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How to Root the MyTouch Slide
v1.0 Brandt DeLorenzo 7/19/2010
(I tried to add links, but I couldn't because I was still a newbie on the forum...oh well)
Required Hardware
Windows, Linux, or Mac Computer
USB Cable
T-Mobile MyTouch Slide with SD card
Required Computer Software
ADB Drivers for your computer
The Android SDK
Command Line editor
Required Files
Root.zip
MyTouch Slide Rom(s)
Optional Apps
Rom Manager (by ClockWorkMod)
Any backup app from the market (like MyBackUp Pro)
Step 1: Install Required Software on the Computer
I. In order for your device to communicate with the computer, you will need the proper ADB drivers. ADB Drivers should install automatically when you attach your MyTouch Slide to your computer when using a PC. If you need to manually install the drivers for a PC, locate and install the HTC Sync Update program on your computer.
II. On the device, go to Settings > Application > Development and turn on USB Debugging.
III. Download the Android SDK and unzip the directory in your C: drive somewhere where you can easily find it. I’d also suggest renaming the SDK folder from android-sdk-windows to something shorter, like “asdk”. You do not need to install anything inside that SDK folder after you unzip it. Just move it to the C: directory and rename the folder to something short and easy to type, like “asdk”.
IV. You need to add the Android SDK Tool folder to your system path if you’re using a Windows PC. Go to Control Panel > System > Advanced > Environment Variables > In System Variables, highlight "Path" and click Edit. Add C:\asdk\tools to the end of the string. Be sure there is a semi-colon between the last entry and C:\androidsdk\tools. For example, it might look like this:
C:\WINDOWS\system32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0;C:\asdk\tools
Then click OK on all of the windows and you're done with this step
V. Be sure that you have a working command line editor for your computer. For example, Windows users can go to Start > Run > (type CMD) > OK.
Step 2: Download and Move Some Files
I. Download the Root.zip file from Eugene's thread about rooting the Slide, unzip the contents (update.zip, ota.zip, and loop) and place them all in the C:/asdk/tools folder. This zip file contains all of the files that will unlock your MyTouch Slide and install the Recovery software to make everything easier in the future.
II. Find the MyTouch Slide Rom that you want to install. You may download as many as you want if you plan on switching between different versions of Android. You can find many of those Roms here or on AndroidSPIN. Download them to your computer and then move them to your SD card. They should be anywhere from 50MB to 150MB each.
Step 3: Preparing for Root
I. Before we begin the process, we need to test ADB to make sure your device can be seen by the computer. Connect your MyTouch Slide (it should be on right now) to your computer via the USB cable. Open up your command line editor and get to the Android SDK tools folder. If you named your SDK folder ‘asdk’, then you would type CD C:/asdk/tools and hit enter. You should see the prompt change from C:/ to C:/asdk/tools>. Type loop and hit enter.
II. If ADB is working, you will see a continuous loop of commands running up the screen. Hold down Ctrl+C to temporarily stop the loop and look for something that says:
List of Devices Attached
HT05RPS02484 Online
If you see something like this, type Y and hit enter. (Your device number may be different than display above)
If ADB is not working, go here to troubleshoot ADB and make sure that you can get the loop to detect your device before you go any further.
III. Perform a backup of any applications or data that you would like to restore. I’d suggest backing up applications, contacts, or any data that may not sync back to your device. You can find an application in the Android Market to complete these tasks. I prefer MyBackUp Pro.
*Mac and Linux users may need to put a ./ in front of anything that is typed in the command line. Like ./loop instead of loop.
Step 4: Beginning the Root Process
I. Power off your device. Hold the Volume Down Key and Press the Power button at the same time. Hold both buttons until the screen comes up in Bootloader mode.
II. In your command line editor, be sure that you are in the C:/asdk/tools> prompt. Type loop and then hit enter. You should see:
List of Devices Attached
HT05RPS02484 Offline
III. Select Recovery from the menu. Use the volume buttons to move up and down. Use the Power button to select the option. You should now see a dark screen with a black device and a red triangle with an exclamation point inside. Hold the Volume Up button and press the Power button. You should now see the Android system recovery (2e) screen.
If you kept the loop running, it should change to say:
List of Devices Attached
HT05RPS02484 Recovery
If it doesn’t change, unplug the USB cable from the device and plug it back in.
If your device number and “Recovery” appears, you can now stop the loop with Ctrl+C. If you do not see your device number and “Recovery”, you need to power off your device and try again. This may take a few tries.
IV. On the device, scroll down to Update.zip and select it using the Power button. It will display an error message that it failed. This should be expected and is part of the process.
V. In the command line editor, you should still be in the C:/asdk/tools> prompt. Type adb push ota.zip /sdcard/update.zip and hit enter.
VI. This is the most difficult part of the process. Type adb push update.zip /sdcard into the command line editor, but do not click enter yet.
VII. On the device, scroll down to Apply sdcard:update.zip and as soon as you select it with the Power button, click enter in the command line editor on your computer. The process should be all done within a second. If you did this properly, a new window in green text should appear with the title “Clockword Mod Recovery v2.5.0.1” or another version number.
VIII. Now you are in Clockwork Mod Recovery. First, scroll down to the partitions menu and make sure it does not say ‘mount system’. If it does say ‘mount system’, highlight it and hit the Power button to mount it.
IX. Scroll down to apply sdcard:update.zip and click the Power button to select it.
X. Power down the device. Follow the steps to get back into ClockWorkMod Recovery, but you won’t need to complete step VII. Simply select Apply sdcard:update.zip and hit the Power button to get back into ClockWorkMod Recovery in the future. (If a blank screen appears when you hit the Power button, press the Trackpad as the enter button.)
XI. On the computer, you should run the loop command to determine if the device is connected again. If it is, type adb install superuser.apk and hit enter. You have full root access.
Step 5: Installing a Rom
I. If you have already performed a backup of your files, you can now wipe the device from the ClockWorkMod screen. Scroll down to wipe data/factory reset and hit the Power button. You will be prompted with another screen with a Yes – delete all user data prompt. Select Yes – delete all user data and hit the Power button.
II. After the wipe has completed, scroll to install zip from sdcard and hit the Power button. Then scroll to choose zip from sdcard and hit the Power button. Now locate the Rom you want to install. Press the Power button to select the Rom and install it.
Managing your Roms
To make your life easy, download and install the Rom Manager application by ClockWorkMod. From this application, you can backup & restore your Roms, reboot into recovery with one click, partition your drives, and find new supported Roms for your device.
we already have a root and a simple root if a noob cant get root with either one they dont need root this thread is unnecessary and ,imo, more confusing especially w/o links
i agree, we've already got this pretty much in 2 different threads, in 2 different ways, one fully automated and the other manual. and i created a video and a tut that has more detail as far as how to install roms and such.. this is an unneccessary thread
Sorry man :/
where is my blow torch...prepare to flame
There is also ....
There is also a questionable step.
I cant get into Clockwork mod using the start update from the phone then push update.zip.
But if I adb push first, wait for the server to start, then updat from the power button on the phone, it works.
good luck.
nice guide! thanks
HighRidas said:
we already have a root and a simple root if a noob cant get root with either one they dont need root this thread is unnecessary and ,imo, more confusing especially w/o links
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No offense, but I've tried many of the guides and they were difficult to follow when ADB was acting dumb on my laptop. The actual steps are easy, troubleshooting ADB on a Windows PC is a pain for most. Now that I have root and I'm using different roms, it's all easy and painless.
