Database Info

HELP! Ad's poping up on my android home screen.

Hi I'm not sure if it's my carrier "Assurance Wireless" that's doing this or if I may have done this my self iv'e only installed a few apps the same apps I have on another phone that's not mine testing purpose "Virgin Mobile" but it dose not get full ads pop up on it. My question is their any aps I could use to scan get rid of or block these thank you.
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If you've only got a few apps installed, uninstall all of them and see if the ads go away. If they do, reinstall the apps one at a time, until the ads come back and you'll have the culprit. If they don't go away with no apps installed, you can try a factory reset.

In addition to what Char_G said I would recommend to try anti malware and spyware app to scan the phone maybe likely the app causing this issue would be blacklisted.

It could also be the device. Some oems encludes ads like that when they sale discounted devices.

New behavior
Something new is happening apps are being installed automatically with out me doing anything only happens on wifi but recently have had the apps letgo, Lucktastic, Yahoo Sports, And BOSS revolution installed. I have ran malwarebytes and AVG for android both apps report no viruses or malware detected. I'm going to reset my phone to factory settings and install nothing from the play store and see what happens.

zelendel said:
It could also be the device. Some oems encludes ads like that when they sale discounted devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A friend thought this as well as it's a smartphone that Assurance Wireless gives you through the government program I'm on. Not a known name brand "UMX" as far as I can tell it manufactured by a Chinese company "Teleepoch" I'm not expecting something fancy from this program but this is nuts lol.

Brian7k said:
A friend thought this as well as it's a smartphone that Assurance Wireless gives you through the government program I'm on. Not a known name brand "UMX" as far as I can tell it manufactured by a Chinese company "Teleepoch" I'm not expecting something fancy from this program but this is nuts lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
UMX is known to me and I'm betting I am right. It is a common thing mainly for devices like that. The inclusion of ads help off set the price of the device.
You may have a chance but it would depend on unlockable status of the device. If you could unlock the bootloader then by some work you could make a rom that removes it all. But again that depends.

zelendel said:
UMX is known to me and I'm betting I am right. It is a common thing mainly for devices like that. The inclusion of ads help off set the price of the device.
You may have a chance but it would depend on unlockable status of the device. If you could unlock the bootloader then by some work you could make a rom that removes it all. But again that depends.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are correct reformat to factory settings did not install anything from the play store left my phone on with wifi on and got the same ads and apps on my phone. My question to you is their a firewall app I can download that would block this behavior or is it just something I will live with until I can get a better phone one day.

Brian7k said:
You are correct reformat to factory settings did not install anything from the play store left my phone on with wifi on and got the same ads and apps on my phone. My question to you is their a firewall app I can download that would block this behavior or is it just something I will live with until I can get a better phone one day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can manage to get root then an ad blocker might be able to help. Other then that you would need to flash a custom rom

No root solution found!
I have the same carrier and model of phone. I was getting the same kind of ads. But I also got ads in my notification area. I long pressed the notification to discover the app responsible was the in built gallery app (I had been curious of it's abnormally high data usage already). I disabled it and replaced it with an ad free gallery app from the play store and I haven't been assaulted with an advertisement since, 3-4 days ago. I actually created an account here for the explicit purpose of sharing this information because this was one of the top results in my search for answers and definitely the most helpful result. I hope it can help someone else.

Easy
I've had this before. It's basically an app. Except it's white and without a name so it's harder to find. Install a 3rd party installed apps list and you should find something white. Press on it and Uninstall it. Boom. Problem solved.
Unless if you're rooted, this may be a virus hidden deep in the system (not very commonly)

Not sure it could help, but have you tried installing a system-wide adblock app such as AdBlock from NoMobileAds? Here: https://nomobileads.com/

I have an app called "hidden apps." This is what i used to find a hidden app that kept throwing ads all over my phone and i was able to delete it

Goto your installed apps list, and check for all the app names. Malwares such as these have no names listed, so you should ideally be seeing a blank space in one of the apps, if you do see such an app, just uninstall it, and you should be good to go.
If you find no such app, then search for an app which has a peculiar name that you suspect.
I have had this same thing happen to me. I gave an app superuser access by mistake, and it kept doing this. I went to the app list, and found an app with no name listed. I uninstalled it, and everything went back to normal. Hope this helps.
For any reason, if you do not find a solution to this, flashing a new ROM will take care of this issue as all app data would be deleted. But this shouldn't be needed at all. Hope this helps. :good:

Just moved from T-Mobile Samsung Note 5 to Note 8. Only have a small number of my old programs moved over by SmartSwitch. Now, however, no matter what app I try to click on, about half the time I'm first presented with one or more pages of ads. I have to kill the app and restart it to get to it. This is being managed by something called appnews, which uses every facet of the phone, from monitoring contacts & email to embedding 1x1 transparent blocks on app screens, checking GPS and cell tower metadata to embedding itself in other apps (some apps even embed it intentionally for a payment) to gather info about me. Last night, my phone was charging and in hibernate mode when it woke up and gave me a strange ring at 3:00 AM. I picked up the phone and before I could even unlock it, a screen full of ads appeared.
My Note 5 was rooted, but I just got word that SafeSwitch is now available for the Note 8 (T-Mobile began locking bootloaders with the Galaxy S7, damn their hearts - friendly rooting was a major reason I switched from Verizon to T-Mobile). Will rooting give me access to appnews or do I have to root and load a custom kernel? EU members can opt out of appnews (there's a link in their EULA), but in no-privacy US, they don't offer the option.

