Android Enthusiasts
Q&A for enthusiasts and power users of the Android operating system
Latest Questions
0
votes
0
answers
1049
views
Restore WhatsApp backup in unexpected hidden/inaccessible location
I'm using Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro on Android 12. I need to restore a (local) backup of WhatsApp. Contrary to what [WhatsApp](https://faq.whatsapp.com/601558080647471/) says, it is *not* stored in `/sdcard/Whatsapp/Databases` nor in `/internal storage/Whatsapp/Databases`. Rather, the backups are in...
I'm using Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro on Android 12. I need to restore a (local) backup of WhatsApp. Contrary to what [WhatsApp](https://faq.whatsapp.com/601558080647471/) says, it is *not* stored in
/sdcard/Whatsapp/Databases nor in /internal storage/Whatsapp/Databases. Rather, the backups are in:
/storage/emulated/0/Android/media/com.whatsapp/WhatsApp/Databases
The files can be found by the "My Files (v13.1.01.321)" app when searching for them. But I can't copy, move, or rename them, as indicated by the WhatsApp FAQ (see the above link). Also, navigating to the files is impossible, as the Databases directory seems to be hidden/nonexistent. (Tried with "My Files" app, Nautilus File Manager on GNU/Linux Laptop and adb shell)
So, how do I restore the backup now? Do I have to "root" the phone?
Mat
(41 rep)
Sep 8, 2022, 05:30 PM
• Last activity: Sep 2, 2024, 02:24 PM
3
votes
0
answers
4625
views
Where are my files in the Explorer when I move them in the Secure Folder [SAMSUNG]
When I connect my phone (Samsung) to my computer, I see an image in DCIM\Screenshots. When I enable Secure Folder and move the image there, the image disappears in Windows Explorer. When I look at the path where the image is, it still says DCIM\Screenshots but it's not there. Does anyone know where...
When I connect my phone (Samsung) to my computer, I see an image in DCIM\Screenshots. When I enable Secure Folder and move the image there, the image disappears in Windows Explorer. When I look at the path where the image is, it still says DCIM\Screenshots but it's not there.
Does anyone know where these files are stored then?
Are they stored somewhere else at all, or are they simply invisible in Explorer?
I already installed ADB and enabled USB debugging on the phone. I think it's the path I'm giving.
I don't know how to specify the drive in the path, or does it not have to be done?
I have already tried these commands:
adb shell ls -la /phone/DCIM/Screenshots
adb shell ls -la user/phone/DCIM/Screenshots
adb shell ls -la "Dieser PC/user/phone/DCIM/Screenshots"
Then I get the error twice that the path is not found.
Is it because the path contains a space?
Goethe
(31 rep)
Sep 21, 2022, 04:21 PM
• Last activity: Aug 29, 2024, 08:10 AM
-1
votes
1
answers
231
views
App-specific folders can be accessed without any 3rd-party app or root. Bug in Android 14?
I was trying to access my `/obb` and `/data` folders in my Samsung Galaxy M33 5G, but because of restrictions in Android 14, I was not allowed to do so, somehow I found out this. I checked that whenever you update your Google Play system update, your Files app gets updated, I uninstalled the update...
I was trying to access my
/obb and /data folders in my Samsung Galaxy M33 5G, but because of restrictions in Android 14, I was not allowed to do so, somehow I found out this.
I checked that whenever you update your Google Play system update, your Files app gets updated, I uninstalled the update and I got it in the apps screen, and I could finally access these restricted folders without any 3rd-party applications or something.
[Video demonstration on Google Drive](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AG-Dn9olqawLht2HVjuTlp39EA4pvSUV/view?usp=sharing) .
I found many solutions on YouTube, but each of them involved 3rd party apps.
Is it a bug that I can access them?
SuTech
(21 rep)
Aug 12, 2024, 05:58 AM
• Last activity: Aug 12, 2024, 05:06 PM
1
votes
0
answers
493
views
Simplest way to backup entire Android device offline without using cloud
I have multiple Samsung android stock handsets (not rooted) and I need to backup the data to my Linux pc. Call logs, SMS, Photos, WhatsApp Messages, Samsung notes, Spotify, etc. One problem I've found is that data like call logs and SMS do not appear to exist as files on the device, or if they do ar...
