Turning a Pixel Into a Dumb(-ish) Phone - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hey guys,
Spending way too much time on my iPhone lately and recently purchased a Pixel 4a to strip down the OS to the bare essentials. If possible, I want to retain the following functions:
Gmail/Email
Tasks/To-Do
Calendar
Notes
Navigation
Weather
Clock
Plex or PlexAmp
Signal Messenger
Possibly WhatsApp
Everything else, I'd like to remove, including the option to install more Apps from the Play Store. Essentially, what the Ghost Phone does, but without a $300 price tag and a several month wait.
What's the best way to accomplish this? I installed LineageOS but I'm not sure if that will break any of the functions I'm trying to accomplish. Any pointers greatly appreciated. Bonus points if there's a way to lock it to grayscale!

on android, everything is a app. you already installed custom rom, try to freeze/disable each app on its own and do some test phone is working properly. if phone is stable you can uninstall.
you can disable packages by adb shell or by app (no root required)
you may also have a look in microG (root)
https://github.com/microg/GmsCore/wiki
for strip down kernel during runtime try Kernel Adiutor (root)
https://github.com/Grarak/KernelAdiutor/releases

alecxs said:
on android, everything is a app. you already installed custom rom, try to freeze/disable each app on its own and do some test phone is working properly. if phone is stable you can uninstall.
you can disable packages by adb shell or by app (no root required)
you may also have a look in microG (root)
https://github.com/microg/GmsCore/wiki
for strip down kernel during runtime try Kernel Adiutor (root)
https://github.com/Grarak/KernelAdiutor/releases
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey Alecxs, sorry for the delayed reply, I seem to have missed this. Thanks for the feedback. I'm mostly trying to figure out a solution where I don't need to do much customization -- like the Ghost Phone but just the ROM component of it.
Thank you!

Related

SuperSU working but not how it normally does?!?

SuperSU doesn't seem to be working the way it always has on my other devices in the past. After successfully flashing TWRP 2.8.7.0 [6.0] EN (by Sminki *xda* repack) on my Honor 7 with multi-tool and then installing SuperSU via TWRP and gaining root access, I rebooted my phone and immediately Google Play wanted me to update the SuperSU app. I updated the SuperSU app and also installed SuperSU Pro that I had purchased previously on another device. I then installed terminal emulator so I could confirm that I had root access by running the su command. However after running the terminal emulator and attempting to use the su command nothing happened. I didn't get an error that I would expect if root wasn't present such as su not found, it just seems to sit there waiting. It then occurred to me that I hadn't received the usual popup from SuperSU asking me whether I wanted to grant root permission.
From what I have been able to work out I do have root access but for whatever reason SuperSU is not displaying its message asking me to grant or deny access. I have managed to establish that I do have root by going into the SuperSU settings and setting the default access as grant rather than prompt after which terminal emulator is able to use the su command.
Does anyone know how I can get the prompt to work? I would rather have SuperSU prompt me when an app requests root access for security reasons since giving any app that requests root unfettered access probably isn't the best idea.
If your problem has anything to do with SSU Pro then I dont say nothing cause dont use it.
Anyway going the same procedure as you I had, after GPlay update, the problem when trying to open SSU with message "SSU binary cant be found" or sth like this. However my SSU has been working (at least it did look alike) giving prompts.
The solution was SSU cleanup, copying and installing SSU once again. If you check some threads here you will find some kinds of initial problems with SSU are quite common.
It looks like it is H7 speciality ;p. You need to flash B330 twice for 100% and you need to install SSU twice ;p
ps. Also "Draw over other apps" on but it was automatic - at least for me
adxuser said:
If your problem has anything to do with SSU Pro then I dont say nothing cause dont use it.
Anyway going the same procedure as you I had, after GPlay update, the problem when trying to open SSU with message "SSU binary cant be found" or sth like this. However my SSU has been working (at least it did look alike) giving prompts.
The solution was SSU cleanup, copying and installing SSU once again. If you check some threads here you will find some kinds of initial problems with SSU are quite common.
It looks like it is H7 speciality ;p. You need to flash B330 twice for 100% and you need to install SSU twice ;p
ps. Also "Draw over other apps" on but it was automatic - at least for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Seems to be working now. Also disabling doze altogether on marshmallow seems to have solved a lot of other issues I was having since the marshmallow update and subsequent custom recovery and root install.
