Android Enthusiasts
Q&A for enthusiasts and power users of the Android operating system
Latest Questions
3
votes
0
answers
33
views
Does Advanced Mobile Location (AML) work during an emergency call on GrapheneOS?
Advanced Mobile Location (AML) sends the GPS location of the mobile device automatically to the dispatcher. 1. Does Advanced Mobile Location work during an emergency call on **GrapheneOS**? 2. How can I find out on an Android Device, if AML is active/working?
Advanced Mobile Location (AML) sends the GPS location of the mobile device automatically to the dispatcher.
1. Does Advanced Mobile Location work during an emergency call on **GrapheneOS**?
2. How can I find out on an Android Device, if AML is active/working?
Jonas Stein
(161 rep)
Jun 5, 2025, 08:50 PM
• Last activity: Jun 7, 2025, 02:28 PM
2
votes
1
answers
128
views
Is the AOSP documentation source markup publicly available?
Occasionally, I want to reference topics like https://source.android.com/docs/core/architecture and https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/permissions/overview. However, because their content changes, referring back to them without saving them in their entirety (via archivers like https://web.ar...
Occasionally, I want to reference topics like https://source.android.com/docs/core/architecture and https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/permissions/overview . However, because their content changes, referring back to them without saving them in their entirety (via archivers like https://web.archive.org/ , or extensions like [SingleFile](https://github.com/gildas-lormeau/SingleFile/releases/tag/v1.2.0) and its myriad competitors) can be difficult.
Were I to be able to access its source markup stored on a version control system like
git
(I can't imagine they use SVN) I would be able to refernece versioned documentation, like I can at https://android.googlesource.com/platform/frameworks/base/+/a48127f0276e1fb4e309776b4216160fd5b67e56/core/java/android/os/Users.md#user . Consequently, is the documentation source rendered at the aforementioned URIs publicly available, like the referenced android.googlesource.com
markup is?
I ask because Microsoft provides this at https://github.com/MicrosoftDocs , so I would be surprised if Google didn't. However, I've been unable to locate it.
RokeJulianLockhart
(556 rep)
Jun 18, 2024, 01:52 PM
• Last activity: Dec 10, 2024, 10:02 PM
2
votes
2
answers
2188
views
Free (libre) SSHD for Android?
How can I install a **sshd** server (with **scp** support) on Android **without relying on Google Play Store** for my safety? Rooting the device or compiling the application is not a problem, but so far I'm unable to find proper instructions. I don't need a GUI either, some kind of on/off switch wou...
How can I install a **sshd** server (with **scp** support) on Android **without relying on Google Play Store** for my safety?
Rooting the device or compiling the application is not a problem, but so far I'm unable to find proper instructions. I don't need a GUI either, some kind of on/off switch would be nice tho, but that's not required.
JKAbrams
(123 rep)
Jan 21, 2014, 09:03 AM
• Last activity: Sep 27, 2024, 11:22 AM
0
votes
0
answers
54
views
How to request an update for carrier_list.textpb at android.googlesource.com
The carrier_list.textpb presented on this link: https://android.googlesource.com/platform/packages/providers/TelephonyProvider/+/master/assets/latest_carrier_id/carrier_list.textpb#4295 has wrong information for carrier_name for 2 carrier_id: carrier_id { canonical_id: 1608 **carrier_name: "Cosmofon...
The carrier_list.textpb presented on this link: https://android.googlesource.com/platform/packages/providers/TelephonyProvider/+/master/assets/latest_carrier_id/carrier_list.textpb#4295 has wrong information for carrier_name for 2 carrier_id:
carrier_id {
canonical_id: 1608
**carrier_name: "Cosmofon"**
carrier_attribute {
mccmnc_tuple: "29402"
}
}
carrier_id {
canonical_id: 1609
**carrier_name: "Nov Operator"**
carrier_attribute {
mccmnc_tuple: "29403"
}
}
This results with wrong information when using the source for android internet speed test application.
What options do I have to change this source code?
Ivana Cubalevska
(1 rep)
Aug 19, 2024, 06:55 AM
8
votes
1
answers
5258
views
FreeOTP or FreeOTP+ - Which is More Secure?
