Hi every1,
I have a captivate with a broken power button and it was driving me nuts for the last 2 months since I couldnot wake up the phone if it went to lock screen. I tried no lock and other apps but they didnt work 100% of the time. Today I found this thread :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=850464
It is button remapper utility but it doesnot support captivate yet. However my only concern was to remap my volume buttons to power button.
This is how I did it :
Firstly, we'll need to pull the file that controls the buttons which is entitled "aries-keypad.kl" in "system/usr/keylayout".
To pull the file, connect your captivate and run:
adb remount
adb pull system/usr/keylayout/aries-keypad.kl aries-keypad.kl
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Edit this pulled file like below :
key 115 POWER WAKE
key 114 POWER WAKE
key 102 HOME WAKE_DROPPED
key 116 POWER WAKE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Key 115 was VOLUME_UP while Key 114 was VOLUME_DOWN. I reassigned both to behave as POWER button.
After you're done with your edits, you'll need to save the file properly (NO .txt files!), and then you'll have to push it back to the phone.
adb remount
adb push aries-keypad.kl /system/usr/keylayout
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reboot your phone, and then check to see if the remapping works as expected. Your volume buttons should now behave as power button.
Simple and Effective!
For more info, look at threads :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=850464
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=695936
Thanks for this, but I just have two questions.
Does this make us lose control of the volume using the volume rocker?
and
This change allows us to turn turn off the screen as well using the volume buttons, correct? Not just to power the screen on.
Yes you will lose volume control over which ever you choose. I personally chose to lose my volume up since i think it would be more important to lower my volume if i suddenly needed to. To answer you second question yes this function will work as an exact replacement for your power button meaning it turns the screen on, off, powers on and off, and would get you into download or recovery mode depending on the volume rocker you still had available.\
P.S. I did not change all options to the power key. I left the Key 114 VOLUME_DOWN the same.
oh alright. Thanks!
So I decided to go ahead and try this but I seem to run into a problem. I am able to pull the file through adb, but I can't seem to push it back into the phone. It gives me two errors: "operation denied" and "read-only file." Is there any way to fix this? If it matters, I am able to pull the file with having to do the "adb remount" step; idk if there is something wrong, but it won't let me "adb remount" either.
I've made sure I have all the su permissions so i don't what could be wrong.
jtd9 said:
oh alright. Thanks!
So I decided to go ahead and try this but I seem to run into a problem. I am able to pull the file through adb, but I can't seem to push it back into the phone. It gives me two errors: "operation denied" and "read-only file." Is there any way to fix this? If it matters, I am able to pull the file with having to do the "adb remount" step; idk if there is something wrong, but it won't let me "adb remount" either.
I've made sure I have all the su permissions so i don't what could be wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can edit the files on your phone using ES File Explorer.
If you install most asop builds there is usually an option under from control that will let you use the volume button to turn on the screen without losing volume cintrols . Works well too.
I don't mean to hijack this thread, but since we seem to have a similar problem, I figured you guys would have an answer.
How, if possible, are you guys installing custom rom since I really can't get CWM to work with the power button broken?
I'm using Root Toolbox to reboot in recovery, then using the home button for selecting things in CWM.
For example i remapped the power button to vol down. If my phone is off, can I power it on by using the volume down?
takeoutttt said:
For example i remapped the power button to vol down. If my phone is off, can I power it on by using the volume down?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No you cannot. The remap only takes affect when android has booted. When the phone is off the power button is still the power button
Sent from my SGH-I897 using xda premium
Thank you, it worked like a Charm...
hd779 said:
If you install most asop builds there is usually an option under from control that will let you use the volume button to turn on the screen without losing volume cintrols . Works well too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That won't let you "sleep" the phone with the volume control button. My button is to the point where I press it sometimes it works, sometimes it brings up the power menu but most of the time it does nothing.
I use volume wake and an app called turn off screen. More inconvenient than power button but once you use the app once to turn off the screen it stays in your list when you long press the home key so I can turn off the phone without having to go the home screen every time.
Rip power button you are sorely missed.
I use rom manager to restart my phone into recovery for flashing.
I also asked this in another thread... I want to disable WAKE with power button...
I edited all . kl files in system > usr > keylayout and deleted WAKE on power button lines with no luck.
I am on galaxy s2 slim 2.7.0 rom. android 4.1.2
For those of you that this method did not work there is a much easy and hassle free alternative!! Takes a minute or two only!!
