Apps and folders on the same screen? - Galaxy S 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Apps and folders on the same screen? - Galaxy S 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Having some trouble with this. On my GS3 I could have apps and folders on the same screen. Now on my GS5 when I try an move a folder to a screen that has an app on it, it won't let me. How is this not possible?
BR

You shouldn't assume that every feature is stagnant and never changes. Just because you could do something on your S3 doesn't necessarily mean that it will work the same way on your S5. If Google wanted to change how a feature worked, they certainly could.
Nevertheless, I don't have any trouble adding a folder to a home screen that has an existing app icon on it. To even begin to guess why you can't do so, we need all of the information that you forgot to include in your original post e.g. what model of S5 you have, your carrier, firmware version, the exact steps you try to put the folder.. and so forth. A screen shot would be good too.
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[Q] Going after minimalistic set of programms/feature on N7

Hi, a new guy here!
I recently became a happy owner of 32Gb wi-fi only N7. I’m familiar with software dev (windows developer for 20 years with some work on unix) and customization/modding/flashing process (mostly for satellite receivers). However this is my first tablet and my first Android device so I could use some help 
I successfully unlocked, rooted and installed custom recovery on my N7. I would like to get to a bare bones state of the N7 and then slowly add new features/programs to it when it becomes necessary for me. So I would like to remove all non essential parts that were preinstalled on my N7.
I was under impression that I could uninstall programs using N7 UI after device gets rooted. However it seems that for majority of the apps I still only have an option to disable.
I shelled into N7 and looked around. It seems that all (majority?) of the apps are in /system/apps folder. Can I simply remove the apps and their files from that folder? Does this folder only contain user apps or does it also have system apps that are essential for N7 to function? Is there a chance to brick it by removing something (everything?) from that folder?
I searched on a forum for a list of apps that are safe to remove. I thought it would exist since it seems to be something many of us would be interested in doing. I didn’t find the list. If there is such a thing and someone could direct me there, it would be great!
Given that I can remove apps by deleting them from that folder safely, I still have a question what each app does and how important it is. Is safe to assume that any app that has a wheel with a drive belt on it as an icon in apps screen on N7 is system app and has to stay?
I have two keyboard app installed – one is Android keyboard and one is ASUS keyboard. Judging by the name 2 of these are essential since Android is the OS and ASUS is the manufacturer. But do I really need two of them?
If there is a resource/thread that discussed something similar, please let know. I look forward to learn from anyone on this forum! 

_Diver said:
Hi, a new guy here!
I recently became a happy owner of 32Gb wi-fi only N7. I’m familiar with software dev (windows developer for 20 years with some work on unix) and customization/modding/flashing process (mostly for satellite receivers). However this is my first tablet and my first Android device so I could use some help 
I successfully unlocked, rooted and installed custom recovery on my N7. I would like to get to a bare bones state of the N7 and then slowly add new features/programs to it when it becomes necessary for me. So I would like to remove all non essential parts that were preinstalled on my N7.
I was under impression that I could uninstall programs using N7 UI after device gets rooted. However it seems that for majority of the apps I still only have an option to disable.
I shelled into N7 and looked around. It seems that all (majority?) of the apps are in /system/apps folder. Can I simply remove the apps and their files from that folder? Does this folder only contain user apps or does it also have system apps that are essential for N7 to function? Is there a chance to brick it by removing something (everything?) from that folder?
I searched on a forum for a list of apps that are safe to remove. I thought it would exist since it seems to be something many of us would be interested in doing. I didn’t find the list. If there is such a thing and someone could direct me there, it would be great!
Given that I can remove apps by deleting them from that folder safely, I still have a question what each app does and how important it is. Is safe to assume that any app that has a wheel with a drive belt on it as an icon in apps screen on N7 is system app and has to stay?
I have two keyboard app installed – one is Android keyboard and one is ASUS keyboard. Judging by the name 2 of these are essential since Android is the OS and ASUS is the manufacturer. But do I really need two of them?
If there is a resource/thread that discussed something similar, please let know. I look forward to learn from anyone on this forum! 
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have the energy right now to address every app one at a time, but I'll nudge you in the right direction. That should help you start tinkering.
The Nexus 7 is very popular in this community because it's intentionally more open, and less bloated, than much of the competition.
That being said, sure there are apps you could uninstall if you decide to. Some of the custom ROM's will have probably already have done this for you, but may create little unexpected quirks here and there.
The first thing you'll want to do is backing everything up thoroughly. I would use Titanium Pro (you'll see it referred to as Tibu a lot), to backup all apps and settings. Then I would use the Google Nexus 7 toolkit (found in the forums here) to do a backup, as well as make a nandroid backup.
Ok, so you're ready to tinker. Well, if you bought Titanium Pro from the app store, you've already got all you really need. First, use titanium to freeze an app you don't feel you need, and don't think is required. Re-boot, go about your daily routine, and see if all is ok. Continue on in this manner. Once you've frozen everything you're interested in, and made sure all is well, you can probably go ahead and uninstall them through Tibu. Freezing them should generally make them not start up anyways, so unless the tiny amount of space they take up is a concern, that's really all you generally need to do *.
* Ok, sometimes you have to fully uninstall things you don't want, but this should get you plenty to tinker with for now.

bladebarrier,
Thanks for your response. I understand the approach you suggested – disabling apps one at a time and then when they all disabled and device is working to my liking for a while I could uninstall them.
However, I’m somewhat frustrated with a sheer number of apps that I have out of the box and I can’t find a good description of what they do. For example:
Mobile Network Configuration
Google Partner Setup
Google Services Framework
Searching online doesn’t yield definitive answers if it’s something I need or will N7 work without them. I have google play store and google play services installed – does store app require services? Reading a bit about it doesn’t make it seem so, but I’m not 100% sure. So I was wondering if there is a list of apps that are required for N7 well being and that cannot be removed no matter what.
For example, Black Viper has an excellent example of what I’m looking for but for windows nt services: (can't post a link)
This page explain what each service is, what it does and if it’s safe to disable it depending on configuration you’re seeking – minimal set, typical, out of box of experimental. I would love to find something like that for N7 system apps 
I installed CWM recovery when I rooted and as far as I can understand I does NAND backups. I plan on moving the backup file from the device to my desktop and keeping it there for safety reason.
The Tibu process that you described, as far as I understand (and I might be wrong here) is basically equivalent of disabling the apps using native N7 setting app, rebooting, using it for a while and then removing .apk and .odex (or simply app_name.*) files from system/apps folder. Tibu just makes it easier. Did I get that right?
And it’s still removing one app/widget at the time. I’d like to clean it out completely first and start from that point. So Tibu will probably not help me there. So my main Q is still out there – can I brick it by removing everything from system/app? Are there only user apps there or essential system apps as well? With CWM back up file on hand will I be able to recover if my experiment goes bad? 
> * Ok, sometimes you have to fully uninstall things you don't want, but this should get you plenty to tinker with for now.
One of the reasons I want to have them removed is to clean up the list of apps I have on N7. Right now I have 5 pages of apps and I have little idea what they do and if I need them – I had Korean keyboard installed for example.
As I mentioned I’m a newb in this area, so maybe my approach is a bit dumb, so please be patient with me

