Database Info

Delete stock app

Can you delete the stock browser after root and not have any problems
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

It should be perfectly safe to remove the stock browser. Unlike IE on Windows for example, nothing in Android actually relies on the native browser code. All applications wishing to transfer to your browser go where you tell them to.

I imagine you may have some funky issues later down the line.

The truth is
gamachan said:
I imagine you may have some funky issues later down the line.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I don't wanna be mean, but I am gonna say this is false. I have had G1, N1, and now G2x i have removed alot of things from my phones and even my latest the G2x. And even though you shouldn't have any problems with removing system apps remember now that your root you should make sure to back-up your phone, because you could mess with some setting or god knows what and be stuck in a bootloop.Also, instead of actually uninstalling apps you could always freeze them to make receiving ota updates easier(Cause gingerbread is right around the corner)
P.S. didn't realize you have a G2x too! beware of removing the my t-mobile and my device apps because they might throw you into this weird force close free for all.

[Q] Factory Data Reset after Root

Hello everyone. Please let me pre-apologize if I'm posting this in the wrong forum. I have spent much, much time reading similar posts on this question, and I am a newbie, but very quickly learning.
I'm only asking this just to be absolutely safe before I do it. -I am very New to android phones and have managed to Root my phone 1st try and have no issues, everything is fine, and I love the phone and this site.
=-QUESTION-=
I want to do a Factory Data Reset (settings/privacy/Factory Data Reset), and the phone is rooted (used KMS One click Root)
1.Is it safe to do this.
2.Should I do anything before I attempt it.
3.Should I expect the phone to be back to it's "factory" state afterwards.
xtra info:
I base my questions off of what I have already read/learned, I have a bunch of programs I installed for testing purposes (1st time android user & all free versions), now that I know what I want installed, I want the phone to start Fresh (I just like the way it runs after a factory reset) and after that, I am going to buy$ all the programs, which are mostly utility programs from the android market.
I already bought App2SD Pro, and want to buy many, many more. I have installed on my pc Eclipse and the full Android-sdk-Tools. Although I am not a Programmer, my intentions is to become one, if I can learn it all .....lol
There are no Mods or anything like that installed and nothing was removed by me. (system apps, etc.)
Bottom Line: - As a "Newbie", as You call it, I don't yet know enough to remedy any serious problem if one was to happen after doing this, the "factory reset after rooted already", So I want to be sure before I attempt anything. So I came here to ask the opinion of the experts, you.
...and on a last and somewhat unrelated issue, after rooting the phone using the KMS thing, I don't even know what it installed or what it did'nt at the time of rooting, and I state this out of confusion due to part of the Readme file stating afterwards on your phone goto the android market and download busybox - but it seems it was installed by the rooter (as far as I could tell) and Superuser.apk as well, since it was there after rooting. -But I know nothing of what these apps do, still trying to understand them.
...So this is where I'm at educationally with my phone, and ALL Respect to all of you.
Thanks for Reading.
My PHONE:
Samsung Galaxy Prevail
Model# SPH-M820-BST
Android Version 2.2.2
Build# FROYO.EE14
Kernel version: 2.6.32.9
Hardware version: M820.07
current added software:
ATK, App2SDPro, Astro, CacheMate for Root, DroidWall, ES File Explorer, LCDDensity, OperaMini, PdaNet, QuickBoot, RomManager, RootCheck, SD-Booster, SpareParts+, SuperManager, SuperUser, Titanium Backup.
(These are the utility programs I mentioned above), I currently only purchased the full version of App2SDPro, and want to purchase/reinstall all the rest at their paid full versions, but only after the factory reset is completed.
Also, after the phone was rooted, I tried to uninstall Superuser (I was trying to update it at the time) and from what I remember, it would not un-install, and still won't. (possibly some need to know xtra info for you)
I use XP-Pro/sp3, tweaked by me, and I am pretty familiar with it, but Linux is new to me, and I am just getting started on learning/using that in Oracle VM VirtualBox for educational reasons for now.
-THANKYOU, Again.-

I'm guessing this question is not interesting enough for an answer.