Get 'Go launcher' from the app market (play)
Get 'Go Locker'
Now Enable Go Locker on your device. And you are done!!
When the screen goes black again, Just press the volume button, The screen wakes up!!
Using this method you don't lose the normal functionality of the volume rocker!!
I respect the effort put in by "puneet_champ" to make this post.. I went through this post, I couldn't find a file named 'aries-keypad.kl' Good thing I didn't!
As a result of which I recalled that I used to have Go Locker on my phone, and that when I pressed the Volume key the screen turned on!!
At that time I found it a little annoying, But now it has turned out to be such a gift!!
infaas said:
For those of you that this method did not work there is a much easy and hassle free alternative!! Takes a minute or two only!!
Get 'Go launcher' from the app market (play)
Get 'Go Locker'
Now Enable Go Locker on your device. And you are done!!
When the screen goes black again, Just press the volume button, The screen wakes up!!
Using this method you don't lose the normal functionality of the volume rocker!!
I respect the effort put in by "puneet_champ" to make this post.. I went through this post, I couldn't find a file named 'aries-keypad.kl' Good thing I didn't!
As a result of which I recalled that I used to have Go Locker on my phone, and that when I pressed the Volume key the screen turned on!!
At that time I found it a little annoying, But now it has turned out to be such a gift!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The issue there is you have to have a custom launcher, and you can't turn your phone off yourself.
Samsung Galaxy S Captivate
Android 4.2.2
Kernel 3.0.66-g6c5dade
Cyanogen 10-1-20130224-NIGHTYLY-captivatemtd
I used both ES File Explorer and ADB method to try to edit the file to fix my power button issue.
Both methods allowed me to edit the file and have the edits remain after a reboot and reviewing of the file. However the edits don't seem to be doing anything as the volume keys still function as volume.
If anyone knows what I might be doing wrong it would be much appreciated.
^^^i had the same issue as you. No matter how I tried editing it to re map buttons it did not work. I trouble shoot this for many weeks and made no progress. A member did suggest making some custom scripts which was above my skill level. Ended up buying a new button. Actually just got the phone back fixed this weekend.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
infaas said:
For those of you that this method did not work there is a much easy and hassle free alternative!! Takes a minute or two only!!
Get 'Go launcher' from the app market (play)
Get 'Go Locker'
Now Enable Go Locker on your device. And you are done!!
When the screen goes black again, Just press the volume button, The screen wakes up!!
Using this method you don't lose the normal functionality of the volume rocker!!
I respect the effort put in by "puneet_champ" to make this post.. I went through this post, I couldn't find a file named 'aries-keypad.kl' Good thing I didn't!
As a result of which I recalled that I used to have Go Locker on my phone, and that when I pressed the Volume key the screen turned on!!
At that time I found it a little annoying, But now it has turned out to be such a gift!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The file that you needed and you didn't find is probably not called aries-keypad.kl . Every sort of devices calls it a bit different, with keypad or kpd in the name of the file. For example the file on my device is called mtk-kpd.kl . You see?
Greetings, Plehai
Easier to use an app called button remapper and make the search button the power button. Volume buttons to wake.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using xda app-developers app
Related
Credit goes to: Geniusdog254, Decad3nce, and BuglessPete for being remapping guru's.
Right, just slappin' this how-to together quickly before I go to work. I'll clean everything up and make things so that they're not so vague when I get home from work.
So if you're like me, and you hate having to reach all they way to the top right hand corner of your phone to press the power key so that you may wake your phone, then this tutorial will tell you how to make it so that your volume down key acts as a power key, which will give your Evo the ability to wake from sleep by pushing the volume down key. I've also remapped the search key so that it acts as the volume down key.
Please note that my remapping the volume down key will not effect it while in recovery, fastboot, or bootloader mode.
Make a backup of your supersonic-keypad.kl by running these commands via adb:
Code:
adb remount
adb pull system/usr/keylayout/supersonic-keypad.kl supersonic-keypad.kl
The supersonic-keypad.kl file is now in your AndroidSDK tools file, pull it out and save it to your desktop, just in case you ever want to switch back.
Download one of these files and save it to your AndroidSDK tools folder.
