Related
Hi all,
I found this method that clones any app on Huawei EMUI from last year, but it's no longer working on my Note 10.
https://www.xda-developers.com/how-to-clone-any-application-with-emuis-app-twin-feature-no-root/
Does anyone know how to do it with the EMUI8?
The command "settings get secure clone_app_list" always shows null, no matter if the wechat is cloned or not.
Setting this list to anything else than null will disable the app clone switch.
I need this for online banking app where I manage multiple accounts for the whole family, and tend to avoid 3rd party solution.
Thanks in advance.
Answering to myself. Seems also need to be rooted, pity for Note10 at the current stage.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/p10-plus/how-to/enable-app-twin-app-emui-8-root-t3752412
Hello everybody,
I was curious about which server my apps on mi Xiaomi Red Mi 6A get connected since a recent report said Xiaomi was tracking users. I've installed: NetGuard and TrackerControl and there are a few apps which I should not remove but are still connecting to the following directions:
Google:
firebaseremoteconfig.googlrapis.com
infinitedata-pa.googleapis.com
play.googleapis.com
Xiaomi:
api.ad.intl.xiaomi.com
data.mistat.intl.xiaomi.com
globalapi.ad.xiaomi.com
sdkconfig.ad.intl.xiaomi.com
My question: Is there a way to block all that addresses instead blocking the entire app?
I know I can remove bloatware rooting the phone or with the adb console, but these are system apps the phone needs to work properly. I also understand some apps may need to get connected to the Google api servers in order to work, but (I think) Xiaomi doesn't have anything to do here.
Regards!
MiguelRbls said:
Hello everybody,
I was curious about which server my apps on mi Xiaomi Red Mi 6A get connected since a recent report said Xiaomi was tracking users. I've installed: NetGuard and TrackerControl and there are a few apps which I should not remove but are still connecting to the following directions:
Google:
firebaseremoteconfig.googlrapis.com
infinitedata-pa.googleapis.com
play.googleapis.com
Xiaomi:
api.ad.intl.xiaomi.com
data.mistat.intl.xiaomi.com
globalapi.ad.xiaomi.com
sdkconfig.ad.intl.xiaomi.com
My question: Is there a way to block all that addresses instead blocking the entire app?
I know I can remove bloatware rooting the phone or with the adb console, but these are system apps the phone needs to work properly. I also understand some apps may need to get connected to the Google api servers in order to work, but (I think) Xiaomi doesn't have anything to do here.
Regards!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm willing to bet that if you did remove them, it will break things on your device and certain features/functions will no longer work, or worse yet, it may cause your device to not work properly.
Sent from my SM-S767VL using Tapatalk
I see these tracking sites getting blocked on my Adguard home filter and the phone still works fine.
api.ad.intl.xiaomi.com
tracking.intl.miui.com
app-measurement.com
ssl.google-analytics.com
googleads.g.doubleclick.net
I've also tried Netguard and TrackerControl but I still see these tracking and ad sites leaking through. I've tried different hosts files on Netguard too.
Is there a better solution without rooting/custom rom? It would be exposed once I leave the home network. I've already debloated the MIUI 13.0.13.
EXTREME DEBLOAT
Code:
I am not responsible for bricked devices, dead SD cards,
thermonuclear war, asphyxiation due to lack of Oxygen,
ColorOS and OxygenOS migration,
existential crisis,
or you getting fired because the alarm app failed.
YOU are choosing to make these modifications, and if
you point the finger at me for messing up your device, I will laugh at you.
Hi!
First of all, this debloat.txt is heavily based on the work of SirTAVARES, but since his thread is no longer available i thought i might improve it and share.
This debloat file will wipe out almost everything from your phone. I use this debloat for daily usage and i don't see any problems.
Android 11
Support for Android 11 is discontinued.Get the v1.4 list here for Android 11 if the attachment below does not work.
v1.4 - Tested with rooted OnePlus 9 running OxygenOS 11.2.9.9 LE25BA, Paranoid Android Ruby Alpha 2 and crDroid 20210716 build.
Known issues:
- If you have a WiFi network saved, using this debloat will make your phone forget the network.
Fix: If you connect to the network after using these, it won't forget it again.
- Phone lags for 10 seconds and a message with "Settings isn't responding" shows up whenever you open/go back to Bluetooth & Device Connection setting. However if you tap on "Wait" it'll go away, the setting will open and no problem. AFAIK it does not affect the actual functionalities of the settings.
*Changelog*
v1.0 - Release
v1.1 - Added oemtcma, Factory Mode, and Factory Mode Specialtest to the list.
v1.2 - [Comptible with up to OOS 11.2.7.7] Added Cloud Services, Charging Pilar, OnePlus Roaming, Membership, Secure Payment (experimental), Work-Life Balance to the list.
v1.21 - [Comptible with Paranoid Android Ruby Alpha 1] Added Abstruct from Paranoid Android.
v1.3 - [Comptible with Paranoid Android Ruby Alpha 2] Added Paranoid FaceSense to the list (experimental)
v1.4 - [Comptible with latest crDroid & OOS up to 11.2.9.9] Added LogCat, Jelly, Calendar, AudioFX, crDroid Music, Updater, Omni stuff, and some other apps to the list.
[DISCONTINUED]
Android 12v2.1 - Tested with rooted OnePlus 9 running OxygenOS 12.C60, LineageOS 19.1 (2022.06.12 build), and AOSPA Sapphire Beta (2022.06.11 build), and Pixel Extended 5.0 (2022.10.04 build)Get the list here if the attachment below does not work.
Yes, it's extreme. I use this for my liking, check the list before uninstalling!
Use at your own risk!
Features:
- Over 100 apps removed. Contains debloat for Google, OnePlus, and other apps
- Experimental Debloat:
GPS & Location
Always-on Display
- Almost everything can be downloaded from the Play Store if you accidentally removed something you didn't want to
(I recommend using the latest platform-tools for ADB)
Usage:
- Turn on USB Debugging
- In cmd type adb devices, and allow adb authorization on device
- Type adb shell
- (Optional) Type su
- Copy & paste the lines starting with "pm uninstall" to the cmd and press Enter. (You can select all or one-by-one too)
- Reboot & Enjoy
For reinstalling accidentally removed apps, try using
adb shell cmd package install-existing <package_name>
To do list:
Find other apps to remove
Known issues:
- Same as Android 11, see above
*Changelog*
v2.0 - Update to Android / OOS 12
v2.1 - [Comptible with latest LineageOS, AOSPA & OOS up to 12.C60] Added apps for OOS, LOS and AOSPA debloat.
v2.11 - Removed DocumentsUI from the list. (Some app depends on it)
v2.2 - [Comptible with Pixel Extended Android 13] Added Security stuff from Google to the list (i find it annoying). Removed Styles & wallpaper as some ROM customization depends on it.
