Database Info

Sharp SH7218u

This thread is dedicated to hacking and development of the Sharp SH7218u. This is an Android phone with a somewhat unique clamshell form-factor.
Before proceeding, please note that all of the usual warnings apply. The software and techniques described here have the potential to break your device and make it unusable. By using the software and following these techniques you run the risk of bricking your phone. I take no responsibility if this happens - proceed at your own risk.
First, some credits for the work of others:
Z4root:
Developed by xda member RyanZA.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=833953
SH7218u Clockworkmod Recovery:
Clockworkmod original developer is Koushik Dutta:
www.clockworkmod.com
Dialer2:
Original developer of now open source dialer is dnaq Productions:
http://dnaq.tumblr.com/
Initial hacking and development work:
Gigi Tse is credited for early and ongoing work for the SH7218u:
http://gigitse.com/
http://www.msharp.cn/forum/t390991/page1/
Now on the instructions....
-------------------
Rooting Your Phone, Installing Clockworkmod Recovery, and Installing Google Apps
Gather the Required Files:
1. Go to the z4root xda thread, login in and download z4root.1.3.0.apk:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=833953
2. Download SH7218u_recovery.apk:
(attached below)
3. Download the Clockworkmod recovery flashable Google Apps file from the following site:
http://goo-inside.me/gapps
In the table, you want to select the HDPI, CyanogenMod 6 version. The file that you download should be
called 'gapps-hdpi-20101114-signed.zip'
4. Place these three files on your micro-SD card and insert the card into your phone.
Root Your Phone
1. Boot up your phone and skip the system setup wizard. Go to the app drawer and run 'Settings'.
2. Select 'Applications', and enable 'Unknown sources'.
3. Select 'Development', and enable 'USB debugging'.
4. Exit back out to your home screen launcher, then go to the app drawer and run 'ES File Explorer'.
5. The file explorer should show you the contents of your sd card. Tap on the file 'z4root.1.3.0.apk'.
6. Confirm installation of z4root, and when this is complete select 'Open' to run the app.
7. From within z4root, press the 'Permanent Root' button.
8. Wait until this process is complete, and the phone will reboot by itself. It can take 30 seconds or so for this to happen, so be patient. You are now rooted.
Flash Clockworkmod Recovery Image
You must be rooted for this to work. Do this after you have successfully completed the rooting process above. Also please note that this is not the CWM recovery image developed by Gigi Tse. Her image contains CWM version 3.0.2.4. This is my recovery image and contains CWM version 5.0.2.8.
1. Open the app drawer and run 'ES File Explorer'.
2. Tap on the file 'SH7218u_recovery.apk'.
3. Confirm installation and run the application by selecting 'Open' once installation is complete.
4. On startup, the application will request Superuser privleges - press 'Accept' to allow this.
5. Press the 'Flash Clockworkmod Recovery' button.
6. Wait a few seconds until you see the confirmation message 'Recovery Flash Complete'.
7. Exit out of the application. You now have Clockworkmod as your recovery. You can uninstall the SH7218u_recovery app if you wish as you have no further use of it.
Note for users of Link2SD: This version of Clockworkmod recovery will perform backup and restore operations on the secondary SD card partition used by Link2SD. However, that partition must be formatted in the ext3 filesystem for this to work. Formatting the partition in any other filesystem (e.g. ext2, fat32, ext4, etc.), will result in failure to mount and backup the partition. An SD card can be prepared for use with Link2SD from within this version of Clockworkmod recovery by using the 'Partition SD Card' feature within the 'Advanced' menu.
Install Google Apps
1. Boot into Clockworkmod Recovery. This is done by powering down your phone, then turning it back on by pressing and holding down the number 3 and 6 buttons together, then pressing and releasing the power button. Continue to hold the number 3 and 6 buttons until you see the Clockworkmod screen.
2. Select 'install zip from sdcard' from the menu.
3. Select 'choose zip from sdcard' from the next menu.
4. The next menu will be the contents of your sdcard. Select the Google Apps file - 'gapps-hdpi-20101114-signed.zip'.
5. Confirm the installation and wait until it is complete.
6. Press the back button once to get back to the main screen and select 'reboot system now'. You now have Google Apps installed.
When you reboot the device, you will be taken through the Google account setup. Please note that in order for contacts applications to work with Google synchronization, you will need to install a modified contact editor. The stock firmware on this phone is not intended to sync with the Google servers as it was intended for Chinese users. The modified contact editor fixes this issue. It is free and available from the Market. Look for 'Contact Editor Free' by a developer named 'dmfs'.

Deleted

Deleted

Thank you! Very good job!
No ideas how to get the phone to answer a call when you open?

