[Q] Limiting Google-based Sync to settings and data, not apps - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Silly question...
I have a few Android devices and I play around with them quite a bit - flashing ROMs, etc. - and there's one thing that tends to irk me: When setting up my Google account on the device, there's the following checkbox:
Bring apps, settings and other data that you previously backup up to your Google account
Is there any way to limit this to settings and other data? I've used a TON of Android apps, and there are many, free and paid, that I have no desire to use again.
I know a more robust solution (Titanium Backup, etc.) is better, but I'm not always running with root and I'm not looking for extremely-fine-grain control. I simply want to skip installing apps I haven't used in months!
I know I could simply uninstall the apps, but there are a ton.
I'm willing to uncheck the box if I can get a clear understanding of what I'll be missing if I don't sync. I don't have much time to experiment with it at the moment. For example, I don't remember if known wi-fi networks are synced (compare to Windows 8, which does - if I remember correctly - along with tons of other data)

shawngmc said:
Is there any way to limit this to settings and other data? I've used a TON of Android apps, and there are many, free and paid, that I have no desire to use again.
For example, I don't remember if known wi-fi networks are synced (compare to Windows 8, which does - if I remember correctly - along with tons of other data)[/LIST]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As for the first point, backup doesn't bring back all the apps you ever downloaded, but -- if all goes well -- just the ones you had on your last install.
Regarding your second point, wi-fi networks; yes, they are backed up.

lyrois said:
As for the first point, backup doesn't bring back all the apps you ever downloaded, but -- if all goes well -- just the ones you had on your last install.
Regarding your second point, wi-fi networks; yes, they are backed up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm... that doesn't quite seem to be my experience, but it probably doesn't help that I have multiple android devices active at any given time.
Either way, yeah, still need to figure out if there's a good way to make it selective.

Related

Seriously annoyed by app sync

I just went from Paranoid Android to CyanogenMod, and expected to have to re-add several apps. If I go from an AOSP ROM back to a TouchWiz ROM, it is treated as a different device, and I get an app list months old. I was pleased to see Android attempting to download my newest set of apps...
However, the sync failed like it does 50% of the time (every app individually fails). Now when I visit the Google Play store, I see my 'new' phone with only a couple of apps installed. I just lost the entire list. Since there's no way to batch install apps with the Play Store, I get to spend a looooong time looking up and reinstalling them by clicking around like an idiot.
Am I missing something? Every element of the story I just described seems like awful design. I'd really not like to resort to AppBrain or something like it. It's incredibly stupid that if the Play Store has some error syncing apps, it makes the new short list the new goal for syncing (so, it won't even try next time).
In short, it would be ideal to have my list of installed apps tied to my account, so that in the event of a problem, I could just push a large "Yes, download ****ing everything" button. Apps that aren't compatible with THIS device can just be skipped I guess. Why is this so hard? Instead I'm going down my 'All' list on my phone, tapping 5 times per app to install them one by ****ing one.
Why don't you just backup apps with titanium and then restore them when you flash a new rom? Titanium has batch commands so it's pretty much one click for each. You can also set up a back up schedule so things are always backed up
Aside from my hesitation to use another app to perform a function that is already supported...
Is Titanium storing the apps themselves, or a list of apps? I really really really do not want to store several MB/GB of data which may or may not be corrupted. If anything, I want to simply store a list of apps, which will all re-download upon restoring the backup.
AndrewZorn said:
Aside from my hesitation to use another app to perform a function that is already supported...
Is Titanium storing the apps themselves, or a list of apps? I really really really do not want to store several MB/GB of data which may or may not be corrupted. If anything, I want to simply store a list of apps, which will all re-download upon restoring the backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea it will store all the apps. But if they are working, they probably aren't corrupt.
Also, I have had a few phones over the years linked to my Google account and the play store is never segmented by phone. All my apps that I have been using since my OG Droid show up on my note 2. The times I have let the play store sync my apps they all downloaded fine as long as your screen doesn't turn off which you can force to stay on in the dev settings
I have been using titanium for 5 years now. And have restored my apps literally hundreds of times. Never once did it not work. Never had a single failure. I also have only had the play store re install my apps once. That was the very first time time I flashed a rom back on my droid. That was the first and only time it did that.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda premium
Simply as a matter of principle, I am not concerned with storing the apps themselves. The entire point of the app sync is to keep track of what I have installed. Backing up the apps themselves strikes me as a different goal entirely.
I've had many successful restores myself, but just as many failures. It isn't that difficult of a task... and if it does fail, when every app for some reason (even if it is a legitimate one) isn't installed , there's no way to retry the process. Your new list of synced apps is now the tiny amount that succeeded, the rest are lost to needing to manually reselect. This is absurd.
Multiple phones are definitely treated as separate app lists. I have 5 devices on my Play Store account; each has its own list of associated apps.
This is because every time you flash your phone, or factory reset for that matter, your phone gets a new device ID. That makes it look like a new device to the play store. This will happen anytime you flash a ROM and wipe data. Dirty flashes do not change the ID.
If you use titanium back up, it automatically stores your device ID, so it will prompt you to revert it back the first time opening it after flashing the ROM. This will allow you to maybe reinstall apps through play store, or at least keep the "app list".
I personally think you are being petty about this. It's not Google's fault you are constantly flashing your phone and creating new app ID's.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
I have had the play store fail upon sync before, but it has never failed to keep the list of all the apps I've installed on any device tied to my google account. Strange that said list got wiped for you.
I'd just install a backup app and call it a day. I use Ultimate Backup Pro, by Jrummy. The newest version will sync your apps (a list, or the data) to Dropbox, Box, or Google Drive.
^^^ +1 for this
nrfitchett4 said:
This is because every time you flash your phone, or factory reset for that matter, your phone gets a new device ID. That makes it look like a new device to the play store. This will happen anytime you flash a ROM and wipe data. Dirty flashes do not change the ID.