*This could work with other devices with OOS / PA / crDroid running. Try and let me know*
First bit of development for our beloved op9. Fantastic
why llist all those app in your other stuff section? samsung, omnirom, mii, and various other OEM apps not on any OP phone. did you forget to clean up from a list? that paired with using pm uninstall instead of disable doesn't scream "run my script with confidence"
you say "Almost everything can be downloaded from the Play Store " but , not only is thats not true. many are OEM, you extreme debloating almost everything google but keep play store and services?, GPS, AR core,, location services and even webviewer. uninstalling the webviewer will break a a few settings that rely on it, as well as any application that decides to call on it for web content. webviewer is something that should be replaced, not removed.
just root and use magisk moduals made just for desires like that. google replicates uninstalled apps to the secondary slot for reboots in A11, thats why terminal de-bloater tricks it by removing the program but keeping files in the place google checks before deciding to repair itself.
PS check out ADB AppControl with built in de bloating. even offers to backup the programs for you prior (not the data, just apk but its better than nothing)
lastly, i tried to address your flair usage of how-to guide and authoritive writing but re-reading what i said just made me sound like a jerk. i just see someone googling this in the future and getting screwed, by them. Dont be afraid to ask questions when you are unsure about something and workshop initial builds with other members before throwing it out there as a guide.
applyscience said:
why llist all those app in your other stuff section? samsung, omnirom, mii, and various other OEM apps not on any OP phone. did you forget to clean up from a list? that paired with using pm uninstall instead of disable doesn't scream "run my script with confidence"
you say "Almost everything can be downloaded from the Play Store " but , not only is thats not true. many are OEM, you extreme debloating almost everything google but keep play store and services?, GPS, AR core,, location services and even webviewer. uninstalling the webviewer will break a a few settings that rely on it, as well as any application that decides to call on it for web content. webviewer is something that should be replaced, not removed.
just root and use magisk moduals made just for desires like that. google replicates uninstalled apps to the secondary slot for reboots in A11, thats why terminal de-bloater tricks it by removing the program but keeping files in the place google checks before deciding to repair itself.
PS check out ADB AppControl with built in de bloating. even offers to backup the programs for you prior (not the data, just apk but its better than nothing)
lastly, i tried to address your flair usage of how-to guide and authoritive writing but re-reading what i said just made me sound like a jerk. i just see someone googling this in the future and getting screwed, by them. Dont be afraid to ask questions when you are unsure about something and workshop initial builds with other members before throwing it out there as a guide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. You don't need to use it, all i can say is that because it works for me, i thought i'd share it.
2. "Almost" means most of them, of course there are some that cannot be downloaded.
3. I clearly state in the file that removing stuff can be risky, i didn't say that it can be used with confidence
Mh, always, when I use it, the abdroid calendar storage is no longer available...any ideas? And my calendar app stopps working...
AxelM said:
Mh, always, when I use it, the abdroid calendar storage is no longer available...any ideas? And my calendar app stopps working...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone works normally without it, and because i don't use it this list will remove those apps.
You can try using adb shell cmd package install-existing <package_name> to reinstall them.
AxelM said:
Mh, always, when I use it, the abdroid calendar storage is no longer available...any ideas? And my calendar app stopps working...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is the situation i was trying to show concern about arising. part of me sympathizes with users who just want better performance and what not and I still do feel OP should have worded this less vague and authoritative because I feel most replies will be from users who assume this is a fleshed out guide and not something slapped together hastily and contains some mis-truths, applicable situations and errors.
That all being said, OP did title it extreme debloat, which is a pretty clear and easy to comprehend so anyone just running this without a considerable understanding of what it does or how it does it is just shooting themselves on the foot.
Don't run extreme de-bloats blindly and don't assume what one user is fine with removing is what you'll be ok with. Also, dont run pm uninstall on anything unless you are 100% sure you know exactly what it is, you will never need it again and if so, know how to install it again. pm disable exists for a reason and more should be aware of it.
If you find yourself habitually dealing with situaitons of something you need or not working, you should probably reinstall the OS. this is a extreme debloat and removes many things that arent easy to just reinstall on their own. (cant state this enough, OP did title it extreme debloat)
If people still want to run this and arent 100% sure they want to commit to the same level of debloat as OP, do yourselves a favor and copy the commands into a word processor and find and replace pm uninstall with pm disable-user --user 0.
OP says "
For reinstall accidentally removed apps, use
adb shell cmd package install-existing <package_name>"
but did you make a copy of the apk before running the script? do you know where its located to point the command to? many of the apks this removes arent even accessible without root folder access. some also cant just be downloaded so if you need something back, you will more than likely be reinstalling the OS.
OP, unless you enjoy replying to people asking how to get "X" back or wondering why "Y" is gone, maybe re-word some things and clarify some of the comments you made. Im not out here trying to belittle you or make you feel any type of way. i guarantee theres millions of things you know and do better than i and thats amazing, thats what makes people coming together and working on outcomes so awesome. or if you are someone who sees anyone offering suggestions/corrections as a personal attack and just want to run a thread with you constantly on the defensive, thats fine too. I really am just trying to prevent people breaking their phones (regaurdless if they deserve it or not becuse, in the end, its titled extreme debloat, come on people lol)
@applyscience: I totally understand your concerns. I checked all the names of the the unistalled files beforehand, but misinterpreted this one. It costs me some time, but fortunatly I work with titanium and so I was able within 3h to get everything to normal.
@_MartyMan_ : I just change the code to my goals and now everything works fine.
Did you know the code, where the files are just frozen, because than you can try it out first and than delete them...
just use
[TOOL] ADB AppControl 1.8.0 🚀 Ultimate App Manager & Debloat Tool + Tweaks
ADB AppControl 🚀 Root is not required. Works with any Android device. Can do almost everything you dreamed about with applications. ADB AppControl - the desktop program, that will allow you to easily manage applications on your android device...
forum.xda-developers.com
Thanks for the list, OP. Always nice to have a breakdown of the debloat apps.
