Related
UPDATE!!! (9/8/2012)
One of the newest versions of the Wallet app seem to prevent the issue (if you already have the error, you are still out of luck). Entropy512 made a detailed post here explaining how the secure element is still being used but how Google updated Wallet to prevent this issue:
Entropy512 said:
Completely dead wrong. The secure element is still in use - if it weren't, then GW would be working on the GT-I9100P and SGH-I777. GW wouldn't cause piles of SE spam in logcat when you use it. GW wouldn't REPORT A DAMNED SECURE ELEMENT VERSION IN THE ABOUT SETTINGS. GW wouldn't bomb if nfcee_access.xml is missing.
The only thing that changed with the "cards stored in the cloud" update is that instead of directly storing the info for an added Citi PayPass card, the SE now stores a "proxy" PayPass card that is funded from whatever card you added in the cloud.
However, Google has made SE management significantly more robust. Previously, if GW lost its credentials, it would just keep retrying until the SE bricked. Now, if it can't authenticate with the SE, it commands the SE to wipe its data and start from scratch. It's pretty much impossible to brick SEs with GW these days.
(Why the thread necromancy? People are still linking to this thread from elsewhere.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
---
While waiting to get my hands on one of these awesome phones I've been reading all I can about it. One thing I ran across in another forum was an issue people were having with the Nexuses & One X's and Google Wallet.
If you do not clear the Google Wallet settings before you do a hard reset/ROM flash, the secure element could be FOREVER BRICKED and you will NOT be able to ever use it for secure purposes such as Google Wallet purchases or future use of the secure element.
For some, this wont be a problem, but if you ever plan or at least want to have the option to use the google wallet, follow these simple steps before doing a hard reset or flashing a new ROM on your phone:
Launch Google Wallet
Hit menu button> Settings> Reset Google Wallet
You are now safe to flash a new ROM or reset your phone, Wallet will be waiting for you on the other side.
Clearing the app data or cache through settings or Titanium WILL NOT WORK! It HAS to be done within the Wallet app. This resets the secure certificate (?) and allows NFC to be used for secure purposes in the future.
---
While I understand the notion of keeping such functionality very secure, Google should have expressed the potential problem. Especially since hard resets are used as a solution when an ordinary user has a problem with their phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this mean if this happens to me I wont be able to use NFC at all?
No. Not at all. NFC will still be functional for non-secure events, like Beam and NFC tag usage. This will only affect secure things, which at the moment is only Wallet.
Is there really no fix?
If you get the "secure element not responding" error, no. Of all the cases the only solution is to get a new phone. The secure element is permanently broken. In the future someone might find a fix, but that sounds unlikely. If you can swap your phone, do it.
How can I prevent this from happening?
If you don't do a lot of flashing, just remember to clear Wallet settings before flashing a new ROM. I would recommend to just leave Wallet cleared if you plan on flashing a lot, you forget once and it could be the end of your secure element.
I get a "Unsupported Device Error" yet Wallet still works, why?
This is a complete different error altogether and as a matter of fact, is not a big deal at all. This only shows up to root users and can easily be ignored -- Wallet will still work.
Why don't we have ROM devs cook in an auto-wiper when installing their ROM?
Only Wallet has the ability to access the phone's secure element, and it will likely be that way for the foreseeable future. A workaround would be to add an option before flashing anything to the recovery itself to ask people if they have cleared Wallet settings.
Wallet is asking for root permissions, should I grant them?
While there are no known repercussions to allowing root, as a general rule of thumb you should never allow root to an application you did not intend to give root access or do not know why it is requiring it. To be on the safe side (and in case something comes up in the future) deny root access to Wallet.
If I never set up Google Wallet will I be fine?
Yes. When you reset Wallet, its restores the secure element and the application data to how it was before an account was linked to your phone, therefore if you never set one up it will be the same as "restoring" an existing Wallet setup.
Wallet is stuck at "adding card" or "initializing account" or it tells me my device/carrier is not authorized, is my secure element toast?