If you use titanium back up, it automatically stores your device ID, so it will prompt you to revert it back the first time opening it after flashing the ROM. This will allow you to maybe reinstall apps through play store, or at least keep the "app list".
I personally think you are being petty about this. It's not Google's fault you are constantly flashing your phone and creating new app ID's.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd like to agree that it is petty, or believe the terms of the problem as you describe them.
It isn't petty that a feature is not working correctly. Flashing a phone gives a new device ID, but so does losing it, or replacing it. You're passing off the lack of harmony as my mistake.
The mere fact none of us can find a way to retry the app sync proves my point; this argument alone brings me a bit of closure, because at least I am not the only one with the issue. If you are all happy with backing up actual program data instead of realizing the power of a synced list, fine. To suggest this behavior is the intention of Google, however, is nonsense.
...and one last word: if it were as simple as getting a new device ID upon each flash, surely I'd be able to log in to the Play Store and view the list of apps on my 'old' device, right? How does Google know that device no longer exists? How are the two ideas of "syncing apps, but not across different devices" and "getting a new ID upon flash, then attempting to sync" both able to exist?
Perhaps I'm wrong about all of this, but can you really say using 3rd party software to remedy a failed sync is not noteworthy? I specifically remember myself mocking the idea of avoiding 3rd party software when a user wanted to solve a problem... this is much different. This is a legitimate issue with an existing feature.
AndrewZorn said:
If you are all happy with backing up actual program data instead of realizing the power of a synced list, fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No one said you should backup/restore app data, just the app itself. The app data is actually frowned upon for the most part. Although I have done it numerous times and have never had an issue, but that's a whole different can of worms
But in the end, you do what you want to do.
You are tilting at windmills.
There is a reason everyone uses an app backup program like Titanium or My Backup Pro (those are the two I use). It's the easiest/fastest way to restore apps. Google backup and restore was not intended for 'us' who root. No amount of believing its wrong the way it works is going to change that.
There are apps that will only backup the market link (to your storage) but the only one I know of does not have a one button restore. But it's called App List Backup if you want to check it out.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda premium
I love titanium backup. The fact that I can backup all of my apps and restore them plus restore data, such as the music that's already buffered on Google play music is great. Is a time saver! Imop
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
I still feel like you guys are misunderstanding me (mostly, yes, I've tried App List Backup, and it's alright, "Google should already do this better" aside)...
Backing up programs themselves to create some huge file is a completely different thing than maintaining a list of installed apps on Google's servers. Completely different things. You may be willing to say they accomplish the same goal, something I disagree with. Let's stop talking about rooting and flashing, and start considering the idea of a lost/broken/corrupted phone. If the Google app sync worked better (in terms of reliability or feature set), it would be a painless task to have a new phone redownload all apps installed on the old one.
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AndrewZorn said:
I still feel like you guys are misunderstanding me (mostly, yes, I've tried App List Backup, and it's alright, "Google should already do this better" aside)...
Backing up programs themselves to create some huge file is a completely different thing than maintaining a list of installed apps on Google's servers. Completely different things. You may be willing to say they accomplish the same goal, something I disagree with. Let's stop talking about rooting and flashing, and start considering the idea of a lost/broken/corrupted phone. If the Google app sync worked better (in terms of reliability or feature set), it would be a painless task to have a new phone redownload all apps installed on the old one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You like to find problems instead of solutions. Sure it's a little bit of work to go down the Google Play list and install the one you want but how often are you planning to break/lose/corrupt your phone?
Backup file size. Backup to dropbox. Backup to your SDCard. Move your backup file to your PC.
Restoring a device to the way it was. Do a nandroid. Use your extSDCard. Root the new phone and restore. Boom exactly the way you left it.
I think you already mentioned that you didn't want to use AppBrain. But that is another potential solution.
I realize you want a perfect native Google solution but we are not the ones who can solve that for you. It would be a nice feature, but I still wouldn't use it. App backup gives me more control with really no downside. And nandroid is a perfect system restore with data intact.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda premium

[Q] Proud owner since March! Should I cave & root?

Hello guys and thanks for reading this. I'd like to require your knowledge and collect your expériences, opinions about wether or not I should root.
1 / So here's the deal, what I wish for is a device with which :
-I could prevent selected apps from launching in the background by themselves (see attached picture - i never asked for any of those to launch - seriously the phone was on for only 5 minutes or so) in a one time configuration process. For example, I'd block Facebook but let Messenger do its thing freely.
-I could completely uninstall the following apps : Hangouts, Google+, Gmail, News & Weather, Chrome, Play books, Play Music... Basically everything Google except Maps, YouTube & The Play store..
2 / I Wonder, if it's possible to accomplish (some of) those things by rooting but without flashing another rom. What I mean is, can we change the governor, install super SU, other tweaking solutions... but at the same time keep the stock rom as it is whith all the apps installed as they are... and simply applying tweaks on top of it?
3 / Also, never have I once went back to factory settings, since day one, and I can feel that some apps take a bit longer to load. When receiving the SENSE 5 / 4.2.2 update, I could definitely sense a big boost in responsiveness in the OS but it now feels like before the update. Maybe it's due to those background processes, starting and ending by themselves? Or because the internal memory chip is beginning to die (I did use the phone like an animal in its early days by doing things like downloading torrents and unzipping files between 500mb-5gb) and still do sometimes. And I rarely uninstall apps. I have like 200 (every shortcuts included - like settings, help,... so basically 170 apps maybe?) and i need them at least every once in a while, so I'm the preventive type, not a hoarder.
Here are 2 attached pictures :
-the first one showing you those unwanted background processes.
-the second showing you the storage status
Enough with the background, what are your thoughts?
Thanks in advance.
true2you said:
Hello guys and thanks for reading this. I'd like to require your knowledge and collect your expériences, opinions about wether or not I should root.
