【Android】How to Enable/Add international languages into settings on Samsung Galaxy S4

Background: Samsung/T-Mobile/AT&T, Android version 4.2.2, had not includes the Chinese language and many others. The only languages available was: Deutsch, English, Espanol, Francais, Italiano, and 한국의.

Causes: Android is the most popular platform for mobile devices like phones and tablets across the world with billions of user base and millions of new activation per day. There are more than 200 countries (dependent and independent) with people speaking various languages. All of us like to have the user interface and input language of our device to be in our native tongue to which we are so innately connected.

Since it is not possible for any OEM to put all languages in every device universally, they generally divide the world into regions and countries and offer languages and connectivity options depending on that specific region. With the growth in technological advancements, the vast world has also grown into a smaller place with people of one country live in other countries. To address this issue, most OEMs ship their devices with some most spoken languages pre-loaded. However, under your Android device language settings you might not be able to see them all because they are hidden by default.

English, being an international language, can be found in all devices but the case might be different with other languages like Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Thai, Russian, Portuguese, German, Italian, French, Dutch, Greek, Indonesian, Polish, Serbian, Swedish, Turkish, Vietnamese, and so on. If you have installed a firmware meant for some other country/region on your Android device, you may or not find your language in it. There are no separate language packs available for users that can be downloaded and installed.

Get Your Native Language without Root
If you do not have root access on your Android device, you can still get your local language on it. Google Play Store has a very nice app for this. It is called MoreLocale 2 and is available for free.

MoreLocale 2 Download @ Google Play

If MoreLocale 2 does not work for you try the following method that requires root access.


Enabling international Languages within Settings for Android Samsung Galaxy S4 with ROOT needed

Quick Instructions:

1. You will need to root your phone.
2. Download and install “Root Browser” from the Play Store.
3. Open the app and navigate to “/system/csc”
4. Delete or rename “language.xml”

Picture Instructions:

1. Make sure you have custom ROM that are based on the official Samsung ROM.
   The ROM in the screenshot that is using the Wicked ROM Version 9.1
   
   


2. You have to install “Root Browser” from the Play Store App.
   
   


3. Open up “Root Browser” and make sure you download/install all the prerequisites when you first open the app.
   
   


4. Within the “Root Browser,” navigate to the folder:  /system/csc
   
   


5. Rename or delete language.xml
6. Restart your cell phone if needed. Now, you can see all the available languages within the Android system.
   
   

That’s all, now you should be able to see all the international Languages of your choice.


References:
http://www.pcwired.com/2013/07/how-to-add-international-languages-into-settings-on-android-samsung-galaxy-s4
http://www.droidviews.com/how-to-enable-hidden-languages-on-samsung-htc-and-sony-android-devices/
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.c_lis.ccl.morelocale
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wanam

【Android】Root Samsung Galaxy S4 (or Almost Any Other Android Phones) in One Easy Click with 【Kingo Android ROOT】

For new Android users, rooting an Android phone can often be an intimidating process, especially since there are so many different ways to gain root access, depending on your model and firmware version.

I've previously covered a way of doing it for the AT&T version of the Samsung Galaxy S4 that has the MF3 firmware on it, but you needed an SD card reader, unzipping software, a terminal emulator, and more. Definitely not an easy task for a first-time rooter.

However, thanks to the crafty developers at Kingo App, root can be attained with just one click now, and not just for the GS4, but for almost any Android phone on the market.

Read & Heed, Before You Proceed
You'll need to have the following components ready:

• Your Samsung Galaxy S4
• Micro USB cable
• A Windows PC

Also be aware this rooting method does not install a custom recovery. A recovery is a software that lets you flash custom ROMs like CyanogenMod onto your phone, as well as perform system level maintenance, like backing up and restoring nandroid files. You'll have to manually install a recovery yourself if you'd like to do that.

If you have the Verizon Galaxy S4 with ME7 firmware, or AT&T Galaxy S4 with MF3 firmware, unfortunately your bootloader is locked, so you won't be able to install a custom recovery at all. Attempting to install a recovery like ClockworkMod or TWRP will likely turn those SGS4 variants into nothing more than shiny, expensive paperweights.

Even if your Galaxy S4's bootloader is locked, you can still attain root with this method.

Step 1: Enable USB Debugging
You'll need to have Developer options enabled, which you can easily do by following Faisal's softModder guide. You can then access Developer options by going to your SGS4's Settings -> More, and it'll be the second from the bottom. Tap on it, then make sure USB debugging is checked.