A factory reset should reset your phone to how it was when you got it. You will lose your apps, but any purchased apps will be remembered so you don't have to worry about that. Superuser is essential on a rooted device to grant apps SU permissions, so don't try to remove it.

k_nivesout thankyou. I have been sitting idle waiting to find out what to do, now at least I understand what Superuser is for and how important it is. -I understand what a Factory-Reset will do, as I have done it a few times already messin' around with it since I bought the phone 2 months ago., ..but.,...
You Stated:
You will lose your apps, but any purchased apps will be remembered so you don't have to worry about that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean I will lose the apps I installed myself, not the system pre-installed stuff (i think you guys call it bloatware) CORRECT?
AND
How will the system remember that I bought an App such as the one I did buy, App 2 SD Pro, I ask because I want to know if it's stored on the phone somewhere (meaning it's not a total reset/wipeout --my thinking is still in windows mode) or on the 16GB memory card I have in there, because I was planning on wiping that to start fresh as well, or does the market read/remember my phone id/login email, etc. when I connect and try to redownload/re-install it. ?
-In fact I would like to know that anyway for future reference before I start laying money down on lots of apps I want.
Hope you understand what I'm asking here.
ThanKyou.

Yes, you'll lose the market apps with the factory reset, but your paid apps are tied to your Google account. So whenever you set up the phone again with that account, it will associate those apps, even on a new phone.
I can't remember if its just on gingerbread roms, but the last few times I've done a factory reset, Google has remembered my free apps too, and started redownloading them automatically from the market.

I'm no expert. but here's what I have experience.
If you'll do a factory reset. All will be gone, your settings, apps etc but you the phone will retain its root.

Cool.
I got what I needed to know. Just wanted to go with the experience of others before I do anything involving systemwide things, don't want to wind up with a dead phone that will take weeks of trial and error to fix, especially as I'm new to the whole android thing/programming/linux, and also 'cause boost's customer service is chock full of lazy "I hate my job and don't want to be here" type tech support.
This is all I can afford at the moment and it is fine, and I'm glad I'm able to make it better and mess around and learn from using it. And this site too of course.
Thanks guys

Market Apps Incompatible??

I never came across this issue with my G2, but during google's 10 cent sale I bought a few games (asphalt 6 was the main one I wanted) and when I first got my sensation it came preloaded with N.O.V.A 2
Since rooting my phone neither one of those is now available, they don't show up in the market and when I tried to push the apk file it still doesn't work. When I check the market on my desktop it says my phone is incompatible. I have tried multiple roms, thinking it may have been a sense 3.5 issue, but it happens on 3.0 roms as well.
Have any of you run into this issue? Why does this happen, and how can I fix it?

kingston73 said:
I never came across this issue with my G2, but during google's 10 cent sale I bought a few games (asphalt 6 was the main one I wanted) and when I first got my sensation it came preloaded with N.O.V.A 2
Since rooting my phone neither one of those is now available, they don't show up in the market and when I tried to push the apk file it still doesn't work. When I check the market on my desktop it says my phone is incompatible. I have tried multiple roms, thinking it may have been a sense 3.5 issue, but it happens on 3.0 roms as well.
Have any of you run into this issue? Why does this happen, and how can I fix it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't comment on before or after rooting my phone because I did it straight away, but I can't 'see' either of those games in the Market. I also can't buy Shadowgun. Apart from those people running pirated copies, there are clearly also people who can buy and download these games. I just don't get it. At first I thought people must be using Chainfire's Tegra app, but I don't think it's just that. I guess it should be possible to change something on the build.prop but I can't work out exactly what the key difference is.

After I posted I found this:
http://www.redmondpie.com/how-to-in...-from-android-market-for-unsupported-devices/
I haven't tried it yet but I'll post back when I do. Nova 2 worked just fine on my phone before I rooted it, and I bought asphalt6 with my phone (again, before I rooted and installed new roms) I'm assuming not everybody has these problems, so I'd love to know why some of us have issues and others don't?

Thanks for the link. I'm debating whether or not to flash a stock ROM first to see what happens.
Also, the other factor that clouds the issue is that developers can remove devices from their compatibility list in the Market as and when they choose. For example, looking on their forum, this appears to be the case with the Sensation and Madfinger's Shadowgun.

So from what I'm learning I need the original buildprop from the stock sensation in order to make this work. I tried the directions from the link I posted and clearly changed something because I got an email welcoming me to the nexus s, but my market still tells me asphalt 6 is not available for my sensation.

Here's to add to the link posted.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=20048765&postcount=5

Thanks, I'll try those edits and see what happens.

Purely for info. Flashing back to a stock ROM (1.50.401.1) didn't work for me, though I was still S-off, just in case that matters in some way that I don't realise.
Tried altering my build.prop as per the OP's link but it didn't work for me. Haven't tried kpjimmy's link yet.
I'd still like to find out for sure if anyone can buy these games without an altered build.prop, and if so, why? (excluding anyone who's using chainfire's app...)

