Database Info

Annoying Auto-start Apps

I had given my old Android 2.3 phone and a fairly new Android 4.4 tablet to my kid.
Within about a month, both devices basically became non-functional on start up.
After some analysis, it became clear that all the games and recreational apps my kid installed was causing the problem: they were all built to auto-start on device boot up, and they lacked an option to tell them not to auto-start on device boot up.
Since both devices were rooted, I used a tool (Clean Master) that quickly identified the auto-start apps and stopped them from auto-starting.
My question is this:
Why would an app developer build an app that auto-starts with no option to disable that? Many auto start apps will just kill the usability of the device, and it isn't trivial finding out why.
If the device was not rooted, there's probably no way to stop these apps except to uninstall them. If Android allows a third-party app on a non-rooted device to auto-start, why isn't there an app that works on non-rooted devices to stop these apps from auto-starting?

Nate2 said:
I had given my old Android 2.3 phone and a fairly new Android 4.4 tablet to my kid.
Within about a month, both devices basically became non-functional on start up.
After some analysis, it became clear that all the games and recreational apps my kid installed was causing the problem: they were all built to auto-start on device boot up, and they lacked an option to tell them not to auto-start on device boot up.
Since both devices were rooted, I used a tool (Clean Master) that quickly identified the auto-start apps and stopped them from auto-starting.
My question is this:
Why would an app developer build an app that auto-starts with no option to disable that? Many auto start apps will just kill the usability of the device, and it isn't trivial finding out why.
If the device was not rooted, there's probably no way to stop these apps except to uninstall them. If Android allows a third-party app on a non-rooted device to auto-start, why isn't there an app that works on non-rooted devices to stop these apps from auto-starting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, there were non-root apps that could disable auto-start of other normal apps till JellyBean 4.2 I guess.
Then came the security enforcements which prevented this for non-root users.
Android assumes that an app necessarily needs auto-starting at boot for the smooth working of the app.
There's a reason behind that.
For example, if you disable auto start of FB messenger or WhatsApp, you won't automatically get notifications unless you open it one time so that certain services begin to run in background.
The same goes for your kid's apps like Talking Tom, which gives essential notifications (from a kid's point of view) like "I'm Hungry" or "I wanna pee" or something like that
But you have non-root apps too (you gotta dig a lil deeper to find them) which doesn't work like root apps, that is, doesn't disable them to start at boot. Instead, they stop the apps/services after booting that's disabled in that app.
Apps like CC Cleaner or the so-called antivirus apps work that way only

App killer?

Until recently I used to be able to use Android Assistant to kill un-needed apps and so free up memory (and also preserve battery life, help phone run cooler, etc.). But recently -- not sure if it was after the OS update on the Idol 3 (6045I) or an update of Android Assistant itself -- the only process shown under the Processes tab is Android Assistant itself, so there is nothing to kill. The "quick boost" feature, which formerly seemed to close the same bunch of apps I would see listed under "Processes", now also seems to do nothing. I am thinking this is likely something to do with the phone's OS, as an app cleaner built into the 3rd-party launcher I'm using has a similarly changed behavior.
Anyone else observing this, and/or know of a solution that works, and/or know what might have changed with the most recent software update?

rhcohen said:
Until recently I used to be able to use Android Assistant to kill un-needed apps and so free up memory (and also preserve battery life, help phone run cooler, etc.). But recently -- not sure if it was after the OS update on the Idol 3 (6045I) or an update of Android Assistant itself -- the only process shown under the Processes tab is Android Assistant itself, so there is nothing to kill. The "quick boost" feature, which formerly seemed to close the same bunch of apps I would see listed under "Processes", now also seems to do nothing. I am thinking this is likely something to do with the phone's OS, as an app cleaner built into the 3rd-party launcher I'm using has a similarly changed behavior.
Anyone else observing this, and/or know of a solution that works, and/or know what might have changed with the most recent software update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google made some changes with the stagefright patch that prevents apps from getting certain info. Some developers have updated their apps with workarounds.

How to define (as a ROM developer) apps that can be disabled by user in Settings?

