"Hello Android buddies!". Sounds really cool, right??
Obviously, Android has created a new revolution in the mobile world because of its Open Source features. Though it is Open Source, we can see lot of advantages and disadvantages. I've seen many geeks in android also lot more noobs. More than 1 Billion android users are there in this world and the count is getting increased day by day. Even now many users are reading this blog in your android phones. If so, a Happy news in waiting for you guys.
We are spending huge bucks in buying a Android device but How you feel when it got stolen are Misplaced somewhere? Don't worry guys, you are at right place. Yeah, here we gonna see how to secure your device from thieves hand also how to track it effectively. You know what the word "Effectively" means and you really agree it once you are done with this cool method.
For Android geeks - Best method to track/protect your droid (Rooted devices)
For Noobs - Sorry for you guys, small loop hole is there (NON Rooted devices)
Before we customize our device for tracking, lets consider what a thief will do if he/she steals your mobile.
Power Off your mobile to prevent getting calls and sms or simply to get off from tracking.
If lockscreen protection is enabled, he/she tries to remove the phone battery (in case of removable battery mobiles).
Remove SIM card from your mobile. At this point all users will lose their hope in getting their mobile back.
Factory reset your mobile.
If he/she is a geeky, flashing new ROM is also possible(bit funny but its fact).
To overcome all these darkest part, we gonna use 3 different apps in our process.
STEP 1:
Enable Password protected lock-screen from settings and I hope all users know how to do it. Now your droid's data is protected securely.
STEP 2:
Install Smart Lockscreen protector app from Playstore and ON the Enable Lockscreen option under Power menu settings.
Now this app won't let you to Power Off your mobile from Lockscreen. Its one of the best app for devices with non-removable battery. Problem 1 is solved.
STEP 3:
Install AutomateIT app from Playstore or spend few bucks on AutomateIT PRO which unlocks all features. This app allows user to enable Data/WIFI/GPS using SMS commands. For devices running android version prior to GingerBread 2.3, GPS can be enabled by any third party apps however devices above GB 2.3, Google has blocked the access hence ROOT permission is required to enable this feature. Sorry for the users with non-rooted droids. Check the picture to create trigger and action if you are using the app for the first time. To enable the "Composite Action" in the Action column, you need to unlock the feature at the bottom of the list which asks you to create account. Just Go ahead.
Once you are done with the configuration, test it by sending the sms with specified format gpson from another number and see what happens. You'll receive an acknowledgment sms that the config has been applied and all the options which you've specified are enabled. So if you come to know that your mobile has been stolen, this sms commands let you to activate GPS remotely and we can track effectively compared to Network location. Big thanks to the developer of this awesome app.
STEP 4:
Now we are going to use 2 different steps to track the devices running android version 2.2 and above.
Using Android Device Manger
Using Cerberus Antitheft app
Android Device Manger:
Thanks to Google for allowing us to track our device associated with the Gmail account. To locate your device in ADM, you need to apply some settings. Open Google Settings app and enable the options in picture.
Goto Settings->Security->Phone administrator and Enable Android Device Manger. Now open Android Device Manager from the browser and you can track the device, also it allows you to remotely lock and wipe user data.
Though ADM allows you to locate your device, the features are very limited and I hope Google will update more features in near future.
Cerberus Anti-theft:
I'm sure you guys will surely attracted by this awesome app. Many have heard about this app but still I need to explain its features here but sadly I don't have time for it. Hope you know what I mean. It has hell lot of features which allows user to get device info remotely, call logs, sms logs, Send sms to specified number about the SIM change which is one of the best feature which solves problem 3.
Install Cerberus Antitheft app from Playstore. You'll get one week trail period after that you need to buy license to continue the service and its worth spending few bucks on this app. First installation allows you to create User account and enable the following options
You can register 3 mobile numbers to receive notification about the SIM change. Login to the Cerberus site and there you can see all the features provided by this app and I'm damn sure that you can surely locate your device using any one of the features.