Volume down key acts as your power key & search key as your volume down key - http://www.4shared.com/file/c2KMz6tH/supersonic-keypad.html
Search key as select or enter -http://www.4shared.com/file/3ME8K6iK/supersonic-keylayout.html
Volume down key acts as your power key and search key opens up the phone application - http://www.4shared.com/file/-UaXzgwH/_2__supersonic-keypad.html
Then run these commands via adb:
Code:
adb remount
adb push supersonic-keypad.kl /system/usr/keylayout
adb reboot
And that's it, your volume down button will now act as your power button which will allow you to wake your screen, and your search key will now act as your volume down key.
Sweet find man..any chance for if somebody can attach the file onto this thread instead of sharing service?
attached.
You'll need to rename it to .kl
can someone make a flashable zip to do this please.
Nice thanks bro
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
This is a good hack. It'll give your power button a rest, as some owners were unfortunate of having cracks from the faulty strain.
afflaq said:
attached.
You'll need to rename it to .kl
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks mate.
NICE it worked. Now the VOL-DOWN key will wake phone up.
But you'll lose the volume down and you can't adjust the volume while in phone, so you have to get a volume widget or some sort.
but i like my volume down button turning my volume down and my search button searching
haha i agree with davebu. Nice feature though! I can imagine this will be useful for some people.
vboyz103 said:
NICE it worked. Now the VOL-DOWN key will wake phone up.
But you'll lose the volume down and you can't adjust the volume while in phone, so you have to get a volume widget or some sort.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's why I remapped the search key to act as a volume down key. A feature I find cool, seeing as the search key has done nothing but annoy me. Lol
davebu said:
but i like my volume down button turning my volume down and my search button searching
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well then, I guess you're **** out of luck with this guide.
Although I've been looking into giving key 114 permission to run the WAKE_DROPPED attribute by editing init.rc. I'll look into that when I get home, or maybe somebody smarter than me can figure it out before then.
The other thing you could do...
The other way you can enable this feature is to download No Lock by BoD. It's an app that disables the lock screen, which I've always found kinda unneeded. It has the added benefit of allowing the phone to wake up upon volume button press.
Hope someone finds this helpful.
Enjoy!
madmagdalin said:
The other way you can enable this feature is to download No Lock by BoD. It's an app that disables the lock screen, which I've always found kinda unneeded. It has the added benefit of allowing the phone to wake up upon volume button press.
Hope someone finds this helpful.
Enjoy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thread pwned. Lmao
Thanks a million for this, dude.
Could you remap your "search" key to be like a "trackball press" on the HTC Dream?
c0t0d0s2 said:
Could you remap your "search" key to be like a "trackball press" on the HTC Dream?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but to my knowledge you'd only be able to use it to move in one direction. Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong.
neckface said:
Yes, but to my knowledge you'd only be able to use it to move in one direction. Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He means can you make it so its the actual "Press" like when you press the trackball down and select something, not to make it so it moves around like when you move the trackball. Like a enter sort of fashion when you highlight over something with the trackball and press it down.
oreoOozZz said:
He means can you make it so its the actual "Press" like when you press the trackball down and select something, not to make it so it moves around like when you move the trackball. Like a enter sort of fashion when you highlight over something with the trackball and press it down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good God, I'm slow. Thanks for the clarification. I'm pretty sure you could, but wouldn't it be easier to just use the screen to select or confirm whatever it is you're selecting and/or confirming? Or is there yet another thing in missing?
neckface said:
Good God, I'm slow. Thanks for the clarification. I'm pretty sure you could, but wouldn't it be easier to just use the screen to select or confirm whatever it is you're selecting and/or confirming? Or is there yet another thing in missing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, if it acted like a trackball click it would wake the phone.
I'd love that, but I think the issue is that the capacitive buttons are off when the phone is asleep.
Can anyone confirm this?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
I was thinking it'd be nice for older apps that use a trackball press, like connectbot and spider solitaire.
laydros said:
Yes, if it acted like a trackball click it would wake the phone.
I'd love that, but I think the issue is that the capacitive buttons are off when the phone is asleep.
Can anyone confirm this?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see. And yeah, you're correct about the captivate buttons. I think an easier route would be to edit init.rc to give one, or both, of the volume keys permissions to run the WAKE_DROPPED attribute. Although, making it so that one of the captivated keys could run the very same attribute would be better still.
Basically, I read some user feedback from Knyghtryda's Camera Mod and came up with this very simple solution. I converted the Power Button to be the camera shutter, which also works for recording and 2.3.4 GB, and does not require a modified camera.apk. The Search Button was converted to function as power on/off. I made these changes by modifying the system/usr/keylayout files.
