The Next Best Thing to Root... or, how to de-screw your stock U.S. Galaxy S7 T-mobile - T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S7 Guides, News, & Discuss

Presenting.. the Next Best Thing to Root for the U.S. Samsung Galaxy S7 T-mobile edition (model SM-G930T that is)
As of 6/7/16, no root is publicly available. I purchased my S7 on 5/26/16 and decided to keep it despite the lack of root. This is my story.
INTRO
So the ol' Galaxy Note II up and died on me a couple weekends back, and I blew 40 bucks on a new battery before I realized it was gone gone gone. Queue new phone shopping, the hip glasses-toting dudes at T-mobile swayed me to an S7. I didn't want something as big as my last phone and forget using a bumper case with that curved-screen edge (an acquaintance of mine quotes: "The only thing that ****ing screen is good for is when I'm high as hell and want to read the clock without lifting my head". He dropped his and shattered it.), so I went with the plain ol' S7. Well, now I know why the salesguy got real quiet when the first thing I told him I would do was 'root the phone'. Being a programmer, I was pretty bummed and unhappy about owning a device that I am purposely locked out of Administrating.. but the return fee was $50, and I really liked what the S7 brought to the table.
Goes without saying, I was ready to pay for the rootable HTC-10 (my local store didn't even carry it, the salesman said they were 'test-marketing it' at a couple other stores across town) or the LG monstrosity (I haven't liked this company since the spying TV debacle, tho once upon a time they made good and cheap TVs), but I hated how much bigger the devices were and that svelte S7 really impressed me otherwise. Samsung really does make the 'iPhone of Androids'.
So, I decided to stick with the S7, and un-screw it pretty much as best as I could. And, because all I read was mostly a lot of 'is the root out yets', I thought it would be cool to share.
ABOUT THE S7
Not too terribly much has changed in the android linux filesystem since the last time I seriously delved into it. Got a vague idea where most of what is what, but I also recognize that the Path to Rooting is two: Utilizing a bootloader to actually flash the chip, or Piggybacking on some existing Administrative-privileged software in the otherwise 'closed' environment. Samsung shipped the U.S. T-mobile S7's (mine is SM-G930T) with a locked bootloader to make it nigh-impossible to root via flashing. Get to it, ya chip-hackers.
However, it is a universal law of the internet that someone out there will find an operable software workaround, and this is usually some 13-year-old kid from Finland, or at least it was in the case where I found drivers for a Voodoo 3 card during the advent of Windows XP. God bless the internet will provide, and in this case that gentle soul is none other than a man by the appropriate name of OSPolice.
PACKAGE DISABLER PRO - THE 99 CENT APP
play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ospolice.packagedisablerpro&hl=en
This little gem of an app I purchased for $0.99 off the play store. This is the key to enjoying the disabling features of Root access and the key to un-screwing the T-mobile Galaxy S7. What this app does is essentially co-opt the Administrative access that Samsung Knox (the 'security' software) uses and allows you to disable any and all packages on the phone. When you first activate it you will have to accept an agreement tied to Samsung Knox (don't worry, this in no way causes anything to 'phone home' as far as I can tell).
I would recommend the very first thing you do is go to the settings and add a password to the app, that way nobody else can get in, because this can seriously **** with your phone's software, if you disable the wrong package the phone will not boot up properly and you will need to reinstall. There is an option to Disable All Bloatware based on automatic picks from the application but this can screw up some phones and you will miss a lot of crap, so DO NOT AUTO-DISABLE.
There is also another important reason you should manually disable these. Clicking on a package from the main app brings up a screen where you have several options (the auto-google feature is quite helpful to researching various processes). There is also an important little button that says 'Clear Data', erasing the temporary package data. Due to info I found on another forum, which I am too lazy to dig up here and now, there is an important process to disabling with Package Disabler Pro:
THE DISABLING PROCESS
1. If the package is not enabled, enable it.
2. While the package IS ENABLED, click Clear Data.
3. DISABLE the package with the Disable button.
4. Click CLEAR DATA a second time.
5. On to the next one...
It appears there may be some data that is not erased when the package is disabled. In any case, this fixed all of the problems I had disabling earlier without using the Clear Data button. This is important to stop certain packages from utilizing an outside process to re-enable themselves.
Below I am listing all of the processes that I disabled. Your list might be different; before I did this I updated the phone's system software from T-mobile's servers (as of 5/25), and I don't plan to auto-update again until I root or have to reload everything.
Also, please keep in mind I turned off a few features with this method, you will have to ADJUST YOUR PACKAGES ACCORDINGLY or know what to re-enable from the below list. I turned off all wi-fi calling (don't like 'weird' internet connections), all NFC and payment such as the Samsung pay chip (nothing I want/need enabled right now). I kept Bluetooth connectivity on since I pair the phone with my car for and it's more or less an 'established' form of protocol, neverless if I didn't use it I would deactivate it as well. Security Over All is my philosophy.
THE SINGLE PROBLEM I HAVE HAD is being unable to 'browse' for a background when choosing a new one for the lock screen. I kept the lock screen with a stock dark blue and had already set my live wallpaper (play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dkeesto.holographlw&hl=en if you are curious, Digital Hive by the unsurpassed Cypher Cove). So set your backgrounds before disabling all these, or try and figure out which disabled package screws this up, though I tried re-enabling anything with 'wallpaper' in it to no avail.
I also disabled a lot of the Google services, I check my gmail online, phone apps seem so hideously insecure to my mind, and I don't want to use any drive or cloud backup services AT ALL. Go with an all-encrypted service or backup your data yourself, and I don't trust any non-rooted backup apps. If you use the Gmail app or etc, simply don't disable it.
A LIST OF PACKAGES I DISABLED (remember to Clear Data, then Disable, then Clear Data a second time!):
AASAservice
Access cloud
AllShare FileShare Service
Amazon
ANT + DUT
ANT HAL Service
ANT Radio Service
ANT+ Plugins Service
AutoPreconfig
Basic Daydreams
BBCAgent
BeaconManager
Beaming Service
Briefing (**** you)
Calculator
Calendar
Camera test
Carmode Stub
ChocoEUKor
Color Adjustment
com.android.providers.partnerbookmarks
com.android.sharedstoragebackup
com.android.wallpapercropper
com.facebook.appmanager
com.facebook.system
com.samsung.android.app.watchmanagerstub
com.samsung.android.sm.devicesecurity
com.samsung.dcmservice
com.samsung.enhanceservice
com.samsung.faceservice
com.samsung.hs20provider
com.samsung.ipservice
com.samsung.storyservice
com.sec.android.app.minimode.res
com.sec.android.app.wfdbroker
com.sec.bcservice
com.tmobile.pr.adapt
Context Service
Control TV
CoolEUKor
Device Unlock
DeviceTest
Dictionary
EasyOneHand
EasySetup
Email
Enhanced features
eSE UCS Plugin
Facebook
Favorite Contacts
Filter Installer
Filter Manager
Filter Provider
Foundation
Galaxy Apps
Galaxy Essentials Widget
Gallery (I use an app called QuickPic, don't disable if you use the regular Gallery)
Game Launcher
Game Tools
GamepadService
GameService
Gear VR Service
Gear VR SetupWizardStub
Gear VR Shelf
Gmail (You might not want to disable, but for security's sake you should and use your browser)
Google App
Google Backup Transport
Google Calendar Sync
Google Contacts Sync
Google One Time Init
Google Partner Setup
Google Play Movies & TV
Good Play Music
Hancom Office Editor
Hangouts
Health Service (this auto-health reading stuff is kind of scary)
Help
Highlight video player
IMS Settings
ImsLogger+
IntelligenceService2
Interaction control
Internet (have a secondary browser in place, I initially used Chrome)
IPsec Service
Kies Application BnR
KNOX
KnoxAppsUpdateAgent
Live wallpaper picker
Lookout
Magnifier
Market Feedback Agent
MDMApp
Memo
Message service
Messages (I use an app called Textra, it is pleasant, don't disable if you use this for text messages)
MmsService (I have had no trouble sending/receiving MMS text with this disabled)
Mobile tracker
My Files
My interests
My Places
Nearby Service
Nfc Service
NSDSWebApp
Personal Data Management
Photo Editor
Photo Screensavers
Photos
Print Spooler (might be necessary for phone-to-printer if you're into that)
Private Mode Service
Quick connect
Remote Controls
RoseEUKor
S Finder
S Health
S Voice App
Safety assistance
Safety information
Samsung account
Samsung ApexService
Samsung Billing
Samsung Content Agent
Samsung Galaxy
Samsung Gear
Samsung keyboard (HAVE ANOTHER KEYBOARD INSTALLED [I use Hacker's Keyboard] OR DO NOT DISABLE THIS)
Samsung Location DSK
Samsung Milk Music
Samsung MirrorLink 1.1
Samsung Pay Stub
Samsung Payment Framework
Samsung Push Service
Samsung setup wizard
Samsung text-to-speech engine
Samsung+
SamsungDLPService
SapaMonitor
Screen Mirroring
Security policy updates
SecurityLogAgent
Settings Receiver
ShootingModeProvider
Simple Sharing
SLLibrary
Slow and fast-motion video player and editor
Smart Manager
Smart Manager Provider
SmartCallProvider
SmartcardManager
SmartcardService
SmartFaceService
SmartManager Clean DSK
SnsImageCache
Software update
Software Update
Sound detectors
Sound picker
T-Mobile
T-Mobil Name ID
T-Mobile TV
Theme store
Themes
TouchWiz easy home
TouchWiz home
Trim
Universal switch
UrgentFWUpdateNfc
UrgentFWUpdateTSP
Video collage
Video Editor Lite
Video Player (Stock, don't disable if you use, I use an app called VLC that plays damn near anything)
Virtual tour
Visual Voicemail
Visual Voicemail
Voice Assistant
Voice service
Voice wake-up
WallpaperCompression
Weather
Weather
Wi-Fi Direct
Wi-Fi Direct share
Wi-Fi Calling Settings
withTV
And that's it! Boy, wasn't that a lot of clicking clear data and all that junk! But it is worth it!
A FEW OTHER FEATURES I DON'T USE
Fingerprints.. never tested with this. I fail to see the usefulness of a fingerprint compared to a password in your head, and it's a whole lot easier to duplicate the former and scan someone's phone (call it the 'law gets in' password). So some of these might have disabled fingerprint functionality.
Voice-assistance.. again, the possibility of my phone recording me without me knowing is kind of scary. There's a lot of Samsung S-voice crap built in, I had this sort of thing on my last phone and never had the need for it.
Always-On Screen - It displays the time, had it on for a couple days and it worked just fine, but ultimately a battery eater, and the config options are real limited. I ended up turning this off.
The Samsung TouchWiz Launcher - As soon as I got all my packages disabled, I ditched this one. You can use anything you like, but personally I found a new home with NovaLauncher.
The Camera I tried to keep as whole as possible, I set it as the 'double-home-button-click-to-open', which was default behavior, and I really like it this way - double-click and you have a camera, and it works regardless of locked screen. They've really improved the camera software, I can double-click and start recording and that's just the way I like to use a phone. Now if there were only a way to compress, encrypt, and auto-transmit those movies immediately after recording...
DEVELOPER OPTIONS
Settings -> About device -> Click on 'Build Version' a bunch of times. If you're reading these forums you should probably know how to activate this.
Some cool settings, the only one I toggle is USB debugging.. for ease of file transfer on a PC thru USB cable, something which ALL modern phones suck ass at. It almost makes me want to program a simple universal file transfer software suite.
WHAT I WISH I STILL HAD
Encrypted Backup Solutions/State Backups: TitaniumBackup & Nandroid are the ****. Man do I miss having root access.
Customized Pull-down Notification Screen: I hate that first row of settings buttons. I will probably have to pony up the 5 bucks to NovaLauncher to see if they can make those go away.
One-touch Reboot app - Not getting this one until root Administrative access. I'll have to live without until then.
Otherwise, I have been pretty conveniently able to live without Root on this phone, and I hope this guide can make you happy, too!
SOME APP SUGGESTIONS - USEFUL
I've peppered the above with some apps I really like, here are some more:
Firefox - My favorite browser. I keep a copy of chrome for emergencies. 'Noscript' and 'Phony' are must-have extensions. Still looking for a good page-to-pdf extractor.
Orbot/Orfox - Best TOR/browser combo.
Rocket Player - FANTASTIC music app that I ponied up the money to unlock (mostly to play FLACs). Near-perfect, and a relief because Winamp **** the bed when it came to Android.
DuckDuckGo - I use this to replace the Google search bar widget. Doesn't work the same (click to open) but works quickly.
ZDBox - I use this exclusively for the 5x2 'control' widget on my home page. One-touch turnon/offs (or some options send you to the settings screen) for the following: WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, Mobile Network, Airplane Mode, TaskKiller, disable Screen Rotate, Brightness, Applock (you specify) and Flashlight (my default light, big screwy button but I'm used to it now).
ZDCal - From the makers of ZDBox, a free calendar that displays as a strip in the notification bar and also places a date at the top of the screen. Be careful, the first time I set it up I blindly clicked a couple pages and set up a period calendar that promptly notified me when I was beginning ovulation (I am a man).
SOME APP SUGGESTIONS - GAMES
Stellar Solitaire - The best Solitaire app ever. Tons of games, demos, beautiful for a phone screen.
Cliffy Run - A rager game my awesome friend made that is totally and amazingly simple and has some great graphics.
Neko Atsume - A stupid japanese cat simulator that I can't stop checking.
Source - A free 'pipes' puzzle game. I'm at 1 hr 2 mins on insane level. Great for killing time in the DMV.
SOME APP SUGGESTIONS - PROGRAMMER/NERD
OS Monitor - Process/Connection task-manager
JuiceSSH - My terminal app of choice.
Blowtorch Beta - My MUD app of choice. Told ya I nerd.
AndFTP - My FTP/SSHFTP app of choice.
AndroZip - My compression app, and, surprisingly, file manager of choice.
Fing - 1st of the 2 best wireless discovery apps ever.
Wifi Analyzer - 2nd of the 2 best wireless discovery apps ever.
Usemon - Resource Analyzer. Has a cool option for the notification screen, and measures both frequency and % use graphs when many progs do one or the other.
Cargo Decoder - If you want to read what exactly is in the tanker truck you are driving behind and how badly a spill will **** up your day.
Maverick - For all your GPS/compass/accelerometer needs.
FINALE
Please feel free to add anything to the above! I am pleased that I got my phone to do most of the things I wanted without a root. That being said, as soon as it is possible I will be jumping on that train. If you have any suggestions, please contribute! And thanks for reading!

