FAQ

1. Frequently Asked Questions

1. List of topics in this page
   1. General Questions
   1.1 [Unable to find app on Google Play]()
   1.2 [Incorrect translations](https://github.com/midhunhk/message-counter/wiki/FAQ#11-incorrect-translations)
   1.3 [Permissions and Privacy Concerns](https://github.com/midhunhk/message-counter/wiki/FAQ#12-permissions-and-privacy-concerns)
   1.4 [Counter not working after updating to Version 4](https://github.com/midhunhk/message-counter/wiki/FAQ/_edit#13-counter-not-working-after-updating-to-version-4)
   2. For Version 3.3 and below
   2.1 [Sent Message count mismatch / Does not count](https://github.com/midhunhk/message-counter/wiki/FAQ#21-sent-message-count-mismatch—does-not-count)
   2.2 [Received count is displayed correctly, while sent count is not](https://github.com/midhunhk/message-counter/wiki/FAQ#22-received-count-is-displayed-correctly-while-sent-count-is-not)

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1. General Questions
   1. 1.1 Unable to find app on Google Play
      As of 19th March 2019, the app is no longer available on Google Play as it has been removed due to Google not revoking the `READ_SMS` permission which is essential for the app to work. As a workaround, we are trying to distribute the app via alternate distribution channels.

> Edit[08-May-2019] A version of the MessageCounter app without the core functionality, but directs users to alternate sources is now available on the Google Play Store.

1. 1.2 Incorrect translations
   If you notice any incorrect translations, kindly report with the correct translations so this can be updated. The developer is not native to the additional languages supported by this application and uses Google Translate for translation purposes. Kindly send an email to [aeapplabs-support at live.in](sendto:aeapplabs-support@live.in)

1. 1.3 Permissions and Privacy Concerns
   Your privacy is very important to us. We do not use collect or use any personal information by this app. The following permissions are requested

Contacts – To display the contact name and image in the received page

Messaging – To count the number of messages you have received

Run At Startup – If you have enabled the “count sent messages” feature, the app will run a background service or Task to keep track of the sent messages count

We do not request the Internet permission, so there is no communication from the app to the outside world. [See Privacy Policy](https://github.com/midhunhk/message-counter/wiki/Privacy-Policy)

1. 1.4 Counter not working after updating to version 4
   Some users have reported that Message Counter is not working after they update to Version 4 from a previous version.
   Since the entire app has been re-architected, you can try restarting your device or reinstall the app to see if
   your issues are solved.

1. For Version 3.3 and below
   With Version 4.0, the app has been completely rewritten and updated for improved performance and solving issues.

1. 2.1 Sent Message count mismatch / Does not count
   It has been noticed that at times, the sent count is not updated correctly by the app.

We use a background service to track whenever you send an SMS. Android kills background services and apps when there is a need for memory. This is a known Android feature and SMSes sent during this time before the service was restarted will not be counted.

It has been noted that if you use a task killer or memory cleaner, the background service may get stopped.

1. First of all make sure that you have enabled the “Count Sent Messages” in the application settings. Once all set, you should see more details in the “Counter” page. At this point, the background service that counts sent messages should be started.

2. You can make sure that the service is running by going to Settings → Apps → Running and check if Message Counter service is running. If it is, your sent messages should be counted correctly.

3. We have only tested this app in a generic list of devices, ROMS and firmwares. If by any chance your specific device does not support any feature required by the app, the sent count may not be displayed correctly.

1. 2.2 Received count is displayed correctly, while sent count is not
   Received count is displayed from the messages database stored in your phone, while the sent message counts are calculated by a service which can only count messages that are sent once it is started. See FAQ#1.1 or send a message and check back to see if it is updated correctly