[GUIDE] How to edit build.prop on any Android device! - Android General

Have you ever wanted to use an app from the Google Play store or a game...but it wasn't "supported" on your device?..Well DroidModder is here to the rescue to tell you not to worry at all and that you can use those apps in just seconds by editing one file in your devices system. This file is called build.prop
We will talk more about what this file holds and where its all displayed within your OS. Before we go any further, be aware that you must be rooted, which I assume, all of us are.
Now to access this file, you will need a File Manager, you can use the stock manager but I recommend using ES File Explorer. It is free on the Play Store and I will put a link below to download it. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.estrongs.android.pop&hl=en
Once downloaded and installed, Open the application and hit Menu, then tap "Settings", this will bring you to the apps Settings Menu. Once in the Settings Menu, scroll all the way down to Root Settings. In Root Settings, "check" Root Explorer and Mount File System
Once that is done, go back to the main part of the app that shows all the folders. On that page in the TOP RIGHT you should see a little window like icon, tap that and a set of icons should appear..on the left, there will be an icon that has a star and says Favorites...hit that please. When you hit favorites, it will display the directories on your device, such as Internal Storage, SD CARD, etc. Please tap the icon that shows your device. It can also be distinguished by a "/". By tapping that we have gone into our Devices Internal Storage. The next step is to navigate the system file...it should be towards the bottom. Now enter the system file and scroll to the bottom..at the bottom there will be your build.prop. Be aware that there is also a file named build.prop.bak, we are not using that file so just leave it alone..and enter the regular build.prop. Open the build.prop, the device will prompt you to ask what editor you would like to use to view/edit the build.prop...just use the ES Note Editor.
Once in build.prop you can edit the following things:
-edit Android Version by locating ro.build.version.release= and changing the current Build Version.
- Edit your Model # by locating ro.product.model= and changing your model #
- change your product brand by locating ro.product.brand=
Please Note that if you change the product brand, the name MUST be in ALL LOWERCASE LETTERS!!!
Once you are done playing around, press menu, and then Save...now just exit the app and reboot your phone.
Once your device reboots, go to Settings> About Phone/Device and see the changes! ;D
If you thought this tutorial helped you, please hit that thanks button!

Very useful specifically for beginners like me!
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Thank you so much! and yeah I made this mainly to help the people who are new to android
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Thanks dude, very noob friendly and useful
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You've got some other warnings, might as well add a warning not to mess with anything else, as doing so can put you in a boot loop. This is intended for noobs, after all.

Very useful info on here, im looking at building an app, this was just what i needed, cheers

Do mind to make a (rom) backup first. Messing up build.prop can cause boot problems.

Thanks to everyone and to answer that, Root Explorer backs up the system app before being modified..
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No problem!
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Thanks , i haven't how to modify my phone's model until now.

Thank you
I would like to appreciate you the way, you have shared the post with us. It is really hard to find the quality post, but you have done this job nicely

Thank you so much! Comments like yours make my day
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thanks, searched much to learn this when wanting to use google wallet on my verizon nexus.

Very clear and simple tut.

nice, thanks for sharing.

Editing the Build.prop do the bootloop?

dxman191 said:
Editing the Build.prop do the bootloop?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It can, which is why you should have a backup, and be careful what you change.

Yes that's why its quite risky if you dont know what you're doing
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Is there an edit for CM9 Touchpad that gives most if not all applications? I've been searching around for the past hour and haven't found a definite answer both through information and testing myself.

Help I don't see this.....
[ROM][CM10][Kang][Pyramid][RC][4.1.2]

Related

Where to find app...???

