Replacement for Chikka APP? - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi, I'm looking for an APP that can replace Chikka, since the service stopped in march this year after running for almost 2 decades.
I found 2, but both has some things I don't like:
FSMS (Freedom SMS) - The app works like Chikka and replies do end up in the APP's own inbox, but keep pushing to be the default SMS APP even though you already said NO during first setup. Also it contain surveys that collect your data. Add's I can live with, but not data collecting.
PreText SMS - The app works like Chikka and replies do end up in the APP's own inbox, but keep pushing to be the default SMS APP even though you already said NO during first setup, and there is an annoying "Make default APP" button in the bottom of the screen. Also it contain surveys that collect your data - this were not disclosed before downloading and installing. Add's I can live with, but not data collecting.
Anyone know of alternatives?
Yes, I already searched for it
I'm 6 months a year in Denmark and need to send/receive SMS to/from Philippines, and only Philippines - So don't need a permanent replacement for my normal SMS APP. Philippines is not like most of the world, there are places where you simply can't get an internet connection for FB messenger or other chat APP's to work, or the phone signal is really poor so calling is not good - therefore the need for something like Chikka(Text over internet -> SMS(they earned the money on add's and the replies cost 2Php)).
I wouldn't mind paying for the APP or a monthly subscribtion, but not one that bind me for a year or two, or is hard to get out of again, as I stated above, I only need it for 6 months a year.
So what do you guy's/girl's say?
Regards
JBJ

insomniacno1 said:
Hi, I'm looking for an APP that can replace Chikka, since the service stopped in march this year after running for almost 2 decades.
I found 2, but both has some things I don't like:
FSMS (Freedom SMS) - The app works like Chikka and replies do end up in the APP's own inbox, but keep pushing to be the default SMS APP even though you already said NO during first setup. Also it contain surveys that collect your data. Add's I can live with, but not data collecting.
PreText SMS - The app works like Chikka and replies do end up in the APP's own inbox, but keep pushing to be the default SMS APP even though you already said NO during first setup, and there is an annoying "Make default APP" button in the bottom of the screen. Also it contain surveys that collect your data - this were not disclosed before downloading and installing. Add's I can live with, but not data collecting.
Anyone know of alternatives?
Yes, I already searched for it
I'm 6 months a year in Denmark and need to send/receive SMS to/from Philippines, and only Philippines - So don't need a permanent replacement for my normal SMS APP. Philippines is not like most of the world, there are places where you simply can't get an internet connection for FB messenger or other chat APP's to work, or the phone signal is really poor so calling is not good - therefore the need for something like Chikka(Text over internet -> SMS(they earned the money on add's and the replies cost 2Php)).
I wouldn't mind paying for the APP or a monthly subscribtion, but not one that bind me for a year or two, or is hard to get out of again, as I stated above, I only need it for 6 months a year.
So what do you guy's/girl's say?
Regards
JBJ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am also looking for it. If you find out. Please tell me.

WilliamDoc said:
Recently I came across this app called Magtxt. And I loved it. I hope you also will like it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Magtxt is nice for sending SMS, but you can't get replies
Thanx for the input

Related

[Q] Why is there no desktop SMS app for Android?

I mean a GOOD app, which means it needs to support delivery reports - I need to know the SMS I sent with it has been received.
That is the most crucial function and the lack of it makes the following apps completely useless to me:
- MightyText
- AirDroid
- DeskSMS
I am baffled how their developers can keep them on the market since years without this function.
The only exception is/was EasySMS, but it is very old, slow, no longer developed and it doesn't work on Android 4.4 (and some stock 4.2 roms). It still works on CM-based 4.3 roms, though.
I'm answering my own question here in hope it will help someone else, too.
After 3 years (no joke), I finally found the solution: mySMS. It comes with an sms app for the phone, but you can keep using your old favourite sms app and the remote sms with delivery reports will still work (as long as mysms is installed).
Plus, the phone does not need to be connected to the internet when you're writing the message. It will be sent as soon as the phone goes online. Excellent.
Now, the only thing I am waiting for is delivery time deport, so that I know when exactly the message was received. They are very responsive on their idea/problem/suggestion forum so I am relatively hopeful.
But for now, I am happy with it as it.
Yet I am still surprised this is the only app that does that.
And to all of the zounds of people who for the last two years were being consistently ignored by MightyText developers - here's your solution!

