google ecosystem - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Im curious as to why Google has ignored a very important issue..The issue is restoring your android device apps with system settings...I came from Apple and one thing I can say you didnt have to worry about restoring your device and apps and not losing game data etc. It's sad that google has ignored this for so long.Someone would have to require root in order to achieve this.....I was wondering what are your thoughts on this as well...

antawnm26 said:
Im curious as to why Google has ignored a very important issue..The issue is restoring your android device apps with system settings...I came from Apple and one thing I can say you didnt have to worry about restoring your device and apps and not losing game data etc. It's sad that google has ignored this for so long.Someone would have to require root in order to achieve this.....I was wondering what are your thoughts on this as well...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is because of the way Android works. System settings change alot of the time from one update to another. So restoring those settings will most likely cause issues as where it is trying to restore to will no longer be valid. Google has also added app data to its back up and restoring and google backup does back up some settings like wifi and a few others. Unless you are using a nexus you cant really lay the blame on Google.

zelendel said:
This is because of the way Android works. System settings change alot of the time from one update to another. So restoring those settings will most likely cause issues as where it is trying to restore to will no longer be valid. Google has also added app data to its back up and restoring and google backup does back up some settings like wifi and a few others. Unless you are using a nexus you cant really lay the blame on Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, what about atleast addressing the issue of leaving the problem in the customers hand as to figuring out how to save their game progress etc.?

antawnm26 said:
Well, what about atleast addressing the issue of leaving the problem in the customers hand as to figuring out how to save their game progress etc.?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is also the OEM as ota updates dont wipe the device.

