What is “Cellular Network Not Available for Voice Calls” Error

This error can be a nuisance to deal with especially when you have to make an important phone call. It can often emerge out of nowhere, and like the name suggests, should be related to the sim carrier, however sometimes software and hardware faults can be the cause too.

In simple terms, this error prevents you from making any calls, and you are unable to connect to your SIM card’s cell tower. There can be many factors leading up to this error, including being out of your cellular range, a nationwide maintenance outage by your carrier, and unpaid taxes.

Read More: CDMA vs GSM: Which Technology is Better?

Solutions

Since the cause of the issue is often unknown when an error emerges out of nowhere, it is best to use the “process of elimination,” ruling out each possibility until the cause is identified. In total, there are three variables to consider when looking for the issue – the network provider, the software, and the phone’s hardware itself.

Checking if Cellular Networks are Available

Your first consideration should always be to check if the issue lies in the backend at the network level. Within that, there are multiple aspects to consider that are listed below.

1. Check Your SIM Carrier’s Coverage Map

The most obvious reason for you not being able to connect to your SIM tower, preventing you from making any calls is the fact that you might be out of your carrier’s coverage area. This is a common issue when traveling, as you may pass through areas that are not covered by your carrier.

The simplest solution is to check your SIM carrier’s coverage map on Google. This is probably the quickest and easiest way to check if you are out of range. Here are the maps for the most popular carriers in the U.S.:

1. AT&T coverage map
2. Verizon coverage map
3. T-Mobile coverage map

2. Look for a Maintenance Outage in Your Region

Cellular providers may often stop service temporarily due to a maintenance outage or a nationwide event, such as suppressing an insurgency. In that case, it is best to inquire about the outage or use Wi-Fi to check Downdetector to see if there is a rise in reports for your particular cellular network.

3. Check if Your Cellular Network has Blocked You Individually

Although rare, it is possible that your service provider has blocked your SIM card, preventing you from making calls. To check this, search for your service provider’s helpline number and inform them about the status of your SIM card. This is also a good time to ask them about the availability of service in your region, whether there is an outage, or whether you have been blocked.

1. AT&T: 1-800-331-0500
2. Verizon: 1-800-922-0204
3. T-Mobile: 1-800-937-8997

Some countries have a policy of requiring users to pay a certain amount of tax to use cellular service on their phones. If you have recently purchased a new phone, it is possible that your device is the culprit. If your country has such a policy, try switching your SIM card to a new phone to see if the issue persists.

If it does, then pay the relevant taxes to the governing body for telecommunications in your region. You can ask around to inquire more about how the system works but if you know for sure that no fees are due then continue with the troubleshooting.

Software & Hardware Issues

Even if cellular networks are available, there can be problems making calls. In that case, the next most likely culprits are the phone’s software and hardware.

1. Check if Airplane Mode is Enabled

If Airplane Mode is enabled, your phone will not communicate with the cellular towers in your region. To check if Airplane Mode is enabled, swipe down from the notification pane and long-press the airplane icon. If the toggle is “On,” turn it off and try making a call again.

2. Switch Your Phone’s Network Selection to “Automatic”

It is possible that your phone has trouble switching between networks if you use more than one SIM card. Sometimes, your phone may fail to select the correct network to make a call. It’s also possible that one of your SIM cards lacks the credits to make a call. To solve this issue, change your network selection to “Automatic.”

Some phones may not have this functionality. In that case, turn it to “Ask every time,” and if one SIM doesn’t work, try the other one.

On Android:

1. Go to Settings and tap on “Network & internet”
2. Go to “Calls & SMS“
3. Tap on “Calls” and switch it to “Ask every time”

   

On iOS:

• Go to Settings and tap on Mobile Data
• Click on Mobile Network

  

• Toggle on the Automatic option – it’ll turn grey to green.

3. Check for Any Software Updates

Your current software version may have bugs, which can prevent you from making calls. You can check for software-related issues on the official forums (XDA is a great place to get started if this is your first time getting started) for your device manufacturer. However, a simple software update may fix the issue. Check for updates and install them immediately if available.

To check for updates:

1. Navigate to your phone’s settings.
2. Look for the “Software Update” section, which might be under “About Phone“, “System Information“, or “General” for iPhone users.
3. Tap on “Check for updates” or a similar option.
4. If an update is available, install it and restart your device.

4. Restart Your Device

At times, the most complex software bugs can be resolved with a single power cycle. Restart your phone and check to see if you are receiving a cellular signal. If so, try to replicate the issue again. If the problem does not arise again, it is possible that a minor bug may have been preventing you from making calls.

5. Re-Insert Your SIM Card

Often, your phone may not properly recognize your SIM card, leading to network unavailability in phone calls. This can be caused by a software bug, which can (sometimes) be resolved via an update. However, the simple solution is to open your SIM tray and visually check for any issues.

If there are no visible issues, take out the physical SIM card and re-insert it. After this, restart your phone and check if the issue is resolved. If the issue persists, you may need to update your device.

