Database Users

[SM-P905][SM-P907A] Debloating bloatware after rooting + Power On sound removal

** DISCLAIMER: I AM NOT A DEVELOPER. I DO THIS AS A HOBBY AND SHARE MY FINDINGS IN CASE SOMEONE ELSE FINDS THEM USEFUL. **
** THIS WORKED ON MY DEVICE BUT IT MAY NOT WORK ON YOURS. APPLY AT YOUR OWN RISK **​** These scripts are written for Kitkat. Do not use on Lollipop. **​ What is new (9/7/2014)
Version 4 provides more Samsung bloat removal, Google bloat removal, and as a bonus it can disable the power on sound.
Background
Samsung has a program running on most of its devices that pushes "Security Updates" onto the device. If you make the mistake of accepting this security update, even after you root your tablet, it will patch the hole and you will never be able to use towelroot or any other know exploit as of June 2014 to root your it again. So this must be immediately disabled after a successful rooting.
Your tablet is also equipped with Knox. One component of Knox is in the bootloader and checks the integrity of the recovery and kernel. If it sees anything has changed at that level it trips the knox flag immediately, which is irreversible. That component can almost never be touched. The second component runs when the OS is up and running and its main task is to monitor the activities of the apps in your system and shut them down if they act "suspiciously". When you are rooted and install SuperSU, this element of Knox keeps detecting the background root activities and shuts them down and gives you warnings. There is therefore a high level of risk there if you let root and knox exist concurrently. So after rooting, this second component of Knox should normally be disabled.
Finally, there are useless junk apps that most of us agree Samsung should have never shipped with the tablet, or even if they are useful we want them gone to get a better battery life.
I will call all of the above (updaters, Knox, and useles junk) bloatware. The scripts attached here can disable or enable the bloatware on your tablet, which comes in handy if you do not have Titanium Backup Pro to freeze or remove bloatware. And since someone will ask at some point, no, it won't trip your Knox!
Please read below and understand what this script disables before you use it. There may be an app on the list that you may actually want to keep.
Requirements:
Rooted Samsung Note Pro 12.2, SM-P905 international model.
Android Terminal Emulator: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jackpal.androidterm&hl=en
The international version (P905) is tested with baseband P905XXUANA7, build P905XXUANC3 .
The ATT version (P907A) is tested with build KOT49H.P907AUCU1AND7 (thanks to @gerard0986 for testing the script)
Makes sure you download the version that is suitable for your tablet. It may work to varying extents for other models and firmwares.You try and tell me
If you are using models other than P905 or P907A, I can make a new script for you if you provide me with a "ls -R -l" dump of your /system, or even better, if you post your firmware somewhere online.
Download link:
Attached below
Instructions:
Generally speaking, you should always have a Nandroid backup before trying anything new. Also have a flashable ROM handy. I am not responsible if you brick your device while using these scripts.
To debloat:
1- Unzip the attachment and copy debloat.sh to your phone at /sdcard
2- Run the terminal emulator and type the following:
su
cd /sdcard
sh debloat.sh​3- Choose what you want to disable, or exit.
4- If you choose not to exit, the code does its thing and reboots your tablet. The bloat is gone now
To restore the bloatware:
1- Unzip the attachment and copy enbloat.sh to your phone at /sdcard
2- Run the terminal emulator and type the following:
su
cd /sdcard
sh enbloat.sh​3- The code will warn you:
Are you sure you want to restore the security/firmware/software updaters, and Knox?
They may immediately patch your system and make the existing root methods impossible to apply.
Then you can choose what to enable, or just exit.
4- If you choose not to exit, the code does its thing and reboots your tablet. The bloat is back now
Note that while running the debloat script you may get force-closing popups. This is normal; after all you are disabling these applications!
Limitations:
If you have previously removed bloat using other means this script CANNOT recover it for you. enbloat.sh can only restore what debloat.sh has disabled.
If you have debloated using an older version of this code and you want to try a newer version of it, first use enbloat from the older version to return everything to the original configuration and then use the newer version.
When you are restoring the bloat, it is best to enable "airplane mode" so that your tablet does not try to patch your system with a security update without your knowledge. You can disable the airplane mode after you debloat again.

Change log
V5:
Typos fixed.
=============
V4:
Option to disable all Google services except Youtube, search, map, and TTS
Option to disable/enable Power on sound
=============
V3:
The scripts give separate options to enable/disable these groups of bloatware:
1- Updater/knox
Firmware Upgrader, Local FOTA, Security Manager, FOTA Client, Security Update Client, Samsung Push Client, Samsung Software Update, Knox and its related apps
2- Samsung bloat
ANT, Blurb, ELM Agent, Samsung Apps apk and widget, Job Manager, Samsung cloud backup files, Context Provider, S Finder, S Voice, Samsung Account Service, aaIgnite_1.5.15_singtel, weplay_1.3.162, PCWClientS18
3- Other bloatware
Accuweather, Bloomberg, Dropbox, Evernote, Flipboard, NY Times, Remote PC, ,Travel Service, Twitter, WebEx, Line, Pinboard Scratch book, SNS, eMeeting
=============
V2:
The scripts give options to enable/disable updater/knox and other bloatware separately.
Added these to the disable list of V1:
SecurityManagerService, aaIgnite_1.5.15_singtel, weplay_1.3.162
=============
V1:
The script disables the following:
Firmware Upgrader, Local FOTA, FOTA Client, Security Update Client, Samsung Push Client, Samsung Software Update, Knox and related apps, ANT, Blurb, ELM Agent, Remote PC, Samsung Apps apk and widget,Travel Service, Twitter, WebEx, Line, Samsung cloud backup files
PCWClientS18, Scratch book, S Finder, SNS, Samsung Account, eMeeting

Would this work for the T-900 version too?

What do I need to get the info required to get a script made for the sm-p907a model? I read above post but the list of things required were above my head lol.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-P907A using XDA Free mobile app

iNiREALiZED said:
What do I need to get the info required to get a script made for the sm-p907a model? I read above post but the list of things required were above my head lol.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-P907A using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1- What is your firmware version?
2- Open the terminal emulator and type the following commands in there:
su
cd /system
ls -R -l > /sdcard/sysdump.txt
Then pm the file sysdump.txt which is saved on your sdcard to me.

thank you
Thank you najoor for the neat script, it executed successfully on my sm-p905 (UANE1 rom) & removed the useless software, it saves a lot of time removing them manually.
Nice work

Hope to see a version for the SM-P907 soon.

Rockytop00 said:
Would this work for the T-900 version too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the only existing models are SM-P900, SM-P905, SM-P907A and SM-P905V. I don't know what T-900 is.
If you are referring to model P900 (wifi only) this code may partially work but a lot of files are different between the two models so the outcome is a partial debloat. If you want, you can make a system dump file as I suggested in this post http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=55029414&postcount=5 and send it to me so I can make a custom code for you.
Edit: It appears that T900 is the Tab pro model which is a different device. This thread is for Note pro 12.2 and since I do not own a Tab Pro I cannot answer this question. Perhaps help can be found in the XDA's Tab Pro forum at http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-pro-12-10-8. or try these scripts as they are and see if it works for you.

