Bloatware and how to get rid of it. - General Questions and Answers

I thought that I would ask this question and then see what everyone has to offer.
I recently rooted my LG Volt phone and all is well. My next step is to take off some of the 'Bloatware' that came installed on the phone from VM.
My Question is HOW? and WHAT?
I know I would like to remove CHROME browser but not sure how. I know there are a lot of other apps that could come off that I'm not aware of that just slow down the phone and take up space. Has anyone ever developed a definitive list of the 'possible' bloatware that is installed on phones.
I'm afraid to remove some things incase it is required to operate the phone. So something that is critical to the phone operation should not be included on the list.
Once a list is developed than I could check against it to see what it is possible to remove.
Second part is how. Since my phone is rooted it should be fairly easy but not sure exactly how and to make sure I got all of a piece of software removed or am I leaving something behind that is more wasted space.
This, I would think, would be very useful to amateurs like myself.

JimReid said:
I thought that I would ask this question and then see what everyone has to offer.
I recently rooted my LG Volt phone and all is well. My next step is to take off some of the 'Bloatware' that came installed on the phone from VM.
My Question is HOW? and WHAT?
I know I would like to remove CHROME browser but not sure how. I know there are a lot of other apps that could come off that I'm not aware of that just slow down the phone and take up space. Has anyone ever developed a definitive list of the 'possible' bloatware that is installed on phones.
I'm afraid to remove some things incase it is required to operate the phone. So something that is critical to the phone operation should not be included on the list.
Once a list is developed than I could check against it to see what it is possible to remove.
Second part is how. Since my phone is rooted it should be fairly easy but not sure exactly how and to make sure I got all of a piece of software removed or am I leaving something behind that is more wasted space.
This, I would think, would be very useful to amateurs like myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
install app called (system app remover) ....about WHAT : you need to un-install the apps that you don't need but doesn't harm the phone ....like if you are on Samsung phone or sony....you need to un-install chrome and Samsung store ....play groups...
simply my man you can un-install all the apps that shows in your app drawer ...else than that don't remove any thing
good luck :good:

Related

[Q] Why there is no uninstall feature in Android?

I have about two weeks experience with Android OS and as a software developer I will be interested to know the technical details behind the Android OS.
I have already noticed this is possible to upgrade applications ported with the handset's ROM i.e. the Market app. This raised the question to me why can't I uninstall applications from the ROM without rooting or risking my handset's warranty to achieve this?
Is my expectation as a user of computers for 20 years unreasonable to think in 2010 with all software development and technological advances the uninstall feature should have been in Android OS from day one?
This is not exactly like Google is the first company in the world developed an OS to just the lack of experience with what users would want. From what I have seen so far in world of Android is that, the first thing users would want to know how to root their handset to remove packages that they have no use for.
My guess is that Google doesn't want users removing Systems apps. I'm assuming that they think that these applications are core and thus don't want you removing them. Remove the market, no more apps... or way to get it back etc.
Applications installed by you can be uninstalled, I'm just thinking it is the same as in windows, you can't uninstall the task manager etc (Bad example but meh =P)
Very simple - to prevent lay users from removing critical components.
Can you imagine the service costs involved in reparing devices that that have been damaged by people trying to remove bloatware?
They still give you the option to restore.
OK DISREGUARD THIS AS I MISSED THE PART ABOUT NEEDING TO ROOT!
They can be removed but its not recommended to do so without know EXACTLY what your removing and weather is vital to your phones operating system.
BUT in order to do so your phone needs root access, and root explorer installed. There are several forums on just about all android support sites that explain how to root, install the manager, and which apps/files NOT to remove.
J_HaX said:
They can be removed but its not recommended to do so without know EXACTLY what your removing and weather is vital to your phones operating system.
BUT in order to do so your phone needs root access, and root explorer installed. There are several forums on just about all android support sites that explain how to root, install the manager, and which apps/files NOT to remove.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ye u can remove almost every stock app but this may affect the stability of your phone, modifying your phone always comes with the option restoring it back to default. If something goes wrong with moding (something really hard and extraordinary rare ) u can restore it. Browsing through Xda might solve many questions, we all didn't wanted stock rom (not because it was bad, because we can have s omething better. This community has VERY VERY good developers.
Androids own!!!
One thing I still don't get is...
How can Google upgrade Market app without the su privilage but the rest of the world has to root their phones to remove bloatware such as 'amazon mp3'?
@ftgg99: How much bloatware in Windows cost Microsoft or PC manufacturers? None in fact they get paid to include them with your hardware. However, I see an issue with mobile devices. You have already paid for the ROM storage, the bigger ROM size is the more expensive your handset would be, then the manufacturer uses your already paid ROM to make even more money by installing bloatware. I would be a fool to think manufacturers would pass on a percentage of the bloatware earnings by reducing the cost of their products to the consumers in this model.
The way I see it, the burden has been put on the communities such as xda. Users wouldn't ask the manufacturers how to root their handsets and this is left to the dedicated individuals to overcome the mess compnies normally leave us with. I'm not going to say the mess is a cost saving measure by companies.
The thing is that there are a lot more people buy and use phones than computers. After someone buys a smart phone with intention to use for calls, text, web and to use some apps, they realize the possibilities of the smart phone, they start digging in to the files, therefore Google blocked the root folder from modifying, otherwise Google would have to repair warrantied phones that didn't have to end up there just because people didn't know or care what they did. But if you got passed ROOTING, you must know what you are doing and from this point you can modify files and apps, but now ROOTING becomes too easy.
Basically just because too many juveniles got their hands on the equipment.
CSharpHeaven said:
One thing I still don't get is...
How can Google upgrade Market app without the su privilage but the rest of the world has to root their phones to remove bloatware such as 'amazon mp3'?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm also very interested to read the answer for this one!
CSharpHeaven said:
One thing I still don't get is...
How can Google upgrade Market app without the su privilage but the rest of the world has to root their phones to remove bloatware such as 'amazon mp3'?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
RAMMANN said:
I'm also very interested to read the answer for this one!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The answer, from my point of view, is quite simple: they just upgrade the application on /data/app ON TOP of the /system/app default Market version. So, you can always go back to your "default" version just by "uninstalling updates".
Summary: they do not upgrade the Market form ROM, just install the new version on top.
CSharpHeaven said:
I have about two weeks experience with Android OS and as a software developer I will be interested to know the technical details behind the Android OS.
I have already noticed this is possible to upgrade applications ported with the handset's ROM i.e. the Market app. This raised the question to me why can't I uninstall applications from the ROM without rooting or risking my handset's warranty to achieve this?
Is my expectation as a user of computers for 20 years unreasonable to think in 2010 with all software development and technological advances the uninstall feature should have been in Android OS from day one?
This is not exactly like Google is the first company in the world developed an OS to just the lack of experience with what users would want. From what I have seen so far in world of Android is that, the first thing users would want to know how to root their handset to remove packages that they have no use for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried to work with iPhone(don't know about iPhone 4)? They build fortress around their system and even the apps you install cannot be uninstalled until you gailbrake it and use 3rd party installer to uninstall. And not talking about the "MONOPLY" they run with AT&T.

