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Hi guys,
I've been doing lots of searching but I still don't have a clear idea bout Android security. Many of the threads I found are too old and may not be valid anymore. I have a Mini Pro - SK17i and wish to:
1) remove Sony bloatware. Is it a good way to use DoomLoRD's root method and use SystemApp remover? Or just remove the offending .apk's manually? Or Titanium?
2) enable GPS without sending the 'anonymous usage statistics'. I find this incredibly offending. Also, what other statistics collection is there on this phone? There's some option in Sony settings. How to completely remove (not just disable) this?
3) encrypt the data, including on SD card, with a password. What's the best+safest way to do this?
4) the phone to lock itself with a password (which would also engage the encryption) if it's not in range of my Wi-Fi. Is it doable?
5) not grand every application every permission it requests on install. There are some apps on the market, like Permissons Denied and some firewalls. Do they work on XMP? Are they safe?
Thanks a lot in advance!
dontknowme said:
Hi guys,
I've been doing lots of searching but I still don't have a clear idea bout Android security. Many of the threads I found are too old and may not be valid anymore. I have a Mini Pro - SK17i and wish to:
1) remove Sony bloatware. Is it a good way to use DoomLoRD's root method and use SystemApp remover? Or just remove the offending .apk's manually? Or Titanium?
2) enable GPS without sending the 'anonymous usage statistics'. I find this incredibly offending. Also, what other statistics collection is there on this phone? There's some option in Sony settings. How to completely remove (not just disable) this?
3) encrypt the data, including on SD card, with a password. What's the best+safest way to do this?
4) the phone to lock itself with a password (which would also engage the encryption) if it's not in range of my Wi-Fi. Is it doable?
5) not grand every application every permission it requests on install. There are some apps on the market, like Permissons Denied and some firewalls. Do they work on XMP? Are they safe?
Thanks a lot in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1.Titanium Backup is for me the easiest method.
2.I m sure it can be done in some custom ROMs.
I m currently on stock ICS so I m not sure.
3.http://lifehacker.com/5802279/is-the-data-on-my-androids-memory-card-safe-if-its-lost-or-stolen
4.I dont think so.The lock can only be time related (15",30" etc).
5.Google is your friend if you re not sure.
N.
Thanks.
BlackArtsInc said:
3.http://lifehacker.com/5802279/is-the-data-on-my-androids-memory-card-safe-if-its-lost-or-stolen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah that's kinda what I thought and it's pretty crap. What I want/need is to encrypt for example my email (K9 + GMail) and other stuff. Basically everything.
I'd much rather have something like in this thread. I've found other TrueCrypt-style mods/apps but they all seem to be either complicated or have their own problems. Why did Android devs pick the Linux kernel if they can't take advantage even of such simple (yet very important) things?
I think I'll try LUKS Manager when I get around to it.
hey
well i have few questions
1.does keep too many apps slows down mobile?(i mean not only backround running process apps )
2.i check i have free ram always but my phone is lagging always , to open apps list it takes so much time , some time it doesnt respond ( dont tell me rom , i have checked almost all roms avaible for s2 )
3.Facebook - my frnd told me that official facebook app sucks and do lots of wakelocks bla bla should i change to alternate app for fb?
please help
thank you
ancilary said:
hey
well i have few questions
1.does keep too many apps slows down mobile?(i mean not only backround running process apps )
2.i check i have free ram always but my phone is lagging always , to open apps list it takes so much time , some time it doesnt respond ( dont tell me rom , i have checked almost all roms avaible for s2 )
3.Facebook - my frnd told me that official facebook app sucks and do lots of wakelocks bla bla should i change to alternate app for fb?
please help
thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Yes.
Always install the apps you need. Removing /disabling pre-installed apps you don't need also helps a lot.
2. You need to cache.
- Boot to recovery
- clear cache
- reboot phone
Done.
Also note that your first problem can easily lead to slow loading of apps
3. Your friend is actually right.
The official Facebook app causes heavy battery drain.