Hey najoor, Im hoping that you can help me debloat my galaxy tab pro 12.2 sm-t900. I just bought it today and am shocked at the amount of bloatware thats included lol.
Basically I want everything removing that I can install through googleplay, leave the default browser.
Here is the log that you mentioned to the other guy also:-
View attachment sysdump.txt
Ill try to pm it also, really hope you can help out.
Pixel

Debloat method
I used this method but i accidentally uninstalled all google services, and google play store was apart of that, is that normal? And if it is are there ways to get it back?

stockerrodney said:
I used this method but i accidentally uninstalled all google services, and google play store was apart of that, is that normal? And if it is are there ways to get it back?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that is part of bloat removal. To get Google bloat back run the enbloat.sh script and hit y when it prompts you about restoring Google bloat.

stockerrodney said:
I used this method but i accidentally uninstalled all google services, and google play store was apart of that, is that normal? And if it is are there ways to get it back?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
najoor said:
Yes, that is part of bloat removal. To get Google bloat back run the enbloat.sh script and hit y when it prompts you about restoring Google bloat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If i do the enbloat method will i have to reinstall knox ? Or will i still be able to keep it off?

When you use the enbloat.sh you only restore the stuff you choose. You don't have to restore everything. In your case you leave knox and other things out and only answer yes when it asks you if you want Google bloat to be restored.
The script is very user friendly. Just run it and follow the instruction. And just to give you peace of mind, these scripts do not delete anything from your system permanently so don't worry about breaking your system.

Any chance you could add the option to remove individual items?

http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/debloater-remove-carrier-bloat-t2998294

Debloat v5.0 removed Scrapbook from Air Command
The debloat worked fine but the Scrapbook app in Air Command is now showing error "no application found to handle this actions".
Please advise.

mojoe said:
The debloat worked fine but the Scrapbook app in Air Command is now showing error "no application found to handle this actions".
Please advise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Removing apps is what a debloating script does. If you want your app back just run the enbloat script. All the instruction you need is provided in the original post.

najoor said:
Removing apps is what a debloating script does. If you want your app back just run the enbloat script. All the instruction you need is provided in the original post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Appreciated. I wanted to debloat but did not expect the scrapbook app to be debloated. Is there any way that I can retrieve this one app, without the rest of the garbage that will return if I "enbloat".
I recall finding the app the last time and renaming from .bak to .apk and it worked.
Can you tell me where to find the apk.

mojoe said:
Appreciated. I wanted to debloat but did not expect the scrapbook app to be debloated. Is there any way that I can retrieve this one app, without the rest of the garbage that will return if I "enbloat".
I recall finding the app the last time and renaming from .bak to .apk and it worked.
Can you tell me where to find the apk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The app is either in /system/app or /system/priv-app. Rename app.apk.bac and app.odex.bac if it exists to app.apk and app.odex and reboot. I don't remember exactly which app is the one you need.

najoor said:
The app is either in /system/app or /system/priv-app. Rename app.apk.bac and app.odex.bac if it exists to app.apk and app.odex and reboot. I don't remember exactly which app is the one you need.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. I will return with the name once I find it.

[LP][5.X][XPERIA] Debloating script for xperia phones running LP

***LOOKING FOR A ALL-IN-ONE SOLUTION? THAT'S AVAILABLE FOR Z3C USERS ONLY, IF INTERESTED GO HERE***
I guys, I share with you my debloating script for those interested in a higly DEBLOATED LP installation, very slimmed down, battery friendly, faster, with less RAM comsuption etc
Heavily debloated actually means almost 1 gb of system stuff moved to a backup folder (that you can even delete or move to sdcards to get 1gb extra free space in /system) so applying my script you agree to debloat A LOT as I did but take care that you will have a much lighter system and still you will be able to restore very easily anything you want anytime moving stuff back from the backup folder to /system (detailed instructions for that below in this thread).
NOTES
1. as all the stuff object of my debloating script is going to be placed in /system when flashing the pre-rooted FW, it is strongly suggested to apply my script immediately after flashing the pre-rooted LP FW and before rebooting, this way all that stuff will be moved away, and it is like it was never installed (at first boot no optimizations for those apps, means faster first boot etc)
2. as said above, all the bloat is not really deleted but moved to a Backup folder in system (/system/__Backup) so you can restore anything you want very easily. that's the reason you can see /system partition still almost full in spite of my high debloat, but stuff moved to the backup folder is "silent", so for sure it is not affecting the system at all and it is like it is not installed: I use this approach for people who needs to restore something, this way restoring is very very easy and fast. By the way, deleting the whole Backup folder (or moving it to your sdcard) you will then see something like 1.1 gb extra free space in /system!!
3. using different FW as base you may have some more bloat/apks, not present in my FW, that will remain installed. In this case, if you think there is some bloat left that could be removed, please send me a list of all your system apps remained after debloating, so i can check them (you can easily do that via terminal with 'ls /system/app > /sdcard/sysapps.txt' and 'ls /system/priv-app > /sdcard/privapps.txt' and send me the resultant text files)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Procedure for all xperia phones running LP: (like all Z series)
Requirements:
- working recovery
- be on LP already, 5.0.2 or 5.1.1, doesn't matter
Installation:
1. full nandroid backup to eventually go back to previous any time
2. wipe data, cache and dalvik ***
3. flash my debloating script
4. that's all! reboot/enjoy
*** NOTES
You can skip wiping data, so you'll keep all your personal data! But please mind that not wiping data during the installation procedure the debloat will not be 100% effective: in fact, if you don't wipe data, all the sony apps installed in /data/app won't be removed by the script! (to remove them, you'll have to uninstall them manually from settings > apps > downloaded)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
RESULT
As said at the top, you'll get a very slimmed down LP FW, battery friendly, very fast, with less RAM comsuption etc
Of course, everything is working great here, I mean all the features I need/use!
In particular, with latest version of my script you are going to delete more than 160 packages in total with all relevant libs/stuff plus all applications automatically installed by Sony :good:
DISCLAIMER
If you apply my script again please take care I did a pretty massive debloat as I don't use a lot of stuff (social apps, small apps, many of the sony "addons"/special settings etc!!) and this is a working config for me, but for others some functionalities will be probably missing, so mind what you do before apply them! (but again you can restore anything anytime, if interested just continue the reading)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
###########################################################################################################
REMOVED STUFF
As said at the beginning, with my script, stuff is not going to be deleted anymore, but moved in /system/__Backup folder. This way you can restore things without the need to download them from my GDrive.
HOW TO RESTORE SOMETHING
PS. of course I also removed from my FW all the stuff that can be easily downloaded from the Play Store (Gmail, etc)
In the hidden field below you will find the restoring instructions you need to follow to restore any package you may want back:
According to what you want to restore, you have to follow two different procedures:
- all the APKs that are inside /system/__Backup/various/etc_custom_apps and /system/__Backup/various/etc_prod_apps are regular APKs that are going to be installed in /data, so you can just run them and then select "install" like a normal APK, easy. You will then see them in Settings > applications > downloaded
- instead, all the things in /system/__Backup/system_app and /system/__Backup/system_priv-app folders can't be normally installed, but must be restored in the correct /system folders with correct permissions. To do this, see the step-by-step instructions below (in the following example, I am going to restore Chrome app in /system/app and Velvet (Google Search) in /system/priv-app, but of course you can restore how many things as you want at the same time)
Code:
- with a root file manager like ES, go to /system/__Backup/system_app and MOVE the whole "Chrome" folder to /system/app
- with a root file manager like ES, go to /system/__Backup/system_priv-app and MOVE the whole "Velvet" folder to /system/priv-app
- reboot
- done
PS. don't copy but MOVE things back, or permissions will get messed up and you are likely to end up in a bootloop!
Many THANKS @ondrejvaroscak and @Puffin617 for some very good advices, @mj084 for some packages descriptions :good:

Would one arrive at the same stable setup as you if the debloating-part in your guide was omitted?
(I prefer to use Debloater by @gatesjunior to block the apps)

Norup58 said:
Would one arrive at the same stable setup as you if the debloating-part in your guide was omitted?
(I prefer to use Debloater by @gatesjunior to block the apps)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
don't think so. in fact, several people who flashed and installed xposed directly on stock FW, had bootloops. others have problems with play store in deodexed, so I think, at least here and IMHO, best combo is odexed but debloated.
of course you can remove less stuff, that will be also much safer. if and when I post a text list of what I removed, I can maybe highlight dangerous apps that people should be careful with, or add notes for some apps that maybe is not so easy to understand what they are for
EDIT: I always prefer manual things, so I always manually move apps to a temporary location and then delete them

oh man, thanks for this, but i have a lot of problems to visualize what have you did. dropbox isn't working for me on my work's network. Can you make a list of apps? pastebin, tinypaste, hastebin, chop... there are options!

espaciosalter20 said:
oh man, thanks for this, but i have a lot of problems to visualize what have you did. dropbox isn't working for me on my work's network. Can you make a list of apps? pastebin, tinypaste, hastebin, chop... there are options!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
will make a list soon!
EDIT: done! see OP!!

moly82 said:
will make a list soon!
EDIT: done! see OP!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! it's a shame that i already have achieved my 8-post limit for today.