STEP 5:
Catch the thief and show who you are..!! :good:
DEVICE NOW SECURED
Even though we considered so many things in mind to protect our device, you must be very careful from looters. I can't guarantee that this method will work 100% but surely I'll give 95% to rooted mobile and 90% to others. Also keep in mind that you've limited time period to track & recover your mobile as it decreases along with the device battery percentage.
Found this thread useful..??...Rate & Hit Thanks...:good:
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Reserved for future....!!
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[APP 4.1+] 3C All-in-One Toolbox
3C Toolbox, available on Play Store and XDA Labs is the most comprehensive must-have toolbox for Android version 4.1 and above, running any ROM or kernel. Issues, suggestions, feature requests, please make sure to read post #2.
This app includes all features delivered separately in below apps. This is the result of many years of work to bring all features together in an easy-to-use giant toolbox, and it includes the features of many other apps, including Titanium Backup, Greenify, BetterBatteryStats, App2SD, Seeder, ROM Toolbox Pro, SetCPU, System Panel, Root Explorer, Autorun Manager, Terminal Emulator, Script Editor, SD Booster, BuildProp Editor, ATK and so much more.
What is 3C Toolbox Replaces 20+ apps easily worth 30€ for the price of a couple of beers!
Download link Play Store XDA Labs
Can take advantage of the following apps (not integrated because of policy restrictions from Play Store):
3C Sensitive Backup - Allows backup/restore of SMS/MMS and call-log, can work with 3C Toolbox to schedule backups.
3C Legacty Battery Stats - Allows reading Android legacy battery statistics
Non-exhaustive list of integrated apps and features :
3C CPU Manager (root) - CPU/GPU controls for root users
3C Kernel Tweaker (root) - Kernel tweaking for root users
3C Task Manager - A simple yet powerful task manager for Android
3C Task Recorder - A simple yet powerful task recorder for Android
3C Log Reader - A simple log reader allowing you to read logcat, kernel and xposed logs from a single place
3C Explorer - This is a very simple file explorer for Android
3C Toggles - Highly customizable widgets to control about 30 system components.
3C Battery Monitor - The most complete tool to monitor your battery, have no equal on Play Store.
3C Network Manager - Monitor trafic and control network configurations
3C Apps Manager - The most complete app manager to backup/restore/control all your apps
3C SQLite Manager - A simple SQLite editor
More information
App Features
App screenshots
3C Apps Feature Comparison
Lowest CPU consumption on Play Store
Permissions requested
Getting started guide
Online help
Unique features not available elsewhere
◊ Track your ROM, kernel and battery performance (%/h or mA, screen on or standby)
◊ Battery milli-amp (mA), mW and %/h consumption reporting
◊ Automatic backup of installed and updated applications
◊ Highly configurable textual and graphical monitoring widgets
◊ The most advanced and configurable UI
◊ Clean and safe reboots, without data loss (root required)
◊ And much more
FAQ and guidelines for any queries
Before you put a bad rating on Play Store for a single broken feature among the 100 the app delivers, and before you contact me (or post here), you may consider the following:
◊ 3C Toolbox runs on hundreds of devices and custom ROMs, I cannot test all of them, however I try to change device regularly to ensure the app is compatible with all devices, please check my signature.
◊ 3C Toolbox and its derived apps are, at the time of writing, used by more than half a million users and 3C Toolbox Pro is rated 4.8/5 by about 3000 users.
◊ 3C Toolbox runs on Android 4.x and above, I always have at least one device running 4.x, 5.x, 6.x, 7.x and 8.x to avoid issues, however I may miss some key differences from time to time, possibly causing the app to crash or a feature to malfunction.
◊ 3C Toolbox is not a game relying on well established documentation, but an advanced toolbox which uses some undocumented features, which have evolved along with each version of Android. Even some documented features had to be adapted to newer Android versions.
◊ 3C Toolbox provides milli-Ampere data for your battery either provided by Android OS or estimated by the app when there is no current sensor. Hardware current sensor can sometimes report inaccurate or no data at all. It's impossible to predict how the next device will report milli-Ampere if it does at all.
◊ I'm a human being, not a service center, not a big corporate. Like any other human being I don't like being bashed or insulted by email or anywhere else and will no longer waste my time for anyone doing so.
