[SOLVED] Remove facebook app "location" feature. - Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]

Hey guys.
I am trying to remove facebook's "tracking" feature from their app. The app is nice but holy crap 29 permissions? Sheesh. I tried disabling the fine and coarse locations but facebook tries to grab your location the second you start the app and by disabling those permissions you get a force close.
I am requesting people highly advanced in Smali code to help me do one of the following:
When you have location services turned off in settings, facebook does not track your location.
I would like to mod the smali code to always return that location settings are off.
or..
I would like to remove the line of code that asks for the devices location the second you start (This would be best for it still allows facebooks 'check in' and ability to add locations to photos)
I have emailed the developers of the facebook app and they completely ignored me..
Thanks all!!!!

elesbb said:
Hey guys.
I am trying to remove facebook's "tracking" feature from their app. The app is nice but holy crap 29 permissions? Sheesh. I tried disabling the fine and coarse locations but facebook tries to grab your location the second you start the app and by disabling those permissions you get a force close.
I am requesting people highly advanced in Smali code to help me do one of the following:
When you have location services turned off in settings, facebook does not track your location.
I would like to mod the smali code to always return that location settings are off.
or..
I would like to remove the line of code that asks for the devices location the second you start (This would be best for it still allows facebooks 'check in' and ability to add locations to photos)
I have emailed the developers of the facebook app and they completely ignored me..
Thanks all!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I solved this. PM Me if you want the app without the locations tracking

I think alot of people would like to have that app
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda app-developers app

AsfaltSame said:
I think alot of people would like to have that app
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The thread for my mod is here
Was too tired to post URL last night xD
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