Squall88uk said:
disabling doze altogether on marshmallow
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By "Doze" you mean those switches to kill apps after screen lock or not?
adxuser said:
By "Doze" you mean those switches to kill apps after screen lock or not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I mean Marshmallows built in doze feature. I have the switches you're talking about set to let the app keep running for important apps like SuperSU anyway but they only affect EMUIs own power manager. Doze and EMUIs power manager seem to fight each other anyway and I don't like how doze stops my notifications coming through with some apps and interferes with other apps that I like to leave running all the time like AcDisplay.
I completely disabled doze altogether using "dumpsys deviceidle disable" in terminal emulator or using adb shell. The only problem is that it will be re-enabled after a reboot so I used the universal init.d app to run an init.d script on every boot to disable it again since the honor 7 kernel doesn't natively support init.d. I have all the apps that I had on lollipop (plus some more that I didn't have on lollipop, since I didn't have root when I used lollipop) set up exactly the way they were then and let EMUI handle the power management. I get about the same battery life that I had in lollipop which is fine for me since I charge it fully every night anyway.
I am just in process of developing opinion on that. For sure made one mistake prefering Google Clock over Huawei (and uninstalling the latter) but now even with adequate settings (for example it should have auto-start set by PM Plus add-on for Phone Manager) I am not so sure of my alarms ; ) I have been accustomed to Vanilla Android till now.
Ok. I had to do my lecture on MM Doze & App Standby functions. Also I am newbie on EMUI.
It looks like that many important things (background GPS runnings apps, notifications, alarms) can be double complicated on MM Huawei :/ (not to mention other EMUI problems e.g. with lock screen)
We have clean MM Android with its problems even for Nexus owners, then we have EMUI with its own background / notifications problems.
So 'Ignore optimisations' switch is by Google. You do not use it but maybe know which Google / Huawei apps should have optimizations off? (I have there Android System WebView - why? Google product should have it invisible, Fused Locations - the same, HiSuite ?, HwAps ?)
Anyway people report that it does not help for GPS tracking apps shutdown problems, but it is rather related to EMUI I think.
PS. 1. I do not think Huawei / Google power managers fight in any way. Huawei power manager stricly speaking these are drivers for hardware needed + basic user power handling setup.
What they did on higher level is this "keeps running after screen off" switch but I would not be so sure if this, set one or the other way (and Huawei soft in general), works properly with GCM messages and other wakeups. One should keep in mind that Huawei sells a lot without Google apps at all.
PS.1.b. Some apps need some changes to work properly with Doze. They are not allowed now to do what they like and when they like. And if they have to say sth they must use GCM message , if they have sth important to say they must use GCM high priority message. Android 5.1 API level 22 alarms do not fire now, there are 2 new methods from what I read. And Google could block spamming "high priority messages". So idea & direction is good I think. For not MM updated apps put them in Ignored.
PS2. In my opinion also you should not confuse B330 power handling issues with Doze.
It could be just Huawei optimizing things: taking away fast charging switch because it is on default now, making changes to power handling etc. or not making changes needed so now it could be the problem with Android. People claiming worse battery life for B330 claim mostly best on B320.
adxuser said:
For sure made one mistake prefering Google Clock over Huawei (and uninstalling the latter) but now even with adequate settings (for example it should have auto-start set by PM Plus add-on for Phone Manager) I am not so sure of my alarms ; ) I have been accustomed to Vanilla Android till now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's wrong with the Google clock? And what problems did you have after uninstalling the Huawei clock? I use the Google clock as my main clock app and have had no issues with it on either lollipop or marshmallow even after uninstalling the Huawei clock.
adxuser said:
Ok. I had to do my lecture on MM Doze & App Standby functions. Also I am newbie on EMUI.
It looks like that many important things (background GPS runnings apps, notifications, alarms) can be double complicated on MM Huawei :/ (not to mention other EMUI problems e.g. with lock screen)
We have clean MM Android with its problems even for Nexus owners, then we have EMUI with its own background / notifications problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. While EMUI does have some of its own features that can be useful a lot of things are twice as complicated as they need to be. I have generally found that just allowing all apps that have notifications you want to receive e.g. twitter set to be allowed to autostart and run in the background as much as they like seems to reduce issues with notifications (still not worked out if it completely stopped any issues), and even then if I want notifications to display correctly on the lockscreen, not only do I need to allow them for each particular app on the lockscreen through the notification manager I still have to use a lockscreen replacement which in my case is AcDisplay. To be honest I have every app set to run on autostart and in the background and I still haven't found that it has much impact on battery life and this seems to solves a lot of these kinds of issues for me. My previous phone (Samsung Galaxy A3) used touchwiz and never had any of these options so I've always assumed that touchwiz/android allowed apps to run when they wanted and access what they wanted within the scope of their permissions and everything always worked fine, admittedly battery life was an issue on that phone but it had a much smaller battery capacity than the Honor 7 and it still lasted me most of a day.
adxuser said:
So 'Ignore optimisations' switch is by Google. You do not use it but maybe know which Google / Huawei apps should have optimizations off? (I have there Android System WebView - why? Google product should have it invisible, Fused Locations - the same, HiSuite ?, HwAps ?)
