Skype Lockscreen Bypass Bug - Security Discussion

Tested with Skype version 3.2.0.6673 (released 1st July 2013) on various
Android devices (Sony Xperia Z, Samsung Galaxy Note 2, Huawei Premia 4G
The Skype for Android application appears to have a bug which permits the
Android inbuilt lockscreen (ie. pattern, PIN, password) to be bypassed
relatively easily, if the device is logged into Skype, and the "attacker"
is able to call the "victim" on Skype.
This can be reproduced as follows with 2 Skype accounts, and 2 separate
devices to use with Skype. The target phone is presumed to have an Android
lockscreen configured and in use, and to be locked during the test.
1. Initiate a Skype call to the target device, which will cause it to
wake, ring, and display a prompt on the screen to answer or reject the call
2. Accept the call from the target device using the green answer button
on the screen
3. End the call from the initiating device (ie. the device used to call
the target phone)
4. The target device will end the call, and should display the
lockscreen.
5. Turn off the screen of the target device using the power key, and
turn it on again
6. The lockscreen will now be bypassed. It will remain bypassed until
the device is rebooted
Similar to (ironically enough):
http://arstechnica.com/security/201...een-lock-on-up-to-100-million-android-phones/.
Seems that internet based calling apps might well be "unlucky".
I suggest logging out of skype when not using it, until there is a fix.
Thanks to Turl for originally bringing this to my attention.

Greetings pulser_g2,
Thanks for posting this. I found that all these screenlock bypass vulns (including yours) won't work if a enterprise policy is enforced on the target device. I've tested with 2 different smartphones, Note 8.0 and Note 2. Both with the current stock firmware. Can you or anyone else confirm this?
Cheers,
Michael

c0rnholio said:
Greetings pulser_g2,
Thanks for posting this. I found that all these screenlock bypass vulns (including yours) won't work if a enterprise policy is enforced on the target device. I've tested with 2 different smartphones, Note 8.0 and Note 2. Both with the current stock firmware. Can you or anyone else confirm this?
Cheers,
Michael
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Michael,
Thanks for the tip. However, forcing enterprise policy onto a device that does not need it should not be a solution for a bug like this (not ranting against you, please don't take it that way). Skype was already informed about this a couple of weeks ago and nothing has been done afaik.
I received a Skype update today from the market, so I guess it might be worth checking if the bug can be repeated or if it has been fixed.

Hi egzthunder1,
I don't take your post personal. My post was not made with the intent to be a bugfix. I just want someone else who also has access to provisioned devices to confirm my observation. Additionally if my observation is correct then it should be mentioned in a security advisory that enterprise provisioned devices with an enforced password seem to not be affected by all these lockscreen bypasses. I'm just discussing here

Does andybody know which wrong usage of the Android-API might be used here? I'm developing myself an app which switches the Screen on and shows information without the need to unlock the device. Know I'm concerned that I might use the API wrong, too. There were also such bugs in other apps in the past month, so there must be some wrong usage type. Saidly I didn't find anything about it via googling. If you have links, please share.

SamsungPisser said:
Does andybody know which wrong usage of the Android-API might be used here? I'm developing myself an app which switches the Screen on and shows information without the need to unlock the device. Know I'm concerned that I might use the API wrong, too. There were also such bugs in other apps in the past month, so there must be some wrong usage type. Saidly I didn't find anything about it via googling. If you have links, please share.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems to be related to the use of the permission to disable the lockscreen.
I.e. http://stackoverflow.com/questions/12021800/disable-delay-android-lock-screen-programmatically
You want to ensure you definitely disable the option once done. I suggest you create a test plan and ensure even if everything goes wrong, the lock will still get enabled again in the end.

c0rnholio said:
Hi egzthunder1,
I don't take your post personal. My post was not made with the intent to be a bugfix. I just want someone else who also has access to provisioned devices to confirm my observation. Additionally if my observation is correct then it should be mentioned in a security advisory that enterprise provisioned devices with an enforced password seem to not be affected by all these lockscreen bypasses. I'm just discussing here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm that is interesting actually.
I need to see if I can replicate this by forcing provisioning manually.
I don't have an exchange server unfortunately (I use my own mail server that uses the protocol but doesn't do the complex provisioning.)
I'll have a look though as I think it supports provisioning in the configuration where it emulates Exchange. I believe this likely is a workaround for enterprise users.
This would be enough motivation actually to look at setting up proper provisioning of my devices.
Thanks for letting me know

