Hi. I just found out that apk files are kept in the device after installation of the app.
I just recently downloaded a file explorer app and I found out that the apk files of the free games which I downloaded and installed from android market are kept in this folder:
/mnt/asec (I'm using Samsung Galaxy Ace)
There are individual folders for each game, and in each folder are a lib folder and the apk file. For example:
Fruit Ninja folder (which is found in mnt/asec folder) contains a lib folder and an apk file.
Fruit Slice folder (which is also found in mnt/asec folder) contains a lib folder and an apk file.
My question is, is it ok to delete these apk files? Will the games still work?
Also, can I send these apk files to someone else via bluetooth so they may download the apps without having to visit android market?
yeah you can delete the apk file after installing any app for it to still function, I do it all the time. Yes you can send the apk file to your friend so they can install it. If you're still cautious, try doing a trial run with one apk file...send it to your friend first, then delete, see if it works.
The .apk files are like setup files for windows. Once installed, you don't need the apk, especially if you are backing up with Titanium or similar backup program.
follow up question
Hi. Thanks guys.
Is everything from the android market ".apk"? Is it possible that some have a different extension? I downloaded a dictionary app, I can't be sure but I think it's a .zip file.
Thank you.
pakattack
I tried to delete the apk file. It cannot be deleted.
However, I copied it to my sd card, uninstalled the app, re-installed it using the one already in my sdcard, and it installed just fine.
I still want to be able to delete the apk file that is in the system though (/mnt/asec).
Any ideas or do I just have to deal with it?
sending .apk signed with another device
PakAttack1994 said:
yeah you can delete the apk file after installing any app for it to still function, I do it all the time. Yes you can send the apk file to your friend so they can install it. If you're still cautious, try doing a trial run with one apk file...send it to your friend first, then delete, see if it works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with deleting it won't be a problem but sending to a friend?
sometimes I think there would be a message stating that its not sign
correctly.. correct me if I'm wrong Thank You
WillShaka, like I said, I tried to delete it. I can't. Not allowed.
I don't know why. I'm using ES File explorer
not sure if this works but have you tried unmounting the sd and delete?
WillShaka said:
I agree with deleting it won't be a problem but sending to a friend?
sometimes I think there would be a message stating that its not sign
correctly.. correct me if I'm wrong Thank You
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also, and I don't mean to veer out of topic (this question is often ignored in Q&A forum), if I use Odin to upgrade my stock firmware instead of using Kies, will it erase all my data? I have a feeling it will...
WillShaka said:
not sure if this works but have you tried unmounting the sd and delete?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just tried it. Doesn't work, but thanks for suggesting. =)
Yes, you can delete the APK after installation. But the APKs in /system/app/ need to stay where they are to function appropriately
MarlonKaye said:
Also, and I don't mean to veer out of topic (this question is often ignored in Q&A forum), if I use Odin to upgrade my stock firmware instead of using Kies, will it erase all my data? I have a feeling it will...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MarlonKaye said:
Just tried it. Doesn't work, but thanks for suggesting. =)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes odin your phone would wipe out all the user and data status.
your welcome sorry I couldn't help
All-In-One Toolbox App
MarlonKaye said:
WillShaka, like I said, I tried to delete it. I can't. Not allowed.
I don't know why. I'm using ES File explorer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use the All-In-One Toolbox app to automatically find and delete all .apk files. It also has an automatic backup and restore function for apps.
So my daragon city and messenger are in the apk files I don't know if its backed by another zip folder my tablet is the amazon fire so if I deleted the apk files that is downloaded for an android would my appe still work the same
Related
I wasn't able to find info about this until now. But I need to know how to make the apks I include in a rom removable. I guess, maybe, I have to copy into a different folder instead or /system/app. is it right?
thanks
you have to install it in data directory not in system directory. so data/app
ok, thanks, but, if it doesn't exist, should I create it?
no u should not create it because then it wouldnt be a proper directory for your rom, the rom may not recognize it, i think.
which rom are you on? most rom has a data directory, that is where third party apps are installed and where apps downloaded from the market is also installed
this one
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=556962&highlight=enomther
ok i see what u mean when there's no data directory. what you should test out first is go to market and download an app. then see where that app is install. see if it created a data directory or not. it should...