6. Talk to your Provider’s Support

Before taking the drastic measure of factory resetting your phone or considering it a hardware issue, it’s always a good idea to communicate directly with your service provider’s support. Explaining your issue in detail can sometimes yield a simple fix or at least guide you in the right direction. Additionally, the support team might be aware of any prevalent issues that you might not be privy to.

To contact support:

• Visit your service provider’s website for a dedicated support section.
• Make use of live chat features if they are available.
• Dial the helpline number associated with your carrier.

We have listed the support numbers for the three major U.S. carriers above as well. After discussing your problem, if it’s confirmed to be a serious hardware issue, then you can consider the next solution.

7. Factory Reset Your Phone

If nothing else seems to be working, the final option is to factory reset your phone. However, keep in mind that all data on your device will be lost, so make sure to back up all of your data externally first. Factory resetting can often help solve unexplainable problems, or just lend a new breath to your device.

Factory resetting works similarly on all Android devices with slight variances depending on the software skin. In general, you just need to:

• Open Settings and select System
• Scroll down until you see Reset options and tap that. This might be named slightly different on certain phones.
• Select “Erase all data (factory reset)“
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.

8. Get Your Phone Inspected by a Hardware Professional

If the issue persists even after a factory reset and support was not able to help you out, the fault may lie in your phone’s antennas or other internal components. In this case, take your phone to a professional for inspection.

If your carrier itself asked you to bring in your phone to check in-person, then it’s likely that a serious issue has occurred with your device that their technician will try to fix. Regardless of whether the channel is official or not, at this point a repair job is likely the only thing that can solve this problem.

Conclusion

The “Cellular Network Not Available for Voice Calls” error is multifaceted, but you can still tackle it. This guide breaks down its potential causes, from network issues to hardware concerns. By following these steps, you stand a good chance of regaining your device’s calling functions. If all else fails, turning to professionals or your service provider remains a solid choice.

The post FIXED: “Cellular Network Not Available for Voice Calls” Error appeared first on Appuals.com.

Opposed to the general perception, this app is not related to DropBox, the cloud storage application. However, on the positive side, NativeDropBoxAgent doesn’t misbehave if you do use DropBox. But if you don’t, then there’s no real purpose to keep NativeDropBoxAgent running as it can be the reason behind some issues.

If you have an antivirus on your Motorola phone, then run it and check if it shows this pre-installed application as harmful or not. More often than not, the result will be former and this is another reason why you should stop it.

Issues Due to NativeDropBoxAgent App

Now this application can cause multiple issues which can harm your Android device in the long run. Some of the problems you can face are as follows:

1. Reduced battery life
2. Random data usage
3. Reduced memory space
4. Device auto shutdown
5. General lag and freeze
6. Interference with other applications

Can I Remove NativeDropBoxAgent?

You can’t uninstall the app directly on your phone without the help of an external ADB tool. For that, you’ll need to install the software and connect your device to your PC via USB cable. Afterward, copy the URL of the application from the Google Play Store (The package name is the part after “id=”).

Secondly, you can install App Package Viewer 2.0 for the same purpose. This will be better in this case since NativeDropBox Agent isn’t available on the Play Store.

Once done, you need to run the command prompt and execute the following command:

adb uninstall package-name

Replace “package-name” with the package-name of the application, in our case, NativeDropBoxAgent. For a more detailed guide, check out how to uninstall any app on Android with ADB.

How to Force Stop or Disable NativeDropBoxAgent?

If you don’t feel like uninstalling NativeDropBoxAgent, then there are always the options to force-stop or disable the application. The methods are easy and can be done from mobile settings as follows:

Here are the steps to force stop the app:

1. Go to Settings > Apps/App Management/App Manager.
2. Locate NativeDropBoxAgent and tap on it.
3. Now select Force Stop and tap on Yes/OK on the follow-up prompt.

Here’s how to disable the app:

1. Go to Settings > Apps.
2. Select NativeDropBoxAgent.
3. Tap on Uninstall Updates. If the option isn’t available on the screen, then tap on the three-dotted menu and select it.
4. Afterward, select Disable and the app will stop functioning.

And this is pretty much it about this one. If you’re unable to perform a step, then mention it in the comments below and we’ll look into the matter.

Besides, if any system app or pre-installed app causes performance issues on your mobile device, then make sure you contact the manufacturer and let them know. They will suggest some fixes and you can move forward with them.

The post NativeDropBoxAgent App: What is it and Should You Remove It? appeared first on Appuals.com.

Locating Your Wi-Fi Password

The method to finding the Wi-Fi password is a bit different on older versions of Android so we’ll cover both scenarios here.

Note that this guide is solely concerned with retrieving saved passwords and does not cover passwords for unfamiliar networks. For that, you’ll need to ask the network owner for the password.

Android 10 and Above

On Android 10 and above, it is really easy to locate your Wi-Fi password as Android gives you the option to essentially check it yourself. Given that the majority of smartphones now run Android 10 or a more recent version, this method should be accessible to a wide audience.