littleemp said:
Removing Google framework services is a big no-no. To be honest, the easiest way to accomplish what you want is installing a custom ROM like CyanogenMod, especially since you've done all the prep work for such a thing.
Once you install any official CM build it is as close to app-less as you can get on a modular OS like this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's what i suspected! i thought that google framework would be something essential, but there is not much easily available information there to arrive at that conclusion
since i'm new to this, i thought i should stay away from any rom flashing until i get a bit more familiar with a device, terminology and stuff like that. i'm looking at the "[ROM] CyanogenMod 10.1 [OFFICIAL]" thread and i'm not sure about half of the terms - GAPPS, PSA, Nightlies i do know what ROM is, I do know what kernel is, virtual machine, etc. But it's applied to the platform that I have little experience with, so it makes me a little bit uneasy

_Diver said:
bladebarrier,
Thanks for your response. I understand the approach you suggested – disabling apps one at a time and then when they all disabled and device is working to my liking for a while I could uninstall them.
However, I’m somewhat frustrated with a sheer number of apps that I have out of the box and I can’t find a good description of what they do. For example:
Mobile Network Configuration
Google Partner Setup
Google Services Framework
Searching online doesn’t yield definitive answers if it’s something I need or will N7 work without them. I have google play store and google play services installed – does store app require services? Reading a bit about it doesn’t make it seem so, but I’m not 100% sure. So I was wondering if there is a list of apps that are required for N7 well being and that cannot be removed no matter what.
For example, Black Viper has an excellent example of what I’m looking for but for windows nt services: (can't post a link)
This page explain what each service is, what it does and if it’s safe to disable it depending on configuration you’re seeking – minimal set, typical, out of box of experimental. I would love to find something like that for N7 system apps 
I installed CWM recovery when I rooted and as far as I can understand I does NAND backups. I plan on moving the backup file from the device to my desktop and keeping it there for safety reason.
The Tibu process that you described, as far as I understand (and I might be wrong here) is basically equivalent of disabling the apps using native N7 setting app, rebooting, using it for a while and then removing .apk and .odex (or simply app_name.*) files from system/apps folder. Tibu just makes it easier. Did I get that right?
And it’s still removing one app/widget at the time. I’d like to clean it out completely first and start from that point. So Tibu will probably not help me there. So my main Q is still out there – can I brick it by removing everything from system/app? Are there only user apps there or essential system apps as well? With CWM back up file on hand will I be able to recover if my experiment goes bad? 
> * Ok, sometimes you have to fully uninstall things you don't want, but this should get you plenty to tinker with for now.
One of the reasons I want to have them removed is to clean up the list of apps I have on N7. Right now I have 5 pages of apps and I have little idea what they do and if I need them – I had Korean keyboard installed for example.
As I mentioned I’m a newb in this area, so maybe my approach is a bit dumb, so please be patient with me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tibu requires root access, in order to perform what we're discussing. I'm relatively new to JB, but I can't imagine any stock settings replicating its capabilities.
As far as a whole bunch of apps being in your list, that's sort of the way Android works. Think of it like "superfetch", or whatever that term was in Windows Vista. Basically, two things happen when you boot. Android looks at a list of apps that are designed to start on boot, and also apps that it expects you may want to run in the future. Both of these are designed to make the device run smoother overall, and it will kill apps if extra ram is required and they are not in use. Certain Android apps require themselves to run at all times. Some of these are apps like Tasker (if you're using tasker profiles), some of these are system apps that make the device function, some of these are apps that maintain widgets or background monitoring (weather apps, gmail, calendar).
Now, there are two ways to go about sorting what is bloat, and what is there because Android decided to load it. You can install an app called Autostarts, that will give an insight into apps that start up when certain criteria are met. You can also use it to stop those apps from queuing up at those trigger points. This is another root required app, and while I purchased it long ago, may have a free version as well. It's time consuming to use, and not perfect, which is why Tibu is better for flat out locking down unwanted apps.
Back to my initial thoughts though, you will see apps in your system list that you haven't touched since boot, because Android tries to anticipate your needs. People used to use "task killers" to close the apps, and came to realize that unless one is causing a real problem, it's just going to go back into the cached app list again anyways, thus reducing battery life when it has to load it over and over again. "Task killer" is a dirty word around XDA, unless you're using it to close an app that doesn't just go into the background like a good little app should.
Basically, you're going to start playing whack-a-mole if you want your list to remain as small as possible, at all times, and yet still actually use the device for anything interesting. You can reduce it, via various methods, and if this were a device from say "insert-name" brand, and was loaded with bloat apps, by all means you should clean those out. However, I think you'll find that while google does install things that aren't needed, or even used by everyone, it's mostly not a big issue.
Check out Better Battery Stats, in the XDA forums. It's an app that shows a pretty good picture of what is actually going on when you're not looking, and can provide data on how to improve your performance. It's probably a better way to start delving into what processes are actually being used, and which ones are just basically harmless. You'll also learn a good bit about how Android works from the Dev's explanations of many of the processes.
---------- Post added at 08:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:32 PM ----------
_Diver said:
that's what i suspected! i thought that google framework would be something essential, but there is not much easily available information there to arrive at that conclusion
since i'm new to this, i thought i should stay away from any rom flashing until i get a bit more familiar with a device, terminology and stuff like that. i'm looking at the "[ROM] CyanogenMod 10.1 [OFFICIAL]" thread and i'm not sure about half of the terms - GAPPS, PSA, Nightlies i do know what ROM is, I do know what kernel is, virtual machine, etc. But it's applied to the platform that I have little experience with, so it makes me a little bit uneasy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure whichever ROM you use, if you decide to, supports your HSPA+ model. There is a separate development section in the Nexus 7 forums, for those of us that have the HSPA+ version. We are the minority, as the Nexus 7 was initially released as a wifi only tablet.

