Database Info

[Extension] Updated version of the APK Downloader Chrome Extension

What is it?
This is an updated (and slightly modified) version of redphx's awesome Google Chrome extension APK Downloader.
It allows you to download APKs from the Play Store webpage via your desktop browser directly onto your computer.
The original version stopped working as of Google Chrome version 20+ because starting with this Chrome version, all Google Chrome extension require to use the manifest version 2. When I noticed, I checked the author's page for any updates. But there were no updates on that.
Update: Earlier, I said that the original APK Downloader extension stopped working because it uses Manifest version 1 and that Google Chrome dropped support for all extensions that use Manifest version 1.
However, gt573 noted that he can still use the original extension (v1.2.1) with Chrome 21.
So, I checked again the Manifest version 1 support schedule and I found that I was wrong there. Manifest version 1 was announced deprecated with the release of Chrome 18, but will be partitially supported until "early 2013".
Nethertheless, the original APK Downloader (v1.2.1) does not work for me since my Chrome was update to 21.0.1180.60 m. The extension constantly throws content security policy exceptions when trying to download any App, which prevents the extension from working at all. Additionally, this is the error message I get on the extension page:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
And according to the recent comments on the author's webpage, there's a bunch of other users who have/had the same problem with v1.2.1 within the last days. (For a detailed explanation of manifest version changes in Chrome and what that means for the original APK Downloader, click here to read the full story.)
So: If APK Downloader v1.2.1 stopped working for you, feel free to use this updated version.​
What was changed?
So.. Basically, this is the original APK Downloader v1.2.1 extension for the Google Chrome browser, downloaded from the author's - redphx - webpage. However, these are the changes that I made:
As of version 1.3.0
Updated the extension manifest version from 1 to 2
Replaced deprecated functions in JavaScript and references in manifest.json
Changed JavaScript formatting from compressed to "Pretty Print" (so that the source code is readable for everybody)
Removed Google Analytics Code (Sorry redphx, all credits to you! But using GA for this, without even anonymizing the User IPs, is a No-Go as I think).
Changed the download redirect Url (when clicking the icon in the Url bar) from the author's webpage to a local domain "http://localhost/[..]".
Removed all other "extra" code, that was not used for the actual functionality.
Replaced extension icons.
As of version 1.3.1
Changed the download redirect Url (when clicking the icon in the Url bar) from"http://localhost/[..]" to this thread's URL, because v1.3.0 required a local web server to be running for the extension in order to function.
As of version 1.3.2
Changed the download redirect Url (when clicking the icon in the Url bar). Instead of open a new tab, as of version 1.3.2 it will simply reload the current Play Store URL and start the download!
As of version 1.3.3
Fixed redirect bug, introduced in version 1.3.2
Major code clean up (reduced number of files from 16 to 12).
As of version 1.3.4
Improved new reload function to support Play Store URLs that contain a hash key already.
Get Started - Download
To install the extension the steps are as follows: download and extract the following zip archive to your computer.
Direct download link:
apkdownloader-1.3.1.zip
apkdownloader-1.3.2.zip
apkdownloader-1.3.3.zip
apkdownloader-1.3.4.zip​
How to set up?
After you extracted the downloaded zip file to your computer, open Google Chrome and go to the extension page; you can copy and paste into the Url bar: chrome://chrome/extensions/
Load it
Now, enable "Developer mode" and load the "APK Downloader"-extension from the directory where you extracted it to.
Set it up - Google-Account
To be able to download from the Play Store, you need to authenticate all requests. Therefore you need to "log in to your Google Account" at the extension's option page.
On the extension's options page, log in with your Google-Account (email-address and password) - the same Account that you used with your device! Also, you will need your Android Device-Id (which is part of the algorithm to generate a valid request key).
Note: Basically this is not a "login" in the common sense. Your credentials are stored safely in Chrome's local data storage - on your own computer!!!
Set it up - Android Device-Id
To get your Android Device-Id, type in the dialer of your phone...
Code:
*#*#8255#*#*
*#*#TALK*#*#
... and you will get the "GTalk Service Monitor" screen like the following. Search for "DEVICE-ID:". Everything that comes after "android-", that is your Device-Id.
OR
Use my App "Android Device-ID"
(Almost) Done
The extension is now available and ready set up. However, you need to follow 1 more step to actually use it; you need to disable SSL warnings. Therefore please read on at the original APK Downloader page at: http://codekiem.com/2012/02/24/apk-downloader/​
Credits
All credits for the extension goes to redphoenix89 (or redphx @xda)! It's his code - I did only cosmetics.​
Legal Note / Disclaimer
Finally, please note that the use of this Chrome extension is violating Google's Play Store TOS! You've been warned.​

As Wesnam pointed out the version 1.3.0 requires a local webserver to be running in order for the extension to work. I fixed that, so everybody can use it. Please download version 1.3.1 (click here).

APK downloader 1.2.1 seemed to work just as well on google chrome 21 as your 1.3.1. Neither will download the IBM think tablet app, which is a free app. I get an error with both extensions. Any idea if there is a fix?

Looks good, thx. Was always a bit worried about it using his server.
To everyone: I checked the code and there's no suspicious stuff in there, just what's expected to be there (a number of calls to the Market). 100% legit.

gt573 said:
APK downloader 1.2.1 seemed to work just as well on google chrome 21 as your 1.3.1. Neither will download the IBM think tablet app, which is a free app. I get an error with both extensions. Any idea if there is a fix?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a difference in the way they do not work. Original APK Downloader (v1.2.1) doesn't work at all. Mine doesn't work if there're server-side validations to be passed, such as country limitation, device limitation or screen size limitation (and of course you can download only free apps). For the IBM app there's a limit for the screen resolution. So you need to have a device registered with the same email address you use for the extension, that is compatible with the app's screen resolution minimum: A screen width of 800 pixels or more and screens classified as Xlarge. Do you match these criteria?

