Question OMG! The amount of bloatware from VZW should be a crime. - Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

This seriously had me considering going back to the Pixel. Unbelievable amount of redundant software, games, just tons of it... ugh...
So is the ADB AppControl program still the best and current option in your opinions for removing the software?
...Or does Flashing a different firmware alleviate this issue?

In my opinion yes. And it's free. You can disable or enable with a click. Also connects wirelessly and can be used to deblaot Galaxy Watch

Installing ADB system wide in Windows has been the way I have always debloated my devices. The amount of Samsung, Google, and T-Mobile bloatware from mine. I use Package Name Viewer 2.0 from the PlayStore to make sure I have the correct package names when uninstalling them.

Adb app control or universal android debloater gui from github either will help you. I shrunk mine to around 22gb after I was done Uninstalling crap

Samsung is a mess. People are still using/buying the N10+; Sammy's last great flagship before they started going off the rails.
New ones can still be had loaded with Q, used ones for much less. If you need 1+tb of storage, good SOT in a powerful, snappy fast well balanced phone with an excellent form factor, this is still a great buy. $300-650 for the Snap variant.
You can use Package Disabler if it works on Android 13, it's the easiest option.
ADB edits is more difficult, but more comprehensive.
Do Not disable the many small Samsung system apps unless you know exactly what they do... and their dependencies if any!!!

Is there a list of what we can disable ?
Tried the adb commands for bixy (that camera thingy) but they're still active...

Google xda samsung optimization adb guide. I don't have the link but that's what it's called

spart0n said:
Google xda samsung optimization adb guide. I don't have the link but that's what it's called
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome thanks !

Not gonna lie MIUI is an mess,
There alot of programs than are useless, and some system bloatwares ( for example Music app, )
And even some system apps have ads, but the ADB or Lucky patcher are an angel to this situation.

People still use Package Disabler..lol the guy charges you each time android updates

butchieboy said:
People still use Package Disabler..lol the guy charges you each time android updates
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's why I use ADB App Control... works great. Gave up on Package Disabler for just that reason.

That was my point. Dropped it couple years ago. Adb app control is the way to go

butchieboy said:
People still use Package Disabler..lol the guy charges you each time android updates
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is another Package Disabler that is cloud based and it's around $6.00 a year. You can buy a licenses for as many phones as you want. Been using it since the Note 10 with no issues at all, and you don't get charged for every android update. You can enable and disable bloat on the fly, no need for a PC or adb.
https://www.packagedisabler.com/

Developer got enough of my money..lol adb app control is free. To each their own

When I had the S22 Ultra, I just installed the U1 firmware. It's much cleaner than Verizon's version and even then you may have to use ADB to eliminate some bloatware.

What bloat are you guys talking about that cant be easily disabled/uninstalled ?

So Samsung finally put the same SoC in the entire S23 lineup. Hurrah, that only took 10 years! Now they should end their duplication of Google Apps. It's hard to imagine Samsung is benefiting in a significant manner by forcing these apps on everyone. Their devices have always had a ton of bloatware then add in the Carrier's crap and you're up to your eyeballs in bloat. We could likely free up 20% of our Internal Storage if Samsung's and the Carrier's sorted this out but it's likely too much of an ask. These aren't their phones we own them!

mobile services manager with AT&T
spinkick said:
What bloat are you guys talking about that cant be easily disabled/uninstalled ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

If it makes you feel any better...simply putting a Verizon SIM in a Pixel still seems to result in some Verizon apps being downloaded.

varcor said:
So Samsung finally put the same SoC in the entire S23 lineup. Hurrah, that only took 10 years! Now they should end their duplication of Google Apps. It's hard to imagine Samsung is benefiting in a significant manner by forcing these apps on everyone. Their devices have always had a ton of bloatware then add in the Carrier's crap and you're up to your eyeballs in bloat. We could likely free up 20% of our Internal Storage if Samsung's and the Carrier's sorted this out but it's likely too much of an ask. These aren't their phones we own them!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually saved more like 50% space by debloating. Went from 59gb to 22gb system space