If there wasn't a no-linking rule on new user threads, it would have been much better...I agree.
between the fact that it doesn't need to be any easier, and the ROM bibke holds most of this, there is no need for this thread, i understand that you were probably trying tobe helpful but you are an idiot and made a perfectly useless thread with no links for no reason
tubaking182 said:
between the fact that it doesn't need to be any easier, and the ROM bibke holds most of this, there is no need for this thread, i understand that you were probably trying tobe helpful but you are an idiot and made a perfectly useless thread with no links for no reason
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
calm down bro !!! since i came to the slide side all i see is u going hard on people .. that ****'s not cool at all !!! it makes me wonder about u !!!
everybody got their pitch forks and torches out !!! just closed the thread that simple !!!!
i am helpful when stuff i posted in the correct forum, and when it is a new thread that has not been posted in th past. when people continuously post new threads to state stuff that has already been said, especially since without links this thread is pointless, then we xda devs are going to get upset, devs do not like to see pointless threads in the dev section, and certainly don't like it when people try to belittle the work that went into root by "making it easy" first requirement for having root is to know how to use a computer, after that you can learn to do some really cool stuff
Well I thought this guide WAS Helpful to be honest! Not to mention lesstalk was just trying to help. Tubaking is always busting peoples chops everytime he says something it ends up being rude! If you dont have anything nice to say then go to a diff thread dude cause your sorry azz attitude just makes it so people dont want to post cause their scared of getting verbally bashed by folks like you! Being rude is NOT doing anyone any good and Im sure im not the only one who feels this way about you!
in my opinion they should be afraid to post, if they aren't then they make crap like this. i stated that he was trying to be helpful but without links this thread just takes up space and makes people ave to search harder to root thier phone. i am a nice person IRL, but i do not like wasted space. if someone has come up with a "easier" way to root then fine, but there is already a thread for preparing to root your slide, two threads on rooting your slide, and the slide rom bible which includes all of those threads, a stickie should be more than enough for most people and if not then they need to think before hitting that new thread button. there is no need for repetitive threads in the developement section. if there had been links in this thread(which i know he can't do as he is a new member) then it would have been fine and i would have shut up and left it alone, but right now there are two ways to root, one for computer people and one for script kiddies, either way if you can't get it to work with either method then you probably don't need root. if you can't read the simple walkthroughs then you don't need root, if you don't know what you are doing then you don't need root
EDIT: Here is the link to the thread that already covers all of this, and guess where i found it
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=708522
I did find this thread helpful, especially since i'm new to android. I want to know what i'm doing and the only way i can learn what i'm doing is from reading many posts and lots of trial and error.
I have read both of the rooting guides from the rom bible, and there is still some stuff left out. I actually like this guide better than the others because there is more help in the whole ADB part of the root process.
Now, i know what i'm doing with computers, it still freaks me out how much i can do with computers. But in new areas where i want to learn, it helps to have more info than needed because people have different viewpoints on the same process.
@tubaking182 - for most of the threads you come in bashing in the dev section, i agree with you. But on this thread, i think you're way out of line. Yes there are 2 threads already and yes this thread needs links. But it's not a waste of space. I've lurked on xda since i bought and returned my HD2 (~late april). And when the slide was released, i headed to this subsection. And i've only seen it go down hill with more people posting threads that needn't be posted, but also with "wanna-be" mods flaming the person who didn't think and posted the needless thread.
But now that animosity has taken a turn for the worst and i only seen bashing in this section of the slide section of xda. And it's really making me want to leave xda.
The whole rooting process can be easy to learn if you've come from a previous android phone and have previously used ADB commands. But when you're really lost about even the whole linux folder structure (i'm not totally lost with this, but i'm more used to the desktop linux folder structure), then some of the guides out there to do certain tasks seem like another language.
3 guides for the rooting process can't hurt, especially when someone who doesn't know what's going on in the process wants to figure it out step by step and is too afraid of members like tubaking182 are always going on about searching for previous posts and flaming for simple questions (not that people shouldn't search for previous posts and threads).
EDIT: i do commend all the devs for their hard work making anything like rooting the phone remotely possible.
tething is, when you want to post an issue about something you saw in another thread, the issue should be posted there, it will be answered when people see it or when the OP has time to get on and answer. i am not trying to be a "wanna-be" MOD as i don't ned to be on XDA any more than i already am regulating posts and mergng threads when they should be merged, this thread holds ZERO new info and therefore should not be posted. if this member found a simple one-click root(which i hope to god never happens with this phone) and he wanted to tell us about it and tell us what he searched to find it and whatever else then great i ould not care, but some things do not need a new thread, if users all searched the Q&A section, the General section, and the Dev section BEFORE clicking the new thread link at the top then we would probably have half as many pages in the dev section, we have 8 pages now that i have gone through in the dev section and i have seen way too many repeat threads and questions. if you wanna see who i am take a look through my posts, i am a very helpful person when people want HELP, but when people want ANSWERS and they want stuff easier and they post in the wrong section then i get irritated and my messages are less helpful.
the number one reason n00bs post in here is because more people will see it, unfortunately this means the devs have to deal with the BS threads that push their stuff to page 3-4 and most people don't read past page two to look for a thread
yes, but you have to remember this is a very publicized and a public forum. In another forum i belong to, this happens all the time even though we have clearly marked stickies in every section.
I bet you most of the pointless threads have the OP posting only once and never even commenting on the posts made after they got the answer. That is what happens when you have a forum that's known for phone customization (or any public forum for that matter).
EDIT: and i'm not saying you're mean, i'm just saying it's going a little too far.
EDIT 2: if someone makes a thread only looking for answers that have been previously posted, just don't respond to it as that person won't ever be back. it's as simple as that.
@lesstalk - Thanks for the guide, outside of the lack of links(out of your control) this is a wonderful guide that I have started pointing new MTS users to.
@tubaking182 - Fact is, the guide on this actual covers steps that were skipped over in the other root guides because they were assumed to be common knowledge. Its that assumption which will kill future android users desire to learn about the device, especially when its accompanied by such a poor attitude from the "regulars" of the forum.
Outside of the links being missing due to being a new user account on the forum, the guide was more complete and comprehensive than any of the other guides so far. It managed to cover step(s) that are easily overlooked by someone who has rooted other android phones before, but CRITICAL to function and not mentioned in the other guides. I cant count the number of people I pointed to the pre-existing threads on rooting for MTS, who completely missed the superuser.apk setup because there were not any steps written for it.
A well educated userbase is a happy and quieter userbase, and while there are alot of useless threads in this section, this one actually served a purpose.
^^^
Here here!!
This is the first guide that has explained it all, and now I feel like I can do it too. I've done my g1, and tons of wm phones, but this one is completely different. All depends on your background.
You should be trying to expand and diversify the user base, not alienate it. or would you rather lock up the keys and argue with your self all day?
Sent from my T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide using XDA App
I agree that this guide might Hold your Hand & even ( Might have missed steps ).
It's not my Job, nor any others person job to make sure you have your driver's setup & adb working correctly. There is plenty of other threads that already cover this, easy to find by using Google..
regardless, Thank you to the OP for try to help make things a bit clearer
~Eugene
tubaking182 said:
i am helpful when stuff i posted in the correct forum, and when it is a new thread that has not been posted in th past. when people continuously post new threads to state stuff that has already been said, especially since without links this thread is pointless, then we xda devs are going to get upset, devs do not like to see pointless threads in the dev section, and certainly don't like it when people try to belittle the work that went into root by "making it easy" first requirement for having root is to know how to use a computer, after that you can learn to do some really cool stuff
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i feel u on that u do have a point !!! some people just that "dumb" and can't help it. they should post in the right thread but at the same time just putting them down isn't always the best way !!
dcowboys2184 said:
i feel u on that u do have a point !!! some people just that "dumb" and can't help it. they should post in the right thread but at the same time just putting them down isn't always the best way !!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ditto. This is a redundant and unnecessary post. There are more than four different guides and several other posts on preparation. Yes, they aren't written for a kindergartner, but rooting your phone isn't supposed to be easy. Do some research, read a post or several, and only post after your eyes start to bleed. Cluttering the forum makes it even harder for new members to the community.