[Q] [HELP] Google Apps Device Policy Work Around?

Hey everyone,
This one really has me stumped. My work is finally moving it's email from Exchange to Google Apps for Business, and for many reasons at first I couldn't be happier. I signed on as an early adopter and have now realized I've hit a huge snag. I can no longer get email notifications on my device without basically giving my employer nearly full control of my personal device. They are requiring the Google Apps Device Policy and forcing a 6 character password to unlock my device, encryption, and permission to remote wipe, among other things. I just really don't feel comfortable giving them that kind of control over my personal device but I do need immediate access to my email to stay on top of things since I'm out in the field way more often than I get a chance to sit in an office. The mobile Gmail site works well enough, but not as well as IMAP support with push notifications would. When we were on Outlook, their policy was essentially similar in that you couldn't bring your own device, but I was able to find a nice app called Outlook Web Mail for Outlook OWA Web Mail which essentially logs into the webmail site and was able to present it in a mobile format and even offer notifications.
I guess what I'm looking for at this point is something similar. I'm hoping someone can suggest an app that, as far as the server is concerned, is just checking the mail from the mobile website but is presenting it to me in an app that is able to give me notifications, even if it's on an interval and not push. Does anyone know if such an app exists for Google Apps for Business accounts or is even possible?
If not, then I guess the next thing I would be looking for is a hackier workaround that can convince the server that I'm abiding by all the rules and still allow me to do whatever I want with my device. I realize this is riskier as far as getting me into trouble but I am rooted and familiar with flashing, Xposed Modules and whatnot (I was surprised my device was even approved with my root status and custom rom).
So sorry for the dissertation but I wanted to lay the whole situation out. I found other threads about GADP but they were more talking about device compatibility rather than a workaround/bypass for it. Anyone gone through something similar at their job? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Worse come to worse, the mobile site isn't the worst thing in the world considering that Outlook mess we came from. Thanks in advance.
My device:
Retail Verizon Note 3 rooted with SafeStrap running the latest Eclipse ROM
anyone?
Well is there any way to receive notifications from the mobile site? I think I recall a few years back when Google pulled sync support for iOS that some iPhone users had to do some shenanigans like this without push support and people used apps that were essentially browsers to check mail and provide notifications. Is there anything similar on Android? Or does it not exist since it's a niche concept? I just have a hard time believing I'm the only person with this problem.
If you want to just access emails, calendar, etc., try Touchdown. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nitrodesk.droid20.nitroid&hl=en
You will not use the gmail or google contacts/calendar app though.
Blis said:
If you want to just access emails, calendar, etc., try Touchdown. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nitrodesk.droid20.nitroid&hl=en
You will not use the gmail or google contacts/calendar app though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's for the reply. I'll give that a go. I've actually rigged it up so I still get notifications at this point through filters and auto forwards to my personal account. But something more native would be a lot better. Thanks again.
No further information on this thread?
I'm in the same situation with my company making the switch to google apps. They are enforcing encryption and non root'd phone. I have found that I can use IMAP to get my email, but my calendar is not found.
I have looked into just circumventing the checks....the only encryption solution i've found is some twrp/titanium back up so that you can at least easily recover systems after u've already been encrypted (not exactly a great solution).
As for the root access, ,the only solution i've found is with rootcloak (im not even sure if either of these solutions would actually work. I'm very much interested in a real solution.
Rootcloack didn't work for me, but that was 8 months ago. Try Touchdown, it's free for 30 days.
Try bluemail.
nomaanym said:
Try bluemail.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No luck for me. I appreciate the recommendation. I thought it was going to work when it went through my job's secure portal for setup but not such luck.
I'm looking for a way to do this as well.
