Debloat - Asus ZenFone 3 Ultra Questions & Answers

Now that we have root, I am looking to debloat. Anyone know of apps that the firmware absolutely needs to function. For example if I remove mobile manager will I get several force closures?

doctahjeph said:
Now that we have root, I am looking to debloat. Anyone know of apps that the firmware absolutely needs to function. For example if I remove mobile manager will I get several force closures?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would recommend that you do not attempt debloating the device for the time being as it is best to leave it until proper ROMs, mods etc.... are available for the phone. From my user experience, I think Mobile Manager is tightly integrated into the feature set but if you like you can try or wait for Android 7 as give n some user feedback on Android 7 on Zenfone 3 Deluxe or the Standard ZF3, most such features are either removed or moved deep inside the settings menu.

Can't the app be disabled through classic means ? You could try disabling it first to test. I'm talking about mobile manager.

You can of course use Titanium Backup or a dedicated App Freezer app or even ROM Toolbox to freeze/remove the app and check the result on your usage.
I have decided not to root my phone until Nougat update lands which hopefully will be over the next 2 weeks.

Related

[apps] must have apps, after root[edited 24-08-13 ]

ok let me introduce my self, i am a android enthusiast
i made this thread so that others who root their phone wont have to go through with the hardship to find the apps that make ROOTING WORTHWHILE
there are tons which i may miss, but here are the ones which is must install! some of them are paid but its worth the price believe me
!!ATTENTION!!
ALL THE APPS HAVE BEEN PERSONALLY TESTED IN HTC ONE V STOCK ROM AND CM9 RC3,AOKP JB, PA, PACman ROM, NO PHONES SHOULD HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THESE APPS
IF U LIKE THIS THREAD A THANKS WILL BE APPRECIATED !!
ALTHOUGH IF ANY THING HAPPENS I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE
1.SUPER USER(FREE)
SUPER USER
Superuser is the first app a user should install after rooting, if the rooting method didn't do it already. "Rooting" a phone allows a user to establish total control over the device, but Superuser is the app that provides the button for that control
2.ROM MANAGER(FREE/PAID)
ROM MANAGER
ROM MANAGER is a app that is used to flash CVM, browse ROMS and more
3.TITANIUM BACKUP(FREE/PAID0[I RECOMMEND PAID]
TITANIUM BACKUP
Titanium Backup is an enormously useful app. Not only can it backup apps, but it can backup apps and all their data, and it can delete apps—even system apps or bloatware.
4.SETCPU FOR ROOT[PAID WORTH EVERY PENNY]
SET CPU
SetCPU allows the user to exert total control over how fast, or slow, the processor runs at any given point in time
5.ADFREE[FREE]
ADFREE
Adfree may actually be the greatest root-essential app available on Android, and it's one that you never see unless it needs updating. All Adfree does is block ads, but it does it for everything on the phone
6.TASKER[AMAZING PAID APP]
TASKER
what it does best is definitely a good thing, since it can practically automate your entire phone given the right amount of power.
7.METAMORPH[FREE/PAID]
METAMORPH
Metamorph is a small app that allows you to theme any part of Android by applying simple patch files
8.BUSYBOX[FREE/PAID]
BUSY BOX
It's not an actual app that you run, but instead provides all the Linux/UNIX commands that we know and love.
9.SSH TUNNEL[FREE]
SSH TUNNEL
Recently mentioned SSH Tunnel is an app that allows an Android phone to connect to the internet using an ssh tunnel for a completely secure connection
