Cannot delete a shortcut on homescreen - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

*DISCLAIMER*
The issue you are about the hear involves a stock launcher having malware straight from the factory. Please advise.
I need some serious professional help on this one. And I mean if you think you know the answer to this, you are 98% going to be wrong. Ok I have some malware installing shortcuts on my homescreen. The shortcuts used to be able to delete just by long pressing and dragging them off screen. Now they dont delete anymore. If I attempt to delete a spam shortcut, there will be a screen hiccup, and the launcher will restart itself, and still the shortcut is still there.
The location of the malware is imbedded in the stock launcher ( GO FIGURE ) . I now have root , but so far I have only been able to stop the push notifications, but not the installing of shortcuts.
Ive tried
1. Ad network detector
2. Airpush detector
3. Add ons detector
4. Rooting and setting the launcher to read only permissions! THIS SHOULD HAVE WORKED!!! BUT IT DIDNT . We live in a crappy world.
All the above methods have failed. Is there a way to find the offending icon by using root browser and just deleting the damn thing? Where would such icons exist in the folder structure? Thanks for accepting the challenge!

Related

[Android] Hiding apps in the Drawer

Okay so I rooted my phone and have been having some fun with the pm disable <package name> command. I am wondering whether there is anyway to hide applications from the drawer but not completely disable them.
I have access to these apps on the home screen and don't need them taking up space on the drawer. Obviously this isn't that important, but I can appreciate good design and maybe this is possible (without a home replacement app!)?
Any help is appreciated
On some Roms you can hide these icons by opening the app drawer, long pressing on the icon you want to hide, dragging it onto the desktop (but dont remove your finger) and then when the app drawer closes, drag the icon to the trash.
Not all ROMs allow this but some do.
QMAN101 said:
On some Roms you can hide these icons by opening the app drawer, long pressing on the icon you want to hide, dragging it onto the desktop (but dont remove your finger) and then when the app drawer closes, drag the icon to the trash.
Not all ROMs allow this but some do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What you're referring to is the advanced launcher here is the link to it http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=540880
I think what the poster wanted was a stand alone way to do this without having to rely on one particular ROM or having to use any particular launcher/home replacement.
shaneaus said:
I think what the poster wanted was a stand alone way to do this without having to rely on one particular ROM or having to use any particular launcher/home replacement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Advanced launcher is just an advanced version of the current home though. You would be able to use it and not even know that it's not the default launcher, it works exactly the same, looks exactly the same and behaves the same bar a few added features like folders in the drawer, hiding applications and setting the number of homescreens.
This thread is pretty old, but I can't find an answer to this question anywhere else. Is there any way to hide apps in the drawer? I have a rooted evo with sense. There must be a way someone has found by now!
Only way I know of is an alternate launcher. I use Launcher Pro and that allows hiding icons.
---------
Sent from my Sprint SuperHero.
I want to do this too
it can be done from root explorer renaming app.apk to app.bak
but some will not work
Well there is this app and it seems to work as described with a ton of bonus features... Just make sure to restart you phone after hiding the apps to make it work.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.smartanuj.hideitpro
menissalt said:
Well there is this app and it seems to work as described with a ton of bonus features... Just make sure to restart you phone after hiding the apps to make it work.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.smartanuj.hideitpro
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Er. No it doesn't - it just hides files
Actually it does remove files and i just used it. After long pressing the "audio manager" logo it comes to menu with one icon being "hide apps". Click and select what to hide.
Questions or Problems Should Not Be Posted in the Development Forum
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Moving to Q&A

[Q] Help Deleted Power widget, now screen blocked

Hi i rooted my xperia x10i after updating to 2.3.3 for the first time and deleted a few bloatware.
1 >>>Somehow i deleted the power widget too and at that time the widget was on my main screen(desktop) too..
After reboot, the widget was deleted and the screen where the widget was placed is blocked and I cannot place any widgets there, nor can i move any existing widget there.
If anyone could help, would really appreciate it...
2 >>> Also after every reboot, the default settings are not remembered by the phone.. as in the shortcut to sms to be used by chompsms, and default miss call by dialer one, etc... Please help..........
3 >>> The menu in which we can set our own order, the new feature which i really like also gets changed after reboot.. Dont know what is the problem, it just doesnt save the view..
BTW Stock Rom with root, FPS unlock, bloatware removed is Super fast and kool and extra smooth too..
Clear data and cache of your home screen app
Thanx! Gregbradley..
It solved the first problem.. Can you please help me with the other two?????
smartmale2006 said:
Thanx! Gregbradley..
It solved the first problem.. Can you please help me with the other two?????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which launcher and rom are using?
On cyanogenmod roms there is an option to keep the homelauncher in memory, that should help.
You could also use TB to freeze/delete the stock apps so the launcher cant find them and looks for the ones you use instead.
I actually use stock 2.3.3 and have deleted all un-needed stuff.. but in 2.1, it used to remember if I set a shortcut icon to use chompsms, also whenever there is a missed call, it used to determine by itself and open it via dialer one rather than phone... But now in 2.3.3 after every reboot it asks me what default option would i like to choose.. it does not remember...
Also the nicest feature to set the menu items in the order that i would wish, after reboot it forgets and all the icons are spread far and wide..
i know its complicated.............Can you please help??