No special permissions, root access, or external applications are required. To do this,

1. Head on over to your phone’s Settings.
2. In the settings menu, tap on “Network & Internet.”
3. Once inside the Network & Internet section, choose “Internet.”
4. Locate the specific Wi-Fi network for which you want to retrieve the password. Tap on the gear icon situated next to it.

   

5. You’ll now see the option to “Share.” When you tap this, a QR Code will be generated. This QR Code can be scanned by another device to easily connect to the Wi-Fi network. Additionally, the password is displayed right below the QR Code for your convenience.

   

However, if you are using a Samsung device, there is a small variation in the process. The password won’t be shown alongside the QR Code. To access it:

1. Capture a screenshot of the page where the QR Code is displayed.
2. Use Google Lens to scan the screenshot. This will reveal the details of the network, including the password.

Android 9 and Below

Unfortunately, on Android 9 and below there’s no option to check your password natively. In such cases, you’ll have to resort to an external app, which typically requires root access. Alternatively, you can reach out to someone who has previously connected to the same Wi-Fi network and request them to generate a QR Code that you can scan.

1. Ask someone with an Android 10+ phone to generate a QR code using the method listed above.
2. Now, open Google Lens on your phone, and scan the QR code.
3. Google Lens will list down all of the details for that network, along with it’s password.

If neither of these options are feasible to you, your only other choice is to securely record your Wi-Fi password somewhere for future reference. This way, you’ll always have a reliable way to access your network.

In a scenario where you even forget the password, firstly, attempt to update your Android version to anything over 9, if possible. If you’re successful, you can easily follow the steps in the first section of the guide above.

However, if the device manufacturer does not offer an OS update, you’re quite limited. Your best bet is to check the underside of your Wi-Fi router for the password, with the hope that it hasn’t been changed. You can also call your ISP to know the password or check out our guide on how to view your Wi-Fi key in Windows, from where you can note it down and put it in your phone.

The post How to See Wi-Fi Password on Android – All Versions Guide appeared first on Appuals.com.

Fortunately, there are ways to get it back. This guide will go over the ways to recover your deleted screenshots on an Android phone.

Where are the screenshots stored on my phone?

After you take a screenshot, it is saved in your phone’s internal storage in a folder called Screenshots. You typically don’t need to access this folder manually, as most Android phones show screenshots in your phone’s gallery. This can be a proprietary app, for instance on Samsung devices, or a universal one like Google Photos.

Still, if you want to see your stored screenshots in their actual location, a file manager can easily facilitate that. Files by Google is a great, straightforward option, but most phones already come with a file manager by default.

In your internal storage, look for a “Pictures” folder and under there you’ll find the Screenshots folder. On some phones, instead of under Pictures, the Screenshots folder might be inside the “DCIM” folder.

Why can’t I see my screenshots?

If you simply opened up your photo gallery app only to come across an empty ‘Screenshots’ folder, chances are that:

• You accidentally deleted them. This is the most likely explanation. While no software “automatically” erases your data, you might have given it permission to remove unnecessary files. Most file managers, galleries and other photo apps will consider piled up screenshots as junk waiting to be cleaned up, so if you’re not careful, those screenshots could’ve been accidentally deleted.
• You had a Google Photos update. Google Photos occasionally releases updates that can change the way screenshots are saved or managed. These updates may’ve conflicted with another app on your phone, but it’s highly unlikely.
• You had a system update. System updates can also sometimes delete screenshots. This is usually because system updates clear out old data to free up space on your phone, but then again, most modern smartphones don’t initiate a system update if you don’t have enough space to start with.
• You used a storage cleaner app. Some storage cleaner apps identify screenshots as junk files and delete them without your permission. This is why it’s not recommended to use these apps, but for some reason, if you still want to, it is important to be careful.
• You switched your Google Photos account. If you switched your Google Photos account, your screenshots may have disappeared. In this case, you can always revert back to your old account by tapping on your profile picture in the top-right corner.

How to retrieve deleted screenshots

Without any further ado, let’s dive into how you can retrieve deleted screenshots on your Android device.

Method 1: Check Your Trash Folder

If your screenshots are accidently deleted, chances are that they might’ve been stored in the Trash folder or album. Most phones have this where deleted files are stored for a certain amount of time before they are permanently removed. If your screenshots are in the trash, you can restore them from there.

The method is almost identical for both proprietary Gallery apps and the Google Photos app, but there are a few differences:

1. Gallery

1. Open your photo gallery app and go to Trash.
2. If you see your screenshots in the Trash album, tap on them to select them.
3. Tap on the Restore button and provide confirmation. Your screenshot will be recovered.

2. Google Photos

1. Open the Google Photos app.
2. Choose the correct account from the top right-hand side of your screen.
3. Tap on the Library tab at the bottom.
4. Now select the Trash option.
5. If you see your screenshots there, tap and hold them to select them.
6. Tap on “Restore” from the options at the bottom.

If you still can’t find your screenshot in the Trash album, there are two possibilities:

1. You’re not signed into the correct Google account.
2. You’ve emptied your trash (or haven’t recovered your screenshot for over 30 days).