Related

YouMail Sleep issues

I have been using YouMail's service on my phones for quite some time and was excited to see there was an app for Android, but after 2+ months of use (and several versions of the .apk, including the most recent Beta) I am still experiencing 100% awake time when the app is running.
If I kill it my phone will immedietly because to sleep normally. But each time I receive a phone call or open the app it will keep the phone from sleeping again.
I have been in contact with their support (which is how I received the Beta version) and have been sending Dumps their way, but was wondering if anyone else is experiencing this issue.
Info: Running Fresh 1.1 on a newly 1.56 RUU'ed hero.
crunchybutternut said:
I have been using YouMail's service on my phones for quite some time and was excited to see there was an app for Android, but after 2+ months of use (and several versions of the .apk, including the most recent Beta) I am still experiencing 100% awake time when the app is running.
If I kill it my phone will immedietly because to sleep normally. But each time I receive a phone call or open the app it will keep the phone from sleeping again.
I have been in contact with their support (which is how I received the Beta version) and have been sending Dumps their way, but was wondering if anyone else is experiencing this issue.
Info: Running Fresh 1.1 on a newly 1.56 RUU'ed hero.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I stopped using the app because of this. I tried contacting support and was brushed off. I love the app but not the lack letting my phone sleep.
I am working with a developer of the app to fix the problem and have tested several versions. Will keep you updated of the progress.
crunchybutternut said:
I am working with a developer of the app to fix the problem and have tested several versions. Will keep you updated of the progress.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be great. Thanks for helping him out with this as I would love to use the app.
I don't mean to thread jack this, but.
Whats the difference in YouMail and our Sprint Visual Voice Mail? I have never used youMail.
Kcarpenter said:
I don't mean to thread jack this, but.
Whats the difference in YouMail and our Sprint Visual Voice Mail? I have never used youMail.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YouMail http://www.youmail.com/home/index.do is a service that replaces Sprint's (or any other provider) voice mail service with their own. It allows you to set custom "smart" greetings for each caller in your contacts, among other things. Check out the site for more info.
Here is the latest response from the developer I have been working with.
Hi [Name],
I did some more research and can confirm that I see the same behavior as you when I run the YouMail app ('active' @ 100%)
I'm not exactly sure what the cause is, as the application is indeed going to sleep when it has nothing to do. The problem also seems to be quite widespread, affecting what seems to be "most" applications that loiter around in the background doing nothing for most of the time.
Since you use 'Spare Parts' you should notice that in there is a way of viewing the 'Partial Wake Lock' usage of a given application. According to the Android developer documentation this is the ONLY way an application can keep the phone "awake" other than 'prodding' it every 30 seconds or so (and you'd notice that 'coz the screen would never go off).
As long as that "Partial Wake Lock" value is low (and it should be unless you're constantly hitting "Menu -> Poll") it means the application is indeed behaving correctly.
All I can offer is that we develop a new feature into the app so that you can tell it to automatically exit when all of the automatic polling settings are disabled - that way the phone would literally shut down the app "sometime" after you back out of the message list. Do you think that's worth it? Or should we wait for HTC/T-Mobile to fix the root cause of the problem?
Doug
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And my response:
Do you mind if I share some of our conversation with a community forum? It might help get others involved and more feedback for you to use in further development.
As far as other apps loitering in the background, my understanding is that Android (using the same process as other Linux distros) keeps recently used applications in RAM to make them more quickly accessible to the user, and will clear them as the RAM is needed by other apps.
I have seen this issue in the past with other apps (i.e. the HTC messaging app locking the dialer and maintaining 100% awake time) but has all been resolved by updates to the apps themselves.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lastly, his response:
Feel free, I don't think I said anything bad
I we get enough requests from "the community" I'll be given time to add the 'exit when done' option (basically it'll become a "dumb" app that only checks for messages when you start it up instead of waking up every so often to check [like after you miss a call])
And yes, Android is a little stranger than normal in that it tends to leave applications running for an unspecified time after you "close" them. (basically until it needs to run something else, or it runs out of memory, or .....)
