Dial *#0011#

Select wifi from the preferences button

Check if you have WiFi power save mode on. If so, disable.

You could check if your wifi channel is cluttered with a wifi analytics tool.

If these steps don't work, sometimes the antenna spring contacts can get a bad connection. You can pop off the mid-frame and pry the contacts upward if they're lower than the other contacts.

The S4 doesn't have a port for an external wifi antenna, so that option's out.

Check out Xposed framework. It will allow you to do some nice customization to your phone. Gravity Box and Wanam modules are a good place to start.

Also Adaway

First off, that website you linked seems highly suspicious and I doubt it's legitimate.

Now to answer your question. You can use an app like this to make an XML backup of your text messages which you can transfer to your PC.

Install Nova Launcher Prime. You can keep the button as a home button but when you press it again launch an app or shortcut. Also you can long press the menu button and assign an app or shortcut. You'll need the paid version but it's not expensive.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.teslacoilsw.launcher.prime&hl=en_GB https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.teslacoilsw.launcher&hl=en_GB

Huh.

I did notice that about a month ago my S4 had a sharp drop in daily run time. I assumed that my battery was dying.

Greenify is a allegedly effective juice-saving tool.

I disabled that stupid recommended list because it kept showing completely non-related apps.

I use Tasker to automatically launch PowerAmp (doesn't start playing) when I plug in my headphones.

Just a suggestion :)

I'm running Hyperdrive rls20 and I've had success with this app:

ES File Explorer File Manager

It's a great file explorer with an image viewer built in that works very well. It can also open a lot of other files.

Although the stock gallery isn't giving me any problems, so it's the default for me.

Titanium Pro is great.

But what you really want is called a "nandroid" backup.

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/what-is-a-nandroid-backup-and-how-exactly-does-it-work/

However, both may require root access and a custom recovery.

Dirty Unicorn Rom (5.1.1) on my SGH-M919. Positive they have a i9500 version. Had been using Google Play Edition until a few weeks ago but it appears development has slowed/stopped at 5.0.x, with no new update since early/mid July. Both are great options, GPE is designed to be pure android. Dirty Unicorn has extra features like PIE and CM Theme engine. Both have been completely stable on my S4.

Adaway eliminates in-app ads.

Xposed Framework allows modules to patch/alter/tweak on-the-fly a ROM in ways that usually require a custom ROM with custom code. It's a way to inject code. Wanam is a module that runs on the Xposed framework. Definitely try other ROMs also, but Wanam will do the customization you are looking for very easily. I use it to defeat the corporate screen lock at work and use proximity of my Pebble to lock/unlock my phone instead. (Yes the IT guy is OK with this).

Some people are questioning the need for a custom ROM if you debloat and run Xposed instead. I run a stock ROM on my work phone for stability reasons and with root and Xposed I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything.

Also, I would not suggest using the heimdall package but to flash the custom recovery via Odin. https://twrp.me/devices/samsunggalaxys4internationalqualcomm.html

Also, here's the XDA Developers thread for CM just in case. http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4/i9505-orig-develop/rom-cyanogenmod-12-nightlies-qcom-intl-t2999570

My S3 and S4 both would like to ruin the partition on the SD card.

You can use TestDisk to recover the broken partition. http://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/TestDisk

After recovery, use windows disk repair utility to repair the SD card.

I feel like this needs a sticky as I see it asked all the time and everyone goes through multiple SD cards...

I've had the same one for 3 years now although had to repeat these steps like 8 times by now..

You won't be able to just uninstall it. You'll need to use an app like Titanium Backup to uninstall the bloatware.

http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/remove-pre-installed-bloatware-apps-from-android-devices-with-titanium-backup/

Cerberus is also awesome.

Is your SD card formatted? Phone should give you an option to wipe it. If not, stick it in a card reader and format it. ext3/4 or fat32 file system.

In amazon they have the OEM Samsung chargers! Samsung OEM 2-Amp Adapter with 5-Feet Micro USB Data Sync Charging Cables for Galaxy S2/S3/S4 Active/Note 1/2 - Non-Retail Packaging - White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L2I0F4U/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_pO7lxbTWCBY0B

It doesn't help specifically with your problem, but on my s4 I have an app (GSam battery monitor) that shows me the charging amount when i plug the phone in, so I can easily test cord/block combos for a faster charge, and to tell which of them are hooped.

you could also get a battery charger for the battery itself, although thats a bit of a pain in the ass. https://www.amazon.ca/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=s4+spare+battery+charger

For starters, look for other wifi signals on the same channel(s). I like the farproc Wifi Analyzer, though there are many other similar apps.