Just as a suggestion to those who do not want to uninstall and feel more comfortable just disabling the apps, you can replace the first part of the commands in the ADB script from:
Code:
pm uninstall --user 0
to:
Code:
pm disable-user
Doing this will also save the state of the app even after doing an OS update.
@_MartyMan
THANK YOU for this guide. I'm rocking the OP 9 5g Pro. My first Oneplus device I decided upon because Facebook does NOT ship with it. And the camera.
As a root enthusiast (Privacy concerns), removing the absolute trash apps embedded in carrier-sponsored Android in the U.S. MUST be done before my device gets it's data turned on.
And your delightful list (All Uninstall) is just what I needed. None of the apps I deleted are ever going to be needed in my life.
Slightly more privacy, and my battery idled on 100% for 5 hours.
I'm off to F-Droid for my usual lineup.
Thank You Again!!!
Updated for OOS 12
Does this actually remove the package/application from the phone, i.e. I get the storage space back that the app was taking up? Or does it only disable the app from 'user 0' and the storage space is unnaffected? I want to permanently remove some packages and so far everything I have seen regarding ADB is that it doesnt remove the pacakge/app, it merely disables it from the primary user.
I am considering rooting and using TWRP or Magisk to permanently remove the packages, but if ADB actually removes them, and I get my storage space back, then I will stick to ADB.
Also, why not remove com.oneplus.brickmode? Its OnePlus's Zen Mode as far as I can tell and is completely worthless. If I am wrong please correct me so I can re-enable this package.
RonnieDoitch said:
Does this actually remove the package/application from the phone, i.e. I get the storage space back that the app was taking up? Or does it only disable the app from 'user 0' and the storage space is unnaffected? I want to permanently remove some packages and so far everything I have seen regarding ADB is that it doesnt remove the pacakge/app, it merely disables it from the primary user.
I am considering rooting and using TWRP or Magisk to permanently remove the packages, but if ADB actually removes them, and I get my storage space back, then I will stick to ADB.
Also, why not remove com.oneplus.brickmode? Its OnePlus's Zen Mode as far as I can tell and is completely worthless. If I am wrong please correct me so I can re-enable this package.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm unsure. Your correct looked it up it's Zen mode your probably fine. I uninstalled Zen mode through titanium it shows this now.
RonnieDoitch said:
Does this actually remove the package/application from the phone, i.e. I get the storage space back that the app was taking up? Or does it only disable the app from 'user 0' and the storage space is unnaffected? I want to permanently remove some packages and so far everything I have seen regarding ADB is that it doesnt remove the pacakge/app, it merely disables it from the primary user.
I am considering rooting and using TWRP or Magisk to permanently remove the packages, but if ADB actually removes them, and I get my storage space back, then I will stick to ADB.
Also, why not remove com.oneplus.brickmode? Its OnePlus's Zen Mode as far as I can tell and is completely worthless. If I am wrong please correct me so I can re-enable this package.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's still there, it's only removed for the current user. All i know is that is does not show up in Greenify so i think it's not running in the background.
What would be the command to delete red cable pro?
Updated with new apps for OOS, AOSP, and LOS. Enjoy
Can this be used for Oos 12 c62?
paz999 said:
Can this be used for Oos 12 c62?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very likely - not tested though. Not much changed since C60
Hi everyone,
Z Flip 3 finally arrived and now it's time for me to clean it up .
Over ADB i've removed those packages:
Code:
com.samsung.android.app.settings.bixby
com.samsung.systemui.bixby2
com.samsung.android.bixby.service
com.samsung.android.bixby.agent
com.samsung.android.bixbyvision.framework
com.samsung.android.bixby.wakeup
com.samsung.android.app.routines
com.samsung.android.visionintelligence
com.microsoft.appmanager
com.microsoft.skydrive
com.samsung.android.aremoji
com.samsung.android.aremojieditor
com.samsung.android.ardrawing
com.sec.android.app.samsungapps
yet, there are other apps that I would like to remove but i dont know the name of the packages:
AR Space ( Spazio AR )
Samsung Free
Emoji AR Stickers ( i've removed 2 packages but still i can see the app in the app list on android as disabled )
Google Duo
upday
Vodafone AppBox
If anyone has any other package that could be safely removed, list it here and descirbe what is it related too.
Quick Debloat ATT (SM-711U1)
No for non-rooted/stock/bootlocked phones This is my debloat list, simply copy paste into ADB. I still run some Google and Samsung services but this takes out all the carrier, Microsoft, Facebook and Samsung garbage that they lock into the...
forum.xda-developers.com
Just tweak it [ZFlip3] - debloat, root, plugins, battery...
ZFlip3 stock setup model used: Z Flip 3 SM-F711B, Android 11, October 2021 firmware, Europe (EUX), then Android 12, Februaru 2022. adding an article in a flagship marathon ..->V30->Note9->6T->Mi9->S10->7T->Tab S6->Tab...
forum.xda-developers.com
twistedumbrella said:
Quick Debloat ATT (SM-711U1)
No for non-rooted/stock/bootlocked phones This is my debloat list, simply copy paste into ADB. I still run some Google and Samsung services but this takes out all the carrier, Microsoft, Facebook and Samsung garbage that they lock into the...
forum.xda-developers.com
Just tweak it [ZFlip3] - debloat, root, plugins, battery...
ZFlip3 stock setup model used: Z Flip 3 SM-F711B, Android 11, October 2021 firmware, Europe (EUX), then Android 12, Februaru 2022. adding an article in a flagship marathon ..->V30->Note9->6T->Mi9->S10->7T->Tab S6->Tab...
forum.xda-developers.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have all those packages as in the first post and I would like to keep things stock, just want to remove those over ADB. Running a command for each package looks simple and safer to me.
Still works for the ones you do, but it will go faster.
[HOW-TO][DEBLOAT][ADB] The ultimate ADB debloating thread for the S20/+/U series
Hi, i´ve seen some threads and questions about debloating in the s20 forum, but by having a quick look at them, theres not much information for beginners. Thats why I decided to sign up and join the xda community. I would like to make this the...
forum.xda-developers.com
twistedumbrella said:
Still works for the ones you do, but it will go faster.
