Related
I've been holding off on unlocking my TF700 because I'm afraid of losing DRM, but I
don't really know what the effect will be.
I've been reading this forum for a few months, and I've seen a few bits, but
I'm hoping that people here can add to this.
Apps that lose ability to play HD videos as a result of unlock-caused DRM loss:
Google Play
Apps that lose ability to play HD, but there's a workaround:
Hulu+
Apps that are reportedly not negatively affected by unlock-caused DRM loss:
Netflix
Apps that I use that I'm hoping won't be affected by unlocking
HBO Go
Time-Warner Cable customer video/tv app
Can anyone provide any details on which other apps are affected/not affected
by this?
I am just getting started with the Infinity myself - flashing CROMI as i type, actually.
On flashing, CROMI does give the option to fix DRM specifically for the Hulu+ app. I can't say from personal experience whether it works, though I imagine that it would have come up in the threads if it did not.
bruinhoo said:
I am just getting started with the Infinity myself - flashing CROMI as i type, actually.
On flashing, CROMI does give the option to fix DRM specifically for the Hulu+ app. I can't say from personal experience whether it works, though I imagine that it would have come up in the threads if it did not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He's interested in "HBO Go and Time-Warner Cable customer video/tv app'", CROMI will only works for Hulu+, Netflix and Google Play Movies(SD only, no HD). Since I don't HBO or Time-Warner Cable I can't test them.
Everyone, feel free to post about apps I didn't mention -- apps that depend on DRM that get broken by unlocking, apps that you might worry about that aren't affected. Even if I'm not interested, I'm sure others will find it useful, and it would be great if this thread turned into an exhaustive source of information on the subject, as there does not appear to be any other place with the info all in one place.
buhohitr said:
CROMI will only works for Hulu+, Netflix and Google Play Movies(SD only, no HD).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
buhohitr: Does "SD only, no HD" apply to all three of Hulu+, Netflix and Google Play, or just Google Play?
bsammon said:
Everyone, feel free to post about apps I didn't mention -- apps that depend on DRM that get broken by unlocking, apps that you might worry about that aren't affected. Even if I'm not interested, I'm sure others will find it useful, and it would be great if this thread turned into an exhaustive source of information on the subject, as there does not appear to be any other place with the info all in one place.
buhohitr: Does "SD only, no HD" apply to all three of Hulu+, Netflix and Google Play, or just Google Play?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just Google play. Everything else I mentioned worked as expected.
buhohitr said:
Just Google play. Everything else I mentioned worked as expected.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay. Based on my reading of other threads, it's my impression that to keep Hulu+ working after unlocking, you need to use a patched/hacked version. Is that correct?
If so, anyone got a link to good info about the patched Hulu+ to add to this thread?
bsammon said:
Okay. Based on my reading of other threads, it's my impression that to keep Hulu+ working after unlocking, you need to use a patched/hacked version. Is that correct?
If so, anyone got a link to good info about the patched Hulu+ to add to this thread?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No that's not correct. When you install CROMI, and during the installation, just select Hulu+. After boot up, you just go to the market and download Hulu+ and it will work as normal.
bsammon said:
Okay. Based on my reading of other threads, it's my impression that to keep Hulu+ working after unlocking, you need to use a patched/hacked version. Is that correct?
If so, anyone got a link to good info about the patched Hulu+ to add to this thread?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As Buhohitr says that was a previous way of using it. We figured out how to get the full market app working on CROMI a few versions back so now you just choose the option from the installer and it puts the correct files in place.
sbdags said:
As Buhohitr says that was a previous way of using it. We figured out how to get the full market app working on CROMI a few versions back so now you just choose the option from the installer and it puts the correct files in place.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What if you don't use CROMI? Is there a workaround that applies to other ROMs or (if you're weird enough) a stock ROM?
