General Thread for useful apps without rooting - Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro

Hello everyone.
Because I passed over the "rooting" period, I am more interested in getting the max out of this phone without rooting it.
This thread I intend to make it about apps (useful ones) that requires no root in order to work.
I would start with an ad blocker.
My favourite tool is Blokada - https://blokada.org/
Plain and easy to install and use and works fine.
Next is Vanced - a more adVanced YouTube player. https://vancedapp.com/
Simple to install but, before using it, you must disable MIUI optimization
Another app that worth mentioning is Twilight. If you are a night phone user, this app is here to protect your eyes.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.urbandroid.lux
MIUI - Contacts and dialer
If the stock (Google) dialer and contacts is not for you, you can try the MIUi - Contacts and dialer app, slightly more aesthetic.
Xiaomi Contacts and dialer 12.2.4.5 APK Download by Xiaomi Inc - APKMirror
Xiaomi Contacts and dialer 12.2.4.5 APK Download by Xiaomi Inc - APKMirror Free and safe Android APK downloads
www.apkmirror.com
If you want a more loud sound - even if on this stereo speakers phone isn't really necessary, you can use Volume Booster. Beware of not setting it over 20% otherwise you will risk hearing and speakers problems.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.goodev.volume.booster
I will update the list with some other apps.
If you have something to add, please feel free to share.

WaveUp can turn the screen on and off "automatically" via waving over the proximity sensor. For users of "book covers" the app is quite useful, as you can set it so that the screen is activated by opening the cover and deactivated after a predefined time after closing it.
WaveUp - Apps on Google Play
Turn on the display by waving
play.google.com

Termux. It's impressive what it can do without root.
Does having to use adb to grant permission count? If not any Package Disabler can do some damage
SD maid, it may be an old app but it still does thinks better than a lot of apps.
Can't forget about how useful Mixplorer can be. I have not looked for a different file browser because it I can't think of anything it can't do.
Adaway works without root now, not sure how well because I go nuts not having root, lol
And my newest discovery, the one that actually caused me to get rid of Chrome completely because I found Bromite.
Yes Bromite (Google it) it's such an amazing web browser.
Turmux
Package Disabler
SD Maid
Mixplorer
Bromite (Just try it, you won't regret it. Not on Play Store, Google is afraid of it)
GitHub - bromite/bromite: Bromite is a Chromium fork with ad blocking and privacy enhancements; take back your browser!
Bromite is a Chromium fork with ad blocking and privacy enhancements; take back your browser! - GitHub - bromite/bromite: Bromite is a Chromium fork with ad blocking and privacy enhancements; take ...
github.com

Bitwarden - Easily best password manager, recently Gboard added integration for it you can auto-fill passwords for sites and apps easily.
KWGT - Insane customisability, visit /r/AndroidThemes for ideas. This is my desktop @ ArrowOS.

k3lcior said:
Bitwarden - Easily best password manager, recently Gboard added integration for it you can auto-fill passwords for sites and apps easily.
KWGT - Insane customisability, visit /r/AndroidThemes for ideas. This is my desktop @ ArrowOS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh Gboard how did I forget that. It's basically the first app I always install after a factory reset or whatever

A different launcher, less useless gimmicks and focused on productivity.
Ratio Launcher
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bllocosn

Here's another app that might be useful for some.
SystemUI - to slightly modify some hidden options on UI. No root, just ADB to grant some permissions
SystemUI Tuner - Apps on Google Play
PLEASE READ ENTIRE DESCRIPTION BEFORE INSTALLING
play.google.com

If you are annoyed with your default messages app, coz of the cluttered unorganised ui, and u get lot of sms then try Sms Organizer from "Microsoft". I have been using this app since it first came out, it basically organises all ur messages automatically into categories like transactions, personal, promotion etc. and it only shows you what's important in a message in the popup or notifications panel, for example it will only show you the OTP if u got one msg of it, it will show you the amount debited/credited to ur account if u gat a transaction msg, it will tell u if u got cashback, it will remind you for ur upcoming event and online order delivery stuff. So the conclusion is you must use this app as ur default messenger no matter what phone u r using, this will make your life 10 times easier and the ui is super clean too, it also has dark(amoled) mode.
Here is the link- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.microsoft.android.smsorganizer

From F-Droid repository:
* OsmAnd+ - maps and navigation
* Mull - cleaned version of Firefox Browser
* NewPipe - YouTube frontend.

