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When we download an application from Google Play Store, it downloads and then magically installs on the Android device.
But supposing we do a Factory Reset, or that we upload a new firmware or simply suppose we have another Android device at home and we would like the same application to be installed there too.
Is it possible to somehow maintain the installation files and be able to copy these files off the Android device and then use them on another device?
Yes. An app comes as an 'apk' installer file that can be transferred to another device and installed or re-installed on the same device. But to get the apks of apps installed via Playstore, you will need an app like "App Backup and Restore".
P.S. Sharing apks of paid apps is illegal and not recommended. :good:
immortalneo said:
Yes. An app comes as an 'apk' installer file that can be transferred to another device and installed or re-installed on the same device. But to get the apks of apps installed via Playstore, you will need an app like "App Backup and Restore".
P.S. Sharing apks of paid apps is illegal and not recommended. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have this "App Backup" but I am trying to understand the mechanism a bit more.
The apk file is not the end of the story. Try the game "Yesterday". It is a 1GB download, however the .apk is only a few MBs and the rest is the actual game. However this 1GB file comes straight from the app store, so there is a mechanism that App Backup does not cover.
I managed to restore this game by saving the data myself, but every application is different.
HOW TO REMOVE BLOATWARE
Step 1. Root your phone using one of the two methods listed here
ROOT YOUR LG G3
Step 2. Download and install Root Explorer
Play Store
Step 3. Create the following file structure on your internal or external SD CARD
Main Folder: RemovedApps
Sub Folders in RemovedApps:
APP
PRIV-APP
VENDOR
Sub Folder in RemovedApps/Vendor
APP
This step will give you the following folder structure
RemovedApps/APP
RemovedApps/PRIV-APP
RemovedApps/VENDOR/APP
Step 4: Open Root Explorer and use the firs tab to navigate to root/system/ (NOTE: Root Explorer will ask for SuperSU permissions - make sure to give it permission) and the second tab in Root Explorer to Navigate to your newly created RemovedApps Folder
Step 5. use the following list to cut and paste the listed files from your system folder to the RemovedApps Folder NOTE: remember to copy files to corresponding folders IE system/app to RemovedApps/APP and System/vendor/app to RemovedApps/Vendor/APP NOTE: once you try to cut the system files, Root Explorer will ask if you are sure you want to modify system files - say yes
System/app
ATT_Skyfire_Observer.apk
Book.apk - Google Book Store
Books.odex
ChromeWithBrowser.apk - Chrome Browser
ChromeWithBrowser.odex
ELTTest.Apk - Diagnostic Test
ELTTest.odex
Facebook.apk - Facebook
GnssAirTest.apk - GLONASS Airwave Test
GnssAirTest.odex
GnnsPosTest.apk - GLONASS Positioning Test
GnssPosTest.odex
GnssTest.apk - GLONASS Test
GnssTest.odex
GoogleDrive.apk - Google Drive
GoogleDrive.odex
GoogleTTS.apk - Google Text to Speach
GoogleTTS.odex
Hangouts.apk - Google Hangouts
Hangouts.odex
LADDM.apk - Carrier IQ
LGLIA.apk - LG Intelligent Agent
LGLIA.odex
LGPartnerBookmarkProvider.apk
LGPartnerBookmarkProvider.odex
LGWernickeManager.apk
LGWernickeManager.odex
LIAInformant.apk - LG Intelligent Agent Widget
LIAInfromant.odex
Magazines.apk - Google News Stand
Magazines.odex
Maps.apk - Google Maps
Maps.odex
Music2.apk - Google Play Music
Music2.odex
PlusOne.apk - Google+
PlusOne.odex
QuicksetSDK.apk - IR Sensor