Honestly, I find this configuration awkward unless I am taking pictures. The search button is my least favorite button and normally only hit it by accident. If this is not an ideal configuration or you can't live without a search function, just give me suggestions.
I'm not a developer or anything, I just like to experiment with my android. If anyone, dev or not, has any suggestions or improvements feel free to comment.
v1.0
Power Button=Camera Shutter, Search Button=Power on/off, No Search Button Function
Issues 8/5/2011
I haven't confirmed this with Gingerbread, only with Froyo: If you remap power button to any other button, it will function as power button but if the screen is asleep and not plugged in for a period of more than about 10 seconds, you have to press original power button followed by the new power button to wake the screen.
I have also tested a few button remapping apps made for other devices, but do not seem to be compatible with Froyo. I will be testing Gingerbread next.
Added Key Configurations
Search Button=Camera Shutter, Power=Default
Credits:
Knyghtryda- idea for the shutter and scripts
Jack$on- idea to relocate power to search button
Installation Instructions
To Change Button Configuration
Run key_remapper.zip or key_remapper_GB.zip for respective firmware version in CWM.
To Return to Default Key Configuration
Run keymap_reset.zip or keymap_reset_GB.zip for respective firmware version in CWM.
DO NOT RUN WRONG VERSION: The files look very similar but I have ran Froyo zip on GB on two occasions and all of the bottom row buttons stop working.
I think making the Search button the default camera button would work better in the long run. Don't like the camera.apk hack.. i end up with a power menu a lot popping up.
Also the power button is just too close to the lens for me.. annoys me.
Is this a configurable mapper?
Just opened the zip.
I see what you did there. I never have gotten around to doing any mods myself yet, cool, can be configured however by changing the lists.
dlang123 said:
Just opened the zip.
I see what you did there. I never have gotten around to doing any mods myself yet, cool, can be configured however by changing the lists.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very simple like I said, some people would be clueless though. Also your idea would work better for me as well.
This is very nice. I hate the power button being on the side of my phone. I feel like I can't use my phone one-handed or have to shift the way I'm holding the phone just to be able to turn the screen on/off.
One quick note... In CWM after installation it says that the power button = search button which is incorrect.
Big thanks! I've been waiting for someone to come up with this!
dlang123 said:
I think making the Search button the default camera button would work better in the long run. Don't like the camera.apk hack.. i end up with a power menu a lot popping up.
Also the power button is just too close to the lens for me.. annoys me.
Is this a configurable mapper?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ya I agree. if u just made the search button a camera shortcut key and a camera shutter key im sure alot of people would use it for sure.
Sent from my SCH-I510 using XDA App
PKizzo36 said:
This is very nice. I hate the power button being on the side of my phone. I feel like I can't use my phone one-handed or have to shift the way I'm holding the phone just to be able to turn the screen on/off.
One quick note... In CWM after installation it says that the power button = search button which is incorrect.
Big thanks! I've been waiting for someone to come up with this!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I see my mistake on the script.
dlang123 said:
I think making the Search button the default camera button would work better in the long run. Don't like the camera.apk hack.. i end up with a power menu a lot popping up.
Also the power button is just too close to the lens for me.. annoys me.
Is this a configurable mapper?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Made the Search Button the camera button just for you. I have not tested this on the Froyo build but I do enjoy this configuration better than the other. I have also tested the camera button on the up volume button, but couldn't find a suitable volume up alternative.
sk8tingusmc said:
Made the Search Button the camera button just for you. I have not tested this on the Froyo build but I do enjoy this configuration better than the other. I have also tested the camera button on the up volume button, but couldn't find a suitable volume up alternative.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
which zip do I download to get the search as camera key?
Sent from my SCH-I510 using XDA App
Can the search key act as a search key normally, except when in camera mode?
kolosok17 said:
Can the search key act as a search key normally, except when in camera mode?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can experiment with it, but not sure.
EDIT: I am not having any luck; I am not saying it is impossible, but it looks like you will have to wait for Knyghtryda to release a modified camera app with with the search button shutter, with the system keymap still set as Search. That may solve your problem! I wish I knew how to make longpress of search do camera and shortpress do search, if it is even possible. I will still look into it, I have just given up for the night.
jkat797 said:
which zip do I download to get the search as camera key?