Method 2: Google Backup

Google Photos regularly backs up your photos and can save the day when it comes to deleted screenshots in some cases. For instance if you’ve just switched phones and lost all your old screenshots. However, this will only work if you had backup turned on for your Screenshots folder. By default, it should be on.

Now, simply sign in to your Google account in the Photos app on your new device, and Google will automatically download and restore your deleted screenshots from the cloud.

1. Open the Google Photos app.
2. Sign into your Google account by tapping on the icon on the top right-hand side of the app.
3. Google will now automatically download the missing “backed up” albums and all files in it.

Method 3: Using a File Recovery Software

If you are certain that your screenshots aren’t in the Trash album, or the cloud, you’ll have to use a data recovery software, which, most of the time is a paid software, and we don’t recommend resorting to this unless the file you’re looking for is actually important.

For this, first try a free trial of the software to check if it actually works, and if it does, only then buy the full version. Popular options include DiskDigger and Dr.Fone. Always ensure that you’re only downloading from reputable sources to avoid malware.

Also, you need to understand that file recovery softwares work best if you use them as soon as possible after the files are deleted, since these files can easily be overwritten by other data, and you have no control over what part of the storage disk will be used to overwrite previous data. If you take too long, there are high chances that your data will be permanently lost.

How to prevent this from happening again?

If you don’t want to lose your screenshots again, make sure to back them up regularly. Google Photos is a great option for backing up your screenshots to the cloud, but if you want even more security, you can also back them up to an external hard drive. This way, you’ll have two copies of your screenshots, so if one copy gets lost or damaged, you’ll still have the other one.

You can also try:

• Folder Locks: Some gallery apps enable locking or hiding folders, including Google Photos. Simply put your important screenshots in a locked folder to ensure it stays safe forever.
• Storage Analysis: Periodically inspecting your storage helps in understanding content bulk. You’ll know exactly what’s taking up space and what needs to go. This way you can manage deletions better and potentially save your screenshots.

Conclusion

Accidentally losing important screenshots can be dreadful, but in this day and age with so many options at your disposal, recovery is easy. Make sure to backup your data and keep an eye on your storage to ensure proper management. Always consider contacting support in case none of the methods work out.

The post How to Easily Retrieve Deleted Screenshots on Android appeared first on Appuals.com.

Why Is the Edge Panel Not Working?

Although there are several root causes that interfere with the performance of the Edge Panel, two of the major ones are discussed below:

• Corrupted Cache Data: The cache data stored on your device can get corrupted over time, leading to the Edge Panel not working properly. This damaged cache data associated with the Edge Panel affects its function and causes complications in its behavior. 
• System Glitches and Bugs: Another common cause for the Edge Panel not working efficiently on your device is a bug within your operating system or software glitches. This potential cause can result in conflicts with the execution of the Edge Panel, hence making it unresponsive. 

Now that we know the common causes for this issue, let’s move to the fixes that you can try on your device down below:

Fix 1. Configure the Edge Panel

If you’re accidentally triggering the Edge Panel or it has become unresponsive, then the first method we suggest is to configure it. By customizing the position or changing the size of the Edge Panel, you can ensure accurately accessing the tools and a more comfortable experience. 

Here’s how you can configure the Edge Panel:

1. First, launch the Settings app on your device.
2. Then, scroll down and tap on Display.
3. From there select Edge panels.

4. Ensure that the toggle at the top is turned on.
5. Next, tap on the Handle and change its position to your desired preference to see if that fixes the problem.

2. Re-enable Panels and Reboot Your Device

Another potential solution for the Edge Panel not working on your device is to disable the panels and reboot the system. Rebooting your device automatically re-enables the panels. This method gives a fresh restart to your phone, eliminating any temporary glitches or bugs affecting the normal working of the Edge Panel. 

Simply follow the steps below to turn off the panels and restart your phone:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Locate Display and tap on it.

3. Then, scroll down to Edge panels and select it.
4. Switch off the toggle at the very top to disable the panels.

5. Now to reboot your device, press and hold the Power button and Volume Down button for several seconds until the black screen appears.
6. Your phone will restart by default upon releasing the keys.

3. Force Stop and Clear Cache for the Edge Panel App

As mentioned above in the article, corrupted cache data can cause hindrance in the performance of the Edge Panel. Therefore, force stopping the Edge Panel app and deleting all the damaged cache data and files can help resolve any associated issues. This resets the app to its default state. 

Here’s how to do it:

1. First, go to the Settings app on your phone.
2. After that, scroll down to Apps and tap on it.
3. Go to the three vertical dots icon and select Show system apps.

4. Using the search option, look for Edge Panel and tap on it.
5. Now, tap on Force Stop at the bottom right corner of the screen.
6. Next, select Storage and tap on Clear Cache.

4. Wipe Cache Partition

Wiping the cache partition on your device is another effective fix to ensure smooth working of the Edge Panel. This cache partition holds the system’s temporary data, which upon being outdated or damaged can lead to several issues such as Edge Panel not working. 