Nope. This is a different message, Wallet activation is turned off at the moment. However, utnick came up with a working fix to get Wallet working right away. Check out his post here to get it. Please do not discuss Wallet activations here.
Sources:
http://rootzwiki.com/news/_/articles/secure-element-error-locking-users-out-of-google-wallet-r280
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1472117
http://androidforums.com/verizon-galaxy-nexus-all-things-root/500485-secure-element-problem-google-wallet-help.html#post4013169
http://androidforums.com/sprint-galaxy-nexus-all-things-root/547165-sprint-google-wallet-root.html#post4376858
http://pocketnow.com/android/google-wallet-good-news-and-bad-news
Even when running a ruu?
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
alainater said:
Even when running a ruu?
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I read, and unless things are different in our phones than the One X or the Nexus, yes, it will permanently bork it.
Racer Of All said:
From what I read, and unless things are different in our phones than the One X or the Nexus, yes, it will permanently bork it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's so stupid and makes no sense at all...
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
Racer Of All said:
IMPORTANT! Please read!
While waiting to get my hands on one of these awesome phones I've been reading all I can about it. One thing I ran across in another forum was an issue people were having with the Nexuses & One X's and Google Wallet.
Apparently if you do not clear the Google Wallet settings before you do a hard reset/ROM flash, the secure element in your NFC chip will be FOREVER bricked and you will NOT be able to ever use it for secure purposes (google wallet purchases) although it will work for other things like Beam and such.
For some, this wont be a problem, but if you ever plan or at least want to have the option to use the google wallet, follow these simple steps before doing a hard reset or flashing a new ROM on your phone:
Launch Google Wallet
Hit menu button> Settings> Reset Google Wallet
Clearing the app data or cache through settings or Titanium WILL NOT WORK! It HAS to be done within the Wallet app. This resets the secure certificate (?) and allows NFC to be used for secure purposes in the future.
---
While I understand the notion of keeping such functionality very secure, Google should have expressed the potential problem. Especially since hard resets are used as a solution when an ordinary user has a problem with their phone.
Also, forgive me if there is a thread on the Evo LTE forums about this, I tried searching and nothing came up, furthermore it's late and I did think this warranted utmost attention since people already have LTE's in their hands!
Sources:
http://rootzwiki.com/news/_/articles/secure-element-error-locking-users-out-of-google-wallet-r280
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1472117
http://androidforums.com/verizon-galaxy-nexus-all-things-root/500485-secure-element-problem-google-wallet-help.html#post4013169
http://androidforums.com/sprint-galaxy-nexus-all-things-root/547165-sprint-google-wallet-root.html#post4376858
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, incredible how sensitive the NFC chip is inside of these phones.
I hope I can remember to do this....
freeza said:
Wow, incredible how sensitive the NFC chip is inside of these phones.
I hope I can remember to do this....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I probably won't remember. I'd need something to remind me to do this beforehand.
freeza said:
Wow, incredible how sensitive the NFC chip is inside of these phones.
I hope I can remember to do this....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I thought it was nuts as well and this will have to be posted in every rom and this should be moved to.dev section as well.
Wow, never heard of this before. Thanks for the Info. I am also afraid I will forget about this, as I was planning on using google wallet. So yes, I would suggest a mod sticky this thread, and also suggest we spread the word and make sure all the devs make it a part of the process of flashing roms!
Who needs a NFC chip anyways. I'll use it for my $10 and thats it.
Wow thanks...I plan on HTC Dev unlocking tomorrow and flashing Viper ROM as soon as it's available so I went ahead and cleared my google wallet now so I don't forget later. I'm afraid I will forget in the future though.
Doomstang said:
Wow thanks...I plan on HTC Dev unlocking tomorrow and flashing Viper ROM as soon as it's available so I went ahead and cleared my google wallet now so I don't forget later. I'm afraid I will forget in the future though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah needs to be in the op of all roms
Thanks for the warning...
Yes, this should be stickied.
I shot srg a pm about it
Perhaps once a recovery is built it can check if you have cleared it before flash or factory reset.
Or kind of like wimax keys, maybe a wallet clear could be backed up
mswlogo said:
Perhaps once a recovery is built it can check if you have cleared it before flash or factory reset.