Related

[Q] Bulk Install Paid Apps

I know some rom's when signed into will bulk install previous apps and paid apps. My question is can that be done manually though adb or some sort of script. I think others have wondered this too. I haven't found an answer so thanks for any and all advice.
YoMaMa7467 said:
I know some rom's when signed into will bulk install previous apps and paid apps. My question is can that be done manually though adb or some sort of script. I think others have wondered this too. I haven't found an answer so thanks for any and all advice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Titanium Backup can make things Easier...
It can, it can also make roms that much worse. I've found using backups causes issues with stability. Thank you for the reply.
Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk
YoMaMa7467 said:
It can, it can also make roms that much worse. I've found using backups causes issues with stability. Thank you for the reply.
Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you just restore the app and not data, you'll be fine. I don't even use TB except to uninstall stuff myself.
YoMaMa7467 said:
I know some rom's when signed into will bulk install previous apps and paid apps. My question is can that be done manually though adb or some sort of script. I think others have wondered this too. I haven't found an answer so thanks for any and all advice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not 100% clear on what you're attempting to accomplish. Since I'm not clear, I'll do my best to take a few guesses at what you could be asking.
I assume you're not referring to some ROMs which come *packaged* with apk files already.
Example, you have 20 apk files and you want to install them all at once? OR you have 20 apk files and respective data for them and want to install the apk and their data?
As far as I've seen, logging into the Google account which had settings backed up to it will only install the apk files and not retain the respective data for those apps.
joehunni said:
As long as you just restore the app and not data, you'll be fine. I don't even use TB except to uninstall stuff myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By restoring just the app, this answer is referring to the first example I suggest and I completely agree from my own personal experience. Restoring just the apk file, *should* not have any issues.
This is making the assumption the apk is compatiable with the specific version of Androd OS being used on the device, but generally this is not an issue.
If you're interested in the technical details behind how the process works, I can give a few high level points.
The package manager for Android constantly monitors two locations, /system/app and /data/app. If an apk file is added or removed for either of these two directories, the package manager will automatically process it by either parsing the new apk file and adding it to the launcher or by removing it from the launcher and potentially uninstalling the associated data.
Off the top of my head, from adb shell which you mentioned a potential "script" process, the adb command is adb install c:\downloads\blah.apk and the uninstall command is adb uninstall com.joeykrim.appname .
If you're wanting to script inside android using bash/sh instead of outside android using the OS as I previously mentioned with adb, inside Android, I *think* it is pkg .. or pkmg .. I'm not clear on the exact command which prob shows how little I work with the package manager in Android.
Personally, I add and remove apks thru adb or manually copying the apk into one of the active directories and/or remove them manually by taking out the apk file from one of the active directories and removing the associated /data/data directory for the directory.
Hope that isn't tooo much and helps provide some more technical detail!
joeykrim said:
As far as I've seen, logging into the Google account which had settings backed up to it will only install the apk files and not retain the respective data for those apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly what I want to happen. For the market to reinstall the APK files without the data. They're not all paid apps some are free and they would install automatically after a login. This hasn't occurred by itself in a while for me and I was wondering if there is a way to force it. I dont like having to use titanium and data usage from re downloading all the apps doesn't really bother me.
Sent from my GT-i9100 using Tapatalk
I've never done it, but aren't you able to sync all your apps to App brain and have it reload them?
Honestly, I always run a "sync all" through the accounts and sync section in the settings menu before I switch ROMs. As soon as I open the market and agree to the terms and conditions, it automatically redownloads all the apps I just previously had, both paid and free.
ok so then I have a ? too... if you don't restore data, and we're all flashaholics, how do you get your game data back. say you play paradise island or angry birds or any other long term game, do you start at level 1 each time you flash a new one?
ekz13 said:
ok so then I have a ? too... if you don't restore data, and we're all flashaholics, how do you get your game data back. say you play paradise island or angry birds or any other long term game, do you start at level 1 each time you flash a new one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One reason I've pretty much stopped gaming on my phone... That, and I'm always busy and need the battery to last more than 2 hours.
ekz13 said:
ok so then I have a ? too... if you don't restore data, and we're all flashaholics, how do you get your game data back. say you play paradise island or angry birds or any other long term game, do you start at level 1 each time you flash a new one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just back up app data too. What's wrong with doing that?
ekz13 said:
ok so then I have a ? too... if you don't restore data, and we're all flashaholics, how do you get your game data back. say you play paradise island or angry birds or any other long term game, do you start at level 1 each time you flash a new one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nsandhu23 said:
Just back up app data too. What's wrong with doing that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is a great question and unfortunately i personally dont play any of the games .. not really much time. thats more a personal issue though .. haha. as such, i cant speak from too much personal experience.
i have seen game data, specifically angry birds stored in a secure directory on the /sdcard before. also, if not using the sdcard, i also do remember seeing a specific separate "secure" mounted partition.
not sure if they still follow this practice, but i would look into the secure directories / mount points / sdcard and would go after backing up / restoring those.
the up side to this issue is all android device users who customize their devices with root access should face the issue of being able to backup/restore their game data. this point increases the likelihood of there being a good guide / resource is much higher as this is not an evo 3d specific issue.
i would be interested to see any results ppl find. please feel free to post back!
hope that helps!
Nsandhu23 said:
Just back up app data too. What's wrong with doing that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely nothing lol. I back up apps and data with TB and I always restore everything. Did it going from Sense to MIUI, back to sense, and even for ICS. I have about 50 apps that TB backs up and restores for me, never had a single issue with any of them.
So long as you don't back up SYSTEM apps or data, you won't have any problems.
But, as always YMMV, this has just been my experience.

Replacement V10 came with 6.0- I need root to restore with Titanium, am I stuck?

