[Q] Removing Orange factory installed apps and features? - Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi there,
I hope you may be able to help me or point me in the right direction.
I got my S2 from Virgin a few months ago and absolutely love it, my wife although at first being sceptical of 'smartphones', saw the light and asked me if I would buy her one if she sold her Cowon J3 pmp.
A friend of hers upgraded last month and received a S2 and decided she didn't like it, so I just bought it from her at a good price.
This S2 was from Orange, it has an Orange logo on the rear and although I have performed a 'factory reset', it is still full of Orange apps.
Both myself and my wife are on Virgin Mobile and are happy with this network. I plan to get my wifes new phone unlocked in the local market over the next couple of days so she can install her Virgin mobile SIM card, however I would also like to remove all of the Orange branding and apps if possible?
So my question is, is this possible and what would I need to update for her phone to be the same as the one I got from Virgin (which has a distinct lack of much noticable branding)?
Also if this is possible, should I do it before or after I get the phone 'unlocked' in the local market?
Sorry for the newbie questions, I have had a search of the site, but being a relative newcomer to smart phones myself, I'm not sure what I should be looking for.
Many thanks for your help in advance.

Search for de branding and look for the xda guides. Mine was orange and i couldn't wait to get rid of their sh*t. Theres also an app to unlock the phone which i used as well (free) its called 'galaxy s unlock' and worked a treat for me. Good luck.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1075278
To install an unbranded firmware. It relatively easy, just read the instructions carefully.
To stay on official update channels, I'd say install XWKI4 and the 'XEU (UK)' version.
While your at it, follow the root guide in the same link and then get '[root] Galaxy S2 SIM Unlock' off the market to obtain your unlock code. Its free.

Thanks guys, I'll check out that link and see how I get on.

Thanks again, I have just flashed the firmware to XWKI4 and the 'XEU (UK)' version.
It was very straight forward and not half as scary as I thought it would be and best of all, all of the orange bloatware is gone!
I am going to attempt to root it now, so I can try that unlock program, I just have to figure out what the ADB drivers are first, lol.

After root your phone you can also uninstall preinstalled applications with SystemApp Remover.

Thanks for your help again guys.
I tried '[root] Galaxy S2 SIM Unlock', but that could not find an unlock code. However 'Galaxy_S Unlock' worked a treat.
The mrs is now very happy with me!
Question is, do I unroot her phone now or leave it rooted???

I did the same with my three branded sgs2 and now works a treat.
You might want to get the ice cream sandwich keyboard from the market if u don't use swype, it really is excellent.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk

markdj57 said:
I did the same with my three branded sgs2 and now works a treat.
You might want to get the ice cream sandwich keyboard from the market if u don't use swype, it really is excellent.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the advice, I have just installed it and see how it copes with my fat fingers over the next couple of days.

Keep it rooted and install Titanium Backup (freeze ****/app. backups), Droidwall (firewall, don't let games and other **** connect), root explorer, adfree (bye bye adds), etc.!