TabletGuru said:
Thank you! Very good job!
No ideas how to get the phone to answer a call when you open?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey someone read my thread!!
Sorry, no posts on this thread yet and it has been up for a while. I think most people who have this phone stick to Howard forums or other such sites that cater to the phone type and its region of origin.
As for your question, no...but I have tried. That would require a modification of the phone app or a change to the OS itself as the phone app is the active app when the phone is ringing and the device is opened. If I had the source code for the stock phone app, this would be a fairly easy thing to do. Unfortunately, I have been unable to find the source for the stock device firmware anywhere. I tried compiling a generic Froyo phone app from the Google source, but of course this did not work. This is a somewhat special app that needs to interface with several parts of the device's hardware, so a generic version just doesn't work. Unless Sharp releases the full source code for the stock firmware, I don't think this is going to be possible....at least not from someone with my somewhat limited development abilities.

Sent from my MB855 using xda premium

Google Play
Hey xdajunkman, amazing work you are doing here.
Have you considered adding Google Play to the mix? I was able to get the latest version working just fine on my SH7218u.
How hard would it be to hack the light notifications area of the phone, to make some of the notifications last for 1-2 seconds longer?
I should also add that my phone is giving some really flaky GPS information. It is putting me somewhere in the ocean near China unless I use wifi only. Do you have any experience with this?
EDIT: I don't know why, but the dialer is not working for me with regard to the long-press of the delete key and silent (#) key. No idea why...
EDIT2: It is because I had another keyboard installed; which must do something funky... switching back to a default keyboard and then trying seemed to work!

Thanks for your guide! Do you have got new version Rom? 2.3 or 2.3.5?

johnny8384 said:
Thanks for your guide! Do you have got new version Rom? 2.3 or 2.3.5?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not likely to come. This would mean building something like CM7 for a new device from scratch. This kind of task takes dozens of man-hours for an expert developer, and that assumes that they have access to the original source for the release build. We do not have the original source, and there is no such developer working on this device. We will be stuck with Froyo.

Thank you so much for taking the time to write a guide xdajunkman!
I received my SH7218u today and did everything. The instructions were clear and the whole process took no more than 30 minutes.
Surprisingly, my SH7218u accepts 64 microsd card (after you format it).

Is it ok to have 2 partitions?
One is a ext2, and the other I just created using clockwork mod ext3...
I'm wanting to use that custom rom..
EDIT: clockwork mod Repartitioned my ext2 to ext3 now ಠ_ಠ
and all my apps are "installed"
Going to make a backup rom now.. and then Install xdajunkman's custom rom >__<
EDIT: Ok succesfully installed the Custom rom It looks great I might say awesome work xdajunkman
Ok the question is now.. how to I get back all my previous apps and stuff?
I followed the guide and made a backup already

My 7218u stuck at Sharp logo when boot because i've uninstalled a system apps ( don't remember exactly) what i've to do now? plz help me
P/S: My english sucks, sorry for that

delpan said:
My 7218u stuck at Sharp logo when boot because i've uninstalled a system apps ( don't remember exactly) what i've to do now? plz help me
P/S: My english sucks, sorry for that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Boot into clockwork mod by pressing 3and 6 and the power on button, (assuming you have that installed)
Reinstall the rom.. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=22106340#post22106340

sirjoe1 said:
EDIT: Ok succesfully installed the Custom rom It looks great I might say awesome work xdajunkman
Ok the question is now.. how to I get back all my previous apps and stuff?
I followed the guide and made a backup already
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is usually just easier if you wait until you have the new ROM installed before you try and install your apps. There is no reliable way from within CWM to restore your installed apps.
However, because the new ROM is just a modified version of the stock ROM, it should be possible to flash the new ROM without wiping the existing user data and keeping your installed apps. Restore your backup that has all of your apps installed. Then, flash the modified ROM but skip the step in the instructions that tells you to wipe existing user data. Instead of wiping the user data, do the following:
1. In the 'mounts and storage' menu of CWM recovery, select to format both '/system' and '/cache'
2. In the 'advanced' menu of CWM, select 'Wipe Dalvik cache'
Now proceed with installing the ROM as per the instructions. This should result in the modified ROM being installed, but all of your installed apps should be protected.
If this does not work, then you will just have to re-installed the modified ROM according to the instructions (including wiping the existing user data), then re-install all of your apps. For future reference, a great app called Titanium Backup will allow you to backup your apps and restore them after changing the ROM.

sirjoe1 said:
-->My 7218u stuck at Sharp logo when boot because i've uninstalled a system apps
-->( don't remember exactly) what i've to do now? plz help me
Boot into clockwork mod by pressing 3and 6 and the power on button, (assuming you have that installed)
Reinstall the rom.. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=22106340#post22106340
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree with sirjoe1. Hopefully you flashed CWM as your recovery before you did this. However, if not then booting into recovery mode as described above should trigger a factory reset from the stock recovery partition. I have not attempted this myself with the stock recovery, but usually what this will do is simply return your device to it's stock state. You can then start over using the instructions in the OP....but without deleting critical system apps this time.

Hello again, I've a question, has anyone successfully Overclocked the cpu frequency on this phone using setcpu or similar apps?