Why such guidelines?
- You want new features and improvements as soon as possible?
- You want a quick solution to a problem?
- You don't want to waste your time explaining?
Me too, that's that simple.
Feature requests?
Please explain using as few words as it's possible and join a screenshot if it applies to an existing feature. Pictures speaks 1000 words they say, maybe.
Issues with CPU temperature or battery current mA or capacity mAh?
Please explain this in a support request sent from app settings, help and support so I can provide the appropriate option to use in 'mA retrieval method' of battery / monitoring settings and add out-of-the-box support for your device. All necessary information is provided in the request's attachments.
Battery current mA and CPU temperature are non standard on Android and every devices/manufacturers provides it differently or not at all. Don't blame the app if your device doesn't provide it or report inconsistent values, ask your manufacturer which get paid lots of bucks.
Issues with GPU tab missing features?
GPU configuration is not something standard on Android, and there are currently 10+ implementations available. If you miss something, please send a support request from app settings, help and support mentioning what's missing and a screenshot of each GPU tabs.
How to get support for any other issues
Please send a support request from app settings, help and support. You need to clearly explain your issue, attach any relevant screenshots showing where and how the issue occurs. I will not provide any support here.
The idea is that you explain the observed issue, possibly add a screenshot so that I know exactly where to look (app has 100+ screens and sometimes words don't mean the same for you and me), from there I can really do a good job at helping you. You want my help, do it the right way or simply don't.
The support requests contains the following (you can check the content before sending). Privacy policy is available here.
◊ Battery technical details as available on device
◊ Battery history recorded (last 100 records)
◊ CPU technical details as available on device
◊ SD mount points (to help identify unsupported SD locations)
◊ Previous visible and internal crash reports (FC)
◊ Process running (to identify possible conflicts)
◊ App configuration (version number, type and mA retrieval method in use)
◊ Android configuration (version, security settings, ROM, kernel)
You've read all this? I thank you for your time and hope you enjoy my apps.
Future plans
Here is what I'm working on or planning next:
Improve ROM Manager with extra features.
Improve Battery Manager status tab and displayed data
Add tabs to App Manager (protect, debloat, crystallize, others?)
Add 'optimize' tab to System Manager for memory/storage
Improve file manager with swipe left-right and new tab options
Improve Terminal Emulator with real terminal display.
Improve UI, suggestions most welcome.
Removing all ads to see if it brings any positive results (currently testing on 3C Toolbox).
Add PayPal to XDA Labs apps if possible.
This is my current objectives:
Increase user support from Play Store, Huawei AppGallery or XDA Labs
Get XDA Labs apps Google-free (using PayPal)
3C Privacy Policy
What information do my apps (published by Counotte Cedric) collect or disclose?
None whatsoever. Device/user information may be used to display advertisements through cookies should you accept to receive personalized ads.
This concerns all 3C apps, including but not limited to:
3C App Manager
3C Battery Manager
3C Explorer
3C Legacy Battery Stats
3C Logs
3C Network Manager
3C Sensitive Backups
3C Task Manager
3C Task Recorder
3C Toggles
3C Usage Manager
3C Sensitive Backups - Access to SMS/MMS/Call-Log/Contacts/History
This app allows you to backup your personnal data and for that reason will request access to your private data on your device. Such data will be accessed for backup purposes only and will never be sent to 3C or third party.
Advertisements and Cookies
This web site, nor any of my apps use cookies directly, however Google ads may use cookies to show ads more relevant to you. You can opt-out of this particular usage. More information here.
Google Drive access
You may grant my apps (3C Toolbox, 3C Explorer or 3C Sensitive Backups) access to your personal Google Drive content as part of the explorer feature or to allow the app to backup/restore your device's data (apps, sms/mms, call-logs).
None of your data will ever be collected or disclosed by those apps.
The apps Toolbox and Explorer allow you to move your data to/from Google Drive (and other cloud storage like WebDav, FTP(S), Samba) at your own discretion, without ever collecting any of those.