Related

"ANT" Spyware

A couple days ago I found an interesting app make appearance on my device by the name of "Ant"
I ignored it no big deal just more Google junk auto installing but when I checked Playstore this evening I found "Ant" had update pending.
I also found tons of reviews giving overall rating 2.5 , Some call it NSA spyware etc bad bad stuff slowing device.
That got my attention so I cleared its data freezing using titanium backup.
End result no more Spyware on board and device performance has increased tremendously.
Screen shot shows app files
Most of the ant apps I believe have to do with hardware support for ant+. It's a fitness tracking device.
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
tp2215 said:
Most of the ant apps I believe have to do with hardware support for ant+. It's a fitness tracking device.
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah that's what its builders calling it.
Since it installed on my device without permission , it cant be uninstalled if your not rooted & 90% of playstore posters calling it spyware.
Thats a pretty good sign its up to no good
Don't be silly, ANT+ is just a protocol for devices to share information, an oversimplification, but compare it to Bluetooth. It allows devices (usually fitness wearables) to communicate with your phone correctly. You can uninstall it if you don't have any devices that use ANT but it's not "spyware" and it's not going to slow down your device. People posting in the Play Store are not exactly geniuses...
CitrixLemon said:
Don't be silly, ANT+ is just a protocol for devices to share information, an oversimplification, but compare it to Bluetooth. It allows devices (usually fitness wearables) to communicate with your phone correctly. You can uninstall it if you don't have any devices that use ANT but it's not "spyware" and it's not going to slow down your device. People posting in the Play Store are not exactly geniuses...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah pretty silly , app that auto installs giving you no choice to deny and cant be completely uninstalled from device hmm
its good you have the inside scoop everything's dandy.
http://www.androidauthority.com/nsa-ant-328858/
sling said:
yeah pretty silly , app that auto installs giving you no choice to deny and cant be completely uninstalled from device hmm
its good you have the inside scoop everything's dandy.
http://www.androidauthority.com/nsa-ant-328858/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are a bunch of apps like that on the phone which deal with various wireless communications, you can't turn off the WiFi apps either. Just because the NSA happens to use the same acronym for one of their divisions doesn't mean anything. Although I guess that's what got all the people from the Play Store started. Take your tinfoil hat off...
CitrixLemon said:
There are a bunch of apps like that on the phone which deal with various wireless communications, you can't turn off the WiFi apps either. Just because the NSA happens to use the same acronym for one of their divisions doesn't mean anything. Although I guess that's what got all the people from the Play Store started. Take your tinfoil hat off...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont forget those in XDA forums calling it none spyware.
Who could be right? hmm to each his own I guess believe what you will.
Ive disabled the crap & yes my device performance has improved.
sling said:
A couple days ago I found an interesting app make appearance on my device by the name of "Ant"
I ignored it no big deal just more Google junk auto installing but when I checked Playstore this evening I found "Ant" had update pending.
I also found tons of reviews giving overall rating 2.5 , Some call it NSA spyware etc bad bad stuff slowing device.
That got my attention so I cleared its data freezing using titanium backup.
End result no more Spyware on board and device performance has increased tremendously.
Screen shot shows app files
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can install all the apps you want, but if the NSA want to track you they will. As soon as you hit the Internet, privacy goes out the window for all those paranoids out there.
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Free mobile app
daxecutioner24 said:
You can install all the apps you want, but if the NSA want to track you they will. As soon as you hit the Internet, privacy goes out the window for all those paranoids out there.
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is true but why have app on board that's not manufacture released , Not google app release , auto install on device without you knowing , Cant be fully removed without root
Anyway Developers website - http://www.thisisant.com/consumer/
Everyone needs this app on board , makes sense right?
Its spyware in my book
sling said:
This is true but why have app on board that's not manufacture released , Not google app release , auto install on device without you knowing , Cant be fully removed without root
Anyway Developers website - http://www.thisisant.com/consumer/
Everyone needs this app on board , it makes sense right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the point is that as a wireless connection standard it helps the company (ANT) if they have it preinstalled on as many devices as possible so that they are "ANT+ Ready" so to speak. Samsung's Galaxy Gear line of watches and wearables uses ANT+ so that's probably why they include it, and/or ANT paid them to do it.
CitrixLemon said:
I think the point is that as a wireless connection standard it helps the company (ANT) if they have it preinstalled on as many devices as possible so that they are "ANT+ Ready" so to speak. Samsung's Galaxy Gear line of watches and wearables uses ANT+ so that's probably why they include it, and/or ANT paid them to do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the good news gear functions without it being enabled
Anyway I have no need for it , Those that need enjoy what ever it does for you,
sling said:
Yeah that's what its builders calling it.
Since it installed on my device without permission , it cant be uninstalled if your not rooted & 90% of playstore posters calling it spyware.
Thats a pretty good sign its up to no good
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
90% of Play Store people rate apps 2 stars when it's a user error lol
NSA ain't watching you xD
If you don't want to be snooped on, you better remove Carrier IQ from your phone too.
sling said:
Well the good news gear functions without it being enabled
Anyway I have no need for it , Those that need enjoy what ever it does for you,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lmao.......and what? You think Google isn't keeping tabs on everything you do? And you are worried about a service app like ant?
idk
Why not just run Ubuntu...
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
Wow...this thread is hilarious. .
There watching you...lol..
They installed 2 gigs worth
Of crap I didn't give
them permission Too...lol
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
If the nsa put software on your phone, they wouldn't advertise it.
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
The reviews for this app are hilarious!
Damn narcissists ;]
And seems to have stopped becoming useful
Thread closed
FNSM

