I don't own an Android phone (yet). A friend of mine does, and I'm the only person she knows who's even marginally familiar with Android.
She has this app on her phone (Ubersocial, not sure how it got there, sounds like it's NOT part of the standard bloatware package). If she uninstalls it, it reinstalls. If she unchecks 'allow updates', it rechecks the box.
Without rooting the phone, is there a way to remove it? I haven't actually physically looked at the device yet, and I've not used Android yet, so for all I know this is the dumbest question ever.
If I DO have to root the phone to remove it, when I root it, how do I ensure it's removed and gone?
I've been talking to others about the issue (on reddit, so replies are slow), and they suggested trying to identify which apk the app is. Is there a file browser on Android, or would I need to physically connect it to a computer. Can I browse it with just Windows Explorer, or is there a specific program I need?
Factory Reset the device.
It can be done from within Android settings and will return the phone to a pristine state.
DirkGently said:
Factory Reset the device.
It can be done from within Android settings and will return the phone to a pristine state.
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Will only help if the app is not installed as system app.
Related
Phone is a Droid Incredible running the latest stable CM7 (7.0.3)
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I recently installed seek droid and a few other applications meant to protect my phone in the event of malware download or the phone is stolen. I noticed though that if someone goes in and removes these devices from the admin group that they can just be uninstalled. I realize the lock screen is there to protect the phone but if they do get in they can very easily uninstall the programs I would be depending on to get my phone back.
Now I know someone could just wipe the device using the factory reset in clockwork mod but yeah ... anyway I am looking to see if there is a way to secure the security settings or the device administrators section with a separate password of some sort? Or maybe there is a program that will do it? I tried Seal but it only seems to do app locks and it doesn't require administrator privileges so it can just be uninstalled anyway.
Thanks for any help. I have been looking around for awhile and come up with nothing so I am not expecting much but figured this would be the place to ask.
There are such tracking apps that require root but will be installed into /system and thus even survive a factory reset.
I think you can install any app to /system through a bit tinkering.
Some allow to change the icon and app name to hide its true purpose.
In the end, if the person knows what he is doing, you can't stop him.
Thanks for the advice. I realize if they know what they are doing they can get it off somehow but would be nice to not have an obvious app sitting in the drwaer called 'seek droid' that can then just be easily uninstalled.
Thanks again.
I feel this idea could be useful for a lot of us, not on our phones since we are likely rooted but on our family members and non tech friends stock phones. Which we usually end up fixing.
My idea if it is possible would be be for a "Plan B" type app for use after a broken screen, were the completely stock phone without ADB enabled needs data extracted.
My hope is that someone could make a app that is remotely installed from play.google.com that automatically turns on ADB debugging (if possible without root)
After that most data can be extracted with "adb backup" or adb pulls.
I can't count how many times this would of helped me in the past if it existed. Any dev up for the job? I am sure it would be appreciated by people.
Guess no one was interested in this idea.
shadowofdarkness said:
Guess no one was interested in this idea.
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I think many of us are interested but one (so far) can help.
would be a good idea.... who ever was in need for something like that will be likely to pay for that... :laugh:
I could see this being a massive security risk. Sure the app could be handy, but it would also make stealing info from a phone very very easy.
So on that note, I don't think it will ever make it through, though I am sure there are ways.
Just install something like SMSBackup+: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zegoggles.smssync
Set it to automatically back up to their gmail, every so often, and then when it comes time to have to do repairs, you can get all of their calling/sms stuff back, since Google automatically deals with the contact infos.
it wouldn't be a security risk since the only way to install it would be from play.google.com which no one can do without your password. also pour planning with other software is not the point of this since I have been asked to recover data from devices by people that I honestly had no clue they owned the device before they broke it.usually family I don't see on s normal occurrence.
I've always been taught to keep a back up of anything you consider important.
Either way...
There are ADB backup solutions out there, there are recovery apps in the Playstore that will scan for missing or deleted files.
If you have access to the Playstore you have access to all the already available recovery apps. Why the need for an app that will basically root and unlock the device from behind their 'lock screen'?
