[Q] Side Loading/Sideloading how to guide - Droid Ultra Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Is there a Droid Maxx specific how to guide for side loading apk files? If so, please share the link.
For the life of me my google abilities can't turn up a walk through specific to the Droid Maxx. I keep getting a lot of results for the older Razr Maxx, but that's a different animal.
I'm wanting to side load on a factory reset phone with the bootloader still locked and no Rooting done. I've got a few apps from older phones I'd like to put on my Maxx which are no longer available on the market and I've read that a few others here have been sideloading the Nexus mail management apk to get around the data limiting download features of the standard corp mail app installed on these phones.
Thanks
Wes

Wangstang said:
Is there a Droid Maxx specific how to guide for side loading apk files? If so, please share the link.
For the life of me my google abilities can't turn up a walk through specific to the Droid Maxx. I keep getting a lot of results for the older Razr Maxx, but that's a different animal.
I'm wanting to side load on a factory reset phone with the bootloader still locked and no Rooting done. I've got a few apps from older phones I'd like to put on my Maxx which are no longer available on the market and I've read that a few others here have been sideloading the Nexus mail management apk to get around the data limiting download features of the standard corp mail app installed on these phones.
Thanks
Wes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all if you have Internet connection on your phone, download a file manager app from the play store. Maybe something like ES File Explorer. This is to make sure you are able to install apk files later. Go to Settings - Security & Screen Lock. Find 'Unknown sources' option and enable it. Connect your phone to your pc (I assume you have Windows) with the usb cable, check your phone and make sure it says there 'Connected as media device'. Open up Windows Explorer, you should find the phone under Portable Devices section. Get into the Internal Storage folder, create a temporary folder and put all your apps apk inside it. Unplug the phone, fire up the file explorer and go to the apk folder. Just select the apk and it will do the rest of the installation.
Btw, you will not be able to side load system apps without root.

pijes said:
First of all if you have Internet connection on your phone, download a file manager app from the play store. Maybe something like ES File Explorer. This is to make sure you are able to install apk files later. Go to Settings - Security & Screen Lock. Find 'Unknown sources' option and enable it. Connect your phone to your pc (I assume you have Windows) with the usb cable, check your phone and make sure it says there 'Connected as media device'. Open up Windows Explorer, you should find the phone under Portable Devices section. Get into the Internal Storage folder, create a temporary folder and put all your apps apk inside it. Unplug the phone, fire up the file explorer and go to the apk folder. Just select the apk and it will do the rest of the installation.
Btw, you will not be able to side load system apps without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the walk through. The apps in particulart I'm wanting to sideload are games and ringtone apps so I don't think I'll run into any issues.
Thanks again!
Wes

Related

[help needed] terminology and a clear answer?