Step 2: Download & Install Kingo Root on Your PC
This one-click rooting method is provided by Kingo. You can grab the PC software from their download page. The download should start within a few seconds of opening the page on your computer. If you have another device to root, Kingo probably supports it too (just make sure to check out their list of compatible devices for reference).

Once you've downloaded the file, open it up and run the installer, then open up the program.

Step 3: Connect Your SGS4 to the PC
Connect your Galaxy S4 to your computer with the micro-USB cable. Kingo Root will detect it and start installing the device's drivers (if necessary).

You may be prompted to disconnect the phone for the drivers to finish installing. Go ahead and disconnect the cable, and Kingo will let you know when to reconnect it.

Keep an eye on your phone for an "Allow USB debugging?" alert. Make sure to choose OK.

Step 4: Get Ready to Root!
You should now be at this screen in Kingo:

Read through King's Root Notifications, then click the orange ROOT button when you're ready. This step may take a few minutes, and once it's successful, you should see this screen:

Click the Finish button and reboot your SGS4.

Step 5: Verify Root with Root Checker
Download joeykrim's very popular Root Checker app from Google Play, which verifies whether your device has root or not.

Open up the app then tap on the Verify Root Access button. A Superuser request should pop up, so select Grant.

You'll now see the words that every softModder wants to see on their Android phone: "Congratulations! This device has root access!"

You're Rooted! Now What?
With root privileges on your device, you can now install apps and mods that require root access. One of the most popular modifications to install is the Xposed framework. It's quite simple to install, and once it's on your phone, you can add all sorts of mods and customizations.


References:
http://gs4.wonderhowto.com/how-to/root-your-samsung-galaxy-s4-or-almost-any-other-android-phone-one-easy-click-0148945/
http://www.redmondpie.com/kingo-android-root-is-a-true-one-click-root-solution-for-various-android-devices/
http://www.kingoapp.com/root-tutorials/how-to-root-galaxy-s4.htm

http://www.kingoapp.com/
http://www.kingoapp.com/android-root/devices.htm
http://www.kingoapp.com/android-root.htm
http://www.kingoapp.com/android-root/download.htm
http://www.makeuseof.com/pages/take-control-android-rooting-guide

【Android】Boot Samsung Galaxy S4 into Recovery and Download Mode

Knowing how to boot your Samsung Galaxy S4 into recovery mode and download mode is extremely important especially when you are looking forward in tweaking your smartphone. Actually, you will not be able to perform official or unofficial operations on your device without having to enter the recovery (stock or custom) and download mode. So, if you are new to the Android system and want to learn more about its features, then you are in the right place; here on Android Flagship our team will develop important and useful tutorial that will teach you how to use and operate your Android based device.

However, today we will be checking on how to perform an easy task: booting into recovery and download mode. The present tutorial will be suitable with the Samsung Galaxy S4 (any model of the same) though the procedure mentioned below can be safely performed (the steps will work) on any Samsung branded smartphones. So, this is something like a general step by step guide meaning that it will work for any Samsung branded devices; of course the handsets that are being powered by the Android OS.

SGS4 Download and Recovery Mode

Now, the Galaxy S4 is one of the most powerful smartphones released on the market (it competes with the HTC One, Xperia Z and of course with the iPhone 5). Anyway, the best is that the device is running on Jelly Bean 4.2.2, which is the latest release of Android firmware. And when operating on Google’s platform we can only think about customization and optimization operations. As you know, when owning an Android device as powerful as the Galaxy S4, it is really hard not to try to obtain more power from the same. Therefore, you will be tempted in rooting, flashing a custom recovery image and updating with custom ROMs and unofficial software.

The mentioned procedures are complex ones that should be applied only by those who are used with the same – the warranty of your device will get void and if you don’t know what you are doing you can end up in bricking your Android powered handset. Anyway, as you will notice, when trying to tweak your Galaxy S4, you will also have to first learn how to boot your device into recovery or download mode.

The Download Mode usually must be accessed when updating with official firmwares. I am talking about manual updates procedures, as the OTA releases are being applied automatically. So, if Samsung or Google is releasing a new stock Jelly Bean and you need to manually update your Galaxy S4 with the same (via Odin), you will notice that somewhere during the flashing procedure you will have to boot your smartphone into download mode.

Then, you need to learn how to enter the recovery mode when dealing with more complex tasks, like rooting, installing a custom ROM firmware, making Nandroid backups, perform maintenance, optimization and customization procedures and so on. Be aware that your device is being powered by a stock recovery mode; for applying the mentioned operations you will have to replace the stock recovery with a custom one, like CWM recovery. Now, the method explained below will teach you how to boot your Galaxy S4 into stock and custom recovery mode, so you have nothing to worry about.