Solid post man. I will be looking to clear data on my disabled apps. That is great advice. Thank you for this!
I can say i agree, mostly. I too miss root, but can manage without it. I really wish I still had full functionality of tasker. I had some kickass gps profiles and such that I can't use anymore. Do you know a workaround for that?
Sent from my SM-G935T using XDA-Developers mobile app

looking to get an s7, waiting on more info from this thread, can anyone else confirm

rkohliny said:
looking to get an s7, waiting on more info from this thread, can anyone else confirm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What more info? How much more detail do you need?

Just completed this entire process...thank you so much! Have you been noticing faster speeds and better battery life as a result?

thank you!

Thank you. My phone is running better and faster and cooler. Thanks again
Sent from my SM-G930T using XDA-Developers mobile app

great post. im bummed as well regarding the locked bootloader that TMO has implemented. It's still a new enough phone that I'm trying to get the 'samsung experience' so personally disabled lookout and the TMO crapware. I will be saving this post for when I'm ready to go barebones (like I always eventually do) does anyone know of a good rootless ad block? Every time I launch a game and stare at a 30 second video for a different game it makes me miss adblocker terribly

I used this list as a base for safe to remove applications. Ridiculous that Samsung thinks it's this necessary to have this many applications installed.
I use the Theme Engine and a few Samsung apps (their browser with Crystal Adblock, works great and I also use Screen Mirroring/Quick Connect.) So I skipped disabling those, but got everything else. Thanks for the list. Looks like you spent a lot of time compiling it all together.

Seems to have definitely made the phone a lot snappier so thanks for this! However I can't seem to figure out which is affecting my wifi calling. It'll turn on on reboot but if it drops it won't come back on. Any ideas? Also I didn't turn off the lasy three ok his list.

Could you please share the XML file of PACKAGE DISABLER PRO? ....
PS Thank you for the great Post!

dantes5823 said:
Seems to have definitely made the phone a lot snappier so thanks for this! However I can't seem to figure out which is affecting my wifi calling. It'll turn on on reboot but if it drops it won't come back on. Any ideas? Also I didn't turn off the lasy three ok his list.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you ever find out why WIFI calling isn't working properly? Mine won't even start on a reboot!

Looks like Debloater will do the same thing as well.
Thanks for the list of apps that i can safely disable

Very nice write up..

1st: Excellent post, lots and LOTS of detail!
2nd: OMG, I hope I don't mess anything up!
Yikes!
Bambi
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S7 using XDA Labs

Related

Share the apps you like!