ObamaPhoneMalware said:
I'm posting as a guest so I can get this out on the searchable web ASAP. I'll create a real account if anybody out there wants more info.
I found this thread by Googling "assurance wireless malware" BTW. I can confirm that this is also happening to me (across 4 devices) since October 2017.
This could potentially be a HUGE scandal - the Lifeline program serves some of the most vulnerable people, it's a multi-BILLION dollar yearly govt program, & the FCC chairman is already wanting to make cuts due to "waste, fraud, & abuse."
Plus the security implications of a botnet of compromised devices.
Plus the photos of Branson (Virgin CEO) palling around w/Obama (former US president ) whilst his company makes millions distributing malware-laden "ObamaPhones" & refusing to take responsibility.
I have hundreds of screenshots to prove the reality & the evolving symptoms of this malware. There's also a thread on the Virgin Mobile site where a mod confirms the Gallery app theory, but it's multiple programs also, in my experience. But no Assurance or Virgin phone rep will admit anything.
Anybody wanna help break a potentially huge story with me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree I'm pretty good at figuring out things like this and I have disabled and deleted what I believe were the apps/rouge apps doing this. It worked for a month or two and their back but I can't find them so they must be hidden within the rom or someplace I have no root access. I'm with you in believing this is manufactured malware and it's a shame they can get away with this.

Yes... this absolutely is malware that is built into a custom ROM
The phones are being shipped with a bad custom ROM that contains malware or adware there is no way to completely stop it. Especially when it comes to the pop up full screen ads. Also note that the security software in Android is not being updated properly, because the custom ROM has a fake updater app that doesn't get you any real updates.
The malware is built into the custom ROM that someone has flash to these phones. People are complaining that this happens to them with replacement phones that they get from Assurance Wireless not the original phone that they got in the first place.
There is no way to restore the original ROM because there are no copies of it online. So phones that have this problem are completely useless as they may also have some kind of spyware, keylogger or screenshot program that is recording what you do. I would stop using this phone altogether if I were you.
I just bought mine from eBay and I'm going to contact the seller to request a refund and I will send screenshots of the problem and pages from the forums that I have visited that talk about this problem as proof that this is a bad device.
Remember that the updater app is fake it is not the real one that is built into Android to check for updates and it is only getting 4 out of 60 updates available which means that the security in the phone is completely compromised so that the malware cannot be automatically disabled or deleted by the security updates.

