Related
After so long of developing apps for other people, I've decided to make one 100% by myself, and publish it.
The app is basically an alternative to the default app-manager of Android, and it provides some unique features that helps you manage and uninstall apps quicker and easier.
If you've found this app useful, please support it by sharing/donating/comment on the play store.
Installation link :
APK mirror:
https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/androiddeveloperlb/app-manager/
ApkPure:
https://apkpure.com/app-manager/com.lb.app_manager
Some screenshots
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"lightbox_close": "Close",
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"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
So, here's some information about it:
Background
How many times have you tried to uninstall an app but found it annoyingly hard, whether you've forgot its name or it's hidden in a bunch of many apps you have?
Have you ever wanted to uninstall a built in app, which came from the carrier/manufacturer?
Are you a programmer/tester and need to uninstall/reset your apps frequiently?
If so, this is the app for you.
Short description
As I've written ,the purpose of this app is to replace the default app-manager, and ease the uninstallation task as much as possible.
The app is free and supports Android 2.3 and above, but works best from Android 4.0.
The app has ads (banners) but you can easily remove them by donating.
Who is it useful for?
The app is intended for multiple kinds of people:
For the common user, it's easier to perform searches of apps, easier to unisnstall them, and easier to share them.
It's also easier to go to the play store page of the app ,give feedback about it and contact the developers.
For power users, it's easier to uninstall built in apps (AKA "system apps"), like the bloatware that come with the OS.
For developers, QA, and beta testers, it's easier to uninstall/reset the recently installed app, by using widgets.
You can also share apps as APK files, and see the version of the apps.
Features and advantages over other apps
Viewing of app types of apps, and not just those that you can launch (example: plugins, live wallpapers, keyboards,...).
Widgets, for quick uninstallation/reset of the most recently installed app.
Quick uninstallation of apps. For rooted devices, the uninstallation (and other operations) can be silent (in the background)
Easy uninstallation of apps that got admin privilages.
Ability to automatically add app shortcuts when they get installed, no matter how they got installed.
Also the ability to choose which launcher will create the shortcuts.
Easy to use - one click to uninstall. Long click for multi-selection
Context menu options on selected app:
Run
Share Play store link, Amazon AppStore link, or even APK file (no need for Root)
Manage
Open app on the Play store.
Kill background process, or stop the app (needs root)
Quick reset of the app (needs root).
disable/enable app (needs root).
Create shortcut.
Search the app via your search engine or the Internet.
Sort the apps bysize, name, by package name, by date installed, and by date updated
Filter apps by:
System/user apps,
Enabled/disabled apps
Installation path : SD card / internal storage
Ability to uninstall system apps (Root only, and might not work on some cases)
Ability to replace the default uninstaller .
Detailed yet short view of the installed apps, including app name, package name, date insalled and version information.
Safe and automatic deletion of certain folders after uninstallation, that some Android OS versions don't handle for some reason.
Theme chooser, in case you don't like the cards UI.
Hopefully more to come, will be written about on the play store
App translation
https://crowdin.com/project/com-lb-app_manager
Beta testing
Links for the beta testing group:
- https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.lb.app_manager
Articles
https://web.archive.org/web/2014050...roid/supercharge-your-android-app-management/
http://reviewttb.blogspot.in/2014/04/app-manager-review.html
http://iandroid.co.il/dr-iandroid/archives/16296
http://www.appbrain.com/app/app-manager/com.lb.app_manager
https://www.androidrank.org/application/app_manager/com.lb.app_manager
FAQ
The OS says the app runs in the background, or the app has a notification of its own. Why? Doesn't it consume battery?
The app is triggered by app operation events : uninstall, install, clear-data...
Upon each of those, it saves the state for various purposes, in the background. For example the removed-apps list, and the widget. Those have to be handled right away, so it must be done even if you don't see the app.
In the rest of the time, it does absolutely nothing.
This is why the app is so efficient in battery usage, that you won't see it in the list of battery-consuming apps. Meaning it doesn't even reach the 1% battery usage. I am sure it doesn't even reach 0.001% .
You can hide the notification, but sadly on some Android versions (8.0, but not 8.1 and above) you might see a different notification, that the app might use the battery. You can safely ignore it. I guarantee there is no noticeable difference in battery consumption.
In fact, due to the optimizations I've added for Android 8.0 and above, and because the app's process doesn't get killed so often, it might even be better in battery usage. The reason is that the app always had to listen to app-events, and before Android 8.0, the app got triggered by them, meaning its process started each time if it was killed before. Less CPU, more battery.
I have a Xiaomi device and the app fails to install any kind of app. How come ?
Seems it's an issue that will exist for quite some time, and that it is turned by default on Xiaomi devices and causes various issues (read here for example). This "feature" is called "MIUI optimization" , and for now you can only disable it on the "Developer options".
So, for now, you can overcome this by enabling developer options and there to disable "Turn on MIUI optimization".
Note that once you do this, the OS will reset a lot of apps, mainly in terms of permissions. This includes my app too.
Just a side note: Xiaomi is known as one that breaks a lot of apps, as it creates its own made up rules and permissions, very much against how Android works. This is also why there is a website that speaks about it, here, so for better handling of the app, also white list it from the various permissions Xiaomi has created, too.
Sadly I have no way to handle those things, as long as Xiaomi chooses to make their own non-standard rules.
I don't have a rooted device, but I still want to disable/uninstall a system app. Is it possible?
It's possible... to try, using a PC connected to your device.
I've made a tutorial for this here (old one here ).
If the OS would allow, you could uninstall or at least disable system apps this way.
I think I got some nasty app, which shows ads randomly or takes control of the smartphone in some way (or any other bad behavior that I don't like). Can this app help me find it and neutralize it?
Even though it wasn't originally intended for such a task, I've noticed it helped many people with it. There are multiple reviews telling that it helped them removing such "virus" apps. I've even done it myself on both my device and for my family-relatives.
So the answer is that it might help you. Here's what you can do to try to handle it:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=77987186&postcount=543
What are split-APK files? What are "APKS" that are being generated sometimes when sharing apps?
Split apk files (AKA "app bundle" apps) are not meant to be installed just like normal APK files. They are used as you use the app, getting installed by the Play Store, to use only the minimal things you will use on your device, with your Android version, with your CPU architecture, with your locales, with your screen density, and so on...
Not only that, but if you install such files on other configurations, they might not work properly or fail to install.
As far as I know, backup&restore of such apps is not even working on popular backup apps such as Titanium backup.
Currently the app allows to share such apps as APKS files, which is just a zipped file with all of the APK files of the app. This is similar to what's done on various other apps and services (SAI, ApkPure, APK-mirror,...) with various file extensions (APKS, XAPK, APKM,...).
To install them using my app (which supports all files that I've mentioned: APKS, XAPK, APKM ), you can currently do this only from other apps that trigger it. The most common way to do it is directly from file-manager apps, but this should also be possible via chatting apps and others.
If you wish to do it on your via the PC, you can do it too:
use adb command as such:
Code:
adb install-multiple apk1 apk2 ...
Why isn't there a permissions management feature?
For permissions management, I actually planned some management tool, but sadly Google has changed how permissions groups work, and so permissions sometimes go to a different group. For example, before Android P, the permission "WRITE_CALL_LOG" belonged to "Phone" permission group, but from Android P, it moved to "Call log" permission group, which never existed before.
Currently, Google removed all APIs to get which permission group has which permission. Even in the documentation there is no mention anymore which permission group holds which permissions. Not only that, but OEMs sometimes make up their own permission which aren't official in any way (see "auto start" that Xiaomi made, and the reason that "don't-kill-my-app" website exists, for example). I still hope that one day I will be able to get a reliable way to get the correct information, no matter which version of Android the app runs on.
Why isn't there an option to install an old version of an APK when I have a newer one installed?
Apps aren't designed to handle this situation. They are only designed to handle upgrades. So, Google made it impossible to do it starting from Android 7 (read here). If you want to try it anyway, you can do it using PC&adb tool, as written here.
Why isn't there a boot-up management feature? Memory freeing/boosting? CPU usage? RAM usage? Automatic-task-killing? Modify apps ?