I just installed v1.2.1 last night and a quick test verified that it was able to download apps with my current version of google chrome (21). I only downloaded one app and it was one by the extension developer, I don't know if that makes a difference. Anyway, it wouldn't download the app I was after (IBM think) which is what brought me here. I was able to download another tablet app with your extension that the market tells me is not compatible with my device so I thought it would bypass the device and screen limitations. My device(Galaxy note sgh-i717) has 800 x 1280 resolution. It is running android 4.0.4. I changed the dpi to 160 in build.prop to match xlarge, still no go. Just for full disclosure (not asking for build.prop help here) I have tried modifying my build.prop to make my sgh-i717 appear as a Tab 10.1, but it didn't work, it still show as an sgh-i717 in the market.
Bexton said:
There's a difference in the way they do not work. Original APK Downloader (v1.2.1) doesn't work at all. Mine doesn't work if there're server-side validations to be passed, such as country limitation, device limitation or screen size limitation (and of course you can download only free apps). For the IBM app there's a limit for the screen resolution. So you need to have a device registered with the same email address you use for the extension, that is compatible with the app's screen resolution minimum: A screen width of 800 pixels or more and screens classified as Xlarge. Do you match these criteria?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

gt573 said:
I just installed v1.2.1 last night and a quick test verified that it was able to download apps with my current version of google chrome (21).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's odd. But I checked back and according to the Manifest version 1 support schedule, the support for v1 extensions is not yet dropped - unlike I said in OP. According to the schedule the support will be dropped in "early 2013". Thus, APK Downloader v1.2.1 should still work as it did all the time; also with the latest Chrome versions. Now, to explain you why I said/thought it was:
The thing is that I used v1.2.1 almost every day and I never had problems to download Apps, except for a few that were labeled as non-compatible with my devices in the play store. (I will come back on that later..) Then, a few days ago, the extension just stopped working without me making any changes. So I opened Chrome's developer console and saw that the extension threw some content security policy errors fired by the extension's Javascript code.
Then I checked the author's website and saw a lot of recent comments by users having the same issue - that the extension just stopped working for them.
Since I've developed a few Chrome extensions myself, I remembered that the changelog between Manifest 1 and 2 includes a new content security policy and also that Manifest 1 was announced deprecated in Chrome 18.
So I checked my Chrome version and saw that it was updated just that morning (from 20.x to 21.0.1180.60 m). Hence, I thought that the exceptions, thrown by the extension, were due to the "fact" that the old content security policy, which was used before Manifest version 2, was unsupported with that Chrome-Update.
So I updated the extension's source code to use Manifest version 2. Finally, I had no more content security policy exceptions in the dev console and the downloads worked again.
And because there was no update by redphx and I've seen a lot of users had the same issue, I thought I'd share it here.
To cut a long story short:
I was wrong in saying that the original extension stopped as of Chrome 20+ due to missing support by Chrome.
However, for me v1.2.1 constantly throws content security policy exceptions in Chrome which prevent it from working at all. And as you can see from the comments on redphx's website it stopped working for others, too (whatever else the reason is..!?).
Also, as you can see from the schedule, v1.2.1 will stop working in the not-too-far-away future (unless redphx will release an update), whereas mine is "future-proof" (as far as it concerns Chrome).
Finally, my version does not include Analytics code, nor does it redirect you to a site which can not be verified to be safe (it should be, though).
gt573 said:
I only downloaded one app and it was one by the extension developer, I don't know if that makes a difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, the developer should be irrelevant.
gt573 said:
Anyway, it wouldn't download the app I was after (IBM think) which is what brought me here. I was able to download another tablet app with your extension that the market tells me is not compatible with my device so I thought it would bypass the device and screen limitations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now, as I said earlier:
"I used v1.2.1 almost every day and I never had problems to download Apps, except for a few that were labeled as incompatible with my devices in the play store."
However, this was not true for all Apps that were labeled as incompatible. Some work, most do not. I'm not really sure how the checks work at this point. I know that there exist options for developers to restrict access to downloads by some "more advanced" parameters (apart from payment, obviously). And I think that the the device compatibility check for the In-App-Listings and the Play Store Website is separated from the logic that is used for those "advanced" restrictions (and no, I'm not talking about the basic country-limit here).
As another weird example take the new chameleon launcher beta. The Play Store says it would be compatible with my device. However, I can not download it. Neither through the Play Store, nor with the extension. Why not? Because, as you can read on the developer's website, your Emailaddress for Play Store must be paired with the Emailaddress that I/someone used in the developer's beta signup form that was on the website a few weeks ago. Means: eventhough it is a free App and labeled as compatible in Play Store, I can not download it because the developer needs to specifically allow my Account. As you can see, there're lots of possible and not always understandable reasons why somebody can download some apps while others can't.
gt573 said:
My device(Galaxy note sgh-i717) has 800 x 1280 resolution. It is running android 4.0.4. I changed the dpi to 160 in build.prop to match xlarge, still no go. Just for full disclosure (not asking for build.prop help here) I have tried modifying my build.prop to make my sgh-i717 appear as a Tab 10.1, but it didn't work, it still show as an sgh-i717 in the market.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think that editing the build.prop file will help with that at all. Even if I change everything in my build.prop, the Useragent that is send by the Play Store App still uses/reveals the real device info. No matter what I change, it always sends: "AndroidDownloadManager/4.1.1 (Linux; U; Android 4.1.1; Nexus One Build/JRO03H)".

Hey bexton, thank u very much for your modded extension! I installed it because I get with the previous version the "ERROR: Cannot download this app!" message but with version I get the same message:
Chrome startup parameters: --ignore-certificate-errors --allow-running-insecure-content
Chrome Version: 21.0.1180.57
OS: Linux

thankz!! but not working here
Chrome version: 22.0.1219.0 (148586)
maybe disable ssl warnings don't work i don't know

Works for me. Is there a way to disable this page popping up everytime I download something?

maybe it'd be possible to use a data-uri instead of this thread as download page?

prodigy7 said:
Hey bexton, thank u very much for your modded extension! I installed it because I get with the previous version the "ERROR: Cannot download this app!" message but with version I get the same message:
Chrome startup parameters: --ignore-certificate-errors --allow-running-insecure-content
Chrome Version: 21.0.1180.57
OS: Linux
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I have the same problem unfortunately on Windows 7 on Chrome 21

I still get the error "ERROR: Cannot download this app!". This is happening on Chrome 22.0.1229.2 dev-m, Win7 32bit.
Ytain

Sorry for the late response, but I've been on holiday. For those of you who still get the error "ERROR: Cannot download this app!" for an app that should be downloadable(!!), please provide a link to the app. If you get this error for ALL apps, than please leave this info as well.
@XlAfbk: I don't think so, but I'd need to check on that.. If know how to, let me know.

This one won't work for me https://play.google.com/store/apps/...=W251bGwsMSwxLDMsImNvbS5jb25kdWl0LmxvY2tlciJd
How do I know if a free app is supposed to be downloadable?