[Q] shortcuts

Code:
How do I install a shortcut on the homescreen? When I long press and tap "shortcut" nothing happens. There are websites I visit frequently that don't have an app.
in your browser favorites if you long hold it will give you the option to paste shortcut on homescreen. i think it is long hold that does this
It worked for some, but said the others already existed (even though they didn't). Anyhoo, considering my ineptness, this is a success. Thanks much!
Yeah I figured more people would have said something about not being able to put application shortcuts on the desktop.. or make folders for that matter. I mean the menu comes up to add folder or shortcut but it just sits there after that.
Also how do you switch from one application to another? With my phone you can hold the home screen button down and a box will appear with all the running/recently used apps appears. With this I have to keep going back to the launcher and restart the app every time I just want to switch to it. Is there an app I have to add for simple task switching?
I have solved the switching issue with 2 free applications, 'PreHome' and 'Notification Toggle'. PreHome gives you a popup with open and recent applications. Use Notification Toggle to put PreHome in your notification tray and you have quick switching.
Thanks.. nifty workaround.. now just click on the notification icon.. then to the task switcher.. Now just need to figure out why the shortcuts / folders don't add to the desktop.
I am not able to add folders to my homescreen on my rooted nook tablet either. Does anyone know of a fix for this?
I will have to try out the task switcher as well. I was looking for that functionality.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
drake495 said:
I am not able to add folders to my homescreen on my rooted nook tablet either. Does anyone know of a fix for this?
I will have to try out the task switcher as well. I was looking for that functionality.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using Go Launcher EX, I create the folders in my app drawer by dragging apps on top of each other, and then dragging the folders to my home screen.
I believe other launchers have the same feature. Outside of that, I don't believe there is a way to create folder right on the home screen since B&N did not include it in their build.
I am using ADW launcher. I will mess around with it some more today and see what I can come up with.
edit: No luck creating folders on the home screen with ADW launcher, no matter what I try.
I've had the same issues trying to create shortcuts and folders on rooted NT. I'm using ADW launcher as well. My workaround was to create "catalogs" for the folders I wanted on the home screen and organize my apps this way.
To do this:
Open the app drawer, click the menu button, then pick "choose catalog" to create a new catalog. This creates a new screen that you can then choose "setup catalog" and check off what you want. Then go to the home screen, long press, and pick "launcher actions". There should be options to "show catalog ____". You can then change the icon to the folder by long pressing and choosing "edit" and picking the icon and loading a new pic, etc.
This will get you a folder with whatever games or apps you want.
I created a "Games" folder this way.
Regarding the shorcuts issue, try the program "AnyCut" to try to create shorcuts. It's not the perfect solution as I was unable to figure out how to create a "directions & navigations" shorcut from it, but it has a ton of options. Worth a look.
drake495 said:
I am using ADW launcher. I will mess around with it some more today and see what I can come up with.
edit: No luck creating folders on the home screen with ADW launcher, no matter what I try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I made folders by bringing the apps i wanted to the homescreen, then dragging the apps together. The first two apps that are combined will create a folder, then drag more apps to it to add them. Long press the folder to rename it. This is all with ADW Ex.
Looks like com.android.settings is supposed to contain .ActivityPicker which handles the android.intent.action.PICK_ACTIVITY intent.
I wonder if I could just take the settings apk from my phone and throw it on my Nook. I have no idea which apk it actually is though.
EDIT: Derp, it's /system/app/Settings.apk.
adb shell
pm list packages -f
will give a list
EDIT2: Looks like all the code is there for the ActivityPicker, it's just not registered in the manifest. I'm almost positive I can just recompile it with the info added and shortcuts will work. I just have to figure out how to compile without compression or confirm the Nook can handle compressed apks.
For folder shortcuts im using an app called Folder Organizer. Once you get your apps sorted into whatever sort of folders/lables you like you can add them as a widget to the desktop. They function just like a folder and i just discovered that Titanium Backup will automatically usr them as a sorting lable fpr app filters if you need that.
Sent from my BNTV250 using xda premium
HMG10 said:
I made folders by bringing the apps i wanted to the homescreen, then dragging the apps together. The first two apps that are combined will create a folder, then drag more apps to it to add them. Long press the folder to rename it. This is all with ADW Ex.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I try this, I get a message saying it's incompatible with my theme (BigDX ADW Serenity) and it goes back to the default theme. But even then, I can't create folders. Keeps giving me the same message.
I'm also using ADW EX.
Does go launcher or the other one work on none rooted NTs? I dont rewlly want to root right now because i have the warranty. And what is the "app" or program that has a home key on the side of the nook screen so that you can go between sideloaded apps and the actual nook? (Or is that just on rooted NTs? Thanks!
I've kind of gave up on shortcuts and folders. I spent a bunch of time (twice) setting a bunch of this stuff up to find it missing after a reboot No more.
pelzgb said:
It's not the perfect solution as I was unable to figure out how to create a "directions & navigations" shorcut from it, but it has a ton of options. Worth a look.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Odd, I have no problem creating a shortcut using Activities/ and scrolling down to Directions & Navigation.
Also:
1. ES File Explorer can create file system shortcuts on the desktop. They open of course in ES File Exlorer.
2. BetterCut is more in depth and a much better interface than Anycut. Dev is defunct, but the .apk can be found with a search.
3. As others have said, creating folders is very simple with Go Launcher.
4. Button Savior (which I wouldn't want to use the NT without) long pressing the home button brings up a task switcher with the last 6 apps used.
---------- Post added at 12:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:00 PM ----------
elizabethsparks2002 said:
Does go launcher or the other one work on none rooted NTs? I dont rewlly want to root right now because i have the warranty. And what is the "app" or program that has a home key on the side of the nook screen so that you can go between sideloaded apps and the actual nook? (Or is that just on rooted NTs? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GoLauncher definitely works without being rooted.
I'm guessing the app you mean is Button Savior? If so, the home button does work without root, but most of the features (like the task switcher) require root.
Otherwise you can use HomeCatcher to set up the N button for whichever launcher you want. It's been a long time since my NT wasn't rooted, but if I remember correctly this didn't require root.
What I like to do is use AnyCut to create a shortcut (Activities/Home) back to the stock NT interface. Then you can switch back and forth between homes interfaces. (Stock and goLauncher).
If you uninstall GoLauncher or other alternative launcher then home will default back to the stock interface.