Freeware. No ads. No bs.
Make installable copies of all your apps and updates. Take Playwhore out of the reload loop.
APK Export (Backup & Share) - Apps on Google Play
Manage and extract your apps.
play.google.com
A VNP based Firewall that uses almost no battery. Works best with Pie or lower though.
Logging doesn't work with 10 up, I believe... test it and let me know.
Karma Firewall - Apps on Google Play
Karma Firewall app lets you block internet traffic to and from specific apps.
play.google.com

I'm quite a fan of NoRoot Firewall:
NoRoot Firewall - Apps on Google Play
Firewall WITHOUT ROOT. Host name name filtering, fine-grained access control.
play.google.com
I don't trust a lot of apps and NoRoot works well. It blocks all apps by default and you can choose to allow Internet over wifi, data, both or neither. It also supports filters so you can globally block particular sites.
It's usually the first thing I install when I gte a new phone or reinstall.
You do have to keep in mind that if a trusted app can't access the Internet, NoRoot may be blocking it, so you just enable it and away you go.
Cheers
Steve

IMHO a must have app is the:
Download Progress++
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ceco.sbdp.pro&hl=gsw&gl=US
Came from an xposed module. Now works as an app without anything else.
Should be a default android option.

Hey!
Hope you're doing well!
Sorry for reviving this old thread but I would like to add two new apps:
GOVPN: non-invasive ad-supported VPN. Allows to choose the desired location, unrestricted and unlimited. Did some tests with online streaming and went all good.
VPN secure fast proxy by GOVPN - Apps on Google Play
VPN for safe web browsing. Unlimited, many countries
play.google.com
Activity Launcher
Gives access to internal apps to be launched, apps usually not available in a normal state of the phone.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.szalkowski.activitylauncher

Time to add on to the list:
Migrate : Helps restore apps and app data when switching between Custom ROMS, outdated as of now but still works.

Naveenthemi said:
Time to add on to the list:
Migrate : Helps restore apps and app data when switching between Custom ROMS, outdated as of now but still works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The thread requires non-rooted apps

