Database Info

[Q] Lost my Nexus S

I'm kinda in a daze from losing my Nexus S last night. The hangover is probably contributing to said daze. I don't have one of those security apps installed. I must have forgotten to restore it when I flashed a new ROM. My inner child is on my inner floor bawling his eyes out at the moment.
Anyway, my question is, what can I do to ensure minimal loss of my privacy. I have already changed all my passwords. Does this automatically unsync my account on the phone? I mean, will the phone ask whoever has it to re-enter the new password? What else am I forgetting? What else can I do?
Would appreciate it if "You should have"s are avoided. Thanks!

I know for sure that if you have changed your Google/Gmail Password, that the phone will prompt for a new one. As far as 'unsyncing' I do not know. I didn't check to see if my contacts/emails/calendar etc were removed when I changed the password and the phone prompted for a new one.
I will change my password again, see what happens and let you know.
*****EDIT*****
I changed my password for my phone, I got a notification about a sign in error, that prompted for a password. The dialing functions still worked as normal, any emails that you had cached were also visibile as well as the calendar. I rebooted without updating the password and could still call out as normal, but when I tried to access the Gmail app, it tried to sync the inbox, but prompted for a password right away.
I don't have any apps installed with other sensitive information, but I would imagine those would function as normal.
Hope this helps.

You could try lookout mobile security "plan b" will help find it.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA Premium App

Hmm sorry to hear that dude, i would probably be bawling on the floor too!
Although... i probably will install one of those security apps now...

Thanks for your help, guys.

Even if you don't change password but someone change sim card,android will require reenter password for sync
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

I don't know if Plan B would work seeing as how his Google Account is tied to the market account. Because he changed his password and the phone lost connection with the Google account, I don't believe remote installs will work, but I could be wrong.

SphericalPuma said:
I don't know if Plan B would work seeing as how his Google Account is tied to the market account. Because he changed his password and the phone lost connection with the Google account, I don't believe remote installs will work, but I could be wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I was wondering the same thing. I picked up a new Nexus S(not SAMOLED unfortunately) and synced it up and everything. Finally got to a PC and looked up my Market Account. It listed both phones under devices and I could go all the way to installing it on both phones. It located my current phone.
Unfortunately, I blocked my SIM card prematurely(did not know about Plan B), so, I can't send out the locate SMS. But, I figure whoever has it has probably removed the SIM card, or does not know how to charge it if the battery is dead or is using a SIM on it without a data connection. So, no data connection means no app on the phone. I haven't received an email from Plan B for the lost phone.

Why is the phone is still linked to my market account? I can see that the carrier has been changed which means a new SIM.
For now I'm just satisfying myself by installing inane and useless apps on the phone. HAHA! I hope it works and the app installation is going through. I've pretty much lost hope of finding it.

[Q] Android security: What happens if someone fails to unlock the screen?

Hi all,
I've a Nexus S (Gingerbread) and I'm curious to know what actually happens if there are too many failed unlock attempts at the unlock screen?
Will it eventually wipe the phone as a security measure? (this would be ideal)
I'm concerned because I'm going to be travelling with it soon and didn't know whether it would be worth stumping up for third party security like - Lookout mobile or something (does anyone have any suggestions?)
Thanks very much!

Nothing happens you just have to wait 30 secs and try again

Or you could hit "Forgotten Password " or whatever it is and sign in with your gmail account.
Sent from my T959 using XDA App

When my sisters tried to unlock my phone too many times, I had to log back into my gmail to unlock it myself.
So your data is safe unless they know your gmail address and password. If not, they will have to do a complete wipe (and I'm sure any thief wouldn't know how to do that)

If you want to be safer you could download Prey, it lets you lock, automatically send a text to a pre-defined number if the sim is changed and track your phone through the internet. It's free, that's the best part.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA Premium App

Thanks a lot for your help guys. After a bit of investigation, I went for an app called AutoWipe:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.vesperaNovus.app.Autowipe&feature=search_result
It's very simple and does exactly what I was looking for.
Thanks again.

How do you get in if you are using 2 step verification in gmail?