Which app is refer screenshot: https://www.dropbox.com/s/6smtqx57f3mjy68/Screenshot_2015-04-08-15-10-03.png?dl=0
Thank
Hispa

espaciosalter20 said:
Thank you! it's a shame that i already have achieved my 8-post limit for today.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
don't worry mate!
ps. added notes/colours to some pretty dangerous apps to remove.. all others should be pretty self explanatory/safe to delete if you don't use them
hispanico957 said:
Which app is refer screenshot: https://www.dropbox.com/s/6smtqx57f3mjy68/Screenshot_2015-04-08-15-10-03.png?dl=0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
gravity box > lockscreen mods > customizable lockscreen shortcuts!

enabled navbar edits and lost recent buttons... but in homescreen (and only there) I still have it
(the secret is... a modded wallpaper lol )
of course in other apps it is gone ;(

moly82 said:
enabled navbar edits and lost recent buttons... but in homescreen (and only there) I still have it
(the secret is... a modded wallpaper lol )
of course in other apps it is gone ;(
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes also for me no recent in apps... but also at home !?
Hispa

Perfect Bro @moly82 will work on it to launch a FW Debloated stable.

So do we know which app it is that you removed that fixed the xposed issue? I don't buy the "just delete a bunch of stuff and xposed will work", there must be one or a combination of apps that are causing the bootloops.

Avengeme said:
So do we know which app it is that you removed that fixed the xposed issue? I don't buy the "just delete a bunch of stuff and xposed will work", there must be one or a combination of apps that are causing the bootloops.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, you are free to investigate [emoji14]
always when i flash a stock fw i immediately remove a lot of useless (for me) stuff.. this time I had already deleted something like 120 useless apps before flashing xposed and seeing it was working fine.. so that's not so easy for me at this time to understand exactly what is causing bootloops for some people and actually, even if it wouldn't be impossible to find that out, that's not interesting for me so don't see a point in losing extra time in that research sorry (I'm already wasting too much time in debloat operations [emoji14] )

hispanico957 said:
Yes also for me no recent in apps... but also at home !?
Hispa
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah no recents button here as well.. as i said the recent button i have in my homescreen is a trick... a wallpaper with a fake button drawing in background [emoji14]

@moly82: you are the greatest ... finally I got xposed framework without bootloop!! Thank you so much!!

no problem mate glad it was helpful for someone else!
yesterday I added a few more xposed modules, and still no bootloops at all (right now I'm using GB, apm+, youtube adway, youtube background playback, xperia/AOSP NavBar Buttons :good: )
btw did you delete all (or most of the) the apps in my list? and before debloating you had bootloops?
because I immediately debloated and only then I installed xposed, so was wondering if maybe also installing xposed without debloating could be working actually as never tried here this way
in any case, just testing right now some more debloat... would like to increase the debloat list... will update OP if I find it safe and will have no problems after new deletions

gallery app is not working! i tried restoring all the Photo* app ,but still not working

Try to clear Cache and Data from Album App, helped me last time it wont work

you mean sony album? works perfectly here

removed updates and now is working fine

[share] "remove gapps completely"

[FLASHABLE ZIP]
The zip provided below can be used to remove whole gapps package that is included in some custom Roms ,so that u can flash u r own desired gapps again [switch gapps] or if u want to use custom Roms without gapps.
Remove GApps in ROM: now support Marshmallow
Script in first post very discounted and therefore deleting not all files.
Here's updated version. Script automatically mounts /system, you don't need do it by yourself.
Script compatible with Android 2.3...6.0
Guaranteed delete will be only on CyanogenMod rom's and Nexus firmware due of possible other file naming in manufacturer stock firmware.
Probably some small bits of files can left on device (like WebView), but almost all other will be removed.
Note: script removes apps from /system partition.
Probably some of them was updated and additionally stored in internal memory.
So you need manually delete a bit of remainders by usual way.
IMPORTANT!
– Maybe some stuff or whole ROM will broken after applying this ZIP
– Script removes stock Google / CM keyboard, install 3rd party before applying!
– Script removes Google Experience Launcher, so make sure you use 3rd-party app or device will not boot!
– Script removes Hangouts, so make sure you use 3rd-party SMS app or you may unable use SMS!
– ..and may other
– Apps with embedded Google Maps such as Foursquare, Instagram and many other can't be launched / installed by any way because of lack of framework for it
– A lot of apps requests installed Google Play Store and Google Play Services which will be removed
– Network location can be disabled because it's part of gapps
– Recommended to wipe dalvik/ART-cache to rid out of unused cache files
>>> Use it at your own risk and make full backup via recovery before flashing! <<<
*THE WHOLE CREDIT GOES TO BONOBOO XDA DEV HE MADE THIS CREATIVE THREAD POSSIBLE SO TX TO HIM*

Yeshas Prabhakar said:
[FLASHABLE ZIP] Remove GApps in ROM: now support Marshmallow
Script in first post very discounted and therefore deleting not all files.
Here's updated version. Script automatically mounts /system, you don't need do it by yourself.
Script compatible with Android 2.3...6.0
Guaranteed delete will be only on CyanogenMod rom's and Nexus firmware due of possible other file naming in manufacturer stock firmware.
Probably some small bits of files can left on device (like WebView), but almost all other will be removed.
Note: script removes apps from /system partition.
Probably some of them was updated and additionally stored in internal memory.
So you need manually delete a bit of remainders by usual way.
IMPORTANT!
– Maybe some stuff or whole ROM will broken after applying this ZIP
– Script removes stock Google / CM keyboard, install 3rd party before applying!
– Script removes Google Experience Launcher, so make sure you use 3rd-party app or device will not boot!
– Script removes Hangouts, so make sure you use 3rd-party SMS app or you may unable use SMS!
– ..and may other
– Apps with embedded Google Maps such as Foursquare, Instagram and many other can't be launched / installed by any way because of lack of framework for it
– A lot of apps requests installed Google Play Store and Google Play Services which will be removed
– Network location can be disabled because it's part of gapps
– Recommended to wipe dalvik/ART-cache to rid out of unused cache files
>>> Use it at your own risk and make full backup via recovery before flashing! <<<
*THE WHOLE CREDIT GOES TO BONOBOO XDA DEV HE MADE THIS CREATIVE THREAD POSSIBLE SO TX TO HIM*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not sure what he is trying to convey here with this kind of english, but Titanium backup works fine for everybody and this kind of crap is not required for nobody.

raviprakashji said:
I am not sure what he is trying to convey here with this kind of english, but Titanium backup works fine for everybody and this kind of crap is not required for nobody.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am sorry if u can't understand simple English.
It's a zip file to completely remove gapps or whole Google apps....
Those who want to switch to another version of gapps or want to remove Google apps completely which comes with inbuilt ROMS.
And by the way hold u r tongue before u criticize such useful share or posts like this.
Sent from my GT-I9082 using XDA-Developers mobile app

Yeshas Prabhakar said:
I am sorry if u can't understand simple English.
It's a zip file to completely remove gapps or whole Google apps....
Those who want to switch to another version of gapps or want to remove Google apps completely which comes with inbuilt ROMS.
And by the way hold u r tongue before u criticize such useful share or posts like this.
Sent from my GT-I9082 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Waiting for any person who is getting benefited.