Keeping the S7 Without Unlocked Bootloader

I was very excited to see a sale on the S7 at Best Buy and was finally ready to relieve my nearly 4 years old Note II of duty until I came here to look into what mod options were available... only to find that there aren't any yet.
So, for those of you who have bought the S7 and have NOT returned it, what reasons have you decided to stick it out? Were you particularly deep in modding your phone before? Are you just happy with the few tools that have come out so far? Are you holding out hope for an unlocked bootloader eventually?
I haven't completely decided against it, but I'm seriously second guessing staying a Samsung customer after this fiasco. My Note II has been solid and a best, no replacements since I bought it on release, but I am way too into my modifications that I'm not sure I'd enjoy upgrading yet or seeking a third option.
Well I really enjoyed running custom ROMs in the past especially Aosp ones, but the fact that my s5 has cracked screen I not sure I'd want to go back. Since I got the free VR which would be worthless without either S6 or S7, I'm kind of stuck. I mean S6 is no go for me no SD card also IP rating. That aside it isn't to bad I was able to get themed pretty close to Aosp without root and I still have faith that we'll unlock this beast eventually. Samsung can't keep us down.
I came from a G3, before that a Note 2. I came back to samsung because I didn't like anything about the G5 and I was tired of some of the problems in LG's software on the G3. I had both devices rooted running debloated stock roms. The main reason I root is to get rid of apps I cannot uninstall and to block ads while sticking with a stock based rom to be able to use the features the manufacturer built into the software. I am disappointed that we may never get root or an unlocked bootloader as I would like to be able to uninstall some apps like facebook, FB messenger, the 4 amazon apps and the 3 sprint apps I cannot get rid of as well as run an ad blocker.
While I still cannot get rid of ads, There are ways to disable the apps using an app called "Package Disabler Pro" or you can use Gatesjuniors' Debloater which is what I'm using because its one less app on my phone, you can find it here http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/debloater-remove-carrier-bloat-t2998294 . I have Nova launcher installed and have no lag, call quality is great, mobile signal strength and speed is better than I've ever had with Sprint. My wifi reception is equally as impressive as I still have very usable wifi 30+ yards away from my router through the walls in my house. My G3 had trouble connecting 10 yards away (another reason I came back to samsung).
All that being said, this is the first phone I haven't rooted within the first week of getting it and honestly, other than an annoying ad occasionally (as most of my apps and games are paid for so I don't get many ads anyway) I really see no need to root this phone at this time. I've had the S7 for 3 weeks now and I love it. Wireless charging is awesome as I haven't plugged it in to charge since the first week and on that note the fast charging is even more awesome as it will charge 50% in 30 minutes. The peace of mind in the fact that if it gets wet its no big deal. The screen and performance is phenomenal. Its so much easier to handle than the Note 2 was, I don't miss the heft of that phone at all. If you can get the Gear VR I highly recommend it, I was not a believer and thought I would just sell it but decided to try it to see if it was any good and it made a believer out of me, the Gear VR is awesome and a lot of fun.
Get the S7, it is a huge upgrade to the Note 2 and well worth it in my opinion.
I've kept it because the only reason I rooted in the first place was the free hotspot, and it's not essential that I have it, so I can go without. I'm also keeping it because it's a huge improvement in specs over the S5 I had before.
Free stuff
I came from a SGS4. Heavily modded, custom rom etc... As someone mentioned earlier, the main reason I rooted was for free hotspot activation (and some other free -cough- stuff). For now, I have the hotspot activated for free without root. Happy as a clam. The phone is fantastic. Even if/when Sprint forces an update and locks down my hotspot mod, I love the phone and would not switch to something else. I can still put free -cough- stuff on my phone without root. I'm sure someone will eventually find a way to root the device.
makane716 said:
I came from a SGS4. Heavily modded, custom rom etc... As someone mentioned earlier, the main reason I rooted was for free hotspot activation (and some other free -cough- stuff). For now, I have the hotspot activated for free without root. Happy as a clam. The phone is fantastic. Even if/when Sprint forces an update and locks down my hotspot mod, I love the phone and would not switch to something else. I can still put free -cough- stuff on my phone without root. I'm sure someone will eventually find a way to root the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well Sprint just pushed an update that gets rid of the ability to mod the phone to use hotpot. The update became available yesterday and it locks down the APN settings to where they are greyed out.