Overclocking not possible without either a custom kernel or a kernel module of some sort. As the source for the stock kernel was never released, such a thing would be a HUGE undertaking. Very unlikely to ever happen.

xdajunkman said:
Overclocking not possible without either a custom kernel or a kernel module of some sort. As the source for the stock kernel was never released, such a thing would be a HUGE undertaking. Very unlikely to ever happen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh darn, that's such a downer..
These sh7218u threads are so dead nowadays :/

I might have messed up my phone -_- (again)
I went into the /data/sdext2/dalvik-cache and deleted everything and now a few apps have gone missing, and some won't work, they just give me a force close error >___<
I also lost my go launcher ex settings..
and to make things worse.... my internal memory went to 0% free... deleted a few things to clear up 8mb..
Any Ideas how to fix this ? @[email protected]
[Can you guys play 480p videos?
I can't.. 360p runs fine though..]

I am hoping to get this device this week.
Thanks for your tutorial, and I will let you know if it runs out just fine

[Q] Using ROM: "JVU[2.3.6] SAUROM", but Apps go away after Reboot

Hi All,
I seriously read all 17 pages of SAUROM's Dev page and only found 1 other use having this issue but post has no response:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=20344195&postcount=31
I also searched and most people have somewhat similar issues but not like mine where it works first time fine then upon reboot Apps disappear.
I've rooted my Infuse a long time ago and have been ROM'ing it for several months now. I've changed several ROMs and some have lots of pieces I love but has issues with something I really need (like bluetooth).
So I gave SAUROM 'One rom to rule em all' a shot. I actually really am impressed upon initial Flash. I made lots of changes, and then lost root/SU, then found SU-fix and applied. It worked for about one day then when I reboot my Apps (including Market) were dimmed-out. So I tried to search but no decent threads.
I thought perhaps another Flash of the ROM would fix, but same issue, then thought perhaps a kernel change so I did that too.
But I just did it again and during first boot everything looks good, I make changes add my gmail acct, use some Apps (actually last time I used Supercharger and installed busybox) but even prior to this it was doing the same thing. Then thinking perhaps it might have fixed it, rebooted and still same thing.
Is there any *.zip or setting that perhaps I can check to fix this? Some script that may help to check where this issue lies? How about fstab file that I can check and edit to fix this??
This happens every time I reboot! I installed apps last night and actually held off posting this, then this morning I rebooted and Apps disappear again (even Play Store).

Furosh said:
Hi All,
I seriously read all 17 pages of SAUROM's Dev page and only found 1 other use having this issue but post has no response:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=20344195&postcount=31
I also searched and most people have somewhat similar issues but not like mine where it works first time fine then upon reboot Apps disappear.
I've rooted my Infuse a long time ago and have been ROM'ing it for several months now. I've changed several ROMs and some have lots of pieces I love but has issues with something I really need (like bluetooth).
So I gave SAUROM 'One rom to rule em all' a shot. I actually really am impressed upon initial Flash. I made lots of changes, and then lost root/SU, then found SU-fix and applied. It worked for about one day then when I reboot my Apps (including Market) were dimmed-out. So I tried to search but no decent threads.
I thought perhaps another Flash of the ROM would fix, but same issue, then thought perhaps a kernel change so I did that too.
But I just did it again and during first boot everything looks good, I make changes add my gmail acct, use some Apps (actually last time I used Supercharger and installed busybox) but even prior to this it was doing the same thing. Then thinking perhaps it might have fixed it, rebooted and still same thing.
Is there any *.zip or setting that perhaps I can check to fix this? Some script that may help to check where this issue lies? How about fstab file that I can check and edit to fix this??
This happens every time I reboot! I installed apps last night and actually held off posting this, then this morning I rebooted and Apps disappear again (even Play Store).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Move your apps to phone.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk 2 Beta-5

bigfau said:
Move your apps to phone.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk 2 Beta-5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First thanks for the response bigfau!
I have checked this to see if this option would be a good way to resolve my issue but weird thing is that these dimmed-out apps that appear to be on my sdcard actually go away. If they were truly installed on sdcard like SS above says, then I should be able to:
Go to Settings > Applications > Manage applications > On SD Card >
Select App > "Move to phone" but they're not there, only XDA Premium . (attached SS)
After a reboot, I have to go to My Files, App_Manager > App_Backup > user_apps > Re-install My Apps again. But any reboot puts me back at square one.

1. Uninstall and install your launcher app (don't restore)
2. Wipe your dalvik cache (if rooted)
Try this and let me know if that helps.

diablo009 said:
1. Uninstall and install your launcher app (don't restore)
2. Wipe your dalvik cache (if rooted)
Try this and let me know if that helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*Thanks, your response makes sense as I remember TWLauncher errors with this ROM and think yes my Launcher is the culprit.
Ive been trying to Uninstall and install a launcher (which I thought would be relatively simple).
1. I downloaded/installed 2 different Launchers (Launcher Pro & Go Launcher Ex) from Play Store.
2. Downloaded TW4Manager.apk, tw4key.zip, and ShareApp.apk (for TWLauncer 4.5).
3. Moved TouchWiz30Launcher.apk out of system/apps/ and backed up *just in case*, then rebooted into Recovery and Wiped Dalvik Cache.
When it was booting, it stayed on the Galaxy S boot animation screen for the longest and never booted.
I decided to attempt to Flash Saurom again, (wipe user data, which cache, wipe Dalvik Cache, install ROM zip) and I'm trying again.
But seems like I got some weird chicken/egg thing going on. I can only install apps while booted or phone is on.
Did i do something incorrect?