bladebarrier said:
Tibu requires root access, in order to perform what we're discussing. I'm relatively new to JB, but I can't imagine any stock settings replicating its capabilities.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i do have SU privileges, so what i was talking about was disabling an app thru N7 setting screen and then when i deem the app ok to remove, going to adb shell and removing the actual file.
i just did this:
mount -o remount rw /system
rm iWnnIME_Kbd_White.apk
rm iWnnIME.apk
and it removed the japanese keyboard. however when i go back to app screen under settings, i still see it but now it has a grey icon with a SD symbols in the corner. so it appears it recognizes that the app is gone, but it's still referenced in the list. i pushed the files back using NRT and it all back to the way it was. so looks like my idea of cleaning the list by removing the apk might not fly.
and now I wonder how Tibu uninstalls the apps.
bladebarrier said:
People used to use "task killers" to close the apps, and came to realize that unless one is causing a real problem, it's just going to go back into the cached app list again anyways, thus reducing battery life when it has to load it over and over again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand the notion of apps being in the cache and being removed when more RAM is needed, however the purist in me just doesn't want the junk apps to be there in first place However there is a lot of validity to these of your words:
bladebarrier said:
Basically, you're going to start playing whack-a-mole if you want your list to remain as small as possible, at all times, and yet still actually use the device for anything interesting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My wife got Kindle Fire HD recently and she's been using it happily. While I was thinking why would anyone want a closed up system (well, more closed up system then Nexus), she's been using it and I've been frustrated with my N7 so i might just let it go and enjoy the japanese and korean keyboards anyway
bladebarrier said:
Make sure whichever ROM you use, if you decide to, supports your HSPA+ model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'm wifi only

ngshniq every
i think i found what i was after: http wiki.cyanogenmod.org/wiki/barebones (url modified since i still can't post urls). this wiki page has the list of app with a short description and if it's safe to remove. it also has additional information that explains why i still saw the reference to the app in the list when apk file was deleted:
looks like i need to pay attention to 2 additional files:
/data/system/packages.xml
/data/system/packages.list
i bet I would find a reference to the apps in these and i would need to remove it in order to have the app disappear from the app list. i'll play around a bit more and report back

One thing, could you explain your reasoning behind wanting to delete everything but the essentials? Do you have a particular goal in mind or is it because of your windows background? Because if so, you should know that android operates very differently when compared to windows, and such, the requirements to keep your device working in tip top shape vary greatly.
In my opinion, with your current limited knowledge of each process/app inner workings, what you're trying to do surefire way to break something beyond repair and needing to use a factory image to get back to zero. A custom ROM will be much safer and yield the exact same results that you're looking for. (Eventually, once you understand what each thing does, then this manual approach could satisfy your needs)
Note: GApps are the basic Google apps to flash on top of the barebones system. Gmail, Play store, and the framework.
Nightlies are experimental builds compiled nightly by a bot with the latest CyanogenMod code available.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD

My goal was to simplify my approach to N7 by removing anything that I don’t need now and slowly adding all necessary components as I get familiar with it. But it seems at this point that this approach is a bit more complicated as thought it would be.
So I think I would leave it alone for now and revisit this later 

_Diver said:
My goal was to simplify my approach to N7 by removing anything that I don’t need now and slowly adding all necessary components as I get familiar with it. But it seems at this point that this approach is a bit more complicated as thought it would be.
So I think I would leave it alone for now and revisit this later 
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what you've done manually, you're clearly far ahead of a new user when it comes to understanding linux/unix.
If you want to lock down parts of what google implements, purely to keep it minimalistic, I would agree with the above poster. Go for one of the popular ROM options that are available, like CM, and work your way backwards. The Nexus 7 only has as much bloat as you allow it to have via the settings. This is another reason why Better Battery Stats is an excellent way to make sure your device isn't draining battery, yet isn't locked down. The other day I noticed an app that kept fetching my position, even though the case was closed (magnetic sleep mode). It turned out I forgot to disable the tracking in google maps (why it was defaulted to ON, I have no idea). BBS showed me what was running during the sleep phase, and I fixed it when I woke up the next morning after wondering why my battery dropped.
The Kindle Fire is a great option, because it doesn't require any of this fussing about. My woman loves hers. LOVES IT. Personally, I like to tinker a bit, and I'm too invested in Android apps to not have access to the play store. The Nexus 7, is for people like what you find here. We like to tinker, and make everything custom. At the same time, you could spend all day trying to figure out why EntriesRefresh_wakelock is your highest partial wakelock count, at 60seconds per 7 hours, or you can find that you just went 7 hours and only used 6% of the battery, even though you've been connected to wifi, texting, emailing, and checking the weather and news, the whole time. Not bad, honestly.
The biggest investment you can do for your Nexus, is probably getting a case that magnetically puts it to rest when you close it. After that, learn about the settings that drain battery in the background. Then, get Tasker and play around that (it's like programming, without the need to learn the code). After that, go to a custom ROM, or dig out Tibu, and basically start customizing which apps you will use. If that doesn't pass the time long enough, you can literally make your own ROM and put together exactly what you want. Whether the performance will be that much better or not, and whether you'll spend most of your day trying to look for coding errors, is up to you. I don't have the patience to code, but you're a coder, so what is broccoli to me, may be bacon to you.

[Q] How To Get Rid Of These Horrible White Backgrounds!

This is on a rooted Verizon S5 SM-G900V with Alliance ROM 4.4.2. Is there any way to invert the background and text without inverting images? Especially in Chrome, but it would be nice for the whole phone. White lettering on a black background is much easier to read.
I'm seeing screenshots online of Alliance that are nice and dark (I think it's called Black Glass?), including the phone dialer. How do I get the whole android theme dark.
Same thing with other apps. There's a few local TV news apps that have a bright white background that I wish I could customize to a dark theme. The Samsung Music Player is bright white as well. Anyway to make these dark in Alliance?
The problem I've noticed with third-party dialer apps is that they let you type the phone number, but when you hit the phone button to place the call, it opens up the Android dialer with the bright white background. Right back to square zero. Basically, I'm just trying to figure out how to get that nice black look like I'm seeing on some of the alliance ROM screenshots.
Thanks.