Please use the Q&A Forum for questions Thanks
Moving to Q&A

Related

[WIND] Simplest Unlock Procedure for Samsung Vibrant

So I just ordered a T-Mobile Samsung Vibrant Galaxy S from Ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150577562044#payId
I realized after purchasing that it was not unlocked. So my question to you is simple: What is the latest and most secure/safe (unbrickable procedure) that I should go about to Unlock and Root my phone so I can use my Holiday Miracle Plan on Wind Mobile.
I have found this article via the search: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=747625
It highlights what I have to setup to make Wind Home/Away work properly.
I have also found theses unlock/rooting techniques and this is what I was going to do (if there is a better and safer way to go about this PLEASE post a reply):
1. Root the phone with SuperOneClick
2. Install Busybox from the Market
3. Install Unlock Galaxy_S App by Helroz also from the Market
My main concern is Helroz's app I strictly followed his thread on how to manually unlock the Vibrant and I messed about with the earlier BAT files. I just need some reassurances that this is doable and a little info on modem types and basebands would be wonderful. This is my first android phone (coming from Apple/BB hacking) and I would like it to be a smooth transition.
Thanks in advance.
I thought Galaxy S One-Click Root is as it as it gets.
My main issue is this step:
3. Install Unlock Galaxy_S App by Helroz also from the Market
Rooting seems quite simple I got that down pat. SuperOneClick is awesome. My REAL issue is this:
How can I check the phone's Baseband Modem and depending on what modem I have would this unlock by Helroz work for me?
I'm looking at this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=868774 and I'm trying to wrap my head around all the different modem models and what the difference between CWM and ODIN is. Is there is an FAQ that someone can point me to?
And lastly what ROM do you suggest I flash on it. I believe the phone (I don't have it yet tbh internationl shipping to CAN is slowww) is shipping with 2.1 Eclair stock and I want to install a 2.2 rom on it that's preferably balanced between speed and battery life, leaning a little more towards battery life.
Just look for galaxy unlock in market its easy or to make it easier buy galaxy unlock pro it will do it in a couple secs
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA Premium App
T.C.P said:
Just look for galaxy unlock in market its easy or to make it easier buy galaxy unlock pro it will do it in a couple secs
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any chances of a hardware brick while attempting a carrier unlock? And What is this that i'm hearing about Hardware Locked devices?
Badie05 said:
Any chances of a hardware brick while attempting a carrier unlock? And What is this that i'm hearing about Hardware Locked devices?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No chance of a brick, all it does is give you your unlock code which you then "dial" and hit send. Phone unlocked.
Or you can call T-Mo customer service and ask for it, as long as your phone isn't stolen, they shouldn't give you any trouble about getting the unlock code.
I don't know if Vibrants can be hardware locked... I always thought that referred to phones with nand locks, like the G2. But I could be wrong.
Sent from my rough sketch of a Vibrant on a brick.
Helroz's unlocker will from the market will work
Badie,
Thank you SO MUCH for saving me hours of frustration. Could'nt access my phone via USB and on top of that phone got locked from my "games"......You are the knight in shining armor :O)
Thanks guys unlocked and rooted now!
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

Unlock Virgin S2 GT-I9100

Has anyone here been successful in unlocking a Galaxy S2 from Virgin Mobile? Exact same phone as Bell Canada I do believe.
I have tried chainfire's method, but the scan turned up nothing. There are alternatives through websites/purchases but I am a little leery about giving someone 50$ to MAYBE unlock my phone. I am also worried about potentially bricking my phone. My warranty is now void due to rooting and installing a custom rom and neglecting to back up my original software (stupid I know. What's done is done).
Is it even possible to use a different sim card in these phones from said provider?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Since you're rooted install this app and run it.
A second vote for Helroz's's's's tool. It works well and also can back up your EFS folder regardless of whether you want to unlock or not. EFS back ups can come in very, very handy.
Thanks a lot guys, I appreciate the help. I am not entirely sure I know what "busybox" is though or how to install it. I'll check a few guides and what not to figure out what exactly I'm doing.
Now, before I go about this, I want to ensure that I cannot brick my phone should I screw something up. I know that the other program I used only read and didn't write so bricking wasn't a problem. This one however I've been told does both so it's always a risk.
My phone's approximately 2 months old and I don't have the original firmware to go back to stock nor do I have a JIG yet to remove the yellow asterisk from boot. If I screw something up ,I'm in a whole world of hurt haha.
Thanks again guys
- Chris
I ran the tool (as a SGS at first, realized my error and quickly deleted said files and ran the SGS2 ones instead. Swapped SIMs with my roommate (Rogers) and made a phone call. Sure enough, it rang.
Thank you guys very much for the input
Now I have to find stock firmware and a JIG for warranty purposes.
Definitely going to donate to the devs of that app
- Chris

[Q] Unroot this beastie!

