Unsolved tech... - General Questions and Answers

Hello guys,
I have been searching for answers to some of the tech stuff, but couldn't find them.
Here are some of those questions. Hope some of you would have answers to these. Thanks in advance!
ANDROID
1. How to share files between multi-users on Android 11?
Before Android 11, it was possible to save files inside the Android/ obb folder, and these files were visible for all users on the device. In Android 11, this is no longer working as the 'obb' folder appears to be exclusive to each user.
I know this is possible via USB OTG or a cloud service, but is there a solution without these?
2. How to copy/ backup game data for non-rooted devices?
Helium Backup doesn't seem to work. I have played a game for long on my Mediapad, and I would like to copy that game to my phone. Unfortunately, my Mediapad is not rooted and losing all that game progress has become a nightmare. I have written to the app developer to provide some sort of backup using either Google Play Games or social media integration like Facebook/ Twitter, but haven't received any response.
3. How to force apps (esp. file managers & gallery apps) to use in-app media viewer without changing system default.
For example, I may use the stock gallery app as default for viewing media. But if I am using another gallery app or a file manager that is capable of viewing media files using its own media viewer, I would rather want it use it than open the default app. Is there a way to do it?
4. Replace stock file manager (a system app) with another app from Google Play Store or other sources. Is this possible?
I am not asking how to convert a user app into system app. I know that part. I tried replacing the apk file of the stock file manager with a 3rd party apk, even renamed it, but it didn't work.
5. Extract a system app from one device and install it on another device without root. Is this possible?
I have tried it, but apk installation fails. For example, Samsung Gallery app on OnePlus phones.
iOS
1. How to install .ipa (iPhone app) on an iPhone (not jail-broken) without a laptop (iTunes)?
2. Is it possible to have SFTP server for iPhone?
All Operating Systems
1. How to provide LAN only access for non-rooted devices as well as in Windows & iOS?
For rooted devices, we have apps like AFWall+ that can do it. But is there a way to do it for devices without root, as well as for Windows and iOS?
For non-rooted devices, we have apps like Netguard that support 'Allow LAN access' whilst blocking internet access.
Are there any alternatives and solutions for other platforms?
2. How safe is it to enter login credentials in an app to allow it access to network drives?
I use several apps (on various platforms) to connect to my laptop over SMB. This requires me to provide the app with my Windows Login Credentials, which is a Microsoft account. Am I risking my account by providing this info to the app? Is it safe to enter login credentials of cloud services in file manager apps?

Just bumping this thread as it seems to have been lost/ unnoticed.
@Ultramanoid can you answer some of these?

Sridhar Ananthanarayanan said:
@Ultramanoid can you answer some of these?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't help much, sorry. As to Android, some notes :
1. Never have used an OEM / Google's version of Android, or anything other than rooted single-user systems.
2. In addition to the previous answer, I'm not a gamer.
3. I usually don't ever set defaults with some rare exceptions, so I am always given a choice of what I want to use to handle a file. It may vary depending on many things; I may want to edit an SVG file as text, or view it as an image, for instance. There are applications / services that will intercept intents to allow you to do this sort of thing as well, but I can't recommend a specific one, never use them myself.
4. Possible, but will break Android as by now the system requires it as a file picker in many instances without recognizing alternatives and developers of most applications do expect it as well and their services will not work without it. Don't do it. With recent Android storage changes, including the scoped storage debacle, this is not a viable option anymore.
5. Depends, but not likely as a general rule, specially for OEM garbage, which relies on their own proprietary modifications of Android, their libraries, frameworks, et al. You'd have to carry those over to the destination too, which may not even be possible. Use OEM-independent and not Google Services reliant applications. ( Edit : you'll find some of those applications built to install on all devices here on XDA by single developers, "SONY camera for all devices" and that sort of thing, not recommended anyway, not well supported or long-lived experiments. )