Im a bit of a noob when it comes to Android.
im more a windows mobile person however....
For xmas i recieved an android tablet which is an awesome toy! but ive had issues with making the widgets work on the home screen - they dont show up.
Ive read forums and forums all day and each forum points back to xda:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=780828&page=13
Looks great, downloaded the apk tried to copy it to the system/app folder but it wont let me do it.
Ive managed to confuse myself after hours of reading so hoping someone can give me some ideas.
Ive read about needing the device 'rooted' i still dont understand what this is n how i do it.
Ive also read the file is to be pushed into the folder??
Ive downloaded the terminal emulator, file explorer etc... tried copy/paste, move, cut etc... all with the same answer of insufficent access.
The terminal emulator on the other hand i cannot use as its all touch screen with no hard buttons once running i cannot type into the program.
surely theres an easier way to load things into the system folders?
Sorry if its the wrong section or what seems a simple ask for some direction, I'm used to windows mobile and htc sence modding where you can just delete and replace files at will
Hey,
Root is like the administrator in Windows. By default, you have a user account, not a root or admin account. And therefore you're access permissions are limited. You do not have write permissions to most internal directories and are pretty much limited to the sd card, which is kinda like 'home' in linux or 'my documents' in windows. Also, cannot run applications that require su (superuser, ie: root, admin).
Rooting is the act of accessing the root user account, or admin account. Like 'jail-breaking' in the apple world.
How to root your android depends on which model you have.
For installing the widget app, as long as its an .apk file, you should be able to just click on it and be prompted to install it.
To access your widgets, should be able to log press on a blank area of the home screen and get a option box to select from. Or if you have a 'menu' button there should be an add option.
To use the Terminal, long press 'menu' and your keyboard will popup. Or click menu and there will be an option for the keyboard, also settings to change color, text size and others.
Sent from my ERIS using XDA App
Also, in the terminal, it will use linux commands, not windows commands.
You can google android commands and get a list of common commands.
Good luck. Have fun. If you don't have some linux experience, it may seem like there's a steep learning curve, but most things will become easy after a little tinkering.
Sent from my ERIS using XDA App
im finding this an incredibly steep curve - a bit too steep lol
I would recommend searching <(name of device) root guide> and then you will find your way around.
But, i don't think you need root, root is for when you need to install applications that you need higher permissions to control system settings. Also to install different versions of android.
Your problem seems to be only a bug. If you want to install an application that is not on the market, you just go to your settings and turn on installing from unknown sources.
You don't need to put it in system apps, the apk is like an .exe, just put it on your sd card, install a file manager program like ASTRO, and then open that app, go to the directory you transfered the file, and click it, ASTRO will give you the ability to install it.
patriotaus said:
I would recommend searching <(name of device) root guide> and then you will find your way around.
But, i don't think you need root, root is for when you need to install applications that you need higher permissions to control system settings. Also to install different versions of android.
Your problem seems to be only a bug. If you want to install an application that is not on the market, you just go to your settings and turn on installing from unknown sources.
You don't need to put it in system apps, the apk is like an .exe, just put it on your sd card, install a file manager program like ASTRO, and then open that app, go to the directory you transfered the file, and click it, ASTRO will give you the ability to install it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont think rooting is essential to do this but from what ive read - it helps.
the app in question is this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=780828
this should replace the file on my system which doesnt work. unless anyone has a suggestion to get the same item by installing an apk to achieve as per the instructions state "copy into system/app and set permissions"

[Q] Renaming Files and Folders

Hi all,
Loving my Optimus 3D but can't seem to work out how to rename files and folders. I know once you have taken a photo it gives you the option to Rename, but I was wondering how I could go back and rename photos and video files, and folders from before (without connecting to my computer). Anyone know?
Also can you create folders within the phone for content? And can you organize content in the Applications section, e.g. sorting Downloads in order or placing them in different categories.
Any help would be much appreciated
Cheers
karlgent said:
Hi all,
Loving my Optimus 3D but can't seem to work out how to rename files and folders. I know once you have taken a photo it gives you the option to Rename, but I was wondering how I could go back and rename photos and video files, and folders from before (without connecting to my computer). Anyone know?
Also can you create folders within the phone for content? And can you organize content in the Applications section, e.g. sorting Downloads in order or placing them in different categories.
Any help would be much appreciated
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To rename files and folders and create folders on your phone you'd have to have an explorer app that allows you to browse your filesystem. I'm not aware of any browser apps that don't require root (ie. Astro or Root Explorer) but then again, I've never had the need for one and always had my phones rooted.
You might wanna be carefull when renaming folders and files though.
I don't think the standard launcher allows changing the contents of the applications drawer.
Thanks for the response, appreciate it. At the risk of sounding like a total noob, what do you mean when you say having your phone rooted? I'm total new to smart phones and always just had an old simple mobile.
Also, is the Optimus 3D like the iPhone in that you need to hack it to install apps downloaded from your PC for free or can you install any apps via PC
get "estrongs file explorer". it's free and does many many many more amazing things than just letting you rename files without root requirement.
karlgent said:
Thanks for the response, appreciate it. At the risk of sounding like a total noob, what do you mean when you say having your phone rooted? I'm total new to smart phones and always just had an old simple mobile.
Also, is the Optimus 3D like the iPhone in that you need to hack it to install apps downloaded from your PC for free or can you install any apps via PC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting a phone basically gets you super access, kind of like having an administrator account on Windows. It comes in handy for example when you want to use custom roms, get complete file access, use screenshot tools etc.
And an Android phone is in no way an iPhone when it comes to installing apps. There's an option that when turned on allows the installation of apps you didn't get from the Market (it's in the Application section of your options menu). Presuming you only use free programs you downloaded you can just put the .apk file on your internal or external sd card and install it, either by using a file browser (such as the mentioned Estrong) to find the apk or using a separate app installer which you can download from the Market.
Awesome, thanks for the reply really appreciate it, and I actually understand it now.
So if I downloaded and installed an app or game from the internet for free, that usually had to be bought on the Android market or from Gameloft for example, could you get in trouble or banned/blocked in any way?
Sorry if this is a noob/inappropriate question
Cheers
no. google actiually lets you do what you want with your device.
Awesome, good to know. I'm really wanting the Gangstar games from gameloft but they aren't available to purchase via Gameloft yet. I can download the pirated versions and install them, but would Gameloft cause any problems when I did so or would I always have to play in airplane mode?
Most pirated software works just like the original version, just check if there's any installation instructions. The biggest disadvantage in my opinion is not being able to update pirated software through the Market.
You can use Polaris Office included in the phone as file explorer for all the naming, copying etc.. The name is a bit misleading
Nice, I didn't know that Polaris was a glorified file browser. Works great for viewing, editing and removing files and folders.
So, to the topicstarter, this is all you need to do the things you want. You can edit your filesystem and browse to your downloaded apps to install them (for example create a map called DownloadedApps, connect your phone to your pc, copy any downloaded apps to the map you created, disconnect, use Polaris to browse to the DownloadedApps map and click on any app you want to install).
If you want to rename a file or folder just long press on it and you'll be presented with all the options you need.
Yeah, I just had a play around with it, looks and works really good. Thanks for all the help folks much appreciated.
PS - If anyone could provide instructions and a link on how to install the Gangstar games (hereby showing me how to install ripped games at the same time) I would very much appreciate it. Been having no luck getting it to work