Hi ,
Yesterday, I installed ubuntu touch in my nexus 4 and decided to use it as my daily rom.
So, i tried to modify some settings. Everything is working well, however i have two problems.
The first one : I failed to synchronized contacts with syncevolutions. It's working but it synchronise only one or few contacs in my .csv file. As a solution i used google contacts sync. But if somebody have (or had) the same problem it can be interesting to share the solution with evryvody.
The second one : I tried to change the browser app settings, but it didn't work. I used these two websites to help me :
"bazaar.launchpad.net/~phablet-team/webbrowser-app/trunk/view/head:/README#L71" and
"lists.launchpad.net/ubuntu-phone/msg10301.html" I removed the first part, because i'm not able to post outside links.
According to the first website, we can change the homepage and the searche engine, you can use the second website to understand how to do it, i followed the instructions, but it didn't work for me. So, if somebody want to try or already have the solution, it would be amazing.
Thanks.
Edit : Apparently It is now possible to change the search engine directly in the browser (18 June update)
Although it's about calendar sync, this might be helpful: http://forum.xda-developers.com/ubuntu-touch/help/calendar-app-doesnt-sync-t3054933
What's the content of your browser settings files? I have that working fine for me here.
Code:
[email protected]:~$ cat ~/.config/webbrowser-app/settings.conf
homepage=https://duckduckgo.com
searchengine=duck
allowOpenInBackgroundTab=true
[email protected]:~$ cat ~/.local/share/webbrowser-app/searchengines/duck.xml
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<OpenSearchDescription xmlns="http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearch/1.1/">
<ShortName>Duck Search</ShortName>
<Description>Search Duck Duck Go</Description>
<Url type="text/html"
template="https://duckduckgo.com/?q={searchTerms}"/>
<AdultContent>false</AdultContent>
<Language>en-au</Language>
<OutputEncoding>UTF-8</OutputEncoding>
<InputEncoding>UTF-8</InputEncoding>
</OpenSearchDescription>
thank you for your answer,
so i only had some problems in my duck.xml files, and it is working now.:good:
Thanks for everything, it might help other people too.
PS: i don't know have to change the title to [SOLVED]
Great to hear that. I'm glad that it's working now.
If you're using the web interface, you can click on the edit button below the first post, then on "Go Advanced" and then you can edit the title.
Sent from my awesome Ubuntu Touch device using the Forum Browser app
directory not found
Hello:
I can't find the directory: /home/phablet/.config/webbrowser-app /
on my bq aquaris 4.5 device...
When I try:
cat~/.config/webbrowser-app/settings.conf
the answer is:
No such file or directory
Thanks in advance.
natxuno said:
Hello:
I can't find the directory: /home/phablet/.config/webbrowser-app /
on my bq aquaris 4.5 device...
When I try:
cat~/.config/webbrowser-app/settings.conf
the answer is:
No such file or directory
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The file and directory isn't created by default. You have to create it manually.
Btw, a settings UI is coming soon.
Thx
nikwen said:
The file and directory isn't created by default. You have to create it manually.
Ok, I thought I only had to modify an existent file
I'll try...
Thanks a lot for your answer, nikwen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
natxuno said:
The file and directory isn't created by default. You have to create it manually.
Ok, I thought I only had to modify an existent file
I'll try...
Thanks a lot for your answer, nikwen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The file is automatically generated on devel-proposed build 166 now. However, it's called webbrowser-app.conf there.
If you're on the stable channel, expect that your browser settings will break in the future. However, you'll simply have to apply your changes to the new file then.
Hello,
I decided to install ubuntu touch again after all the new things they made.
However, changing the browser is no more working for.
I just wanted to know if there was another way to do it or if it was only my fault ?
Moreover, is that possible to uninstall preinstalled scopes like 7digital, amazon, ebay ... ?
@Remy.L There is just one browser for Ubuntu (except one third party browser). You can switch tabs by swiping up from the bottom edge though.
No, uninstalling preinstalled scopes isn't possible using the GUI as long as they aren't in the store.
Sent from my awesome Ubuntu Touch device using the Forum Browser app
---------- Post added at 12:07 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:04 AM ----------
Now I get what you mean with "changing the browser". There should be a settings option in the browser itself now (install the update from this week if you haven't already). Give it a try.
If there is still something you want to change manually, check out the contents of the browser's data directory. I think they renamed the settings file.
Sent from my awesome Ubuntu Touch device using the Forum Browser app
Sorry, i did not mean browser but search engine (replace google by duckduckgo).
I did not managed to have it working in the new version.
Anyway, do not bother you, i'm not using ubuntu touch anymore because i'm do not like that path they are taking with this OS (you can not uninstall what you do not want).
As i prefer to use open source software, the best thing to do now is to use an AOSP rom (or maybe firefox OS)
Thanks a lot for all your answers and have a nice day
PS: Sorry for my English, i'm not totally fluent
Edit : Apparently with the new version it is possible to change and chose the search engine you want.:good:
However, I guess that it is still impossible to remove unwanted stock scopes (however, as it is possible to remove unwanted stock apps, it may be possible to do it soon)
Remy.L said:
Sorry, i did not mean browser but search engine (replace google by duckduckgo).
I did not managed to have it working in the new version.
Anyway, do not bother you, i'm not using ubuntu touch anymore because i'm do not like that path they are taking with this OS (you can not uninstall what you do not want).
As i prefer to use open source software, the best thing to do now is to use an AOSP rom (or maybe firefox OS)
Thanks a lot for all your answers and have a nice day
PS: Sorry for my English, i'm not totally fluent
Edit : Apparently with the new version it is possible to change and chose the search engine you want.:good:
However, I guess that it is still impossible to remove unwanted stock scopes (however, as it is possible to remove unwanted stock apps, it may be possible to do it soon)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could try removing them with the terminal-app like this:
Code:
sudo click unregister --user=phablet com.ubuntu.badscope
That should actually work. Pretty much everything can be uninstalled, even though not easily.
nikwen said:
You could try removing them with the terminal-app like this:
Code:
sudo click unregister --user=phablet com.ubuntu.badscope
That should actually work. Pretty much everything can be uninstalled, even though not easily.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok tried to use this command, however if i want to uninstall amazon scope, it says to me that com.ubuntu.amazon does not exist.
Moreover it seems that we still cannot change the search engine directly in the browser ( I tried the devel/ubuntu version via Multirom)
Remy
Remy.L said:
Ok tried to use this command, however if i want to uninstall amazon scope, it says to me that com.ubuntu.amazon does not exist.
Moreover it seems that we still cannot change the search engine directly in the browser ( I tried the devel/ubuntu version via Multirom)
Remy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to find out the right package name of the amazon scope (given that it is installed as a click package, of course; I was unable to find it using "click list").
The reason why you don't see the option to change the search engine is that the devel builds are really, really outdated. I think they are half a year old or something like that. Either install the stable channel or devel-proposed.
Ok, thank you for all your answers, it may help a lot of people
Unfortunatly I broker my Nexus 4 screen last week (I'm planning to repair it but not yet [in few month]) so i can not try this rom right now.
Once more, thanks again for your help and for your answers,
Have a nice day
Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. Did you know that the Meizu MX4 Ubuntu Edition has just been released?
Sent from my awesome Ubuntu Touch device using the Forum Browser app
Hi nikwen,
I'm back on this forum because i repaired my nexus 4. Everything is now workinh, and the rom seems very nice.
However it is still impossible to uninstall unwanted scopes (like amazon) even with the terminal. (impossible to know the name of the scope).
