[Q] Is copying an .apk into /{system, data}/app sufficient to install an Android app? - General Questions and Answers

If not, what else is done under the covers?
Also, what are the differences when installing applications
•From the android market
•sideloaded from web download
•sideloaded using adb install
•sideloaded using adb push
I copied this question from another place (I cannot put link here because I am new here) because I also have the same question and want to know more about this.

oldyoungguy said:
If not, what else is done under the covers?
Also, what are the differences when installing applications
•From the android market
•sideloaded from web download
•sideloaded using adb install
•sideloaded using adb push
I copied this question from another place (I cannot put link here because I am new here) because I also have the same question and want to know more about this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some .Apk's can be placed in system/data/app while others can't , make sure the .apk you're trying to place in system/data/app is supported or you may end up restoring your device. if the apk can run from the system /data/app then yes with the right permissions ...
Apk's from the market will give you detailed info from the apk like permission needed , supported devices ect, even the developers contact info ( in other word they are approved by Google.
while "sideloaded" apk or web apk (not coming from Google) are pirates apk,modified apk ect. who knows what permissions it needs or what info you are sharing with whoever modified the apk...
So be careful what you get into your device and where is placed on your device
Sent from my SPH-M930BST using Tapatalk 2

oldyoungguy said:
If not, what else is done under the covers?
Also, what are the differences when installing applications
•From the android market
•sideloaded from web download
•sideloaded using adb install
•sideloaded using adb push
I copied this question from another place (I cannot put link here because I am new here) because I also have the same question and want to know more about this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simply placing the apk into the correct folder is not enough. You will also need to set the permissions to the same as the other apps in that folder (I can't remember the permissions off the top of my head). This can easily be done using Root explorer, or using an adb shell and the chmod command.
Play Store installs and sideloaded installs achieve the same result, however you will want to be careful where you download apk files from. Apps from the Play Store are less likely to be malicious in nature, and , of course, you should never be pirating paid apps.
Adb push would not be enough as you would still need to set permissions. Unless you are installing a system app, it is better just to use adb install.

rootedVette said:
Adb push would not be enough as you would still need to set permissions. Unless you are installing a system app, it is better just to use adb install.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you saying the "adb push" will only copy file into the target location but "adb install" will copy the file into the target location AND also set the proper permission for you?

With all of the usual warnings about the source/safety of "side-loaded" apps aside. . .
I simply put the .apk file onto the SD card (anywhere), and then use a file manager like Astro to "open" it (root access not required). You will be prompted to see if you really wanted to install the app. Then let Android do its thing. The app will be installed where it belongs, with all the permissions it needs.
For this to work, you must first tell the device to allow installation of apps from unknown sources. Go to Settings | Security, and check Unknown Sources.

Related

2.1 HTC.IME stock keyboard

Does anyone have a link to this if there is one floating around I cant seem to find it. Any help would be great I cant stand the lag in the xda mod kb
here you go. I also like the stock keyboard better. View attachment HTC_IME.apk
Stock HTC Keyboard
Here you go.
EDIT: Someone beat me to it.
Thanks guys
Thank you very much!
alexthearmo said:
here you go. I also like the stock keyboard better. View attachment 322118
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is also the mod!
I tried to install this onto my phone by opening it with the File Explorer, but it won't install... what am I doing wrong?
The stock HTC one must not be an installable apk. You probably need to adb push to /system/app
c00ller said:
The stock HTC one must not be an installable apk. You probably need to adb push to /system/app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was afraid that would be the case. In fact, I never really became familiar with how to "adb push" apps and was never able to really find clear instructions. Is it just an alternative method of installing apps? Can they be removed by settings > applications > manage applications > uninstall?
dvdqnoc said:
I was afraid that would be the case. In fact, I never really became familiar with how to "adb push" apps and was never able to really find clear instructions. Is it just an alternative method of installing apps? Can they be removed by settings > applications > manage applications > uninstall?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
adb push is just a way to literally shove files onto your phone. Think of it as just copy from your desktop to paste into internal memory, no interface involved. I guess that's why it's called "push," there are no questions asked, the job is done instantly.
To do it, first place the apk file in your sdk tools folder. Make sure USB debugging is on (Settings > Applications > Development) and connect phone to PC
1) Start > Run > cmd
2) In the terminal type "adb devices"
3) You should see your device serial no listed there. If not, don't proceed.
4) Type "adb remount". It should say remount succeeded
5) Type "adb push HTC_IME.apk /system/app" (capitalization matters, I believe)
That should be it. If you don't see the new keyboard in Location and text settings, just restart your phone and it should be there.
And as these are system files, they can't be uninstalled the way you mentioned. But removing them is very simple. Repeat steps 1-4 above, but then to remove a file type "adb shell rm /system/app/xxxx.apk" where xxxx.apk is whaver apk you want to remove. This is how you remove stock programs like Sprint Nascar, Stocks, and all that other junk.
I used eoe appinstaller no problem. Did you unzip the file? You gave to install the clucker apk and thw keyboard. The black mod is good!!
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App
Edit: Wrong forum...