10.AUTORUN MANAGER[FREE/PAID]
AUTORUN MANAGER
Change the APPS that start when the phone boots and more
11.ROOT EXPLORER [PAID]
ROOT EXPLORER
explores till the root of your phone
12.ES EXPLORER[FOR THOSE WHO CANT AFFORD THE ABV^]
ES (I USE THIS)
explores till the root of your phone
13.JUICE DEFENDER ULTIMATE[ALTHOUGH FREE IS ALSO THERE]
JD ULTIMATE
HELPS you in saving battery
14.ROM TOOLBOX [pro/free]
ROM TOOLBOX
a toolbox containing all the essential tools
15.TERMINAL[A TERMINAL EMULATOR FOR YOUR PHONE][FREE]
TERMINAL EMULATOR
16. SD MAID[FREE/PRO][PLEASE GO FOR PRO]
SD MAID
a complete set of tools to clean and boost ur SD card
17.INCREDI CONTROL[TO OC/UC/UV](OVER CLOCK)
INCREDI CONTROL
18.DaemonController[ADVANCED CPU MANAGER]
DAEMON CONTROLLER
19.FONT CHANGER[CHANGE FONTS IN YOUR ANDROID]
FONT CHANGER
20.BETTER BATTERY STATS[BRING UR BATTERY HISTORY BACK]
BETTERBS
21.BATTERY CALIBRATION[JUST FLASHED NEW ROM?U NEED THIS ]
BATTERY CALIBRATION
22.GREENIFY[BEST BATTERY SAVER.PERIOD.]
GREENIFY
23.Xposed FRAMEWORK[ARE YOU INTO MODIFYING YOUR SYSTEMUI? , GET THIS]
Xda link
PM ME IF ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE SUGGEST IF YOU KNOW ! AND CLICK THANKS IF I HELPED
The root function for antitheft of avast (free) and cerberus (paid) i think are worth mentioning. They are wipe surviving antitheft apps that can remotely control several aspects of the phone through internet or sms.
Also, if on gingerbread, droidwall and pdroid are the paranoid's best friends (pdroid if successfully gone through the hassle of patching). Together give almost full control of permissions for apps, specially those with access to private data.
Edit: i think this list can be good, but maybe add a short description of what you use the apps for, and what advantages they might bring. Also, tasker and set cpu make juice defender irrelevant.
I don't see the point on having a anti virus, cause all the apk's are scanned my Google....and unless u use mms the chances of virus are low...and keeping those apps on drains alot of battery
yea ill add the descriptions
Sent from my One V using xda app-developers app
I'll add 2 more that are a must.... Android tuner! It can do so any things you just have to check it out. And GMD gesture is awesome for tablets and big screen phones
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
I agree that anti virus is not essential because APKs are very safe, but I think SD cards and bluetooth data transfers can be quite dangerous...
umair.usb said:
I agree that anti virus is not essential because APKs are very safe, but I think SD cards and bluetooth data transfers can be quite dangerous...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this sarcasm?
APKs are not that safe.
Yes they are scanned by google but they are all not "safe"
The popular game Paper Toss was collecting peoples data.
Everyone should be aware that it may not be viruses but taking your information is to me considered not "safe"
You need to read the permissions before installing.
If you download a live wallpaper of the ocean waves it shouldn't have the phone permission to "read phone identity" or "access hardware controls".
I didnt just make this up. The comments of shady apps are flooded with people asking what the permission are needed for.
"PhonemyPc" is a pretty good app to remotely access and use your PC.
DroidCamX for using your phone as a wireless webcam.
For my SGS2 running CNA JB
GooManager
Mobile Odin
ROM Toolbox
Root Explorer
Terminal
User Management
+ everything you already have in the OP
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Free Apps