Trunktracker said:
The problem I've noticed with third-party dialer apps is that they let you type the phone number, but when you hit the phone button to place the call, it opens up the Android dialer with the bright white background. Right back to square zero. Basically, I'm just trying to figure out how to get that nice black look like I'm seeing on some of the alliance ROM screenshots.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The app on 4.4 you needed to theme was called InCall.apk there is an app on 5.0 call LegacyInCallUI.apk so would amuse that its this one but if you are running a custom rom then it may have the original InCall app, if you look is System\app or System\Priv-app folder (most likely the priv-app folder teh one you need will be in there.
Problem at the moment is that apktool has a problem with Samsung apk's and compiling them, its not so much apk tool as more likely something Samsung have added in their security to prevent apktool working as it should, so you can decompile apps fine if the app does compile then you can use the .png files, xml files but the resources arsc most likely will cause the app to crash. Also they have use .pkm files which you can't see like you can with .png files so you need specific software to look at them, again Samsung trying to prevent theming of stock apps.

Hmmm. Well, that's all a bit over my head. So, is there not an easy way to install an app or change a setting somewhere? I'm not sure what to actually to click on with all those files you mentioned. I find searching for files in Android to be confusing and nothing like a Windows PC with the usual file directory locations. Like, WHERE is the C:\ drive on the phone?

Trunktracker said:
Hmmm. Well, that's all a bit over my head. So, is there not an easy way to install an app or change a setting somewhere? I'm not sure what to actually to click on with all those files you mentioned. I find searching for files in Android to be confusing and nothing like a Windows PC with the usual file directory locations. Like, WHERE is the C:\ drive on the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The apps are in the system folder called
system\app
system\priv-app
system\framework
But if you have never done theming before then don't even try you would need to start with simple things and learn what to do and what not to do.
Can't help with the app question as I have no idea, maybe there is something that someone else can answer that for you.
I am looking at theming these form myself but I don't have the time at the moment, I don't share them any more though as there are far too many ungrateful people around these days.

Z4 safe to debloat info-spreadsheet

The stock ROMs are shipped with a huge amount of bloatware, from which I see many processes active when opening a task manager. Let's freeze/disable or uninstall crap we don't need You can disable many apps without root from Android's app manager, but you'll need root for many of them. Root is mandatory to uninstall system apps.
You can use this spreadsheet (of moly82) on the new tab named jelbo. I'm collaborating with moly82's generic Xperia Lollipop debloating script. Turns out the Z4 Tablet does have quite some things moved around / added / removed, so it's definitely good to have added support for it. New sheet contains both generic Xperia stuff and Z4 Tablet specific apps. The jelbo tab contains both my findings and the ones from moly82.
In the spreadsheet is a list of all the pre-installed unneeded system apps either I or moly82 has 'frozen' or disabled, without any problems. I've marked some yellow because you might need the functionality, for example DLNA or native Exchange support. It's not finished yet, but you can go ahead and use it as a base of your decisions to freeze/uninstall stuff.
You can debloat manually with apps like Titanium Backup. Here's a procedure to make a label, associate apps to it and batch freeze or uninstall them.
Get Titanium Backup and start it. You probably need Pro.
Go to the tab named Backup/Restore.
Tap 'Click to edit filters' in the top right.
Tap 'Clear' in the top right.
Tap 'Create label ...' in the bottom right.
Type a name, give a color (optional) and tap 'Add/Remove elements ...'
Check the boxes of apps you wish to free or uninstall (based on the spreadsheet for example).
Tap the green checkmark on the top right.
Tap 'Save'.
Back in th Filters section, make sure no filter is active (tap 'Clear'), select the newly created label (check the box) and tap the green checkmark.
Titanium Backup will display a list of the apps you've labeled.
Tap the 'file and checkmark' icon top right to get to the 'Batch actions' screen.
Scroll to 'Freeze / Defrost' and tap the RUN button next to 'Freeze all user & system apps (USE FILTERS & EXTREME CAUTION)'.
Profit.
For anyone wanting to collaborate, send me a PM with your e-mail address and I'll give you edit-rights.
Eventually, when this thing is 'done' I plan to either expand moly82's script or at least share my Titanium Backup 'custom' database with the labeled categories, for easy batch actions.

jelbo said:
The stock ROMs are shipped with a huge amount of bloatware, from which I see many processes active when opening a task manager. Let's freeze/disable or uninstall crap we don't need You can disable many apps without root from Android's app manager, but you'll need root for many of them. Root is mandatory to uninstall system apps.
Here's a Google Sheets spreadsheet I made.
In it is a list of all the system apps I've 'frozen' or disabled, without any problems. I've marked some yellow because you might need the functionality, for example DLNA or native Exchange support.
You can debloat manually with apps like Titanium Backup. Here's a procedure to make a label, associate apps to it and batch freeze or uninstall them.
Get Titanium Backup and start it. You probably need Pro.
Go to the tab named Backup/Restore.
Tap 'Click to edit filters' in the top right.
Tap 'Clear' in the top right.
Tap 'Create label ...' in the bottom right.
Type a name, give a color (optional) and tap 'Add/Remove elements ...'
Check the boxes of apps you wish to free or uninstall (based on the spreadsheet for example).
Tap the green checkmark on the top right.
Tap 'Save'.
Back in th Filters section, make sure no filter is active (tap 'Clear'), select the newly created label (check the box) and tap the green checkmark.
Titanium Backup will display a list of the apps you've labeled.
Tap the 'file and checkmark' icon top right to get to the 'Batch actions' screen.
Scroll to 'Freeze / Defrost' and tap the RUN button next to 'Freeze all user & system apps (USE FILTERS & EXTREME CAUTION)'.
Profit.
/edit: I have added the remaining system apps, so now every system app is on the list. I've marked apps blue @moly82 uses in his/her debloating script I just stumbled across. I'll test with those frozen and if my system stays stable, will add them to the safe to freeze/uninstall list.
For anyone wanting to collaborate, send me a PM with your e-mail address and I'll give you edit-rights.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks
Have you tried this one @jelbo? I use it for my Z3 compact and Z3 compact tab and it works well. It can be tweaked to leave some items in too.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/wip-debloat-lp-690-correct-functioning-t3076161
Edit: I see you have already found the script and this is an alternative from what I can understand How is TB these days, haven't used it for a while, even though I have a pro key.

scoobydu said:
Thanks
Have you tried this one @jelbo? I use it for my Z3 compact and Z3 compact tab and it works well. It can be tweaked to leave some items in too.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/wip-debloat-lp-690-correct-functioning-t3076161
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I thought of that script a bit late. I'll have a look at the linked Google Sheet to get more insight in the Sony apps. I figure the Z4 Tablet is a bit of a different beast that might need a different set of safely frozen system apps so my sheet isn't a big waste of time. Took me a few hours though...
Edit: I see you have already found the script and this is an alternative from what I can understand How is TB these days, haven't used it for a while, even though I have a pro key.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TB is as tedious and gruesome as ever, but it's sadly still the only app in it's kind. Wish the dev would add some much needed features and overhaul the GUI.

