Database Users

[Q] Google Play has limited visibility on 1.4.2 + manualnooter 5.02.19

OK, I know that this is a pretty common problem...but over the course of a week I've tried every piece of advice I can find on the Internet. But some apps just will not show up in the Google Play Store for me, including ones I've paid for.
Things I've tried:
Read through every post on GMPOWERs impressive thread at least twice and tried every suggestion at least 3 times
Tried both the regular manualnooter zip and the apps2sd one
Tried this post
Since it's fixed almost everybody's problem: I've tried every permutation possible of stopping and clearing data + cache for both Google Play and Google Services framework
Tried restoring Nook to stock and re-rooting with a different SD Card twice
Uninstalled the Google Play updates so that it goes back to being the old-style Market
I'm just about at my wits end - nothing I've tried as fixed the likes of Facebook or Flash Video Browser (what I'm really looking for) not showing up in the Google Play store. Does anyone have any other advice to fix this?

same problem here...
I have three NC. One was rooted in Feb and had full market visibility. The last two NC was rooted last week using the SAME SD card and CWM and with the same procedure. Indeed trying all the fix without success. There was a post indicating that installing MN apps2sd would work ... tried that too without success.
There may be something going on with market/playstore.

Could you give me some more examples of apps that you are having problems with, this will help me out significantly. You should not have a problem seeing facebook in Google Play. You will have a problem with Flash Video Browser, because the description for it in the store says “Requires Android 2.3+.” Since the stock firmware Froyo 2.2.1, the store will not show you the app. A number of people are currently having an issue with the Play Store not listing apps that they have purchased, LINK.
You can try changing your build.prop ro.build.fingerprint to verizon/voles/sholes/sholes:2.2.1/FRG83D/75603:user/release-keys
If you change the build.prop, you will need to reboot the device, then perform the Market has limited visibility found in the ManualNooter 5.02.19 post. If the play store stops working after performing the steps, simply open manage applications and uninstall updates for the Play Store.

GMPOWER said:
Could you give me some more examples of apps that you are having problems with, this will help me out significantly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All the NC had 5GB partitions. I did a wipe data/cache before installing BN1.4.1 (didn't bother to upgrade to 1.4.2).
Followed instructions and installed MN apps2SD on one and non-apps on the other. Flashed OC kernel to both. After rooting, did a search for ES File explorer and only File Expert came up on both NC. Installed File expert then the remaining apks. This may be important. The NC were signed into different gmail accounts (not mine).
Though not related to NC, google moving to Play store seem to have messed up visibility on Nook Touch http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=24288916&postcount=285
Thanks for all your efforts - don't spend too much time on this.

On top of clearing the cache and data for the google play store, did you clear it for google framework services?

fpga_guy said:
All the NC had 5GB partitions. I did a wipe data/cache before installing BN1.4.1 (didn't bother to upgrade to 1.4.2).
Followed instructions and installed MN apps2SD on one and non-apps on the other. Flashed OC kernel to both. After rooting, did a search for ES File explorer and only File Expert came up on both NC. Installed File expert then the remaining apks. This may be important. The NC were signed into different gmail accounts (not mine).
Though not related to NC, google moving to Play store seem to have messed up visibility on Nook Touch http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=24288916&postcount=285
Thanks for all your efforts - don't spend too much time on this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for giving me that information. It is hard to get accurate information when some people don’t report back. I get some people that complain of limited visibility when it really is limited market access, they can’t find certain apps in the market that they want because it is not compatible with the device. What you described is exactly what I would describe as limited visibility.
I went through that same problem two days ago after a fresh install. I first did a search for Astro, it said 556 apps, but when I clicked on it, only 5 apps showed up, none of them were Astro. I then tried ES File Explorer, and had the same results as you. After I cleared the play store data and google services framework data, and then rebooted the device, it went back to normal. I have had the full market access since then.
I do agree with you that the Play Store has had a lot of problems since being released, not only on the NC, but wide spread. If this continues to be a problem on new installations, I might try updating the vending.apk in the MN package to the current release to see if it would help in anyway.
On a side note, I looked into that google voice issue some more. Using the build.prop that I posted allowed me to download google voice from the play store, but still have the error downloading the voicemail. You can see the voicemail files in /data/data/com.google.android.apps.googlevoice/files, but I could not get them to play. It is still on my list of items to look into more.