Ok, as im sure this question has been asked a 1000 times over, my search turned up no results...so lets ask.
I got this phone from good ol' craigslist with the explicit request that it not be rooted. SURPRISE its rooted and the orig. owner decided to do a fac. data reset, so im none the wiser until I start messing with the phone (lesson learned, no lectures in trading phones needed).
Not only can I not find a comprehensive guide on rooting this thing, I really want a comprehensive guide on UN rooting it.. honestly I'll turn around and root it again, but Id like to know the process going both ways.
The build number is 4.5.141 Firmware Version 2.3.6
If anyone would be so kind as to point me in the right direction I'd greatly appreciate it!
also, My purchased apps are no longer registering as purchased on the Atrix, I can put my SIM back into my inspire and its all good, but the atrix says I need to pay, is this a side effect of rooting this specific phone?
gorealmighty said:
Ok, as im sure this question has been asked a 1000 times over, my search turned up no results...so lets ask.
I got this phone from good ol' craigslist with the explicit request that it not be rooted. SURPRISE its rooted and the orig. owner decided to do a fac. data reset, so im none the wiser until I start messing with the phone (lesson learned, no lectures in trading phones needed).
Not only can I not find a comprehensive guide on rooting this thing, I really want a comprehensive guide on UN rooting it.. honestly I'll turn around and root it again, but Id like to know the process going both ways.
The build number is 4.5.141 Firmware Version 2.3.6
If anyone would be so kind as to point me in the right direction I'd greatly appreciate it!
also, My purchased apps are no longer registering as purchased on the Atrix, I can put my SIM back into my inspire and its all good, but the atrix says I need to pay, is this a side effect of rooting this specific phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. To unroot, I guess you can flash your phone back to stock.
2. Your purchases are linked to your Google account.
I had my headphone jack go bad, so I needed to make it look as stock as I could. Simply flashed the stock rom found at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1125944 for my model and was done.
To root I used the download from http://www.psouza4.com/Bionic/ and it worked perfectly.
Hope this helps.
Well, I tried one of the unroot processes or it may even been the CWM install process and I'm now the proud owner of a soft bricked Motorola
I found out that the previous owner used super one click, and as convenient as that is I hate that its all based on generic code. SO my problem has gone from unroot to unbrick. Any new suggestions? I'm getting a failed to reboot 3 message and the phone is entering rsd mode and not doing anything from that point on.
Also I know the market is linked to my Gmail, causing my confusion as to why the market on that phone is asking me to repurchase apps.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA

[Q] Skyrocket S2 i727

I've been going back and forth for days with this i727. I'm trying to sim unlock after rooting because a friend needs a new phone, and she happens to be with T-Mobile while it's an AT&T phone. I root the phone quickly and easily. I've tried Skyrocket Easy Root. I've tried using other programs including Odin and CWD. But apparently I'm not getting full root access. I get superuser but when I try sim unlocking with Galaxy_S Unlock or try running Titanium Backup, I'm told I don't have root access and there seems to be a problem with Busybox. I'm running on ICM 4.0.4 and I've hit a dead end after 2 days of constantly trying to fix it. I've even installed Parallels Desktop to joint use my mac and pc to make the process easier, which it hasn't. My guess is that I need a new CMW or a new root all together. Inb4 softbricked my i978 after aswell LOL
Run. Run. Run VERY FAST before you get flamed. Unfortunately you are in the WRONG FORUM as this is for THE I777 ATT Galaxy S2 and has NOTHING in common with the i727 skyrocket.
One GOOD THING will come of this post though. You will make it onto the Wall Of SHAME.
Sent from My SGH-I777 Running Red Reaper Rom
Pretty sure the unlocker app doesn't work with the sky rocket either
But good fail nonetheless
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
Galaxy_S_Unlock program does not work on Skyrocket. The app works on SGH-i777 if you have a stock gingerbread firmware v2.3.4.
Please search before posting, this will save you a brick and some flaming.
Thread closed

need help rooting/ unlocking my Aio wireless Samsung Galaxy Amp (SGH-i407zkaatt)