Anyway people report that it does not help for GPS tracking apps shutdown problems, but it is rather related to EMUI I think.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried messing with the Ignore optimisations switch when I first upgraded to Marshmallow and it didn't seem to make any difference apps were still being afflicted with issues. I asked honor uk exactly what it did and whether it was for doze or not and they didn't know. I'm sure if I spoke Chinese and asked the Chinese customer service they would be able to tell me straight away but I never managed to find out. Even with doze disabled completely on my device I still have it set to ignore optimisations for all apps in case its something to do with EMUI.
adxuser said:
PS. 1. I do not think Huawei / Google power managers fight in any way. Huawei power manager stricly speaking these are drivers for hardware needed + basic user power handling setup.
What they did on higher level is this "keeps running after screen off" switch but I would not be so sure if this, set one or the other way (and Huawei soft in general), works properly with GCM messages and other wakeups. One should keep in mind that Huawei sells a lot without Google apps at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I meant by fight is that the 2 have their own settings rather than these being integrated with each other. So for example when specify that I want an app to be able to run in the background while the screen is off in an ideal world this would also tell Google's doze that I do not want it to doze that app. otherwise I have to effectively set the same thing twice even though it may be called different things.
adxuser said:
PS.1.b. Some apps need some changes to work properly with Doze. They are not allowed now to do what they like and when they like. And if they have to say sth they must use GCM message , if they have sth important to say they must use GCM high priority message. Android 5.1 API level 22 alarms do not fire now, there are 2 new methods from what I read. And Google could block spamming "high priority messages". So idea & direction is good I think. For not MM updated apps put them in Ignored.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like the idea of doze in general and I'm generally a fan of most things that google do with android. If i was running a nexus or an AOSP rom I would definitely leave doze activated and only disable its optimization for apps that either coded with doze in mind or apps which I personally consider to be high priority regardless of whether google agrees such as twitter. I lie to get twitter notification that I have enabled as soon as the tweet they link to is tweeted not at the intervals that doze allows apps to update at. But that's a personal thing rather than an issue with the idea. So for YouTube notifications for example I would be quite happy for doze to run the show.
adxuser said:
PS2. In my opinion also you should not confuse B330 power handling issues with Doze.
It could be just Huawei optimizing things: taking away fast charging switch because it is on default now, making changes to power handling etc. or not making changes needed so now it could be the problem with Android. People claiming worse battery life for B330 claim mostly best on B320.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My intention has never been to confuse EMUI's power handling with Doze. I have just been trying to simplify the issue for me. as I have already said I generally allow any apps to do what they want both in EMUI's settings and by disabling doze as its simpler that way for me. Battery has never been an issue for me with either lollipop (B180) or marshmallow (B330) for me personally but i'm sure for some people it can be.
Squall88uk said:
What's wrong with the Google clock? And what problems did you have after uninstalling the Huawei clock? I use the Google clock as my main clock app and have had no issues with it on either lollipop or marshmallow even after uninstalling the Huawei clock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nothing wrong, in fact I've chosen it deliberately.
Basically prefer Google apps cause they can be updated and whats more new features are added from time to time, with let's say B330 stock you are left with B330 stock unless and if Huawei pushes sth new.
Just for some producers ROM's there are sometimes apps good enough and also interconnected on some levels with launcher / lock screen / power management that it is better to leave them & even make use of them.
Squall88uk said:
Even with doze disabled completely on my device I still have it set to ignore optimisations for all apps in case its something to do with EMUI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rather strange for me what you're doing.
Squall88uk said:
What I meant by fight is that the 2 have their own settings rather than these being integrated with each other. So for example when specify that I want an app to be able to run in the background while the screen is off in an ideal world this would also tell Google's doze that I do not want it to doze that app. otherwise I have to effectively set the same thing twice even though it may be called different things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It cant be integrated, it is Google licensed system. Doze & App standby these are powerfull, long-term features.