Man I'm sorry I can't help you. But I have to say this is one the best written questions I've seen in a while. You stated the problem, said what you did to fix it and let people know you are willing to help yourself. And look who you got helping you out mate. It is nice to see threads like this. Thanks.
- this sig is just so I don't have to write 10char when on my phone -

Possibly stupid suggestion on my part, but what is the LCD density you have now? I had no luck at all using several of the roms until I started changing the LCD density to at least 160-200 until I did that most of the apps I wanted to find wouldn't even show up. Not saying this is the answer for sure, but it may be worth checking out, right?

Never had the problem, but you mentioned the verizon spoof, I thought that would work. What about going to the market on chrome and logging in and selecting you device, I have done that with the nook running cyanogenmod. How about the Amazon app store and sideloading google specific market apps. At least you could have some selection of paid/free apps. Can you install from the uSD card to get by?
---------- Post added at 06:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:50 PM ----------
Never had the problem, but you mentioned the verizon spoof, I thought that would work. What about going to the market on chrome and logging in and selecting you device, I have done that with the nook running cyanogenmod. How about the Amazon app store and sideloading google specific market apps. At least you could have some selection of paid/free apps. Can you install from the uSD card to get by?

manage applications has no options in it
GMPOWER said:
Could you give me some more examples of apps that you are having problems with, this will help me out significantly. You should not have a problem seeing facebook in Google Play. You will have a problem with Flash Video Browser, because the description for it in the store says “Requires Android 2.3+.” Since the stock firmware Froyo 2.2.1, the store will not show you the app. A number of people are currently having an issue with the Play Store not listi...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a similar problem as the one qouted above however, when I go into settings, manage applications I don't have an option to uninstall updates or the ability to uncheck or check on device-install. any suggestions?

GMPOWER said:
You will have a problem with Flash Video Browser, because the description for it in the store says “Requires Android 2.3+.” Since the stock firmware Froyo 2.2.1, the store will not show you the app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but stock 1.3, 1.4.1, 1.4.2 are gingerbread already?
Current B&N version is 1.4.2 which is Android 2.3 Gingerbread
B&N 1.3 is Android 2.3 Gingerbread
B&N 1.2 is Android 2.2 Froyo
B&N 1.1 and 1.0 are Android 2.1 Eclair
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

[Q] Nexus 4 (or Android in general) Privacy from Google

Hi,
Is it possible to completely stop information leakage to google from my telephone, such as contacts or even aps purchased?

Oxy20 said:
Hi,
Is it possible to completely stop information leakage to google from my telephone, such as contacts or even aps purchased?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
some options:
work without google apps! most custom roms come without it! GApps package is a additional zip!
many custom roms included privacy manager from cm. you define what the app is allowed to. for example read contacts yes or no
In AOSP Android (I think since 4.3 or 4.2) is app ops included. It's like privacy manager with detailed options.
hope it hepls. What rom you are using?

carepack said:
some options:
work without google apps! most custom roms come without it! GApps package is a additional zip!
many custom roms included privacy manager from cm. you define what the app is allowed to. for example read contacts yes or no
In AOSP Android (I think since 4.3 or 4.2) is app ops included. It's like privacy manager with detailed options.
hope it hepls. What rom you are using?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am on 4.3 stock ROM. The phone is unlocked and rooted.
I tried CM Rom as part of 2 way call recording patch trial but had to revert back to ROM due to stability problems. But the problems were due to the trial nature of the patched ROM http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=45730852&postcount=47 I tried rather then general CM problems. So I suppose could try a stable, up to date version of CM ROM.
I suppose without Google Play I can not have paid apps like skvalex call recorder? If I have to leak some info to Google can I ensure no call details, contacts, calendar etc are shared / backed up etc to Google?

