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App to make phone appear switched off

kingdave

Android Enthusiast
Mar 16, 2010
435
14
Manchester
Might be a bit of an odd request, but as the title suggests, I'm looking for an app that makes my phone (HTC DHD) appear switched off, but only I know the secret number of presses of the power button that will bring it back to life.

Does such an app exist?

Current situation:
Phone is on, but screen is locked > Press power button > screen comes on > Slide to unlock

Ideal situation with this app:
Phone is on, screen locked > Press power button, nothing happens > Press power button again > screen comes on > slide to unlock

Any ideas?

Thanks
 
Seems like a good way to wear out your power button, and I don't see the purpose. If you are concerned about security, use a lock screen with a passcode or something.

I'm not sure an app will be able to override the power button function. If there is such an app, it would probably require root.
 
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Seems like a good way to wear out your power button, and I don't see the purpose. If you are concerned about security, use a lock screen with a passcode or something.

I'm not sure an app will be able to override the power button function. If there is such an app, it would probably require root.

Agreed.

Also: if the thief can't get any screen to work he'll conclude the phone is bust, and chuck it in the sewer...

Good luck! :cool:
 
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The purpose of the app (for me at least) is not security related.

I am technically not supposed to have my phone switched on during work hours due to the sensitivity of my job and environment I work in, but I need it on to receive important updates throughout the day due to my partner being pregnant.

The managers in my office are currently undertaking spot checks on whose phones are switched on and potential disciplinary action could result for anyone breaching this. I've asked if under my circumstances I could keep mine on just in case but it will not be allowed.

Therefore the app is to fool anyone not in the know into believing the phone is switched off so I can continue to receive updates should something happen to my partner.
 
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The only thing I can think of, is to use a web-based solution to forward SMS or missed call notifications to your computer.

A few options, such as DeskSMS or even Google Voice, don't require any local installs, though due to the sensitivity of your job, access to certain sites/services may be blocked (also assuming your computer isn't monitored). In fact, using some methods, you may be able to keep your phone off, while communicating via computer.
 
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The purpose of the app (for me at least) is not security related.

I am technically not supposed to have my phone switched on during work hours due to the sensitivity of my job and environment I work in, but I need it on to receive important updates throughout the day due to my partner being pregnant.

The managers in my office are currently undertaking spot checks on whose phones are switched on and potential disciplinary action could result for anyone breaching this. I've asked if under my circumstances I could keep mine on just in case but it will not be allowed.

Therefore the app is to fool anyone not in the know into believing the phone is switched off so I can continue to receive updates should something happen to my partner.

If you find that app, use it, and get found out you will not only have broken the rules, but you will also have tried to deceive management. You want to guess what your future for that employer will look like?
And can you afford to lose your job with a newborn...?

I suggest you let your wife, or others, phone the front office at your place of work when there is an emergency. The front office would know where to find you, I assume.
 
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If you find that app, use it, and get found out you will not only have broken the rules, but you will also have tried to deceive management. You want to guess what your future for that employer will look like?
And can you afford to lose your job with a newborn...?

I suggest you let your wife, or others, phone the front office at your place of work when there is an emergency. The front office would know where to find you, I assume.


There would be no dismissal taking place. In the UK an employer is unable to fire you straight away unless it is gross misconduct - this does not fall into that category.

As I also have a clean record and no other disciplinaries on file, the worst that could happen would be a first written warning which would stay live on my employment record with my company for 12 months.

I can afford to live with that possible outcome if I know I am contactable should my partner go into labour while I am away.
 
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The only thing I can think of, is to use a web-based solution to forward SMS or missed call notifications to your computer.

A few options, such as DeskSMS or even Google Voice, don't require any local installs, though due to the sensitivity of your job, access to certain sites/services may be blocked (also assuming your computer isn't monitored). In fact, using some methods, you may be able to keep your phone off, while communicating via computer.


This is probably the best call, but our web filtering software is quite strict so would have to see what I can access.

Google Voice is a definite no as its not yet available in the UK
 
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There would be no dismissal taking place. In the UK an employer is unable to fire you straight away unless it is gross misconduct - this does not fall into that category.

I'm not even talking about firing on the spot. If they want to get rid of you for reasons they think important enough, they can and will. If not today then next week, next month, or even next year. They'll find a reason.

I'm just suggesting you consider carefully if you can afford to run that risk. I'm not asking you if you are willing to run that risk. Of course you are. Goes without saying. But is that wise ? I'm suggesting you ask yourself whether you can afford to run that risk.

As I also have a clean record and no other disciplinaries on file, the worst that could happen would be a first written warning which would stay live on my employment record with my company for 12 months.

I can afford to live with that possible outcome if I know I am contactable should my partner go into labour while I am away.
If you think you should, you should.
 
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Let's try to keep this thread on track. The question is how to resolve this situation, and not whether kingdave's job is in jeopardy or whether or not he can risk losing it.

I am technically not supposed to have my phone switched on during work hours due to the sensitivity of my job and environment I work in, but I need it on to receive important updates throughout the day due to my partner being pregnant.

The managers in my office are currently undertaking spot checks on whose phones are switched on and potential disciplinary action could result for anyone breaching this.

It sounds like your employer is pretty serious about no cell phones, and that they probably have a reasonable cause for having such a strict policy.

As I mentioned, I'm not even sure an app could do what you are asking (if it could, it would need root). You might want to ask in the developer forum to see if any of the programmers here could confirm whether it's even possible.


That said, I think your best option is to find a non-cell phone alternative. Can they give direct dial access to a landline phone? Is there a a front desk that can be called and page you over an intercom? Are you allowed to have a pager at work?
 
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