The apps Toolbox and Sensitive Backups allow you to backup/restore your personnal data to/from Google Drive (and other cloud storage) at your own discretion, without ever collecting any of those.
What information can you send manually?
When using the 'support request' feature included in apps settings, you actually send technical information about your phone's setup, but nothing personnal.
All my apps send basic app and system information (versions, type, root, as so on).
You can always review the content of a 'support request' before sending it.
Battery Monitor Widget app also sends:
Battery technical details as available on device
Battery history recorded (last 100 records)
3C Toolbox also sends:
Battery technical details as available on device
Battery history recorded (last 100 records)
CPU technical details as available on device
SD mount points (to help identify unsupported SD locations)
Previous visible and internal crash reports (to help fix bugs)
Process running (to help identify possible conflicts)
Even though the information received does not contain private or personnal data, it is treated the same way: never disclosed and trashed after a month (delay may vary).
Should you have further questions, feel free to post a reply or write to [email protected].
New thread, now all the information is concentrated. Thanks @3c :good:
Toolbox Pro is the Swiss Army knife of Android!! It is the best investment.
---------- Post added at 11:04 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:53 AM ----------
@3c I have a question (maybe crazy) about notifications in status bar, it would be possible to create "smart notifications"? :silly:
I try to explain. Could the font automatically updated with the font of my theme on android? including option to choose font, native android or theme in use.
I fully understand that this is not a simple upgrade.
The status bar notifications are one of the many options offered by Toolbox, but these were the ones that did make their work known to me earlier in Battery Monitor Widget and System Tunner. :fingers-crossed:
Thank you so much @3c
[deleted]
3c said:
[deleted]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. is in reference to the icons, sorry. The text is fine, it's the same as my theme in use. I would like the icons behave alike, would perfect.
My request will surely need a lot of work, modify or create all the notifications does not sound good. Maybe in the future it would be possible to add some new notification packets with a modern style.
Here you can see the differences in the font, "A" retains the old style, "B" has the size and font with a modern style.
Sorry I could not reply before. Thanks @3c
N.Tesla said:
Yes. is in reference to the icons, sorry. The text is fine, it's the same as my theme in use. I would like the icons behave alike, would perfect.
My request will surely need a lot of work, modify or create all the notifications does not sound good. Maybe in the future it would be possible to add some new notification packets with a modern style.
Here you can see the differences in the font, "A" retains the old style, "B" has the size and font with a modern style.
Sorry I could not reply before. Thanks @3c
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, a lot of work, however existing icon will remain as-is. The idea of creating collection with specific themes, like white, black, ICS, could be a good start so that every information can be shown for each theme. At least it will bring some consistency.
Note also that the clock you have on your status bar is custom-made by your ROM. The ROM is allowed to use any means and is likely using real characters, while apps can only show icons. Hard to make, even less make it customizable.
I'm considering building the packs directly from the device, but it would require adding a lot of things and I still have issues signing an APK properly. Those extra things will have to be downloaded separately because Play Store policies do not authorize apps that contain code to mess with other APKs, such as de-odexing which now requires such extra download.
That said, the icons are getting old, and needs refreshing.
3c said:
Yes, a lot of work, however existing icon will remain as-is. The idea of creating collection with specific themes, like white, black, ICS, could be a good start so that every information can be shown for each theme. At least it will bring some consistency.
Note also that the clock you have on your status bar is custom-made by your ROM. The ROM is allowed to use any means and is likely using real characters, while apps can only show icons. Hard to make, even less make it customizable.
I'm considering building the packs directly from the device, but it would require adding a lot of things and I still have issues signing an APK properly. Those extra things will have to be downloaded separately because Play Store policies do not authorize apps that contain code to mess with other APKs, such as de-odexing which now requires such extra download.
That said, the icons are getting old, and needs refreshing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, google policies do not distinguish between a good developer and a novice or bad practices developer. Maybe in the future learn to differentiate.
