Database Info

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

ok let me introduce my self, i am a android enthusiast
i made this thread so that others who root their phone wont have to go through with the hardship to find the apps that make ROOTING WORTHWHILE
there are tons which i may miss, but here are the ones which is must install! some of them are paid but its worth the price believe me
!!ATTENTION!!
ALL THE APPS HAVE BEEN PERSONALLY TESTED IN HTC ONE V STOCK ROM AND CM9 RC3,AOKP JB, PA, PACman ROM, NO PHONES SHOULD HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THESE APPS
IF U LIKE THIS THREAD A THANKS WILL BE APPRECIATED !!
ALTHOUGH IF ANY THING HAPPENS I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE
1.SUPER USER(FREE)
SUPER USER
Superuser is the first app a user should install after rooting, if the rooting method didn't do it already. "Rooting" a phone allows a user to establish total control over the device, but Superuser is the app that provides the button for that control
2.ROM MANAGER(FREE/PAID)
ROM MANAGER
ROM MANAGER is a app that is used to flash CVM, browse ROMS and more
3.TITANIUM BACKUP(FREE/PAID0[I RECOMMEND PAID]
TITANIUM BACKUP
Titanium Backup is an enormously useful app. Not only can it backup apps, but it can backup apps and all their data, and it can delete apps—even system apps or bloatware.
4.SETCPU FOR ROOT[PAID WORTH EVERY PENNY]
SET CPU
SetCPU allows the user to exert total control over how fast, or slow, the processor runs at any given point in time
5.ADFREE[FREE]
ADFREE
Adfree may actually be the greatest root-essential app available on Android, and it's one that you never see unless it needs updating. All Adfree does is block ads, but it does it for everything on the phone
6.TASKER[AMAZING PAID APP]
TASKER
what it does best is definitely a good thing, since it can practically automate your entire phone given the right amount of power.
7.METAMORPH[FREE/PAID]
METAMORPH
Metamorph is a small app that allows you to theme any part of Android by applying simple patch files
8.BUSYBOX[FREE/PAID]
BUSY BOX
It's not an actual app that you run, but instead provides all the Linux/UNIX commands that we know and love.
9.SSH TUNNEL[FREE]
SSH TUNNEL
Recently mentioned SSH Tunnel is an app that allows an Android phone to connect to the internet using an ssh tunnel for a completely secure connection
10.AUTORUN MANAGER[FREE/PAID]
AUTORUN MANAGER
Change the APPS that start when the phone boots and more
11.ROOT EXPLORER [PAID]
ROOT EXPLORER
explores till the root of your phone
12.ES EXPLORER[FOR THOSE WHO CANT AFFORD THE ABV^]
ES (I USE THIS)
explores till the root of your phone
13.JUICE DEFENDER ULTIMATE[ALTHOUGH FREE IS ALSO THERE]
JD ULTIMATE
HELPS you in saving battery
14.ROM TOOLBOX [pro/free]
ROM TOOLBOX
a toolbox containing all the essential tools
15.TERMINAL[A TERMINAL EMULATOR FOR YOUR PHONE][FREE]
TERMINAL EMULATOR
16. SD MAID[FREE/PRO][PLEASE GO FOR PRO]
SD MAID
a complete set of tools to clean and boost ur SD card
17.INCREDI CONTROL[TO OC/UC/UV](OVER CLOCK)
INCREDI CONTROL
18.DaemonController[ADVANCED CPU MANAGER]
DAEMON CONTROLLER
19.FONT CHANGER[CHANGE FONTS IN YOUR ANDROID]
FONT CHANGER
20.BETTER BATTERY STATS[BRING UR BATTERY HISTORY BACK]
BETTERBS
21.BATTERY CALIBRATION[JUST FLASHED NEW ROM?U NEED THIS ]
BATTERY CALIBRATION
22.GREENIFY[BEST BATTERY SAVER.PERIOD.]
GREENIFY
23.Xposed FRAMEWORK[ARE YOU INTO MODIFYING YOUR SYSTEMUI? , GET THIS]
Xda link
PM ME IF ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE SUGGEST IF YOU KNOW ! AND CLICK THANKS IF I HELPED

The root function for antitheft of avast (free) and cerberus (paid) i think are worth mentioning. They are wipe surviving antitheft apps that can remotely control several aspects of the phone through internet or sms.
Also, if on gingerbread, droidwall and pdroid are the paranoid's best friends (pdroid if successfully gone through the hassle of patching). Together give almost full control of permissions for apps, specially those with access to private data.
Edit: i think this list can be good, but maybe add a short description of what you use the apps for, and what advantages they might bring. Also, tasker and set cpu make juice defender irrelevant.

I don't see the point on having a anti virus, cause all the apk's are scanned my Google....and unless u use mms the chances of virus are low...and keeping those apps on drains alot of battery

yea ill add the descriptions
Sent from my One V using xda app-developers app

I'll add 2 more that are a must.... Android tuner! It can do so any things you just have to check it out. And GMD gesture is awesome for tablets and big screen phones
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

I agree that anti virus is not essential because APKs are very safe, but I think SD cards and bluetooth data transfers can be quite dangerous...

umair.usb said:
I agree that anti virus is not essential because APKs are very safe, but I think SD cards and bluetooth data transfers can be quite dangerous...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this sarcasm?
APKs are not that safe.
Yes they are scanned by google but they are all not "safe"
The popular game Paper Toss was collecting peoples data.
Everyone should be aware that it may not be viruses but taking your information is to me considered not "safe"
You need to read the permissions before installing.
If you download a live wallpaper of the ocean waves it shouldn't have the phone permission to "read phone identity" or "access hardware controls".
I didnt just make this up. The comments of shady apps are flooded with people asking what the permission are needed for.

"PhonemyPc" is a pretty good app to remotely access and use your PC.

DroidCamX for using your phone as a wireless webcam.