The best way to stumble upon an interesting app is to see what other folks are using. Using the app "List my apps" linked at the bottom of this list and using the "bbcode" option inside it I generated the following list of apps which are installed on my Idol 3. In most cases the link will take you directly to the app no matter where it came from...some will kick you to a google search which should find them fairly easily as well. Many of the pay apps have free versions available. Feel free to reply back with YOUR list of apps and if you find an interesting app from someone's post hit the thanks button to let them know! I look forward to seeing what some of you use. List my apps is open source and available on both F-Droid and Google Play.
My Apps:
AdAway
Agenda Widget Plus
Amazon Kindle
Android Pro Widgets
App Redirect
App Settings
AppOpsXposed
Appstore
Barcode Scanner
BootManager
BusyBox Free
Connection Stabilizer Booster
ES File Explorer
ezPDF Reader
F-Droid
Fake Wifi Connection
[*] Fix Lollipop Memory Leak
Flipboard
Gas Guru
GeekBytes
Goodreads
GoodRx
Google Voice
GoogleOfflineVoice
GravityBox [LP]
GreenPower Premium
Hangar
Hangouts Dialer
HERE
IVONA Amy UK English beta
IVONA Text-to-Speech HQ
Jango Radio
KeePassDroid
LBE Security Master
Lenovo Camera and Gallery
Lightning
List My Apps
Lolistat
LPThemer
Lux
MDScan
MinMinGuard
Mint
[*] MobileActiveRadioFix
Moon+ Reader Pro
MortPlayer Audio Books
n7player
Nandroid Manager
NetEase Music
Network
Network Speed Indicator
NotifyClean
Nova Launcher
Nova Launcher Prime
Pandora
Pandora Patcher
PaperKarma
Play Store Fixes
PlayPermissionsExposed
RDMissedCall Patcher
RebootManager
Remove Battery Saver Warning Color
Rocket Blocker
RocketDial
RocketDial Theme Neon Black
ROM Toolbox Pro
[*] RootCloak
Screebl Pro
Screen Off
Secure Settings
Servicely
Smart Unlock
Smoked Glass Digital Weather Clock Small
Spotify
Statusbar download progress
StopSwitchDelay
Super Star® Rewards
SuperSU Pro
SwiftKey Keyboard
Syncthing Silk
Talkatone
Tapatalk
Tasker
Titanium Backup
Titanium Backup PRO
Torque (free)
Totally Free VPN
Truecaller
TuneIn Radio Pro
Universal Init.d
Wakelock Detector Free
Waze
WeFi Pro
XBlast Tools
XInstaller
XInternalSD
xKindleMod
Xposed Installer
XVoice+
ZIPme
List made using List My Apps
That's a long list bro.. All are good apps. Let me add some of my favourites that's not in that list :
- Office Suite Premium
- Poweramp
- Musixmatch
- Aldiko Book Reader Premium
- Manga Rock
- Root Cleaner
- Greenify Pro
- Recently Pro
- Solid Explorer Pro
- Canvertpad Plus
Those are great apps! Try them and u'll love them
snugroho3 said:
That's a long list bro.. All are good apps. Let me add some of my favourites that's not in that list :
- Office Suite Premium
- Poweramp
- Musixmatch
- Aldiko Book Reader Premium
- Manga Rock
- Root Cleaner
- Greenify Pro
- Recently Pro
- Solid Explorer Pro
- Canvertpad Plus
Those are great apps! Try them and u'll love them
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. Please consider using list my apps so it will provide links for folks. I personally prefer Moon Reader Pro over Aldiko especially since I use the text to speech option to have it read ebooks as audiobooks in the car with the IVONA Amy UK tts voice. I use es file explorer over solid explorer(I'm not fond of apps that provide crippled free versions or in this case "14 day trial software") and Servicely (written by francisco franco if you recognize the name) as an alternate to Greenify that may interest you. Did you mean "Convertpad?"
famewolf said:
Thanks for the reply. Please consider using list my apps so it will provide links for folks. I personally prefer Moon Reader Pro over Aldiko especially since I use the text to speech option to have it read ebooks as audiobooks in the car with the IVONA Amy UK tts voice. I use es file explorer over solid explorer(I'm not fond of apps that provide crippled free versions or in this case "14 day trial software") and Servicely (written by francisco franco if you recognize the name) as an alternate to Greenify that may interest you. Did you mean "Convertpad?"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Servicely is very good app and of course I know Sir Francisco with his famous Franco kernel but somehow Greenify in boost mode (need root and Xposed) works better (at least for me) because you can still received all notification from apps without the apps awaken.
Also you can use Greenify together with Nova launcher to add DT2S+greenified apps. You just double tap the home screen to put the phone in sleep + greenified all running apps.
Ahh.. yes, it's convertpad. It's the easiest to use multi-converter
---------- Post added at 11:54 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:52 AM ----------
Btw, do you know Xposed module to make battery circle icon and remove carrier name in lock screen that works for Idol 5.5?
Among those I use (not including a bunch of widely used apps):
Action Launcher 3 - Minimalistic launcher that gives me what I want and doesn't include a bunch of things I generally don't use. I like having one home screen with a minimum of clutter. This optimizes that preference with some unique features.
AdAway
AppDialer Pro - Number/QWERTY keypad that "dials up" whatever installed app (and, optionally, contact) you want. Its useful widget does the same.
Draft - Dropbox friendly, searchable notes app that seems abandoned by the dev. I'd like a better alternative, but I don't know that there is one that specifically matches my usage. I prefer this to something like Evernote for privacy reasons, not that Dropbox is ideal.
ES File Explorer - I use Solid Explorer, too, but this does more. Its FTP server is an approach I often use to transfer files onto the device from a computer.
Ghostery Browser - Gives the same shield from tracking and such that the Chrome extension does on a computer.
GMD Gestures - Adds a layer of usability to my minimalistic approach. On a larger screen, like a tablet or even a Nexus 6, I don't use it as much. Still, this is a major part of my user experience, one of the first things I install.
Javelin - Good, clean, alternative browser with popup feature
JotterPad - Stylish, non-programming, writing oriented text editor.
Link Bubble - Popup browser. Javelin does this, too, but I like Link Bubble's implementation a little better.
MessagEase - Out of the ordinary keyboard that offers all sorts of features that most don't (keyboard shortcuts/macros, forward delete, easy access to special characters, pretty much every functionality you'd ever find in a keyboard). Takes getting used to, but I use it more than any other.
Minuum Keyboard - Sort of like Fleksy, but I find it more usable. It was my main keyboard for awhile, but I haven't used it much, lately.
Moon+ Reader - Another staple, well tended to by its dev. By far my favorite book reader. I stopped even thinking about the rest long ago.
Music Folder Player Full - Simple, straight forward music player. Old school approach. Direct and to the point. Once in awhile, I'll try one of the flashy ones, but find that their "features" are no more than eye candy to me and delete them.
Pocket - Read articles saved from websites.
Popup Widget - I don't use this all that often, but it's very helpful when I want it. I don't want widgets permanently on my screen that I rarely use. This allows me to tap an icon or execute a gesture (via GMS) to popup a widget when I want it temporarily (weather, calendars, etc.)
Titanium Backup
TweetCaster
Viper4Android - Sound quality enhancement that I didn't realize how much I needed until I tried it.
Wallpaper Saver - Great for getting wallpaper from ROMs, launchers, wherever. Though I find that I tend to prefer wallpaper from sources other than those places.
I've used and liked both Greenify and Servicely, too. I also like Recently and bought it.
maigre said:
Among those I use (not including a bunch of widely used apps):
Action Launcher 3 - Minimalistic launcher that gives me what I want and doesn't include a bunch of things I generally don't use. I like having one home screen with a minimum of clutter. This optimizes that preference with some unique features.
AdAway
AppDialer Pro - Number/QWERTY keypad that "dials up" whatever installed app (and, optionally, contact) you want. Its useful widget does the same.
Draft - Dropbox friendly, searchable notes app that seems abandoned by the dev. I'd like a better alternative, but I don't know that there is one that specifically matches my usage. I prefer this to something like Evernote for privacy reasons, not that Dropbox is ideal.
ES File Explorer - I use Solid Explorer, too, but this does more. Its FTP server is an approach I often use to transfer files onto the device from a computer.
Ghostery Browser - Gives the same shield from tracking and such that the Chrome extension does on a computer.
GMD Gestures - Adds a layer of usability to my minimalistic approach. On a larger screen, like a tablet or even a Nexus 6, I don't use it as much. Still, this is a major part of my user experience, one of the first things I install.
Javelin - Good, clean, alternative browser with popup feature
JotterPad - Stylish, non-programming, writing oriented text editor.
Link Bubble - Popup browser. Javelin does this, too, but I like Link Bubble's implementation a little better.
MessagEase - Out of the ordinary keyboard that offers all sorts of features that most don't (keyboard shortcuts/macros, forward delete, easy access to special characters, pretty much every functionality you'd ever find in a keyboard). Takes getting used to, but I use it more than any other.
Minuum Keyboard - Sort of like Fleksy, but I find it more usable. It was my main keyboard for awhile, but I haven't used it much, lately.
Moon+ Reader - Another staple, well tended to by its dev. By far my favorite book reader. I stopped even thinking about the rest long ago.
Music Folder Player Full - Simple, straight forward music player. Old school approach. Direct and to the point. Once in awhile, I'll try one of the flashy ones, but find that their "features" are no more than eye candy to me and delete them.
Pocket - Read articles saved from websites.
Popup Widget - I don't use this all that often, but it's very helpful when I want it. I don't want widgets permanently on my screen that I rarely use. This allows me to tap an icon or execute a gesture (via GMS) to popup a widget when I want it temporarily (weather, calendars, etc.)
Titanium Backup
TweetCaster
Viper4Android - Sound quality enhancement that I didn't realize how much I needed until I tried it.
Wallpaper Saver - Great for getting wallpaper from ROMs, launchers, wherever. Though I find that I tend to prefer wallpaper from sources other than those places.
I've used and liked both Greenify and Servicely, too. I also like Recently and bought it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This looks like you used list my apps but didn't save it as bb code (share it to email and email to yourself)....the bbcode would contain links to the apps your mentioning whether they are on f-droid, amazon appstore or google play...I mention this to make it easier on others as for example some of the apps I use are xda only version and it uses a google search which should take the user to them. I have not seen a need for "recently" as I use a combination of the built in "recents" and my most popularly used apps in notification area via the app "Hanger". See Screenshot.
In place of Action Launcher 3 I'd probably use Lucid Launcher (Pro) which is what I use on my devices with less memory. (http://www.xda-developers.com/lucid-launcher-a-unique-launcher-made-from-scratch/)
Instead of dropbox you may prefer syncthing which is an opensource alternative to bittorrent sync...I use it to keep folders in sync between my pc and my phone unless you actually have a need to access your files from the net somewhere via dropbox. You actually have viper4android installed on your idol 3? I'm assuming you flashed the zip...and disabled the built in JBL audio enhancements? Does it strictly work on headphones or improve sound on the speakers as well? (I used it a long time ago).
why is this thread in idol3 forum? it has to be in main forum, because it has nothing to do with idol3
DallasCZ said:
why is this thread in idol3 forum? it has to be in main forum, because it has nothing to do with idol3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Practically every device has a thread with "favorite apps to use on my xxx device" so no it doesn't HAVE to be in the main forum. Among my apps are a list of xposed modules that work on our specific version of lolipop...thats pretty relevent. Apps that work around quirks such as reboot manager which gives us "reboot to bootloader and reboot to recovery" from in the rom are very idol specific. Rootcloak can be used to make the system update checker work..thats pretty relevant and why it's in bold among the other bug fix modules.
If you must, report it to a mod and they can decide where it goes.
no apps you are listing are device specific .. reboot manager is not idol specific... Almost none device with stock rom have reboot to bootloader or recovery option.
and anyway here is subforum called "Onetouch Idol 3 Themes and Apps" (where you allready started many dead threads), so i think its better to move it there.
famewolf said:
This looks like you used list my apps but didn't save it as bb code (share it to email and email to yourself)....the bbcode would contain links to the apps your mentioning whether they are on f-droid, amazon appstore or google play...I mention this to make it easier on others as for example some of the apps I use are xda only version and it uses a google search which should take the user to them. I have not seen a need for "recently" as I use a combination of the built in "recents" and my most popularly used apps in notification area via the app "Hanger". See Screenshot.
In place of Action Launcher 3 I'd probably use Lucid Launcher (Pro) which is what I use on my devices with less memory. (http://www.xda-developers.com/lucid-launcher-a-unique-launcher-made-from-scratch/)
Instead of dropbox you may prefer syncthing which is an opensource alternative to bittorrent sync...I use it to keep folders in sync between my pc and my phone unless you actually have a need to access your files from the net somewhere via dropbox. You actually have viper4android installed on your idol 3? I'm assuming you flashed the zip...and disabled the built in JBL audio enhancements? Does it strictly work on headphones or improve sound on the speakers as well? (I used it a long time ago).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't use any app to list the ones I mentioned. I just used the forum's list format. I'll try and get to doing it as you would like so that the links will be there for those who might want them.
I've played around some with SyncThing and more secure alternatives to the usual cloud storage. The problem in the case of my notes is that they're synched to my Mac, too, and the program I use there is close to perfect for how I use it. And it won't sync to my own server or some of the more secure public ones. But I may migrate in those directions at some point. I'd just need to find an another Mac program that would work for me.
I didn't install V4A on the Idol 3. I put it on my Nexus 6. V4A addresses sound quality on the phone speakers, ear buds/headsets and bluetooth speakers. USB connected speakers, too. It doesn't do anything for phone call audio. It takes some playing around to get it right, a process I'm still in the midst of. But the difference is striking compared to the stock audio processing, at least when I've got it configured to my comfort. I don't know what would happen on the Idol 3. Disabling the JBL audio would be wise if you play around with JBL. As you know well, you'll want a good backup in case you want to dump V4A and restore a good working JBL. But maybe the JBL processing compares favorably.
DallasCZ said:
no apps you are listing are device specific .. reboot manager is not idol specific... Almost none device with stock rom have reboot to bootloader or recovery option.
and anyway here is subforum called "Onetouch Idol 3 Themes and Apps" (where you allready started many dead threads), so i think its better to move it there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sure would be nice if you were as diligent about policing your own threads as you are about policing mine. The mod's don't agree with you. I was told general conversation like this belongs in general. Discussing installing viper4android on the idol3 is idol 3 specific. Instead of pretending to be a mod how about responding to the 5 day old request for posting @petrov.0's corrected TWRP link to the 1st post of your twrp thread?
Now I'm going to stop responding to you...report it to the mod's and Mod's if you agree this is the appropriate location for general discussion of apps to be used on the idol then please remove his posts AND my replies so this thread can stay on topic.
maigre said:
I didn't use any app to list the ones I mentioned. I just used the forum's list format. I'll try and get to doing it as you would like so that the links will be there for those who might want them.
I've played around some with SyncThing and more secure alternatives to the usual cloud storage. The problem in the case of my notes is that they're synched to my Mac, too, and the program I use there is close to perfect for how I use it. And it won't sync to my own server or some of the more secure public ones. But I may migrate in those directions at some point. I'd just need to find an another Mac program that would work for me.
I didn't install V4A on the Idol 3. I put it on my Nexus 6. V4A addresses sound quality on the phone speakers, ear buds/headsets and bluetooth speakers. USB connected speakers, too. It doesn't do anything for phone call audio. It takes some playing around to get it right, a process I'm still in the midst of. But the difference is striking compared to the stock audio processing, at least when I've got it configured to my comfort. I don't know what would happen on the Idol 3. Disabling the JBL audio would be wise if you play around with JBL. As you know well, you'll want a good backup in case you want to dump V4A and restore a good working JBL. But maybe the JBL processing compares favorably.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There was another user interested in running viper4android on the idol 3...I may get around to making a backup and trying to install it to see how it does on the idol 3. I use the speakers to play music when travelling and it's got great sound/volume already in my opinion but always willing to try options. I use syncthing to backup my TWRP and Titaniumbackup folders among others.....if you set your titaniumbackup to run on a schedule it keeps pretty well in sync. You will have to either patch your platform.xml to see that syncthing has full rights to write to the external sdcard or use an xposed module to accomplish the same thing.
Hmm I guess I should add xposed module "Sticky Location Icon Fix [LP]" to the list..It stops the location icon from always showing up in notification bar even when location is not being used. The dev released it "yesterday" since it's now after midnight even in pacific time.
famewolf said:
There was another user interested in running viper4android on the idol 3...I may get around to making a backup and trying to install it to see how it does on the idol 3. I use the speakers to play music when travelling and it's got great sound/volume already in my opinion but always willing to try options. I use syncthing to backup my TWRP and Titaniumbackup folders among others.....if you set your titaniumbackup to run on a schedule it keeps pretty well in sync. You will have to either patch your platform.xml to see that syncthing has full rights to write to the external sdcard or use an xposed module to accomplish the same thing.
Hmm I guess I should add xposed module "Sticky Location Icon Fix [LP]" to the list..It stops the location icon from always showing up in notification bar even when location is not being used. The dev released it "yesterday" since it's now after midnight even in pacific time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The V4A installation is pretty quick and easy. It's what becomes of the JBL stuff that is the potential greater issue. But, there's always that backup. I found the speakers on the Idol 3 to be one of its surprise nice features, too. I had no quarrel with the sound as is. But I didn't on the N6, either.
A couple of other apps that I use: Smart Unlock and Simple Reboot. The former has been covered here, IIRC. I used to use Llama (sort of like Tasker) to perform the same thing and it worked great for a couple of years. But it became problematic. On my wife's phone, she actually got completely locked out at one point. We almost had to wipe it clean and start over again. Smart Unlock and Lollipop's similar functionality are an adequate, if inferior substitute to when Llama worked right. Simple Reboot is Franco's implementation of a common feature set — a boot menu that'll allow you to reboot to recovery, bootloader, etc.