The YouMail app is a little different in that it runs as a background service and schedules the phone to wake it up whenever "events of interest" occur (you get a TXT, your phone rings, it needs to poll, etc) - so even if the OS does close the app because you logged onto "hugebitmaps.com" and the phone ran out of memory, it'll start it up again as soon as it can.
I suspect the HERO OS is not allowing the phone to sleep, even though the application is literally doing nothing. I don't recall this problem on my trusty G1 when it had Android 1.5, so maybe some of HTC's customizations have broken something
Doug
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can post more of the conversation history if it would help. Anyone have any ideas what might be causing this beyond coding issues?
If anyone wants to send their YouMail log for inspection just enter this code in the dialer *#*#963867#*#* (*#*#YMDUMP#*#*) and it will let you send an email with the log's text.
Tried in 2.1 beta
"I suspect the HERO OS is not allowing the phone to sleep, even though the application is literally doing nothing. I don't recall this problem on my trusty G1 when it had Android 1.5, so maybe some of HTC's customizations have broken something "
I also tried using this app on the 2.1 ROM that Flipz and company have been working on, and had the same issue. I do not know enough programing to determine if this is a problem with OS or the app. I can only give you my experience and try other stuff out to see what the results are. I hope this helps.
Kevin
Hi, Doug from YouMail here.
Just noticed my words and thought I'd give an update - although not much good news.
I basically spent the last 2 days completely reworking the YouMail app's back end code so that anything and everything that could possibly be shut down when it isn't actually doing anything is indeed shut down.
When it came time to test it out -- 100% awake time again (although I stand by my earlier comments that "its not just us").
If I run the same app on a HTC G1 the phone will last a good 2 days (maybe more) without battery issues. If I uninstall the app the difference is minor.
This information, added to all the discussion on the Sprint forums about how the HTC "extras" that this phone comes bundled with have caused the same problem leads me to think that there is something in the Hero that's not behaving properly.
I see other comments like "It does the same on my <insert phone model here>" - well, we don't have unlimited resources, so if you can put the small amount of effort in to dial the 'dump' code mentioned above (*#*#963867#*#*) then maybe we can start to find a pattern here (maybe it's all the Android 1.5 based devices for example).
I'd also like to thank crunchybutternut for all of his assistance and time in trying to sort this issue out.
Doug
superman.namrepus said:
I also tried using this app on the 2.1 ROM that Flipz and company have been working on, and had the same issue. I do not know enough programing to determine if this is a problem with OS or the app. I can only give you my experience and try other stuff out to see what the results are. I hope this helps.
Kevin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I can get in touch with someone who has access to the "guts" of the device and that can help me determine whats going wrong then that would be great. Neither the Android developer list nor the HTC forums are particularly helpful when it comes to tricky problems.
Bump
Anyone have some insight on this?
Ok - If someone working on one of these custom builds is prepared to lend a little assistance I'm willing to put a custom build on my phone and try to debug this a little deeper. However, with the number of hours that I get to work on this app.... and all the "fun" blocks that Google have been putting in our way w.r.t Android 2.x, I may not get much more time to work this problem.
That being said, I'm going to try experimenting with a new test app that just adds (one at a time) the raw features of the YouMail app in the hope that a single change triggers this wonderful problem you guys have. If that's the case then I'll put on my Sherlock Holmes hat and try to work around whatever is causing it.
Doug
Any news ?
soundmind said:
Any news ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got this from ymDoug:
No progress as yet - not seen anything from xda folks either.
I've made *massive* changes to ensure the app is shutting down absolutely everything it can when it has nothing to do - still no joy.
I've even gone through a lot of the Android source code and can't find anything that would indicate I'm doing anything wrong. There is one debugging method I'd dearly love to call inside the Google Android code (it dumps out a list of who is keeping the phone awake at any point in time) but the method is only accessible to (a) Google, and (b) People who cook their own ROMs. The official Android people are doing their usual stand-up job of ignoring the difficult questions
I am still making the odd change here and there, and my test app doesn't seem to be having the same problems (of course)
Regardless, there will be an updated version on the web site in the next day or so - I'll need to ensure my changes haven't completely screwed things up
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doug has made some changes, does not seem to completely resolve the sleep issue though.
Here's the link to the change log:
http://forums.youmail.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=18
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FYI: The version in the market is several revisions behind.

