Is it possible to install MIUI original apps on Cyanogenmod or any other phone/OS?
Living in China, backing up to the Mi Cloud is easier than to syncing with Google, as it does not require switching on the VPN and thus does not drain the battery waiting for a VPN connection and gets generally higher network speeds.
Also, the dialler and the messaging app have features that are handy for users in China. The messaging app automatically picks up tracking codes from courier services and can track their progress on the official website easily. It also knows which companies use which phone numbers for broadcast messages and automatically assigns logos and names to their messages.
The dialler app comes with phone number tagging. A phone number that is tagged as a scam, telemarketeer or a courier will show up as such so you have a chance to decline or accept an unknown number.
All these features are a little too handy to be missed. Can they be reinstalled now that I put Cyanogenmod on my phone, or could they even be installed on, say, a Samsung phone without MIUI?
LBE and xiaomi launcher
But in foreign countries, usefulness
coderstory said:
LBE and xiaomi launcher
But in foreign countries, usefulness
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't need LBE, I don't think much of the whole 'security' app thing on a phone. But would the Launcher bring back the dialler and the messaging? But then I can't use these apps if I decide to keep Catapult launcher?
So I wonder why, for instance, I cannot install the Xiaomi Music app onto my Cyanogenmod. It says app not installed after I download it from the Mi Appstore. Is it missing a framework or something? Or does it just check whether it's in the MIUI environment and bails if it's not?
bluppfisk said:
So I wonder why, for instance, I cannot install the Xiaomi Music app onto my Cyanogenmod. It says app not installed after I download it from the Mi Appstore. Is it missing a framework or something? Or does it just check whether it's in the MIUI environment and bails if it's not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would say because its a system app, you have to put it to /system/priv-app via a root Explorer and change permissions to rw r r .
Or can try to put it in /system/app.
Maybe this works.
Does it have the same heat problems that it have with MIUI multilanguage (aka development) version at least? I'm installing stable version right now to test if the heat and throttle in heavy graphics games is still a problem.
L.E. Sorry (very) wrong thread.
bluppfisk said:
Is it possible to install MIUI original apps on Cyanogenmod or any other phone/OS?
Living in China, backing up to the Mi Cloud is easier than to syncing with Google, as it does not require switching on the VPN and thus does not drain the battery waiting for a VPN connection and gets generally higher network speeds.
Also, the dialler and the messaging app have features that are handy for users in China. The messaging app automatically picks up tracking codes from courier services and can track their progress on the official website easily. It also knows which companies use which phone numbers for broadcast messages and automatically assigns logos and names to their messages.
The dialler app comes with phone number tagging. A phone number that is tagged as a scam, telemarketeer or a courier will show up as such so you have a chance to decline or accept an unknown number.
All these features are a little too handy to be missed. Can they be reinstalled now that I put Cyanogenmod on my phone, or could they even be installed on, say, a Samsung phone without MIUI?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could always try to look at miui forum for your needs. They have this launcher but if I remember correctly I think there is one more app that brings more of MIUI on any other phone. I dont remember it now. Start diging there, maybe you get what you need.
Try this camera mates:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=62516972
rob rich said:
I would say because its a system app, you have to put it to /system/priv-app via a root Explorer and change permissions to rw r r .
Or can try to put it in /system/app.
Maybe this works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This worked :good:
might be u interested
https://forum.xda-developers.com/xi...ui-framework-features-cloud-services-t3701010
What is LBE?
What is LBE for install miui apks in cm roms?