Until Facebook releases a revamped app, you will sure be better using a third-party Facebook app.
and
what about widgets? i have around 5 widgets - 1.poweramp 4*2 , flpboard (small) , beautiful superclock 4*2,android assistant 4*1 ,google bar
and almost all my installed apps are in folders in launcher screen , like i got 5 screens and almost all installed apps are in folders cause its easy to open when ever i want , does that also effect performance?
i use apex paid launcher
ancilary said:
and
what about widgets? i have around 5 widgets - 1.poweramp 4*2 , flpboard (small) , beautiful superclock 4*2,android assistant 4*1 ,google bar
and almost all my installed apps are in folders in launcher screen , like i got 5 screens and almost all installed apps are in folders cause its easy to open when ever i want , does that also effect performance?
i use apex paid launcher
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
instead of Facebook u can use 'Friendcaster' app from stores, also use 'Gemini app Manager' from stores to monitor ur apps(like auto start on boot etc).
that way u can minimise lot of wakelocks.
As for as widjets like Flpboard etc set there refresh interval to max and see
No(Folders don't do performance), but widget is cause battery drain
ancilary said:
and
what about widgets? i have around 5 widgets - 1.poweramp 4*2 , flpboard (small) , beautiful superclock 4*2,android assistant 4*1 ,google bar
and almost all my installed apps are in folders in launcher screen , like i got 5 screens and almost all installed apps are in folders cause its easy to open when ever i want , does that also effect performance?
i use apex paid launcher
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
5 widgets are small anyways shouldn't affect performance.
To improve performance:
1. Uninstall user apps (the ones you installed) you don't need or use
2. Disable System apps you don't need
Check here for list of apps that can be safely disabled
Note: if you have ROOT access, you can even disable more
3. Clear your cache.
# use the method in my previous post.
You should notice the difference now.
yes its rooted currently using jellybam
ancilary said:
yes its rooted currently using jellybam
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh! I didn't even know you were on custom ROM.
Ok.
Please post your ROM and kernel details; Goto Settings - About phone, and post everything you see
Jokesy said:
Oh! I didn't even know you were on custom ROM.
Ok.
Please post your ROM and kernel details; Goto Settings - About phone, and post everything you see
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ROM : jeyllbam - 05 nightly
Kernel : dorimanx 5.85
ancilary said:
ROM : jeyllbam - 05 nightly
Kernel : dorimanx 5.85
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
quick question:
1. Did you restore System app + data, User Apps + data using Titanium backup?
2. List the steps you took while flashing the ROM.
1. Did you restore System app + data, User Apps + data using Titanium backup?
i restore only user apps+data
2. List the steps you took while flashing the ROM.
clear cache , dalvik , data,format system
but after installing rom i use titanium back and remove few apps , like gmail,gvoice,tvout and few other (ofc safe to remove )
You can check the space available on your internal SD card. I have read that atleast 2GB of free space is recommended for buffering etc.
yes its more than 2gb
just changed to paranoid
hope i dont have to download one more rom again
I have successfully rooted my Sony Xperia LwW (ICS 4.0.4 fw 4.1.B.0.587) using the DoomLord method. Everything is great. I can remove some stock Bloatware or apps that i don't use (using Root Explorer) & i did remove quite some apks. Although i had paid heed to some good advise to store the junk & not delete it. Hence i was moving the apks from /system/app/ to my sd card just to be safe.
The issues arised a little later.
1) My calendar widget that was showing Facebook synced Birthdays is now left completely Blank. I did try googling the issue but no solution. I correctly remember not having touched the FB Calendar sync apk. i also tried to check Xperia FB integration which is ON in performance assistant (ICS 4.0.4 fw 4.1.B.0.587) but still the issue remains.
2) The WALKMAN app lost all the library i.e. my Music. I had it updated in a while but it only updated from the Music folder on the SD card & not the Bluetooth & Downloads folder. i'm still clueless.
3) The Performance Assistant App that handles the FB Integration Force Closes on me.
There might be more issues but i'll post them as i find them during my use. My phone is in a working condition alongwith the issues. I hope Rooting is not a SIN. But there just might be some speed bumps on the way. So please assist me in any way you can. :good:
FYI: I'm a 90-95 % NooB so please be a little elaborative in your suggestions (if any on my problem). I'll update every info from my side.
