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Custom ROM for Samsung S7 to work with Pokemon Go

Hi!
In a few days I'll get my new Samsung S7.
I'd like to use some de-bloated custom ROM which:
- Offers root access.
- Keeps the Samsung S7 option to choose the screen colours mode (or offers something similar).
- Works with Pokemon Go even with the root access (no, I don't cheat, but you need the root access for many normal operations anyway).
- Some additional security tools in a bundle are a welcomed addition.
I'm not familiar with with the Samsung TouchWiz, but I think I can live without it. Currently I use LG G2 and I find its GUI quite nice, but I think the stock option will be also OK. I had been recommended CyanogenMod, but it is not available for Samsung S7.
Thanks in advance for any recommendations

The only way I've managed to get Pokemon Go to work is by installing version 0.36. This is supposed to work, apparently, but didn't for me.

Oh crap. But thanks for the answer anyway. Any ROMs to recommend for Samsung S7 anyway?

I think if you have an european s7 and If you're on a custom ROM, even unrooting may not do the trick.
For example i simply gave up a legit level 31 account because i prefer to do the f*** i want with my toys and i didn't find a useful guide on how to play with root and a custom rom.

Should I root? What are the perks of it for the S8+ (what have you used root for)?

I've come back to Android after being on iOS for the past 2 or so years. Bought an S8+. With the S8 and S8+ rooted, I'm wondering if I should go about it. I don't like the 80% battery max that comes with it, or that there is no official Xposed support. Im mainly looking for a system wide adblock (which I dont believe I can do without Xposed(?)). Is there any reason you guys would recommend rooting, other than debloat? What else am I missing/forgetting?

Nope, you don't need root if you don't want to mod your system; ad blocker is available without root, just google "adhell 2". This is the 1st phone that I don't have rooted since I don't need it - I can do 90% of the stuff without root. I.e. you can't turn data off from Tasker without root. One of the things I miss. Also, find Knox very usefull - which is lost after root. Just my opinion though.

pr0necr0 said:
I've come back to Android after being on iOS for the past 2 or so years. Bought an S8+. With the S8 and S8+ rooted, I'm wondering if I should go about it. I don't like the 80% battery max that comes with it, or that there is no official Xposed support. Im mainly looking for a system wide adblock (which I dont believe I can do without Xposed(?)). Is there any reason you guys would recommend rooting, other than debloat? What else am I missing/forgetting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can get adblocking with "AdHell" or "Disconnect for samsung browser" from plays store.
You can theme you device with Substratum or from this thread https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8+/themes/substratum-inversion-ui-overlay-overlays-t3604341 or the inbuilt theme store.
You disable any system app you like with Package Disabler Pro.
You can get Xposed-like tweaks from this thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8+/themes/mods-small-collection-tweaks-t3657119.
Really no point in rooting these days!

My S8+ is rooted right now, and I'm on the fence about going back to non-root. If ad blocking is your main concert there are SEVERAL no-root options. I used Disconnect for Samsung (google it, you'll find an APK somewhere) that is a system wide ad block that does allow some ad's... Other ad block methods are Ad Hell, AdGuard, Block This - and I'm sure there are many others... they essentially create a VPN on the device and route all traffic through the VPN and block the things you wouldn't want.
The issue with the bootloader locked rooting methods is they are based on the ENG BOOT kernel which is designed for debugging/testing/repair etc... so you ABSOLUTELY get a performance hit... and a battery hit. The S8+ is so fast the performance hit isn't nearly as bad as it was on the S7E, the battery hit is another story... 80% and I don't think it "stops" charging at 80 - maybe just me? but my phone is warm in the morning charging wired or wirelessly. Again, could be just me. YMMV.
Not to take anything away from the guys who worked hard on getting the root method released. They are awesome and have done a great job - they deserve all the praise in the community they can get. But without TWRP and custom roms, and the ability to create those types or rom's - root isn't quite the same.... AGAIN THAT COULD BE JUST ME! YMMV!

Can rooting boost protection and security?
I have a question about rooting.
All my previous 5 - 6 android smartphones were rooted by me.
The main reason for rooting was to improve security and confidence in the phone - good firewall, de -bloating, control of privilegies
But now with S8+ I am having second thought about if rooting really protects vs exposes.
1) Lots of original protection features will be gone after rooting, like DM-verity
2) Automated system updates and therefore related security patches will be gone too. I am not a big fan of regular manual downloads and updates. So my once rooted system will become dated soon.
Am I taking it right?
Do a good firewall and control of priviligies outweigth the new risks that rooting could bring?
I do a lot of important things on my phone, so the protection is number the #1 thing for me.
Thanks for you thoughts

Kid's first phone to turn off internet connectivity (mobile & Wi-Fi) : Mod old Verizon Galaxy S5 or Gabb Wireless?