NEC Terrain Rooting and Flashing Guide

I am starting this thread to be a place for Terrain owners to come for the latest info on how to root and flash their phones. The Terrain is one of the best "rugged" phones on the market, but it has been abandoned by it's manufacturer, leaving owners to find their own solutions to problems and upgrades. This is actually a good thing price wise as you can now buy a brand new Terrain for less then $85. The Terrain has about as of hardware specs as any other ruggedized smartphone on the market currently, but at one third or a 1/4 of the cost. This makes this phone a huge attraction to anyone who is looking for a rugged waterproof phone on a budget and is why this guide is essential for users.
The NEC Terrain still has plenty of life left and this is why we need to come together and find solutions for it. Please feel free to post you success stories in rooting and flashing your terrain to this thread for the benefit of all. Hopefully, will be able to form a complete guide from all the information that get's posted here.
Thanks.
Hi!
I myself just today recieved this phone, and it would be great at least to debloat it.
Previous threads on XDA, just for reference:
NEC Terrain: ADB/CDC Serial Driver, 3e Recovery Password, and Root
[Q] Rooting NEC Terrain
[Q] Unlocking of NEC Terrain SIM/Root
gamerka said:
Hi!
I myself just today recieved this phone, and it would be great at least to debloat it.
Previous threads on XDA, just for reference:
NEC Terrain: ADB/CDC Serial Driver, 3e Recovery Password, and Root
[Q] Rooting NEC Terrain
[Q] Unlocking of NEC Terrain SIM/Root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the post and the links. It appreas that much of the information on these links are still a work in progress. Hopefully this work will continue and we can create a How To guide from this.
For those that may be interested. You can buy the NEC Terrain Unlock on Amazon for $79.99. Here is the link.
http://www.amazon.com/NEC-Terrain-UNLOCKED-WaterProof-DustProof/dp/B00KZPI04S/ref=sr_1_1?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1405614968&sr=1-1&keywords=nec+terrain
For full specs on this great phone you can go here.
http://www.gsmarena.com/nec_terrain-5553.php
Well, I almost bricked it few days ago. :good:
I read a thread about a patch to unlock GSM in CDMA phones and saw there a code to enter some hidden menu. I entered that menu and messed a little with band settings (wanted to get LTE to work with my operator). Next thing I know Terrain stopped receiving any GSM signal and for next hour I tried to fix it. Factory reset got me 2G signal and that's all.
It turned out that the only way to fully fix it is to re-flash firmware or radio module and as we know that can't be done.
Well, this is not about unlocking or flashing, but it is a solution to another problem I and many other have been having with the predictive text bar blocking critical function keys from being accessed. The predictive txt bar is a function of the Adaptxt keyboard app and disabling it does remove that bar, but the keyboard also loses all special character function, upper case letters and numbers. After trying more then a dozen keyboard apps to replace adaptxt, I found one that works and brings back all keyboard functions without the stupid predictive text bar. It is called TouchPal.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cootek.smartinputv5&hl=en
Forgive me for this slight OT-posting, but it's not that easy to find people with this device - let alone an unlocked one. I'm located in Germany and the device runs just fine - except for the fact that Tethering does not work - neither USB nor WIFI. The PC can connect to the phone, however the connection in Windows 7 always is shown as being limited (no internet access), while internet on the phone works fine.
GMail - as well as some other functions of google also rarely sync and basically just do so on request, while they sync just fine when being connected to Wifi. And no, background data are not restricted in the settings.
Has anyone experienced something similar?
laserdrome said:
device runs just fine - except for the fact that Tethering does not work - neither USB nor WIFI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same problem! After few minutes of "thinking" phone reports "There is a temporary nework problem... bla, bla, bla"
Is there any suggestions how to fix it?
iDomino said:
I have the same problem! After few minutes of "thinking" phone reports "There is a temporary nework problem... bla, bla, bla"
Is there any suggestions how to fix it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well actually I know that message as well. For me changing the APN helped. You could also try to restart the phone. I just remember I also had this problem sometimes. But like I said - even without that particular message I would not get tethering to work.
iDomino: Do you also experience the problem with syncing that I had?
That's funny, actually I haven't noticed syncing problems untill I read your posts. I myself have all the same problems that you mention.
Even more of that, Terrain has some silly feature that TURNS OFF WI-FI if it thinks that that hotspot has no internet connection. It is massively annoying and can drain all your data traffic. The only solution that I found is to install the app "Smart Wi-Fi Toggler", it constantly turns wi-fi on if terrain turns it off, but only in places where I turned wi-fi on myself (like home and work).