Thanks. Peace Out.
i think you remove some part of them
try re-flash your firmware and root again , and be careful if you want to remove system application ,
ora maybe you can write down here every app that you've deleted , so we know whether they're important or not
App List
Here's the list of apps that i've moved. (in screenshots)
rk2511 said:
Hence i was moving the apks from /system/app/ to my sd card just to be safe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looking at your screenshots that isn't what you've done if you've just moved the apks, if you not uninstalled or froze then you've left a lot of stuff on your Phone, so best advise is to reflash the ROM, root, install Titanium Backup or similar and freeze the apps, although tbh I would just uninstall all those in your screenshots.
Thanks for the Heads up !!
XperienceD said:
Looking at your screenshots that isn't what you've done if you've just moved the apks, if you not uninstalled or froze then you've left a lot of stuff on your Phone, so best advise is to reflash the ROM, root, install Titanium Backup or similar and freeze the apps, although tbh I would just uninstall all those in your screenshots.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the heads up. I installed an app yesterday called NoBloat Free from the play store. The reviews were good so i gave it a shot. Interestingly in the list of System Apps in NoBloat i did not find the apps i moved. So i believe the apps are indeed out of question.
Another thing i tried regarding my Library issue was to format my sd card (read it on Sony's Forum) and then copy all the content back to my phone. The thing worked but the media gallery backfired. My screenshots that i posted above are no more in my gallery. But when i viewed it from Astro File manager, they were there.
Could my sd card be a villain for all my problems ?
I guess performance assistance app has a connection with AppEnabler.apk
try this...
rk2511 said:
I have successfully rooted my Sony Xperia LwW (ICS 4.0.4 fw 4.1.B.0.587) using the DoomLord method. Everything is great. I can remove some stock Bloatware or apps that i don't use (using Root Explorer) & i did remove quite some apks. Although i had paid heed to some good advise to store the junk & not delete it. Hence i was moving the apks from /system/app/ to my sd card just to be safe.
The issues arised a little later.
1) My calendar widget that was showing Facebook synced Birthdays is now left completely Blank. I did try googling the issue but no solution. I correctly remember not having touched the FB Calendar sync apk. i also tried to check Xperia FB integration which is ON in performance assistant (ICS 4.0.4 fw 4.1.B.0.587) but still the issue remains.
2) The WALKMAN app lost all the library i.e. my Music. I had it updated in a while but it only updated from the Music folder on the SD card & not the Bluetooth & Downloads folder. i'm still clueless.
3) The Performance Assistant App that handles the FB Integration Force Closes on me.
There might be more issues but i'll post them as i find them during my use. My phone is in a working condition alongwith the issues. I hope Rooting is not a SIN. But there just might be some speed bumps on the way. So please assist me in any way you can. :good:
FYI: I'm a 90-95 % NooB so please be a little elaborative in your suggestions (if any on my problem). I'll update every info from my side.
Thanks. Peace Out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you are not supposed to fiddle with system unless you have a nandroid backup..
ok try this,i m not sure it might work...:fingers-crossed:
restore app enabler,3 fb apps,mediawidget,setupwizard and track id and then fix permissions,then reboot your phone..
btw can u tell me in detail how u rooted?,u downgraded,rooted and then upgraded right?,or you followed some other method?...post the link...
hit thanks if i helped u
Well Sorry for the delay !!
RavinduSha said:
I guess performance assistance app has a connection with AppEnabler.apk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe it is just a change of name. When the OS is running the app is listed in the menu as performance assistance while in the /system/app it is called app enabler. Well that is from sony guys to help pace up the phone. So it is of little concern to me.
a|\|droid_user said:
you are not supposed to fiddle with system unless you have a nandroid backup..
ok try this,i m not sure it might work...:fingers-crossed:
restore app enabler,3 fb apps,mediawidget,setupwizard and track id and then fix permissions,then reboot your phone..
btw can u tell me in detail how u rooted?,u downgraded,rooted and then upgraded right?,or you followed some other method?...post the link...
hit thanks if i helped u
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's the rooting link. Followed it point to point & successfully rooted:
Xperia 2011 Rooting Guide
Great actually but sometimes i think i messed up my phone.