Before anyone says it- yes I have searched. I've read the threads about root and 6.0. I know there is *currently* nothing, but some Vietnamese guy or guys are rumored to be releasing something soonish.
I'm wondering if it's possible to flash Lollipop back so I can root that. I read one thread saying I can't, but I don't know how current that was. This is a pretty big deal for me because Titanium Backup is the only way I've found to backup Google Authenticator, which I need for like 10 services (including work). I can't send the old phone back until I have Authenticator setup on the new phone, and I can't do that without root.
So...am I stuck?
If you're already on Marshmallow, you cannot flash back to Lollipop. Your only recourse is to wait until there's native Marshmallow root. It's been said about 300 times here already.
For the future, switch to Authy, it backs up all your 2-factor accounts to a password-protected cloud backup, so when you set it up on a new device, you just enter your phone number and backup password and you're good to go.
siraltus said:
If you're already on Marshmallow, you cannot flash back to Lollipop. Your only recourse is to wait until there's native Marshmallow root. It's been said about 300 times here already.
For the future, switch to Authy, it backs up all your 2-factor accounts to a password-protected cloud backup, so when you set it up on a new device, you just enter your phone number and backup password and you're good to go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was afraid of that Thanks.
Authy sounds convenient, but for anything requiring real security (like 2 factor auth) I don't trust anything "in the cloud", no matter how secure they say it is. But that's always the trade-off - convenience vs. security.
Thanks agian.
timekillerj said:
I was afraid of that Thanks.
Authy sounds convenient, but for anything requiring real security (like 2 factor auth) I don't trust anything "in the cloud", no matter how secure they say it is. But that's always the trade-off - convenience vs. security.
Thanks agian.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To play devil's advocate, you simply cannot know if Google Authenticator does not send any data back to Google.
siraltus said:
To play devil's advocate, you simply cannot know if Google Authenticator does not send any data back to Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I can know, if I turn on traffic sniffing while using the app from home. But I get your point. My concern is more that everyone is jumping on the "cloud" bandwagon without necessarily knowing how to do it right. Just because something is password protected doesn't mean it's secure. I trust Google to be secure a whole lot more than I trust a company I've only just heard of.
timekillerj said:
Well, I can know, if I turn on traffic sniffing while using the app from home. But I get your point. My concern is more that everyone is jumping on the "cloud" bandwagon without necessarily knowing how to do it right. Just because something is password protected doesn't mean it's secure. I trust Google to be secure a whole lot more than I trust a company I've only just heard of.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How will you know for sure? What if Google Authenticator communicates via a common Google framework or service that all other Google apps use?
Good news for you! Tungkick has come up with a tot for rooting 6.0. Check out this thread. I think it might be what you're looking for... (what we've all been waiting for!)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3382631
Sent from my pretty nifty brand new LG V10

Transfer apps and data from old phone

I'm trying to transfer my apps including data (incl settings) from my previous phone but it doesn't work. Phone to phone - apps worked but lost the settings.
Via adb and restore didn't worked either.
I don't want to root my Pixel just to restore stuff from my old phone. Is Android really that bad?
Also enable backup to GDrive on my old phone doesn't work! Just saying 'waiting for backup...'.
Anyone ideas?
TGHH said:
I'm trying to transfer my apps including data (incl settings) from my previous phone but it doesn't work. Phone to phone - apps worked but lost the settings.
Via adb and restore didn't worked either.
I don't want to root my Pixel just to restore stuff from my old phone. Is Android really that bad?
Also enable backup to GDrive on my old phone doesn't work! Just saying 'waiting for backup...'.
Anyone ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure thing. Enter your login info again and that's that. Not sure what you mean with the question is Android really that bad. As compared to what? Most of the settings including wifi, apps, launcher style, sounds etc are transferred without issue. You will have to login to your apps again but Google makes even that pretty easy. Figure it out or give it up. Your choice.
bobby janow said:
Sure thing. Enter your login info again and that's that. Not sure what you mean with the question is Android really that bad. As compared to what? Most of the settings including wifi, apps, launcher style, sounds etc are transferred without issue. You will have to login to your apps again but Google makes even that pretty easy. Figure it out or give it up. Your choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish it was like this. Some of the apps were not transfered at all. Others got replaced with newer ones (I did not update them on purpose). None of the have the previous settings.
The comparison is to a reliable and usable software!
A rate of 80% working is not satisfying. And reinstalling is not restore.
TGHH said:
I wish it was like this. Some of the apps were not transfered at all. Others got replaced with newer ones (I did not update them on purpose). None of the have the previous settings.
The comparison is to a reliable and usable software!
A rate of 80% working is not satisfying. And reinstalling is not restore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure how you did it but I've done it 3 times over the last month and almost everything was transferred. I had to login as I said but Google held the login credentials and I merely had to click to approve. I think out of all my apps one or two didn't get installed for one reason or another. That's about 98 % for me and well within the acceptable range.
What exactly do you consider usable software where everything is restored exactly as before? Just curious.
bobby janow said:
Not sure how you did it but I've done it 3 times over the last month and almost everything was transferred. I had to login as I said but Google held the login credentials and I merely had to click to approve. I think out of all my apps one or two didn't get installed for one reason or another. That's about 98 % for me and well within the acceptable range.
What exactly do you consider usable software where everything is restored exactly as before? Just curious.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, it seems like the only sane way is to root the phone and restore with Titanium Backup.
But this is not a way for the normal user and you will loose warranty.
Even simple apps like icon packs are skipped.
Just a heads up - seems like only backup to GDrive works a kinda properly. Not all apps and settings are there but most of them.