Related

[APP][4.0+][No Root]MoboClean: Get Root style control without Root

MoboClean Free http://moboclean.com/
Arm64 is supported in V2.1
MoboClean, gets Root style control without Root, making your Android phone as smooth, safe and battery-saving as iPhone!
MoboClean allows you to replace apps with cleaned version. For cleaned version, autostart and background running can be disabled, and privacy access can be denied. With this, you can enjoy the true phone boost and battery saving, and your sensitive data will be protected.
Highlights:
★ NO ROOT needed
★ Disable autostart
★ Disable background running
★ Granular permissions control
★ Notification conrtol
★ No ads and all FREE
★ Available from Android 4.0 to 5.1
Main features:
★ Update your apps to cleaned version for granular permission control.
★ Turn off autostart, and background running for longer battery usage.
★ Deny call log access, SMS access, contacts access to protect your privacy.
★ Deny annoying notifications.
★ Detect all privacy invasions from apps.
★ Cleaned apps' update is supported in MoboClean.
★ Get new cleaned apps from MoboClean. All apps are scanned with anti-virus tools.
★ Set permissions before download, or alter permissions after installation.
Changelog:
July 20,2014 v2.3
1. UI optimization, check real status of your phone
2. Setting enterance on homepage, permission management is more convenient
3. Detection of newly installed apps
4. Bug fix
You can find more about us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moboclean
or on our website: http://moboclean.com/
You can also join our community on Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/116259496162534078513
Notice: We don’t support x86 cpu so far.
FAQ
1. What is cleaned app?
Cleaned app is an original app loaded by wrapper. Granular permission management can be realized after cleaning. App cleaning will wrap the original app in your phone locally and reinstall the wrapped app so all access to privacy will be controlled. The wrapped app is exactly the same one as the original app, except it is loaded by the wrapper, so it is safe to use. The way we process an app is similar to Amazon. For cleaned version, autostart and background running can be disabled, and privacy access can be denied.
2. What permissions can be controlled after cleaning?
Granular app permissions includes autorun, background running, notifications, SMS sending, call making, SMS access, call log access, contact access, phone number acquisition, and location.
3. How to update an original app to cleaned version?
There are 3 ways to get app “cleaned”:
1) All apps downloaded from MoboClean are cleaned version.
2) Update apps downloaded from other markets to cleaned version through “Permission”>“App Manager”>“Original”
3) Set Cleaning Installer as default installer. Apps installed by Cleaning Installer are cleaned version as well.
4. Can cleaned apps update as usual?
Yes. Through two ways:
1) The most convenient way: Update through MoboClean
2) Install update APK through Cleaning Installer
5. Differences between cleaned app and the original app
Cleaned app is on the basis of the original app but with a wrapper. The wrapped app is exactly the same one as the original app, except it is loaded by the wrapper, so granular permission control can be realized.
Declaration: MoboClean will not gather or upload any of your private data.
6. Cleaned app is not pirated one and contains no virus!
App cleaning means adding a wrapper to the original app to have fine-grained permission control, which will cause signature change. Cleaned version may be recognized as pirated or unsafe by some security or market apps, please ignore it.
Thank you so much for your everlasting support!!
Remind: UU AppPurifier does not need to "root" your phone. It will wrapper the original apk locally, then re-install the app. After that, you can control the permission dynamically. Only apps you want to control need to be "purified". Your suggestions are welcome!
All comments are welcome!
Let us know what you request from our app. We’ll work hard on the improvements.
Update to v1.2.3 today!
Change log:
1. Improvement of auto-installation
2. Improvement of stability
3. Bug fix.
Unfortunately, we will not support Android 2.3 in this and future version. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Get UU AppPurifier for FREE https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.uusafe.appmaster
like this app even for root user finally:good:
but google app can't be purified
pixiebob said:
like this app even for root user finally:good:
but google app can't be purified
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for your support!
Google apps are not available now. We are working on it.
uusafe said:
Thanks a lot for your support!
Google apps are not available now. We are working on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i find this app is more convenient, simple that xprivacy.
it will be great to choice coordinate gps for faking location(and not limited choice town), need this for example application meeting
Does work the update through Playstore after "purification"?
gonna love this!! great app man!!
anyway I noticed that after I purified one of the apps, its still showing in the android running apps list but with service:0 and consume 0.00mb memory, so is it safe to assume that it's not running? (neither app or service...)
Thanks and keep up the good job!
truemagic said:
gonna love this!! great app man!!
anyway I noticed that after I purified one of the apps, its still showing in the android running apps list but with service:0 and consume 0.00mb memory, so is it safe to assume that it's not running? (neither app or service...)