I also tried this sudo dpkg --get-selections >liste but it does not list the scopes name.
Thank you for all your answers
Remy.L said:
Hi nikwen,
I'm back on this forum because i repaired my nexus 4. Everything is now workinh, and the rom seems very nice.
However it is still impossible to uninstall unwanted scopes (like amazon) even with the terminal. (impossible to know the name of the scope).
I also tried this sudo dpkg --get-selections >liste but it does not list the scopes name.
Thank you for all your answers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Yes, there's been a discussion about this on the ubuntu-phone mailing list recently. The reason why they can indeed not be uninstalled is that they are remote scopes with the code lying on a Canonical server and not on the device itself. I didn't follow the whole discussion, so if you are interested, check out the mailing list archive and you should be able to find the conversation within the first 5 pages.
Hi Nikwen,
So i checked your link and found what i needed
So yes, it is impossible to uninstall these scopes like you said, the only way is to keep it without using it.
But the thing i was thinking about is : If you do not use these scopes does it still get informations from you (in background) ? (because and do not want it to use my data continuously)
Sorry for all these questions
Have a nice day,
Remy
@Remy.L No, they won't be giving any information away. Scopes only run when they are in the foreground and even if they are, they are confined by a software called "apparmor", which means that they cannot access any data besides that which you enter into the search box. They don't have access to any of your private stuff.
Sent from my awesome Ubuntu Touch device using the Forum Browser app
(I have removed the guide as requested by AFTVNEWS but please use the link below to see more information via there web page)
The link for the original post at AFTV if you wanna go there & leave them credit or ask questions feel free -
http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-block-updates-on-a-rooted-fire-tv-or-fire-tv-stick-by-setting-a-custom-fire-os-version-number/
This is great news & another step to stay protected & keep root for our FireTv.
deanr1977 said:
I take no credit for this work I just noticed this new work over at AFTVNews & am passing on the info for everyone over here at XDA FireTv forums. The dev behind this is rbox & AFTVNews was posting & making the guides for everyone to use.
Here's all the information -
This is a new method of blocking software updates on a rooted Fire TV or Fire TV Stick. It involves setting a custom software version number in the device’s build.prop configuration file. Rbox came up with this idea and asked me to test if it works. The main advantage to this update blocking method is that it can be implemented from within TWRP custom recovery before the device boots. That means, if you factory reset (i.e., wipe data partition) a Fire TV, you can ensure the device does not update during the initial setup process. Prior to this method, you had to rely on external router or OpenDNS update blocking methods when going through the Fire TV initial setup process after factory reseting. Now you can block updates internally before starting the initial setup process. If you have a rooted device and are blocking updates using the “pm disable …” method (method 1 in my blocking guide), it’s a good idea to also follow this guide to have an additional update blocking method in place.
Important
This update blocking method MUST BE REDONE EVERY TIME YOU INSTALL A ROM. That is why it’s best to use both this method and the “pm disable …” method (method 1) from my blocking guide. This blocking method does survive a factory reset, which method 1 does not. So this method will cover you when factory resetting your device, and method 1 will cover you if you flash a new ROM but forget to re-apply this method, since method 1 survives installing a new ROM.
You can implement this update blocking procedure from within TWRP or within Fire OS. Obviously, if you are following this method to block updates during the initial setup process, you need to implement this update block from within TWRP. If your device is already setup and you are following this guide to just have an additional blocking method in place, then it’s actually simpler to implement this method from within Fire OS.
NOTE: I will be updating this guide with screenshots for each step within the next few days. So if it’s difficult to understand, you should wait for the screenshots to be added.
Guide using TWRP
Boot into TWRP Custom Recovery. Be sure you are following this guide AFTER you’re done installing a ROM. Installing a ROM will remove this blocking method, so it should be done last, just before you boot into Fire OS.
Select Mount from the TWRP main menu.
Check the box next to System and then return to the main menu by pressing the home shaped button in the bottom center.
You now need to transfer the file /system/build.prop from your Fire TV to your PC. You can do this using ADB or by copying it to a microSD card or USB drive connected to your device.
To transfer the file using ADB:
Connect to your device via ADB. You will need to be connected over ethernet and the IP of your device is displayed in the upper left of the main TWRP menu.
Transfer the file to your PC by running the command:
adb pull /system/build.prop [PATH-ON-YOUR-PC]
Be sure to replace [PATH-ON-YOUR-PC] with the directory on your PC where you want the file to be saved.
Mac example:
adb pull /system/build.prop /Users/AFTVnews/Downloads/
Windows example:
adb pull /system/build.prop C:\Users\AFTVnews\Desktop\
To transfer the file using a microSD card or USB drive:
Insert the microSD card or USB drive into your Fire TV.
Select Mount from the TWRP main menu.
If it is not already checked, check the box next to Micro SDCard or USB (depending on which one you’re using). Then return to the main TWRP menu by clicking the home shaped button in the bottom center.
Click Advanced from the TWRP main menu.
Click File Manager from the menu.
Click the system directory.
Click the build.prop file.
Click Copy File from the menu.
Click the external_sd if you’re using a micro SD card, or select usb if you’re using a USB drive.
Click the Select Current Directory button in the lower right.
Click the Swipe to Confirm button to copy the file to your external storage device.
Press the home shaped button to return to the main TWRP menu. Go back into the Mount menu and uncheck your external storage device. You can now remove your microSD card or USB drive and connect it to your PC.
Now that you have the build.prop file on your PC, open it with a plain text editor.
Find the line (near the top) that starts with ro.build.version.number=
Replace the numbers on that line with 987654321 and save the file.
Now you need to transfer the file back to your Fire TV.
To transfer the file back using ADB:
Run the command:
adb push [PATH-TO-build.prop-ON-YOUR-PC] /system/build.prop
Be sure to replace [PATH-TO-build.prop-ON-YOUR-PC] with the location on your PC where the build.prop file is stored.
Mac example:
adb push /Users/AFTVnews/Downloads/build.prop /system/build.prop
Windows example:
adb push C:\Users\AFTVnews\Desktop\build.prop /system/build.prop
To transfer the file using a microSD card or USB drive:
Insert the microSD card or USB drive into your Fire TV.
Select Mount from the TWRP main menu.
If it is not already checked, check the box next to Micro SDCard or USB (depending on which one you’re using). Then return to the main TWRP menu by clicking the home shaped button in the bottom center.
Click Advanced from the TWRP main menu.
Click File Manager from the menu.
Click the external_sd if you’re using a micro SD card, or select usb if you’re using a USB drive. (You may need to select “Up A Level” first.)
Click the build.prop file.
Click Copy File from the menu.
Click the system directory. (You may need to select “Up A Level” first.)
Click the Select Current Directory button in the lower right.
Click the Swipe to Confirm button to copy the file to your /system directory.
Press the home shaped button to return to the main TWRP menu.
That’s it. To confirm the custom version number is saved correctly, do one of the following:
If you’re connected via ADB, run the following command:
adb shell cat /system/build.prop | grep number
Or, within TWRP, go to Advanced, then to Terminal, and type the following command:
cat /system/build.prop | grep number
You should see ro.build.version.number=987654321 printed out. If you get the original version number printed out, then you did something wrong and need to repeat this guide from the beginning.
Guide using ES File Explorer within Fire OS
It will be a lot easier to follow this guide if you have a keyboard and mouse connect to your device. First, install the app ES File Explorer onto your Fire TV or Fire TV Stick from the Amazon Fire TV appstore.
Open ES File Explorer.
Scroll down the menu on the left and turn on the “Root Explorer” option under the “Tools” sub-menu.
Grant su permission if you’re asked.
Press back or escape to dismiss the popup menu.
Scroll up the menu on the left and select “Local”.
Select “Device” from the options that appear.