I had a look using root explorer, and there is a folder in the root called /data/app , and there inside are every installed apk, even the ones I installed by astro...
and there is another one called /data/data where I find folder of every app too
ANd another one called /data/app-private (there I found one apk that I downloaded from market.
I try to download a new one
Yup put your apks in data/app
on a related note, is there any way to flash unsigned ROMs? like if I want to drop .apk 's into the data folder of a rom before flashing?
The_Chrome_Coyote said:
on a related note, is there any way to flash unsigned ROMs? like if I want to drop .apk 's into the data folder of a rom before flashing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think no, but have a look for a program called autosign.
It very easy
NguyenHuu said:
Yup put your apks in data/app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but it only appear in my phone,not in the files of the rom.
Anyway I'm going to ask enomther, the creator of the rom, maybe he can help me
joshuas_79 said:
but it only appear in my phone,not in the files of the rom.
Anyway I'm going to ask enomther, the creator of the rom, maybe he can help me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok your running a reg rom system, thus meaning 1.5/1.6 non hero. i can teach you step by step on how to set up "signing .zip's". its super super convenient!! i promise and its not to hard. just pm me if you need help. its way way easier to flash a rom with whatever apk you want then to push them and hope you pushed them to the right spot.
i know theres other threads out there with readers hub
but none thats fully functional
this was ripped out of the jm6 fw that was just released last week
i pulled it off my own tab
just install all apks and all should work
you might have to put them in your system app folders then restart
see post 2 for zinio apk
Please let me know your results
heres zinio apk
Awesome. Thanks alot. I have a north american tab so these apps were not included. I hav ed actually found aldiko and nook to be great reader apps, especially since you can import epub files. I tried to replace my gallery app with another that was supposed to display as higher resolution images, which it does but also force closes often. Any chance you can upload the stock gallery 3d apk?
VZW Tab
I tried to install the ReadersHub.apk, no dice :-(
put in in your system apps folder and reboot
I installed this and can get zinio working to where the magazine subscriptions are present, but there are no pictures. I installed it about two weeks ago. Do you know how old this Apk is? I'd love to get it to work.
maxtcee said:
put in in your system apps folder and reboot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm EXTREMELY new at this apparently, when you say system apps folder, which one is that? I tried to put it into the Root folder but I cannot get it to work.
sstevens805 said:
I installed this and can get zinio working to where the magazine subscriptions are present, but there are no pictures. I installed it about two weeks ago. Do you know how old this Apk is? I'd love to get it to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This zinio version is 1.0.1101
sstevens805 said:
I'm EXTREMELY new at this apparently, when you say system apps folder, which one is that? I tried to put it into the Root folder but I cannot get it to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think you want to use root explorer or adb to put apk in /system/apps/ folder.
Zinio still doesn't show the page pictures unless you pinch to zoom for any magazines after August 2010. Does anyone know why this is or if there is a fix in the works? Cannot get any info from zinio directly.
Sent from my SGH-T849 using XDA App
+1 Got the following error when installing Reader's Hub, "Application not installed." Any suggestions?
rmorrisonva said:
I tried to install the ReadersHub.apk, no dice :-(
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sstevens805 said:
I'm EXTREMELY new at this apparently, when you say system apps folder, which one is that? I tried to put it into the Root folder but I cannot get it to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
brattygirl72 said:
+1 Got the following error when installing Reader's Hub, "Application not installed." Any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok you need to be rooted and have busy box install to be able to write to system
once you have above done open up estrongs/or root explorer find the app your trying to install copy it and paste it into system / apps folder then reboot
I still can't get the Reader's Hub file to install or show up in the apps list after rebooting. I've spent hours trying to get this work and no dice.