how to find apks on my device

Hi everyone,
There is a way to find the .apk of apps downloaded from playstore. ull need root and root browser, we will use here esfile explorer. open esfile explorer and press top left-->tools enable root explorer and show hidden files, then go to local-->device now go to file data-->app and thats it, to find system apps u can go to device-->system-->app.
Wiked dudes production
Pull Apk in Non-Rooted Device.
There is no need of a rooted device,
you can pull the apk by using following techniques.
//_______________________________________________________
A) Using ADB
1) Determine the package name of the app, e.g. "com.whatsapp" (WhatsApp).
if you don't know the package name, you have 2 options to get the package name
i) Visit play store and search for the desired application, The link of the app contains the package name. "https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.whatsapp" (WhatsApp) where com.whatsapp is the package name
ii) use command "adb shell pm list packages" , this will list the package name of all application installed.
2) Once you know the package name, get the apk installed path by using command "adb shell pm path com.whatsapp"
it will return the apk path of the application, like this
package:/data/app/com.whatsapp-2/base.apk
3) Now to pull apk, by using command "adb pull /data/app/com.whatsapp-2/base.apk"
Apk will be extracted to the same folder where adb is present
//_______________________________________________________
B) Using ESFileExplorer
1) Open ESFileExplorer and navigate to User Apps either by (swiping left to right twice) or (goto APP under Library in Navigation Drawer)
2) Select App you want to pull, and click on Share.
3) Share the Apk to another device via Bluetooth or to desktop via AirDroid,
shanrais said:
There is no need of a rooted device,
you can pull the apk by using following techniques.
//_______________________________________________________
A) Using ADB
1) Determine the package name of the app, e.g. "com.whatsapp" (WhatsApp).
if you don't know the package name, you have 2 options to get the package name
i) Visit play store and search for the desired application, The link of the app contains the package name. "https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.whatsapp" (WhatsApp) where com.whatsapp is the package name
ii) use command "adb shell pm list packages" , this will list the package name of all application installed.
2) Once you know the package name, get the apk installed path by using command "adb shell pm path com.whatsapp"
it will return the apk path of the application, like this
package:/data/app/com.whatsapp-2/base.apk
3) Now to pull apk, by using command "adb pull /data/app/com.whatsapp-2/base.apk"
Apk will be extracted to the same folder where adb is present
//_______________________________________________________
B) Using ESFileExplorer
1) Open ESFileExplorer and navigate to User Apps either by (swiping left to right twice) or (goto APP under Library in Navigation Drawer)
2) Select App you want to pull, and click on Share.
3) Share the Apk to another device via Bluetooth or to desktop via AirDroid,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ur right however, not all system apps are present using the second way, and first way is complicated for some people and might confuse them. if someone would want to change something he saw on google, that is connected to system apps or other stuff"like systemui" i think rooting and copying the apk from its directory is best. btw thanks for ur concern about this, believe it or not for the first 7 month i posted this it posted in android wear, and no one was commenting, i made it with the xda app, i think it has alot of bugs.
Lord_of_Death said:
ur right however, not all system apps are present using the second way, and first way is complicated for some people and might confuse them. if someone would want to change something he saw on google, that is connected to system apps or other stuff"like systemui" i think rooting and copying the apk from its directory is best. btw thanks for ur concern about this, believe it or not for the first 7 month i posted this it posted in android wear, and no one was commenting, i made it with the xda app, i think it has alot of bugs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IMO, if one is able to root the phone, then he will certainly not find any complication in pulling apk using first way.
shanrais said:
IMO, if one is able to root the phone, then he will certainly not find any complication in pulling apk using first way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
u might be right bro but rooting is only downloading a file and flashing it through odin.