So after spending an hour trying things out my phone's nearly dead and I'm at work so I won't be able to recharge it until I get in the car, but as I type it's downloading asphalt 6. It also thinks it's a Nexus S as it asked me if I wanted to update to IceCream sandwich. A little scary as I'm assuming that would brick my phone. Anyhow, here's what I've done so far:
Clear Market Cache & Data. Settings > Applications > All > Market > Clear data.
Launch ES File Explorer. Enable both Root Explorer and Mount File System under Settings > Root Settings.
Navigate to /system. Here you will find the build.prop file. Take a backup of it by copy-pasting it to your SD card.
Open & edit /system/build.prop
Change the following lines to make your phone identify as a GSM Nexus S:
ro.product.model=Nexus S
ro.product.brand=Google
ro.product.name=sodu
ro.product.device=crespo
ro.product.manufacturer=samsung
ro.build.fingerprint=google/soju/crespo:2.3.4/GRJ22/121341:user/release-keys
ro.build.description=soju-user 2.3.4 GRJ22 121341 release-keys
Save file and remember to change the chmod type button back to read only in the system folder
Reboot the phone
My build prop had 2 entries for build description and I edited both of them. I'm going to try to get NOVA 2 as well, I'll post back after I try playing both of them. I just don't understand why it was so flipping difficult to get these?
And why don't all rooted/rom'ed sensations have this issue?
My last 2 questions I might find on my own, but maybe somebody has an answer so I don't have to experiment. If I wipe/reset and reinstall my current rom, will that rebuild the build.prop file back to original?
AND....if I do get both these games working and use Titanium to back them up, will I be able to reinstall them without re-editing the buildprop file again?
More to come, stay tuned...

Ouzo said:
I also can't buy Shadowgun.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shadow Gun was available to us on the market until very recently.
Madfingers found out that there were driver issues that they couldn't fix... or something like that, so they pull it for the Senny for now.
there is a sticky on their forum regarding it.
far as Asphalt 6, log onto Gameloft's site via your phone(user agent set to Android) and you can purchase it directly from the site.

That still doesn't answer the question of why isn't the Market working correctly?

I'm assuming u have a US sensation? My thinking is if you flashed a Rom that is based on the euro sensation then maybe the market identifies the phone as a euro sensation and blocks certain apps that aren't available in Europe....maybe?
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using xda premium

I started with a US updated to the latest release. I rooted it and tried in this order (or close to it):
Android Rev. 4.1
Energy
Elegancia
TMXSS (maff1989's rom)
I had forgotten about asphalt and nova until I was on Elegancia, but on the TMX rom, which is a stock us version basically, it didn't work. I really don't understand the inner workings of android, I'm not even close to a developer level, so if this might be a stupid question...does the buildprop file change with each rom? Basically if I reflash the rom I'm using now it'll rebuild the buildprop?

Yes, build prop changes with each ROM

Ouzo,
this doesn't answer the original question, but it's looking like going directly to Gameloft's website worked for me, at least with Nova 2. The problem though is even though I paid for it once through market the Gameloft site doesn't recognize that, so if I want either game I am going to need to either pay twice or request a refund from google.

Good news that you can download NOVA via Gameloft's website, though to be honest I'm not going to do that because I don't want to create a second account to access their games. I didn't like the idea of giving them my mobile number - knowing my luck I'd end up getting a load of marketing calls from all over ; )
I'm also just feeling stubborn about this. There must be people on here who know. Hopefully they'll read this thread and enlighten us. I'm going to carry on experimenting with other ROMs and see if any unlock the reason why.... Wonder if Sensation XE owners/ROM users can see NOVA etc in the market?