Oxy20 said:
I am on 4.3 stock ROM. The phone is unlocked and rooted.
I tried CM Rom as part of 2 way call recording patch trial but had to revert back to ROM due to stability problems. But the problems were due to the trial nature of the patched ROM http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=45730852&postcount=47 I tried rather then general CM problems. So I suppose could try a stable, up to date version of CM ROM.
I suppose without Google Play I can not have paid apps like skvalex call recorder? If I have to leak some info to Google can I ensure no call details, contacts, calendar etc are shared / backed up etc to Google?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try a look at here:
http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/0...ager-control-permissions-for-individual-apps/

Technically yes, but practically no. Even if you stop now, you probably have used Google services in the past and they already have those info. Even if you do not use Google apps, there are lots of way for your phone to connect to Google server (various core Google apks). Lots of apps and websites use Google Analytic as well, although that info is supposed to be anonymous, or apps that utilize Google services in some way or purchased apps that required verification. You basically have to micromanage the permission of every app and this isn't exactly easy and is time consuming, slips up are easy too.
My recommends are:
Most effective: Be lke Richard Stallman, stop using internet completely, except for devices that isn't your. Don't use telephone at all. Have no WiFi running in your house and remove your address from Google Maps, then move to South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.
Less effective: Don't use 'gapps' and Google apps at all. You can use Amazon AppStore to download apps. Or use Firefox OS or Ubuntu Touch instead.
Less effective alternative: Use permission management. There are many ways to do this. Android 4.3 have AppOps and there are shortcut apps to let you access to the hidden menu, however it's not very convenient to use. It's better to use CM or SlimRoms which in addition have the Privacy Guard toggle feature (Settings -> Security-> bottom of list). SlimRoms let you turn it on for installed apps by default. It blocks access to contacts and location. I'm not sure if it block network and phone IDs info though.
For more refined permission management, there is the Xposed Framework module called XPrivacy. It has a high learning curve and blocking the wrong permission will cripple your apps or make it not working. There is also LBE Security Master and OpenPDroid, but I much prefer XPrivacy.
You can also use AFwall+ which modify the Linux kernel's iptables to block internet connection, this is the most assured method to block internet connection access for apps imo.
If you still need to make use of Google apps or services, such as facelock and photosphere, but want to avoid installing 'Google services framework', you can use these gapps packages and not install the core package. Keep in mind, 'Google services framework' is important for connecting to Google server and without it some 'find your phone' apps won't work like Cerberus.
You can see if your phone is connected or syncing to Google server by the color of the WiFi icon color, gray means no, and blue means yes.

I have always wondered about why someone would buy a smartphone, Android or iOS and then worry about security? Why not just buy a simple TracPhone or something similar?
Not trying to knock on anyone, just wondering.
Sent from the Far Reaches Of The Earth!

Alternatives to Google Play Store

I'd like to try setting up my N9005 without Play Store and Google Play Services. Part of the reason is the battery use by Google Apps of various types and the other is the necessity of allowing those apps access to dial the phone, send SMS etc.
I'd like to see if I can make my phone more efficient AND more secure.
So far I'm looking at getjar.com, androidtapp.com and appbrain.com. Which app sites do you use and is it reasonable to find one that provides apps that don't use Google Play functions?
Suggestions welcome and experiences on any alternative sites would be appreciated? Also opinions or experiences in getting rid of the google connection...
I'm currently running @temasek 's cm13 - v 3.5 (more properly @joshndroid 's cm13 now he is building it )

I tried once
Journyman16 said:
I'd like to try setting up my N9005 without Play Store and Google Play Services. Part of the reason is the battery use by Google Apps of various types and the other is the necessity of allowing those apps access to dial the phone, send SMS etc.
I'd like to see if I can make my phone more efficient AND more secure.
So far I'm looking at getjar.com, androidtapp.com and appbrain.com. Which app sites do you use and is it reasonable to find one that provides apps that don't use Google Play functions?
Suggestions welcome and experiences on any alternative sites would be appreciated? Also opinions or experiences in getting rid of the google connection...
I'm currently running @temasek 's cm13 - v 3.5 (more properly @joshndroid 's cm13 now he is building it )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I once tried to use my Nexus 7 without Gapps. and then my Livescore app said it needed GPServices. again a shopping app said it needed GPS to run. then I installed Gapps :|

So we're stuck with Google unless we reduce functionality way down?
Hm... I recall seeing a CM Apps option a while back and I am running AOSP on my N9005 - will have a look for it. Thanks for the Reply.