Sadly, it still doesn't support most of the apps I attempt to download. Here's a list:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...EsImNvbS5jbm4ubW9iaWxlLmFuZHJvaWQudGFibGV0Il0.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...wyLDEsImNvbS53YXNoaW5ndG9ucG9zdC5hbmRyb2lkIl0.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...t=W251bGwsMSwyLDEsImNvbS53ZWJtZC5hbmRyb2lkIl0.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...t=W251bGwsMSwyLDEsImNvbS5rcm9nZXIubW9iaWxlIl0.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...251bGwsMSwyLDEsImNvbS53YWxtYXJ0LmFuZHJvaWQiXQ..
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...ult#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDEsImNvbS50YXJnZXQudWkiXQ..
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...251bGwsMSwyLDEsImNvbS5iZXN0YnV5LmFuZHJvaWQiXQ..
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...arch_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDEsImNvbS5xdmMiXQ..
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...vbS5odWZmaW5ndG9ucG9zdC5hbmRyb2lkLnRhYmxldCJd
That's just a few.
I'm thinking that Google corrected some of the coding in Chrome as it regards to the Play Store to prevent people from downloading apps that WILL work with your devices, but still declare them incompatible.

I also notice this problem. Didn't worked with any app that Google was saying to be incompatible with my device.
Sent from my LT26i with Tapatalk 2

scottharris4 said:
This one won't work for me https://play.google.com/store/apps/...=W251bGwsMSwxLDMsImNvbS5jb25kdWl0LmxvY2tlciJd
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had no problems downloading the app with the extension (find attached). Is it labeled as compatible with your device in the play store?
abarax said:
Sadly, it still doesn't support most of the apps I attempt to download. Here's a list:
[snip]
That's just a few.
I'm thinking that Google corrected some of the coding in Chrome as it regards to the Play Store to prevent people from downloading apps that WILL work with your devices, but still declare them incompatible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was able to download the apps that are labeled as compatible in play store. The Huffington Post and the CNN link were for Tablets only, so they failed. But when I tried their apps for phones, I was able to download those as well.
scottharris4 said:
How do I know if a free app is supposed to be downloadable?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't know. But if you set up everything correct, you can be almost sure that you can download all apps that are labeled as compatible with your device in Play Store. Me personally, I never found an app that was labeled as compatible and I was not able to download it via the extension. Whenever it is labeled as compatible, I can download it.
@Felimenta97: There're a few exceptions; for a few apps I was able to download them even though the Play Store said it would be incompatible. However, as said above, a general rule of thumb is that you will be able to download only the apps that are labeled as compatible for your device.

I see. But if you could work on that it would be nice. Some apps work on my phone, just play store is crazy about that.
Sent from my LT26i with Tapatalk 2

Bexton said:
@XlAfbk: I don't think so, but I'd need to check on that.. If know how to, let me know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried modding the extension but for some reason it even fails with localhost instead of this thread, just replacing the 1 line containing the url *confused* (not a chrome extension guy so probably missing something there. more of a web dev)
Maybe if you'd explain why that is and why it needs some site in the first place I'd be able to figure it out.

*[Google UPDATE] [Q] [Play Store] Error 403, unique problem

Google says this issue is this: https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/4430885
And there's pretty much nothing we or they can do but watch that page for updates.
My error 403 issue isn't like others that I have found from searching, allow me to explain...
I had two accounts on my device. One of the accounts had paid apps.
I have since abandoned that account, and installed numerous new ROMs on my phone, using only the other account as my now primary account
Now, the second account seems to think it has access to the paid apps that the other account purchased.
This means I can not download them, because it throws error 403 at me. Instead of showing "Purchase" as it should, it shows "Install".
This is even visible when I access the Play Store website from my computer, using only the second account.
See here:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
And please, do not suggest clearing my play store cache and all that crap, I have tried everything including going back to the stock firmware. The issue exists with my account on Googles end, but I have been back and forth emailing them for 3 weeks now, and it is like talking to a brick wall.
In short, what the frack can I do about this?
Please, if anyone has any real ideas or solutions to this I would be eternally greatful. I really don't want to have to make a whole new google account.

I have the exact same problem... I also have 2 accounts and one has paid apps. I can't seem to download the paid apps but I could download anything else

Maybe try to clear data of play app in system settings ->apps.

Smart app Studio said:
Maybe try to clear data of play app in system settings ->apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Funny. But still can't get google to sort this. Anyone???

SuperSmashedBro said:
I have the exact same problem... I also have 2 accounts and one has paid apps. I can't seem to download the paid apps but I could download anything else
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
paradoxiumwind said:
Funny. But still can't get google to sort this. Anyone???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have the same problem...two accounts, one with paid apps, cannot update the paid ones...
found this "solution": push the updates to the phone using the google-account of your computer (google - play - apps - myapps...)
only thing i found up to now that works...

Firstly, some problem for this can be done by checking Google Talk is already signed in or not.. ( I have tried)
Make sure your device is logged into Google Talk by following these steps:
1. Go to your device's app launcher, and press the Talk app.
2. If you’re already signed into Talk, press Menu, and then touch Sign out.
3. Launch Talk again to sign in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Secondly, If the error still occurred, here's a brief explanation directly from Play Store:
Getting an error message on my device when downloading
There are a few reasons you may be getting a download error for only one app (or for a few select apps):
1. If the app in question is a paid app, sign in to wallet.google.com/manage to confirm that the purchase was successful. "Error 405"
usually indicates that the download failed because payment did not go through.
2. Check the size of the app - if it's larger than 25M, it may be too large for your device's cache partition. Even if you have enough space
free on your device, the cache partition may be preventing you from downloading large apps.
3. If you're getting "Error: Insufficient space," ensure that after downloading the app, you'll have at least 20M of internal storage space
free. If not, you may need to uninstall apps to free up space.
"Error: 495" usually indicates that there's an issue with your connection. Usually it's temporary, but if it persists, please let us know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Finally, if the error still occurred after those two steps, directly contact Play Store Help via Mail conversation, it can be a long talk since they also 'super busy', you may be replied by google for several hours or even days. But they definitely helpful (My own Experience). :highfive:
IMPORTANT!
Note that you haven't made any change directly to your Market app in your system, because basically it disturb other gapps and may give you frustrating errors ( again, my own experience )

Rei Zazie said:
Firstly, some problem for this can be done by checking Google Talk is already signed in or not.. ( I have tried)
Secondly, If the error still occurred, here's a brief explanation directly from Play Store:
Finally, if the error still occurred after those two steps, directly contact Play Store Help via Mail conversation, it can be a long talk since they also 'super busy', you may be replied by google for several hours or even days. But they definitely helpful (My own Experience). :highfive:
IMPORTANT!
Note that you haven't made any change directly to your Market app in your system, because basically it disturb other gapps and may give you frustrating errors ( again, my own experience )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm getting the error on the play store website on my computer - as I said, it thinks my account has purchased these apps when it has not - I only have the option to Install them, and when I try, it gives the error in the screenshots in my first post.
I've had to change from some paid apps like titanium backup pro to the ROM Toolbox as an alternative, but I really need Swiftkey fixed.
I'm still talking to google via email.