I have had no such update. I just did the mod 1 hour ago. Working fine.
Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 12:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:44 AM ----------
Macguyver said:
I came from a G3, before that a Note 2. I came back to samsung because I didn't like anything about the G5 and I was tired of some of the problems in LG's software on the G3. I had both devices rooted running debloated stock roms. The main reason I root is to get rid of apps I cannot uninstall and to block ads while sticking with a stock based rom to be able to use the features the manufacturer built into the software. I am disappointed that we may never get root or an unlocked bootloader as I would like to be able to uninstall some apps like facebook, FB messenger, the 4 amazon apps and the 3 sprint apps I cannot get rid of as well as run an ad blocker.
While I still cannot get rid of ads, There are ways to disable the apps using an app called "Package Disabler Pro" or you can use Gatesjuniors' Debloater which is what I'm using because its one less app on my phone, you can find it here http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/debloater-remove-carrier-bloat-t2998294 . I have Nova launcher installed and have no lag, call quality is great, mobile signal strength and speed is better than I've ever had with Sprint. My wifi reception is equally as impressive as I still have very usable wifi 30+ yards away from my router through the walls in my house. My G3 had trouble connecting 10 yards away (another reason I came back to samsung).
All that being said, this is the first phone I haven't rooted within the first week of getting it and honestly, other than an annoying ad occasionally (as most of my apps and games are paid for so I don't get many ads anyway) I really see no need to root this phone at this time. I've had the S7 for 3 weeks now and I love it. Wireless charging is awesome as I haven't plugged it in to charge since the first week and on that note the fast charging is even more awesome as it will charge 50% in 30 minutes. The peace of mind in the fact that if it gets wet its no big deal. The screen and performance is phenomenal. Its so much easier to handle than the Note 2 was, I don't miss the heft of that phone at all. If you can get the Gear VR I highly recommend it, I was not a believer and thought I would just sell it but decided to try it to see if it was any good and it made a believer out of me, the Gear VR is awesome and a lot of fun.
Get the S7, it is a huge upgrade to the Note 2 and well worth it in my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can still block ads without root. adguard.com . Uses a local vpn to filter out the ads. It does consume a small amount of data to do so. Might not be the best choice on low data plans.
I know with the Sprint unlimited anything plan, they made mobile hotspot up to 3GB included. I don't actually use it much anyway, so that may be enough for me. I'm still so very on the fence.
People keep talking about free VR, how did you get it for free??
VassagoX said:
I know with the Sprint unlimited anything plan, they made mobile hotspot up to 3GB included. I don't actually use it much anyway, so that may be enough for me. I'm still so very on the fence.
People keep talking about free VR, how did you get it for free??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apart of a pre-order promo which I would guess is over now.
VassagoX said:
I know with the Sprint unlimited anything plan, they made mobile hotspot up to 3GB included. I don't actually use it much anyway, so that may be enough for me. I'm still so very on the fence.
People keep talking about free VR, how did you get it for free??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on the Sprint unlimited everything plan. I could not activate the hotspot without the mod. Of course, I activated my phone via website. But then, that's how I got my msl code to mod the apn. Oh well.
El.Dante565 said:
Apart of a pre-order promo which I would guess is over now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahhh, gotcha. Then I guess I'm out of luck on that one. Best Buy has a pretty good promo for $99 right now with a free wireless charger, so I guess that eats the cost of the VR if you wanted to buy it. I'm thinking about it.
makane716 said:
I'm on the Sprint unlimited everything plan. I could not activate the hotspot without the mod. Of course, I activated my phone via website. But then, that's how I got my msl code to mod the apn. Oh well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's strange. Are you on the $75 plan? It's supposed to be included.