Furosh said:
I can only install apps while booted or phone is on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn't this how it works? I am not sure how you would install apps when the phone is turned off? Or do you mean screen on?

diablo009 said:
Isn't this how it works? I am not sure how you would install apps when the phone is turned off? Or do you mean screen on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi diablo009,
Sorry what I was referring to was that it seems yes I can install Apps while phone is on, but they're only available during that time (after installed). Its like they are in RAM and lose them if I shutdown or reboot.
I'm sure it's not the ROM I used as stated in the Title because I've recently done lots of testing on my phone. I again Re-flashed the ROM again doing:
1. Wipe user data/wipe cache/wipe dalvik cache, install ROM .zip.
2. Run Su-fix su-3.0.5-efgh-signed.zip
*Ive tried this with and without reboot in between 1 & 2.
Still same symptoms, loads first time fine. Runs setup, is rooted, can install Apps, then upon reboot they're gone.
So I said okay let's test out another ROM to see if same results, and so yesterday I changed to GamerzRom v8.1, then upped to 9.0 and same results with Apps.
I've used different kernel's (DD_03042012.zip & kernel-2011-11-27.12-40.zip), used diff ROMs, and have also attempted to get back to Stock either by using:
-SGH-I997_UCLB3_INFUSE.zip (I guess this is Stock with Root & couple more things)
-Get back to Stock ROM by using Download-Mode and SGH-i997-UCKJ4-One-Click.jar
After either of these, attempt to re-flash and see if problems go away but they haven't.
Weird thing is sometimes I lose SU/Root sometimes I don't. I'm sure it's something I've done to my phone or the filesystem which is why I'd like to be able to check it out, like fstab, mtab (if there's one), permissions or something else but I'm not sure what to look for =/
Thoughts or other areas I can check?
A checklist would be awesome right now if I could find one....

Backup the data you have on your internal/external SD cards, and format them please. And try to install an app, reboot, and let me know if the issue is still present.

SD
I had the same issue. I blamed it on a bad SD card. I removed the SD card all together and never had the problem since. I only had the stock 2gb card in there so it was not worth the hassle.

icecreamwhat said:
I had the same issue. I blamed it on a bad SD card. I removed the SD card all together and never had the problem since. I only had the stock 2gb card in there so it was not worth the hassle.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what even I am suspecting now. So only wanted him to format both internal and external. And this one reason I recommend no less than class 6 cards for phones, preferably class 10.
---------- Post added at 04:44 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:39 PM ----------
1. Clean wipe and ROM install
2. Clean wipe with a different ROM
3. Clear dalvik cache and cache
4. Wipe data for launcher
5. Fresh install of launcher
6. Fresh install of apps and no restoring with TiBu
7. Formatting internal and external memory
8. Take out external memory
9. Change external SD card
There's your checklist, as far as I can think of. And I have marked in green the options you said you have tried.

Hi, you just have to replace the file vold. Fstab and place it on /system /etc
Pm with your mail and I will send to you b/c I have it with me but don't know how to upload here
The file is suppose to say that the apps must stay on the sdcard..
Qkster explain that to me very well, if I were you, I look in his roms thread..
Let me see
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=22723345
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA

diablo009 said:
Backup the data you have on your internal/external SD cards, and format them please. And try to install an app, reboot, and let me know if the issue is still present.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay glad to report this has helped me! Not sure if the scard (internal/external) was bad or getting full or what but here's what I did:
1. Copied all my data (sdcard [int/ext]) to PC.
2. Format scard: Settings > SD Card/Storage > Unmount SD Card > Format
*Did this for both SDCard & USB Storage
Result in "Lady voice on partioning boot mesg, (basically inoperable phone).
*My fault because I didn't need to do USB storage? Should I have done both SDCard & USB Storage? Either way I think i wanted to restart from scratch with factory type reset/stock ROM.
3. Boot Download-Mode and ROM using: SGH-i997-UCKJ4-One-Click.jar
4. Root phone and tried to Re-flash with custom ROM (Saurom) but need CWM recovery. CWM was in blue-mode, needed Green or Red to flash ROM.
5. Downloading SGS Kernel flasher and flashing it with Entropy's DD
For this I used: DD_03042012.zip, but for me I noticed Market and Maps were "dimmed" out and thought I'm back to square one!
Dunno if this was coincidence or something I did to cause this or what but I think it's important to note because issue seemed to reappear.
I changed the kernel to: kernel-2011-11-27.12-40.zip and dimmed Market/Maps went away.
6. Booted in Recovery, wipe user data/wipe cache/ wipe Dalvik cache, Flash ROM: JVU[2.3.6] SAUROM
7. Booted up, went through SetupWizard, then realized lost Root.
8. Run Su-fix su-3.0.5-efgh-signed.zip
9. Boot phone, verified Root, installed some Apps, and rebooted & Power-Off over 10 times.
All looks good now!
So far its looking like my issue went away!