Thanks and keep up the good job!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for your support!
We will check into the issue you mentioned
Sorry, you can not update the purified app directly from GP. We will add a feature for updating very soon.
Uriens said:
Does work the update through Playstore after "purification"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
uusafe said:
Sorry, you can not update the purified app directly from GP. We will add a feature for updating very soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your quick feedback, I really look forward to such feature!
Hi uusafe,
I just found out that once I purified "Shazam Encore" (before first start), I'm not able to signon from Google or Facebook from inside of the Shazam app.
Is there a workaround for this to be released soon?
And...is there an option to remove purified app from the list? For it to become original app?
Many thanks
After installing this phone became slow and broke some apps I have. Will also uninstall and reinstall all your apps so alot at least 1 hour before you can use your phone again. You will also be signed out of your apps that requires signing in
chachoi said:
After installing this phone became slow and broke some apps I have. Will also uninstall and reinstall all your apps so alot at least 1 hour before you can use your phone again. You will also be signed out of your apps that requires signing in
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
true for those apps which are signed in via Google+ or Facebook...that's what I would like AppPurifier to improve on next version
truemagic said:
Hi uusafe,
I just found out that once I purified "Shazam Encore" (before first start), I'm not able to signon from Google or Facebook from inside of the Shazam app.
Is there a workaround for this to be released soon?
And...is there an option to remove purified app from the list? For it to become original app?
Many thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the inconvenience. If you want to remove the purified app you can uninstall the purified one and install the original one. Furthermore, we will add an "un-purify" feature in recent version.
As for "Shazam Encore", we are testing on it. And we think it may because of the block from Google or Facebook to get corresponding information to sign. Purification of Facebook may solve this problem. We are testing on it and you can have a try if you want
Would like to ask something more about Shazam Encore.
1. What's the version of it
2. When did it need to signon? To share or to purchase or other condition?
Thanks for your prompt reply!
The Shazam Encore is just one of the apps that allows login via Google+ or Facebook. I believe in general (not only Shazam) purified apps unable to login with Google+ or Facebook. Some apps I need to login (either via Google+ or Facebook) because it can provide personal experience such as storing my favorite songs or publish my post on Facebook, etc.
FYI the Shazam Encore I downloaded as of today is the latest version ie. 5.3.3
Another example of app that failed to login(bind) via Facebook is this: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mt.mtxx.mtxx&hl=en
Thanks for your hardwork
chachoi said:
After installing this phone became slow and broke some apps I have. Will also uninstall and reinstall all your apps so alot at least 1 hour before you can use your phone again. You will also be signed out of your apps that requires signing in
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can turn on the auto-installer function(turn on it in menu->settings) which can simplify the procedure of purication greatly.
Purification should not cost that long What is the purification time for one app on average?
About the sign in part: Did you sign through Google+ or Facebook app?
BTW, we are working on solution for the login issue and will release it in a few weeks.
truemagic said:
Thanks for your prompt reply!
The Shazam Encore is just one of the apps that allows login via Google+ or Facebook. I believe in general (not only Shazam) purified apps unable to login with Google+ or Facebook. Some apps I need to login (either via Google+ or Facebook) because it can provide personal experience such as storing my favorite songs or publish my post on Facebook, etc.
FYI the Shazam Encore I downloaded as of today is the latest version ie. 5.3.3
Another example of app that failed to login(bind) via Facebook is this: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mt.mtxx.mtxx&hl=en
Thanks for your hardwork
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would like to ask something more about the sign in
Did it need to sign on the current page with web signin?
like thisView attachment 3265374
Or did it need to skip to Google+ or Facebook client to complete the signin?
like thisView attachment 3265375
uusafe said:
Would like to ask something more about the sign in
( 1 ) Did it need to sign on the current page with web signin?
like thisView attachment 3265374
( 2 ) Or did it need to skip to Google+ or Facebook client to complete the signin?
like thisView attachment 3265375
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
( 2 ) If I've Google+ app or Facebook app/client installed, then it will proceed to client to complete the sign-in. It will then popup Google or Facebook permission window and user is asked to click "OK" to proceed sign-in.
( 1 ) Otherwise, (without Google/Facebook client installed), it will proceed to web sign-in (same like weibo sign-in screenshot you posted), I believe it's the case for the apps that adopt such sign-in methods.
Many thanks

