Related
*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
Google Assistant Button cannot be killed.
Anybody knows a way to deactivate the google assistant button or better remap with another function ?
And how to get rid of the preinstalled bloatware like Facebook, Google Assistant, Call of Duty, LinkedIn, Google Photos ?
Sadly, there is actually no way to disable or remap the assistant button. Here we have to wait if someone came with a solution.
I debloat all the apps over adb. I downloaded the app "AppInspector" to know the package names of all the unnecessary apps and delete them over adb. There are good tutorials everywhere and it's total easy to do. Just Google "delete apps over adb" and there you go.
Sadly, one app I delete was essential that side sense work. But I don't know exactly the app. So I recommend, that you only delete apps like COD, LinkedIn etc.
Actually, you can disable the assistant button. It comes with a cost: you have to remove/disable Google app. This is for those who does not need assistant at all.
T3chDelicious said:
Sadly, there is actually no way to disable or remap the assistant button. Here we have to wait if someone came with a solution.
I debloat all the apps over adb. I downloaded the app "AppInspector" to know the package names of all the unnecessary apps and delete them over adb. There are good tutorials everywhere and it's total easy to do. Just Google "delete apps over adb" and there you go.
Sadly, one app I delete was essential that side sense work. But I don't know exactly the app. So I recommend, that you only delete apps like COD, LinkedIn etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for information. Here is a nice description how to use adb (linux and windows)
https://www.maketecheasier.com/uninstall-system-apps-without-root-android/
paulle said:
Google Assistant Button cannot be killed.
Anybody knows a way to deactivate the google assistant button or better remap with another function ?
And how to get rid of the preinstalled bloatware like Facebook, Google Assistant, Call of Duty, LinkedIn, Google Photos ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You've probably seen this by now but try this...https://www.reddit.com/r/SonyXperia/comments/lyvh5m/dev_remap_the_assistant_button_and_more/
Actually, You might be able to remap the button to do nothing with this:
Remap the Google Assistant button on the Sony Xperia 5 II with this app
You can reconfigure the Google Assistant button on the Sony Xperia 5 II to launch any other app or perform any action using this app.
www.xda-developers.com
And about the bloatware, you can either disable each bloated app, or 'remove' it via Magisk,
I already use Magisk on my Xperia 5 II, and I just added the debloat shell script module, interactive script used via terminal emulator, and I had to remove the included youtube, so I could install an earlier version of youtube, by vanced team..
Edit: The script is really easy to use, and shows all the different types of system apps
Hi everyone,
My previous phone was Stock Android, and I rooted the one before that and used Lineage. I recently bought the A52, and decided to stay with the stock ROM for the warranty period, just in case (one year).
There's a lot of Samsung stuff and services running on the A52. I'm no strange to adb, and I'm aware some application can be removed using adb, but most of the stuff I found online was just "how to remove things with adb". I'm looking for a "this and that - can be safely remove without breaking the ROM". Was a list of sort for samsungs devices exists somewhere? or I basically need to check all the installed apps and google what the do each and if they are safe to remove?
Thanks!
Try this
[2022-07-03] [v0.5.1] Universal Android Debloater
Universal Android Debloater This is a complete rewrite in Rust of the UAD bash script. DISCLAIMER : Use this software at your own risk. I am not responsible for anything that could happen to your phone. Summary I try to maintain a...
forum.xda-developers.com
Thank you! Sounds a bit overkill running an Sh script to delete bunch of stuff, but this:
lists/Samsung.sh · master · W1nst0n / Universal Android Debloater · GitLab
Bash script using ADB to debloat rooted and non-rooted android devices. Improve your privacy, the security and battery life of your device.
gitlab.com
Is exactly what I was looking for. I can easily just check the file now, and install the stuff the doesn't sound important to me. Thanks!
Okiba said:
Thank you! Sounds a bit overkill running an Sh script to delete bunch of stuff, but this:
lists/Samsung.sh · master · W1nst0n / Universal Android Debloater · GitLab
Bash script using ADB to debloat rooted and non-rooted android devices. Improve your privacy, the security and battery life of your device.
gitlab.com
Is exactly what I was looking for. I can easily just check the file now, and install the stuff the doesn't sound important to me. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even I want to debloat my A52(4G). Could you please list the steps to run this script by a layman?
You need to review each apk you are going to disable as some are useful and some have dependencies that you will learn of latter
Each user and device have different needs; one size doesn't fit all!
You should take the time to develop your own app management strategy like the creators of these lists have.
Using a package disabler works a lot better because some you want to be able to easily toggle on/off.