Various features of those types are not documented and not recommended to be used. Those can ruin how the apps work, just like OEMs do it sometimes even by default. This can also cause false crashes, or crashes that can't be reported. For users, some of those functions have the false promise by various apps that say it will make reduce battery consumption (search google for "Android task killer myth").
It is not a good thing to alter how apps work and behave, and Google has rules about modifying APKs, so I do not want to take the risk in doing so.
As for viewing information alone, this is something that isn't useful for users, but more for developers who already have them via the various development tools and even apps that specialize about it.
This app was made for users and power users mostly, and I want to make it work properly as much as possible, without worrying that for some devices or at some day things will be broken. I prefer to have as little workarounds as possible.
That's why I decided to stick with things that are more standard, more commonly used, and more available to be used.
I have an SD-card. Why can't I set an installed app to be on it, properly?
Installing an app to the SD-card has various restrictions that determine whether it's possible or not, and how much it will affect how well the app behaves.
To do it here, you have to have a rooted device (or use a PC with adb command as written above), the OS should allow to do it, and the target app should allow to do it.
That being said, you might try your luck via the developer-settings of the OS (check how to enable it on Google for your device), via "force allow apps on external" preference.
Why not share version-name and app-name alone instead of version-code and package-name with others?
Simply put, version-name and app-name are not unique enough, depend on the current locale, can be of any length (so it can be too long) and not restricted by which characters are used (so can be problematic on some OSs).
That's while version-code is always an increasing number, and package-name is always safe to use and is considered as the ID of the app on the Play Store and probably on any app-store.
That being said, I might allow to customize what to share some day, and let users be responsible of possible issues if they might occur.
In the past versions, the app didn't need to run in the background, and didn't need to have usage-stats permission at all. What happened?
In one word: Google . Google has changed the rules:
- For running in the background , the reason is that a lot of types of global events (called "Intents") need to be handled only with an app that has a sticky notification (called "foreground service"). Before Android 8.0, it was possible without this requirement. The app would have been awakened for each such event, handle it and go to sleep, while the OS can kill it if needed. Now it's not possible (read here). Adding to this, is that Google forces all new apps and updated to existing ones to do it for Android 8.0 and above, by the end of the year (read here). This means you should expect more apps to show their notifications, or they will present a weaker functionality.
The good news is that this actually helps with battery usage on Android 8.0 and above. Instead of re-creating the process of App-Manager for each event, the process is already alive, so less CPU will be used. And, since it's already alive, handling it will take less time. So, less CPU and less time, meaning more battery for you. You can also hide the notification if it bothers you.
- For usage-stats permission, before Android 8.0 I could get the exact app-size without any permission. And, before Android 5.0, I could get the recently launched apps with a permission that doesn't require requesting in runtime. Because of the recent changes, this is not possible anymore without usage-stats permission. And, since getting app-size and sorting apps by recently launched - are quite basic features, I decided to request it all in the beginning together with the storage permission that was always a requirement.
Getting the app-size was tricky before Android 8.0, and so I added a fallback in case it's not working for some users, or working too slow for them. It wasn't perfect, but it was all I could do.
The good news about this, is that it's much more efficient than what I did before. Getting app size is super fast, and it will always work because there is now an official way to do it. In fact it's so quick that I've removed the fallback for Android 8.0 and above.
Privacy policy ?
Written on this post.
Thank you!
Very simple and useful app!
newHere:) said:
Thank you!
Very simple and useful app!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcomed, and I do hope that it will succeed as I wish to improve it even more and make other useful and cool apps.
cool app,very helpfull for me,because im test so many apps from here and now its much easier to deinstalling,i like it!!!
-CALIBAN666- said:
cool app,very helpfull for me,because im test so many apps from here and now its much easier to deinstalling,i like it!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that's actually why I made the app myself, since I am both a developer and a user that tries out many apps.
will try it!! sounds nice
I would like to get some feedback from you people:
1. What is the best feature that you liked on the app?
2. What is the best feature that you'd like to have?
3. In case you have a good English accent, have the ability to record your device, would you like to put your video review?
If so, I will put your video (if it's good enough) on the play store, along with credits (or you put them at the end of the video if you wish).
No ads in the video, please .
AndroidDeveloperLB said:
I would like to get some feedback from you people:
1. What is the best feature that you liked on the app?
2. What is the best feature that you'd like to have?
3. In case you have a good English accent, have the ability to record your device, would you like to put your video review?
If so, I will put your video (if it's good enough) on the play store, along with credits (or you put them at the end of the video if you wish).
No ads in the video, please .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well overall, the app is quite streamline and easy to navigate.
And the making of APK to share file is the best feature that I liked.
It would be nice if the app could have the feature to natively share apks of different apps, from within, using wifi direct, if another device has this installed. Would make it even better.
About the review, I have had some experience with them, so i'll give it a shot tomorrow morning, it's 10 pm here at the moment so I can't prepare and edit now.
I like this, for me the most useful part is the sorting by install and updated. Enough that I did the donation thing to get rid of the ads.
Some suggestions:
Tabs or Drawers / Categories with Tags
- The way this would work is that you can tag apps with categories (each app being able to be tagged with as many categories as the user likes). For instance, I may make a category for frequently used and camera. I would tag my several camera apps with the camera tag, and the one I use most I would also tag with the frequently used tag.
- Then, when searching I could search for the tags as well, such as searching frequently used and all those with that tag would come up.
- Going a step further is the creation of preset tag search tabs. So at the top, or side or wherever it fits best, there may be a place for the Camera Tab Search that I would select it and see all my camera apps.
I think the above feature would make organizing and accessing the apps even more awesome.
The next suggestion is moving towards replacing the stock app manager.
- I use XPosed with Gravity Box. I set up the long press of the home button to launch your App Manager.
- I also use the GEL Settings that changes the Home Button into the Apps Button when you are already on your home screen. It would be awesome if you did the same, but instead made it link to your app.
KNIGHT97 said:
Well overall, the app is quite streamline and easy to navigate.
And the making of APK to share file is the best feature that I liked.
It would be nice if the app could have the feature to natively share apks of different apps, from within, using wifi direct, if another device has this installed. Would make it even better.
About the review, I have had some experience with them, so i'll give it a shot tomorrow morning, it's 10 pm here at the moment so I can't prepare and edit now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for sharing your opinion.
About sharing via Wifi-Direct, isn't it already possible in case both devices have an app for sharing stuff over Wifi-Direct?
For example, using "SuperBeam" ? I never tested the app or the feature, but I think it's already possible, no?
Some Roms (and I think it includes some stock Roms) even have this built in, as I remember.
Not sure though, if any of those solutions share APK files, or just media files.
Since I don't have multiple devices, I can't check it out, and I'm not sure if I will be able to develop it in a way without any bugs...
AndroidDeveloperLB said:
Thank you for sharing your opinion.
About sharing via Wifi-Direct, isn't it already possible in case both devices have an app for sharing stuff over Wifi-Direct?
For example, using "SuperBeam" ? I never tested the app or the feature, but I think it's already possible, no?
Some Roms (and I think it includes some stock Roms) even have this built in, as I remember.
Not sure though, if any of those solutions share APK files, or just media files.
Since I don't have multiple devices, I can't check it out, and I'm not sure if I will be able to develop it in a way without any bugs...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, many apps have this feature, but I just asked for it because this app already has many different methods of sharing an app, and this could make it even faster and better, due to more streamlined representation of your apps. But if it's hard for you, don't worry, no one's forcing you; you are the Dev, you decide how you app is.
But the functionality is quite great.
maddbomber83 said:
I like this, for me the most useful part is the sorting by install and updated. Enough that I did the donation thing to get rid of the ads.
Some suggestions:
Tabs or Drawers / Categories with Tags
- The way this would work is that you can tag apps with categories (each app being able to be tagged with as many categories as the user likes). For instance, I may make a category for frequently used and camera. I would tag my several camera apps with the camera tag, and the one I use most I would also tag with the frequently used tag.
- Then, when searching I could search for the tags as well, such as searching frequently used and all those with that tag would come up.
- Going a step further is the creation of preset tag search tabs. So at the top, or side or wherever it fits best, there may be a place for the Camera Tab Search that I would select it and see all my camera apps.