For my SGS2 running CNA JB
GooManager
Mobile Odin
ROM Toolbox
Root Explorer
Terminal
User Management
+ everything you already have in the OP
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

Free Apps
"Shush" is a good free app which once you put your phone on silent or vibrate you can set the time when you want it the normal sound settings to come back on, ideal for use at work or meetings.
"Anydo" is a great note app & is super stylish, which comes in black or white & ics blue, one of the best note apps on the market.
"Quickpic" a great gallery app which is a brilliant alternative to the stock gallery, also themed in black or white & a great layout.
"Zipsigner" is a apk signing app, you can modify your zip app files & then sign it using this app, then install & enjoy your Modded app, really easy to use too.
"Ringdroid" a ringtone maker app, use this to cut your own music tracks up & turn it in to your own custom ringtones or message alerts.
Loads more to mention really but this is a good start :0)
sent from my super modded sgs3 via Tapatalk2!!!!
Modded Devices -
Samsung galaxy s3 (foxhound Sliver v0.6 Super Modded Rom)
Motorola Xoom (Code name Android v3.3.1 Rom)

i did like 3 apps that u recomended @mattix

@deaner al those things can be done by one app called tasker!

dxppxd said:
The root function for antitheft of avast (free) and cerberus (paid) i think are worth mentioning. They are wipe surviving antitheft apps that can remotely control several aspects of the phone through internet or sms.
Also, if on gingerbread, droidwall and pdroid are the paranoid's best friends (pdroid if successfully gone through the hassle of patching). Together give almost full control of permissions for apps, specially those with access to private data.
Edit: i think this list can be good, but maybe add a short description of what you use the apps for, and what advantages they might bring. Also, tasker and set cpu make juice defender irrelevant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
posts updated!! check!

NicholasQ said:
I'll add 2 more that are a must.... Android tuner! It can do so any things you just have to check it out. And GMD gesture is awesome for tablets and big screen phones
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea i dont know about android tuner but GMD i have on my phone and is pretty nice! ill surely update in next post!

robogoflow said:
Is this sarcasm?
APKs are not that safe.
Yes they are scanned by google but they are all not "safe"
The popular game Paper Toss was collecting peoples data.
Everyone should be aware that it may not be viruses but taking your information is to me considered not "safe"
You need to read the permissions before installing.
If you download a live wallpaper of the ocean waves it shouldn't have the phone permission to "read phone identity" or "access hardware controls".
I didnt just make this up. The comments of shady apps are flooded with people asking what the permission are needed for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if u r a smart android user u will eventuallyy come to know there is no use !

cybervibin said:
@deaner al those things can be done by one app called tasker!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know tasker is a wicked app but I've never got the hang of it? Dunno how to work it properly? I may give it a second try? Anyone got ant tips to using it
sent from my super modded sgs3 via Tapatalk2!!!!
Modded Devices -
Samsung galaxy s3 (foxhound Sliver v0.6 Super Modded Rom)
Motorola Xoom (Code name Android v3.3.1 Rom)

I definitely recommend Cerberus as mentioned before.
I'll also suggest Solid Explorer as it's smoother than the file explorers you mentioned and has a great UI.
''Evil corrupts the mind of the weak but fails to feed off the mind of the strong''

Apps that come to my mind are Lucky Patcher, Quickboot, and TBackup.

Yea there are a million f tutorials on tasker
Just use the search function
Sent from my One V using xda app-developers app

[HOW TO] Enable unsupported apps in multiwindow without root

I thought I would share my discovery on this forum although it has been described by others elsewhere.
There appear to be several methods for enabling any app to work with multiwindow mode if you have a rooted device but I did not want to root mine. I found an app called MW-Pen App Enabler Pro which does the job for non-rooted devices. It will let you choose your installed app, modify it on your phone, prompt you to uninstall and reinstall using the app itself and the end result will be a multiwindow compatible app. The process was pretty quick even for fairly large apps. There are manual methods described on the web that involve decompiling, editing and repacking an apk but this app will take that effort out and do the job smoothly.
The app is free to install on the Play store but in order to start modifying apps you need to purchase the Pro key which is a one off cost of £1.50. I modified TomTom and Audible which immediately appeared in the multiwindow drawer without even a reboot.
I have no stake in the app but it has made my life a lot easier and I congratulate the developer on his great work.:good:

Can this app run more than 2 apps at once?
Oneiros said:
I thought I would share my discovery on this forum although it has been described by others elsewhere.
There appear to be several methods for enabling any app to work with multiwindow mode if you have a rooted device but I did not want to root mine. I found an app called MW-Pen App Enabler Pro which does the job for non-rooted devices. It will let you choose your installed app, modify it on your phone, prompt you to uninstall and reinstall using the app itself and the end result will be a multiwindow compatible app. The process was pretty quick even for fairly large apps. There are manual methods described on the web that involve decompiling, editing and repacking an apk but this app will take that effort out and do the job smoothly.
The app is free to install on the Play store but in order to start modifying apps you need to purchase the Pro key which is a one off cost of £1.50. I modified TomTom and Audible which immediately appeared in the multiwindow drawer without even a reboot.
I have no stake in the app but it has made my life a lot easier and I congratulate the developer on his great work.:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello,
I realize that this post is 3 years old but I recently started using this app but I can only get 2 apps to run at the same time. Is it possible to run more than 2 apps at the same time? If so, how do I do this?
Thanks