[Q] Ability to Lock or Password Protect a Homescreen Folder

This question may appear to have been asked before, but there is a subtle - but important - difference:
I want to lock and / or password protect a Homescreen folder (i.e. a folder on my daughters tablets homescreen) NOT a folder inside file explorer.
We're not trying to hide files from her (search already gave me lots of apps to do that), but what we have is a folder on her homescreen with shortcuts to apex launcher settings, app store etc and we don't want her to be able to open this folder.
I searched on the interwebularhighway and there seems to be oodles of apps to lock or password protect files and folders in the filesystem, but none that I can see that can lock or password protect a homescreen folder.
If there is one and someone knows about it, can you please let me know. I only have a few days left to get this tablet ready for her and it's pretty much the last hurdle.
Thanks in advance
Lyndsey

Hide apps without root

Hi everyone,
As the topic suggests, I'm looking for a way to hide apps without root.
The only solutions I could find so far:
#1: install another launcher that let's you hide apps from the drawer.
Cons: apps still active and reachable from application settings.
#2: installing Knox and adding those applications will put the data in a separate account.
Cons: apps still visible, but with different data base
#3: install finger security and lock them down with a fingerprint.
Cons: apps still visible
#4: guest mode
Cons : not yet added to available firmwares
Does anyone knows an other way to hide/deactivate/freeze apps without rooting the phone?
apsis said:
Hi everyone,
As the topic suggests, I'm looking for a way to hide apps without root.
The only solutions I could find so far:
#1: install another launcher that let's you hide apps from the drawer.
Cons: apps still active and reachable from application settings.
#2: installing Knox and adding those applications will put the data in a separate account.
Cons: apps still visible, but with different data base
#3: install finger security and lock them down with a fingerprint.
Cons: apps still visible
#4: guest mode
Cons : not yet added to available firmwares
Does anyone knows an other way to hide/deactivate/freeze apps without rooting the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to app draw and press edit then hide simple as that
jaythenut said:
Go to app draw and press edit then hide simple as that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And how do you do that exactly? Pressing Edit in the app drawer simply adds the - sign to any apps which can be uninstalled. There is are no hide or rearrange options as far as I can see? You can go into Settings>Applications>Application Manager and then in each app you want to hide press Disable (this does the same as the Titanium freeze feature and locks it down and removes it from app drawer).
I wrote a post over at reddit about hiding and disabling apps. I can't post an external link but here is the URL below.
w w w .reddit.com/r/GalaxyS6/comments/345tt9/galaxy_s6_and_s6_edge_lag_and_battery_improvement/
You will need to install Nova or another launcher to hide apps from the app drawer.
ElvisExMachina said:
I wrote a post over at reddit about hiding and disabling apps. I can't post an external link but here is the URL below.
w w w .reddit.com/r/GalaxyS6/comments/345tt9/galaxy_s6_and_s6_edge_lag_and_battery_improvement/
You will need to install Nova or another launcher to hide apps from the app drawer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any Launcher will Hide Apps or only Nova ?
Thanks
I found an app in the play store called "package disabler pro" it doesn't need root and has disabled everything I've asked it to so far...including the stuff that I've needed root for in the past.
An alternative would be http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/debloater-remove-carrier-bloat-t2998294 I tried it yesterday and it works quite nice, got confused in making it work at first but just download the app from http://rootjunkysdl.com/?device=Android Programs&folder=DeBloater and then watch this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7OFGIu1f0I

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