Okay I've been searching for this for almost a year, without any luck.
First of all I'm not trying to discuss as an end-user. I know how to root my phone, and I know I can disable any app by typing 'pm disable package.name' from shell. Also I'm not looking for safe-to-disable list for my phone. I'm trying to discuss this as a developer.
When you go to Settings > Apps > All Apps, there are apps that can be disabled from Settings GUI. Most bloatware nowadays can be disabled by end users like this. But some apps cannot be disabled in this way; they have that 'Disable' button grayed out, and they should be disabled using root or some specialized tools. However, as a developer I would like to provide broader choice for my users by making more apps have active 'Disable' button, while still forcing some not-so-safe-to-disable apps (like, com.android.systemui) always enabled.
I think there should be a LIST or something that defines what apps can be disabled in Settings and what apps can not. What I would like to know is, where the heck is that list? Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Easiest way to get rid of System apps on Miui

So, it's a well known fact that a lot of us hate miui mostly because of the number of bloatwares it comes with. While we can easily uninstall the third party bloatwares, but the problem comes in when it comes to system apps. We can't simply uninstall them, neither can we disable them (surprisingly miui doesn't show any disbale option or even if it's there, it's already greyed out). So, we need to either root our device to easily uninstall them or need to use a bit more complex ADB method.
So, today I will share an easy but tricky way to disable any system app. It has two advantages over ADB debloat method or root method. First, you don't need to be technically sound. Second, you can revert them back in just one tap if you feel so.
So just follow the below steps to disable any system apps in miui.
1. Open Google Play Store
2. Go to the top left menu option
3. Scroll down and click on "Help & feedback"
4. Now click on "Browse all articles"
5. Now locate "Delete or disable apps on android"
6. Click on it and then click on "Tap to go to application settings"
7. Now you will be presented with all apps that are there on your device. Just tap on the app of your desire.
8. Click on "Disable" and voila! The app is disabled as long as you don't wish to enable it again.
I know some users will say it won't free up space as it will still be present on the device. That's partly true. While the app is still present on the device and still occupies space, but it won't add up any additional data and wont run in the background. I'm sure you know what happens when you disable an app. So, I don't want any argument which is better and blah blah!! Remember, this method is mainly for people who need a solution as simple as possible.
So, what are you waiting for? Go try it today! ?
N.B. Sorry if the post is a bit long. I love explaining things in a detailed way.

Rowdyy Ronnie said:
So, it's a well known fact that a lot of us hate miui mostly because of the number of bloatwares it comes with. While we can easily uninstall the third party bloatwares, but the problem comes in when it comes to system apps. We can't simply uninstall them, neither can we disable them (surprisingly miui doesn't show any disbale option or even if it's there, it's already greyed out). So, we need to either root our device to easily uninstall them or need to use a bit more complex ADB method.
So, today I will share an easy but tricky way to disable any system app. It has two advantages over ADB debloat method or root method. First, you don't need to be technically sound. Second, you can revert them back in just one tap if you feel so.
So just follow the below steps to disable any system apps in miui.
1. Open Google Play Store
2. Go to the top left menu option
3. Scroll down and click on "Help & feedback"
4. Now click on "Browse all articles"
5. Now locate "Delete or disable apps on android"
6. Click on it and then click on "Tap to go to application settings"
7. Now you will be presented with all apps that are there on your device. Just tap on the app of your desire.
8. Click on "Disable" and voila! The app is disabled as long as you don't wish to enable it again.
I know some users will say it won't free up space as it will still be present on the device. That's partly true. While the app is still present on the device and still occupies space, but it won't add up any additional data and wont run in the background. I'm sure you know what happens when you disable an app. So, I don't want any argument which is better and blah blah!! Remember, this method is mainly for people who need a solution as simple as possible.
So, what are you waiting for? Go try it today! ?
N.B. Sorry if the post is a bit long. I love explaining things in a detailed way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not working on 9.1.24

Nfury00701 said:
not working on 9.1.24
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol. You want some proof? I am using 9.1.24 myself and I have disabled Chrome and Gmail by this method. Plzz don't write negative comments if you cant follow the steps properly.
FYI: Sometimes you need to uninstall the updates first before disabling an app. That's how it is. It has nothing to do with miui.
For uninstalling updates, tap on the bottom "More" on the app setting page.