Related

[APP][MOD] [UPDATED: 10-25-2013] Facebook v3.7 without location privelages

Here is the latest facebook official app with location 'feature' removed.
I am not sure if you guys who use the app know this, but facebook constantly tracks your location. There is a receiver built into the app that every time you "refresh" the app (Interval settings are found in the settings menu of Facebook) it gets your location and everything you do on Facebook, post a status, send a message, upload a photo etc, your location is added and you cannot turn it off..
So i decompiled the apk and removed all locations ability. That means, no checking in, no nearby, nothing that needs to get your location. You WILL get a forced close. I am working on trying to keep that enabled while dissabling the 'tracking' featrue. Just download, copy apk to your phones storage and use a file browser to install the APK.
Hope you guys enjoy the privacy while also enjoying the Facebook app.
DOWNLOAD: Facebook v3.7 - No Locations
Link???
Sent from my CleanRom'd GS3
Internet Guy said:
Link???
Sent from my CleanRom'd GS3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
XDA Is having an issue with uploading attachments. Not sure why i'll try again later. Sorry :/
Internet Guy said:
Link???
Sent from my CleanRom'd GS3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea i love to try it...
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk 2
Ahhhh this the reason why FB consume a more MB on my 3G ?
Michel
Good idea, but I've turned my location of and it never shows my location when posting any thing.. when I send a private message it gives me the option to turn location of.. is this the same location receiver you are disabling from the app?
Sent from my Xperia S using xda premium
Michel_debs said:
Ahhhh this the reason why FB consume a more MB on my 3G ?
Michel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This mod will possibly use a tiny bit less. But it uses so much for its Cache. So things are loaded a lot faster and what not.
danlivesey said:
Good idea, but I've turned my location of and it never shows my location when posting any thing.. when I send a private message it gives me the option to turn location of.. is this the same location receiver you are disabling from the app?
Sent from my Xperia S using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you talking about turning your location off under settings of your phone? Well thats different. There is no way to turn it off in the FB app itself. You can turn off the location thing for your messages but its still secretly getting your location.
OP UPDATED WITH DL LINK TO MY DROPBOX
Sorry it took so long. XDA is giving me some security error when i try to attach anything :/
Thanks. App is working great!
Sent from my T999 GS3 @ 2GHZ
I don't mean to hijack the thread, but a good app that stops location requests for any application is LBE Security Master. It will prompt you each time an application requests to use certain permissions. You can also check a box to never allow the application to access that setting, in this case it would be location.
Just search on XDA to find it, I'm on my phone and I don't think the app is on the market.
Sent from my One X using xda app-developers app
codyrt said:
I don't mean to hijack the thread, but a good app that stops location requests for any application is LBE Security Master. It will prompt you each time an application requests to use certain permissions. You can also check a box to never allow the application to access that setting, in this case it would be location.
Just search on XDA to find it, I'm on my phone and I don't think the app is on the market.
Sent from my One X using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whenever i tried using a third party app to block GPS to the Facebook app, it would cause the FB app to force close irregardless what you did.
I'll try the app and see what happens. Not sure how it goes about granting and denying access. In all honesty i was looking for something like this.