1 / So here's the deal, what I wish for is a device with which :
-I could prevent selected apps from launching in the background by themselves (see attached picture - i never asked for any of those to launch - seriously the phone was on for only 5 minutes or so) in a one time configuration process. For example, I'd block Facebook but let Messenger do its thing freely.
-I could completely uninstall the following apps : Hangouts, Google+, Gmail, News & Weather, Chrome, Play books, Play Music... Basically everything Google except Maps, YouTube & The Play store..
2 / I Wonder, if it's possible to accomplish (some of) those things by rooting but without flashing another rom. What I mean is, can we change the governor, install super SU, other tweaking solutions... but at the same time keep the stock rom as it is whith all the apps installed as they are... and simply applying tweaks on top of it?
3 / Also, never have I once went back to factory settings, since day one, and I can feel that some apps take a bit longer to load. When receiving the SENSE 5 / 4.2.2 update, I could definitely sense a big boost in responsiveness in the OS but it now feels like before the update. Maybe it's due to those background processes, starting and ending by themselves? Or because the internal memory chip is beginning to die (I did use the phone like an animal in its early days by doing things like downloading torrents and unzipping files between 500mb-5gb) and still do sometimes. And I rarely uninstall apps. I have like 200 (every shortcuts included - like settings, help,... so basically 170 apps maybe?) and i need them at least every once in a while, so I'm the preventive type, not a hoarder.
Here are 2 attached pictures :
-the first one showing you those unwanted background processes.
-the second showing you the storage status
Enough with the background, what are your thoughts?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it's a challenge then "I'm a proud owner since January " Well , welcome aboard the sailing ship of the HOX+
Well for starters, everything you said can be acheived by root WITHOUT installing a custom ROM. That actually answers all your questions, HOWEVER, keep in mind, that the first stage of rooting , will require you to WIPE all your data during the stage of unlocking the bootloader. So , your music , apps,pics all will be wiped, and you won't be able to backup your apps the first time. So I hope it's still worth it .
For starters read this guide I wrote : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=46057784 about the difference between different stages, if you can't understand the forum is full of other threads that explain the same thing.
Moving on,
The list of apps you will need is as following:
1-Super SU or SU whatever is a necessary ofcourse.
2-Xposed framework (google it, its not on the play store) Function:
Its a program that you will need to install other tweaks to your phone. Its basically a manager for those tweaks incase you want to turn one off.
Thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1574401
3-Xposed Framework > Downloads > "BootManager"
Its a module (thats the term for those "tweaks") that allows you to setup the programs that you dont want to boot. Sadly It doesn't have a full list of apps, but its useful nonetheless.
3'-Greenify:
The reason I named it 3' was because its an alternative for BootManager. Greenify hibernates the apps , making them not run in the background, but when you open the app it wakes up, so its not similar to "disable" function since you can still open the app to work on it.
4-Titanium Backup
Now thats a program I must install everytime I switch roms, if you read the thread you will know whats it's use, but let me sum it up. You backup all your apps and progress and when you switch roms (since everything is wiped again) it restores everything back.
ALSO: It allows you to totally uninstall all the apps even stock ones, but TAKE care not to uninstall anything messy, advice: backup everything before you uninstall.
5-Xposed Framework > Downloads > "Sense5 Toolbox" :
It allows you to make tweaks for the stock rom, rearrange quick settings, add new ones, change lock screen ..etc. Really worth it.
6-Xposed Framework > Downloads > "Recent apps RAM":
When you open up the recent apps lists, there will be a bar at the top displaying the ram used and free ram. When you see that less than 100mb left, then thats when you know the phone will lag. Just clear all the apps and it should be fine
7-Xposed Framework > Downloads > "Recent Apps kill all Button":
The only thing missing in sense is the ability to kill all apps without manually swiping up on each app in the most recent list. That enables a button for that.
IMO: Rooting was the best move I have ever made, and since we have S-ON, then you can't really brick your phone. So life is good.
Anyway, I hope I helped and that you will live a long life with that HOX+
Many days later, thaaaaaaank youuuuuuu!
So I read your thread on the link you proved provided (again thanks), read and seen videos and tutorials about titanium backup, and also read about - and tried Xposed + sense5 toolbox without rooting just to get a glimpse - and it's both easy to use and ergonomic. Of course I couldn't get any benefits of it yet since still not rooted, but hey, you've pretty much served me all the steps on a golden plate.
Also, as a warming up session, I did a factory reset and neck, I backed up everything before doing so and all I lost was my games data + 1 or 2 phone numbers + my text messages. Overall not a big deal + reinstalling everything took nothing more than a couple of downloading hours.
What's left for me is to test out greenify and the other module (boot something) or any other alternative, I'll figure it out you've already done more than enough.
As for the main task, rooting and getting super user access, again I now have enough info thanks to you + the stickies + the whole one x+ section.
I am so grateful for your time. After years with windows mobile and window phone 7 (and 8 months of unrooted use of my hox+, this is new to me and now it seems nothing but easy.
Sent from my HTC One X+ using xda premium

Google app & settings backup

Hi everyone,
In the last 6 months I've been going back and forth between phones a lot (mainly because of a temperamental GS6, that got replaced by a GS7 last week). To be honest, I never really cared about backing up anything on my Android devices in the past because I would still use an iPhone as a main device (I know, I know...). Now though, my Android has become my main device and I want to back things up as seamlessly as I can - say what you want about Apple and iOS, but as a Mac user, backup is something they do really well.
I've noticed that even if I checked off everything that I had to, nothing got backed up to my account: no Wifi passwords, no app data, nothing. I did see the devices to restore from when I booted a new phone, but selecting one or another backup only asked me which apps I wanted to re-install; once done, no app data was restored. I mean, I can go to Play and re-install apps myself... the whole point is to recover my DATA in the apps... And as I mentioned, all my passwords needed to be input manually and so on.
I'm not talking about contacts or calendars, those are fine; I'm just interested in app data. Did I miss something? Am I misunderstanding what I can and cannot back up?
