auto restore of free apps from market - General Questions and Answers

Sometimes when I install a rom (SGS2) I get ALL my apps auto-restored from the market, including free.
Other times I don't -- and I can view paid apps, but it's awkward to find free ones.
What controls this? Is it possible to prompt this restore?
In particular I've been playing with the SGS2 leaked roms - official builds from samsung, but not formally released. I can understand if there's variation down to how a rom was built, but I'd be surprisd if it changed build to build.
In all cases I go through setup normally, configure google account, enable wifi & can access the market after accepting T&Cs

Have gone back to my old install now anyway, but would be interesting to understand this for next time.

When you set up your gmail account you get asked whether to activate backup/restore.
Settings/Privacy
Sent from the valley of the shadows....

Related

Some apps no longer accessible in the market - uk

Hi folks,
I'm just wondering of there's a reason why I can't access some apps I was able to find before in the market?
Quick Settings, Launcherpro beta, Adw launcher, Zeam, etc, are nowhere to be find now...
I've got some of them on my download page on the market app and I also wonder if I can still access the updates.
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Sent from my Milestone using Tapatalk
think its a problem your end as I can findthen no problems..... Am uk..
regards
lohtse
Thanks for the reply. Ill try to find out.
Maybe your market access keys are incorrect because you have installed a custom rom? For example, test versions from Huawei have test keys installed that will not list all applications. You need to use proper release keys provided by carrier.
Thanks speckles, you point a different possible problem. Even if I don't have a custom rom: just a Milestone 2.1 rooted.
You need to use proper release keys provided by carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I think that I have the proper one for I didn't changed it. Can you tell me how can I check this? (I've got still a lot to learn.)
I have been reading a little on old and similar problems, often related issues with protected app, like paid/protected app on rooted phones - and regardless to the models, countries, carriers, and maybe even to the versions.
I am not sure to be concerned, I mean it's a bit different in my case. For instance, I have Tapatalk pro installed and which is protected but I can still find it on the market (I mean outside of the download tab).
So far, my problem only concerns some free apps.
There were from long time app that I wasn't able to find on the market (like TV.com), by example when using appbrain. But now, that's the first time I can't find apps I had already downloaded and that I've got installed. (I spotted the problem while recommending apps to a friend who's got a Desire since a few days. He was himself unable to find them, like Quick settings.)
Edit --
Scanning a barcode pointing on the apps in the market do not work as well.
Some solutions points to the build.prop:
Root your phone and modify your /system/build.prop with the fingerprint of a build that actually works. Then clear all data and cache from the market and google apps, reboot, set your clock to 23:59 and wait 5 minutes to force a refresh of the data before starting the Market app. You'll have to supply your Google account details again but this should work around the problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Useful as well:
From MasDroid, on XDA -14th April 2010, 08:59 PM
I've read about this issue which was recently explained by a developer of XDA (nprussell).
Apparently everyone is in the same boat so to speak. He states that many "protected" apps are missing from the market. There are generally two reasons why apps will be missing from the market:
When a new ROM or handset is released, the manufacturer (i.e. HTC), sends the build to Google for verification, which includes a 'Fingerprint' (a unique line of text which governs its market access) in one of the build files. Generally, it states the name of the phone and Android version in the fingerprint. With Root & System write access, this fingerprint can be changed, but although it's been claimed that the Desire has recently been Rooted, we still don't have confirmation from any developer of it being able to gain System write access.
Only until Google approve the build, then fingerprint will be added to their allowed database to view these protected apps on the market.
The other cause for apps missing from the market in builds is because of permissions of certain apps. For example, the barcode scanner app requires permissions to use the camera/auto focus. They are NOT protected apps. If the XML permission files are missing from system/etc/permissions, then Google Market will simply block these apps from showing.
HTC need to chase Google up on this and Google need to activate the Fingerprint.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Edit 2 --
I have tried to replace my build.prop (using one from a Telus Milestone) but nothing has changed. Maybe I need to erase the market's data as told in the second quote but I'm not sure to know how to do it.
I have the same problem. (Htc desire Vodafone/the Netherlands/original ROM) There was an OTA update few days a go. After that most of the installed apps couldn't be found. It seems that this affected a lot of people...check the comments on launcherpro an adw launcher websites
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Sent via the XDA Tapatalk App
If you have edited your build.props, then it can take upto 24 hours for them to be published to the market. So wait a few days.
If it still doesn't work, try Eris Market Fix after doing a nandroid backup. Again, you may have to wait about 24 hours before noticing any changes.
I think i have same problem here. Finland/HTC Desire/Stock ROM.
There should be LauncherPro in market right? Had to dl new one from LP's site.
I have got everything back and I'm still using the same build.prop. So I believe that the market had been fixed.
Hope it's the same for you!