I have multiple Samsung android stock handsets (not rooted) and I need to backup the data to my Linux pc.
Call logs, SMS, Photos, WhatsApp Messages, Samsung notes, Spotify, etc.
One problem I've found is that data like call logs and SMS do not appear to exist as files on the device, or if they do are hidden away in directory paths that may not be accessible depending on Android version - Eg Android 10 we can view ***Internal Storage/Android/data***, but in Android 11 we cannot.
Additionally, data like WhatsApp messages would require the manual exporting of each and every chat thread, this is a very tiresome and exhaustive process.
Ideally I'm seeking a method akin to Linux
dd if=handset of=pc
This way the entire device is backed up in one go, and if I need to access a specific file, I can do so later, without the dread of potentially forgetting to save x file from x path
What is the simplest way I can wholesomely, in a timely manner, save the data from these devices and continue with my life?
Somebody has mentioned using EDL, but another said EDL only works if you want to restore the backup to that Exact device, whereas I want to save files to my pc.
Rachel1983
(11 rep)
Aug 2, 2024, 12:33 PM
• Last activity: Aug 2, 2024, 04:47 PM
1
votes
1
answers
3870
views
How to make an invisible (transparent/blank) app icon in Nova Launcher?
In Nova Launcher Prime 6.x, how does one make an app's icon invisible (completely transparent / blank)? I can try to find (or create) an icon pack that contains a blank icon (preferably on F-Droid), but I'm hoping there is a faster solution.
In Nova Launcher Prime 6.x, how does one make an app's icon invisible (completely transparent / blank)?
I can try to find (or create) an icon pack that contains a blank icon (preferably on F-Droid), but I'm hoping there is a faster solution.
Amazon Dies In Darkness
(4862 rep)
Jul 30, 2022, 10:55 AM
• Last activity: Dec 10, 2023, 05:55 PM
2
votes
1
answers
4589
views
Deleting hidden pictures
When I download my pictures from my Samsung Galaxy S3 onto my desktop, hundreds of screen shot pics download. These are those annoying pop ups that come up trying to get you to select the app to purchase. They are not in any picture folder in my phone - I only see them when I download all pictures....
When I download my pictures from my Samsung Galaxy S3 onto my desktop, hundreds of screen shot pics download. These are those annoying pop ups that come up trying to get you to select the app to purchase. They are not in any picture folder in my phone - I only see them when I download all pictures.
How can I find them in my phone and delete them?
Nan Mullaney
(21 rep)
Oct 14, 2014, 03:27 PM
• Last activity: Dec 24, 2022, 02:06 PM
0
votes
0
answers
803
views
How to handle hidden files and folders (which begin with a period/dot) when backing up Android to a Windows NTFS volume?
Over on Superuser, I asked about [whether or not it's okay to have filenames and/or folder names that begin with a period (dot) on a Windows NTFS volume][1]. The immediate response I received was to avoid doing this. *Update: The author of that answer graciously changed his answer, and is now indica...
Over on Superuser, I asked about whether or not it's okay to have filenames and/or folder names that begin with a period (dot) on a Windows NTFS volume .
The immediate response I received was to avoid doing this. *Update: The author of that answer graciously changed his answer, and is now indicating that it is no problem. So I think my question is now moot, but I'll leave it up for a few days to see if there are any more updates or commentary here.*
What's an effective way to backup Android hidden files and folders (which begin with a period) onto a Windows NTFS volume?
The person answering my question on Superuser recommended renaming the files on Android, if possible. Well, that's certainly possible. It involves these steps:
1. Finding every file/folder that begins with a period
2. Making a copy of each file/folder found
3. Renaming each file/folder copied to a unique name that does not begin with a period
4. Backing up the copies (most likely via FTP)
5. Deleting all the copies
Ugh. Is there a better way to accomplish this task? And if not, is there a way to automate all this work?
Amazon Dies In Darkness
(4862 rep)
Feb 15, 2021, 08:48 PM
• Last activity: May 3, 2022, 12:34 AM
2
votes
1
answers
5155
views
How to hide installed app from other app?