It's a pity the phone has so many flaws and due to its tight security and the locked down NEC mobile devision no one can do anything about it. I wonder if this just affects the users who use an unlocked phone outside the US or if people in the US have similar problems. I have tried contacting NEC about this - actually about providing us with some kind of unlock mechanism - but all I got was this:
"Dear Sir,
Thank you for inquiry.
We, however, regret to inform you that our phone is not available about your request.
If you have any issue, would you try to contact the company or shop where you have purchased this model, who might be of help to you.
Thanks and Best Regards,
Fujii /NEC"
By the way, I discovered a new bug: When Roaming the actually used Network-Provider is not shown and I also didn't find a way to choose one...
Do you also experience the problem with syncing that I had?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had some sync problems and I don't know working methods to fix it.
First time I solved it this way:
turning off apps sync -> open Gmail app -> it will show notification offering to enable synchronization -> use it -> sync works.
But this solution worked just once. (
Other time sync turns on by itself after one day disabled.
P.S. My Nec reboots while connecting via USB to ubuntu laptop.
Battery life
Can someone tell me how your Terrains battery hold up charge? Because mine discharges completely in about 10 hours (without using phone at all). I think it's wakelock problem.
iDomino said:
P.S. My Nec reboots while connecting via USB to ubuntu laptop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does it crashes once or infinite loop begins? I had infinite loop problem while connecting NEC Terrain to Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Debian or CentOS. Removing "ModemManager" package solved it.
FFDA said:
Can someone tell me how your Terrains battery hold up charge? Because mine discharges completely in about 10 hours (without using phone at all). I think it's wakelock problem.
Does it crashes once or infinite loop begins? I had infinite loop problem while connecting NEC Terrain to Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Debian or CentOS. Removing "ModemManager" package solved it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My phone works about 25-30 hours (30 min. calls, 5-10 sms, 30 min. messaging, 2 hours e-mail, internet & other applications. No video/gaming/music at all).
Infinite loop. Removing "modemmanager" helps! Thank you! :laugh:
Also got spontaneous rebooting after installing FTP Client made by Zifero. :silly: Removing app solved the problem.
Dreaming about root and working wi-fi tethering.
Who have usb driver of nec terrain? I need it, thanks
zolahn said:
Who have usb driver of nec terrain? I need it, thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe this topic will help.
Cpu-z shows only 665MB RAM on device... Where are another 335MB???
Lets continue discussion in one thread!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=59514154#post59514154
I created a GitHub repo to collect information, also on how to disable apps (since thats as good as it gets for now).
Another Terrain user here!
Hi guys!
i am Kharl
i am another Nec Terrain user here!
due my lifestyle, i needed a phone which could gives me reliability and power under ANY circunstance, that could be done by any rugged phone, BUT i needed querty keyboard, fm radio, gps, gyroscope, accelerometer, loud speakers, that could work worldwide and touchscreen... the only one with those features was the Terrain... and with the extra, that it is amazingly cool, i dont know opther but i find this phone really cute, very sober and elegant design.
well, i live outside USA so, for me, to work it couldnt be locked to ATT, so i was able to get one unlocked.
my phone has almost all the problems you mentioned, althught i am still happy with it and i am not going to change it because its problems does nto interfere a lot with me, BUT of course id like to get those problems sovled.
trying to solve the problem i bough three of thes phones and all the three had the same problems
the first one was by mistake, locked to att, but it had the same problems, random restart and locked hotspot, i sold it, i got a second one, works with any sim, everything fines, but with the same problem, random restart and no hotspot, i bought a third one to see if the problem was with my particular phone... and n luck the same problems.
it has some other minors problems, like no stereo audio recording despite it has two mics and IT STATES IT CAN record in stereo, but thats not a problem, i can deal with that, and sometimes the people at the other side (while in a call) says my voice sounds like from within a box (lack of trebble or too much bass) and when i press the check too much to the phone boddy there is also clarity sound problem.... but thats ok....
regarding the two main problems
random reboot and hotspot
many of us suspect what the cause is
for the random reboot many could think it is a installe app which is causing it... NO, because it does it at factory state, to solve that i dotn think root is needed, there is a certain factory process that is causin to reboot, the reboot is VERY random, could doit threee times in a day or could happen only three times in a week, what i have notice is that it happe lessoften in cold weather.
the hotspot problem IT IS cause because att locked that function, even when the phone is ulocked, that part remain locked because ATT.
what about you guys?
u can try hard reset for begging