Can you make a zip to remove supersu too?(if its possible )

aswinp222 said:
Can you make a zip to remove supersu too?(if its possible )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is an option to completely unroot in supersu

Shon22 said:
There is an option to completely unroot in supersu
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol,its possible only if rom boots

Which Apps are safe to remove after Root

I couldnt find anything regarding this topic for our phone. Which Apps are safe to uninstall/freeze after gaining Root?
Can anyone provide a list? Especially I would like to remove the following apps:
- What's New
- Swiftkey
- Xperia Tips Service
- Xperia Tips
- Xperia Services
- Xperia Lounge pass
- Xperia Resource Extension
- my Xperia
- the Messaging App (I am using the app Messaging by google instead)
- Lounge
- Recommendation Engine Extension

I removed all those and then some. The only exception being Swiftkey - I use AFWall to block it from uploading everything I type to the creeper servers.
Special mentions:
- Amazon Shopping
- AVG Protection
- All facebook ****
- Google App, Play Movies, Play Music
- Hangouts
- Lifelog
- YouTube
All running smoothly.

FYI w/o root you can disable apps using the ADB interface and using the following command:
pm disable-user com.touchtype.swiftkey
*disabled swiftkey without root
Below is the list I disabled without any adverse effects on stock nougat (output of "pm list packages -d"):
package:com.amazon.mShop.android.shopping
package:com.sony.nfx.app.sfrc
package:com.sonymobile.intelligent.iengine
package:com.sonymobile.sketch
package:com.sonymobile.getmore
package:com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox
package:com.sonymobile.getmore.client
package:com.sonyericsson.textinput.chinese
package:com.sonymobile.xperiatransfermobile
package:com.sonymobile.music.youtubeplugin
package:com.touchtype.swiftkey
package:com.google.android.apps.docs.editors.docs
package:com.sonymobile.lifelog
package:com.sonymobile.android.addoncamera.soundphoto
package:com.sonyericsson.conversations
package:com.sonymobile.rcsvideoprovider
package:com.sonymobile.advancedwidget.topcontacts
package:com.sonymobile.coverapp2
package:com.sonymobile.moviecreator
package:com.sonymobile.android.externalkeyboardjp
package:com.google.android.apps.docs.editors.sheets
package:com.google.android.apps.docs.editors.slides
package:com.sonymobile.enterprise.service
package:com.sonymobile.deviceconfigtool
package:com.sonymobile.androidapp.cameraaddon.stickercreator
package:com.realvnc.android.remote
package:com.sonymobile.phoneusage
package:com.sonymobile.tvout.wifidisplay
package:com.sonymobile.deqp
package:com.sonymobile.dlna
package:com.sonyericsson.wappush
package:com.sonymobile.demoappchecker
package:com.google.android.marvin.talkback
package:com.sonymobile.music.youtubekaraokeplugin
package:com.sonymobile.xperiaservices
package:com.sonymobile.exchange
package:com.google.android.gm
package:com.sonymobile.rcs.settings
package:com.sonymobile.entrance
package:com.s.antivirus
package:com.google.android.music
package:com.android.dreams.basic
package:com.sonymobile.susrescheck
package:com.sony.tvsideview.phone
package:com.google.android.apps.docs
package:com.google.android.apps.maps
package:com.google.android.webview
package:com.sonymobile.crashmonitor.system
package:com.google.android.syncadapters.contacts
package:com.android.facelock
package:com.google.android.tag
package:com.google.android.tts
package:com.sonyericsson.xhs
package:com.google.android.videos
package:com.sonymobile.runtimeskinning.picker
package:com.sonyericsson.crashmonitor
package:com.sonymobile.mx.android
package:com.sonymobile.support
package:com.google.android.feedback
package:com.google.android.apps.photos
package:com.google.android.calendar
package:com.swiftkey.swiftkeyconfigurator
package:com.sonymobile.xperiaweather
package:com.sonymobile.gettoknowit
package:com.sonymobile.synchub
package:com.facebook.katana
package:com.sonymobile.moviecreator.rmm
package:com.sonymobile.xperialounge.services
package:com.sonymobile.androidapp.cameraaddon.areffect
package:com.sonymobile.email
package:com.sonymobile.pobox
package:com.scee.psxandroid
package:com.sonymobile.advancedwidget.worldclock
package:com.facebook.system
package:com.sonyericsson.android.socialphonebook
package:com.sonyericsson.album
package:com.sonyericsson.music
package:com.sonymobile.retaildemo
package:com.sonymobile.anondata
package:com.sonymobile.pip
package:com.sonymobile.sso
package:com.sonymobile.usm
package:com.android.bookmarkprovider
package:com.sonyericsson.startupflagservice
package:com.sonymobile.advancedlogging
package:com.google.android.talk
package:com.sonymobile.music.wikipediaplugin
package:com.facebook.appmanager
package:com.sonymobile.music.googlelyricsplugin
package:com.sonymobile.dualshockmanager
package:com.sonymobile.mwutil
package:com.sonyericsson.advancedwidget.clock
package:com.sonymobile.android.addoncamera.timeshift
package:com.sonyericsson.advancedwidget.photo
package:com.sony.tvsideview.videoph
package:com.gsma.rcs

To the above post I would like to add something for newbies:
1) Type "adb shell" before you use the commands above, otherwise it won't work.
2) instead of the disable command (which doesn't work on my phone, apparently because you need to be rooted), i used the command hide, which also deactivates the app.

To removing SwiftKey :
Be aware, that if your phone is encrypted or uses PIN or password authentication before it boots, you must install another keyboard as SYSTEM app, or you will not be able to boot your phone.

Some more that can be removed
com.android.chrome (I use Pale Moon for Android)
com.android.partnerbrowsercustomizations.chromeHomepage
com.android.dreams.phototable
com.android.galaxy4
com.android.noisefield
com.android.phasebeam
com.android.wallpaper.holospiral
com.android.wallpaper.livepicker
com.android.wallpaper
com.sonyericsson.idd.agent
com.sonyericsson.startupflagservice
com.sonymobile.experienceflow2
com.sonymobilemusic.googlelyricsplugin
com.sonymobile.slideshow
com.sonyericsson.warrantytime

After "hiding" most of the above apps, I have around 1100mb of free ram left instead of 600mb before debloating. The phone feels much snappier too.