jelbo said:
Yeah, I thought of that script a bit late. I'll have a look at the linked Google Doc to get more insight in the Sony apps. I figure the Z4 Tablet is a bit of a different beast that might need a different set of safely frozen system apps so my sheet isn't a big waste of time. Took me a few hours though...
TB is as tedious and gruesome as ever, but it's sadly still the only app in it's kind. Wish the dev would add some much needed features and overhaul the GUI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its looks as though it took some time, so thanks and not wasted. I was hoping there was a way of selecting the key sony features from the script rather than doing it manually, or have config files to load into an app to remove the files selcted in the config files, but never found the time to investigate further.
Yeh, those are the reasons I haven't used it for some time and its a shame as its powerful but not intuitive for me when using it.
I thought the other script actually delted rather than being frozen, but I do recall it recreates a backup folder for the files in case you want to put them back later.
Believe you can delete the backups once you are happy that the changes you made are working.

scoobydu said:
Its looks as though it took some time, so thanks and not wasted. I was hoping there was a way of selecting the key sony features from the script rather than doing it manually, or have config files to load into an app to remove the files selcted in the config files, but never found the time to investigate further.
Yeh, those are the reasons I haven't used it for some time and its a shame as its powerful but not intuitive for me when using it.
I thought the other script actually delted rather than being frozen, but I do recall it recreates a backup folder for the files in case you want to put them back later.
Believe you can delete the backups once you are happy that the changes you made are working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, moly82's script moves files to a backup location, making them non-functional but easily restoreable.
I'm not sure still what freezing effectively does, because I once saw some frozen apps in my task manager (OS Monitor). Better to uninstall/move when sure.

Nice!
I personally used the System app remover from playstore and just deleted all the useless stuff and then did a factory reset to get rid of all the *app not found* icons and flashed the smallest package from opengapps but when i reflash the stock FW in the future im sure going to give this a go

jelbo said:
Yes, moly82's script moves files to a backup location, making them non-functional but easily restoreable.
I'm not sure still what freezing effectively does, because I once saw some frozen apps in my task manager (OS Monitor). Better to uninstall/move when sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Prefer to fully remove once I know I don't need and have no fc's
ml11ML said:
Nice!
I personally used the System app remover from playstore and just deleted all the useless stuff and then did a factory reset to get rid of all the *app not found* icons and flashed the smallest package from opengapps but when i reflash the stock FW in the future im sure going to give this a go
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some slight suspect reviews about this app on the play store.
A similar thing can be done with Sdmaid, which is my go to app for for everyday cleaning and more specific app removal.
Been using it a while and it works well, as an option.

scoobydu said:
Prefer to fully remove once I know I don't need and have no fc's
Some slight suspect reviews about this app on the play store.
A similar thing can be done with Sdmaid, which is my go to app for for everyday cleaning and more specific app removal.
Been using it a while and it works well, as an option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmmm... never really looked at the reviews but now that i did i see some ppl complaining about fullscreen ads which there are but not nearly as bad to not allow it to do its job. And the Sdmaid seems to be a nice option, might try it, thanks for suggesting it

ml11ML said:
Hmmmm... never really looked at the reviews but now that i did i see some ppl complaining about fullscreen ads which there are but not nearly as bad to not allow it to do its job. And the Sdmaid seems to be a nice option, might try it, thanks for suggesting it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Think I'll stick with sdmaid but thx for the suggestion.
Take a look at the sdmaid v4 beta apk available from the devs website.
Looks great and seems to work the same.
Pity v4 sdmaid can't take your file as input Jelbo to remove a batch of files.
Sent from my SGP621 using Tapatalk

don't understand the need of making another script/list when there is mine and you saw it more then 10 days ago when you posted in my thread in general Xperia section (that can be contributed and kept updated by anyone) that works for all xperias oob or can be adapted very easily but no problem of course thats your choice.
my list is 100% safe though, me and other hundred people running lp on different xperias use(s/d) it without problems (just some features may be missing after applying my script of course but anything can be restored easily) and btw all xperias have almost identical apks just the names may be a little different somewhere that's all..
Never used tb but for sure it is completely different from my approach of completely moving away/deleting stuff, a freeze should be just based on pm unix command or similar that doesn't really touch anything, just disables stuff
cheers

moly82 said:
don't understand the need of making another script/list when there is mine and you saw it more then 10 days ago when you posted in my thread in general Xperia section (that can be contributed and kept updated by anyone) that works for all xperias oob or can be adapted very easily but no problem of course thats your choice.
my list is 100% safe though, me and other hundred people running lp on different xperias use(s/d) it without problems (just some features may be missing after applying my script of course but anything can be restored easily) and btw all xperias have almost identical apks just the names may be a little different somewhere that's all..
Never used tb but for sure it is completely different from my approach of completely moving away/deleting stuff, a freeze should be just based on pm unix command or similar that doesn't really touch anything, just disables stuff
cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a quick look at your script back then and saw some differences in apps that I didn't see on my device, that made me think the Z4 Tablet needed it's own approach I guess. Looking back I realise it's pretty much identical and it would have been better with just starting with your work. Ah well. Maybe we can merge our findings somehow? If a file isn't found on the Z4 Tablet it'll just be skipped. I'll PM you my e-mail address so you can add me as a contributor to your sheet. I think it's a good idea to discuss about a good format for both devices beforehand so I won't mess things up.