[q] does smart lock with Bluetooth device work for you?

Has anyone else tried using a Bluetooth device go smart unlock your phone?
I can register my Bluetooth headset for the function but my phone still gets locked and requires my fingerprint after the screen is off for a few minutes
My phone is locked due to exchange security policies.
Sent from my SM-G920I using XDA Free mobile app
Works fine in my truck...
Works fine with my Sony SW3
Works fine with my moto 360
Same thing happens to me, but for location. I raised with Samsung on twitter and they asked me to email them. I've done so. Will let you know if I get any update.
I see the same issue - I have tried with two bluetooth devices and also a location. None of these bypass the need for fingerprint to unlock the phone. I also tried with PIN security - same issue. My phone has an exchange account linked which altered some security settings, maybe this is it? However, same account and same Android version on a Nexus5 and there was no problem.
yea im having issues as well. I do have exchange security as well but this worked fine on my Nexus 5. I'm also having issues where my Nexus 5 could skip songs via bluetooth. This does not work via google music now via my pioneer headunit. I cant tell if this is android bluetooth issues or what??
I have the same issue. Just disabled my exchange policy and it started working. It does not ask for fingerprint or pin any more.
This is weird because same setup on Nexus 5 worked fine. There smart lock overrode the exchange policy, but looks like Samsung has decided to give exchange policy higher preference than smart lock.
same for me just work with car Bluetooth but not with locations
Ok, moved Exchange account into Knox (which is awesome by the way) and now the smart lock works. Proves it was Exchange security causing it.
Cool, looks like exchange is the root cause.
Let me go explore knox as well!
Sent from my SM-G920I using XDA Free mobile app
I'm having the same issue with no exchange account set up.
teethgrinder32 said:
Same thing happens to me, but for location. I raised with Samsung on twitter and they asked me to email them. I've done so. Will let you know if I get any update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 on location. But Bluetooth is perfect for me.
I had the same issue, smart lock works with BT but not with location.
What helped for me: I used location of Home from maps, it wasn't work. When I added "new" place and used near address it started working. I'm not using Exchange with security (I'm used to using Office365 and there isn't this rule)
works fine here over bluetooth to my gear 2 neo smart watch , and my turtle beach elite 800 wireless headphones , also location lock is working here on the w8 stock unrooted.
rakh1 said:
Ok, moved Exchange account into Knox (which is awesome by the way) and now the smart lock works. Proves it was Exchange security causing it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is knox? How did you accomplish this - I really want to get this trusted device unlock enabled. Thanks in advance.
I have the same issue - smart lock works without "corporate" account. However when I setup a "corporate" account (Exchange, or in my case - it's Google Apps with Google Device Policy) - smart lock stops working.
You can configure trusted devices/locations, but you need anyway to unlock device using pin/fingerprint/or whatever. Exactly same configuration worked well with recently replaced HTC One M7 (Sense version with Lollipop).
It's my first Samsung device after about 5 years with Android.. is there any chance they fix anything like that, is it worth to bomb tech. support about it?
On the side note, regarding alternative solution - I'm a bit curious how Knox is working. I don't like additional layer it adds to a system, and I don't really need such paranoid level of security, but.. maybe Knox is not so bad? Does it show notifications from Knox applications? How all apps are working in background, or do I need to unlock Knox each time I need to check the mail?
Yay, the upgrade to 5.1.1 has fixed this.
How do you disable exchange policy?
Update took care of it - I did not change anything.

Unbelievable. Oneplus claims that a bug is now a feature.