[HOW-TO][DEBLOAT][ADB] The ultimate ADB debloating thread for the S20/+/U series
Hi, i´ve seen some threads and questions about debloating in the s20 forum, but by having a quick look at them, theres not much information for beginners. Thats why I decided to sign up and join the xda community. I would like to make this the...
forum.xda-developers.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still, i need to know the name of those packages:
AR Space ( Spazio AR )
Samsung Free
Emoji AR Stickers ( i've removed 2 packages but still i can see the app in the app list on android as disabled )
Google Duo
upday
Vodafone AppBox
MySelf_v1 said:
Still, i need to know the name of those packages:
AR Space ( Spazio AR )
Samsung Free
Emoji AR Stickers ( i've removed 2 packages but still i can see the app in the app list on android as disabled )
Google Duo
upday
Vodafone AppBox
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Search them in Google Play / Galaxy Store from a browser.
Samsung Members - Apps on Google Play
Expert support, community connection & exclusive perks. Possibility starts here.
play.google.com
See how the URL comes up as id=com.samsung.android.voc?
com.samsung.android.voc is the package
It's really not something you need a spreadsheet to find out.
twistedumbrella said:
Search them in Google Play / Galaxy Store from a browser.
Samsung Members - Apps on Google Play
Expert support, community connection & exclusive perks. Possibility starts here.
play.google.com
See how the URL comes up as id=com.samsung.android.voc?
com.samsung.android.voc is the package
It's really not something you need a spreadsheet to find out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We're not all developers here
MySelf_v1 said:
We're not all developers here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need to be a developer. There is no code involved in the above instructions.
Install "Package Disabler Pro" on your Smartphone.
This app list the real name of the app.
Example:
Vodafone Appbox = package:com.aura.oobe.samsung.gl
Delete it with adb:
start with developer options, then you have to do:
"adb shell"
"pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.aura.oobe.samsung.gl"
An other example:
Samsung Free = package:com.samsung.android.app.spage
"pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.spage"
Astalavista baby
The first time I saw this topic (that is, easy-debloat without using a rooted version of Android) was from this article, which is a bit out of date but explains the basic premise:
https://www.xda-developers.com/disable-system-app-bloatware-android/
If you're not familiar with the Google program "adb" this may be helpful too:
https://www.xda-developers.com/install-adb-windows-macos-linux/
And even some documentation from the authors of the ADB command:
https://developer.android.com/studio/command-line/adb/
As you know, many pre-installed applications can be removed via Settings→Apps, as you'd expect. If removal is prevented then try using Google's Android Device Bridge command (running on a PC or Mac; I use Linux) using the adb command.
You're right to be concerned about what applications are related to a package disabled or uninstalled by any of these methods. An application may have prerequisites or corequisites. As always, use care making changes like this!
ExampleImagine you prefer Google's Contacts application, rather than Samsung's. As best I can tell, on Android 12, the Samsung Contacts application cannot be uninstalled or disabled by a novice user via Settings-->Apps. But what might happen if you could successfully remove Samsung's Contacts application? I tried this scenario and here's what I found: Samsung's Contacts application appears to be required for Settings-->Safety and emergency-->Medical info.
How did I test this? Well, it's possible to force a disable Samsung Contacts using a command similar to:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.contactsPackage com.samsung.android.app.contacts new state: disabled-user
If you now try to navigate to Settings-->Safety and emergency-->Medical info, you'll get a pop-up message saying something like:
Unable to open Contacts. Tap SETTINGS,go to App info > Permissions, then allowthe following permissions and try again:Contacts
This is why I think Samsung’s Contacts is a prerequisite for some services. Services which do need Samsung’s Contacts application’s services will notify you with a pop-up message, like the one above. (And no, installing Google’s Contacts application doesn’t help.)
In any case, if you're unhappy, you can easily undo what you've done so far with this command:
adb shell pm enable com.samsung.android.app.contactsPackage com.samsung.android.app.contacts new state: enabled
Your phone should be none the worse for trying this example. But for fun, let's continue the scenario, Samsung Contacts can be uninstalled rather than merely disabled:
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.contactsSuccess
However now it’s not possible to even navigate to Settings-->Safety and emergency-->Medical info. The item remains under the Safety and emergency settings, but it is not grayed out (a common way to know you can’t tap on an item), and clicking it doesn't work (no error message). So I think Samsung's Contacts application is a hard prereq for Medical info. ("Hard", as in "There's no way around it.") What's more, the Emergency contacts (also under the Safety and emergency entry in Settings) item doesn't work. So more than one feature isn't working.
If you change your mind you can reinstall the package:
adb shell pm install-existing com.samsung.android.app.contactsPackage com.samsung.android.app.contacts installed for user: 0
After a reinstall I'm pretty sure your phone is again working well. End of example.
I'm not an expert on this topic. And I don't mean to start a new discussion about this topic on this thread. I thought you'd like an answer to your question, with what I hope are specific examples and links. There's another (one of many, actually) active discussion, which mentions certain corequisite and prerequisite packages, by name, and why you might want to keep some. See:
[ADB] [NO-ROOT] Samsung Optimization Guide - A Better Experience
PS: At the end of my playing around I decided to keep Samsung's Contacts application, and hide it as best I can by using a feature in Nova Launcher Prime. Why? It was important for me to have my phone able to display medical info (allergies).
wpscully said:
The first time I saw this topic (that is, easy-debloat without using a rooted version of Android) was from this article, which is a bit out of date but explains the basic premise:
https://www.xda-developers.com/disable-system-app-bloatware-android/
If you're not familiar with the Google program "adb" this may be helpful too:
https://www.xda-developers.com/install-adb-windows-macos-linux/
And even some documentation from the authors of the ADB command:
https://developer.android.com/studio/command-line/adb/
As you know, many pre-installed applications can be removed via Settings→Apps, as you'd expect. If removal is prevented then try using Google's Android Device Bridge command (running on a PC or Mac; I use Linux) using the adb command.
You're right to be concerned about what applications are related to a package disabled or uninstalled by any of these methods. An application may have prerequisites or corequisites. As always, use care making changes like this!
ExampleImagine you prefer Google's Contacts application, rather than Samsung's. As best I can tell, on Android 12, the Samsung Contacts application cannot be uninstalled or disabled by a novice user via Settings-->Apps. But what might happen if you could successfully remove Samsung's Contacts application? I tried this scenario and here's what I found: Samsung's Contacts application appears to be required for Settings-->Safety and emergency-->Medical info.