Ultramanoid said:
Can't help much, sorry. As to Android, some notes :
1. Never have used an OEM / Google's version of Android, or anything other than rooted single-user systems.
2. In addition to the previous answer, I'm not a gamer.
3. I usually don't ever set defaults with some rare exceptions, so I am always given a choice of what I want to use to handle a file. It may vary depending on many things; I may want to edit an SVG file as text, or view it as an image, for instance. There are applications / services that will intercept intents to allow you to do this sort of thing as well, but I can't recommend a specific one, never use them myself.
4. Possible, but will break Android as by now the system requires it as a file picker in many instances without recognizing alternatives and developers of most applications do expect it as well and their services will not work without it. Don't do it. With recent Android storage changes, including the scoped storage debacle, this is not a viable option anymore.
5. Depends, but not likely as a general rule, specially for OEM garbage, which relies on their own proprietary modifications of Android, their libraries, frameworks, et al. You'd have to carry those over to the destination too, which may not even be possible. Use OEM-independent and not Google Services reliant applications. ( Edit : you'll find some of those applications built to install on all devices here on XDA by single developers, "SONY camera for all devices" and that sort of thing, not recommended anyway, not well supported or long-lived experiments. )
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Click to collapse
Thanks very much. But I wish you answered the last 2 questions as well.
If time permits, would you be interested in telling us how you use your phone? I mean which device, which OS and what apps you use. I would like to give that a try (on a spare device) and see if it is possible for me to live without Google.

Sridhar Ananthanarayanan said:
Thanks very much. But I wish you answered the last 2 questions as well.
If time permits, would you be interested in telling us how you use your phone? I mean which device, which OS and what apps you use. I would like to give that a try (on a spare device) and see if it is possible for me to live without Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't answer because it won't be helpful.
As to the 1st, I don't use LAN, and I don't keep data in any device or computer unless in use. External independent encrypted storage to be used wherever, whenever, independent of device, cables if needed.
As to the second, it's a matter of common sense, being informed of vulnerabilities and aware of reputation, and trust. Would you trust Chrome or Mozilla with data if you're online banking ? Seems reasonable -- but be aware of major vulnerabilities that may be going on. Would you trust an application released yesterday by a single developer for the same ? Probably not a good idea.
Finally, I doubt what I use and how I use it would be acceptable for you, or most people. In essence you could : Install latest firmware, wipe device, install latest security patched Lineage build for it, remove vendor / Lineage applications, get full root, remove anything you don't need or use which could have vulnerabilities; frameworks, libraries, binaries, etc ( Bluetooth, SMS, Android system-wide downloader, system-wide WebView, NFC, and on and on .. ), install your own binaries, fonts, hosts file, and applications where appropriate ( /bin /etc et al ), install Termux and all Linux packages required for your use, everything open source whenever possible, and stay away from any Google services / Play / applications with ANY trackers, analytics, data mining or even crash report capabilities; zero tolerance. Internet permission only for a secure web browser -- and terminal if / when needed. Half of what I do or use goes through terminal to be honest. In short, for me an Android device is a full Linux laptop replacement with added perks : Always on and on me, camera, GPS, pedometer, unlimited LTE data, and emergency calls for medics / police. ( Edit : And Japanese EEW alarm of course ! Only notification I use. We learned our lesson well in 2011. )

You can use ApkExport to extract any apk including system apks. I've transferred apks between other devices devices with it.
Never had need of doing that though with a system apk.

Related

best crypt for Android. fail

I recently saw this on Google play.
It's a volume container encryption application that runs on many platforms including Windows Linux and Android and possibly others (ok I admit I'm pretty blind to Mac and Apple).
I thought I would give it a try. I have not used best crypt since I found true crypt.
I was able to create and mount a container in Android.
But that was about it.the built in file browser that you NEED to use is about as user friendly as a bed of thumb tracks. You had no options on what encryption methods to create the container or any other options. That's a pretty glaring problem.
I tried to install the desktop application but it requires internet to install..
And only an idiot would use such a system
(What happens is you need to reinstall to get to your data and you have no internet? All your backups are useless with internet required applications be it installing or running)
Security applications in any form should never NEED the internet to function in any way.
So basically I cannot even recommend looking at this software for any use.
I could understand issues like these in a new software company that knew nothing of security and was just starting out..
But the makers of best crypt have been around for years. And personally I could never see a situation where I would pay for a application that had such issues right at the start.
Even free I would never use it
It's NOT open source software so I can't even comment on their encryption techniques..
(Once again it would not matter as the desktop needs internet access to install and the app has no encryption options)