Or kind of like wimax keys, maybe a wallet clear could be backed up
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I shall keep a eye out first people that will have that option would be the gn as the dev support is massive and has been out for awhile
Here's my fix for the Google Wallet error after rooting the phone.
WARNING: YOU WILL HAVE TO UNROOT.
1. Unroot (available option in SU menu)
2. Head to your "manage apps" option in settings -> apps
3. Find Wallet and force stop, uninstall, and disable.
4. Find NFC in more connections dialog in settings. If unchecked, check it back on.
5. Go back to Wallet in manage apps, enable it then launch it.
6. Wallet will try to update itself from Google Play, once that happens, it should go through setup with you again, and you'll be fine.
I confirmed it worked at the 7-11 down my block.
Sent from my EVO 4G LTE.
check this out
http://www.droidhive.com/forums/index.php?/topic/928-how-toregain-access-to-wallet-after-secure-element-error/
maxisreed said:
Here's my fix for the Google Wallet error after rooting the phone.
WARNING: YOU WILL HAVE TO UNROOT.
1. Unroot (available option in SU menu)
2. Head to your "manage apps" option in settings -> apps
3. Find Wallet and force stop, uninstall, and disable.
4. Find NFC in more connections dialog in settings. If unchecked, check it back on.
5. Go back to Wallet in manage apps, enable it then launch it.
6. Wallet will try to update itself from Google Play, once that happens, it should go through setup with you again, and you'll be fine.
I confirmed it worked at the 7-11 down my block.
Sent from my EVO 4G LTE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Edit:
wlpywd said:
check this out
http://www.droidhive.com/forums/ind...-access-to-wallet-after-secure-element-error/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Omg that would be amazing cause I know most of us are gonna forget haha
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
ckoadiyn said:
Yeah I thought it was nuts as well and this will have to be posted in every rom and this should be moved to.dev section as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was thinking about posting it in the dev section since that's probably where most people will be going to get ROMs but I know how XDA gets when posting in the wrong forums (ESPECIALLY the dev forum). But if a mod is okay with it, I do suggest this gets moved there, it will prove much more useful.
AssassinsLament said:
Wow, never heard of this before. Thanks for the Info. I am also afraid I will forget about this, as I was planning on using google wallet. So yes, I would suggest a mod sticky this thread, and also suggest we spread the word and make sure all the devs make it a part of the process of flashing roms!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Adding to the previous statement, making this stickied will almost guarantee people wont bork their NFC, and if they still do, at that point, its 100% their fault.
wlpywd said:
check this out
http://www.droidhive.com/forums/index.php?/topic/928-how-toregain-access-to-wallet-after-secure-element-error/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting, I will add this to the main post as a possible fix, hopefully we wont ever have to confirm if it works or not, but it's a nice reference to have.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RVmiPIGeF4&hd=1&list=PLDE03959E8AD704DA
Yeah, I even ran the RUU that Football posted, without wiping my Google Wallet data first. Why? Because I did it before the thread was posted.
I followed the directions that were posted here, and my Google Wallet worked fine. Then I rooted, and made this video!
I flashed viperboys de odexed and it messed up my wallet .
Than realized I backed it up via titanium restored data and it was perfect well says not supported device but 10$ is back
Sent from my EVO using xda premium
I don't think anyone made the claim that unsupported error made your wallet not work. The error everyone is talking about is the "secure element has stopped working" which is a complete different one and it DOES mean that you will NOT be able to use the secure NFC capabilities ever.
The Unsupported Device error only comes up when you have root and has no effect on functionality.
EDIT: While this is awesome and shows people that the unsupported error is nothing, anyone that wants to keep wallet functionality and flashes ROMs should do the following before flashing anything:
Launch Google Wallet
Hit menu button> Settings> Reset Google Wallet
Racer Of All said:
I don't think anyone made the claim that unsupported error made your wallet not work. The error everyone is talking about is the "secure element has stopped working" which is a complete different one and it DOES mean that you will NOT be able to use the secure NFC capabilities ever.