Anyway, that was all for now, meaning that you can check on how to enter download, or recovery mode from your Samsung branded device.

How to Boot Samsung Galaxy S4 into Recovery Mode

• Turn off your phone.
• Then, reboot it by pressing on Volume Up, Home and Power buttons at the same time, for a few seconds.
• Release the buttons as soon as you notice the stock, or custom recovery logo displayed on your handset.
• Use the recovery menu in order to complete several operations.
• You can boot into Android by returning to the recovery main menu; from there just select “reboot system now”.

How to Boot Samsung Galaxy S4 into Download Mode

• Similar with the recovery mode, you first have to turn off your smartphone.
• Then, reboot the handset by pressing on Power, Volume Down and Home buttons together.
• When the “warning” message will be displayed release the buttons.
• Press Volume Up in order to confirm that you want to boot into download mode.
• You can now safely connect your device with the computer as the download mode has been successfully reached.

So, that was all; I know that the process is quite easy to complete but there are users who haven’t booted their Galaxy S4 into download or recovery mode until now. If this guide was helpful for you, don’t forget to share your experience among your android friends community.

References:

http://androidflagship.com/400-boot-galaxy-s4-download-recovery-mode

http://theunlockr.com/2013/06/24/how-to-enter-recovery-mode-on-the-samsung-galaxy-s4/

http://www.android.gs/how-to-enter-samsung-galaxy-s4-recovery-mode/

http://gs4.wonderhowto.com/how-to/restart-into-recovery-download-mode-right-from-your-samsung-galaxy-s4s-reboot-menu-0146866/

【Android】How to boot Samsung Galaxy S4 into Safe Mode

Most people realize they can boot into safe mode on a Windows box but did you know you can boot your Samsung Galaxy S4 into Safe Mode too?

Booting your Droid into Safe Mode loads the core operating system sans the crap.  In other words, all superfluous apps and widgets won’t load which leaves only factory installed stuff.  If your phone works fine in Safe Mode but quirky in Normal Mode then you have good reason to believe that uninstalling one or more apps will fix things.

If you’re noticing that your Galaxy S4 locks up often, the battery is draining faster than normal, or the phone takes too long to startup then booting to Safe Mode is perfect because it lets you uninstall aberrant apps and gets your phone back on track.

Booting the Samsung Galaxy S4 to Safe Mode

Hold down the power button for 2 seconds to bring up your phone options.

Confirm the power off operation…

Now as the phone boots up keep pressing the menu soft key which is immediately to the left of the Home Button.

You might feel silly tapping the bottom left side of your phone as it turns on because it won’t seem like anything is happening.  That’s fine, just find the nearest vacant room, close the door and keep tapping your heart away until the Home Screen emerges.

Astute observers will immediately notice the monochrome Safe Mode insert along the bottom left edge of the screen

Log in the phone and flip through your home screens.

Only factory apps are available in Safe Mode so your phone might seem banal but it should feel more responsive.

Tap your way to Settings (tap the left menu key next to the Home button and choose Settings)

It’s hiding behind the Safe Mode screen stamp…

We want the Application Manager so touch the More tab and scroll down midway.

Start browsing through your Apps starting with the most recently installed.  Unfortunately I couldn’t find an easy way to sort by install date so it looks like you can only sort alphabetically or by file size (tap the menu soft key again for those options).

When you find a potentially culpable App, tap it in the list and choose Uninstall.

Keep methodically going through each App and uninstalling one by one until you find the unruly App that’s flubbing up your phone.  It’s a bit of a pain but I don’t see an easier way of doing this; however, if you’ve had better success please share your knowledge in the comments below.

Consider a Factory Reset

In more extreme cases you may want to consider a full factory reset.  If you have voluminous apps and think it’ll take you more than half a day to uninstall them or if your phone has become virtually unusable it might make sense to restore your phone to the factory defaults.

This will nuke all your apps and settings so make sure you have critical items backed up first.

To start the Reset, revisit Settings and tap the Accounts tab.

Scroll to the very bottom and choose Backup and Reset.  Note:  If you’re in Safe Mode the word Backup is obstructed by the Safe Mode graphic in the bottom left corner of the screen.

It’s kind of hard to see the Backup and reset button but just touch and trust me – you’ll end up where you want to be.

Take a thoughtful pause… then press the Factory Data Reset button to zap your phone.

When you’re ready to get out of Safe Mode, just power down the phone normally and reboot.  As your phone starts up, forget any fancy finger tapping and you’ll boot directly to normal mode.

Cheers!