Privacy concern with a dubious app

Any help will be much appreciated.
I have to install an app which I don't trust, but which requires too many permissions, which obviously I am not keen on giving the app. For reasons beyond my control, I can't name the app (it's a work thing).
My idea is to create a new user on the phone, (OnePlus2) and install the app for that user only. Would this stop it from being able to access the data under my own user, and restrict it to only read the data available for the new user for which it is installed?
It requires permission to: (just incase this info helps)
Draw over other apps
Take pictures and videos
Find accounts on the device
Approximate location, precise location
Read SMS/MMS, Send & View SMS/MMS
Modify or delete contents of USB storage
Read contents of USB storage
Read phone status and Identity
Any other solution I should look at? Or will this work just fine?
Cheers!
No way I would install that. Not on a device I use. Unless I had full control over the source code for the apks. I could see some uses.
But to answer your question, I think that should work. I don't have much experience with the details of extra users on the device bit you can look it up on the Google developer site.
That should be enough.
For good measure, I Tried Doing this on my Moto G4 Plus. I created a new user and installed Drupe and Textra. And here is what happened.
1. The New User did not have access to my contacts, call records or SMS
2. The old user could not see these two apps.
since the gallery is tied to photos on the Moto, the users could not see each other's photos.
UPDATE: I just saw an app on another thread that may work for you. - https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/closed-beta-test-incoming-companion-app-t3366295

Is it possible for a custom ROM to disable Scoped Storage?