The Unsupported Device error only comes up when you have root and has no effect on functionality.
EDIT: While this is awesome and shows people that the unsupported error is nothing, anyone that wants to keep wallet functionality and flashes ROMs should do the following before flashing anything:
Launch Google Wallet
Hit menu button> Settings> Reset Google Wallet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here you go MR!
rizzomach said:
Only thing I notice is Google wallet says unsupported device anyone else have this?
Sent from my EVO using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fredox19 said:
Everyone that said that gwallet work for them and is rooted, when you open your gwallet it doesn't say unsupported device on top? Because if it does then your gwallet is not working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
leo72793 said:
Just noticed, this makes google wallet unsupported on out devices.
To fix, DENY ROOT PERMS! My stupid self mustve hit allow
Sent from my EVO using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here (and my Reply). There are SEVERAL more, and I could spend all day finding posts like I qouted and linked to above. THAT'S WHY I made the video. Not because of the whole (NOT RESETTING GOOGLE WALLET) Thing, and then it not wanting to work. I just stated that I ran the RUU without resetting google wallet, followed directions, and got it to work just fine. Have I made my point?
All it probably means is that google will not secure problems with unsupported devices. So basically if your rooted and you use google wallet they want none of the liability. You SOL if you loose your phone.
no se error
So I acadently forgot to reset my wallet before wiping my system and data like 5 time and I booted everytime and I forgot to reset it before flashing vipers Rom and I have yet to receive that error. So is everyone that says it get broken have proof on the EVO or are they going on the proff from the nexus?
wallet probs
hi all, just to lay everything out i'm software 1.13.651 lazypanda s-off, android 4.0.3 with sense 4.0, i rooted the phone in store during activation, didn't enter any info into the phone only turned it on, activated it then started rooting, i've been reading for days my eyes are going cross, i've been trying to set up google wallet and it wont let me, i get the "not supported has not been certified in your country/device/carrier" pop up then i get told to update the app, i update it and then i get the "not supported for your device or network" i hit ok and it closes, it will not let me get into the menu or anything, is there a specfic update i need, should i have cleared wallet before i rooted even though it was a new and clean phone with no data or do i need to flash something to get this to work or is it borked and im sol?? thank you in advance for any help :highfive:
Update your Rom.....That old version doesn't work right with Google wallet.
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
david279 said:
Update your Rom.....That old version doesn't work right with Google wallet.
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what rom do i need and where would i find it??? and will it brick or un root my phone?? could i flash either viper, mean, or CMX and get it to work??? again thank you for any help and a very fast response
curleysevo said:
what rom do i need and where would i find it??? and will it brick or un root my phone?? could i flash either viper, mean, or CMX and get it to work??? again thank you for any help and a very fast response
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recommend MeanROM ICS! He has the latest Google Wallet that doesn't even check for root.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2
I'd rather push the apk that disables root check and keep my cm10 haha, made the mistake of not backing my Google wallet info and account creation is disabled
om4 said:
I'd rather push the apk that disables root check and keep my cm10 haha, made the mistake of not backing my Google wallet info and account creation is disabled
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i do perfer cmx due to it having jellybean, i'm still new to this so after i flash cmx how would i go about pushing the right apk file??? as always thank you for any help
Someone has to supply an edited apk from the root of the file system you then over write the file and change the permissions and reboot, of course some one could always provide the full apk and you can uninstall the market version and install the modified. A CMX nightly is supposed to be coming out with a fix soon
om4 said:
Someone has to supply an edited apk from the root of the file system you then over write the file and change the permissions and reboot, of course some one could always provide the full apk and you can uninstall the market version and install the modified. A CMX nightly is supposed to be coming out with a fix soon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well thats some good news, one stop shop for me then i guess, thank you all who have helped, i guess i'm just gonna have to watch for cmx updates now
The problem is they mentioned the fix like a week ago lol i guess I gotta be more patient.
Edit: you could always flash back to sense enable wallet, back up data for wallet account, reset wallet ( from inside the app, its the only way) and then flash back and just restore app data. I would have done it by now if I wasn't so lazy
om4 said:
The problem is they mentioned the fix like a week ago lol i guess I gotta be more patient.