Need ADB? Im using windows?

edit: Sorry, i forgot to hit the "yes this is a question" box
So, im trying to root my new Thunderbolt so i can make it verMYzon.
Anyways, cheesy things aside, while using the thread at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=996616 it says "Note, ADB required."
What really does that mean and where can i get it for my Windows 7 / Thunderbolt combo?
The only root method i know is the ancient forms of one click with original cm and a G1
Try download android sdk ;-)
**DamianGTO ultimate kernel v1.3 * 600Hz * 346MB RAM * OC/UV * 1280MHZ**
Thanks! You helped out a bit!
Now im setting up everything and following the guides...but, All i really want root for is to get rid of the MASSIVE amount of bloat and make backups.
And of course later, get rid or change this unpersonalizable "personalize" button...
Superthrust said:
Thanks! You helped out a bit!
Now im setting up everything and following the guides...but, All i really want root for is to get rid of the MASSIVE amount of bloat and make backups.
And of course later, get rid or change this unpersonalizable "personalize" button...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
root is another story what device do you own? adb can indeed remove bloatware but your device need to be rooted to work
nicandris said:
root is another story what device do you own? adb can indeed remove bloatware but your device need to be rooted to work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im using the Thunderbolt. I got it rooted last night, but due to a defective unit or something, my phone wouldn't accept my transferred number from Tmobile to Verizon. I now have a new phone and will not be rerooting. Maybe i did something wrong? kept saying "phone could not be authenticated at this time..." when i tried calling someone.
But also, all md5 sums were correct. I just wanna get rid of these stupid games i wont use, and maybe a cool looking rom. but my top priority is CHANGE THIS STUPID PERSONALIZE BUTTON to something useful...Like quick access to camera.
Actually...if someone could help me just change it to a quick access to camera INSTEAD of "personalize" using the stock rom, that would be great...
Superthrust said:
Im using the Thunderbolt. I got it rooted last night, but due to a defective unit or something, my phone wouldn't accept my transferred number from Tmobile to Verizon. I now have a new phone and will not be rerooting. Maybe i did something wrong? kept saying "phone could not be authenticated at this time..." when i tried calling someone.
But also, all md5 sums were correct. I just wanna get rid of these stupid games i wont use, and maybe a cool looking rom. but my top priority is CHANGE THIS STUPID PERSONALIZE BUTTON to something useful...Like quick access to camera.
Actually...if someone could help me just change it to a quick access to camera INSTEAD of "personalize" using the stock rom, that would be great...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might want to brew yourself a cup of coffee -- or an ocean for that matter. You see, the Thunderbolt comes with a signature check to make sure that you are running HTC's key. So custom ROMs might take awhile
I could be, of course, saying this like an idiot; I haven't read my feeds in the past week and I'm too exhausted to check. It's a possibility that this has changed. I will delete my post if someone proves me right.
You know, i liked your response. I understand what youre getting at, but i mean, if there is a mod i can attach to the STOCK rom just to repurpose the personalize button, i'd love to try testing it.
Plus...I might have a lead on the sig check key...if anyone looks closely...its surprisingly similar to one we've seen before of a terribad phone...but due to an issue, i need to reinstall a "better" SDK or something to help test since my new laptop don't like linux
Superthrust said:
You know, i liked your response. I understand what youre getting at, but i mean, if there is a mod i can attach to the STOCK rom just to repurpose the personalize button, i'd love to try testing it.
Plus...I might have a lead on the sig check key...if anyone looks closely...its surprisingly similar to one we've seen before of a terribad phone...but due to an issue, i need to reinstall a "better" SDK or something to help test since my new laptop don't like linux
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try going to Settings > Applications > Quick Launch you might find something there
I dont see quick launch under Applications...
Settings>Applications>"Unknown Sources, Manage Applications, Running Services, Development, Fast Boot"

