[Q] Modding Browser.apk - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

So, I managed to find out where the default homepage setting is located, but I couldn't seem to recompile my cooked browser package without ending up with either the app not showing up on the launcher, or initially showing up but disappears on reboot. It's the AOSP one found on an Allwinner A13 tab, and I wanted to change the system homepage to Google instead of the Manta website.
I already tried clearing the dalvik caches as what Fsebentley suggested, but it didn't seem to work.
Can anyone point me as to how can I properly edit this app using APKtool or the APK Multi-Tool?

blakegriplingph said:
Can anyone point me as to how can I properly edit this app using APKtool or the APK Multi-Tool?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Assuming you've edited it correctly have you given the app the right permissions?

Yep, permissions appear to be correct. Same with ownership.
EDIT: Mucking around with Virtuous Ten Studio seemed to do the trick, idk why. I've done what's on the tutorial with the manual, commandline-based methods, but all I get is a browser app that doesn't show up on the launcher after a restart.

blakegriplingph said:
Yep, permissions appear to be correct. Same with ownership.
EDIT: Mucking around with Virtuous Ten Studio seemed to do the trick, idk why. I've done what's on the tutorial with the manual, commandline-based methods, but all I get is a browser app that doesn't show up on the launcher after a restart.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
VTS sometimes has problem with signatures. That may be the issue. You can decompile and recompile it directly via apktool.
See the link in Xperienced signature for tutorial of apktool
And this for apk multitool
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2326393

Thing is, the browser worked properly when I used virtuous instead of APKTool.

blakegriplingph said:
Thing is, the browser worked properly when I used virtuous instead of APKTool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh. Then there must be a problem that it wouldn't have been signed in APK MultiTool.
:good:

iamareebjamal said:
Oh. Then there must be a problem that it wouldn't have been signed in APK MultiTool.
:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean like do I have to sign it manually or something?
EDIT: Seems like it had something to do with signing things or something. I tried manually doing a signapk job using the JAR and certs bundled with Virtuous and zipaligned it, and it now seems to work.
Now my question is that would a self-generated cert work on a system APK? I.e. the one that you just churned out on OpenSSL?

Related

Changing app names

Just wondering if its possible to edit the names of apps......I want to edit some of the longer one's so they don't get cut off as they're displayed under the icon. I'm anal retentive like that.
via x10i WB GB v4.0 edition
There is, but its a bit complicated if you're not very good at theming. You have to decompile the app, go to /values/strings.xml and edit the right entry (I think its something like appname). Then re-sign the app, and push it back to where you got it from (/system/app or /data/app).
Frosty666 said:
You have to decompile the app, go to /values/strings.xml and edit the right entry (I think its something like appname). Then re-sign the app, and push it back to where you got it from (/system/app or /data/app).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I decompiled a couple of APKs, but didnt find /values/strings.xml. Where do i find them?
bbsrailfan said:
I decompiled a couple of APKs, but didnt find /values/strings.xml. Where do i find them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you use apktool/apk manager, or just 7zip or something. The /values folder is only available when decompiled with apktool/manager.
Sent from my x10, running Wolf's 2.3.3, DooMKernel, casulally overclocked to 1.2 GHz...

editing xml help, stuck in bootloop.