If you want Google to let you to remove apps from your market account tell them

I have seen a lot of people with the same issue I have. I download an app from the market, and it sucks so I uninstall... but now It's tied to my account forever.
When I flash, or get a new device, I like to use the web based market to re-install my apps. But I have pages and pages of apps I will never use again.
I proposed the following to Google to fix this.
If you agree that this is a good idea and would like to see this feature.. or if you have a better idea, please let Google know. They will only change this stuff if enough people request it to be changed.
I submitted a request here:
https://support.google.com/androidm...tact_type=market_phone_tablet_web&paginated=1
This was my request:
There needs to be a way to remove unused applications from our market accounts. I have many applications that I tried, dont like, and will never install again. Every time I get a new device or do a factory reset, I have to search through tons of unwanted applications just to find the apps I'd actually like to install. I understand giving the user the ability to delete apps that were paid for and the possibility of accidental deletions can become a support nightmare. To solve this I’d like to propose an “Archived Apps” section. Users can Archive applications they do not use. The application is then moved into a special Archive section where it can remain tied to the users account without being “In the Way”. Applications in the Archive section should have a “Restore” (button rather than install) that when pressed, would move it back to the users regular account and become active and installable again. When searching in the market mobile app, these apps will also show with the status Archived rather than purchased or installed. Selecting the app will give the option to “Restore” it to your active applications at which point it can be installed.
i actually have an open ticket with them regarding this problem
google tech support says it's a known issue, and they have no way to fix it yet.
AllGamer said:
i actually have an open ticket with them regarding this problem
google tech support says it's a known issue, and they have no way to fix it yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome!
It's a lot of work for them to fix, and my concern is that it wont be on the radar unless it's highly requested.
Same thing with Amazon's store. I chatted with a rep, and they said there was no way to remove them, but they are aware people are interested in doing this.

[Q] Purchased apps question

Total n00b Q here, but I had a WP7 in the past, bought a few apps. Switch to android, but am going back to WP7.
Q: Can I reinstall apps I paid for (Angry Birds, Navigation US+CAN, etc) on my new phone.
Account will be the same account as used with 1st phone.
Thanks!
FWIW, old device was a Quantum and new is a Focus.
barryweston said:
Total n00b Q here, but I had a WP7 in the past, bought a few apps. Switch to android, but am going back to WP7.
Q: Can I reinstall apps I paid for (Angry Birds, Navigation US+CAN, etc) on my new phone.
Account will be the same account as used with 1st phone.
Thanks!
FWIW, old device was a Quantum and new is a Focus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems I may have found my own answer:
see link:
http://pauliom.com/2011/11/26/how-to-transfer-apps-with-windows-phone-7-wp7/
" if you attempt to buy an app that you have previously purchased/installed then the marketplace will realise this and ask you if you just wish to reinstall it again. It’s a bit off putting to have to press ‘buy’ but it seems to install without incurring a payment."
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...ne-phone/c013094c-7028-4264-aed3-d0bf588ec96c
Guess we will find out if this is true!
Any input or advice is still welcomed!
Yes. Goto https://www.windowsphone.com/en-US/account, login with your LiveID and you'll see app purchase history with ability to automatically reinstall.
Tip from MS: To have apps or games you buy in the web Marketplace automatically installed on your phone, on Start, flick to the App list, tap Settings, tap Find My Phone, and select Connect to these features faster (may use more battery).
You can also login with the original user account on the Web Marketplace and it will show you ever app you have bought or download and even gives you the option to reinstall the app to X phone that you have registered to the account.
You an also install and app called Reinstaller. It will query your Windows Live account and give you your purhcase/download history. You can select items from the list and reinstall. Much faster than going to the website one at a time.
anseio said:
You an also install and app called Reinstaller. It will query your Windows Live account and give you your purhcase/download history. You can select items from the list and reinstall. Much faster than going to the website one at a time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I found that app as well.

[Resolved] WOW!!! Backup and Restore!