Bloatware Remover (Desktop Application)

Okay, so here is a small application I designed out of fun. Just install it on your desktop and run it, and it will give you the option to remove some bloatware from your phone. This is not 100% full proof. There are bound to be some errors with version numbers and all. Also, this will only work with the new gingerbread 4.22 base, because of the change in names of the stock apps.
Remember, your phone will need to be rooted, and connected via adb for this to work.
This is the first time I'm developing something so don't attack me if it doesn't work lol.
As with anything, I'm not responsible to anything that happens to your phone. ( Though the worst that probably can happen is that the application doesn't get removed.
Attached is the application in a zip folder.
Windows Only
sorry Linux users, maybe next time.
If you have any problems installing, go and download Microsoft Netframework.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=e5ad0459-cbcc-4b4f-97b6-fb17111cf544
Cool ill try this out and report back. Nice work
Okay cool, thanks
hopefully it's at least %100 fool proof.
Can you define what you call "bloatware" as well? I consider all Sense ROMs to be bloatware, will this app remove it and flash an AOSP ROM? -- point being is everyone defines bloatware differently. Maybe in future versions you can have checkboxes on what the app removes allowing the user to have choice.
Thanks.
Lol, yeah hopefully.
I was defining bloatware as applications that are loaded onto the phone by the carrier. So basically, almost anything Sprint related.
maybe give the users options on what they want to remove?
yeah I have included a few apps for the user's choice to remove, but I understand what you're saying. I'll definitely expand on that.
Good luck with this. I'm sure there is a need for this software, so I hope you keep it up and mature it into something useful to the XDA hordes.

[Q] Why are Android stocks tied to the system?

I was just wondering, why if you delete certain stock apps (Or Bloatware for that matter), they cause FCs or instability in general? Are they tied into the OS somehow?
If somebody can explain this, (In layman
s terms, I'm still learning things about Android) I'd be very thankful.
Bloatware can be removed when you root your device through the explorer. But you can download custom roms with an unlocked bootloader which usually have no bloatware those are two ways of getting rid of the carrier crap. Your choice.
It's also dependent on your device & what type of rom you're running. There should be a list of safe to remove apps for your device/rom.
If you're iffy of something, try freezing it first with Titanium Backup. If all goes well then you can uninstall it.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
Thanks for your quick reply, but what I meant was why is it that if you delete a stock apps (Like DriveSmart from Samsung)
HC13 said:
well if u delete driver smart. every time you go to settings and select driver smart you will get a force close... also with wifi calling. and startup setup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it messes with the system.
EDIT: Figured it was worth mentioning that I don't own an Android device yet (But it'll either be the Epic 4G or the Sidekick 4G [I lurk in the latter's forum]), so I'm trying soak up as much info as I can receive.
So when I get either device [Even though hands on experience always trumps reading things off forums] I won't waste time figuring things out.
EDIT #2: And thanks plainjane, missed your post somehow.

HoW dO yOu ReMoVe those stubborn unused apps?

I have searched for answers. Several say a change has to be made in Device Administrators under Security. I do not see anything like device administrators and I have so many apps taking up space. I know you can disable them but they are still taking up space. Several, the Disable button is greyed out so that you cannot disable them? What the heck? Why are buyers made to accept these they do not want.
Is there any help here? Thanks! ":-Dx jack
Once device's Android got rooted you can remove those apps.
Thank you. I have heard of rooting for a number of years. I have no idea how to do it. Looked into it but the rhetoric concerned me that I might do something wrong and so I never did. I could google how to root my LG phone. I guess your phone service provider is not worried about this?
I agree with @jwoegerbauer.
You'll have to root your android device at first in order to remove pre-installed apps.
James_Watson said:
I agree with @jwoegerbauer.
You'll have to root your android device at first in order to remove pre-installed apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see I have just asked this question again. I don't know if I missed you fella's answers. But "rooting" . . . I've heard of but seems to be a tech option. I am not an IT. Is there a relatively easy way to explain now to "root" an android phone and it's side effects. This phone holds my only number, no land line, and I don't to lose my number or phone service via the Android change. This last 4 of my numbers have been the family's for 74 years. Thanks, sorry I did not catch this back in May 2021.

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