Therefore, by performing a wipe of the cache partition, the system will run more effectively and easily access various apps. Follow the steps below to do so:

1. Turn off your device by pressing and holding down the Power button and the Volume Down button at the same time until the Power menu appears.
2. Then, tap on Power Off.
3. Next, using a cable, connect your device to a computer .
4. Now, press and hold the Power button and Volume Up button until you see the Samsung logo show on the screen.
5. To highlight the Wipe cache partition, press the Volume Down button a few times.
6. Select the option by pressing the Power button.

7. Then, press the Volume Down button to choose Yes.
8. Press the Power button to confirm your choice.

9. Lastly, reboot your device by pressing the Power button again. Once your phone restarts, check to see if the issue is resolved.

5. Report it to Samsung

If none of the methods mentioned above work to solve the Edge Panel not working issue, then your last resort is to report it to Samsung. Doing so will enable the professionals to assess the situation, identify and work out a solution. This will not only be beneficial in helping fix the Edge Panel not working but also allow for future software updates aiming to address issues regarding the Edge Panel.

In order to report to Samsung, perform the following steps:

1. Launch the Samsung Members app.
2. From there, go to Support.
3. Now, scroll down and tap on Error reports.

4. According to your specific concern, continue following the on-screen instructions.

The post How to Fix Edge Panel Not Working on Samsung Phones? appeared first on Appuals.com.

However, many individuals are concerned whether Sent as SMS via server mean I’m blocked or not? Although being blocked by the person you are sending the message to can be a possible cause of this message, there are other reasons as well. In this guide, we’ll explore the causes of receiving this message, along with its several ways to prevent it. So, let’s begin.

Why am I seeing the Sent As SMS Via Server message?

There are many reasons why you might face ‘Sent as SMS via server’ message in SMS. Here are some of the most common reasons:

Blocked By Recipient – One of the most common reasons for receiving the Sent as SMS via server message is that you have been blocked by the recipient. Therefore, your message was not delivered. You may also confirm this by checking whether they have blocked you or not. 

Weak Signals or Poor Internet Connection – Another potential cause of this message appearing is that either your device, or that of the recipient is not connected to the internet or has weak signals. This can lead to the message not being sent from your side. Moreover, it could also mean that the message was sent, but not delivered, due to the poor signals on the recipient’s end.

Although not all apps require the internet to send messages, there are still some that do. It may also be possible that you or the recipient has enabled some settings that only allow messages to come through when connected to a stable network connection. 

However, receiving this message denotes that the message was sent using a different server regardless of the fact that either of you were not connected to the internet.

RCS Issues – If there is any issue with the RCS system or if it isn’t enabled on your or the recipient’s phone, then you are likely to receive the Sent as SMS via server message. Additionally, the RCS servers being down could also result in the message being sent through the SMS server.

Now that we know the potential causes of this message, let’s check some solutions to try and fix this issue.

Fix 1. Check Whether You Are Blocked

There are multiple methods to check whether the recipient has blocked you or not. One of them is to try and call them. If the call gets through and goes to voicemail or is picked up, then it confirms you aren’t blocked. However, if you hear a message similar to ‘this number is no longer in service’, then there’s a high chance you’ve been blocked.

Another way to check this is by sending them a message using a different contact number to see if the same notification appears. If not, then you have been blocked by the recipient. This will answer your query of whether Sent as SMS via server mean I’m blocked or not.

Fix 2. Ensure RCS Is Enabled On Both Devices

RCS is the advancement of SMS and MMS messaging. With RCS, users can enjoy sending and receiving longer messages, high-quality media and large files, etc. When enabled, it operates with both Wi-Fi and cellular connections. 

In order to stop the Sent as SMS via server from showing, you will have to ensure that RCS is enabled on your phone as well as that of the recipient’s. Although the steps for this method vary according to the model of the device, here are the general instructions to turn on RCS:

1. Go to Messages and tap on the three vertical dots icon from the top-right corner.
2. Next, select Settings. 
3. Now, tap on Chat settings. 

4. Choose Rich Communications settings from the top. 
5. Lastly, turn on the toggle to enable RCS on your device. 

Fix 3. Turn On Show When Delivered Option 

The Show when delivered option will let you know when your messages are delivered to the recipient. This option is disabled by default, so enabling it is another way to prevent the Sent as SMS via server message from appearing while texting. 

Here’s how to do it:

1. Launch the Messages app from your device. 
2. Next, tap on the three vertical dots icon and choose Settings. 
3. Tap on More Settings and select Text Messages. 

4. Now, turn the toggle on for Show when delivered. 

Fix 4. Clear Messages Cache

Although app caches allow your device to load data faster on subsequent visits, it may cause several issues if it gets too full. Therefore, it’s important that you clear out the cache once in a while to prevent various problems, such as the one you’re facing now. 

Follow the steps below to do it:

1. From your Android’s device, go to the Settings app. 
2. Then, tap on Apps. 
3. Scroll down and look for the default Messages app from the list and tap on it. 

4. After that, select Storage. 
5. Finally, tap on Clear cache from the bottom. 

After you’re done, check if the message still appears or not.