Related
Hello everyone,
since am new to android os and i recently came from iOS, i do have some questions about how android apps work. first of all i noticed the lack of permissions you can choose to give to spesific apps like iOS allows, when i try to install an app from play store, it just shows me what permissions the app is going to use and thats all, they dont allow me to change that? and my biggest complain is that i downloaded viber from play store before one day, and the app modified my contacts list app adding viber out/free viber calls shortcuts.. for me thats unacceptable, i mean its like installing an app on your pc and not being able to deny the toolbar that comes within it to your browser.. how can i change all that and control the freedom of the apps. btw sorry for my bad english, i hope you ppl can understand me
Querd said:
Hello everyone,
since am new to android os and i recently came from iOS, i do have some questions about how android apps work. first of all i noticed the lack of permissions you can choose to give to spesific apps like iOS allows, when i try to install an app from play store, it just shows me what permissions the app is going to use and thats all, they dont allow me to change that? and my biggest complain is that i downloaded viber from play store before one day, and the app modified my contacts list app adding viber out/free viber calls shortcuts.. for me thats unacceptable, i mean its like installing an app on your pc and not being able to deny the toolbar that comes within it to your browser.. how can i change all that and control the freedom of the apps. btw sorry for my bad english, i hope you ppl can understand me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there are ways to block it for exmple i had a MIUI rom and i could block any unwanted premission, i dont know if it works on all roms but it was kinda useful among all other things this rom gives
lunknownl said:
there are ways to block it for exmple i had a MIUI rom and i could block any unwanted premission, i dont know if it works on all roms but it was kinda useful among all other things this rom gives
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ya but still i dont get any spesific names, and the only rom i like is CM11 / 12
Querd said:
ya but still i dont get any spesific names, and the only rom i like is CM11 / 12
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in cm go to settings->security or privacy->privacy guard and choose the app you want you can block there any premissions you like
but my friend that doesnt change the fact that viber modifies contact app, it adds a 'plugin' to the app with viber out and free calling/messaging, you need to let viber have access to contacts in order to sync and check whos from your contacts has viber, but at the same time it adds the plugin.. am i wrong?
When you hand your phone to granny to take a photo of you, can she get the job done? Rate this thread to express how you deem the Xiaomi Mi 5's camera software. A higher rating indicates that the software is easy to use, fast, uncluttered, and inclusive of advanced features for when you need them.
Then, drop a comment if you have anything to add!
The native ability to prevent apps from auto starting is a real battery life saver. It allows you to use Facebook and Messenger without chewing up your battery when you put the phone down.
MIUI has a love/hate relationship with users outside of China, but it's so good looking you always want to go back to it.
Sent from my MI 5 using XDA-Developers mobile app
I like how MIUI handle apps permission, with complimentary to Marshmallow system.
But if you use their non-global ROM, it is really annoying to not being able to sync your Google's contact and calendar.
I do understand that this is China's official policy, so either you work around it (using non-google contact and calendar account) or you switch side and use MiCloud apps.
Sent from my Nexus 9 using XDA-Developers mobile app
dindin_r said:
I like how MIUI handle apps permission, with complimentary to Marshmallow system.
But if you use their non-global ROM, it is really annoying to not being able to sync your Google's contact and calendar.
I do understand that this is China's official policy, so either you work around it (using non-google contact and calendar account) or you switch side and use MiCloud apps.
Sent from my Nexus 9 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry but what are you talking about?!
You can download an app called "google installer" from the Xiaomi app store. From within that app you can download most services/apps related to google!
My wife has a xiaomi minote, still on original chinese rom, and it has all google services running including contact's and calendar's sync.
Life Engineer said:
Sorry but what are you talking about?!
You can download an app called "google installer" from the Xiaomi app store. From within that app you can download most services/apps related to google!
My wife has a xiaomi minote, still on original chinese rom, and it has all google services running including contact's and calendar's sync.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which version does she use?
When I used the original 7.2.4 global ROM that came with my Mi 5 (64 GB), the sync worked. But after I changed it with 7.2.12 china ROM, it doesn't sync calendar and contact anymore. I have tried to flash/install latest sync adapters, but those 2 just won't sync.
I also found google installer "fixer" for apps updating issue but did find any for fixing the contact/calendar sync issue.
My Mi 5 has actually been returned to seller because it suddenly died and cannot be charged. I can flash 7.2.13 china ROM, 7.2.4 global ROM, and 6.3.17 dev ROM via fastboot, but it just won't turned on.
I'm having more issues than i can count with the software...
Dont get me wrong, the phone is great, but the software is just... annoying.
First, app chrashes and i mean allot, facebook, snapchat pretty much everything.
Then there's the fact that some apps (like snapchat) wont show notifications when i get a new snap, i use the chinese rom as of right now, and im hugely dissapointed :/
Good phone with half baked software i hope these issues will be resolved
Too much heating issues and then my phone has a lot of random freezes and >2 gb ram is always in use due to some reason. The software is turning out to be a major setback and I wish I had purchased the moto x pure instead. Waiting to root and flash CM. Hate to see SD820 going to waste
Sent from my MI 5 using XDA-Developers mobile app
dindin_r said:
Which version does she use?