Hi everyone, i used to tommytomatoes linux software to work on framwork and com.htc.resource files and all seemed to go fine with tommy's tools. no errors.
i pushed them to my phone and then installed them using adb.
i restart the phone and end up in a bootloop.
all i did was edit the colors.xml file to change the color and nothing else, no images, not a thing.
is there a way to figure out what is wrong with the 2 apk's i edited?
Thanks for any and all assistance, xml editing is killing me.
what ROM is it from? odex or not?
i used the apk's from king cobras rom.
I can't quite remember (and it could be different on a GSM ROM but I doubt it) but I think if you edit xml you need to remove the arsc or dex from the apk before you recompile.
you can ask here - lots of great help there, including tommyt
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1320891
hackit said:
Hi everyone, i used to tommytomatoes linux software to work on framwork and com.htc.resource files and all seemed to go fine with tommy's tools. no errors.
i pushed them to my phone and then installed them using adb.
i restart the phone and end up in a bootloop.
all i did was edit the colors.xml file to change the color and nothing else, no images, not a thing.
is there a way to figure out what is wrong with the 2 apk's i edited?
Thanks for any and all assistance, xml editing is killing me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If any .xml's are edited, before you recompile the .apk, you should remove the resources.arsc file. Then, compile.
^^^ that thanks, I couldn't remember lol.
pinky059 said:
If any .xml's are edited, before you recompile the .apk, you should remove the resources.arsc file. Then, compile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
il Duce said:
^^^ that thanks, I couldn't remember lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
where is the resource.arc file i have looked in the decompiled apk and i dont see it, but i see it in one that i havent decompiled?
ok i keep getting stuck bootlooping.
I have removed the resources.arsc file and lef tit in and either way it's the same, all i'm editing is the colors.xml and nothing else.
If i post my colors.xml and the apk can you maybe try it and see if you can do it?
Thanks to anyone willing to take the time to do this.
Kev
dased14 said:
where is the resource.arc file i have looked in the decompiled apk and i dont see it, but i see it in one that i havent decompiled?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it build when you compile - then delete from "keep" or whatever before you "finish" (in apkmanager anyway)
hackit said:
ok i keep getting stuck bootlooping.
I have removed the resources.arsc file and lef tit in and either way it's the same, all i'm editing is the colors.xml and nothing else.
If i post my colors.xml and the apk can you maybe try it and see if you can do it?
Thanks to anyone willing to take the time to do this.
Kev
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
post your exact edits, and you MUST remove arsc when edited xml, and your apk here with what you're trying to do >>
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1320891