[Q] Install APK without astro,sdk,rooting(perfect for those with no wifi connection)

Ok so i was going through the posts here and i found out the some android users are having prblems with apks, either they dont have wifi or their account wont sync with their phones and therefore cant install apks. Others have roccommended the use of SDK and other modifications that require tons of work. But today i found the most conventional way of installing APK's without market or file manager. Yes wait for it.......
Bluetooth.....
Simply bluetooth the apk file onto your phone using any device with a bluetooth service, such as a laptop or a phone. once the transfer is done, you will be able to access the apk by simply clicking the bluetooth transfer update on your notifications and voila install it.
I think the smart thing to do is bluetooth dropbox or astro first and have it installed so you can manage your apks afterwards

FTP sever on watch lol

I managed to get an FTP sever running on my gwatch r using ES file explorer (yes it does work on wear and with root access as well if you are rooted)
I found it useful for transferring files to and from the watch to my phone LG G 3 obviously it's much faster than the other methods of Bluetooth file transfer I came accross. I also managed to do all this without touching a p.c just my phone, watch and a wifi connection.
If anyone is interested in how I did this then leave a reply and if enough people are interested I'll make a guide laugh
Sorry about the delay in getting this up lots going at work and home lately
Please read carefully as you can brick your device while playing in TWRP and I will not be held responsible for any damage caused by using this Guide.
Pre-requisites
Android device/phone (I’ll be using An LG G3 D855) or Tablet Rooted with ES file explorer and Wear media installed (play store)
Android wear device (I’ll be using a G-watch R) with root/unlocked bootloader? and TWRP installed
Wifi access point/router (your home wifi)
First of all we need to get ES file explorer on to the watch.
There are a few ways to do this (ADB ect) but I am trying to do these instruction without using a PC.
Using ES file explorer on you android device ensure root access mode is enabled (Slide from the left of the screen and scroll down to ‘Root Explorer’ and switch on) Then go to Local--- /Device/data/app Locate the ES file Explorer .APK and copy the file to another folder that doesn’t require root access ie Downloads folder
Ensure your Wear device is connected to your Android device and open Wear media on your Phone/Tablet.
Click on the picture of the Watch at the top and choose a non root destination folder for the .APK
Then click on the picture of the Phone at the top and locate the ES file Explorer .APK and click transfer/copy this will the put the .APK on your watch but not install it.
Now to install ES on your watch
Now go to your watch and reboot into recovery (TWRP)
Click mount and ensure System has an X next to it by clicking on it
Click advanced and File explorer Locate the ES .APK (mine is called something like com. Estrongs.android.pop) in the wear media destination folder you chose earlier
Click the file and click copy
Navigate to System/app and paste the .APK into this folder
Go to Wipe Advanced wipe and select Davlik Cache and Cache then swipe to wipe and reboot your device
Es should then be installed on your watch
Open the app on your watch open the menu and scroll to near the bottom and turn on root explorer and turn off gestures (there really annoying on a watch)
Then find Network and click Net manager to turn on the wifi on your watch and let it connect to your wifi access point
Just above should be Remote manager click on this and then ‘Turn on’ (this should then enable FTP access to your watch. If your go back to the watch face you should see a notification that an FTP server is running and it will give the IP address ie 192.168.xxx
Now open ES on your Phone (ensure connected to same network as the watch) open the menu and scroll to network and choose FTP
Click new at the bottom then FTP
For Server enter the address your watch is showing (192.168.xxx) tick Anonymous box
Choose a name for the device in ‘display as’ field and click ok. (please note the default port is 21 and should work in most cases but if the notification on your watch has a different port number ie 192.168.0.2:3721 use the numbers after the : so in this case I would enter 3721 into the port box under the Server part 8n ES and not leave the default of 21.
This should test the connection when you click ok
If all has worked you should now be able to click on the FTP you just created and it will show the files and folders on the watch. You can now use this to transfer files between your Phone and watch at a decent speed? ( I do backups on the watch using TWRP and transfer these to my phone or home server which also has an FTP service setup in ES)
Done
This was thrown together in about 10mins So I know it’s a bit rough. I would like to add screen shots at some point and if there are any errors you spot please let me know and I will correct ASAP (I’m sure there are loads lol)
Please also let me know if this worked for you
I would say most people would be interested so it'd would be good if you shared.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G925A using XDA Free mobile app
FTP on a watch? lol that sounds amazing. I am interested in hearing out how you did this.
We are waiting for u
waitting
nice idea.
Sorry guys thanks for the positive response been really busy of late will try to get some basic instructions up this weekend
awesome.
gotta try it tomorrow
You can also run Airdroid app on your watch over wifi. You can upload/download files and install apks using webinterface. The tricky part is to read the port number and ip address that it displays when the app is launched. On the phone this app can do much more than that.