Joe-retired said:
How do you get in if you are using 2 step verification in gmail?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd imagine you'd have to go through the ballache of finding out your backup codes, and all that stuff.
Sometimes i wonder why i turned 2 step verification on..... then i remember just how big a part google plays in my life and how many services i use.... so i am happy

Too many pattern attempts

My son has a Desire S which he has locked now after doing too many pattern attempts but we do not have the gmail account password (was setup purely for this phone and not used it since created) I have done a gmail recovery form but not holding my breath as account was never used so cant provide the "who emails you frequently" info etc...
Found a post on G1 forum about turning pattern lock off using ADB but he has turned off USB debugging
I know I can wipe the phone but he really dont want phone wiped as obv. will loose all his contacts and as its summer holidays wont be easy to get them back
If I flashed a rom (stock or otherwise) would it automatically wipe data? (normally only use clockwork to flash mine and know it gives option but clockwork not an option as cant get in phone) if it didnt wipe data do stock roms normally have debugging enabled? so I could then disable using ADB
or is there any other way? or will I have to bite bullet and wipe it

can't you boot into recovery using power and volume down, and aren't the contacts in sync with your gmail?
There are some methods on this link you can try
http://einartysen.se/unlock-android-phone-after-too-many-pattern-attempts/
Also how many times did you try?!! Usually it locks for a little while

It is running a stock rom unrooted so no recovery mode
Contacts are synced with gmail but no good as we cant access gmail account
Dont know how many times it was tried but lock seems permanent, has been stuck on that for hours now and even turning off/on dont clear it

oh and I have tried everything in that site already btw

lol this really bites, how old is your son? does he have a zillen and a half contacts? does he have an paid apps associated with gmail? if your answers are; under 10, no, and no. then it might just be easier to scrap and redo... :|
other then that your choices are to either remember the pin or the password to the gmail account
and did calling the phone but pressing the home button really not work? cause i really would like to know that one for future reference.

yeah you're only option now is to do a factory reset.

ViaraiX said:
My son has a Desire S which he has locked now after doing too many pattern attempts but we do not have the gmail account password (was setup purely for this phone and not used it since created) I have done a gmail recovery form but not holding my breath as account was never used so cant provide the "who emails you frequently" info etc...
Found a post on G1 forum about turning pattern lock off using ADB but he has turned off USB debugging
I know I can wipe the phone but he really dont want phone wiped as obv. will loose all his contacts and as its summer holidays wont be easy to get them back
If I flashed a rom (stock or otherwise) would it automatically wipe data? (normally only use clockwork to flash mine and know it gives option but clockwork not an option as cant get in phone) if it didnt wipe data do stock roms normally have debugging enabled? so I could then disable using ADB
or is there any other way? or will I have to bite bullet and wipe it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you not give gmail an alternative email in case of situations where you forgot your password? If you did then you can just request your password sent to that.
Once you get the gmail password it's just a case of factory reset, set up gmail account and gmail should have all contacts backed up.

If your son is on facebook, they have probably "stolen" all the contacts already and you can get them back from there.

al89nut said:
If your son is on facebook, they have probably "stolen" all the contacts already and you can get them back from there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's a great idea, get your son to log into his face book and if he's used the face book application from his phone recently then his account will contain all of his contacts and their numbers
Swyped from HTC Desire S using XDA Premium

[Q] Themes in App Store not Downloading

Hi all,
First time post, been enjoying all the advice on how to root and all that jazz.
As the title says it; I'm having problems downloading any theme from the app store. Any theme I choose and hit "Download" on it just brings up a window for 1/2 a second that I believe says "Downloading" but never actually does anything. Another weird thing, the other 2 themes that are kind of defaulted for options that you can download both work. I'm not sure if this is a silly question, however I can't seem to figure it out as no one else seems to have this issue.
Random pieces of information:
1. Yes, my phone is rooted, however this issue was still around before I did so.
2. I have the AT&T variant Galaxy S6.
3. I've checked to see if there's any apparent apps I disabled that may cause it but the only app that seems like it may be related is "Theme Store", and that of course isn't disabled.
Thank you!

Did you disable the Samsung Account? It doesn't work without the Samsung Account apk.

marsen2567 said:
Did you disable the Samsung Account? It doesn't work without the Samsung Account apk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Double checked, it is not disabled.
Thanks for the idea though!