VassagoX said:
Ahhh, gotcha. Then I guess I'm out of luck on that one. Best Buy has a pretty good promo for $99 right now with a free wireless charger, so I guess that eats the cost of the VR if you wanted to buy it. I'm thinking about it.
That's strange. Are you on the $75 plan? It's supposed to be included.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I was. Bestbuy did not want to honor the $99.99 sale price with 2 year activation (my current contract had expired at the beginning of the month) as they said Sprint wouldn't let them. So I chewed Sprint up and down until they pushed the upgrade through at $99.99. So I did tge activation swap through the website. Now I see I'm on a DIFFERENT unlimited plan. Some kinda "framily" plan for $30. Oh well. Still unlimited
Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk
makane716 said:
I have had no such update. I just did the mod 1 hour ago. Working fine.
Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 12:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:44 AM ----------
You can still block ads without root. adguard.com . Uses a local vpn to filter out the ads. It does consume a small amount of data to do so. Might not be the best choice on low data plans.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I'll give that a shot. I have unlimited data so it's not a worry.
I use about 100gb a month on data with hotspot. S7 not my option anymore. LG G5 is next.
Yeah, I think I'm going to hold off as well at this point. I want to see if they will bend under pressure.
eloko said:
I use about 100gb a month on data with hotspot. S7 not my option anymore. LG G5 is next.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mobile has announced the LG G5 will have a locked bootloader. Will have to see if other providers will follow suit.
makane716 said:
T-Mobile has announced the LG G5 will have a locked bootloader. Will have to see if other providers will follow suit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What?! Oh man... Tmo and sprint are the unlocked ones.. But if tmo is locked, more likely sprint will...
Seriously?! What are these companies thinking? Do they not realize how much of their sales is due to the modifiable side of their phones?
VassagoX said:
Seriously?! What are these companies thinking? Do they not realize how much of their sales is due to the modifiable side of their phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is exactly why I moved from iOS to android. The ability to take 3rd party apps, straight out of the box and modify bloatware, the ui, etc...
Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk
makane716 said:
That is exactly why I moved from iOS to android. The ability to take 3rd party apps, straight out of the box and modify bloatware, the ui, etc...
Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The first part of this post will be my response to the OP post. The second part will address the user I quoted.
I actually bought this phone because I am losing my desire to mod/flash/root etc. While it's been fun the past 8 years or so, I've realized it has consumed TONS of my time. I can honestly say it got to the point where when I got home, the first thing I would do is get on my laptop or the app and open XDA. Next thing I know I'm flashing a new ROM only to find out in a few days or so that it lacks "this" feature or "that" feature isn't working properly and I'm back on xda looking for something different. It gets old having to reflash the phone because I "couldn't hear outgoing calls" or incoming mms wasn't working. I know seasoned xda members know as well as I that once you tweak one thing it inherently messes up another. Anyhow, this phone is a beast without root. No need for overclock, or even flashing a CM/AOSP rom. If I wanted that I would've picked up a Nexus. As a previous usuer mentioned, adblocking is possible without root as well as hotspot. I'm happy with my S7 and keeping it. Now regarding the user's quote, Samsung is the driver of Android sales worldwide. They want to keep that spot and unfortunately the vast majority of their users don't care about root. Samsung is taking on Apple knuckle to knuckle and in order to win over customers from Apple, they will have to provide the same level of security and functionality as Apple which means no root. Winning over Apple customers will yield them way more profit in the short and long run vs. providing unlock for their "power" users. I'm not cheering on Samsung to continue making their devices "NSA" friendly, but in a world of ever increasing security threats particularly of the cyber nature, rooting will become increasingly more difficult as OEMs try to gain their customers' confidence in the security of their mobile devices.