I use magisk to hide the following apps from system. So i'm not actually touching the system partition. Although you need unlocked bootloader and custom kernel (genesis) for that so the OTA updates won't install anyway. Thats why I removed the update-center as well. Use at your own Risk.
/system/app/CrashMonitor
/system/app/CrashMonitorsystem
/system/app/EditorsDocs
/system/app/EditorsSheets
/system/app/EditorsSlides
/system/app/Exchange2
/system/app/ExternalKeyboardJP
/system/app/FaceLock
/system/app/GetMoreClient-standard-release
/system/app/Gmail2
/system/app/GoogleLyricsPlugin
/system/app/GoogleTTS
/system/app/IddAgent
/system/app/Iengine
/system/app/KerberosService
/system/app/Lifelog-3.0.B.4.15-6295567-googlePreloadLive-release
/system/app/OmaDownload
/system/app/PartnerBookmarksProvider
/system/app/PhotoWidget-release
/system/app/PrintSpooler
/system/app/RcaHandler
/system/app/RemoteControlService
/system/app/SemcAutoPowerOff
/system/app/SemcEmail
/system/app/SemcSimDetection
/system/app/SemcWarrantyTime
/system/app/SmartcardService
/system/app/SomcDualshockManager
/system/app/SomcMovieCreatorRmm-release
/system/app/SomcPOBox
/system/app/SomcSketch-live
/system/app/SyncHub-release
/system/app/TopContactsWidget-release
/system/app/WikipediaPlugin
/system/app/WorldClockWidget-release
/system/app/XperiaTransferMobile-release
/system/app/YouTube
/system/app/YouTubeKaraokePlugin
/system/app/YouTubePlugin
/system/app/com.facebook.appmanager
/system/app/com.facebook.katana
/system/app/com.s.antivirus
/system/app/com.sonyericsson.xhs
/system/app/com.sonymobile.xperialounge.services
/system/app/device-monitor
/system/app/fota-service
/system/app/newssuite
/system/app/photoslideshow-release
/system/app/playstationapp
/system/app/weather-release
/system/priv-app/BackupRestoreConfirmation
/system/priv-app/CameraWearableBridgeHandheldServer
/system/priv-app/EnterpriseService
/system/priv-app/GetMore-standard-release
/system/priv-app/GoogleBackupTransport
/system/priv-app/GoogleFeedback
/system/priv-app/MyXperia-release
/system/priv-app/OMAClientProvisioning-release
/system/priv-app/SharedStorageBackup
/system/priv-app/SomcMovieCreator-release
/system/priv-app/StartupFlagV2
/system/priv-app/Velvet
/system/priv-app/com.sonymobile.retaildemo
/system/priv-app/somc-get-to-know-it-release
/system/priv-app/textinput-chn-xhdpi
/system/priv-app/usb-mtp-backup-transport
/system/priv-app/usb-mtp-factoryreset-wrapper
/system/priv-app/usb-mtp-fotaupdate-wrapper
/system/priv-app/usb-mtp-update-wrapper
/system/priv-app/usb-mtp-vendor-extension-service
/system/vendor/app/ChromeCustomizations
/system/priv-app/RcsVideoShare
/system/app/com.sonymobile.deqp
/system/app/talkback
/system/priv-app/rcs-settings
/system/app/SusResCheck
/system/app/videotvsideview
/system/app/Drive
/system/app/Chrome
/system/app/Videos
/system/app/Photos
/system/priv-app/SocialphonebookStub
/system/priv-app/album-albumLive-release
/system/app/pip
/system/priv-app/USMHome
/system/app/Hangouts
/system/app/videoplaceholder
/system/priv-app/rcs-core
/system/priv-app/sonyentrance2-release
/data/app/com.sonymobile.entrance-1
/system/priv-app/album-albumLive-release
/system/app/com.amazon.mShop.android.shopping
/oem/app/com.lookout
/oem/app/uk.co.ee.myee
/data/app/com.sonyericsson.updatecenter-1
/oem/overlay/com.sonyericsson.updatecenter
I also disabled the following apps on top of that:
AR effect
Creative Effect
Messaging ( I text with Signal)
Sound Photo
Spotify
Sticker Creator

tempurastyle said:
After "hiding" most of the above apps, I have around 1100mb of free ram left instead of 600mb before debloating. The phone feels much snappier too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow. you must have a lot of bloat. I had ~1GB free as stock with only disabling a lot of apps and a few services just through the app manager I have ~1.5GB free. (around 100-200MB more on both at fresh boot, I check the usage frequently) I do not have the amazon stuff and a lot of other things I see though. I am gonna have a look again now as there definitely is more to disable.

After disabling some apps listed above, i figured out that the qnovo battery care stopped working. Does anybody know which apps i need to enable to make it work again?

Battery care can be a little unstable. For me it works most of the time. It seems to work more often with the February security update. It works with the charging intelligent service (CIS). My list doesn't disable it.

Ikzy said:
I use magisk to hide the following apps from system. So i'm not actually touching the system partition. Although you need unlocked bootloader and custom kernel (genesis) for that so the OTA updates won't install anyway. Thats why I removed the update-center as well. Use at your own Risk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I been thinking of installing magisk, but could not find a good reason yet, though when chainfire gives full control to the company that apparently bought supersu I am probably going to use the opensource solution by phh.
this is a good idea too! I read a little on how magisk modules works, and maybe I am lazy but do you mind sharing your module for reference and use? besides not inventing the spoon again, I think it could be of great help also to help understand the script structure faster/better.
best regards

realtuxen said:
Hi,
I been thinking of installing magisk, but could not find a good reason yet, though when chainfire gives full control to the company that apparently bought supersu I am probably going to use the opensource solution by phh.
this is a good idea too! I read a little on how magisk modules works, and maybe I am lazy but do you mind sharing your module for reference and use? besides not inventing the spoon again, I think it could be of great help also to help understand the script structure faster/better.
best regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here you go. I like magisk for it in faking any system modification. By Uninstaller magisk and flashing stock kernel I should be able to get OTA's. After an update I don't have to re-uninstall all bloat system apps, just flash magisk and everything is hidden again. I'm hoping removing folders (debloating) someday will go have a Gui so that it's quicker then editing zips on pc

Ikzy said:
Here you go. I like magisk for it in faking any system modification. By Uninstaller magisk and flashing stock kernel I should be able to get OTA's. After an update I don't have to re-uninstall all bloat system apps, just flash magisk and everything is hidden again. I'm hoping removing folders (debloating) someday will go have a Gui so that it's quicker then editing zips on pc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot! That's another good idea, but you need to relock bootloader too as far as I know to receive OTA's again.
Would be really cool but probably near impossible if something could fake that most bothering step.
Loosing userdata and the devicekey with every upgrade would be a bummer although it can be restored too.

Ikzy said:
Here you go. I like magisk for it in faking any system modification. By Uninstaller magisk and flashing stock kernel I should be able to get OTA's. After an update I don't have to re-uninstall all bloat system apps, just flash magisk and everything is hidden again. I'm hoping removing folders (debloating) someday will go have a Gui so that it's quicker then editing zips on pc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got a newbie question: How do you flash the stock kernel, and where do you get it from? Is it in the FTF file?

Yeah extract kernel.sin from the ftf file (its just a zip) then use flashtool sin editor to extract kernel.elf. Then you can use rootkernel to build a boot.img you can flash with fastboot. That's one method.

realtuxen said:
Yeah extract kernel.sin from the ftf file (its just a zip) then use flashtool sin editor to extract kernel.elf. Then you can use rootkernel to build a boot.img you can flash with fastboot. That's one method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Useful information! Just out of curiosity, what are the other methods? Can you just choose what you want to flash in Flashtool?

Another list of apps that can be removed with some comments included. You'll have to use google translate or similar though:
http://blog.livedoor.jp/cn221283/archives/51218350.html

tempurastyle said:
Thanks! Useful information! Just out of curiosity, what are the other methods? Can you just choose what you want to flash in Flashtool?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can exclude/choose things to flash, so I guess you could exclude everything but kernel in Flashtool. But your system can not be modified or rooted so you might as well just flash the whole thing except/not wiping userdata. Both should return you to stock with unlocked bl and intact device key. (no ota though)
Play around with the options with your phone disconnected in simulation mode, it might help you to understand the process better once you get past the confusion.

Ikzy said:
Here you go. I like magisk for it in faking any system modification. By Uninstaller magisk and flashing stock kernel I should be able to get OTA's. After an update I don't have to re-uninstall all bloat system apps, just flash magisk and everything is hidden again. I'm hoping removing folders (debloating) someday will go have a Gui so that it's quicker then editing zips on pc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello,how can I use this Zip?