Root cause for Gear 2 high battery consumption found, at least for non-Samsung phones

Edit: with new Gear Manager (Jun release), this method doesn't work anymore. The new approach is to install a "contact synchroniser killer" app on the rooted watch. More details are in this post.
==================================================================================================================================================================================
Hi all,
Ever since I started using my Gear 2 Neo with my HTC One M8 phone (using the guide in this forum), I noticed that my watch consumes battery significantly faster than most of the users have been reporting. Even more strangely, sometimes after resetting both the phone and the watch (and I've done this a lot while experimenting and trying to get more stuff working) I had streaks of stellar battery life, well in line with optimistic reports here and elsewhere, but then, after a while, it started deteriorating very quickly.
So I decided it was time to do something about it. I installed Tizen SDK, hooked the watch up and started poking around. The first thing I noticed my watch CPU was, most of the time, sitting on 40%! Well, that doesn't sound right, does it? Then I noticed the log (located under /var/log/dlog_main) was full with messages related to contact synchronisation. It turns out the damn thing synchronises all of my contacts every several seconds. The trouble is I have well over 1500 contacts (that's consolidated from different sources, the number of raw contacts should be well over 3000). So it takes significant time to do this, meaning my watch (and the phone!) are thrashed by these stupid full contact syncs all the time! What's even more striking is the fact it doesn't help when I change it to "favourites only". Apparently, this affects only the contacts displayed on the watch, however, the sync process still takes all of them.
At this point I started poking around Samsung APK files to try and understand what was going on. Apparently, the APK responsible for contact sync is called GOPROVIDERS. Indeed, if you kill it, the thrashing stops, however, other important functions cease working as well. Aside of Contacts vanishing from the Gear, "Find my phone" is gone as well, but, more importantly, notifications stop working. While I could tolerate the first two, the last one was too much to give up.
I started decompiling and analysing sources. Apparently, there is a process running every several seconds that analyses if any changes have been made to the contacts. It uses pretty bizarre logic which seems to be relying on Samsung-specific fields in the contacts. Now, this already sounds suspicious, and, apparently, leads to full sync every several seconds. Obviously, the more contacts you have, the harder you're hit.
An interesting point in all this is that I'm not 100% sure the logic is working properly even on Samsung devices, so it might well be that the same issue is affecting people with high number of contacts using Samsung phones as well. I'd be really interested to see any feedbacks regarding this.
So, long story short, instead of fixing the logic (which is quite difficult in SMALI), I made a simple change which dilutes this logic invocations, right now 1:64. Since then I'm enjoying MUCH improved battery life.
The fixed APK is attached. You're welcome to give it a try at your own risk (you need to enable installation from untrusted sources + reboot and clean dalvik cache).

mpogr said:
So, long story short, instead of fixing the logic (which is quite difficult in SMALI), I made a simple change which dilutes this logic invocations, right now 1:64. Since then I'm enjoying MUCH improved battery life.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you please explain your "logic invocations, right now 1:64" change?

JimSmith94 said:
Could you please explain your "logic invocations, right now 1:64" change?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the fixed APK the logic is actually invoked 1 time out of 64 attempts. It makes its frequency about every 40 minutes instead of every 30 seconds.

mpogr said:
In the fixed APK the logic is actually invoked 1 time out of 64 attempts. It makes its frequency about every 40 minutes instead of every 30 seconds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I understand now. Congratulations on your find and fix! I'm going to try it.

mpogr said:
The fixed APK is attached. You're welcome to give it a try at your own risk (you need to enable installation from untrusted sources + reboot and clean dalvik cache).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Someone who knows where this should be shared and divulged to the rest of the community should do so! It sounds like this is a pretty bad bug that should be addressed officially, but BIG TIME props to you for figuring this all out!!
Thank you!!!

Im on samsung f/w (note3) yesterday ive experience on severe battery drain .. in a few hours it was completely drained.. I wasnt even wearing it.. so that logic aint the only faulty one .. thx for tgat fix.. il see if it helps
Sent from my SM-N900W8 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Guys, everyone with abnormal drain, it would be extremely helpful to troubleshoot your root cause if you could send me the log file from your watch that includes the affected time span. In order to do that:
Enable USB debugging on the watch (under settings->Gear Info)
Download and install Tizen SDK.
Connect your watch to the computer using its charging cradle.
Open the command line (cmd.exe), change to the folder where the SDK files are installed (the default is c:\tizen-sdk\tools) and then run the following command:
Code:
sdb pull /var/log/dlog_main
This will pull the log file to the same folder. Then send it to me via PM (ZIP first!), so I could have a look.

mpogr said:
Guys, everyone with abnormal drain, it would be extremely helpful to troubleshoot your root cause if you could send me the log file from your watch that includes the affected time span. In order to do that:
Download and install Tizen SDK.
Connect your watch to the computer using its charging cradle.
Open the command line (cmd.exe), change to the folder where the SDK files are installed (the default is c:\tizen-sdk\tools) and then run the following command:
Code:
sdb pull /var/log/dlog_main
This will pull the log file to the same folder. Then send it to me via PM (ZIP first!), so I could have a look.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well I decided to reformat my watch in case that woudl help but will surely grab a log next time somethign like this occurs.