Hey guys I have checked extensively and cant find a definitive way to root/ unlock my Aio wireless Sgh-i407zkaatt Samsung Galaxy Amp any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks
daneshataolahy said:
Hey guys I have checked extensively and cant find a definitive way to root/ unlock my Aio wireless Sgh-i407zkaatt Samsung Galaxy Amp any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the same boat as you. It doesn't seem like ANY website has any information on it yet... Maybe the phone is too new? Or, since it's a small, prepaid company (Literally only in about 5 states right now) the phone just isn't out there yet for any devs to play around with it. I'm trying to see if I can find a way to do it on my own, I've rooted a bunch of phones in the past (Mainly only HTC though, this is my first ever Samsung phone) and I'm really only good at following root instructions, not on figuring out how to actually root a device. So I'm with you there, hopefully there will be a way to root the Galaxy Amp someday. I love the phone, but I really want App2SD as the only issue I really have with the phone is the lack of internal app storage.
I've thought about trying other Samsung Galaxy devices rooting methods, but I am just skeptical if it'll brick the phone or not if I try rooting with a method designed for another phone. But then again, the if the phones are similar, I don't see why anything could go wrong, so it might be worth a shot.
Possible work around
partyboynx2 said:
I'm in the same boat as you. It doesn't seem like ANY website has any information on it yet... Maybe the phone is too new? Or, since it's a small, prepaid company (Literally only in about 5 states right now) the phone just isn't out there yet for any devs to play around with it. I'm trying to see if I can find a way to do it on my own, I've rooted a bunch of phones in the past (Mainly only HTC though, this is my first ever Samsung phone) and I'm really only good at following root instructions, not on figuring out how to actually root a device. So I'm with you there, hopefully there will be a way to root the Galaxy Amp someday. I love the phone, but I really want App2SD as the only issue I really have with the phone is the lack of internal app storage.
I've thought about trying other Samsung Galaxy devices rooting methods, but I am just skeptical if it'll brick the phone or not if I try rooting with a method designed for another phone. But then again, the if the phones are similar, I don't see why anything could go wrong, so it might be worth a shot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also have the Samsung Galaxy Amp from Aio. It is really similar to the Galaxy SII mini so maybe you could root it using the method used for the mini?
usarmymilitary said:
I also have the Samsung Galaxy Amp from Aio. It is really similar to the Galaxy SII mini so maybe you could root it using the method used for the mini?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do agree they are very similar, but I wouldn't wanna brick my device if there's anything different between the devices. Though, the only difference I've really been able to find is the internal storage is lacking compared to the S3 mini, and the VGA front facing camera.. Still, I'll only try it if it won't brick the Galaxy AMP.
daneshataolahy said:
Hey guys I have checked extensively and cant find a definitive way to root/ unlock my Aio wireless Sgh-i407zkaatt Samsung Galaxy Amp any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*bump*
I just wanted to jump in and see if anyone has had any luck finding information. I continue to check every few days for any progress but have yet to find anything about rooting this phone!
polarbear_toenails said:
*bump*
I just wanted to jump in and see if anyone has had any luck finding information. I continue to check every few days for any progress but have yet to find anything about rooting this phone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here as well. I Google for a rooting method for it at least twice a day, and nothing whatsoever. I really want to get it rooted so I can install apps on my SD card (I travel a lot, and use Sygic Navigation as my preferred GPS system, but the maps are flooding my lousy amount of internal storage. It seems to me that the few of us posting in this thread are the only people who have the Samsung Galaxy AMP. AIO does seem to be spreading across the nation now, they just got Service in Texas, and I think California is next, so maybe once it gets out there more, more devs can get their hands on the phone to find a method.
EDIT: Is there a universal way to unlock a bootloader on a Samsung device?? The HTC website will basically unlock any phone's bootloader. I used to have an HTC Rezound, and all I had to do was go to the development section of the HTC website, and unlocked my bootloader directly from the website. Samsung's website has no such thing on it.
Isn't there a way to do it through fastboot? Another phone I had, I literally just went into the comand prompt with Android-sdk, typed "fastboot oem unlock" and unlocked the bootloader that way... Is that possible to do on this Samsung Galaxy Amp?
partyboynx2 said:
Same here as well. I Google for a rooting method for it at least twice a day, and nothing whatsoever. I really want to get it rooted so I can install apps on my SD card (I travel a lot, and use Sygic Navigation as my preferred GPS system, but the maps are flooding my lousy amount of internal storage. It seems to me that the few of us posting in this thread are the only people who have the Samsung Galaxy AMP. AIO does seem to be spreading across the nation now, they just got Service in Texas, and I think California is next, so maybe once it gets out there more, more devs can get their hands on the phone to find a method.
EDIT: Is there a universal way to unlock a bootloader on a Samsung device?? The HTC website will basically unlock any phone's bootloader. I used to have an HTC Rezound, and all I had to do was go to the development section of the HTC website, and unlocked my bootloader directly from the website. Samsung's website has no such thing on it.