Same issue here
I've got the exact same issue on my account also. Google Play support is being no help at all. I've had a ticket open with them for 3 weeks now with 2 emails sent that whole time. I sent them a logcat today to see if they can figure out what is going on. If you get anywhere please post here so we can get this sorted out. It's blocked some of my "must-have" apps so I'm pretty upset about this.
---------- Post added at 07:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:04 PM ----------
Sandcrab said:
I've got the exact same issue on my account also. Google Play support is being no help at all. I've had a ticket open with them for 3 weeks now with 2 emails sent that whole time. I sent them a logcat today to see if they can figure out what is going on. If you get anywhere please post here so we can get this sorted out. It's blocked some of my "must-have" apps so I'm pretty upset about this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So here's what I found out today after loading a new rom and playing around. I have been adding both of my google accounts when I first setup the new phone. When I do this, I get the 403 error on certain apps. What I ended up doing is clearing all accounts off the phone. Then loaded my original gmail account only. This is the account I originally bought all these apps from. I went ahead and turned off all sync options but I don't think this matters. With only that account setup on the phone, I was able to download and install all the apps. I then loaded my new account and synced everything fine.

paradoxiumwind said:
I'm getting the error on the play store website on my computer - as I said, it thinks my account has purchased these apps when it has not - I only have the option to Install them, and when I try, it gives the error in the screenshots in my first post.
I've had to change from some paid apps like titanium backup pro to the ROM Toolbox as an alternative, but I really need Swiftkey fixed.
I'm still talking to google via email.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you ever get this sorted?? I am getting this error with Tasker and cant download it, Google Play website is saying it is installed, but it is not.

ricey1986 said:
Did you ever get this sorted?? I am getting this error with Tasker and cant download it, Google Play website is saying it is installed, but it is not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. The google support person I have been back and forth with this problem for weeks finally told me they would get back to me and have yet to do so. I think I'll send them another reply and ask what is happening with my issue.
It simply seems that they refuse to admit that the bug exists with my actual account and has nothing to do with my phone or anything. The fact that the bug exists on their play store website, accesssed from my computer, should be evidence enough (I even sent the requested screenshots).
So annoying. I can't update swiftkey or any other paid apps because of this.

Update:
I emailed again and asked for a progress report on my issue, and was told that it is a known issue and this is it: https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/4430885
And there is nothing they can do, and that I should just keep an eye on that page for updates...
Hi Sunwind,
Your case is still currently under review by the Tier 3 team. I'm not sure how much longer it will be, and I do appreciate your patience thus far.
In the meantime, have you currently tried downloading Swiftkeys application from the Webstore, rather than from your device? You can ititiate the app to install on your device from your computer by signing into play.google.com with your account, navigating to my apps and initiating it to download that way.
I know it won't currently fix the error 403 code, but it might be a temporary work around it.
Thank you so much for you patience.
Sincerely,
Abigail
The Google Support Team
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

paradoxiumwind said:
Update:
I emailed again and asked for a progress report on my issue, and was told that it is a known issue and this is it: https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/4430885
And there is nothing they can do, and that I should just keep an eye on that page for updates...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guys, here's what I have found out and seems to have fixed this issue for me. When you open the Play Store on your phone it automagically logs you into your google account. What I didn't know is that you can switch logins to your other google account from within the app.
From the main Play Store screen, touch the Play Store menu button at the top left. This is where it says Play Store with an icon and three lines to the left of it. In the menu that pops up, it will show your username (email address) at the top. To the right of your username is a divider line with a small down arrow to the right.
If you click that down arrow it will show you your different accounts set up and you are able to select your other accounts.
What I did was change my account to my old one, and then I was able to download the apps fine. This has worked for every app that I was getting the 403 error on. Try to change accounts there and see if that doesn't fix your issue also.

Sandcrab said:
Guys, here's what I have found out and seems to have fixed this issue for me. When you open the Play Store on your phone it automagically logs you into your google account. What I didn't know is that you can switch logins to your other google account from within the app.
From the main Play Store screen, touch the Play Store menu button at the top left. This is where it says Play Store with an icon and three lines to the left of it. In the menu that pops up, it will show your username (email address) at the top. To the right of your username is a divider line with a small down arrow to the right.
If you click that down arrow it will show you your different accounts set up and you are able to select your other accounts.
What I did was change my account to my old one, and then I was able to download the apps fine. This has worked for every app that I was getting the 403 error on. Try to change accounts there and see if that doesn't fix your issue also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, of course that 'fixes' it, because you are using the account that has access to the apps. This doesn't fix the problem with another account thinking it has access to paid apps from a previous account, when the previous account is no longer in use/signed in to the phone/etc. This is just a 'work-around' in order to get apps you previously paid for.

paradoxiumwind said:
Yes, of course that 'fixes' it, because you are using the account that has access to the apps. This doesn't fix the problem with another account thinking it has access to paid apps from a previous account, when the previous account is no longer in use/signed in to the phone/etc. This is just a 'work-around' in order to get apps you previously paid for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right. This will get the apps you've already purchased installed on your phone. I though that was the problem you were looking for a solution to.
I have the same problem with paid apps with my multiple google accounts but that was not my main concern. The problem was when it does not allow me to install apps that I have purchased. And realistically until google allows you to transfer apps to different accounts, I will have to keep my old account active. The only other option is to re-buy all my apps on the new account which I am not willing to do.