App launch speed

OMG! Kim K posted another selfie with tons of cleavage! Rate this thread to express how quickly apps launch on the LG G6. A higher rating indicates that even the most intensive apps launch quickly and without hesitation, even if they are no longer in RAM.
Then, drop a comment if you have anything to add!
Everything I've launched opens blazingly fast, and I have over 400 apps installed already. (copied a lot of my other stuff from my other phone over to it. OH, and I did it with LG Backup / LG Mobile Switch which worked much quicker than expected. Even the installations of the apps was almost instant each... well except really big apps/games, but those still took no time compared to my older phones.
Unfortunately I had to Rate one star. The basic feature of adding a 2nd google account to google apps, freezes the phone and crashes. Without Root, on a verizon locked bootloader I will be unable to fix the problem. Looks like I need to return, and consider the Pixel or purchase a MXPE.
chinchillables said:
Everything I've launched opens blazingly fast, and I have over 400 apps installed already. (copied a lot of my other stuff from my other phone over to it. OH, and I did it with LG Backup / LG Mobile Switch which worked much quicker than expected. Even the installations of the apps was almost instant each... well except really big apps/games, but those still took no time compared to my older phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You used Lg Backup and Switch to copy apps because you already had an Lg phone or does it work with other brands?
I copied from my LG-G2 to my LG-G5 via the WiFi option. I'm not sure if it'll work with other phones, but I'd think it was LG specific.
Yeah probably.
I don't know of anything else than Titanium Backup on rooted phones to get every apps exactly like they were from a phone to another.
There is a 1-2 second lag after tapping an app icon and time to get launched
LG Bridge wouldn't work on Win 7 64x
chinchillables said:
Everything I've launched opens blazingly fast, and I have over 400 apps installed already. (copied a lot of my other stuff from my other phone over to it. OH, and I did it with LG Backup / LG Mobile Switch which worked much quicker than expected. Even the installations of the apps was almost instant each... well except really big apps/games, but those still took no time compared to my older phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was going to use this LG software to backup my Sprint LG G6 phone on my computer. Software installed on computer properly. Couldn't get it to work as software wouldn't recognize USB connection. Samsung support said software only works with Win 10. Nothing on their website says anything about this restriction. Just FYI...
ben cherian said:
There is a 1-2 second lag after tapping an app icon and time to get launched
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apparently it's much better with the Oreo update. Older iPhones do not have this delay (although the content takes longer to load). No reason for it other than software.
I still can't get the LG Bridge software to work on my computer either, which is win7 so I believe the Win10 only thing. I think that was a stupid move by them, but I use other ways to backup so not too concerned.
Android 8.0 is an amazing update. I already loved my phone for what it is but with this update, I gained over 3GB of space back on my internal storage (i guess it removed clutter and uses a smaller framework) and all of the new options seem to allow much more control than before.
I was going to jump to the LG-G7, but being that I already bought 2 of the 10,000 maH extended batteries for this one that serve me well, I don't think I'm going to change anytime soon. I have a backup phone (bought 2 LG-G6) so I am just going to use the LG Backup thing and copy everything to my other phone. if anything happens I can just start that one and have an almost exact duplicate, minus any updates i've done and whatever was on the SD card which i'm sure is just booty shaking videos, dot pixel porn, photos, music, and random stuff I probably shouldnt be wasting space on anyway.
chinchillables said:
I still can't get the LG Bridge software to work on my computer either, which is win7 so I believe the Win10 only thing. I think that was a stupid move by them, but I use other ways to backup so not too concerned.
Android 8.0 is an amazing update. I already loved my phone for what it is but with this update, I gained over 3GB of space back on my internal storage (i guess it removed clutter and uses a smaller framework) and all of the new options seem to allow much more control than before.
I was going to jump to the LG-G7, but being that I already bought 2 of the 10,000 maH extended batteries for this one that serve me well, I don't think I'm going to change anytime soon. I have a backup phone (bought 2 LG-G6) so I am just going to use the LG Backup thing and copy everything to my other phone. if anything happens I can just start that one and have an almost exact duplicate, minus any updates i've done and whatever was on the SD card which i'm sure is just booty shaking videos, dot pixel porn, photos, music, and random stuff I probably shouldnt be wasting space on anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this relevant to app launch speed?
Just did a factory reset, a long time after installing the Oreo update which gave me a few other issues...
Apps load up without a single hesitation now! It's fantastic.
I finally bit the bullet and did this too, and there is an improvement in the opening apps lag. Let's hope it holds up over time.
MDW 100 said:
Just did a factory reset, a long time after installing the Oreo update which gave me a few other issues...
Apps load up without a single hesitation now! It's fantastic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Life after ROOT