This EMUI function is just easy switch to kill sth after screen off. Not sure of it
Also not sure of this auto-start PM Plus utility It is not only auto-start on system start but also start on events. Powerfull mess with many apps without granular controls.
However I use both ;p
edit. ok, it looks you're right about Doze. I.e. Huawei Doze problem. Here for Mate 8:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=64827731&postcount=15
Not solved as I see (but no time to read everything)
So Paul @paulobrien solution is with his ROM, your solution is to shut down Doze, I would prefer Doze properly working on (rooted) stock solution
adxuser said:
The solution was SSU cleanup, copying and installing SSU once again. If you check some threads here you will find some kinds of initial problems with SSU are quite common.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same problem on my tablet Huawei MediaPad T1 8.0 Pro.
Please explain exactly what supposed to mean is "SSU cleanup, copying and installing SSU once again".
If one makes SSU cleanup then root access will flee for good and installing SSU again encounter the stark barrier, right?
If of course by "cleanup" you mean SuperSU's SETTINGS -> CLEANUP -> Reinstall (?)
@ioy
Do you have EMUI 4.0 on your tablet?
Some tips & tricks work between some Huawei models but for sure not each on everyone...
Anyway I made (in SSU) cleanup for full unroot (if I remember correctly :/) and by "copying & installing" I mean H7 procedure to copy and install via TWRP.
So full unroot and full root once again and in my case it solved my problem.
@adxuser, and what is EMUI 4.0 and how to check if it is on the tablet?
Where to learn about these tip & tricks?
I do not have TWRP because I wanted to have warranty still intact so not unlocked bootloader, and that's why I have unrooted with KingRooot and afterwards switched to SuperSU with SuperSume.
Please, respond...
How to use cleanup options in SuperSu, there're several ones intended for switching to another su application - all of them work the way they need TWRP or maybe it is possible to switchin the system (booted)?
@ioy
what is EMUI 4.0 and how to check if it is on the tablet?
Where to learn about these tip & tricks?
I do not have TWRP because I wanted to have warranty still intact so not unlocked bootloader, and that's why I have unrooted with KingRooot and afterwards switched to SuperSU with SuperSume.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Emotion^^ User Interfece - Huawei visual & control overlay over Android.
For your http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_mediapad_t1_8_0-6705.php 4.3 not upgradeble Android it is probably 2.0? (settings > about).
Tips & tricks those are some common to EMUI solutions - working on many Huawei models. They are nowhere together to be found, you have to search in all Huawei models if you are looking for sth. special. Anyway as you probably understand from JellyBean EMUI no.x to MM EMUI no.4.0 (or 4.1) that is a long way (some common things could even work however).
And also I am not a root specialist but if you have a locked bootloader SSU will never work so make a full cleanup and do not try again
Maybe this KingRoot will work but search for info on that.
ps. in most "normal" countries unlocked bootloader hasn't got anything to warranty.
Yes, KingRoot worked normally, prompt popup windows worked neatly.
However, Huawei itself warns if you unlock the bootloader then they will not help you anymore in case of trouble. And as you maybe know already, Huawei official assistance is needed in doing unlocking bootloader, it is done through their site and first this terrible warning is displayed... (presumably they register phone's IMEI, serial number and these data is then spread to warranty service outposts worldwide)
Yes, they can track and they probably track a lot more easily
Regarding warranty it may and it vary from continent/country to continent/country but local (e.g. european) regulations take effect on that matter.
So Huawei China can even track what I did with the phone yesterday at 6pm but when I am able to relock the phone (even with status relocked) and it could be seen that it is malfunctioning because of hardware failure then I am talking to Huawei in Europe and I am totally not interested what Huawei China has to say.
So sometimes there are some commom myths and you should check (in a proper way ) what are the possibilities.
And you have cited wrong model, this one is Huawei MediaPad T1 PRO LTE:
http://www.gsmchoice.com/en/catalogue/huawei/mediapadt18.0lte/Huawei-MediaPad-T1-8.0-LTE.html
It has 4.4.4 Android version, and Emotion UI version 2.3, so what are these tips & tricks for this?
Please try to provide any clue, about those tips& tricks in respect of popup windows, as as I can see usual popups for any application are not present in this Huawei model... Apparently something must block them in a regular manner...
ioy said:
And you have cited wrong model, this one is Huawei MediaPad T1 PRO LTE:
http://www.gsmchoice.com/en/catalogue/huawei/mediapadt18.0lte/Huawei-MediaPad-T1-8.0-LTE.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quite possibly. Just a quick look.