Sandcrab said:
Right. This will get the apps you've already purchased installed on your phone. I though that was the problem you were looking for a solution to.
I have the same problem with paid apps with my multiple google accounts but that was not my main concern. The problem was when it does not allow me to install apps that I have purchased. And realistically until google allows you to transfer apps to different accounts, I will have to keep my old account active. The only other option is to re-buy all my apps on the new account which I am not willing to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The issue is detailed in full in the first post, and isn't what you thought it was.

I just resolved my 403 Error code today,I deleted my Google account then re-added it.

coogrrr94 said:
I just resolved my 403 Error code today,I deleted my Google account then re-added it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed, this helped

DelBoy said:
Indeed, this helped
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm still getting this issue. https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/4430885
I've wiped my phone a few times since last post and still used only the one account, but it still thinks it has access to apps that it doesn't.

This error has been driving me insane for months and there is no proper fix.
Problem:
I get an error 403 when downloading purchased apps off the play store.
Possible Cause:
I was using account A with my phone for years. I decided to get a new account and slowl migrate my stuff over.
I first added account B to my phone and used it for emails only, keeping account A for play store and youtube.
Eventually, I moved all my stuff over and used account B full time. But I noticed when trying to download purchased items, I would get the error.
It seems to me that account A "bled" over into B. So B thinks it has purchased apps when it was A.
Steps to rectify issue:
I've done the usual, clearing caches, removing/re-adding accounts. I know it's not the phone because I've had 3 different phones since this happened. When I got my HTC One, I added account B out the box and the error still happened.
I've had to contact Google support with my issue. I have also had to jump through their hoops in regards to checking things out, but I said to them, if they want to reset account B so it shows I have bought nothing, I don't mind. At least it would work and I don't mind supporting the devs again.
Currently it has been 3 months since contacting Google and the last update was on the 1st of Jan was:
Thanks for writing back and for providing details about the issue you’re having on Google Play. We really appreciate you taking the time to report this - based on the information you sent along, it appears you’re experiencing issue #11112915 from our known issues page, which is characterized by:
- Errors during the download of paid apps from the Play Store
- Download issues occurring with paid apps that were never purchased on Play Store or purchased using the Google Account exhibiting issues
- Download issues occurring on a rooted device or with an account that was previously used on a rooted device
We’re currently investigating a more permanent solution, but in the meantime you can try using a new Google Account with your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I'm not going to make a new account for this issue, sorry Google.
Link to support ticket here.
Also, checking your wallet here, confirms my issue. Doggcatcher, which Play Store says I have purchased, I have not. For me, this isn't a phone issue. Clearing settings will do nothing. The issue is 100% Google, at least for me.
Nothing I can do now but wait for Google to sort it out.

Removing the account and re-adding didn't help me; but installing from the desktop Play store helped.
Doubt I'll be able to update from the phone, but hopefully the website will be able to do it.

[APP] UnifiedNlp - FLOSS Wi-Fi- and cell-tower-based geolocation

Introduction
UnifiedNlp is a FLOSS (Free/Libre Open Source Software) tool for geolocating android phones without Google's Geolocation service. It allows apps that use Android's coarse or network locating features to geolocate the phone which is usually faster and less battery consuming then GPS. If you use your phone without GAPPS this might become a useful tool for you.
The real location work is done by backends (plug-ins) that can be configured through the UnifiedNlp UI. There is already a number of backends out there that use data from various data sources, some of them working completely offline.
The same backend technique is used for UnifiedNlp's secondary feature: (reverse) geocoding. This allows apps like the android gallery to convert geo-coordinates to an address, resulting in better user experience.
UnifiedNlp is the successor of NOGAPPS NetworkLocation and part of the microG Project.
Installation
UnifiedNlp comes with official support for Android 4.4 (KitKat) and Android 5.0 (Lollipop). Installation on AOSP-based ROMs for this version is easy:
Make sure that no Google geolocation tool is installed (it is usually listed as Google Play Services in Apps)
Download and install NetworkLocation.apk as a usual app (you may need to enable "Unknown sources" in Settings->Security)
Reboot
If your system is not AOSP-based but GAPPS-free and the above instructions do not work for you, try placing NetworkLocation.apk directly in /system/priv-app/ and reboot.
If your system has Xposed, you can use this Xposed module together with UnifiedNlp.apk
Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) through Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean) are not officially supported (meaning newer versions of UnifiedNlp are not tested on these platforms). Still a legacy version is published with every release. Android 4.2+ is known to usually work properly, older versions are often not supported by backends and thus can't use UnifiedNlp. Push LegacyNetworkLocation.apk directly to /system/app and reboot to try it out.
Download
Latest stable release: v1.4.0 - Download NetworkLocation.apk - LegacyNetworkLocation.apk - UnifiedNlp.apk
Older versions and pre-release builds can be found on GitHub
Backends
I developed and will support three backends, that you can find on GitHub:AppleWifiNlpBackend, IchnaeaNlpBackend (Mozilla Location Service), OpenWlanMapNlpBackend and NominatimGeocoderBackend
These and backends by other developers are usually released on F-Droid.
If you installed a third-party backend and you're not sure whether the problem is caused by UnifiedNlp or the backend, feel free to write here.
Upcoming/planned features
- Better status information to check whether installation succeeded or not and what steps might be needed
- Backend prioritization and complex rule system
FAQ
Q: It does not work!
A: Make sure you read the installation instructions properly and that locating would be possible using the backends provided. Are you sure you rebooted? Is your system GAPPS free? OK. Now, ask!
Thanks
Big thanks to everyone who continuously supported me doing this, by donating, pull-requests or just feedback. Thanks to backend developers, that made this tool useful. Thanks to Google for leaving a door in Android that makes this possible.
XDA:DevDB Information
microG UnifiedNlp, App for all devices (see above for details)
Contributors
MaR-V-iN
Source Code: https://github.com/microg/android_packages_apps_UnifiedNlp
Version Information
Status: Stable
Current Stable Version: 1.4.0
Stable Release Date: 2015-09-15
Created 2015-01-02
Last Updated 2015-10-04

yahoooo.! thank you @MaR-V-iN.
"all i can really do , is stay out of my own way and let the will of heaven be done"

Hail to the King!

What other apps will be affected by disabling google play services? Want to try this but I have Play services installed.

