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[GUIDE] [HOW-TO] How to invoke an app from settings

Many of the members asked me how did I call another app from settings in this post.
This is a tutorial showing how to do that. You can implement it in any other app as well.
Things required:
1. A settings.apk from any device. (Just for tutorial purpose, can be done on any other app)
2. An apk decompiling/compiling tool (I use apktool)
3. Some icons to make it look better
4. The apk of the app you wanna invoke
And we are ready to rock :victory:
STEP 1:
Decompile settings.apk
Code:
[FONT="Courier New"]apktool if framework-res.apk
I: Framework installed to: C:\Users\xxxxxxxx\apktool\framework\1.apk
apktool d -f Settings.apk out
I: Baksmaling...
testI: Loading resource table..
I: Loaded.
I: Loading resource table from
I: Loaded.
I: Decoding file-resources...
I: Loading resource table from
I: Loaded.
I: Decoding values*/* XMLs...
I: Done.
I: Copying assets and libs...[/FONT]
STEP 2:
Open out/res/values/strings.xml
Go to the end of the file and add this code
Code:
[FONT="Courier New"]
<string name="example_settings">Example settings</string>[/SIZE]
​
You can give any name to the string, just remember it.
STEP 3:
Open out/res/values/xml/settings.xml
Now here you see a lot of xml coding. Every line is for a setting option. Figure out where you want to place the new option. Here we will add option to the end of the code, i.e. the last option
Just above the line
Code:
</PreferenceScreen>
ADD THIS CODE
Code:
[FONT="Courier New"]
<com.android.settings.IconPreferenceScreen android:title="@string/[COLOR="Lime"]example_settings[/COLOR]" settings:icon="@drawable/[COLOR="SeaGreen"]icon_name[/COLOR]">
<intent android:targetPackage=[COLOR="Magenta"]"it.sineo.android.noFrillsCPU"[/COLOR] android:action="android.intent.action.MAIN" android:targetClass=[COLOR="DeepSkyBlue"]"it.sineo.android.noFrillsCPU.activity.MainActivity"[/COLOR] />
</com.android.settings.IconPreferenceScreen>[/SIZE]
[/FONT]
HERE'S THE TRICKY PART
Well the green part is the icon name. The icon can be placed in drawable-ldpi or mdpi or hdpi folders. Be sure to paste the same icon name to the green part, excluding the file format(.png).
In the above code, the line
Code:
[COLOR="Lime"]example_settings
[/COLOR] here, "example_settings" is replaced by the name you gave in res/values/strings.xml. (Step2)
Where did we get the values in pink and sky blue
STEP 4:
Decompile third party app
Here, we will use No-Frills CPU for heaven's sake
Code:
[FONT="Courier New"]apktool d -f nofrills.apk cpu[/SIZE]
[/FONT]
Don't worry if errors, we just want AnrdoidManifest.xml
STEP 5:
Open the AndroidManifest.xml of third party app
Find the code
Code:
[FONT="Courier New"][COLOR="RED"] package= [/COLOR][/SIZE]
[/FONT]
Mostly on the first line.
After =, whatever is in quotes is your package name. This is what is your pink text in settings.xml (step3).
Copy and paste it as it is
Again in AndroidManifest.xml, find the main activity name. Mostly developers name main activity as Main or MainActivity. You will find it as
Code:
".activity.MainActivity"
in this case.
Copy it and in settings.xml, the text in sky blue is the main activity name. It should be written as
Code:
[Color="Magenta"]package name[/color] MainActivity name
So we get
Code:
it.sineo.android.noFrillsCPU.activity.MainActivity
This is your sky blue text in settings.xml (step3)
Copy and paste it as it is
STEP 6:
Compile Settings.apk
Code:
apktool b out
I: Checking whether sources has changed...
I: Checking whether resources has changed...
I: Building resources...
I: Building apk file...
STEP 7:
Pre-Final step
Perform the following steps
Code:
Open the folder "out" or the one you compiled in
Go to build/apk/
Copy "[color="red"]res[/color]" and "[color="red"]resources.arsc[/color]"
Open stock Settings.apk with 7zip
Paste res folder and resources.arsc here. (overwrite)
STEP 8:
Push settings.apk
Copy modified settings.apk on sdcard
Connect mobile and enable usb debug. Don't connect in usb storage mode
Using adb, insert the code
Code:
[Size="2"]
adb shell
su
stop
mount -o rw,remount /system/ /system/
busybox cp /sdcard/Settings.apk /system/app/
mount -o ro,remount /system/ /system/
reboot
Thats it. If you have any problems, post here.
hit thanks if i helped
​[/FONT]

Good Job.
Can you include a tutorial for hiding this(or any other) app from app drawer as well ?
That'll be beneficial too.