Edit: you could always flash back to sense enable wallet, back up data for wallet account, reset wallet ( from inside the app, its the only way) and then flash back and just restore app data. I would have done it by now if I wasn't so lazy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hahaha, between lazyness and not knowing, i mean even with all the vids and discussions and staying up way late reading everything i can i still needed help just rooting my phone i'm lucky one of the guys at the store i go to was doing his at the same time and helped me with mine
Its takes patience which is why I'm surprised I didn't run into any problems. Then again I have a good grasp on most of the theory. I can very easily trouble shoot most problems with out having to read up in anything, the procedures are what vary but I can still point people in the right direction about 85% of the time
Just thought something and I need to confirm
In the Evo 4g lte themes and apps subforum here, there is a thread about wallet. There is a link there for one from modaco website. DL it, move it to system/app and set permissions to rw-r-r and reboot. Doesn't matter what ROM or version you're using. I used it on sense 1.13 and now on AOKP.
via xda premium on my AOKP'd Evo LTE
Haha that's the one I was talking about, I just didn't know how recent it is and right now I'm too lazy to hop on over and check, also nope I knew my idea wouldn't work and just had to see it through lol
A question has popped up that I can not find an answer for.
If you've never used Google Wallet, do you still need to go in and reset it from ROM flash to ROM flash if you want it functional later on?
IE I buy a new 4G LTE and walk out, root and flash a new ROM. Did Wallet need to be reset for the secure element to be fine?
Or I have wallet set up on stock, I reset it, root and flash another ROM but never use it on that ROM. I'm about to flash yet another ROM where I am going to use it. Do I need to reset it on the ROM I have not used it on in order for the secure element to be preserved?
Thanks!
I would say YES even if you don't plan to use it... Or at least till dev's find a way to automate that.
Who knows maybe later on you might want it or it would add to the resale value to have it operational.
Sent from my htc_jewel using Tapatalk 2
but if you don't use it in a ROM, does it somehow set itself back up?
I mean, let's say I never have even opened the program Google Wallet, but it is installed, is the secure element ever activated?
mildlydisturbed said:
but if you don't use it in a ROM, does it somehow set itself back up?
I mean, let's say I never have even opened the program Google Wallet, but it is installed, is the secure element ever activated?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IF you've never opened the program there may be a possibility (but don't count on what I say 100%) that you should be in the clear. Also if you don't plan to use it I would recommend to keep it disabled.
But there is now way I can assure you 100% that you will be covered and that the keys for the NFC will be OK after flashing without performing the GW clearing up procedures.
As long as you don't go into the program and set it up, you'll be fine. Resetting it just wipes all the info from the program and puts it back to the way it came out of the box. If you don't use it, there will be no info in there that will need to be wiped.
I wondered the same thing... I bought the phone, never touched google wallet, then reset the phone. After learning of this issue I went to check, but of course now can't get into wallet because the unsupported error we all now get. So I should be good right?
I see a lot of people saying you need to reset google wallet before flashing a new rom, but google wallet has never been able to be opened on my phone because it says device unsupported, so what does it mean by reset google wallet that I'm seeing people say in all of these threads? How do I reset it exactly if I can't open it?
I have not rooted or really tampered with the phone yet so I'm not sure if this is something that is effecting all EVO owners or what.. I just don't want to lose the functionality when it does become available
PaulB007 said:
I see a lot of people saying you need to reset google wallet before flashing a new rom, but google wallet has never been able to be opened on my phone because it says device unsupported, so what does it mean by reset google wallet that I'm seeing people say in all of these threads? How do I reset it exactly if I can't open it?
I have not rooted or really tampered with the phone yet so I'm not sure if this is something that is effecting all EVO owners or what..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have not messed with Wallet at all then there is nothing to reset.
Racer Of All said:
If you have not messed with Wallet at all then there is nothing to reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the quick reply, is this something affecting all owners?
