Modifying an apk - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hopefully I've done enough searching, but couldn't find anything.
To those of you who have heard the Carbon app for twitter, and tried it, know that their refresh limit for notifications is 15 minutes, which is far too long for me.
I'm wondering if other 3rd party apps like Falcon and Tweedle can do it, why can't Carbon?
Is there any way I can modify its apk so that I can change the refresh time to maybe 1/2 minutes?
I've tried searching the twitter's developer site but honestly I'm like a lost sheep there, I've decompiled the apk with apktool.
Thank you for any help!

No, Twitter api limit is15 minutes, not any apps fault that is in the play store.
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How come other apps are able to stream?
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RedGoblinz said:
Hopefully I've done enough searching, but couldn't find anything.
To those of you who have heard the Carbon app for twitter, and tried it, know that their refresh limit for notifications is 15 minutes, which is far too long for me.
I'm wondering if other 3rd party apps like Falcon and Tweedle can do it, why can't Carbon?
Is there any way I can modify its apk so that I can change the refresh time to maybe 1/2 minutes?
I've tried searching the twitter's developer site but honestly I'm like a lost sheep there, I've decompiled the apk with apktool.
Thank you for any help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can change the refresh rate,you will need to decompile the apk and find the right xml file that has that info,so you might want to learn about editing xml files and how to decompile and compile apks,before attempting this.

It depends on where the setting is kept: it may be in an xml file, but it could also be in a database, or even hard coded in the app. Either way you could possibly change it, it's just a question of whether you change a value in xml, sqlite, or a smali file.
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Hm, I've decompiled it and it seems to be using the twitter4j Java library. Everything inside are smali files. Where would this setting usually be at? o:
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Related

Edit market apps

Hi
Is it possible to edit the apps you'we downloaded from the market, with other pictures etc like we do with the framework?
For example changing the icon shown in the app-drawer. In-app icons and so on..
Ive already tried but it didnt work...
Does it need some sort of signing to work?
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tandfeen said:
Hi
Is it possible to edit the apps you'we downloaded from the market, with other pictures etc like we do with the framework?
For example changing the icon shown in the app-drawer. In-app icons and so on..
Ive already tried but it didnt work...
Does it need some sort of signing to work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any apk can be edited, some need signing, some don't, but you'll find most that you download will need to be signed.
How do you sign it after editing, so it is possible to install it on my 10?
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youll need a program like apk manager, to sign etc..
there may be others, i use this one for messing around i think i have apk_manager-4.9
tandfeen said:
How do you sign it after editing, so it is possible to install it on my 10?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This should help - http://www.londatiga.net/it/how-to-sign-apk-zip-files/

[Q] Editing AndroidManifest.xml is system apks

So im wondering, when I edit a system apk this is the process I use:
Open apk with 7zip, I dont extract.
Replace all png's I want to and exit.
Simple yes? Heres the problem. How do I edit AndroidManifest.xml and add it back in? I can get the xml un-encyrpted and edit it but do I need to make the file encypted again before I put it back?
Any comments/suggestions welcomed
Thanks!
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Possibly the best way I can answer that is by pointing you in this direction: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=849223
This is a very handy guide to fiddling with your system apps and will not only answer your question but may answer questions you didn't even know you had..
Wow thanks, just what I needed, I had a feeling I had to decompile/recompile it then move the files into the existing one. You'd think they made these things simple huh? XD
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Oh, but this is simple. Relatively, at least. You just wait until you start having to write smali..
I just had a look, its pretty overwhelming. I code php though so its not that bad. I know the challenges ahead
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jimcantfixit said:
I just had a look, its pretty overwhelming. I code php though so its not that bad. I know the challenges ahead
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh really?? I used to do a lot of C++ back in the day so I'm okay with java but then it starts going over my head a bit. When I'm next in the mood to hack into the code of our little machine, I may end up stalking you mercilessly..