[Guide][Debloat][No-Google] Apps/services safe to disable and their alternatives

*I'm no dev., and some of the statements here might be technically innaccurate. Please, forgive and correct me. I'm just sharing my experience.
*I'm creating this thread following @elvinguitar 's request to list the apps/services safe to disable and how to do it.
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Introduction
I've been google-free ever since I've rooted my Nexus 5 and flashed AOSP. Everything worked like a charm. I even experienced longer battery life and better performance. I've done the same to a Samsung Galaxy S, Motorola Moto G 2015 and a couple other Samsung, BQ and Xiaomi devices I don't remember the model now (family and friends). Really happy with the process. Of cause, you cannot use most Google apps if you don't have the google services (framework?) running in the background (consuming resources and collecting all sort of data).
Only downside when disabling Google core services is that most apps out there in the market use google services to show up a map. If you don't have google services, you won't see a map. However, it is possible to "trick" the apps into calling for openmaps instead. I haven't tried, though.
Android One lets you disable most apps/services via the default settings menu. But there are still some of Google's tentacles fused into the core of your phone you cannot get rid of. But heck, it's something. We'll have to wait until the custom ROMs start showing up.
The reason
There are endless reasons to use all Google products. But there are endless reasons to avoid them. It's up to you what you want to do with your privacy. Despite privacy laws and promises, it's well known that your data, once online it's not longer only yours. And smartphones sensors combined with big data management, they are capable of infinite ways of recording your lifestyle. Camera (obvious), microphone (obvious + knowing where you are and what are you doing by the background noise), location(obvious), GSM/wifi/bluetooth (knowing where you are, who you are with...), body sensors/movement sensors (activity you are doing all the time)... Without being paranoid, unless you are a VIP you are not being followed, and if someone really wants to follow you, they'll do so even if you get rid of all this apps. But ALL YOUR data is being stored and analyzed for their own profit and linked (securely) to your persona. Now, it's only for economical profit, but indirect censorship is already taking place. Try doing some research for something rather unpopular and then try looking up a mainstream celebrity. You'll see the difference. I'm sure you've all heard about the China "Social credit" they want to develop in China. It's what big internet companies have been doing for a while now. Orwell's big brother all over. It's kinda scary if you ask me.
Some reading:
https://www.socialcooling.com/
https://donttrack.us/
Some alternatives to Google products we all use
An example of rogue censorship (one of millions)
Interesting infographic about how google knows you
But well... let's go to the bone. These are the apps and services I've tried to disable and some alternatives I use/consider.
I strongly recommend using a powerful firewall that blocks all internet communications unless you say otherwise. I use AFwall+ (root). There are other alternatives like NetGuard (no-root) that use VPN. This way, even if you have an app you want to use, but you don't want it to be communicating with the outside, you can have it (nothing is bulletproof, though). - Let me know if you want a lit of internet enabled apps/services, too.
Disabled APPs / services
Note that I uninstalled the apps when possible. The unistalled apps won't be in that list. Also, I've stopped the device initial set up progress and, therefore, some apps had never been installed to my device. So, they are safe to disable.
Disabled via the settings menu:
Calendar
Carrier services @thorin0815 explained to me what they do. Thx.: "intended to allow you to take full advantage of RCS, which allows for extra features in the Android Messaging app)
Chrome
Contacts
Gboard
Gmail
Google
Google Backup Transport
Google Contacts Sync
Google One Time Init
Google Partner Set Up
Google Play Services
Google Services Framework
Market Feedback Agent
Messages
PAI
Photos
YouTube
Disabled via an app manager (root) or adb method without root
Device Setup
Feedback
Google Play Services
Spock
Google and tricky enabled apps I guess they can be disabled with no problem:
Android Setup
Android system webview (gotta look for an alternative)
Google text to speech engine
Maps
TalkBack
Google and tricky apps I do use and I won't disable because they are too critical for me (or I have no idea what they do and I'd rather not mess with them).
Android Services Library
Android Shared Library
Clock (there are alternatives, a lot. But it wakes me everyday, and it doesn't look to be to bad).
ConfigUpdater
PackageInstaller
Phone (I've tried a couple alternatives, but I didn't trust them (one crashed and the other one looked even worse (privacy-wise) than the original)
Print Service Recommendation Service
There are tons of other apps needed for the correct use of the device that shouldn't be disabled. Anything you can disable from the Settings/apps menu, you should be OK trying to disable it. Disable it, then try to use what you think the app might be used for, and if it works fine... there you go. Try and error!
Alternative APP to the disabled ones
When possible, I tried to use FOSS apps.
FOSS app catalog - F-Droid (most apps come from here)
Google Play - Yalp Store or Aurora store - Yalp works better, but Aurora is nicer. Both have Exodus Privacy check.
Maps - Here and OsmAnd (mountain) - there are a lot of good mapping apps out there.
Calendar - I use BusinesCalendar because I like the widget. But there are a lot of other apps. Eg.: SimpleCalendar. Personal preference.
Contacts - Again. Personal preference. I like the AOSP app.
Files - I have it. But I use Es File explorer. Not the best for privacy or anti-bloatware. But I like it.
Chrome - Firefox all the way! I use Firefox Beta. Previous versions of the non beta one used to be way slower compared to the beta one.
Gallery - Simple gallery
Mail - K-9 mail. It's ugly, but I love it. There is a material version. I also found another app worth trying, here in XDA, but cannot remember its name now. I'm switching to protonmail as my personal mail service (I still use Gmail, hotmail and others as I always have).
Phone - I use the stock app (google ) 'cause I didn't find a valid alternative.
Messaging - QKSMS. Signal is a neat app with more features and secure communication (thx @thorin0815)
Keyboard - I use SwiftKey (internet blocked)
Calculator - AOSP calculator.
YouTube - I use WebTube. NewPipe is a valid option, too.
Camera - Check the discussion threads about the camera
If you have any app not listed here, post a comment and I'll add it. Also, if there is any error or you know something I don't, let me know and I'll correct. Same with the apps/services I have no idea what they do.

IGNORE THIS POST
I have to talk to you about this, too. Among other things. (posting it here so I remember about them later)
AFirewall+
DAVdroid
Greenify
DuckDuckGo
Snowden
how to force disable

Just a suggestion for a Messenger alternative.
Signal, a nice and secure open source alternative for Whatsapp like and SMS apps.
Nice thread btw. I try to avoid Google and Microsoft stuff where I can aswell.
Too bad we don't have a nice mobile Linux for our phones.