kindle RCE plugin, hidden files.

I saw this on my device, and only found little info/threads, with almost zero content/analysis. Aparently the kindle app leaves a bunch of random files around. And since the prefix is "RCE" i am a little paranoid, since that usually means "Remote code execution" and is usually associated with exploits
Files:
CS_JIT_Animation.mp4
jit_cs_positive_preview.png
rce_plugin_strings_resource_cs_CZ.json.min
rce_plugin_strings_resource_de_DE.json.min
rce_plugin_strings_resource_en_US.json.min
rce_plugin_strings_resource_es_ES.json.min
rce_plugin_strings_resource_fr_FR.json.min
rce_plugin_strings_resource_it_IT.json.min
rce_plugin_strings_resource_ja_JP.json.min
rce_plugin_strings_resource_nl_NL.json.min
rce_plugin_strings_resource_pt_BR.json.min
rce_plugin_strings_resource_v2_TYPO_TEST.json
rce_plugin_strings_resource_zh_CN.json.min
All Attached in a zip created by the android native file manager.
Current places mentioning this
https://forums.oneplus.com/threads/unkown-files-in-download.948860/
https://talk.sonymobile.com/t5/Xper...erious-Files-in-Downloads-Folder/td-p/1353185
https://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-xz1/help/phone-mysterious-files-download-folder-t3871763
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMmx5tRm0jM (one of the files is a video, someone uploaded to youtube ...and to https://gfycat.com/generouspinkcolt
How to make those files appear for you:
Install kindle from the google app store
if you already have it installed, or want to see the files again after you deleted, Stop the app and delete all storage. (nothing will be lost, this app syncs everything and some more to the amazon servers)
perform the first Sync on kindle app
Now, insert a pen drive and open the native android File Mananger and look at the local Download folder
Files are somewhat hidden:
If you look into the download folder with any other app (I tried, blackberry file manager, oi file manager, Ghost Commander, and Termux --after enabling the storage setup)
Files probably have a weird attribute or ownership... but the native android file manager does not show anything other than creation date! And every single file operation (copy, move, compress) reset the information to "regular user, creation time set to now". So either I see them on the Native File Manager, without any information available, or I do not see the files until I destroy the information.
Android version is not important (seems to happen on several versions) and has been happening for a while (First mention seems to be Nov2018)
Anyone have any idea what this is? I know I will probably reverse eng the kindle app at some point, wast a bunch of time, and realize it is just some dumb amateur library badly implemented by amazon... or maybe not. I think at this point I am most curious as to how the app "hides" the files from most everything.

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