Just don't use LBE Privacy Guard on jelly bean, it caused my phone to freeze a few minutes after turning on and then rebooted and got stuck in that loop. The only way to resolve it was to use adb and remove the apps file.
The app I mentioned in my post above doesn't seem to have any issues besides that parts of it are in Chinese.
Sent from my One X using xda app-developers app
codyrt said:
Just don't use LBE Privacy Guard on jelly bean, it caused my phone to freeze a few minutes after turning on and then rebooted and got stuck in that loop. The only way to resolve it was to use adb and remove the apps file.
The app I mentioned in my post above doesn't seem to have any issues besides that parts of it are in Chinese.
Sent from my One X using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you confirm it works with Facebook?
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
Works great so far -- subscribed to this thread -- thanks!
As far as I can tell it does. When I open Facebook, LBE pops up and asks me if I want to allow Facebook to track my location. It detects whether Facebook is using location tracking through WiFi or through GPS. I have not checked to see my posts to see if location is attached to them.
Sent from my One X using xda app-developers app
codyrt said:
As far as I can tell it does. When I open Facebook, LBE pops up and asks me if I want to allow Facebook to track my location. It detects whether Facebook is using location tracking through WiFi or through GPS. I have not checked to see my posts to see if location is attached to them.
Sent from my One X using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting.. I wonder if it's blocking "locationmanager.getlastknownlocation" as well. This method doesn't access any hardware. It just reads what the last location known was. Meaning if any other app has access to your GPS and gets a lock, that location is remembered and then used by above method.
I feel much more comfortable completely removing the actual physical code no offence to your option though.
And for a thread update, I learned a new tool to help figure out what gets called where. so I might be able to add the ability to check in as well as use "nearby" in the app. And just disable the tracking!
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
elesbb said:
Interesting.. I wonder if it's blocking "locationmanager.getlastknownlocation" as well. This method doesn't access any hardware. It just reads what the last location known was. Meaning if any other app has access to your GPS and gets a lock, that location is remembered and then used by above method.
I feel much more comfortable completely removing the actual physical code no offence to your option though.
And for a thread update, I learned a new tool to help figure out what gets called where. so I might be able to add the ability to check in as well as use "nearby" in the app. And just disable the tracking!
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I'm still using your MOD too, I really don't need Facebook accessing my location so you can never be too safe about that.
Sent from my One X using xda app-developers app
Thanks mate awesome work!
Hi, there are still some Facebook services running all the time in the background although I have deactivated all notifications. Do you know which services these are?
topcaser said:
Hi, there are still some Facebook services running all the time in the background although I have deactivated all notifications. Do you know which services these are?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sort of. I know when notifications are enabled there is a service running. Also what's your refresh interval set at? If that's not disabled then that's what the service is.
If not it may just be in "empty applications" part of androids memory manager. Meaning it's dead but still there to increase launch time. I'm running cm10 and I use the "hold back to kill" option on Facebook so mine is 100 percent gone.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
Loving this app. Great job. Finally facebook can't track me anymore. One big brother, google, is enough.