I downloaded the original fancy widget app a while back, the one that looks like htc's that was banned. It is still loaded on my phone as an app, but I cannot find the apk that I downloaded. Usually they're in my download folder but I may have deleted it by mistake. I wanna send the apk to my brother.. anyone know where I find it to do this? Or do I need the original file? Thanks.
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If you are rooted use a app like root explorer and go to your root and navigate to /data/app and long press and hit send you can also long press copy then navigate to your download folder and paste it then send it from there
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[I9003][Fix] Two finger Google map rotation

Hi guys,
Have you used two finger rotation in google maps on SGS SL earlier? Its a simple but quite handy feature for them who use Google maps as regular navigation system. It is possible by just transferring the attached file into the System/etc/permissions folder. Just download the attached zip file and extract it. You will find android.hardware.touchscreen.multitouch.distinct.xml file, put it on sdcard, copy it using root explorer to System/etc/permissions folder. reboot the device. Now go to google map and see if you can rotate the map using two fingers. This feature works only on Google maps above version 5, so please update to latest Google maps. if you have older version this feature will not work.
Not to mention you need root permission and the system should be mounted as RW as you are pasting file in subdirectory of system.
Just press thanks button If you like my Post.
Hry trip my phone has maps 4.5 preinstalled and i cant seem to update it.maps dont show up on my market either.is it ok if i download 5.0from an external source and then use it?
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Yes you can. But before installing the downloaded version you will have to clear the data for google map. Then push the apk file to system/app or replace it using root explorer.
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Cant i just clear the data and install the new apk????
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rdr_m said:
cant i just clear the data and install the new apk????
Sent from my gt-i9003 using xda app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
may work, just try it and let us know.
trip007in said:
Hi guys,
Have you used two finger rotation in google maps on SGS SL earlier? Its a simple but quite handy feature for them who use Google maps as regular navigation system. It is possible by just transferring the attached file into the System/etc/permissions folder. Just download the attached zip file and extract it. You will find android.hardware.touchscreen.multitouch.distinct.xml file, put it on sdcard, copy it using root explorer to System/etc/permissions folder. reboot the device. Now go to google map and see if you can rotate the map using two fingers. This feature works only on Google maps above version 5, so please update to latest Google maps. if you have older version this feature will not work.
Not to mention you need root permission and the system should be mounted as RW as you are pasting file in subdirectory of system.
Just press thanks button If you like my Post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi trip007in!
It looks great! Thanks for all the great work you guys are doing!!
One question, does this change the finger gesture used for rotation (like in i9000), or just enables it?
I mean because my i9003 already has rotation enabled by default in maps, but the gesture is different, for some reason it is two horizontal fingers which I find less intuitive.
@hyperion: It enables a gesture to rotate the map around another axis. You probably mean rotation around an axis, which is "lying in the ground" horizontally - this still works afterwards. But now you can also rotate around an axis, which "poked into the ground" vertically (meaning that the top of your phone is not north anoymore).
EDIT: For the case that the above statement doesn't make it clear: I installed the fix on my phone, and it works perfectly. Nice feature.
hyperion86 said:
hi trip007in!
It looks great! Thanks for all the great work you guys are doing!!
One question, does this change the finger gesture used for rotation (like in i9000), or just enables it?
I mean because my i9003 already has rotation enabled by default in maps, but the gesture is different, for some reason it is two horizontal fingers which I find less intuitive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does not affect the other functionalities/ gestures. Just adds two finger rotation in googleMaps. This gesture helps the user to correct the direction of the map and the arrow to align towards in the desired direction for eg: It helps to align the map and the point of the arrow (your position) in the direction you are moving. Just try it. If you do not want you can always remove this .xml file without affecting anything.
Thanks, I'll definitely try it
Just works..
Thanks trip! I pressed the thanks button too btw..
I think this would be a very useful feature. Recently I used the maps on a trip and I had to rotate the phone to make it point in the direction I was moving which was inconvenient.
I have ES File explorer but this is not allowing me to copy the file from external SD card to System/etc/permissions. I also noticed that there is already a file there with same name and I tried to rename it but that was also denied. Any advices?
Mount file system as rw on top by toggle button on root explorer.
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trip007in said:
Mount file system as rw on top by toggle button on root explorer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have not purchased root explorer. Any free alternative?
jesrani said:
I have not purchased root explorer. Any free alternative?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use Super Manager.
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spacebar2011 said:
Use Super Manager.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, it worked. This is a really useful feature.
Ya, I was using it earlier on my spica so was missing it. So posted it for benefit of everybody.
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thanks, it worked like a charm.
Not working on my device having map 5 and follow as told carrot xml file to system/etc folder
I badly want this. This is very cool.
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@ manrock111: You have to copy it to system/etc/permissions (not system/etc) and reboot for it to work.
XDA_Bam said:
@ manrock111: You have to copy it to system/etc/permissions (not system/etc) and reboot for it to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks bro now working flawlessly.
Sent from my GT-I9003 using Tapatalk

[Q] How do I move this app to system folder?