I think the above feature would make organizing and accessing the apps even more awesome.
The next suggestion is moving towards replacing the stock app manager.
- I use XPosed with Gravity Box. I set up the long press of the home button to launch your App Manager.
- I also use the GEL Settings that changes the Home Button into the Apps Button when you are already on your home screen. It would be awesome if you did the same, but instead made it link to your app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for sharing your opinion.
About the tagging suggestion:
Do you mean auto-tagging, or letting the user tag them? or maybe scan the play-store and tagging the apps using the category they were in...?
Currently, it's a rather time consuming thing to add this feature of tagging, especially if I will add a server side storage that will hold the tags of all the users.
It's a very good suggestion, though, and I will keep it in mind for future releases.
For now, if you wish to organize apps, there are plenty of launchers out there that do the job by putting the apps shortcuts into folders . Some, like "everything.me" launcher, will do it for you.
About having tabs of tags, I think it's against the guidelines of Google to have too many tabs (think how annoying it will be when you create many tags). Maybe a navigation drawer is better.
BTW, I also use Nova launcher, and I've tried a lot of launchers.
About replacing the stock app manager, that was my goal, but I still need to handle operations that I didn't find how to deal with, such as clearing the default of apps, getting the size of them correctly, toggling notifications on/off,...
I'm familiar with using XPosed, but didn't use Gravity Box module. I'm not sure what this module does (I've read its description now) ...
I didn't understand what you did with GEL settings. Did you make it so that the home button of the navigation buttons changed to anything you wish on certain cases?
KNIGHT97 said:
Yeah, many apps have this feature, but I just asked for it because this app already has many different methods of sharing an app, and this could make it even faster and better, due to more streamlined representation of your apps. But if it's hard for you, don't worry, no one's forcing you; you are the Dev, you decide how you app is.
But the functionality is quite great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My app only uses the apps that are already installed on your device. That's how Android works (using "send" intents in this case).
For example, if you had "WhatsApp" installed, it will be shown on the dialog I've made, and if "WhatsApp" supports sending APK files, it will also work (sadly I think it doesn't, but I'm pretty sure "Telegram" does).
BTW, the dialog I've made isn't the native one just because I wanted to add some features to it and I also didn't like how slow the default one is.
Can you please check if Wifi-direct is possible for this task, before I consider adding this feature? I will also try it out at the office if I get the chance.
AndroidDeveloperLB said:
My app only uses the apps that are already installed on your device. That's how Android works (using "send" intents in this case).
For example, if you had "WhatsApp" installed, it will be shown on the dialog I've made, and if "WhatsApp" supports sending APK files, it will also work (sadly I think it doesn't, but I'm pretty sure "Telegram" does).
BTW, the dialog I've made isn't the native one just because I wanted to add some features to it and I also didn't like how slow the default one is.
Can you please check if Wifi-direct is possible for this task, before I consider adding this feature? I will also try it out at the office if I get the chance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, telegram is the only one which would let you send apk files.
But I am not a dev, so I won't be able to check or add things. I am just a tester for the apps and roms and sometimes co-operate with reviews.
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So I found a small bug, in the sharing menu of the app, aside the regular apps, it also displays apps from music streaming services, but only the ones which allow uploading of content, like grooveshark.
KNIGHT97 said:
Yeah, telegram is the only one which would let you send apk files.
But I am not a dev, so I won't be able to check or add things. I am just a tester for the apps and roms and sometimes co-operate with reviews.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
About checking it, I didn't mean that you'd develop anything, not even search the internet about it.
I meant installing an app that lets you send files over WIFI-Direct (like the app I've mentioned), open it (not sure, but I think it's needed so that it would be enabled), and then use my app to send the APK via this app.
AndroidDeveloperLB said:
About checking it, I didn't mean that you'd develop anything, not even search the internet about it.
I meant installing an app that lets you send files over WIFI-Direct (like the app I've mentioned), open it (not sure, but I think it's needed so that it would be enabled), and then use my app to send the APK via this app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My bad, got you wrong there.
So I tested with Superbeam(tried other apps too, but just won't show them in share menu) and it works fine. The transfer is carried out normally like choosing a file to be transferred from any other app.
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Going to sleep for now. Will test, review and report further tomorrow morning.
KNIGHT97 said:
My bad, got you wrong there.
So I tested with Superbeam(tried other apps too, but just won't show them in share menu) and it works fine. The transfer is carried out normally like choosing a file to be transferred from any other app.
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Going to sleep for now. Will test, review and report further tomorrow morning.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure I understood :
Did it show up there ?
Did you succeed transferring the APK file using WIFI-Direct?
If so, that's great news. I wonder though how come WIFI-Direct sharing isn't a built in feature on Android.
I think it should be easy as using the Bluetooth.
Also I don't get why Android-Beam uses Bluetooth instead of WIFI-Direct (as done on Samsung's devices). In fact, maybe Google could make the files transfer faster by harnessing both Bluetooth and WIFI-Direct together.
Thanks very handy.... Donated.... And again cause I'm
.. And again
Christiancs1969 said:
Thanks very handy.... Donated.... And again cause I'm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow. Thanks. :good:
You are the first one who is...
Well one more for luck then.....
Seriously... Its very handy thanks
The subject of app/bloatware removal/disabling has been mentioned in a few threads throughout the NEX forum,but,not much to mention as far as advancing the discussion,so,I thought I'd start a thread to centralize the topic.
As w/any mods go,this is one that's fairly harmless,worse case scenario,a factory reset will get you back on track,but,ultimately everyone is responsible for their own phone & what happens to it.
With that out of the way..............
1) Any app that can be easily uninstalled by the "uninstall" button is 100% safe,no harm whatsoever. If you want,d/l an apk extractor tool app to make a copy & store wherever,should you change your mind.
2) Now,most are interested in getting rid of as many of the VIVO system apps as possible w/o crippling wanted functionality. This will be an evolving list,& gradually adding to it,with input from anyone interested,I'll update the list right here.
3) OK,the How-To is right here: https://www.xda-developers.com/uninstall-carrier-oem-bloatware-without-root-access/
4) Now here's what I have so far (see below,I'll edit/add as needed)
Any input regarding adding to the list is encouraged,please only suggest bloatware that you have actually uninstalled yourself & please include any effects on functionality that may have resulted,especially if it affected other apps & their functionality. (question marks below [??/etc...] are in place of Chinese letters/characters)
5) Once again,tried & tested input is highly encouraged & welcome. The list will grow & evolve/be edited on a continuous basis until we all get it figured out. :good:
******** A factory reset will restore all uninstalled apps
******** OTA's shouldn't be affected or affect the status of apps,whether they're installed or uninstalled (unless,of course,you've deleted something pertaining to updates,which won't be listed below)
******** The dates reflect the time of posting/removal,for ease of troubleshooting,in the event something noteworthy gets broken,it gives a good reference where to begin looking for the problem/solution.
*****************************************************************************************************************
I no longer have this phone,soooooo......
I'm looking for someone to take over the thread as the OP,to manage/edit the OP/List as they see fit.
I've already received pre-approval from the Admin/Moderator staff to make this happen,if anyone is interested,P.M. me.............................
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*****************************************************************************************************************
MAKE CERTAIN YOU HAVE A 3RD PARTY LAUNCHER INSTALLED BEFORE REMOVING THE FunTouchOS Launcher
**********FunTouchOS Launcher (com.bbk.launcher2) (8/16/18)**********
MAKE CERTAIN YOU HAVE A 3RD PARTY LAUNCHER INSTALLED BEFORE REMOVING THE FunTouchOS Launcher
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App Clone (com.vivo.doubleinstance)
Browser (com.vivo.browser)
Calendar (com.bbk.calendar)
Calendar pendants (com.vivo.widget.calendar)
Driving Mode (com.vivo.carmode)
iManager (com.iqoo.secure) Deleting this removes the traffic speed indicator in the notification bar.
Jovi Smart Scene (com.vivo.assistant)
Jovitranslate (com.vivo.aitranslate)
Jovi ?? (com.vivo.agent)
Log Collection (com.android.bbklog)
LogSystem (com.bbk.iqoo.logsystem)
Messages (com.android.mms) DO NOT UNINSTALL: (com.android.mms.service),Not sure,may be safe,erring on the side of caution,my Textra app is working fine,leaving well enough alone.