Create a new Samsung account.
I had this exact same problem and was able to fix by creating a new account. My old account was one I had created when the galaxy nexus was released.

jeff5891 said:
Create a new Samsung account.
I had this exact same problem and was able to fix by creating a new account. My old account was one I had created when the galaxy nexus was released.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This may be a dumb question, but maybe it will avoid me a lot of wasted time, but how do I do that? And Thanks for the help!

jeff5891 said:
Create a new Samsung account.
I had this exact same problem and was able to fix by creating a new account. My old account was one I had created when the galaxy nexus was released.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I think I figured out how to do it.
I made another account and registered my device on that Samsung account while un-activating it on my old one. However, I can't add the account on my phone, whenever I go to accounts on the settings page and choose Samsung account it does nothing, absolutely nothing. It just goes back a menu where it shows my account without allowing to input any information.

twitchdatweek said:
Well, I think I figured out how to do it.
I made another account and registered my device on that Samsung account while un-activating it on my old one. However, I can't add the account on my phone, whenever I go to accounts on the settings page and choose Samsung account it does nothing, absolutely nothing. It just goes back a menu where it shows my account without allowing to input any information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you ever figure out how to fix this? I wanted to download a camera mode, but realize nothing would happen when I tried to install. I went back and enabled all of my disabled apps in Titanium Backup. But unfortunately I still cannot add a Samsung account. Same thing happens when I choose Samsung from the account types, nothing happens.

I've got a girl that I work with that is having the exact same issue. She has the 128gb Verizon model and essentially nothing happens when you try to install a theme. Same thing happens with the Samsung account as well, as soon as you go into add the account and press Samsung account, it just bumps you right back out to the accounts screen. I've tried clearing data for Samsung Account, Galaxy Apps, Theme Manager, etc. Not quite sure what the issue is.

You're not alone
I'm having the same issue after attempting to install new camera modes via galaxy apps store.
support advised me to disable Samsung account and clear the cache... now i can't add it back despite it being enabled.. its just an endless loop .. add account - chooses Samsung account - flips back t previous screen
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s6/help/able-to-add-samsung-account-t3118651#post61013557
Some please help us figure this out!

R3d3ad3 said:
I'm having the same issue after attempting to install new camera modes via galaxy apps store.
support advised me to disable Samsung account and clear the cache... now i can't add it back despite it being enabled.. its just an endless loop .. add account - chooses Samsung account - flips back t previous screen
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s6/help/able-to-add-samsung-account-t3118651#post61013557
Some please help us figure this out!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for not posting any updates.
Well, this isn't probably what you want to hear, but I fixed it by doing a Factory Data Rest. I don't know if everyone else's issues are exactly what I was experiencing, but I noticed when I did this reset and had to link a Samsung Account upon first power up for the phone. I'll be honest, I don't remember doing this the first time I got the phone (This is my first Samsung Account so I wasn't aware you had to do this). Then, of course, I checked this issue and it was fixed. I know this isn't really figuring out how to fix the issue, but it worked for me.
Good luck guys!

same thing bro...
twitchdatweek said:
Sorry for not posting any updates.
Well, this isn't probably what you want to hear, but I fixed it by doing a Factory Data Rest. I don't know if everyone else's issues are exactly what I was experiencing, but I noticed when I did this reset and had to link a Samsung Account upon first power up for the phone. I'll be honest, I don't remember doing this the first time I got the phone (This is my first Samsung Account so I wasn't aware you had to do this). Then, of course, I checked this issue and it was fixed. I know this isn't really figuring out how to fix the issue, but it worked for me.
Good luck guys!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wasted hours on multiple days speaking to every venue availing for support and none were even aware it was possible and all claimed a factory reset. On the flip side verizon offered offered a refurbished replacement, but unless this continues I'd opt for the reset which fixed my account and now it runs like a dream... a super fast octabrain dream

I was facing the same problem.
Reading through this thread I've figured out what was wrong.
I have an old Samsung Account and this account was blocked on Samsung due to inactivity and new T&Cs to agree.
I've accessed the Samsung site (https://account.samsung.com) and reactivated my account.
After that, I became able to download the themes from Themes Store.