If app has storage access, how to hide other installed app from it? App consists of files in different locations. Maybe somehow I can make them unaccessible for other app? If I didn't give root right for detecting app, the only location should be in "Android" folder?
If app has storage access, how to hide other installed app from it? App consists of files in different locations. Maybe somehow I can make them unaccessible for other app? If I didn't give root right for detecting app, the only location should be in "Android" folder?
vasik9888
(21 rep)
Feb 16, 2020, 10:21 AM
• Last activity: Feb 10, 2022, 10:07 AM
1
votes
1
answers
1045
views
My photos disappeared from my Samsung S5 SD card. Trying to recover photos or find hidden files
My photos disappeared from my Samsung S5 SD card. I know SD cards get corrupted, but there were a couple of weird things that happened in conjunction with the disappearance. I saw a message on my screen briefly saying something about my photos not being gone. About a week later I saw them again just...
My photos disappeared from my Samsung S5 SD card.
I know SD cards get corrupted, but there were a couple of weird things that happened in conjunction with the disappearance. I saw a message on my screen briefly saying something about my photos not being gone. About a week later I saw them again just once when I went to look at other photos on the Google + app. I saw a suggestion to try to do a disk check on a computer to recover corrupted files. Disk check says the info cannot be directly accessed.I also have read that some files can be hidden. I need some help with this. Any ideas?
Linda D
(19 rep)
Nov 5, 2015, 04:09 AM
• Last activity: Jan 12, 2022, 05:03 AM
1
votes
1
answers
1139
views
reboot needed to refresh MTP list?
using [Terminal Emulator][1] I created a file; cd /storage/emulated/0/Downloaded echo test > test.txt Then using [Android File Transfer][2] I can see files in the same dir but not the test file. `ls -l` indicated it's not a chown chmod issue; -rw-rw---- root sdcard_r 3323 2016-02-22 15:15 other.txt...
using Terminal Emulator I created a file;
cd /storage/emulated/0/Downloaded
echo test > test.txt
Then using Android File Transfer I can see files in the same dir but not the test file.
ls -l indicated it's not a chown chmod issue;
-rw-rw---- root sdcard_r 3323 2016-02-22 15:15 other.txt
-rw-rw---- root sdcard_r 5 2016-02-22 15:15 test.txt
sync, repluging, killing the client, and changing to PTP then back to MTP did not help but a reboot did so what's up with that?
user1133275
(415 rep)
Feb 22, 2016, 09:19 PM
• Last activity: Dec 19, 2021, 01:06 AM
1
votes
0
answers
269
views
Application Isolation and access control
I want to prevent an app from knowing whether certain files or directories exist on a device. For instance, if the application have some code like: if (/system/lib/libJohnDoe.so){ print("yes") } else{ print("no") } I want this to always evaluate to "no" even if the file does exist. I was thinking of...
I want to prevent an app from knowing whether certain files or directories exist on a device. For instance, if the application have some code like:
if (/system/lib/libJohnDoe.so){
print("yes")
}
else{
print("no")
}
I want this to always evaluate to "no" even if the file does exist. I was thinking of completely changing the directory tree that the application sees but I do not know if this is even possible.
What I would like even more is to only allow applications to see specific directories and files rather than hiding existing ones from them.
Lite Riyusaki
(61 rep)
Nov 5, 2021, 12:57 PM
• Last activity: Nov 5, 2021, 07:07 PM
0
votes
0
answers
276
views
How to remove app shortcut from home screen (modded trebuchet launcher) after installing as system app
This tablet is proprietary, so the launcher is custom (modded trebuchet) and very limited. It runs Android 8.1. I was able to get apex launcher installed, along with root access, but I'm trying to avoid using a third-party launcher because if I rename it with app cloner it tends to glitch out. The g...
This tablet is proprietary, so the launcher is custom (modded trebuchet) and very limited. It runs Android 8.1.
I was able to get apex launcher installed, along with root access, but I'm trying to avoid using a third-party launcher because if I rename it with app cloner it tends to glitch out.
The goal is for my exploit of this tablet to be as undetectable as possible, which is why I am renaming all apps I've installed.