Personally, if I were you. I'd open the app up anyways, and reset it it from within its settings regardless of if you are actively using it. It won't hurt, its just an extra step that takes a minute.
You are taking a risk of destroying the secure NFC element - even though you don't use it now, you may want to later - or the person who ultimatly ends up with this phone when you are done with it may want to use it.
Kcarpenter said:
Personally, if I were you. I'd open the app up anyways, and reset it it from within its settings regardless of if you are actively using it. It won't hurt, its just an extra step that takes a minute.
You are taking a risk of destroying the secure NFC element - even though you don't use it now, you may want to later - or the person who ultimatly ends up with this phone when you are done with it may want to use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I physically cannot open the app, that's the whole problem. I get the device not supported message when I try. I just bought the phone yesterday and was never truly able to open it at all.
PaulB007 said:
I physically cannot open the app, that's the whole problem. I get the device not supported message when I try. I just bought the phone yesterday and was never truly able to open it at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you were never able to open the application, there is nothing to clear because nothing ever got modified. Clearing the settings resets it back to stock, and since yours is already in that state the point is moot.
Racer Of All said:
If you were never able to open the application, there is nothing to clear because nothing ever got modified. Clearing the settings resets it back to stock, and since yours is already in that state the point is moot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks , and thanks for your post in your signature. I'll give thanks when I'm able.
What if I set it up when I first got the phone (just for the free $10) and have never used it and now I want to root to gain wifi tether ect.. Isrooting going to break my NFC?
jsbiff said:
What if I set it up when I first got the phone (just for the free $10) and have never used it and now I want to root to gain wifi tether ect.. Isrooting going to break my NFC?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then yes you would want to reset it
Sent from my EVO using xda premium
I cannot reset it because I get the Error about no supported country. Can I temp root to change the prop file so I can reset Google wallet? then root?
Just Rooting does not erase anything. You just don't want to do anything that requires wiping the phone, whether that be through recovery, settings menu, or htcdev unlock.
The factory reset of the entire phone is what causes the problems.
jsbiff said:
I cannot reset it because I get the Error about no supported country. Can I temp root to change the prop file so I can reset Google wallet? then root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you only go for root access it does not wipe your phone or change anything other than gaining root access. If you do the S-Off method you have more of a chance to mess something up but it still doesn't wipe your phone. Only the htc-dev unlock wipes the phone. You will need root to do the s-unlock tool anyways.
Is there any kind that actually works? I keep fishing around on Google play and everything is either old, doesn't work, or is full of sh*t, or a combination of all 3.
Welcome to XDA
If you're running Android 9 or higher simply do a factory reset. There are no known rootkits that can worm out of the user partition, once that data is wiped so is the malware.
Don't reload it again after the factory reset.
blackhawk said:
Welcome to XDA
If you're running Android 9 or higher simply do a factory reset. There are no known rootkits that can worm out of the user partition, once that data is wiped so is the malware.
Don't reload it again after the factory reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the welcome. Sorry bout the late reply. I don't suppose there's another way is there? Im literally fresh out the box, I've never done a factory reset.
Michael Romanov said:
Thank you for the welcome. Sorry bout the late reply. I don't suppose there's another way is there? Im literally fresh out the box, I've never done a factory reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome. The other way is to find the malware and delete it completely.
blackhawk said:
You're welcome. The other way is to find the malware and delete it completely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which would be how? Would I need a app or something for the pc? And if so do you have any recommendations? I have the mixsilver file manager on my phone (pixel 6 "Not pro"). Would there be a way I could find it thru there? Also my device is not rooted. So would I need to root? I'm sorry if this gets on your nerves. If so tell me, won't hurt my feelings. I'm literally a noob at this stuff. I've been trying to teach myself and just do trial and error but im getting in over my head and don't wanna accidentally brick my phone or worse.
What makes you sure you have spy/malware? Or do you mean adware?
Cheers
Tom
With Avast or AVG Antivirus you can do a pretty good scan of your apps, even system apps if you want.
For Factory reset see here https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/4596836
or go here on a PC (you need your Pixel connected by usb to the PC then): https://pixelrepair.withgoogle.com/carrier_selection
tom1807 said:
What makes you sure you have spy/malware? Or do you mean adware?