As you probably understand we are on H7 subforum and I am not interested in other devices with its variants.
ioy said:
It has 4.4.4 Android version, and Emotion UI version 2.3, so what are these tips & tricks for this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=66946525&postcount=12
Allright, how is it possible to switch off / disable this EMUI? What to freeze without bricking the phone? Presumably indeed this blocks popup windows itself and at all it seems providing no gain, plain Android is better and there are many apps on PlayStore with genius functions and full user's control, so please which system or internal memory apks are responsible for this EMUI and one normally can freeze them thus freeing the 'core' Android system from this dubious attraction?

So what is the reason why you guys are rooting or trying to root this device?

...... at the expense of bricking in some cases....
in my case the only reason to get root on a device...is to install V4A.... otherwise .... no other use.
To make / restore proper backups with Titanium.
greatgrandking said:
...... at the expense of bricking in some cases....
in my case the only reason to get root on a device...is to install V4A.... otherwise .... no other use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there is no V4A for huawei no 64 bit driver available only JamesDSP
Rooting for me for adaway ,modify the sound,titanuim backup, edit the dpi , remove bloatware
full control for me
Ad blocking is achievable without root. For me, it's a few tweaks here and there like setting dpi and other stuff that is more about little annoyances than major issues.
Edit: so today I finally got around to rooting this thing. I have rooted, installed magisk, and installed xposed. I am really glad I did. Here is what I like so far:
Adaway - because of ads (can also disable ads without root though)
Vanced YouTube (doesn't require root, but worth mentioning)
Persistent dpi change... Smallest width stays at 451 after reboot
Smali Patcher - magisk module to disable flag_secure so I can screenshot anything
I'll add more when I remember it.
I was rooting every phone in the past because it was easy. Huawei is much more complicated and I didn't want to risk and brick the new phone. Now, after four months with Mate 10, I don't miss root, TWRP and custom ROMs because everything works fine out of the box.
Bloatware apps are uninstalled or disabled, depending on app.
I have ads in only one app for home workout, other 50 apps I use are free of ads.
I use Firefox with uBlock Origin add-on and Youtube Vanced, so no ads here too.
Stock Backup app works fine including auto-backup and I don't need Titanium Backup anymore.
Call recording works fine with Call Recorder - ACR app (even on Android 9 Pie) and I don't need the call recording TWRP patch.
That's all.
domy_os said:
I was rooting every phone in the past because it was easy. Huawei is much more complicated and I didn't want to risk and brick the new phone. Now, after four months with Mate 10, I don't miss root, TWRP and custom ROMs because everything works fine out of the box.
Bloatware apps are uninstalled or disabled, depending on app.
I have ads in only one app for home workout, other 50 apps I use are free of ads.
I use Firefox with uBlock Origin add-on and Youtube Vanced, so no ads here too.
Stock Backup app works fine including auto-backup and I don't need Titanium Backup anymore.
Call recording works fine with Call Recorder - ACR app (even on Android 9 Pie) and I don't need the call recording TWRP patch.
That's all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what do you do for v4a replacement without root?? because..... this is 32 bit 384kHz audio hardware and i think its potential is huge .... but without root.... its not worth it..
Sorry, I don't listen music on the phone.
domy_os said:
Sorry, I don't listen music on the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
respect
Rooting for me :
Full control, using Tasker or Macrodroid - control wifi, radio, cellular, screen, battery charging, etc. so many
Adaway - can use DNS66 for unrooted phones
Full Backups using Titanium or Migrate, moving files - Google backup is not so bad these days though
Nandroid Backups - oh yeah, no fear of disasters
Kernel control - Kernel Adiutor, Ex Kernel Manager, LSpeed, etc.
Apps2SD Pro
I don't use custom roms on my work phones, only on phones for fooling around
Anyway, Huawei Mate 10 not too bad at its unrooted stock with some additional apps like Macrodroid, Gesture Control, Nova Launcher, Greenify, Solid Explorer, Smart Touch Pro.
On this phone, it's a good one that I don't miss the root stuff enough (except for Nandroid backups) to pay Funky Huawei to unlock the bootloader. For their price, I can just add a bit more to get a good Xiaomi phone, and can root at will.

Ads in MIUI 11

I made sure I searched most of the forums (and Google) in order to not make unnecessarily new threads. All the suggestions always point to the same "solution" which doesn't exactly cover the issue.