Thanks for creating this thread. By the way, have you experienced some error when uninstalling some apps? I tried removing Gmail (via debloater) but after that, I keep getting crashes on some of my apps. Even magisk crashes.
Also, I tried uninstalling Chrome via debloater, but it seems like it's not working. What's your preferred way of uninstalling apps?

elvinguitar said:
Thanks for creating this thread. By the way, have you experienced some error when uninstalling some apps? I tried removing Gmail (via debloater) but after that, I keep getting crashes on some of my apps. Even magisk crashes.
Also, I tried uninstalling Chrome via debloater, but it seems like it's not working. What's your preferred way of uninstalling apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't experienced any issue unisntalling/disabling any of the mentioned. Except for google services. They are required by some third party apps to display a map layout. I uninstalled Gmail and Chrome with no problem.
What is "debloater"?
I preffer unisntalling apps via the traditional method when possible (settings/apps/unisntall). Same with disabling them. With Android One you can uninstall/disable most apps this way. I've experienced no issues.
For the apps thet the disable option is not available, I use an app known for being warez (I like it and I use it only for the powerful tools it provide). But there are other apps that'll do the job even better. In another device, I used APP2SD with another purpose, but I loved it. Titanium Backup is a powerfull tool that should work, too. However, you'll need the PRO package if you want to disable system apps. AppMgrIII and App Manager promise to get the job done, too. You'll need root with all of them, though.

thorin0815 said:
Just a suggestion for a Messenger alternative.
Signal, a nice and secure open source alternative for Whatsapp like and SMS apps.
Nice thread btw. I try to avoid Google and Microsoft stuff where I can aswell.
Too bad we don't have a nice mobile Linux for our phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Added Signal to the list. I'm more than happy with the other app because I only want it to recive sms. It's been ages since the last time I sent one. My brother uses SMS and he's happy with what Signal provides.
If you have any other ideas on how to stay away from the big guys, let me know

On my Moto G4 I always used the following app for freezing/disabling system apps with root.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.iamaner.oneclickfreeze

adriakus said:
I haven't experienced any issue unisntalling/disabling any of the mentioned. Except for google services. They are required by some third party apps to display a map layout. I uninstalled Gmail and Chrome with no problem.
What is "debloater"?
I preffer unisntalling apps via the traditional method when possible (settings/apps/unisntall). Same with disabling them. With Android One you can uninstall/disable most apps this way. I've experienced no issues.
For the apps thet the disable option is not available, I use an app known for being warez (I like it and I use it only for the powerful tools it provide). But there are other apps that'll do the job even better. In another device, I used APP2SD with another purpose, but I loved it. Titanium Backup is a powerfull tool that should work, too. However, you'll need the PRO package if you want to disable system apps. AppMgrIII and App Manager promise to get the job done, too. You'll need root with all of them, though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the tool that I'm using to debloat my device: https://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/magisk/module-terminal-debloater-debloat-t3584163

elvinguitar said:
This is the tool that I'm using to debloat my device: https://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/magisk/module-terminal-debloater-debloat-t3584163
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, I didn't unisntall Gmail nor Chrome. I just disabled them with no problem.
I don't know how this debloat tool works. My suggestion (someone might advise otherwise) is to do as much as you can via the default settings menu. Is you device rooted? If so, I'd rather use one of the apps mentioned before (by me ir by @thorin0815 ) to disable the locked ones. Personal preference. Mostly because I'm quite new to all the "systemless" thing, but also because I don't really care about OTA updates, so I don't need the system partition intact. I'll update android once LineageOS is ready. But again, this is how I'd do it. You might preffer another way.
thorin0815 said:
Too bad we don't have a nice mobile Linux for our phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a pitty the Firefox OS project was abandoned

Hi, do you know a way to quit the Google search bar from the Home Screen? O dont like it and rather a clean Home Screen

yaco96 said:
Hi, do you know a way to quit the Google search bar from the Home Screen? O dont like it and rather a clean Home Screen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For now, only way is to install another launcher. Any will do. There is a thread about it, too. Look it up

I suggest Lawnchair Launcher to get rid of the searchbar after freezing/disabling the Google app.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ch.deletescape.lawnchair.plah&hl=en_US
Lawnchair should have all the features of the stock one and many more.

Have you ever heared the sentence "I don't care about privacy. I have nothing to hide". Well...
Here is an interesting website on how important is privacy https://www.socialcooling.com/
I know most of you already know all of this, but it's a nice website to show family and friends and help them open their minds.
Also, watch the documentary and/or the movie about Snowden to see what's going on in the USA (most data and most popular internet servers are located there). Snowden and Citizenfour (available on youtube)

Hello, I disabled some apps via the adb method, including the inbuilt file manager, which causes some problems now. Could someone be so kind and either tell me where to find an apk of the file manager or maybe upload it somewhere? Thanks in advance

mr-obot said:
Hello, I disabled some apps via the adb method, including the inbuilt file manager, which causes some problems now. Could someone be so kind and either tell me where to find an apk of the file manager or maybe upload it somewhere? Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This one?
https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/files-google/files-6-8-1-0-release/

Nice thread. Now we have microG to replace google services. It is compatible with deodexed roms.