Changing icons for apps

I would rather not install another app to change icons. How involved is it to actually pull the apk from the ROM, replace the stock icon and push it back through.
I messed with this some on my Vibrant decompiling apk's and doing basic icon and xml changes but that was so long ago I don't even know if the process is relevant. I also only played with non stock apks like launchers, never anything that is already compiled to the ROM initially.
I'm wanting to push in custom icons for Facebook, Twitter, camera, market ect....
Thank you
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blizzard1017 said:
I would rather not install another app to change icons. How involved is it to actually pull the apk from the ROM, replace the stock icon and push it back through.
I messed with this some on my Vibrant decompiling apk's and doing basic icon and xml changes but that was so long ago I don't even know if the process is relevant. I also only played with non stock apks like launchers, never anything that is already compiled to the ROM initially.
I'm wanting to push in custom icons for Facebook, Twitter, camera, market ect....
Thank you
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After you decompile look in the hdpi folder I and replace the picture named icon with one that have the same dimensions.
I think I'm not sure it was a long time when I messed with apps
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Kratz17 said:
After you decompile look in the hdpi folder I and replace the picture named icon with one that have the same dimensions.
I think I'm not sure it was a long time when I messed with apps
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me too this is why I wanted to dbl check. Also, some of these apps split to another folder right? Would I need to pull both?
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Its not all that difficult, just have to decompile the app, swap icons in res/drawable/ folder I believe(might have to look elsewhere), recompile. Then as long as it's NOT a system app, sign it. Then push back to phone. There are a couple of tools to use. I like using just apktool, but apk Multi-Tool is good as well. Try them out, see which you like more.
Apk Multi-Tool
apktool
Do note though, doing it this way, whenever the app has an update(facebook, twitter,etc.) you will have to re-do this. Let me know if you have any other questions, i'll try to help.
and p.s. shortercut is a good lightweight app to add custom icons.
blizzard1017 said:
Me too this is why I wanted to dbl check. Also, some of these apps split to another folder right? Would I need to pull both?
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can (most of the time) swap the icon with 7zip, no need to decompile and recompile. Some apps put the icon in /res/drawable, some in /res/drawable-hdpi. If you need more help after trying this out go to the theme help link in my sig.

[Q] how to mod app icons?

Hey mates, I got a question:
How can I modify the icons of an app? I want to modify the icons only from system apps....
I already searched this forum for a thread, but didnt find one, if you know i would be happy about a link
I know that there is an app that "changes icons of apps", but it only creates custom shortcuts, I need "real" new icons...
Hope you can help me
Greets
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Quick and dirty method:
Download 7zip to your computer. Take the apk you want (camera, for example) onto your computer and open (not decompress) it with 7zip. Find any instances of icon.PNG within all the folders inside the res/ folder. Check their pixel dimensions. Ensure the PNG file you want to use is the same as the original file's. Copy New file and replace the original file in 7zip. Back out of the (example:camera) app using the back button in 7zip. That should do it. If it is an app like settings.apk or any other system dependant app, you need to flash it in recovery (best to just do it this way, regardless). Search the forum for instructions on that. If it is a system app updated via the market (gmail, maps, etc) you will have to redo this every time it updates.
Better method: find a thread here on how to theme, and change the above png using their instructions.
Wow thank you very much
it is systemapps that i want to change to original, i just came to the idea that i could also flash the original apps, I am stupid -.-
but i want to make my own theme anyways so thanks again
Greets
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No prob. Read all you can! There is a lot of info on theming here, and several methods and programs available to help. I've tried several tutorials and did successfully make one theme.. the learning process is a bit painful. So start small and simple. Also an easy tip to remember: if you theme an app that is a paid app from anywhere, do not share it!!
I have no paid apps only a few books, but not really need them...
so, i wont even come to the idea to edit and share one
Greets
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Decompiling an app