Google Setting

This green icon randomly appearing on everyones phones today?
Without any warning it seems to be downloading (about 3.5mb data used) and draining about 5% of my battery within a few minutes of boot, reinstalls iteslf at boot if uninstalled.
i have the same, suddenly ut appeared in my list, but market and titanium cant find them
Sent from my GT-i9100 using xda app-developers app
---------- Post added at 11:20 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:08 AM ----------
its some new icob from google to manage apps that use google+ sign in...
in other words: junk and clutter, i cant remove it
Sent from my GT-i9100 using xda app-developers app
I got it.
Sent from Xparent Red using my Venomized Evita
I was searching, couldn't find it on my phone :/
According to Engadget, it's from Google, hypothetically to allow users to control their new G+ sign in (afaik, only Tunein Radio has this implemented right now).
http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/27/google-settings-app-sneaks-onto-android-to-bolster-g-sign-in/
http://phandroid.com/2013/02/26/google-settings-icon/
http://phandroid.com/2013/02/26/tunein-radio-android-update/
I knew I wasn't going crazy
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
it poped up with the recent update of google play. Great, another app to hide in my app drawer
I got it too, ^.^
Sent from my HTC EVO 3D X515m using xda app-developers app
And if one wants to remove it???
All it's got in it is:
Google+ sign-in
Google Maps Access
Ads Yes/No.
Doesn't seem to show up anywhere that I can readily delete.
Dr Goodvibes said:
And if one wants to remove it???
All it's got in it is:
Google+ sign-in
Google Maps Access
Ads Yes/No.
Doesn't seem to show up anywhere that I can readily delete.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can hide it from the drawer if your launcher has that feature, but you won't be able to permanently delete it.
It doesn't do much yet, but Google+ universal sign-in was just launched this week and if developers start picking this up and allowing you to sign in to their service using your Google+ account then this is where you will have the ability to revoke app's permissions.
I think they are setting some groundwork to make other changes in managing your Google account from your phone and that we will probably see quite a bit more show up in this app over time. I'm really hoping for a full mobile equivalent to the Dashboard webpage
boomn said:
It doesn't do much yet, but Google+ universal sign-in was just launched this week and if developers start picking this up and allowing you to sign in to their service using your Google+ account then this is where you will have the ability to revoke app's permissions.
I think they are setting some groundwork to make other changes in managing your Google account from your phone and that we will probably see quite a bit more show up in this app over time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That makes more sense. Without that explanation, Google Settings just seems like a waste of space.

[Q] is there a way preventing Facebook app using GPS?

HI guys
Ive noticed that fb mobile app always uses GPS to probe my location when i run the app, thats kinda disturbing. Is there a way to configure the app or do something to prevent it from turning on GPS? I tried to revoke its permission to use location services with another app but fb crashes.. Any tips are much appreciated.
Try this:
Goto 'Settings - Account - App Settings - Messenger Location Services" and turn it off.
Sent from my SGS II
Settings>Location Services: Uncheck the part about using GPS?
Sent from my GT-I9000 using xda premium
immortalneo said:
Try this:
Goto 'Settings - Account - App Settings - Messenger Location Services" and turn it off.
Sent from my SGS II
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no, this only turns the location report in the chat ("sent from near location x,y,z..").
Hr Kristian said:
Settings>Location Services: Uncheck the part about using GPS?
Sent from my GT-I9000 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this means turning GPS completely off, not only for facebook.
Without some sort of hack/app it is not possible clearly. Basically FB is using you GPS position for their private needs?
i dont know, but you can look at facebooks app permission and see it usses permission to access your call logs and alter them. if thats not private use, i dont know what is.
same probleme here ,, Turning GPS completly is the best solution
Install any security app form play store like LBE PRIVACY GUARD. You can block a specific app from using GPS through these applications since android platform does not allow settings for specific apps for using/not using GPS!
NOTE: NEEDS ROOT FOR THIS ACTION TO WORK!
Go to fb setting and turn of the location sharing.
Plus u can simply switch off the gps from the notification but then still it shares the location using web access point.
So u need both the things to xompletely shut the location thing...
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda app-developers app
shashivydyula said:
Install any security app form play store like LBE PRIVACY GUARD. You can block a specific app from using GPS through these applications since android platform does not allow settings for specific apps for using/not using GPS!
NOTE: NEEDS ROOT FOR THIS ACTION TO WORK!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks!!! i think LBE really did the work!
edit
on a second thought, fb still searches for gps signal.... :/
Tried ticking off the box about nearby friends?
Sent from my GT-I9000 using xda premium
yes. still searches for gps. i think ive found a solution, flashed a new rom with Xposed framework (first time i see this) and theres an option to controll app settings, one of the options was permissions, revoked location permissions and it seems the app is still working and not crashing (unlike the first try to revoke these permissions with another application) and does not uses the gps. yay!!
un.droid said:
yes. still searches for gps. i think ive found a solution, flashed a new rom with Xposed framework (first time i see this) and theres an option to controll app settings, one of the options was permissions, revoked location permissions and it seems the app is still working and not crashing (unlike the first try to revoke these permissions with another application) and does not uses the gps. yay!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the new info! Which rom?
"To err is human, to forgive is divine"
Sent from my SGS II
its called RootBox Vanilla for galaxy nexus GSM.
heres the link
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2110698