I'm in a very similar situation and looking for the same workaround. Currently I'm able to use Edison Software's "Email" app to log in my corporate email account, but without the ability to receive notifications... which is a step better to endure the horrible mobile UI on gmail's website, but still would be better to have push notifications
Have you found any good alternative for gmail/hangouts/sheets without having to install "device policy"??
B1gC72 said:
Hey everyone,
This one really has me stumped. My work is finally moving it's email from Exchange to Google Apps for Business, and for many reasons at first I couldn't be happier. I signed on as an early adopter and have now realized I've hit a huge snag. I can no longer get email notifications on my device without basically giving my employer nearly full control of my personal device. They are requiring the Google Apps Device Policy and forcing a 6 character password to unlock my device, encryption, and permission to remote wipe, among other things. I just really don't feel comfortable giving them that kind of control over my personal device but I do need immediate access to my email to stay on top of things since I'm out in the field way more often than I get a chance to sit in an office. The mobile Gmail site works well enough, but not as well as IMAP support with push notifications would. When we were on Outlook, their policy was essentially similar in that you couldn't bring your own device, but I was able to find a nice app called Outlook Web Mail for Outlook OWA Web Mail which essentially logs into the webmail site and was able to present it in a mobile format and even offer notifications.
I guess what I'm looking for at this point is something similar. I'm hoping someone can suggest an app that, as far as the server is concerned, is just checking the mail from the mobile website but is presenting it to me in an app that is able to give me notifications, even if it's on an interval and not push. Does anyone know if such an app exists for Google Apps for Business accounts or is even possible?
If not, then I guess the next thing I would be looking for is a hackier workaround that can convince the server that I'm abiding by all the rules and still allow me to do whatever I want with my device. I realize this is riskier as far as getting me into trouble but I am rooted and familiar with flashing, Xposed Modules and whatnot (I was surprised my device was even approved with my root status and custom rom).
So sorry for the dissertation but I wanted to lay the whole situation out. I found other threads about GADP but they were more talking about device compatibility rather than a workaround/bypass for it. Anyone gone through something similar at their job? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Worse come to worse, the mobile site isn't the worst thing in the world considering that Outlook mess we came from. Thanks in advance.
My device:
Retail Verizon Note 3 rooted with SafeStrap running the latest Eclipse ROM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
scorpienez said:
Have you found any good alternative for gmail/hangouts/sheets without having to install "device policy"??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. It just doesn't work on Android. They gave me an iPhone (I asked for a Pixel ) when I got a promotion last year, so now I just carry 2 phones. That said, I haven't rooted in a while so I don't know what's happening in that front anymore.
I don't think there's a way to do what I was trying to do before. Sorry folks.
Me too...
B1gC72 said:
Nope. It just doesn't work on Android. They gave me an iPhone (I asked for a Pixel ) when I got a promotion last year, so now I just carry 2 phones. That said, I haven't rooted in a while so I don't know what's happening in that front anymore.
I don't think there's a way to do what I was trying to do before. Sorry folks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sorry to hear that. My educational institution's unlimited-storage Google account seems like the perfect match for this phone, but draconian MDM is a non-starter. Hopefully someone in the community does find a workaround at some point!
I have the exact same problem. I got a new personal phone which I was hoping I would be able to use Gmail and Google Classroom on for school but the device policy manager deactivates a bunch of my settings when i try it. The accounts just don't work without the policy manager, from the internet or the app. Do you think that if I were to speak to the school about it that they would be able to remove it? or is it impossible from their end due to the privileges they need over the account for security etc?
Thanks for your help,
Boxboy5
Blis said:
If you want to just access emails, calendar, etc., try Touchdown. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nitrodesk.droid20.nitroid&hl=en
You will not use the gmail or google contacts/calendar app though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We're sorry, the requested URL was not found on this server.