Isn't there a way to do it through fastboot? Another phone I had, I literally just went into the comand prompt with Android-sdk, typed "fastboot oem unlock" and unlocked the bootloader that way... Is that possible to do on this Samsung Galaxy Amp?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm with you concerning the internal storage. I'm always seeing the insufficient memory notification pop up. It gets frustrating knowing you have a 32gb micro sd just wanting to help!
polarbear_toenails said:
I'm with you concerning the internal storage. I'm always seeing the insufficient memory notification pop up. It gets frustrating knowing you have a 32gb micro sd just wanting to help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right now, for downloaded apps, I have Sygic navigation, Words With Friends, and Ubuntu One Could manager, and my internal memory is full. I honestly don't think there will be a rooting method any time soon, which really sucks. I want root so badly to be able to switch some apps over to my SD card so I can install more than these 3 apps. But, it just doesn't seem this phone is going to get the attention we need.
I just got this phone a couple months back and found this post...was wondering if anyone has found anything?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I407 using xda app-developers app
try this it did work for my device.... http://www.kingoapp.com/ keep in mind that you have to find a serial key and enter it and start rooting or else it wont work but stay calm it wont harm your device...
hit thanks if helped :good:
lahirunc said:
try this it did work for my device.... keep in mind that you have to find a serial key and enter it and start rooting or else it wont work but stay calm it wont harm your device...
hit thanks if helped :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just wanted to confirm that this software also worked for my Galaxy Amp!
Thanks bro! Pleasure helping you!
Don't Try To Root Yet!!!
daneshataolahy said:
Hey guys I have checked extensively and cant find a definitive way to root/ unlock my Aio wireless Sgh-i407zkaatt Samsung Galaxy Amp any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey I tried to root my galaxy amp as if it where a s3 mini but it didn't work. I have been checking the net for any forums but still nothing. Once if I find a way I will make sure to post in the forum.
Possibly a little help coming your way (HAVE NOT TESTED)...
A co-worker of mine got this phone through AIO for his girlfriend. He tried rooting and ended up soft bricking the phone (could still get into Download Mode). He sent the phone into AIO for a replacement BUT we were able to locate the PDA and CSC files for this phone. We HAVE NOT TESTED the 2 files, but i will post them from my MediaFire account. Flash w/ Odin or Heimdell (There are Numerous threads here on XDA if youre unsure how to do it, as it is the SAME procedure on all Galaxy phones). These files SHOULD work as intended, BUT i repeat ARE NOT TESTED.
EDITED: LINKS ARE UP!!
Link for the CSC.MD5 ==> http://www.mediafire.com/download/9...07ATTAMD1_1056913_REV00_user_low_ship.tar.md5
Link for the TAR.MD5 ==> http://www.mediafire.com/download/c...407UCAMD1_1056913_REV00_user_low_ship.tar.md5
Glorious Success
THANK YOU!! I had soft-bricked my phone and just flashed these files with Odin 3.04 and it works perfectly. You do realize that you're probably the first person to post the MD5's for this phone for free on the internet? Not even Samsung has these files on their website. Truly, development for this phone can finally begin.
Also, even though the CSC is ATT, it works with Aio. Apparently, they use the same towers so it makes no difference.
Thanks, Rob.
derekthederek said:
THANK YOU!! I had soft-bricked my phone and just flashed these files with Odin 3.04 and it works perfectly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since you're now back in business, does superoneclick work?
derekthederek said:
Also, even though the CSC is ATT, it works with Aio. Apparently, they use the same towers so it makes no difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aio is a subsidiary of ATT.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk
Use framaroot app
Easiest way
divyamg28 said:
Use framaroot app
Easiest way
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a spare Galaxy Amp SGH-i407 and this package did not work for me. I was using framaroot 1.9.1.
Since it spare phone I used the K ingo thing, and that did work. I'm going to play around with root for the time and see if I can unlock the phone.
Worked for me too.
lahirunc said:
try this it did work for my device.... http://www.kingoapp.com/ keep in mind that you have to find a serial key and enter it and start rooting or else it wont work but stay calm it wont harm your device...
hit thanks if helped :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was able to root my amp with the kingoapp software above.
A couple of things before you run off and do it. First do some research on Google on the software. Even though no one has found anything definitive, there may be malware that comes with it. It definitely does send data to a server in China. I work in the IT department of a medium sized business so as extra precaution, I used a laptop that is waiting to be scrubbed and public wifi just to be safe. If you don't have that luxury you need to ask yourself if its worth it. The second thing is that you have to have the Samsung Kies software installed before the software can connect to your phone. Once that was done it took about 5 minutes for the software to find the correct exploit to get root. Anyway best of luck for everyone.
Unfortunately I got mine rooted too late to be a whole lot of value to me. I ended up buying an att branded Motorola Atrix HD off ebay so I could get a phone with 8 GB of internal memory that was easily rootable, with an unlockable bootloader, a useable recovery and a fairly active developer environment. So my amp is now an insurance policy when i mess up flashing a rom and don't want to be without a usable phone for an hour or so.
well if u had to install Samsung Kies then it means your phone driver is missing and i apologies for my inconvinence..

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