Question Spy/malware removal

Is there any kind that actually works? I keep fishing around on Google play and everything is either old, doesn't work, or is full of sh*t, or a combination of all 3.
Welcome to XDA
If you're running Android 9 or higher simply do a factory reset. There are no known rootkits that can worm out of the user partition, once that data is wiped so is the malware.
Don't reload it again after the factory reset.
blackhawk said:
Welcome to XDA
If you're running Android 9 or higher simply do a factory reset. There are no known rootkits that can worm out of the user partition, once that data is wiped so is the malware.
Don't reload it again after the factory reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the welcome. Sorry bout the late reply. I don't suppose there's another way is there? Im literally fresh out the box, I've never done a factory reset.
Michael Romanov said:
Thank you for the welcome. Sorry bout the late reply. I don't suppose there's another way is there? Im literally fresh out the box, I've never done a factory reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome. The other way is to find the malware and delete it completely.
blackhawk said:
You're welcome. The other way is to find the malware and delete it completely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which would be how? Would I need a app or something for the pc? And if so do you have any recommendations? I have the mixsilver file manager on my phone (pixel 6 "Not pro"). Would there be a way I could find it thru there? Also my device is not rooted. So would I need to root? I'm sorry if this gets on your nerves. If so tell me, won't hurt my feelings. I'm literally a noob at this stuff. I've been trying to teach myself and just do trial and error but im getting in over my head and don't wanna accidentally brick my phone or worse.
What makes you sure you have spy/malware? Or do you mean adware?
Cheers
Tom
With Avast or AVG Antivirus you can do a pretty good scan of your apps, even system apps if you want.
For Factory reset see here https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/4596836
or go here on a PC (you need your Pixel connected by usb to the PC then): https://pixelrepair.withgoogle.com/carrier_selection
tom1807 said:
What makes you sure you have spy/malware? Or do you mean adware?
Cheers
Tom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chrome ****tin out 3 gigs of data a day. I have unlimited so it's not that big of a deal but still.....and some of the options I had in settings like "permissions, enable/disable, clear data/cache" that I know for a fact I had not too long ago are now greyed out or nonexistent. Also sometimes when I bring up "location" thru the settings menu everything is supposed to be "off" but there's 2 or 3 that look like they are switching back to say "off" as soon as the page shows. 1 of them outright takes several seconds to display any "on or off" setting at all. I've found a "Verizon" system app on my phone, some kind of Samsung telephony thing. And it seems like I can input a change to settings or something and when I look at my phone in the morning everything I had set up is back to it's previous settings.
psi78 said:
With Avast or AVG Antivirus you can do a pretty good scan of your apps, even system apps if you want.
For Factory reset see here https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/4596836
or go here on a PC (you need your Pixel connected by usb to the PC then): https://pixelrepair.withgoogle.com/carrier_selection
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. Umm.....stupid question but I've never done a full reset before so.....how and would I need to move my apps to another storage or could I just go back thru the play store and redownload? And any paid apps and subscriptions?
It probably explains all that in those links doesn't it?
Just do factory reset and you are okay.. Then start using phone as new..
Michael Romanov said:
Chrome ****tin out 3 gigs of data a day. I have unlimited so it's not that big of a deal but still.....and some of the options I had in settings like "permissions, enable/disable, clear data/cache" that I know for a fact I had not too long ago are now greyed out or nonexistent. Also sometimes when I bring up "location" thru the settings menu everything is supposed to be "off" but there's 2 or 3 that look like they are switching back to say "off" as soon as the page shows. 1 of them outright takes several seconds to display any "on or off" setting at all. I've found a "Verizon" system app on my phone, some kind of Samsung telephony thing. And it seems like I can input a change to settings or something and when I look at my phone in the morning everything I had set up is back to it's previous settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For what it's worth, the Verizon system app comes with the phone in case you use a Verizon sim.
If you end up clean flashing or factory resetting, I would not restore any apps from backups. I would reinstall everything fresh or you could just be putting the malware back on your phone, if that indeed is what you have.
Michael Romanov said:
Thank you. Umm.....stupid question but I've never done a full reset before so.....how and would I need to move my apps to another storage or could I just go back thru the play store and redownload? And any paid apps and subscriptions?
It probably explains all that in those links doesn't it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just redownload them. Google remembers your bought apps or subscriptions in your Google account, so as long as you use the same email/account for logging in to Playstore after Factory reset you're good.
Your contacts normally are also synced to your Google Account, so you get them back also then.
psi78 said:
Just redownload them. Google remembers your bought apps or subscriptions in your Google account, so as long as you use the same email/account for logging in to Playstore after Factory reset you're good.
Your contacts normally are also synced to your Google Account, so you get them back also then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. I was worried it wasn't gonna remember me.
Lughnasadh said:
For what it's worth, the Verizon system app comes with the phone in case you use a Verizon sim.
If you end up clean flashing or factory resetting, I would not restore any apps from backups. I would reinstall everything fresh or you could just be putting the malware back on your phone, if that indeed is what you have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But that's the thing. I don't use Verizon I use sprint which is part of t mobile. That's why I just don't get it.
Michael Romanov said:
But that's the thing. I don't use Verizon I use sprint which is part of t mobile. That's why I just don't get it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It comes with the phone by default just in case you do use Verizon. Basically that app helps give the phone Verizon support, of sorts. It's disabled by default if you don't use Verizon so there's really nothing to worry about with that app.
Lughnasadh said:
It comes with the phone by default just in case you do use Verizon. Basically that app helps give the phone Verizon support, of sorts. It's disabled by default if you don't use Verizon so there's really nothing to worry about with that app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Man thank you. There's stuff on here that I don't understand and I've been thinking it's something I've downloaded or whatever. I'm new to all of this.