Mobile KTV (com.vivo.vivokaraoke)
NetworkLocation (com.baidu.map.location)
vivoCloud (com.bbk.cloud)
vivoice (com.baidu.duersdk.opensdk)
Weather Storage (com.vivo.weather.provider)
??????????? (com.iflytek.speechsuite)
**********ADDED ON 8/15/18************
VideoPlayer (com.android.VideoPlayer.apk)
**********ADDED ON 8/16/18************
Email (com.vivo.email)
EasyShare (com.vivo.easyshare) (app for file transfer when setting up a new phone)
My House com.bbk.scene.indoor (launcher designed for kids,home screen looks like a room)
i Music (com.android.bbkmusic)
Notes (com.android.notes)
V-Appstore (com.vivo.appstore) ]
vivo.com (com.vivo.website)
*******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
DO NOT REMOVE THE FOLLOWING, doing so breaks some functionality:
Gallery (com.vivo.gallery) Breaks ability to change wallpaper on lockscreen & desktop,suspect it also breaks instant access to other 3rd party gallery apps from stock camera app (verification needed)
VIVO Service (com.vivo.daemonService) Breaks option of "screen always on".
Per request,I've added the following post regarding MMS:
[GUIDE] VIVO NEX S/A Apps Safe To Uninstall/Disable Without Root
The subject of app/bloatware removal/disabling has been mentioned in a few threads throughout the NEX forum,but,not much to mention as far as advancing the discussion,so,I thought I'd start a thread to centralize the topic. As w/any mods go,this...
forum.xda-developers.com
Really great job and nice effort that all of Vivo Nex user should participate and share the knowledge and experience of uninstalling Chinese bloatware and optimize and maximize total experience when using their smartphone.
One thing is sure will never get bored as Funtouch OS has unlimited potential of uninstalling bloatware all over the UI
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
Thank you for this list. All removed (except for the '?????????' and nex running fine. Please is it possible to mention which apps are added every time the list gets updated? That way we don't have to check which apps we already removed. Thanks!
Guy1731 said:
Thank you for this list. All removed (except for the '?????????' and nex running fine. Please is it possible to mention which apps are added every time the list gets updated? That way we don't have to check which apps we already removed. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, absolutely..... I'll post every time a new app is either added or put back. I'll also add notes per each app if needed,especially for the ones that are system apps & not in the app drawer.
Sent from my vivo NEX S using XDA Labs
I'm also busy unstalling most apps. Here are some apps on the Nex, i didn't try them all, only the ones with - i unistalled with no problems.
package:com.vivo.weather.provider
-package:com.android.bbkmusic
-package:com.chaozh.iReader
-package:com.android.captiveportallogin
-package:com.android.BBKPhoneInstructions
-package:com.chaozh.iReader
-package:com.bbk.iqoo.logsystem
-package:com.baidu.duersdk.opensdk
-package:com.android.statementservice
-package:com.qapp.secprotect
-package:com.mobiletools.systemhelper
-package:com.bbk.cloud
-package:com.iflytek.speechsuite
-package:com.iqoo.secure - Highly recommend. This app blocks notifications, like Whatsapp and more.
-package:com.bbk.account
-package:com.vivo.weather.provider
-package:com.vivo.carmode
-package:com.sohu.inputmethod.sogou.vivo
package:com.vivo.smartmultiwindow
-package:com.vivo.aitranslate
-package:com.vivo.fuelsummary
package:com.vivo.livewallpaper.coffeetime
-package:com.vivo.setupwizard
-package:com.vivo.abe
-package:com.vivo.pem
-package:com.vivo.safecenter
-package:com.vivo.appfilter
-package:com.vivo.nightpearl
-package:com.vivo.hiboard
package:com.vivo.floatingball
-package:com.vivo.collage
-package:com.vivo.compass
-package:com.vivo.mediatune
-package:com.vivo.numbermark
-package:com.vivo.vivokaraoke
-package:com.vivo.weather
-package:com.vivo.ewarranty
-package:com.vivo.pushservice
-package:com.vivo.smartshot
-package:com.vivo.secime.service
-package:com.vivo.upnpserver
-package:com.vivo.quickpay
package:com.vlife.vivo.wallpaper
-package:com.vivo.daemonService
package:com.vivo.livewallpaper.geometry
-package:com.vivo.Tips
-package:com.vivo.game
package:com.vivo.udfingerprint
-package:com.vivo.SmartKey
-package:com.vivo.videoeditor
-package:com.vivo.permissionmanager
-package:com.vivo.hybrid
package:com.vivo.networkstate
package:com.vivo.livewallpaper.silk
package:com.vivo.widget.calendar
package:com.vivo.magazine
-package:com.vivo.devicereg
-package:com.vivo.doubletimezoneclock
package:com.vivo.vtouch
package:com.vivo.sim.contacts
package:com.vivo.livewallpaper.galaxy
-package:com.vivo.globalsearch
-package:com.vivo.sdkplugin
-package:com.vivo.findphone
package:com.vivo.networkimprove
package:com.vivo.audiofx
package:com.vivo.dream.weather
package:com.vivo.dream.clock
package:com.vivo.dream.music
package:com.vivo.upslide - Don't unistall this app. Navigation gestures will not work anymore if you do.
package:com.vivo.gallery
-package:com.vivo.agent
-package:com.vivo.email
-package:com.vivo.flash
-package:com.vivo.space
package:com.vivo.fingerprint
-package:com.vivo.aiservice
-package:com.vivo.minscreen
-package:com.vivo.contentcatcher
package:com.vivo.livewallpaper.coralsea
-package:com.vivo.doubleinstance
-package:com.vivo.browser
-package:com.vivo.bsptest
package:com.vivo.motionrecognition
package:com.yozo.vivo.office
-package:com.vivo.assistant
package:com.bbk.scene.launcher.theme
package:com.android.bbkmusic
package:com.bbk.updater
package:com.android.bbkcalculator
package:com.bbk.theme
package:com.bbk.iqoo.feedback
package:com.bbk.photoframewidget
package:com.bbk.launcher2
package:com.bbk.appstore
package:com.bbk.theme.resources
package:com.bbk.scene.databaseprovider
package:com.bbk.SuperPowerSave
package:com.android.bbksoundrecorder
package:com.bbk.account
package:com.bbk.iqoo.feedback
package:com.iqoo.engineermode
package:com.iqoo.powersaving
-package:com.bbk.iqoo.logsystem
-package:com.bbk.calendar
-package:com.android.bbklog
- package:com.bbk.appstore
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Updated OP with Dates of Removal, to facilitate troubleshooting in the event something of consequence gets broken.
I'm using the latest Windows 10 build where command prompt is replaced with Powershell. Have tried various options on the internet to revert back to command prompt (including going to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar and disable the option to use Powershell), but still stuck with Powershell. Any other workarounds ?
wwyjoe said:
I'm using the latest Windows 10 build where command prompt is replaced with Powershell. Have tried various options on the internet to revert back to command prompt (including going to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar and disable the option to use Powershell), but still stuck with Powershell. Any other workarounds ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm also on WIN10 & using Powershell, seems to be working here, been using it on various phones for ADB & Fastboot commands since day one.
Did you get the initial permission request pop-up on your phone?
Sent from my HUAWEI BKL-L04 using XDA Labs
Resolved, managed to have my NEX detected and successfully uninstalled several packages.
For the following Vivo apps, what are the respective packages i should uninstall?
1) vivo.com
2) GameCenter
3) i Theme
wwyjoe said:
Resolved, managed to have my NEX detected and successfully uninstalled several packages.
For the following Vivo apps, what are the respective packages i should uninstall?
1) vivo.com
2) GameCenter
3) i Theme
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1)com.vivo.space
2)??? ¿¿¿¿??? *
3)com.bbk.theme
*I'll have to get back to you on that one.....
Sent from my vivo NEX S using XDA Labs
Great post - many thanks. I must have uninstalled something I shouldn't have as the swipe up from the middle to get multitasking no longer works !!