Master Remove / Debloat / Freeze List [6.0.1] [Note4]

NOTICE: I HAVE PERSONALLY TESTED THE DELETION OF THESE APPS USING TITANIUM BACKUP WITH NO SYSTEM ISSUES. HOWEVER, I TAKE NO LIABILITY SHOULD ANYTHING GO WRONG. ALWAYS BACK UP YOUR DEVICE, AND DO SO AT YOUR OWN RISK! SUGGESTIONS ARE WELCOME AND WILL BE ADDED TO THE ALPHABETICALLY ORDERED LIST​
AFTER YOU DEBLOAT, YOU MAY LOSE SCREEN ROTATION. THE FIX IS EASY AND OUTLINED HERE​
RED = LOSS OF PRIMARY SYSTEM FUNCTIONS (Ex: Screen Rotation)
GREEN = LOSS OF RELATED SYSTEM FUNCTIONS ONLY (Ex: Touchwiz Launcher, Knox)
WHITE = LOSS / REMOVAL OF APP ONLY (SELF CONTAINED. Ex: Flipboard)
Safe To Remove
AllShare FileShare Service
ANT+ DUT --------------------------------------------| The ANT list of services relate to health / fitness tracking equipment that do not use bluetooth. Do not remove if you use these kinds of items
ANT HAL Service -------------------------------------Same as above
ANT Radio Service -----------------------------------Same as above
ANT+ Plugins Service--------------------------------Same as above
App Widget
Backup and Restore
Backup and Restore Agent
Basic Daydreams
BBCAgent
Briefing
Bubbles --------------------------------------------------A live wallpaper
Car Mode ------------------------------------------------Samsung Car Mode Feature
CarModeRemote ---------------------------------------Related To Car Mode Feature
ChocoEUKor --------------------------------------------Custom font, I use the stock one
Clock (Digital) ------------------------------------------TouchWiz Widget, I use Nova Launcher
Clock (Digital_easy) ----------------------------------TouchWiz Widget, I use Nova Launcher
CoolEUKor ----------------------------------------------Custom Font
Drive
Dropbox
Dual Clock (Digital) -----------------------------------Touchwiz Widget, Not Applicable To Other Launchers (Like Nova)
Easy settings -------------------------------------------Dumbed-down settings for the technologically illiterate customer buying a Note 4
Email -----------------------------------------------------I use the GMail app
Evernote
Facebook
Flipboard
Galaxy Apps
Galaxy Apps Widget
Gear VR Service
Gear VR SetupWizardStub
Gear VR Shell
Google Play Books
Google Play Games
Google Play Movies
Google Play Music
Google Play Newsstand
Google+
Hancom Office 2014
Hangouts -----------------------------------------------------------I use the stock messaging app
Health Service
Help
Kies Application BnR
KLMS Agent
KNOX
KNOX SetupWizardClient
KnoxAppsUpdateAgent
KnoxFolderContainer
Live Wallpaper Picker
Music ------------------------------------------ You will lose the ability to listen to .AMR files directly (Ex: Visual Voicemail Sent As An MMS With .AMR Extension)
My interests
My Places
My places
MyKNOXSetupWizard
Pages Manager
Peel Smart Remote -----------------------------------------------------------Note 4 can function as an IR Remote. This app can be re-downloaded from Google Play however
PEN.UP
Phase beam ---------------------------------------------------------------------Live wallpaper
Photo Screensavers
Photos
Print Spooler 1
Push To Talk
Quick connect
RoseEUKor - a different font. I use the stock font
S Finder
S Health
Samsung account
Samsung Billing
Samsung Content Agent
Samsung Galaxy
Samsung keyboard ---------------------------- I use google keyboard
Samsung Link Platform
Samsung Print Service Plugin
Samsung Push Service
Samsung setup wizard
SamsungDLPService
SamsungSans
SapaMonitor
Scrapbook
Slow motion
suretap Wallet
TalkBack
TMobile TV -----------------------Disabling or Removing May Also Delete TMobile Visual Voicemail
TouchWiz easy home ------------------------------Launcher portion of Touchwiz (Easy Version)
TouchWiz Home-------------------------------------Launcher portion of Touchwiz
Weather----------------------------------------------Stock weather app, I use the "Okay Google" command
withTV
Unsafe To Remove
Launcher - Causes Ultra Power Saving Mode to break, and "EmergencyManagerService has stopped" on every reboot
Here are the packages I currently have frozen with no loss in functionality (beyond what the packages themselves provide, of course)
Briefing
Car Mode
CarModeRemote
com.facebook.appmanager
com.facebook.system
Email
Facebook
Flipboard
Galaxy Apps
Galaxy AppsWidget
Gear VR Service
Gear VR SetupWizardStub
Gear VR Shell
Hancom Office
Health Service
Internet
KLMS Agent
KNOX
KNOX SetupWizardClient
KnoxAppsUpdateAgent
KnoxFolderContainer
Launcher
Lookout
Magnifier
Messages
Music
My Interests
My Places
My places
Nearby devices
Nerby Service
New Registration
Peel Smart Remote
PEN.UP
Personal Data Management
Photo Studio
Photos
Quick Connect
S Beam
S Finder
S Health
S Voice
Samsung Link Platform
Samsung Milk Music
Samsung MirrorLink
Samsung Print Service Plugin
Samsung Push service
Samsung text-to-speech engine
Samsung+
Samsung DLPService
Scrapbook
Slow Motion
Smart Manager
Studio
T-Mobile
T-Mobile Name ID
T-Movile TV
TalkBack
TouchWiz easy home
TouchWiz home
Video clip studio
Virtual tour
Visual Voicemail
Voice Recorder
Weather
withTV
Just a heads up, that rotation issue can be resolved by replacing a file that gets removed when Facebook is uninstalled. http://forum.xda-developers.com/not...-screen-rotation-fix-libgnustlshared-t3408140. One additional step I had to do was set permissions for the file to -rw-r--r--
How do you debloat ?
nostreborderaj said:
Just a heads up, that rotation issue can be resolved by replacing a file that gets removed when Facebook is uninstalled. http://forum.xda-developers.com/not...-screen-rotation-fix-libgnustlshared-t3408140. One additional step I had to do was set permissions for the file to -rw-r--r--
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for this! I will do another debloat test tomorrow and add this to the guide! Great Info!
kyoji001 said:
Here are the packages I currently have frozen with no loss in functionality (beyond what the packages themselves provide, of course)
Thank you for the great list! I will test all of these out tomorrow and update the main post. Your feedback and contribution is appreciated!
PS: One common issue I have found is that you get the error "EmergencyManagerService has stopped working". This also causes Ultra Power Saving Mode to stop working correctly. Does anyone know what is responsible for this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WaterMan! said:
kyoji001 said:
Here are the packages I currently have frozen with no loss in functionality (beyond what the packages themselves provide, of course)
Thank you for the great list! I will test all of these out tomorrow and update the main post. Your feedback and contribution is appreciated!
PS: One common issue I have found is that you get the error "EmergencyManagerService has stopped working". This also causes Ultra Power Saving Mode to stop working correctly. Does anyone know what is responsible for this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey Waterman,
No, I haven't received any errors like that. I just tried Ultra Power Saving mode and it seemed to work fine!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WaterMan! said:
Hey everyone! Post here all the apps that you have successfully frozen, or removed, without any issues. If you know what they are responsible for, post that as well. I will keep this post updated in Alphabetic order!
After a couple days of debloating, messing up the system, and restoring, there are clearly some apps that cause major issues if removed. For example, the Facebook app causes the screen rotation function to permanently break, if it is removed. There is also another app that results in screen rotation breaking, I have yet to identify it, but I suspect it is one of the KNOX-related apps.
*UPDATE* We have some new information folks! I will be doing a very large debloat tomorrow and this thread will get a huge update
RED = LOSS OF PRIMARY SYSTEM FUNCTIONS (Ex: Screen Rotation)
ORANGE = LOSS OF RELATED SYSTEM FUNCTIONS ONLY (Ex: Touchwiz Launcher, Knox)
WHITE = LOSS / REMOVAL OF APP ONLY (SELF CONTAINED. Ex: Flipboard)
Safe To Remove
Safe To Freeze (No Loss Of Functionality If Frozen, LOSS OF FUNCTIONS IF REMOVED)
-Facebook - Results In Loss Of Screen Rotation
Unsafe To Remove Or Freeze (Loss Of Function If Removed / Frozen)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This fixes the screen rotation issue with Facebook.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/not...-screen-rotation-fix-libgnustlshared-t3408140
Oops didnt see @nostreborderaj's post. ;p
Nice thread ?
Hey everyone,
So I compiled this entire list and did it myself. I was doing it in batches. The last portion was after Phase Beam, and that caused an error in the system
"EmergencyManagerService has stopped working"
This causes the error to come up on every reboot, and breaks ultra power saving mode functionality. At this point I am going through them one by one and trying to identify which app breaks this when removed. This may take a while ...
Here's what I've personally removed:
system/app/AccuweatherPhone2014_T_MMR
system/app/AmazonShopping_TMO
system/app/AntHalService
system/app/ANTPlusPlugins
system/app/ANTPlusTest
system/app/ANTRadioService
system/app/BasicDreams
system/app/BBCAgent
system/app/BookmarkProvider
system/app/Books
system/app/ChocoEUKor
system/app/com.mobitv.client.tmobiletvhd
system/app/CoolEUKor
system/app/DigitalClock_MUPG
system/app/DigitalClockEasy_MUPG
system/app/Drive
system/app/Dropbox
system/app/DualClockDigital_MUPG
system/app/EasymodeContactsWidget_RECT
system/app/EasySettings
system/app/EasySetup
system/app/ELMAgent
system/app/Facebook_latest
system/app/FactoryCameraFB
system/app/FBAppManager
system/app/Flipboard
system/app/FlipboardBriefing
system/app/GameOptimizer
system/app/Kies
system/app/KnoxAppsUpdateAgent
system/app/KnoxAttestationAgent
system/app/KnoxFolderContainer
system/app/KnoxSetupWizardClient
system/app/KnoxSwitcher
system/app/MobilePrintSvc_Samsung
system/app/Music2
system/app/Newsstand
system/app/PartnerBookmarksProvider
system/app/PENUP
system/app/PlayGames
system/app/PlusOne