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

I'm surprised no one has reviewed this app but I'll give it a shot. *edit- attached pics keep going away each time I edit this post. Take a look at the attachments for screenshots.
My Android Tools (free version)
My Android Tools(Pro)
This is an app I stumbled across by chance or mentions in random forum posts and maybe those who've played with it do only a few things such as disable startup items but it's a lot more powerful than that in regards to blocking in-app ads and trackers.
Now, blocking stuff is a multi-prong approach.
You have Adaway for removing the DNS requests for both apps and browser traffic. MAP targets in-app stuff- not browser traffic. That's why you'd do something like Adaway + MinMinGuard/Adblocker XPosed modules. They actually target blocking the code in the app.
something like XPrivacy for sending random info instead of what an app wants from you
And a bunch of apps and XPosed modules to do things like block receivers or in-app ads.
I've whittled it down to Adaway + *Youtube Adaway + *CrappaLinks + My Android Tools(Pro)
*XPosed Modules
from now on I'm calling My Android Tools MAP
First, make a backup of your ROM
Next, make a backup in the About screen in MAP. The optional thing is if you want MAP to open after every app install/upgrade for review of new and updated apps.
*screenshot
The 3 things we'll look at are Services, Broadcast Receivers and Activities.
Services- things that run whenever
Broadcast Receivers - things that respond to system events (boot, connectivity changes, timezone changes, packages added, etc)
Activities - ads and junk that pop up on your screen. Developers add 3rd party sdk's to show pop-ups and stuff. This is how XPosed Modules such as MinMinGuard and Adblocker work
ContentProvider - still haven't figured out if I find stuff here yet. Maybe in Google Play Services it might have some analytics provider but it's basically things that share things with other apps.
*screenshot
Under Services I mainly look at Analytics and Campaign Tracking svcs. It's up to you but these do offer legit tracking analytics to developers.
Google to see what they do
*screenshot
Broadcast Receivers a few apps that do look at a limited selection of these like XPosed module ReceiverStop
mainly I look at 2 of them:
android.intent.action.BOOT_COMPLETED
com.android.vending.INSTALL_REFERRER
*screenshot
Finally, Activities
This is how MinMinguard and the like block things. We're going to block more because MinMinGuard just has a hardcoded list (see above link to its source code. That's what frustrated me about MinMinGuard. If I'm going to block this stuff I'd rather not have a hardcoded list as ad blocking should be equal opportunity if a user is going that route.)
under here it's really about getting familiar with names of ad networks. Here's a hint
I just downloaded a random app to find one with a bunch of fun things.
*screenshot
Great guide, thank you.
royeiror said:
Great guide, thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yw, thanks for the nudge to put it together
Also, note disabling some activities core to an app can cause loss of functionality, force closes, icon removed from the app drawer, etc. That's why I toggle showing the long description of things (that <> button) so I know which are main pieces.
Unity is a library for game development so most of it is actually the app if you see that one a lot.
Sometimes I use the search to look for ad, analytic, track, campaign
Official worst app I've seen for ad activities : agar.io
It's one of the Google recommended apps of 2015 and I was able to find and block 35 ad network activities.
I can't imagine what it's like to actually play the app and what info about you gets collected
@jawz101 : There is an older thread where is shared this app along with an guide which stuff to disable: [SHARE] [APP] MyAndroidTools + Guide to disable some Play Services processes Add it to OP...
@Force I'm wary of disabling too many Google Play Services. I mainly look at the analytics and ads stuff but even then I wonder what repercussions any of it has on battery life. Say, if an app calls for a specific function and it's no longer able to retrieve the information would it cause a force close or get hung in some loop and chew up CPU? I dunno.
Anyone having FCs with the latest version?? It doesn't seem to open at all.. I have a note 4 N910C, on 5.1.1 COJ5, rooted, xposed.
i have been using this for many roms and it saves loads of ram and helps your phone/tablet boot up quicker,i read somewhere that it dont work with xposed or mm both are wrong because i use it on AICP MM ROM and have Xposed installed for XinternalSD and have had no problems at all.