Any ideas ?
I think i will wait to see if we can get and install the global rom before trying to uninstall some chinese app.
g_woodend said:
Great post - many thanks. I must have uninstalled something I shouldn't have as the swipe up from the middle to get multitasking no longer works !!
Any ideas ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing really jumps out from the list in the OP.
1) Are you able to use the nav buttons & get to recents/multi-tasking?
2) Did you uninstall anything that's not on the current list in the OP?
Many thanks for this great thread!
I have received my NEX today and right now am uninstalling stuff. If I get any new to be removed safely I will post here!
Best greetings from Austria!
KOLIOSIS said:
Nothing really jumps out from the list in the OP.
1) Are you able to use the nav buttons & get to recents/multi-tasking?
2) Did you uninstall anything that's not on the current list in the OP?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. I made sure that I only uninstalled items that were indicated safe in your post and some from the post by WhySoSeriousJoKer. I certainly have not uninstalled 'com.vivo.upslide' which was flagged as disabling navigation gestures.
All the other gestures work fine, it's only the swipe up from the middle to bring up the open apps !
g_woodend said:
Thanks for the reply. I made sure that I only uninstalled items that were indicated safe in your post and some from the post by WhySoSeriousJoKer. I certainly have not uninstalled 'com.vivo.upslide' which was flagged as disabling navigation gestures.
All the other gestures work fine, it's only the swipe up from the middle to bring up the open apps !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I wouldn't have uninstalled that one either.
For troubleshooting purposes, can you try out using the navigation buttons, see if you can access recents/multitasking?
Also, which software version were/are you on when you lost the multitasking function?
It probably doesn't matter, but, any information for troubleshooting purposes is always a good thing...
Sent from my vivo NEX S using XDA Labs
KOLIOSIS said:
The subject of app/bloatware removal/disabling has been mentioned in a few threads throughout the NEX forum,but,not much to mention as far as advancing the discussion,so,I thought I'd start a thread to centralize the topic.
As w/any mods go,this is one that's fairly harmless,worse case scenario,a factory reset will get you back on track,but,ultimately everyone is responsible for their own phone & what happens to it.
With that out of the way..............
1) Any app that can be easily uninstalled by the "uninstall" button is 100% safe,no harm whatsoever. If you want,d/l an apk extractor tool app to make a copy & store wherever,should you change your mind.
2) Now,most are interested in getting rid of as many of the VIVO system apps as possible w/o crippling wanted functionality. This will be an evolving list,& gradually adding to it,with input from anyone interested,I'll update the list right here.
3) OK,the How-To is right here: https://www.xda-developers.com/uninstall-carrier-oem-bloatware-without-root-access/
4) Now here's what I have so far (see below,I'll edit/add as needed)
Any input regarding adding to the list is encouraged,please only suggest bloatware that you have actually uninstalled yourself & please include any effects on functionality that may have resulted,especially if it affected other apps & their functionality. (question marks below [??/etc...] are in place of Chinese letters/characters)
5) Once again,tried & tested input is highly encouraged & welcome. The list will grow & evolve/be edited on a continuous basis until we all get it figured out. :good:
******** A factory reset will restore all uninstalled apps
******** OTA's shouldn't be affected or affect the status of apps,whether they're installed or uninstalled (unless,of course,you've deleted something pertaining to updates,which won't be listed below)
******** The dates reflect the time of posting/removal,for ease of troubleshooting,in the event something noteworthy gets broken,it gives a good reference where to begin looking for the problem/solution.
App Clone (com.vivo.doubleinstance)(7/7/18)
Browser (com.vivo.browser)(7/7/18)
Calendar (com.bbk.calendar)(7/7/18)
Calendar pendants (com.vivo.widget.calendar)(7/7/18)
Driving Mode (com.vivo.carmode) (7/7/18)
i Manager (com.iqoo.secure)(7/7/18)
Jovi Smart Scene (com.vivo.assistant)(7/7/18)
Jovitranslate (com.vivo.aitranslate)(7/7/18)
Jovi ?? (com.vivo.agent)(7/7/18)
Log Collection (com.android.bbklog)(7/7/18)
LogSystem (com.bbk.iqoo.logsystem)(7/7/18)
Messages (com.android.mms)(7/7/18) DO NOT UNINSTALL: (com.android.mms.service),Not sure,may be safe,erring on the side of caution,my Textra app is working fine,leaving well enough alone.
Mobile KTV (com.vivo.vivokaraoke)(7/7/18)
NetworkLocation (com.baidu.map.location)(7/7/18)
vivoCloud (com.bbk.cloud)(7/7/18)
vivoice (com.baidu.duersdk.opensdk)(7/7/18)
Weather Storage (com.vivo.weather.provider)(7/7/18)
??????????? (com.iflytek.speechsuite)(7/7/18)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You show com.vivo.browser as one of the apps that can be removed. When I send Location Sharing from Google Maps to a contact via messenger, the link opens up using the vivo Browser app. Can this be defaulted to another app before that browser is removed?
Saloei said:
You show com.vivo.browser as one of the apps that can be removed. When I send Location Sharing from Google Maps to a contact via messenger, the link opens up using the vivo Browser app. Can this be defaulted to another app before that browser is removed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's the choices of sharing that pop-up,with the apps removed (on 7/7/18) :
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
If I tap "Select People",my Google contacts appear & I get a link to direct share & it selects my default texting app (Textra,FWIW).
EDIT: @Saloei
As for if the default can be selected before the VIVO Browser is removed,I don't know,TBH,this is the 1st time I've ever used Location Sharing,LOL.
Can you send yourself a Location Sharing link selecting MESSENGER and then add your phone number as the receiver to see if it'll work with no VIVO BROWSER app installed?
Saloei said:
Can you send yourself a Location Sharing link selecting MESSENGER and then add your phone number as the receiver to see if it'll work with no VIVO BROWSER app installed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're speaking about Facebook Messenger, I don't use Facebook, but I was able to share the link with Textra, my default messaging app. I shared it to myself on the same phone, using both SIM Cards & using the same SIM Card as sender & receiver.
Also sent my location to another phone I have via Textra with no problem whatsoever.
Perhaps someone here who has already deleted the VIVO Browser & uses Facebook can verify it'll work.
My guess is that it will, but, I can understand if you're hesitant, most don't want to have to start over via factory reset if, in the unlikelyhood, it doesn't work.....
Sent from my vivo NEX S using XDA Labs
*I'm no dev., and some of the statements here might be technically innaccurate. Please, forgive and correct me. I'm just sharing my experience.
*I'm creating this thread following @elvinguitar 's request to list the apps/services safe to disable and how to do it.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Introduction
I've been google-free ever since I've rooted my Nexus 5 and flashed AOSP. Everything worked like a charm. I even experienced longer battery life and better performance. I've done the same to a Samsung Galaxy S, Motorola Moto G 2015 and a couple other Samsung, BQ and Xiaomi devices I don't remember the model now (family and friends). Really happy with the process. Of cause, you cannot use most Google apps if you don't have the google services (framework?) running in the background (consuming resources and collecting all sort of data).
Only downside when disabling Google core services is that most apps out there in the market use google services to show up a map. If you don't have google services, you won't see a map. However, it is possible to "trick" the apps into calling for openmaps instead. I haven't tried, though.
Android One lets you disable most apps/services via the default settings menu. But there are still some of Google's tentacles fused into the core of your phone you cannot get rid of. But heck, it's something. We'll have to wait until the custom ROMs start showing up.
The reason
There are endless reasons to use all Google products. But there are endless reasons to avoid them. It's up to you what you want to do with your privacy. Despite privacy laws and promises, it's well known that your data, once online it's not longer only yours. And smartphones sensors combined with big data management, they are capable of infinite ways of recording your lifestyle. Camera (obvious), microphone (obvious + knowing where you are and what are you doing by the background noise), location(obvious), GSM/wifi/bluetooth (knowing where you are, who you are with...), body sensors/movement sensors (activity you are doing all the time)... Without being paranoid, unless you are a VIP you are not being followed, and if someone really wants to follow you, they'll do so even if you get rid of all this apps. But ALL YOUR data is being stored and analyzed for their own profit and linked (securely) to your persona. Now, it's only for economical profit, but indirect censorship is already taking place. Try doing some research for something rather unpopular and then try looking up a mainstream celebrity. You'll see the difference. I'm sure you've all heard about the China "Social credit" they want to develop in China. It's what big internet companies have been doing for a while now. Orwell's big brother all over. It's kinda scary if you ask me.