Take a look at variance in signal strength around your house. Does is correspond to poor cell data rates?

Kitchens have a lot of things like refrigerators and microwave ovens. Try to move away from those.

How is your connection when outside? Network Cell Info can help find towers.

Install a good battery monitor app, like GSAM. It'll provide you with a breakdown of who did what to whom, and when.

~~The possibility exists that the battery is old and/or crappy.~~ I carry a deep-cycle marine battery around with me at all times to mitigate this problem. Made myself a cunnin' belt holster for it and everything. Now my back hurts.

> Some Korean car navigation (aka GPS in the US) apps

Those Korean GPS apps are notorious users of power.

Install AirDroid. It's great for wireless file management.

the issue could very well be just with Touchwiz's messaging app. have you tried other messaging apps? this is a great alternative. I suggest you give that a try before trying to downgrade.

I use App Quarantine. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ramdroid.appquarantine Select "SDM" (icon is a greyscale phone with an android alien thing in the middle, with a red "refresh" button on the lower right) and freeze it.

Hey was on mobile before so couldn't link to things but here is the app:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bv.wifisync

and here is a guide to setting it up:

http://androidcommunity.com/backup-your-smartphone-photos-with-syncme-wireless-20140730/

Have been using it for years and it works well

If you were using it, you'd probably know. :) NFC ("near-field communication") allows your phone to read and write small inexpensive NFC stickers, which can be used to perform specific actions on your phone when you swipe it near them. For example, you might have one in your car that automatically puts your phone in hands-free mode, or one on your stereo which automatically opens your music player. You can also use it with Google Wallet to pay with your phone at retail locations that have NFC readers (mostly gas stations and fast food restaurants). I don't really use it but your habits might be different.

Use Lightflow, imo the best app for LED notifications.

You can find it here

There is also a free version of it.

Google it. Should be easy enough to install, plenty of info/guides for it on xda. Basically it adds extra functionality to your ROM without the overhead an app or a service would provide.

After you've set it up, I think this module should suffice: http://repo.xposed.info/module/com.spazedog.xposed.additionsgb

This seems like a lot of work just to root. I had trouble rooting my moms Galaxy Ace I got her for christmas as well as a few other obscure android phones. I used Kingo ROOT and they rooted it really easily every time.

When I enter download mode I only see the following:

ODIN MODE

PRODUCT NAME: GT-I9500

CURRENT BINARY: Samsung Official

SYSTEM STATUS: Official

Does this mean I don't have knox yet :D ?

Definitely doesn't look like this : http://www.kingoapp.com/image/0-1.jpg

Give TowelRoot a try. It won't hurt your phone if it fails and it might succeed. Worth a try.

If that works, then just download and install the xposed framework and once that is installed and you've restarted, download Greenify from the Google Play Market and activate the module within xposed installer. Restart and then you can setup and customize Greenify.

I used GPS earlier today a few times and it locked fairly quickly and was good for me. If the update doesn't fix the GPS problem it might be your phone that is at fault. And honestly you have nothing to lose by upgrading and everything to gain if you are looking for a GPS fix.

And yes the regular app ops module doesn't work but AppopsXposed ( http://repo.xposed.info/module/at.jclehner.appopsxposed ) will work. This is a different module that enables app ops for android 4.3 or so and onward.

If you are rooted you can use Xposed Framework to get this to work. I use the Samsung Multiple Widgets to get the Camera and Dashclock on the lockscreen with a pattern lock.

to install the gapps you go to --> https://opengapps.org/ download the pico android 10, then you copy the file to the S4, start the recovery and intall the gapps the same way you install the rom and restart.

Maybe Plex could help you out. It is a small program that runs on a computer. It will categorize tv shows/movies/home movies and allow it to be viewed on android/ios devices on the same wifi or even streamed over the internet as well as wirelessly casted to the tv with chromecast or roku, etc.

I have had luck using USBDeview a few times when USB drives become corrupt.

Don't have the phone plugged in when you run it.

Right click the Samsung entries and uninstall them then plug in the phone/usb and the computer should install a new driver.

You can also uninstall any "unknown" entries. One of those could be the culprit as well.

> USBDeview doesn't require any installation process or additional DLL files. Just copy the executable file (USBDeview.exe) to any folder you like, and run it.