Experienced heartbreak in purchasing slider & flip phones off of eBay, which worked for seller only days before, but then learning that Verizon will not activate any new lines for 3G, slider, flip, CDMA devices. This has always been a great way to give kids a first phone, a phone that will only do call & text. So, turned to old family inventory or new companies that specialize in a modern phone with internet or social media interaction. Enter Gabb Wireless or Pinwheel. Landed on Gabb Wireless, but my bride wants me to try to mod an old Verizon bone stock Galaxy S5. Of course...& I'm sure many of you have been there...some guy we know was able to do it with his kid's phone...so now I should be able to do it. Never mind this guy is a software dev and most likely using an iOS phone. So, gauntlet thrown down, challenge issued. I've been doing a lot of digging & don't know if this can be done with this build. Here's what we have:
G900V, bone stock Verizon
Build number = MMB29M.G900VVRU2DQL1
Security patch level = 8/1/17
Let me know if any other specs would be helpful.
Thank you kindly.

EternalWorth said:
Experienced heartbreak in purchasing slider & flip phones off of eBay, which worked for seller only days before, but then learning that Verizon will not activate any new lines for 3G, slider, flip, CDMA devices. This has always been a great way to give kids a first phone, a phone that will only do call & text. So, turned to old family inventory or new companies that specialize in a modern phone with internet or social media interaction. Enter Gabb Wireless or Pinwheel. Landed on Gabb Wireless, but my bride wants me to try to mod an old Verizon bone stock Galaxy S5. Of course...& I'm sure many of you have been there...some guy we know was able to do it with his kid's phone...so now I should be able to do it. Never mind this guy is a software dev and most likely using an iOS phone. So, gauntlet thrown down, challenge issued. I've been doing a lot of digging & don't know if this can be done with this build. Here's what we have:
G900V, bone stock Verizon
Build number = MMB29M.G900VVRU2DQL1
Security patch level = 8/1/17
Let me know if any other specs would be helpful.
Thank you kindly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure why you don't just go buy a burner flip phone from Walmart? I thought those could still be activated.
If not, you'd have to disable the portion of the kernel that handles data. Let's be honest, this is a ~10 year old device so you won't find much assistance unfortunately.

Oh yeah, forgot, this is Android 6.0.1.
As for the query, you're right...I could do the burner/fip/slider thing, perhaps...but, truly, it appears all carriers across the board are throwing off 3G devices as fast as they can. I did see some of the rough service basic phones have 4G capability, but can't justify price on those things. Tough balance to strike as we're doing some traveling where VZW is the only network that's really reliable...& trying to get a child the best camera possible on the devices we have, so they can take pics of stuff they may never see again. Old basic phones are pretty challenging to text on, too. Anyway, we have an old iPod Touch someone threw away, plus the S5. S5 has the better cameras. But it's one of the last builds they sold for Verizon...and I don't ever remember there being a way to unlock the bootloader on that build...the G900V. But, regardless, I still can't find a way to shut down mobile & Wi-Fi on it. I think they have a Verizon family app that will let you shut down the web, but it is extra per month, of course. Appreciate the feedback, for sure. This is just the DIY kinda life, I reckon: constantly trying to refurb, reuse the old stuff, fix stuff yourself, do without...all to live w/in your means & save dinero.

EternalWorth said:
Oh yeah, forgot, this is Android 6.0.1.
As for the query, you're right...I could do the burner/fip/slider thing, perhaps...but, truly, it appears all carriers across the board are throwing off 3G devices as fast as they can. I did see some of the rough service basic phones have 4G capability, but can't justify price on those things. Tough balance to strike as we're doing some traveling where VZW is the only network that's really reliable...& trying to get a child the best camera possible on the devices we have, so they can take pics of stuff they may never see again. Old basic phones are pretty challenging to text on, too. Anyway, we have an old iPod Touch someone threw away, plus the S5. S5 has the better cameras. But it's one of the last builds they sold for Verizon...and I don't ever remember there being a way to unlock the bootloader on that build...the G900V. But, regardless, I still can't find a way to shut down mobile & Wi-Fi on it. I think they have a Verizon family app that will let you shut down the web, but it is extra per month, of course. Appreciate the feedback, for sure. This is just the DIY kinda life, I reckon: constantly trying to refurb, reuse the old stuff, fix stuff yourself, do without...all to live w/in your means & save dinero.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean there is a way to unlock the bootloader if you look on XDA. https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...ootloader-using-dev-bootloader-kk-mm.3337909/ The Verizon S5 was the worst model out of all of the US carrier variants.