Another weird thing happening is that my Wi-Fi when enabled on my phone does not connect to my router (although it has saved my router SSID & password). i have to go to airplane mod then disable airplane mode & then the Wi-Fi connects to the router. ANY INSIGHTS ?
Calendar Restored !!!
The app enabler didn't help... right !! So i went to Settings > Xperia > Facebook integration & kicked started the Calendar sync & VOILA its on track. So 1 problem less.
u can apply a walkman mod. it will solve issues with the walkman
what kind of a mod
RavinduSha said:
u can apply a walkman mod. it will solve issues with the walkman
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, what kind of a mod..!! Can u give me some link..?
rk2511 said:
Well, what kind of a mod..!! Can u give me some link..?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
something like this. u can find them in Themes and Apps section.
Hello there, i have question, i would like to install few apps on my smartwatch, i have the custom ROM and i have the "Huami Amazfit Tool" that let's me install/uninstall apps, but i tried few and they wasnt working on the smartwatch. Where i can get some apps to install on the watch, or maybe theres diffrent way to install them?
I have not used the Stratos but I do have the Pace and it seems they are fairly similar software wise.
On the Pace, after installing apps you need to activate the app menu if you have not already (not sure how to do this on the Stratos), then you should be able to launch apps by going all the way to the right, past the built-in widgets.
If you have already done this and are just having trouble finding compatible apps have a look here
https://forum.xda-developers.com/smartwatch/amazfit/pace-app-collection-t3749904
The apps in that collection work on the Pace and I imagine that they should also work on the Stratos as well.
The Amazfit tool has an option to enable the app list (enable/disable applist), but the biggest issue is also that work on a small round screen and don't need Android Wear. A bonus is also if they don't bleed the battery dry.
seems like they have the same steps with the Amazfit Pace: see tutorial here https://www.smartwatchspecifications.com/install-android-apk-apps-amazfit-pace/
Hi there
I have a little problem with my Amazfit Pace: I would like to install Watchdroid Assistant on it, but my APK Installer doesn't find the device... The right driver is installed (ADB Driver) but my watch won't be found by the apk installer... I did multiple factory resets but nothing happens..
Hope you can help me!
thank you very much
mainimum said:
Hi there
I have a little problem with my Amazfit Pace: I would like to install Watchdroid Assistant on it, but my APK Installer doesn't find the device... The right driver is installed (ADB Driver) but my watch won't be found by the apk installer... I did multiple factory resets but nothing happens..
Hope you can help me!
thank you very much
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, pretty much any time I have had ADB problems it was either:
1: Still a wrong driver (just try some other drivers, maybe they work)
2: An old/too new version of ADB, or just a broken installation.
3: Another program using ADB/fastboot. Recently this happened with Sony Flashtool.
I hope you get it working, it's very fun to hack smartwatches and such
What's the best way to remove bloatware on my s23 ultra it has Verizon bloatware and it's unlocked with a clean imei
Universal android debloater gui
Or
Adb app control
spart0n said:
Universal android debloater gui
Or
Adb app control
Any way to do it without a restore or loss of everything.?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both work without removing your data. All they do is give you the power to uninstall apps that are system apps that are bloat and not actual system apps
Never used either of these 2 before, but am interested.
Can you use these both without root, or does the phone have to be rooted?
Do they only remove the system app and nothing else, the phone won't reset etc will it?
Also, do you need to redo this a lot on each android firmware update? Will updates generally reinstall some apps you have removed?
Regards
James
james_lpool said:
Never used either of these 2 before, but am interested.
Can you use these both without root, or does the phone have to be rooted?
Do they only remove the system app and nothing else, the phone won't reset etc will it?
Also, do you need to redo this a lot on each android firmware update? Will updates generally reinstall some apps you have removed?
Regards
James
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They can be used without root. What they do is just removing the apps from the list of installed apps, their aren't physically deleted from the phone storage, so there is no need to reset the phone. Regarding updates I don't know.
spart0n said:
Both work without removing your data. All they do is give you the power to uninstall apps that are system apps that are bloat and not actual system apps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info does this also remove the Verizon startup I want to remove everything that has to do with Verizon from this phone
cudahy_boy said:
Thanks for the info does this also remove the Verizon startup I want to remove everything that has to do with Verizon from this phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm no expert here but I think that to fully remove carrier customisation you need to flash a different CSC through Odin.