Keylogger/Parental control (free)

Hello!
Is there any free app which records recieved/sent text messages (default app/hangouts/whatsapp) aswell internet activity. Also it must be able to send e-mails or access it online so the teenager doesnt know of such app.
Theres teenage kid whos not getting her phone useless I can get some kind of app on her phone...
I tried KidLogger, but it doesnt support text messages in free version.
Stiflerlv said:
Hello!
Is there any free app which records recieved/sent text messages (default app/hangouts/whatsapp) aswell internet activity. Also it must be able to send e-mails or access it online so the teenager doesnt know of such app.
Theres teenage kid whos not getting her phone useless I can get some kind of app on her phone...
I tried KidLogger, but it doesnt support text messages in free version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are many security apps for android that do just what you want that people put on their own phones to find it when it has become lost or stolen. The best options may likely be paid apps but you definitely get what you pay for.
The most secure versions that I have seen are installed on a "rooted" phone where they can be installed to the system partition of the Android OS and remain hidden and unaccessible to the user. When installed this way I think that even a factory reset will not remove them where as all apps added normally will be wiped out.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
Keylogger/Parental control
Stiflerlv said:
Hello!
Is there any free app which records recieved/sent text messages (default app/hangouts/whatsapp) aswell internet activity. Also it must be able to send e-mails or access it online so the teenager doesnt know of such app.
Theres teenage kid whos not getting her phone useless I can get some kind of app on her phone...
I tried KidLogger, but it doesnt support text messages in free version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many parental control tools can be used by you such as iKeMonitor. This software can record text messages, phone calls WhatApp and websites visited and it runs in total stealth mode. You don’t have to worry you kid will detect because it’s hard to find out. You can have a free trail.
Key loggers are against the law in many places and as such against the rules. Thread closed