bsammon said:
What if you don't use CROMI? Is there a workaround that applies to other ROMs or (if you're weird enough) a stock ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go into /system/vendor and make sure the lib file is named as "lib.org" (without quotation). Should look like this
/system/vendor/lib.org
buhohitr said:
Go into /system/vendor and make sure the lib file is named as "lib.org" (without quotation). Should look like this
/system/vendor/lib.org
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where do we find this library file that needs to be named lib.org? There are no files under /system/vendor, only directories.
lunatic_fringe said:
Where do we find this library file that needs to be named lib.org? There are no files under /system/vendor, only directories.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is the directory. Rename /system/vendor/lib to /system/vendor/lib.org if you want google play working. Leave it as lib if you want hulu+ working.
sbdags said:
It is the directory. Rename /system/vendor/lib to /system/vendor/lib.org if you want google play working. Leave it as lib if you want hulu+ working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, I misunderstood. Does a symlink suffice to allow both to function? I don't use google play often but it would be good to know.
buhohitr said:
Go into /system/vendor and make sure the lib file is named as "lib.org" (without quotation). Should look like this
/system/vendor/lib.org
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had interpreted this as saying "lib.org" was for Hulu+
sbdags said:
It is the directory. Rename /system/vendor/lib to /system/vendor/lib.org if you want google play working. Leave it as lib if you want hulu+ working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But this is saying that "lib" is for Hulu+.
Which is it?
bsammon said:
I had interpreted this as saying "lib.org" was for Hulu+
But this is saying that "lib" is for Hulu+.
Which is it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lib is for hulu+ and lib.org is for Google play movies. After you made the change, you will need to reboot the device. Sorry for the confusion.
HBOgo on Comcast works. I found that flixter / Ultraviolet don't work. Do I just not realize that my tf700 isn't playing back the Google play movies in HD?
buhohitr said:
lib is for hulu+ and lib.org is for Google play movies. After you made the change, you will need to reboot the device. Sorry for the confusion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay... didn't have access to my TF700 for a few days. Now that I do, I'm checking on this.
My ICS .26 stock install has "/system/vendor/lib/", but no "/system/vendor/lib.org/" .
So, if I unlock this, the stock system should still work with Hulu+, but I'd need to symlink /system/vendor/lib/ to /system/vendor/lib.org/ to get Google Play working as well? (but only in SD?)
bsammon said:
Okay... didn't have access to my TF700 for a few days. Now that I do, I'm checking on this.
My ICS .26 stock install has "/system/vendor/lib/", but no "/system/vendor/lib.org/" .
So, if I unlock this, the stock system should still work with Hulu+, but I'd need to symlink /system/vendor/lib/ to /system/vendor/lib.org/ to get Google Play working as well? (but only in SD?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure you can have them working at the same time. Google play doesn't like seeing the lib folder...... Hence you rename it you effectively hide the files inside.
I think there is still nobody who tested if making a backup of the DRM key before unlocking and restoring it afterwards leads to success.
In case anyone wants to try: The partition to backup and restore is /dev/block/mmcblk0p6. You must save its contents before unlocking (e.g. with dd) and then restore it.
_that said:
I think there is still nobody who tested if making a backup of the DRM key before unlocking and restoring it afterwards leads to success.
In case anyone wants to try: The partition to backup and restore is /dev/block/mmcblk0p6. You must save its contents before unlocking (e.g. with dd) and then restore it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm... tried this:
Code:
[email protected]:/ $ mkdir /mnt/sdcard/backups/
[email protected]:/ $ dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p6 of=/mnt/sdcard/backups/mmcblk0p6.bak
/dev/block/mmcblk0p6: cannot open for read: Permission denied
do I need to be rooted to do this, or did I get it wrong in some other way?
Also, I'm not sure how to verify that this worked, as I don't currently have any DRMed content that I use. I would need a pointer to a (preferably free and HD) known-DRM content that I could verify this with.
Hi there,
I reboot my Android phone and then check what is listed under Settings->Apps->Running: Show cached processes.
Can I assume that all apps listed there as "cached background process" have been started automatically after reboot?