References:
http://www.fixedbyvonnie.com/2013/10/how-to-boot-your-galaxy-s4-into-safe-mode/

http://webcazine.com/6907/how-to-boot-galaxy-s4-into-safe-mode/

【Android】Partition and Link2SD

Link2SD is an android application by Bulent Akpinar that lets you move apps and games to the 2nd partition of your SD card. Why do we have to use Link2SD when Froyo and Gingerbread’s Native Apps2sd moves the files to the SD card? Native apps2sd only moves the apk file of the application leaving other files in internal memory thus you still have to manage your on-board memory and limit your choice of apps because it will eat up your memory and later on you cannot install any files anymore. Additionally, widgets and some applications are not intended to be moved to the SD card. However, Link2SD is only for root users because it is required that your phone is ROOTED.

The idea behind the application is the same. But Link2SD has more relevant features which the Native Apps2sd lacked giving Android 1.5 and up users the chance to have a taste of what it’s like to have a big phone memory. Additional features were added by the developer to furher optimize the usage of android devices. By using Link2SD, you can move not only the application file, but also  the dalvic-cache and libray files of the application. This means that data will be the only one left to consume your internal memory thus installing applications and games would be easier because you can install anything you want without worrying about the famous low memory problem. Furthermore, Link2sd covers all files even moving widgets and the unmoveable applications to the 2nd partition of your SD card.

Software Needed

1. MiniTool Partition (for PC i.e. Windows)
2. Link2SD (for mobile i.e. Android)

PROCEDURE

This is a step by step guide on how you can run Link2SD on your device. This tutorial will work for both stock and cutom ROMs. For ClockWorkMod Recovery users, you can check the other guide below. Follow all the instructions carefully to eliminate possible problems.

1. First you have to download MiniTool Partition Wizard Manager. You can download it in the link above, download it and install it on PC.
2. Insert your SD card to a card reader and open it on your computer.(not via USB cable)
3. Back up all your files to the computer because partitioning will wipe your data.
4. Open Mini Tool in your computer. Locate your SD card (be careful in choosing and make sure not to choose the drive of your computer)
5. Right click and choose Delete.



6. Right click on it again and choose Create New. Create “FAT32″ partition (This is where all your media files will go. Be sure to make it bigger than the 2nd part)
7. Select “Create as: PRIMARY”



8. Next, create an ext2/ext3/ext4 partition (I suggest ext2 cause it works on all roms and kernels). This is where your apps will go. I suggest a value of 512Mb would be big enough but its your choice...
9. Select “Create As: PRIMARY” (make sure that it is both set to primary because it will not work if it is not set to primary)



10. Click the “Apply” button on the top left corner and wait for it to finish the process. Done.
11. Put back your SD card to your phone and switch it on.
12. Download and install Link2sd from Google Play Store link given above.



13. Open Link2sd. You will be prompted to choose between ext2, ext3, ext4 and FAT32. Select one.
    (Give preference in this order ext4>ext3>ext2>fat32/16, Not all may be compatible with your kernel so try each one in the order of preference and use the highest ranking one that works. ext3 is compatible with my kernel so I use that.)



14. It will say mount script created. Reboot your phone now.
15. Open link2sd and if the message doesn’t show up, you succeded.
16. Go to Link2sd>Settings>check the autolink (to automatically move apps upon installation)
17. If you already have some apps, select “move to phone” then after moving select “Create Link” (be sure to check the three files: app, dalvic-cache and library files)




18. To check your memory, select “Storage Info”. This will show you the current state of your internal memory, FAT32, and ext2 partition.
19. Now you’re done and ready to install vast amount of applications as you wish!

FOR CLOCKWORKMOD RECOVERY USERS ONLY (ALTERNATIVE METHOD)

NOTE: You can also use the instructions above. This guide will work on both stock and custom ROMs.

1. Back up all your files to your computer. Partitioning wipes the files of your SD card.
2. Go into recovery mode
3. Select “Advanced”
4. Select “Partition SD card”
5. Choose your SD-ext size (if you’re using a 2Gb SD card, choose 512Mb. If your SD card is 4Gb or greater, you can choose 1024Mb)
6. Select 0 swap
7. Wait for the process to finish. Reboot.
8. Download and install Link2SD from Google Play Store.
9. Open Link2SD you will be prompted to choose between ext2, ext3, ext4 or FAT32. Choose ext4.
10. Follow instructions number 13-19. DONE!

References:

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2142844

http://www.noypigeeks.com/android/tutorial-a-guide-to-link2sd/

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.buak.Link2SD

http://www.link2sd.info/