Journyman16 said:
So we're stuck with Google unless we reduce functionality way down?
Hm... I recall seeing a CM Apps option a while back and I am running AOSP on my N9005 - will have a look for it. Thanks for the Reply.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the best thing would be installing Pico or Nano version of GApps. Only Play store, Play Services and Contact Sync come with it.

nijom said:
the best thing would be installing Pico or Nano version of GApps. Only Play store, Play Services and Contact Sync come with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course. That is exactly what he wants. :sly:

nijom said:
the best thing would be installing Pico or Nano version of GApps. Only Play store, Play Services and Contact Sync come with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While that sounds good, those are pretty much exactly the apps that crash the phone if you try to interfere with call/SMS permissions. What I am trying to find out is if it is possible to have a functional and useful phone WITHOUT having Google privy to everything I do.
Just because I am paranoid doesn't mean they're not after me.
You may or may not be interested in this talk by Snowden - think it's about halfway through where he discusses how the various companies have peeled away security for the alphabet agencies.

Journyman16 said:
While that sounds good, those are pretty much exactly the apps that crash the phone if you try to interfere with call/SMS permissions. What I am trying to find out is if it is possible to have a functional and useful phone WITHOUT having Google privy to everything I do.
Just because I am paranoid doesn't mean they're not after me.
You may or may not be interested in this talk by Snowden - think it's about halfway through where he discusses how the various companies have peeled away security for the alphabet agencies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's possible, but it'll depend on your definition of "functional".
I run my phone without gapps, and have calendar and contacts sync with my own server. I use syncthing for file sync, and open source for almost everything (Skype being one exception).
So for me it's fully functional, and the battery life is great. YMMV.
Sent using XDA One

jisoo said:
It's possible, but it'll depend on your definition of "functional".
I run my phone without gapps, and have calendar and contacts sync with my own server. I use syncthing for file sync, and open source for almost everything (Skype being one exception).
So for me it's fully functional, and the battery life is great. YMMV.
Sent using XDA One
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Without GApps where do you get your apps? I've been touring sites trying to find a decent one and also discovering apps to replace those with Google links. The issue currently seems to be many good apps still tie back into Play for updates or verification purposes.
For example I have SPenCommand from a Google+ site but updates can usually be manual - i.e. I could DL them on PC and copy them over. The problem would be needing to have a link to the site (I think) to licence check. But that's something I can ask the Dev about.
That sounds pretty close to what I need. Phone, Contacts, Calendar, preferably syncing to Outlook on PC but given I am also thinking of moving to Linux, not wedded to Outlook or MS Products, nor I guess even to live syncing. I WOULD like to have backups in case phone goes away suddenly, but I can learn to use Cloud - something I have been avoiding.
I like playing with ROMs and have just started a course in App development online - my thought was to set up a dual boot with a standard GApps setup for testing as well as an unlinked one for daily driver.

Been looking at Aptoide as a store that maybe i can use without a Google account. Seems to have quite a few categories of apps so i am currently trying to work out what I need versus what I want on my phone. I currently have quite a few apps that i haven't touched in months so I figure they are probably not needed.
Any suggestions on what you consider a must have app or app category?