It's also useful for troubleshooting... including the issues you create by inadvertently blocking an apk you need
Could you please list the steps to run this script by a layman?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I probably not going to run the script as I mentioned, I'm going to manually remove the packages I want and use this script as reference. BUT, I had a quick-look, and it seems seems to be an easy way doing it. The script is written in "Bash". Windows doesn't support Bash by default, so you have to install a third party utility to be able to run it. So you probably need to play around with it. What I did found was that:
[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
It might be more friendly, and can be combined.
Using a package disabler works a lot better because some you want to be able to easily toggle on/off.
It's also useful for troubleshooting... including the issues you create by inadvertently blocking an apk you need
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You right, that's probably a more saner solution. Try to disable the applications first. If I recall correctly, you can't disable a lot of the Build-in stuff. I wonder if that's a UI thingi that block you from doing it - as you can uninstall the APK.
Okiba said:
Thank you! Sounds a bit overkill running an Sh script to delete bunch of stuff, but this:
lists/Samsung.sh · master · W1nst0n / Universal Android Debloater · GitLab
Bash script using ADB to debloat rooted and non-rooted android devices. Improve your privacy, the security and battery life of your device.
gitlab.com
Is exactly what I was looking for. I can easily just check the file now, and install the stuff the doesn't sound important to me. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem!
Okiba said:
Hi everyone,
My previous phone was Stock Android, and I rooted the one before that and used Lineage. I recently bought the A52, and decided to stay with the stock ROM for the warranty period, just in case (one year).
There's a lot of Samsung stuff and services running on the A52. I'm no strange to adb, and I'm aware some application can be removed using adb, but most of the stuff I found online was just "how to remove things with adb". I'm looking for a "this and that - can be safely remove without breaking the ROM". Was a list of sort for samsungs devices exists somewhere? or I basically need to check all the installed apps and google what the do each and if they are safe to remove?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using ADB I've removed ~80% of the Samsung apps on my S10e, leaving mostly the camera, calculator, gallery and backends. I also removed all google services except for the GSF, for notifications.
I use apps from F-Droid and Aurora store for browsing, chat, email, productivity etc.
My battery life is at least 50% better due to the lack of background processes and apps I'd never use anyways. If you have the ability to flash a ROM (my snapdragon doesn't) I highly recommend installing a de-googled ROM and setting up MicroG.
But for your current situation, ADB is a no-brainer.
Can you remove the Google Store service? I was sure it breaks the ROM?
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
Hello.
I plan to turn my phone as "dumb" as possible, leaving only apps that are absolutely necessary and practical, essentially making my phone as minimalistic, simple and distraction free while at the same time maximizing the hurdle to install new apps due to the lack of willpower aswell as the general battery life.
I have the POCO F1 with LineageOS 19.1, root is currently enabled via Magisk.
I considered just buying a regular dumb phone, but unfortunately I do not feel they are worth it; plus I'd want to still use Spotify.
I'd greatly appreciate ideas/solutions for this particular project. Thank you in advance!
EnigmaticLife said:
Hello.
I plan to turn my phone as "dumb" as possible, leaving only apps that are absolutely necessary and practical, essentially making my phone as minimalistic, simple and distraction free while at the same time maximizing the hurdle to install new apps due to the lack of willpower aswell as the general battery life.
I have the POCO F1 with LineageOS 19.1, root is currently enabled via Magisk.
I considered just buying a regular dumb phone, but unfortunately I do not feel they are worth it; plus I'd want to still use Spotify.
I'd greatly appreciate ideas/solutions for this particular project. Thank you in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What you'd like to do isn't really "dumbing down" XD - it is simply making a "barebones Android" phone with only the apps/functions you need without usual bloat that comes preinstalled on the new devices. This is in fact something a lot of people on XDA are passionate about, as it helps optimize for space, speed, battery life and privacy.
For the Android phone to be considered usable in modern day and age, it needs a handful of apps:
Dialer
SMS messenger
Contacts
File manager
Gallery
Clock
Calendar
Calculator
Web browser
Camera
Installing vanilla LineageOS rom (or any other rom with no GoogleApps) will give you this default Android experience. For 99% of tasks that do not involve Google this is enough.
However, most people want something more than just a dialer, and so phone manufacturers pre-install some other stuff for them: Google (play store, chrome, maps, drive, mail), Payment (Samsung Pay), Gallery/Music apps, social media apps, fancy wallpapers etc. This is what makes the phone "smart" for you, I guess?