Some reading:
https://www.socialcooling.com/
https://donttrack.us/
Some alternatives to Google products we all use
An example of rogue censorship (one of millions)
Interesting infographic about how google knows you
But well... let's go to the bone. These are the apps and services I've tried to disable and some alternatives I use/consider.
I strongly recommend using a powerful firewall that blocks all internet communications unless you say otherwise. I use AFwall+ (root). There are other alternatives like NetGuard (no-root) that use VPN. This way, even if you have an app you want to use, but you don't want it to be communicating with the outside, you can have it (nothing is bulletproof, though). - Let me know if you want a lit of internet enabled apps/services, too.
Disabled APPs / services
Note that I uninstalled the apps when possible. The unistalled apps won't be in that list. Also, I've stopped the device initial set up progress and, therefore, some apps had never been installed to my device. So, they are safe to disable.
Disabled via the settings menu:
Calendar
Carrier services @thorin0815 explained to me what they do. Thx.: "intended to allow you to take full advantage of RCS, which allows for extra features in the Android Messaging app)
Chrome
Contacts
Gboard
Gmail
Google
Google Backup Transport
Google Contacts Sync
Google One Time Init
Google Partner Set Up
Google Play Services
Google Services Framework
Market Feedback Agent
Messages
PAI
Photos
YouTube
Disabled via an app manager (root) or adb method without root
Device Setup
Feedback
Google Play Services
Spock
Google and tricky enabled apps I guess they can be disabled with no problem:
Android Setup
Android system webview (gotta look for an alternative)
Google text to speech engine
Maps
TalkBack
Google and tricky apps I do use and I won't disable because they are too critical for me (or I have no idea what they do and I'd rather not mess with them).
Android Services Library
Android Shared Library
Clock (there are alternatives, a lot. But it wakes me everyday, and it doesn't look to be to bad).
ConfigUpdater
PackageInstaller
Phone (I've tried a couple alternatives, but I didn't trust them (one crashed and the other one looked even worse (privacy-wise) than the original)
Print Service Recommendation Service
There are tons of other apps needed for the correct use of the device that shouldn't be disabled. Anything you can disable from the Settings/apps menu, you should be OK trying to disable it. Disable it, then try to use what you think the app might be used for, and if it works fine... there you go. Try and error!
Alternative APP to the disabled ones
When possible, I tried to use FOSS apps.
FOSS app catalog - F-Droid (most apps come from here)
Google Play - Yalp Store or Aurora store - Yalp works better, but Aurora is nicer. Both have Exodus Privacy check.
Maps - Here and OsmAnd (mountain) - there are a lot of good mapping apps out there.
Calendar - I use BusinesCalendar because I like the widget. But there are a lot of other apps. Eg.: SimpleCalendar. Personal preference.
Contacts - Again. Personal preference. I like the AOSP app.
Files - I have it. But I use Es File explorer. Not the best for privacy or anti-bloatware. But I like it.
Chrome - Firefox all the way! I use Firefox Beta. Previous versions of the non beta one used to be way slower compared to the beta one.
Gallery - Simple gallery
Mail - K-9 mail. It's ugly, but I love it. There is a material version. I also found another app worth trying, here in XDA, but cannot remember its name now. I'm switching to protonmail as my personal mail service (I still use Gmail, hotmail and others as I always have).
Phone - I use the stock app (google ) 'cause I didn't find a valid alternative.
Messaging - QKSMS. Signal is a neat app with more features and secure communication (thx @thorin0815)
Keyboard - I use SwiftKey (internet blocked)
Calculator - AOSP calculator.
YouTube - I use WebTube. NewPipe is a valid option, too.
Camera - Check the discussion threads about the camera
If you have any app not listed here, post a comment and I'll add it. Also, if there is any error or you know something I don't, let me know and I'll correct. Same with the apps/services I have no idea what they do.
IGNORE THIS POST
I have to talk to you about this, too. Among other things. (posting it here so I remember about them later)
AFirewall+
DAVdroid
Greenify
DuckDuckGo
Snowden
how to force disable
Just a suggestion for a Messenger alternative.
Signal, a nice and secure open source alternative for Whatsapp like and SMS apps.
Nice thread btw. I try to avoid Google and Microsoft stuff where I can aswell.
Too bad we don't have a nice mobile Linux for our phones.
Thanks for creating this thread. By the way, have you experienced some error when uninstalling some apps? I tried removing Gmail (via debloater) but after that, I keep getting crashes on some of my apps. Even magisk crashes.
Also, I tried uninstalling Chrome via debloater, but it seems like it's not working. What's your preferred way of uninstalling apps?
elvinguitar said:
Thanks for creating this thread. By the way, have you experienced some error when uninstalling some apps? I tried removing Gmail (via debloater) but after that, I keep getting crashes on some of my apps. Even magisk crashes.
Also, I tried uninstalling Chrome via debloater, but it seems like it's not working. What's your preferred way of uninstalling apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't experienced any issue unisntalling/disabling any of the mentioned. Except for google services. They are required by some third party apps to display a map layout. I uninstalled Gmail and Chrome with no problem.
What is "debloater"?
I preffer unisntalling apps via the traditional method when possible (settings/apps/unisntall). Same with disabling them. With Android One you can uninstall/disable most apps this way. I've experienced no issues.
For the apps thet the disable option is not available, I use an app known for being warez (I like it and I use it only for the powerful tools it provide). But there are other apps that'll do the job even better. In another device, I used APP2SD with another purpose, but I loved it. Titanium Backup is a powerfull tool that should work, too. However, you'll need the PRO package if you want to disable system apps. AppMgrIII and App Manager promise to get the job done, too. You'll need root with all of them, though.
thorin0815 said:
Just a suggestion for a Messenger alternative.
Signal, a nice and secure open source alternative for Whatsapp like and SMS apps.
Nice thread btw. I try to avoid Google and Microsoft stuff where I can aswell.
Too bad we don't have a nice mobile Linux for our phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Added Signal to the list. I'm more than happy with the other app because I only want it to recive sms. It's been ages since the last time I sent one. My brother uses SMS and he's happy with what Signal provides.
If you have any other ideas on how to stay away from the big guys, let me know
On my Moto G4 I always used the following app for freezing/disabling system apps with root.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.iamaner.oneclickfreeze
adriakus said:
I haven't experienced any issue unisntalling/disabling any of the mentioned. Except for google services. They are required by some third party apps to display a map layout. I uninstalled Gmail and Chrome with no problem.
What is "debloater"?
I preffer unisntalling apps via the traditional method when possible (settings/apps/unisntall). Same with disabling them. With Android One you can uninstall/disable most apps this way. I've experienced no issues.
For the apps thet the disable option is not available, I use an app known for being warez (I like it and I use it only for the powerful tools it provide). But there are other apps that'll do the job even better. In another device, I used APP2SD with another purpose, but I loved it. Titanium Backup is a powerfull tool that should work, too. However, you'll need the PRO package if you want to disable system apps. AppMgrIII and App Manager promise to get the job done, too. You'll need root with all of them, though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the tool that I'm using to debloat my device: https://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/magisk/module-terminal-debloater-debloat-t3584163
elvinguitar said:
This is the tool that I'm using to debloat my device: https://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/magisk/module-terminal-debloater-debloat-t3584163
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, I didn't unisntall Gmail nor Chrome. I just disabled them with no problem.