twitchdatweek said:
Hi all,
First time post, been enjoying all the advice on how to root and all that jazz.
As the title says it; I'm having problems downloading any theme from the app store. Any theme I choose and hit "Download" on it just brings up a window for 1/2 a second that I believe says "Downloading" but never actually does anything. Another weird thing, the other 2 themes that are kind of defaulted for options that you can download both work. I'm not sure if this is a silly question, however I can't seem to figure it out as no one else seems to have this issue.
Random pieces of information:
1. Yes, my phone is rooted, however this issue was still around before I did so.
2. I have the AT&T variant Galaxy S6.
3. I've checked to see if there's any apparent apps I disabled that may cause it but the only app that seems like it may be related is "Theme Store", and that of course isn't disabled.
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do a factory reset get the theme then root if it still dont work then call samsung.
Sent from my SM-N910V using XDA Free mobile app

I have a same problem. My phone not rooted. I have package disabler. I enabled all disabled packages, rebooted phone, deleted dalvik, but no succes. I can't create samsung account in phone settings >accounts and theme store do not work. I do not want factory reset, because after needs a lot of time to configure phone.

Ghost in the Machine

Hi guys!
Tried the search but came up with nothing so here goes...
I must admit I'm not very tech savvy but I can follow instructions no worries
I joined mainly because my Samsung Galaxy S8+ (un-rooted) started to behave very strangely early this year.
(and I want to trick it up after warranty expires in August ?)
Short story is that my Samsung account got hacked (or it at least seems like it) and the perp was then able to control my phone remotely. It was incredible watching my phone do as it pleased and all I could do was sit back and watch. Funny thing is that I've never actually toggled the RC switch (find my phone)...
My local carrier (Telstra Bigpond - Australia) account as well as my Google account got taken over shortly after. This would have given whoever it was access to my 3 cloud accounts which add you can appreciate would contain some sensitive material.
Whoever is responsible could well be a member on here so "Hi, there!! "
I pulled my sim and sd card and switched the phone off so I could decide what to do next.
I got a password manager app, changed all passwords (lucky my partner had a spare iPhone 5S sitting around up I could get online) and factory reset the phone.
All seemed to be going well until a few days ago...
I got "timed out" on my Samsung account (is that even possible?!) and while I was putting the password in (on the Samsung website - silly mistake!) just as I hit next I noticed a few dots in a square pattern that did a spinning type of graphic over the password entry box.
Continuing onto the next screen where the two step verification was, which was to send a text to my phone to receive a code and bang! Before I even received the text a six digit code appears in the fill box on the screen (same spinning dots in a square pattern) right before my eyes and then I receive the text afterwards! The numbers matched!!
I’ve also been asked to enter my Google credentials on more than one occasion lately from being “signed out”...
I don't know what to do!
I've tried all of the popular virus type apps and a few file managers to no avail. More like I've been hacked than a virus?
I've removed apps and shut down almost all of them as well as toggling between mobile data and WiFi and restored the phone twice back to earlier backups from over 6 months ago.
I've only ever downloaded from the Play Store apart from just the once getting your better version of the Play Store XDA (LABS) app.
What might be noteworthy is when I was using Google's help function it said that I had a "modified Android" and to contact manufacturer. I can guarantee the phone has never been cracked open.
I can provide screen shots from DevCheck (FLAR2) but I really don't know what I'm looking at. I also don't have any unknown apps etc...
I really don't know what to do next...
Any advice please??
Sorry about the long post.
All the best,
Crackles

Took phone to Samsung and they wiped the device and installed current (Android Pie 9 w. Feb 01 security update) so was looking forward to having a play with the new os until I went to add my Samsung account details...
Entered the password then the 2-step security kicked in to send a text to my number.
The earlier 4 circling dots dropped the 6 digit code into the fill box before I even received the sms! Device (on it's own jumped straight to the remote control button in the Find my Device security section) then attempted to change the password!
Only thing that prevented that from being carried out was I had biometrics activated and stopped the action using my fingerprint.
Seriously no one has any idea on what to do?!
I also had installed a replacement sim card.
I also can't uninstall updates on certain apps like Google Play Services etc, and some apps either have a dead link (press it and nothing happens) or Play Store can't find the app when I hit the downloaded from Play Store thingy at the bottom of the app description page. Hope that makes sense.