Here, check this out.
Me:
When two BT devices capable of telephony functions are connected, the second one connects as "Connected (no phone)", and its telephony function cannot be used.
Example (picture attached). If Huawei Watch is already connected, when Jabra Talk attempts to connect, it will connect as described above, and one cannot make or receive phone calls on Jabra Talk (but still can on the watch.)
Oneplus support:
Thank you for taking the time to send us this email as well as the screenshot that you provided. I understand that you want to use both of the Bluetooth devices for easy access and getting in touch with loved ones for helping us keep on track with our daily activities.
I would like to inform you that the OnePlus 6 can actually connect to two Bluetooth devices. However, by default, you can only choose one for making and receiving calls. Just choose which you preferred to use by toggling the "Phone calls" under each setting of the Bluetooth devices.
This bug was not present in 5.1.5. They introduced it in 5.1.6/7.
This bug is present in all Pixel phones because it's a buggy Google code that Google simply does not care to fix.
Samsung fixed this in their phones.
So, I am guessing OP had this fixed in 5.1.5, but then they just lazily copied and pasted that Google garbage code.
And they don't know how to fix it now. So now it's a freaking feature.
UNBELIEVABLE!
I have the same problem with my Huawei Watch and my cars hands free system
I tried to disconnect the watch with Tasker as soon as my hands free system connects, but it never worked reliable (because the watch connects again immediately and takes over the call functionality)
I guess we need to wait until we get Android Pie because as far as I know this problem is solved with Android Pie
MJFox78 said:
I have the same problem with my Huawei Watch and my cars hands free system
I tried to disconnect the watch with Tasker as soon as my hands free system connects, but it never worked reliable (because the watch connects again immediately and takes over the call functionality)
I guess we need to wait until we get Android Pie because as far as I know this problem is solved with Android Pie
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope so. But I'm not that hopeful - I think it's a Google bug, and they simply don't care to fix it.
Meanwhile, I have to disable the phone functionality on the Watch so I can use my hands free car kit.
It's so disappointing, especially since this stuff always worked with Samsung phones, OOS 5.1.5 (the bug was introduced in 5.1.6/7) and even the early Pixel, pre Android 7.0.2.
nabbed said:
Here, check this out.
Me:
When two BT devices capable of telephony functions are connected, the second one connects as "Connected (no phone)", and its telephony function cannot be used.
Example (picture attached). If Huawei Watch is already connected, when Jabra Talk attempts to connect, it will connect as described above, and one cannot make or receive phone calls on Jabra Talk (but still can on the watch.)
Oneplus support:
Thank you for taking the time to send us this email as well as the screenshot that you provided. I understand that you want to use both of the Bluetooth devices for easy access and getting in touch with loved ones for helping us keep on track with our daily activities.
I would like to inform you that the OnePlus 6 can actually connect to two Bluetooth devices. However, by default, you can only choose one for making and receiving calls. Just choose which you preferred to use by toggling the "Phone calls" under each setting of the Bluetooth devices.
This bug was not present in 5.1.5. They introduced it in 5.1.6/7.
This bug is present in all Pixel phones because it's a buggy Google code that Google simply does not care to fix.
Samsung fixed this in their phones.
So, I am guessing OP had this fixed in 5.1.5, but then they just lazily copied and pasted that Google garbage code.
And they don't know how to fix it now. So now it's a freaking feature.
UNBELIEVABLE!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if Google's code is garbage, I suggest you stop using android and start making your own good code!
nabbed said:
I hope so. But I'm not that hopeful - I think it's a Google bug, and they simply don't care to fix it.
Meanwhile, I have to disable the phone functionality on the Watch so I can use my hands free car kit.
It's so disappointing, especially since this stuff always worked with Samsung phones, OOS 5.1.5 (the bug was introduced in 5.1.6/7) and even the early Pixel, pre Android 7.0.2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disabled the phone functionality too
I had a Samsung phone before as well (Note 8) and with that I had no problems with my hands free kit but instead the smartwatch lost the phone functionality after a few hours so I always had to reconnect it (basically the same problem but the other way round)... it's very frustrating that such a pretty basic thing doesn't work properly
I also tried this app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.myklos.btautoconnect
but it didn't seem to make any difference, it didn't seem to make anything at all
I read that Android Pie is able to connect to more than one Bluetooth headset at a time so this should fix the issue after all
kewlest22 said:
if Google's code is garbage, I suggest you stop using android and start making your own good code!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a Pixel XL for over a year. Only kept it for Project FI. Bug ridden POS.
Sold it for half going price just so I could feel clean again.
Even if Samsung *used* to have sluggish Touchwiz in the past, at least it didn't have deal breaking bugs.
Don't even have to make my own code - some XDA roms had fixed this bug, as opposed to Google.
MJFox78 said:
I disabled the phone functionality too
I had a Samsung phone before as well (Note 8) and with that I had no problems with my hands free kit but instead the smartwatch lost the phone functionality after a few hours so I always had to reconnect it (basically the same problem but the other way round)... it's very frustrating that such a pretty basic thing doesn't work properly
I also tried this app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.myklos.btautoconnect
but it didn't seem to make any difference, it didn't seem to make anything at all
I read that Android Pie is able to connect to more than one Bluetooth headset at a time so this should fix the issue after all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am almost positive that if you had a somewhat similar problem on a Note 8, it's probably Google's fault.
I don't really use the 2 BT phone functionality for more than 30 min on average, but I've never had any problems on Note 7, GS6 or GS9, or even on a Pixel pre 7.0.2 android, when this bug was first introduced.
After 7.0.2, bluetooth stuff just broke everywhere. This bug, constant disconnects and reconnects, for some people music skips, for some doesn't even work, BT UI in Settings just crashing etc.
It's like Google replaced their BT programmer with a monkey at that point, or even a monkey's nephew.
So just because you cannot use 2 Bluetooth devices simultaneously to make phone calls, it's a deal breaker??? Lmao please please please go back to Samsung so we don't have to hear the whining anymore. Good luck with those bootloaders