CharsiBabu said:
Can you include a tutorial for hiding this(or any other) app from app drawer as well ?
That'll be beneficial too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know what you did there LOL.
Jokes apart, I will surely try. Post if succeeded

Yes, definitely would be a plus..i wanna hide some apps from drawer too..like no frills shortcut with evo rom

if u wanna remov any app icon from app drawer then just decompile that app and edit its android manifest file..
you ll find this code
<category
android:name="android.intent.category
.LAUNCHER" />
just remove these lines and recompile and install that app..
and that app will get hide frm app drawer
---------- Post added at 02:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:33 PM ----------
ronnieryan said:
Yes, definitely would be a plus..i wanna hide some apps from drawer too..like no frills shortcut with evo rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
read the above post..

Man none of your guides require a [DEV] tag -_- *group facepalm :/*

nolinuxnoparty said:
Man none of your guides require a [DEV] tag -_- *group facepalm :/*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
edited. now are you ok with it?

to hide app from drawer, search this on manifest of app that would be hidden
<category android:name="android.intent.category.LAUNCHER" />
then, LAUNCHER replace with DEFAULT
nb: sometimes, need a sign all app on system

Nitzz said:
if u wanna remov any app icon from app drawer then just decompile that app and edit its android manifest file..
you ll find this code
<category
android:name="android.intent.category
.LAUNCHER" />
just remove these lines and recompile and install that app..
and that app will get hide frm app drawer
---------- Post added at 02:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:33 PM ----------
read the above post..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ocoot said:
to hide app from drawer, search this on manifest of app that would be hidden
<category android:name="android.intent.category.LAUNCHER" />
then, LAUNCHER replace with DEFAULT
nb: sometimes, need a sign all app on system
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the replies, will try and report asap.

Thanx for the guide will try it now
Sent from my GT-S6102 using xda app-developers app

Is it possible that this could just not work at some points? Tried while it was a normal app, even converted to system app and it just doesn't work.
And no, I haven't inserted the codes wrongly, a few weeks ago I did this without any problems but it just doesn't seem to work for a particular app. Any idea of the causes?
EDIT: Problem solved.

Mitko said:
Is it possible that this could just not work at some points? Tried while it was a normal app, even converted to system app and it just doesn't work.
And no, I haven't inserted the codes wrongly, a few weeks ago I did this without any problems but it just doesn't seem to work for a particular app. Any idea of the causes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just take your time with the main activity name.
EDIT: nice that it workd. you may now press the magic button

Super noob question sir, how to add the icons that we prepared before ?

Deleted

Akhyarrh said:
Super noob question sir, how to add the icons that we prepared before ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use the code
Code:
settings:icon="@drawable:imagename"
after stringname. Image be in any of drawable-ldpi/mdpi/hdpi folders. Adding the code to post#1 tonight.
Sent from my GT-S5360 using xda app-developers app

SaketJoshi said:
Use the code
Code:
android:icon="imagename"
after stringname. Image bw in any of drawable-ldpi/mdpi/hdpi folders. Adding the code to post#1 tonight.
Sent from my GT-S5360 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thx so much sir. Will wait your guide :thumbup:
Sent from my GT-I9500 using Tapatalk 2

Deleted

Akhyarrh said:
Thx so much sir. Will wait your guide :thumbup:
Sent from my GT-I9500 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
added the changes for icons. :laugh:

To get main activity, we can use holo launcher, so easy btw
Sent from my GT-I9500 using Tapatalk 2

Akhyarrh said:
To get main activity, we can use holo launcher, so easy btw
Sent from my GT-I9500 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What? Can you explain?
Sent from my GT-S5360 using xda app-developers app

Read any of local languages on your android device...