Thanks!
PS: I know of and have used things like Titanium, but both my GS6 and GS7 are not rooted, and I can't (because of a stupid rule from Canadian Banks of all things...) so those are not an option. I find it hard to believe there are no solutions in 2016 to back up my app data. All the backup apps I've tried back up the APKs but not the data.
Helium backup doesn't require root, so I recommend trying it out: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.koushikdutta.backup it's not as good as titanium backup though.
mosimchah said:
Helium backup doesn't require root, so I recommend trying it out: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.koushikdutta.backup it's not as good as titanium backup though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I've tried it but it doesn't keep application data either just the APKs
You will have to have root for this. This is due to the security of the data partition where the apps and data are being restored. Google does back up the info with apps or so they say but I have never seen it work outside of the nexus line due to oem messing with the code.

removing system apps

Has anyone here uses package disabler pro or adb to remove bloatware and/or system apps? If so which apps did you disable/remove? Did it affect performance and/or battery life at all?
I used the ADB method. That said, some of the software (mostly pre-installed games) can be uninstalled normally, which is nice.
For the rest, I used ADB commands in Fastboot to remove them.
I was working mostly blind, since I hadn't seen anyone with a list, but I think I wound up nuking somewhere between two and three dozen system apps.
Sadly, I didn't write out a list. I tried to err on the side of caution and not nuke anything that sounded important.
Crap like the Game of Thrones game, CNN app and other news apps, radio apps, LG versions of stuff I was using Google apps of (most LG software, actually).
I left things like LG Home and LG Dual Screen installed. Obviously didn't touch System UI or anything that seemed critical.
I also removed some AT&T garbage I don't want or need.
I just Googled up generic instructions and winged it after that.
I did all this on my first day with the phone (early April) so I really don't have any way to compare performance or battery life before and after.
But I haven't had a single performance issue with this phone in over a month of use, and battery has been absolutely beastly.
(I think you've seen a comprehensive post I made in another thread of yours that shows my software environment and how I replaced pretty much everything (launcher, navigation gesture, live wallpaper, etc.) with third-party software that I prefer).
Mejilan said:
I used the ADB method. That said, some of the software (mostly pre-installed games) can be uninstalled normally, which is nice.
For the rest, I used ADB commands in Fastboot to remove them.
I was working mostly blind, since I hadn't seen anyone with a list, but I think I wound up nuking somewhere between two and three dozen system apps.
Sadly, I didn't write out a list. I tried to err on the side of caution and not nuke anything that sounded important.
Crap like the Game of Thrones game, CNN app and other news apps, radio apps, LG versions of stuff I was using Google apps of (most LG software, actually).
I left things like LG Home and LG Dual Screen installed. Obviously didn't touch System UI or anything that seemed critical.
I also removed some AT&T garbage I don't want or need.
I just Googled up generic instructions and winged it after that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's the benefits to disabling all of this stuff? I've spent years debloating my devices and never actually noticed any benefit to it. It's a genuine question, as I'm deciding whether or not to do it myself as well
Mejilan said:
I used the ADB method. That said, some of the software (mostly pre-installed games) can be uninstalled normally, which is nice.
For the rest, I used ADB commands in Fastboot to remove them.
I was working mostly blind, since I hadn't seen anyone with a list, but I think I wound up nuking somewhere between two and three dozen system apps.
Sadly, I didn't write out a list. I tried to err on the side of caution and not nuke anything that sounded important.
Crap like the Game of Thrones game, CNN app and other news apps, radio apps, LG versions of stuff I was using Google apps of (most LG software, actually).
I left things like LG Home and LG Dual Screen installed. Obviously didn't touch System UI or anything that seemed critical.
I also removed some AT&T garbage I don't want or need.
I just Googled up generic instructions and winged it after that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have the commands? I need to dump chrome as it keeps re-enabling itself and I absolutely HATE chrome. Keeps giving itself permissions I've denied it as well. This has been happening several times a day for about 4 days now
Ryano89 said:
What's the benefits to disabling all of this stuff? I've spent years debloating my devices and never actually noticed any benefit to it. It's a genuine question, as I'm deciding whether or not to do it myself as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For one, it just gets rid of apps and icons for crap I never wanted to begin with. I know that most third-party launchers have options to hide apps, but I wanted a solution that was a tad more permanent (though without root, this isn't a 100% wiping of these apps. It's just the best we can manage without root). Since I tend to use Google's main suite of apps for most things, and replace things like my launcher, navigation gestures, and other critical parts of the software environment with third-party solutions, I don't really want a lot of overlapping apps that I'm never going to use. So nuking things like OEM or Carrier versions of Google apps is usually one of my first priorities. Also bull**** like Device Wellness apps, Carrier promotional apps and games, duplicate contacts, gallery, keyboard, dialer, email, contacts, calendar, messaging and browser apps. All that stuff goes. I have no use for two or three different versions of all these apps on my device. I love Chrome, Google Photos, the Google Dialer, Google Contacts, Google Calendar, Google's RCS-enabled Messaging app, etc.
So for me, it's to de-clutter and to make sure I don't have duplicate functionality potentially running in the background eating up system resources, RAM, or mobile data. As long as you don't accidentally nuke something critical to the system, there's no real harm in de-bloating, even if on modern flaghsips with beastly hardware and tons of RAM, there's little performance or battery life to be gained by doing so. If nothing else, I try to keep the number of installed apps in the low 100s, and this helps on that count.
pre4speed said:
Do you have the commands? I need to dump chrome as it keeps re-enabling itself and I absolutely HATE chrome. Keeps giving itself permissions I've denied it as well. This has been happening several times a day for about 4 days now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used the following guide:
https://www.xda-developers.com/uninstall-carrier-oem-bloatware-without-root-access/amp/
I believe I had the LG Mobile Drivers and Minimalist ADB & Fastboot already installed from my V30 days, so I skipped the first few steps, IIRC.
