Database Info

Removing apps from /system/app (Prime)

In older versions of prime, I used to be able to use root explorer to remove applications from /system/app, and they would disappear from the tray. Lately, when I try to delete them using root explorer, they disappear when I hit delete, but they are still in the menu, and still fully functional.
I really despise having facebook on here (they just added it to the rom), and the other bloat that came with it, but not can't seem to remove it. Anyone know how?

compywiz said:
In older versions of prime, I used to be able to use root explorer to remove applications from /system/app, and they would disappear from the tray. Lately, when I try to delete them using root explorer, they disappear when I hit delete, but they are still in the menu, and still fully functional.
I really despise having facebook on here (they just added it to the rom), and the other bloat that came with it, but not can't seem to remove it. Anyone know how?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried using Titanium Backup to uninstall the app after you have removed it from the system/app folder?
Mark.

mskip said:
Have you tried using Titanium Backup to uninstall the app after you have removed it from the system/app folder?
Mark.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It appeared to work using Titanium. Does this mean it may be a root explorer bug? I guess I'll try downgrading to an older version of RE. I am not a big fan of titanium.

Tried a known working version of root explorer with no luck. I guess something changed in the rom or superuser which is preventing it from working properly.

compywiz said:
Tried a known working version of root explorer with no luck. I guess something changed in the rom or superuser which is preventing it from working properly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you remove the app from /system/app also delete the associated dalvik executable file from /data/dalvik-cache. This should kill the app.

Roach2010 said:
If you remove the app from /system/app also delete the associated dalvik executable file from /data/dalvik-cache. This should kill the app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried deleting the executable file as well, but still no luck.
Turns out it seems to be more than just the apps, I tried removing the bootanimation from /system/media with no luck. It's like I don't have r/w access.

compywiz said:
I tried deleting the executable file as well, but still no luck.
Turns out it seems to be more than just the apps, I tried removing the bootanimation from /system/media with no luck. It's like I don't have r/w access.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is probably a stupid question but did you make sure the folder was Mounted to R/W (and checking it sayds R/W at the top) via the button at the top of Root Explorer before attempting to delete the file?
Mark.

mskip said:
This is probably a stupid question but did you make sure the folder was Mounted to R/W (and checking it sayds R/W at the top) via the button at the top of Root Explorer before attempting to delete the file?
Mark.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's ok, thanks for trying to help. Root explorer pops up a message if you try to delete something in R/O mode saying "... cannot be deleted because the file system is read-only."
It also seems to be working now, no idea why. Maybe a reboot did the trick. The files I remove from /system/app are now disappearing from the menu.
Still unsure on the boot animation though, is that still stored in /system/media/bootanimation.zip?

compywiz said:
It's ok, thanks for trying to help. Root explorer pops up a message if you try to delete something in R/O mode saying "... cannot be deleted because the file system is read-only."
It also seems to be working now, no idea why. Maybe a reboot did the trick. The files I remove from /system/app are now disappearing from the menu.
Still unsure on the boot animation though, is that still stored in /system/media/bootanimation.zip?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes bootanimation is still stored in /system/media/

compywiz said:
It's ok, thanks for trying to help. Root explorer pops up a message if you try to delete something in R/O mode saying "... cannot be deleted because the file system is read-only."
It also seems to be working now, no idea why. Maybe a reboot did the trick. The files I remove from /system/app are now disappearing from the menu.
Still unsure on the boot animation though, is that still stored in /system/media/bootanimation.zip?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes but if you're on Prime 2.0.3, there's one in data/local
Anything bootanimation in data/local will over ride the one in system/media.

compywiz said:
It's ok, thanks for trying to help. Root explorer pops up a message if you try to delete something in R/O mode saying "... cannot be deleted because the file system is read-only."
It also seems to be working now, no idea why. Maybe a reboot did the trick. The files I remove from /system/app are now disappearing from the menu.
Still unsure on the boot animation though, is that still stored in /system/media/bootanimation.zip?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it is.
If you copy your new bootanimation.zip file to /data/local then it will look for it there first (before looking in system/media) and load up the new file. Tested it and it works fine using Root Explorer to copy the file across but just make sure the file is made specifically for the Transformer.
Mark.

Thanks guys!

[Q] Is it ok to delete apk files after installation? Please read further.

Hi. I just found out that apk files are kept in the device after installation of the app.
I just recently downloaded a file explorer app and I found out that the apk files of the free games which I downloaded and installed from android market are kept in this folder:
/mnt/asec (I'm using Samsung Galaxy Ace)
There are individual folders for each game, and in each folder are a lib folder and the apk file. For example:
Fruit Ninja folder (which is found in mnt/asec folder) contains a lib folder and an apk file.
Fruit Slice folder (which is also found in mnt/asec folder) contains a lib folder and an apk file.
My question is, is it ok to delete these apk files? Will the games still work?
Also, can I send these apk files to someone else via bluetooth so they may download the apps without having to visit android market?

yeah you can delete the apk file after installing any app for it to still function, I do it all the time. Yes you can send the apk file to your friend so they can install it. If you're still cautious, try doing a trial run with one apk file...send it to your friend first, then delete, see if it works.