Requirements:
Rooted Device
Android 4.0 later
Stock/Custom ROM
File Manager able to access system files
Here, for example I have used Gujarati fonts. You can use this tutorial for any other fonts(true type).
Steps:
Copy the 'fallback_fonts.xml' to a local directory
Change 'fallback_fonts.xml' with the text editor. (See list of changes)
Push 'fallback_fonts.xml' to /system/etc
Push 'Lohit-Gujarati.ttf' to /system/fonts
Change permissions of 'fallback_fonts.xml' to -rw-r--r--
Change permissions of 'Lohit-Gujarati.ttf' to -rw-r--r--
Reboot
List of Changes in "fallback_fonts.xml" :
Add these lines after any </family> tag but in between the <familyset> tags
<family>
<fileset>
<file>Lohit-Gujarati.ttf</file>
</fileset>
</family>
P.S. : Get Lohit-Gujarati.ttf from attached zip file Lohit-Gujarati.zip . You can also download it from fedorahosted website if you want the original source.
Thread reference: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2097509

can you please make jameel noori nastaleeq font available. I found one of 10MB, not sure of its compatibility.and that in text editor there are many other named fonts listed. are they also to be edited with the desired font name? much thanks in anticipation.

tuffayl said:
can you please make jameel noori nastaleeq font available. I found one of 10MB, not sure of its compatibility.and that in text editor there are many other named fonts listed. are they also to be edited with the desired font name? much thanks in anticipation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will find out soon... It should work if it is true-type font...
Sent from my Micromax A110 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

tuffayl said:
can you please make jameel noori nastaleeq font available. I found one of 10MB, not sure of its compatibility.and that in text editor there are many other named fonts listed. are they also to be edited with the desired font name? much thanks in anticipation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In text editor you have to add new family tag for the fonts u add for your language. Don't touch other fonts names & tags...
Sent from my Micromax A110 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

used two urdu fonts but was not successful. kindly provide a cwm zip if possible. thanks

tuffayl said:
used two urdu fonts but was not successful. kindly provide a cwm zip if possible. thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a good method to install language fonts. We can't edit xml file using cwm. You can find a good true-type urdu fonts on net. I will also try to upload urdu font soon.
Sent from my Micromax A110 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

MihirGosai said:
This is a good method to install language fonts. We can't edit xml file using cwm. You can find a good true-type urdu fonts on net. I will also try to upload urdu font soon.
Sent from my Micromax A110 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there,
I am also looking for Urdu font for my lg p930 bell stock ics 4.0.4 android. As you mentioned that you will upload Urdu font. Did you? Or could you direct me where I can find. I looked and search here and google but couldn't find any practical or working. Please help. Thanks

Thread closed at op request.

smali help

hello everyone
i searched a lot but couldnt find anything so postiong here
i was trying to add some featues to home.apk and i got some errors while recompiling
so i tried decompile and recompile without editing anything...i didnt even open the decompiled home apk folder LOL
but i am getting lots of smali errors only in styles.xml
i think that apktool removes some templates from styles.xml i dont know what it means i just got it from my search
so can someone help me in fixing that error....
@serajr
 @SpaceCaker
 @marcussmith2626
 @iSiddharth

Either wrong framework loaded or using wrong apktool version
And please stop abusing the mention system - I won't reply to anymore mentions

marcussmith2626 said:
Either wrong framework loaded or using wrong apktool version
And please stop abusing the mention system - I won't reply to anymore mentions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah sorry
But what do u mean by WRONG apktool version??

abhishekr700 said:
Ah sorry
But what do u mean by WRONG apktool version??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
use
gingerbread/ics/jb 1.5.2
https://code.google.com/p/android-apktool/downloads/list
jb/kitkat/lolipop apktool rc3
https://bitbucket.org/iBotPeaches/apktool/downloads
use correct framework-res
plus any other framework eg tw-framework

Use Advanced APK Tools for decompiling the APK files and you can also use the Attached Dex Editor to edit classes.dex files.....
Advanced APK tools is specially made for Xperia devicex. (use your "framework-res.apk" to install firmware in Advanced APK Tools)
(Drag and drop classes.dex in "Quick-Baksmali.cmd" to decompile and drag and drop the output folder is "Quick-Smali.cmd" to recompile.
Advanced APK Tools : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2639400

[Q]HOW TO EDIT .xml Files?