Wonder if the problems with Zinio can be remedied by changing our screen density settings? Just a thought, may be way off here.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
maxtcee said:
ok you need to be rooted and have busy box install to be able to write to system
once you have above done open up estrongs/or root explorer find the app your trying to install copy it and paste it into system / apps folder then reboot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Copied with Root explorer and rebooted. Still doesn't show up as installed. Is there supposed be a .odex file to go with it?
specmac said:
Copied with Root explorer and rebooted. Still doesn't show up as installed. Is there supposed be a .odex file to go with it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope just the apk
go into system/app folder and make sure it pasted
if not try it again and make sure your in write mode
maxtcee said:
Nope just the apk
go into system/app folder and make sure it pasted
if not try it again and make sure your in write mode
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have same problem it says activety not found
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
Tried it, now I have no ReadersHub
Anyone save the old apk?
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
Don't know why this is right off jm6
Max, if you have Titanium backup, can you take a backup of Readerhub and post the backup file?
Sent from Samsung Galaxy Tab
I just noticed a folder titled baidu on my Nexus 5 (/storage/emulated/o/baidu). In it there is a single file titled .cuid.
Can someone tell me what this folder and file are for? I checked my Nexus 7 (with stock 4.4 on it) and the folder and file exist on that too.
-EDIT- No, I haven't installed any 'Baidu' titled apps from playstore
Folder doesn't exist on mine...
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Its for an app. But we don't know every folder by every app
-----------------------
Sent via tapatalk.
I do NOT reply to support queries over PM. Please keep support queries to the Q&A section, so that others may benefit
Baidu is the biggest chinese portal, something like Google in the rest of the world,
in China Google is not accessible and they got this Baidu, maybe your phone was originally planned to be shipped in China
or some guy between Lg factory and you downloaded this app on your phone and forget to delete folder but only app...weird
Thanks for the replies, and I know who Baidu is (which is why I asked the question, as I never installed anything of theirs.)
Its weird that the file and folder are on my tablet too.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Same file here.
Yeah it is a strange file baidu.cuid, but I have it in a different folder: internal memory/baidu I also never installed a baidu app or anything. I did update my s3 with the new 4.3 update.
The question remains what is this file for?
MIUI Launcher/Theme
It's part of the MIUI launcher/theme. I have the same folder on the root of my sdcard (along w/ a 'tempdata' folder inside containing .dat and .db files). I got one of the .dat files to open with Notepad on my PC and could see it was MIUI. I installed the MIUI launcher awhile back - so this explains the orphaned dir for me. Hope this helps someone else looking.
I've got the same thing. It has one hidden file named .cuid and was last modified 3 days ago... I'm on a rooted Verizon M8.
I have it too.
What is the miui launcher or theme?
Mine was recently written to, so I'm worried. Anyone know what happens if this Baidu folder is deleted?
its not one, but many different apps/themes install it if not already in the phone. stop freaking out. if you dont like it, delete it. if it comes back, then its one of the apps that you are now using.
I made a nandroid backup and the deleted the folder. So far everything works fine. No difference. Didn't come back.
Anderson2 said:
I made a nandroid backup and the deleted the folder. So far everything works fine. No difference. Didn't come back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if its an app that's installed now, it wont come back until its used. so give it a full day or two, just in case.
Do you use ES File Explorer? I got that folder after downloading ES on my phone.
G3MINI_N3RD said:
Do you use ES File Explorer? I got that folder after downloading ES on my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use es and don't have that folder... It's not es
#stayparanoid
Pirateghost said:
I use es and don't have that folder... It's not es
#stayparanoid
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know than. I know its used for cache files in some way. Other than that, I have no clue.
I have it too, never noticed it before. Only shows up in ES, not on the PC. Strange...
Have you installed wechat, I know that creates the folder on my device.
wangdaning said:
Have you installed wechat, I know that creates the folder on my device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. I literally have a select few apps on my phone
Is there any app which provides details as which folders are created by which apps? AFAIK sdmaid can remove folders associated with apps but it won't show which folders are related to a particualar app. Might be useful before deleting any folder.
Even I had that baidu folder.. I deleted it just now.. No idea which app created it
A Google search returns that it's competing google when it comes to search engines..