No problem mate, saw the PM and I've just given you the write access feel free to edit it or make your own as you wish and yes if a package is not found it'll just be skipped so not a problem at all
In my list a few apks i found about recently are missing will update it as soon as i have some spare time available..
Bye!

moly82 said:
No problem mate, saw the PM and I've just given you the write access feel free to edit it or make your own as you wish and yes if a package is not found it'll just be skipped so not a problem at all
In my list a few apks i found about recently are missing will update it as soon as i have some spare time available..
Bye!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi moly82, I'm done with merging my data in your sheet. It's in the 2nd tab named jelbo. What a job, it took me half a day
I've kept your split view (with the grey row) and ordering by path.
I've added missing paths, paths including .apk file and 'friendly names'
█ I've marked entries which I found on the Z4 Tablet, but not on your list as Cyan (left column)
█ I've marked entries which were on your list, but not on the Z4 Tablet as Yellow (left column)
█ I've marked the background of the Friendly Name of entries which were found safe to debloat/feeze/move by either you or me Green
█ I've marked the background and the text of the Friendly Name of entries which I think are surely not safe to debloat/feeze/move Red
█ I've marked the background of the Friendly Name of entries which I think are probably not safe to debloat/feeze/move Pink
█ I've marked the background of the Friendly Name of entries which are probably safe to debloat/feeze/move, but which most people want to keep due to connected basic functionality (phone, camera) as Yellow
On to what can be done:
Your 'Added in LP5.1' entries are moved in between existing entries, while maintaning your Orange color. I guess they can be debloated and made Green?
If it is meaningful, can you add the missing info on the stuff you've come across on other Xperia devices?
Can you have a look at 'unclassified' entries and share your thoughts in the comment field on how safe you think they are to debloat?
Can you update your script with my findings? I'm still testing some 'unclassified' entries to see if it works fine or not.

jelbo said:
Hi moly82, I'm done with merging my data in your sheet. It's in the 2nd tab named jelbo. What a job, it took me half a day
I've kept your split view (with the grey row) and ordering by path.
I've added missing paths, paths including .apk file and 'friendly names'
█ I've marked entries which I found on the Z4 Tablet, but not on your list as Cyan (left column)
█ I've marked entries which were on your list, but not on the Z4 Tablet as Yellow (left column)
█ I've marked the background of the Friendly Name of entries which were found safe to debloat/feeze/move by either you or me Green
█ I've marked the background and the text of the Friendly Name of entries which I think are surely not safe to debloat/feeze/move Red
█ I've marked the background of the Friendly Name of entries which I think are probably not safe to debloat/feeze/move Red
█ I've marked the background of the Friendly Name of entries which are probably safe to debloat/feeze/move, but which most people want to keep due to connected basic functionality (phone, camera) as Yellow
If it is meaningful, can you add the missing info on the stuff you've come across on other Xperia devices?
Can you have a look at 'unclassified' entries and share your thoughts in the comment field on how safe you think they are to debloat?
Can you update your script with my findings? I'm still testing some 'unclassified' entries to see if it works fine or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi mate, what a good job you did congrats!
honestly I won't have so much spare time available from now on, big changes in my life expected, so can't assure will be able to watch this in the future, if you want to handover and become a debloating guru it would be great :laugh:
I have added at the bottom of my tab some packages I did not include in the script I shared at the beginning, but I added in my local copy, so you can see info about those apks also, it could be helpful
what you mean with unclassified entries exactly? there are too many categories, colours, empty spaces etc not so clear for me
if you want to make a global script, please proceed, no problem for me! don't know if you did look at the script I made already, but if not, I am sure you will understand very easily how I prepared it just working on the com/google/android/updater-script file, so you can use it as base and then add/remove any apps you want from there, or make your own script or whatever, as you wish.
I will keep monitoring the file and your tab also though, hoping to see some new findings I didn't know about, as I'm sure there are still some packages that could be removed but I didn't try myself yet...
let me know!

moly82 said:
hi mate, what a good job you did congrats!
honestly I won't have so much spare time available from now on, big changes in my life expected, so can't assure will be able to watch this in the future, if you want to handover and become a debloating guru it would be great :laugh:
I have added at the bottom of my tab some packages I did not include in the script I shared at the beginning, but I added in my local copy, so you can see info about those apks also, it could be helpful
what you mean with unclassified entries exactly? there are too many categories, colours, empty spaces etc not so clear for me
if you want to make a global script, please proceed, no problem for me! don't know if you did look at the script I made already, but if not, I am sure you will understand very easily how I prepared it just working on the com/google/android/updater-script file, so you can use it as base and then add/remove any apps you want from there, or make your own script or whatever, as you wish.
I will keep monitoring the file and your tab also though, hoping to see some new findings I didn't know about, as I'm sure there are still some packages that could be removed but I didn't try myself yet...
let me know!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I might take over the list and script, thanks. I'll do some more testing and will attempt to adjust the script.
Mods, if things work out and I and moly82 agree, would it be possible to make me co-author of moly82's OP or something?

jelbo said:
The stock ROMs are shipped with a huge amount of bloatware, from which I see many processes active when opening a task manager. Let's freeze/disable or uninstall crap we don't need You can disable many apps without root from Android's app manager, but you'll need root for many of them. Root is mandatory to uninstall system apps.
Here's a Google Sheets spreadsheet I made.
In it is a list of all the system apps I've 'frozen' or disabled, without any problems. I've marked some yellow because you might need the functionality, for example DLNA or native Exchange support.
You can debloat manually with apps like Titanium Backup. Here's a procedure to make a label, associate apps to it and batch freeze or uninstall them.
Get Titanium Backup and start it. You probably need Pro.
Go to the tab named Backup/Restore.
Tap 'Click to edit filters' in the top right.
Tap 'Clear' in the top right.
Tap 'Create label ...' in the bottom right.
Type a name, give a color (optional) and tap 'Add/Remove elements ...'
Check the boxes of apps you wish to free or uninstall (based on the spreadsheet for example).
Tap the green checkmark on the top right.
Tap 'Save'.
Back in th Filters section, make sure no filter is active (tap 'Clear'), select the newly created label (check the box) and tap the green checkmark.
Titanium Backup will display a list of the apps you've labeled.
Tap the 'file and checkmark' icon top right to get to the 'Batch actions' screen.
Scroll to 'Freeze / Defrost' and tap the RUN button next to 'Freeze all user & system apps (USE FILTERS & EXTREME CAUTION)'.
Profit.
/edit: I have added the remaining system apps, so now every system app is on the list. I've marked apps blue @moly82 uses in his/her debloating script I just remembered, so those should be safe to disable too. I'll test with those frozen and if my system stays stable, will add them to the safe to freeze/uninstall list.
/edit2: I'm collaborating with moly82's generic Xperia Lollipop debloating script. Turns out the Z4 Tablet does have quite some things moved around / added / removed, so it's definitely good to have added support for it. The amount of added Sony crap is unbelievable. Once something will be finished, I'll update this OP.
For anyone wanting to collaborate, send me a PM with your e-mail address and I'll give you edit-rights.
Eventually, when this thing is 'done' I plan to either make a script or share my Titanium Backup 'custom' database with the labeled categories.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for taking the time to do this Jelbo, it will be very useful! I couldn't believe the amount of background processes, etc, that were going on either when I have looked into a task manager, for stuff that I have never used and probably never will and has no business eating up RAM when I'm not looking! Not only that, even if you stop whatever is running it just starts up again anyway so the only way is to get it off the device or freeze it.
Keep up the good work mate!