EternalWorth said:
This has always been a great way to give kids a first phone, a phone that will only do call & text. So, turned to old family inventory or new companies that specialize in a modern phone with internet or social media interaction. Enter Gabb Wireless or Pinwheel. Landed on Gabb Wireless, but my bride wants me to try to mod an old Verizon bone stock Galaxy S5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know this thread is almost a year old, and I'm sorry I'm late to the party, but I had the same idea!
My kids had been using Gabb Wireless for a while, and we were mostly happy with the service, but I wanted the option to install other useful apps on their phones without giving them access to the web. So, I bought a couple of old Galaxy S5 SM-G900V (Verizon version) phones, and I think I've succeeded in modifying them in a way that will prevent the kids from surfing the internet or installing their own apps. I thought I'd post my method here, in case anyone is still interested. Here's what I did:
Install Safestrap Recovery. (Follow this guide, up to and including the step where you install Safestrap. Skip the remaining steps in the guide.)
Boot into Safestrap Recovery and flash jrkruse's “slightly de-bloated” stock Marshmallow rom from here.
Use either ADB or Safestrap to remove any system apps that would allow kids to browse the web or download their own apps. (To delete unwanted system apps using Safestrap recovery, click Mount and make sure the system partition is mounted. Also make sure the “Mount system partition read-only” box is unchecked. Then go back and click Advanced > File Manager, and edit or remove system files as desired.) The web browser is already removed from jrkruse's rom, but I also removed the following apps:
from /system/app:
Gmail2
SamsungSetupWizard
SecEmail_K
InteractiveTutorial [This is the Samsung Help app.]
SamsungAppsWidget_Phone_Carrier_VZW
from /system/priv-app:
Velvet [this is the Google search app]
SamsungUpdates [this includes the Samsung Apps store and “Galaxy essentials,” which would allow kids to download and install their own apps]
GoogleOneTimeInitializer
SetupWizard
from /data/app:
com.android.vending-1 [this is the Google Play Store]
Edit the settings APK file to disable the option to remove the option to install apps from “uknown sources” (Settings > Security > Uknown Sources) so that users can’t enable that option. This will prevent kids from installing apps by sideloading (e.g. copying apps from a friend's phone via SD card.) Apps can still be installed via recovery or ADB, but most kids won't know how to do that.
To edit the settings APK properly, you could follow this guide, but I used a much hackier method and basically just sabotaged the security_settings_misc.xml file inside SecSettings.apk, so that the settings app crashes if the user tries to open and modify those settings.
I've attached my modified settings file. You can put it on the phone's SD card, then use Safestrap to copy it to system/priv-app/SecSettings. Save the original settings file first (or just rename it and change the filename extension) so that you can restore it later if needed.

General question on changing ROM in device

Hi there,
Few months ago, I was told in XDA site that nowadays changing the ROM is not anymore the best way to de-google a device. Now it is better to de-bloat and tweak the device.
Do you agree with this statement?
Did you change the ROM in your device or only de-bloated it? Tell me your experience. Easy to install, need to root, unblock the bootloader, update, what is NOT working, speed, battery, ...?
I own a Samung Tablet S5e LTE few months old, under guaranty and would like to de-google it. I was thinking to change the ROM, is tit the best way?
What is your advice? If needed, what ROM to use? What way, software to de-bloat?
Many thanks

MrNice said:
Hi there,
Few months ago, I was told in XDA site that nowadays changing the ROM is not anymore the best way to de-google a device. Now it is better to de-bloat and tweak the device.
Do you agree with this statement?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fully agree with this.

Thank you for your fast answer.
Could you be more specific and tell me why, how (big picture) and if you have experience what tools did you use?