As above. I just updated to Android 11 recently on my Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ (SM-N975F), and holy **** Scoped Storage is a massive pain. Google and various device manufacturers have already been gradually restricting and cutting down access to various power user options (e.g. flashing custom firmware, accessing various settings, making dev features harder to use and/or access), but Scoped Storage is pretty redundant.
For those who aren't familar, Scoped Storage severely restricts access to the Android/data folder in your internal storage. As a result, it just turns the Android/data folder into basically what the data/data partition is - a system-managed folder where apps can only access their own folders and only certain system processes (or root users) can access the entire folder structure. This breaks a lot of apps which historically stored their data in their own Android/data folders which would otherwise work on Android 11.
I was hoping that LineageOS would have had an option to disable this "feature" (I noticed a commit around "opting out of scoped storage" at https://review.lineageos.org/c/LineageOS/android_packages_apps_Eleven/+/286006), but it seems not. For me, I've downgraded to Android 10; thankfully the bootloader version remained the same.
Still, I was wondering, is it likely that a custom ROM maker will be able to find some way to disable Scoped Storage on Android 11 in the future? Thanks for any responses.
Edit: clarified that I meant Android 11+.
ArtemisPilly said:
As above. I just updated to Android 11 recently on my Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ (SM-N975F), and holy **** Scoped Storage is a massive pain in the ass. Google and various device manufacturers have already been gradually restricting and cutting down access to various power user options (e.g. flashing custom firmware, accessing various settings, making dev features harder to use and/or access), but Scoped Storage is pretty redundant. It just turns the Android/data folder into basically what the data/data partition is - a system-managed folder where apps can only access their own folders and only certain system processes (or root users) can access the entire folder structure. This breaks a lot of apps which historically stored their data in their own Android/data folders.
I was hoping that LineageOS would have had an option to disable this "feature" (I noticed a commit around "opting out of scoped storage" at https://review.lineageos.org/c/LineageOS/android_packages_apps_Eleven/+/286006), but it seems not. For me, I've downgraded to Android 10; thankfully the bootloader version remained the same. Still, I was wondering, is it likely that a custom ROM maker will be able to find some way to disable Scoped Storage in the future? Thanks for any responses.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is possible if it downgrade your device to android 10
Austinredstoner said:
It is possible if it downgrade your device to android 10
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that's what I originally thought as well. Still, we can't feasibly remain on Android 10 forever, so I was wondering how is Scoped Storage implemented on the Android OS and whether it can be disabled or that specific module can be rolled back by ROM developers.
ArtemisPilly said:
Yeah, that's what I originally thought as well. Still, we can't feasibly remain on Android 10 forever, so I was wondering how is Scoped Storage implemented on the Android OS and whether it can be disabled or that specific module can be rolled back by ROM developers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They say their some file manager they bypass this restrictions it may work but I can't say for sure
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.marc.files
This app may be able to bypass the restrictions
Austinredstoner said:
They say their some file manager they bypass this restrictions it may work but I can't say for sure
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.marc.files
This app may be able to bypass the restrictions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I know some file managers are able to bypass the restrictions (Root Explorer, Solid Explorer etc). The problem is with other, non-file-manager apps (e.g. messaging apps, browsers, games) which are used to storing their data in Android/data.
Many such apps either crash upon opening, or they might ask for permission to access their old folders, which when granted, opens up the Android stock file picker. The stock file picker then refuses to allow the app to use its old folder, saying "to protect your privacy, choose another folder" (or something like that, I've downgraded to Android 10), and there don't seem to be any options to use a different file picker (for some reason the only other app I can see in the file picker is Termux??).
This cripples a lot of older apps which are still very useful but which haven't been updated in a while (and when I say "older", I mean "2019" - not that old, about half of Android devices still run on 9.0 or older).
ArtemisPilly said:
Yeah, I know some file managers are able to bypass the restrictions (Root Explorer, Solid Explorer etc). The problem is with other, non-file-manager apps (e.g. messaging apps, browsers, games) which are used to storing their data in Android/data.
Many such apps either crash upon opening, or they might ask for permission to access their old folders, which when granted, opens up the Android stock file picker. The stock file picker then refuses to allow the app to use its old folder, saying "to protect your privacy, choose another folder" (or something like that, I've downgraded to Android 10), and there don't seem to be any options to use a different file picker (for some reason the only other app I can see in the file picker is Termux??).
This cripples a lot of older apps which are still very useful but which haven't been updated in a while (and when I say "older", I mean "2019" - not that old, about half of Android devices still run on 9.0 or older).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google will finally let file manager apps request "All Files Access" on Android 11 next month
Google has finally announced when it will allow file managers and other apps that target Android request the All Files Access permission.
www.xda-developers.com
This wasn't here when u created this thread but this is good news
Austinredstoner said:
Google will finally let file manager apps request "All Files Access" on Android 11 next month
Google has finally announced when it will allow file managers and other apps that target Android request the All Files Access permission.
www.xda-developers.com
This wasn't here when u created this thread but this is good news
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually the article says that Android/data and Android/obb will be excluded from said access, so it's not really any improvement over the current situation.
One of the alternative band-aids to disabling Scoped Storage might be to find some way to mod the stock file picker so it recognises apps like Solid Explorer and Root Explorer (which can bypass the restrictions) as file managers. However this still doesn't help apps which expect to be able to access their files from the get-go; one example is GTA San Andreas, which seems to just crash upon opening.
Xplore file manager bypasses it
X-plore File Manager - Apps on Google Play
X-plore is dual-pane file manager with tree view, LAN/Root/Clouds and more.
play.google.com
ArtemisPilly said:
Yeah, that's what I originally thought as well. Still, we can't feasibly remain on Android 10 forever, so I was wondering how is Scoped Storage implemented on the Android OS and whether it can be disabled or that specific module can be rolled back by ROM developers.
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You can stay on Q for the life of the device more then likely. I'm still running Pie with zero issues.
Android's gone Apple tarted
blackhawk said:
You can stay on Q for the life of the device more then likely. I'm still running Pie with zero issues.
Android's gone Apple tarted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
money will make even the best developers re-tart just take a glance at windows 10
I still got windows xp
revized said:
money will make even the best developers re-tart just take a glance at windows 10
I still got windows xp
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sad but predictable to see Android tailspinning in like creepy billgatesware.
XPx64 is still the best.
I run W7x64 too.
After that MS became an useless liability.
Evil clownware
I still wonder though, will LineageOS opt out of Scoped Storage or add a feature to disable it?
An equally effective alternative and probably even better one would be to let the user give specific apps full storage permission. Is something like this realizable (even if it's through rooted means - that would be fine)?
We need CONTAINERS for scoped storage. Same as we do for browser containers.
We need a scoped storage manager to group apps.
We don't need an all or nothing approach designed to push everything through the cloud.
Then again, that could be a workaround, right? Same as the workarounds for the browser when local file access was removed: setup a local server to pass data between processes!!
Hi, just my tuppence worth.
I bought an updated android box couple months ago as an upgrade to couple of old ones I had. Mainly use for watching streamed tv shows, viewing youtube and also checking out my cctv and saving recordings to the usb hdd.
Well the new box was amazing. Never mind the hype it is really good. its the hk1 rboxx4. Very fast on latest android 11. But it was a good month messing about trying to work out why nothing would write to the external usb dd. Then I discovered the scope business and the penny dropped.
Google is going to muscle in on streaming ppv sites. Well android has for years. But if they want to sell premium movies etc. or even just official boxes, They wont want the fee payers making back-ups. Just cant see why else they would do it.
The second thing is X-plore does not solve the problem. Ive used it for years on every device iv ever had. But it will not write to ext hdd on android 11. Tried many times, many versions.