I am just amazed. IF this has been available to samsung users or if it's a ICS function, I'm still blown away but it.
If you are having problems, and want to do the Windows thing of restarting from scratch, take advantage of the included Outstanding Backup and Restore.
I had been suggested doing the backup and restore by Samsung for my wifi connect/reconnect issue with "N" (no, it doesn't seem to have resolved it) but I was hesitant to go through the PAIN of reinstallation of all my apps (about70).
I decided to bite the bullet and reset the phone. I rooted too so I expected the worse. Well, let me say, that as I am writing this, the phone is automatically reinstalling my apps after signing in to Google and my wifi network. This restored my entire set of apps in only a few minutes (I have 50 mb internet and 5Ghz N, so the phone does my full bandwidth).
It's still rooted. A new Android ID was issued (TI offered to restore the old one). The About Phone/Status page still says Modified at the bottom.
Data from apps like my FlightTracker have no information so that will have to be re-entered. Passwords for apps and sync (or specific sync settings like NOT syncing GDrive or Gmail,) are not restated.
If for whatever reason you decide to do this, don't hesitate.
google
it's not an ICS specific function but more of a google play (formerly google market) function.
Google play knows which apps you have installed from them and on which device.
When you reset your device and input your google credentials, it will propose you to put back the previously installed apps.
Just surf to
play . google . com
log on and it will reflect what you already have installed, it also knows what you have paid for (you can install a paid app on multiple devices and only have to pay once) and at the bottom in "my orders and settings" you can see the devices you own and give them a name.
you can also review and install applications remotely from there. Click on install and your device will start downloading and installing it.
Well coming from a GB device I never saw/realized that the market can install all the apps automatically.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
Since I rooted my phone I wiped and installed it countless times with roms (cyanogen mostly) from android 2.2 to the current 4.0.4
I always check that automatic backup is enabled in the relevant setting but I never seen it working.. I thought it was supposed to restore apps, wifi passwords and so on when, after a wipe, I configure my Google account, but no luck, it never worked for me.
Sent from my HTC Desire using xda app-developers app

Parental lockdown

Over at Random Blame's Sero 7 Pro Jellytime thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2474673&page=20 there was a brief discussion about creating a locked down kid-safe rom for kids with known internet-misuse issues. My basic idea was to turn the Sero into a glorified media player, with no access at all to communication capabilities, including browser, facebook and such, but still permitting youtube and some other niceties.
There are "apps for that" in the store, but at least the free apps have security holes in them bigger than the Titanic, post-iceberg. The largest hole is the easy workaround of accessing the play store through an ad, then simply uninstalling the PC software. If the kid remembers to put it back later, you might never know it was done.
Here's what I came up with, rolling with several of the ideas proposed in that thread. I'm no dev, and no ability to create a rom, all I did was butcher an existing one In theory, you could do this with any custom rom for any rooted device. It's a one-way trip, so make sure you save the original image someplace in case you want to return to full functionality.
As always, proceed at your own risk.
So for my Sero 7 Pro I did as follows:
1. Root and install XboxeXpert's custom rom, from post 3 here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2297246
2. Install any apps you want on the device from Google Play. Do NOT install from Amazon, they won't work without the Amazon App store installed, which defeats the entire purpose. Trust me, I blew hours on this.
3. Install titanium backup and save everything thus far. Move the save files to a secure laptop so you can reinstall and update later, as needed.
4. Use an app manager like App Master and start stripping out everything related to communications. I blew away Messenger, Browser, Email services, and a number of others. Use your imagination.
5. Lastly, in direct opposition to almost everything XDA stands for, remove Play Store.
* App Master has a backup function, and you may be tempted to use this to preserve Play Store in case you want to install something else later. I found it does not restore correctly and Play Store was unusable, and had to re-flash and start all over again. You may have better luck with Titanium, but I did not try it.
Without a browser, the kid cannot get on any inappropriate sites. Without an app store, they cannot replace the stock browser / messenger or add Facebook / Snapchat to the tablet, even by clicking on an add. The free game apps I installed worked fine, but the ads went nowhere.
This is pretty efficient, about the only thing the kid can do at this point is install a new rom fresh, for which they would need access to a computer, which you would also control in your own house. Can it be beaten? Sure, some of these kids give the NSA night-sweats, but unless your kid is an aspiring dev, it's about as secure as you can hope for.
Best of Luck,
TM

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