In case you want to cut it down further, you can use adb to remove certain apps from this list. This includes certain system apps too, like unnecessary fonts or accessibility services (web search is your friend here). Theoretically the phone can serve as a GSM calling brick only with the following:
Dialer
SMS messenger
Contacts
But then you'd be doing the hardware a misservice - why lug around Octa-core 8GB RAM 4000mAh HD TFT6.1" 999GB device if you could achieve the same with a Nokia 1100 or 3310? These are still being sold
UPDATE: Just saw your additions about Spotify. If you only want to use the phone for Calling/Web browsing/YouTube/Spotify, go with the "Install No GApps LineageOS -> Sideload apps you need and nothing else".
Word of WARNING though: a lot of popular messaging/steraming/quality of life (maps) apps APSOLUTELY DEPEND on google ecosystem (i.e. GApps like google play, google play services and google services framework).
WITHOUT GOOGLE THESE APPS WILL LIKELY CRASH or won't work as intended. I.e. Whatsapp will not give you "New message" notifications and will not ring UNLESS you have it open in your face right when the call comes in. Delivery/Ride sharing apps that need google maps will not show you the map. Facebook messenger will has the same problem as Whatsapp. List of risks is far too long, and you will need to have an idea of whether the app requires google and whatsnot.
Therefore Make absolutely sure that barebones phone is what you want. If it is, a lot of apps that reliably work with the barebones setups can be found on Fdroid.
Despite having "dumb" in the name, this procedure requires one to be amazingly smart about it
To conclude, you have the following ways of achieving this:
1. Install no-Gapps (i.e. "vanilla") lineageOs, delete what you wont need, sideload .apk of apps you are after
2. Install stock android rom, then Degoogle and Debloat it. Guides for your particular model can be found here on XDA
3. Install SlimROM, a custom Android distro whose developers had the same idea as you did, i.e. optimized for simplicity.
Totesnochill said:
What you'd like to do isn't really "dumbing down" XD - it is simply making a "barebones Android" phone with only the apps/functions you need without usual bloat that comes preinstalled on the new devices. This is in fact something a lot of people on XDA are passionate about, as it helps optimize for space, speed, battery life and privacy.
For the Android phone to be considered usable in modern day and age, it needs a handful of apps:
Dialer
SMS messenger
Contacts
File manager
Gallery
Clock
Calendar
Calculator
Web browser
Camera
Installing vanilla LineageOS rom (or any other rom with no GoogleApps) will give you this default Android experience. For 99% of tasks that do not involve Google this is enough.
However, most people want something more than just a dialer, and so phone manufacturers pre-install some other stuff for them: Google (play store, chrome, maps, drive, mail), Payment (Samsung Pay), Gallery/Music apps, social media apps, fancy wallpapers etc. This is what makes the phone "smart" for you, I guess?
In case you want to cut it down further, you can use adb to remove certain apps from this list. This includes certain system apps too, like unnecessary fonts or accessibility services (web search is your friend here). Theoretically the phone can serve as a GSM calling brick only with the following:
Dialer
SMS messenger
Contacts
But then you'd be doing the hardware a misservice - why lug around Octa-core 8GB RAM 4000mAh HD TFT6.1" 999GB device if you could achieve the same with a Nokia 1100 or 3310? These are still being sold
UPDATE: Just saw your additions about Spotify. If you only want to use the phone for Calling/Web browsing/YouTube/Spotify, go with the "Install No GApps LineageOS -> Sideload apps you need and nothing else".
Word of WARNING though: a lot of popular messaging/steraming/quality of life (maps) apps APSOLUTELY DEPEND on google ecosystem (i.e. GApps like google play, google play services and google services framework).
WITHOUT GOOGLE THESE APPS WILL LIKELY CRASH or won't work as intended. I.e. Whatsapp will not give you "New message" notifications and will not ring UNLESS you have it open in your face right when the call comes in. Delivery/Ride sharing apps that need google maps will not show you the map. Facebook messenger will has the same problem as Whatsapp. List of risks is far too long, and you will need to have an idea of whether the app requires google and whatsnot.
Therefore Make absolutely sure that barebones phone is what you want. If it is, a lot of apps that reliably work with the barebones setups can be found on Fdroid.
Despite having "dumb" in the name, this procedure requires one to be amazingly smart about it
To conclude, you have the following ways of achieving this:
1. Install no-Gapps (i.e. "vanilla") lineageOs, delete what you wont need, sideload .apk of apps you are after
2. Install stock android rom, then Degoogle and Debloat it. Guides for your particular model can be found here on XDA
3. Install SlimROM, a custom Android distro whose developers had the same idea as you did, i.e. optimized for simplicity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is really interesting. I am thinking of trying to do this with a Google pixel 4a. Would I be able to do the lineage OS with that? I haven't found other threads that speak on this topic, am I right? Thinking that I would like to customize exactly what apps I have on the phone etc.
LineageOS for Google Pixel 4a exists:
LineageOS Downloads
download.lineageos.org