Excellent work mpogr!! Will try this and report back
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

I think I too have this issue and I have an S5. Does the goproviders-signed.apk go onto the phone or the Gear2?
Are there some instructions on getting the goproviders-signed.apk file onto the Gear2?

apexhugger said:
I think I too have this issue and I have an S5. Does the goproviders-signed.apk go onto the phone or the Gear2?
Are there some instructions on getting the goproviders-signed.apk file onto the Gear2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The APK file is installed on the phone. It is strongly advised to clear goproviders data before installing it.
I just made a new version of this APK corresponding to the new version of Gear Manager (2.1.14052101), it's attached to this post.

mpogr said:
The APK file is installed on the phone. It is strongly advised to clear goproviders data before installing it.
I just made a new version of this APK corresponding to the new version of Gear Manager (2.1.14052101), it's attached to this post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that. Is there a guide for getting this file onto the Gear2 (and clearing goproviders data)?
I'm quite new to this but good at following instructions

apexhugger said:
Thanks for that. Is there a guide for getting this file onto the Gear2 (and clearing goproviders data)?
I'm quite new to this but good at following instructions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Clearing data is usually available under "Settings->Apps" and then find the app (goproviders) and find "Clear Data" buton.
In terms of installing, you need to enable installation from untrusted sources first of all. Then, you can use any file manager software (e.g. "Root Explorer" or "Super Manager"), when you tap on an APK file, it will ask if you want to install it.

mpogr said:
Clearing data is usually available under "Settings->Apps" and then find the app (goproviders) and find "Clear Data" buton.
In terms of installing, you need to enable installation from untrusted sources first of all. Then, you can use any file manager software (e.g. "Root Explorer" or "Super Manager"), when you tap on an APK file, it will ask if you want to install it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm having trouble getting this file to install, it doesn't let let me tap install (tapping Install does nothing). Does the phone need to be rooted?

Won't let me install, keeps failing.
Any ideas? I uninstalled with root uninstaller, still fails.
Do you think disabling Super User would temp fix the drain?
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Free mobile app

bubblebuddyi said:
Won't let me install, keeps failing.
Any ideas? I uninstalled with root uninstaller, still fails.
Do you think disabling Super User would temp fix the drain?
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please, check if installation from untrusted sources is enabled.

mpogr said:
Please, check if installation from untrusted sources is enabled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is.
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Free mobile app

bubblebuddyi said:
It is.
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, I think I faced it before. Gear Manager apparently checks if all of its components are installed and sometimes silently reinstalls them again.
Please, uninstall goproviders and install the alternative APK quickly afterwards.
I use Super Manager, one advantage of it is that you can see if the app is already installed (it show uninstall option when you tap on the APK in such case). I saw once, when I uninstalled the original app and then tried installing the new APK, it failed, but then, after tapping on it again, Super Manager showed that it was already installed. What I think happened was Gear Manager silently reinstalled the original app while I was trying to install the new one. Uninstalling (from Super Manager) and quickly installing again fixed it.

mpogr said:
Actually, I think I faced it before. Gear Manager apparently checks if all of its components are installed and sometimes silently reinstalls them again.
Please, uninstall goproviders and install the alternative APK quickly afterwards.
I use Super Manager, one advantage of it is that you can see if the app is already installed (it show uninstall option when you tap on the APK in such case). I saw once, when I uninstalled the original app and then tried installing the new APK, it failed, but then, after tapping on it again, Super Manager showed that it was already installed. What I think happened was Gear Manager silently reinstalled the original app while I was trying to install the new one. Uninstalling (from Super Manager) and quickly installing again fixed it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried that with Root Uninstaller, it definitely silently installs it. Faster then I could install it. And apparently disabling Root in SU uninstalled it, because now I can't re-enable it. As long as I'm not rooted, I shouldn't have an issue right?
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Free mobile app

bubblebuddyi said:
I tried that with Root Uninstaller, it definitely silently installs it. Faster then I could install it. And apparently disabling Root in SU uninstalled it, because now I can't re-enable it. As long as I'm not rooted, I shouldn't have an issue right?
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No idea mate. Just make sure you've got the right "goproviders" installed at the end of the process. The final APK will reside under /data/app and will be named "com.samsung.accessory.goproviders-N.apk" (where N is a number like 1, 2 etc.). Just grab it (e.g. by "adb pull") and do binary comparison with the file you installed ("diff" on Andoid/Linux or "fc /b" on Windows).