Is there any other way to find out which apps install autoruns (or even disable those) on a non-rooted phone?
Thanks
Tom
tomri said:
Hi there,
I reboot my Android phone and then check what is listed under Settings->Apps->Running: Show cached processes.
Can I assume that all apps listed there have been started automatically after reboot?
Is there any other way to find out which apps install autoruns (or even disable those) on a non-rooted phone?
Thanks
Tom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
use clean master it has autostarup manager I don't know this function will work on non rooted phones
slogger001 said:
use clean master it has autostarup manager I don't know this function will work on non rooted phones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
However
Installing more apps is part of the problem.
tomri said:
Thanks.
However
Installing more apps is part of the problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ya but clean master boost ur phones and clears junk
Hit thanks if I helped u
Hello, I just got my device today.. set it up and disabled ads and everything but there is this issue where when I search something on the Google app and shows a play store suggestion, if I click that, the phone asks "Open with" but with no app options. This issue is not only for the Google app, but every other app as well. If any other app has a button that is supposed to open Play store, the same problem appears. I'll attach a link to the video to show a sample of the problem.
Google app- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aZVQt9e-d60ZHlytZIxfNNkhd4e6AUm1/view?usp=drivesdk
Other app bug - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-0Lm7N2GZjmvayBAdIK3PpxKWmJFFKV3/view?usp=drivesdk
varunkp said:
Hello, I just got my device today.. set it up and disabled ads and everything but there is this issue where when I search something on the Google app and shows a play store suggestion, if I click that, the phone asks "Open with" but with no app options. This issue is not only for the Google app, but every other app as well. If any other app has a button that is supposed to open Play store, the same problem appears. I'll attach a link to the video to show a sample of the problem.
Google app- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aZVQt9e-d60ZHlytZIxfNNkhd4e6AUm1/view?usp=drivesdk
Other app bug - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-0Lm7N2GZjmvayBAdIK3PpxKWmJFFKV3/view?usp=drivesdk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well it looks like you uninstalled something which was necessary for the system to function smoothly. More like a backend service. Flash MIUI again and only remove the app based services like Analytics, don't tamper with the system apps...
I do not have the device rooted but I did uninstall some apps which I could uninstall directly. So I tried installing the latest MIUI from updater but that didn't work for me. Do you mean to say I should factory reset the device and check? Because in too lazy to set up the device again?
varunkp said:
I do not have the device rooted but I did uninstall some apps which I could uninstall directly. So I tried installing the latest MIUI from updater but that didn't work for me. Do you mean to say I should factory reset the device and check? Because in too lazy to set up the device again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No No don't factory reset, just do a dirty flash, i.e flash your current MIUI again through the MiFlash tool (Don't flash older versions nor you will end up with a bootloop), that should install the necessary apps again.
No actually its a bug in miui 10.3.12 which is already reported to xiaomi
Naveenthemi said:
No No don't factory reset, just do a dirty flash, i.e flash your current MIUI again through the MiFlash tool (Don't flash older versions nor you will end up with a bootloop), that should install the necessary apps again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your suggestion. I took some time and performed a factory reset from recovery and after setting up the device, I looked if the issue was still there. Fortunately, it showed two options for me : "Complete action using : GetApps or Play Store." So I chose play Store as default now. To be honest, I still don't know what actually caused the problem. I hadn't uninstalled any system app nor the GetApps app. However the issue is now fixed for me. Thanks for your time and help.?
varunkp said:
Thanks for your suggestion. I took some time and performed a factory reset from recovery and after setting up the device, I looked if the issue was still there. Fortunately, it showed two options for me : "Complete action using : GetApps or Play Store." So I chose play Store as default now. To be honest, I still don't know what actually caused the problem. I hadn't uninstalled any system app nor the GetApps app. However the issue is now fixed for me. Thanks for your time and help.?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep the factory reset must have restored the missing dependencies or services necessary....are you sure you didn't?...... No probs mate
Naveenthemi said:
Yep the factory reset must have restored the missing dependencies or services necessary....are you sure you didn't?...... No probs mate
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I'm pretty sure I hadn't uninstalled any system app.