Google Fi/Project Fi

Hi All,
It is my request that if you have not tried this or witnessed it first hand, do not reply. I've siphoned through entirely too many threads with those quick to respond no only to have the "no" be proven wrong within the same thread.
That being said: Project Fi
Officially only supported on several devices. The biggest feature lost to those who do not use a supported device is the ability to switch between networks. While I'm still on the fence with rooting my S9 (assuming I'll have to), one thread I found with several confirmations seemed a bit promising to keep the roaming feature.
Editing build.prop to reflect a Pixel 2 allows the device to be activated. While several individuals confirmed this works to activate, none have confirmed whether the roaming feature works as well. Theoretically, it should. Others have lost this feature because the IMEI of the 'surrogate' phone is whats being registered. Makes sense since Sprint (and I believe US Cellular as well) is like Verizon in that they register the device vs the sim (Of course more complex than that, just typing through the logic).
Therefore, if editing the build.prop allows you to activate Google Fi then theoretically the IMEI of said device should also be registered and should work. I'm looking for confirmation on this. There's also a big question about the ability to edit build.prop without rooting and implications on KNOX, Samsung Pay, etc which is why I'm hesitating. Just looking for this first bit of information first.
iAmJG said:
Hi All,
It is my request that if you have not tried this or witnessed it first hand, do not reply. I've siphoned through entirely too many threads with those quick to respond no only to have the "no" be proven wrong within the same thread.
That being said: Project Fi
Officially only supported on several devices. The biggest feature lost to those who do not use a supported device is the ability to switch between networks. While I'm still on the fence with rooting my S9 (assuming I'll have to), one thread I found with several confirmations seemed a bit promising to keep the roaming feature.
Editing build.prop to reflect a Pixel 2 allows the device to be activated. While several individuals confirmed this works to activate, none have confirmed whether the roaming feature works as well. Theoretically, it should. Others have lost this feature because the IMEI of the 'surrogate' phone is whats being registered. Makes sense since Sprint (and I believe US Cellular as well) is like Verizon in that they register the device vs the sim (Of course more complex than that, just typing through the logic).
Therefore, if editing the build.prop allows you to activate Google Fi then theoretically the IMEI of said device should also be registered and should work. I'm looking for confirmation on this. There's also a big question about the ability to edit build.prop without rooting and implications on KNOX, Samsung Pay, etc which is why I'm hesitating. Just looking for this first bit of information first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you talking in terms of just activating service? if so, i have a vzw s9+ and i switched to fi, just flashed to xaa and popped in the fi sim. no problems.
iAmJG said:
Hi All,
It is my request that if you have not tried this or witnessed it first hand, do not reply. I've siphoned through entirely too many threads with those quick to respond no only to have the "no" be proven wrong within the same thread.
That being said: Project Fi
Officially only supported on several devices. The biggest feature lost to those who do not use a supported device is the ability to switch between networks. While I'm still on the fence with rooting my S9 (assuming I'll have to), one thread I found with several confirmations seemed a bit promising to keep the roaming feature.
Editing build.prop to reflect a Pixel 2 allows the device to be activated. While several individuals confirmed this works to activate, none have confirmed whether the roaming feature works as well. Theoretically, it should. Others have lost this feature because the IMEI of the 'surrogate' phone is whats being registered. Makes sense since Sprint (and I believe US Cellular as well) is like Verizon in that they register the device vs the sim (Of course more complex than that, just typing through the logic).
Therefore, if editing the build.prop allows you to activate Google Fi then theoretically the IMEI of said device should also be registered and should work. I'm looking for confirmation on this. There's also a big question about the ability to edit build.prop without rooting and implications on KNOX, Samsung Pay, etc which is why I'm hesitating. Just looking for this first bit of information first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read here on XDA that Google Fi would be able to be activated on other devices and I'm almost positive the S9/9+ were included. You wouldn't need to edit build.prop or anything. You wouldn't get automatic network switching though since that's a hardware / firmware thing from what I remember reading. The service itself would work and you wouldn't need a surrogate phone to make it work initially.
Whether that's live or not yet I don't know. Rooting any Samsung device past the S4 or S5 I believe trips Knox permanently. That's also assuming you don't have a u965 / u960 device, which can't be unlocked / rooted.
Edit: appears to be love for the "majority of Android phones". https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...BBAB&usg=AOvVaw0Yb-mP_-PqDTtcLG7TWkwM&ampcf=1

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