Fix 5. Boot Device Into Safe Mode

If none of the methods mentioned above work to prevent the Sent as SMS via server message from showing, then the last method is to switch to Safe Mode. Booting your device into Safe Mode will let you know if there are any third-party apps responsible for the occurrence of this message and prove to be an effective solution.

Here’s how to enter into Safe Mode on your device:

1. Start by turning off your device. To do this, press and hold the Power button till options appear. Now, select Power off to switch off your phone. 

2. After that, press and hold onto the Volume Down button for a few moments. 
3. A Safe mode screen will appear. 

4. Simply tap anywhere on the screen to restart your device into Safe mode. 

Once your device has booted into Safe Mode, uninstall the latest apps you downloaded on your phone to check which one was the real culprit behind the Sent as SMS via server message. 

The post What does “Sent as SMS via server” mean in SMS? appeared first on Appuals.com.

This feature is known as “Absolute Bluetooth Volume,” which allows you to control both your Bluetooth device and phone volume with a single slider. Interestingly, it was introduced in Android 6, before which you had separate volume sliders for each connected device.

There could be several reasons why you might want to disable this feature. For instance, you might have purchased a new pair of earphones only to discover that they are either too quiet or too loud at certain volume levels. Disabling Absolute Bluetooth Volume can be beneficial as it allows you to manually adjust the volume levels on your device.

Here’s how you can disable this feature in your phone:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android phone.
2. Scroll down and tap “About Phone.”

   

3. Tap “Build Number” seven times until you see the message “You are now a developer!”

   

4. Go back to the main Settings screen and tap “System.”

   

5. Tap “Developer Options.”

   

6. Scroll down and find the option “Disable absolute volume.”
7. Tap the switch to disable Absolute Bluetooth Volume.

   

Once you’ve done this, simply connect to your Bluetooth device, and you’ll see a separate, dedicated volume slider for it. However, if, for some reason, you start experiencing any sorts of audio issues, the same method listed above will be used to re-enable the feature on your phone.

We have a ton of other helpful guides on various Bluetooth topics, ranging from how to unforget a Bluetooth device to how to solve connections issues with Bluetooth on Windows 10. Check out our site for comprehensive and easy troubleshooting with all your tech-related issues.

The post How to Disable Absolute Bluetooth Volume in Android appeared first on Appuals.com.

While Google Lens is a great tool, it is not for everyone. Some people may be concerned about privacy, as Google Lens can collect data about the objects and text that you scan. Others may find that Google Lens is too slow or resource-intensive. Also, some people may simply prefer to use the regular Google Image Search.

In this article, we will go over the ways to disable Google Lens on Chrome and Android. We’ll also discuss why someone might want to disable Google Lens, and whether or not it’s recommended.

Disabling Google Lens on Chrome

If you want the old Google Image search back in Chrome instead of the updated Lens implementation, you can easily do so by using Chrome Flags. Follow the steps below:

1. Open Chrome and go to chrome://flags.
2. In the search bar, type “Lens”.
3. Under “Enable Lens features in Chrome”, select Disabled.
4. Click Relaunch.

Once you have relaunched Chrome, the “Search image with Google Lens” option will be removed from the context menu. You will now be able to search for images using the regular Google Image Search.

Using Google Lens Simultaneously With Google Image Search

If you want to use Google Lens side by side with Google Image Search, you can use the Search By Image extension for Chrome. This extension allows you to right-click on an image and choose to search with Google Lens or the old Google Image Search.

To set up the Search By Image extension, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Search By Image extension page on the Chrome Web Store, and click on Add to Chrome.
2. Click on Add Extension to confirm.
3. Right-click on any image and choose Search by Image. In the Search by Image dialog, select Google to search with the old image search, or, select the site you want to search on.
4. The image would then be searched using the regular Google Image Search.

Disabling Google Lens on Android

To disable Google Lens on Android, you can follow these steps:

1. Long press the Lens app on your phone.
2. Tap on App Info.
3. Tap Uninstall.

Once you have uninstalled Google Lens, the app will no longer be able to access your camera or photos. You will also no longer see the “Lens” option in the Share tab for any image.

Why Would Anyone Want to Disable Google Lens?

While this tool may be a very useful feature for some, others may not feel the same way.

There are a few reasons why someone might want to disable Google Lens. Like discussed at the start, some people may be concerned about privacy, as Google Lens can collect data about the objects and text that you scan. Others may find that Google Lens is too slow, and in some cases is taking up space on their phone without being of much use.

But, so far, looking at reviews, it seems as if most people just prefer to use the good old Google Image Search. See, Lens is a great tool, but can be inaccurate at times, and so, in some cases where you are looking for a very specific thing, Lens may not be the right tool to choose.

Sometimes, Google Lens may not work as expected. If this happens, you can try reinstalling the app to see if that fixes the problem.

For example, I once had an issue where Google Lens wasn’t able to select text from an image. I also noticed that the Translate and Shopping features were taking a long time to process images. After reinstalling the app, these issues were resolved.