[GUIDE] My Android Tools(Pro) - one of my fav apps

I'm surprised no one has reviewed this app but I'll give it a shot. *edit- attached pics keep going away each time I edit this post. Take a look at the attachments for screenshots.
My Android Tools (free version)
My Android Tools(Pro)
This is an app I stumbled across by chance or mentions in random forum posts and maybe those who've played with it do only a few things such as disable startup items but it's a lot more powerful than that in regards to blocking in-app ads and trackers.
Now, blocking stuff is a multi-prong approach.
You have Adaway for removing the DNS requests for both apps and browser traffic. MAP targets in-app stuff- not browser traffic. That's why you'd do something like Adaway + MinMinGuard/Adblocker XPosed modules. They actually target blocking the code in the app.
something like XPrivacy for sending random info instead of what an app wants from you
And a bunch of apps and XPosed modules to do things like block receivers or in-app ads.
I've whittled it down to Adaway + *Youtube Adaway + *CrappaLinks + My Android Tools(Pro)
*XPosed Modules
from now on I'm calling My Android Tools MAP
First, make a backup of your ROM
Next, make a backup in the About screen in MAP. The optional thing is if you want MAP to open after every app install/upgrade for review of new and updated apps.
*screenshot
The 3 things we'll look at are Services, Broadcast Receivers and Activities.
Services- things that run whenever
Broadcast Receivers - things that respond to system events (boot, connectivity changes, timezone changes, packages added, etc)
Activities - ads and junk that pop up on your screen. Developers add 3rd party sdk's to show pop-ups and stuff. This is how XPosed Modules such as MinMinGuard and Adblocker work
ContentProvider - still haven't figured out if I find stuff here yet. Maybe in Google Play Services it might have some analytics provider but it's basically things that share things with other apps.
*screenshot
Under Services I mainly look at Analytics and Campaign Tracking svcs. It's up to you but these do offer legit tracking analytics to developers.
Google to see what they do
*screenshot
Broadcast Receivers a few apps that do look at a limited selection of these like XPosed module ReceiverStop
mainly I look at 2 of them:
android.intent.action.BOOT_COMPLETED
com.android.vending.INSTALL_REFERRER
*screenshot
Finally, Activities
This is how MinMinguard and the like block things. We're going to block more because MinMinGuard just has a hardcoded list (see above link to its source code. That's what frustrated me about MinMinGuard. If I'm going to block this stuff I'd rather not have a hardcoded list as ad blocking should be equal opportunity if a user is going that route.)
under here it's really about getting familiar with names of ad networks. Here's a hint
I just downloaded a random app to find one with a bunch of fun things.
*screenshot

Great guide, thank you.

royeiror said:
Great guide, thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yw, thanks for the nudge to put it together
Also, note disabling some activities core to an app can cause loss of functionality, force closes, icon removed from the app drawer, etc. That's why I toggle showing the long description of things (that <> button) so I know which are main pieces.
Unity is a library for game development so most of it is actually the app if you see that one a lot.
Sometimes I use the search to look for ad, analytic, track, campaign

Official worst app I've seen for ad activities : agar.io
It's one of the Google recommended apps of 2015 and I was able to find and block 35 ad network activities.
I can't imagine what it's like to actually play the app and what info about you gets collected

@jawz101 : There is an older thread where is shared this app along with an guide which stuff to disable: [SHARE] [APP] MyAndroidTools + Guide to disable some Play Services processes Add it to OP...

@Force I'm wary of disabling too many Google Play Services. I mainly look at the analytics and ads stuff but even then I wonder what repercussions any of it has on battery life. Say, if an app calls for a specific function and it's no longer able to retrieve the information would it cause a force close or get hung in some loop and chew up CPU? I dunno.

Anyone having FCs with the latest version?? It doesn't seem to open at all.. I have a note 4 N910C, on 5.1.1 COJ5, rooted, xposed.

i have been using this for many roms and it saves loads of ram and helps your phone/tablet boot up quicker,i read somewhere that it dont work with xposed or mm both are wrong because i use it on AICP MM ROM and have Xposed installed for XinternalSD and have had no problems at all.

I do submit any crashes if they happen and have emailed the dev in the past when crashes happened. I used to get app crashes until several months ago when trying to backup the current config or when clicking the Content Providers menu option but no longer. Sometimes I completely wiped my device to get it to stop crashing. Since it's been updated these past few months those problems don't occur.
You may want to try reinstalling the app, clearing its data, rebooting, etc to see if something fixed your app crash. Make sure your device I is rooted and the My Android Tools app does indeed have root privileges. Given the nature of the app it may take some error submissions and logcats sent to the dev.

Good to see that somebody reviewed and created a thread for this great app.
Just one question here (if someone could help out) - unlike other apps, Skype seems to be way too stubborn. By mistake I once turned off the connectivity change broadcast receiver. Now, no matter what I do I cannot toggle this receiver back on. WHY? I tried pretty much everything. Rebooting, enabling the receiver from within SD Maid pro, tried making a backup of MAT and then editing this backup manually to remove the tweak for skype but it all failed. With other apps I can toggle their receiver, activities and everything however I see fit and the toggles remain put. With Skype, however, it's a fail. Any help?

Let x

Great tutorial.
As you seem to be very clever with MyAndroidTools, do you have any idea how to spot the services to disable with MyAndroidTools, in order to kill UC news inside the 11.4.5.1005 UC browser last release :
For more or less one week, UC browser has become unusable for Android nowadays with forcing every user with b******* news, foxnews search engine, star magazine search engine, googlenews search engine, yahoo search engine, uc browser search engine, 9app, music player and many more.
Do you think MyAndroidTools could be able to strangle this overwhelming flow of stupidity ?
If yes, there are so much possible items among Services (run whenever), ...
What could be a method to spot the tap and turn it off?
thx

is there any FOSS alternative?

Can't locate in the Play store?
Has the app been removed from the play store? If so is there any chance you could make the file available here? This has been a favorite app of mine for quite sometime. Would hate to see it fade into oblivion.

Guys this was a one-stop app for me...can somebody make the apk here??

Sivabalan said:
Guys this was a one-stop app for me...can somebody make the apk here??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know if I would be violating any XDA rules or not. For sure this app is no longer available on the Play store and the developer unfortunately didn't respond to my email. If I can be assured that I'm not violating any XDA rules, I'll gladly share. PS, I love this app I use it for so many things

Bobbaloo said:
I don't know if I would be violating any XDA rules or not. For sure this app is no longer available on the Play store and the developer unfortunately didn't respond to my email. If I can be assured that I'm not violating any XDA rules, I'll gladly share. PS, I love this app I use it for so many things
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buddy it's available in apk mirror portal.

App was removed from Play Store how to get the Pro now?
I bought it but if it's in my library its a pita to search a misplaced tap and you back to the top of the list

How I can get this app? It's no longer in the AppStore. I bought the Pro Version.