I noticed that system apps don't show up on the stock launcher home screen, and since I can't use apex or some other launcher, I figured I would install all my wanted apps (Facebook, telegram, etc...) as system apps.
I was able to install them as system apps with lucky patcher, however they still show on the home screen.. Any ideas for how I can modify the system under the hood, or otherwise, and keep these apps from showing on the stock (modded trebuchet) launcher?
silencedogood
(209 rep)
Oct 20, 2021, 02:58 AM
• Last activity: Oct 20, 2021, 01:10 PM
0
votes
0
answers
593
views
Can't find .nomedia "folder"
I have a lot of folders that I wanted to hide, so I placed a `.nomedia` file in folder. I accidentally renamed a folder name to `.nomedia.` and BOOM all the folders including all images are hidden. I tried "show hidden files" in file explorer/manager, Even ES file explorer can't find it. Images insi...
I have a lot of folders that I wanted to hide, so I placed a
.nomedia file in folder. I accidentally renamed a folder name to .nomedia. and BOOM all the folders including all images are hidden.
I tried "show hidden files" in file explorer/manager, Even ES file explorer can't find it. Images inside folder are in gallery (but not visible `File format not supported or files are corrupted`) and images location path are there but there is nothing.
I am pretty sure that I didn't deleted that folder(well at least I think, images are still in gallery but not visible), so I think my folder is just hidden.
How can I see the hidden folder and images?
A B
(1 rep)
Sep 1, 2021, 12:41 PM
• Last activity: Sep 4, 2021, 08:39 PM
0
votes
0
answers
217
views
Does my hidden files (in android phone) get deleted if there is no enough space to restore them?
I tried to restore my hidden files on my android phone. I had less than 20% available space while the hidden files size was more than 30%. It gave me a warning of out of space memory. A box appeared where I quickly clicked the cancel button with reflex without reading what was written. I thought tha...
I tried to restore my hidden files on my android phone. I had less than 20% available space while the hidden files size was more than 30%. It gave me a warning of out of space memory. A box appeared where I quickly clicked the cancel button with reflex without reading what was written. I thought that my files were still there in the hidden folder but they were not. They were deleted completely. My free space also increased by that much. Does it happen like this?
Tea is life
(111 rep)
Oct 19, 2020, 06:07 AM
• Last activity: Oct 19, 2020, 10:40 AM
2
votes
1
answers
4074
views
How to remove "Contents hiddens" from lock screen
I'm currently hiding sensitive notification content from the lock screen. I did that by going in Settings>Notifications>Configure notifications>On the lock screen>Hide sensitive notification content. Now it shows Contents hidden on my lock screen. I'd like to be able to see the notification but remo...
I'm currently hiding sensitive notification content from the lock screen. I did that by going in Settings>Notifications>Configure notifications>On the lock screen>Hide sensitive notification content.
Now it shows Contents hidden on my lock screen. I'd like to be able to see the notification but remove that text "Contents hiddens".
Is that possible?
Screenshot.
Thank you
Thank you
phil652
(133 rep)
Mar 22, 2017, 03:03 PM
• Last activity: Jun 30, 2020, 05:03 AM
0
votes
1
answers
3238
views
How to hide your Wifi Hotspot from unwanted devices
Device : Galaxy S5 Version : 5.6 I have a request How can I hotspot my 4G but I only want to select who can see the network on wi-fi And for other people when they search wifi they don't see it Anyone answer
Device : Galaxy S5
Version : 5.6
I have a request
How can I hotspot my 4G but I only want to select who can see the network on wi-fi
And for other people when they search wifi they don't see it
Anyone answer
Prince Nawaf
(1 rep)
Aug 10, 2015, 07:59 AM
• Last activity: Jun 11, 2020, 01:07 PM
0
votes
0
answers
20
views
File Sizes (including hidden files) don't sum up to total data usage
I recently noticed that my Galaxy S9 was running low on space. While using the 'My Files' app that comes with the phone to do some spring cleaning, I noticed that my Internal Storage shows a usage of about 47GB. However, something doesn't add up. I open that folder, turn on display of hidden files,...
I recently noticed that my Galaxy S9 was running low on space. While using the 'My Files' app that comes with the phone to do some spring cleaning, I noticed that my Internal Storage shows a usage of about 47GB.