[All roms][Sharing] Huge battery saver!

Google think that almost every device running android, is their device. Therefore they implemented a service within Google Play Services that will connect your device often to the Google and it will drain more battery then needed.
NOTE:
I tried a method that was shown on i think this forum or another one. I can't remember which one it was, and i cant find the thread either.
So before i am going to start this, i wanna thank the guy from the original thread for this, even if i dont know where i can find you. I am only sharing this so i take NO CREDITS.
I repeat, i am ONLY sharing this.
+ Works with:
- AOSP roms
- TW roms
- Well, basicly all android running devices :fingers-crossed:
To start with:
- Turn of location settings
- Go to settings, accounts and go to your google account.
+ go to advertisements and untick the toggle that says that Google takes care of your advertisements.
Most important:
- Download Adaway (latest) from HERE.
Thank you @mrRobinson for this awesome app!
- Open adAway and provide Adaway root access.
- Press the menu button and go to your own custom list.
- Now add a line by pressing the + button in the upper right of the screen.
- Add the following line < mtalk.google.com >
- Make sure the the checkmark is ON with the "mtalk.google.com" line.
- Now go back to the homescreen of adAway, apply the patch.
Note: According to the maker of the original thread, this seems to be the server that your device is always trying to communicate with. So by blacklisting this URL, there is no connection anymore.
Note 2: Cyanogenmod (and maybe other AOSP or GE users) are experiencing that the Blue highlighted WI-FI icon and the blue highlighted antenna icon are now GREY after applying this.
This is because you are not connected anymore to the google servers.
Note 3: Keep in mind that you can still manual synchronise your calander, contacts, Gmail, and other Google account related.
ramon.nmgn said:
Note 3: Keep in mind that you can still synchronise your calander, contacts, Gmail, and other Google account related.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This (syncing) only applies for manual updates. Leaving the entry in Adaway will disable auto-updates. Not a viable option for me, am not going to manually refresh Google apps...
Pfeffernuss said:
This (syncing) only applies for manual updates. Leaving the entry in Adaway will disable auto-updates. Not a viable option for me, am not going to manually refresh Google apps...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the heads up.
Thanks for this.
I don't think Ad away works as it should though.
It says its syncing and merging with my current hosts file but after doing that my hosts file goes from 1.4mb to 700kb. So all its doing is deleting stuff. Weird
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA Premium HD app
Obagleyfreer said:
Thanks for this.
I don't think Ad away works as it should though.
It says its syncing and merging with my current hosts file but after doing that my hosts file goes from 1.4mb to 700kb. So all its doing is deleting stuff. Weird
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah i did not checked my host file if became smaller. But adAway definitely works for me as it completely rebuilds the host file.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
how about deleting google play services if dont need automatic syncing?
Pfeffernuss said:
This (syncing) only applies for manual updates. Leaving the entry in Adaway will disable auto-updates. Not a viable option for me, am not going to manually refresh Google apps...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe this is not a viable option for many users for the same reason ...but still for some may be useful
Vihru said:
how about deleting google play services if dont need automatic syncing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think if you do that, you are not even able to Sync and update your apps at al.
I am just sharing this, i am using it myself and im pretty satisfied.
ramon.nmgn said:
I think if you do that, you are not even able to Sync and update your apps at al.
I am just sharing this, i am using it myself and im pretty satisfied.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I always delete GooglePlayServices and never have any problems with apps updating.
I still get notifications in my status bar telling me when there is an app update available in the Play Store and also still get my Gmail notifications in my status bar.
Syncing works perfectly and so does Maps, Google Search, YouTube etc.
I actually can't see ANY reason to have GooglePlayServices installed.
All my Google apps still function perfectly without it.
And I no longer have RAM wasted and battery used up by this annoying app!!
My advice to everyone, delete it, it's not needed at all.
Obagleyfreer said:
I actually can't see ANY reason to have GooglePlayServices installed.
All my Google apps still function perfectly without it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was pretty euphoric when I read this so immediately disabled Play Services and rebooted like a happy little kid :laugh:
That level of joy didn't last long:
Maps, Calendar, Keep, Youtube, these all need G.P.S. to function properly. Maybe even more apps but this is where I stopped.
Needless to say turned it back on again. This, as well, is not a viable option for me
Pfeffernuss said:
Was pretty euphoric when I read this so immediately disabled Play Services and rebooted like a happy little kid :laugh:
That level of joy didn't last long:
Maps, Calendar, Keep, Youtube, these all need G.P.S. to function properly. Maybe even more apps but this is where I stopped.
Needless to say turned it back on again. This, as well, is not a viable option for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you tried the method i mentioned? :happy:
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Pfeffernuss said:
Was pretty euphoric when I read this so immediately disabled Play Services and rebooted like a happy little kid :laugh:
That level of joy didn't last long:
Maps, Calendar, Keep, Youtube, these all need G.P.S. to function properly. Maybe even more apps but this is where I stopped.
Needless to say turned it back on again. This, as well, is not a viable option for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's odd, I don't get Google Maps requesting Play services on my device.
I do get one of those notifications after wiping cache and dalvik cache though, I just swipe it away and carry on as normal.
After you swiped them away can you still use the apps requesting it?
For example when I first boot up YouTube after wiping cache it says it needs PlayServices to run but I just ignore and cancel it.
I have never lost any YouTube functionality at all.
ramon.nmgn said:
Did you tried the method i mentioned? :happy:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What method? Entering the mtalk line?
Obagleyfreer said:
After you swiped them away can you still use the apps requesting it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some yes, some no. Keep refused to work. Anyway, can easily make it through the end of the day anyway and will always charge at night so no biggie but all small bits can help of course. This fix is a bit too coarse, for me that is of course