One possible alternative to play store is Blackmarket. It works great and it has almost all the apps present in the play store. And its best feature is that it provides paid apps for free

AndroiDTechi said:
One possible alternative to play store is Blackmarket. It works great and it has almost all the apps present in the play store. And its best feature is that it provides paid apps for free
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you had better re-read the rules you agreed to in becoming a member here.
Forum Rules
In particular:
6. Do not post or request warez.
If a piece of software requires you to pay to use it, then pay for it. We do not accept warez nor do we permit members to request, post, promote or describe ways in which warez, cracks, serial codes or other means of avoiding payment, can be obtained or used. This is a site of developers, i.e. the sort of people who create such software. When you cheat a software developer, you cheat us as a community.
Regards,
The Merovingian
Forum Moderator

The Merovingian said:
I think you had better re-read the rules you agreed to in becoming a member here.
Forum Rules
In particular:
6. Do not post or request warez.
If a piece of software requires you to pay to use it, then pay for it. We do not accept warez nor do we permit members to request, post, promote or describe ways in which warez, cracks, serial codes or other means of avoiding payment, can be obtained or used. This is a site of developers, i.e. the sort of people who create such software. When you cheat a software developer, you cheat us as a community.
Regards,
The Merovingian
Forum Moderator
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oops sorry i forgot about that. My bad. I will remember it now.

Hi.
I'm testing now the following approach.
With Titanium Backup I froze Google Play (not for Google Play Services because I'm testing) and use Aptoide and Uptodown apps to updating.
My issue is Google Play is ALWAYS changing its configs which I've set to "not update automatically" and lots of warnings on screen telling me Google Play or Play Services stopped working.
Also I'm testing whether other apps also stop working.
Aptoide and Uptodown apps obey much better and don't change its configs.
Am I right that all these stuff are related to Google Play, soon I'll be able to return here with a more affirmative answer.

Weapon X said:
I think you had better re-read the rules you agreed to in becoming a member here.
Forum Rules
In particular:
6. Do not post or request warez.
If a piece of software requires you to pay to use it, then pay for it. We do not accept warez nor do we permit members to request, post, promote or describe ways in which warez, cracks, serial codes or other means of avoiding payment, can be obtained or used. This is a site of developers, i.e. the sort of people who create such software. When you cheat a software developer, you cheat us as a community.
Regards,
The Merovingian
Forum Moderator
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why i can't post my question on the main menu? Is cause i don't have the upgrade?

What has your post got to do with this message regarding warez ??

confused

I read the blog post on XDA about getting rid of Google on an android phone.
http://www.xda-developers.com/setting-up-android-marshmallow-without-google/#comment
It started with install TWRP. I know what it is, but just had a problem with it on a Nexus 4 running CM 10. I could not get to it through recovery. Finally had to install Clockwork Mod, and that got me to where I needed to go to put 12.1 on the Nexus. I had gotten both from Play. Is there a better download for TWRP elsewhere? and a good wiki? (I do read everything)
I've had problems with Play, I have an Oppo and Google told me some of my apps would not run. BULL! i repurchased from Amazon and they ran just fine. Google has also insisted that some of my wifi only tablets belonged to my carrier.
I can't get Carbon to run - tried everything possible and no joy. Can TWRP run a backup if you aren't rooted? I didn't root the Oppo. You could turn everything off so rooting was not necessary.
I've ordered the Moto X Pure, and since I don't use Google for anything except apps, I have no contacts, sms or other goodies stored there.
I don't want to, either. There's other cloud services besides Google. I also have friends that despise Google. They buy a phone and only use what the carrier offers. They just leave phone stock and don't want their names in Google's database via emails. The carriers update the phones. I also don't use Gmail. The account is mostly just to give out to spammers and to buy apps.
If I'm paying for a private mail service, I don't see why Google should get the info.
I'm concerned about the contact list.
Will TWRP help? and which 3rd party is best?
Thanks
I use a fairly fast phone for certain apps. All are reference and I like having them on the phone. All my info is at my fingertips. These apps will not run on anything but a smart phone. I also always buy unlocked phones. TMO is switching bands and the Oppo doesn't have the newer ones that I want to try.
I'd prefer to give the phone a chance, but if I get too annoyed, I'll root it.
I see the info here has improved - it's no longer in phone shorthand where you have to look up all the shortcuts.