There is this option called Themes in the settings menu. consider me a complete newbie and tell me how that works(Like does it help in changing themes if so how do I do it).
There is no option called themes on the stock Rom. What are you running?
blackuse said:
There is this option called Themes in the settings menu. consider me a complete newbie and tell me how that works(Like does it help in changing themes if so how do I do it).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A custom ROM dev may choose to add the new CM theme engine to his/her ROM. If you were to install a theme (via Play Store or .apk from XDA, NOT themes that you flash or where you modify files) you use the theme manager to use the theme.
Lethargy said:
A custom ROM dev may choose to add the new CM theme engine to his/her ROM. If you were to install a theme (via Play Store or .apk from XDA, NOT themes that you flash or where you modify files) you use the theme manager to use the theme.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nice it works great !!. how do i add fonts to the system like change the whole system fonts
hi do u remember my pre question about my missing internal files i jst figured out that when i delete this folder "storage" all the files gets wiped out
only happens when i delete it through my comp, not able to see the file using any file explorer with in the phone and i have no idea of which app created that file
blackuse said:
hi do u remember my pre question about my missing internal files i jst figured out that when i delete this folder "storage" all the files gets wiped out
only happens when i delete it through my comp, not able to see the file using any file explorer with in the phone and i have no idea of which app created that file
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Storage is an android folder and it contains links to tour /sdcard
Don't delete things of you don't know what they are
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
blackuse said:
hi do u remember my pre question about my missing internal files i jst figured out that when i delete this folder "storage" all the files gets wiped out
only happens when i delete it through my comp, not able to see the file using any file explorer with in the phone and i have no idea of which app created that file
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You deleted a symlink that linked to your internal storage, thus it deleted everything. You can't see the symlink in a file explorer while in Android but while connected to a PC, you can.
https://www.google.com/#q=define+symlink
Lethargy said:
You deleted a symlink that linked to your internal storage, thus it deleted everything. You can't see the symlink in a file explorer while in Android but while connected to a PC, you can.
https://www.google.com/#q=define+symlink
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow never expected it to be so complicated. Does this symbolic link show up only in custom rom's, if no then normal users like myself would probably mistake it for an empty folder and delete it.
Thanks for the explanation.
blackuse said:
wow never expected it to be so complicated. Does this symbolic link show up only in custom rom's, if no then normal users like myself would probably mistake it for an empty folder and delete it.
Thanks for the explanation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It exists in any ROM. You shouldn't delete anything if you don't know what it is.
Sent from my Nexus 5
I accidentally deleted bluetooth. I flashed(?) the stock recovery found in this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/pure-xl/general/twrp-recovery-root-blu-pure-xl-allview-t3269447 and had no luck. I also tried factory resetting it. Any ideas on how to get it to work again? Whenever I try to enable bluetooth I get the "Bluetooth share has stopped working" error.
gasmp said:
I accidentally deleted bluetooth. I flashed(?) the stock recovery found in this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/pure-xl/general/twrp-recovery-root-blu-pure-xl-allview-t3269447 and had no luck. I also tried factory resetting it. Any ideas on how to get it to work again? Whenever I try to enable bluetooth I get the "Bluetooth share has stopped working" error.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you mean you uninstalled one of the Bluetooth apps in System > Advanced Settings > Apps > All?
If so, please use some sort of root explorer app (you have to be rooted first) to navigate to either /system/app/Bluetooth or /system/priv-app/Amigo_Bluetooth and install whichever .apk that appears to be not installed. I believe this should fix your issue.
Short Circuit said:
Do you mean you uninstalled one of the Bluetooth apps in System > Advanced Settings > Apps > All?
If so, please use some sort of root explorer app (you have to be rooted first) to navigate to either /system/app/Bluetooth or /system/priv-app/Amigo_Bluetooth and install whichever .apk that appears to be not installed. I believe this should fix your issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright so the .apk file is missing from system/apps/Bluetooth. The one in amigo_bluetooth is still there
gasmp said:
Alright so the .apk file is missing from system/apps/Bluetooth. The one in amigo_bluetooth is still there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting.