"Shush" is a good free app which once you put your phone on silent or vibrate you can set the time when you want it the normal sound settings to come back on, ideal for use at work or meetings.
"Anydo" is a great note app & is super stylish, which comes in black or white & ics blue, one of the best note apps on the market.
"Quickpic" a great gallery app which is a brilliant alternative to the stock gallery, also themed in black or white & a great layout.
"Zipsigner" is a apk signing app, you can modify your zip app files & then sign it using this app, then install & enjoy your Modded app, really easy to use too.
"Ringdroid" a ringtone maker app, use this to cut your own music tracks up & turn it in to your own custom ringtones or message alerts.
Loads more to mention really but this is a good start :0)
sent from my super modded sgs3 via Tapatalk2!!!!
Modded Devices -
Samsung galaxy s3 (foxhound Sliver v0.6 Super Modded Rom)
Motorola Xoom (Code name Android v3.3.1 Rom)
i did like 3 apps that u recomended @mattix
@deaner al those things can be done by one app called tasker!
dxppxd said:
The root function for antitheft of avast (free) and cerberus (paid) i think are worth mentioning. They are wipe surviving antitheft apps that can remotely control several aspects of the phone through internet or sms.
Also, if on gingerbread, droidwall and pdroid are the paranoid's best friends (pdroid if successfully gone through the hassle of patching). Together give almost full control of permissions for apps, specially those with access to private data.
Edit: i think this list can be good, but maybe add a short description of what you use the apps for, and what advantages they might bring. Also, tasker and set cpu make juice defender irrelevant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
posts updated!! check!
NicholasQ said:
I'll add 2 more that are a must.... Android tuner! It can do so any things you just have to check it out. And GMD gesture is awesome for tablets and big screen phones
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea i dont know about android tuner but GMD i have on my phone and is pretty nice! ill surely update in next post!
robogoflow said:
Is this sarcasm?
APKs are not that safe.
Yes they are scanned by google but they are all not "safe"
The popular game Paper Toss was collecting peoples data.
Everyone should be aware that it may not be viruses but taking your information is to me considered not "safe"
You need to read the permissions before installing.
If you download a live wallpaper of the ocean waves it shouldn't have the phone permission to "read phone identity" or "access hardware controls".
I didnt just make this up. The comments of shady apps are flooded with people asking what the permission are needed for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if u r a smart android user u will eventuallyy come to know there is no use !
cybervibin said:
@deaner al those things can be done by one app called tasker!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know tasker is a wicked app but I've never got the hang of it? Dunno how to work it properly? I may give it a second try? Anyone got ant tips to using it
sent from my super modded sgs3 via Tapatalk2!!!!
Modded Devices -
Samsung galaxy s3 (foxhound Sliver v0.6 Super Modded Rom)
Motorola Xoom (Code name Android v3.3.1 Rom)
I definitely recommend Cerberus as mentioned before.
I'll also suggest Solid Explorer as it's smoother than the file explorers you mentioned and has a great UI.
''Evil corrupts the mind of the weak but fails to feed off the mind of the strong''
Apps that come to my mind are Lucky Patcher, Quickboot, and TBackup.
Yea there are a million f tutorials on tasker
Just use the search function
Sent from my One V using xda app-developers app