I just use ADB to uninstall the packages...
Mine is unlocked so might not have much bloat as yours....
Removing Bloatware on the Samsung Galaxy S10 Series (Android 10)
You might recall seeing this article: https://medium.com/@aviparshan/removing-bloatware-on-the-axon-7-running-android-8-0-7448b1b0ec6b
aviparshan.medium.com
Hello,
Does anyone has a list of save to remove apps?
Thanks in advance.
salapolivalenta said:
Hello,
Does anyone has a list of save to remove apps?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both programs, universal android debloater and adb app control both have lists built-in and if there's one you don't know what it is or does, it shows the package name (com.android.whatever.app.calls.itself) in both programs so you can search for it online for a description of it
I have used universal android debloater and didn't even uninstalled all recommended and the result is not so good because I am not able anymore to install EXPERT RAW. I should have installing from the beginning, before to try the debloat
For some reason export didn't worked but I manually did screenshots. Can you please tell me what broke the posibility to install EXPERT RAW in camera?
I am not using Samsung account, just logged in with google account instead. It is mandatory to use samsung account for this particular camera plugin?
Thanks in advance!
No clue, I don't use that app but how are trying to install it?
You can sort by uninstalled and have "install" for each application which will ofc install it back.
salapolivalenta said:
You can sort by uninstalled and have "install" for each application which will ofc install it back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're trying to install expert raw from the debloater?
If it was already on the device then I'd restore all the apps and expert raw included, then remove apps again and not remove expert raw.
Otherwise you have to leave the Samsung Galaxy store to install it from there
As I mentioned, expert raw was not installed, I have discovered after debloat that the camera raw install method is from camera app itself but now is not possible anymore, nothing happens when tap on the icon.
Some samsung modules/system apps are missing, installing back everything doesn't solve the issue.
I will reset to factory defaults, and I will login to samsung account just to be able to install expert raw and then I will debloat again (what exactly is not clear atm).
I know battery life on this model is not bad but I want to make it more efficient, my problem is that some of the apps from the provided list shouldn't be removed and I don't know which one is.
All I want is to keep everything related to camera capabilities, other thinks like microsoft apps, knox, sasung acccount, galaxy store. bixby and some google apps I don't need because for sure they are running in the background and are eating from the battery life.
s23 ultra is too new, recommended apps from universal android debloater are not safe to remove, at least not all of them so I can't find anywhere a SAFE LIST to debloat for this phone.
Any point into the right direction will be much appreciated.
Thank you!
salapolivalenta said:
As I mentioned, expert raw was not installed, I have discovered after debloat that the camera raw install method is from camera app itself but now is not possible anymore, nothing happens when tap on the icon.
Some samsung modules/system apps are missing, installing back everything doesn't solve the issue.
I will reset to factory defaults, and I will login to samsung account just to be able to install expert raw and then I will debloat again (what exactly is not clear atm).
I know battery life on this model is not bad but I want to make it more efficient, my problem is that some of the apps from the provided list shouldn't be removed and I don't know which one is.
All I want is to keep everything related to camera capabilities, other thinks like microsoft apps, knox, sasung acccount, galaxy store. bixby and some google apps I don't need because for sure they are running in the background and are eating from the battery life.
s23 ultra is too new, recommended apps from universal android debloater are not safe to remove, at least not all of them so I can't find anywhere a SAFE LIST to debloat for this phone.
Any point into the right direction will be much appreciated.
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately I don't think there are multiple lists of what you can uninstall. The lists in both apps I suggested are all safe to remove and the phone still work as a phone without anything extra. My only recommendation is that you just remove a couple things at a time and make sure that your camera still works as you intend it to. I wish I could be of more help, I'm sorry.
Hello,
I fixed the issue, actually is very easy. The list I initially provided (via screenshots) is fine, you just need to install back galaxy store and from there search for expert raw without being logged to a samsung account and then install it.
I haven't pay attention, the galaxy Store app name is com.sec.android.app.samsungapps.
Many thanks for your involvement!