MicroG is great.. But few challenges I came across:
1. No Validation of purchases - Apps & In-Apps
2. Few apps being used due to work, eg. Google Workspace Chat doesn't work.
3. AutoVoice integration - only works with Google Voice Engine
Has anyone figured out how to handle any of the above challenges

Any way to get rid of or disable the U+ Convenience Feature thing on my Settings menu

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Probably a long shot, but is there any way to disable it on my Korean Snapdragon variant SM-N986N? Since I'm not in Korea (Philippines here, had to import because I didn't want an Exynos) the feature is useless to me. It's an eyesore on my settings menu and I'm wondering if there's a way to get rid of it.

PD MDM package blocker probably get it.
For an unrooted phone it's the easiest way to go especially if there's other bloatware or apks you want to kill.
Easy to undo if you need it latter.

blackhawk said:
PD MDM package blocker probably get it.
For an unrooted phone it's the easiest way to go especially if there's other bloatware or apks you want to kill.
Easy to undo if you need it latter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will it also get rid of the app being displayed in the Settings menu? That's actually the more annoying part for me, it would've been fine if it's just simple bloatware, but it has to be bloatware that's the 2nd topmost of my settings menu, my latent OCD is triggered.

DocLem said:
Will it also get rid of the app being displayed in the Settings menu? That's actually the more annoying part for me, it would've been fine if it's just simple bloatware, but it has to be bloatware that's the 2nd topmost of my settings menu, my latent OCD is triggered.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use it to block Samsung Device Care. It removes it removes it from the settings menu when blocked.
The block apk doesn't run at boot.
Use a little caution with it though because it's active even in safe mode as it is set as a system administrator.
It never cost me a hard reset in over 2 years of use.
It's the first app I install on the phone...

blackhawk said:
PD MDM package blocker probably get it.
For an unrooted phone it's the easiest way to go especially if there's other bloatware or apks you want to kill.
Easy to undo if you need it latter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
blackhawk said:
I use it to block Samsung Device Care. It removes it removes it from the settings menu when blocked.
The block apk doesn't run at boot.
Use a little caution with it though because it's active even in safe mode as it is set as a system administrator.
It never cost me a hard reset in over 2 years of use.
It's the first app I install on the phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, thanks dude! Will give this a shot. It's called Package Disabler Pro (Samsung) on the Play Store right?

blackhawk said:
I use it to block Samsung Device Care. It removes it removes it from the settings menu when blocked.
The block apk doesn't run at boot.
Use a little caution with it though because it's active even in safe mode as it is set as a system administrator.
It never cost me a hard reset in over 2 years of use.
It's the first app I install on the phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude I just bought and installed it now and it worked beautifully! No more annoying convenience feature crap. Thanks!

DocLem said:
Will it also get rid of the app being displayed in the Settings menu? That's actually the more annoying part for me, it would've been fine if it's just simple bloatware, but it has to be bloatware that's the 2nd topmost of my settings menu, my latent OCD is triggered.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DocLem said:
Dude I just bought and installed it now and it worked beautifully! No more annoying convenience feature crap. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good
If it fails get PD MDM, you buy it directly from their website.

blackhawk said:
Good
If it fails get PD MDM, you buy it directly from their website.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah really? For future reference, what is their website? I tried googling but I'm feeling unsure since some of the hits I got look shady lol. The Play Store version works but I want to be ready in case I need the PD MDM version.

https://www.packagedisabler.com/
This is the only one I now trust.

You can use ADB app control to disabled or unistall it. I tried and my phone now like KOO CSC, U+ apps .

claiphenter said:
You can use ADB app control to disabled or unistall it. I tried and my phone now like KOO CSC, U+ apps .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's useful in many cases but some you want to run occasionally like Playstore.
I toggle that along with a couple other blocked apks on the PD MDM widget so I can turn them on and off without going opening PD.
You can also use this on the fly blocking to track down and fix issues with the phone... it's useful.

As advised above, use the ADB AppControl.
It is a handy application manager that will allow you to disable any applications and bloatware. This is a free program, but at the same time it has huge capabilities and works great with Samsung and any other devices.

Cyber.Cat said:
As advised above, use the ADB AppControl.
It is a handy application manager that will allow you to disable any applications and bloatware. This is a free program, but at the same time it has huge capabilities and works great with Samsung and any other devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use an app called CCSWE App Manager (Samsung) to disable apps and services.

airmaxx23 said:
I use an app called....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am using ADB AppControl for ALL of my android devices right from my computer over the network. Not only for Samsung.
For example, I have disabled many applications on my two Android TVs and now they work much faster. In addition, it is much more convenient for me to use the application manager from my laptop, where I can delete / disable applications in some of mouse clicks.