[GUIDE] Root/Kernel+ViPER/Dolby+Theme/Mods

Intro
I decided to put together this all-in-one guild compiling all the research and testing I've done. I've seen a lot of the same questions and misunderstandings come up over and over in the various threads, most of which I had myself. I've spent lots of time, since I got my new Google Pixel 2 XL, searching XDA, following all the guides the fine folks here put together, flashing, restoring, testing, etc. I've been using Android since my Google Nexus One, so I've been messing around with all this for quite some time now. The Android community is amazing and I've learned a lot over the years, so it's my turn to hopefully help someone out.
I'll also share some of the caveats, issues and fixes I had to do with this setup. This was all done with a Google Pixel 2 XL on Project Fi with an eSIM & physical SIM, so this guide was written and tested with that, however it should work the same in theory with other carriers, but your results may vary.
NOTE: I am not a developer by any means. I've toyed with creating my own custom ROM, but I'm not a ROM or Kernel developer. I just got really good at using the stuff the other amazing smart people here developed and shared with the community.
NOTE 2: Following these steps WILL wipe your device, so make backups if needed!
Thanks
I would like to give thanks to the following folks for the guides, development and help; @topjohnwu, @nathanchance, @Dees_Troy, @luciusfox, @thedude420, @Quinny899, @airmaxx23, @matt1313, @sharkie405, @Tulsadiver, and @zachman1750. Please forgive me if I forgot to mention you directly as I've gone through many threads and guides at this point. I also thank the community for helping each other out and providing their experiences and testing as well.
Why Root?
I get the same question from everybody all the time, "why do you root your phone?" Well, many reasons, which I'll list a few below, but because I spent a lot of money on my phone and I feel I should have full access to it. If your phone is leased or company owned, I understand why you wouldn't, but if you own it outright, why not have full access to do what you want with it? I mean, how would you feel if you purchased a computer (I'll use Windows in this analogy) and it came with one user account that was only part of the "Users" group, no local Administrator or account part of the Administrators group and no way to grant your one user account Admin rights? I'd be upset as I wouldn't be able to do much with it including; remove bloatware, install my own applications, replace the stock AV/Malware software, upgrade my video driver or even start from scratch. I mean the first thing I do when I get a new computer is format the HDD lol. I know it might be a silly analogy, but I don't see how it's any different than having root access on my phone.
- Remove bloatware (system apps you don't want/need)
- Custom Kernels (though the stock kernel on this phone is amazing out to the box, custom gives us more access to manage wakelocks, color control, vibrations, among other kernel items) (EXKM and Kernel Adiutor are a couple great apps to tweak your custom kernel)
- Customer recovery (easy backup/recovery, easy flashing of Zips, etc...)
- Untethered system theming including; custom fonts, launcher tweaks, status/navbar tweaks, etc...)
- System wide ad blocking
- Full system backup/restore (Titanium Backup is amazing for full system backups and then upload to cloud storage of your choice)
- Terminal root access (every have horrible battery drain and can't figure out exactly why quick and easy? Drop to terminal, elevate using su, then run top and and see what app is hogging the CPU)
- Xposed modules for system customizations (I've used a lot over the years, but not on this phone yet. You will also FAIL SafetyNet if you use the Xposed Framework.)
- AUDIO MODS! I honestly don't know how I lived my life without apps like ViPER and Dolby on my phone
A/B Partitions
To hopefully help clear up some confusion here, I'll list some important points to take note of.
- The whole point of the dual partition setup is to make OTA updating easier, allowing for updating the OS in the background
- There are two system, two boot and two vendor partitions, but only one data partition
- Only one system and its corresponding boot partition are active at one time
- Whichever system/boot partition is active will use the one data partition
- Flashing a custom kernel, mod zip or Magisk will flash to the current active slot from recovery, however flashing the Google Image or a custom rom will flash to the inactive slot
- The recovery is part of the boot partition, meaning anytime you flash the stock or custom kernel, for example, you'll need to reflash your custom recovery again (unless you install a kernel zip created with AnyKernel2 by @osm0sis)
My Build
Sharing these details as if you are on a different image, kernel, carrier, etc... your results may vary.
Phone: Google Pixel XL 2 Black 128GB - purchased from Google Store / Hardware Version: rev_10
Carrier: Project Fi with eSIM & physical SIM
Android Version: Official 8.1.0 / Security Patch Level: February 5, 2018
Build Number: OPM1.171019.018
Kernel: 4.4.119-FlashKernel-Taimen-v2.20 (clang version 6.0.0)
Root: Magisk Manager 5.6.1(105) (patched dtbo NOT preserving "force encryption" or "AVB2.0/dm-verity") & Magisk 16.0(1600) / Modules: Busybox for Android NDK 1.28.1, Magisk Manager for Recovery Mode (mm) 2018.1.31, Single User Mod 1.4, ViPER4Android FX Materialized 1.5.1 (2.5.0.5)
Recovery: TWRP 3.2.1-0
APKs: SELinuxModeChanger v11.0, AdAway 3.2-60, Dolby, MinitBatteryResrouces
Convenient Play Store Apps: 3Minit Battery Settings, FiSwitch, Kernel Adiutor, Light Manager, Root Explorer, substratum (Swift Black), TiBu Pro (I do scheduled backups of my phone to my Google Drive) & Terminal Emulator (great to use Busybox commands like "traceroute" or "top" to find that app killing your battery!)
Android Platform Tools Install
1. Download the latest version for your computer OS (PC/Mac/Linux) from Google: https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools.html
2. Unzip the downloaded file to your hard drive somewhere and:
- Windows: add to your PATH (google "add adb to path")
- Mac/Linux: From terminal of your choice "sudo install adb /usr/local/bin && sudo install fastboot /usr/local/bin" (run from within the extracted directory and enter your password when prompted)
- Windows 10 & macOS High Sierra detect the phone automatically, but older versions you may need Android Device Drivers. Just Google what you might need and how to do it if your phone is not detected automatically.
Unlocking
1. Turn your phone off.
2. Press and hold Volume Down, then press and hold Power.
3. Plug your phone into your computer.
4. From command prompt/terminal on your computer (run Command Prompt as Admin in Windows throughout this guide):
- fastboot flashing unlock
- fastboot flashing unlock_critical
NOTE: I've read a lot of back and forth on if we should unlock_critial or not. This is just my opinion, but if you're here to do all this stuff to your phone, want complete access to do whatever you want to it, just do it. It's better to be ready now for the future because every time you unlock or relock, it will factory reset your phone. I've been unlocked both regular and critical since the first boot when I took my phone out of the box. I'll also mention, I’m not entirely sure what steps will work or not work in this guide if you don't since I've never not been unlocked with critical.
5. Follow the instructions on the phone screen to do the factory reset.
Clean Start
1. Download the "taimen" for Pixel 2 XL factory image [8.1.0 (OPM1.171019.018, Feb 2018)]: https://developers.google.com/android/images
2. Turn your phone off.
3. Press and hold Volume Down, then press and hold Power.
4. Plug your phone into your computer.
5. Unzip the downloaded file to your hard drive somewhere and from the directory you extracted the files (CMD/Terminal):
- Windows: flash-all.bat
- Mac/Linux: ./flash-all.sh
- Unplug your phone from your computer
Initial Config/Prep
1. Go through the initial phone setup steps.
- Make sure you setup your Google account so you have access to the Play Store and you can activate your eSIM if that's what you're using.
NOTE: When setting up with only an eSIM, I ran into some bugs and caveats I had to figure out on my own as Google support couldn't figure it out let alone understand what I was trying to explain to them. I ordered a physical SIM and now have both an eSIM and a physical SIM installed and can switch between them.
Verizon SIM: As @jrbxx7 was kind enough to share below; if running a Verizon SIM, wait till after setup is complete before inserting it. That way the vzw apps don't get installed on google setup.
eSIM Caveat: If you have 2 Step Authentication turned on for your Google account and your phone is your only device with the Google Authenticator App or Google Prompt, you will have to use one of your backup codes to log back into your account as your phone will not be activated until it's completed in the Project Fi application.