Andriod 10 Won't Recongnize correct pattern

since the bootloader is locked,
it seems theres no way to unlock the phone anymore.
I have used this pattern for more than 3 years
so it can not be wrong.
It got corrupted. Could be a single event upset in the data partition. If it reoccurs after a factory reset either the firmware has been corrupted or there's been a hardware failure.
Malware is also a possibility.
blackhawk said:
It got corrupted. Could be a single event upset in the data partition. If it reoccurs after a factory reset either the firmware has been corrupted or there's been a hardware failure.
Malware is also a possibility.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't reset yet, trying to find ways to save data
but it's miui with locked bootloader
so it seems theres no way
sigh
ccaye said:
I haven't reset yet, trying to find ways to save data
but it's miui with locked bootloader
so it seems theres no way
sigh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's one reason I don't set device locks.
also tried to clear the data cache but with stock recovery
it seems no way to do it
blackhawk said:
That's one reason I don't set device locks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah i agree
after search on google found out there are alot ppl exprienced same bug as i had
but on xda seems like no one had this before
it seems the bug happens on various brand
should just unlocked the bootloader once i have the phone
ccaye said:
yeah i agree
after search on google found out there are alot ppl exprienced same bug as i had
but on xda seems like no one had this before
it seems the bug happens on various brand
should just unlocked the bootloader once i have the phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would make the phone less secure. You still would have the issue of file encryption to deal with.
Androids rarely crash but it happens.
A drop or near lighting strike can also destroy data. Redundantly and regularly backing up critical data is the only sure way to prevent data lose.
blackhawk said:
That would make the phone less secure. You still would have the issue of file encryption to deal with.
Androids rarely crash but it happens.
A drop or near lighting strike can also destroy data. Redundantly and regularly backing up critical data is the only sure way to prevent data lose.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
true but i more worry about app's data
some apps just way too hard to back up and restore
i was going to try use EDL method to pull the file out
and reflash the phone then put the file back in
but i haven't try it
ccaye said:
true but i more worry about app's data
some apps just way too hard to back up and restore
i was going to try use EDL method to pull the file out
and reflash the phone then put the file back in
but i haven't try it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If a data critical app doesn't allow for import/export of its data, I don't use it.
I use Poweramp and especially Color Note because of this. Text and Gmail are cloud backup. Less data critical apps don't concern me. I never install any social media, shopping or banking apps.
I make installable copies of all my app; no Playstore needed for a reload. Everything I need for a full reload is on my SD card, that in turn is redundantly backed up. Current load on this device will be 3 yo this June. I don't upgrade or update the firmware and rarely any of the apps.
The result is a very stable, fast Android that needs minimal maintenance.... more playtime, less downtime.

Categories

Resources