How did I test this? Well, it's possible to force a disable Samsung Contacts using a command similar to:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.contactsPackage com.samsung.android.app.contacts new state: disabled-user
If you now try to navigate to Settings-->Safety and emergency-->Medical info, you'll get a pop-up message saying something like:
Unable to open Contacts. Tap SETTINGS,go to App info > Permissions, then allowthe following permissions and try again:Contacts
This is why I think Samsung’s Contacts is a prerequisite for some services. Services which do need Samsung’s Contacts application’s services will notify you with a pop-up message, like the one above. (And no, installing Google’s Contacts application doesn’t help.)
In any case, if you're unhappy, you can easily undo what you've done so far with this command:
adb shell pm enable com.samsung.android.app.contactsPackage com.samsung.android.app.contacts new state: enabled
Your phone should be none the worse for trying this example. But for fun, let's continue the scenario, Samsung Contacts can be uninstalled rather than merely disabled:
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.contactsSuccess
However now it’s not possible to even navigate to Settings-->Safety and emergency-->Medical info. The item remains under the Safety and emergency settings, but it is not grayed out (a common way to know you can’t tap on an item), and clicking it doesn't work (no error message). So I think Samsung's Contacts application is a hard prereq for Medical info. ("Hard", as in "There's no way around it.") What's more, the Emergency contacts (also under the Safety and emergency entry in Settings) item doesn't work. So more than one feature isn't working.
If you change your mind you can reinstall the package:
adb shell pm install-existing com.samsung.android.app.contactsPackage com.samsung.android.app.contacts installed for user: 0
After a reinstall I'm pretty sure your phone is again working well. End of example.
I'm not an expert on this topic. And I don't mean to start a new discussion about this topic on this thread. I thought you'd like an answer to your question, with what I hope are specific examples and links. There's another (one of many, actually) active discussion, which mentions certain corequisite and prerequisite packages, by name, and why you might want to keep some. See:
[ADB] [NO-ROOT] Samsung Optimization Guide - A Better Experience
PS: At the end of my playing around I decided to keep Samsung's Contacts application, and hide it as best I can by using a feature in Nova Launcher Prime. Why? It was important for me to have my phone able to display medical info (allergies).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You bring up a very good point, and that is so helpful
kat3k said:
You bring up a very good point, and that is so helpful
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like many here, I remove bloatware the easy way, when I can. If not then I use Nova Launcher to simply hide the rest from the application drawer. Out of sight, out of mind, as they say. ;-)
My phone is forcing upon me an update that I wish to stave off, if possible, or stop altogether if possible.
The upcoming update will happen in a day if I don't figure out how to stop it.
How can we definitively tell if the baseband will be incremented with any given forced update?
And how can we tell if this is a security-only update, or if the baseband will be updated too?
Use Package Disabler or an adb edit to disable these two services. Stops it dead in its tracks.
blackhawk said:
Use Package Disabler or an adb edit to disable these two services. Stops it dead in its tracks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah. Too late! This time anyway.
But your information is good for next time.
I'll use this information in the future (and so can others, which is the point of my fleshing what you just had suggested as the answer) to disable the following two services on my T-Mobile Galaxy A32 5G (SM-326U) Android 12 setup...
<com.sec.android.soagent>
What is com.sec.android.soagent?
What is SOAgent in Samsung Galaxy?
What does com.sec.android.soagent do?
<com.ws.dm>
What is com.ws.dm?
What does com.ws.dm do in a Google Activity?
What does Com WS DS mean?
When I looked to disable those two services using my MuntashirAkon App Manager...
<https://github.com/MuntashirAkon/AppManager>
I found that perhaps that second service has a different name?
<com.sec.android.soagent>
<com.wssyncmldm>
What is com.wssyncmldm?
How to disable com.wssyncmldm
Step by step guide to disabling com.wssyncmldm
All you need to know about com.wssyncmldm
Why disable com.wssyncmldm
How to fix com ws sync mldm
Everything you need to know about com.wssyncmldm
As for "Package Disabler", I didn't even know you could disable system packages without being root (alas, my phone can't be rooted).
It's nice to know you can disable system apps without root.
So that others don't have to look for it, I think I found it here, at least with my first set of search terms.
Package Disabler
<https://www.packagedisabler.com>
The only NON-root solution that let’s you disable any unwanted packages that come pre-installed / installed with your phone / tablet.
You can disable apps with 1 click. Disabled application / package will not be uninstalled or updated using Google play or any other means.
This app also provides password / uninstall protection to avoid misuse.
When I searched on XDA-Developers forum threads for package disabler, I found a bunch of hits, but I don't know which are canonical updated threads.
Package Disabler Pro- De-Bloat & Remove Stock Apps For Better Ram-Battery Life
Package Disabler - Android 11?
which also suggests LADB(Kunal Adb) or PC adb
Package Disabler?
Package Disabler?
New package disabler,works!!!
Package Disabler
Package disabler pro
[GUIDE] [No Root] Disable System Apps & Bloatware: Package Disabler Pro - T-Mobile
Has anyone found an alternative apk to package disabler pro?
Need Help with my note 8 Bootloop caused by disabled Packages
What bloatware have you safely disabled/removed on the Galaxy Tab S3?
These non-forum articles showed up in a google search for more information about this useful "package disabler" tool which purports to disable system packages without needing to be root.
Debloat Galaxy Devices Without Root
Universal Android Debloater helps you get rid of unwanted apps and bloatware on your phone
How to disable any pre-installed system app bloatware on Android without root
Android Central Package Disabler
Regarding the adb commands, I use adb all day every day for a variety of things (see below) but I haven't used adb (or ladb) to disable a service which requires root as I didn't know you could do that.
How to duplicate what adb does to ad hoc open any given Activity on the Android phone?
[adb] [Wireless debugging] [Wi-Fi] Is there an updated XDA tutorial yet on setting up adb COMPLETELY wirelessly as of Android 11+ (no USB cable!)?
[adb] What is the adb syntax to connect wirelessly to Android by unique serial number (instead of by Wi-Fi LAN IP address & random port assignment)?
[adb] [Wireless debugging] [Wi-Fi] Is there an updated XDA tutorial yet on setting up adb COMPLETELY wirelessly as of Android 11+ (no USB cable!)?