Package disabler pro, disables anything you don't want running.

lennie said:
Package disabler pro, disables anything you don't want running.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's some apks it can't hit but it gets all the bloatware, crap like the infamous AT&T updates and hidden bloatware like the Amazon cookie that you normally can't touch.
Installation and use are simple. Create backups and store them on the SD card and/or as email attachments.
It's a valuble troubleshooting tool that has saved me from reloads. It also can completely clear app data that you can't clear in settings (presumably nulls) and thus can fix system apps that can't be fixed otherwise without a reload.
Learn where to deactivate it if need be. A flashing kernel crash warning is no joke and if you can't disable it you will be doing a reload. Haven't seen this ever happen on the 10+ though.
It's been rock solid stable using little resources and almost no battery.

Just do this
Another way is just do this ..

Question What are the non essential APKs to remove if i care about privacy or debloating?

After the fiasco of debloating so much my battery was permanently on energy saving mode and my GPS wasn't working correctly with some apps i decided to reset from factory and try again. Does anyone know more or less which apks are entirely non essential, spyware, bloat, or google stuff that can be removed?

FB, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, etc are all trashware and major privacy threats.
If you insist on using them do so by browser login only.
Use Karma Firewall to lock apps down so they can't connect with the internet.
I prefer to use a package disabler as you can make changes on the fly, use it for troubleshooting and completely clear system app data with no nulls left behind.
Dependencies... many apks rely on other apks to be fully functional. Names can be misleading.
Many of the Samsung apks just sit there and do nothing unless called upon. Many smaller ones are used to modify the UI and will cripple it if removed.
I disable all cloud apks especially Google backup Transport (I don't use it for backup). I normally keep Google play Services disabled unless needed for Gmail or Playstore
Playstore disabled unless needed.
All OTA updates are always disabled to avoid rude surprises.
Bixby never runs. All MS junk never runs.
Google Firebase, all carrier, Samsung and app feedback disabled.
I have about 80 packages always disabled and about 7 that are sometimes used which include "problem" apps on my N10+'s. I have one running on Android 9, one on 10. Both are package disabled profiles are almost identical.
The Android 10 variant has over 100 more apks than the 9 variant, many of these are all essential system apks the modify the UI so it's compatible with Android 10. The result is both devices look and behave almost identically. Samsung went to a lot of trouble to make Android 10 functional, don't undermine this by blinding disabling apks as the results will be less than optimum
What's also interesting is the Android 10 variant gets near the same or better battery life as the 9 variant. Those additional Samsung system apps impact on battery life are not perceivable.
Play with it, each device, user needs and setup are unique. One size does not fit all. You need to learn what's best for you on that particular variant. Fun times...

blackhawk said:
FB, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, etc are all trashware and major privacy threats.
If you insist on using them do so by browser login only.
Use Karma Firewall to lock apps down so they can't connect with the internet.
I prefer to use a package disabler as you can make changes on the fly, use it for troubleshooting and completely clear system app data with no nulls left behind.
Dependencies... many apks rely on other apks to be fully functional. Names can be misleading.
Many of the Samsung apks just sit there and do nothing unless called upon. Many smaller ones are used to modify the UI and will cripple it if removed.
I disable all cloud apks especially Google backup Transport (I don't use it for backup). I normally keep Google play Services disabled unless needed for Gmail or Playstore
Playstore disabled unless needed.
All OTA updates are always disabled to avoid rude surprises.
Bixby never runs. All MS junk never runs.
Google Firebase, all carrier, Samsung and app feedback disabled.
I have about 80 packages always disabled and about 7 that are sometimes used which include "problem" apps on my N10+'s. I have one running on Android 9, one on 10. Both are package disabled profiles are almost identical.
The Android 10 variant has over 100 more apks than the 9 variant, many of these are all essential system apks the modify the UI so it's compatible with Android 10. The result is both devices look and behave almost identically. Samsung went to a lot of trouble to make Android 10 functional, don't undermine this by blinding disabling apks as the results will be less than optimum
What's also interesting is the Android 10 variant gets near the same or better battery life as the 9 variant. Those additional Samsung system apps impact on battery life are not perceivable.
Play with it, each device, user needs and setup are unique. One size does not fit all. You need to learn what's best for you on that particular variant. Fun times...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The easy stuff to remove are those bloat crap, its the other background stuff that worries me, THAT is the stuff that you never know how important it is or it could be some background data collection i wanna get rid of. I removed all google services and some apps didn't want to update anymore (did some just use google services even without an account to update?)
From what i understand Bixby is security related, and a lot of it is required to keep the device functioning, however i never used its features and i believe them to be somewhat privacy intruding, same with find my devices and such. That's why any help on a list would be appreciated.
I dont suppose you would also happen to know what's a good browser for the phone? i was using Firefox then DuckDuckGo then Brave but from my understanding there's little difference between them.
At least now i learnt my lesson, next time im just buying a phone compatible with /e/OS or lineage.