Street.apk - Street View
Street.odex
Twitter.apk
Videos.apk - Google Videos
Videos.odex
WVTest.apk - Diagnostic Test
WVTest.odex
youtube.apk
youtube.odex
System/PRIV-APP
AAB.apk
AAB.odex
ATT_DriveMode.apk - AT&T Driver Mode
ATT_Games.apk
ATT_Home.apk
ATT_Locker.apk
ATT_Lookout.apk
ATT_MobileLocate.apk
ATT_RemoteSupport.apk
ATT_SmartWifi.apk
ATT-Caller-NameID.apk
com.mobitv.client.tv.apk - AT&T TV
ISIS_Wallet.apk
LGBackup.apk - Back up fiels to LG
LGBackup.odex
LGBrowser.apk - Stock Browser
LGBrowser.odex
LGConciergeBoard.apk - LG Assistant
LGConciergeBoard.odex
LGConnectionWizard.apk
LGEasyHome.apk - Easy Launcher
LGEasyHome.odex
LGEmail.apk - Stock Email
LGEmail.odex
LGFavoriteContactsWidget.apk
LGFavoriteContactsWidget.odex
LGFileManager.apk
LGFileManager.odex
LGMessage.apk
LGMessage.odex
LGMusic.apk
LGMuisc.odex
LGMusicWidget.apk
LGMusicWidget.odex
LGPCSuite.apk - Share files with PC
LGPCSuite.odex
LGQVoicePlus.apk - Voice command - better to use Google Now
LGQVoicePlus.odex
LGSmartWorld.apk
LGSmartWorld.odex
LGThinkFreeViewer.apk - File viewer
LGThinkFreeViewer.odex
Ready2Go.1.7.apk - AT&T Ready2Go
VVM_ATT.apk - AT&T Visual Voicemail
VVM_ATT.odex
system/vendor/app
AmazonKindle.apk
ATT_FamilyMap.apk
ATT_HotSpots.apk
ATT_Keeper.apk
ATT_MHSLauncher.apk
ATT_Navigator.apk
ATT_Skyfire_Toolbar.apk
ATT_UBER.apk
BeatsMusic.apk
DeviceHelp.apk
myATT.apk
YPMobile.apk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Step 6: To be safe, copy your RemovedApps folder to your computer for backup
Step 7: Reboot phone
WARNINGS & DISCLAIMERS
Proceed with caution and at your own risk - I am not responsible if your phone self destructs, gets bricked, or melts.
Please keep in mind that both these methods will yield ROOT only - as of know there is no way to unlock bootloader on AT&T
Rooting and any other modifications to your phone will void your warranty - do not root if you do not know what you are doing.
Rooted devices will not be able to receive OTA updates. You may have to unroot and restore stock in order to accept updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
Q. Why do I need to be rooted to do this?
A. Because you will need access to the root and system folders.
Q. Why De-bloat my phone?
A. The manufacturer and the carrier install a bunch of branded apps that take up space and resources. By uninstalling these apps, you have less background activity, less space used and more resources to use for the apps you do want.
Q. Can I use Titanium Backup to Freeze these apps?
A. Freezing these apps will work, however freezing these apps does not free the space used by these apps.
Backup of Removed Files
Backup zip of Removed Files
Did you not follow the directions in the OP?
Did you just decide to delete everything instead of backing it up?
Are you trying to find the .apk for one of the apps you deleted?
Well you are lucky! Here is a zip of everything I told you to backup and remove!
RemovedApps.zip
HOW TO REMOVE CARRIER IQ
No odex for isis wallet?
mrhaley30705 said:
No odex for isis wallet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't have an odex file for ISIS wallet but as a general rule... If you remove the apk, you can remove the odex file as well
Sent from my LG-D850 using Tapatalk
This is great. Thank you very much for the list. One question through. Would you be able to add descriptions to some of these apk names? I would prefer to know what I am removing. Like Gnss or LADDM, etc..
Thanks
abalakersky said:
This is great. Thank you very much for the list. One question through. Would you be able to add descriptions to some of these apk names? I would prefer to know what I am removing. Like Gnss or LADDM, etc..