I want to use Location Spoofer to spoof my GPS location. In it's description it says:
"Spoof your device location, make it appear to be in another place.
A simple utility to set a fake wireless networks location.
You have to allow mock locations under Settings -> Applications -> Development
(rooted phones can spoof location with mock locations disabled, move the app to /system/app to get that)"
I want to be able to spoof my location WITHOUT checking the "allow mock locations" option checked.
My Droid X is rooted with Z4. I can't see the apps in the data folder. I thought I would be able to once I was rooted? What a I missing?
I used Atsro to view folders and files, but the data folder was empty.
you have to use root explorer or super manager and move the .apk to /system/app
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA App
Great! Now where is the APK installed by default? I thought I knew but I guess not.
Let me do some exploring real quick
edit: they save to /data/app
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA App
Ok, now I don't see a /data folder. I see it when I use Astro File Manager, but it is empty. Using Super Manager, I don't even see the folder at all...any idea why?
I believe you have to enable root in super manager. Let me check (I use root explorer)
Edit: enter "File Explorer" and then hit your menu button and select "Setup" then "Enable ROOT Function" then hit "Back up level folder" a couple times and you should see the /data folder
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Juls317 said:
I believe you have to enable root in super manager. Let me check (I use root explorer)
Edit: enter "File Explorer" and then hit your menu button and select "Setup" then "Enable ROOT Function" then hit "Back up level folder" a couple times and you should see the /data folder
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have moved it, but when trying to open it, it crashes.
Easy
Root your device
Install Root Explorer.apk (google search)
Open Root Explorer. Then copy your app .apk file to root/system/app (check if you choose RO instead of RW).
Reboot and enjoy!
Do adb push n set permissions
Sent from my Xperia Live with Walkman using xda app-developers app
Read only?
I do the same, and disable ''Root Explorer'', but then I geta long error, which says that it's read only :silly: Anyone that can help?
---------- Post added at 01:49 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:38 AM ----------
TheAcsm said:
I do the same, and disable ''Root Explorer'', but then I geta long error, which says that it's read only :silly: Anyone that can help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I figured it out, thanks for the help This post was really helpful :victory:
What if I use root explore but it just restarts the phone instead of actually transferring to system?
The phone is rooted and it's an HTC One m8 I've tried multiple apps to move it to the system but none of them work.
When I tried to transfer the apk to the /system/app, Error is displayed - "The item base.apk could not be written". This is after giving the permission to modify the /system/app folder. Any help is appreciated!
I rooted my phone and have the fake gps thing, but when I go to system mover app and try to make it a system app, it says done, reboots, and it has Uninstalled my app, wth
Emmaboo said:
I rooted my phone and have the fake gps thing, but when I go to system mover app and try to make it a system app, it says done, reboots, and it has Uninstalled my app, wth
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Open file explorer. Go to system/app folder. Search for moved app and install again. If it not moved then other app mover apps.
Its actually system/priv-app.. Either way, better use link2sd or any other such app to move the fake GPS pro to system app. Then reboot.