Sent from my SCH-I510 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The search_shutter.zip or search_shutter_GB.zip depending what version you are running.
The key mapper seemed to be working at first but I noticed that if my phone sat idle for awhile the search button (now the power button) wouldn't start the phone back up. I would have to use the power button (modded to be the new shutter button) and THEN press the search button to get the screen to come back on.
PKizzo36 said:
The key mapper seemed to be working at first but I noticed that if my phone sat idle for awhile the search button (now the power button) wouldn't start the phone back up. I would have to use the power button (modded to be the new shutter button) and THEN press the search button to get the screen to come back on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which build are you on? It may have left out the WAKE flag or something. Thanks for letting me know.
Mapping the volume up/down buttons to reflect 'next track' and 'previous track' while the screen is off would be my biggest request.
Can the home button mapped to wake up the phone instead of power? this is my top of the wish list, pretty plzzz
sangweb said:
Can the home button mapped to wake up the phone instead of power? this is my top of the wish list, pretty plzzz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That shouldn't be a problem, but I think that I forgot to edit an extra file that effects the bottom row buttons and it seems to be on Froyo builds. I am updating this file to test reliability right now.
sk8tingusmc said:
Which build are you on? It may have left out the WAKE flag or something. Thanks for letting me know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am on froyo
Sent from my SCH-I510 using XDA App
Please
sk8tingusmc said:
That shouldn't be a problem, but I think that I forgot to edit an extra file that effects the bottom row buttons and it seems to be on Froyo builds. I am updating this file to test reliability right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll be your quality test as guinnea pig if you need one. I know I can use other widget to accomplish this but prefer to avoid 3rd party lock widget because sometime I have to unlock twice. You will be my "God" if you can get it working, Thx.
So I started looking at modding the Camera.apk.. decompiled into byte code.. doesn't look that bad, if I get some time I'll run some diffs on it and the original get what he changed.. and then I'll try to modify it for using the search button. That way search only does Camera if your in Camera.
If your button is broken, your button is broken. Sorry . Some people have had luck cleaning it with electrical cleaner but unfortunately I was not one of them. Eventually, you will probably want to send it in somewhere to get fixed (you need all three hardware buttons for various development functions). But if you are like me and you just need a temporary fix (I'm happy w/ my current rom and will be upgrading soon), then read on!
So what you are going to want to do is swap your power and volume up functions by remapping their respected buttons. Alternatively, you could swap your power and your volume down, but I think it's more important to be able to turn it down (plus you can still take screen shots in ICS).
Here's how you do it:
You will need a file explorer (and phone for that matter) with root access. ES File Explorer would be my personal recommendation. Make sure you have root access turned on in the settings
You will probably start in /sdcard/. Navigate up one folder then go to /system/usr/keylayout. Here you will find all the files that control your buttons
For the physical buttons, go to "aries-keypad.kl" and open as a text in a text editor that your file explorer hopefully came with (if you can't in yours, use ES File Explorer)
Write down or take a screen shot of what you see so you always have a reference of what it should look like and won't need to keep checking here key 114 = vol down, key 115 = vol up, & key 116 = pow
Cut and paste POWER WAKE to key 115 and VOLUME_UP WAKE to key 116
Hit back to leave and save the file when prompted
Reboot your phone. You'll probably need to pull the battery since your power button is toast
That should do it. Your volume up button should now control your power and your power button should now control your volume up. A couple (not so important) notes:
I think you can accomplish the same thing by switching the key numbers and leave the functions where they are, but can't be sure since I didn't try it
If your button is behaving erratic and going off without you pressing it, completely erase the key and it's function from the file. After I used an electric cleaner on the button this happened to me. I tried leaving the key in there and assigning it no function but my phone went bonkers.
I have no idea if the number of spaces between the various functions and WAKE are of any significance lol. I would guess not but I kept them the same to be safe.
Some people may want to assign the search button as volume up. I'm guessing you could do it the same way but again, I haven't tried. The file cypress-touchkey.kl also has softkey functions but I'm not sure if you would need to play around in that one instead or possibly do both. If anyone has had success with this please share!
After editing the aries file, I notice a duplicate in there after reboot that has the old setup. In the file explorer it has the same name, but upon opening it, I can see that it is a .bak file. I'm 99% sure this is a backup that ES File Explorer has made for idiots like me that shouldn't be playing around in these files and need to revert
OK that's it. Sorry this got so wordy. I hope this helps someone!