Rowdyy Ronnie said:
Lol. You want some proof? I am using 9.1.24 myself and I have disabled Chrome and Gmail by this method. Plzz don't write negative comments if you cant follow the steps properly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol

Nfury00701 said:
lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude, there's a reason why android doesn't let you disable certain apps. You can't call anything and everything as bloatwares. The app you are trying to disable is an essential part of miui and is responsible for the updates of system apps. Without this app, you won't be able to update any system apps. The same goes for Camera, Clock, Contacts, Dialer, Gallery, Messaging etc. It's not a fault of miui. That's how android works. Use your common sense!!

Rowdyy Ronnie said:
Dude, there's a reason why android doesn't let you disable certain apps. You can't call anything and everything as bloatwares. The app you are trying to disable is an essential part of miui and is responsible for the updates of system apps. Without this app, you won't be able to update any system apps. The same goes for Camera, Clock, Contacts, Dialer, Gallery, Messaging etc. It's not a fault of miui. That's how android works. Use your common sense!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
okay. u should update you op coz u mentioned we can disable any system apps. i have uninstalled "apps" before using root. for me Xiaomi Browser is bloatware too. I have used your instruction and failed to disable. common sense isn't so common.

Rowdyy Ronnie said:
Dude, there's a reason why android doesn't let you disable certain apps. You can't call anything and everything as bloatwares. The app you are trying to disable is an essential part of miui and is responsible for the updates of system apps. Without this app, you won't be able to update any system apps. The same goes for Camera, Clock, Contacts, Dialer, Gallery, Messaging etc. It's not a fault of miui. That's how android works. Use your common sense!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no, that's not an "essential" part of the OS. The phone will still function perfectly well even if that app is disabled. please, quit your bs. this has nothing to do with how android works, miui doesn't let you disable it, that's all. it's upto your oem, android, by default will let you disable every single app, whether it breaks your phone or not.

Keep Apps closed (and avoid Boot) on Android 12

Hey guys, is there any efficient app which really closes any app - or avoid them to boot during the startup of the smartphone?
For example, Booking.com or Instagram — I absolutely don't need any notifications from them, and I want to keep those apps absolutely closed. Even the native "restricted background activity" on Android 12 seems not to be working, nor Servicely / Naptime / Greenify (I have root).
Any other suggestions?
Thanks

pulseg11 said:
Hey guys, is there any efficient app which really closes any app - or avoid them to boot during the startup of the smartphone?
For example, Booking.com or Instagram — I absolutely don't need any notifications from them, and I want to keep those apps absolutely closed. Even the native "restricted background activity" on Android 12 seems not to be working, nor Servicely / Naptime / Greenify (I have root).
Any other suggestions?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So basically a startup manager. That would be pretty nifty.
Best I can suggest is disable notifications on those apps; with notifications disabled, I think Android system doesn't allow the processes to keep running. I could be wrong.
There's also some Developer Options that help reduce what you have running at any given time, although they're more of a global policy and not app specific.

V0latyle said:
So basically a startup manager. That would be pretty nifty.
Best I can suggest is disable notifications on those apps; with notifications disabled, I think Android system doesn't allow the processes to keep running. I could be wrong.
There's also some Developer Options that help reduce what you have running at any given time, although they're more of a global policy and not app specific.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep — I've disabled the notifications already of Instagram, but still appears to be having some background activity.
Startup manager - yeah, do you know any to suggest?

pulseg11 said:
Yep — I've disabled the notifications already of Instagram, but still appears to be having some background activity.
Startup manager - yeah, do you know any to suggest?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean, there's dozens of task managers out there, but honestly they're not really worth the trouble and don't do anything significant for battery life. With the exception of Magisk and a systemless ad blocker, I'm pretty much bone stock on my Pixel 5 with no management apps whatsoever, and I could probably go 2 days on standby.

pulseg11 said:
Yep — I've disabled the notifications already of Instagram, but still appears to be having some background activity.
Startup manager - yeah, do you know any to suggest?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can disable it with app2sd pro , luckypatcher , my android tool , terminal .

@pulseg11
look inside here:
How do I stop apps from auto-starting on Android
With the ever-increasing size of apps, there’s a chance that you might be finding it hard to use your phone as these apps tend to hogs your phone memory as well as its battery. Not only do yo…
nerdschalk.com