D_STROY said:
Thanks for taking the time to do this Jelbo, it will be very useful! I couldn't believe the amount of background processes, etc, that were going on either when I have looked into a task manager, for stuff that I have never used and probably never will and has no business eating up RAM when I'm not looking! Not only that, even if you stop whatever is running it just starts up again anyway so the only way is to get it off the device or freeze it.
Keep up the good work mate!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Yeah it's pretty crazy how much stuff there is and how much more free RAM you have after debloating. By the way, check out the new sheet link in the OP, old one is dead.
I also found this 4pda post that might help in deciding on some tricky ones. @alex009988, do I guess correctly that you are Russian speaking? If so, would you give me some help on some items?

@jelbo
Big thx! Great work!:good::good::good:
Will have to compare now both lists to debloat my Z3 Tablet compact:laugh:

mj084 said:
@jelbo
Big thx! Great work!:good::good::good:
Will have to compare now both lists to debloat my Z3 Tablet compact:laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can just use the jelbo tab for now as it contains both my and moly82's findings.

Yes of course, but I think Z3 Tablet Compact stock apps are more like Z3 Compact...think I'll flash the debloating script from Z3C manually and take a look in system/app and system/priv app

Smart Switch or Start from Scratch?

Just curious if people use Smart Switch (or similar programs/apps) to transfer all the old data/contacts/music/apps to the new phone or start fresh, re-download apps one by one, etc? When I switch to a new device, I'm usually (maybe unreasonably) fearful that some stray bit of old or unused data or file will transfer over that will affect the performance of the new device, thinking I'm making it 'dirty'. I also use it as an opportunity to purge apps I don't use enough to warrant keeping them. Over time I always collect apps I use maybe one time and I leave them there, no reason why. Time to clean house!
Coming from S7E, when I go into Best Buy to pick up the S8+ I'm sure they'll ask if I want them to OTG the data over... No thanks, I want my baby clean.

With smart switch you can chose what you want to copy. Yo

I might have to check out this smart switch. I usually back up everything with Titanium then restore on the new device. The problem is that often causes problems if you restore the data that goes with the apps (last time I did that it screwed up notifications for things like whatsapp and emails), I think it was due to going from kitkat to marshmallow on my S5 and the difference in permissions handling between them probably screwed it up when restoring data. Of course not restoring the data means I lose all my save games, old messages in whatsapp, call logs, saved wifi networks etc etc so it would be nice to restore these things without screwing up anything on the new device. I wonder if Smart Switch (never heard of it before) could do it better than trying to restore from Titanium?
I guess not, just installed Smart Switch on my S5 and it won't even run. Tap to open it, it flashes up on the screen then vanishes.

I'm going to try smart switch, loading it now on my Nexus 6.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

I used smart switch on my last couple of upgrades I usually backup to PC on the morning the new phones due to arrival.
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

Well I still can't get smart switch to even load on my S5. Same thing constantly, tap the icon to load it, a smart switch screen flashes up then vanishes. No error messages and it stil shows in the recents menu, selecting it from there does the same thing, smart switch comes up, then vanishes again.
No idea why, I am using phoenix rom for my S5 which I think has bits of S7E firmware in it but that shouldnt cause an issue, the phone itself couldnt be running any better and its still a samsung android phone so smart switch should at least run, instead of vanishing without any kind of error message to give me a bluddy clue as to what i need to do to make it work.
Are there any good alternatives to smart switch? googling it just brings up the usual bunch of junk you get in these types of searches that i dont trust at all.

When I use smart switch it always gives me a rouge run away app that kills my batter and I end up factory resetting to correct it so what I started doing was sms backup and restore to restore my call logs, txt and sms messages including pictures and allowing Google to restore my apps ( no data) and go from there. Yeah I know I have to reset up my apps but I don't care at least I start from a somewhat clean slate and have everything I need . That's just my experience and opinion.
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk

If we're coming from a non-Samsung device, is there another tool we could use to do the same thing? As the bootloader will be locked, I can't rely on TiBackup or anything which I've always used in the past.

sanjsrik said:
If we're coming from a non-Samsung device, is there another tool we could use to do the same thing? As the bootloader will be locked, I can't rely on TiBackup or anything which I've always used in the past.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Helium backup and mybackup.

I like to tranfer everything because i have so much.
But funny thing is tho when i first got my s7 edge the smart switch didnt work, everything didnt tranfer.
Went to the note 7. Then went to a new note 7 (recall) still didnt tranfer my apps. Back to the s7 i went fresh and it now backs up correctly. So ill try the smart switch again.
Then box up ky s7e and ship it back

sanjsrik said:
If we're coming from a non-Samsung device, is there another tool we could use to do the same thing? As the bootloader will be locked, I can't rely on TiBackup or anything which I've always used in the past.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Smart switch works on multiple devices on Android and iOS. I'm going to give it a go first.

I always just start from scratch. Had too many problems in the past with apps misbehaving. I'd rather just devote a few hours to reloading manually than devote days to figuring out wtf is going wrong.

Starting from scratch. Had some issues with my pixel XL when I transferred my data

Nothing works 100% right when you transfer. It's just a fact. I've gone from S6 to S7, S7 to Note, Note back to S7, and other Android to Android transfers. Inevitably some app or setting screws something up. It might be minor, it might cause reboots. Not worth the risk. SmartSwitch is very slick, but it still can cause grief.
This is what I'd suggest based on past experiences.
1) Use an unencrypted SD card to copy photos, music, ringtones, and anything else media related between phones. There is no downside to this. You can save new pics to the SD card on the new phone while keeping all your old pics and it will just work. (Make sure and back stuff up. Phone or SD card, you never know when things will die.) You're coming from an S7, so you have that SD card option. If other users don't have an SD slot, copy the files to your computer and then to the new phone.
2) Make a list of all the apps that are relevant to you. There is likely a lot of baggage on your current phone you just left there. That app you downloaded once for one purpose that you never deleted. The app that is specific for the phone you're coming from and has no use on the new one. The picture editing app you downloaded but then started using something else. Bottom line, only bring along the baggage that you use. Adding back unnecessary stuff can just slow down a phone.
3) Set up your shiny new S8. Get it on your network. Get your Google account signed in. Go through ALL the system preferences. Turn off garbage settings you won't ever use (Edge sports for instance...). Set the timeout and security settings you will use.
4) Look over the apps that are on the phone already. Disable the ones you don't need/want. You can keep it basic and just do it in the app list settings or you can go a bit deeper and use an app from the Play Store to disable apps or go all old school and use pm on the phone's shell to do it. (pm -hide com.vznavigator.Generic for example) Once you've done that, your phone will be as pure as it can be without putting a custom ROM on it. Update the apps now or later.
5) Log into your Google account on a desktop browser and go to the Play Store. Use that list of apps you made before to bring them all up in the browser. Hit install there and choose your shiny new S8 as the destination. (This is just quicker than going into the Play Store on your phone and searching for each of them.) They'll download in the background on your phone as you choose them.
6) The crappy part. Set up the apps again. They're all installed fresh and clean so you'll need to launch them and put in passwords, accounts, settings, etc. It's painful, but it is the only way to guarantee that no gremlins on the phone came along with transfers.
7) Pop in that SD card you had with all your pics, music, ringtones, etc. on it.
8) Finish set up. Set your camera to use the SD card, choose the SD card as the storage location for offline YouTube and Netflix videos, etc.
9) Enjoy your new phone.
---------- Post added at 06:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:31 PM ----------
sebastianraven said:
Smart switch works on multiple devices on Android and iOS. I'm going to give it a go first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't do it. It seems so nice and slick, but it's caused grief every single time I've used it. Subtle glitches sometimes, force quits other times.