Scroll down and select the “system” folder.
Scroll down and select the “build.prop” file.
Select to open it with “ES Note Editor”
Select the pencil icon in the top right to edit the file.
Find the line that starts with ro.build.version.number and replace the number on that line with 987654321. It’s best to use the error keys on your remote or keyboard, instead of clicking with a mouse, to edit the number.
Click the back arrow icon in the upper left. Not the one in the upper right.
Click “Yes” when asked if you want to save.
Click the back arrow icon in the upper left again.
To verify your changes were saved, open the build.prop file again and ensure the number next to ro.build.version.number is still 987654321
Here is the original post on AFTV if you wanna go there & leave them credit on there post -
http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-block-updates-on-a-rooted-fire-tv-or-fire-tv-stick-by-setting-a-custom-fire-os-version-number/
@rbox & @AFTVnews.com if you would like me to remove this let me know or if you would like to post on the below comments & I will link the thanks to the comment post number so you get the proper credit for your work.
This is great news & another step to stay protected & keep root for our FireTv.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not trolling you extremely long guide but wouldnt it be a whole lot easier doing this from within Fire OS to open the build.prop from within root explorer and use the built in text editor? Just a thought, might save some people a few hours work.
---------- Post added at 01:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:05 PM ----------
Or you could even use build.prop editor apk, if you wanted to keep things very simple.
Sure rbox or AFTVNews will comment here soon but if you want a quicker reply follow the link above over to aftvnews.com & leave the comment there if you like? Like I said I'm just passing on the info this is not my guide, I'm not bothered about thanks & take no credit for this guide
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
Stupid request, but can you add "July" to the title? The date as written hasn't occurred yet in the US [emoji6]
ldeveraux said:
Stupid request, but can you add "July" to the title? The date as written hasn't occurred yet in the US [emoji6]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Done mate
sconnyuk said:
Not trolling you extremely long guide but wouldnt it be a whole lot easier doing this from within Fire OS to open the build.prop from within root explorer and use the built in text editor? Just a thought, might save some people a few hours work.
---------- Post added at 01:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:05 PM ----------
Or you could even use build.prop editor apk, if you wanted to keep things very simple.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My guide has two parts: Doing it within TWRP and doing it within Fire OS. deanr1977 just copy and pasted my entire guide, which lost the formatting, which makes it difficult to actually tell the guide has multiple parts. That's why I asked him to remove the copy and pasted part of his post.
AFTVnews.com said:
My guide has two parts: Doing it within TWRP and doing it within Fire OS. deanr1977 just copy and pasted my entire guide, which lost the formatting, which makes it difficult to actually tell the guide has multiple parts. That's why I asked him to remove the copy and pasted part of his post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand it has 2 parts, i just wondered why the need to drag over to a pc the build.prop to edit then push it back over, when the same thing could be done with build.prop editor apk or from within root explorers built in text editor, which would be a whole lot quicker ?
First thanx to AFTV for working @ this device and discovering another method to block updates.........
Second @ sconniyuk it was already mention that the guide has 2 parts 1 if you like to work on a PC and a keyboard (which I prefer) and another to work directly on the device ...your choice..... not mine
htchd2fix said:
First thanx to AFTV for working @ this device and discovering another method to block updates.........
Second @ sconniyuk it was already mention that the guide has 2 parts 1 if you like to work on a PC and a keyboard (which I prefer) and another to work directly on the device ...your choice..... not mine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, now I get it.... You cleared it all up for me @htchd2fix ?
I know I should of realised there are people who love climbing a mountain instead of flying over it......
I myself and probably speak for 99.9 % of people (apart from you of course) would like to do a tedious thing like blocking updates the simplest, quickest and shortest way possible.
I was in no way discrediting anyone or the guide. When @AFTVnews.com replied and said it was in 2 parts here I said I already new this, I dont know why you felt the need to tell me its in 2 parts also?
sconnyuk said:
Ah, now I get it.... You cleared it all up for me @htchd2fix ?
I know I should of realised there are people who love climbing a mountain instead of flying over it......
I myself and probably speak for 99.9 % of people (apart from you of course) would like to do a tedious thing like blocking updates the simplest, quickest and shortest way possible.
I was in no way discrediting anyone or the guide. When @AFTVnews.com replied and said it was in 2 parts here I said I already new this, I dont know why you felt the need to tell me its in 2 parts also?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you let it go already? Leave the thread alone. If you don't want to use his method, go elsewhere. Don't lump other users into your crazy hangups.
ldeveraux said:
Can you let it go already? Leave the thread alone. If you don't want to use his method, go elsewhere. Don't lump other users into your crazy hangups.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Theres no need to bite @ideveraux I will actually use the guide but will do it an easier method. Im not lumpimg any users with crazy hang ups and im not letting anyone try to get one over on me when all I originally did was ask why not complete the editing of the build.prop with 1 of 2 very simple methods and im getting the crap for it.
No thanks
sconnyuk said:
Ah, now I get it.... You cleared it all up for me @htchd2fix ?
I know I should of realised there are people who love climbing a mountain instead of flying over it......
I myself and probably speak for 99.9 % of people (apart from you of course) would like to do a tedious thing like blocking updates the simplest, quickest and shortest way possible.
I was in no way discrediting anyone or the guide. When @AFTVnews.com replied and said it was in 2 parts here I said I already new this, I dont know why you felt the need to tell me its in 2 parts also?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
....ok i do not have time for this....this is my last one.......
......quickist and shortest????????????????...are you sure????????? how much sure you are?
''''I garanti you that the time you download the app to edit build.prop.....I have already edited and pushed over my 4 devices ...while you still walking around your house....
htchd2fix said:
....ok i do not have time for this....this is my last one.......
......quickist and shortest????????????????...are you sure????????? how much sure you are?
''''I garanti you that the time you download the app to edit build.prop.....I have already edited and pushed over my 4 devices ...while you still walking around your house....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very childish but very very amusing.
By the time anyone gets through that essay the next fire device is out dated.
Have you got anymore jokes? That one was excellent ?
I have an issue with my M20P. I got the phone 12 days ago and everything was fine with notifications up until yesterday. As of right now, I am NOT receiving notifications for whatsapp, gmail,* FB, messanger on time. They're constantly late and usually show up only when I actually go into one of the apps, then the content shows up and syncs, I guess.
I decided to manually launch important apps such as gmail, messanger, whatsapp and I checked all 3 boxes (primary, secondary and background launch). And this morning, after some 9 hours of not touching the phone, I woke up and there were some notifications (quite a few actually) and I was happy thinking the issue's gone but I was curious why there were no messanger and gmail notifications (two of my most active apps) and* I was right... as soon as I entered gmail, the mail that I did NOT receive notification for came on top of queue and messanger literally blew with how many notifications came at once. Other apps, less important, followed with some notification.
I'm worried because I actually decided to manually launch apps I use the most and still, the issue persists, even though most of users had this sorted with manual launching...
So yes, manual launching did not fix it for me
Is there anything else I should do and what?
And also, I have found out that this has only happened thus far on WiFi, my home WiFi. Mobile data doesn't seem to be affected. Will have to confirm though. I don't know if that's an important information...
Please help. I don't wanna sell the phone because other than this bs I like it very much
Go into settings/battery/more battery settings and make sure stay connected when device sleeps is toggled on.
jhs39 said:
Go into settings/battery/more battery settings and make sure stay connected when device sleeps is toggled on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already had that enabled.... anything else?