[GUIDE] Manually install Play Store on Fuhu Nabi Jr Edition SNBJR-MT5C-US

This guide is for helping people that want to install Google play store at fuhu Nabi Jr Edition SNBJR-MT5C-US that have some expert skills. It is not an automated procedure yet.
This edition is equipped with an MTK processor and is not recognized by Nabilab tools so this procedure has to be entirely manual executed.
Root your device
Root device using Kingo Root
Enter Daddy mode
Boot rooted device and enter Daddy mode
Install Es File Explorer
Allow unknown sources to be installed
Install File Explorer from direct downloading apk
Make system rw
Enter Root Explorer option in Es File Explorer and select to mount system as rw
Download zip
Download zip from link below and extract contents using Es File Explorer
Link = https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=24665509702140403
copy files to system folder
Copy files within each folder of extracted zip to own folder Inside system folder
copy files to data folder
Copy files within each folder of extracted zip to own folder Inside data folder
reboot
Reboot device and cross finger.
Do these procedures at your own risk
So after following this procedure, is the play store supposed to just show up in the list of apps? No installation or anything?
Works!
Thank you very much. I have the SNBJR-MT5C 8GB version, which I brought from Aliexpress.
A number of things dont work as I am not located in the USA so could not enter billing information, so many of the built in apps dont work at all.
Device Rooted.
Installed the files, and Google Play works! It asked me to create/use a google account, all looking good so far!!
Thank you!
Only thing left is to figure out how to remove/hide some of the built in apps in Nabi mode which are not appropraite for my kid, or are too advanced etc, or dont work due to billing issue.
...
Only thing left is to figure out how to remove/hide some of the built in apps in Nabi mode which are not appropraite for my kid, or are too advanced etc, or dont work due to billing issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, to do this uninstall you may use some apps available on playstore like 'es file manager' or 'titanium backup'; the ones I use most for this task.
The problem is that I do not have much luck on restoring deleted apps afterwards on this device.
You should try to disable the app on Android Apps settings before attempt to delete them.
slplsnphx said:
So after following this procedure, is the play store supposed to just show up in the list of apps? No installation or anything?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes !
Simple like that.
Play Store is available on drawer list of apps.
Bit of help
Hi,
I just picked up two of the 8 gig models for my boys. I want to get the google app store going on both so i can get the nick jr app on there. I would love to flash the nabi jr nickelodeon edition on here if possible, not sure if it is. I'd like to follow this guide. Any problems if i follow this guide and then do a system update via nabi update, or should i disable that?
I'd be willing to provide any stock files if that would help make a recovery? Should I do twrp to make a backup for myself anyways?
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Cheers,
Kutas
_Kutas_ said:
Hi,
I just picked up two of the 8 gig models for my boys. I want to get the google app store going on both so i can get the nick jr app on there. I would love to flash the nabi jr nickelodeon edition on here if possible, not sure if it is. I'd like to follow this guide. Any problems if i follow this guide and then do a system update via nabi update, or should i disable that?
I'd be willing to provide any stock files if that would help make a recovery? Should I do twrp to make a backup for myself anyways?
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Cheers,
Kutas
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This procedure will not install TWRP, just play store.
It will not allow to flash another nabi rom.
By the way, since it is a different processor, they are not compatible.
We would need to port TWRP to this device and compile an specific kernel for this device...
This made my kid very happy.
arvati said:
This guide is for helping people that want to install Google play store at fuhu Nabi Jr Edition SNBJR-MT5C-US that have some expert skills. It is not an automated procedure yet.
This edition is equipped with an MTK processor and is not recognized by Nabilab tools so this procedure has to be entirely manual executed.
Root your device
Root device using Kingo Root
Enter Daddy mode
Boot rooted device and enter Daddy mode
Install Es File Explorer
Allow unknown sources to be installed
Install File Explorer from direct downloading apk
Make system rw
Enter Root Explorer option in Es File Explorer and select to mount system as rw
Download zip
Download zip from link below and extract contents using Es File Explorer
Link = https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=24665509702140403
copy files to system folder
Copy files within each folder of extracted zip to own folder Inside system folder
copy files to data folder
Copy files within each folder of extracted zip to own folder Inside data folder
reboot
Reboot device and cross finger.
Do these procedures at your own risk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know this is an old thread with nobody paying attention to it anymore but I just revisited this topic to try again. Followed instructions (I'm pretty sure correctly). Good new is I do have play store in the list of apps but when I try to login to my Google account it just immediately gives the message "there was a problem communicating with Google servers" or something like that. Any idea what the problem might be.