Hey , I want to customize my system apps but whenever i open .xml files Like AndroidManifest , layouts etc it didn't open in simple language .
So my question is can anyone tell me how to edit the .xml files...
Any help is really appreciated
Thanks

Rajaks said:
Hey , I want to customize my system apps but whenever i open .xml files Like AndroidManifest , layouts etc it didn't open in simple language .
So my question is can anyone tell me how to edit the .xml files...
Any help is really appreciated
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First decompile a android app with apktool,after that u can easily edit any .xml file with notepad++ without any language problem.
If u extract an app.apk with winrar,7zip...etc or any android app like esfile explorer,zarchiver....etc then u can't edit .XML file & u face language problem.
So, decompile apk with apktool & then edit .XML files.
How to decompile apk, just Google it.
Thanks:

Yes! THANKS DUDE
Sent from my Sparkle V using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

[GUIDE][MOD][2.3+]How to add Owner text in Statusbar || with app controller

Introduction
Luminious Owner Text is a Mod i have created for Adding ur Name into statusbar or somewhere else and then control it via App its will save ur time No need to reboot after applying changes through app
Features​
Text Color Changer
Text Changer
RealTime Changing
Okay now lets implement it
Requirements​
apktool
notepad++
brain.jar
Step1​
Decompile SystemUI.apk (there is many guides available for that)
open merge all smali's provided in attachment
Open res/layout/tw_status_bar.xml
Copy this line and paste it anywhere in statusbar.xml its upto u where u want ur name​
Code:
<com.shadesk.mods.ShadyText android:textStyle="bold" android:id="@+id/shadytext" android:layout_width="wrap_content" android:layout_height="wrap_content" />
Save everything & recompile ur work and then again decompile the newly created apk​
Step2​
open smali/com/shadesk/ShadyText.smali
Open Public.xml
find this in public.xml & copy its id means 0x7fxxxxxx here xxx will be some digits cuz mine & ur = not same so i use xx​
Code:
<public type="id" name="shadytext"
Copy the id of the line i have mention before and replace with this​
Code:
0x7f0d0143
NOTE:- 0x7f0d0143 is in ShadyText.smali so find this & replace the code with ur id​
Done
Save Everything
Recompile
Sign
Push
Install The Apk Provided in Attachments
Enjoy
There is two apk in attachmentd one is for gb users and one is for 3.0 above​
Screenshots in 2nd post
Credits in 3rd post

Screenshots
SCREENS​

CREDITS
CREDITS
@AndroidFire for helping me into customviews
@b16h22 for his source & permissiom to use
@serajr for smali guide​

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

Just amazing!!
I'm glad to know I've helped you out somehow!

Good Job sir

Glad to know that you put my name on it.by the way nice mod keep it up

serajr said:
Just amazing!!
I'm glad to know I've helped you out somehow!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice to see master on my Thread btw sir seriously ur External Guide helped me alot and Thank u

@RaKesh & @AndroidFire Thanks Guyz
Lol Fire bro i have to put ur name u know y?? Because of customviews

nice mode >>>>

ARGHA_DAS said:
Introduction
Luminious Owner Text is a Mod i have created for Adding ur Name into statusbar or somewhere else and then control it via App its will save ur time No need to reboot after applying changes through app
Features​
Text Color Changer
Text Changer
RealTime Changing
Okay now lets implement it
Requirements​
apktool
notepad++
brain.jar
Step1​
Decompile SystemUI.apk (there is many guides available for that)
open merge all smali's provided in attachment
Open res/layout/tw_status_bar.xml
Copy this line and paste it anywhere in statusbar.xml its upto u where u want ur name​
Code:
<com.shadesk.mods.ShadyText android:textStyle="bold" android:id="@+id/shadytext" android:layout_width="wrap_content" android:layout_height="wrap_content" />
Save everything & recompile ur work and then again decompile the newly created apk​
Step2​
open smali/com/shadesk/ShadyText.smali
Open Public.xml
find this in public.xml & copy its id means 0x7fxxxxxx here xxx will be some digits cuz mine & ur = not same so i use xx​
Code:
<public type="id" name="shadytext"
Copy the id of the line i have mention before and replace with this​
Code:
0x7f0d0143
NOTE:- 0x7f0d0143 is in ShadyText.smali so find this & replace the code with ur id​
Done
Save Everything
Recompile
Sign
Push
Install The Apk Provided in Attachments
Enjoy
There is two apk in attachmentd one is for gb users and one is for 3.0 above​
Screenshots in 2nd post
Credits in 3rd post
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bro @ARGHA_DAS can ua add it here? . i mean the text size option bro. .thanks in advance. . .keep it up. . .

yeah buddy just wait for the updates

Dreamstar said:
nice mode >>>>
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks