Hello,
Today I want to share with you a method to remove any ads from an apk that should work on any Android version without root permissions.
You will need a minimum level of skills to understand the method and a computer (needed to edit the apk).
Obtain the apk
When you install an application, its apk will be placed in /data/app directory. However, you need a rooted phone to access that directory. Luckily, often there is a pre-installed system application to backup your apps (on Huawei there is Huawei Backup) that can access that folder. Thus, you don't need root permissions. You can use this backup pre-installed app to save your apk on the sd and transfer it on your computer.
Edit the apk and re-install it
I'm assuming that you're on Linux, but the same can be done with Windows or Mac. Continue with the following steps:
An apk is just a zip file, thus extract it in a folder. On Linux:
Code:
$ unzip com.example.apk
Now, try to look at the strings, regarding ads, in plain text inside the file classes.dex (you don't need to extract it). For example:
Code:
$ strings classes.dex | grep "ads"
Keep note about all the ads urls contained in classes.dex (e.g. googleads.g.doubleclick.net)
Use an hex editor as GHex or Bless to replace these ads urls with invalid urls (I suggest to use the same length). So, for example, you can transform: googleads.g.doubleclick.net into foobarfoo.b.arfoobarfoo.bar.
Save overwriting the original classes.dex and zip all the files into a new apk (e.g. com.example_noads.apk)
Sign the new apk. The process is easier using some tools (look for apk signer on google, there are one click tools).
Transfer the new apk on your phone and install it (the phone should ask if you want to upgrade your app, say yes).
In this way, the application should work as always, but it will try to load the ads from invalid urls. Thus, it should not display any ads.
Note: I've tested this method and it works, however it's possible that some applications are encrypted thus there aren't plain text ads urls.
EDIT: I added a new step where you must sign the new apk. In fact, this is the rule. However, when I wrote this post I didn't talk about that, because in my case I found an application that I succesfully re-installed without re-sign the apk (bug? hash collision? I still don't know).
Application implementing this method available: Purify
I developed an application to do all this process directly and automatically on your phone!
The application is still unmature, consider it a proof of concept. It will remove only google ads for the moment.
Click here to see the source code on GitHub
If you want to try the compiled apk:
Note: This is the first pre-release, keep in mind that it is just an example of implementation. Some purified applications could crash, for example because they don't handle the wrong urls or for other reasons. However, I tested it on some apps and it seems to work. Unpacking, editing and re-packing the apk can require few minutes. Please read further details on the github page linked above.
Hey there, thank you very much, I used Purify on android 8.0 and works great. It didn't sign my apk but I signed it from the pc and it installed and worked correctly without ads. Great!
Edit: Zipsigner isn't on the play store any more but I downloaded and installed the apk from apkpure and it signs it but doesn't do it well because it doesn't let me install it after that no matter what kind of sign type do I use. So I sign it from the pc using "signapk"
Nice app.....now a days ads from other sources are increasing such as facebook.ads, mobileads, inmobi,etc.....to my knowledge, manifest.xml contains every ad activity, service, receiver etc.....is it possible to add an interface to selectively remove those....so that i can remove any ad from any app.......by the way....thanks for your work?
I could call this "Unlucky Patcher". It broke all apps I applied on.
thank you for sharing. i hope you can revive this with some updates. would like to download the apk in github releases too.
Is it still working because I have tried on latest android version where I followed the below step and I got the error as "There was a parsing issue with the package".
1. Downloaded APK file and renamed it's extension from .apk to .zip.
2.Extracted the files in one folder and edited classes.dex file using HxD editor and searched for "https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net" and replaced with "https://foobarfoo.b.arfoobarfoo.bar".
3. Later I zipped back and renamed the file from .zip to .apk.
4. Generated keystore using jdk keytool and signed with jarsigner. for more information(https://stackoverflow.com/questions/4853011/how-to-sign-an-android-apk-file)
5. Did Zipalign using the above mentioned link and transferred file to my Android 10 OS .
Can anybody help if there is any problem with app signing or compressing the files. thanks
Nrin said:
Application implementing this method available: Purify
I developed an application to do all this process directly and automatically on your phone!
The application is still unmature, consider it a proof of concept. It will remove only google ads for the moment.
Click here to see the source code on GitHub
If you want to try the compiled apk:
Note: This is the first pre-release, keep in mind that it is just an example of implementation. Some purified applications could crash, for example because they don't handle the wrong urls or for other reasons. However, I tested it on some apps and it seems to work. Unpacking, editing and re-packing the apk can require few minutes. Please read further details on the github page linked above.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did all as you said and I have apk
icallscreen_82_9601261.apk-purified.apk
bat I can't install it?!?!
Interesting,didn't know about this
removing ads is one thing, but what about fignerpritning & anayltics?
Hello, im looking for an app that can remove all kind of ads in apk other than google, like ads shown by modders in the aps. will attach a screenshot which shows an ad from modder for one app in first thing after installing the app and opening it.
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the generated apk fails to install on miui 12
ON MIUI 13 Lucky patcher 10.2.6 works perfectly
pankajk said:
Is it still working because I have tried on latest android version where I followed the below step and I got the error as "There was a parsing issue with the package".
1. Downloaded APK file and renamed it's extension from .apk to .zip.
2.Extracted the files in one folder and edited classes.dex file using HxD editor and searched for "https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net" and replaced with "https://foobarfoo.b.arfoobarfoo.bar".
3. Later I zipped back and renamed the file from .zip to .apk.
4. Generated keystore using jdk keytool and signed with jarsigner. for more information(https://stackoverflow.com/questions/4853011/how-to-sign-an-android-apk-file)
5. Did Zipalign using the above mentioned link and transferred file to my Android 10 OS .
Can anybody help if there is any problem with app signing or compressing the files. thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
aye bro did you find the solution?
hey I tried everything but unfortunately without success the ads stay unfortunately! Unfortunately the sylkat apache is not available for purchase without ads! tried everything! can someone help me please! have a good app for signing too ! Thanks
I have Android 10 and Android with root on the Nintendo Switch
This No Work with my Apps
googleads.g.doubleclick.net into foobarfoo.b.arfoobarfoo.bar
Thanks
I remove the ads ! Happy ! Remove ads in Apache sylkat and mobile telnet ! With lucky Patcher
Related
RegawMOD Zip Maker is a very useful and easy-to-use Windows CLI (Command Line Interface). RegawMOD Zip Maker allows you to easily add stock Froyo apks AND/OR your own apks to your currently running ROM by creating a signed zip to flash in recovery, with NO adb/sdk knowledge needed whatsoever.
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"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
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"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Here is the Main Menu.
Steps to creating a signed zip:
1. Choose "0" at the Main Menu to set up a Working Folder
2. Choose "2" at the Main Menu to add apks to the Working Folder
3. Choose "5" at the Main Menu to Create a Signed Zip and flash in recovery!
It's that easy!
The other Menu options are:
1. Delete Working Folder
----This is in case you wish to restart and create a new Working Folder
3. Remove Apks From Working Folder
----This is in case you added an apk accidentally, and wish to remove it.
4. View List of Apks in Working Folder
----Choose this to view the current apks in the Working Folder
10. Advanced Settings
----Contains advanced settings for the program.
--------Enable/Disable Environment Check on Start Up
--------Change CLI Background/Text Colors
x. Exit
----Pretty self-explanatory...
Changelog
v1.0.1 [9-19-10]
-Patched to include Stock.apk (download and run the
v1
Public release
Download Web Installer 1.0 1.28 MB (Needs to have internet access to grab apks from server while running program!!!)
MD5: 4c16b3c957717bf890aad400938e84a3
Download Standalone Installer 1.0 79.0 MB (All Apks and HTC Sync Included)
MD5: 2e9b5efb4c6aa678cb8681757baa91d8
Download 1.0.1 Patch to add Stocks Apk 618 KB (This is ONLY a patch, not the whole program. Patches to version 1.0.1 to add Stock.apk.)
Run from the same directory on your computer that RegawMOD Zip Maker.exe and the folder named "tools" is in.
MD5: 98d895af813b61a889e920456ab71cec
.
Thank you to these beta testers for giving great feedback and making RegawMOD Zip Maker even better!
brad2287
DirtyShroomz
djR3Z
dmoses1969
erikivy
fachadick
helioXverse
jedwardmiller
lovethyEVO
Medic1013
nebenezer
neon_24
nfaust01
rjmjr69
rockage
Smaulz
Testrunner
Topgun966
VOODOOTRIP
I cant wait. Thanks
link is up for beta 3 testers. Check post #2 to see if you are a part of the beta test. Check your pm's for your passwords! Do not post about passwords on this thread, private message me about them. All other feedback can be posted here on this thread.
Downloading now. I just wanted to say thank you for the opportunity to be a part of the testing of this cool new tool. I look forward to more great software from you.
can i remove preinstalled apps that are already on my rom?
ebuechler3 said:
can i remove preinstalled apps that are already on my rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not with this tool, BUT that is one of the next tools that I am already developing, with the same, easy-to-use style.
Sweet, will test when I get home.
this is an awesome tool for everyone regaw. Excellent job. i can remember when i wished for a tool like this...neb said you got your evo. 'BOUT TIME
Does this work with CM6 rom??
vboyz103 said:
Does this work with CM6 rom??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, this is used on your computer to create update.zips to flash in recovery, to add apks to your phone.
Wow, this is fantastic! A few minutes sitting at the computer to organize all the 3rd party apps i'd install from a "Clean Start" saves a ton of time.
Can't wait to try it
Please tell me a program to make theme building even simpler is coming in the future!?
Thanks Dan! Loving your work so far!
awesome, gonna try this out soon enough! thanks!
regaw_leinad said:
Not with this tool, BUT that is one of the next tools that I am already developing, with the same, easy-to-use style.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome work have been waiting for something easy to come along.
Thanks again
Awesome!!!
Guys, I just accidentally broke the like to check the server w/ your login credentials. Very sorry bout that... will have a fix in a few hours... until then you wont be able to login w/ the program posted above.
update to beta 4... this looks really good. Most likely Final. I noticed 0 problems.
Regaw -
Does this allow the market to update said apps? Or no?.
One thing thats frustrating to me although minor in the grand scheme of things is preinstalled nonstock apps may or may not show updates in the market.
And how does this differ from just reinstalling those saved apps from your sdcard (because i backup my favorite apps after i install them) after you start over from scratch or restore from an old nandroid backup
What say you ye app creator
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
v_lestat said:
Regaw -
Does this allow the market to update said apps? Or no?.
One thing thats frustrating to me although minor in the grand scheme of things is preinstalled nonstock apps may or may not show updates in the market.
And how does this differ from just reinstalling those saved apps from your sdcard (because i backup my favorite apps after i install them) after you start over from scratch or restore from an old nandroid backup
What say you ye app creator
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure on the market updates, will check tomorrow. It differs from the sdcard backups by making a signed zip to flash in recovery instead of clicking each one to install in a root explorer. You can do all that at once by flashing a zip. I'm sure you know that though lol This app also contains most of the stock 2.2 apps that came on the phone as well.
There's just first release of OpenTTD for Android. I am not an author, just wanted to inform anyone interested.
OTTD is Open Source port of 1995 game: Transport Tycoon (Deluxe) with some more or less modifications and support for addons (*.grf files).
There was just first release to Market.
Android port based on libDSL. Source code available
Please mind that it is first release, therefore:
- it might be full of bugs or possible incompatibilities. Don't expect all working perfect. It is more like 'test' version to see if it can be done and how playable (or not) it will be
- game was not designed for small screens with high resolutions (Strongly encourage to install this Big GUI addon from configuration menu when you start game)
- it is not official openttd.org release therefore it is not supported, any issues send to the market release author (or post here, I will try to help you)
- the game will download 20MB of additional files to the card/internal memory, you can download it manually from here (the latest *data archive, possibly *lang if you want, *lowmem file for less memory usage but no in-game sounds/music) and this file, install/extract all files to /sdcard/app-data/org.openttd.sdl
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(2.2 MB + 20 MB)
Market Link and APK Link
I will definitely give this a go. I was really into Transport Tycoon in the 90s.
Thanks for the app! I love OpenTTD!
Is it possible to use original TTD tiles like with OpenTTD? I have the original game ;-)
Also, it looks kind of weird on Galaxy Tab. I think this is because of scaling. Galaxy Tab has 1024x600 resolution and I think your OpenTTD always runs in 800x480.
Won't install from market apk
I tried to extract files and can't find installation app..
how to install OpenTTD pls??? dosnt work when i exctract data on SD card
Technomancer said:
Thanks for the app! I love OpenTTD!
Is it possible to use original TTD tiles like with OpenTTD? I have the original game ;-)
Also, it looks kind of weird on Galaxy Tab. I think this is because of scaling. Galaxy Tab has 1024x600 resolution and I think your OpenTTD always runs in 800x480.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in menu go to Options, you can change your resolution setting there, not sure if you can get there something more than 860x480 in this build (that's max on my Nexus One), if not let me know I will pass it to the author but PC build can go any resolutions
5oo said:
Won't install from market apk
I tried to extract files and can't find installation app..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
5oo said:
how to install OpenTTD pls??? dosnt work when i exctract data on SD card
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you had non-market build of OpenTTD then market one will fail, uninstall before trying market one.
and the best if you let it to download necessary files automatically, but if you cannot then get openttd-data-4.zip files from http://sourceforge.net/projects/libsdl-android/files_beta/OpenTTD/ (remember not to choose in start settings any additional downloads) and extract files to /sdcard/app-data/org.openttd.sdl, also remember to get libsdl-DownloadFinished-0.flag file before starting and put it in same directory
Finally, a REAL game on Android! So many days spent playing this time-killer =)
I hope development continues, this is a game you can play for a year, on-and-off, and it only gets more fun.
Looking forward to a full port!
Ok so I just downloaded and extracted all files to same directory but how to install it from there
i have all in this /sdcard/openttd and what next??? dont know how to install that or what to do,,,
thank you for your help!!!
5oo said:
Ok so I just downloaded and extracted all files to same directory but how to install it from there
i have all in this /sdcard/openttd and what next??? dont know how to install that or what to do,,,
thank you for your help!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you install APK + extract the files I gave and that's it - when you start the game you will be able to configure settings and game will start
Thanks for sharing this info!
SHADOW-XIII said:
you install APK + extract the files I gave and that's it - when you start the game you will be able to configure settings and game will start
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did extract files there wasn't any apk and if i am trying to install from market it won't work ;(
i downloaded openttd-data-4.zip but there is no apk and i tried download game from here http://www.katzforums.com/showthread.php?t=3023923&page=4 but wont install as well!?
OK, let's review installation step by step:
This installation steps is only for people who are not really able to download 20MB with their phones.
1) Install game from either here or the Market
2) Don't start the game yet (or it will try download automatically using your network)
3) Get this file and extract it to your SD card to /app-data/org.openttd.sdl/ (create folders when needed)
4) Get this file and save inside your SD card to /app-data/org.openttd.sdl/ (directories should be there if you follow from the beginning)
5) Now you can Start game, when you run it you will see a button to configure game settings with SDL background, choose to configure it but do not download anything extra (like MIDI support/Localization files, you can do it later). If you choose not to configure, then it will start after few seconds (can press SDL background in some cases)
6) Finished
If your phone is low on ram memory (less than 200MB) then use this file when downloading in step 3.
I downloaded apk and app is not installed so actually I can't install this game and I don't know why? It can be because of SD card ?
5oo said:
I downloaded apk and app is not installed so actually I can't install this game and I don't know why? It can be because of SD card ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You downloaded APK file and? Have you tried to install it? Do you know how to install APK file?
SHADOW-XIII said:
You downloaded APK file and? Have you tried to install it? Do you know how to install APK file?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I know how to download apk and how to install apk just doesn't want to install that apk and and I dunno why...
Open TTD finally on Android
I wait for this day
Now, for continous support and UI improvements, to fit my fingers
5oo said:
Yes I know how to download apk and how to install apk just doesn't want to install that apk and and I dunno why...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what's your device? any error message? (maybe you could provide a aLogcat log?)
what about Market version, also does not want to install?
Thanks for sharing and the step by step love this app!
Great!
I've played this game since beginning, now i'm happy .
Love it, and the game goes on...
You have GOT to be kidding me. This is FANTASTIC news!!!!!
God, Android just gets better and better!
Hi everyone!
I got the idea for this guide because I just spent about half a day finding a solution to this problem... As I couldn't find any guide for this (or atleast I couldn't find it after some searching on google and this forum), I decided to create my own guide!
DISCLAIMER: I do not hold any rights to the Timely app or trademarks. This guide is purely for educational purposes.
Timely: Installing a custom sound
FAQ:
1) Wait... Timely does not support using custom sounds!
Yes, out of the box, Timely does not support using custom sounds. But what we are doing here is trick Timely into using our own alarm sound by masking it to be a "built-in" sound. This way, selecting the sound in Timely will let Timely play your own alarm sound, thinking it's one of the built-in ones.
2) Does this work on my X device running X android version?
I'm sorry... I just don't know. The only way for you to know is to try out this guide for yourself!
Now, normally, if your phone is correctly rooted and running an android version which the Timely app supports (aka: you can install Timely from the Google Play Store and run it), then you shouldn't have any problem.
The Guide:
Step 0: Prerequisites
- Your Android phone needs to be rooted to perform this operation (as we are going to extract the apk from your phone). Please search on Google or these forums for guides on how to root your phone.
- You need to have a file manager installed onto your android phone which supports Root. Great ones are Root browser, ES File Explorer or Root Explorer (or choose anything you like ).
- You need to have WinRAR installed (I tried doing this with 7-zip, but 7-zip does not easily allow me to change to mode to store).
- You need to have a sound file in OGG format. You can easily convert your mp3/aac/etc... files online to an OGG format. A great site for doing this is http://media.io/
- You need to have basic command line skills. For now, this guide is Windows-only. So you need access to a Windows PC.
Step 1: Downloading/Installing all the necessary files
- Download the latest Java JDK by going to this link: http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html. Afterwards, install it.
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- Create a folder called "timely" in your C drive (C:\timely). Place your OGG file in this folder.
- Please download the "SignApk.zip" at the bottom of this post and place its contents in C:\timely. Big shoutout to A_U for providing it in his post about apktool (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2213985)!
Step 2: Extracting the Timely APK
Download and install the Timely app from the Google Play Store onto your device (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ch.bitspin.timely).
Open your file manager and go to /data/app. Your file manager will request root permissions to access this folder. Copy "ch.bitspin.timely-1.apk" to /sdcard/Download.
Connect your device to your computer. On your computer, go to <devicename>/Download and copy the "ch.bitspin.timely-1.apk" to your timely folder.
At the end of this step, your timely folder should look like this:
Step 3: Modding the Timely APK
Open WinRAR and navigate to your Timely folder:
Click the "ch.bitspin.timely-1.apk" file to go explore the innards of timely!
Go to /res/raw. This folder contains all the built-in alarm sounds of timely.
Allright, now we are going to add our custom sound! What we are going to do is replace one of the built-in sounds with our own custom sound, tricking Timely to believe it's actually a built-in sound when we are setting up our alarm!
Choose one sound you want to replace. You WILL NOT be able to use this sound again, as we are going to replace it. In this example, we are going to replace the "Awakening" sound. Rename your custom sound to "awakening.ogg" and drag and drop it into the /res/raw folder:
In the WinRAR popup window, select "Store" as the mode. Afterwards, click on OK.
Step 4: Signing the Timely APK
In order to reinstall our modded Timely APK to our device, we need to sign it.
Open a command prompt and navigate to your timely folder (using the cd command). Then, execute this command:
Code:
java -jar signapk.jar certificate.pem key.pk8 C:\timely\ch.bitsign.timely-1.apk C:\timely\ch.bitsign.timely-1-signed.apk
This will create a new apk in our timely folder called "ch.bitsign.timely-1-signed.apk".
Step 5: Installing our modded Timely APK
First, uninstall the original Timely from your Android Phone, if you hadn't uninstalled it already.
Move "ch.bitsign.timely-1-signed.apk" to your Download folder on your Android Phone and rename it to "ch.bitsign.timely-1.apk".
Go to your android phone, open your file manager and click on the APK file in the download folder (/sdcard/Download). Your modded Timely should now be installed!
Step 6: Enjoy your custom alarm sound!
When you now set up an alarm in Timely, select the Awakening ringtone and now, your custom sound will play when your alarm goes off!
Have fun!
Little error
Thanks! I found a error in the java code:
java -jar signapk.jar certificate.pem key.pk8 C:\timely\ch.bitsign.timely-1.apk C:\timely\ch.bitsign.timely-1-signed.apk
should be:
java -jar signapk.jar certificate.pem key.pk8 C:\timely\ch.bitspin.timely-1.apk C:\timely\ch.bitspin.timely-1-signed.apk
Hello guys,
As the title said, i was once able to copy apk in /system/priv-app and got them installed after a reboot; too bad it looks like it doesn't work anymore. I tried also /system/app, but still nothing.
The Story Behind: Few ROM flashing ago, i decided to install the pixel launcher app. Downloaded and installed it, it works well out of the box, whit the exception of the swipe left gesture. Some googling revealed me that the launcher must be installed as a system app for make the swipe work, and here start my struggle: i can't remember what i did (did i cut the /data/app/com.android.nexuslauncher-1 folder and pasted it in /system/app/? Or did i download the apk again and moved it in /system/app?) but anyhow it started work flawless at the next reboot (also the swipe function!) . I have tried booth and countless other path and reboot, but there's no way to see it installed. I can of course install it whit the default android package installer.
More info: Honor NOTE 8, rooted, build B320, android 7.0, emui 5.0
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}
Any help will be appreciated.
Jack D. said:
Hello guys,
As the title said, i was once able to copy apk in /system/priv-app and got them installed after a reboot; too bad it looks like it doesn't work anymore. I tried also /system/app, but still nothing.
The Story Behind: Few ROM flashing ago, i decided to install the pixel launcher app. Downloaded and installed it, it works well out of the box, whit the exception of the swipe left gesture. Some googling revealed me that the launcher must be installed as a system app for make the swipe work, and here start my struggle: i can't remember what i did (did i cut the /data/app/com.android.nexuslauncher-1 folder and pasted it in /system/app/? Or did i download the apk again and moved it in /system/app?) but anyhow it started work flawless at the next reboot (also the swipe function!) . I have tried booth and countless other path and reboot, but there's no way to see it installed. I can of course install it whit the default android package installer.
More info: Honor NOTE 8, rooted, build B320, android 7.0, emui 5.0
Any help will be appreciated.
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I believe the apk must be inside a folder (like all the others)
Name that folder "nexuslauncher".
Then rename the apk file to " base.apk"
Finally, move the apk file into the nexus launcher folder, then give it the proper permissions and reboot.
Hello, thanks for the reply.
I just tried doing as you said, but still nothing. I forget to mention that if I install it manually, it get uninstalled at reboot. As attachment a couple of screenshot: the first taken when the app is installed, before the reboot, the second one taken after the reboot: the whole "installation information" tab is missing after reboot ?
Jack D. said:
Hello, thanks for the reply.
I just tried doing as you said, but still nothing. I forget to mention that if I install it manually, it get uninstalled at reboot. As attachment a couple of screenshot: the first taken when the app is installed, before the reboot, the second one taken after the reboot: the whole "installation information" tab is missing after reboot ?
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Click to collapse
Install it using the package installer, then use titanium backup to move it to the system.
Not even titanium backup worked.
This is by far the strangest thing I've ever witnessed.
For records, TB "convert to system app" feature took the Pixel launcher's app folder in /data/app, packed it as com.google.android.nexuslauncher.apk and placed it in /system/app/.
Still, it keep getting ignored on reboot.
As attachment a screenshot pre &post reboot. I do also try to remove all orphan data about PL, and deep searched the whole volume looking for PL residual, deleting anything.
I tried also flashing it with openGapps, with the same result. (Google camera, installed with the same openGapps installer, is up and working).
Now, I can totally live without PL, but I'm really curious about what's happening
A late update: in case someone at some point get through this post.
The launcher work fine (swipe right included) if I unroot the device after placing it in the app folder: still don't know why ?
Jack D. said:
A late update: in case someone at some point get through this post.
The launcher work fine (swipe right included) if I unroot the device after placing it in the app folder: still don't know why
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place apk file in /system/app folder and install that apk file then reboot your android.
Just tried, no luck with the working apk placed in /system/app and than installed from that path. I tried also to maintain the folders structure /system/app/com.google.android.apps.nexuslauncher-1 and install from that path, still without luck: in both cases the app is gone after the reboot.
Thanks for your interest.
Ok, it's done for good.
I cleaned the /data/app folder from all the launcher installation: there were something like 5 launcher folders. Placed the APK in /system/priv-app/Nexuslauncher and installed with the "root package installer" of FX explorer instead of the standard package installer. Don't know why, and I got the filing that I already have done this a couple of thousands time,but this time it worked.
I am really lost with this problem as i cannot find any other instance of it...
device: Redmi note 9S, not rooted, developer options enabled, Android 10, MIUI 12.0.4.0
in the android/data/ directory, under the com.[author].[app] files, i can't seem to find any apk files, it just appears to be empty except for an additional "files" folder that doesn't contain any useful files, while the tutorials i was following need access to a base.apk file that, in my case, does not exist. I need to know if this is a new version general android change, a device specific one ? where are the apps running from? are they all web shortcuts? if they use an apk file, where can i find it? I'm unexperienced in all those things, but I felt this would be the best place to get an answer.
LasevIX_ said:
I am really lost with this problem as i cannot find any other instance of it...
device: Redmi note 9S, not rooted, developer options enabled, Android 10, MIUI 12.0.4.0
in the android/data/ directory, under the com.[author].[app] files, i can't seem to find any apk files, it just appears to be empty except for an additional "files" folder that doesn't contain any useful files, while the tutorials i was following need access to a base.apk file that, in my case, does not exist. I need to know if this is a new version general android change, a device specific one ? where are the apps running from? are they all web shortcuts? if they use an apk file, where can i find it? I'm unexperienced in all those things, but I felt this would be the best place to get an answer.
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Click to collapse
Go through your file manager settings and find the option to show hidden files.
@LasevIX_
An app's APK-file is housed in folder /data/data. The APK-file itself gets installed in folder /data/app as base.apk.
Example:
/data/app/[your_package_name]-[1,2,n]/base.apk
jwoegerbauer said:
@LasevIX_
An app's APK-file is housed in folder /data/data. The APK-file itself gets installed in folder /data/app as base.apk.