[GUIDE] Using(Understanding) XPRIVACY

Using XPRIVACY​*****won't be adding any more stuff to this guide for a while. will continue this when i have enough free time*******
XPRIVACY is undoubtedly the best privacy app out there. Its because of the options it supports almost all the android versions.
But it is not as easy to understand as App Ops or Pdroid privacy guard. Thats why inspite of my many attempts to use it, i gave up after few hours or days and switched back to App Ops.
It has come along way from when i made those attempts, it has become more user friendly and interactive but so many options which is its biggest plus point, also makes it hard for new users to switch from other privacy app to XPRIVACY.
I recently made a small guide about HOW TO USE APP OPS MORE EFFECTIVELY.
So the next obvious step was GUIDE on XPRIVACY. i have been putting it off from many days but now no more will add more videos whenever i can but its about time i that i finally get started with it.
I hope this guide will help my fellow XDA members to make the required switch or to introduce them to the world of XPRIVACY
Installation instruction, minimum requirements and other usefull stuff can be found at the official thread of XPRIVACY
What this Guide is ABOUT???​
>This guide is for NOOB users, so that they can understand how to use XPRIVACY. Also as i ahven't purchased the PRO version yet this huide will only cover functions of FREE version. I will be buying the PRO version soon and then it will cover use of PRO features as well
>I will try to explain different restriction using different apps.
>Examples will be video of the app with and without those restrictions and the effect that those restriction will have on that app
>NOTE 1 - this is not full blown guide and it is just to get you started. However it can turn into full blown guide depending on the inputs from various users and also after a certain time as i get better in using this app.
>Note 2: Differnet categories are explained using different app. Most of the times category name will be used as heading as you can see in 3rd point, but at some places where permissions like location, contacts , clipboard etc are explained i will use these words only as these words will result in easier understanding.
> More and more videos will be added as i find the appropriate app and a way to demonstrate the use of a particular permission using that app.
LETS START​Youtube playlist link​
1) Faking or restriction location
I am pretty sure this is going to be very useful to many people for playing location based games or to become mayor of certain place in foursquare and i am sure you can think of using it in many other apps.
Please note that you cannot fake location for some apps like google maps and facebook. these are the only two apps that i know of. you cannot fake location for these two apps but you can restrict it.
Also as you can see in the video you will be able to fake location in foursquare but when you will try to access google maps view from inside Foursqaure app you will get no location. But still you can check in and get suggestion from foursquare based on your fake location. default fake location is CHRISTMAS ISLAND. but you can change it through XPRIVACY(which is covered in the video).
2) Blocking access to the different accounts configured in your device
For this i have used Chrome beta as you can see in the video that blocking the account permissions will result in chrome not seeing the different google accounts that are present on my device. Thus i am unable to sign in chrome beta to sync my bookmarks and other stuff.
You can use this to block access from those app which try to gain access to the different accounts configured in your device.
Note: if you block access to 9gag, Ifunny etc apps like these for which you sign in using your configured google account. You wont be able to sign in those apps as these apps won't be able to see the configured account.
Although if a you sign in using username or email id which you use only for that particular app. You can block restrict this permission as it will have no negative effect on that app behaviour
3) Xprivacy Category - View Browser
For explaining what this permission does i have used DIGG app. This permission will restrict app from opening external links. or more precisely hyperlinks from withing app. If this permission is restricted you will be displayed warning from xprivacy when you try to open any link from withing the app(shown in the video).
4) More Videos to come soon..........
More videos to be added whenever i can find time and based on users input. I am also a beginner when it comes to XPRIVACY so be patient with me and if you have any ideas to make this thread better please do share it with us.
Once you have enough understanding to use Xprivacy on daily basis you can head over to XPRIVACY thread and post you advanced question there.
Currently i have some personal stuff to take care of so updating this thread is on hold. Will update it with more videos as soon as i can. I have made the videos just need to edit them and upload.
Reserved
reserved
Other Useful threads by Me
[GUIDE] Using Apps Ops (or Privacy Guard) 4 blocking wakelocks & saving battery
[App] Samachar - Indian News app and more
thanks
thanks for this helpful tutorial.
can u please tell me if I could use xprivacy to block adds on apps , cheers
drreality said:
thanks for this helpful tutorial.
can u please tell me if I could use xprivacy to block adds on apps , cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can block internet permission. That will block ads but that can also make app useless if it needs internet to function.
Why don't you use adaway or adblock pro to block ads?
I know this is a dumb question but I've been using Xprivacy for a few years now and I never could figure out what the two boxes to the right of the application names are for. I believe one is for restrict and one is for allow? If someone could let me know which each of those boxes means it would be much appreciated.
Good question. The two-column system is a later addition to xprivacy and many of the newbie tutorials don't cover it.