Or maybe I downloaded new versions and installed those. I don't remember anymore.
Mejilan said:
For one, it just gets rid of apps and icons for crap I never wanted to begin with. I know that most third-party launchers have options to hide apps, but I wanted a solution that was a tad more permanent (though without root, this isn't a 100% wiping of these apps. It's just the best we can manage without root). Since I tend to use Google's main suite of apps for most things, and replace things like my launcher, navigation gestures, and other critical parts of the software environment with third-party solutions, I don't really want a lot of overlapping apps that I'm never going to use. So nuking things like OEM or Carrier versions of Google apps is usually one of my first priorities. Also bull**** like Device Wellness apps, Carrier promotional apps and games, duplicate contacts, gallery, keyboard, dialer, email, contacts, calendar, messaging and browser apps. All that stuff goes. I have no use for two or three different versions of all these apps on my device. I love Chrome, Google Photos, the Google Dialer, Google Contacts, Google Calendar, Google's RCS-enabled Messaging app, etc.
So for me, it's to de-clutter and to make sure I don't have duplicate functionality potentially running in the background eating up system resources, RAM, or mobile data. As long as you don't accidentally nuke something critical to the system, there's no real harm in de-bloating, even if on modern flaghsips with beastly hardware and tons of RAM, there's little performance or battery life to be gained by doing so. If nothing else, I try to keep the number of installed apps in the low 100s, and this helps on that count.
I used the following guide:
https://www.xda-developers.com/uninstall-carrier-oem-bloatware-without-root-access/amp/
I believe I had the LG Mobile Drivers and Minimalist ADB & Fastboot already installed from my V30 days, so I skipped the first few steps, IIRC.
Or maybe I downloaded new versions and installed those. I don't remember anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Back in my V20 days there was an app on the store for this. I'm assuming that's no longer the case? I have been using a rooted OnePlus for a couple of years so I'm out of the loop on this ?
Ryano89 said:
Back in my V20 days there was an app on the store for this. I'm assuming that's no longer the case? I have been using a rooted OnePlus for a couple of years so I'm out of the loop on this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LG Package Disabler, or some such? I think it's still around.
I've heard of it, though I've never actually used it.
Nor do I know if it's been updated to support the V60.
Edit - I think this is it. And there's one review that suggests that it works on the V60.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pdmdm.dmplay
Mejilan said:
LG Package Disabler, or some such? I think it's still around.
I've heard of it, though I've never actually used it.
Nor do I know if it's been updated to support the V60.
Edit - I think this is it. And there's one review that suggests that it works on the V60.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pdmdm.dmplay
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does.. curiously look at the apps it shows disabled when I downloaded it. I disabled Android Auto and YouTube... But what the hell are this other apps? I didn't touch them
Ryano89 said:
It does.. curiously look at the apps it shows disabled when I downloaded it. I disabled Android Auto and YouTube... But what the hell are this other apps? I didn't touch them
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think some of those, like the Android Device Wizard and LG Device Wizard are basically one-time apps that run whenever a phone is factory reset.
Basically, the new phone set-up screens and activations you went through when you first powered your device on after purchasing and receiving it.
They may be automatically flagged to disable themselves after that first-time run so that they don't continue to run anytime you reboot the device.
Honestly, that's just a guess, because I don't know.
I don't know about the rest of them, but you can probably Google them.
Mejilan said:
I think some of those, like the Android Device Wizard and LG Device Wizard are basically one-time apps that run whenever a phone is factory reset.
Basically, the new phone set-up screens and activations you went through when you first powered your device on after purchasing and receiving it.
They may be automatically flagged to disable themselves after that first-time run so that they don't continue to run anytime you reboot the device.
Honestly, that's just a guess, because I don't know.
I don't know about the rest of them, but you can probably Google them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried, there was no real useful information. I was just curious anyway
Ryano89 said:
I tried, there was no real useful information. I was just curious anyway
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did some quick research:
com.lge.gdec.client seems to be related to the LG G-DEC portal.
https://gdec.lge.com/memLogin.do?req_lang=en
I don't have a log-in, nor do I know how to procure one, but I highly suspect that this is NOT a consumer-level feature or portal.
Perhaps it's for LG developers or existing LG employees. But if it's not consumer-level, then it's not surprising that the service is disabled by default.
LG GCUV (com.lge.gcuv) seems to be related to yet another LG sign-in portal called, appropriately enough, GCUV.
http://india.gcuv.lge.com/
This one seems to be specific to LG users (or developers or sales reps) in India, and it makes sense that it would be disabled on devices not intended for Indian markets.
Like G-DEC, I don't have a log-in for this, nor the means to procure one. I suspect this is another service that is not intended for everyday consumers.
I cannot find any information on Enabler Customizer (com.lge.smartenabler). Just questions about what it is here on XDA and on Reddit, with no one apparently knowing the answer.
So you might be asking yourself why system apps for services and log-ins not intended for consumers (or intended only for specific regions/markets) are doing on our phones?
The simple answer, most likely, is that they probably want to maintain and update as few system images as possible and thus, try to make them as homogenous as possible, disabling things not intended for this market or that market, as needed. Considering how slow LG typically are in releasing new updates for even their newest phones (let alone their older ones that have not yet technically seen support hit end-of-life), I'm OK with them trying to keep down the number of system images they need to work on. Especially if they pre-disable stuff not relevant to us without us needing to do it ourselves.
Mejilan said:
I did some quick research:
com.lge.gdec.client seems to be related to the LG G-DEC portal.
https://gdec.lge.com/memLogin.do?req_lang=en
I don't have a log-in, nor do I know how to procure one, but I highly suspect that this is NOT a consumer-level feature or portal.
Perhaps it's for LG developers or existing LG employees. But if it's not consumer-level, then it's not surprising that the service is disabled by default.