I'm still looking for any help.. please
Have you tried disabling PowerGenie.apk via adb?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/mate-20-pro/themes/remove-powergenie-to-allow-background-t3890409
Thanks to @klaus27
jhs39 said:
Go into settings/battery/more battery settings and make sure stay connected when device sleeps is toggled on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
kai84m said:
Have you tried disabling PowerGenie.apk via adb?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/mate-20-pro/themes/remove-powergenie-to-allow-background-t3890409
Thanks to @klaus27
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think this is my last resort. I really don't want to use my laptop to debug something unless completely necessary..
furiouszagreb said:
I think this is my last resort. I really don't want to use my laptop to debug something unless completely necessary..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the only fix available. You could unpack and decompile PowerGenie and see what's inside. A bunch of routines that try to identify apps that require being online, plus a bunch of hardcoded apps that are allowed to run in the background. That's Facebook and a bunch of Chinese apps. But everything else is being sent to sleep aggressively.
I tried every other setting available and still, the PowerGenie rendered any background app unusable.
You don't need to debug anything. Just turn on debugging, so you can disable PowerGenie. If you want to use your phone the way it is supposed to work, you have to get rid of PowerGenie. Using the ADB method is the only possible way I am afraid.
klaus27 said:
That's the only fix available. You could unpack and decompile PowerGenie and see what's inside. A bunch of routines that try to identify apps that require being online, plus a bunch of hardcoded apps that are allowed to run in the background. That's Facebook and a bunch of Chinese apps. But everything else is being sent to sleep aggressively.
I tried every other setting available and still, the PowerGenie rendered any background app unusable.
You don't need to debug anything. Just turn on debugging, so you can disable PowerGenie. If you want to use your phone the way it is supposed to work, you have to get rid of PowerGenie. Using the ADB method is the only possible way I am afraid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate the thorough report. Before I do that, I'll run some over night tests to see if this perhaps is just due to my WiFi. For example, I'll leave the phone over night with WiFi disabled and mobile data on. If I receive all the notifications at the time they should have been received - I'll know the issue is with my WiFi and I'll update it to static and use the pre-set DNSs I found online.
I'm guessing you had the same issue... did it only work for you when you disabled powergenie? Have you tried perhaps what I will - to see if it was a WiFi issue? Or did it happen to you on mobile data too?
And what I find EXTREMELY weird - I had P20 Pro like until 15 days ago, updated to EMUI 9 and it received all the notifications on time. Is this solely M20P issue?
My issue was the Blackberry mobile device management suite, my company uses. Those apps use Android for work, so a separate encrypted partition (and a different user id), open a VPN tunnel and fetch emails in the background.
I have tried every possible solution, like turning off startup control, enabling those apps to run in the background, even checked special permissions, tried different hacks, reset my device multiple times, ... . Nothing helped. The VPN tunnel was capped after a few minutes and even if I opened it manually (by starting the app), the email app was sent to sleep hence not receiving anything.
I started digging around and found a way to disable system-apps even when you cannot disable them from the Android menus. I pulled a copy and decompiled it. This PowerGenie app has routines to identify apps that have widgets, pull a lot of power, have notifications, ... . And it has a list of package names (Android apps) that are never sent to sleep. Stuff like Facebook and Chinese apps. As I started digging around I found this to be a commonly reported issue with Huawei smartphones of all flavours. I think they built that in to mask the fact that Kirin has a higher standby drain than Qualcomm and Samsung. I am just assuming that..
For me this definitely wasn't an issue with my WLAN, DNS or the likes. Now without the PowerGenie, when I turn off the flight mode in the morning, the VPN app is connecting automatically and my Blackberry Hub is pulling all emails. WhatsApp, Gmail, even third party calendar apps now show their notifications in time. So I am happy.
Did it have any influence on my battery life? no, not at all.
I did the same for a couple of colleagues having the same phone and issues and they all are very happy now.
My company even stopped supporting Huawei phones because of these issues.
I can't comment on the P20 unfortunately as this was my first Huawei. But maybe the fact that you were upgrading from Oreo to Pie was the difference here.
furiouszagreb said:
I appreciate the thorough report. Before I do that, I'll run some over night tests to see if this perhaps is just due to my WiFi. For example, I'll leave the phone over night with WiFi disabled and mobile data on. If I receive all the notifications at the time they should have been received - I'll know the issue is with my WiFi and I'll update it to static and use the pre-set DNSs I found online.
I'm guessing you had the same issue... did it only work for you when you disabled powergenie? Have you tried perhaps what I will - to see if it was a WiFi issue? Or did it happen to you on mobile data too?
And what I find EXTREMELY weird - I had P20 Pro like until 15 days ago, updated to EMUI 9 and it received all the notifications on time. Is this solely M20P issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for explaining everything. I'll try some methods first and if they don't work I'll go with what you did.
Thank you.
@klaus27
It appears you were right. Tried everything, still some come through, some don't. This suck soooo much
furiouszagreb said:
@klaus27
It appears you were right. Tried everything, still some come through, some don't. This suck soooo much
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Trust me, run through this short procedure and you won't regret it:
1) install Huawei ADB drivers: https://devfiles.co/download/zygGeX8N/Huawei-MediaPad-10-FHD-USB-Drivers-TeamAndroid.zip
2) install and enable ADB: https://www.xda-developers.com/install-adb-windows-macos-linux/
3) Open a CMD window, change directory to where ADB is installed. Run this:
Code:
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.huawei.powergenie
4) Reboot
klaus27 said:
Trust me, run through this short procedure and you won't regret it:
1) install Huawei ADB drivers: https://devfiles.co/download/zygGeX8N/Huawei-MediaPad-10-FHD-USB-Drivers-TeamAndroid.zip
2) install and enable ADB: https://www.xda-developers.com/install-adb-windows-macos-linux/
3) Open a CMD window, change directory to where ADB is installed. Run this:
Code:
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.huawei.powergenie
4) Reboot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm a total anti talent for this stuff. Do I install and do this from my phone or laptop?
furiouszagreb said:
I'm a total anti talent for this stuff. Do I install and do this from my phone or laptop?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) from your laptop
2) Follow the link, perform the steps in the tutorial below "How to Setup the Android Debug Bridge (ADB)".
Then scroll down to the part titled "Microsoft Windows ADB Setup". Download the file from the link and unpack to c:\adb (you will have to create the folder).
Then you connect your phone to your laptop and will see a prompt for authenticating your laptop. This is all well documented, just follow the link
3) On your laptop, start menu, run, cmd. Now you will see a console window. Just enter the commands below
Code:
c:\adb\platform-tools
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.huawei.powergenie
The reboot should obiously be done on your phone.
Sounds complicated, but is really easy.
@klaus27
Thank you for bearing with me and explaining. Just one more thing. On the second code, what do you mean by "maybe"?
furiouszagreb said:
@klaus27
Thank you for bearing with me and explaining. Just one more thing. On the second code, what do you mean by "maybe"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have checked the tutorial and adjusted my reply accordingly .
klaus27 said:
I have checked the tutorial and adjusted my reply accordingly .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for explaining everything even to a dummy like myself lol. Much appreciated.
klaus27 said:
1) from your laptop
2) Follow the link, perform the steps in the tutorial below "How to Setup the Android Debug Bridge (ADB)".
Then scroll down to the part titled "Microsoft Windows ADB Setup". Download the file from the link and unpack to c:\adb (you will have to create the folder).
Then you connect your phone to your laptop and will see a prompt for authenticating your laptop. This is all well documented, just follow the link
3) On your laptop, start menu, run, cmd. Now you will see a console window. Just enter the commands below
Code:
c:\adb\platform-tools
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.huawei.powergenie
The reboot should obiously be done on your phone.