When I used the original 7.2.4 global ROM that came with my Mi 5 (64 GB), the sync worked. But after I changed it with 7.2.12 china ROM, it doesn't sync calendar and contact anymore. I have tried to flash/install latest sync adapters, but those 2 just won't sync.
I also found google installer "fixer" for apps updating issue but did find any for fixing the contact/calendar sync issue.
My Mi 5 has actually been returned to seller because it suddenly died and cannot be charged. I can flash 7.2.13 china ROM, 7.2.4 global ROM, and 6.3.17 dev ROM via fastboot, but it just won't turned on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After some time i got myself in an apk install frenzy. So if you can, and still have the problems with sync,
reflash the rom you prefer
Follow the steps mentioned with the mi app store. (Search for Google, click the blue paw with du in it)
Install and let it run.
Then check the permissions and make sure all Google services and apps have permissions.
What made my calendar sync appear, was installing Google calendar! Removed it after my miui calendar synced with Google
I got it working on all three miui roms. (Dev, china,global.)
Good luck
Sent from my MI 5 using XDA-Developers mobile app
---------- Post added at 04:16 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:13 AM ----------
Citroon said:
I'm having more issues than i can count with the software...
Dont get me wrong, the phone is great, but the software is just... annoying.
First, app chrashes and i mean allot, facebook, snapchat pretty much everything.
Then there's the fact that some apps (like snapchat) wont show notifications when i get a new snap, i use the chinese rom as of right now, and im hugely dissapointed :/
Good phone with half baked software i hope these issues will be resolved
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many issues can be resolved with changing permissions and notification access.
True it's annoying to not have apps automatically do what they should, but once you got the permissions sorted, and the notification access running properly, check battery saving and background data settings.
No app crashes, no sudden freezes, nothing at all on my mi5 32gb, with Chinese dev rom.
But i had to do a little tweaking [emoji1]
Sent from my MI 5 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Mxplorer said:
After some time i got myself in an apk install frenzy. So if you can, and still have the problems with sync,
reflash the rom you prefer
Follow the steps mentioned with the mi app store. (Search for Google, click the blue paw with du in it)
Install and let it run.
Then check the permissions and make sure all Google services and apps have permissions.
What made my calendar sync appear, was installing Google calendar! Removed it after my miui calendar synced with Google
I got it working on all three miui roms. (Dev, china,global.)
Good luck
Sent from my MI 5 using XDA-Developers mobile app
---------- Post added at 04:16 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:13 AM ----------
Many issues can be resolved with changing permissions and notification access.
True it's annoying to not have apps automatically do what they should, but once you got the permissions sorted, and the notification access running properly, check battery saving and background data settings.
No app crashes, no sudden freezes, nothing at all on my mi5 32gb, with Chinese dev rom.
But i had to do a little tweaking [emoji1]
Sent from my MI 5 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What exactly did you change in the permissions and notifications?
tym3k said:
What exactly did you change in the permissions and notifications?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well to get my syncing going on, permissions like access to accounts by Google apps, reading contacts info etc. Notifications access for whatsapp, inbox and such.
I still have a delay in some apps like Viber and whatsapp, but hey, got my bootloader unlocked going to cm13 now.
Not worrying about miui restrictions anymore.
Sent from my MI 5 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Mxplorer said:
Well to get my syncing going on, permissions like access to accounts by Google apps, reading contacts info etc. Notifications access for whatsapp, inbox and such.
I still have a delay in some apps like Viber and whatsapp, but hey, got my bootloader unlocked going to cm13 now.
Not worrying about miui restrictions anymore.
Sent from my MI 5 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, thanks for your answer.
Citroon said:
I'm having more issues than i can count with the software...
Dont get me wrong, the phone is great, but the software is just... annoying.
First, app chrashes and i mean allot, facebook, snapchat pretty much everything.
Then there's the fact that some apps (like snapchat) wont show notifications when i get a new snap, i use the chinese rom as of right now, and im hugely dissapointed :/
Good phone with half baked software i hope these issues will be resolved
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tell me the ROM info I will give u the custom ROM for it.
Hi guys
I recently purchased a Elephone S3 from Everbuying.com. I heard people talking about how notorious these Chinese phones are having malware installed on them, so I decided to give the malware check a go and use about 10+ popular Malware detection apps (Avast, Kaspersky, Avira, Trojan Killer, you name it) currently available on Play Store.