LG GCUV (com.lge.gcuv) seems to be related to yet another LG sign-in portal called, appropriately enough GCUV.
http://india.gcuv.lge.com/
This one seems to be specific to LG users (or developers or sales reps) in India, and it makes sense that it would be disabled on devices not intended for Indian markets.
Like G-DEC, I don't have a log-in for this, nor the means to procure one. I suspect this is another service that is not intended for everyday consumers.
I cannot find any information on Enabler Customizer (com.lge.smartenabler). Just questions about what it is here on XDA and on Reddit, with no one apparently knowing the answer.
So you might be asking yourself why system apps for services and log-ins not intended for consumers (or intended only for specific regions/markets) are doing on our phones?
The simple answer, most likely, is that they probably want to maintain and update as few system images as possible and thus, try to make them as homogenous as possible, disabling things not intended for this market or that market, as needed. Considering how slow LG typically are in releasing new updates for even their newest phones (let alone their older ones that have not yet technically seen support hit end-of-life), I'm OK with them trying to keep down the number of system images they need to work on. Especially if they pre-disable stuff not relevant to us without us needing to do it ourselves.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I found those links but didn't really know what I was reading. I completely understand why they would be on all devices for ease of update and production. I just didn't know what they were
Ryano89 said:
Yeah I found those links but didn't really know what I was reading. I completely understand why they would be on all devices for ease of update and production. I just didn't know what they were
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now I kind of want to know what they are as well.
If I had to take a guess, I'd say that they're intended for either LG developers, sales reps, or repair technicians, and that these disabled services facilitate the servicing of devices when needed.
Mejilan said:
LG Package Disabler, or some such? I think it's still around.
I've heard of it, though I've never actually used it.
Nor do I know if it's been updated to support the V60.
Edit - I think this is it. And there's one review that suggests that it works on the V60.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pdmdm.dmplay
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That app basically does the same as disabling the apps. It won't stop Chrome from re-enabling every day. I'll try your adb commands next. So tired of that crap app doing this
pre4speed said:
That app basically does the same as disabling the apps. It won't stop Chrome from re-enabling every day. I'll try your adb commands next. So tired of that crap app doing this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I imagine the ADB commands will work. I don't plan on disabling Chrome, because I use it every day.
But when you zap a package using Fastboot, the app will still actually show up in your Apps listing under Settings, but it'll have a "not installed" next to it.
If you do a factory reset, they'll all revert and you'd need to use the Fastboot ADB commands to nuke them again.
So they're kind of half-gone.
It's not quite as comprehensive as using root to completely delete them from the system partition.
But it's the best we've got outside of root.
I can confirm this package disabler works to disable any app on the V60 which is literally the only thing I typically do when rooting now that I have adguard and youtube vanced... so I dont need root access anymore thanks to that package disabler app. The phone is also fast enough for me to not need access to any type of speed tweaking of the cpu or anything. This is the first phone I can use without root thanks to that dev.
I have significantly improved my charging speed issues and battery drain issues seem to finally drain at a normal rate rather than unexplainably quick. Everything I use still works, im experienced at minimal services tho from every device ive ever owned, pc and phone. Yes it does make a significant difference to not be running so many unnecessary processes.
lendawg said:
Has anyone here uses package disabler pro or adb to remove bloatware and/or system apps? If so which apps did you disable/remove? Did it affect performance and/or battery life at all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cqqx2 said:
I can confirm this package disabler works to disable any app on the V60 which is literally the only thing I typically do when rooting now that I have adguard and youtube vanced... so I dont need root access anymore thanks to that package disabler app. The phone is also fast enough for me to not need access to any type of speed tweaking of the cpu or anything. This is the first phone I can use without root thanks to that dev.
I have significantly improved my charging speed issues and battery drain issues seem to finally drain at a normal rate rather than unexplainably quick. Everything I use still works, im experienced at minimal services tho from every device ive ever owned, pc and phone. Yes it does make a significant difference to not be running so many unnecessary processes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have a list of what you disabled?
I have the tmobile varient... This is the xml contents of the things I disabled for a stock experience. Note: I dont use google voice assistant or any pen input, nfc, or always on display... I also use youtube vanced for youtube and poweramp for music. Those are notable things I disabled imo, everything else is just added bloat to stock Android 10. Dont disable any LG Home apps as they power the navigation and also dual screens, this is safe you wont get any device bricking errors, you can always go back and toggle things on and off to your liking but this is the xml export of apps I disabled. You could copy and paste this and save as xml to import into the service disabler.