If you have no direct GUI access, you want an app that you run on your computer that forces the phone connected via USB, to unlock and let you access whatever you want before you restore the phone. This is a massive security problem, because anyone could download that app, and use it to break into phones.
Sound like the 'prior planning' apps, are the best way to go.
I think you are missing my point. I know that prior planning is the best but it it not always possible when dealing with people so tech illiterate that even thought they own the device they barely understand it is not a iPhone because that is what a smartphone is to them.
My intended use is for physicaly broken phones (mainly screen) where I can't control any apps with the screen or turn on ADB from settings.
You thought on the security risk is wrong since out of the ways I can think of to install it via play store on the phone is would not be used since that would mean the attacker could just go into settings and do it the normal way. sideloading is impossible since it would be redundent due to that already needing ADB on.
The intended way via the web is safe enough since the attacker would need your email, password.
Do you hate the "Plan B" app that gps tracks your lost or stolen phone that is already in the play store and gave me this idea. It shows in the store as having between half a million and a million installs. Do you think those people should of went without such a app and lost their phone since they should of just pre planned since it is better.
Hello,
I have ran into some rather severe complications of rooting my LG G3 and I don't know where to find the needed information to repair the damage done to my advices functionality.
Okay so to summarize what led to my phones current state I had to downgrade the firmware to vs98510b to root the phone. The downgrade and rooting went fine, however once I got root access I decided to remove a good portion of the bloatware software on the phone to try and increase performance and security. I used a root access level program to uninstall a total of 42 bloatware apps installed by LG and Verizon. After I rebooted the device I discovered that somehow the lg keyboard had been removed with the other bloatware, seeing as thats the only keyboard app installed by default I basically had no on screen keyboard at all in order to fix that I had to use bluetooth to send a keyboard apk to my phone to install.
After I finally got my keyboard back and functioning again I discovered that my phone was no longer being detected when plugged into my computer. on the phone it stated that I needed to install the USB drivers or plug and unplug the device back in to fix the issue, it would not get resolved by either method. So I looked more into what apps had been removed when I removed the bloatware and it looks like the file manager, keyboard and a few other apparently important bloatware had been removed.
If I connect the phone to the computer adb claims no device is connected, and if I boot the phone into download mode it never goes past 0% however it wont get detected by my computer itself at all. From what I have found so far it appears I need to flash the phone back to the complete stock state to get the bloatware reinstalled, however without a pc connection about 99% of the tutorials I have found cannot be used since it wont connect to the pc anymore. I am completly stuck and need advice and possibly a set of links to read on or guide to follow to repair the phone. Finally the last thing I noticed was the phone battery status cannot be detected through the android ui I have to actually use different battery monitoring software just to even know the correct charge level.
I look forward to yours alls response .
Hi,
Here's a dedicated help thread in your device section that you can ask for help in,
http://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g3/help/help-thread-lg-g3-question-t2947298
Also, you really need to know what you're debloating. One wrong thing and you're in a mess. A way to try to avoid this is using titanium backup to freeze bloat, instead of uninstalling it. Then if you're able, you can always unfreeze if you need to. Uninstalling is not gaining you much space, as those apps tend to be very small in size. ?
Good luck!
Okay you may lock this thread now since you redirected me to the correct forum
You can lock this thread if you like since you linked me to the correct forum/thread regarding this issue .
Thanks for the help
PS I attached the list of all my system apps currently on the phone I removed 42 total system apps, however I am unsure as to which ones they were as when I went to fix the problem I factory wiped the phone to try and repair the issue. However, after trying that I basically narrowed the issue down to needing to flash the stock rom back onto the phone to get the bloatware back. I would have to do it all from the phone though without the computer since some of the bloatware I removed makes it unable to connect to my computer now .
Ask for help in the link I gave.
But I'll say, you removed many things that I don't know what they are for. So chances are you don't know what they're for either.... A number of them could be causing you issues.
Never debloat things you are unsure of. You want to know exactly what they are for, and know that they are safe to freeze.