Joy Launcher - No Joy

This launcher app appeared in my update list (Idol 6045i, 5.5). Since it is not currently on my phone it is not really an update. Notice -there is no uninstall option.
Read a bunch of reviews - most were bad, very bad - and once it's on your phone you can't get rid of it so be warned!
It is pushed out by Alcatel.

catapp said:
This launcher app appeared in my update list (Idol 6045i, 5.5). Since it is not currently on my phone it is not really an update. Notice -there is no uninstall option.
Read a bunch of reviews - most were bad, very bad - and once it's on your phone you can't get rid of it so be warned!
It is pushed out by Alcatel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My dad's pop4 plus got it too, and it's annoying as hell.
I hope somebody comes up with a way to remove it soon , or even better, a whole ROM fo the phone.

It brought lots of adware (bloatware) I tried to get rid of it but all settings of the desktop are now gone. I have to setup my settings again.

Form of malware
Same happened to my 3 family Alcatel phones this week. I didn't ask for this forced 'update', don't want it and it has totally destroyed my desktop, contacts and all shortcuts. I phoned Alcatel and complained that they don't offer an uninstall option and what they have done is, without permission, hijacked my phone.
They said they would look into it, but I am not convinced.
Will never get Alcatel again

I didn't install it on my phone and it disappeared from my update list quite awhile ago.
I don't allow automatic updates. That is crucial. I choose what updates to install.

Joy Launcher problem
I was able to swipe down from the top, I went into settings, to Apps, to Joy Launcher. I tried Force Stop & it didn't work. I then hit the 3 vertical buttons at upper right of screen. I then hit Uninstall Updates. This allowed me to get my screen back. It also returned my homescreen to factory settings. I had to add whatever icons I wanted to the homescreen. Note, I am not tech savvy but this gave me back my functional use of my cell phone.

Same here, I will never get Alcatel ever again because of this joy launcher crap

titaniummitch said:
I was able to swipe down from the top, I went into settings, to Apps, to Joy Launcher. I tried Force Stop & it didn't work. I then hit the 3 vertical buttons at upper right of screen. I then hit Uninstall Updates. This allowed me to get my screen back. It also returned my homescreen to factory settings. I had to add whatever icons I wanted to the homescreen. Note, I am not tech savvy but this gave me back my functional use of my cell phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Update: Joy Launcher returned. I repeated above actions & it again returned. On Joy Launcher I denied permissions and for a 3d time it took over my screen. I again repeated above actions and this time I was asked if I wanted to replace Joy Launcher with the factory settings. I clicked on yes and I again got my normal screen back. I don't know if Joy Launcher will return again, I'm waiting...

titaniummitch said:
Update: Joy Launcher returned. I repeated above actions & it again returned. On Joy Launcher I denied permissions and for a 3d time it took over my screen. I again repeated above actions and this time I was asked if I wanted to replace Joy Launcher with the factory settings. I clicked on yes and I again got my normal screen back. I don't know if Joy Launcher will return again, I'm waiting...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are we sure this is Alcatel pushing this launcher? Or perhaps this is bundled with some other type software that persistently re-activates it.
This used to be a common practice for dev's of one program, to get extra revenue by bundling it with their own.
I myself havent installed the most recent update as I feel no need to at this time. I'm currently trying to get rid of that silly "File Manager" that just all of a sudden decided it needed to run actively!

Moscow Desire said:
Are we sure this is Alcatel pushing this launcher? Or perhaps this is bundled with some other type software that persistently re-activates it.
This used to be a common practice for dev's of one program, to get extra revenue by bundling it with their own.
I myself havent installed the most recent update as I feel no need to at this time. I'm currently trying to get rid of that silly "File Manager" that just all of a sudden decided it needed to run actively!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for commenting. As I previously wrote, I'm not very tech savvy.
I don't factually know that it comes from .Alcatel but since 8/14 this keeps returning. I haven't downloaded any new apps. I cannot use the phone until I figure out how to delete the Joy Launcher message from my screen. I refuse to allow the program's permission requests. I wrote to Alcatel on 8/14 & they gave me a case #. They haven't yet addressed the complaint.
Today it returned again yet it wasn't listed as 1 of my apps. I went into apps - permissions & I denied all permissions. Joy Launcher had some permissions even though it didn't appear on my list of apps. After I denied permissions I restarted the phone & it was gone. The problem is that it keeps returning. I don't know how to stop this from being re-installed.
Sorry you are having trouble with the File Manager, I haven't yet experienced problems.