A working package disabler?

Anyone managed to find a working safe package disabler? I feel all this bloatware is whats really killing my battery even tho I disabled &got rid of what I could. And even turned off the features I wouldn't be using that constantly drain. But I think the processes are still running for example the fingerprint process which I refuse to even use. I'd love to root but I think the tmobile s7 has been done yet.
Package Disabler Pro $2 in playstore
http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/debloater-remove-carrier-bloat-t2998294
Free.
sbdadmak said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/debloater-remove-carrier-bloat-t2998294
Free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That one requires root though.
0dBu said:
That one requires root though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It works without root, it just doesn't remove them and instead only disables.
The built in one (under applications, DIsable) works fine and uninstalls all the updates so you regain any memory you've lost. I've disabled several including Lookout and and T-Mobile NameID and TV.
AndroiderM said:
Package Disabler Pro $2 in playstore
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It got taken down at this time
nest75068 said:
It got taken down at this time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look again.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ospolice.packagedisablerpro&hl=en
mknewman said:
The built in one (under applications, DIsable) works fine and uninstalls all the updates so you regain any memory you've lost. I've disabled several including Lookout and and T-Mobile NameID and TV.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should be noted, that NO, THE BUILT IN ONE does not work fine, and while you mentioned the other tmobile apps, you (probably intentionally) didn't mention the terrible, disable-proof, insulting, MEMORY INTENSIVE harassment of code that is the pointless T mobile "my account" app, with its system monitoring, and permanent notifications you have to jump through hoops to disable.
The fact that I have 200 MORE Samsung apps that I'm forced to run than my vanilla android counter parts is almost as insulting as the fact that Facebook, (and messenger), whatsapp, 5 pointless t mobile apps (2 of which are trials for premium paid features) are considered equally important and can't be uninstalled.
Thats purely asinine, and the watered down built in version does nothing about the services or dependent processes (aka battery consumption and everything else)
The T mobile hidden package "com.tmobile.pr.adapt" is so invasive that it quietly asks for root, the SECOND it detects the binary and DOES SO AGAIN AND AGAIN, OVER AND OVER without us ever getting an explanation...now it even shows up in marshmallow with data usage access... the only reason we know it even exists, or wants root, is supersu pops up, as our battery bottoms out...
Now, package disabler pro is gone from the store..oh wait...is it? Or is it just gone for Samsung devices? Or maybe just T Mobile, Samsung devices? Hrrmmm
No. The built in watered down version which doesn't help us with a package like tmobile.pr.adapt or let us disable every single thing we choose to, is simply NOT GOOD ENOUGH.
flyingwolf said:
Look again.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ospolice.packagedisablerpro&hl=en
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's only gone for certain devices...
My Account is not enabled on my S7 unless I start it up myself. The com.tmobile.pr.adapt is enabled but if you disable Diagnostics under App Settings in T-Mobile for me it uses very little data, 14mb in almost a month for me, and T-Mo claims that the usage is not charged to you. You are correct you cannot stop it with the default application manager, but it will not show up in the task bar unless you manually start it.
I'm not going to get into root issues, my phone is on the Jump on Demand so I'm planning to trade up every few months and yeah root is nice but for the most part unless you are a dev (I am not) you shouldn't need it. I'd love to have my copy of Root Explorer and Titanium Backup work (for restores) but can get along without it. If I really needed that stuff I wouldn't have given up my Sony Xperia Z Ultra which was running CM to go to a new unrooted platform.
Hi,
I have been using EZ package disabler since I got my S7 Edge and I am happy with it. Unfortunately, when the software update came, with too much excitement, I forgot to enable all disabled apps prior to updating the firmware. I have updated the firmware with apps disabled. What problem should I be facing? What should I do? Currently I am not experiencing any problems but I suspect that the disabled apps where not optimized. Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you.
You can still find package disabler pro. Won't post the link because forum rules but Google is your best friend. I have it in my SD card.
Sent from my SM-G935T using XDA-Developers mobile app

[app][no root] system app remover

When this method work for you please leave a comment to encourage me to benefit you more
Are you tired of your phone having to much bloatware ?
Do you want a solution for your problem ?
What do you think if I told you that there is a solution
An app
That can "remove" the bloatware from your device in seconds ?
And restore it with a single click?
No root required
Nothing else needed after you download this app
Only give it the permission it need and just be careful with what you remove
How does it work
To my understanding
It disable the app you chose from admin you are using
The app still take space
But
No background service from it
Not showing on your apps
Like it doesn't exist anymore on your device
And you can restore it with all the data it have with single click
The app link
Package disableder pro for samsung
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kinder.pksafety
The app is paid
Another link direct download
https://dlandroid.com/package-disabler-pro-samsung-apk/
Please* : if you can afford to purchase the app*** ........* DO IT .** IT REALLY DESERVES IT
There is another version for LG devices
Tested on
Samsung S9+ android 10
Samsung* E7 android 5.1
What i disabled is in attachment
So, this basically does the same thing as disabling apps in settings?
blud7 said:
So, this basically does the same thing as disabling apps in settings?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can disable everything with that app. Very helpful if don't have root.
May I ask what the app is for LG? I personally don't like LG phones but my bff is a fan and always complaining about the bloatware.

Rooted Android Security Measures. What are they?