Out of all those, excluding warnings that doesn't really matter in this regards (Malware specific), the below two apps gave me those respective warning results.
I have done some research, but i don't think I found any relevant info in this regards. So, for all the guru out there, the question is obvious, should I be worried about these "non-deletable" apps (if not rooted)? If they ARE malicious, can I be worried free by turning off ALL permissions for the apps and in some case, disable the app (I can disable the Beauty Center, not ELE Launcher).
Thanks to you all for any input!
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
App - Beauty Center
Message - Android/PUP.Riskware.Cooee.a
App - ELE Launcher
Message - Android/PUP.Riskware.Cooee.H
Stubborn Trojan Killer
App - Beauty Center
Message - General Trojan
App - ELE Launcher
Message - General Trojan
bagachin said:
Hi guys
I recently purchased a Elephone S3 from Everbuying.com. I heard people talking about how notorious these Chinese phones are having malware installed on them, so I decided to give the malware check a go and use about 10+ popular Malware detection apps (Avast, Kaspersky, Avira, Trojan Killer, you name it) currently available on Play Store.
Out of all those, excluding warnings that doesn't really matter in this regards (Malware specific), the below two apps gave me those respective warning results.
I have done some research, but i don't think I found any relevant info in this regards. So, for all the guru out there, the question is obvious, should I be worried about these "non-deletable" apps (if not rooted)? If they ARE malicious, can I be worried free by turning off ALL permissions for the apps and in some case, disable the app (I can disable the Beauty Center, not ELE Launcher).
Thanks to you all for any input!
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
App - Beauty Center
Message - Android/PUP.Riskware.Cooee.a
App - ELE Launcher
Message - Android/PUP.Riskware.Cooee.H
Stubborn Trojan Killer
App - Beauty Center
Message - General Trojan
App - ELE Launcher
Message - General Trojan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
go ahead and disable Beauty Center, as far as ELE Launcher, that seems legit. But if you don't like it, just replace it with something like Nova Launcher.
mattzeller said:
go ahead and disable Beauty Center, as far as ELE Launcher, that seems legit. But if you don't like it, just replace it with something like Nova Launcher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi mattzeller, thanks heaps for the info! This might not be a good question, but just for my information, generally speaking, is there a way to distinguish between a real harmful malware (actively stealing personal info) and an app that has more access and integration to the phone's OS than others by looking at the information provided? In other words, is there any obvious give away sign?
Thanks again for the help!
bagachin said:
Hi mattzeller, thanks heaps for the info! This might not be a good question, but just for my information, generally speaking, is there a way to distinguish between a real harmful malware (actively stealing personal info) and an app that has more access and integration to the phone's OS than others by looking at the information provided? In other words, is there any obvious give away sign?
Thanks again for the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well look at reviews of the app, see if it is installing other apps without your consent, or constantly nagging you to download other apps. Generally 99.99% of apps on Google play are safe. Occasionally some crapware gets on there, but if you take a look at its rating and reviews (not just the highlights) you should be good.
Sent from my SCH-R220
bagachin said:
Hi mattzeller, thanks heaps for the info! This might not be a good question, but just for my information, generally speaking, is there a way to distinguish between a real harmful malware (actively stealing personal info) and an app that has more access and integration to the phone's OS than others by looking at the information provided? In other words, is there any obvious give away sign?
Thanks again for the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Always check the apps permissions. I absolutely refuse to install an app that has permissions that it shouldn't be using. However, if the app you're about to download needs permissions related to the app features, that's OK with me.
I see so many Play Store apps that are just total spyware in my book. Flashlight apps are a good example of this. There is zero reasons a flashlight app needs to read my contacts or a data connection. Just be mindful of reviews and permissions and you'll be OK.
KernelCorn said:
Always check the apps permissions. I absolutely refuse to install an app that has permissions that it shouldn't be using. However, if the app you're about to download needs permissions related to the app features, that's OK with me.
I see so many Play Store apps that are just total spyware in my book. Flashlight apps are a good example of this. There is zero reasons a flashlight app needs to read my contacts or a data connection. Just be mindful of reviews and permissions and you'll be OK.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't worry about apps with excessive permissions, I just revoke the permissions I don't like.
Sent from my SCH-R220
mattzeller said:
I don't worry about apps with excessive permissions, I just revoke the permissions I don't like.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the best way to do it.