Anonymize your S10+

Hallo!
I've recently heard about ROMS,degoogling your Phone etc. and I bought this S10+ Phone. Is there a safe was to delete all bloatware,google Software and so on?
I've heard about GrapheneOS but unfortunately it's only for google devices so I was wondering what kind of solutions exist for this case. There are also phones with hardware kill switches but I'm a little bit skeptical about them.
Please tell me everything you know about this or the best pages to get an idea how to do so. I will be forever grateful
Science

This might help you:
Galaxy S10/S10+ Debloat / bloatware removal list
Please see my original post from the Galaxy S8 to see the XDA article on how to do this. https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8/how-to/s8-debloat-bloatware-thread-t3669009 New phone, new list! I've compiled a list of most of the bloatware...
forum.xda-developers.com

I feel you. The only google crap I (want to) use is Gmail and occasionally gmaps.
Unfortunately all of Android is created to serve its master... how can you separate the two?
Lol, Apple?
Proof that unlimited power corrupts ultimately.

Thanks for your replys. I will try it out

I've been using this for 3 years.
Home - Package Disabler
The only NON-root solution that let’s you disable any unwanted packages that come pre-installed / installed with your phone / tablet.
www.packagedisabler.com
Karma Firewall (Playstore) stops the leaks and reduces battery drain by shutting Google, Samsung, etc up.

sciencebitches said:
Hallo!
I've recently heard about ROMS,degoogling your Phone etc. and I bought this S10+ Phone. Is there a safe was to delete all bloatware,google Software and so on?
I've heard about GrapheneOS but unfortunately it's only for google devices so I was wondering what kind of solutions exist for this case. There are also phones with hardware kill switches but I'm a little bit skeptical about them.
Please tell me everything you know about this or the best pages to get an idea how to do so. I will be forever grateful
Science
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your s10+ is using an exynos cpu you can install lineage os. Lineage won't work on the snapdragon variants

sciencebitches said:
Hallo!
I've recently heard about ROMS,degoogling your Phone etc. and I bought this S10+ Phone. Is there a safe was to delete all bloatware,google Software and so on?
I've heard about GrapheneOS but unfortunately it's only for google devices so I was wondering what kind of solutions exist for this case. There are also phones with hardware kill switches but I'm a little bit skeptical about them.
Please tell me everything you know about this or the best pages to get an idea how to do so. I will be forever grateful
Science
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there sciencebitches,
I realize your original post was from 2020 and its now March 2023 so maybe this is not something your interested in anymore... maybe you have a new phone, etc. But....
The Samsung phones that are sold in North America (either Canada or US) have locked bootloaders that cannot be unlocked. So you are stuck flashing Samsung firmware that is digitaly signed by Samsung.
However, if you get an international model then you can unlock the bootloader and load custom firmware. You have a couple of choices.
LineageOS​When loading LineageOS, you can choose to load it with or without GApps. Loading it with GApps gives you all the same Google stuff, a library known as Google Play Services, as on normal Android. Loading LineageOS without GApps gives you no Google stuff whatsoever. This is what I am running on my SM-G975F – LineageOS without GApps.
LineageOS for microG​This gives you LineageOS with a substitute library called MicroG. The MicroG library is a reimplementation of the Google Play Services that some (a lot?) of Android apps require. So, if you need to use some apps that require Google Play Services but don’t want to be overrun with Google again, then MicroG is recommended. With “pure LineageOS” (sans GApps) you get no Google Play Services whatsoever.
/e/OS​This is another implementation of LineageOS with MicroG. It is fairly polished but tries to look like iOS and so feels somewhat un-Android like. I have no first-hand experience with /e/OS.
GrapheneOS and Calyx OS​There is also GrapheneOS and Calyx OS but I have no experience with those either. My understanding is they are along the same lines. I think that GrapheneOS comes with no Google Play Services and no MicroG (i.e. like “pure” LineageOS) but gives you the option of installing real Google Play Services (not MicroG) as a normal app as opposed to as a system app.
If you live in Canada I can help you get an international phone that you can install LineageOS or one of the others listed here.
Best regards,
The Fish