And again... Freeze them, don't uninstall them... That's my opinion anyway. All of those combined take up very little space. ?
I did actually ask for help in the other thread I just wanted to give you the curtousy of replying to your questions.
In regards to the removal of the bloatware itself. I have never had a rooted or even rootable phone before, bloatware removal in computers never negatively effected me thats why when I did a rather short set of searches regarding to the apps I removed they seemed like they would be fine to remove, however the effects made things I didnt remove not function aswell. I have learned my lesson if I want to avoid bloatware I am better off installing a custom rom and recovery than messing with the android bloatware integreted in the stock firmware.
You can close this thread
Well after a few days of what I can only describe as a nightmare I did manage to repair my phone back to a stock state, I even managed to get a customer rom on it called Ressurrection Mod!
Woot woot overcame my epicfail!!!
EDIT: In case anyone wants to know how I resolved the situation my fiances phone me and her got the same exact phones and models. When I rooted her phone last night the idea came to me to use a Nandroid backup from her phone to overwrite the data on my phone to restore all the bloatware. After doing so my phone is back to functioning correctly again! . All I had to do was rename the backup from her phone to match the generated hash on my phone so that TWRP would recognize the backup!!!
Please skip to the number questions if don't want the background.
I hate to bother, and I apologize in advance if this post seem obvious. I tried my best to do my own research.
For a reason (SD card functionally); I decided to try install another operating system (FaR) on my T-mobile Alcatel Evolve 2 4037t (I know, I am low on funds currently). I did learned a bunch about the mod world, but eventually arrived at the conclusion that my t-mobile phone "won't allow it). However, now, I have a basic understanding of rooting, CWM, flashing a ROM like Cyanogen; basic. I should've figured it out sooner when I was using CWM and CWM did not support my phone, but I certainly learned a few things, all good. But now I have a few concerns.
I was going to leave my phone as it was, but my phone started acting up. And, I am certain it was something a I did. I will try to post Yes and No numbered questions:
1) If I use my phone as a hotspot, could potentially "bad" programs on my phone infect my laptop?
2) I performed factory reset on my phone (twice). However, the Root Checker app (from the play store) says that Busy Box is still installed. Are there any potential security concerns having Busy Box installed? (phone is no longer rooted so I am thinking no)
Any suggestions for a google PlayStore (P.S) app, for security?
For what it's worth:
What concerned me, was how Android File Transfer acted on my laptop. After the first factory reset it would change from USB storage to (MTP), I would unplug the teether, change it back, plug it in and it would change to (MTP) again. And another time , it opened a vast number of Android File Transfer alerts. The only app I downloaded from the net was KingRoot. I had to use Lucky Patcher (from the G.P.S) to get rid of Purify that comes with KingRoot.
My very humble Thanks in Advance!
I am great at mucking dung up, sometimes I wonder if I went to far.
Paul
pbech said:
Please skip to the number questions if don't want the background.
I hate to bother, and I apologize in advance if this post seem obvious. I tried my best to do my own research.
For a reason (SD card functionally); I decided to try install another operating system (FaR) on my T-mobile Alcatel Evolve 2 4037t (I know, I am low on funds currently). I did learned a bunch about the mod world, but eventually arrived at the conclusion that my t-mobile phone "won't allow it). However, now, I have a basic understanding of rooting, CWM, flashing a ROM like Cyanogen; basic. I should've figured it out sooner when I was using CWM and CWM did not support my phone, but I certainly learned a few things, all good. But now I have a few concerns.
I was going to leave my phone as it was, but my phone started acting up. And, I am certain it was something a I did. I will try to post Yes and No numbered questions:
1) If I use my phone as a hotspot, could potentially "bad" programs on my phone infect my laptop?
2) I performed factory reset on my phone (twice). However, the Root Checker app (from the play store) says that Busy Box is still installed. Are there any potential security concerns having Busy Box installed? (phone is no longer rooted so I am thinking no)
Any suggestions for a google PlayStore (P.S) app, for security?