Bobbaloo said:
I don't know if I would be violating any XDA rules or not. For sure this app is no longer available on the Play store and the developer unfortunately didn't respond to my email. If I can be assured that I'm not violating any XDA rules, I'll gladly share. PS, I love this app I use it for so many things
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought it on google play and suddenly it disappeared. I contacted the creator and he wrote me he violated some rules (?) of google play and they cutted off his account, but he send me the full apk. But I don't know if I can share it here and if he wants to share the full version. Anyway it's still possible to find it on some websites (apkmirror and something else).
I'm satisfied with it, expecially after I lost money buying autorun manager pro (the developer is not releasing new version, he said he's not interested in it anymore).
Anyway, if someone has any alternative to suggest to My Android Tools Pro it would be good.

COMPLETELY 'GOOGLE-IZE' YOUR AMAZON FIRE TAB (Confirmed Working)

Hello there folks, my name is James Hamilton, and I am from Trinidad and Tobago. I have been the owner of an Amazon Fire Tab HD8 (5th Generation) for the past year and a half, and many times I used to be pissed off with the fact that my 'Tablet' did have the Google Play Store, and apps like Facebook and Twitter never updated to the most recent one because of Amazon's backward behavior.
It wasn't until I stumbled across a video on YouTube that allows you to operate your Fire without the use of an Amazon account. Not only did this save you from the restrictions of having to go to Amazon's Appstore, but it disabled the ads on your lock screen too! So, with these experimental hands of mine, a wild imagination and much tinkering around, I managed to get my Amazon Fire Tab to look and act like a normal Android Tablet, and if I haven't bored you with this (somewhat) lengthy introduction, I'd like to show you how to do the same with yours.
Now, I am a nice person, and I would have liked to post links with these little goodies, but seeing that I am new to the page, I can't post external links... SMH!
DISCLAIMER:
I have tried this on my own, and it did work. If, however, you manage to corrupt your device, or something happens, causing it to go loco, I will not be held responsible for any damages caused.
Now that that's out of the way, let's 'Google-ize' your Amazon Fire Tablet.
THINGS YOU WILL NEED.
. Of course, your fully charged Amazon Fire Tab. (Could be any one from any generation...)
. A back up copy of your data on your Fire tab. (You will need this!)
. A fully functional WiFi network.
. Google Installer (apk file) on your memory card. This will download and install the latest version of Google Apps for your device.
Get it here...
---- You can also use RootJunky's Supertool to install the Google Play Store, but I will be using the Google Installer.
. Launcher Hijack (apk file) on your memory card.
. Google Now Launcher (apk file). This is optional, in the sense that you can download it from the Google Play Store after. Your choice!
Get it here...
Now let's do this!
STEP 1: FACTORY RESET YOUR FIRE TAB.
You can either do a hard or a soft reset on your tab. The following video gives a full demonstration on how to successfully reset your tab...
This is also the reason why a back up of your data is required, because, by doing this, you will be kissing your personal accounts and data... GOODBYE!!!
Note: Your Fire Tab will take a pretty long while before it starts back up, so please, be patient with this!
STEP 2: LOG INTO THE TAB WITHOUT AN AMAZON ACCOUNT.
By doing this, you'll be disabling system offers and killing (most of) Amazon's functionality on this tablet to the core. This here requires special attention and detail. You may have to go into a wifi network, and come back out to get that 'NOT NOW' option, but whatever you do, DO NOT SIGN INTO A WIFI NETWORK, or else you may have to start over from step 1. The following YouTube video gives a demo on how to do this successfully.
STEP 3: SET YOUR FIRE TO INSTALL REQUIRED APPS.
Go to 'Settings', then into 'Security'. Tap on the 'Apps from Unknown Sources' option, tap OK on the pop-up window, and you're all set to install exterior apps.
STEP 4: INSTALLING GOOGLE APPS.
NOW, you can sign into your WiFi Network... (You know you wanted to... lol)
Using the Silk Browser, download the ES File Explorer .apk file, and install it as soon as it is downloaded. If you don't install it immediately after it's downloaded, it'll be impossible to find it, and you may have to do it again, so, let's do it correctly the first time.
After installing the ES File Explorer, at this point, you have many options. You can use the above step to install the Google installer, or you can use the ES File explorer to install it if you had it pre-downloaded to your memory card.
After you installed Google Installer, run it, tap on 'Install', and it will download and install the latest versions of Google Play Store, Google Services Framework, Google Account Manager, Google Play Service, and the Google Calendar Synchronization Service.
If you prefer to use RootJunky's Supertool, a PC and a data cable will be required to follow this option though....
STEP 5: MAKING GOOGLE NOW YOUR DEFAULT LAUNCHER
Using your available options now (Silk Browser or ES File Explorer), you can use either options to install Launcher Hijack. This will override the Fire Launcher, and give you the many available options of customizing the home screen of your Fire.
After installing Launcher Hijack, it's best to install Google Now Launcher. Now you have 3 options in which to install this. Via a browser of your choice (Chrome, Opera, Firefox, Silk, because the Play Store should be installed and running by now), via ES File explorer if you have it pre-downloaded on your memory card, or via the Google Play Store, which, of course, is the easier option.
Open Launcher Hijack, and if Google doesn't show up, click on the three descending dots on the top right hand corner, and select 'Launchers Only.' If it still doesn't, disselect 'Hide System Apps'. It should show up now. When it does, a pop up will appear. Select OK. Next, Go to Settings, go to Accessability, scroll all the way down and tap on 'To detect home button press,' and tap on the switch to turn it on. Now, tap on the home screen, and there you have it, your new Amazon Fire 'Android' Tablet.
THINGS TO CONSIDER:
-You can use any launcher you want, but I prefer the Google Now Launcher because of the ability to install widgets without problems, the file size, and the real stock Android look.
- You may want to install other apps from Google like Gmail, YouTube, Google+, Drive, Photos, Chrome, Contacts, etc. to get a better android user experience.
- All of Amazon's apps will still be there..., TRY TO AVOID THEM! They're the bloatware now! lol
I hope this helps, and if you have any questions, feel free to comment a question, and I will answer. It may not be immediately, but I will answer.
God bless y'all!

What a peculiar post!
What's a "google installer"?

Webern said:
What a peculiar post!
What's a "google installer"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
an apk to install Gapps

Is it possible to set the backup to Google drive? Thanks

redhonker said:
Is it possible to set the backup to Google drive? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it is... I was using that for some time...
Sorry for the late reply.