I've uploaded my /system/app/Bluetooth folder here. Could you please download that, extract the folder inside to somewhere, and either:
Push the folder via adb using the command adb push Bluetooth /system/app/ while your command prompt/terminal is in the same directory where you extracted the "Bluetooth" folder (cd DRIVE:\your\directory\path\Bluetooth (Windows) or ~/your/directory/path/Bluetooth (Linux) ).
or
Transfer the extracted "Bluetooth" folder to either your microSD or a USB Drive, plug it into your phone and move the folder to /system/apps using your root file explorer app.
Finally, install the Bluetooth.apk inside (which I'm assuming is the one you uninstalled since it is missing).
Let me know how it goes, thanks!
Short Circuit said:
Interesting.
I've uploaded my /system/app/Bluetooth folder . Could you please download that, extract the folder inside to somewhere, and either:
Push the folder via adb using the command adb push Bluetooth /system/app/ while your command prompt/terminal is in the same directory where you extracted the "Bluetooth" folder (cd DRIVE:\your\directory\path\Bluetooth (Windows) or ~/your/directory/path/Bluetooth (Linux) ).
or
Transfer the extracted "Bluetooth" folder to either your microSD or a USB Drive, plug it into your phone and move the folder to /system/apps using your root file explorer app.
Finally, install the Bluetooth.apk inside (which I'm assuming is the one you uninstalled since it is missing).
Let me know how it goes, thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You just saved my phone's Bluetooth! Thank you very very much.
gasmp said:
You just saved my phone's Bluetooth! Thank you very very much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad it worked!
Do I creat app folder?
I don't have a /system/app/ folder, just a /system folder with subfolders, none are called app.
Do I create the app folder?
degarb said:
I don't have a /system/app/ folder, just a /system folder with subfolders, none are called app.
Do I create the app folder?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you check again? Make sure you go to your system folder from your phone's root directory. It should contain almost all of the default apps installed on your phone when it came out of the box (with the rest of it being in priv-apps).
I have the exact same problem as the OP - I tried downloading the said file but my phone says the file is corrupt - can someone please send an updated version?
Same problem, file corrupt.
Bluetooth got erased because the system detected that the app was sending sms by itself (or so it said) and thus deleted it. I have the same problem as the one above, the file seems to be corrupt and can't install the .apk
Please, if there is another way to solve this say so.
Same problem...
I have the same problem as above, my phone detected the SMS permission and said it might cost you money and recommend an uninstall. I never realised I would be able to uninstall Bluetooth without being rooted but it did it anyway - maybe it's an android bug?
Anyway, I tried downloading your Bluetooth.apk and reinstalling but it said file corrupt.
Any help would be much appreciated! Sounds like this is a bug that's been going around...
Hello, I cant find the Amigo Bluetooth folder in /system/priv-app. So Can anyone please provide me the folder here
Also any other solution for re enabling the Bluetooth
Moto 4 Bluetooth gone
Same problem here
Did anyone found a solution yet?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pure-xl/help/guide-unbrick-softbricked-blu-pure-xl-t3371981
following this thread will allow you to reload the factory rom to default settings, including all factory apps and files. this is a "OEM reset"
to the fullest, bringing phone back to factory sent condition. (be prepared to do a few ota updates when done)
pay attn and read the whole thread (Yes I know its long) especially when it talks about SP Flash tool...
tbirdguy said:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pure-xl/help/guide-unbrick-softbricked-blu-pure-xl-t3371981
following this thread will allow you to reload the factory rom to default settings, including all factory apps and files. this is a "OEM reset"
to the fullest, bringing phone back to factory sent condition. (be prepared to do a few ota updates when done)
pay attn and read the whole thread (Yes I know its long) especially when it talks about SP Flash tool...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info.
I dont know yet if a simple apk via adb could fix the problem here instead of flashing the complete device
Fixed
Hey, I had a look elsewhere and found a forum on the Lenovo website (can't post link here), hopefully this will work for you too.
Basically you want to go to Settings>Apps>Reset app settings and that'll do the trick.
Good luck!