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I remember correctly, LADDM is something to do with CarrierIQ. I think you shouldn't touch it on any LG AT&T ROM.
Raymonf said:
If I remember correctly, LADDM is something to do with CarrierIQ. I think you shouldn't touch it on any LG AT&T ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've renamed LADDM after also stopping the related CarrierIQ services within Android System. I've seen no adverse effects.
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2819450
abalakersky said:
This is great. Thank you very much for the list. One question through. Would you be able to add descriptions to some of these apk names? I would prefer to know what I am removing. Like Gnss or LADDM, etc..
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will work on it
Raymonf said:
If I remember correctly, LADDM is something to do with CarrierIQ. I think you shouldn't touch it on any LG AT&T ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no issues with removing LADDM.apk - it is CarrierIQ. It will not allow CarrierIQ to work - if you'd like you can also follow the removing CarrierIQ instructions and remove the lib files and disable everything in android tuner to completly get rid of everything. Either way - no adverse reaction to removing it... in fact its better to have one less thing stalking and tracking everything you do with your phone.
neverends said:
There is no issues with removing LADDM.apk - it is CarrierIQ. It will not allow CarrierIQ to work - if you'd like you can also follow the removing CarrierIQ instructions and remove the lib files and disable everything in android tuner to completly get rid of everything. Either way - no adverse reaction to removing it... in fact its better to have one less thing stalking and tracking everything you do with your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, okay. I was just worried because it's AT&T!
can I use titanium backup's freeze feature instead?
sprhwk said:
can I use titanium backup's freeze feature instead?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can however you would not be freeing up the memory (storage space) that these apps take up
Sent from my LG-D850 using Tapatalk
I keep getting a message when I try to move the files that says it is a read only. How do I change this. I installed supersu after I rooted the phone for other apps but can't perform any removal of bloatware.
idashx said:
I keep getting a message when I try to move the files that says it is a read only. How do I change this. I installed supersu after I rooted the phone for other apps but can't perform any removal of bloatware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what file browser are you using?
Root explorer
neverends said:
what file browser are you using?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
root explorer
idashx said:
root explorer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try clicking on Mount R/W and it should ask for root permission.... Give permission and proceed... Also check to make sure you have SuperSU installed... If not installed then download from playstore, run, and reboot... Then try again
Sent from my LG-D850 using Tapatalk
Thanks for putting up this how-to. I went ahead and followed the instructions to the "T", and then rebooted. I am a little confused as to why some apps still showed up in my app draw even though they were properly cut and moved to the new folder? I went ahead a tried clearing data for "home" to see if they would show when reloaded, however they still appeared. There were about 5-6 apps including twitter, ISIS, Lookout, and a few more than I forgot the names. I went ahead and manually removed them from the app draw, however I was wondering why they didn't disappear like the others did??
Thanks for your help!
bradm23 said:
Thanks for putting up this how-to. I went ahead and followed the instructions to the "T", and then rebooted. I am a little confused as to why some apps still showed up in my app draw even though they were properly cut and moved to the new folder? I went ahead a tried clearing data for "home" to see if they would show when reloaded, however they still appeared. There were about 5-6 apps including twitter, ISIS, Lookout, and a few more than I forgot the names. I went ahead and manually removed them from the app draw, however I was wondering why they didn't disappear like the others did??
Thanks for your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its probably because you had already updated these apps through the playstore... Just go to playstore and you should be able to uninstall them like any other app.
Sent from my LG-D850 using Tapatalk
APK Safe is an app that saves the APK of apps on your device when they are updated.
Later, you can install one of the saved APK to upgrade/downgrade your app.
How to use it:
Long press an app in the list. The app is selected and you can add more apps in the selection. Press the add button in the action bar, APK safe will saves the APK of the selected apps and each time you update (manually or from a store) one of these apps, the new APK is saved as well.