[Q] neo V (.62 fw) problem with recompiled Home.apk

Hi.
Sorry, I wasn't sure if it should be in "Themes", so I posted in General.
I've got neo V with root made on .42 (with ZergRush) and .62 stock fw installed via OTA. I was trying to change the number of desktops in Home.apk. What I do, generally:
1. Decompile Home.apk
2. Edit "number_of_desktop_panes" in values/integers.xml
3. Edit values/styles.xml to avoid compilation error (as advised here).
4. Edit DesktopModelManager.smali (as adviced here), but there's slightly different code (different line number and variable (?) name).
5. Recompile, replace with /system/app/Home.apk
The replace process is 100% good, because restoring original Home.apk do not cause any problems.
I do it from adb. I made the /system/tmp/ dir and given it 777 chmod to do it faster (without /sdcard). I mount /system as R/W, push Home.apk to /system/tmp/, change chmod to 644, then replace /system/app/Home.apk with it. Sometimes I try "sync", sometimes not.
It works only with stock Home.apk.
The problem is with recompiled apps.
I tried:
- xdaAutoTool
- ApkMultiTool
- ApkTools (from here)
- ApkTools (from here)
I also tried signing the app and not signing it (as mentioned here).
I also tried installing another launcher (GO Launcher EX), changing it to default, then replacing Home.apk, then changing again.
I also (huh) tried recompiling the app without any changes (except the one in styles.xml, without it, compilation would not succeed).
I also (getting boring) tried skipping the .smali edit.
Nothing works. If I replace Home.apk without reboot, the Home button doesn't work (single press) and if I was on the desktop when replacing app - it becomes black, no dockbar, nothing.
If I reboot - the phone freezes on SE logo, fortunately I can access it with ADB - when I replace Home.apk with stock one, the phone boots in a couple of seconds without a reboot.
I've got Win7 Professional x64, the newet JRE and JDK for x64, tried newest and older apktool.jar, smali.jar and other files. ApkMultitool was working on the yesterday-updated Android SDK folder. And I have no idea, what am I doing wrong... Do you have any ideas?
EDIT:
- earlier I successfully replaced SystemUI.apk with the changed one (Ultrans v2b) - no problems here
- I've got locked BL and I didn't install any recovery
If i understood corect your problems seems because busybox check your version;
and it easy to work with apk manager here is the link:http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=695701
umarian said:
If i understood corect your problems seems because busybox check your version;
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why busybox would check the Home.apk version? Or maybe I misunderstood you? If it was about busybox's version, I've got 1.18.4
umarian said:
and it easy to work with apk manager here is the link:http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=695701
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like I said, I tried it (ApkMultiTool). Decompiles, recompiles, signs (or not) correctly. Just the .apk doesn't work.
Man send a pm my english it not so good and i try to to help if i can
umarian said:
Man send a pm my english it not so good and i try to to help if i can
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I sent you a PM.
I will also check the procedure on 32bit system in a couple of hours. If anyone has another idea, please let me know.
Just checking you know semc home has a dependancy app and won't compile correct with out said app /framework or semcgeneric.apk
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
kormatoes said:
Just checking you know semc home has a dependancy app and won't compile correct with out said app /framework or semcgeneric.apk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had no idea, compile and decompile didn't report any errors so I assumed it should be OK.
As I never changed apk with dependencies, can you explain me two things?
1. Which files from /system/framework should I pull and where to place them before decompiling with ApkMultiTool?
2. Will files from framework be changed or are they only needed as resources and are left untouched?
WRonX said:
I had no idea, compile and decompile didn't report any errors so I assumed it should be OK.
As I never changed apk with dependencies, can you explain me two things?
1. Which files from /system/framework should I pull and where to place them before decompiling with ApkMultiTool?
2. Will files from framework be changed or are they only needed as resources and are left untouched?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honest it's been months since I used,
decompile with dependency ie framework-
Res.apk then change stuff
Then recompile and in keep folder remove what you changed including resources if xml were changed hopefully you get what im saying
Sent from my MT15i using Tapatalk
OK, I think I got this - SemcGenericUxpRes.apk
Home.apk decompiled with dependencies from this file, then I changed it and compiled. Still the same thing.
Maybe the res file was wrong? Or should I sign it with ApkMultiTool?
WRonX said:
OK, I think I got this - SemcGenericUxpRes.apk
Home.apk decompiled with dependencies from this file, then I changed it and compiled. Still the same thing.