(PSA) Using the new Android 12 TILE for 'Developer options' 'Wireless debugging' to establish adb connection over Wi-Fi without USB
[adb,scrcpy,vysor] What ports does Android 12 randomly set when Wi-Fi connecting via Wireless debugging adb "pair" or "connect" commands?
Android 12 Developer options adb "Wireless debugging" option keeps turning off
For any given trusted computer, can we make an adb usb debugging connection on day one & then SAVE adbkey.pub authentication keys for use years later?
As for how to use either local adb (ladb) to disable packages (without needing the PC and without needing to be rooted), my first task was to look up what the ladb commands might be...
Say hello to LADB, a local ADB shell without needing root or a computer!
How to debloat your phone (and more) without connecting to a PC
And then let's look up some of the adb commands to figure out what they are to disable the two services using a PC but without needing to be rooted.
XDA-Developers guide to ADB
ADB Tips & Tricks: ADB commands that every power user should know about!
Obviously I have some homework to do before I can successfully disable the two services listed above without needing to be rooted (as my phone can't be rooted) using just adb (which seems like the easiest way to approach this task)...
Since I'm always connected to my phone via adb anyway (as I mirror my screen and audio onto my PC) I may as well use the adb commands to disable the two update services, where might these be the related necessary adb commands to employ for that task?
C:\> adb shell pm list packages | findstr /i soagent
That should find "package:com.sec.android.soagent"
C:\> adb shell pm list packages -d | findstr /i soagent
That should find the disabled packages & then grep for "com.sec.android.soagent" which shouldn't (yet) be in that list
C:\> adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.sec.android.soagent
That should (I hope) disable the listed package (is that correct?)
C:\> adb shell pm enable --user 0 com.sec.android.soagent
That should (if desired), re-enable the listed package (is that right?)Likewise, these are likely the related steps for com.wssyncmldm:
C:\> adb shell pm list packages | findstr /i wssyncmldm
C:\> adb shell pm list packages -d | findstr /i wssyncmldm
C:\> adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.wssyncmldm
C:\> adb shell pm enable --user 0 com.wssyncmldm
But first, may I confirm that my two services are of a different name than that which was initially suggested?
And may I confirm the adb commands to disable those two services?
You can probably roll it back from 12 to 11 if you want provided the boot loader wasn't upgraded too.
This stock Samsung N10+ hasn't been updated in over 3 years; still running on Pie. Current load is over 2.5 yo, still fast, very stable with minimal maintenance. Security simply isn't an issue with its current configuration... screw the Google scare hype. This is what Android is capable of... if you leave it be.
blackhawk said:
You can probably roll it back from 12 to 11 if you want provided the boot loader wasn't upgraded too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for that suggestion, where I really don't know that much about Android, which I openly admit. I can research if pointed in the right direction though.
I am told the bootloader for the T-Mobile A32-5G needs to be version 5 or below (maybe even 3 or below) in order to root the Samsung Galaxy A32-5G, and mine is currently version 8.
I don't know how to roll back a bootloader, but even so, I'm not sure I understand your suggestion of rolling back the Android version from 12 to 11.
How would changing the OS change the bootloader version?
blackhawk said:
This stock Samsung N10+ hasn't been updated in over 3 years; still running on Pie. Current load is over 2.5 yo, still fast, very stable with minimal maintenance. Security simply isn't an issue with its current configuration... screw the Google scare hype. This is what Android is capable of... if you leave it be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I very much appreciate your kind and thoughtful advice that pointed me in the direction of the two packages that I needed to disable, which is what I needed to research in the right direction.
I also much appreciate that you mentioned adb will do the job of disabling those packages without me being rooted, as that too was a required datapoint that I didn't know until you told me.
Thank you very much for your kind advice, where I do agree with you this hype about having the latest security patches isn't something I'm all that worried about.
However....
There is this "nagging concern" that, as of Google's Project Mainline and Project Treble (both since renamed), the way that the 25 core modules update is no longer via carrier updates but over the air with Google Framework Services updates (not to be confused with Google Play Services updates).
AdServices multi-package multi-type Android 13
adbd com.android.adbd APEX Android 11
AppSearch com.android.appsearch APEX Android 13
ART com.android.art APEX Android 12
Bluetooth APEX Android 13
CellBroadcast com.android.cellbroadcast APEX Android 11
Conscrypt com.android.conscrypt APEX Android 10
Device Scheduling com.android.scheduling APEX Android 12
DNS Resolver com.android.resolv APEX Android 10
DocumentsUI com.android.documentsui APK Android 10
ExtServices com.android.ext.services APK (Android 10)
ExtServices com.android.ext.services APEX (Android 11)
IPsec/IKEv2 Library com.android.ipsec APEX Android 11
Media Media: com.android.media Android 10 (extractors)
Media Codecs: com.android.media.swcodec APEX Android 10 (extractors, MediaSession API) Android 11 (MediaParser API)
MediaProvider com.android.mediaprovider APEX Android 11
ModuleMetadata com.android.modulemetadata APK Android 10
Network Stack Network Stack Permission Configuration: com.android.networkstack.permissionconfig
Captive Portal Login: com.android.captiveportallogin
Network Components: com.android.networkstack APK Android 10
NNAPI Runtime com.android.neuralnetworks APK Android 11
OnDevicePersonalization Runtime Multiple Multiple Android 13
PermissionController com.android.permissioncontroller APK Android 10
SDK Extensions com.android.sdkext APEX Android 11
Statsd com.android.os.statsd APEX Android 11
Tethering com.android.tethering APK Android 11
Time Zone Data com.android.tzdata APEX Android 10
UWB com.android.uwb APEX Android 13
Wi-Fi com.android.wifi APEX Android 11
It's all very confusing HOW Android updates nowadays.
Some updates are over the air by the carrier
Other updates are done separately for the 25 core modules
Still others are done over a Google Play Store app Activity
(These last app updates are not really part of the Google Play Store app but the Activity for app updates appears in the settings for the Google Play Store app so a lot of people associate those app updates with the Google Play Store app).
In short, does this method of disabling two packages "really" work to stop all updates?
Or does it just work for the Project Mainline updates?
Or just the carrier supplied security updates?
I don't know.
You're welcome.
The bootloader version can be upgraded but not rolled back on a Snapdragon. If just the rom was upgraded from 11 to 12 it can be rolled back by flashing Android 11 if the bootloader wasn't upgraded too. I think this is the case for you but check it to be sure. Personally I don't muck with the firmware. A Samsung Experience center at a Best Buy can also flash it back to 11.