I've never rooted an Android. One of the warnings I see over and over is that rooted devices are more vulnerable to malware. I don't see any solutions for this though.
What extra measures will I need to take to keep my Android safe?
I use Norton 360 on my PC and Androids. Will this be of any help?
Are there any apps I can install to help with this issue?
Are there any system settings I should use for this particular problem?
Thank you
With stock or rooted the biggest threat is the user themselves. Most either install or download the malware themselves. A fully updated stock Android isn't invulnerable; there's no saving dumb bunnies...
Side loaded apps are high risk; at the least scan with online Virustotal and consider the results before installing. Keep email in the cloud and be careful if you choose to download anything.
All downloads stay in the download folder until vetted. Jpeg's and png's are suspect; open them there first before moving them and watch for strange behavior in that folder. Check the download folder daily for anything you didn't download, if found do not open, delete.
Keep thrash social media apps off the phone, all of them. They are targets and vectors for malware of all types.
Use a good firewall and police what apps are doing. Revoke internet access to all apps that don't need it. Know what apps have run at start permissions; do they need it? Updates and upgrades can cause more lost time then malware trying to find work arounds. Lock auto updates down, and download them only if needed. Updates and firmware upgrades can and do break things...
Most importantly cover your six and be prepared.
Critical data can not be lost, protect it!
Redundantly backup all critical data to at least 2 hdds that are physically and electronically isolated from each other and the PC. Be ready to do a full reload if needed.
If malware is found or suspected, isolate the phone and if it can't be completely deleted in an hour or two, nuke that load. Be ready to change passwords and secure accounts.
Never trust antivirus apps to detect malware or save you, mostly they just waste resources on an Android.
Thank you!
I'm already doing a lot of those things, especially social media apps.
One of the reasons I want to root my phone is that I can't uninstall, force stop, disable or take away permissions for some apps, like Facebook, Facebook App installer, FB app manager Google, ad nauseum. The same goes for the millions of preinstalled Samsung bloatware apps. They dont stay disabled and routinely restore permissions. Im sick of having to routinely check them all. I'll never buy another Saamsung again.
You're welcome. Welcome to XDA
I run 2 stock N10+'s, one on Pie, the other on 10.
I use package disabler to kill bloatware and services I don't want to run at bootup. You can also use a adb editing app to disable apks. Don't go too nuts; be wary of disabling any Samsung system apps. Most of these apps just sit unless needed. Dependencies... actions have consequences; understand what the app does and what other apps, services or UI functions are dependent on it!
Google play Services can be disabled when not needed; disable find my device as System Administrator first.
On Pie Karma Firewall is fully functional but not on Android 10 and up, although it will still block access. It uses virtually no battery.
Once you sort it out (learning curve ahead) stock Samsung's especially older ones like the N10+ are easy to run. They are the most customizable stock Android on the planet with an excellent UI. The current load on this one will be 2 yo this June; still fast, stable and fulfilling its mission. Security is simply not an issue.
blackhawk said:
You're welcome. Welcome to XDA
I run 2 stock N10+'s, one on Pie, the other on 10.
I use package disabler to kill bloatware and services I don't want to run at bootup. You can also use a adb editing app to disable apks. Don't go too nuts; be wary of disabling any Samsung system apps. Most of these apps just sit unless needed. Dependencies... actions have consequences; understand what the app does and what other apps, services or UI functions are dependent on it!
Google play Services can be disabled when not needed; disable find my device as System Administrator first.
On Pie Karma Firewall is fully functional but not on Android 10 and up, although it will still block access. It uses virtually no battery.
Once you sort it out (learning curve ahead) stock Samsung's especially older ones like the N10+ are easy to run. They are the most customizable stock Android on the planet with an excellent UI. The current load on this one will be 2 yo this June; still fast, stable and fulfilling its mission. Security is simply not an issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The more annoying Samsung apps I was referring to are the Bixby apps, AR doodle, Smarter things... those kind of apps. If they didn't re-enable themselves restore permissions, I wouldn't mind them so much. But they DO.
I won't be using that phone much longer anyway. I'm going back to Motorola.
I always buy factory or globally unlocked phones. That helps some. But Motorola recently started forcing FB. I can uninstall it, however I have to review updates to make sure it doesn't end up on my phone again. But then I review all updates before installing them anyway..
I always look up the system apps before making any changes. Like Google Easter Egg. Everything I could find says it's unnecessary.
All those mentioned apps can be safely disabled.
Bixby Vision is used for barcode scanning though.
Try the free Galaxy store icon packs, themes and the Good Lock family of apps including One Handed Operation plus.
Chose theme>icon pack>whatever wallpaper you want. The native high contrast theme looks good.
Play with it...
blackhawk said:
All those mentioned apps can be safely disabled.
Bixby Vision is used for barcode scanning though.
Try the free Galaxy store icon packs, themes and the Good Lock family of apps including One Handed Operation plus.
Chose theme>icon pack>whatever wallpaper you want. The native high contrast theme looks good.
Play with it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually already ordered a new Moto. It will be here tomorrow. Well, it's after 1am, so I guess it'll be here later today.
I've disabled multiple Samsung apps, restricted data and battery, taken away permissions, not just in app settings, but in permissions setting, special access permissions... And all the other weird ways I keep finding out about that you wouldn't think would be a place to remove permissions. When my phone starts to slow down, or the battery isn't lasting very long, sure enough, Samsung has gone behind my back and reset my preferences again. I never had issues like this any of the Motorola phones I've had.