@OP: This happens many times when the android data files on the external SD get corrupted. And happy to know your issue is resolved

[Q] multiple ROMs, same issues

I have downloaded a few ROMs and installed them. In all of them, I have been getting multiple random reboots per day. Also, I tend to have reboots when calling. It seems very odd that I am having the same issues across multiple ROMs. Anyone have any ideas?
Edit: I am currently running Hyperdrive RLS15 but I have tried Liquid Smooth 2.9 and had the same issues.

How are you installing the Roms ? What kernel are you using ? Do you have any apps controlling kernel ? Did you use titanium , if so then what did restore ? User AND system apps ?

jmichaels1982 said:
How are you installing the Roms ? What kernel are you using ? Do you have any apps controlling kernel ? Did you use titanium , if so then what did restore ? User AND system apps ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I installed Hyperdrive via TWRP and Liquid Smooth through goo manager (Couldn't download HD via goo).
I believe my kernel is a stock kernel (unless the download for HD included one). It is 3.0.31 - 1152558.
I don't believe I have any apps controlling kernel but I don't know which apps do...
I have titanium but did not use it to restore anything. I know I have previously backed up apps with Liquid Smooth but when I look for "restore missing apps with data", I have 0. There is nothing to restore. I assume that is because those are not compatible with HD.
I tried reflashing Liquid Smooth like 4 times and it never got any better. I tried reflashing HD last night and my phone rebooted 6 times throughout the night.

OK when you flash , back up all your data . then don't use goo manager , flash things manually with twrp . wipe data , dalvik , cache , system and internal ( because you flashed aosp you might have 0 folders ) . wipe at least twice then install . on your first boot let the phone sit for five mins without touching it .
About titanium : buy the full version , press menu , then in preferences go to back up folder location and make it your external SD card . memorize this location and you will have to do this with every ROM installation . why external SD you may ask me , because I firmly believe in wiping the Intetnal with every ROM install . now ONLY BACK UP USER APPS never ever system apps . redelete all old backups every time you do a new back up .
I know I threw a lot of information your way, feel free to keep asking questions
Also make sure you're using the latest twrp .

jmichaels1982 said:
OK when you flash , back up all your data . then don't use goo manager , flash things manually with twrp . wipe data , dalvik , cache , system and internal ( because you flashed aosp you might have 0 folders ) . wipe at least twice then install . on your first boot let the phone sit for five mins without touching it .
About titanium : buy the full version , press menu , then in preferences go to back up folder location and make it your external SD card . memorize this location and you will have to do this with every ROM installation . why external SD you may ask me , because I firmly believe in wiping the Intetnal with every ROM install . now ONLY BACK UP USER APPS never ever system apps . redelete all old backups every time you do a new back up .
I know I threw a lot of information your way, feel free to keep asking questions
Also make sure you're using the latest twrp .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may also want to backup Account information, SMS/MMS, Call Logs, etc. Titanium Backup give you an option to do this (Titanium symbols in Backup/Restore tab).

jmichaels1982 said:
OK when you flash , back up all your data . then don't use goo manager , flash things manually with twrp . wipe data , dalvik , cache , system and internal ( because you flashed aosp you might have 0 folders ) . wipe at least twice then install . on your first boot let the phone sit for five mins without touching it .
About titanium : buy the full version , press menu , then in preferences go to back up folder location and make it your external SD card . memorize this location and you will have to do this with every ROM installation . why external SD you may ask me , because I firmly believe in wiping the Intetnal with every ROM install . now ONLY BACK UP USER APPS never ever system apps . redelete all old backups every time you do a new back up .
I know I threw a lot of information your way, feel free to keep asking questions
Also make sure you're using the latest twrp .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried this this morning with no effect. I wiped everything x3 and reinstalled. Had issues with Google Play, did a factory reset. Google started working again. 2 hours later, I had a reboot that would not load. I did another reset and it loaded. I'm still having issues thought.

Ok. So, I ended bringing the phone back to stock. The device is defective. I'm have a while slew of issues with it now. Went to Verizon and told then to send me a brand new one.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

Usually issues with Google play can be summed up to improper gapps

FlashHappy78 said:
Usually issues with Google play can be summed up to improper gapps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The issue was not a result of the gapps. It was that the phone was defective. When it was brought back to stock, it would constantly tell me that to insert a SIM card and then lose connection. Every time my phone rebooted when rooted, it was the SIM card being "lost". Once it was back to stock, it was obvious Asurion sent me a defective phone to replace my previously defective phone.