My ROM is stock (OnePlus One) CM11s 4.4.4 themed DarkUI of @Thyrus
New packages in the future sounds great, this is not something urgent, I know you have a long list of work. Just the fact that you keep this in mind, for me as a gift. :victory:
Thank you so much @3c :good::good:
3C Toolbox 1.2 released
3C Toolbox version 1.2 has been released this morning on Play Store (Amazon will follow in a few days) and includes the following:
New widget Material (Android 5.0 Lollipop) background option
Update Xposed framework to version 2.6.1
Remove HOLO theme option now useless
New launcher shortcut theme options
New toggle widgets icon theme
Bug fixes
Updates for other apps should follow shortly.
3c said:
3C Toolbox version 1.2 has been released this morning on Play Store (Amazon will follow in a few days) and includes the following:
New widget Material (Android 5.0 Lollipop) background option
Update Xposed framework to version 2.6.1
Remove HOLO theme option now useless
New launcher shortcut theme options
New toggle widgets icon theme
Bug fixes
Updates for other apps should follow shortly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Version 1.21 fixes the Failed to enable event issue. Thanks for quick response.
Sent from my cdma 4.4.2 Virgin Mobile HTC Desire 601 zara_cl
Today update is beautiful with min and max values in graphic widget!.. Thanks 3c!
Hi, I just want to know if there's any way you can put limit on the time for wakelocks, like to allow it only for how many seconds, and to deny an alarm. If so, then how and where in the app? Say for example Audiomix. Thanks!
Celesica said:
Hi, I just want to know if there's any way you can put limit on the time for wakelocks, like to allow it only for how many seconds, and to deny an alarm. If so, then how and where in the app? Say for example Audiomix. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, it is not possible to temporarily disable events or permissions, you can just disable it completely.
Need Root permissions and Xposed Framework installed to be 100% functional. Perhaps @3c can explain this information to better news.
Open 3c toolbox, go to Apps Manager - Backups - and make a backup of the apps that you want to change, this is very important!
To disable permissions go to Apps Manager - Permissions - here you can disable permissions. At the bottom you can choose which apps show: All, User or System.
To disable specific permissions go to Apps Manager- Startups / Events. At the top of the list, select Type: All. Click on the App you want and disable unwanted events.
You can also make long pulsation and a popup window is displayed, select Permissions, disable Permissions or Services that do not want to grant. I have personally turned off everything that says "ads" or "report location" and some more.
Note 1: I have been unable to find anything related to AUDIOMIX.
Note 2: If after some App modify this becomes unstable if you can restore a backup made before.
@3c is it possible to support screen on,rotating,full screen options without xposed framework? i am only using xposed framework for ur app. so i want to uninstall it.
Minor issue: freezing App no longer Kills it as well. Running rooted Lollipop and latest Pro version.
tobitege said:
Minor issue: freezing App no longer Kills it as well. Running rooted Lollipop and latest Pro version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's an unfortunate side-effect of the free-version having issues freezing Play Services, which causes the app to also be terminated by the Lollipop OS (because free version uses ads provided by Play Services).
Next update will freeze apps as before, except when running the free version with ads and freezing GMS.
killoid said:
@3c is it possible to support screen on,rotating,full screen options without xposed framework? i am only using xposed framework for ur app. so i want to uninstall it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm actually looking into this. I miss those too much since I upgraded my N5 to Lollipop So it'll be there in a future update.
3c said:
That's an unfortunate side-effect of the free-version having issues freezing Play Services, which causes the app to also be terminated by the Lollipop OS (because free version uses ads provided by Play Services).
Next update will freeze apps as before, except when running the free version with ads and freezing GMS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, but I wrote Pro = purchased version.
P.S.: could it be that because I block it's internet connection with AFWall that it thinks, it would be free version?
P.S.2: issue with fresh install on OnePlusOne CM11S works as designed. Must be my mistake, sorry.
Is there any way the hot plugging features can be added for custom kernels like this: http://www.droidforums.net/index.php?threads/276292/
I am hoping to get some help in figuring out what the best alternatives are to Droidwall. I have used that app for years on various phones but I now am in a situation where I cannot root my new handset mostly due to the fact I don't want to void the warranty.