Example:
/data/app/[your_package_name]-[1,2,n]/base.apk
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yes, i know that path. my problem was that it isn't available/doesn't exist on my machine
Droidriven said:
Go through your file manager settings and find the option to show hidden files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have done that already, but the apk files still don't show up.
also, I think this thread may benefit from further precisions:
the .apk files do not show up either in the phone's built in file manager, windows explorer or in ADB ls commands.
I am practically sure it isn't hidden files, I have all the settings for viewing them enabled.
if there's some secret setting that may provide access to those files, please do tell where.
after further checking, the app i was trying do copy to my computer reports an app size of 106MB, but the com.____._____ folder reports 21B, so i suspect it may be some sort of shortcut to another folder.
.
Typically one makes use of ADB commands to pull an APK file ( Android must NOT be rooted ):
Step 1: Get location of desired app in Android's filesystem
Code:
adb shell "pm path com.example.someapp"
The output will look something like
package:/data/app/com.example.someapp-2.apk
or
package:/data/app/com.example.someapp-nfFSVxn_CTafgra3Fr_rXQ==/base.apk
Step 2: Using the full path name from Step 1, pull the APK file from the Android device to the Windows computer
Code:
adb pull /data/app/com.example.someapp-2.apk <PATH-ON-PC>
jwoegerbauer said:
Typically one makes use of ADB commands to pull an APK file ( Android must NOT be rooted ):
Step 1: Get location of desired app in Android's filesystem
Code:
adb shell "pm path com.example.someapp"
The output will look something like
package:/data/app/com.example.someapp-2.apk
or
package:/data/app/com.example.someapp-nfFSVxn_CTafgra3Fr_rXQ==/base.apk
Step 2: Using the full path name from Step 1, pull the APK file from the Android device to the Windows computer
Code:
adb pull /data/app/com.example.someapp-2.apk <PATH-ON-PC>
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I wasn't aware that you could use adb to find the location of apps, but the command you suggested gives an unexpected result (screenshot attached). it gives multiple results of files despite them being invisible to file explorers. Once i try to pull the package with the method you suggested, it gives an error as if it wasn't there. Did I type the wrong syntax? does the "pm path" command only give expected locations for files?
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for clarification, I am trying to access the netflix client APK in order to manually make it recognise widevine L1 certificates, as described in this thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/netflix-hd-on-tab-s2.3274295/#post-65001865 .
The NETFLIX APK you want to extract from Android is a so-called Split-APK. IMO you've to turn this Split-APK into a normal non-Split-APK.
How to:
How to turn a split APK into a normal non-split APK - Platinmods.com - Android & iOS MODs, Mobile Games & Apps
Hey guys, recently many modders contacting me about how to mod a split APK. We have already many tutorials about how to download or extract the split APKs, mod a split APK as it is and how to use a split APK installer to make the mod apply to the device. Here some examples of the mentioned...
platinmods.com
jwoegerbauer said:
The NETFLIX APK you want to extract from Android is a so-called Split-APK. IMO you've to turn this Split-APK into a normal non-Split-APK.
How to:
How to turn a split APK into a normal non-split APK - Platinmods.com - Android & iOS MODs, Mobile Games & Apps
Hey guys, recently many modders contacting me about how to mod a split APK. We have already many tutorials about how to download or extract the split APKs, mod a split APK as it is and how to use a split APK installer to make the mod apply to the device. Here some examples of the mentioned...
platinmods.com
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Click to collapse
This will be helpful for teh future, thank you for directing me to that tutorial.
but it still requires to pull the apk, which i have not been able to do.
as described in my previous reply, ADB seems to be able to return the location of the apk, but can't pull it, as if it never existed.
According to the screenschot you provided earlier I think the package ( APK ) you want to pull is stored as
/data/app/com.netflix.mediaclient-YUY-VwSu3KeCc44bkA
shorthanded as
base.apk
but don't really know it: this is not my world.