Thank you very much for this.
Just a note to point out that GitHub's mobile site has no downloads anywhere to be seen if one gets there from a smartphone on default mode, and users might get really confused about it. One has to switch to the desktop site to find the backend APKs.

sherpa25 said:
What other apps will be affected by disabling google play services? Want to try this but I have Play services installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you run with play services I guess you installed the complete GAPPS package, including Play Store etc. These either require Play Services or misbehave with Play Services removed or replaced.
However, chances are good that there will be a complete Play Services replacement including UnifiedNlp sometime (sooner or later - no ETA here)

sherpa25 said:
What other apps will be affected by disabling google play services? Want to try this but I have Play services installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Every APP which requires Google play licensing or the play services. F.e. Google Music
A lot of paid apps f.e. Poweramp will not work
But u are able to download your paid apps in Blank Store f.e. Tasker
Nova Launcher or Atlas Browser and most CM Themes are working fine without gapps even the paid Version.
U can only buy apps on the Play Store Website and you have no option to return the APP.
But if everything is working fine for you then stay with Gapps because it requires a lot of work and knowledge.
But some people like it that way

MaR-V-iN said:
If you run with play services I guess you installed the complete GAPPS package, including Play Store etc. These either require Play Services or misbehave with Play Services removed or replaced.
However, chances are good that there will be a complete Play Services replacement including UnifiedNlp sometime (sooner or later - no ETA here)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cozmos23 said:
Every APP which requires Google play licensing or the play services. F.e. Google Music
A lot of paid apps f.e. Poweramp will not work
But u are able to download your paid apps in Blank Store f.e. Tasker
Nova Launcher or Atlas Browser and most CM Themes are working fine without gapps even the paid Version.
U can only buy apps on the Play Store Website and you have no option to return the APP.
But if everything is working fine for you then stay with Gapps because it requires a lot of work and knowledge.
But some people like it that way
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see, thanks for the info. I use Nova and Phoenix ROM and just selected a few gapps.
I do use Play Store....well, it's the only app I know where to easily get and install apps from (when searching for an app), other than getting an apk elsewhere which I copy and install manually. What are you guys using? I tried browsing and downloading a few times on my phone but they don't work when installing. Probably I need an installer app on my phone? How do you guys manage these installations via the phone? I'd like this so I don't have to keep attaching my phone to the PC and transferring apks to install. Thanks again.

µg UnifiedNlp works great on Android 4.2.2.
GPS first fix time is faster than Google network location.
Looks like µg UnifiedNlp can save more battery since it's lower wakelock time compare with Google network location.
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Wow, this is awesome! It must have been a LOT of work to get this working, let alone making it stable and usable, thank you! Android is really very usable without gapps now.
Also, here are a couple links to anyone interested in using it completely offline: https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdfilter=Backend&fdid=org.fitchfamily.android.wifi_backend and https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdfilter=Backend&fdid=org.fitchfamily.android.gsmlocation
The wifi backend even updates the local database with nearby APs once it has found a GPS fix, real neat!
---------- Post added at 12:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:39 AM ----------
sherpa25 said:
I see, thanks for the info. I use Nova and Phoenix ROM and just selected a few gapps.
I do use Play Store....well, it's the only app I know where to easily get and install apps from (when searching for an app), other than getting an apk elsewhere which I copy and install manually. What are you guys using? I tried browsing and downloading a few times on my phone but they don't work when installing. Probably I need an installer app on my phone? How do you guys manage these installations via the phone? I'd like this so I don't have to keep attaching my phone to the PC and transferring apks to install. Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use F-Droid and Aptoide. Aptoide really has a LOT of software, highly recommended. It is a fork of F-Droid if I'm not mistaken, still open source and you can set-up your own repositories.

dp_alvarez said:
Wow, this is awesome! It must have been a LOT of work to get this working, let alone making it stable and usable, thank you! Android is really very usable without gapps now.
Also, here are a couple links to anyone interested in using it completely offline: https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdfilter=Backend&fdid=org.fitchfamily.android.wifi_backend and https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdfilter=Backend&fdid=org.fitchfamily.android.gsmlocation
The wifi backend even updates the local database with nearby APs once it has found a GPS fix, real neat!
---------- Post added at 12:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:39 AM ----------
I use F-Droid and Aptoide. Aptoide really has a LOT of software, highly recommended. It is a fork of F-Droid if I'm not mistaken, still open source and you can set-up your own repositories.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, downloaded these 2 apps now. Still reading up on UnifiedNlp. Since nogapps is needed, will I still be accessing gmail and/or google account, w/c is asked by some apps? Sorry for some confusion. Thanks.

I have a question: Is it possible to use UnifiedNlp with a offline copy of the OpenWlanMap database? In their website they provide the database for download, but I see no mention of using it with OpenWlanMapNlpBackend.
LocalWifiNlpBackend is intended to be used with our own database, but can I convert the OpenWlanMap database and use it?

sherpa25 said:
Thanks, downloaded these 2 apps now. Still reading up on UnifiedNlp. Since nogapps is needed, will I still be accessing gmail and/or google account, w/c is asked by some apps? Sorry for some confusion. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Currently it's not possible to use UnifiedNlp and apps requiring play services or Google apps.
dp_alvarez said:
I have a question: Is it possible to use UnifiedNlp with a offline copy of the OpenWlanMap database? In their website they provide the database for download, but I see no mention of using it with OpenWlanMapNlpBackend.
LocalWifiNlpBackend is intended to be used with our own database, but can I convert the OpenWlanMap database and use it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This will be included in the next release.

@MaR-V-iN you got PM.
Device: Samsung Galaxy S4 (GT-I9505)
ROM: CyanogenMod 11/M12 (KK 4.4.4)
Kernel: Alucard-V1.4qs
Recovery: TWRP 2.8.3.0
Modem: I9505XXUGNE8
Device: Nexus 7 (Grouper)
ROM: CyanogenMod 11/M9 (KK 4.4.4)
Kernel: Default CM11/M9 3.1.10
Recovery: TWRP 2.7.1.0

Is it possible to disable Google location services with "My Android Tool" and use µg UnifiedNlp for location service but keep the Google services installed for other purposes (app licenses, ...)?

Exactly what I was looking for; don't want Google snooping around on my phone. Thanks a lot!
One thing though: I am running an unofficial CM11 on my Razr i. Installing your app via F-Droid or directly as an apk fails due to a wrong signature, i.e. UnifiedNlp seems to be installed already - I can't find it anywhere on my phone though...

MaR-V-iN said:
[Offline OpenWLANMap location service] will be included in the next release.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ooh I love you! That feature + a device patched to passively scan for Wifi APs = pinpoint the location without emitting any signals whatsoever even if GPS coverage is poor. That's some exquisite stuff, man.
By the way, does µg implement Google Cloud Messaging? It would be fantastic for RedPhone, to get secure(ish) voice comms to our poor iOS using friends.