MIUI is well known for their ads. I read somewhere that Xiaomi is able to sell phones for cheap by forcing Ads all throughout MIUI.
The first thing I do on ANY MIUI phone is make sure I disable all the ads and turn off every setting possible no matter how deep it is buried. It's become so common to me, that I know each extremely buried setting by pure muscle memory.
Here's what I've done.
1: Authorization & Revocation = All DISABLED
2: Manage System App Settings = ALL "receive recommendations" DISABLED
3: Browser app has a hidden Authorization which is not shown in the regular "Authorization & Revocation" menu. = ALSO DISABLED.
4: Device ID and all other hidden ad related options belonging to MIUI and Google = ALL DISABLED.
5: MIUI Account = DISABLED.
6: Any miscellaneous ad related settings = ALL DISABLED.
Here's the problem. (and possible solution/s)
Continues Ads at least once every two days from MUSIC APP and GET APPS. I don't use either of those apps as I have better alternatives.
Solutions that work (but are not actual solutions.)
1: Disable notifications from Music and Get Apps. (Apps still sending ads but they're hidden.)
2: Set region to USA or UK (Get Apps is automatically disabled, so no ads from that. But ads from MUSIC APP still appear.) But this isn't a solution because I lose some MIUI features which are helpful. (Smart Messaging etc.)
I've also disabled data access to both GET APPS as well as MUSIC. The ads still show up. Which means MIUI is using another app or service to push these Ads.
I'm running fully stock MIUI 11.6 Android 10.
Please advise.
If you're rooted with magisk, use adaway. If you arent rooted, use adblock (https://www.xda-developers.com/block-ads-on-android/), or debloat your device using a pc and adb, since using system app uninstaller to remove "unremovable" bloatware will send your device into bootloop after rebooting. So here are the steps -
1. Enable USB debugging in Developer options.
2. Install App Inspector. It will give you a list of apps installed on your device. Navigate to the ones you want to remove (Music and GetApps). Also, remove an app called Quickapps. It has been reported to be spyware, since it has a lot of permissions already enabled and basically is of insignificant value. When you click on an app in App Inspector, it will show some detail like "com.xiaomi.player".
3. Open command prompt (in platform tools folder) on your pc and type adb devices, your device should show up. If it doesn't, you don't have drivers on your pc.
4. Run the following commands-
"adb shell"
"pm uninstall -k --user 0 (the app url from app inspector)" without quotes.
Example for music player "pm uninstall - k --user 0 com.xiaomi.player"
Enter.
It will show success. And your app will be gone for good.
I personally prefer MIUI EU roms. Went from MIUI global to EvolutionX to Havoc and ended up in MIUI EU. No ads, no bloatware, plus a few extra features.
Thank you for taking the time to write a detailed answer. I really mean it, it must have taken quite a lot of time to compose it.
I use this phone primarily for work and banking. So rooting it is out of the question. I understand there are ways around that limitation, but given the possibilities of things getting buggy, I simply just can't take that risk. Even an hour of downtime would be an absolute disaster. I've read a lot about the positives of MIUI European ROM. I only want to know if it is up to date as much as the regular global (India) ROM. If I do commit to flashing, it will have to be a one time thing because I really wouldn't have the time to jump back and forth due to bugs.
As far as uninstall/disable through ADB I'm afraid of getting into that territory too. MIUI is very well known to intentionally break devices that have modifications done to system partition.
For now, I'll try my luck with the Ad Block app you suggested. I have also tried Ad Away (premium trial) with the highest setting of Ad Blocking... It only managed to block ads in browser as well as banner ads in some applications and games.
The ads in Music and Get Apps aren't classified as ads as they are just recommendations from within the app like "Latest vollywood hits" or "Latest games for you" (through a separate service thread.)
If all else fails I'll have to try EU ROM and hope for the best.
Why not just flash a custom MIUI ROM like EU ? ?
Edit: Oh I see that you're not rooted. Sorry. ??
Use Adguard premium apk you wont see any ads in history again
Alrich said:
1: Disable notifications from Music and Get Apps. (Apps still sending ads but they're hidden.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's the problem in disabling in notifications? I had disabled them a long time ago and never knew poco f1 is gettings ads.
You may try changing custom dns to adguard servers. (no idea if that'll work or not)
Alrich said:
Thank you for taking the time to write a detailed answer. I really mean it, it must have taken quite a lot of time to compose it.