Code:
<h>
<a class="java.util.ArrayList">
<string>com.android.LGSetupWizard</string>
<string>com.google.android.youtube</string>
<string>com.lge.sizechangable.weather.platform</string>
<string>com.android.dynsystem</string>
<string>com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox</string>
<string>com.lge.lgbroadcastradioservice</string>
<string>com.lge.wfcprovider</string>
<string>com.google.android.onetimeinitializer</string>
<string>com.lge.appbox.client</string>
<string>com.lge.quicktools</string>
<string>com.lge.mirrorlink</string>
<string>com.tmobile.m1</string>
<string>com.qualcomm.uimremoteclient</string>
<string>com.lge.sui.widget</string>
<string>com.qualcomm.qti.qms.service.connectionsecurity</string>
<string>com.lge.wfcconnectivity</string>
<string>com.quicinc.voice.activation</string>
<string>com.qualcomm.qti.telephonyservice</string>
<string>com.lge.gnsstest</string>
<string>com.tmobile.pr.mytmobile</string>
<string>com.lge.lifetracker</string>
<string>com.lge.smartshare.provider</string>
<string>com.qualcomm.uimremoteserver</string>
<string>com.google.ar.core</string>
<string>com.google.ar.lens</string>
<string>com.lge.myplace.engine</string>
<string>com.lge.pickme</string>
<string>com.ipsec.service</string>
<string>com.lge.diag.echolocate</string>
<string>com.android.carrierconfig</string>
<string>com.google.android.marvin.talkback</string>
<string>com.lge.launcher2.theme.optimus</string>
<string>com.google.android.apps.work.oobconfig</string>
<string>com.android.hotwordenrollment.xgoogle</string>
<string>com.lge.smartshare</string>
<string>com.lge.icecontacts</string>
<string>com.android.egg</string>
<string>com.android.nfc</string>
<string>com.android.backupconfirm</string>
<string>com.lge.iftttmanager</string>
<string>com.lge.exchange</string>
<string>com.lge.wapservice</string>
<string>com.google.android.gm</string>
<string>com.google.android.apps.tachyon</string>
<string>com.lge.nfwlocationattribution</string>
<string>com.lge.gnsslogsetting</string>
<string>com.lge.ia.task.smartsetting</string>
<string>com.lge.lgmapui</string>
<string>com.lge.lgworld</string>
<string>com.google.android.setupwizard</string>
<string>com.lge.gamelauncher</string>
<string>com.qualcomm.qcrilmsgtunnel</string>
<string>com.facebook.services</string>
<string>com.android.printspooler</string>
<string>com.android.hotwordenrollment.okgoogle</string>
<string>com.android.dreams.basic</string>
<string>com.lge.gnsspostest</string>
<string>com.google.android.apps.wellbeing</string>
<string>com.tmobile.pr.adapt</string>
<string>com.lge.abba</string>
<string>com.lge.cmas</string>
<string>com.lge.eula</string>
<string>com.lge.gcuv</string>
<string>com.lge.laot</string>
<string>com.lge.lms2</string>
<string>com.lge.jansky.service</string>
<string>com.lge.sizechangable.weather.theme.optimus</string>
<string>com.lge.entitlementcheckservice</string>
<string>com.lge.gestureanswering</string>
<string>com.google.android.syncadapters.contacts</string>
<string>com.android.chrome</string>
<string>com.google.android.tag</string>
<string>com.lge.gnss.airtest</string>
<string>com.lge.signboard.settings</string>
<string>com.google.android.apps.walletnfcrel</string>
<string>com.lge.wifi.p2p</string>
<string>com.android.calllogbackup</string>
<string>com.google.android.partnersetup</string>
<string>com.lge.gallery.aodimagewidget</string>
<string>com.android.carrierdefaultapp</string>
<string>com.lge.gdec.client</string>
<string>com.qualcomm.qti.remoteSimlockAuth</string>
<string>com.lge.wfcsettings</string>
<string>com.google.android.feedback</string>
<string>com.google.android.printservice.recommendation</string>
<string>com.android.managedprovisioning</string>
<string>com.lge.smartsharepush</string>
<string>com.lge.lgcontentsetting</string>
<string>com.lge.themeservice</string>
<string>com.tmobile.rsuadapter.qualcomm</string>
<string>com.ipsec.vpnclient</string>
<string>com.android.providers.partnerbookmarks</string>
<string>com.lge.qhelp.application</string>
<string>com.android.wallpaper.livepicker</string>
<string>com.facebook.system</string>
<string>com.ipsec.profile</string>
<string>com.lge.myplace</string>
<string>com.lge.hotspotprovision</string>
<string>com.lge.provider.signboard</string>
<string>com.lge.lgfota.permission</string>
<string>com.lge.lgaccount</string>
<string>com.lge.sizechangable.weather</string>
<string>com.google.android.projection.gearhead</string>
<string>com.lge.lgwallet</string>
<string>com.lge.eulaprovider</string>
<string>com.lge.bnr</string>
<string>com.lge.phonemanagement</string>
<string>com.qualcomm.qti.services.secureui</string>
<string>com.lge.smartdoctor.webview</string>
<string>com.lge.smartenabler</string>
<string>com.lge.cic.eden.service</string>
<string>com.google.android.gms.location.history</string>
<string>com.facebook.appmanager</string>
<string>com.lge.leccp</string>
<string>com.lge.music</string>
<string>com.lge.qhelp</string>
<string>com.android.traceur</string>
<string>com.qualcomm.qti.qms.service.trustzoneaccess</string>
<string>com.tmobile.rsuapp</string>
<string>com.tmobile.rsusrv</string>
<string>com.lge.gametuner</string>
<string>com.lge.signboard</string>
<string>com.lge.animal.resource</string>
<string>com.lge.snappage</string>
<string>com.lge.livemessage</string>
<string>com.lge.penprime</string>
<string>com.lge.wfcservice</string>
<string>com.google.android.inputmethod.latin</string>
<string>com.lge.sdencryption</string>
<string>com.lge.qmemoplus</string>
</a>
</h>
Again, all core phone features definately work like internet, messaging, phone calls, fingerprint, location, cameras, all of it as normal. There are a couple debatable apps like
com.lge.ia.task.smartsetting where I debate their impact on LGs battery management because I do believe it is possible for them to have added a particular app that improved on android 10s battery but for me im good with running with just things I know come with stock + dont break the system ui or dual screen functionality.
I just feel like companies with 1000s of employees force develop apps just to say they did something each week (+brag about in ads), and to act as if Google hasnt done a good enough job... usually companys have a couple solid apps but mostly bulky junk they think just because a phones specs are able to run a lot of things at once, its okay to toss in all kinds of extra code for the phone to have to deal with.
lendawg said:
Do you have a list of what you disabled?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cqqx2 said:
I have the tmobile varient... This is the xml contents of the things I disabled for a stock experience. Note: I dont use google voice assistant or any pen input, nfc, or always on display... I also use youtube vanced for youtube and poweramp for music. Those are notable things I disabled imo, everything else is just added bloat to stock Android 10. Dont disable any LG Home apps as they power the navigation and also dual screens, this is safe you wont get any device bricking errors, you can always go back and toggle things on and off to your liking but this is the xml export of apps I disabled. You could copy and paste this and save as xml to import into the service disabler.