eSIM Bug: After you go through the initial phone setup, let Play Store finish its updates and don't reboot yet. Open Play Store and search for "Project Fi", then click "Enable", but DON'T update it. Just open Project Fi, complete the activation then reboot your phone. You can update the Project Fi app after the activation is successful. I've tested this through three factory restores and the result is the same every time.
Physical SIM: No issues since your phone will just be activated after boot so you can receive SMS codes.
2. Enable Developer Mode: tap "Build number" under "About phone" 7 times.
3. Under "Developer options", enable "USB debugging".
4. Download necessary files:
- Magisk 16.0(1600): https://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/magisk/official-magisk-v7-universal-systemless-t3473445
- SELinuxModeChanger 11.0: https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.mrbimc.selinux/
- AdAway 3.2-60: https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.adaway/
- Dolby: https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-2-xl/how-to/viper-dd-atom-t3724096
- Kernel. I use @nathanchance Flash Kernel: https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-2-xl/development/taimen-flash-kernel-1-00-t3702057
NOTE: You can use whatever kernel you want, but I've only used/tested with Flash. Flash Kernel also has the proper drives to resolve the TWRP touch issues. I've read other custom kernels do as well.
- TWRP 3.2.1-0 (image & installer): https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-2-xl/development/twrp-alpha-pixel-2-xl-t3698148
5. Plug your phone into your computer.
- If prompted on your phone, save and allow USB Authorization for your computer.
6. Push downloaded files to your phone (CMD/Terminal):
- adb push <path_to_Magisk_file>.zip /sdcard/Download
- adb push <path_to_SELinuxModeChanger_file>.apk /sdcard/Download
- adb push <path_to_AdAway_file>.apk /sdcard/Download
- adb push <path_to_Dolby_file>.zip /sdcard/Download
- adb push <path_to_Kernel_zip_file>.zip /sdcard/Download
- adb push <path_to_TWRP_image_file>.img /sdcard/Download
- adb push <path_to_TWRP_installer_file>.zip /sdcard/Download
Install Kernel & TWRP
NOTE: As of the Google February security image release, TWRP will no longer decrypt. You have three options to flash in TWRP until it's fixed; disable security before booting to TWRP, use USB storage via your OTG adapter, or put the files you need in the /data partition.
1. adb reboot bootloader (CMD/Terminal while your phone is still plugged into your computer)
2. Flash TWRP:
- fastboot boot <path_to_TWRP_image_file>.img
- Once in TWRP, install the TWRP_installer.zip file
- Reboot into TWRP
- Install Kernel.zip file
- Install the Magisk_16.0(1600).zip file
- Reboot to System.
3. Configure Magisk:
- Open Magisk Manager
- (OPTIONAL) Patch dtbo by unchecking both "force encryption" and "AVB2.0/dm-verity", tap "Install", tap "Install", tap "Direct Install (Recommended), then reboot
NOTE: By patching dtbo, you will receive a message on every boot that says something along the lines of "There's an internal problem with your device". This is perfectly normal when patching the dtbo and can be ignored as nothing is broken. Now, to be honest, I patch dtbo as I can't get certain things to work properly without, like Dolby, and the message doesn't bother me as it's only on boot up. I know patching dtbo is necessary for some things. For example, I don't think you can do manual build.prop edits without editing dtbo, if I'm not mistaken. I have had a few others on other threads say they were able to get Dolby to work without patching dtbo and just using SELinux in "permissive" mode, but I couldn't. Up to you, hence the "optional" part. If you decide to patch dtbo and want to go back, just flash the stock dtbo image file in fastboot or TWRP.
- Open Magisk Manager
- Goto Settings and tap "Hide Magisk Manager"
- Reopen Magisk after it's done
- Goto Settings and make sure "Magisk Hide" and "Systemless hosts" are both enabled
- Gogo Magisk Hide and check the applications you need to hide from Root (banking apps, authenticators, etc...)
4. If Play Store is not showing as "Certified" under Play Store Settings, clear Data and Cache on the Play Store under Phone Settings. Your Play Store will now be "Certified" under the Play Store Settings.
Install/Configure SELinuxModeChanger and AdAway
NOTE: It's my understanding that SELinux does not need to be set to "permissive" for ViPER and Dolby to work, but I can't get them to work otherwise. My Dolby will FC without setting SELinux to "permissive", which is why I'm adding it to my guide in case someone else is having the same issue. You can use the Magisk Module script if you want, but I like the convenience of the App to turn on and off easily.
1. Open "Downloads" from the App Launcher on your phone.
2. Install both SELinuxModeChanger.apk and AdAway.apk.
3. Open SELinuxModeChanger:
- Tap "Permissive"
- Tap "Automatically start on boot"
4. Open AdAway:
- Open Preferences and make sure "Enable systemless mode" is enabled". It's normal to be Greyed out. This is verification from the Magisk Settings you set above.
- Tap "Download files and apply ad blocking"
5. Reboot phone.
Install & Configure Magisk Modules / Dolby
1. Open Magisk Manager and go to Downloads:
- Download "Busybox for Android NDK" (some root apps need this, but it's also nice to have these utilities)
- Download "Single User Mod" (needed for latest TWRP install to my understanding, but it worked for me without. I like this anyway because I don't share my phone)
- Download "ViPER4Android FX" (make sure to get the v1.5.1(2.5.0.5) version) / during install you will be asked what version and theme, chose the 2.5.0.5 driver version and the Materialized version (needed for Dolby).
- Reboot Phone
2. Open ViPER 4 Android FX application:
- Under Settings tap "Turn on developer mode" then tap "Disable SELinux"
3. Reboot Phone.
- After reboot, open ViPER 4 Android FX application and enable/configure the effects you want.
NOTE: Be patient after a phone reboot. It sometimes takes a minute for the Magisk modules to load.
4. Reboot to TWRP.
- Install Dolby.zip file
- Reboot into System
5. Open Dolby, and if it force closes, make sure your SELinux is "permissive" first and if you still have force closes, patch dtbo following instructions above.
Themes & Mods - Screenshots attached below!
I use substratum and Swift Black from the Play Store for my system wide theme. I use Light Manager from the Play Store for custom status lights for applications, etc... You can also get more customization of what icons to show or not show on your status bar by pulling down the notifications at the top of the phone and holding down the Settings gear icon until you feel a vibrate. You'll now have "System UI Tuner" under Settings->System. I'm also using the following Mods:
- SearchLess Launcher: https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-2-xl/themes/mod-pixel-2-xl-launcher-mods-8-1-0-dp1-t3701939
- Rosemary Font: https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-2-xl/themes/font-flashable-ubuntu-font-zip-pixel-2-t3710892
- Various Mods Aroma w/ 3Minit Battery: https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-2-xl/themes/various-mods-8-1-december-update-t3721741
- Substatum /w Swift Black (I dont theme System UI or System UI Navigation as part of my setup with the Various Mods Aroma)
- ViPER w/ Audiophile X profile & Dolby using Music profile (Volume Leveler / Surround Virtualizer / Intelligent EQ: Open)
Updating
I'm going to keep these steps kind of generic and provide the order in which things have to be done (order is important), however for the details just follow the steps for each part above. You shouldn’t have to do the setup for Magisk Modules again unless:
- You ran into issues and needed to do a clean start with Magisk using the Magisk Uninstaller
- You are doing a Google Image update
Magisk - Push the updated Magisk Zip to your /sdcard/Download folder, boot into TWRP, flash new Magisk Zip, reboot into System, go through Magisk setup steps again.
Kernel – Push the updated Kernel Zip file to your /sdcard/Download folder, make sure you have the Magisk Zip file in your /sdcard/Download folder as well. Reboot to TWRP, flash new Kernel, flash Magisk, boot System and setup Magisk again.
TWRP – Push the updated TWRP Zip to your /sdcard/Download folder, reboot to TWRP, flash new TWRP Zip, boot into TWRP to test, boot System.
Google -
1. Disable any screen security you have.
2. Disable and uninstall Substratum themes, if you have any.
3. Full backup of some sort recommended!
4. Boot to Bootloader and do a flash-all (without -w) of 8.1 factory image, boot to System and allow the update to finish.
5. Boot back to Bootloader, boot TWRP, install TWRP, reboot to TWRP, install Kernel Zip file, install Magisk Zip file, boot back to System.
6. Complete Magisk setup steps (Magisk hide, App hide, systemless, etc..), check SafetyNet.
7. Apply any mods and themes in Substratum.
Have fun!