I don't know how this debloat tool works. My suggestion (someone might advise otherwise) is to do as much as you can via the default settings menu. Is you device rooted? If so, I'd rather use one of the apps mentioned before (by me ir by @thorin0815 ) to disable the locked ones. Personal preference. Mostly because I'm quite new to all the "systemless" thing, but also because I don't really care about OTA updates, so I don't need the system partition intact. I'll update android once LineageOS is ready. But again, this is how I'd do it. You might preffer another way.
thorin0815 said:
Too bad we don't have a nice mobile Linux for our phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a pitty the Firefox OS project was abandoned
Hi, do you know a way to quit the Google search bar from the Home Screen? O dont like it and rather a clean Home Screen
yaco96 said:
Hi, do you know a way to quit the Google search bar from the Home Screen? O dont like it and rather a clean Home Screen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For now, only way is to install another launcher. Any will do. There is a thread about it, too. Look it up
I suggest Lawnchair Launcher to get rid of the searchbar after freezing/disabling the Google app.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ch.deletescape.lawnchair.plah&hl=en_US
Lawnchair should have all the features of the stock one and many more.
Have you ever heared the sentence "I don't care about privacy. I have nothing to hide". Well...
Here is an interesting website on how important is privacy https://www.socialcooling.com/
I know most of you already know all of this, but it's a nice website to show family and friends and help them open their minds.
Also, watch the documentary and/or the movie about Snowden to see what's going on in the USA (most data and most popular internet servers are located there). Snowden and Citizenfour (available on youtube)
Hello, I disabled some apps via the adb method, including the inbuilt file manager, which causes some problems now. Could someone be so kind and either tell me where to find an apk of the file manager or maybe upload it somewhere? Thanks in advance
mr-obot said:
Hello, I disabled some apps via the adb method, including the inbuilt file manager, which causes some problems now. Could someone be so kind and either tell me where to find an apk of the file manager or maybe upload it somewhere? Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This one?
https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/files-google/files-6-8-1-0-release/
Nice thread. Now we have microG to replace google services. It is compatible with deodexed roms.
MicroG is great.. But few challenges I came across:
1. No Validation of purchases - Apps & In-Apps
2. Few apps being used due to work, eg. Google Workspace Chat doesn't work.
3. AutoVoice integration - only works with Google Voice Engine
Has anyone figured out how to handle any of the above challenges
Just looking for a way to deboat Xiaomi Miui and Google apps from my device. I've been waiting to unlock it, so still haven't been able to root it.
I found there's an Xiaomi debloater link on XDA that is older via ADB, but haven't tested it. https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/development/miui-xiaomi-global-debloater-the4anoni-t3879739
Also found the Magisk Systemless link, which might be a better option. https://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/magisk/module-terminal-debloater-debloat-t3584163
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=9&v=VKBdxR373ZM&feature=emb_logo
My preference would be installing a ROM that has this removed already, but if not possible, might have to go with one of these options.
Does anyone know of a better option to these or have any advice?
I basically want to get rid of all manufacturer and Google apps / services and only operate with the F-Droid store and FOSS software.
debloat apps
download Szakis latest tool (available on github or google) and you can remove nearly all apps from your phone
you need java and adb installed on a PC to use
I also used this tool. You can find it here.
I deleted this (see the three pictures):
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"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
https://tweakers.net/i/LXkBi66Lwhdr...age/wwnGf9djLT5P7ihs5VkudvpC.jpg?f=user_large
https://tweakers.net/i/0lRK1wSAFlZb...age/V7CNBI2ffvb5xc958r0Ti6DH.jpg?f=user_large
Thanks I ended up finding so many different ways to do this I wasn't sure which one would be best. The tools from Szakis definitely look easy to use.
Do you know if you can completely remove the Mi Account from the settings? Just wondering what happens if you disable all the Xiaomi apps as it will likely break that option.
Would be great if Miui 12 could be released without Gapps and the Miui apps. Hopefully there will be some development and a working version of LineageOS
birleytweet said:
Thanks I ended up finding so many different ways to do this I wasn't sure which one would be best. The tools from Szakis definitely look easy to use.
Do you know if you can completely remove the Mi Account from the settings? Just wondering what happens if you disable all the Xiaomi apps as it will likely break that option.
Would be great if Miui 12 could be released without Gapps and the Miui apps. Hopefully there will be some development and a working version of LineageOS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can completely remove many things with this tool. But with the second tab of this tool you can bring back the things you want. It's easy to do.
See also the attached document for more information.
Hi guys, I'm a Linux user, so I should(techinically)be able to debloat any Google or Mi crapware with a few adb commands.
I've disabled, what I can for now, & the Google apps will be pretty obvious. However, couple of points I need clarity on?
1) Are there any insidious, that are doing shady things going to Chinese servers, apps on this that I need to know about? There are even dodgy apps on Oneplus phones, unless you debloat, so I'm pretty certain Xiaomi devices have em.
2) Will debloating, stop me from getting full system updates & not parsing or worse send into bootloop?
Would like to know before I do anything stupid really, cheers...
andi54 said:
1) Are there any insidious, that are doing shady things going to Chinese servers
2) Will debloating, stop me from getting full system updates & not parsing or worse send into bootloop?
Would like to know before I do anything stupid really, cheers...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These are what I want to know too, if I get stuck into removing things I want to know if there's a real reason to instead of just hiding the icons and ignoring them.
Also, will it cause it to fail a valid OS check before upgrade - I've definitely seen this on older devices after cleaning bloat that meant updating became more difficult.
Obviously, the phone has processes/applications that are completely integrated into the system itself and that its uninstallation or disabling could affect the entire system, from forced closings, crash or, of course, bootloop.Its very very difficult to said exactly who ones. For example, some apps can be safely disabled but not uninstalled, others completely disabled.
In the end, honestly, it's a matter of experience and trial / error. More than once I have finished with the terminal locked or in bootloop and I have been forced to rehabilitate or reinstall the applications through Shell from the recovery (obviously with unlocked bootloader). Over the years you learn to have some security that applications better not touch them.
On the other, and this is general advice for everyone. Most applications that we can run from the launcher can be disabled, but normally "privacy" problems usually come from applications-activities that do not have icons and that are system processes, some can also be disabled / uninstalled ...
Some of them, however, although they are safe to disable / uninstall, directly affect system functions and can cause some crashes when the system should use them, for example the gallery or the themes.
but for what purpose? If the idea is to clean the desktop or the app drawer they can be hidden, if it is "fear" of data theft or dependence on Chinese servers, it is infinitely more practical to root the terminal and block the desired domains with a simple host file. , which is what I do both at the router level and at the terminal itself.
In my case what I usually do:
1º. Unlock the bootloader and of course root it with Magisk.
2º. Uninstall directly from the application manager itself what the system lets me uninstall and I'm not interested in.
3º. Disable by terminal or Titanium those apps that after years I am sure I do not need and are sure to delete, from time to time I able to add some app new.
4º. Hide the icons of those apps that I prefer not to touch in order not to lose functionality
5º. Add my own host file to block all traffic with Xiaomi servers that I am not interested in, without touching or affecting what I do, such as updates and others.
6º. Installing a simple FW as a supervisor, from time to time is useful for me to know the domains to which each application is connecting and decide whether or not to add it to my host file.
Root is need for 5º and 6º.
Well was able to get the latest rom and root working today.
Played around with the Terminal Deloabter, which seems simple enough. Just trying to work out what apps I can remove to get rid of all Google Services and Xiaomi.
I got rid of many and in the end the phone wouldn't boot up again.
Otherwise I'm thinking of trying a GSI ROM version of AOSP, but they appear to have bugs at the moment.
Will keep trying and see where I get.
If a Miui rom could be created without Google and debloater that would be ideal. Or even with MicroG built in would be perfect
birleytweet said:
Well was able to get the latest rom and root working today.
Played around with the Terminal Deloabter, which seems simple enough. Just trying to work out what apps I can remove to get rid of all Google Services and Xiaomi.
I got rid of many and in the end the phone wouldn't boot up again.
Otherwise I'm thinking of trying a GSI ROM version of AOSP, but they appear to have bugs at the moment.
Will keep trying and see where I get.
If a Miui rom could be created without Google and debloater that would be ideal. Or even with MicroG built in would be perfect
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From my point of view your mistake has been cleaning without any type of filter and together. In first place, I will never uninstall anything, I will just disable it, and start with what seems obvious that it will not affect the system. Rebooting from time to time and checking that everything works as it should. If there is an error it generally does not cause bootloop, it can be easily enabled again from the system itself.