I have been using FreeOTP by Redhat/Fedora for a few years now as my main two way authentication app. However, I have realised that the current version (1.5) is quite a few years old (having been released in 2016). https://freeotp.github.io/ https://f-droid.org/packages/org.fedorahosted.freeotp/ The...
I have been using FreeOTP by Redhat/Fedora for a few years now as my main two way authentication app. However, I have realised that the current version (1.5) is quite a few years old (having been released in 2016).
https://freeotp.github.io/
https://f-droid.org/packages/org.fedorahosted.freeotp/
There is however a forked version; FreeOTP+. This fork's latest update (1.7) came out in December of 2019, making it far more up to date than the upstream app.
https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.liberty.android.freeotpplus/
I am however concerned about security, due to the app playing a very important role in account security. I am also unsure as I am not too familiar with the work/trustworthiness of the developer of the fork (I mean him/her no offence when I say this, I'm just cautious when it comes to account security), where as I know Redhat to be a secure and freedom respecting company.
So which would be the safer option? Should I stick with the older FreeOTP? Do two way authentication apps need to have up to date security patches?
Or can I trust the more up to date FreeOTP+?
Also, even though I appreciate the help and good intentions of people who would recommend this; but please don't recommend that I use the Google or Microsoft authenticators instead. I want to use a Free/Open Source authentication app rather than a proprietary one.
AdLinux
(245 rep)
Feb 23, 2020, 01:54 PM
• Last activity: Apr 25, 2024, 02:29 PM
0
votes
1
answers
286
views
Android source code for extracting entries from an APK during installation process
I am trying to understand the **exact** details of how Android extracts the entries from an APK during the installation process. First some background info: - The installation may occur either through Play Store or directly using for example `adb` using a command like `adb install example.apk`. *Sho...
I am trying to understand the **exact** details of how Android extracts the entries from an APK during the installation process. First some background info:
- The installation may occur either through Play Store or directly using for example
adb
using a command like adb install example.apk
. *Should be noted that depending on how it is installed the process might be slightly different - I am interested in both cases*
- The .apk is basically a zip file and an extraction should occur. Following the [zip format specification](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZIP_(file_format)) the extraction should account for the compression method being used by each entry. I located [this method](https://cs.android.com/android/platform/superproject/main/+/main:libcore/ojluni/src/main/java/java/util/zip/ZipFile.java?q=symbol%3A%5Cbjava.util.zip.ZipFile.getInputStream%5Cb%20case%3Ayes) which I am not sure if it is related with the installation process but I can see it takes into account the two available compression methods (STORE, DEFLATE).
I have tried in Android 11(emulator x86), to install an APK (through adb) which does not have a compression method of either STORE or DEFLATE for the AndroidManifest.xml and it installs successfully.
What is the responsible code for handling compression methods outside of the ones expected?
kampias
(333 rep)
Sep 6, 2023, 11:36 AM
• Last activity: Feb 8, 2024, 10:13 PM
0
votes
2
answers
754
views
How can I access "visual voicemail" without closed-source apps on GrapheneOS?
Is there an open-source dialer or other application that allows access to PIN-protected voicemail messages? I don't want to have to call my voicemail. I am running GrapheneOS.
Is there an open-source dialer or other application that allows access to PIN-protected voicemail messages? I don't want to have to call my voicemail. I am running GrapheneOS.
legacy-code-dev
(3 rep)
Jan 17, 2024, 03:25 PM
• Last activity: Jan 19, 2024, 10:18 PM
8
votes
4
answers
41861
views
How can I change the default camera app (on lockscreen)?
I would like to uninstall the default camera app and instead use the FOSS [Open Camera][1]. And I would also like to access the camera from the lockscreen. How can I do this in Android 6? [1]: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.sourceforge.opencamera&hl=en
I would like to uninstall the default camera app and instead use the FOSS Open Camera . And I would also like to access the camera from the lockscreen.
How can I do this in Android 6?
mYnDstrEAm
(310 rep)
Aug 28, 2017, 12:32 PM
• Last activity: Apr 23, 2023, 11:04 AM
1
votes
1
answers
154
views
FastHub for GitHub
I've used the FastHub for GitHub Android app in the past, but can no longer find it on the Google Play store. Has it been replaced by the GitHub app for Android? What are the differences, or any changes, between the two apps (if any)? Why has the old app been delisted? Thanks.