Sounds complicated, but is really easy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, I finally gave in and tried to do this but I am having so much trouble doing this mate. Could you please explain like you're talking to a child? My computer skills are abysmal. I downloaded these 2 links you said on my laptop. But I am stuck at step 2. Here are the screenshot to see where I got held up lol
gyazo.com/6541fa024b72309323ab6ed889e19420
gyazo.com/727b043a651185da8761ca8c72d8917a
gyazo.com/d510eef1ce22dde74362a670051b1d7d
When I right click on "platform tools" it gives me several options such as "extract to a specified folder" and I clicked on that (I dont know if thats right) and what do I do now? I am confused with the steps provided in the link. "Extract the contents of this ZIP file into an easily accessible folder (such ad C:\adb)" I dont know where and how to do that
Then it says "Open Windows explorer and browse to where you extracted the contents of this ZIP File" what does this mean?
And 3rd step dont even get me started.
Could you by any chance upload a video of going through all that and doing everything needed up until running the command to.disable power genie? Im lost man
@klaus27
As much as I would like to help you, I think it would make more sense if you ask someone physically around you for help. I don't think I can make it more simple than that and explaining that in such a detail without knowing what system you have is quite complicated.... But I am sure that if you show the instructions to someone with a little bit more experience, it would be a lot simpler...
Sorry I cannot help you further...
furiouszagreb said:
Hey, I finally gave in and tried to do this but I am having so much trouble doing this mate. Could you please explain like you're talking to a child? My computer skills are abysmal. I downloaded these 2 links you said on my laptop. But I am stuck at step 2. Here are the screenshot to see where I got held up lol
gyazo.com/6541fa024b72309323ab6ed889e19420
gyazo.com/727b043a651185da8761ca8c72d8917a
gyazo.com/d510eef1ce22dde74362a670051b1d7d
When I right click on "platform tools" it gives me several options such as "extract to a specified folder" and I clicked on that (I dont know if thats right) and what do I do now? I am confused with the steps provided in the link. "Extract the contents of this ZIP file into an easily accessible folder (such ad C:\adb)" I dont know where and how to do that
Then it says "Open Windows explorer and browse to where you extracted the contents of this ZIP File" what does this mean?
And 3rd step dont even get me started.
Could you by any chance upload a video of going through all that and doing everything needed up until running the command to.disable power genie? Im lost man
@klaus27
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
klaus27 said:
1) from your laptop
2) Follow the link, perform the steps in the tutorial below "How to Setup the Android Debug Bridge (ADB)".
Then scroll down to the part titled "Microsoft Windows ADB Setup". Download the file from the link and unpack to c:\adb (you will have to create the folder).
Then you connect your phone to your laptop and will see a prompt for authenticating your laptop. This is all well documented, just follow the link
3) On your laptop, start menu, run, cmd. Now you will see a console window. Just enter the commands below
Code:
c:\adb\platform-tools
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.huawei.powergenie
The reboot should obiously be done on your phone.
Sounds complicated, but is really easy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried following your steps, but when I put in the command, it says " 'c:\adb\platform-tools' is not recognized as internal or external command, operable program or batch file "
Hello,
I have acquired an Acer tablet that we used for my grandparents called GrandPad by Consumer Cellular. There is a really stripped down software/OS on it that is more "elderly friendly". I know the user interface is built on top of Android (maybe 6.0-6.1). My question is how to I find a custom ROM and installation instructions on this so I can make this thing a decent functioning tablet? I'm having a hard time finding anything about this. Not sure if Acer took another variant of their tablet and made it exclusive to Consumer Cellular.
Here's all the info I have on it. Not sure how to access the Android info on top of the current software.
Model: A6201
SNID: 81790091576
S/N: FFHZ8AA008817DBF337602
Hi there , I would try to look if theres any rom for it , can you upload screenshots of the ui? Also , please remove the IMEI part as it is not necessary and it is a potential security risk for you if someone uses it .
ThatLatinGuy said:
Hi there , I would try to look if theres any rom for it , can you upload screenshots of the ui? Also , please remove the IMEI part as it is not necessary and it is a potential security risk for you if someone uses it .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello ThatLatinGuy,
I have tried endlessly searching for a ROM. I just can't find much info at all on ACER Android tablets in general, and much less on this specific model they made for a cellular company.
As far as the stock UI, you can do a web search for GrandPad Consumer Cellular. Apparently I can't give the link because I don't have 10 post yet.
After posting this, I did hold down the (power and +- volume) button and got to the Android recovery screen to do a factory reset thinking it would reset back to Android 6.0.1. I did work....sort of. The "grandpad" UI is no longer there, but it does boot up to some application called "GrandPad Eagle". I assume this is some kind of software they ran on top of Android when developing the tablet's interface??? There is an option on that screen to do a hardware test. When I touch on that it opens some Android app called Alpaca. From there I can swipe down from the top screen and access the Android settings menu. There's no launcher and I've even tried to sideload .apk apps (with unknown sources turned on) but gives me an error about it can't read file. It let me turn on developer options in the settings.
I can try to upload some images, but every time I go to insert image it wants a link and not a location on this site. Tried Google photos link and that didn't work apparently. Anyway, any settings specifically might help just let me know and I'll try to get it on here somehow...maybe.
Well this sounds really familiar , I was in the same boat a few years ago with a 2012 kindle fire HD so I will try to apply the same principle here . I have also tried to look for information about this tablet and only got the specs , wich are actually pretty good , but anyway does the tablet have an internet browser? if so type fdroid an download the app install it and open it , search for a launcher so you can atleast use the tablet .
If not , how are you sideloading it? with adb ? or does this tablet support mtp?
You can try to upload the pictures to google photos and upload the link with some characters in between (something like : www----photoservice_x2323-com)
Havent found anything about the Granpad Eagle app, although Im pretty sure that your assumptionis correct , and the Alpaca app is equally obscure , so please try to upload the picture of those .
Cheers
ThatLatinGuy said:
Well this sounds really familiar , I was in the same boat a few years ago with a 2012 kindle fire HD so I will try to apply the same principle here . I have also tried to look for information about this tablet and only got the specs , wich are actually pretty good , but anyway does the tablet have an internet browser? if so type fdroid an download the app install it and open it , search for a launcher so you can atleast use the tablet .
If not , how are you sideloading it? with adb ? or does this tablet support mtp?
You can try to upload the pictures to google photos and upload the link with some characters in between (something like : www----photoservice_x2323-com)
Havent found anything about the Granpad Eagle app, although Im pretty sure that your assumptionis correct , and the Alpaca app is equally obscure , so please try to upload the picture of those .
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The tablet has no browser. Very very limited apps in general. I tried to download the apk apps for chrome and nova launcher. I can push them from my computer to the tablet . But when I touch to install it, I get an error saying it can't read the APK file. Don't know why it would say that. I do have trust unknown sources checked.
I'll see what I can do about the pics.
chris2946 said:
The tablet has no browser. Very very limited apps in general. I tried to download the apk apps for chrome and nova launcher. I can push them from my computer to the tablet . But when I touch to install it, I get an error saying it can't read the APK file. Don't know why it would say that. I do have trust unknown sources checked.
I'll see what I can do about the pics.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Update...
I managed to install new apps via ADB. I was able to remove the grandpad eagle from ADB as well. I rebooted the tablet and the Nova Launcher (app I installed) settings came up.
Main problem now is that there is no navigation buttons on the bottom. There's no way I can go back or home. Not sure yet how to enable them. It's a bit annoying when you can't go back to the home screen or switch apps.
chris2946 said:
Update...
I managed to install new apps via ADB. I was able to remove the grandpad eagle from ADB as well. I rebooted the tablet and the Nova Launcher (app I installed) settings came up.
Main problem now is that there is no navigation buttons on the bottom. There's no way I can go back or home. Not sure yet how to enable them. It's a bit annoying when you can't go back to the home screen or switch apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gotcha , download this apk and push it , its like that floating button in the iphone it is not a perfect solution but it works .
https://home-button.uptodown.com/android
For a cleaner solution , try this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5qcD8t0o2M
its gesture based , but it looks better .