Credit for getting me started: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1325867
Ye, but Volume wake + SearchToPower mod solves the same issue. I like to use my Search button for long Power press to access Power menu - it is supercool!
Another way to survive without power button is to install Super Manager and enable the 'Sensor screen wake' function. Simply wave your hand in front of the sensor to wake device, add a shortcut to lock screen.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using xda premium
I've already read through this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1596085 and used this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1524858 for remapping my search button to my power button, along with using volume for wake. I have done both of these, and that works just fine.
But, my problem is a little different.
My original power button didn't just stop working, it is actually malfunctioning. Meaning that the power button is being hit at random times, even when I don't press it (or the search button which is now my power button). It is extremely annoying and difficult to use the phone.
Does anyone know of a way to disable the power button completely? I'll settle to using search for off and volume buttons for wake, but I need a way to disable the original power button. The button remapper app from the thread above includes a way to remap or disable every button, except the original power button.
Thanks for your help
It says it all in the second link you posted. Read it all.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
No.
Like I said, I want to DISABLE the power button completely, because it's malfunctioning. I have ALREADY remapped it to the search key, but the original power button keeps pressing itself, turning the screen on and off, bringing up the boot menu, etc.
The button remapper app allows you remap or disable every button EXCEPT the power button. So while you can remap search to be power, you couldn't remap power to be search (or in my case, disable power completely).
Anyone?
You would have to physically disable the button yourself.
I don't think its possible to fully power off your phone, but what you can do is map the volume up or down buttons as a wake key. I myself want to do this and am still searching for the solution, but if you want to take a crack at it:
The file buttons you want to edit should be in here. somewhere(system/user/keylayout) Root explorer can help you edit the layout without changing the format. That's as far as I can take you for now
Sent from THE JUGGERNAUT 5.0 sgh t989
Try open your nexus..using small screwdriver..
Just pinched it..make it seperate with motherboard..
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
Disclaimer: I have fixed the infamous power button several times successfully, but now it's no longer possible so let's not go into that any more. For anyone who really wish to altogether replace the button, the following article is a good read, especially the comments on experiences. https://protyposis.net/blog/replacing-the-nexus-5-power-button/ TL;DR: it's tough.
So, my power button finally died permanently, and I'm now trying to figure out how to manage using a phone without a power button. The following things are doable and absolutely fine:
Turning on the phone: requires a PC with Fastboot, and attached USB cable. Press volume down and attach cable, phone will enter fastboot. Then do "fastboot reboot". This is quite problematic if you're not near a PC, but only really is an issue if the battery runs out.
Shutting down the phone: I use third party app like TWRP manager. Requires root I presume. Can be done with ADB as well e.g. by issuing "svc power shutdown" as root. Anyway a non-issue.
Rebooting: No problem, works basically similarly as shutting down.
My main concern is turning on the display. Currently I'm using CM13 CAF and I've set the volume buttons to turn on the display. It's fine, BUT - there is a long lasting bug where sometimes after phone call the display goes dark, and suddenly the volume buttons do not turn on the display. Only way to use the phone then is to find a computer to reboot it. Even attaching a USB cable does not turn on the display if this bug occurs. Not fun!!! I'm not completely sure about AOSP CM13 if the bug exists there, might have to test.
What are the good options for turning on the display other than CM13 / volume button? Are there some Xposed modules to specifically help with using the phone without power button? Any other tips / ideas?
Would you actually use the phone if your power button really died for good?
Edit: Here are some great suggestions given by you so far:
Gravity Screen - Additional service to unlock screen when necessary using proximity sensor. Has some battery usage concerns though.
Another non-CM13(CAF) ROM that do not perhaps have the "blank screen after phone call" issue, and hope that you won't actually need the power button by any incident
Setting up Xposed and using a module e.g. Xposed Additons to mimic power button behavior on volume button(s)
Use an external Pressy-like gadget to have a ROM-independent way to mimic the power button
Use a kernel that supports DT2W (double tap to wake) feature to turn on the screen. Also has some battery usage concerns.
Modify key mapping (gpio-keys.kl) to assign power button function to a volume button (see below)
So there certainly are options! And stuff like Pressy was even new to me. Can you think of more workarounds?
Gravity Screen.
Hi
I used Chroma which is working very good with volume buttons unlock. Now using my build from AOSP also with volume button wake and navigation button for locking.
Using terminal for reeboting/recovery/bootloader/shutdown.