varunkp said:
Yes, I'm pretty sure I hadn't uninstalled any system app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm strange
Naveenthemi said:
Hmmm strange
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah.. if the issue is actually present in the latest MIUI build, then we should see a bugfix update anytime soon.
varunkp said:
Yeah.. if the issue is actually present in the latest MIUI build, then we should see a bugfix update anytime soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No no I'm running the latest MIUI and I'm not facing this...
Naveenthemi said:
No no I'm running the latest MIUI and I'm not facing this...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm.. but again that is very strange.. I had uninstalled some creepy apps like Mi Community which I don't use and others which are *uninstallable* without root within the phone itself. And even if I had uninstalled any system app, I hadn't uninstalled Play Store..
varunkp said:
Hmm.. but again that is very strange.. I had uninstalled some creepy apps like Mi Community which I don't use and others which are *uninstallable* without root within the phone itself. And even if I had uninstalled any system app, I hadn't uninstalled Play Store..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
???
Okay, the problem came back again and this time I did NOT do anything it happened all by itself. @Naveenthemi
varunkp said:
Okay, the problem came back again and this time I did NOT do anything it happened all by itself. @Naveenthemi
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Woah, now that's a bug for sure, a device specific one too! Switch to Custom ROMS?
Naveenthemi said:
Woah, now that's a bug for sure, a device specific one too! Switch to Custom ROMS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What really happened was, I had set Play Store as default over GetApps last time I reset it. So the links were automatically opening in play store. 2 days ago, I cleared the data of Play Store because I wanted the new material design of Play Store. Unfortunately, I did not get that and when I had cleared the data, as usual, the defaults I set for play store were cleared too. But if the defaults were cleared, it should have given me the options again. But it isn't.
EDIT: I found out that this bug is common for all Redmi Note 7 Pro devices running MIUI 10.3.12 Global. I tested one of my relative's N7P to see if the bug was there and it was! If you guys are not finding the bug, try clearing Play Store's app data and try again. I'm sure you guys will find the bug.
varunkp said:
What really happened was, I had set Play Store as default over GetApps last time I reset it. So the links were automatically opening in play store. 2 days ago, I cleared the data of Play Store because I wanted the new material design of Play Store. Unfortunately, I did not get that and when I had cleared the data, as usual, the defaults I set for play store were cleared too. But if the defaults were cleared, it should have given me the options again. But it isn't.
EDIT: I found out that this bug is common for all Redmi Note 7 Pro devices running MIUI 10.3.12 Global. I tested one of my relative's N7P to see if the bug was there and it was! If you guys are not finding the bug, try clearing Play Store's app data and try again. I'm sure you guys will find the bug.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok I'll surely try and report.
Naveenthemi said:
Ok I'll surely try and report.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you get the issue? I don't know how but it's fixed now in mine.
varunkp said:
Did you get the issue? I don't know how but it's fixed now in mine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, I cleared data for all Google Services and I was able to access app links and such.
Maybe Webview got an update?
Naveenthemi said:
Nope, I cleared data for all Google Services and I was able to access app links and such.
Maybe Webview got an update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android System WebView is disabled for me. The only WebView implementation I have is through Chrome. So maybe it was because of Google Chrome.
Hi all
Download the GMS Installer and install the APK, open the app, and press One Touch Installation, your device will automatically reboot and automatically install Google Play Services in Huawei eRecovery.
After your device booting back into system, check in Apps if the Google Play Services installed correctly.
After that, you can download the rest from APKMirror : Google Account Manager, Google Calendar Sync, Google Contacts Sync, Google Play Store, and Google Services Framework. Keep in mind you should download version that fit to your android version.
You can even update the Google Play Services to the latest version using the apk's from APKMirror, don't worry it will works.
