239
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Auto backup so I can share the same app data on Bluestacks and phone
I have a Samsung Galaxy S5, running Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow. I also have BlueStacks 5. A group of games I play does not have Google Play transfer, and I thought I could use the import button on BlueStacks and find the file on my phone (save file) and copy that to the import of BlueStacks. However,...
I have a Samsung Galaxy S5, running Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow. I also have BlueStacks 5.
A group of games I play does not have Google Play transfer, and I thought I could use the import button on BlueStacks and find the file on my phone (save file) and copy that to the import of BlueStacks. However, seeing as every time I play on a different device, I'll have to copy through cable, import, etc.
I was hoping I could set something like OneDrive to backup and sync constantly that specific file (which would get updated as saved). Currently, I have to use Android Studio to access the save file - it is hidden from the operating system.
How can I do this?
Matty08
(11 rep)
Dec 1, 2022, 05:51 AM
• Last activity: Dec 1, 2022, 06:02 AM
1
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1
answers
1811
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Access Mega Cloud Storage from File Manager on a non rooted device
Is there a way to mount Mega cloud storage from file manager. Mega has some option to do that as Webdav Server for Desktops but is there a way Android Phone with TLS encryption. I am even comfortable with using CLI on Termux. It would be even enough if I can make that available in termux. I am tryin...
Is there a way to mount Mega cloud storage from file manager. Mega has some option to do that as Webdav Server for Desktops but is there a way Android Phone with TLS encryption. I am even comfortable with using CLI on Termux. It would be even enough if I can make that available in termux. I am trying this because I have less storage in my device.
zakadmin
(11 rep)
Aug 15, 2022, 10:28 PM
• Last activity: Nov 11, 2022, 11:11 PM
1
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4
answers
6471
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Is there a simple offline contacts manager for android?
I don't want to sync all my contacts with my Google account. I would like to just keep my contacts on my phone and back it up myself. I have disabled contacts syncing in the accounts settings on my phone, but when I try to add a new contact through the 'Contacts' app, it tells me that my new contact...
I don't want to sync all my contacts with my Google account. I would like to just keep my contacts on my phone and back it up myself. I have disabled contacts syncing in the accounts settings on my phone, but when I try to add a new contact through the 'Contacts' app, it tells me that my new contact will be synchronized with my google account.
curious_one
(11 rep)
Jul 14, 2014, 01:44 AM
• Last activity: Feb 20, 2022, 08:50 PM
0
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1
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571
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How to delete photos/videos on Samsung but make sure they are not deleted on Amazon Photos?
I just backed up all my photos/videos to Amazon Photos but have been reading different blogs that say do not delete your photos from the gallery or it will be deleted from your Amazon Photos. I just bought a new phone. Will the factory reset delete my backup to Amazon Photos?
I just backed up all my photos/videos to Amazon Photos but have been reading different blogs that say do not delete your photos from the gallery or it will be deleted from your Amazon Photos. I just bought a new phone. Will the factory reset delete my backup to Amazon Photos?
Tiara1156
(1 rep)
Nov 27, 2021, 09:01 PM
• Last activity: Dec 16, 2021, 10:08 AM
0
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2
answers
1024
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Install apps on Android Phone automatically when installed in BlueStacks
I am developing an Android application, and I have to constantly mail the apk to myself to download to phone. I also use Bluestacks app player for testing. But also verify app in my own phone. **Is there any way to have the app installed on the phone directly when installed on the Bluestacks App Pla...
I am developing an Android application, and I have to constantly mail the apk to myself to download to phone. I also use Bluestacks app player for testing. But also verify app in my own phone. **Is there any way to have the app installed on the phone directly when installed on the Bluestacks App Player**. I know the reverse is possible through Bluestacks Cloud Connect. Can I achieve the other way round?
pblead26
(101 rep)
Jun 30, 2014, 02:50 PM
• Last activity: Dec 6, 2021, 03:03 PM
1
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1
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1932
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Add WhatsApp images to Google Photo album in the cloud
I have a HUAWEI P20 phone and I am using the native Google Photos app to organize my photos on this device. Only the Camera folder is set for automatic upload to the cloud. I am using Viber and WhatsApp on this phone. Their image folders are not uploaded automatically to Google Photos in the cloud a...
I have a HUAWEI P20 phone and I am using the native Google Photos app to organize my photos on this device. Only the Camera folder is set for automatic upload to the cloud.
I am using Viber and WhatsApp on this phone. Their image folders are not uploaded automatically to Google Photos in the cloud and I do not need this, so that automatic uploading for this folders is turned off.
I also have a couple of albums in Google Photos to which I add particular photos from the Camera, Viber Images and WhatsApp Images folders. The problem is that only photos from the Camera and Viber Images folders I added to my albums on my HUAWEI device appear in the cloud (when I view them online at https://photos.google.com/) . The images from the WhatsApp Images folder I add to the albums never appear online.
Does anybody know how to solve this problem?
----------
P.S. I've looked at full image paths in Viber Images and WhatsApp Images folders to find any difference that may lead to this effect. It seems, paths for Viber and WhatsApp images have the same structure and this is not the source of the problem:
/storage/emulated/0/WhatsApp/Media/WhatsApp Images/IMG-20200108-WA0000.jpg
/storage/emulated/0/viber/media/Viber Images/IMG-9104f1a4b3f873e1d9c8806bb9a8bd25-V.jpg
And sure, I am using the latest official firmware on my phone.