To change the version of an app (there is a green mark at the left of the card), press it. A popup will list the backup APKs of that app and you can select one of them to replace the currently installed one. If you downgrade and app on android 4.2 and later, the app will uninstall it first.
The app doesn't requires root but if your device is rooted and you activate "Install as root" in the settings, you'll get more features:
Silent install: upgrading/downgrading an app will show a progress bar while installing the app. You don't have to confirm the replacement, validate permissions, ...
On android 4.2 and later, you can downgrade without loosing data (without root, downgrading requires to uninstall first meaning loosing data)
Features:
Automatically save the the APK when an app is installed.
Can uninstall selected app, show informations or open the app on the market (support google play, amazon and samsung)
You can choose the backup folder for the APKs in the settings. If you want to save your APKs on a microSD on android 4.4, you MUST choose the folder /mnt/extSdCard/Android/data/net.cyl.apksafe/files/backup, where /mnt/extSdCard/ is the root of your sd card (the name maybe different on your system).
Downloads: https://cyberneticlifeform.wixsite.com/cylonu87/legacy
Feedback, comments and bug reports are welcomed.
Good app mate. I'm going to test it.
Since the Android 11 update, I have been unable to access the Android/data folder through Samsung's "My Files" app. This appears due to the storage updates in Android 11 where the "system further restricts your app's access to other apps' private directories" (Android 11 Storage updates). So far the only app I found that can access these directors is the Files app by Marc apps & software, however it's only read permissions and I cannot write to the directory. The last alternative is to connect to a computer and gain full read/write access through USB.
Has anybody found a way to bypass these storage restrictions without root?
konoha457 said:
Since the Android 11 update, I have been unable to access the Android/data folder through Samsung's "My Files" app. This appears due to the storage updates in Android 11 where the "system further restricts your app's access to other apps' private directories" (Android 11 Storage updates). So far the only app I found that can access these directors is the Files app by Marc apps & software, however it's only read permissions and I cannot write to the directory. The last alternative is to connect to a computer and gain full read/write access through USB.
Has anybody found a way to bypass these storage restrictions without root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Total Commander ( Play store free version ) can also access Android /data .
No root ,
I'm on Android 11 .
I use it eg......to copy /move "items" from the data folder , to to another directory .
However don't know if it will suite your "needs"
good luck .
link
Total Commander - file manager - Apps on Google Play
Android version of the desktop file manager Total Commander (www.ghisler.com).
play.google.com
konoha457 said:
Since the Android 11 update, I have been unable to access the Android/data folder through Samsung's "My Files" app. This appears due to the storage updates in Android 11 where the "system further restricts your app's access to other apps' private directories" (Android 11 Storage updates). So far the only app I found that can access these directors is the Files app by Marc apps & software, however it's only read permissions and I cannot write to the directory. The last alternative is to connect to a computer and gain full read/write access through USB.
Has anybody found a way to bypass these storage restrictions without root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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Check this out Yo.. Seems to be working for me, but I'm a Novice in Learning when it comes to the BackDrop Of Technology.. ⚙ - Anyone who's Savvy, let me know whatcha think..
---Also - where would be the Best place to download this? Other then Google Play Store...?
Yea, that one is a good idea. Apps that doesn't need root access to access those files.. however with root, everything becomes easier. There are lots of file explorer with "root access" features that should help you access those files easier.
willcor said:
Total Commander ( Play store free version ) can also access Android /data .
No root ,
I'm on Android 11 .
I use it eg......to copy /move "items" from the data folder , to to another directory .
However don't know if it will suite your "needs"
good luck .
link
Total Commander - file manager - Apps on Google Play
Android version of the desktop file manager Total Commander (www.ghisler.com).
play.google.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks bro this works perfectly for samsung users
Malleswar07 said:
Thanks bro this works perfectly for samsung users
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How are you getting it to wok ? I think the app is still telling me android/data is write protected :/
Myrrhman said:
How are you getting it to wok ? I think the app is still telling me android/data is write protected :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Firstly, I have a
branded ... SM-N986B/DS...