That's it!
[LINKS]
GMS INSTALLER :
http://http://www.mediafire.com/file/xmqmw3n5kvf9g2i/chat_partner_full_0207.apk/file
mate 30 pro 5g 8+256亲测可用。此前一直卡在谷歌服务更新上，换了几个梯子都不行。今天到日本玩，一下飞机就能连上google play。
wadywadywady said:
Hi all
Download the GMS Installer and install the APK, open the app, and press One Touch Installation, your device will automatically reboot and automatically install Google Play Services in Huawei eRecovery.
After your device booting back into system, check in Apps if the Google Play Services installed correctly.
After that, you can download the rest from APKMirror : Google Account Manager, Google Calendar Sync, Google Contacts Sync, Google Play Store, and Google Services Framework. Keep in mind you should download version that fit to your android version.
You can even update the Google Play Services to the latest version using the apk's from APKMirror, don't worry it will works.
That's it!
[LINKS]
GMS INSTALLER :
ModEdit: Link removed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey
Does google pay work with this method?
Thanks
stutoni said:
Hey
Does google pay work with this method?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would love to know if it works. Did you check it ?
I would like to know if this fixes the Google Assistant problems????
I already had gms installed if I want to install this what I should do?! Reset the phone?
paullu said:
I already had gms installed if I want to install this what I should do?! Reset the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you would have to reset the phone and reinstall everything.
zhaozhaofeng said:
mate 30 pro 5g 8+256亲测可用。
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will this method help with any known issues? Like installing Netflix, copying Google account from phone to watch, etc
Or does it do the same thing thing as restoring Google apps from backup(with HiSuite and lzplay)?
WishToLive said:
Will this method help with any known issues? Like installing Netflix, copying Google account from phone to watch, etc
Or does it do the same thing thing as restoring Google apps from backup(with HiSuite and lzplay)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No one has replied yet, who knows if it does! I don’t think it changes for Netflix!
I have included GMS through old method USB, i have no issue at all except the security (Netflix, Google pay...)
Any difference?
From other threads, this app just installs a messaging app, take a look here https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=81568945&postcount=5
The 2 links are different, be careful, see pic below.
Even the GM's installer looks like it is just a cover for an app called com.tyq.pro. Please be careful, could do with someone who can analyse the files better than me to check. It just seems to be everywhere.
anasmhds said:
I have included GMS through old method USB, i have no issue at all except the security (Netflix, Google pay...)
Any difference?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But does your “Hey Google” work?
Acidburnsn0w said:
But does your “Hey Google” work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes works no issues
anasmhds said:
Yes works no issues
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you send me the tutorial or link you have?
Guys, installing GMS one way or the other if using the proper files and not some dodgy messaging app will have the same end result. Our Mate 30 pro's are still flagged @ google as not being certified. At the end its the same old same GMS you install. I would be extremely carefully with what you download/install on your phones...We still don't know which "backdoors" if any are being installed with the so called restore hack.
Didn't fix any of the problems.
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app
viruz1225 said:
Didn't fix any of the problems.
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for letting us know!!!
Bros : qiyetong_installer_full.apk works fine.
Stop being so paranoid
Credits : EloyGomez
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dk-7XqhFGJk
Acidburnsn0w said:
Can you send me the tutorial or link you have?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nq7XGP4_Big
So, this is my first time rooting a phone, and once I managed to get it to work, I started playing around to see what capabilities I had now.
In doing this, I uninstalled the play store. I've tried multiple methods to reinstall it, but none have worked so far.
I've tried installing a new play store apk and used systemize to turn it into a system app, but that didn't work (the app crashed on launch)
I've also tried using link2sd but the app wouldn't let me convert to system app.
If anyone else has any tips for me I'd be grateful.
Using a samsung running android 11 - rooted with magisk, recovery method.
Copy it from another device using ApkExport then transfer the installable copy over to the victim device and install.