I use this phone primarily for work and banking. So rooting it is out of the question. I understand there are ways around that limitation, but given the possibilities of things getting buggy, I simply just can't take that risk. Even an hour of downtime would be an absolute disaster. I've read a lot about the positives of MIUI European ROM. I only want to know if it is up to date as much as the regular global (India) ROM. If I do commit to flashing, it will have to be a one time thing because I really wouldn't have the time to jump back and forth due to bugs.
As far as uninstall/disable through ADB I'm afraid of getting into that territory too. MIUI is very well known to intentionally break devices that have modifications done to system partition.
For now, I'll try my luck with the Ad Block app you suggested. I have also tried Ad Away (premium trial) with the highest setting of Ad Blocking... It only managed to block ads in browser as well as banner ads in some applications and games.
The ads in Music and Get Apps aren't classified as ads as they are just recommendations from within the app like "Latest vollywood hits" or "Latest games for you" (through a separate service thread.)
If all else fails I'll have to try EU ROM and hope for the best.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uninstalling apps through ADB without root has no effect on system partition. It just temporarily uninstalls the apps for current user. They are still in your system partition. If you switch to another user or format your phone your apps will come back. Or you can use ADB commands to install them again. You can also remove Analytics, MSA and MAB which are responsible for Telemetry/ Ads. Only some of the apps cause problems when uninstalled like Security Center so don't remove it ever. If you are still afraid to use commands, you can use Xiaomi ADB and Fastboot Tools. It is a java based software with GUI. So you just need to select the apps and do one click uninstall. MIUI EU is also a good alternative if you are considering to enter the sea of custom roms. It has tons of features, ad free and built-in google apps integration.
Alrich said:
Thank you for taking the time to write a detailed answer. I really mean it, it must have taken quite a lot of time to compose it.
I use this phone primarily for work and banking. So rooting it is out of the question. I understand there are ways around that limitation, but given the possibilities of things getting buggy, I simply just can't take that risk. Even an hour of downtime would be an absolute disaster. I've read a lot about the positives of MIUI European ROM. I only want to know if it is up to date as much as the regular global (India) ROM. If I do commit to flashing, it will have to be a one time thing because I really wouldn't have the time to jump back and forth due to bugs.
As far as uninstall/disable through ADB I'm afraid of getting into that territory too. MIUI is very well known to intentionally break devices that have modifications done to system partition.
For now, I'll try my luck with the Ad Block app you suggested. I have also tried Ad Away (premium trial) with the highest setting of Ad Blocking... It only managed to block ads in browser as well as banner ads in some applications and games.
The ads in Music and Get Apps aren't classified as ads as they are just recommendations from within the app like "Latest vollywood hits" or "Latest games for you" (through a separate service thread.)
If all else fails I'll have to try EU ROM and hope for the best.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like one user said, using adb won't do any harm if you do it right. You can easily remove music and get apps applications without messing up your phone. Even rooting isn't that bad, people just give it a bad name. If you know what you're doing, there's no risk. Keep your phone encrypted, and don't give root access to any app since you don't want to use any root apps. MIUI EU can be used, flashed through custom recovery, but it will revert back to stock recovery if you don't flash magisk. Your phone will work fine, but you'll lose custom recovery. So if you run into a problem with that rom, it will be a longer procedure to resurrect your phone. But its a stable rom so that's highly unlikely. I haven't found any bugs in the latest version of MIUI EU till now.
Else, use an app called Blockada to block ads. Its available on XDA labs, is open source so everything is transparent and free.
(I would suggest you to take some time off and use the adb method. That's your best bet.)

Debloat, save battery and data and improve privacy while we wait for a custom Rom

Hi all, ok so ive done some reading on how to debloat this phone in order to improve the battery life, limit tracking and save data by removing the unneccesary software that runs in the background while we wait for a custom rom to be developed.
Have a look at the following:
Universal Android Debloater
XiaomiADBFastbootTools
Also have a look at F-Droid (and install Aurora Droid) and the Aurora Store if you care about your privacy and the tracking that comes with Playstore apps.
Netguard is also excellent in limiting internet connection to apps you decide (even system apps) in order to save data and to protect your privacy.
If ive missed anything please feel free to post here so all of us can help one another.