No root, stock etc.
.. then i open the ..
Total Commander app....
then go
Device /Internal shared storage /Android / data......
If you still have issues accessing data folder, then it could be "something else" on your device..?.... blocking you from accessing... Android /data folder..?
See attached screenshots (numbered 1,2,3,4,5)
Good luck.
willcor said:
Firstly, I have a
branded ... SM-N986B/DS...
No root, stock etc.
.. then i open the ..
Total Commander app....
then go
Device /Internal shared storage /Android / data......
If you still have issues accessing data folder, then it could be "something else" on your device..?.... blocking you from accessing... Android /data folder..?
See attached screenshots (numbered 1,2,3,4,5)
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for your response !
Sorry for the late reply. But I got it to work eventually
konoha457 said:
Since the Android 11 update, I have been unable to access the Android/data folder through Samsung's "My Files" app. This appears due to the storage updates in Android 11 where the "system further restricts your app's access to other apps' private directories" (Android 11 Storage updates). So far the only app I found that can access these directors is the Files app by Marc apps & software, however it's only read permissions and I cannot write to the directory. The last alternative is to connect to a computer and gain full read/write access through USB.
Has anybody found a way to bypass these storage restrictions without root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes fellow! Somehow I bypassed this restriction.Download File Manager Plus from this link- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.alphainventor.filemanager and give it access to your phone.It will work...
What about the data folder on the SD card still cant access it with anything
It all comes down to which user/group owns which folder/files. I believe file copy and move restrictions are tighter in Android 11, intentionally so, especially where "sensitive" folders inside the "Android" folder, such as "data" and "obb", are involved These locations are where most user-installed apps store information, anyway.
If you install an app like termux and use it with temporary super user rights you'll notice that folders inside your storage's "Android" folder belong to "root" and a group called "sdcard_rw", at least in my case. Usually, you can take a peek at what's inside the folders but you can't write into them, not unless you have root privileges. Since I needed to copy some files to the "data" folder I just used termux and sudo-ed the hell past those restrictions. You may be tempted to simply add your normal user to the "sdcard_rw" group but I strongly advise against it. Incase you accidentally install malware in your phone it might steal data or wreck havoc using your newly acquired group privileges.
You can easily plug your phone to any pc
No restrictions there
dekarpaulvictor said:
It all comes down to which user/group owns which folder/files. I believe file copy and move restrictions are tighter in Android 11, intentionally so, especially where "sensitive" folders inside the "Android" folder, such as "data" and "obb", are involved These locations are where most user-installed apps store information, anyway.
If you install an app like termux and use it with temporary super user rights you'll notice that folders inside your storage's "Android" folder belong to "root" and a group called "sdcard_rw", at least in my case. Usually, you can take a peek at what's inside the folders but you can't write into them, not unless you have root privileges. Since I needed to copy some files to the "data" folder I just used termux and sudo-ed the hell past those restrictions. You may be tempted to simply add your normal user to the "sdcard_rw" group but I strongly advise against it. Incase you accidentally install malware in your phone it might steal data or wreck havoc using your newly acquired group privileges.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At first . Only data folder was restricted. And then on of the security patches update made obb folder restricted as well
abcdzoony said:
At first . Only data folder was restricted. And then on of the security patches update made obb folder restricted as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you try to use a terminal emulator with root privileges to access the folders?
i have a realme GT master previously a realme 7 before i was able to access and copy files from data folder in r7 when it was in android 11(using pc / exploer app) now i brought GT master but same it is in android 11 and ui 2.0 like R7 but cant access/modify files inside data folder tried using most of file apps and tried connecting pc but cant even copy the folder to pc so is there any method to copy file fom data folder and move file to data folder ?
dekarpaulvictor said:
Did you try to use a terminal emulator with root privileges to access the folders?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tried ubuntu on turmux to get tem root access still in root data folder shows permission denied
Problem is that it's causing certain apps (such as AntennaPod) to fail when attempting to store data where it always has - ie in android/data (whether on internal disk or ext-sd). Has anyone found a way to change/restore the old permissions?