I do submit any crashes if they happen and have emailed the dev in the past when crashes happened. I used to get app crashes until several months ago when trying to backup the current config or when clicking the Content Providers menu option but no longer. Sometimes I completely wiped my device to get it to stop crashing. Since it's been updated these past few months those problems don't occur.
You may want to try reinstalling the app, clearing its data, rebooting, etc to see if something fixed your app crash. Make sure your device I is rooted and the My Android Tools app does indeed have root privileges. Given the nature of the app it may take some error submissions and logcats sent to the dev.
Good to see that somebody reviewed and created a thread for this great app.
Just one question here (if someone could help out) - unlike other apps, Skype seems to be way too stubborn. By mistake I once turned off the connectivity change broadcast receiver. Now, no matter what I do I cannot toggle this receiver back on. WHY? I tried pretty much everything. Rebooting, enabling the receiver from within SD Maid pro, tried making a backup of MAT and then editing this backup manually to remove the tweak for skype but it all failed. With other apps I can toggle their receiver, activities and everything however I see fit and the toggles remain put. With Skype, however, it's a fail. Any help?
Let x
Great tutorial.
As you seem to be very clever with MyAndroidTools, do you have any idea how to spot the services to disable with MyAndroidTools, in order to kill UC news inside the 11.4.5.1005 UC browser last release :
For more or less one week, UC browser has become unusable for Android nowadays with forcing every user with b******* news, foxnews search engine, star magazine search engine, googlenews search engine, yahoo search engine, uc browser search engine, 9app, music player and many more.
Do you think MyAndroidTools could be able to strangle this overwhelming flow of stupidity ?
If yes, there are so much possible items among Services (run whenever), ...
What could be a method to spot the tap and turn it off?
thx
is there any FOSS alternative?
Can't locate in the Play store?
Has the app been removed from the play store? If so is there any chance you could make the file available here? This has been a favorite app of mine for quite sometime. Would hate to see it fade into oblivion.
Guys this was a one-stop app for me...can somebody make the apk here??
Sivabalan said:
Guys this was a one-stop app for me...can somebody make the apk here??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know if I would be violating any XDA rules or not. For sure this app is no longer available on the Play store and the developer unfortunately didn't respond to my email. If I can be assured that I'm not violating any XDA rules, I'll gladly share. PS, I love this app I use it for so many things
Bobbaloo said:
I don't know if I would be violating any XDA rules or not. For sure this app is no longer available on the Play store and the developer unfortunately didn't respond to my email. If I can be assured that I'm not violating any XDA rules, I'll gladly share. PS, I love this app I use it for so many things
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buddy it's available in apk mirror portal.
App was removed from Play Store how to get the Pro now?
I bought it but if it's in my library its a pita to search a misplaced tap and you back to the top of the list
How I can get this app? It's no longer in the AppStore. I bought the Pro Version.
Bobbaloo said:
I don't know if I would be violating any XDA rules or not. For sure this app is no longer available on the Play store and the developer unfortunately didn't respond to my email. If I can be assured that I'm not violating any XDA rules, I'll gladly share. PS, I love this app I use it for so many things
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought it on google play and suddenly it disappeared. I contacted the creator and he wrote me he violated some rules (?) of google play and they cutted off his account, but he send me the full apk. But I don't know if I can share it here and if he wants to share the full version. Anyway it's still possible to find it on some websites (apkmirror and something else).
I'm satisfied with it, expecially after I lost money buying autorun manager pro (the developer is not releasing new version, he said he's not interested in it anymore).
Anyway, if someone has any alternative to suggest to My Android Tools Pro it would be good.