> The main window of USBDeview displays all USB devices installed on your system. You can select one or more items, and then disconnect (unplug) them , uninstall them, or just save the information into text/xml/html file.

It sounds like the USB drivers are corrupt. Run USBDeview on the computer. (Scroll down the page for the download links). Find the Samsung drivers and right click > uninstall. The description name should be something like "SAMSUNG Mobile USB Composite Device"

Be sure the phone isn't connected to the PC when uninstalling the drivers.

Now connect the phone and see if you can find it.

Sure, I just downloaded ZAR. But I can't tell you if it was any good or not since it only found files that were already known to exist. Thanks to you and /u/Mikerbice for the tips on other recovery software.

Yeah I've been an iphone user since the original and made the jump to the S4 with my girlfriend last year. Loving it so far just bummed that she lost her pictures. Have it sync'd to dropbox now so that no more catastrophes happen in the future. If you have any other recommendations for keeping photos safe let me know!

As side note, how hard is it to root one of these phones? Does it depend on carrier? Cause if so, we're both on Docomo and might be screwed there, too. Plus I don't want to brick our phones.

Hi, get the drivers here, and make sure to have any company device administrators turned off.

Usually Outlook can have group policies in place that stop the computer recognising the device until the password has be entered and your on the homescreen.

Well my company did anyway so that they could remote wipe if it got stolen apparently.

You need somenthing like this..

https://www.amazon.com/Battery-JUBOTY-Replacement-Extended-Warranty/dp/B07LBPLRZ5

Mine have 7000 mah..

Is the charger and cable good? One way to test is using an app like GSam battery monitor ( there are others but that's the one I know) which when plugged into a charger, will give you an idea how much juice is coming into the phone. For example, my app is telling me when I plug it in that the battery is getting 1180mA. Normally it sits at 480 mA, so I know my cable and block are doing ok.

I've had bad cables/blocks before that tell me the phone is charging, although it really isn't doing much at all. Hopefully that's the only problem.

> > Are you connected to a 2G network ("E" or "G" icon above the data flow arrows?)

Here's a thing you can do to get me a better idea of what's going on:

Install CellMapper from Google Play Store, open it up, wait a few seconds, and then take a screenshot. Post the screenshot.

Some network/phone combinations don't allow for simultaneous voice and data - let's see what your current network readout is to ascertain the case.

Just died used it about 7-8 at like 35 minutes each time, it turned off at exactly 15% but luckily I got a look at the battery usage before it turned off, Android System - 10% Hotspot Shield - 9% Screen - 9% Android OS - 8% Snapchat - 5% Google Play Services - 3% Facebook - 3% System UI - 2% Device idle - 2% Wi-Fi -1% Cell Standby - 1%

So the controller in the picture is the Moga 2 Pro (that's not exactly it since it's out of stock, but it's close enough). It works reasonably well, particularly if you want a setup like mine where the phone can be attached to the controller. However the buttons are a bit stiff which gets uncomfortable after playing for a while. If that's a problem, I would just get an Xbox one controller and use Bluetooth to connect to the phone.

I got a Nexus 6P to replace my T-Mobile S4 when the 6P came out. During spring of this year I got a refund for my 6P, but by then, the SIM card had stopped working on my S4.
I ordered a new SIM slot from Amazon (this one specifically, but others would probably do), and I've been using the S4 as my daily driver since then.

https://www.amazon.com/Defender-Full-body-Protective-Kickstand-Holster/dp/B01EF34VC0/ref=sr_1_29?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1475612461&sr=1-29&keywords=s4+case+kickstand

This looks very similar to me.

Edit: Or this one maybe? https://www.amazon.com/BUDDIBOX-HSeries-Holster-Kickstand-Protection/dp/B00H3OTX3Q/ref=sr_1_37?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1475612461&sr=1-37-spons&keywords=s4%2Bcase%2Bkickstand&th=1

There's quite a few models from different companies that pretty much share the same mold/model but different materials. Look around and find whatever suits you.

Straight talk, so no.

And, yes, my phone is unresponsive to touch and the pixels are screwed up. I'll have to buy the whole LCD assembly.

Is thisthe thing I am looking for?

get one of these, they are awesome.