How do you access the D2D (Device-to-Device) Data Transfer functionality?

So, as of Android 12, rightfully so: https://developer.android.com/about/versions/12/backup-restore
For apps running on and targeting Android 12 and higher:
Specifying android:allowBackup="false" does disable backups to Google Drive, but doesn’t disable D2D transfers for the app.
Specifying include and exclude rules with the XML configuration mechanism no longer affects D2D transfers, though it still affects Google Drive backups. To specify rules for D2D transfers, you must use the new configuration covered in the next section.
So, is there a way to use adb or something else to access this functionality so that we can make PC backups of app data?
This is the 1 Achilles Heel of Android: you can't make backups of all app data.
I want to make an Android app or PC app that makes use of this D2D app-data transfer functionality so that users can backup their app-data with ease and peace-of-mind.
Read this review of the companion app for this feature that Google has for Pixels.
At least I think this is the app for that and it doesn't look too good:
Data Transfer Tool - Apps on Google Play
Restore apps and more from an old phone
play.google.com
That being said, this might be just that one app and other OEMs might simply elect to not have these restrictions, but it's something I had been wondering myself for a while when I read that Google chooses to replace adb backup with a function that's curiously not called a backup anymore, but a transfer tool.
It's not that uncommon for stipulations like these to be the difference between a backup and a transfer.
Definitely something to look out for.
Not allowing easy and complete app-data back-ups is user-hostile.
iOS isn't perfect but much better about this because it allows complete backups via iTunes or Finder.
And, I think this Data Transfer Tool app is either Pixel-only or that OEMs implement it or include it themselves directly.
I agree, it is very hostile and I'm honestly puzzled why backups that are transferable within various Android flavors at least for third-party apps aren't legally required of Google by now.
The EU is going ahead to mandate that all charging ports on mobiles should have the same standard when there are already only 2, but this **** is allowed to fly?
Absolutely ridiculous and out of touch.
Too bad I care about long-term support in terms of security patches and features like a usable pen (S-Pen), otherwise I'd be on some Xiaomi phone where apparently complete backups are a reality.
Glassed Silver said:
Too bad I care about long-term support in terms of security patches and features like a usable pen (S-Pen), otherwise I'd be on some Xiaomi phone where apparently complete backups are a reality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does Xiaomi beat Smart Switch and grab the app-data of apps that don't have that backup boolean set to true?
Smart Switch grabs the app-data of all apps that have that backup boolean set to True. And, you can backup to an external HDD via a USB-C hub also. This beats Google hands down.
iOS has been doing this since forever. I don't understand the delay in implementing this very basic feature. No apps should be allowed to bypass this requirement.
nixnixnixnix4 said:
So, is there a way to use adb or something else to access this functionality so that we can make PC backups of app data?
This is the 1 Achilles Heel of Android: you can't make backups of all app data.
I want to make an Android app or PC app that makes use of this D2D app-data transfer functionality so that users can backup their app-data with ease and peace-of-mind.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try this:
[TOOL][ADB][WIN]Android Partitions Backupper / Cloner
Hi all, wrote a Windows CMD script that backups / clones partitions of an Android device via ADB because I wasn't content with any 3rd-party APK what claims to do this job. The backups /clones are stored on Windows computer as...
forum.xda-developers.com
jwoegerbauer said:
Try this:
[TOOL][ADB][WIN]Android Partitions Backupper / Cloner
Hi all, wrote a Windows CMD script that backups / clones partitions of an Android device via ADB because I wasn't content with any 3rd-party APK what claims to do this job. The backups /clones are stored on Windows computer as...
forum.xda-developers.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless you can grab the app-data as a restorable package, the way adb does, this won't make life easier.
nixnixnixnix4 said:
Does Xiaomi beat Smart Switch and grab the app-data of apps that don't have that backup boolean set to true?
Smart Switch grabs the app-data of all apps that have that backup boolean set to True. And, you can backup to an external HDD via a USB-C hub also. This beats Google hands down.
iOS has been doing this since forever. I don't understand the delay in implementing this very basic feature. No apps should be allowed to bypass this requirement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I've read yes.
Xiaomi being a Chinese company I guess they just don't give much of a toss about what those app devs think should be happening to the app data, which in this instance is a good thing for the user, however I don't really trust my valuable data to Xiaomi in general, so I'd rather steer clear of that company.
I just cannot trust them. It's got nothing to do with them being Chinese, but them being at the direct whim of the CCP.
Actually same for Huawei where I have to admit to still own a MediaPad 8.4 for manga reading, but I'm really picky about what I put on there and am actively looking for a replacement. Something with 8 inches (perfect manga reading screen size) and somewhat decent specs and build quality that comes with Android and ample security patch timeline.
Basically I'm waiting for something like a Galaxy Tab S7 in 8 inches. Yeah, that'd be pretty fly. No A-line please, I'd really like an S-Pen on it, especially since I'm not too certain I want to go with a foldable phone after my Note20, but I for sure want to keep using an S-Pen...
Glassed Silver said:
however I don't really trust my valuable data to Xiaomi in general, so I'd rather steer clear of that company.
I just cannot trust them. It's got nothing to do with them being Chinese, but them being at the direct whim of the CCP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rumor is: If a Xiaomi phone hears you say the word "Tibet" more than 3 times, it will explode.