Accidentally uninstalled a pre-installed app? Here's how you get it back.

Some apps (such as Huawei Health) are installed on your device during the initial boot. They can, however, be uninstalled, and there's no obvious way to get them back.
Here's how you do it!
The APKs live in the /cust directory on your device. You can either pull them (using ADB, e.g. 'adb pull /cust/preinstalled/public/app/') or use a file explorer app to browse to the same directory and click the APK you want to install.
Author (paulobrien)
Original post
https://community.hihonor.com/docs/DOC-1244

How to manually, I said manually, install an APK

I have an APK that will not install. Just will not. "Package conflicts with another package with the same name", it says. The truth is that the package DOES NOT conflict with any package of the same name, but the system believes it does. So I need help. I've tried to troubleshoot this various ways, looking for any traces of old installations, but so far, I haven't been able to remove anything that makes a difference.
So listen, here's what I want to know. How do I manually install an apk? And when I say manually, I MEAN MANUALLY. I find all kinds of search results that claim to tell me how to manually install an APK, BUT THEY'RE LYING. They just tell me how to install an APK that I have downloaded using the existing system installer, WHICH DOESN'T HELP ME. Sorry, but I'm frustrated with all the guides that claim they're going to tell me what I need but don't deliver.
Manually. I mean manually. I want to put the APK into a folder in data/app, create any other folders that are needed, add the application info into whatever files Android has that tell it what is installed, do whatever else is necessary. I want to do a fully manual installation. No using the system installer. No using any root installers. Putting all the files where they go and making all the changes MANUALLY.
Can anyone please tell me how to do this?
Can you install the app via adb? adb install appname.apk? Sorry, I don't know how to install one manually. I understand what you're asking for but I don't know the answer.
I'd like to give the update that I did finally manage to install the app. I'm pretty sure what finally got me there was deleting its information from /data/system/packages.xml and rebooting. But I'd still like an answer to this question for the future. Failing that, though, if need arises, I would be inclined to take the steps in this guide, https://android.stackexchange.com/questions/200974/how-to-manually-remove-an-app, and follow them in reverse.
"Package conflicts with another package with the same name".
In fact, what identifies an app is its package id. So it means that they have a same package id.
For example, the package id for Instagram is 'com.instagram.android'.
FailSafeNow said:
I want to put the APK into a folder in data/app, create any other folders that are needed, add the application info into whatever files Android has that tell it what is installed, do whatever else is necessary. I want to do a fully manual installation. No using the system installer. No using any root installers. Putting all the files where they go and making all the changes MANUALLY.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I need a way to install an app manually without using package installer, by putting the apk and any related files in the correct places, anyone know how to do this? i have a rooted phone, I'm just not sure which files need to be edited so the phone "knows" the app is installed. Please help! Thanks!

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