Exactly, I haven't had a single problem since I switched to these:

StarTech Micro USB Cable - A to Right Angle Micro B
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001AR4NC8/

They also make a left angle. If you go with the 6' long one, they charge slower. I have one by the bed that will maintain my battery when in use and completely charge it overnight.

http://www.amazon.com/WJLING-Reader-Adapter-Samsung-Galaxy/dp/B00VDY0EYE/ref=sr_1_sc_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1438035774&sr=8-15-spell&keywords=mlh+adapter+usb

From my research, it seems this adapter (Microusb MLH to HDMI + Usb for keyboard/mouse) is the most viable fix. I'm about to get one from a local seller (Kijiji [like Craigslist]), I'll let you know how it goes if you plan on doing the same.

I have had this phone since July last year. I was in a similar position like yourself back then. At that time I was deciding between S4 or 1+1, but I think 1+1 was invite only then. So I went ahead with S4. Couldnt be more happier. Screen is amazing, decent battery life (around 11-12 hours on medium usage). AND if you root the phone then you can obviously get the latest Android via Cyanogen etc...

I actually just bought this to make my S4 go even futher http://www.amazon.com/warranty-ZeroLemon-Compatible-International-Guarantee/dp/B00CXZHXTG/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1430349616&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=GALAXY+S4+BATTERY+ZERO+LEMON

Hmm.. well I saw someone linked a ZeroLemon battery from Amazon for like $20 and the comments on that were pretty positive. I am considering getting one of them. But not the 3500mAh that was posted but this one http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CXZI3DQ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3FBBJRRMMULGW althought I don't like cases, I don't seem to be able to get just the battery.

Not a full metal case, but I had an aluminum bumper that was nice, good build quality, and bolted together. Only downsides were you couldn't get to the battery and SD card without an Allen key, and sometimes the edges were sharp.

Amazon: Aluminum Bumper

My guess is that you broke the digitizer on your screen... Same thing happened to me and I bought this on Amazon and the replacement was pretty easy(look it up on youtube)... http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D8EN9Z8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I was pretty surprised when, a week ago, I tested a couple of charging banks we bought. I tried it with several Android phones & tablets running Ampere. The cable made a huge difference, but I haven't been able to get my S4 to charge faster than 1.2A/h.

As far as I can tell (using Ampere,) the S4 maxes out at drawing 1.2 amps/hour no matter what charger I use.

You might also try an extended battery.

Try using something like this app (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.eclipsim.gpsstatus2&hl=en)

Your AGPS and/or other calibrations might be out of wack. Calibrate your compass/accelerometer if you feel like it but most importantly reset and re-download the AGPS data. You might also just get a bad signal from the sattelites, that could be the case's fault if you use one.

Some of the S4 variants with an unlocked bootloader can have it reset with Triangle Away.

Annoyingly I am unable to test it, since it does not work on the Verizon variant.

I wrote an app called TTL Editor that was originally designed for this very purpose.

You'll want to use the default value of 64 and interface rmnet_sdio0.

I had a similar audio problem with my Ace a couple years back. Soundabout helped. Think I used pro version. Not sure if I had static tho.

You can try downloading 360 Security from the Play Store. It has a feature for scanning for and deleting junk files, like residual files from previous apps and such. It's free so it's worth a shot, might fix the issue.

Since you have a working S4, you can charge the battery in the working phone. So that will sort out the charging problem temporarily.

If you have a wifi network, you can use an app like SynchMe or similar to transfer files directly to your pc over your wifi network. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bv.wifisync

Then hibernate applications. If that still doesn't work, use an app freezer to freeze unessential applications and applications that you only use once in a while. If you do that, they can't start up and drain battery. Just be careful what you're freezing.

It's entirely possible, sure. It's a bit far fetched though. I was just trying to illustrate that there could be any number of causes, here. The best option that you have is to run a battery monitor for maybe up to a week to help you discern what the issue is. If Bluetooth is taking up a high percentage of battery that it's definitely something close to my example (you'd most likely be unable to discern what the real issue is, though).

So give that a run, even if it was for a day or two, and get back with the results and we'll see what we can find out.

/u/RemoteSynergy

I used UCCW with the Flat UI UCCW skin. This got me the basic layout for my home screen. I then reconfigured the Flat UI skin so the opacity of the boxes were set to 0 but the hotspots were still in place. Along with the hotspots, the battery %, text message notification and weather temp stayed on the screen. I then found a free PSD icons packs and created a wallpaper. I took a screenshot of my home screen to make sure the icons lined up with the different aspects of the skin. So basically all the icons are just part of the wallpaper with certain aspects of the Flat UI skin on top.

Flat UI UCCW

I can't help you directly with a ROM, but like you "I want control. I want efficiency".