titaniummitch said:
Thank you for commenting. As I previously wrote, I'm not very tech savvy.
I don't factually know that it comes from .Alcatel but since 8/14 this keeps returning. I haven't downloaded any new apps. I cannot use the phone until I figure out how to delete the Joy Launcher message from my screen. I refuse to allow the program's permission requests. I wrote to Alcatel on 8/14 & they gave me a case #. They haven't yet addressed the complaint.
Today it returned again yet it wasn't listed as 1 of my apps. I went into apps - permissions & I denied all permissions. Joy Launcher had some permissions even though it didn't appear on my list of apps. After I denied permissions I restarted the phone & it was gone. The problem is that it keeps returning. I don't know how to stop this from being re-installed.
Sorry you are having trouble with the File Manager, I haven't yet experienced problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On another site 1 guy claims he installed another launcher then used all in one toolbox to disable at startup

http://download.cnet.com/Joy-Launcher/3000-20432_4-77527969.html
It does seem to be an alcatel app

titaniummitch said:
Thank you for commenting. As I previously wrote, I'm not very tech savvy.
I don't factually know that it comes from .Alcatel but since 8/14 this keeps returning. I haven't downloaded any new apps. I cannot use the phone until I figure out how to delete the Joy Launcher message from my screen. I refuse to allow the program's permission requests. I wrote to Alcatel on 8/14 & they gave me a case #. They haven't yet addressed the complaint.
Today it returned again yet it wasn't listed as 1 of my apps. I went into apps - permissions & I denied all permissions. Joy Launcher had some permissions even though it didn't appear on my list of apps. After I denied permissions I restarted the phone & it was gone. The problem is that it keeps returning. I don't know how to stop this from being re-installed.
Sorry you are having trouble with the File Manager, I haven't yet experienced problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem mate. Been dealing with OEM crap since the HTC Desire days.
They put this stuff on for several reasons.
1) To give the device a unique feel different from other manufacturers
2) They get money from the developers of said applications to help for a larger profit margin
3) (and the 1 I think is the winner) They let their spouses or partners chose an app "cuz it's cute"
In actuality it's #1 and 2.
If you are rooted, try this app out from the play store. It's what I use.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jumobile.manager.systemapp&hl=en
You can find all the apk's and "com.xxxxx.xxxxx" files. Ya should be able to locate that joy launcher easily. My guess it's re-installing from a couple locations.
As with that Alcatel File Manager, I use ES File Explorer or Root Explorer. I don't like the idea of a program running in memory like File Explorer does. U can tell cause it leaves icons on the notification bar. So I deleted it.

No Joy, (contiunued)
TheMadScientist said:
On another site 1 guy claims he installed another launcher then used all in one toolbox to disable at startup
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the suggestion, Mad Scientist, I'll look into the toolbox. It returned last night and I followed Moscow Desire's advice on preventing automatic updates. I had to search how to do prevent automatic updates, I didn't know I could disable them. I managed to accomplish disabling the auto updates. At some point the screen asked me "Do you want to replace with factory version" & I clicked on yes.
I hope I'm not violating protocol by going into lengthy detail. The inability to use my phone is frustrating. I'm writing about my attempts in case I succeed in regaining control of the phone & maybe my experience could be useful to somebody else. Thanks for the input & guidance.
---------- Post added at 03:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:54 PM ----------
I like your #3.
I appreciate your generous assistance. This app remover might be the answer. I'll wait and if my refusing auto updates (done last night) doesn't solve the problem then I'll download this app remover.
Moscow Desire said:
No problem mate. Been dealing with OEM crap since the HTC Desire days.
They put this stuff on for several reasons.
1) To give the device a unique feel different from other manufacturers
2) They get money from the developers of said applications to help for a larger profit margin
3) (and the 1 I think is the winner) They let their spouses or partners chose an app "cuz it's cute"
In actuality it's #1 and 2.
If you are rooted, try this app out from the play store. It's what I use.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jumobile.manager.systemapp&hl=en
You can find all the apk's and "com.xxxxx.xxxxx" files. Ya should be able to locate that joy launcher easily. My guess it's re-installing from a couple locations.
As with that Alcatel File Manager, I use ES File Explorer or Root Explorer. I don't like the idea of a program running in memory like File Explorer does. U can tell cause it leaves icons on the notification bar. So I deleted it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