[Q] replacing the H+ icon

Ive been messing around in the framework for a little while now, replacing icons and such. I have managed to replace all my notification icons with custom ones that i am making, but i cant seem to find the H+ icon. all the other ones are in drawable-hdpi(3g h ect)
can someone please shed some light on this
gjc5500 said:
Ive been messing around in the framework for a little while now, replacing icons and such. I have managed to replace all my notification icons with custom ones that i am making, but i cant seem to find the H+ icon. all the other ones are in drawable-hdpi(3g h ect)
can someone please shed some light on this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are in the rosie. Apk
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Were in Rosie.API are they? I found some + icons but not the h+ ones
I believe they are actually in framework-res.apk.
Gene Poole said:
I believe they are actually in framework-res.apk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Negative they are definetly in the Rosie.apk unless they changed the location in sense 3.0. It should be in the same folder as it would be in framwork-res.apk.
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SystemUI.apk (system/app). I change mine all the time.
*Drawable-HDPI, btw
Simba501 said:
SystemUI.apk (system/app). I change mine all the time.
*Drawable-HDPI, btw
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats on a non inspire based rom correct?
Every time i edit an icon in frameworkres.apk i get a bootloop. What am i doin wrong?
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gho5t82 said:
Every time i edit an icon in frameworkres.apk i get a bootloop. What am i doin wrong?
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you unpakcing the apk, if not when you are putting new things in do you have it set to store?
mudknot2005 said:
thats on a non inspire based rom correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any ROM that has a SystemUI.apk.
In any instance where there isn't one, those icons are in the framework-res.apk.
Im not unpacking it. What do u mean by having it set to store?
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gho5t82 said:
Every time i edit an icon in frameworkres.apk i get a bootloop. What am i doin wrong?
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hard to tell. What are you using to change the icons?
Simba501 said:
Hard to tell. What are you using to change the icons?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was trying to drag some icons from coredroid to virtuous unity's framework and systemui.apk's, using 7zip.
gho5t82 said:
I was trying to drag some icons from coredroid to virtuous unity's framework and systemui.apk's, using 7zip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll need to be on a laptop/pc to do this method. Before you get started, make sure you have a backup of the apk you're modding (placed on the sd card somewhere). Also wouldn't hurt to make a nandroid. In the event where you need to revert the old apk back, skip to the steps regarding moving the apk to the original folder.
Download APK manager, open it, place the desired system apk into the "place here for modding", run the script, and select the "don't clear out current projects" option.
Near the top you'll see "extract apk". Select this option, wait for it finish, and navigate to the original apk manager folder. Here you'll see a new folder, "out". This is where the apk you extracted is. Navigate to res > drawable-hdpi and replace the desired icons. Make sure the new icons are named to exactly what you're replacing (you should get a "do you want to overwrite" dialog). They should also be sized to what the original file is (or close to it). Once you're done, back out back to the apk manager folder. Run the script again, select optimize images, wait for it to finish, then run zip apk, then 1 (for system app). Your new apk will be in the "place here for modding" folder under the name of "repackaged-unsigned" apk. You'll need to put this on your sd card, move it to "system" first (this will allow you to change permissions), rename it to the original system apk that you're replacing. Change the permissions to rw-r-r (accessible in root explorer by long pressing the file and selecting permissions - first two boxes on the first line and only the first box on the next two lines). From here, move it into the folder where it's replacing the original apk, you should get a "do you want to overwrite", select yes. Scroll down to verify the apk has the correct permissions and that the last modified date is showing as recently. If you don't get an "overwrite" prompt, you need to move it back and correctly name it until you do get the prompt. Lastly, reboot. In some situations (e.g., modifying the Mms apk or other system applications), it would help if you cleared cache and dalvik cache (boot will take a long time). You should see your changes. Seems like a lot but it's very simple. Good luck.
Sent from the most interesting device in the world.
Simba501 said:
Unfortunately, it's not that simple. Seems as though the apk may be losing its system signature (when you edit it like that). You'll need to be on a laptop/pc to do this. Before you get started, make sure you have a backup of the apk you're modding (placed on the sd card somewhere). Also wouldn't hurt to make a nandroid. In the event where you need to revert the old apk back, skip to the steps regarding moving the apk to the original folder.
Download APK manager, open it, place the desired system apk into the "place here for modding", run the script, and select the "don't clear out current projects" option.
Near the top you'll see "extract apk". Select this option, wait for it finish, and navigate to the original apk manager folder. Here you'll see a new folder, "out". This is where the apk you extracted is. Navigate to res > drawable-hdpi and replace the desired icons. Make sure the new icons are named to exactly what you're replacing (you should get a "do you want to overwrite" dialog). They should also be sized to what the original file is (or close to it). Once you're done, back out back to the apk manager folder. Run the script again, select optimize images, wait for it to finish, then run zip apk, then 1 (for system app). Your new apk will be in the "place here for modding" folder under the name of "repackaged-unsigned" apk. You'll need to put this on your sd card, move it to "system" first (this will allow you to change permissions), rename it to the original system apk that you're replacing. Change the permissions to rw-r-r (accessible in root explorer by long pressing the file and selecting permissions - first two boxes on the first line and only the first box on the next two lines). From here, move it into the folder where it's replacing the original apk, you should get a "do you want to overwrite", select yes. Scroll down to verify the apk has the correct permissions and that the last modified date is showing as recently. If you don't get an "overwrite" prompt, you need to move it back and correctly name it until you do get the prompt. Lastly, reboot. It would help if you cleared cache and dalvik cache (boot will take a long time). You should see your changes. Seems like a lot but it's very simple. Good luck.
Sent from the most interesting device in the world.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for the detailed instructions, i will try this asap!
gho5t82 said:
Thank you very much for the detailed instructions, i will try this asap!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good luck! Report back!
Sent from the most interesting device in the world.
Simba501 said:
Good luck! Report back!
Sent from the most interesting device in the world.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I keep getting adb not found messages when i run the script. I have adb installed through sdk.
So I checked system/app and there is not a systemui.apk. I haven't been able to find that apk anywhere.
gho5t82 said:
I keep getting adb not found messages when i run the script. I have adb installed through sdk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Manually check via a root explorer on your phone. If you have one, entering it in adb is probably case sensitive. You'd have to enter it exactly as it appears. What ROM are you using?
Sent from the most interesting device in the world.
gjc5500 said:
So I checked system/app and there is not a systemui.apk. I haven't been able to find that apk anywhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What ROM are you using?
Sent from the most interesting device in the world.