Again, all core phone features definately work like internet, messaging, phone calls, fingerprint, location, cameras, all of it as normal. There are a couple debatable apps like
com.lge.ia.task.smartsetting where I debate their impact on LGs battery management because I do believe it is possible for them to have added a particular app that improved on android 10s battery but for me im good with running with just things I know come with stock + dont break the system ui or dual screen functionality.
I just feel like companies with 1000s of employees force develop apps just to say they did something each week (+brag about in ads), and to act as if Google hasnt done a good enough job... usually companys have a couple solid apps but mostly bulky junk they think just because a phones specs are able to run a lot of things at once, its okay to toss in all kinds of extra code for the phone to have to deal with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome thanks man!
No problem, I will update this later on this week. Whats funny is that was my stable backup but not my very latest tweaking, when I went to export my very latest list, the app has a button to enable all disabled apps and I accidentally pressed it, so I lost those settings but am working on making sure the very best options are enabled and disabled. I will be testing and tweaking to update this base list this werk to find the cleanest, performance and battery life... (by trying out before and after of certain debatable services)
If you use this list and find a feature is disabled you use and you dont know which app it was let me know (ex google assistant) I will let you know which apps you need to reenable.
Off the top of my head, device health services and qualcomms devicestatisticservice (id suggest disabling this one) and lgs smartcare are some apps that are debatable on whether or not they are best to enable or disable..
I play a lot of fortnite (I know I know) but its literally the most battery draining thing you can do especially when combined with a bluetooth controller at full brightness, so battery performance is easy for me to monitor.. Also I was having an absolute misreable time with this device before I came here and saw that nonroot package disabler program was a thing.
lendawg said:
Awesome thanks man!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Smart Switch Alternative? How Transfer Full Data Backup to new Samsung Phone? - Android 12

Hello,
So I just transfered my Data throught Smart Switch, wich was basically a good thing.
However on one part Iam really not so happy and need a better way.
Because if you want to transfer your Accounts as well (check this Option), you get forced to activate WIFI & Internet - for everything else you don't need to.
Why? Probably because Smart Switch wants to send your accounts to the samsung servers, wich is done pretty fast, because the accounts are basically just text.
I don't want to send my accounts around and I bet you don't want to as well. Except you do sync everything... then its too late anyway.
So my Question is:
Is there a good workaround or another tool, wich lets you transfer your main accounts - without sending them to samsung or anyone?
What is your experience? And do you know a workaround?
Please let me/us know
|||||
Never trust SmartSwitch with critical data.
Make backups for contacts and all apps the allow you export/import settings/data. Use ApkExport to make installable copies of all your apps and updates.
All critical data like images, music, vids should be backed up as folder and should already be redundantly backed up to at least 2 hdds that are physically and electronically isolated from each other and the PC.
When going to a different model it's best not to use SmartSwitch. For the same device I use it to transfer homepage settings only.
A clean load yields best results... and can last years with minimal maintenance if you don't do stupid stuff including firmware updates and upgrades.
Yeah, I think so as well.
However APK Export is from 2018. I don't think It can be trusted either. Especially with Android 12 etc
Also I didn't give SmartSwitch Internetaccess, because of AFwall, so Iam ok with that.
Problem is now, how to transfer all the accounts? I don't like to do it all manually.
It doesn't let me do it without an Internetconnection, wich can't be trusted. I don't want to send all my accounts to samsung, lol. That seems to be the only purpose, why there needs to be an Internet Connection with the Accounts.
Before Titanium Backup was great and also it took all the Accountdata with it (whatsapp etc).
Now there seems to be Swift Backup, but I need to test it first.. it doesn't seem to be that powerful.
||||| said:
Yeah, I think so as well.
However APK Export is from 2018. I don't think It can be trusted either. Especially with Android 12 etc
Also I didn't give SmartSwitch Internetaccess, because of AFwall, so Iam ok with that.
Problem is now, how to transfer all the accounts? I don't like to do it all manually.
It doesn't let me do it without an Internetconnection, wich can't be trusted. I don't want to send all my accounts to samsung, lol. That seems to be the only purpose, why there needs to be an Internet Connection with the Accounts.
Before Titanium Backup was great and also it took all the Accountdata with it (whatsapp etc).
Now there seems to be Swift Backup, but I need to test it first.. it doesn't seem to be that powerful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I'm running Android 9 and 10, deliberately.
The ApkExport is clean freeware.
It either will work with 12 or not.
Easy enough to test.
Now Iam also searching for another Alternative.
So basically to have the Function like Smart Switch, but for any Phone, so you can at least quickly transfer contacts etc. - any Ideas?
Edit: maybe found some ways here:
https://mobiletrans.wondershare.com/samsung-transfer/alternatives-for-samsung-smart-switch.html
Edit2:
they are all not as good as Smart Switch so far... damn.
Edit3: Here is Smart-Switch and many Alternatives - wich need to be tested..
smart switch - Android Apps on Google Play
Enjoy millions of the latest Android apps, games, music, movies, TV, books, magazines & more. Anytime, anywhere, across your devices.
play.google.com
But Iam still searching for a good way to also transfer the accounts savely to an S22U.
Damn a Smart-Switch Mod would be awesome.
||||| said:
But Iam still searching for a good way to also transfer the accounts savely to an S22U.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Backup as a text or wdoc so you can cut/paste.
You need to redundantly backup critical data by tried and proven methods or you risk getting your data splattered like a NYC crime scene.
Ok, now I have an S21 Ultra ^^
But still I had this Problem... and some apps didn't had their app data.
I have both rooted phones. Isn't there a better alternative?
Edit again:
Before I always used Titanium Backup in this Case, wich worked great, but sadly does not work on Android 11/12 properly and now it seems to be abandonware.
However here I found a possible solution/alternative:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=swift+backup
But I wonder again, why you have to login to your google account with this tool...
And here are some solutions as well:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=backup+app+data+android+12

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