I do the same thing, but I see lots of people posting here that aren't too tech savvy. For them be mindful of what you download.
mattzeller said:
Well look at reviews of the app, see if it is installing other apps without your consent, or constantly nagging you to download other apps. Generally 99.99% of apps on Google play are safe. Occasionally some crapware gets on there, but if you take a look at its rating and reviews (not just the highlights) you should be good.
Sent from my SCH-R220
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the advice. Yes, I am aware that common source/cause of malwares are side load apps and rooted device. So I am always fairly cautious about any apps i installed via non-play store source. However, these two caught apk are installed right out of box. That kinda annoys me. I don't jump on the bandwagon and say Chinese phones are infested with malwares and I believe a lot of the time people just over exaggerate and blow some minority out of proportion.
However, the truth is, this is the first Chinese phone I got and it came with two identified malwares. To be fair, it might not be particularly malicious, but it's enough to make me have second thought about my purchase....
KernelCorn said:
Always check the apps permissions. I absolutely refuse to install an app that has permissions that it shouldn't be using. However, if the app you're about to download needs permissions related to the app features, that's OK with me.
I see so many Play Store apps that are just total spyware in my book. Flashlight apps are a good example of this. There is zero reasons a flashlight app needs to read my contacts or a data connection. Just be mindful of reviews and permissions and you'll be OK.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the comment! Yes, I am quite careful about the app I get to choose to install, but I have little control over these apps that come pre-installed on these chinese phone and got detected as "malwares"
mattzeller said:
I don't worry about apps with excessive permissions, I just revoke the permissions I don't like.
Sent from my SCH-R220
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yap, what I did for those two apps I mentioned are turning off all permissions access to them, disable app for the one I can and turn off background data access. Hopefully it will freeze them for good and stop them from playing naughty.
Just a question though, say I do all those above (e.g. switching off permission, force stopped etc), technically speaking, can a malware still be "active and do what they "meant" to do"? I meant after all, they are meant to do something "out of control" right?
bagachin said:
Yap, what I did for those two apps I mentioned are turning off all permissions access to them, disable app for the one I can and turn off background data access. Hopefully it will freeze them for good and stop them from playing naughty.
Just a question though, say I do all those above (e.g. switching off permission, force stopped etc), technically speaking, can a malware still be "active and do what they "meant" to do"? I meant after all, they are meant to do something "out of control" right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, if you revoke the permission to view your contacts, it is the system that is blocking the apps ability to view your contacts.
Though I think you are being a little paranoid.
Everyone freaks out out all the permissions apps require, when the app actually never uses most of the permissions it asks for, at least not in the way you think. You wouldn't think the launcher needs permissions to access your contacts, but it does. How else is it going to allow you to make a call, or display an incoming all, or missed call/text badges.
I mean take a look at the litany of permissions Nova Launcher and TeslaUnread require, yet we all know the app is not malware. As long as you install from legitimate sources, you will be fine. Like I said in my first post, disable the Beauty app, the other is the Launcher. If you don't like it, install a different one.
Sent from my SCH-R220
Who would you rather have snoop in on your calls? China, or USA.. Because it is one or the other.. me personally, I will take the country in which I do not reside...
mattzeller said:
No, if you revoke the permission to view your contacts, it is the system that is blocking the apps ability to view your contacts.
Though I think you are being a little paranoid.
Everyone freaks out out all the permissions apps require, when the app actually never uses most of the permissions it asks for, at least not in the way you think. You wouldn't think the launcher needs permissions to access your contacts, but it does. How else is it going to allow you to make a call, or display an incoming all, or missed call/text badges.
I mean take a look at the litany of permissions Nova Launcher and TeslaUnread require, yet we all know the app is not malware. As long as you install from legitimate sources, you will be fine. Like I said in my first post, disable the Beauty app, the other is the Launcher. If you don't like it, install a different one.
Sent from my SCH-R220
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately the way things are with the permissive Android system, we have to be a little paranoid. The built in system apps like launchers and permissions can't be disabled easily unless the user is technical enough to know about rooting using apps like xposed/xprivacy.
Anyone here use Phone app by Google instead of Samsung's Phone app?
fuchsiapenguin said:
Anyone here use Phone app by Google instead of Samsung's Phone app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure what you're trying to get at as there isn't much information in your question, but I will try to help where I can.