hahaNSAgoBRRRR said:
The easy stuff to remove are those bloat crap, its the other background stuff that worries me, THAT is the stuff that you never know how important it is or it could be some background data collection i wanna get rid of. I removed all google services and some apps didn't want to update anymore (did some just use google services even without an account to update?)
From what i understand Bixby is security related, and a lot of it is required to keep the device functioning, however i never used its features and i believe them to be somewhat privacy intruding, same with find my devices and such. That's why any help on a list would be appreciated.
I dont suppose you would also happen to know what's a good browser for the phone? i was using Firefox then DuckDuckGo then Brave but from my understanding there's little difference between them.
At least now i learnt my lesson, next time im just buying a phone compatible with /e/OS or lineage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What OS version are you using?
Bixby can be wiped, however Bixby Vision and Bixby Vision Framework are used with the cam to read QR codes though. You have to test to see if more of Bixby is needed for QR codes. I don't use this feature. The Bixby eula is a *****.
Knox are the Samsung security apps. They ones I can disable cause no harm, not sure if that holds true with all of them though. I do not disable knox attestation com.
Knox is a default system Administrator on stock Samsung's. No idea what disabling that will do... be careful. Samsung Pass is also a default system Administrator. I leave these alone.
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"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
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"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}

blackhawk said:
What OS version are you using?
Bixby can be wiped, however Bixby Vision and Bixby Vision Framework are used with the cam to read QR codes though. You have to test to see if more of Bixby is needed for QR codes. I don't use this feature. The Bixby eula is a *****.
Knox are the Samsung security apps. They ones I can disable cause no harm, not sure if that holds true with all of them though. I do not disable knox attestation com.
Knox is a default system Administrator on stock Samsung's. No idea what disabling that will do... be careful. Samsung Pass is also a default system Administrator. I leave these alone.
View attachment 5475479
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SM-A325M. Dunno what the M stands for, its the southamerican market one. Sadly reading QR codes is something i will have to do. Although i dont know how intrusive or concerning Bixby might be regarding privacy. I know that Knox is all just security related but i always enjoyed to remove the features i wasn't gonna use. Sadly the harder parts to remove are the things that start with samsung and are necessary for some things to work.

OS version Android 9,10 or 11?
The goal is to remove only the trouble makers not damage the functionality or usability of your phone.
Even after 2 years I'm still exploring my N10+. If the feature has been arbitrary blocked you'll never know it was there and/or it may cause erratic behavior with other apps.

blackhawk said:
OS version Android 9,10 or 11?
The goal is to remove only the trouble makers not damage the functionality or usability of your phone.
Even after 2 years I'm still exploring my N10+. If the feature has been arbitrary blocked you'll never know it was there and/or it may cause erratic behavior with other apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
11. Yeah, i dont remember what you did say, its just that im a guy that really likes the simple things on a phone. Yeah im THAT kind of guy that sometimes wonders if there's an use to a phone to begin with.
To make things a lot simpler is there any way to check which apps use data or send info back to google or samsung or log my activity for example?

Im also noticing after setting back to factory settings that the phone keeps showing me a notification to copy and paste data from the previous phone using smart switch, OR log in to google. I do not want to log in to google at all and while this notification does not prevent me from doing anything is there a way to stop the phone from constantly asking me this?

Hi guys,
Anyone know what's the best package disabler to use?
Thanks

Jaysmith696 said:
Hi guys,
Anyone know what's the best package disabler to use?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I personally use ADB.

It is much easier to block Internet access of apps you don't trust than removing them with the risk of breaking your system. Use NetGuard if your not rooted, or AFWall if you are or need to use VPN.

Jaysmith696 said:
Hi guys,
Anyone know what's the best package disabler to use?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this.

appmanager.apk

Question Can I avoid forced Android 12 update from Samsung?

There are things I don't want about update, and things I don't want to lose with update. I have postponed every time it asks, but Samsung says I can only postpone 2 more times. Is there any way to avoid this?

Package disable this app.
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"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}

blackhawk said:
Package disable this app.
View attachment 5581443
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but a little concerned about the process, removing all accounts, control, etc. Any other way to do this?

kat3k said:
Thanks, but a little concerned about the process, removing all accounts, control, etc. Any other way to do this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Disabling just that app only stops the firmware updates. My stock N10+ is running on Pie for example.

blackhawk said:
Disabling just that app only stops the firmware updates. My stock N10+ is running on Pie for example.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the setup process did you have to remove all google accounts (and then reinstall after), connect phone to pc, debug, etc? Description of app sounded a little daunting. Do you think there's anything risky? I really DO NOT want to install the next android version, and am running out of time. Can't believe they're going to force it on me, so definitely want a workaround. Thanks for your help.