system/app/Post_T_Promo
system/app/RoseEUKor
system/app/SamsungAppsWidget_BannerStyle_common
system/app/SamsungDLPService
system/app/SamsungSans
system/app/SamsungTTS
system/app/SamsungWidget_ActiveApplication
system/app/SBrowser_4_LATEST
system/app/SecEmail_K
system/app/SecExchange
system/app/SecurityLogAgent
system/app/SLocation
system/app/SnsImageCache
system/app/SPrintSpooler6
system/app/talkback
system/app/UniversalMDMClient
system/app/Videos
system/app/Vvm_TMO
system/app/WeatherDaemon2014_T_MMR
system/app/withTV
system/priv-app/AccessTmobile_TMO
system/priv-app/AdaptClient
system/priv-app/AutomationTest_FB
system/priv-app/DiagMonAgent
system/priv-app/EasyLauncher2
system/priv-app/ECID-release_TMO
system/priv-app/FBInstaller
system/priv-app/FotaAgent
system/priv-app/HancomOfficeEditor
system/priv-app/KLMSAgent
system/priv-app/LocationWidget_M
system/priv-app/Lookout_TMO
system/priv-app/MILK_US
system/priv-app/NoiseField
system/priv-app/SAMSUNG_PLUS
system/priv-app/SamsungLinkPlatform
system/priv-app/SecMyFiles2014MUP
system/priv-app/SOAgent
system/priv-app/SNS_v2
system/priv-app/SPPPushClient_Prod
system/priv-app/TouchWizHome
system/media/audio/ui/PowerOn.ogg
so far haven't had any issues
Thanks for the topic/lists @WaterMan! & @kyoji001, I loves some debloating... wait! I... don't care for bloat... Err, both! :silly:
Are you guys using a particular tool for uninstallation or doing so manually? I've used TB with filters in the past but have encountered some (minor, but semi annoying) issues in the past. I had planned on using System App Remover on my next fresh install based on recommendations/friendliness wrt lib files but then an update added a location permission, which set off my sketch alert and put me off of that app.
Ok, this is going to be long... feel free to skim :good: I did an interesting test last night, although I'm still running 5.1.1 (TEKxodus 7.4R2). I had removed about 200 unwanted system apps along with their data via TB a couple of months ago. Like I said, issues were minor and sporadic (mostly various GAPPS fc's). My phone's been running fine, so I didn't bother trying the following until last night, mainly just in the interest of contributing to this discussion, although I can't say yet whether or not this is "safe" on MM... if you think it might be problematic for any reason, please chime in! The steps that I took are here: extracted the system/lib directory from my current ROM's install archive, cut & pasted the entire original system/lib directory into the same directory on the active TB debloated ROM skipping present files and replacing those that were missing/deleted - I skipped subfolders at first then checked my install to see if any of them were missing files which they weren't, next I wiped cache & dalvik in recovery and optimized databases in Synapse (for good measure...), step 4) ????, 5) Profit!(?)
I used Root Explorer to do my lib directory manipulation, and after copying the missing modules, I selected all files in my actual system/lib directories to get a count then did the same in the folder I had extracted which then contained all of the files that were already present and therefor skipped. There were 7 more files in my active lib directory, so it seems that's how many modules my debloating had removed.
I wasn't really sure if/how I'd be able to tell if restoring the modules had any positive effect since the only problems that I had with my phone were so sporadic. I did however run a bench (Antutu) before and after (this morning after the phone had been back on overnight and I had used it a decent amount). The main reason that I was curious about bench scores is that I expected to get higher average scores after debloating, but was surprised that my bench scores stayed exactly where they had been (always somewhere between 68,000 and 69,200. I always screenshot the detailed results with all of the sections expanded (scroll-capture :good: ) after running a bench and jot down any factors or settings that might have some impact on performance on the image before saving it.
Well, it turns out I was... very possibly... right to be suspicious about the lack of an increase in my average bench score. I made sure to use my phone some before testing after my dalvik/cache wipes and such - played a game for a bit, did some web browsing. So after some pretty surprisingly consistent scoring within a pretty narrow range, this morning I hit 72,871(!) with all of the extra points attributed to the (surprisingly, I suppose) 3D tests... some of the other results that I saw in the detailed section were actually a bit lower compared to my test from last night, but all within 500 points of my previous average, i.e. "normal". I'll test again in a week or so or before updating to MM (whichever comes first).
So to wrap this up, I would cautiously recommend this technique for debloating. Summarized: uninstall unwanted system apps however you want, then restore your system/lib directory to it's default install state from the extracted folder from whatever ROM you have installed. Do so at your own risk, of course, particularly if you're on MM. I'll follow the same steps that I posted after doing the update and report back on the results.
Thanks again for this thread and the bloat lists. This type of thread is always a super helpful resource!
The list I compiled is what I personally removed, and tested, using Titanium Backup. No side effects other than the app in question being deleted obviously. I just moved the list around, I have one last chunk of apps to go through. One of these causes the error "emergencyManagerService has stopped" when deleted, and also causes ultra power saving mode to stop working. I will have it done by tonight, and find exactly what app is doing this!
WaterMan! said:
The list I compiled is what I personally removed, and tested, using Titanium Backup. No side effects other than the app in question being deleted obviously. I just moved the list around, I have one last chunk of apps to go through. One of these causes the error "emergencyManagerService has stopped" when deleted, and also causes ultra power saving mode to stop working. I will have it done by tonight, and find exactly what app is doing this!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey Waterman,
Looking at your list my bet is on something to do with the Launcher. Ultra Power Saving replaces your default launcher with a special BW launcher; I'm thinking that its just a skinned Touchwiz launcher.
kyoji001 said:
Hey Waterman,
Looking at your list my bet is on something to do with the Launcher. Ultra Power Saving replaces your default launcher with a special BW launcher; I'm thinking that its just a skinned Touchwiz launcher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Spot on! Post has been updated! Seems like my list is practically complete I may do some more tweaking here and there, but that is the vast majority of it. Thanks for the great info!
Never mind. I found the S7 clock apk and it works fine.
Umm...I accidentally uninstalled the stock clock app Could someone possibly upload that apk?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WaterMan! said:
Spot on! Post has been updated! Seems like my list is practically complete I may do some more tweaking here and there, but that is the vast majority of it. Thanks for the great info!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know if its worth mentioning in your first post, but the ANT HAL services all have to do with basically fitness wearables. If you use any that aren't BT and remove the ANT+ packages I imagine they will stop functioning.
How do you actually go about removing thsese items?
What are the steps for debloating?
Thanks!
Personally I like some of the Samsung apps & features otherwise I would use a non-Samsung ROM like Resurrection Remix.
I love SHealth and have a Gear VR. I'm surprised if you have a Note 4 and don't use SHealth with its cool heartrate, pulse ox, UV, stress level and other monitoring features. Also think the Samsung photo editor is actually one of the better ones.
Never used CarMode is but it seems like something useful.
Not sure what happens with any of these if you remove Samsung Account and Galaxy Apps I think they may be necessary at least for updates to these apps and for storing the SHealth data.
hehehaha123 said:
How do you actually go about removing thsese items?
What are the steps for debloating?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used Titanium Backup. There are other apps out there as well, or you can even do it manually.
kyoji001 said:
I don't know if its worth mentioning in your first post, but the ANT HAL services all have to do with basically fitness wearables. If you use any that aren't BT and remove the ANT+ packages I imagine they will stop functioning.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes that is true, and that is exactly what ANT+ does. 99% of people will never use it, I know I personally will not. I haven't yet posted what everything does, but I will. I have been busy and out of town
Aethera said:
Personally I like some of the Samsung apps & features otherwise I would use a non-Samsung ROM like Resurrection Remix.
I love SHealth and have a Gear VR. I'm surprised if you have a Note 4 and don't use SHealth with its cool heartrate, pulse ox, UV, stress level and other monitoring features. Also think the Samsung photo editor is actually one of the better ones.
Never used CarMode is but it seems like something useful.
Not sure what happens with any of these if you remove Samsung Account and Galaxy Apps I think they may be necessary at least for updates to these apps and for storing the SHealth data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, you may use it, but that's a niche. I would never use any of those features. Note 4 is way too big to work out with, nor would I want to. I have never touched the Photo Editor. Car Mode does nothing practical other than neuter phone functionality when driving. Proceed with caution, and don't delete anything you use.