Maybe the res file was wrong? Or should I sign it with ApkMultiTool?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try framework-res.apk
Then try and get different apk tool we use apkmanager
Sent from my MT15i using Tapatalk
kormatoes said:
Try framework-res.apk
Then try and get different apk tool we use apkmanager
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You were right, thanks. I must have tried with the wrong file earlier, because I was quite sure I tried framework-res.apk - and I didn't. And yes, the app should be signed after build.
Now, the Home.apk is working with my changes, but only after this little "hack" from Chainfire.
But I've got another stupid problem - the only thing that doesn't work is the "Photos and Videos" widget... I think I'll give up...
WRonX said:
You were right, thanks. I must have tried with the wrong file earlier, because I was quite sure I tried framework-res.apk - and I didn't. And yes, the app should be signed after build.
Now, the Home.apk is working with my changes, but only after this little "hack" from Chainfire.
But I've got another stupid problem - the only thing that doesn't work is the "Photos and Videos" widget... I think I'll give up...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now you get it keep going If you changed layout of desk top
widgets need doing to tho
Sent from my MT15i using Tapatalk
kormatoes said:
Now you get it keep going If you changed layout of desk top
widgets need doing to tho
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but in case of widgets I don't even know, where to start from. Why the hell only a couple of them doesn't work now? Photos and Videos, Music Player and Timescape Widget - I think that's all. I have no idea, where it came from :/
EDIT: OK, now I have an idea, but it scares me. As I can see, the only way to compile and run the .apk was to remove
Code:
android:sharedUserId="com.sonyericsson.home"
From AndroidManifest. Now, if I understand properly, the widget needs Home.apk to HAVE that ID? Because logcat says:
Code:
W/System.err( 3399): java.lang.SecurityException: Requesting code from com.sonyericsson.advancedwidget.photo (with uid 10004) to be run in process com.sonyericsson.home (with uid 10138)
Long story short: WTF?!
WRonX said:
Thanks, but in case of widgets I don't even know, where to start from. Why the hell only a couple of them doesn't work now? Photos and Videos, Music Player and Timescape Widget - I think that's all. I have no idea, where it came from :/
EDIT: OK, now I have an idea, but it scares me. As I can see, the only way to compile and run the .apk was to remove
Code:
android:sharedUserId="com.sonyericsson.home"
From AndroidManifest. Now, if I understand properly, the widget needs Home.apk to HAVE that ID? Because logcat says:
Code:
W/System.err( 3399): java.lang.SecurityException: Requesting code from com.sonyericsson.advancedwidget.photo (with uid 10004) to be run in process com.sonyericsson.home (with uid 10138)
Long story short: WTF?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
android:sharedUserId="com.sonyericsson.home that's the problem try replacing the compiled resources in a fresh apk
Sent from my MT15i using Tapatalk
I tried removing the same ID from AndroidManifest in PhotoWidget.apk, but it didn't work.
The only thing I've managed to get to know is that no widget from com.sonyericsson.advancedwidget.framework will work and also that I'm not the only one, who has problems with it
kormatoes said:
try replacing the compiled resources in a fresh apk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Forgive me, but I don't understand. Can you explain it?
I'm unsure what your trying to do but if you get the resources fileand any thing else you changed from the home apk that you made,
and then put IT inside a fresh home apk -ie new untouched home.apk
this should help with what you're saying your problem is
Sent from my MT15i using Tapatalk
kormatoes said:
I'm unsure what your trying to do but if you get the resources fileand any thing else you changed from the home apk that you made,
and then put IT inside a fresh home apk -ie new untouched home.apk
this should help with what you're saying your problem is
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OMG, I did it
First of all - I didn't understand you at the first time, about resources and "new" .apk. Now I think I got it (not everything, but enough to get this to work).
The problem I found on my private PC (earlier I was using other PC) was the "Sorry thats not the dependee apk, try again" error when trying to decompile Home.apk with framework-res.apk. It didn't happen before, but I was so tired with all of that, I wanted to try the shortest way, so here's what I did:
1. Decompiled Home.apk without dependencies
2. Made some changes I wanted to make
3. Just compiled the app, answering "y" for question about system app, but without copying "additional files".
4. Replaced resources.arsc file inside original (stock) Home.apk with the one from just compiled unsignedHome.apk, installed and...
- working Home.apk - checked
- working widgets - checked
- happy me - checked!
Thanks!
Your wellcome
Sent from my MT15i using Tapatalk 2 Beta-5