titaniummitch said:
Thanks for the suggestion, Mad Scientist, I'll look into the toolbox. It returned last night and I followed Moscow Desire's advice on preventing automatic updates. I had to search how to do prevent automatic updates, I didn't know I could disable them. I managed to accomplish disabling the auto updates. At some point the screen asked me "Do you want to replace with factory version" & I clicked on yes.
I hope I'm not violating protocol by going into lengthy detail. The inability to use my phone is frustrating. I'm writing about my attempts in case I succeed in regaining control of the phone & maybe my experience could be useful to somebody else. Thanks for the input & guidance.
---------- Post added at 03:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:54 PM ----------
I like your #3.
I appreciate your generous assistance. This app remover might be the answer. I'll wait and if my refusing auto updates (done last night) doesn't solve the problem then I'll download this app remover.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not at all thats what we are here for. I'm trying to make mine better too just like you.

Hello All, I too was the victim of the rotten Joy Launcher. I think I have now stopped it and now we have a happy Alcatel cell phone.
I did a lot of things, but basically - sorry do not have the cell to hand.
I uninstalled Joy Launcher (from version 7.0 to version 5??) and clicked on Force Stop. Then I uninstalled Updates (from version 7.0 to version 5??) and clicked on Force Stop.
Within Play Store, I selected 'do not install when connected to Wireless' and 'manual install'.
There is one last 'manual install' option which I think is within settings.
The octopus is gone and Joy Launcher doesn't bug me anymore. Yippee!

Update it from Apkmirror site , you will find latest update ver 7.0.1.0.823 . It seems that play store removed it .

Response from Alcatel
As I mentioned in my earlier post I emailed Alcatel support. They did not respond so I wrote again, this was my email:
Subject:
Your malware - Joy Launcher
Message:
I have 3 pop4 Alcatel phones. You have forced an installation and update of 'Joy launcher' via Google Playstore.
It has totally removed all of my existing desktop, with its contacts, accounts and shortcuts, etc, which took months of usage and setting up. All is now wasted and lost.
I did not ask for this rubbish program. I do not want it. You have forced it on to me. You have deleted and corrupted my data without my permission.
I have made formal complaints to my network provider as I am most disappointed and angry with Alcatel and will certainly make my thoughts known, because this application is a form of malware.
=====================
I received a response today from Alcatel which was:
Dear customer,
Thank you for contacting us.
Regarding your issue, to deactivate Joy Launcher you need to connect to the internet ( wi-fi network) and a rollback that will remove the Octopus/Spider or any other such annoying features will set in.
What you will also need to do is to go to the settings and then to apps. There you will need to search for the joy launcher and then to click on it and if you see 3 vertical dots, please click on it and then unisntall updates(if not just disable it and uninstall it from the play store).
After you do this, please go to the play store and click on the 3 orizontal lines and settings-> auto-update and click on do not do auto-updates.
We also recommend to get a new launcher from the play store and set it as default in order to fix this.
Please consider rebooting your device if the change doesn't come through.
===
I though I ought to pass this 'fix' on in case it assists anyone. In any event, I will certainly not get an Alcatel phone again because of what they have done. I hate this type of intrusion with software/bloatware which constantly eats your data with spurious and dangerous ads and peaking at your data.
Good luck
Steve

The amount of bloatware (some of which is borderline malware) that has been silently installed since 6.0 is appalling. It renders the phone super sluggish.
If your phone is rooted you can uninstall most of it (at least Joy Launcher, File Manager and Weather) using a root system app remover.
Anything in the com.tct package namespace is a candidate for being eradicated.

How to root Alcatel Pop4 - 5051x
Yes, bloatware is verging on being criminal as the device has the memory stolen from it.
Thanks for informing me that rooting would allow me to get rid of unwanted stuff. The only problem is that I don't know how to do this. I have read different forums and followed numerous links but I have not found a step by step (idiots guide) to root my Alcatel pop4 (5051x) Android 6.0.1
If there is one specifically for that phone I would gratefull for assistance as I do not want to brick my device.
Thanks in advance
ps: I spent ages trying to prove I am not a robot and was about to give it up as a bad job. Is this normal or just me? For example when it asks for street signs does that include picture of the poles only holding the street signs above...? It just goes on and on. I suppose I need a guide to that now !