Instead of rooting...?

If I recall correctly, the Priv's OS has some application that checks the integrity of the OS, thus prevents rooting.
And can't we simply flash a new ROM which would be just a clean Android? Maybe unlocking the bootloader would be easier than cat-and-mouse play with the real BB Android.
no it does not exist and the drivers for some hw on the device to work like izat and keyboard won't work, also the priv kernel is also secure along with bootloader so if i see a custom or AOSP rom for this device i will be like on twilight zone
There have been lost opportunities here and there but BlackBerry has been active on patching all security holes and that is why is important to the company that a root has to be impossible or this effort has been all for nothing and they became the newest "Blackphone" (now that rooting was unfortunate for a device sold as a "secure" phone).
I know that there are audience in Android just for root capacity but not everybody are in a "real" need for it.
I like that the BlackBerry Launcher leave most of AOSP element, except for icons and notifications sounds.
Personally I only ever use root for CPU control and ability to delete ANY app I deem fit, and on my previous SGS5 that meant all those heart rate and other nonsense apps that ran in background and chunked the battery to no end.
Gonna assume the Priv then has no CPU management ability due to the lack of root, correct?
Skv012a said:
Personally I only ever use root for CPU control and ability to delete ANY app I deem fit, and on my previous SGS5 that meant all those heart rate and other nonsense apps that ran in background and chunked the battery to no end.
Gonna assume the Priv then has no CPU management ability due to the lack of root, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. Though, they do use the interactive governor, and while I would kind of like to underclock the CPU a bit to deal with overheating, the default CPU management isn't too shabby. And since the Priv is almost completely stock, removal of unwanted apps is minimal, and all the carrier apps I had weren't system apps, so I was able to actually uninstall them, and what BB apps I didn't care for, I simply disabled. Learning that life without root isn't so bad on the Priv.
I just want root for Adblock for both YouTube and Chrome. I don't care if it's just a temp, as long as it lets me update the Filters for AdAway I am alright with it, I'll deal with the youtube ads.
KOAO said:
I just want root for Adblock for both YouTube and Chrome. I don't care if it's just a temp, as long as it lets me update the Filters for AdAway I am alright with it, I'll deal with the youtube ads.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, you could use Firefox. It supports extensions on Android, and ublock works nicely to kill ads, though I find functionally that Chrome runs infinitely better on Android than Firefox does, so your kilometerage may vary.
Artemis-kun said:
And since the Priv is almost completely stock, removal of unwanted apps is minimal
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true! The Priv is full of bloatware that you can only deactivate but not uninstall (Yahoo Finances, for example). And some of those apps will stay active and make the phone unusable despite being 'deactivated'. Like BB Hub. I deactivated it from the start and just recently saw that it still had several permissions (location, contacts, messages, calendar etc). So I revoked those permissions. Now it constantly pops up and wants permissions. I can't even add a contact without granting these permissions. Annoying as hell. It's ridiculous that BB regard themselves as a secure company with secure smartphones (which was rebutted several years ago) that emphasize on privacy but when it comes to their own apps, it can't get any more privacy invading. I so hate BB!
So I'm waiting for
a) another producer to make an Android phone with a hardware keyboard or
b) someone to make root for the Priv happen so that I can install a ROM of my choice.
Shani Ace said:
Not true! The Priv is full of bloatware that you can only deactivate but not uninstall (Yahoo Finances, for example). And some of those apps will stay active and make the phone unusable despite being 'deactivated'. Like BB Hub. I deactivated it from the start and just recently saw that it still had several permissions (location, contacts, messages, calendar etc). So I revoked those permissions. Now it constantly pops up and wants permissions. I can't even add a contact without granting these permissions. Annoying as hell. It's ridiculous that BB regard themselves as a secure company with secure smartphones (which was rebutted several years ago) that emphasize on privacy but when it comes to their own apps, it can't get any more privacy invading. I so hate BB!
So I'm waiting for
a) another producer to make an Android phone with a hardware keyboard or
b) someone to make root for the Priv happen so that I can install a ROM of my choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't call it full of bloat. Full of bloat is what Samsung has on offer. Yes, there are some bloatware apps that you can't uninstall, but they disable just fine. Sounds to me like your hub got re-enabled, mine has been disabled since day one, and still has no permissions, and doesn't harass me about anything.
Artemis-kun said:
Sounds to me like your hub got re-enabled, mine has been disabled since day one, and still has no permissions, and doesn't harass me about anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting. Did you do any of the BB OTA updates (mine's running the most recent version, 6.0.1, security patch from August 5th)?
The Hub is still deactivated, but it doesn't seem to 'care' about that. I activated and deactivated it again to no effect.
So you're telling me when you go into Settings -> Apps -> BB Hub -> Permissions, all six permissions (calendar, camera, contacts, storage, phone and BB Productivity Suite) are turned-off?
I'm pretty sure I had these turned off when I got the phone in May. So maybe some of the OTA updates changed something about it. Unless you're running the same version that I am.
Oh and the fullscreen pop-up says Blackberry Hub+, maybe this is a new thing then?
And yes, other manufacturers may have more Bloatware. But at least there you can uninstall them or flash a different ROM. And all the BB services like BB Hub count as Bloatware for me, too.
Maybe I should sell my Priv and get a S6 Edge Plus (again). I still got the keyboard cover for that model and it's flashable, although Samsung also makes it hard for the users. But the keyboard cover is not back-lit and the phone is even bigger than the Priv (already too big for my taste).
EDIT: Ah wait! I just saw that the 'Blackberry Services' were activate, so I deactivated it and revoked all its permissions and now the pop up is gone. I definitely had this deactivated before the update, but as with the other BB apps, you have to deactivate them again after each update. Guess I just overlooked this one. Yay!
Shani Ace said:
Interesting. Did you do any of the BB OTA updates (mine's running the most recent version, 6.0.1, security patch from August 5th)?
The Hub is still deactivated, but it doesn't seem to 'care' about that. I activated and deactivated it again to no effect.
So you're telling me when you go into Settings -> Apps -> BB Hub -> Permissions, all six permissions (calendar, camera, contacts, storage, phone and BB Productivity Suite) are turned-off?
I'm pretty sure I had these turned off when I got the phone in May. So maybe some of the OTA updates changed something about it. Unless you're running the same version that I am.
Oh and the fullscreen pop-up says Blackberry Hub+, maybe this is a new thing then?
And yes, other manufacturers may have more Bloatware. But at least there you can uninstall them or flash a different ROM. And all the BB services like BB Hub count as Bloatware for me, too.
Maybe I should sell my Priv and get a S6 Edge Plus (again). I still got the keyboard cover for that model and it's flashable, although Samsung also makes it hard for the users. But the keyboard cover is not back-lit and the phone is even bigger than the Priv (already too big for my taste).
EDIT: Ah wait! I just saw that the 'Blackberry Services' were activate, so I deactivated it and revoked all its permissions and now the pop up is gone. I definitely had this deactivated before the update, but as with the other BB apps, you have to deactivate them again after each update. Guess I just overlooked this one. Yay!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://puu.sh/qYFcI/bca42bb0e9.png here is a screenshot I just took. I should also point out that I have everything else BB disabled as well, and I've never had to re-disable any of them. I'm on the MM beta program, so that might also make some kind of diffeerence, but I stay up to date with patches, and haven't had to disable anything again. Not sure how it happened in your case, but glad that you got it sorted.
Another thing I do feel I need to bring up, this is also a BB phone made for BB people, so it does make sense that they include the software suite that their fans have grown to love. Sure, those of us who couldn't care less about BB's software, and just wanted in on their amazing hardware prowess, will find these apps bothersome, but if nothing else, visually they left Android alone, and for that, I can't not happily thank them. They could have given us something like a BB10 inspired touchwiz, could you imagine? Lol.
Yeah that's true and I'm also happy that they didn't over-customize their ROM. It's just hard to accept any deviation when you've been used to having full freedom on all kinds of custom ROMs for the last ten years.
Strange though that you didn't have to re-deactivate the apps after the updates. Then I guess I'll look into the beta program (had seen it before but didn't mind).
and I do not have 'Secure Start-up' turned-on.
There's enough bloatware that I'd like to remove, such as "Hang-Outs" & BBM is eating data with stupid pics of available 'stickies' & other crap I don't want to see/read about & my ONLY choice for disable is "Do you want to restore this app to Factory Default?". No, I don't I want to Restore it to Factory Default - I want to DISABLE it. I do understand that the PRIV's supposed to be secure & yes that's a Good Thing. I also understand that most users LIKE to be kept informed. I am NOT 'social' - Let ME decide what I want to be informed about & when. I didn't even get a choice of what subscription (?) I wanted (which is NONE). There's a bunch of apps that I can only Restore to Factory default. That, too me, means I CANNOT Remove or Disable them. I call that bloatware. Un-wanted bloatware. If I could remove them without Rooting, then I would not be looking to do so! I have an 'Essential Tremour' & I NEED a physical keyboard or I'd look elsewhere.
OK: I managed to get BBM to stop shouting at me (as noted: I make mistakes, but I do learn from them); it's just down to wanting to get rid of apps I don't want taking-up space. Rooting a PRIV appears to be dicey, with no firm info from Oct/2016, onwards, regarding 'safe' rooting of my device. I'm running 6.0.1 & Bell is my provider. If it makes any difference, I do not have 'Secure Start-Up' turned-on. As noted, if I didn't need a physical keyboard, I probably would not have chosen this make/model. Guess I'll live with it & keep looking for ways to put my phone on diet (& the battery barely lasts a day, unfortunately). I basically use it as a PDA - no games, few calls, occasional checking notes & calendar - it should last longer.
Bootstrap69 said:
There's enough bloatware that I'd like to remove, such as "Hang-Outs" & BBM is eating data with stupid pics of available 'stickies' & other crap I don't want to see/read about & my ONLY choice for disable is "Do you want to restore this app to Factory Default?". No, I don't I want to Restore it to Factory Default - I want to DISABLE it. I do understand that the PRIV's supposed to be secure & yes that's a Good Thing. I also understand that most users LIKE to be kept informed. I am NOT 'social' - Let ME decide what I want to be informed about & when. I didn't even get a choice of what subscription (?) I wanted (which is NONE). There's a bunch of apps that I can only Restore to Factory default. That, too me, means I CANNOT Remove or Disable them. I call that bloatware. Un-wanted bloatware. If I could remove them without Rooting, then I would not be looking to do so! I have an 'Essential Tremour' & I NEED a physical keyboard or I'd look elsewhere.
OK: I managed to get BBM to stop shouting at me (as noted: I make mistakes, but I do learn from them); it's just down to wanting to get rid of apps I don't want taking-up space. Rooting a PRIV appears to be dicey, with no firm info from Oct/2016, onwards, regarding 'safe' rooting of my device. I'm running 6.0.1 & Bell is my provider. If it makes any difference, I do not have 'Secure Start-Up' turned-on. As noted, if I didn't need a physical keyboard, I probably would not have chosen this make/model. Guess I'll live with it & keep looking for ways to put my phone on diet (& the battery barely lasts a day, unfortunately). I basically use it as a PDA - no games, few calls, occasional checking notes & calendar - it should last longer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In order to disable some of the apps on this device they must be restored to factory default. I have hangouts and BBM disabled. My battery life is pretty good. You have to figure out what's killing yours. Do you use a case that has the preview window on the front?
On non rootable devices I use AdGuard to have a firewall and adblocker. It works by routing everything through a local vpn server. Great concept and working fine for me.