[GENERAL] Get back data privacy on android

Hi there,
I hope this is the right place to post such question, otherwise, please feel free to move to the right place.
I am quite into mobiles, since day 1 (1999 for me). This is also why I bought an HTC G1 ...
Anyway, when installing "Network Connections", I was quite surprised, how many connections, how many apps had, to several servers, even of services I dont use. My weather app calling Facebook, even though I dont have facebook on my mobile et all. "Brave" Browser, no tabs open, however, six connections...
Then the news with the Apps using trackers (PayPal, Outlook etc.). I really like my privacy, but I dont see, that this is respected. I do know, that nothing comes for free in life, and I do know, that it is a trade-off, data against services. And for Google it is okay (Google Maps e.g. couldnt live without it), but I think a few too many, want to have a peace of the cake, in particular, after I have paid for the apps (because, I also know, they need to make a living).
Anway, long story short, what is there I can do to protect myself, learn how it works etc. Pleasese refrain from tellin gme to sell my mobiel, turn off the internet etc
I used xprivacy on my Nexus4 - still a good idea?
I am using Android and iOS.
Thanks a lot in advance
Try MyAndroidTools to disable Google spyware embedded in apps. Components like these:
GcmInstanceIDListenerService GcmMessageListenerService
AppMeasurementService FirebaseInstanceIdService FirebaseMessagingService
AppMeasurementInstallReferrerReceiver AppMeasurementReceiver FirebaseInstanceIdInternalReceiver FirebaseInstanceIdReceiver
FirebaseInitProvider
These are all Google-related tracking/ analytics. Along with any Crashlytics components you see.
Stop using ALL Google apps. Including Chrome. Including bundled spyware. Including Play store. Including Calendar. Including SMS. Remove all of them from your rooted device and install non-Google equivalents. Try Osmand and others for maps and other apps from f-droid to get the functionality you want. Yes, it takes time.
Find app to change hostnames and Mac addresses and clean persistent cookies if you want. Find websites such as https://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/ to download some apps you can't get from f-droid.org. Some apps rely on Google Play being installed. In my experience, none of them are worth it. If your app requires them and you can't live without it, probably forget any decent privacy.
If using a Mozilla-based browser, add these to your block list in Adaway:
accounts.firefox.com
blocklist.addons.mozilla.org
blocklist.settings.services.mozilla.com
detectportal.firefox.co
dynamicua.cdn.mozilla.net
fhr.cdn.mozilla.net
firefox.settings.services.mozilla.com
incoming.telemetry.mozilla.org
input.mozilla.org
install.mozilla.org
location.services.mozilla.com
mozorg.cdn.mozilla.net
mz.la
search.services.mozilla.com
shavar.services.mozilla.com
snippets.cdn.mozilla.net
tracking-protection.cdn.mozilla.net
updates.push.services.mozilla.com
versioncheck-bg.addons.mozilla.org
webextensions.settings.services.mozilla.com
...to help stop browser spyware.
Download apps from f-droid. Use a good firewall. Use AdAway. Customise your blocklist in AdAway. Disable all auto update components unless you trust the CIA and NSA to 'take care' of your device.
Etc.
https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-08-28/how-cia-made-google
You may wish to consider blocking these Google domains if you are adamant you want no business with Google:
adservice.google.com
adservice.google.com.au
ajax.googleapis.com
apis.google.com
books.google.com
books.google.com.au
clients1.google.com
clients2.google.com
clients3.google.com
chart.googleapis.com
crashlytics.com
cse.google.com
console.firebase.google.com
encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com
firebase.google.com
fonts.googleapis.com
fonts.gstatic.com
ggpht.com
googleanalytics.com
id.google.com.au
imasdk.googleapis.com
lh3.ggpht.com
lh4.ggpht.com
lh5.ggpht.com
lh6.ggpht.com
mail.google.com
maps.googleapis.com
ota.googlezip.net
payments.google.com
safebrowsing-cache.google.com
safebrowsing.google.comsb-ssl.google.com
ssl.gstatic.com
support.google.com
www.googleapis.com
www.googlecommerce.com
You can add more if you are really enthusiastic.
Many are safe to add to your AdAway block list, but some of these will annoy you on some websites or apps that use Google infrastructure, so be warned. You can always temporarily disable AdAway ad-blocking or identify the domain you want to remove from the blocklist by using the Log DNS Requests feature.
Thank you
Thank you @comfortable - I really appreciate you took the time, to give me such a long and detailed reply.
Persepctively a complete avoidance of Google is the long-term goal. At this stage, I am more interested in avoiding smaller fish (like my alarm clock, which unfortunately offers a unique feature: slowly increasing alaram sound, gibes you a relaxed wake-up).
I am using Adhell already, and already diabled background call via AMB shell, however this made apps stop working compeltely (Runtastic e.g.).
Thanks for pointing out the relevant components! Thats quite helpful... I already condiered installing pihole and surfing via OpenVPN so this would filter out quite a bit of such stuff?
So yes- thanks again, I have a new project and will work off the measures you listed!!! Thank you. :good:

[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

Question Ads/Sponsored Content in Google Feed on Pixel Phone ? Any way to block it ?

Hi there, it's been a long time since i used my last Pixel (it was 2XL),
what i notice right away after using my P7Pro for few days is that Google Feed on this phone is showing a lot of ads/sponsored content,
i used host based adblock along with adguard private DNS on this phone, same setup like my other phone (Aquos R6)
but to my surprise, while it managed to block the ads/sponsored contents on my Aquos, it failed to do so on my Pixel.
Do google actually do same thing with apple on macOS ? setting up certain IP/URL/Connection in OS level, bypassing our DNS/VPN/Host ?
Because i dont remember ever seeing thia much of an ads in my Google Feed. And, as comparison, i dont see the same ads from my Aquos which signed into same google account.
Do you have any idea how to reduce it ? or block it ?
And, no, choosing "Show less" or "Block this ads" by pressing ... button on the Feed doesn't work.
otonieru said:
Hi there, it's been a long time since i used my last Pixel (it was 2XL),
what i notice right away after using my P7Pro for few days is that Google Feed on this phone is showing a lot of ads/sponsored content,
i used host based adblock along with adguard private DNS on this phone, same setup like my other phone (Aquos R6)
but to my surprise, while it managed to block the ads/sponsored contents on my Aquos, it failed to do so on my Pixel.
Do google actually do same thing with apple on macOS ? setting up certain IP/URL/Connection in OS level, bypassing our DNS/VPN/Host ?
Because i dont remember ever seeing thia much of an ads in my Google Feed. And, as comparison, i dont see the same ads from my Aquos which signed into same google account.
Do you have any idea how to reduce it ? or block it ?
And, no, choosing "Show less" or "Block this ads" by pressing ... button on the Feed doesn't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't use Google Feeds it's an open door for some pubs
I prefer to use Flym which manages my RSS feeds and I don't have ads.
I also use AdAway and the Magisk Systemless Hosts-Unified module.
Adguard app, no adds unless you missed some filters/updates. Works great on Facebook too.
As others mentioned, you need a way to block/filter traffic on your entire device. There are apps that use a VPN to filter traffic without root, though there is always the root method of editing your hosts file which has been around for a good while which will always also work.
There is also one other option which is to use a DNS server which some companies provide as a paid service, the benefit there is you can choose to put the filter in your modem to have it filter down to all of the devices on your network, though personally I would never go for this option as iot is far too easy to block something you didn't want to, and a hassle to unblock it.
I installed a Play Store App, DNS66, and this seems to block ADs system wide including YouTube Music Ads - now it plays like a regular music player without the garbage ads every other song.
Thank you for all replies,
as mentioned i already using two adblock methods, root based and DNS based, and for other apps, the ads all gone, system widely,
only Google Discover still showing it,
but it SOLVED now, after turning off Ads Personalisation in My Ads setting in Google app, somehow all the ads now gone. Probably there's cache somewhere in my system which prevent the adblock to work 100% on Discover.
otonieru said:
Thank you for all replies,
as mentioned i already using two adblock methods, root based and DNS based, and for other apps, the ads all gone, system widely,
only Google Discover still showing it,
but it SOLVED now, after turning off Ads Personalisation in My Ads setting in Google app, somehow all the ads now gone. Probably there's cache somewhere in my system which prevent the adblock to work 100% on Discover.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This worked perfectly for me on both my Pixel phones. Thank you so much!

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