People most times use terms "De-google" and "De-bloat" not knowing what they are really speaking of.
The Vanilla Android ( read: AOSP - today often called GSI ) is totally free of apps developed by Google ( topic: GMS ) and the service ( GFS ) they need to run, this because NOBODY basically needs these to operate a phone. But the overwhelming majority of the users of mobile devices want an Android what is extended by features, so they can download & install more apps, play games, listen to music, watch porn videos. OEMs respect this wish - they want to sell their products - and therefore typically add GMS & GFS to their Android OS, so it in reality becomes a Custom ROM.
Resume: Vanilla Android - and all ROMS that are based on Vanilla Android ( like Lineage OS and many others ) must not get "De-googled".
Bloatware ( or Potentially Unwanted Programs - PUP ) is software users don’t want, that burdens and slows down a mobile device. It usually comes pre-installed by vendors, manufacturers or carriers. IMO "De-bloating" is the first thing a user should do when starting up a new device.
Bloatware typically is installed as system-app, hence phone's Android must got rooted before you can start "De-bloating".

As I am not very skilled in Android, I appreciate your post.
I installed LineageOS 17.1 on my Samsung S6, it working fine, I am happy for the usage but the only issue I have is that I can't update. This is another story in another XDA forum.
My need are usual plus
Read books, music sheets, social networks, Internet TV, news, training, conference (low bit-rate), email, messaging, GPS travel, basic pictures,
some specific app for music practice (tuner, metronome), veg gardening (I need to find one suitable for me).
but no game, no HD movie (download or stream), no large download
Backup locally (I need to learn more), no cloud usage.
As I run GNU/Linux for around 20 y, I hate to have to register for account in any app from GAFAM and I don't want as much as possible give them my data. I try to select the app without tracker, FOSS and I block the permissions as much as possible.
If I can de-google this is the best for my mindset.
I understand that de-google or de-bloat, I 'll have to root so break Knox. Right?
I don't know if I need GMS and/or GFS for my use. Could you tell me? For what app it is mandatory?
With my S5e I want to be more cautious, I need a way as secure as possible to not brick it.
With all these info, what do you advice?

MrNice said:
Hi there,
Few months ago, I was told in XDA site that nowadays changing the ROM is not anymore the best way to de-google a device. Now it is better to de-bloat and tweak the device.
Do you agree with this statement?
Did you change the ROM in your device or only de-bloated it? Tell me your experience. Easy to install, need to root, unblock the bootloader, update, what is NOT working, speed, battery, ...?
I own a Samung Tablet S5e LTE few months old, under guaranty and would like to de-google it. I was thinking to change the ROM, is tit the best way?
What is your advice? If needed, what ROM to use? What way, software to de-bloat?
Many thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the Tab S5e de-googling it is next to impossible with stock samsung rom. LOS works great on it and not too difficult to install, CRDroid works well on it but is better with google installed, /e/ rom was being developed for it but I don't know if they are still working on it. I built an /e/ rom locally for my Tab S5e last year and it worked very well. If you want to get away from google you need to ditch the OneUI or whatever they are calling it.

tek3195 said:
For the Tab S5e de-googling it is next to impossible with stock samsung rom. LOS works great on it and not too difficult to install, CRDroid works well on it but is better with google installed, /e/ rom was being developed for it but I don't know if they are still working on it. I built an /e/ rom locally for my Tab S5e last year and it worked very well. If you want to get away from google you need to ditch the OneUI or whatever they are calling it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for you advice, I'll work on it soon.

Complete noob - how to I update my phone past Android 6?

Hi
I have a Moto G3 from 2015 bought in the UK.
I have Android 6 on it, since that's the latest one I can update to. Some of my apps stopped working with this version though and require 8.0 or newer. I also noticed that when having things like Firefox, VLC, etc. open at the same time, apps are extremely slow and sometimes crash. I need to go into settings>apps and force close stuff to make the phone usable.
I know this is a terrible phone by 2023 standards, but I only use it for calling, texting, videos, and the occasional app. If it's possible to keep it alive for a while longer instead of buying a new one, I say why not.
I know nothing about Android, ROMs, rooting, or anything like that. All I know is I need a newer version, and some of the apps I use require Google Play to be active (eg. Sleep) and access to Location and some other permissions.
I saw some ROMs on this forum, like several versions of LineageOS, but I don't know if that's what I should get or not. I just want the lightest possible OS that can do everything that my current stock Android 6 can do (or, was able to a few months ago).
Any helpful pointers as to where to start?
Thanks