For what it's worth:
What concerned me, was how Android File Transfer acted on my laptop. After the first factory reset it would change from USB storage to (MTP), I would unplug the teether, change it back, plug it in and it would change to (MTP) again. And another time , it opened a vast number of Android File Transfer alerts. The only app I downloaded from the net was KingRoot. I had to use Lucky Patcher (from the G.P.S) to get rid of Purify that comes with KingRoot.
My very humble Thanks in Advance!
I am great at mucking dung up, sometimes I wonder if I went to far.
Paul
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Friend got into a fight with his brother. His brother was able to break into his phone.
Friend changed the password on the device last week, and because of his school, he doesn't take the phone with him.
He opened the phone today, and can't remember the password.
It is a Moto G7 Power, running Android 9
It has GenTech installed on the phone.
I do not know any specifics beyond that, as the settings are hidden behind a lock screen.
When I logged into the Google account, it looks like the account hasn't been backing up photos, contacts, etc since the GenTech was put on. iDrive also hasn't been backing anything up.
Are there any tools that can remove the lock screen? Preferably free, but I wouldn't mind paying a small amount. And NOT wipe the device.
Before coming here, I saw Eelphone, but it looked super shady.
Searching through XDA's forums, I saw Dr.Fone as an application as well.
Are these the best options? I mean, I troubleshoot devices for clients all the time, and thankfully haven't had to recover their devices like this, and I know that it has changed a lot since the beginnings of Android, but I need something in the toolbox for sure.
Any help is appreciated, thank you!
Edit: I thought I might try Dr.Fone on my Motorola device. Uh, not the right application that I need! I want the data preserved, not wiped. If I wanted the phone wiped, I'd have done it from the bootloader.
(Or do they make a copy of the device, wipe the phone, and reload everything minus the lock screen?)
(Or is Dr.Fone a malicious program masquerading as legitimate?)
DaNissNYC said:
Friend got into a fight with his brother. His brother was able to break into his phone.
Friend changed the password on the device last week, and because of his school, he doesn't take the phone with him.
He opened the phone today, and can't remember the password.
It is a Moto G7 Power, running Android 9
It has GenTech installed on the phone.
I do not know any specifics beyond that, as the settings are hidden behind a lock screen.
When I logged into the Google account, it looks like the account hasn't been backing up photos, contacts, etc since the GenTech was put on. iDrive also hasn't been backing anything up.
Are there any tools that can remove the lock screen? Preferably free, but I wouldn't mind paying a small amount. And NOT wipe the device.
Before coming here, I saw Eelphone, but it looked super shady.
Searching through XDA's forums, I saw Dr.Fone as an application as well.
Are these the best options? I mean, I troubleshoot devices for clients all the time, and thankfully haven't had to recover their devices like this, and I know that it has changed a lot since the beginnings of Android, but I need something in the toolbox for sure.
Any help is appreciated, thank you!
Edit: I thought I might try Dr.Fone on my Motorola device. Uh, not the right application that I need! I want the data preserved, not wiped. If I wanted the phone wiped, I'd have done it from the bootloader.
(Or do they make a copy of the device, wipe the phone, and reload everything minus the lock screen?)
(Or is Dr.Fone a malicious program masquerading as legitimate?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is the device rooted?
Does the device have USB debugging enabled in system settings?
If the answers to these questions are no, then all you can do is factory reset. After resetting, it will probably be FRP locked(Factory Reset Protection), which means you still need to remember the google account username and password to get logged into the device, but, the lockscreen pin/password will be removed. You'll lose the user's data in the process. At this point, if it isn't rooted or does not have USB debugging enabled, there aren't really any options to save their user data before resetting the device.
Sent from my SM-S767VL using Tapatalk
The phone is not rooted, unless the GenTech software gained the root access. (I am too new to post a direct link, but it is a monitoring program - I don't know how common it is outside of my community)
If I recall correctly, I did get access to developer options, but that was back in July - I'm not sure if I have developer options enabled at this time.
The paid softwares can't crack it? That really is too bad.