Right on brother. My own journey is pretty much a mirror of your write up and I can't think of a single thing to add. Nice work. We have the same setup. Lol

CyberpodS2 said:
Right on brother. My own journey is pretty much a mirror of your write up and I can't think of a single thing to add. Nice work. We have the same setup. Lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man! Yeah, this stuff has always been fun to me. I don't mind "breaking" my phone so I have to figure out how to fix it. lol I lost count how many times I wiped, flashed, etc to come up with my list.
I've also updated the guide to include "updating" stuff.

felosisman said:
Thanks man! Yeah, this stuff has always been fun to me. I don't mind "breaking" my phone so I have to figure out how to fix it. lol I lost count how many times I wiped, flashed, etc to come up with my list.
I've also updated the guide to include "updating" stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly, I got really quick at starting from scratch... Lol

Nice write up! One note if u feel like adding it, if running a verizon sim, wait till after setup is complete before inserting it. That way the vzw apps dont get installed on google setup.

jrbxx7 said:
Nice write up! One note if u feel like adding it, if running a verizon sim, wait till after setup is complete before inserting it. That way the vzw apps dont get installed on google setup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the addition, I"ll add it now! I don't have a VZW SIM so I would never have known lol.

This is the best guide on XDA now! I've been reading 10 different threads to do stuff, but someone who understands how it all works together can make it so much easier... Thanks again [emoji106]
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app

slaydog said:
This is the best guide on XDA now! I've been reading 10 different threads to do stuff, but someone who understands how it all works together can make it so much easier... Thanks again [emoji106]
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome! I'm happy to know this is helpful to folks.

Sticky?
Mods,
Is there any way to make this thread a sticky so it's easier for everybody to find?
Thanks!

jrbxx7 said:
Nice write up! One note if u feel like adding it, if running a verizon sim, wait till after setup is complete before inserting it. That way the vzw apps dont get installed on google setup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What exactly is installed for Verizon apps? I didn't notice them on my install. Not saying they are not there, just didn't notice the changes.

felosisman said:
Mods,
Is there any way to make this thread a sticky so it's easier for everybody to find?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think this thread is worth a sticky because it covers a lot of stuff that other guides don't, and covers them well. TWRP wasn't even a viable option when other guides were made, and it has made things much simpler...
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app

Thank you for the guide. So I assume that if I were to brick the device I could use the factory images and fastboot to restore? Does anyone know what would happen if you tried to flash an older factory image street upgrading through OTA?
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

andrewjt19 said:
Thank you for the guide. So I assume that if I were to brick the device I could use the factory images and fastboot to restore? Does anyone know what would happen if you tried to flash an older factory image street upgrading through OTA?
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should always be able to restore using the factory images from Google. In all the years I've been doing this, I've never once actually bricked a device to where is wouldn't work anymore. Just basically boot up to the bootloader and run the flash-all script. You can get the full Google images and instructions here: https://developers.google.com/android/images
As for downgrading, I've not personally done it. I know folks have gone from the 8.1 DPs back to 8.0, but if I'm not mistaken Google is making it hard to downgrade for security reasons. Once 8.1 is officially released, we may not be able to go back to 8.0, for example. I'll let others chime in with their experiences.
EDIT: After reading your post again, if you mean you took the November OTA you will be fine. The latest factory image from Google is the same as the Nov OTA.

please delete

felosisman said:
You should always be able to restore using the factory images from Google. In all the years I've been doing this, I've never once actually bricked a device to where is wouldn't work anymore. Just basically boot up to the bootloader and run the flash-all script. You can get the full Google images and instructions here: https://developers.google.com/android/images
As for downgrading, I've not personally done it. I know folks have gone from the 8.1 DPs back to 8.0, but if I'm not mistaken Google is making it hard to downgrade for security reasons. Once 8.1 is officially released, we may not be able to go back to 8.0, for example. I'll let others chime in with their experiences.
EDIT: After reading your post again, if you mean you took the November OTA you will be fine. The latest factory image from Google is the same as the Nov OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks buddy for the reply. That's what I figured but my personal policy had always been to "find" the fix before I tamper with anything. Once I unlock the bootloader I'm assuming I cannot take OTA's in typical fashion right? Also is relocking the bootloader the same as unlocking (obviously using the opposite command)? Thanks so much.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

andrewjt19 said:
Thanks buddy for the reply. That's what I figured but my personal policy had always been to "find" the fix before I tamper with anything. Once I unlock the bootloader I'm assuming I cannot take OTA's in typical fashion right? Also is relocking the bootloader the same as unlocking (obviously using the opposite command)? Thanks so much.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome! Absolutely, might as well be prepared just in case.
So, I've not tried it myself from "System Updates", but to my understanding you can still take OTA with the bootloader unlocked. I think the OTAs stop working when the System partition has been modified. But considering pretty much everything we do these days is Systemless, I think it'd be fine. I did manually install the November OTA from fastboot with my bootloader unlocked and it worked fine. To relock, yeah the command is pretty much just the opposite.
"fastboot flashing lock" would relock your device. Keep in mind though, every time you lock or relock it will wipe your device.

Sticky Request
I've done sone searching and can't figure it out, but does anybody know if there is an official way to request this to be a sticky?

felosisman said:
I've done sone searching and can't figure it out, but does anybody know if there is an official way to request this to be a sticky?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your guide helped
Cheers ?
You using any other mods
Sent from my Google Pixel 2 XL using XDA Labs

Prattham said:
Your guide helped
Cheers
You using any other mods
Sent from my Google Pixel 2 XL using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent, happy it was helpful!
No, I'm only using what I've got posted; ViPER, Single User and BusyBox.

I'll go ahead and ask this here since the Viper thread is so busy and I have seen a lot of answers and it's things that I've already tried over and over again. But, no matter which Viper version I download whether it be through magisk or a zip install via TWRP, I can never ever ever get the drivers to install. You got Viper in the title of your thread but I only seen one line of Viper in the op and that's to do with setting selinux to permissive, which I already have set to.
So does anybody have any out-of-the-box advice on what to do to get that Viper driver to install on a pixel 2 XL running 8.1 .0 DP2?
I'll spend all my 8 thanks for the day thanking somebody if they can help me figure this out.
Edit: I did just notice some more Viper instructions, my bad. I will try those out and report back
Edit 2: So I followed your instructions to the T, and the driver still won't install. Anyone got any ideas? It's not some sort of bug with the program is it where the driver has really been installed already but it's just saying that it's not?
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using XDA Labs