However, something doesn't add up. I open that folder, turn on display of hidden files, and select EVERYTHING that is listed. The result is only 13.72GB!?!?!?!?!!! This is WAY WAY off. I have a huge amount of space getting used (over 30GB) and no idea what is actually using it, nor how to clear it out.
I have tried using cache cleaners, like Norton Clean, but those only found about 1GB of residual files, etc. I have also tried restarting the phone, but this doesn't help either... Other than a factor default reset, I can't think of anything else to try. Can anyone help me figure out what is going on?
wmsmith
(101 rep)
Feb 26, 2020, 04:52 PM
• Last activity: Feb 26, 2020, 05:06 PM
1
votes
1
answers
16059
views
What is the folder called /storage/emulated/0/.photoShare/thumb/lcd
 I have a folder named lcd or Icd (can't tell if it's a lowercase L or an uppercase letter i) which is inside the Hidden Folder called photoShare. It contains ove...
I have a folder named lcd or Icd (can't tell if it's a lowercase L or an uppercase letter i) which is inside the Hidden Folder called photoShare.
It contains over 300Mbs of images, all of which seem to be duplicates of images elsewhere in my Android Phone (Honor 9 lite).
There is a .thumbs folder beside it. It's 30 odd Mbs and is full of images too.
Oddly, despite many Google searches using every combo of words possible, I can find no mention anywhere of a folder called lcd/Icd, not one mention anywhere.
Question being,
Is it safe to delete the images inside /.photoShare/lcd/Icd?
Neil
(11 rep)
Nov 12, 2019, 09:49 PM
• Last activity: Nov 14, 2019, 09:21 AM
3
votes
2
answers
12605
views
Will "hiding" contacts on Google Contacts affect other apps' behavior?
I manage my contacts on my Google account. There is a feature in Google Contacts where one can "hide" selected contacts, as follows. If you go to [contacts.google.com](https://contacts.google.com/), click the three dots to the right of a contact, then click "Hide from contacts" in the menu, the cont...
I manage my contacts on my Google account. There is a feature in Google Contacts where one can "hide" selected contacts, as follows. If you go to [contacts.google.com](https://contacts.google.com/) , click the three dots to the right of a contact, then click "Hide from contacts" in the menu, the contact will be moved to Other Contacts.
I prefer to keep my digital data organized, and shortening my contacts list will help. However, I'm not sure what the effect of hiding a contact is (other than it not displaying in the contacts list on a contacts app).
We're talking about a contact that I'm not likely to communicate with in the future, but it would still be better for me to save their details, for example in the unlikely event that they phone me. **If a hidden contact phones me (on my Samsung Galaxy S8), will my stock phone app show me who is calling?**
I prefer to keep my digital data organized, and shortening my contacts list will help. However, I'm not sure what the effect of hiding a contact is (other than it not displaying in the contacts list on a contacts app).
We're talking about a contact that I'm not likely to communicate with in the future, but it would still be better for me to save their details, for example in the unlikely event that they phone me. **If a hidden contact phones me (on my Samsung Galaxy S8), will my stock phone app show me who is calling?**
ahorn
(178 rep)
Mar 25, 2019, 06:56 AM
• Last activity: Oct 8, 2019, 06:04 PM
0
votes
0
answers
184
views
Where do I find the Samsung S5 private folder in adb?
So my dear old Samsung S5 has died in a bootloop. But before I either wipe it or trash it I wanted to recover my old photos. I've managed to pull most of them by going into their folders and then pull them in adb shell. However, some photos are in the private folder and I don't know where it is. So...
So my dear old Samsung S5 has died in a bootloop. But before I either wipe it or trash it I wanted to recover my old photos. I've managed to pull most of them by going into their folders and then pull them in adb shell. However, some photos are in the private folder and I don't know where it is. So my question is:
Where do I find the private folder in the Samsung S5 with adb?
The Dr.fone software managed to pull some of them, so there should be some way to reach them I think.
Chris B
(1 rep)
Jul 17, 2019, 11:40 PM
• Last activity: Jul 19, 2019, 07:54 AM
Showing page 1 of 20 total questions