Is It Recommended to Disable Google Lens?

Whether or not it is recommended to disable Google Lens depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are concerned about privacy or performance, then disabling Google Lens may be a good option for you. However, if you find Google Lens to be a useful tool, then there is no need to disable it.

Final Verdict

If you are considering removing Google Lens, it is important to weigh the pros and cons. On the one hand, Google Lens can be a very helpful tool. It can be used to identify any object, and translate text, but the same data could be used to track your online activity or to target you with ads.

The post Here’s How You Can Uninstall Google Lens & Disable it in Chrome Using Flags appeared first on Appuals.com.

But what you may not know is that Android System Intelligence is the secret behind all of this. In simple words, Android System Intelligence is service that powers intelligent features across Android devices. According to Google:

Android System Intelligence is a system component within Private Compute Core that powers intelligent features across Android while keeping your data private.

How does it work?

Android System Intelligence leverages sophisticated machine learning algorithms to analyze your usage patterns and preferences. This analysis allows Android to provide you with highly relevant and personalized user experiences.

Importantly, it uses a method called “federated learning” to train its machine learning models on your device without transmitting your data to Google. This privacy-preserving approach ensures your data stays on your device, while the system can still understand your usage patterns and preferences.

Where is it used?

Android System Intelligence serves as the key driver behind many popular Android (including Pixel-exclusive) features. Some of these features, accompanied by their respective scenarios, are detailed below (in no particular order):

1. Live Caption
2. Google Translate
3. Smart Reply
4. Now Playing
5. Smart Auto-rotate
6. App Suggestions (Launcher)

First off, let’s start off with Live Caption. If you’re watching a video or listening to something in a noisy environment, Live Caption can automatically generate captions so you can always understand what’s being said. Live Caption works universally across your phone and doesn’t rely on caption data provided by apps or services.

Let’s say you’re watching a TV show, or a movie that at a time, or place where you just couldn’t turn the volume up. Courtesy of Android System Intelligence, you won’t have to search for specific captions, simply turn on Live Caption, and your phone will automatically generate captions for the audio. This means you can still follow along with the video, even if you don’t understand the language.

Next up is Google Translate. If you’re traveling to, or reside in a foreign country, this feature can help you communicate with people who speak a different language. Just point your phone at the text you want to translate, and it will instantly show you the translation in real time.

Moving forward is another feature that’s now incredibly popular among Android users, and that’s Smart Reply. Let’s say you received a message, and you don’t feel like opening the app to text back.

With Smart Reply, your phone will suggest relevant replies to your messages, so you can save time and effort. For example, if you’re texting a friend to tell them you’ll be late, Smart Reply might suggest a reply like “Sure, no problem.”

Another really interesting feature on Pixel devices is Now Playing. If you’re listening to music in public and you don’t know the name of the song, this feature can identify it for you. Just hold your phone up to the music, and Now Playing will show you the name of the song, the artist, and the album.

Next up, another feature that utilizes Android System Intelligence is the new Auto-rotate system. If you’re watching a video or reading a book, Smart Auto-rotate will automatically rotate your screen depending on how you’re looking at your device, using data from the phone’s front camera, instead of just the accelerometers.

If you’ve ever used a Pixel device, you may be aware of App Suggestions that utilizes Android System Intelligence, which can suggest apps that you might want to use based on your recent activity. This way, you can quickly open the apps that you use the most without having to search for them.

Should you remove Android System Intelligence?

There are a few reasons why people might think of removing Android System Intelligence. With everything mentioned above, privacy becomes a major concern. While it uses federated learning to train itself, Android System Intelligence does collect some data about your device usage, and this data could be used to track you or target you with ads.

Another reason why people might think of removing Android System Intelligence is because they are concerned about battery life. Android System Intelligence can be a battery hog, so uninstalling it could help to improve your battery life.

However, it is important to note that the benefits of Android System Intelligence outweigh the risks. If you are concerned about privacy, you can disable Android System Intelligence without uninstalling it. This will prevent Android from collecting data about your device usage, but it will also prevent you from using the features that are powered by Android System Intelligence.

Why Removing It Might Not Be Ideal

As mentioned previously, Android System Intelligence is a core component of the Android operating system. It is used to power a number of features, and if you remove Android System Intelligence, you will lose the ability to use all of these features.

These features form the ‘core’ of your Android experience and distinguish new devices from older ones. Ironically, removing Android System Intelligence could result in increased battery usage as your system wouldn’t be able to optimize battery usage based on your habits.

In addition, Android System Intelligence helps improve the security of your Android device. It does this by learning about your habits and preferences, and using them in a way that it can better protect your device from malware and other threats.

Updating Android System Intelligence

Android System Intelligence is updated automatically through the Google Play Store. To manually check for updates, open the Play Store > tap on the Profile icon in the top right corner > tap on Manage apps & devices > select Manage.

If there is an update available for Android System Intelligence, it will be listed here. Tap on Update to install the update. If, for some reason, Play Store does not automatically update Android System Intelligence, you can manually update it from APKMirror or any other reputable APK site.