If I assume you simply want to REPLACE the default phone dialer, I have a Samsung where I NEVER use the default Google apps and it works just fine WITHOUT those Google apps (I've disabled most of them).
As for the phone app, it gets confusing what people "mean" as things changed since Android 10 in terms of separation of the parts that people often mix together.
Specifically, in later Androids, AFAIK, there is a "Dialer" and a separate "Contacts" app (yet which often are combined) and there is even the concept that the "SMS/MMS" messaging app also can often dial out and use the contacts - but there is no longer a default "Dialer" as of Android 10 (AFAIK).
Me?
I don't keep a contacts file (for privacy reasons) in the default sqlite location (because Google/Facebook/Microsoft/etc. motherships upload that database, that's why!) so I use only {dialer,contacts,sms/mms} apps which can work both with and WITHOUT a default contacts sqlite database).
Note that Simple Mobile Tools has a lot of related privacy-aware free useful apps which don't necessarily need the default sqlite contacts database, which is a boon to your privacy (if you care about such things).
Here is a screenshot of what I use in my dock for phone apps on my Samsung, none of which are the default apps by Samsung or Google.
Thank you for your reply. I am actually looking for a way to record phone calls on phone. Phone by Google is the app I was referring to, as you may know it has a call recorder and I was wondering if anyone were able to enable it on their A32 5G.
There's a lot of information about call recording for this phone in this Galaxy A32 5G thread over here...
Anyone know a working call recorder app for this phone?
There's also a generic thread about call recording issues after May 11th when Google made their most recent changes over here...
Is there any way to get 3rd-party call recording (ACR) apps working after tomorrow, May 11th, 2022?
If you're rooted, you probably have more options though.
Hello.
I plan to turn my phone as "dumb" as possible, leaving only apps that are absolutely necessary and practical, essentially making my phone as minimalistic, simple and distraction free while at the same time maximizing the hurdle to install new apps due to the lack of willpower aswell as the general battery life.
I have the POCO F1 with LineageOS 19.1, root is currently enabled via Magisk.
I considered just buying a regular dumb phone, but unfortunately I do not feel they are worth it; plus I'd want to still use Spotify.
I'd greatly appreciate ideas/solutions for this particular project. Thank you in advance!
EnigmaticLife said:
Hello.
I plan to turn my phone as "dumb" as possible, leaving only apps that are absolutely necessary and practical, essentially making my phone as minimalistic, simple and distraction free while at the same time maximizing the hurdle to install new apps due to the lack of willpower aswell as the general battery life.
I have the POCO F1 with LineageOS 19.1, root is currently enabled via Magisk.
I considered just buying a regular dumb phone, but unfortunately I do not feel they are worth it; plus I'd want to still use Spotify.
I'd greatly appreciate ideas/solutions for this particular project. Thank you in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What you'd like to do isn't really "dumbing down" XD - it is simply making a "barebones Android" phone with only the apps/functions you need without usual bloat that comes preinstalled on the new devices. This is in fact something a lot of people on XDA are passionate about, as it helps optimize for space, speed, battery life and privacy.
For the Android phone to be considered usable in modern day and age, it needs a handful of apps:
Dialer
SMS messenger
Contacts
File manager
Gallery
Clock
Calendar
Calculator
Web browser
Camera
Installing vanilla LineageOS rom (or any other rom with no GoogleApps) will give you this default Android experience. For 99% of tasks that do not involve Google this is enough.
However, most people want something more than just a dialer, and so phone manufacturers pre-install some other stuff for them: Google (play store, chrome, maps, drive, mail), Payment (Samsung Pay), Gallery/Music apps, social media apps, fancy wallpapers etc. This is what makes the phone "smart" for you, I guess?
In case you want to cut it down further, you can use adb to remove certain apps from this list. This includes certain system apps too, like unnecessary fonts or accessibility services (web search is your friend here). Theoretically the phone can serve as a GSM calling brick only with the following:
Dialer
SMS messenger
Contacts
But then you'd be doing the hardware a misservice - why lug around Octa-core 8GB RAM 4000mAh HD TFT6.1" 999GB device if you could achieve the same with a Nokia 1100 or 3310? These are still being sold
UPDATE: Just saw your additions about Spotify. If you only want to use the phone for Calling/Web browsing/YouTube/Spotify, go with the "Install No GApps LineageOS -> Sideload apps you need and nothing else".