Been using this across devices since months back.. Happy to see a dedicated thread.. Good stuff.

dp_alvarez said:
I use F-Droid and Aptoide. Aptoide really has a LOT of software, highly recommended. It is a fork of F-Droid if I'm not mistaken, still open source and you can set-up your own repositories.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's the opposite, F-Droid is a fork of Aptoide.
@MaR-V-iN it's possible to use lacells.db and cells.db both on µg UnifiedNlp and NetLocation just by changing their names. Are these databases compatible between them?
Device: Samsung Galaxy S4 (GT-I9505)
ROM: CyanogenMod 11/M12 (KK 4.4.4)
Kernel: Alucard-V1.4qs
Recovery: TWRP 2.8.3.0
Modem: I9505XXUGNE8
Device: Nexus 7 (Grouper)
ROM: CyanogenMod 11/M9 (KK 4.4.4)
Kernel: Default CM11/M9 3.1.10
Recovery: TWRP 2.7.1.0

sancho_panzer said:
MaR-V-iN it's possible to use lacells.db and cells.db both on µg UnifiedNlp and NetLocation just by changing their names. Are these databases compatible between them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lacells.db is compatible with NOGAPPS NetworkLocation and the gsm backend for UnifiedNlp. cells.db is a different incompatible format. Renaming files will cause problems.

Is there a good Non-Google App Store (already tried Amazon and LG)

(this is a duplicate of my other thread. I realized the question doesn't ONLY apply to my old Nexus 4)
I'm trying to build an android phone with no Google apps on it, for privacy purposes.
I've got LineageOS on my rooted phone with no issues.
Getting apps is another matter. Amazon's app store doesn't even have Amazon's app, the LG store won't run on my phone. The various .apk-download sites I've seen either don't do paid apps, have outdated versions, or are basically for "cracked" apps, which i don't want to use.
Downloading .apk files can work, but most apps do not have such thing available, and I find often my phone's browsers choke on the link, and I have to download to my pc and then use adb to push the file across.
Is there a decent app store (or other app source) that isn't Google?

You could try Fdroid This is the website for Apk
Fdroid is all open source Apk's

bigfatguy said:
(this is a duplicate of my other thread. I realized the question doesn't ONLY apply to my old Nexus 4)
I'm trying to build an android phone with no Google apps on it, for privacy purposes.
I've got LineageOS on my rooted phone with no issues.
Getting apps is another matter. Amazon's app store doesn't even have Amazon's app, the LG store won't run on my phone. The various .apk-download sites I've seen either don't do paid apps, have outdated versions, or are basically for "cracked" apps, which i don't want to use.
Downloading .apk files can work, but most apps do not have such thing available, and I find often my phone's browsers choke on the link, and I have to download to my pc and then use adb to push the file across.
Is there a decent app store (or other app source) that isn't Google?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's wrong with Google? Whatever I have a few:
GetJar (Has not be well maintained, spam, malware etc. Lurking on there now)
SlideME (Abondon, apps are so old)
Aptoid (Has some stolen apk, malware)
TutuApp (dumb kids use it to get modded games and apps, don't go there)
The Internet (APKMirror is the best)
Google Play
Sent from my KFAUWI using Tapatalk

dro3m said:
What's wrong with Google?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1: I've decided, if possible, to act on the privacy concerns I've had about google for quite some time now
2: I'm a gun nut law abiding firearms enthusiast and don't appreciate their recent policy changes on Youtube. Since my information is the product they sell to make money, I wish to withhold it.
it might be a pipe dream, but a guy can try.
Thanks for the places to try, all.

In addition to Google Play and Amazon Appstore, I suggest Huawei App Store. http://appstore.huawei.com/
Just for your reference.

You could use the Yalp store app which is an app that will get and down load your apk from play store anonymously
You can download it here

Hi7m3up said:
You could use the Yalp store app which is an app that will get and down load your apk from play store anonymously
You can download it here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That may be an ideal solution... use Google's store, but don't have Google's app on my phone...

Yeah ideal for people who have restriction's of some type.
You probably noticed that yalp store (well at least the yalp bit) is play store backward's "very fitting"

Google Search App keeps updating itself, any way to prevent this?

Hey guys,
I just discovered that the Google Search App (incl Assistant) keeps auto updating on all my devices, although Play Store is set to "manual".
This shouldn't happen at all, find this rather shady.
Has anyone any clue how to block this behavior? I'm rooted, just in case you might ask.
Thanks!

You might be able to at least block it from connecting to the web using netguard.

@shaftenberg
Simply disable automatic updates of apps:
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jwoegerbauer said:
Simply disable automatic updates of apps:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, as stated in OP, automatic update is disabled in Play Store.
That's why I'm so annoyed because Google App (velvet.apk) doesn't respect the setting.
@SmawtPho20 I don't want to block the Play Store completely, that's not a workaround by itself
Has someone successfully signed velvet.apk so that it won't be recognized by Play Store but still working?
[edit]
I just have tried to sign velvet.apk with another key and installed it as system app, but it crashes then. This isn't a solution.

Magisk debloater module to debloat it.

Karma Firewall, uses almost no battery, freeware.
Or...
If you don't use wifi, set to update by wifi only

pl1992aw said:
Magisk debloater module to debloat it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I do not want to remove the Google App - I just do NOT want it to auto-update it by itself. I mean, come on, the user setting is "do not update" and Google App and Youtube keep updating nevertheless. Gladly I use Youtube Vanced, so because of the other signature, auto update doesn't work.
But Google App force closes when signing with another key.
I'm using the voice search feature alot, this is the only purpose for the app in my case. So I need velvet.apk / Google App.
OR: Has anyone an idea where to get voice search only? This is baked in unfortunately as far as I know.