Rooted/Custom Rom'd my AT&T S4, now for some basic a

[Thread in wrong area! Mods please move to AT&T S4 under Q/A!]
I recently rooted/installed CleanROM for my S4, but now I have some basic questions regarding what actually happened in the process and how I could improve it. (First smartphone, first Android).
1. Is flashing the exact equivalent of installing a kernel/ROM/app in a recovery like TeamWin that is zipped in an SD card? All I did was select my zipped file and install--the guide says to use GooManager but I never used it. Also, does updating TWRP, kernel, or ROM (same application/kernel/ROM, but newer version) require that you delete the old ZIP, copy over the new ZIP, then install it? Is there a cleaner method (I feel that since we have to wipe to prevent old files from interfering with new ROM that maybe parts of the old version of a ROM may be redundant or may interfere with the new ROM?
2. Is there a way I can save the phone settings when dealing with one ROM and transferring these settings to another ROM? I really don't want to spend 20 minutes to go through all the settings and change it to my liking every time I install a new ROM.
3. With TWRP I could backup the entire ROM and also be able to install that backup ROM if I don't like the new ROM installed? What does Titanium Backup offer in regards to this aside from backing up app data and the ability freeze/uninstall system apps?
4. Does Titanium Backup leave any residual files? I see other apps designed to uninstall system apps and Titanium Backup seems like an all-in-one jack of all trades.
5. I thought I wiped everything and to me, that sounds like reformatting the entire drive. I only wiped system, boot, and data though (good enough for ROMs, according to what I've read). I was surprised when I saw my videos that I had already backed up to my PC accessible on the phone. Should I just wipe literally everything (I assume it would be cleaner) like cache, preload, EFS, modem, recovery, etc.? Will wiping literally everything be like reformatting my phone (since my phone was not reformatted because my personal videos was still there when I installed my custom ROM? If I were to install completely different ROMs cleanly and wanted to keep my personal files, I would only need to wipe system, data, and boot?
4. Do I have to use CASUAL again to install an updated TWRP?
5. Does backing up a ROM also backup its root? I'm going to assume this is a dumb question and the answer is no. I'm also guessing I have to block OTA updates from AT&T to ensure I keep my root. How would I go about doing this? Also, would my phone be "safe" if I stick to my ROM (no updates or anything) for 4+ years? I'm asking this as an extreme case because I feel like I'm missing out on AT&T security updates that could protect my phone and also I don't think the developer my ROM (CleanROM) will do frequent updates).
6. I had problems with my computer not being able to recognize my phone and my SD card in the phone after I wiped everything and before I installed a ROM. I literally had to take the SD card from the phone and use an SD card reader to transfer my custom ROM/loki then put it back into the phone. Was I missing a driver?
7. What are some must-have apps a newly rooted user would want?
8. I read that you only need 1 EFS backup and you don't need to back it up every time you are going to install a custom ROM. Can I get a confirmation?
9. What does Goo Manager do and would I want it?
10. Is it essential that I keep up to date with news about my custom ROM/phone to ensure my phone is secured?
**Not Root/ROM related--Is swiping an app away from the Recent Apps List (long-press home button) the equivalent of killing an app? I use the Recent Apps List often but I don't want to go about swiping apps away if means it is killing it, since I read that killing apps are bad and actually drains battery life. Also, is there a mod that lets you access the Recent Apps List by long-pressing the menu one? I only see a mod that kills the app if you long-press it.
Thanks. I'm hoping for many responses as I have more questions to ask but not a lot of free time (I will check back on this thread every several hours until there are no more responses on the thread.

I think you are in the wrong forum.

@work said:
I think you are in the wrong forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know, I clicked the edit/delete thread but can't find the delete button. Under reason for editing I told the mods to move it to AT&T S4 under Q/A. I'm new to XDA, what should I do?

otumsel and
just wait,someone will be along and move it.