Word of WARNING though: a lot of popular messaging/steraming/quality of life (maps) apps APSOLUTELY DEPEND on google ecosystem (i.e. GApps like google play, google play services and google services framework).
WITHOUT GOOGLE THESE APPS WILL LIKELY CRASH or won't work as intended. I.e. Whatsapp will not give you "New message" notifications and will not ring UNLESS you have it open in your face right when the call comes in. Delivery/Ride sharing apps that need google maps will not show you the map. Facebook messenger will has the same problem as Whatsapp. List of risks is far too long, and you will need to have an idea of whether the app requires google and whatsnot.
Therefore Make absolutely sure that barebones phone is what you want. If it is, a lot of apps that reliably work with the barebones setups can be found on Fdroid.
Despite having "dumb" in the name, this procedure requires one to be amazingly smart about it
To conclude, you have the following ways of achieving this:
1. Install no-Gapps (i.e. "vanilla") lineageOs, delete what you wont need, sideload .apk of apps you are after
2. Install stock android rom, then Degoogle and Debloat it. Guides for your particular model can be found here on XDA
3. Install SlimROM, a custom Android distro whose developers had the same idea as you did, i.e. optimized for simplicity.
Totesnochill said:
What you'd like to do isn't really "dumbing down" XD - it is simply making a "barebones Android" phone with only the apps/functions you need without usual bloat that comes preinstalled on the new devices. This is in fact something a lot of people on XDA are passionate about, as it helps optimize for space, speed, battery life and privacy.
For the Android phone to be considered usable in modern day and age, it needs a handful of apps:
Dialer
SMS messenger
Contacts
File manager
Gallery
Clock
Calendar
Calculator
Web browser
Camera
Installing vanilla LineageOS rom (or any other rom with no GoogleApps) will give you this default Android experience. For 99% of tasks that do not involve Google this is enough.
However, most people want something more than just a dialer, and so phone manufacturers pre-install some other stuff for them: Google (play store, chrome, maps, drive, mail), Payment (Samsung Pay), Gallery/Music apps, social media apps, fancy wallpapers etc. This is what makes the phone "smart" for you, I guess?
In case you want to cut it down further, you can use adb to remove certain apps from this list. This includes certain system apps too, like unnecessary fonts or accessibility services (web search is your friend here). Theoretically the phone can serve as a GSM calling brick only with the following:
Dialer
SMS messenger
Contacts
But then you'd be doing the hardware a misservice - why lug around Octa-core 8GB RAM 4000mAh HD TFT6.1" 999GB device if you could achieve the same with a Nokia 1100 or 3310? These are still being sold
UPDATE: Just saw your additions about Spotify. If you only want to use the phone for Calling/Web browsing/YouTube/Spotify, go with the "Install No GApps LineageOS -> Sideload apps you need and nothing else".
Word of WARNING though: a lot of popular messaging/steraming/quality of life (maps) apps APSOLUTELY DEPEND on google ecosystem (i.e. GApps like google play, google play services and google services framework).
WITHOUT GOOGLE THESE APPS WILL LIKELY CRASH or won't work as intended. I.e. Whatsapp will not give you "New message" notifications and will not ring UNLESS you have it open in your face right when the call comes in. Delivery/Ride sharing apps that need google maps will not show you the map. Facebook messenger will has the same problem as Whatsapp. List of risks is far too long, and you will need to have an idea of whether the app requires google and whatsnot.
Therefore Make absolutely sure that barebones phone is what you want. If it is, a lot of apps that reliably work with the barebones setups can be found on Fdroid.
Despite having "dumb" in the name, this procedure requires one to be amazingly smart about it
To conclude, you have the following ways of achieving this:
1. Install no-Gapps (i.e. "vanilla") lineageOs, delete what you wont need, sideload .apk of apps you are after
2. Install stock android rom, then Degoogle and Debloat it. Guides for your particular model can be found here on XDA
3. Install SlimROM, a custom Android distro whose developers had the same idea as you did, i.e. optimized for simplicity.
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This is really interesting. I am thinking of trying to do this with a Google pixel 4a. Would I be able to do the lineage OS with that? I haven't found other threads that speak on this topic, am I right? Thinking that I would like to customize exactly what apps I have on the phone etc.
LineageOS for Google Pixel 4a exists:
LineageOS Downloads
download.lineageos.org