I am on an MVNO and I want to restrict all data with the exception of a few programs (MMS, Opera Mini, Uber, and K9 mail) when the phone is not on Wifi and I am thus paying for data. I don't mind having to toggle it on or off when i switch to wifi. I know there are a few firewall apps that can work but the discussions i found on them are from years back. I don't care if the firewall is a paid app but I do not want one that runs ads or phones home to the developer.
And my phone is running 6.0.1 Marshmallow
Thanks
NetGuard: http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/app-netguard-root-firewall-t3233012
I do recommend to buy the pro features to support this great dev and he added ads a few months ago.
Free and open source app.
Primokorn said:
he added ads a few months ago.
Free and open source app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So the developer added in-app ads to Netgaurd to support the program's costs because its free? That seems to defeat the purpose of what i want because i do not want any apps other than the ones i noted drawing down data. Does the Pro Version take away in-app ads, there is no mention of that being a feature in the developer notes.
If that isn't an option then it would be a deal breaker.
I am looking for something as close to droidwall as possible. That is unobtrusive and shuts down compete data transfers on all programs other than the ones I allow.
I'm using AFWall+ and I didn't install NetGuard for a while.
Feel free to ask in the XDA thread and I guess ads are removed with the pro license key.
Majesk said:
So the developer added in-app ads to Netgaurd to support the program's costs because its free? That seems to defeat the purpose of what i want because i do not want any apps other than the ones i noted drawing down data. Does the Pro Version take away in-app ads, there is no mention of that being a feature in the developer notes.
If that isn't an option then it would be a deal breaker.
I am looking for something as close to droidwall as possible. That is unobtrusive and shuts down compete data transfers on all programs other than the ones I allow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recommend you NetPatch Firewall created by me.
It was just released, maybe not very stable.
Feel free to contact me if you have problems.
Download it in Google play store.
Hello everyone.
Because I passed over the "rooting" period, I am more interested in getting the max out of this phone without rooting it.
This thread I intend to make it about apps (useful ones) that requires no root in order to work.
I would start with an ad blocker.
My favourite tool is Blokada - https://blokada.org/
Plain and easy to install and use and works fine.
Next is Vanced - a more adVanced YouTube player. https://vancedapp.com/
Simple to install but, before using it, you must disable MIUI optimization
Another app that worth mentioning is Twilight. If you are a night phone user, this app is here to protect your eyes.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.urbandroid.lux
MIUI - Contacts and dialer
If the stock (Google) dialer and contacts is not for you, you can try the MIUi - Contacts and dialer app, slightly more aesthetic.
Xiaomi Contacts and dialer 12.2.4.5 APK Download by Xiaomi Inc - APKMirror
Xiaomi Contacts and dialer 12.2.4.5 APK Download by Xiaomi Inc - APKMirror Free and safe Android APK downloads
www.apkmirror.com
If you want a more loud sound - even if on this stereo speakers phone isn't really necessary, you can use Volume Booster. Beware of not setting it over 20% otherwise you will risk hearing and speakers problems.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.goodev.volume.booster
I will update the list with some other apps.
If you have something to add, please feel free to share.
WaveUp can turn the screen on and off "automatically" via waving over the proximity sensor. For users of "book covers" the app is quite useful, as you can set it so that the screen is activated by opening the cover and deactivated after a predefined time after closing it.
WaveUp - Apps on Google Play
Turn on the display by waving
play.google.com
Termux. It's impressive what it can do without root.
Does having to use adb to grant permission count? If not any Package Disabler can do some damage
SD maid, it may be an old app but it still does thinks better than a lot of apps.
Can't forget about how useful Mixplorer can be. I have not looked for a different file browser because it I can't think of anything it can't do.
Adaway works without root now, not sure how well because I go nuts not having root, lol
And my newest discovery, the one that actually caused me to get rid of Chrome completely because I found Bromite.
Yes Bromite (Google it) it's such an amazing web browser.
Turmux
Package Disabler
SD Maid
Mixplorer
Bromite (Just try it, you won't regret it. Not on Play Store, Google is afraid of it)
GitHub - bromite/bromite: Bromite is a Chromium fork with ad blocking and privacy enhancements; take back your browser!