I really don't worry about updating any apps unless there's a improvement I need, so I don't.
It leads to a more stable platform since everything is already running well, more importantly it's fulfilling its mission. In the end that's all that counts. This is my solution; it may not be what others do but it works very well for me. I send almost zero time now troubleshooting... it just runs.
blackhawk said:
You're welcome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Without you, I wouldn't have known the name of the two packages, nor that adb can disable them without me being rooted. Thanks.
What I don't know, yet anyway, is which of the following software versions those two packages above facilitated the updates for...
Android version [e.g., Android 12]
Baseband version [e.g., A326USQS8BVL3]
Security update [e.g., Dec. 1, 2022]
Google Play System [e.g., March 1, 2022]
Google Play Services [e.g., 22.42.12 (190400-481949630]
Google Play Store [e.g., 33.5.16-21 [0][PR] 4933219047]
Firmware (such as the Qualcomm modem firmware)
25 Core modules in Project Mainline
These are apparently updated either over Google Play Services on the net or OTA by partners.
Default/original apps (such as Chrome, YouTube, etc.)
User apps (of which there may be hundreds)
blackhawk said:
The bootloader version can be upgraded but not rolled back on a Snapdragon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't think it was going to be easy to unlock the bootloader, let alone roll it backward a notch or two.
BTW, it's not a Snapdragon I don't think.
DevCheck (see attached screenshot) shows it to be a "Mediatek Dimensity 720" powering this SM-A326U Galaxy A32 5G.
blackhawk said:
If just the rom was upgraded from 11 to 12 it can be rolled back by flashing Android 11 if the bootloader wasn't upgraded too. I think this is the case for you but check it to be sure. Personally I don't muck with the firmware. A Samsung Experience center at a Best Buy can also flash it back to 11.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've seen that link, and I found it fantastic, where I think I'm stuck in not being able to root unless something new comes up - which is my main purpose here in at least freezing the bootloader version at 8.
The main lack of information I have at the moment is I don't know WHAT PROCESS updates the bootloader.
blackhawk said:
I really don't worry about updating any apps unless there's a improvement I need, so I don't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm with you 100% in that I don't update ANY apps unless I KNOW it has something I want (which almost never happens).
That's good that neither of us worries about app updates because most people don't realize what a MESS app updates truly are!
I've found out most people THINK that the Google Play Store does a check for new apps for ALL your installed apps - but I've tested it and it doesn't even come close (see attached screenshot proof).
The Google Play Store app update section isn't even part of the Google Play Store (it's an Activity within it but it's independent of the Google Play Store app itself) - but what's worse is the fact it updates barely any apps.
Maybe a dozen. Maybe even two dozen.
But the Google Play Store app update Activity MISSES hundreds upon hundreds of apps, which the screenshots below prove to be the case.
Luckily, as a result of that opinion which we both share that we don't update apps unless we need to, this whole app update mess isn't an issue for either one of us, but bear in mind that a LOT of people "think" the Google Play Store app "updates" all their apps.
It's not even close.
blackhawk said:
It leads to a more stable platform since everything is already running well, more importantly it's fulfilling its mission. In the end that's all that counts. This is my solution; it may not be what others do but it works very well for me. I send almost zero time now troubleshooting... it just runs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm like you in that I don't update the hundreds of apps unless any one of them needs to be updated, which almost never happens.
But what is driving me nuts is the CONFUSION about what process updates what part of the Android operating system.
For example, I'm currently at:
The Google Play System = March 1, 2022
Settings > About phone > Software information
The Google Play Services = Version 22.42.12 (190400-481949630)
Settings > Apps > Your apps > Google Play Services
The Google Play Store = 33.5.16-21 [0][PR] 4933219047
Settings > Apps > Your apps > Google Play Services
But what is the process that updates those three entities?
It behooves us to nail this down as I'm confused what is updated when & how.
While there are at least a half dozen important layers of Android which are updated on a variety of schedules, I think the fundamental updated layers may be:
The Android OS version, baseband & security patch levels
The Google Play {System,Services,Store} system update levels
The versions of the 25 core modules of Project Mainline
The versions of the firmware in Project Treble
The versions of all the apps supplied with the native OS
I'm embarrassed, for example, to state that I have no idea whatsoever what updates the BASEBAND, for example.
Worse, I have no idea what process updates the 25 core modules of the Project Mainline modules (which is the core of Android).
Project Mainline core modules in Android 10
Project Mainline core modules in Android 11
Project Mainline core modules in Android 12
Project Mainline core modules in Android 13
What process updates those two dozen critical core modules?
com.wssyncmldm is what does all OTA firmware updates for the phone including the bootloader as far as I know. To stop OTA upgrades only it needs to be disabled. It's the only one that can permanently screw you up.
I'm not familiar with the MediaTek chipsets. Galaxy store updates it's apps as well, I firewall block it unless I need to use it.
I keep installable backup copies of all my apps including system. That way on a reload or if they get an unwanted update, I'm ready.
Worksv on Android 9,10, not sure about higher. Newer versions are on Playstore.
blackhawk said:
com.wssyncmldm is what does all OTA firmware updates for the phone including the bootloader as far as I know. To stop OTA upgrades only it needs to be disabled. It's the only one that can permanently screw you up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for confirming com.wssyncmldm does the over-the-air firmware updates, and, particularly the caveat that it's the only updater package that can permanently screw the ability to root up.
Android is broken into so many components that I am going nuts trying to figure out what updates what - so that helps (a little).
blackhawk said:
I'm not familiar with the MediaTek chipsets. Galaxy store updates it's apps as well, I firewall block it unless I need to use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for bringing up the Galaxy App update mechanism, which I had omitted in my description of what updates apps above.
The OTA update often updates default system apps
The Google Play Store Activity Updater updates "some" apps
The FOSS Google Play Store clients also update "many" apps
The Samsung Galaxy Store updater updates its own apps
There are app updaters I've tested which update ALL apps
(Of course, these assume an update is available.)
Just so that you know, I never create ANY login on my phone, so I can't log into the galaxy store even if I had wanted to do so.
Is there any app in the Samsung Galaxy Store worth the login requirements?
That means I don't have a Google Account set up on my phone either (even as I have a Google Account), so I've learned empirically that if you log into the GMail app even once, it CREATES a Google Account on your phone.