System files

I know this may sound stupid...but...How and where can i find the system files...?...im in my file explorer and don't see them...im used to windows...new to android...thanks in advance...
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The file explorer that came with the phone only lists the contents of the sdcard. You'd have to get a better file explorer from the market. Root Explorer is one I hear about a lot.
Another way is to download the Android Software Development Kit (SDK), install it, run it, download the platform tools within it, and then use the Android Debug Bridge (adb). adb gives you the ability to do a lot of things, one of which is to open a shell (adb shell) which then allows you to see all of the files on the root (/) of the file system.
I use ES file explorer to view system files. It has a root option plus it's free. other than cost, I don't know how it differs from root explorer.
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phordych05 said:
I know this may sound stupid...but...How and where can i find the system files...?...im in my file explorer and don't see them...im used to windows...new to android...thanks in advance...
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before you do any of that you have to have root
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Hi
If you're a noob I advise you to first read rhe SGS 4G bible and use a rooted custom ROM, experience it and some of the tweaks and tools and only then ask yourself why do you need to deal with system files, once you're there i recommend thd root explorer.
Sent from me
itzik2sh said:
Hi
If you're a noob I advise you to first read rhe SGS 4G bible and use a rooted custom ROM, experience it and some of the tweaks and tools and only then ask yourself why do you need to deal with system files, once you're there i recommend thd root explorer.
Sent from me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah...i checked out the bible...i how alot about windows...so im sure i can catch on pretty quick...i just new to android...not files and all...well android files i am...lol...but i cant deal with stock crap...i need to try to get rid of apps that i dont use...like layers...tmobile tv...drive smart...the stuff thats pointless to me...im rooted...have file explorer...super user...and it wont let me fully get rid of them...just uninstall the updates...why...?...thanks in advance...
Use ROOT EXPLORER but don't delete anything from system, just move it to SD to make sure you can work without it first.
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