I've used the FastHub for GitHub Android app in the past, but can no longer find it on the Google Play store. Has it been replaced by the GitHub app for Android?
What are the differences, or any changes, between the two apps (if any)?
Why has the old app been delisted?
Thanks.
Joselin Jocklingson
(855 rep)
Mar 19, 2023, 11:46 AM
• Last activity: Mar 19, 2023, 12:07 PM
1
votes
0
answers
285
views
Rsync for Android: with Google Drive and Github
I am looking for a way to sync a folder that contains files created by an app, where the app doesn't have backup capabilities. I want the folder to be synced either with Google Drive, or, better, with GitHub (so that my files will be preserved in revision history even if they are deleted on my smart...
I am looking for a way to sync a folder that contains files created by an app, where the app doesn't have backup capabilities.
I want the folder to be synced either with Google Drive, or, better, with GitHub (so that my files will be preserved in revision history even if they are deleted on my smartphone's directory).
Is there such a service on Android? Would I have better have asked this on Software Recommendations?
Thanks.
Joselin Jocklingson
(855 rep)
Sep 8, 2022, 11:03 AM
6
votes
0
answers
322
views
Google's Huawei ban, how will this hit Huawei, since Android is open source?
So, with the latest news of [Google blocking Huawei from Android updates][1], what does this actually mean? Since Android is open source (via [AOSP][2]), Huawei should be perfectly able to continue using Android, and even create their own derivative from it, as the article says. The only thing that...
So, with the latest news of Google blocking Huawei from Android updates , what does this actually mean?
Since Android is open source (via AOSP ), Huawei should be perfectly able to continue using Android, and even create their own derivative from it, as the article says.
The only thing that Google could do, is disallowed their Apps suite, with the Play Store (as again per the article). But Huawei should be in a strong enough position to build their own app store and provide their own apps. (Could they use Open GApps ?)
In the end, this will force Huawei into a position as a strong competitor to Google, especially, but not exclusively, in their China home market.
**So, how should this ban actually hurt Huawei?**
Notes:
- To keep this question focused on Android, I explicitly exclude the use of what Huawei calls their "Backup OS", but just focus on which parts of Android could be "banned".
- Also, I would expect answers to apply to any Android phone manufacturer, not Huawei specifically (Or is there something special about Android on Huawei devices I did miss?)
Marcel
(297 rep)
May 20, 2019, 08:52 PM
• Last activity: Jul 17, 2022, 05:01 PM
0
votes
0
answers
69
views
TalkBack: accessibility: sound cues instead of all text being read, in order to speed up everything
I am using Android on a Realme 6 phone. When reading interface elements out with TalkBack, it wastes a lot of time reading out what is on the screen as I explore by touch or use linear navigation. It would be nice if TalkBack had a feature where you could switch back and forth between normal mode an...
I am using Android on a Realme 6 phone.
When reading interface elements out with TalkBack, it wastes a lot of time reading out what is on the screen as I explore by touch or use linear navigation.
It would be nice if TalkBack had a feature where you could switch back and forth between normal mode and another "quick cue" mode.
In this quick cue mode, when TalkBack encounters an element, it plays a very brief sound corresponding to the type of widget encountered. The user learns to recognize these sounds and can browse quickly through the interface without being distracted, closer to how a seeing user of the interface would.
When the user wants to know what type of element the sound corresponds to, the user swipes left then up then right, to be reminded. Otherwise scrolls quickly till they get to what they want, quickly building a mental idea of what's there.
To read out the text of a button, since the sound cue alone is played out, the user swipes right then up the left. The button text, which takes longer to be read out, is then read aloud. Or the user can switch back to normal mode and proceed.
The sound cues may correspond to things like "time", "share button", "tool button", "add button", "modify button", "delete button", "done button", "submit button", "text widget", "caption", "text entry widget", and so on. Markup, following a given markup XML prefix for the standard set of standardized sounds included, would be supplied, and available in the source code to support this, for the benefit of these very blind users so that they may be able to hear these standard assigned cues for faster less stressful browsing in TalkBack than I'd text would have to be read out everywhere.