I ask a question on your site several weeks ago about the default messaging app on Samsung Galaxy s2 aokp jelly bean. It seems that if someone sends me a picture with text the picture covers to text and I can't read it. I asked if there was any way to correct it and below is the answer I got. I am sorry to disagree with whoever posted this however that is not a simple fix. I have Google and look for how to decompile a app and I am unable to find a app to edit a apk file. I am NOT asking for a step by step but surely someone can recommend an app I can download that would allow me to open the MMS app and edit it. Once again this is not a simple fix perhaps it is for you but it is not for me thank you for your time
This is a simple issue that the user can fix. Just have to decompile the apk and adjust the spacing. A search would have saved you opening a new thread.
Thread closed.
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lishron said:
I ask a question on your site several weeks ago about the default messaging app on Samsung Galaxy s2 aokp jelly bean. It seems that if someone sends me a picture with text the picture covers to text and I can't read it. I asked if there was any way to correct it and below is the answer I got. I am sorry to disagree with whoever posted this however that is not a simple fix. I have Google and look for how to decompile a app and I am unable to find a app to edit a apk file. I am NOT asking for a step by step but surely someone can recommend an app I can download that would allow me to open the MMS app and edit it. Once again this is not a simple fix perhaps it is for you but it is not for me thank you for your time
This is a simple issue that the user can fix. Just have to decompile the apk and adjust the spacing. A search would have saved you opening a new thread.
Thread closed.
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you search xda or google you will find plenty of tools that will do that for you.
I really do appreciate all the hard work that xda developers do. I do not like posting on here because I know your time is important but I also don't want to feel belittled. Have searched your site perhaps I'm poor at searching. Is there an app you would suggest that I could download to my phone or Android tablet to edit apk file. Thanks so much
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lishron said:
I really do appreciate all the hard work that xda developers do. I do not like posting on here because I know your time is important but I also don't want to feel belittled. Have searched your site perhaps I'm poor at searching. Is there an app you would suggest that I could download to my phone or Android tablet to edit apk file. Thanks so much
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apktool, the app by virtuous team, and i think apk manager
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Thanks so much however after posting this I updated to the newest aokp and the issue is resolved. It does still have the sender's name overlapping the date but not the picture overlapping the message. Thanks so much and I will still try the suggested APK editor.
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Go check out the Android development guide by Google, you can get several tools to decompile an apk. As well as .dex file
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I agree that response was pretty rude. I'm guessing they were trying to scare you away rather than giving advice on next steps. That if you don't know how to do what they said you'd leave it to those that do know how.
But on to your original question...
Wikipedia's location for APK format (can't post link as I'm too new) says that the file is just a ZIP file (or JAR file). So likely 7-zip or your favorite program that can open ZIP's/JAR's will work. You might have to rename the extension to .ZIP or .JAR for the program to recognize it.
Nobody was being rude. We told him to search and that there are plenty of resources already available to him. Nothing wrong with that. Good luck and happy flashing.
The post was mine and it was not rude in the least. The information for what you need to do is posted. Has been for a few years now. Ever since people started doing customs themes. You will not be able to do this without a computer. All you have to do is decompile the apk, find the XML that displays the mms message and adjust the spacing by a few pixels. And then recompile the apk. There are tut all over the place on how to do this
You may have to be creative in your searches to be lead where you need to go but that is part of the learning that android requires. Sometimes you need to think outside the box to get the outcome you desire.
Batcom2
OneOfMany07 said:
I agree that response was pretty rude. I'm guessing they were trying to scare you away rather than giving advice on next steps. That if you don't know how to do what they said you'd leave it to those that do know how.
But on to your original question...
Wikipedia's location for APK format (can't post link as I'm too new) says that the file is just a ZIP file (or JAR file). So likely 7-zip or your favorite program that can open ZIP's/JAR's will work. You might have to rename the extension to .ZIP or .JAR for the program to recognize it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This only works for 35% of the apk as the XML files are encrypted until decompiled as are the .9 pngs
Batcom2

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