I use Package Disabler.
A adb edit can also be used.
Neither require removing Google accounts!

My personal method for disabling apps is by using this code in ADB
(assuming ADB is already setup and you have USB debugging enabled):
adb shell pm disable-user **ENTER.PACKAGE.NAME.HERE**
I personally use MiXplorer app, open menu on the left side, choose App then
search update; tap on what looks like the correct app and see the package
name. Each carrier may use different packages.
For me on my Huawei P30 Pro the complete command would look like this:
adb shell pm disable-user com.huawei.android.hwouc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I think adb is a little beyond me. I will give Package Disabler a try. This is what it says on its app page about removing Google acct, etc:, which I wondered if you had to do:
** No Rooting required **
** You will have to remove all google accounts temporarily to activate this app then you can add back your accounts**
** You will need to connect your device to PC once and run a command as listed below**
** Uninstall within few hours to get automatic refund, if you are not happy with the app**

Enable developer options
Open developer options and disable auto update system
Open software update and disable auto download
No adb or paid garbage required.

twistedumbrella said:
Enable developer options
Open developer options and disable auto update system
Open software update and disable auto download
No adb or paid garbage required.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, that will disable the auto update, but what about the forced update after a certain number of postponements, different than auto?

kat3k said:
OK, that will disable the auto update, but what about the forced update after a certain number of postponements, different than auto?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not 100% sure it will stop the clock once it's already ticking. I've never gotten that far. I do know it will prevent it from trying to update, though. Any update with those settings has to be manually checked. I don't even get notice when they're available.

kat3k said:
OK, that will disable the auto update, but what about the forced update after a certain number of postponements, different than auto?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Disable the app I showed you that should hopefully kill it...
Clearing the system cache apparently does not clear the download.
If it loads and upgrades the bootloader, you're boned.

PROBLEM: When I try to buy in playstore, it says transaction declined. I did read in one of the reviews that google has some kind of problem with license, surely political., although it still appears in playstore - can't get it. Is there any other way to get/buy/install the app?

kat3k said:
PROBLEM: When I try to buy in playstore, it says transaction declined. I did read in one of the reviews that google has some kind of problem with license, surely political., although it still appears in playstore - can't get it. Is there any other way to get/buy/install the app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A lot of apps get suspended for political reasons, but this one was legitimate. That said, if you are sure it's what you want, you can buy it on their website. It's the first Google result for "Package Disabler" but make sure to get what you want done as soon as you buy it. One of the big things that led to the app being removed was the developer revoking licenses to force additional purchases.

twistedumbrella said:
A lot of apps get suspended for political reasons, but this one was legitimate. That said, if you are sure it's what you want, you can buy it on their website. It's the first Google result for "Package Disabler" but make sure to get what you want done as soon as you buy it. One of the big things that led to the app being removed was the developer revoking licenses to force additional purchases.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. It's on my list of things to do today. I did go to the site, and am slightly reluctant to use credit card, no paypal option even. I feel a lot more comfortable buying through playstore, not to mention the price on developer site is 5 british pounds, over $7 US. Wouldn't mind the price if it does what I want. Looks like a very complicated process from buying through activating. We'll see. It's a good lead for sure and I appreciate the input.

Before going the package disabler route, I've gone into developer options and have disabled automatic software update and am at the point of "stopping" the software update active app, but get a message saying the app cannot be stopped safely, so I'm still undecided. While looking around, I triggered one more software update postponement, so am down to one. Do you think it's safe to stop the software update in spite of the warning? I think it might help, or it might just reload next time phone is started.

kat3k said:
Before going the package disabler route, I've gone into developer options and have disabled automatic software update and am at the point of "stopping" the software update active app, but get a message saying the app cannot be stopped safely, so I'm still undecided. While looking around, I triggered one more software update postponement, so am down to one. Do you think it's safe to stop the software update in spite of the warning? I think it might help, or it might just reload next time phone is started.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best stop screwing around or it will make the decision for you... that update app is insidious and acts more like malware. It has just about every permissions there is.
If you don't package block it, don't be surprised if it supersedes your settings

blackhawk said:
Best stop screwing around or it will make the decision for you... that update app is insidious and acts more like malware. It has just about every permissions there is.
If you don't package block it, don't be surprised if it supersedes your settings
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Agreed, just a little scared of package disabler/app site/credit card info, but getting close

kat3k said:
Agreed, just a little scared of package disabler/app site/credit card info, but getting close
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've used it at least 3 times over the years. MC and Visa purchases in the US are insured and for 5 bucks I don't sweat it.
That update app is a ball buster, I hate it. It's caused me more trouble than any Android malware has in the last 8 years