In the case of Bootloop, as being little changes, it gives you the perfect idea that the application has had the problem, and simply by TRWP you can re-enabled again and "mark" that Apps as essential / necessary . It is practically like I have always been cleaning my systems... with time, patience...
And even with everything, from time to time, I still delete some additional that I see that is totally unnecessary.
Hey for removing Google. I found G-Killer on XDA forums, but looks like it's out of date and not working. Something like this would be ideal. https://forum.xda-developers.com/an...roma-google-services-debloater-t3668456/page7
Hi guys,
i uninstalled some apps from command prompt and so far everything ok. today, however, I wanted to continue with the lightening work and now the device does not install apk and system app updates. play store works well both in updates and in the installation of new apps.
the singular thing that the same apps I also uninstalled on the mi9t and everything works fine.
EDIT. Fixed. Reinstalled miui guard provider
My Google Play Protect is turned OFF - yet Handcent Next SMS app was disabled from my phone as well as everyone else's recently. Why Google did it is a separate story [issue has apparently been resolved with a new version of app] - but let's talk about how Google does this?
I manually reinstall the old .apk which reactivates the app, but Google nukes it within 24 hours.
What can be done to stop Google from doing this?
If you feel that Google should do this 'for our protection,' I respect your opinion, but this thread isn't about that. What can be done in Settings to prevent / stop Google from disabling an already installed app on our phones? This is not about the Play Store. It's about already installed apps on our phones. Play Protect is OFF.
There are reasons people want older versions of apps - such as features no longer available on new versions of a given app.
Disable all Google apps that are set as System Administrator including Find my Device, etc.
Disable Google play Services when not needed.
If Google play Services in enabled on a reboot it will trigger that type of behavior.
This may or may not work on a non Samsung device. Google apks are drooling pigs... and only getting worse.
Thank your for your reply. Phone is unlocked Samsung Galaxy S10e.
It sounds like the suggestion is to disable a plethora of apps and services that would have the end result of transfroming the phone into more or less a device that doesn't use anythig Google, even services that we actually may need..
Is there an app that could accomplish this, I mean all that's needed is to block disabling one single app.
I don't need to password protect usage or anything else - just prevent anything from disabling the app / removing it. Thank you.
Can I do anything to lay a trap so that we could see the mechanism which Google uses to disable an already installed app on your phone - it's not Play protect, It's OFF on my phone.
I mean, I will eventually start looking for another app - it's not really about that - but I mean think about it, do you really want them to disable your apps, with *no warning*, no *hey we've discovered a security issue, you might want to be aware of* - instead they just nuke an app we've used for like a decade, no explanation, just because they feel it's good for us, I mean are we in China? Or worse yet, Russia?
Anyone else bothered by this? I'd just like to see if anyone knows a way for us to have a choice, that's all.
8
c627627 said:
Thank your for your reply. Phone is unlocked Samsung Galaxy S10e.
It sounds like the suggestion is to disable a plethora of apps and services that would have the end result of transfroming the phone into more or less a device that doesn't use anythig Google, even services that we actually may need..
Is there an app that could accomplish this, I mean all that's needed is to block disabling one single app.
I don't need to password protect usage or anything else - just prevent anything from disabling the app / removing it. Thank you.
Can I do anything to lay a trap so that we could see the mechanism which Google uses to disable an already installed app on your phone - it's not Play protect, It's OFF on my phone.
I mean, I will eventually start looking for another app - it's not really about that - but I mean think about it, do you really want them to disable your apps, with *no warning*, no *hey we've discovered a security issue, you might want to be aware of* - instead they just nuke an app we've used for like a decade, no explanation, just because they feel it's good for us, I mean are we in China? Or worse yet, Russia?
Anyone else bothered by this? I'd just like to see if anyone knows a way for us to have a choice, that's all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm also very much bothered by it. Like, on my older phone google just outright disabled the font manager app, that was a system/vendor app. What risk would that app would pose, if it was risky it surely wouldn't be pre-installed! Moreover it was just a font manager!!!
Gmh rafi said:
8
I'm also very much bothered by it. Like, on my older phone google just outright disabled the font manager app, that was a system/vendor app. What risk would that app would pose, if it was risky it surely wouldn't be pre-installed! Moreover it was just a font manager!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The app may have been compromised. Scan the apk with online Virustotal.
Google on the other hand has long been compromised
Blocking Playstore with Karma Firewall will stop this behavior.
blackhawk said:
The app may have been compromised. Scan the apk with online Virustotal.
Google on the other hand has long been compromised
Blocking Playstore with Karma Firewall will stop this behavior.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It isn't about if the app was compromised or not, it's just that google doesn't give us the choice. That's what iritates me. Just as @c627627 said, isn't it more like china or Russia? Dictating without our consent.
blackhawk said:
The app may have been compromised. Scan the apk with online Virustotal.
Google on the other hand has long been compromised
Blocking Playstore with Karma Firewall will stop this behavior.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyway, karma is the best firewall after all
Gmh rafi said:
Anyway, karma is the best firewall after all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's great. My one Note 10+ is still running on Pie. Karma's logging feature is fully active in that version. Even tags/time stamps each app that connects. That functionality was lost with Android 10☹ It still will block but it greatly reduces its use for fast troubleshooting.
One reason I still run Pie.
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"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
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}
I would still scan that app to be on the safe side. I use ApkExport to make installable copies of all my apps and updates and take Playstore out of the loop. This protects those apps is case of bad upgrades or deletion from Playstore. Makes reloading much faster and no guessing/searching.
I have discovered [the hard way] how to successfully deal with this.
Fact: Turning OFF Google Play Protect does not turn OFF Google Play Protect. Google *will* scan and disable anything it wants using Play Protect, *regardless* of whether your Play Protect is ON or OFF.
Play Protect OFF button is there as an illusion that you have a choice, you do not. Your phone may have any app disabled any time by Google... for your protection of course. For our protection.
Now here's the correct way to do this:
Google Play Store > [upper right corner] Tap your name icon > Play Protect >
You will see your disabled app listed, with two options:
Uninstall
and
Enable app
The *only* correct way to re-enable it, is to TAP on Enable App here > Enable [to confirm.]
Doing anything else, such as uninstalling/reinstalling/manually installing an .apk file will only _temporarily_ work.
Google will disable it again, 24 hours or so later...
So you must follow exact procedure above to Enable App if you wish to continue to use it, after it has been flagged by Google Play Protect.
Being able to re-enable it is a big deal. You don't get to do that in China or Russia so tank you Google for giving us this choice.
c627627 said:
I have discovered [the hard way] how to successfully deal with this.
Fact: Turning OFF Google Play Protect does not turn OFF Google Play Protect. Google *will* scan and disable anything it wants using Play Protect, *regardless* of whether your Play Protect is ON or OFF.
Play Protect OFF button is there as an illusion that you have a choice, you do not. Your phone may have any app disabled any time by Google... for your protection of course. For our protection.
Now here's the correct way to do this:
Google Play Store > [upper right corner] Tap your name icon > Play Protect >
You will see your disabled app listed, with two options:
Uninstall
and
Enable app
The *only* correct way to re-enable it, is to TAP on Enable App here > Enable [to confirm.]
Doing anything else, such as uninstalling/reinstalling/manually installing an .apk file will only _temporarily_ work.
Google will disable it again, 24 hours or so later...
So you must follow exact procedure above to Enable App if you wish to continue to use it, after it has been flagged by Google Play Protect.
Being able to re-enable it is a big deal. You don't get to do that in China or Russia so tank you Google for giving us this choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Blocking Google Playstore with Karma Firewall will probably stop it.
I have some apps long gone from Playstore, it ignores them if it runs. I don't know... maybe time to scan those apps you have getting wacked off with Virustotal, again.
They may have been compromised.
I always keep backup installable copies of all my apps for reloads or in case something else goes south.
Thanks for this but, in my case, a certain app has parts of its features stop working and THEN play protect disables it all. If I enable it in play protect section then some features are missing, until I uninstall the app and reinstall. But then I face the same issue with play protect slowly dismantling my app and the finally disabling it.
I wondered, what if I enable it once I get the prompt in play protect section then just install the app again without uninstalling it. Would that work without play protect disabling it again?