The phone works better WITHOUT the Google Account setup.
Likewise if you log into the Google Maps app, or Google Voice, etc., but luckily ALL the Google apps have equivalent apps which generally work better than the Google apps do anyway.
GMail === FairMail mail client
Chrome === Ungoogled Chromium web client
YouTube === NewPipe YouTube client
Google Play Store === Aurora Google Play Store client
Google Maps === works fine w/o a login
Google Calendar === Etar
Google Messages === Pulse SMS (before Klinker sold to Maple Media)
Google launcher === Nova Launcher (before they sold out)
etc.
Note a good reason for SAVING all the APKs you install is shown in the case of Nova and Pulse where both went over to the dark side.
blackhawk said:
I keep installable backup copies of all my apps including system. That way on a reload or if they get an unwanted update, I'm ready.
Worksv on Android 9,10, not sure about higher. Newer versions are on Playstore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like you, I maintain all my APKs independently OUTSIDE of the current daily drive phone, where it's all completely automatic.
The FOSS Google Play Store clients have an option to NOT DELETE the APK when you install any app off the Google Play Store repository.
That fact bears repeating.
When you install an app off the Google Play store, presumably this sequence occurs:
1. The client finds the app & then you download the APK
2. The client initiates the installation of the APK
3. Then the client always DELETES the downloaded APK
But when you install that same app off that same repository using the FOSS Google Play Store clients, and if you check the box to NOT DELETE the APK after installation, then THIS sequence happens.
1. The client finds the app & then you download the APK
2. The client initiates the installation of the APK
3. Then the client always DOES NOT DELETE the downloaded APK
In addition, my Android file system and my Windows file systems are exactly the same (so to speak) since I use free WebDAV servers to mount my entire Android filesystem onto Windows as a drive letter over Wi-Fi (no cables necessary).
Can you mount BOTH Android internal & external storage onto Windows as a drive letter over Wi-Fi using a SINGLE WebDAV server?
That way, when I need to re-populate a new phone, I first bring over the homescreen and all the icon locations (which Nova does nicely), and then, one by one, I populate the apps by SLIDING them over using my mouse to slide from Windows to the mirrored Android.
See the screenshots below proving all that I say above.
BTW, I have one WARNING about extracting APKs, where I've tested ALL the free extractors extent, and where I've had some bad experiences where the extracted APK doesn't work on a different model phone (generally it's different in every way, hardware & software).
I've had MUCH BETTER experience just NOT DELETING the APK when it's downloaded off the Google Play Store repository, or the F-Droid repository, or the GitHub/Sourceforge/Guardian/etc., repositories.
This problem, I think, will only get worse as of the August 2022 decree by Google regarding APEX files (instead of APK files) on the Google Play Store repository.
In summary, Android UPDATES are complex, and I do NOT profess to understand what updates what - so any help anyone can provide is welcome as I am confused as to what updates what.
Since my credibility matters, screenshots below prove all I say above.
I use whatever comes in handy and don't go more nuts than I need to in order to get the job done.
The reason to be able to access the Samsung Galaxy store are the free icon packs and themes.
Edge add ons and certain other apps like Sound Assistant. The Good Lock family of apps are of particular interest for a Samsung user.
Nova isn't as fast or efficient as One UI. One UI is a very stable launcher and very customizable.
My stock N10+ homescreen running on One UI, modified with various Good Lock apps and One handed Operation plus. Digi Clock and Energy Ring are 3rd party apps.
blackhawk said:
Nova isn't as fast or efficient as One UI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nova free went over to the dark side as of the Branch acquisition.
Nova Launcher and Sesame Search have been acquired by Branch, an analytics company
As a direct result of the Branch acquisition, my Nova free is the last known good version (namely the pre-branch 7.0.57 version):
<https://novalauncher.com/beta>
<https://novalauncher.com/apk/NovaLauncher_7.0.57.apk>
Name: NovaLauncher_7.0.57.apk
Size: 8687535 bytes (8483 KiB)
SHA256: 05AE72221D8D4F3D6A111A3220A0C87040806AF4E53053EF64F2DE426990893E
Mostly what I like(d) about Nova free is the ability to save the homescreen (and all the folders, shortcuts, and icons) EXACTLY and then re-load it on any number of phones, no matter what make/model of that phone.
Another feature I really liked about Nova free is its ability to put icons on any grid and in any location whatsoever.
Last summer I had opened a thread seeking a replacement app launcher...
Nova launcher used to be the best free Android launcher - until now - so what's better?
We discussed the merits at that time...
blackhawk said:
One UI is a very stable launcher and very customizable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm happy with my last-known-good-version of Nova free, but because they went over to the dark side, I have to find another app launcher.
If OneUI does those things, I might consider it.
Save homescreen/folders/icons & re-use later
Put icons on any grid (or no grid) whatsoever
GalaxyA325G said:
Mostly what I like(d) about Nova free is the ability to save the homescreen (and all the folders, shortcuts, and icons) EXACTLY and then re-load it on any number of phones, no matter what make/model of that phone.
The only other thing I really liked about Nova free is its ability to put icons on any grid and in any location whatsoever.
I'm happy with my last-known-good-version of Nova free, but because they went over to the dark side, I have to find another app launcher.
If OneUI does those two things, I might consider it.
Save homescreen/folders/icons & re-use later
Put icons on any grid (or no grid) whatsoever
Does it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SmartSwitch can save icons and homescreen, however on a clean load I wouldn't use SmartSwitch other than to save homescreen settings so you'll need to rebuild the icons and apps although Goodlock apps and homepage settings remain in effect. So it's not like you just landed on mars and everything looks unworldly with no button navigation
Other than folders you're locked into the grid pattern.
One UI is faster, more efficient and very stable. In fact in 3 years I've never had it crash and force a reboot. Let me put this way, one of the most surefire ways to boot loop a Samsung is a 3rd party launcher. Been there, done that twice, back to back full reloads That convinced me to live with the white page indicators. That's my only real criticism of One UI.
Pick your poison wisely...
I didn't read the whole thread, but for instance it's already enough to freeze the "Software-Update" package to stop "Software-Update" notifications.
In my S8 with Android 9 it's located in /system/priv-app/FotaAgent/FotaAgent.apk. Just rename to "FotaAgent.apk.bak" and that's it!