The .apk files are like setup files for windows. Once installed, you don't need the apk, especially if you are backing up with Titanium or similar backup program.

follow up question
Hi. Thanks guys.
Is everything from the android market ".apk"? Is it possible that some have a different extension? I downloaded a dictionary app, I can't be sure but I think it's a .zip file.
Thank you.

pakattack
I tried to delete the apk file. It cannot be deleted.
However, I copied it to my sd card, uninstalled the app, re-installed it using the one already in my sdcard, and it installed just fine.
I still want to be able to delete the apk file that is in the system though (/mnt/asec).
Any ideas or do I just have to deal with it?

sending .apk signed with another device
PakAttack1994 said:
yeah you can delete the apk file after installing any app for it to still function, I do it all the time. Yes you can send the apk file to your friend so they can install it. If you're still cautious, try doing a trial run with one apk file...send it to your friend first, then delete, see if it works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with deleting it won't be a problem but sending to a friend?
sometimes I think there would be a message stating that its not sign
correctly.. correct me if I'm wrong Thank You

WillShaka, like I said, I tried to delete it. I can't. Not allowed.
I don't know why. I'm using ES File explorer

not sure if this works but have you tried unmounting the sd and delete?

WillShaka said:
I agree with deleting it won't be a problem but sending to a friend?
sometimes I think there would be a message stating that its not sign
correctly.. correct me if I'm wrong Thank You
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also, and I don't mean to veer out of topic (this question is often ignored in Q&A forum), if I use Odin to upgrade my stock firmware instead of using Kies, will it erase all my data? I have a feeling it will...

WillShaka said:
not sure if this works but have you tried unmounting the sd and delete?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just tried it. Doesn't work, but thanks for suggesting. =)

Yes, you can delete the APK after installation. But the APKs in /system/app/ need to stay where they are to function appropriately

MarlonKaye said:
Also, and I don't mean to veer out of topic (this question is often ignored in Q&A forum), if I use Odin to upgrade my stock firmware instead of using Kies, will it erase all my data? I have a feeling it will...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MarlonKaye said:
Just tried it. Doesn't work, but thanks for suggesting. =)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes odin your phone would wipe out all the user and data status.
your welcome sorry I couldn't help

All-In-One Toolbox App
MarlonKaye said:
WillShaka, like I said, I tried to delete it. I can't. Not allowed.
I don't know why. I'm using ES File explorer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use the All-In-One Toolbox app to automatically find and delete all .apk files. It also has an automatic backup and restore function for apps.

So my daragon city and messenger are in the apk files I don't know if its backed by another zip folder my tablet is the amazon fire so if I deleted the apk files that is downloaded for an android would my appe still work the same

[FIX] KITKAT Security FC

First, you need ROOT access to do this. It will fix the security force-close and enable the uninstall of apps.
1 - Download FIXV2 here - http://d-h.st/gMh
2 - Extract the file to your desktop and copy the files inside "FIRMWARE\IMAGE" folder to your phone.
3 - Download root explorer from play store and move those files to the firmware\image directory located on your phone.
4 - Long press each file and set permition to RW-R-R (0644) (You do this by selecting OWNER to read and write, GROUP to read and OTHERS to read.
5 - Reboot and try accessing settings.
Thanks to ferreinf for the link and how to do it, I just tried to do this as much newbie proof as possible.

have seen this problem in numerous ROM threads(haven't myself run into this), thanks for the heads up :thumbs up:
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk

scorthyn said:
First, you need ROOT access to do this. It will fix the security force-close and enable the uninstall of apps.
1 - Download FIXV2 here - http://d-h.st/gMh
2 - Extract the file to your desktop and copy the files inside "FIRMWARE\IMAGE" folder to your phone.
3 - Download root explorer from play store and move those files to the firmware\image directory located on your phone.
4 - Long press each file and set permition to RW-R-R (0644) (You do this by selecting OWNER to read and write, GROUP to read and OTHERS to read.
5 - Reboot and try accessing settings.
Thanks to ferreinf for the link and how to do it, I just tried to do this as much newbie proof as possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
Does this help to uninstall system apps as wel instead of deleting apk from system/app folder
Thanks.

smohanv said:
Hi
Does this help to uninstall system apps as wel instead of deleting apk from system/app folder
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it has nothing to do with what you want and there's absolutely no point in doing what wanna do either. You can not reclaim the free space to yourself and that would yet prevent you from installing OTA updates. The best way around this is to unable the system apps you don't wanna run.