[Q] New android phone, multiple questions

Hi all, I just received my new handset, a Sony Xperia Z3 Compact as an upgrade to my Samsung Galaxy S4. I'm not a noob per se, but these are noob questions I have, any answers for which I would be most grateful. My otherwise stellar google-fu has failed me these past two days and some clearer, direct advice and answers would be immensely helpful.
- A general question re: the Play Store. If I purchase a paid app, does it remain available to me to re-download and update forever after? Does it last between multiple/new devices? I want to buy Navigon Europe, but wanted to know if it's a once-only deal or remains available to me to download permanently.
- Contact syncing. On my past android phones, I've always somehow managed to import all my contacts from various online accts (eg. FB, GMail, etc). I have all my contacts (up-to-date) in Outlook on my PC and ideally want them, and only them, on my device contact list. I don't want the phone to synch anything with anything except my Outlook contacts but don't know what steps I can take to avoid that.
- Battery: I've had mixed messages about the first charge (currently in-progress at the time of writing!). Do Li-Ion batteries need to be charged for 16hrs or just until they're full?
- Converting the SIM Card: My S4 uses a MicroSIM, the Z3 Compact a NanoSIM. I heard they can be cut manually...is it safe to do that, or should I wait 3 days for TMobile (UK) to send me one?
I have two last questions that are more general advice than anything, but answers still appreciated!
- What apps/services are best to transfer my data over from my old handset to the new one? I can figure this out, but any recommendations from experience in doing the same would be welcome. I can figure out how to use them, just a general idea of apps/services to make sure I don't miss anything (texts, calendar, apps). Presumably I can download an app, *export* a file to my SD card, install the app and SD card on the new phone and "import" the file?
- This is a tough one...I have Barclays Mobile Banking app and kept my S4 stock since it apparently stopped working on rooted phones. I'd like to root my Z3 Compact but would have to stay stock for the Barclays app alone. Is there a good way to like trick the phone to believe it's not rooted, or stealth it, etc?
Any advice would be most gratefully received. I think I've answered the battery question but am still concerned about the rest. Many thanks in advance.
KingsGambit said:
Hi all, I just received my new handset, a Sony Xperia Z3 Compact as an upgrade to my Samsung Galaxy S4. I'm not a noob per se, but these are noob questions I have, any answers for which I would be most grateful. My otherwise stellar google-fu has failed me these past two days and some clearer, direct advice and answers would be immensely helpful.
- A general question re: the Play Store. If I purchase a paid app, does it remain available to me to re-download and update forever after? Does it last between multiple/new devices? I want to buy Navigon Europe, but wanted to know if it's a once-only deal or remains available to me to download permanently.
- Contact syncing. On my past android phones, I've always somehow managed to import all my contacts from various online accts (eg. FB, GMail, etc). I have all my contacts (up-to-date) in Outlook on my PC and ideally want them, and only them, on my device contact list. I don't want the phone to synch anything with anything except my Outlook contacts but don't know what steps I can take to avoid that.
- Battery: I've had mixed messages about the first charge (currently in-progress at the time of writing!). Do Li-Ion batteries need to be charged for 16hrs or just until they're full?
- Converting the SIM Card: My S4 uses a MicroSIM, the Z3 Compact a NanoSIM. I heard they can be cut manually...is it safe to do that, or should I wait 3 days for TMobile (UK) to send me one?
I have two last questions that are more general advice than anything, but answers still appreciated!
- What apps/services are best to transfer my data over from my old handset to the new one? I can figure this out, but any recommendations from experience in doing the same would be welcome. I can figure out how to use them, just a general idea of apps/services to make sure I don't miss anything (texts, calendar, apps). Presumably I can download an app, *export* a file to my SD card, install the app and SD card on the new phone and "import" the file?
- This is a tough one...I have Barclays Mobile Banking app and kept my S4 stock since it apparently stopped working on rooted phones. I'd like to root my Z3 Compact but would have to stay stock for the Barclays app alone. Is there a good way to like trick the phone to believe it's not rooted, or stealth it, etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Paid apps are transferrable between devices, assuming you use the same Google account that it is linked to.
When you sign into Google (and your other accounts) it will ask if you want to Backup and Restore. Just leave it unchecked and then when finished importing Outlook contacts, you can go into your Google account and just make sure to only sync the options you're interested in by checking/unchecking whatever boxes you need.
I find a good way to transfer texts, call logs, apps, etc from device to device is by using an app like Go Backup. You were on the right path with the idea of backing up on the phone, transferring to PC, and switching it to a new phone. If you don't have access to a PC at the time, you can use something like Wifi File Explorer Pro to connect to it, assuming you have access to wifi or can wifi tether between the 2.
Cutting of the SIM is possible manually, but if you don't have access to a good SIM card cutter tool (obviously you don't have one in your possession, but any respectable repair shop or cell phone provider will have one. It only takes 5 seconds, but still there is a slight risk of damaging the card. It is best to get a new one. It is possible to cut with a sharp Exacto knife or something of the sort, but when going to nano, the margin of error is so small that I don't recommend.
As far as root and Barclay's, I don't believe it is an option. There have been attempts to bypass this restriction, but I believe that it has been without success. See:
http://repo.xposed.info/module/com.devadvance.rootcloak
Thank you for your helpful reply! I've moved most of my data over successfully, installed/copied most apps and setup most accounts. I did however ruin my MicroSIM in my attempts at converting it to Nano size. Have ordered a replacement but currently unable to call or text. Ah well!
I took the plunge and blew some money on the Play Store. I have the apps working now, and hope that they will remain available to me hereafter.
Thanks for the info on the Barclays App. I think I will skip rooting again *sigh* It's very annoying. There's a bunch of bloat I cannot freeze/quarantine, the ability to move apps to the SD card isn't available...all for one app If I found an APK of an old version, from back when it worked on a rooted phone, that might be an option?
Only issue I now have (apart from getting used to a few changes!) is with Email. On the S4, I set up my email as follows: Email: Forwarding Address - Incoming Server: BT Internet - Outgoing: Gmail (Set to send using my forwarding address). It worked fine. Now on the Z3C, I no longer have a box to enter my "Email address". Only "Username" and "Password". I can get my Emails from BT, can send via Gmail but it comes with "On behalf of..." in the sender field which is driving me mad! These are the little things that reallyget aggravating. Spent 2 hours already trying to work it out