So. I did a bunch of complaining about the T-Mobile network lock and the whole waiting game.. Then I found out that I had to wait an additional undetermined amount of days tp get the OEM key from OnePlus.. Grrrrrr... Arrrggg!! Well if any of you have a Nord 10 5G from the USA and it happens to be a carrier phone its gonna take at least 45 days from Carrier to OEM before you can root the thing. Just this morning, and after a long wait with much study on this process, I finally had my climactic victory with my first rooted device with a custom ROM. I am seriously a novice when it comes to these phones. Thank Geebus I have some sort of tech understanding and a ton of patience because I now have a beautifully modded Nord N10 5G that runs like a Pixel 5 with all the bells and whistles. A great deal of thanks goes to you folks for providing me the tools and know how to get thru this. The new PixelExperience_Plus ROM worked like a charm. And my ignorant American ass got it right on the fist try! I can't wait to see what kinds of new things you all will let me chew on in the near future. Cheers!!
Spidermonkeyj75 said:
So. I did a bunch of complaining about the T-Mobile network lock and the whole waiting game.. Then I found out that I had to wait an additional undetermined amount of days tp get the OEM key from OnePlus.. Grrrrrr... Arrrggg!! Well if any of you have a Nord 10 5G from the USA and it happens to be a carrier phone its gonna take at least 45 days from Carrier to OEM before you can root the thing. Just this morning, and after a long wait with much study on this process, I finally had my climactic victory with my first rooted device with a custom ROM. I am seriously a novice when it comes to these phones. Thank Geebus I have some sort of tech understanding and a ton of patience because I now have a beautifully modded Nord N10 5G that runs like a Pixel 5 with all the bells and whistles. A great deal of thanks goes to you folks for providing me the tools and know how to get thru this. The new PixelExperience_Plus ROM worked like a charm. And my ignorant American ass got it right on the fist try! I can't wait to see what kinds of new things you all will let me chew on in the near future. Cheers!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm currently on my 6th rooted phone and I can assure you that typically it's never a relaxed process: You're always anxious because you don't want to turn your phone into a useless brick (unbootable and no possible fix).
However, just like you, all the knowledge we gain when rooting the phones it's totally worthy.
Now, since this is your first root, I want to share some useful root-required apps with you (most of them are not available on Google's play store, you can find them on F-Droid for example):
AdAway: System-wide free and open-source ad blocker. It has predefined ads lists. Some games where you get rewards for viewing ads either show an error when viewing the ad or give will simply reward you instantly without showing the ad.
AFWall+: System-wide firewall that blocks internet access for certain apps: Useful to avoid fishy apps to send your personal info to their servers. For example ATM I'm blocking Microsoft SwiftKey Keyboard, Google Messages and Google Phone.
Bouncer (paid): Gives temporary permissions to the apps and remembers your option: If you want to send an image through facebook go ahead, allow the external storage access, then later a notification shows up asking you to remove the pending temporary permissions.
OverrideDNS (paid): Probably the best DNS overrider you can find, it listens for new connections and automatically changes the DNS to your desired one.
Greenify: It's a huge helper on battery saving, allows you to select apps that you don't want to allow to run on background: Greenify kills these apps. Useful if you're like me and you have lots of apps that you use ONLY when needed, for instance, I don't want any of my games to run on background and I don't want to be bothered by game notifications.