Likns...
For some reason, all your links are missing. Can you please PM links?

Yes it is. It backs up my pics and videos right there. Sorry for taking so long to reply to your message...

Links
gman759 said:
For some reason, all your links are missing. Can you please PM links?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, here are the links, in order of the original post...
Google Installer - https://google-installer.en.uptodown.com/android
Launcher Hijack - https://github.com/BaronKiko/LauncherHijack/releases
Google Now Launcher - https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/google-now-launcher/
How to log into your Fire without an account - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvORUs7kNk0

Thanks for these instructions. I have a Fire HD 8 and one thing I just can't seem to get working are app notifications...push notifications from apps won't show up no matter what settings I try to do. Permission settings are all set so that apps are allowed to show notifications, but no dice. I even did a factory reset and followed your instructions as above to 'Google-ize' it, but no go. Any ideas?

heytim said:
Thanks for these instructions. I have a Fire HD 8 and one thing I just can't seem to get working are app notifications...push notifications from apps won't show up no matter what settings I try to do. Permission settings are all set so that apps are allowed to show notifications, but no dice. I even did a factory reset and followed your instructions as above to 'Google-ize' it, but no go. Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same thing mentioned in this post, & explanation why it's not currently possible here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=78730311&postcount=10. I have an HD8 8th gen & am bummed about it myself.

Can I prevent an update (or at least stave it off) or must I accept the upcoming update? (I don't want the baseband to increment for rooting)

My phone is forcing upon me an update that I wish to stave off, if possible, or stop altogether if possible.
The upcoming update will happen in a day if I don't figure out how to stop it.
How can we definitively tell if the baseband will be incremented with any given forced update?
And how can we tell if this is a security-only update, or if the baseband will be updated too?

Use Package Disabler or an adb edit to disable these two services. Stops it dead in its tracks.

blackhawk said:
Use Package Disabler or an adb edit to disable these two services. Stops it dead in its tracks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah. Too late! This time anyway.
But your information is good for next time.
I'll use this information in the future (and so can others, which is the point of my fleshing what you just had suggested as the answer) to disable the following two services on my T-Mobile Galaxy A32 5G (SM-326U) Android 12 setup...
<com.sec.android.soagent>
What is com.sec.android.soagent?
What is SOAgent in Samsung Galaxy?
What does com.sec.android.soagent do?
<com.ws.dm>
What is com.ws.dm?
What does com.ws.dm do in a Google Activity?
What does Com WS DS mean?
When I looked to disable those two services using my MuntashirAkon App Manager...
<https://github.com/MuntashirAkon/AppManager>
I found that perhaps that second service has a different name?
<com.sec.android.soagent>
<com.wssyncmldm>
What is com.wssyncmldm?
How to disable com.wssyncmldm
Step by step guide to disabling com.wssyncmldm
All you need to know about com.wssyncmldm
Why disable com.wssyncmldm
How to fix com ws sync mldm
Everything you need to know about com.wssyncmldm
As for "Package Disabler", I didn't even know you could disable system packages without being root (alas, my phone can't be rooted).
It's nice to know you can disable system apps without root.
So that others don't have to look for it, I think I found it here, at least with my first set of search terms.
Package Disabler
<https://www.packagedisabler.com>
The only NON-root solution that let’s you disable any unwanted packages that come pre-installed / installed with your phone / tablet.
You can disable apps with 1 click. Disabled application / package will not be uninstalled or updated using Google play or any other means.
This app also provides password / uninstall protection to avoid misuse.
When I searched on XDA-Developers forum threads for package disabler, I found a bunch of hits, but I don't know which are canonical updated threads.
Package Disabler Pro- De-Bloat & Remove Stock Apps For Better Ram-Battery Life
Package Disabler - Android 11?
which also suggests LADB(Kunal Adb) or PC adb
Package Disabler?
Package Disabler?
New package disabler,works!!!
Package Disabler
Package disabler pro
[GUIDE] [No Root] Disable System Apps & Bloatware: Package Disabler Pro - T-Mobile
Has anyone found an alternative apk to package disabler pro?
Need Help with my note 8 Bootloop caused by disabled Packages
What bloatware have you safely disabled/removed on the Galaxy Tab S3?
These non-forum articles showed up in a google search for more information about this useful "package disabler" tool which purports to disable system packages without needing to be root.
Debloat Galaxy Devices Without Root
Universal Android Debloater helps you get rid of unwanted apps and bloatware on your phone
How to disable any pre-installed system app bloatware on Android without root
Android Central Package Disabler
Regarding the adb commands, I use adb all day every day for a variety of things (see below) but I haven't used adb (or ladb) to disable a service which requires root as I didn't know you could do that.
How to duplicate what adb does to ad hoc open any given Activity on the Android phone?
[adb] [Wireless debugging] [Wi-Fi] Is there an updated XDA tutorial yet on setting up adb COMPLETELY wirelessly as of Android 11+ (no USB cable!)?
[adb] What is the adb syntax to connect wirelessly to Android by unique serial number (instead of by Wi-Fi LAN IP address & random port assignment)?
[adb] [Wireless debugging] [Wi-Fi] Is there an updated XDA tutorial yet on setting up adb COMPLETELY wirelessly as of Android 11+ (no USB cable!)?
(PSA) Using the new Android 12 TILE for 'Developer options' 'Wireless debugging' to establish adb connection over Wi-Fi without USB
[adb,scrcpy,vysor] What ports does Android 12 randomly set when Wi-Fi connecting via Wireless debugging adb "pair" or "connect" commands?
Android 12 Developer options adb "Wireless debugging" option keeps turning off
For any given trusted computer, can we make an adb usb debugging connection on day one & then SAVE adbkey.pub authentication keys for use years later?
As for how to use either local adb (ladb) to disable packages (without needing the PC and without needing to be rooted), my first task was to look up what the ladb commands might be...
Say hello to LADB, a local ADB shell without needing root or a computer!
How to debloat your phone (and more) without connecting to a PC
And then let's look up some of the adb commands to figure out what they are to disable the two services using a PC but without needing to be rooted.
XDA-Developers guide to ADB
ADB Tips & Tricks: ADB commands that every power user should know about!
Obviously I have some homework to do before I can successfully disable the two services listed above without needing to be rooted (as my phone can't be rooted) using just adb (which seems like the easiest way to approach this task)...
Since I'm always connected to my phone via adb anyway (as I mirror my screen and audio onto my PC) I may as well use the adb commands to disable the two update services, where might these be the related necessary adb commands to employ for that task?
C:\> adb shell pm list packages | findstr /i soagent
That should find "package:com.sec.android.soagent"​
C:\> adb shell pm list packages -d | findstr /i soagent
That should find the disabled packages & then grep for "com.sec.android.soagent" which shouldn't (yet) be in that list​
C:\> adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.sec.android.soagent
That should (I hope) disable the listed package (is that correct?)​
C:\> adb shell pm enable --user 0 com.sec.android.soagent
That should (if desired), re-enable the listed package (is that right?)​​Likewise, these are likely the related steps for com.wssyncmldm:
C:\> adb shell pm list packages | findstr /i wssyncmldm
C:\> adb shell pm list packages -d | findstr /i wssyncmldm
C:\> adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.wssyncmldm
C:\> adb shell pm enable --user 0 com.wssyncmldm
But first, may I confirm that my two services are of a different name than that which was initially suggested?
And may I confirm the adb commands to disable those two services?