Many times when we view a time widget we don't read the time out. Similarly, when viewing a share button, we don't read out "share" to ourselves, we simply recognize the button. With a sound cue, the non-seeing users experience corresponds more closely to a seeing user's experience. This would thus enhance the blind user's ability to use a variety of apps, including apps that were designed primarily for seeing users, but that included blind user support. Perhaps, in many cases, a separate interface should be designed and made accessible to blind users in apps. However, it is not guaranteed that developers would do this, although it would only be right if they were pushed to do this through development tools, and, in this case, how would a blind user access the separate blind user-specific interface to the given apps supporting this feature.
There could be a special swipe gesture in TalkBack to switch between normal mode and quick cue mode. For instance, up then right then down, or up then left then down.
Does TalkBack currently support such a behavior, or does anyone know whether Google and Android have plans to support this behavior for blind users in the future?
Thanks.
Joselin Jocklingson
(855 rep)
Jan 18, 2022, 11:20 AM
• Last activity: Jan 18, 2022, 12:13 PM
1
votes
0
answers
107
views
How do I get the kernel for this phone?
I think companies are legally required to publish the kernel for their phone somewhere. I bought a phone derived from this one: https://www.paxtechnology.com/android-smart-pos and can't find the kernel for it. On "legal information" on android settings, I enter a very large HTML file that I cannot n...
I think companies are legally required to publish the kernel for their phone somewhere.
I bought a phone derived from this one: https://www.paxtechnology.com/android-smart-pos and can't find the kernel for it. On "legal information" on android settings, I enter a very large HTML file that I cannot navigate properly and I don't know what it does.
It's the Pax M30 by the way
Poperton
(112 rep)
Jan 15, 2022, 11:03 PM
• Last activity: Jan 15, 2022, 11:24 PM
10
votes
3
answers
13455
views
Open source flashlight app?
On my new phone, for security reasons I decided to stick to Open Source apps as much as possible. Is there an Open Source flashlight app? The most popular flashlight apps ([1][1],[2][2]) are asking for crazy permissions: GPS, camera, Internet, GPS, SD card... If no Open Source is available, at least...
On my new phone, for security reasons I decided to stick to Open Source apps as much as possible.
Is there an Open Source flashlight app?
The most popular flashlight apps (1 ,2 ) are asking for crazy permissions: GPS, camera, Internet, GPS, SD card...
If no Open Source is available, at least one I would be happy with a very simple one, such as this one (white screen, brightness 100%, lock screen) which for some reason is not available for my new phone .
Nicolas Raoul
(5486 rep)
Jan 1, 2012, 02:05 PM
• Last activity: Sep 8, 2021, 01:36 PM
1
votes
0
answers
140
views
What can I do with an open source phone/kernel?
So this is my very first attempt in any kind of android development. I have [here][1] my phone's official kernel source. I was wondering if I can build this to boot or if it's ready for building. Also this phone is bootloader locked and there's no official or unofficial way to unlock it. So what can...
So this is my very first attempt in any kind of android development. I have here my phone's official kernel source. I was wondering if I can build this to boot or if it's ready for building.
Also this phone is bootloader locked and there's no official or unofficial way to unlock it. So what can I do with the source or the boot image ?
Abdelrahman Esam
(11 rep)
Jun 26, 2021, 03:31 AM
0
votes
0
answers
40
views
Is it possible to build an Android conformant calendar app which stores its data as shareable file?
Or is there already one? I don't know Androids calendar infrastructure so maybe my question sounds a bit fuzzy. I dislike (non self hosted) cloud services but I like the ability to share my calendar among devices (and even people). Since I'm not alone I wonder whether someone already built a calenda...
Or is there already one?
I don't know Androids calendar infrastructure so maybe my question sounds a bit fuzzy.
I dislike (non self hosted) cloud services but I like the ability to share my calendar among devices (and even people). Since I'm not alone I wonder whether someone already built a calendar app which stores it's data (encrypted) in a way which can be shared via Syncthing, Sparkleshare, Dropbox, ...
This app would have to 'monitor' changes on this file in order to update itself, notify the user about changes and not overwrite changes 'from outside'.
So my question is actually two questions: is (are) there such apps already (and how are they called, so I can search myself) or is this possible in the first place (or why not?).
frans
(151 rep)
May 15, 2021, 08:24 AM
0
votes
2
answers
2080
views
Is there an alternative to Bouncer- Temporary app permissions?