Cheers
Tom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chrome ****tin out 3 gigs of data a day. I have unlimited so it's not that big of a deal but still.....and some of the options I had in settings like "permissions, enable/disable, clear data/cache" that I know for a fact I had not too long ago are now greyed out or nonexistent. Also sometimes when I bring up "location" thru the settings menu everything is supposed to be "off" but there's 2 or 3 that look like they are switching back to say "off" as soon as the page shows. 1 of them outright takes several seconds to display any "on or off" setting at all. I've found a "Verizon" system app on my phone, some kind of Samsung telephony thing. And it seems like I can input a change to settings or something and when I look at my phone in the morning everything I had set up is back to it's previous settings.
psi78 said:
With Avast or AVG Antivirus you can do a pretty good scan of your apps, even system apps if you want.
For Factory reset see here https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/4596836
or go here on a PC (you need your Pixel connected by usb to the PC then): https://pixelrepair.withgoogle.com/carrier_selection
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Thank you. Umm.....stupid question but I've never done a full reset before so.....how and would I need to move my apps to another storage or could I just go back thru the play store and redownload? And any paid apps and subscriptions?
It probably explains all that in those links doesn't it?
Just do factory reset and you are okay.. Then start using phone as new..
Michael Romanov said:
Chrome ****tin out 3 gigs of data a day. I have unlimited so it's not that big of a deal but still.....and some of the options I had in settings like "permissions, enable/disable, clear data/cache" that I know for a fact I had not too long ago are now greyed out or nonexistent. Also sometimes when I bring up "location" thru the settings menu everything is supposed to be "off" but there's 2 or 3 that look like they are switching back to say "off" as soon as the page shows. 1 of them outright takes several seconds to display any "on or off" setting at all. I've found a "Verizon" system app on my phone, some kind of Samsung telephony thing. And it seems like I can input a change to settings or something and when I look at my phone in the morning everything I had set up is back to it's previous settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For what it's worth, the Verizon system app comes with the phone in case you use a Verizon sim.
If you end up clean flashing or factory resetting, I would not restore any apps from backups. I would reinstall everything fresh or you could just be putting the malware back on your phone, if that indeed is what you have.
Michael Romanov said:
Thank you. Umm.....stupid question but I've never done a full reset before so.....how and would I need to move my apps to another storage or could I just go back thru the play store and redownload? And any paid apps and subscriptions?
It probably explains all that in those links doesn't it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just redownload them. Google remembers your bought apps or subscriptions in your Google account, so as long as you use the same email/account for logging in to Playstore after Factory reset you're good.
Your contacts normally are also synced to your Google Account, so you get them back also then.
psi78 said:
Just redownload them. Google remembers your bought apps or subscriptions in your Google account, so as long as you use the same email/account for logging in to Playstore after Factory reset you're good.
Your contacts normally are also synced to your Google Account, so you get them back also then.
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Thank you. I was worried it wasn't gonna remember me.
Lughnasadh said:
For what it's worth, the Verizon system app comes with the phone in case you use a Verizon sim.
If you end up clean flashing or factory resetting, I would not restore any apps from backups. I would reinstall everything fresh or you could just be putting the malware back on your phone, if that indeed is what you have.
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But that's the thing. I don't use Verizon I use sprint which is part of t mobile. That's why I just don't get it.
Michael Romanov said:
But that's the thing. I don't use Verizon I use sprint which is part of t mobile. That's why I just don't get it.
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It comes with the phone by default just in case you do use Verizon. Basically that app helps give the phone Verizon support, of sorts. It's disabled by default if you don't use Verizon so there's really nothing to worry about with that app.
Lughnasadh said:
It comes with the phone by default just in case you do use Verizon. Basically that app helps give the phone Verizon support, of sorts. It's disabled by default if you don't use Verizon so there's really nothing to worry about with that app.
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Man thank you. There's stuff on here that I don't understand and I've been thinking it's something I've downloaded or whatever. I'm new to all of this.