Bloatware ADB Uninstall Script

Hi guys,
does anyone have a list or script for adb uninstall ready? Someone linked it for S10+ back in the day and it was very nice. Maybe some of you already have a list compiled?
Appreciated.
Regards
I did exactly that this morning. Used this list below. Some things like Onedrive weren't in the list but that is listed as skydrive
adb setup https://www.xda-developers.com/uninstall-carrier-oem-bloatware-without-root-access/
debloat list https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s10/how-to/galaxy-s10-s10-debloat-bloatware-t3912073
EggZenBeanz said:
I did exactly that this morning. Used this list below. Some things like Onedrive weren't in the list but that is listed as skydrive
adb setup https://www.xda-developers.com/uninstall-carrier-oem-bloatware-without-root-access/
debloat list https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s10/how-to/galaxy-s10-s10-debloat-bloatware-t3912073
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much! Will try it once my device arrives.
Be careful not to uninstall the stock launcher, my navigation bar stopped working. Had to reinstall the launcher.
Please post your findings of what worked / didn't work, as the provided list is for the S10 obviously.
sturmeh said:
Please post your findings of what worked / didn't work, as the provided list is for the S10 obviously.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it worked for me. Some packages weren't originally installed so didn't need to remove.
I am wondering if anyone has the package name to remove the MacAfee bloat.
Thanks
the1bobcat said:
it worked for me. Some packages weren't originally installed so didn't need to remove.
I am wondering if anyone has the package name to remove the MacAfee bloat.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you verizon? If so, I believe it's the digital secure app.
Commies said:
Are you verizon? If so, I believe it's the digital secure app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In Canada on Rogers network.
Can i ask what's the point of this? I was reading about the process and it states that the apps aren't fully uninstalled, they're basically hidden from "user 0", so why not just the hide app function? Or am I missing something here? Are they not running in the background for user 0? Is this more like a hibernate feature?
I was pleasantly surprised when I tried removing apps the traditional way, a decent amount of the bloatware is removable. Most of what I wanted gone is gone, just a few extra apps now.
menu space and disk space saving is negligible real benefit is less CPU load / battery as they're not even running in background
its a great way to do it because you can restore via factory reset, no lasting damage possible (except for removing stock launcher without another installed ROFL even then I'm guessing you can use stock recovery to wipe)
I have been working on this. I have barfed up my phone a couple times now removing apps that should not be removed. I think I finally have a solid list that others can use. I'm just cleaning it up so it makes sense.
I wouldn't use a removal script, especially one intended for a different phone.
Use CCSWE App Manager. It is free and braindead simple to use. It can uninstall non-system apps, but it can disable any app including system apps, which is really what you should do, rather than uninstalling. That way, you can reverse any mistakes by simply toggling a switch. Debloating with this app is so easy my 96 year old grandmother could do it.
the one liner I used
I wasn't sure about most apps, but I removed anything that has the words facebook linkedin netflix microsoft amazon or game in it using this one liner:
Code:
pm list packages | grep -E 'facebook|linkedin|netflix|microsoft|amazon|game' | awk -F ':' '{print "pm uninstall -k --user 0 " $2}' | sh
you can list the packages that are going to be removed using the first half:
Code:
pm list packages | grep -E 'facebook|linkedin|netflix|microsoft|amazon|game'
sublimaze said:
I wouldn't use a removal script, especially one intended for a different phone.
Use CCSWE App Manager. It is free and braindead simple to use. It can uninstall non-system apps, but it can disable any app including system apps, which is really what you should do, rather than uninstalling. That way, you can reverse any mistakes by simply toggling a switch. Debloating with this app is so easy my 96 year old grandmother could do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any chance you can list of the things you disabled with CCSWE? I am getting some pretty bad battery drain (2%/hr) with screen off on Exynos S20. Am keen to kill all the bloatware but not so keen on using the s10 guide as it is a new phone.
Or if anyone is able to compile a list of ADB/CCDWE of things we can disable with the functionality that would be awesome!
knobbs said:
Any chance you can list of the things you disabled with CCSWE? I am getting some pretty bad battery drain (2%/hr) with screen off on Exynos S20. Am keen to kill all the bloatware but not so keen on using the s10 guide as it is a new phone.
Or if anyone is able to compile a list of ADB/CCDWE of things we can disable with the functionality that would be awesome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2%/hr standby drain is a little high. You should be able to get down to 1%/hr or less.
I disabled the following with no issues, but your usage habits will determine what should be disabled.
Apps (com.samsung.android.app.appsedge)
Bixby Routines
Bixby Service
Bixby Voice
Bixby Voice Stub
Briefing
Calendar (com.samsung.android.calendar)
Chrome
Contacts (com.samsung.android.app.contacts)
Crocro and friends
Default Print Service
DeX for PC
Digital Wellbeing and parental controls
Facebook
Facebook App Installer
Facebook App Manager
Facebook Services
Game Booster
Game Launcher
Launcher (com.sec.android.emergencylauncher)
LED Cover
LED Cover Service
Messages (com.samsung.android.messaging)
Netflix
PartnerNetflixActivation
People (com.samsung.android.service.peoplestripe)
Print Service Recommendation Service
Print Spooler
Samsung Daily
Samsung DeX
Samsung DeX home
Samsung DeX System UI
Samsung Galaxy Friends
Samsung Internet
Samsung Internet panel
Samsung Kids Installer
Samsung setup wizard
Setup Wizard
SetupWizardLegalProvider
SilentLogging
Smart Switch Agent
SmartThings
Voice wake-up
What's new
I remapped holding the power button to toggle flashlight, and double tap still launches the camera. Those shortcuts work even after disabling the Bixby-related services listed above.
I did not disable the Bixby camera scanner because I may use it. But if you have no use for it, then disable Bixby Vision & Bixby Vision Framework.
If you use any of the other apps/services, then don't disable them. I use Google Calendar & Google Contacts, so the Samsung versions are unnecessary. And I use Pulse SMS, so no need for Messages app.
The great thing about CCSWE App Manager is being able to reverse changes on the fly. If you do something that breaks functionality, then just re-enable whatever messed things up. No need to go to a computer and mess with adb. If you like CCSWE, then I *highly* recommend supporting the developer, to encourage continued development.
Mental having to make lots of adjustments for exynos!! I reckon ya could get snapdragon and just enjoy it, be the last time I'm rushing in to buy Samsung think I'm done with exynos
Warrior1975 said:
Can i ask what's the point of this? I was reading about the process and it states that the apps aren't fully uninstalled, they're basically hidden from "user 0", so why not just the hide app function? Or am I missing something here? Are they not running in the background for user 0? Is this more like a hibernate feature?
I was pleasantly surprised when I tried removing apps the traditional way, a decent amount of the bloatware is removable. Most of what I wanted gone is gone, just a few extra apps now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats partly true. It becomes uninstalled for the User 0 (You or me) Its not removed from the device. As it is uninstalled for the User, it cant then be sucking up RAM or utilizing the already heavily criticized CPU.
I've debloated my S20 Ultra down to the bare minimum of what the phone could actually function on. I've removed Bixby, Samsung Pay, all the samsung apps, most google apps and a bunch of others. I can provide the list of all i have removed if anyone wants it?
Best.
Speedy!!
sublimaze said:
2%/hr standby drain is a little high. You should be able to get down to 1%/hr or less.
I disabled the following with no issues, but your usage habits will determine what should be disabled.
Apps (com.samsung.android.app.appsedge)
Bixby Routines
Bixby Service
Bixby Voice
Bixby Voice Stub
Briefing
Calendar (com.samsung.android.calendar)
Chrome
Contacts (com.samsung.android.app.contacts)
Crocro and friends
Default Print Service
DeX for PC
Digital Wellbeing and parental controls
Facebook
Facebook App Installer
Facebook App Manager
Facebook Services
Game Booster
Game Launcher
Launcher (com.sec.android.emergencylauncher)
LED Cover
LED Cover Service
Messages (com.samsung.android.messaging)
Netflix
PartnerNetflixActivation
People (com.samsung.android.service.peoplestripe)
Print Service Recommendation Service
Print Spooler
Samsung Daily
Samsung DeX
Samsung DeX home
Samsung DeX System UI
Samsung Galaxy Friends
Samsung Internet
Samsung Internet panel
Samsung Kids Installer
Samsung setup wizard
Setup Wizard
SetupWizardLegalProvider
SilentLogging
Smart Switch Agent
SmartThings
Voice wake-up
What's new
I remapped holding the power button to toggle flashlight, and double tap still launches the camera. Those shortcuts work even after disabling the Bixby-related services listed above.
I did not disable the Bixby camera scanner because I may use it. But if you have no use for it, then disable Bixby Vision & Bixby Vision Framework.
If you use any of the other apps/services, then don't disable them. I use Google Calendar & Google Contacts, so the Samsung versions are unnecessary. And I use Pulse SMS, so no need for Messages app.
The great thing about CCSWE App Manager is being able to reverse changes on the fly. If you do something that breaks functionality, then just re-enable whatever messed things up. No need to go to a computer and mess with adb. If you like CCSWE, then I *highly* recommend supporting the developer, to encourage continued development.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see all disabled. Did you actually uninstall any apps?? Thanks.
Lurien said:
I see all disabled. Did you actually uninstall any apps?? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I uninstalled what could be uninstalled via regular method (Play store or Nova Launcher), and disabled what could not be uninstalled.
i just got one s20+. surprisingly one ui is not as bloat as i imagine it to be thought .
i still did some adb debloat.
is anyone debloat the qualcomm app too ?