As you said, they wiped the phone, which means they most likely flashed the whole firmware, so there's no way for any malware to remain installed. But for what it's worth, you can try to re-flash the firmware yourself using Oding to make sure the whole flash is clean.
If your phone really was infected with any kind of malware, it must have been a 3-rd party app you have (repeatedly) installed. Some apps like Google Play Services cannot be uninstalled because they are vital for system's (or rather apps installed from Play Store) propper functioning.
Also, even if you had infected your device, it would not be able to take control of your device to the extent you described because of app sandboxing, which cannot be broken unless the app constitutes itself as a system app (because every part of the system has to be cryptographically signed, this would break the boot and brick your device) or the user (you) would have to allow the app the necessary permissions to carry out these tasks.

Hey Kernel thanks for the reply ?
Yes I know what I'm saying sounds crazy and even the missus said I was nuts till I showed her.
I can't screen record any more either...
I'm noticing odd little things like when I pull the notifications screen down for a second or so the NFC, Bluetooth and nearby icons are lit up but then revert back to a if they were off. I've switched all of these items off in the settings so are they being sneaky?
So far nothing really bad has happened apart from not being able to put my credentials into the PayPal app. That's using both Last Pass auto-fill and manually entering the email and password. I've un-installed and re-installed many times and it's the same. I'm not going to add any banking apps just yet.
Facebook also got installed in the background about 4 times within a few minutes. Seemed odd to me. I think I've got a screenshot of that.
Malwarebytes found an issue with I'm guessing a theme I got from the Samsung Galaxy Store so I removed it, chose another and it seems OK.
There's still a few odd things happening like certain settings reverting back to something different from what I'd set.
I'll keep tinkering and post anything that stands out.
Is there an app or something that can check every file on my phone and tell if something isn't quite right?
I don't have a pc at the moment but when I do I'll look into Odin.
Thanks again for taking the time I know I sound like a lunatic and tbh I really wish I was haha!! :laugh:
Hmm interesting...
When I tried to upload the screenshot it stopped and said "bad request"...
Sent from my SM-G955F using XDA Labs

Could all this weird bs be happening if the home WiFi has been hijacked?
Sorry for dumb questions.
Sent from my SM-G955F using XDA Labs

Whatsapp does the same thing, autocompletes the code, before de sms is coming. This is not a malware. But, don't use password manager... Those can be hacked.

Really my password manager can be hacked?!
I'm using Last Pass.
So moving on I started to poke around the WiFi router and found the PnP enabled and my device was sharing with another device. I did not authorise this. I've since reset the router, changed the pin and access code, disabled the WPS and also factory reset the device that was "sharing" with mine... The owner of said device no longer lives with me. I'm just glad I confiscated the phone from him before he left.
When I'm researching possibilities of what could be going on with my phone the pages won't load. It's like my searches are being monitored and the data is being stopped. I tested this with my partner's phone (on mobile data) and the exact Web pages loaded right up on her's without a hitch! I tried again on mine and they just stopped. Pages would load straight away on mine if searching for something completely different like rc cars or bmx related content. Stuff to do with my phone just won't work ffs!
Like when I tried my first post on here. It simply would not post it up! I ended up having to copy/paste the draft and emailing it to another account that I made up on the spot on her phone. Hence the two usernames in this thread.
I got the 3C TOOLBOX app and in the app management section, Task Manager under service many of them are "custom entries" and I cannot un-tick, modify or reset back to the original version of any of these apps. Google Play Services was the worst. Pretty much every thing it was capable of doing had a "custom action" and I could not do anything with it.
Am I doing something wrong or do I have a serious invasion of my phone..?
Thinking about smashing this thing to bits and getting an S10+ ??
Also the Bluetooth, NFC & Nearby buttons almost any me of the day/night are on for a split second when I drag the motivation panel down. These are all set to "OFF" in settings...
What
The
F--k?!?!?!
Sent from my SM-G955F using XDA Labs