How to block SMS/MMS - Need recomendations.

I've been trying to find a simple way to block SMS/MMS to my phone. I've been using Signal for a while now as do many of my friends and would just assume block all the unsecure stuff since Signal comes though data. Thought it would be easier than it's turning out to be. Tried a couple apps and they require building spam lists to get them to work, any way to just block them all?
if you don't mind just blacklist the number perhaps
mikasu said:
if you don't mind just blacklist the number perhaps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That will also stop calls which I don't want to do. I only want to stop non Signal SMS/MMS
There's got to be an easier way but what I've come up with for now is I'm using Postman SMS blocker to block all SMS while it's set as my default messenger. I'm using Auto Reply free to auto respond to those blocked texts to tell them they've been blocked and to download Signal. Most of my friends are already on Signal and the ones that don't give half a crap about their privacy, that's their problem. They can call or email. In this situation theres still technically txts making it to the phone but their one sided statements that are never replied to and no conversation from me. Will all the notifications of the block and reply off it's good enough for now.
snatale1 said:
That will also stop calls which I don't want to do. I only want to stop non Signal SMS/MMS
There's got to be an easier way but what I've come up with for now is I'm using Postman SMS blocker to block all SMS while it's set as my default messenger. I'm using Auto Reply free to auto respond to those blocked texts to tell them they've been blocked and to download Signal. Most of my friends are already on Signal and the ones that don't give half a crap about their privacy, that's their problem. They can call or email. In this situation theres still technically txts making it to the phone but their one sided statements that are never replied to and no conversation from me. Will all the notifications of the block and reply off it's good enough for now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are sadly mistaken if you think signal is more secure then the standard SMS protocol. That's like samsung what's app or fb messenger are secure. It's only as secure as their server is.
zelendel said:
You are sadly mistaken if you think signal is more secure then the standard SMS protocol. That's like samsung what's app or fb messenger are secure. It's only as secure as their server is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you explain how? Signal is end to end encrypted and the keys aren't stored on the server. WhatsApp is made by WhatsApp and has nothing to do with Samsung, they also use the Signal/Text Secure protocol so same thing different name. No shortage of security experts regularly examine the source and I've yet to read a review from anybody in security that isn't a huge fan. I fail to see how regular ol SMS that does none of that and is just as secure. If you know something nobody else seems to please let us know, I can't be the only one that's into privacy that would want to know.
snatale1 said:
Can you explain how? Signal is end to end encrypted and the keys aren't stored on the server. WhatsApp is made by WhatsApp and has nothing to do with Samsung, they also use the Signal/Text Secure protocol so same thing different name. No shortage of security experts regularly examine the source and I've yet to read a review from anybody in security that isn't a huge fan. I fail to see how regular ol SMS that does none of that and is just as secure. If you know something nobody else seems to please let us know, I can't be the only one that's into privacy that would want to know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung was an auto correct. As for Wahtsapp that is owned by FB and made by them and have been found over and over again to have back doors built in just like their messaging app.
Ill leave you wit this. We have some of the best in android security here on the site. Yet none of them use it and advise to stay away from everything to do with FB. Ever wonder why on XDA we have not featured the app. IF it really was that secure then we would be all over it covering it and advising its use.
True Mobile security is an illusion. IF you use a rooted device or use social media then privacy isnt really a big deal.

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