I haven't tried it with Playstore but it works on other apks even if the donor device is on a different Android OS version.
blackhawk said:
Copy it from another device using ApkExport then transfer the installable copy over to the victim device and install.
I haven't tried it with Playstore but it works on other apks even if the donor device is on a different Android OS version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sadly the only other device i have is a samsung galaxy S2 that is barely functional. I doubt that'll work.
Before you do anything I'd make sure you have a good backup of your device. Copy text messages, contacts, photos, etc all to external storage.
My first thought was just download install APK, but I see you've done that.
Someone else may have a better suggestion, but, if nothing else works, I'd try installing pico GApps to restore Playstore functionality.
https://opengapps.org/
Pico PackageThis package is designed for users who want the absolute minimum GApps installation available. In this package you will find the core Google System Base, Google Android Shared Library, Google Play Store, Google Calendar Sync, Dialer Framework and the following Play Store applications:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FreSchDude said:
sadly the only other device i have is a samsung galaxy S2 that is barely functional. I doubt that'll work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try it. It will copied system apks and updates.
I copied apks from a S4 running on Kitkat to my Note 10+. If it loads Playstore will need to update, that may be a problem... or not.
APK Export (Backup & Share) - Apps on Google Play
Manage and extract your apps.
play.google.com
blackhawk said:
Try it. It will copied system apks and updates.
I copied apks from a S4 running on Kitkat to my Note 10+. If it loads Playstore will need to update, that may be a problem... or not.
APK Export (Backup & Share) - Apps on Google Play
Manage and extract your apps.
play.google.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No dice. App crashes on launch.
SMcC2 said:
Before you do anything I'd make sure you have a good backup of your device. Copy text messages, contacts, photos, etc all to external storage.
My first thought was just download install APK, but I see you've done that.
Someone else may have a better suggestion, but, if nothing else works, I'd try installing pico GApps to restore Playstore functionality.
https://opengapps.org/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ill give it a shot, thanks
FreSchDude said:
So, this is my first time rooting a phone, and once I managed to get it to work, I started playing around to see what capabilities I had now.
In doing this, I uninstalled the play store. I've tried multiple methods to reinstall it, but none have worked so far.
I've tried installing a new play store apk and used systemize to turn it into a system app, but that didn't work (the app crashed on launch)
I've also tried using link2sd but the app wouldn't let me convert to system app.
If anyone else has any tips for me I'd be grateful.
Using a samsung running android 11 - rooted with magisk, recovery method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google Play Store app by type is a normal 3rd-party app. Wondering why you want to convert it to a system app?
jwoegerbauer said:
Google Play Store app by type is a normal 3rd-party app. Wondering why you want to convert it to a system app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it's originally a system app. trying to get mine fixed because no matter what I do the app crashes on launch.
FreSchDude said:
it's originally a system app. trying to get mine fixed because no matter what I do the app crashes on launch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah it's a system app on my Note 10+, can't be uninstalled*.
Normally it doesn't crash although it's common for it to not connect to Playstore. It does that if Google play Services is disable but even then it doesn't crash.
* I think, it has a disable option but to find out if there's an uninstall I would need to revert to the factory load first... which isn't something I want. It appears to be as I originally stated.
blackhawk said:
Yeah it's a system app on my Note 10+, can't be uninstalled*.
Normally it doesn't crash although it's common for it to not connect to Playstore. It does that if Google play Services is disable but even then it doesn't crash.
* I think, it has a disable option but to find out if there's an uninstall I would need to revert to the factory load first... which isn't something I want. It appears to be as I originally stated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there is no uninstall option. I uninstalled it through other means as my phone is rooted. Now I'm having issues re-installing it and getting it to work.
My last 2 cents here:
Per definition only apps that are needed by Android OS to work are called system apps and are stored in /system/apps. Other apps - called 3rd-party apps like Google Play Store - may be stored in /system/priv-apps.
BTW:
If you manually install Google Play Store APK then it installs to /data/app directory - as expected.