If you can invest time in it, and being obsessive helps, check out Tasker and the AutoApps. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.dinglisch.android.taskerm&hl=en_GB

This one?

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sec.android.easyMover&hl=es_419&referrer=utm_source%3Dgoogle%26utm_medium%3Dorganic%26utm_term%3Dsamsung+migrate+app&pcampaignid=APPU_1_6rm6VdTeOJWhyATK6LTAAw

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.abmantis.galaxychargingcurrent.free

This app checks how strong your charging is. Since you're using the S4, the optimal quality should be around 1200mAh

I started to use Nova too and I never went back. And to address your second question, there are a lot of clock apps or clock widgets on the Play Store, try and see which one you like. I suggest using Google's own clock app https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.deskclock It's the one you find one on phones running stock Android. It also has the widget you want.

> No more scrolling texts in the notification bar when they come in

You want this. It brings the old notification system back.

I use SwiftKey and it's an amazing keyboard for Android. Like, so good.

As for the text replace I've found this.. I haven't used it, but it looks like a good starting point.

Try various cords and chargers. There is an app called Ampere that shows the amperage you phone is charging at. You'd be surprised how much difference there can be from one cord to the next. Longer cords tend to be slower.

There are "fast charge" cords that I have tested and they work very well. Also, as /u/exoriare mentioned, you can add a Qi receiver to you phone and use a Qi charger to charge your phone wirelessly. Mine charges at a higher rate wirelessly. I think the USB port maxes out at 1.2A, but the Qi goes up to 1.9A. I tested many different cords and chargers.

I doubt it will solve your main problem of profile pictures but you can try Google messenger. It does group messaging very well. It's made by Google so I'm assuming it will support showing content on your watch. As for the picture, Google stuff will show Google plus profile pictures. That's it. Samsung dialer and messaging tries to search both Facebook and Google displays whatever is available but I don't expect Google to work nicely with Facebook.

Edit: link to messenger https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.messaging

Just in case you haven't found a resolution, as I see nothing is here- I had the same problem. The Album Art Grabber app did the trick for me!

https://www.unifiedremote.com/

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.Relmtech.Remote&hl=en

Entirely worth the pro version. See if it has plugins for whatever application you are using.

Granted as of this point I'm just looking for a long range wireless mouse and keyboard because that's still just easier. Suggestions? :D

Visual voicemail is (IMO) when an app lists your voicemails by time/number so you can click and listen through them without having to call your voicemail and listen in order. The transcription costs extra. That's been my experience with AT&T and T-Mobile.

And yes, you can get it: T-Mobile Visual Voicemail on the Play Store. They give a free trial of the transcription service and it was very good, but I don't get enough voicemails for that to be worth paying for.

Your proximity sensor probably needs recalibration. This is a common issue and most people don't know how to fix it. Here you go

1 download this app to verify that your proximity sensor is not calibrated correctly

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mtorres.phonetester&hl=en

2 in the app, go under sensor status and then closer to the bottom there is "Proximity sensor"

Wave your hand in front of the top part of your phone and the status should change from "far" to "near" and back to far again once your hand is not in front of the device.

This should probably trigger the "near" status that doesn't change which means you indeed do have to recalibrate your proximity sensor

3 download any virtual terminal app. Just search for Terminal in the playstore and the first one called Terminal Emulator will work just fine. Open the app up and follow these steps

4 type in: cat /sys/devices/virtual/sensors/proximity_sensor/prox_cal

You'll get 3 numbers. You'll only use the 1st one Then type the following:

5 type in: cat /sys/devices/virtual/sensors/proximity_sensor/state

Add the value you got from the second line to the value from the first line (For me, the hex value of 46 + 98 = 144 ended up being 90).

(add those 2 numbers up from the previous steps, and then find the hex value by googling the added number plus the word "hex". This will give you the hex value of that number

6 Now type the following (since my hex value was 90, I have '\x90', but replace that number with whatever value you got):

su echo -en $ '\x90' > /efs/prox_cal chown system:system /efs/prox_cal chmod 644 /efs/prox_cal sync

echo 0 > /sys/class/sensors/proximity_sensor/prox_cal

echo 1 > /sys/class/sensors/proximity_sensor/prox_cal

reboot

They are stored in /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/app_parts

You will need to be rooted and have a root file explorer installed (Root Browser or ES File Explorer) to get to the folder, though.

There are a couple apps in the Play store that will do it automatically, as well. I don't have experience with any of them:

• Save MMS Attachments
• Save MMS