You can probably roll it back from 12 to 11 if you want provided the boot loader wasn't upgraded too.
This stock Samsung N10+ hasn't been updated in over 3 years; still running on Pie. Current load is over 2.5 yo, still fast, very stable with minimal maintenance. Security simply isn't an issue with its current configuration... screw the Google scare hype. This is what Android is capable of... if you leave it be.

blackhawk said:
You can probably roll it back from 12 to 11 if you want provided the boot loader wasn't upgraded too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for that suggestion, where I really don't know that much about Android, which I openly admit. I can research if pointed in the right direction though.
I am told the bootloader for the T-Mobile A32-5G needs to be version 5 or below (maybe even 3 or below) in order to root the Samsung Galaxy A32-5G, and mine is currently version 8.
I don't know how to roll back a bootloader, but even so, I'm not sure I understand your suggestion of rolling back the Android version from 12 to 11.
How would changing the OS change the bootloader version?
blackhawk said:
This stock Samsung N10+ hasn't been updated in over 3 years; still running on Pie. Current load is over 2.5 yo, still fast, very stable with minimal maintenance. Security simply isn't an issue with its current configuration... screw the Google scare hype. This is what Android is capable of... if you leave it be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I very much appreciate your kind and thoughtful advice that pointed me in the direction of the two packages that I needed to disable, which is what I needed to research in the right direction.
I also much appreciate that you mentioned adb will do the job of disabling those packages without me being rooted, as that too was a required datapoint that I didn't know until you told me.
Thank you very much for your kind advice, where I do agree with you this hype about having the latest security patches isn't something I'm all that worried about.
However....
There is this "nagging concern" that, as of Google's Project Mainline and Project Treble (both since renamed), the way that the 25 core modules update is no longer via carrier updates but over the air with Google Framework Services updates (not to be confused with Google Play Services updates).
AdServices multi-package multi-type Android 13
adbd com.android.adbd APEX Android 11
AppSearch com.android.appsearch APEX Android 13
ART com.android.art APEX Android 12
Bluetooth APEX Android 13
CellBroadcast com.android.cellbroadcast APEX Android 11
Conscrypt com.android.conscrypt APEX Android 10
Device Scheduling com.android.scheduling APEX Android 12
DNS Resolver com.android.resolv APEX Android 10
DocumentsUI com.android.documentsui APK Android 10
ExtServices com.android.ext.services APK (Android 10)
ExtServices com.android.ext.services APEX (Android 11)
IPsec/IKEv2 Library com.android.ipsec APEX Android 11
Media Media: com.android.media Android 10 (extractors)
Media Codecs: com.android.media.swcodec APEX Android 10 (extractors, MediaSession API) Android 11 (MediaParser API)
MediaProvider com.android.mediaprovider APEX Android 11
ModuleMetadata com.android.modulemetadata APK Android 10
Network Stack Network Stack Permission Configuration: com.android.networkstack.permissionconfig
Captive Portal Login: com.android.captiveportallogin
Network Components: com.android.networkstack APK Android 10
NNAPI Runtime com.android.neuralnetworks APK Android 11
OnDevicePersonalization Runtime Multiple Multiple Android 13
PermissionController com.android.permissioncontroller APK Android 10
SDK Extensions com.android.sdkext APEX Android 11
Statsd com.android.os.statsd APEX Android 11
Tethering com.android.tethering APK Android 11
Time Zone Data com.android.tzdata APEX Android 10
UWB com.android.uwb APEX Android 13
Wi-Fi com.android.wifi APEX Android 11
It's all very confusing HOW Android updates nowadays.
Some updates are over the air by the carrier
Other updates are done separately for the 25 core modules
Still others are done over a Google Play Store app Activity
(These last app updates are not really part of the Google Play Store app but the Activity for app updates appears in the settings for the Google Play Store app so a lot of people associate those app updates with the Google Play Store app).
In short, does this method of disabling two packages "really" work to stop all updates?
Or does it just work for the Project Mainline updates?
Or just the carrier supplied security updates?
I don't know.