What is this 'Chamber' folder that cannot be deleted?

I have enabled Work Profile on my Samsung phone using Shelter app.
Recently, I noticed that there is a folder called Chamber (see attachment) in the Work Profile, and I'm unable to delete it. I have tried deleting it in Safe Mode too, but it refuses to get deleted.
I can't delete it from my PC because this is inside the Work Profile, which is inaccessible using a PC.
I don't have this folder on my other devices where I have enabled Work Profile using the same Shelter app.
Does anyone know which app this folder is associated with and how to force delete it?
TheMystic said:
I have enabled Work Profile on my Samsung phone using Shelter app.
Recently, I noticed that there is a folder called Chamber (see attachment) in the Work Profile, and I'm unable to delete it. I have tried deleting it in Safe Mode too, but it refuses to get deleted.
I can't delete it from my PC because this is inside the Work Profile, which is inaccessible using a PC.
I don't have this folder on my other devices where I have enabled Work Profile using the same Shelter app.
Does anyone know which app this folder is associated with and how to force delete it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it is associated to an app, deleting the folder is pointless unless you uninstall/disable the app that it is associated to, otherwise, it will just keep recreating the folder.
Droidriven said:
If it is associated to an app, deleting the folder is pointless unless you uninstall/disable the app that it is associated to, otherwise, it will just keep recreating the folder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's true. But it doesn't seem to be associated with any app, or let's say I haven't figured it out yet. I have uninstalled many of the suspected apps in Work Profile, but it continues to remain intact. The folder seems to have been created around the time I installed the Work Profile, and most of the apps that are currently installed were installed much later.
TheMystic said:
That's true. But it doesn't seem to be associated with any app, or let's say I haven't figured it out yet. I have uninstalled many of the suspected apps in Work Profile, but it continues to remain intact. The folder seems to have been created around the time I installed the Work Profile, and most of the apps that are currently installed were installed much later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The it might be part of Work Profile itself.
Droidriven said:
The it might be part of Work Profile itself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it is not. I have Work Profile enabled in two other phones (both running on Android 13), and this folder isn't present in those devices.
TheMystic said:
No, it is not. I have Work Profile enabled in two other phones (both running on Android 13), and this folder isn't present in those devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it isn't part of Work Profile and isn't associated to the apps installed in work profile, that only leaves the possibility that it is part of something not installed in Work Profile. You seem to have eliminated all other options, that is all that remains.
The other devices may have the same Android version installed but that doesn't necessarily mean that they are all equal, different devices do different things, even with the same Android version because each manufacturer and carrier puts their own stuff on top of stock android, yeilding different results from one device to the next. It could be something device specific that caused the folder to be created when Work Profile was installed/enabled. Something device specific that doesn't apply to the other devices, if those devices are different than the device you are dealing with.
Droidriven said:
If it isn't part of Work Profile and isn't associated to the apps installed in work profile, that only leaves the possibility that it is part of something not installed in Work Profile. You seem to have eliminated all other options, that is all that remains.
The other devices may have the same Android version installed but that doesn't necessarily mean that they are all equal, different devices do different things, even with the same Android version because each manufacturer and carrier puts their own stuff on top of stock android, yeilding different results from one device to the next. It could be something device specific that caused the folder to be created when Work Profile was installed/enabled. Something device specific that doesn't apply to the other devices, if those devices are different than the device you are dealing with.
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Click to collapse
I don't have another Samsung phone (with Work Profile enabled) to confirm. The other two devices are OnePlus and iQOO. It is not there on Redmi K50i either.
The name of the folder is quite unique. Let's hope someone can confirm if this is indeed a Samsung OneUI thing.
TheMystic said:
I don't have another Samsung phone (with Work Profile enabled) to confirm. The other two devices are OnePlus and iQOO. It is not there on Redmi K50i either.
The name of the folder is quite unique. Let's hope someone can confirm if this is indeed a Samsung OneUI thing.
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Click to collapse
I did various searches pertaining to "chamber" folder, I didn't find a single search result that even mentions a folder by that name or what app or stock feature it may or may not be associated to.
It might be some kind of Samsung security feature to create a separate, secure partition when you installed/enabled Work Profile. Or it may be because of how Samsung handles that kind of app. I could very easily be completely wrong, without familiarity with Work Profile and without finding definitive information or having the device in my own hands to investigate deeper, I can only guess or go with gut instincts tugging at the back of my mind of potential causes
Droidriven said:
I did various searches pertaining to "chamber" folder, I didn't find a single search result that even mentions a folder by that name or what app or stock feature it may or may not be associated to.
It might be some kind of Samsung security feature to create a separate, secure partition when you installed/enabled Work Profile. Or it may be because of how Samsung handles that kind of app. I could very easily be completely wrong, without familiarity with Work Profile and without finding definitive information or having the device in my own hands to investigate deeper, I can only guess or go with gut instincts tugging at the back of my mind of potential causes
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Click to collapse
There is no such folder in the Main Profile, so one can safely rule out an association with any system app that automatically got installed in the Work Profile.
There is no such folder inside the Secure Folder too, which is actually very secure. So a security related aspect can be ruled out in my opinion.
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There is no system app by that name either. At this point, it is a dead end to tracing the source of this (empty) folder.
TheMystic said:
There is no such folder in the Main Profile, so one can safely rule out an association with any system app that automatically got installed in the Work Profile.
There is no such folder inside the Secure Folder too, which is actually very secure. So a security related aspect can be ruled out in my opinion.
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There is no system app by that name either. At this point, it is a dead end to tracing the source of this (empty) folder.
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I don't know, this still feels like it has something to do with Samsung's secure folder feature, whether in the secure folder or not or maybe Knox. Without giving anything away, what is in your secure folder. The fact that it is doing this on your Samsung but not the others is speaking to me. It just feels like something Samsung would do
Droidriven said:
I don't know, this still feels like it has something to do with Samsung's secure folder feature, whether in the secure folder or not or maybe Knox. Without giving anything away, what is in your secure folder. The fact that it is doing this on your Samsung but not the others is speaking to me. It just feels like something Samsung would do
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Click to collapse
The Secure Folder on Samsung Galaxy devices is basically a separate user profile (multiple users) with advanced Knox security. I have my banking apps, password manager, authenticators, and other apps installed in it. It is also where I save some important/ private files.
The benefit of Secure Folder (on Samsung Galaxy devices) and Work Profile (on all devices) over other 'multiple users' is the ease of accessing apps in them. Secure Folder and Work Profile are just a special type of multiuser whose apps can be easily launched from the main profile itself. Notifications for apps in these profiles are accessible from the main profile too.
But with all other multiusers, one has to 'exit' the main profile to get into the mulitiuser environment, which takes a few extra seconds. Notifications from the main profile are not accessible in multiuser, and vice-versa.
The Work Profile is a very convenient 'multiuser', which is why I enable it on all my devices. Samsung OneUI has disabled the 'multiuser' feature of Android, so this is another reason why I enabled the Work Profile. On stock Android and also most OEM Android versions, user can setup a maximum of 5 multiusers, in addition to the main profile.
But on Samsung Galaxy devices, user can only have the main profile, Secure Folder and Work Profile (max 3 users). Not sure why Samsung has removed this useful feature. They allowed multiusers in Samsung OneUI 5 Beta, but removed it from the Stable builds for some unknown reasons.

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