Doublepranks said:
No, it has nothing to do with what you want and there's absolutely no point in doing what wanna do either. You can not reclaim the free space to yourself and that would yet prevent you from installing OTA updates. The best way around this is to unable the system apps you don't wanna run.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your description about this patch is confusing...
Read your description,
First, you need ROOT access to do this. It will fix the security force-close and enable the uninstall of apps.

scorthyn said:
First, you need ROOT access to do this. It will fix the security force-close and enable the uninstall of apps.
1 - Download FIXV2 here - http://d-h.st/gMh
2 - Extract the file to your desktop and copy the files inside "FIRMWARE\IMAGE" folder to your phone.
3 - Download root explorer from play store and move those files to the firmware\image directory located on your phone.
4 - Long press each file and set permition to RW-R-R (0644) (You do this by selecting OWNER to read and write, GROUP to read and OTHERS to read.
5 - Reboot and try accessing settings.
Thanks to ferreinf for the link and how to do it, I just tried to do this as much newbie proof as possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
firmware\image directory located on your phone.
Where is this directory on the phone? it does not exist, are we to just push the whole dir w/files to the phone? I agree, need alittle more info here please....
Good work if it does what it says....:good:

TheAxman said:
firmware\image directory located on your phone.
Where is this directory on the phone? it does not exist, are we to just push the whole dir w/files to the phone? I agree, need alittle more info here please....
Good work if it does what it says....:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Worked for me to get the nexus g+ rom working fully... used root browsed in ROM Toolbox to copy the files to the relevant folder off root, and set all the permissions to rwx.

[GUIDE] How Install a App as System APP

You need to be rooted and I recommend use root explorer
The Automatic Way - Just Download titanium Backup or similar app Select the app and just hit covert to System app and reboot and if it force closes even on reboot go down the thread!!
Manual Way
1) Select the Apk Which you Want
2) Take the apk from SD card and copy the apk to /Root/System or any where in the Root
3 )Click yes When it Ask you Whether You Want to
Code:
The Current Files System is Read-only. Do You Want to remount as read-write and continue the Operation?
4) Select the file and change the permissions of the apk under select permissions
4) Tick all the boxes under read and only the first one under write and click OK
5) It should look like rw-r--r--
6) Then cut the Apk and pate it to /Root/System/app
And reboot and enjoy
The the app force closes (For Example - Swift Key ) go here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2661238
Hit Thank If It Helped You

You may also need to move files from /data/data. For example moving Swiftkey needs moving files from /system/lib and /data/data

kaushikb.1996 said:
You need to be rooted and I recommend use root explorer
1) Select the Apk Which you Want
2) Take the apk from SD card and copy the apk to /Root/System or any where in the Root
3 )Click yes When it Ask you Whether You Want to
Code:
The Current Files System is Read-only. Do You Want to remount as read-write and continue the Operation?
4) Select the file and change the permissions of the apk under select permissions
4) Tick all the boxes under read and only the first one under write and click OK
5) It should look like rw-r--r--
6) Then cut the Apk and pate it to /Root/System/app
And reboot and enjoy
If this dint work try this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2661238
Hit Thank If It Helped You
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OR you just use "Titanium Backup" from the google Playstore. Mark the app you like to convert and press "Convert to system app"

ma259 said:
You may also need to move files from /data/data. For example moving Swiftkey needs moving files from /system/lib and /data/data
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can find another link down there

LS.xD said:
OR you just use "Titanium Backup" from the google Playstore. Mark the app you like to convert and press "Convert to system app"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TRUE story but.wrote this if someone needed

In ios there was a separate folder with system apps that can be delete normally but if jailbreak u can access that fold I assuming that it wouldbe close to the same for android
Sent from my SM-T310 using xda app-developers app

androidhacker007 said:
In ios there was a separate folder with system apps that can be delete normally but if jailbreak u can access that fold I assuming that it wouldbe close to the same for android
Sent from my SM-T310 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to your anrodi device
Just search for - How to root " Name of your Device "
Then in recommend you to install titanium backup to uninstall apps easily for installing the apps just follow the procedure which i gave you

That works too
Sent from my SM-T310 using xda app-developers app

I simply used twrp to copy some apps into /system/app

Hi, while millions of people wanted to change normal apps into system apps. I want to change system apps into normal apps.
I know this is the weirdest request you never found on xda history. But I need to remove system privilege on Google Photos because it blocks me from controlling background power consumption (only user app can be changed like that). I'm on realme UI 2.0 unrooted, if it has to be root I'd still take your advice. Thanks.

[Q] Where are registered previously installed app in android mobile

Hi
I have installed an app and i have delete it, but when i install again the app remember it was previously installed.
I think there is a file somewhere on my phone with the name or something of the app. Anyone know how to find and erase this file ?
Even with a factory reset or when i delete app in my google account, the app remember it was previously installed.
Thanks for your help

what is the name of the that app? it seems that's a System app

Google keeps track of your installs and just factory resetting and uninstalling will not clear the apps folder on the internal storage. This has been changed in 5.0

Zelendel do you know where are the tracks, is it a folder or a file ?
Thx

tictac269 said:
Zelendel do you know where are the tracks, is it a folder or a file ?
Thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depending on the app sometimes it will make a folder in either data/app/data or storagecard/data.
In 5.0 this is supposed to be fixed to where apps will remove all their files and folders and not just the app.