Needing help with my cheap A03s

Couldn't find that one listened anywhere here specifically. I'm pretty sure my phones compromised but I'll probably just get people telling me I'm being paranoid. Just notice a lot of weird stuff going on.
I'll give some examples, but it would be cool if someone else here has an A03s and could give me a full list of the system apps to know for sure if mine has some extra ones that aren't truly factory. Because I've restore it several times and they don't go away.
Like under the apps screen under the basic ones I got apps like Android auto, webview, configapk, customization service, and something called data restore tool, device health services, group sharing, meet, nearby device sharing, quick sharing, quick share, settings..etc. which to my knowledge are pretty normal apps to see on phones right? But I seem unable to control them, if I disable them and go back and check later they mysteriously reenabled again, or after that the permissions lists will be greyed out not being able to do anything. Also there is a app called "permissions controller", as well as ones called "apps", "apps update", "tools", "app recommendations", "settings recommendations"..etc. is that normal? I never noticed that with my old samsung. They are really small file size apps with pretty generic looking icons and they don't let me disable them.
What gets more weird to me though is when I enable the system apps too. I see all kinds of suspicious looking ****.
Like for the android setup, and android system apps there are two of each, and the other two have generic looking icons, also got stuff like configuration restore, audio mirroring, auto hotspot, automation test, bluetooth/bluetooth midi service, call & text on other devices, callbgprovider, camera extensions proxy, carrier login engine, sim tool kit, cell broadcast services, clipboardsaveservice, cmh provider, companion device manager (where I have no idea where my "companion is or how to control it so I must be the one being controlled?", configupdater, csc, dcktimesyncapplication, dynamic system updates, ipservice, enterprise sim pin service, external storage, like 10 different gestural navigation bars, group sharing, iaft, ims service, settings, and logging, input devices, iothiddenmenu, keycustomizationinfobnr, launcher, locale overlay manager, service mode and service mode ril, media and devices, mdmapp, vpndialogs, mmigroup,mmsservice, mobilewips, mtp host, nearby device scanning (2 instances), network diagnostic, nsdswebapp, one handed mode, osulogin, package installer, an app called "people", private share, proxy handler, quick share agent, samsung core services? (is that a real app even? I can disable it but who wants to disable "core" system apps, so touche there if it is a program deployed by a hacker on their app naming skills lol, smart switch agent, 2 instances of software update, system connectivity resources, system uwb/wifi resources, an app called "tasks", tethering, tethering provision and tethering automation, tfstatus/tffunlock always running when I never access them, usbsettings, and theres one called wallpaper services/wallpaper and style that looks really generic which is confusing because I assumed the samsung theme manager just handled all that stuff in one? We also got wearable manager installer running, and sometimes wificalling and wifi direct or work setup will be running when I don't have any of those configured.
Sorry for the huge block of text, I'm sure I missed a bunch i missed because there's some that don't show even when you tap "show system apps", like the skms agent as one example, so got a few general questions for you, so for the file/download system I got a bunch of default apps. There's two different files apps, there's a download manager and download app, and also a storage manager, and ALSO a app called the external storage that always wants to be running but can you explain that if I have no external storage? Is the built in storage space on the a03 called external storage? I even have my drive apps and stuff disabled.
Another things that's suspicious to me is secmediastorage, secvideoengineservice, secsoundpicker, secureelementapplication, media and devices + ext storage. Like why should there be a SECOND video or audio engine running when I'm old school and don't even use cast programs/features or anything like that? In fact it's usually one of the first things I just go ahead and try disable.
I noticed a lot of weird things going on with the display though too, looking really sharp then suddenly almost looking like there's two layers of gui not exactly lined up, like off by a pixels making things look blurrier. Like the one ui home is the default factory launcher right? So why does my phone also have a app called "launcher", plus another hidden launcher or something running in the background? I can't remember the name of it offhand, something GUI..
And I understand the concept of android have a permission controller, and "core apps" but are there actually apps under the system apps named that lol? "permission controller", "samsung core apps" one called "device services"...
also is service mode suppose to be running in the background? I googled into it and know it's a genuine service, but I really don't understand why a lot of these apps are stopping and running or renabling themselves.. It's like I have zero control over my own phone and if I'm just paranoid and they are meant to be just seems like a waste of complete waste of ram/data to me.
****, I was just sitting here thinking for like a few minutes about to post and almost forgot the most suspicious ones I've noticed in last few days. all the "com." overlay apps. I guess I really saw the word "overlay" as something you should be suspicious about until the vpn I recently bought had a feature that is suppose to block web browser based overlays. Then I noticed that MOST of my com. apps are all overlay apps! Lol, ranging from google/samsung to mediatek.
I won't post all of them because there's probably 20 at least but here's a few.
com.mediatek.frameworkresoverlay
com.mediatek.settingsproviderresoverlay
com.mediatek.systemuiresoverlay
com.samsung.android.networkstaack.tethering.overlay
com.samsung.android.smartswitchassistant
com.samsung.android.wifi.p2paware.resources
com.sec.android.app.camerasaver and a camera.app.cameraapp one (camera always running in background even if background and battery saver with restricted settings enabled)
com.google.android.ondevicepersonalization.services (I never used any personalization service or see a personalization app for that matter)
com.google.android.networkstack.tethering.overlay
and there's a bunch of com.google.android.overlay.gmsconfig ones /common geotz/ gsa/ photos/
com.google.android.overlay.modules.captiveportallogin.forframework
plus a overlay broadcastreceiver, ext.services, documentsui, permissioncontroller, and sdksandbox one.. tetheringresoverlay, wcmurlsnetworkstackoverlay, locale overlay manager..etc.
Also I get my service through straight talk which I think uses verizon and I noticed when I go to connections/mobile networks and network operators and uncheck the box "select automatically" that for some reason it only wants to connect to a network operator called "Home". I just thought that was kind of a weird and generic name for a network operator. I tried to use a android hidden settings app to change that because it was blocked out and thought I messed up my phone because I no longer had data and couldn't access the menu through the app anymore, but luckily a reformat fixed it but I'm still dealing with all this crap haha.
Can someone tell me I'm not crazy and there's definitely someone that is accessing and controlling my phone without my permission and what would be the best way to go about dealing with this?
Thanks.
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You've copied this post at least once. We'll be removing the duplicate.
Now on to your question...
It is my opinion that the problem may not be with what you are observing, but with your assumptions. In the duplicate thread, you assume two possibilities:
You're being hacked
Your paranoia is justified
Have you thought there may be a third or even fourth option? Such as, maybe you don't understand that much about Android, you don't recognize what you see, you're assuming it's malicious, which combined with your own confirmation bias, has led you to the conclusion that foul play is afoot?
Nothing you have described sounds in any way abnormal. You have a Samsung device running OneUI (Samsung's framework overlaid on top of Android) that is powered by a Mediatek chipset. Everything you describe sounds completely normal to me, with over 10 years of experience in Android, most of that with Samsung devices.
My conclusion, to be frank: You are not being hacked, and your paranoia is unfounded.
OP your post gave me a headache trying to read it.
So...
Have it reflash to the stock firmware if you really think it's behaving erratically and a factory reset doesn't work. Change Google password and all others.
Then be careful what you install.
Don't put in foreign thumb drives or let others use it.

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