[ROM][Stock][Rooted] D850 20f Stock ROM Debloated

Updated: 03/24/2015
Hi all,
I did this mostly for practice but I thought it might be helpful so I went ahead and posted.
Stock LG D850 20f ROM
[*]Rooted/SuperSu
[*]Most bloat removed
[*]Oversharpening fix
[*]Flashable zip
[*]init.d support*
[*]CarrierIQ Remover*
*Init.d support is implemented in ROM only, not the kernel. CarrierIQ is removed automatically after first boot via an init script. Say thanks to @skeevydude for his help in getting this done. I shouldn't say "help", he pretty much did it!
Installation
Flash the Lollipop modem - see @autoprime 's thread here for modem zip
Flash the ROM zip
Wipe cache and dalvik (and in some cases data) if coming from a different ROM
Download
v3* - https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=95916177934548695
[QRCODE]https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=95916177934548695[/QRCODE]
*No change at all to the ROM itself since v2, I just realized that I've been forgetting to zero out the free space on the image file before uploading, which saves about 600 MB when zipped. New flashable zip is about 1.1 GB instead of 1.7 GB.
Older versions:
v1 - https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=95916177934543883
Apps Removed
/system/app:
Google Books
Google Chrome
Google Cloud Print
Google Drive
Facebook
Hangouts
Google Newsstand
Google Play Games
Google Play Music
Google Play Movies and TV
Google Plus
Twitter
/system/priv-app:
ATT Address Book
ATT Caller Name ID
ATT DriveMode
ATT Games
ATT Locker
ATT Lookout
ATT Mobile Locate
ATT Remote Support
ATT Smart Wifi
ATT Mobile TV
ISIS Wallet
ATT Visual Voicemail
MLT (LG tracker)
/system/vendor/app:
Amazon Kindle
ATT Family Map
ATT Home
ATT Keeper
ATT MHS Launcher
ATT Navigator
Uber
DeviceHelp
myATT
YP Mobile
ATT Apps
In case you want some of the ATT apps back, I have uploaded a zip here with those apps. This is NOT a flashable zip. You have a couple of options:
1. You may be able to install these as a normal (user) app by just pulling out the apk and installing the usual way.
2. If that doesn't work as expected, copy the app folder from the zip into the appropriate system folder as listed in the "Apps Removed" section.
Download: ATT Apps
Xposed Info
cmulk said:
Xposed has a couple of bad side effects at this point, so before doing anything you need to use Titanium or something similar to Freeze (this basically what the "helper" does):
LGSmartCover
Weather
Weather Theme
WeatherPlatform
Then you can install xposed as in the thread here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3034811
However, there is still one more bug to keep in mind: Xposed will crash the Tethering and Networks menu. There is no fix for that yet, but as a workaround you can download some apps from the play store (like Mobile Network Settings), to shortcut around the menu that force closes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Credits
@autoprime - Flashable zips, bump'd boot.img, and very clear instructions in his thread here
@timmytim - uploading the lollipop stock images (although I know a lot of others were working on that too)
@Skin1980 - Oversharpening fix
@skeevydude - init.d support and carrierIQ remover

CarrierIQ Removal
CarrierIQ has now been removed!
The removal is done via an init script that runs at boot to disable the IQ service before removing the files in order to prevent a force close. However, if you have to wipe data/factory reset without re-flashing the ROM, you will get a force close on the first boot. The good news is that I've tested this scenario and it should fix itself if you just wait about 20 seconds. In other words, the mentioned script does it's thing to stop the service to fix the force close and you are good to go after that.
Old info below:
cmulk said:
On the 20f lollipop rom (either mine or stock, there's no difference) either freezing LADDM or removing the libraries and LADDM as you mention will cause a force close unless you disable the "IQService" first, which is built into the framework-res.apk. I have repeated it multiple times and it has been discussed quite a bit in the Lounge and other threads. Disabling the service is easy for users to do with the "DisableService" app, and then you can remove LADDM and the libraries as mentioned. The difficulty is that disabling a service is a user setting, so, for example, if I reflash my ROM without the IQ files onto a phone with clean /data, I will again get the force close and an unusable ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Manual Steps
In the meantime, here is how users can manually disable CarrierIQ. I take no credit for this method, it is posted in several places by several people, I'm just putting it here for convenience:
YOU MUST DO THIS IN ORDER (or at least the first few steps)
1. Download the "DisableService" app from the play store
2. In the DisableService app, go to System -> Android System and disable the "IQService" service
3. Use a root explorer to delete the folder /system/app/LADDM
4. Use a root explorer to delete /system/lib/libiq_client.so and /system/lib/libiq_service.so
5. (Optional) Uninstall DisableService
Remember, disabling the service is a user setting, so if you need to wipe /data for some reason, you will need to re-flash the ROM (which has the CarrierIQ files included) or else you will get a constant force close when your phone boots.

I'll give it a try, thanks

Flashing now. Will report.

I will be watching this ROM. Thanks for posting.
Exactly what does " if coming from a different ROM" mean? I'm on 4.4.2 10f Wulf (stock - rooted) ROM

JeffDC said:
I will be watching this ROM. Thanks for posting.
Exactly what does " if coming from a different ROM" mean? I'm on 4.4.2 10f Wulf (stock - rooted) ROM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just clean flash to save yourself a hassle
2SHAYNEZ

Thanks for your work. I wish I had some skill in this realm. It'd be nice to pick and choose which apps you wanted removed. I prefer the stock ATT Visual Voicemail app over the one in the Play Store as its more reliable. I also use some of the Google Apps that are removed here as well. But great job in getting something debloated out there.
Sent from my LG-D850 using Tapatalk

Flashing lollipop Issues
Thanks for your work.... When flashing the 2 lollipop roms, 9 out of 10 times I get just a screen with icons, no wallpaper, no notification pull down no buttons at the bottom. I flash the modem the rom then SU and clear cache. I have only got the other ROM to flash successfully once. The same is going on with this ROM, is this happening to anyone else. I flashed it 5 times with the same results, would anyone know why this is happening, seems others dont have this issue. Thank you again for bringing us a debloated Lollipop rom.