Tecman
(111 rep)
Jan 21, 2020, 02:53 PM
• Last activity: Oct 30, 2021, 03:03 AM
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172
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What URL can I hit to initiate call?
I'd like to be able to hit a URL with CURL from my laptop, and have it cause my android phone to initiate a phone call, on speakerphone if possible. I'm using a Linux laptop with Firefox browser, and I have tel: links set to run a bash script. I'd like my script to send a GET/POST to some google clo...
I'd like to be able to hit a URL with CURL from my laptop, and have it cause my android phone to initiate a phone call, on speakerphone if possible.
I'm using a Linux laptop with Firefox browser, and I have tel: links set to run a bash script.
I'd like my script to send a GET/POST to some google cloud API which subsequently sends a command from the cloud to my phone that causes my phone to initiate a phone call hands-free to a number I send in the GET/POST.
I will use this to make tel links clickable in my laptop's browser. Browsing on android sucks. Calling from a "hangouts tab" in the laptop sucks. Combining in this way will avoid the most things that suck, which is my new years resolution.
I may also use this to automate calls to appointments/meetings that I need to attend. i.e. at the correct time, my phone simply auto-joins whatever zoom meeting, without me having to remember it. Bonus points if this API can also, optionally begin the call on mute.
Billy left SE for Codidact
(101 rep)
Jan 3, 2021, 05:06 PM
1
votes
0
answers
1147
views
How to easily access and browse 100GB of photos of the local network's NAS?
I don't use Google Photos, iCloud photos or any other (distant) cloud photos storage service. All my 100 GB photos are stored on a hard drive connected on a NAS of my home router (of course, I have backup on other disks distant from home, etc. but that's another off-topic question...). **From my And...
I don't use Google Photos, iCloud photos or any other (distant) cloud photos storage service.
All my 100 GB photos are stored on a hard drive connected on a NAS of my home router (of course, I have backup on other disks distant from home, etc. but that's another off-topic question...).
**From my Android phone, how to easily browse the photos of my local network's NAS?** With thumbnails, etc. like most photo browsers.
___
NB: my NAS is a DIY-NAS made with a Raspberry Pi, with a SMB Samba server, but I can easily install another server on this Raspberry Pi if needed.
Basj
(819 rep)
Nov 15, 2020, 04:26 PM
• Last activity: Nov 15, 2020, 04:57 PM
4
votes
3
answers
15560
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How can I archive old contacts out of My Contacts?
On an Android (6.0), how can I archive old Google contacts where they do not show up in my contacts but they are listed in either: - the google contacts website under *other contacts* - archived in another app/cloud storage securely. Ideally moving them from the archive to my contacts list would be...
On an Android (6.0), how can I archive old Google contacts where they do not show up in my contacts but they are listed in either:
- the google contacts website under *other contacts*
- archived in another app/cloud storage securely.
Ideally moving them from the archive to my contacts list would be doable from a mobile app, or the archive service would have a mobile website where they are accessible.
To clarify: I don't want to delete them forever or be inaccessible on mobile.
Justin Goldberg
(161 rep)
Dec 29, 2018, 10:27 PM
• Last activity: Nov 2, 2020, 01:25 PM
1
votes
0
answers
209
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How to download synced application data from Samsung Cloud?
My Android Samsung S7 smartphone is broken, so I wanted to access my memo which I have backed up at Samsung Cloud. **I don't have another smartphone. I just need to download the data to the PC and dig the data out of the files.** But I don't know how to download those data. THere doesn't seem to be...
My Android Samsung S7 smartphone is broken, so I wanted to access my memo which I have backed up at Samsung Cloud. **I don't have another smartphone. I just need to download the data to the PC and dig the data out of the files.** But I don't know how to download those data. THere doesn't seem to be a link for download:
I went to Samsung Cloud, but here also is no link to download:
How do I download this as a file to PC?
I went to Samsung Cloud, but here also is no link to download:
How do I download this as a file to PC?
Tomas
(275 rep)
Aug 31, 2020, 01:53 PM
32
votes
21
answers
59066
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How do I copy text from my PC to my phone?
I am looking for a way to copy text from my home computer to my phone, sort of a shared clipboard. Right now I go to the [zxing QR code generator][1] and paste the code, take a picture of the screen with the phone, and set the barcode scanner to copy text to the clipboard. It seems like there should...
I am looking for a way to copy text from my home computer to my phone, sort of a shared clipboard. Right now I go to the zxing QR code generator and paste the code, take a picture of the screen with the phone, and set the barcode scanner to copy text to the clipboard. It seems like there should be a simpler way. Does anyone know of a way to do this?
mcrumley
(468 rep)
Dec 11, 2010, 03:21 AM
• Last activity: Jul 9, 2020, 12:52 PM
0
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0
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1244
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Add mega account to cloud storage on es file explorer
I'm using es file pro version, I want to add mega account to cloud storage, the account addition section has "display as" so what should I fill in? 
I'm using es file pro version, I want to add mega account to cloud storage, the account addition section has "display as" so what should I fill in?
Nguyễn Dũng
(1 rep)
Jan 24, 2020, 06:40 PM
• Last activity: Jan 24, 2020, 07:23 PM
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