Bromite is a Chromium fork with ad blocking and privacy enhancements; take back your browser! - GitHub - bromite/bromite: Bromite is a Chromium fork with ad blocking and privacy enhancements; take ...
github.com
Bitwarden - Easily best password manager, recently Gboard added integration for it you can auto-fill passwords for sites and apps easily.
KWGT - Insane customisability, visit /r/AndroidThemes for ideas. This is my desktop @ ArrowOS.
k3lcior said:
Bitwarden - Easily best password manager, recently Gboard added integration for it you can auto-fill passwords for sites and apps easily.
KWGT - Insane customisability, visit /r/AndroidThemes for ideas. This is my desktop @ ArrowOS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh Gboard how did I forget that. It's basically the first app I always install after a factory reset or whatever
A different launcher, less useless gimmicks and focused on productivity.
Ratio Launcher
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bllocosn
Here's another app that might be useful for some.
SystemUI - to slightly modify some hidden options on UI. No root, just ADB to grant some permissions
SystemUI Tuner - Apps on Google Play
PLEASE READ ENTIRE DESCRIPTION BEFORE INSTALLING
play.google.com
If you are annoyed with your default messages app, coz of the cluttered unorganised ui, and u get lot of sms then try Sms Organizer from "Microsoft". I have been using this app since it first came out, it basically organises all ur messages automatically into categories like transactions, personal, promotion etc. and it only shows you what's important in a message in the popup or notifications panel, for example it will only show you the OTP if u got one msg of it, it will show you the amount debited/credited to ur account if u gat a transaction msg, it will tell u if u got cashback, it will remind you for ur upcoming event and online order delivery stuff. So the conclusion is you must use this app as ur default messenger no matter what phone u r using, this will make your life 10 times easier and the ui is super clean too, it also has dark(amoled) mode.
Here is the link- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.microsoft.android.smsorganizer
From F-Droid repository:
* OsmAnd+ - maps and navigation
* Mull - cleaned version of Firefox Browser
* NewPipe - YouTube frontend.
Freeware. No ads. No bs.
Make installable copies of all your apps and updates. Take Playwhore out of the reload loop.
APK Export (Backup & Share) - Apps on Google Play
Manage and extract your apps.
play.google.com
A VNP based Firewall that uses almost no battery. Works best with Pie or lower though.
Logging doesn't work with 10 up, I believe... test it and let me know.
Karma Firewall - Apps on Google Play
Karma Firewall app lets you block internet traffic to and from specific apps.
play.google.com
I'm quite a fan of NoRoot Firewall:
NoRoot Firewall - Apps on Google Play
Firewall WITHOUT ROOT. Host name name filtering, fine-grained access control.
play.google.com
I don't trust a lot of apps and NoRoot works well. It blocks all apps by default and you can choose to allow Internet over wifi, data, both or neither. It also supports filters so you can globally block particular sites.
It's usually the first thing I install when I gte a new phone or reinstall.
You do have to keep in mind that if a trusted app can't access the Internet, NoRoot may be blocking it, so you just enable it and away you go.
Cheers
Steve
IMHO a must have app is the:
Download Progress++
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ceco.sbdp.pro&hl=gsw&gl=US
Came from an xposed module. Now works as an app without anything else.
Should be a default android option.
Hey!
Hope you're doing well!
Sorry for reviving this old thread but I would like to add two new apps:
GOVPN: non-invasive ad-supported VPN. Allows to choose the desired location, unrestricted and unlimited. Did some tests with online streaming and went all good.
VPN secure fast proxy by GOVPN - Apps on Google Play
VPN for safe web browsing. Unlimited, many countries
play.google.com
Activity Launcher
Gives access to internal apps to be launched, apps usually not available in a normal state of the phone.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.szalkowski.activitylauncher
Time to add on to the list:
Migrate : Helps restore apps and app data when switching between Custom ROMS, outdated as of now but still works.
Naveenthemi said:
Time to add on to the list:
Migrate : Helps restore apps and app data when switching between Custom ROMS, outdated as of now but still works.
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The thread requires non-rooted apps