shayneflashindaily said:
Just clean flash to save yourself a hassle
2SHAYNEZ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is what I understand for a clean flash:
"1. Boot into Recovery
2. Make a Nandroid backup
3. Wipe data/factory reset
4. Wipe cache partition
5. Wipe Dalvik Cache
6. Flash ROM
7. DO NOT REBOOT – STAY IN RECOVERY
8. Select backup and restore
9. Select advanced restore
10. Select the Nandroid backup you made above
11. Select Restore data
12. Select Yes – Restore data
13. WAIT!
14. REBOOT"
What I do not understand is step 8, which selects the backup made in step two... and then flashing the backup over the (new) ROM flash in step 6. Wouldn't that overwrite the new ROM you just flashed?

JeffDC said:
Here is what I understand for a clean flash:
"1. Boot into Recovery
2. Make a Nandroid backup
3. Wipe data/factory reset
4. Wipe cache partition
5. Wipe Dalvik Cache
6. Flash ROM
7. DO NOT REBOOT – STAY IN RECOVERY
8. Select backup and restore
9. Select advanced restore
10. Select the Nandroid backup you made above
11. Select Restore data
12. Select Yes – Restore data
13. WAIT!
14. REBOOT"
What I do not understand is step 8, which selects the backup made in step two... and then flashing the backup over the (new) ROM flash in step 6. Wouldn't that overwrite the new ROM you just flashed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I always do a clean flash.. dont need to back up and restore and still get bad results.

louvass said:
I always do a clean flash.. dont need to back up and restore and still get bad results.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not encouraging.

louvass said:
Thanks for your work.... When flashing the 2 lollipop roms, 9 out of 10 times I get just a screen with icons, no wallpaper, no notification pull down no buttons at the bottom. I flash the modem the rom then SU and clear cache. I have only got the other ROM to flash successfully once. The same is going on with this ROM, is this happening to anyone else. I flashed it 5 times with the same results, would anyone know why this is happening, seems others dont have this issue. Thank you again for bringing us a debloated Lollipop rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have not seen that issue, but in case you are not clearing data you may need to try clearing dalvik cache.
Also, (and this is just a shot in the dark) you could try formatting system before doing anything else just in case something strange is left behind there.

JeffDC said:
That's not encouraging.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can try dirty flashing first without losing any of your data.
1. Back up your current Boot and System
2. Back up your current modem (if you're coming from the Kitkat modem), or just download a flashable KK modem already posted on XDA
3. Flash the modem and ROM in this post
4. Wipe cache and dalvik
5. See if it works
If it's not working, then you will need to restore your boot, system, and modem to go back to your original kitkat setup without losing data.
Otherwise, you'll have to backup with Titanium and do a clean flash (wipe data) as already mentioned. Using Titanium makes clean flashing not so bad

I do clear Wipe cache and dalvik I wipe everything and it boots back into a desktop and thats it no notification, the same thing happened with the first lollipop.. but after 10 flashes it finally took... so I thought Id try your de-bloated and the same thing is happening again, not sure why this is. I can jump back to kk after flashing the modem without issues. Thank you again for your work.

Pdj7969 said:
Thanks for your work. I wish I had some skill in this realm. It'd be nice to pick and choose which apps you wanted removed. I prefer the stock ATT Visual Voicemail app over the one in the Play Store as its more reliable. I also use some of the Google Apps that are removed here as well. But great job in getting something debloated out there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree that I use most or all of these Google apps as well. However, they update so often anyway that I prefer to just have them as user apps (otherwise you end up with 2 copies - the old static version in the system apps folder, and the updated version in the user apps folder).
As for the visual voicemail, I have posted the ATT apps in a zip in the OP. Visual voicemail is in the VVM_ATT folder.
Thanks!

cmulk,
Would you please clarify post 5 and 9 questions?

JeffDC said:
cmulk,
Would you please clarify post 5 and 9 questions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure thing! That's actually what I meant to do in post 13. I am not sure if you can flash over 10f without wiping data, but you could give it a try without losing anything (except time) if you look at post 13.
You should clear cache and dalvik mostly any time you are flashing, unless you are just flashing over another stock 20f ROM.

louvass said:
I do clear Wipe cache and dalvik I wipe everything and it boots back into a desktop and thats it no notification, the same thing happened with the first lollipop.. but after 10 flashes it finally took... so I thought Id try your de-bloated and the same thing is happening again, not sure why this is. I can jump back to kk after flashing the modem without issues. Thank you again for your work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried formatting /system before doing anything else? I'm not sure that will make any difference, but just for process of elimination at least

cmulk said:
Have you tried formatting /system before doing anything else? I'm not sure that will make any difference, but just for process of elimination at least
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I do clear everything but my external mem.

Ever since flashing this I'm getting "no sd card" messages every time I try to download anything ( I don't have an external sd card) but it's never been a problem before. I've restored a backup of my stock Tim and the problem followed me after full wipes.