You're welcome.
The bootloader version can be upgraded but not rolled back on a Snapdragon. If just the rom was upgraded from 11 to 12 it can be rolled back by flashing Android 11 if the bootloader wasn't upgraded too. I think this is the case for you but check it to be sure. Personally I don't muck with the firmware. A Samsung Experience center at a Best Buy can also flash it back to 11.
I really don't worry about updating any apps unless there's a improvement I need, so I don't.
It leads to a more stable platform since everything is already running well, more importantly it's fulfilling its mission. In the end that's all that counts. This is my solution; it may not be what others do but it works very well for me. I send almost zero time now troubleshooting... it just runs.

blackhawk said:
You're welcome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Without you, I wouldn't have known the name of the two packages, nor that adb can disable them without me being rooted. Thanks.
What I don't know, yet anyway, is which of the following software versions those two packages above facilitated the updates for...
Android version [e.g., Android 12]
Baseband version [e.g., A326USQS8BVL3]
Security update [e.g., Dec. 1, 2022]
Google Play System [e.g., March 1, 2022]
Google Play Services [e.g., 22.42.12 (190400-481949630]
Google Play Store [e.g., 33.5.16-21 [0][PR] 4933219047]
Firmware (such as the Qualcomm modem firmware)
25 Core modules in Project Mainline
These are apparently updated either over Google Play Services on the net or OTA by partners.
Default/original apps (such as Chrome, YouTube, etc.)
User apps (of which there may be hundreds)
blackhawk said:
The bootloader version can be upgraded but not rolled back on a Snapdragon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't think it was going to be easy to unlock the bootloader, let alone roll it backward a notch or two.
BTW, it's not a Snapdragon I don't think.
DevCheck (see attached screenshot) shows it to be a "Mediatek Dimensity 720" powering this SM-A326U Galaxy A32 5G.
blackhawk said:
If just the rom was upgraded from 11 to 12 it can be rolled back by flashing Android 11 if the bootloader wasn't upgraded too. I think this is the case for you but check it to be sure. Personally I don't muck with the firmware. A Samsung Experience center at a Best Buy can also flash it back to 11.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've seen that link, and I found it fantastic, where I think I'm stuck in not being able to root unless something new comes up - which is my main purpose here in at least freezing the bootloader version at 8.
The main lack of information I have at the moment is I don't know WHAT PROCESS updates the bootloader.
blackhawk said:
I really don't worry about updating any apps unless there's a improvement I need, so I don't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm with you 100% in that I don't update ANY apps unless I KNOW it has something I want (which almost never happens).
That's good that neither of us worries about app updates because most people don't realize what a MESS app updates truly are!
I've found out most people THINK that the Google Play Store does a check for new apps for ALL your installed apps - but I've tested it and it doesn't even come close (see attached screenshot proof).
The Google Play Store app update section isn't even part of the Google Play Store (it's an Activity within it but it's independent of the Google Play Store app itself) - but what's worse is the fact it updates barely any apps.
Maybe a dozen. Maybe even two dozen.
But the Google Play Store app update Activity MISSES hundreds upon hundreds of apps, which the screenshots below prove to be the case.
Luckily, as a result of that opinion which we both share that we don't update apps unless we need to, this whole app update mess isn't an issue for either one of us, but bear in mind that a LOT of people "think" the Google Play Store app "updates" all their apps.
It's not even close.
blackhawk said:
It leads to a more stable platform since everything is already running well, more importantly it's fulfilling its mission. In the end that's all that counts. This is my solution; it may not be what others do but it works very well for me. I send almost zero time now troubleshooting... it just runs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm like you in that I don't update the hundreds of apps unless any one of them needs to be updated, which almost never happens.
But what is driving me nuts is the CONFUSION about what process updates what part of the Android operating system.
For example, I'm currently at:
The Google Play System = March 1, 2022
Settings > About phone > Software information
The Google Play Services = Version 22.42.12 (190400-481949630)
Settings > Apps > Your apps > Google Play Services
The Google Play Store = 33.5.16-21 [0][PR] 4933219047
Settings > Apps > Your apps > Google Play Services
But what is the process that updates those three entities?
It behooves us to nail this down as I'm confused what is updated when & how.
While there are at least a half dozen important layers of Android which are updated on a variety of schedules, I think the fundamental updated layers may be:
The Android OS version, baseband & security patch levels
The Google Play {System,Services,Store} system update levels
The versions of the 25 core modules of Project Mainline
The versions of the firmware in Project Treble
The versions of all the apps supplied with the native OS
I'm embarrassed, for example, to state that I have no idea whatsoever what updates the BASEBAND, for example.
Worse, I have no idea what process updates the 25 core modules of the Project Mainline modules (which is the core of Android).
Project Mainline core modules in Android 10
Project Mainline core modules in Android 11
Project Mainline core modules in Android 12
Project Mainline core modules in Android 13
What process updates those two dozen critical core modules?

com.wssyncmldm is what does all OTA firmware updates for the phone including the bootloader as far as I know. To stop OTA upgrades only it needs to be disabled. It's the only one that can permanently screw you up.
I'm not familiar with the MediaTek chipsets. Galaxy store updates it's apps as well, I firewall block it unless I need to use it.
I keep installable backup copies of all my apps including system. That way on a reload or if they get an unwanted update, I'm ready.
Worksv on Android 9,10, not sure about higher. Newer versions are on Playstore.