Thanks for the suggestion, I will check them as well.
I'm testing currently Xposed Additions which allows remap any button to perform actions. I've set the volume key down to wake the phone, and long press volume down to lock it. This way I can still enjoy screen off music controls (at least next track by volume up).
Unfortunately this would not mimic the long pressing of power button for hard reboot. So in case display would just not turn on, the phone is still useless until you can get to a computer. But let's see.
Fihlvein said:
Thanks for the suggestion, I will check them as well.
I'm testing currently Xposed Additions which allows remap any button to perform actions. I've set the volume key down to wake the phone, and long press volume down to lock it. This way I can still enjoy screen off music controls (at least next track by volume up).
Unfortunately this would not mimic the long pressing of power button for hard reboot. So in case display would just not turn on, the phone is still useless until you can get to a computer. But let's see.
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Not a big fan of Xposed and i dont listen to music on my N5 so a bit easier for me.
su | reboot
su | reboot recovery
su | reboot bootloader
su | reboot -p /power off/
I did not found a way for turning it on but connecting via fastboot and than reboot.
I have the exact same setup, but as backup, I use one of those cheap chinese Pressy clones. I use Headset Button Controller to unlock the screen on click, and it usually works when the download buttons refuse to. The only problem with this is not being able to use hedphones, and having the extra service running "just in case".
Use a ROM/kernel that supports Double Tap 2 Wake?
there is 2 options its a bit risky 1 try running normal CM13 and install ElementalX kernel it supports double tap 2 unlock the second option is just get on ebay buy new button and just replace it had this problem thought that i bricked the phone thanks for good information how to get it back up
I've updated the suggestions so far to the OP, thanks a lot!
By the way, do you know if the "10sec long press power button to force hard reboot" feature is mapped somehow physically to power button only? I'm guessing so as it works independently from where you are, in bootloader, recovery, ROM, etc. I was trying to mimic it using volume button (which is mapped to work as power button), and while the regular power button presses work within ROM, the 10sec long-pressing won't work. That would have be too cool to be possible.
Fihlvein said:
I've updated the suggestions so far to the OP, thanks a lot!
By the way, do you know if the "10sec long press power button to force hard reboot" feature is mapped somehow physically to power button only? I'm guessing so as it works independently from where you are, in bootloader, recovery, ROM, etc. I was trying to mimic it using volume button (which is mapped to work as power button), and while the regular power button presses work within ROM, the 10sec long-pressing won't work. That would have be too cool to be possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it is a qboot thing(one of the bootloaders from qualcomm, that loads before fastboot mode)
Okay I don't know how I didn't realize this earlier but mapping the power key to a volume button is by far the simplest way for me, if one has root. No extra apps needed. Here's how:
Option 1: on existing ROM:
- Boot into TWRP
- Mount /systen
- Modify e.g. with vim /system/usr/keylayout/gpio-keys.kl (I had to use Linux as Windows adb messed up the characters totally while editing)
Original:
key 115 VOLUME_UP
key 114 VOLUME_DOWN
New (volume down as power):
key 115 VOLUME_UP
key 114 POWER- Save & reboot, and enjoy volume down functioning as a power button (minus 10s long press, that won't work sadly)
Option 2: directly to source when building ROM by yourself:
- Go to your synced source tree root location and locate your device tree (in this example I'm using CM13-CAF)
cd ./devices/lge/hammerheadcaf/- Create a new local Git branch:
git checkout -b newbranchname- Modify the button layout file
nano ./gpio-keys.kl
Original:
key 115 VOLUME_UP
key 114 VOLUME_DOWN
New (volume down as power):
key 115 VOLUME_UP
key 114 POWER- Commit the change:
git commit -am "change button layout"- Build & enjoy volume down acting as a power button!
I've tried this, along with other methods such as installing apps with root access. nothing seems to be working. I'm on the pixel experience rom (android 9.0). any help would be appreciated.
nigelrodrigues95 said:
I've tried this, along with other methods such as installing apps with root access. nothing seems to be working. I'm on the pixel experience rom (android 9.0). any help would be appreciated.
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Click to collapse
Although my power button currently works, the case I have makes it really hard to use (and I prefer not to anyway):
"WaveUp" app from F-droid to wake the screen with the proximity sensor.
Double-tap the status bar in lineage-16 to shut off the screen.
For any kind of rebooting, I just open a terminal and type the commands.