Final Verdict

Since Android System Intelligence powers all the ‘intelligent’ parts of your system, it is absolutely a bad idea to tinker with it unless you need to do so for a specific reason,. Other than that, if you’re having any issues with the service above, uninstall updates for the app, and Google will automatically update it itself.

If you liked this article, be sure to check out our comprehensive breakdown of another core Android component that people often mistake for bloatware: Android System Webview.

The post What is Android System Intelligence? Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Remove It appeared first on Appuals.com.

In this guide, we’ll detail how to setup, customize, and troubleshoot this useful tool.

If this is your first time setting up the feature, make sure that your device is upgraded to at least Android 10, or above. You’ll also need a Wi-Fi connection on some phones, to download necessary software updates or components for Live Caption.

Here’s how to set-up Live Caption on your phone.

How to Enable Live Caption

The steps for enabling and disabling Live Caption are mostly the same, but you’ll need to go through the extra hassle of setting it up, if you are using it for the first time on your device. Here’s how to do that:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Tap on Accessibility.

   

3. Search for “Live Caption,” and tap on ‘Use Live Caption‘.
   
   

   

The steps to enable Live Caption on your Android device may vary depending on the manufacturer and Android skin. However, the feature is typically found under the Accessibility settings.

Samsung: Head on over to Settings > Accessibility > Hearing enhancements > Live Caption.

OnePlus: Go to Settings > Sound & Vibration > Live Caption.

Live Caption will now be available for any audio that is playing on your device. To use Live Caption, simply press the volume button and tap on the Live Caption icon. The captions will initially appear towards the center of the screen, but if you prefer a different location, you can press and hold the caption box and move it to your preferred location.

How to Disable Live Caption

To disable the feature, you can follow these four different steps, according to your preference. All work in the same way, and essentially have the same function: to turn off Live Caption.

1. Drag the captions to the bottom of the screen: This is the quickest way to turn off Live Caption. Simply drag the caption box down to the bottom of the screen, and it will disappear.

2. Turn off Live Caption via the volume slider: While playing audio or video, press the volume buttons on your device. The Live Caption icon will appear next to the volume slider. Tap on the icon to turn off Live Caption.

3. Turn off Live Caption via the quick tiles: Swipe down from the top of the screen twice to open the notification shade. Then, find the tile for Live Caption. Drag it to your Quick Tiles, and then, toggle the switch to Off.

4. Turn off Live Caption in the settings:  Go to Settings > Accessibility > Live Caption. Toggle the Live Caption switch to Off.

Customize Live Caption

Live Caption offers a few customization options for your captions, which can be easily found on the Live Caption page.

By default, Live Caption appears as two lines of text at the bottom of the screen. You can expand the caption text box to see more or move it to a different location on the screen. Here’s how they look by default:

Live Caption can be customized to change the background color of the captions and change their fonts. To do this, open the Settings app and go to Accessibility > Live Caption > Caption preferences > Caption size and style. You can then choose a different background color, font, font size, and font color.

These are some options that are available to choose from:

These options, aside from the aesthetic standpoint, can be especially useful in certain situations. For example, if someone is visually impaired or have difficulty reading, he/she may want to customize the captions to make them more accessible. This can be done by increasing the font size or changing the color of the text to make it easier to read.

As a reference, take a look at the same example shown above, but with a different background color and increased font size for easier reading.

Below are some basic customization options you’ll find on the Live Caption page.

• Tap on Hide profanity to prevent Live Caption from displaying profanity.
• Tap on Show sound labels to display labels for sounds such as laughter and applause.
  

  

Troubleshooting

Sometimes, despite following the steps correctly, users might face issues enabling or using Live Caption. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

• Live Caption not appearing: Ensure your device’s volume is not muted. Live Caption only works when the device’s volume is on.
• Accuracy of captions: While Live Caption works well for clear, unambiguous audio, they may struggle with heavily accented or mumbled speech. Try to use them with clear audio for best results.

Live Caption also may not work on custom third-party ROMs. This is because custom ROMs often use different software libraries, or sometimes, completely remove the feature. As a result, you may see the toggle greyed out. If you are running a custom third-party ROM and you are unable to use Live Caption, you may need to contact the developer of your ROM for support.

Keep in mind that Live Caption may not work properly for all apps. It works well for apps like YouTube and calling in general, but it may not be accurate for all audio content.

Another thing to note is that Live Caption is a feature provided and maintained directly by Google. That’s why you see the exact same settings page for Live Caption when you open it in different Android skins. Google Pixels do have a slight advantage with the ability to even caption calls, but apart from this feature works pretty much the same on all Android devices.

Conclusion

Apart from being a valuable tool for individuals with hearing difficulties, Live Caption can also benefit language learners who can read along while listening to spoken content, enhancing their language skills.

Moreover, people in noisy environments or those who prefer to have their device’s sound off can follow along with video or audio content. Make sure to explore an app’s native caption options (such as YouTube) before relying on Live Caption.

The post How To Enable or Disable Live Caption on Any Android Phone appeared first on Appuals.com.