Averix said:
6) The crappy part. Set up the apps again. They're all installed fresh and clean so you'll need to launch them and put in passwords, accounts, settings, etc. It's painful
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the comprehensive list, good stuff there. To combat #6, I use a password manager (LastPass) which will autologin to my apps with a fingerprint. Saves a lot of typing, and I'll give the FPS a good workout and get used to the placement in the meanwhile.

i just use google account too download previous google store apps and populate the contacts. then get my 3rd party apk installed, that i keep on my sd card. things like unlimited skip pandora, etc.

I am coming from iOS, not sure how much it can be transferred... I guest only photo and contact, without apps...
Will missed some apps that I bought... need to buy it again on Google Store.

sanjsrik said:
If we're coming from a non-Samsung device, is there another tool we could use to do the same thing? As the bootloader will be locked, I can't rely on TiBackup or anything which I've always used in the past.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cloneIT

i like to start from scratch

skyhew said:
I am coming from iOS, not sure how much it can be transferred... I guest only photo and contact, without apps...
Will missed some apps that I bought... need to buy it again on Google Store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't even transfer photos. Just download Google Photos on iOS and upload them and then download them on the new device.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

How to check if S8 is hacked

Hello Community,
I think my Samsung S8 is hacked, well it has been some time crazy.
My 4 connection sensor for LTE, 3G, 2G and so on, plays around. It is this little thing on the upper right of the screen. It stopped one day..
Seems a bit crazy, but the police isn't answering a application.
My Instagram changed too I can't see the List anymore which other people liked.
I think someone wanted to troll me first, but then sent me to the police or smth. **** happened.
I need someone to tell me if the process list is right, or if there is something that shouldn't be seen there.
For example: com.samsung.faceservice. , Face , out of nowhere came the "transfer data to other phones" , the phone is in German, one process is new: "settings suggestions"
Some process can't be stopped, so I writed a really really long text to the "hackers" . And then I just deleted the process and it worked...
I'm thinking a lot.
Can You help me?

Lindors said:
Hello Community,
I think my Samsung S8 is hacked, well it has been some time crazy.
My 4 connection sensor for LTE, 3G, 2G and so on, plays around. It is this little thing on the upper right of the screen. It stopped one day..
Seems a bit crazy, but the police isn't answering a application.
My Instagram changed too I can't see the List anymore which other people liked.
I think someone wanted to troll me first, but then sent me to the police or smth. **** happened.
I need someone to tell me if the process list is right, or if there is something that shouldn't be seen there.
For example: com.samsung.faceservice. , Face , out of nowhere came the "transfer data to other phones" , the phone is in German, one process is new: "settings suggestions"
Some process can't be stopped, so I writed a really really long text to the "hackers" . And then I just deleted the process and it worked...
I'm thinking a lot.
Can You help me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best bet is if your bootloader is still locked. No root. Then if something is on your phone a simple factory reset will wipe it. Unless a phone is rooted nothing can be installed at the system level. I would start there. You may have some form of spyware or something installed. Check in application manager at the bottom of list for any apps the may not be named. As in space at the bottom but no details. I have i installed apps before that apear not to show in apps list but they are there

TheMadScientist said:
The best bet is if your bootloader is still locked. No root. Then if something is on your phone a simple factory reset will wipe it. Unless a phone is rooted nothing can be installed at the system level. I would start there. You may have some form of spyware or something installed. Check in application manager at the bottom of list for any apps the may not be named. As in space at the bottom but no details. I have i installed apps before that apear not to show in apps list but they are there
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Click to collapse
there is a video from Marques Brownlee where he discusses some ways that apps have been allowed to get thru the play store that do exactly what you mention. Apps getting installed and the icon disappearing or changing its opacity to 0. This is more-so for the OP, but several of those apps download more parts to the app that then act as spyware. But the mad scientist is correct, if youre not rooted, no system apps can be installed. Go to your apps list and look for stuff that doesnt seem normal and uninstall it. Android wont let you uninstall system apps when youre not rooted, so thats not a worry. Even if you do uninstall system apps, all you need to do is reflash the firmware with the "HOME_CSC" so it doesnt remove anything, instead just overwriting the system stuff. Basically its a mulligan, which you can do over and over and over. So there isnt really much fear of hard bricking these phones. Soft bricks happen frequently, but theyre mostly just a time waster.

youdoofus said:
there is a video from Marques Brownlee where he discusses some ways that apps have been allowed to get thru the play store that do exactly what you mention. Apps getting installed and the icon disappearing or changing its opacity to 0. This is more-so for the OP, but several of those apps download more parts to the app that then act as spyware. But the mad scientist is correct, if youre not rooted, no system apps can be installed. Go to your apps list and look for stuff that doesnt seem normal and uninstall it. Android wont let you uninstall system apps when youre not rooted, so thats not a worry. Even if you do uninstall system apps, all you need to do is reflash the firmware with the "HOME_CSC" so it doesnt remove anything, instead just overwriting the system stuff. Basically its a mulligan, which you can do over and over and over. So there isnt really much fear of hard bricking these phones. Soft bricks happen frequently, but theyre mostly just a time waster.
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I've had apps described as such before. Most people don't or wouldn't even notice them. I've seen posts before and very similar applied

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