Voice search? Bixby's big sister
Just more invasive Gookill data mining.
You're not the customer, you're the product.
You know like cattle...

shaftenberg said:
Has anyone an idea where to get voice search only?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try Google Go ?

blackhawk said:
Voice search? Bixby's big sister
Just more invasive Gookill data mining.
You're not the customer, you're the product.
You know like cattle...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your post is not useful at all, please stop trolling if you don't have any helpful things to say.
Stumbled upon many messages of you in the past few hours regarding Play Services and Battery drain and it seems, you simply hate Google but your "advices" do not help as they are out of logic in the corresponding threads.
@pl1992aw Google Go does not provide a system wide voice messaging unfortunately, but thanks for the hint!

shaftenberg said:
Your post is not useful at all, please stop trolling if you don't have any helpful things to say.
Stumbled upon many messages of you in the past few hours regarding Play Services and Battery drain and it seems, you simply hate Google but your "advices" do not help as they are out of logic in the corresponding threads.
@pl1992aw Google Go does not provide a system wide voice messaging unfortunately, but thanks for the hint!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
shaftenberg said:
Hey guys,
I just discovered that the Google Search App (incl Assistant) keeps auto updating on all my devices, although Play Store is set to "manual".
This shouldn't happen at all, find this rather shady.
Has anyone any clue how to block this behavior? I'm rooted, just in case you might ask.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simply my opinion. You called it "shady" yourself.
So stop stumbling like a smuck

shaftenberg said:
Hey guys,
I just discovered that the Google Search App (incl Assistant) keeps auto updating on all my devices, although Play Store is set to "manual".
This shouldn't happen at all, find this rather shady.
Has anyone any clue how to block this behavior? I'm rooted, just in case you might ask.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm struggling with the same issue. The voice-to-text was wrecked by the last update. Uninstall update and everything is good again. I have also disabled auto update on the Play Store and it keeps updating. All I can figure is that there is an update file saved on the phone that it is accessing. Does anyone know if it is possible to find/ delete the update file? FWIW, I am not rooted on this device (S20).

tacotory said:
I'm struggling with the same issue. The voice-to-text was wrecked by the last update. Uninstall update and everything is good again. I have also disabled auto update on the Play Store and it keeps updating. All I can figure is that there is an update file saved on the phone that it is accessing. Does anyone know if it is possible to find/ delete the update file? FWIW, I am not rooted on this device (S20).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try clearing the system cache.
Hard reboot.
SDMaid might be able to find/delete the corpse file on a non-root phone. I use the old Samsung 360° powered Device Care* to clear system logs which works well.
*firewall blocked due to potential CCP spyware

blackhawk said:
Try clearing the system cache.
Hard reboot.
SDMaid might be able to find/delete the corpse file on a non-root phone. I use the old Samsung 360° powered Device Care* to clear system logs which works well.
*firewall blocked due to potential CCP spyware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I cleared system cache and the app cache and it came back again this am.
Do you happen to know what directory the update file may be saved in and any clues on file name to look for?
Someone on another site recommended disabling Play Store and switching to a different apk app, which sounded promising. My main concern though is that I had already disabled "auto update" on the PS for the Google app and it keeps doing it- so either the file is already on my phone and the app is updating from there, or PS could be ignoring my selection...

tacotory said:
Well, I cleared system cache and the app cache and it came back again this am.
Do you happen to know what directory the update file may be saved in and any clues on file name to look for?
Someone on another site recommended disabling Play Store and switching to a different apk app, which sounded promising. My main concern though is that I had already disabled "auto update" on the PS for the Google app and it keeps doing it- so either the file is already on my phone and the app is updating from there, or PS could be ignoring my selection...
Click to expand...
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I keep Playwhore package disabled unless I need it. It will constantly run in the background, at start up etc. I don't use wifi, my wifi is always disabled so I set it to auto update by wifi only.
Nothing updates on my 10+ unless I authorize it to. Updates are way overrated and many times not in your best interests.
You can try locking it down with Karma Firewall. On Pie and below it's valuable logging feature is full functional. Thank Google for the limited app resources change starting with Q.
Karma uses almost no battery. A great app.

tacotory said:
I'm struggling with the same issue. The voice-to-text was wrecked by the last update. Uninstall update and everything is good again. I have also disabled auto update on the Play Store and it keeps updating. All I can figure is that there is an update file saved on the phone that it is accessing. Does anyone know if it is possible to find/ delete the update file? FWIW, I am not rooted on this device (S20).
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Finally there is someone with the same problem Not that I like it, but now I don't feel that stupid anymore.
It seems, that Google pushes updates to Google App and Youtube regardless of the user settings in Play Store. But Youtube can't be updated automatically, because I'm using Youtube Vanced and the auto-update fails (haha).
So I suspected that a velvet.apk signed with another key would help, but this crashes immediately at start.
I haven't found a solution yet other than disabling Play Store, but this isn't a workaround for me. If you enable PS again, it will silently update Google App anyway in that short time frame.
I don't even know if Play Store is the culprit or the Google Play Services. If I had to guess, I'd tend more to the Play Services, but I really don't know.
What do you mean with "update file"? The apk to be installed will be downloaded either in a temp directory which isn't accessible without root, or it will be stored in the cache partition which you can safely clear in your recovery (Vol Up & Power). But I assume, deleting the apk wouldn't solve the problem as it has been installed already then.

Goggle Assistant and/or Quick Search maybe the culprit(s). I have both disabled along with Google Backup Transport and Framework.
I'm running on Pie as well as the factory load for most of the Google apps including Gmail and maps. I don't have this issue.
It may have something to do with Google account settings; there are many spread out in a big mess. Go through them all. I disabled most of them including Firebase and casting.
Gookill sucks.

Well, I am several days now without the app updating. Seems the solution was to disable the Google Play Services (not Play Store) app. Not sure if it is temporary or permanent of if it will cause long-term issues, but for now I have the voice-to-text interface that actually works good.

tacotory said:
Well, I am several days now without the app updating. Seems the solution was to disable the Google Play Services (not Play Store) app. Not sure if it is temporary or permanent of if it will cause long-term issues, but for now I have the voice-to-text interface that actually works good.
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I'm just curious to see if this held or not. I've been dealing with the same thing with my SwiftKey keyboard. The Google app completely ruins speech to text on it. And the more you roll it back, the more frequently it wants to update. I've been fighting it for months and so far the only thing that I found are suggestions that require me to root which I kind of grew out of several years ago.

It is working. I had it backwards in my previous post though. You need to disable Play Store (not Play Services). Disabling Services kills a majority of apps.
I use Swiftkey also, but I don't think it has anything to do with Swiftkey. Swiftkey just uses the Google voice-to-text.
Once Play Store is disabled you have to go the the Google app and uninstall updates. The only negative I have experienced is that you have to enable PS again when you need to download a new app from the store (expected) which will mean uninstalling updates again.