Let's take a simple example like location.
For starters, let's say the second column is unchecked. This is the easiest situation to understand. Then what happens depends on the first column.
The first column -- if it's checked then xprivacy will always deny access to location and will instead feed the app fake information as set up in the xprivacy settings.
If however the first column is unchecked then the app will be able to get to your actual location.
This is what you want with an app where the answer to "can it use this permission?" is always the same (either "always" or "never"). Second column unchecked, first column choice telling the app yes or no.
The second column controls the pop-ups that you see with xprivacy. If the second column is checked then you'll get a pop-up asking whether to allow the app the permission or not (whether or not the first column is checked).
There are four choices -- "allow", "deny", "don't know", and "oops I timed out".
"oops I timed out" will give the app whatever the answer in the first column is. You can tell what the first column is because the app says "Timeout will: allow/deny" depending on whether the first column is unchecked/checked.
If you click "allow" in the pop-up then xprivacy unchecks the second column in its settings, unchecks the first, and gives the app access to your true location. The popup will then not appear again unless you recheck the second column in the xprivacy settings.
If you click "deny" then xprivacy unchecks the second column, checks the first column and feeds the app fake location. Again you'll not see the popup again.
If you click "Don't know" then I *think* xprivacy denies access (whether or not the first column is unchecked) and leaves the second column checked, so it will ask again the next time.
How did I find this out? Well I didn't read it from a FAQ! I just downloaded xprivacy yesterday and I found it incredibly difficult to work out from scratch. In the end I just downloaded an app which prints out your gps location and nothing else, and I just experimented with it. The above is a report on my conclusions. I hope it helps other people because it is the post which I wish I could have read this time yesterday.
Note that other permissions might work slightly differently. For example it is not really possible to feed an app fake internet information, as this would require carrying around a fake internet on your phone. You can get a quick idea about what data can be faked by looking at the xprivacy settings. For example, you can fake your phone number and your MAC address. But as I've said you can't fake your internet and you can't fake your storage either -- which is quite a good idea because if you pretend to let an app write to your SD card and then pretend to let it read it and it can't find what it just wrote, this is bound to lead to trouble, probably more trouble than if you'd just denied it access in the first place.
Nice tutorial
@yannick.12
Many many thanks for you're well explained tutorial.
This is was definitley needed because is still (incredibly) very hard to find out some good guide out there, expecially for the "second column" options, as you mentioned.
Thank you, again my friend :good:
I got also another question (if someone knonw the answer) about the "shared rules". I mean, if I download the rules for some app, from the XPrivacy server, it's supposed to be the settings that someone has configure, ok. But what if I send my rules and, later in time, I download it again for that app? I got my rules (the rules that I uploaded before) or I got the " common" rules setted shared by the XPrivacy?
Sent from my Xperia E4g using XDA-Developers mobile app
Is it possible for xPrivacy to allow app's permission? I'm using a phone that runs android 5.1.1 and some apps just don't ask for permissions which makes it impossible for me to access storages. It will only respond that app has no permission to write over storages which makes the app not functional.
rUx_Gaming said:
Is it possible for xPrivacy to allow app's permission? I'm using a phone that runs android 5.1.1 and some apps just don't ask for permissions which makes it impossible for me to access storages. It will only respond that app has no permission to write over storages which makes the app not functional.
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Won't work like that.... And that issue is still there.. Even with pie... App's developer fault..
Sent from my Redmi Note 5 Pro using Tapatalk
Kapiljhajhria said:
Won't work like that.... And that issue is still there.. Even with pie... App's developer fault..
Sent from my Redmi Note 5 Pro using Tapatalk
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Thanks for info. Is there any possible workaround for this other than contacting the devs to fix storage permission issue?
rUx_Gaming said:
Thanks for info. Is there any possible workaround for this other than contacting the devs to fix storage permission issue?
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No, give permission manually from app info
Sent from my Redmi Note 5 Pro using Tapatalk
Kapiljhajhria said:
No, give permission manually from app info
Sent from my Redmi Note 5 Pro using Tapatalk
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I guess there'snothing I can do other than look for an alternative app, android 5.1.1 won't let you edit app permission.
rUx_Gaming said:
I guess there'snothing I can do other than look for an alternative app, android 5.1.1 won't let you edit app permission.
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I mean give app permission from app's info. I think u can do that... Dont remember 5.1.1 interface now but it should be possible
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Kapiljhajhria said:
I mean give app permission from app's info. I think u can do that... Dont remember 5.1.1 interface now but it should be possible
Sent from my Redmi Note 5 Pro using Tapatalk
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My phone doesn't seem so. Here's how it looks like in the app settings.

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