[Q] Installable system app?

Hello XDA Members.
I would like to know how to convert a non-installable system apk into normal installable apk.
Example:
Let's say that test.apk is a system app.
If I take it to another device and try to install it, it will say app not installed, but if I put it in /system/app and chmod 0644 it, it simply works.
So what I want to know is:
How can I make test.apk install normally same as any other apk file
Regards,
~J2C
Just2Cause said:
llo XDA Members.
I would like to know how to convert a non-installable system apk into normal installable apk.
Example:
Let's say that test.apk is a system app.
If I take it to another device and try to install it, it will say app not installed, but if I put it in /system/app and chmod 0644 it, it simply works.
So what I want to know is:
How can I make test.apk install normally same as any other apk file
Regards,
~J2C
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
after deodex the app it will work
There are a few different ways. The main issue being that it has to be signed to be able to install it in/data/app. Easiest way on the phone is this:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kellinwood.zipsigner2
On the computer, there are a few different signing tools. Not entirely sure if it matters what SDK platform you are on as it has been awhile since I have played with apps like that.
Vaibhav Chauhan said:
after deodex the app it will work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already deodexed it but it is still not installable
es0tericcha0s said:
There are a few different ways. The main issue being that it has to be signed to be able to install it in/data/app. Easiest way on the phone is this:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kellinwood.zipsigner2
On the computer, there are a few different signing tools. Not entirely sure if it matters what SDK platform you are on as it has been awhile since I have played with apps like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if I re-sign it, it will work?
Just2Cause said:
I already deodexed it but it is still not installable
So if I re-sign it, it will work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have face this problem
when i deodexed the app and sign it it was working
@es0tericcha0s
I signed it right now and removed it from /system/app so I can try it, it installed!
But didn't work.
The apk is a close all button from Xperia Z2, I extracted it and deodexed it and I was able to get it to work when it's in /system/app but after I signed it, it installs but it doesn't appear in the recent apps list, as if it wasn't installed.
So I want it to be installable.
@Just2Cause
Ok now you can try this task killer on the attachment
it's based on the old task killer from here:
http://www.xperiablog.net/2014/01/1...ose-all-recent-apps-works-on-xperia-z-series/
and I've modded it to look like z2 task killer
I didn't tested it so tell me if worked with you
@naheel azawy
It didn't work, it installed but doesn't show up.
Just2Cause said:
@naheel azawy
It didn't work, it installed but doesn't show up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what about the one which I based my mod on? does it works?
naheel azawy said:
what about the one which I based my mod on? does it works?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope.
Just2Cause said:
Nope.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
!!!
does any task killer worked with you???
if yes plz give me that apk
If it installed, then it's SOMEWHERE... Try this: Use a root explorer to browse through /data/app and see if you see it there. Sometime if the app isn't working right or has the wrong permissions, it'll install but can't see it. Which tool did you use to sign?
es0tericcha0s said:
If it installed, then it's SOMEWHERE... Try this: Use a root explorer to browse through /data/app and see if you see it there. Sometime if the app isn't working right or has the wrong permissions, it'll install but can't see it. Which tool did you use to sign?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The app from play store that you suggested.
Edit:
It is in /data/app with rw-r--r-- permissions so it should work.
I attached the apk just in case if you want to check some things.
Edit 2:
The SystemUI.apk has this line in the AndroidManifest.xml:
Code:
<permission android:name="com.sonymobile.permission.TASK_SWITCHER_PLUGIN_VIEW" android:protectionLevel="signatureOrSystem" />
and this one is in the TaskKiller.apk's AndroidManifest.xml:
Code:
<uses-permission android:name="com.sonymobile.permission.TASK_SWITCHER_PLUGIN_VIEW" />
the TaskKiller is asking for permission from SystemUI instead of framework-res, idk why.
I'm thinking that this has to be a system app and tied to SystemUI to function properly. It doesn't seem to have it's own interface which is why no open option when installed and no icon showing.
es0tericcha0s said:
I'm thinking that this has to be a system app and tied to SystemUI to function properly. It doesn't seem to have it's own interface which is why no open option when installed and no icon showing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly, but the old apk from the Japanese Z1 is installable.
Does resigning affect that much that it stops working?

Help modifying an apk

Good day,
I need help on modifying an apk, its basically a game that can be dowloaded on playstore. I read alot in the forum and I saw this APK tool reverse engineering an app.
apktool. I already ask a question but maybe it's better to create a new thread that I can monitor..
Now. what I achieved now is that I can decompile the apk, edit some things like splash.png, values on strings.xml and few line on androidmanifest.xml. I tried to recompile it and I have done it with no problem. Now i have the modified apk. I signed it using apk signer and followed all the procedure with no error. I copied it to my phone and test run it but sadly it says "App not installed". I also tried using zip signer from playstore and got the same result.. I dont know where am I messing it. Please help thanks.
There is Windows app called Virtuos Ten Studio, designed to do exactly that - it works pretty well and makes the whole process much easier (no need to use cmd line at all if I remember correctly).

Categories

Resources