Meh, R is a dog; roll back to Q if you can. Android 12 will likely be worse, I mean more "secure"
Don't go to a higher Android version than you have fingers or you'll be losing your shoes trying to get it to work
File manager + wins here. Let's you read and write to android/data
Total commander can only read, are least on a moto device
willcor said:
Total Commander ( Play store free version ) can also access Android /data .
No root ,
I'm on Android 11 .
I use it eg......to copy /move "items" from the data folder , to to another directory .
However don't know if it will suite your "needs"
good luck .
link
Total Commander - file manager - Apps on Google Play
Android version of the desktop file manager Total Commander (www.ghisler.com).
play.google.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You saved me so much trouble right now I cannot thank you enough.
Long story short, I had made a TWRP backup before updating my Android 11 ROM (droidontime from 5.1.3 to 5.2) but it failed to restore and did something similar to this (which meant I lost access to my 2fa app - authy, and would have to reset all the 2fa tokens if I wanted to recover access to the account). I did not want to have to reset all my 2fa tokens and set them up again so I was determined to find another way to restore access.
Since apps like titanium backup and swift backup were able to backup/restore authy's data for me in the past I figured there must be a folder where it stores the files for the accounts and such.
I had to manually extract the files from the corrupted? TWRP backup using the "less hacky solution" from this post. I found the files for "data/data" and "data/user_de" and such, but copying them there with Solid Explorer using root seemed to have no effect when launching authy (plus some of the copy operations seemed to fail as well). So I tried Total Commander with root instead after seeing your post here, and copied all the files there but I also copied them to "/data_mirror/data_de/null/0/com.authy.authy". I finally tried launching the app again and I was shocked to see I HAD ACCESS AGAIN!!!!! Thank you so much.
I am not sure this method will work for all apps, but this just saved me so much trouble and hassle and I cannot thank you enough.
Hello, I am currently making a few software modifications on my rooted Galaxy S9 on which I installed Noble ROM from AlexisXDA to be able to use one ui 4.1 with android 12. Now I’m trying to install One UI 5 apps on it, so I already installed Samsung Messages, Contacts, Phone dialer and Gallery as system apps using Lucky Patcher and everything worked as expected, and these apps simply replaced the old ones. Though, now I am struggling to install One UI 5 files app (aka Samsung My Files 14.x). This app is only supposed to be compatible with android 12L and more recent, but I managed to change the min SDK requirement to make it run on android 12. After I changed the min SDK I installed it as system app using Lucky Patcher and now everything is working until I long press a file which makes the app crash. Digging into android files, I noticed in the system/priv-app folder that the original version of MyFiles was still installed and I can’t delete it. Second thing I noticed, in the original MyFiles folder (in private app) there’s a file with the same name as the apk but the extension .prof is added next to it. I don’t know what this file is but I’m pretty sure this is what makes the original version work fine. So, can anyone tell me what this prof file is, and how I could make one for my custom My Files App please ?
Only for clarity:
Apps stored in /system/app are APKs what are indispensable part of Android OS - user apps has nothing to do there
whereas
apps stored in /system/priv-apps are APKs to be granted system permissions, regardless of the app signature: they at any time can get removed - mostly without any harm but requires Android is got rooted
jwoegerbauer said:
Only for clarity:
Apps stored in /system/app are APKs what are indispensable part of Android OS - user apps has nothing to do there
whereas
apps stored in /system/priv-apps are APKs to be granted system permissions, regardless of the app signature: they at any time can get removed - mostly without any harm but requires Android is got rooted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, if I understand it correctly it means my version of the app gets rejected every time by the priv-app folder right ? Unlike the preinstalled My Files app which is granted system permissions ?