blackhawk said:
com.wssyncmldm is what does all OTA firmware updates for the phone including the bootloader as far as I know. To stop OTA upgrades only it needs to be disabled. It's the only one that can permanently screw you up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for confirming com.wssyncmldm does the over-the-air firmware updates, and, particularly the caveat that it's the only updater package that can permanently screw the ability to root up.
Android is broken into so many components that I am going nuts trying to figure out what updates what - so that helps (a little).
blackhawk said:
I'm not familiar with the MediaTek chipsets. Galaxy store updates it's apps as well, I firewall block it unless I need to use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for bringing up the Galaxy App update mechanism, which I had omitted in my description of what updates apps above.
The OTA update often updates default system apps
The Google Play Store Activity Updater updates "some" apps
The FOSS Google Play Store clients also update "many" apps
The Samsung Galaxy Store updater updates its own apps
There are app updaters I've tested which update ALL apps
(Of course, these assume an update is available.)
Just so that you know, I never create ANY login on my phone, so I can't log into the galaxy store even if I had wanted to do so.
Is there any app in the Samsung Galaxy Store worth the login requirements?
That means I don't have a Google Account set up on my phone either (even as I have a Google Account), so I've learned empirically that if you log into the GMail app even once, it CREATES a Google Account on your phone.
The phone works better WITHOUT the Google Account setup.
Likewise if you log into the Google Maps app, or Google Voice, etc., but luckily ALL the Google apps have equivalent apps which generally work better than the Google apps do anyway.
GMail === FairMail mail client
Chrome === Ungoogled Chromium web client
YouTube === NewPipe YouTube client
Google Play Store === Aurora Google Play Store client
Google Maps === works fine w/o a login
Google Calendar === Etar
Google Messages === Pulse SMS (before Klinker sold to Maple Media)
Google launcher === Nova Launcher (before they sold out)
etc.
Note a good reason for SAVING all the APKs you install is shown in the case of Nova and Pulse where both went over to the dark side.
blackhawk said:
I keep installable backup copies of all my apps including system. That way on a reload or if they get an unwanted update, I'm ready.
Worksv on Android 9,10, not sure about higher. Newer versions are on Playstore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like you, I maintain all my APKs independently OUTSIDE of the current daily drive phone, where it's all completely automatic.
The FOSS Google Play Store clients have an option to NOT DELETE the APK when you install any app off the Google Play Store repository.
That fact bears repeating.
When you install an app off the Google Play store, presumably this sequence occurs:
1. The client finds the app & then you download the APK
2. The client initiates the installation of the APK
3. Then the client always DELETES the downloaded APK
But when you install that same app off that same repository using the FOSS Google Play Store clients, and if you check the box to NOT DELETE the APK after installation, then THIS sequence happens.
1. The client finds the app & then you download the APK
2. The client initiates the installation of the APK
3. Then the client always DOES NOT DELETE the downloaded APK
In addition, my Android file system and my Windows file systems are exactly the same (so to speak) since I use free WebDAV servers to mount my entire Android filesystem onto Windows as a drive letter over Wi-Fi (no cables necessary).
Can you mount BOTH Android internal & external storage onto Windows as a drive letter over Wi-Fi using a SINGLE WebDAV server?
That way, when I need to re-populate a new phone, I first bring over the homescreen and all the icon locations (which Nova does nicely), and then, one by one, I populate the apps by SLIDING them over using my mouse to slide from Windows to the mirrored Android.
See the screenshots below proving all that I say above.
BTW, I have one WARNING about extracting APKs, where I've tested ALL the free extractors extent, and where I've had some bad experiences where the extracted APK doesn't work on a different model phone (generally it's different in every way, hardware & software).
I've had MUCH BETTER experience just NOT DELETING the APK when it's downloaded off the Google Play Store repository, or the F-Droid repository, or the GitHub/Sourceforge/Guardian/etc., repositories.
This problem, I think, will only get worse as of the August 2022 decree by Google regarding APEX files (instead of APK files) on the Google Play Store repository.
In summary, Android UPDATES are complex, and I do NOT profess to understand what updates what - so any help anyone can provide is welcome as I am confused as to what updates what.
Since my credibility matters, screenshots below prove all I say above.

I use whatever comes in handy and don't go more nuts than I need to in order to get the job done.
The reason to be able to access the Samsung Galaxy store are the free icon packs and themes.
Edge add ons and certain other apps like Sound Assistant. The Good Lock family of apps are of particular interest for a Samsung user.
Nova isn't as fast or efficient as One UI. One UI is a very stable launcher and very customizable.
My stock N10+ homescreen running on One UI, modified with various Good Lock apps and One handed Operation plus. Digi Clock and Energy Ring are 3rd party apps.

blackhawk said:
Nova isn't as fast or efficient as One UI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nova free went over to the dark side as of the Branch acquisition.
Nova Launcher and Sesame Search have been acquired by Branch, an analytics company
As a direct result of the Branch acquisition, my Nova free is the last known good version (namely the pre-branch 7.0.57 version):
<https://novalauncher.com/beta>
<https://novalauncher.com/apk/NovaLauncher_7.0.57.apk>
Name: NovaLauncher_7.0.57.apk
Size: 8687535 bytes (8483 KiB)
SHA256: 05AE72221D8D4F3D6A111A3220A0C87040806AF4E53053EF64F2DE426990893E
Mostly what I like(d) about Nova free is the ability to save the homescreen (and all the folders, shortcuts, and icons) EXACTLY and then re-load it on any number of phones, no matter what make/model of that phone.
Another feature I really liked about Nova free is its ability to put icons on any grid and in any location whatsoever.
Last summer I had opened a thread seeking a replacement app launcher...
Nova launcher used to be the best free Android launcher - until now - so what's better?
We discussed the merits at that time...
blackhawk said:
One UI is a very stable launcher and very customizable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm happy with my last-known-good-version of Nova free, but because they went over to the dark side, I have to find another app launcher.
If OneUI does those things, I might consider it.
Save homescreen/folders/icons & re-use later
Put icons on any grid (or no grid) whatsoever

GalaxyA325G said:
Mostly what I like(d) about Nova free is the ability to save the homescreen (and all the folders, shortcuts, and icons) EXACTLY and then re-load it on any number of phones, no matter what make/model of that phone.
The only other thing I really liked about Nova free is its ability to put icons on any grid and in any location whatsoever.
I'm happy with my last-known-good-version of Nova free, but because they went over to the dark side, I have to find another app launcher.
If OneUI does those two things, I might consider it.
Save homescreen/folders/icons & re-use later
Put icons on any grid (or no grid) whatsoever
Does it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SmartSwitch can save icons and homescreen, however on a clean load I wouldn't use SmartSwitch other than to save homescreen settings so you'll need to rebuild the icons and apps although Goodlock apps and homepage settings remain in effect. So it's not like you just landed on mars and everything looks unworldly with no button navigation
Other than folders you're locked into the grid pattern.
One UI is faster, more efficient and very stable. In fact in 3 years I've never had it crash and force a reboot. Let me put this way, one of the most surefire ways to boot loop a Samsung is a 3rd party launcher. Been there, done that twice, back to back full reloads That convinced me to live with the white page indicators. That's my only real criticism of One UI.
Pick your poison wisely...

I didn't read the whole thread, but for instance it's already enough to freeze the "Software-Update" package to stop "Software-Update" notifications.
In my S8 with Android 9 it's located in /system/priv-app/FotaAgent/FotaAgent.apk. Just rename to "FotaAgent.apk.bak" and that's it!