Question (solved) play store auto installing apps on all devices

play store auto installing apps on all devices
Whenever I install something on my s22, it will install it on my galaxy tablet.
How can I prevent this.
In Playstore settings change to update by wifi only and disable wifi. I normally keep Playwhore package blocked and firewall blocked unless needed. Once a Playstore paid for app is activated I firewall block it as well if it doesn't need internet access. I avoid Playstore as much as possible and create installable backups for all the apps from Playstore so I never need to use Playstore again when reloading except for paid apps. It streamlines reloads and they go much faster.
I also use more Playstore alternatives now but always scan them first with Virustotal. A Playstore app may be clean when installed only to download it's payload latter as an "update". Another reason I don't allow updates or an internet connect if not needed. Playstore updates can and do ruin once working apps. Tired of that bs.
Thanks for your thoughts.
But this did not ever happen before.
I've always had a Samsung mobile and Samsung tablet and the mobile app never auto-installed on the tablet till now.
I don't want to turn off auto-update because thats not a real fix.
Need to find out why its auto-installing.
I checked playstore on mobile and on tablet and on browser - but theres no mention of auto-install on all devices.
CorruptedSanity said:
Thanks for your thoughts.
But this did not ever happen before.
I've always had a Samsung mobile and Samsung tablet and the mobile app never auto-installed on the tablet till now.
I don't want to turn off auto-update because thats not a real fix.
Need to find out why its auto-installing.
I checked playstore on mobile and on tablet and on browser - but theres no mention of auto-install on all devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can manually install updates from Playstore which is a wiser way to do it. One of the reasons I can run Pie securely is I use vetted apps, some are 6 yo and I firewall block them. Updates bring trouble far too often. Once a system is running fast, stable and fulfilling its mission updates serve no purpose most of the time. Auto updates bring rude surprises and make troubleshooting much harder in tracking down the offender.
In 2.5 years (that's how old this current load is) I've had no malware but spent a lot of time undoing damage updates have caused including a firmware "upgrade" for my Buds+ that trashed the sound. That pair now needs to be reflashed and it's a pain to do. meh.
If you try unmark one or more of your devices before instalation on the app, did it help?
See the pictures.
Same, annoying feature, as on iPhone. On the other device go to settings/network preferences and disable auto update.
Simply manually periodically check for updates on tablet and it will check and update any apps installed if necessary
Monipeev said:
If you try unmark one or more of your devices before instalation on the app, did it help?
See the pictures.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that was exactly it!
both devices were checked
many thanks to you!!
raul6 said:
Same, annoying feature, as on iPhone. On the other device go to settings/network preferences and disable auto update.
Simply manually periodically check for updates on tablet and it will check and update any apps installed if necessary
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
see above solution

Categories

Resources