I'm really paranoid about my privacy idk why. Recently I installed Whatsapp Aero which is super cool but unfortunately its developer is expert in making spyware apps too. I found this [Bouncer app][1] which provides permissions temporarily. But this app is paid and not open source again. I tried she...
I'm really paranoid about my privacy idk why. Recently I installed Whatsapp Aero which is super cool but unfortunately its developer is expert in making spyware apps too. I found this Bouncer app which provides permissions temporarily. But this app is paid and not open source again. I tried shelter app to isolate it but due to the dual app feature in my phone i can't a add work profile. Can anyone suggest me how can i monitor what the app does in background OR make an script which grants and revokes permissions through adb OR any alternative to Bouncer? I'm gonna buy the bounce app if i'm outta options. The developer deserves it :)
P.S. My device is not rooted.
44yu5h
(1617 rep)
Oct 29, 2020, 02:47 PM
• Last activity: Mar 10, 2021, 07:26 PM
1
votes
0
answers
109
views
VPN hotspot with setting for any VPN server preferably opensource
I've tried web search and installed one [VPN hotspot app (be.mygod.vpnhotspot)][1] from google play, but could not find in it settings for VPN server ip. The task in to connect to my OpenVPN server and provide transparent ip spoofing for devices connected to my phone by WiFi and/or USB. Is there suc...
I've tried web search and installed one VPN hotspot app (be.mygod.vpnhotspot) from google play, but could not find in it settings for VPN server ip.
The task in to connect to my OpenVPN server and provide transparent ip spoofing for devices connected to my phone by WiFi and/or USB. Is there such app (preferably opensource)?
I understand root is required. Is there a way to make phone connect to some WiFi-spot and be via that app WiFi spot with VPN? If not, then get internet from WiFi and make its spot for USB tethering.
Martian2020
(475 rep)
Jan 29, 2021, 09:20 AM
• Last activity: Jan 29, 2021, 09:42 AM
1
votes
0
answers
298
views
An Android App for blocking trackers completely using AI
**_About my device:_** - **Android version:** 10 - **ROM:** Stock ROM(Android One) - **Bootloader status:** Unlocked and Rooted with Magisk 21.4 Stable **_Tweaks that I've done till today:_** - AdAway - AfWall+ - Warden - Ditched Chrome for Bromite, Brave(for syncing to pc) and Firefox Klar - [NUKED...
**_About my device:_**
- **Android version:** 10
- **ROM:** Stock ROM(Android One)
- **Bootloader status:** Unlocked and Rooted with Magisk 21.4 Stable
**_Tweaks that I've done till today:_**
- AdAway
- AfWall+
- Warden
- Ditched Chrome for Bromite, Brave(for syncing to pc) and Firefox Klar
- [NUKED script](https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/module-tool-nuked_script-tm-b-attery-p-erformance-p-rivacy.4131715/)
- And many more!
I'm currently searching for an Android app that can block **ALL** the **trackers** as well as **hidden trackers** on Android including **Ads**.
I, being a privacy enthusiast, have done a lot of online search, and currently using an open source app called **[Warden](https://www.xda-developers.com/warden-open-source-app-aurora-store-disable-trackers-loggers/)** . It's good but, user needs to spend ton of time tweaking apps for better protection against trackers.
*(If you're from India and you use **Jio sim**, then you'll have **MyJio** installed, their tracking is literally **insane**!)*.
I'd like know, is there any other Android App that can **learn** to **tweak and disable** trackers(privacy badger extension for browsers, for example) on it's own as the time passes, just like how Google Keyboard learns to personalize the dictionary.
Editings and Suggestions are always welcome:)
theycallmepix
(185 rep)
Jan 28, 2021, 05:51 AM
0
votes
1
answers
187
views
Xiaomi source code
Does anyone know where I can find the source code of Xiaomi. I don't mean only the kernel code like this [here][1], but the whole code for their OS just like I can get it from [here][2] for Android in general. [1]: https://github.com/MiCode/Xiaomi_Kernel_OpenSource/tree/whyred-n-oss [2]: http://andr...
Keselme
(173 rep)
Jun 14, 2020, 07:13 AM
• Last activity: Jun 14, 2020, 07:49 AM
Showing page 1 of 20 total questions