Thanks
How I remove system apps without root
Did you try Android GSI (see Phh-usson-GSI)? This is more AOSP ROM type of GSI
>How I remove system apps without root
With xiaomi adbfastboot tools. Working flawlessly
Surendra R sonawane said:
How I remove system apps without root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using ADB. Google
janni0077 said:
Hi all, ok so ive done some reading on how to debloat this phone in order to improve the battery life, limit tracking and save data by removing the unneccesary software that runs in the background while we wait for a custom rom to be developed.
Have a look at the following:
Universal Android Debloater
XiaomiADBFastbootTools
Also have a look at F-Droid (and install Aurora Droid) and the Aurora Store if you care about your privacy and the tracking that comes with Playstore apps.
Netguard is also excellent in limiting internet connection to apps you decide (even system apps) in order to save data and to protect your privacy.
If ive missed anything please feel free to post here so all of us can help one another.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What are the bloatwares you have removed so far? Did anything malfunction after that?
Which bloatware apps are necessary and should not be deleted?
after a mild debloating - the recorded videos don't play.
otherwise I have a feeling every phone has 90% unneeded garbage

Question GrapheneOS experimental version now out for Pixel 6

I found out today that there is an experimental version of GrapheneOS out for Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. Anyone tried it yet?
It has been discussed a bit over here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/root-custom-roms-for-google-pixel-6.4356839/page-2
Also over on Reddit:
https://www.reddit.com/r/GrapheneOS/comments/r68k08
I have Grapheneos exp on my P6 here. No SIM in it, still messing around. Watching and waiting to see what else shows up to compare (Calyxos) before I commit to using it. It appears to be all there and working.
For those out there running Graphene, how has it been as a daily driver? Any issues that would stop one from running it daily?
Diablo2424 said:
For those out there running Graphene, how has it been as a daily driver? Any issues that would stop one from running it daily?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been using it on a Pixel 4 and Pixel 4a. Only minor issue which I expect would also be on the Pixel 6 is that the Material You theming in Android 12 isn't yet supported. That means at this time, the highlight colors in the system menus are a bland grey colour instead of a bright colour. Daniel Micay, the lead developer did say in the Matrix chat group that the customization of colors will eventually be implemented.
I'm hearing it's very stable for Pixel 6.
Does it include google cam or will it work like stock if i install the apk?
No Google Cam. They have their own derivative cam app.
I have had to install ProtonAOSP over GrapheneOS. MS Outlook app crashing after 5 seconds, even after reset all settings. With Proton MS Outlook works fine. I'm not convinced I'l stay with Proton as there is still a heap on Google stuff in this ROM I don't want.
Proton looks complete, haven't seen anything that bothers me with it yet.
paratox said:
Does it include google cam or will it work like stock if i install the apk?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
99% of apps work same as stock. Even my banking app works.
Of course you can install the camera app, it will work the same as stock. You do not need to use the GOS stock camera. I use gcam and photos app, and block both network access. Graphene allows blocking at OS level, not like a simple firewall, in which apps, even if blocked, they can still broadcast their intent to other apps.
Most importantly, you can install google play/store and these apps will behave like normal apps, with no extra permissions. To understand how huge this is, you need first to envision the scope of permissions these apps otherwise have (eg in stock OS or any other phone with google services/play installed).
I think grapheneos is the best thing you can have for your pixel. Its a shame not taking advantage of such amazing and secure OS.
A legend has worked out the Outlook issue:
App crashes related to upstream Webview updates? · Issue #105 · GrapheneOS/Vanadium
My wife started getting some apps crashing shortly after they're opened since updating to GrapheneOS 2021.03.19.14 on her Pixel 4. Is this related to what I've been reading regarding Google's bugge...
github.com
"I've successfully worked around the issue by downgrading to Outlook v4.2123.2."
mi3x said:
99% of apps work same as stock. Even my banking app works.
Of course you can install the camera app, it will work the same as stock. You do not need to use the GOS stock camera. I use gcam and photos app, and block both network access. Graphene allows blocking at OS level, not like a simple firewall, in which apps, even if blocked, they can still broadcast their intent to other apps.
Most importantly, you can install google play/store and these apps will behave like normal apps, with no extra permissions. To understand how huge this is, you need first to envision the scope of permissions these apps otherwise have (eg in stock OS or any other phone with google services/play installed).
I think grapheneos is the best thing you can have for your pixel. Its a shame not taking advantage of such amazing and secure OS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Worth noting about installing GCam. I also need to install the GCam Services spoof apk. I also make sure I disable internet permission for GCam before opening it for the first time. Tapping on the photo preview icon won't work as Google's gallery app is missing. I use Simple Gallery from F-Droid.

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