Thanks,
Even though the OEM stuff is off...the Android OS is still a little quirky. For example, there is no way to put it to sleep with the hardware buttons. And I have to hit the power and volume up button to power it off. Just random stuff like that.
Oh well, it's better than it was. Just wish I could do a fresh restore without the OEM stuff. Or better yet, a custom ROM. Which seems like is impossible since this tablet is so unique.
pics
oh
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Code:
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macgealai said:
oh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
---------- Post added at 08:29 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:19 AM ----------
macgealai said:
oh
---------- Post added at 08:19 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:15 AM ----------
Code:
my
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Click to collapse
damntjroogjddrdddddddaafffr[[[ddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd
---------- Post added at 09:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:29 AM ----------
macgealai said:
oh
---------- Post added at 08:19 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:15 AM ----------
Code:
my
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damntjroogjddrdddddddaafffr[[[ddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd
says i have to submit ten comments b4 i can submit pics. i will subsequently delete them
---------- Post added at 09:18 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:14 AM ----------
macgealai said:
oh
---------- Post added at 08:19 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:15 AM ----------
Code:
my
---------- Post added at 08:29 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:19 AM ----------
damntjroogjddrdddddddaafffr[[[ddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd
---------- Post added at 09:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:29 AM ----------
just
damntjroogjddrdddddddaafffr[[[ddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd
says i have to submit ten comments b4 i can submit pics. i will subsequently delete them
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
heg heg\
Has anyone found a ROM or a solution to remove the Grandpad software and install a normal Android OS?
chris_w_y said:
Has anyone found a ROM or a solution to remove the Grandpad software and install a normal Android OS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would also like to know if anyone has accessed more of the GrandPad. I have the Acer 8202.
chris2946 said:
Hello,
I have acquired an Acer tablet that we used for my grandparents called GrandPad by Consumer Cellular. There is a really stripped down software/OS on it that is more "elderly friendly". I know the user interface is built on top of Android (maybe 6.0-6.1). My question is how to I find a custom ROM and installation instructions on this so I can make this thing a decent functioning tablet? I'm having a hard time finding anything about this. Not sure if Acer took another variant of their tablet and made it exclusive to Consumer Cellular.
Here's all the info I have on it. Not sure how to access the Android info on top of the current software.
Model: A6201
SNID: 81790091576
S/N: FFHZ8AA008817DBF337602
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hI , did you resolve this problem ?
Hey y'all,
I've been lurking here for quite some time, so it's nice to finally register and become a part of the forums here! At any rate, here goes my first post...
I have this exact tablet and I thought maybe it would be a good starting point for me to try working with ADB and all that. The Acer A6201 I was given appears to have no OS on it, as when booting it I am met with a screen displaying the 'GrandPad Eagle' logo with the Identifier, Serial #, Telephony, and SIM # with barcodes. Also displayed are the buttons: Install, Shutdown, Pick WiFi, About, and Hardware Test. LTE is on (I put my Cricket SIM in it), as well as WiFi. It reads Eagle vc21618-b356. Upon connecting to LTE, it reads:
SyncManager: Sync Device...
RegisterManager: Registering...
EagleAPI: Starting Register...
RegisterManager: Register Success
EagleAPI: Starting Sync...
AutoWIFIManager: doGiraffeWIFISearch >> no matches
That's pretty much it. If I click Hardware Test, it goes to something called Alpaca, which runs through all hardware tests with no issues. From Alpaca I can also pull down the drop down menu which allows me into settings and all that. From there, I've enabled developer mode and USB debugging, as well as install from unknown sources.
As the OP originally stated, there is no web browser and I've had zero luck installing any APKs or anything; I can't even get Chrome on there via ADB.
Any thoughts or advice?
Just wanted to update this thread and see if anyone else has made any progress. I have the Acer A8202 model.
Grandpad apps removed. (until factory reset) use a usb keyboard and hit escape to get access to the system menu then enable developer and adb. Nav bar is under Display. I installed a browser, Aptoide and a launcher via adb. I am still working on the status bar(working in settings but not in all other apps) I believe there is a full screen mode system wide setting on in the build.prop file. temp solution is "Material Status bar" and "Mi control center" for a status bar. Google play services install but constantly crash. I was also able to unlock the bootloader. but to edit the system files will need root and a Twrp img file that doesn't give black screen.
datriad said:
Just wanted to update this thread and see if anyone else has made any progress. I have the Acer A8202 model.
Grandpad apps removed. (until factory reset) use a usb keyboard and hit escape to get access to the system menu then enable developer and adb. Nav bar is under Display. I installed a browser, Aptoide and a launcher via adb. I am still working on the status bar(working in settings but not in all other apps) I believe there is a full screen mode system wide setting on in the build.prop file. temp solution is "Material Status bar" and "Mi control center" for a status bar. Google play services install but constantly crash. I was also able to unlock the bootloader. but to edit the system files will need root and a Twrp img file that doesn't give black screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got the exact same model A8202. I am trying to "Apply update from ADB" and it says to "send the package you want to apply to the device with "adb sideload <filename>" Where do I find the package (OTA update ?)
chris_w_y said:
Has anyone found a ROM or a solution to remove the Grandpad software and install a normal Android OS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am looking for it too. There's got to be somebody out there who can provide an OTA package to upload via ADB.
ThatLatinGuy said:
Gotcha , download this apk and push it , its like that floating button in the iphone it is not a perfect solution but it works .
https://home-button.uptodown.com/android
For a cleaner solution , try this
its gesture based , but it looks better .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you "manage to push new apps via adb"? for me "adb devices" shows nothing...
wisearse said:
Hey y'all,
I've been lurking here for quite some time, so it's nice to finally register and become a part of the forums here! At any rate, here goes my first post...
I have this exact tablet and I thought maybe it would be a good starting point for me to try working with ADB and all that. The Acer A6201 I was given appears to have no OS on it, as when booting it I am met with a screen displaying the 'GrandPad Eagle' logo with the Identifier, Serial #, Telephony, and SIM # with barcodes. Also displayed are the buttons: Install, Shutdown, Pick WiFi, About, and Hardware Test. LTE is on (I put my Cricket SIM in it), as well as WiFi. It reads Eagle vc21618-b356. Upon connecting to LTE, it reads:
SyncManager: Sync Device...
RegisterManager: Registering...
EagleAPI: Starting Register...
RegisterManager: Register Success
EagleAPI: Starting Sync...
AutoWIFIManager: doGiraffeWIFISearch >> no matches
That's pretty much it. If I click Hardware Test, it goes to something called Alpaca, which runs through all hardware tests with no issues. From Alpaca I can also pull down the drop down menu which allows me into settings and all that. From there, I've enabled developer mode and USB debugging, as well as install from unknown sources.
As the OP originally stated, there is no web browser and I've had zero luck installing any APKs or anything; I can't even get Chrome on there via ADB.
Any thoughts or advice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"From Alpaca I can also pull down the drop down menu which allows me into settings" I can see Alpaca but I can't get to the settings. Mine is A8202. Is that why it's missing?
hrprada said:
I got the exact same model A8202. I am trying to "Apply update from ADB" and it says to "send the package you want to apply to the device with "adb sideload <filename>" Where do I find the package (OTA update ?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hrprada, there isn't a Stock package/rom that we can use. In order to side load apps you will need to make sure developer and adb are enabled. Google is your friend to get those. All i did was use a usb keyboard to show the menu. then swipe down.
hrprada said:
"From Alpaca I can also pull down the drop down menu which allows me into settings" I can see Alpaca but I can't get to the settings. Mine is A8202. Is that why it's missing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hrprada, maybe send me a dm and i might be able to help you out