Boot animations for superuser: Allows you to flash custom boot animations. Be careful with this app, I didn't try it yet on OP N10 (since I actually like Oxygen's boot animation).
Tasker (paid): Now this is where the fun begins... You can automate pretty much anything! Let me give you some examples that I have on my tasker:
Managing some custom profiles (technically speaking, custom tasks). I have 2 pre-defined profiles: Home and Outside (they change screen brightness, volumes, vibration, display timeout, wi-fi state, mobile data state, and so on, and these values depend if I'm connected to my smartwatch or not).
If my phone connects to my car's BT system, I forced tasker into changing to my Outside profile. If my phone is at my house's coordinates, it changes to home profile.
Whenever I connect my headset, it automatically opens Spotify.
When I received a text message, my torch flashes 3 times.
If my battery reaches 10%, it automatically sends my GF a message saying my battery is running low.
Whenever I open Google Maps, my GPS turns on.
Do you have links to these wonderful apps?
Spidermonkeyj75 said:
Do you have links to these wonderful apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes.
AdAway (or get it from F-Droid)
AFWall+ (you can also find it on Google Play or F-Droid)
Bouncer: You can either visit the author's website or get it on Google Play
OverrideDNS (you can find it on Google Play)
Greenify (you can find it on Google Play)
Boot animations for Super User (you can find it on Google Play)
Tasker (you can find it on Google Play)
You can also see some examples of tasker capabilities on the author's YouTube channel.
Oh man, wait until you get apps like V4A running.
It's a whole new ballpark, just gotta be careful not to hit too many foul balls.
So make sure to keep a backup whenever you start messing around.
CF Lumen (Play Store)
Titanium Backup (Play Store)
Solid Explorer (Play Store)
I thought the advantage to buying OnePlus phones is that they do not lock the bootloader, so no rooting is required (I read that somewhere online). Is that not correct?
I have been thinking about the N10 or 8T, but the lack of carrier support is making me hesitant. Also, the N10 has very good specs for the price, but with only one Android update and only 2 years of security updates, it would (I assume) need to have a custom rom installed after that to maintain security. Is that correct?
stealth49rt said:
I thought the advantage to buying OnePlus phones is that they do not lock the bootloader, so no rooting is required (I read that somewhere online). Is that not correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not correct, the bootloader is still locked but:
If you unlock it, the device will still pass Google's SafetyNet check (which is used to check if your device is reliable to use more sensitive APPs/features: Netflix, Brave's rewards feature, some payment APPs). When I rooted my Xiaomi MI A3, unlocking the bootloader made the device being marked as untrustworthy, and therefore failing the SafetyNet.
OnePlus allows users to root their phone without voiding the warranty.
stealth49rt said:
I have been thinking about the N10 or 8T, but the lack of carrier support is making me hesitant. Also, the N10 has very good specs for the price, but with only one Android update and only 2 years of security updates, it would (I assume) need to have a custom rom installed after that to maintain security. Is that correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean carrier support? The first time I bought an OP device, they weren't even officially selling in my country.
Are you telling me that your country still sim-locks the devices? Why don't you buy it directly from oneplus.com? I think those are unlocked.
If you're referring to the frequency support, you can Google to check the frequency coverage in your area and compare with the device's supported frequencies.
OP's typically have a good ROM support, try Pixel Experience...
lbsilva said:
Not correct, the bootloader is still locked but:
If you unlock it, the device will still pass Google's SafetyNet check (which is used to check if your device is reliable to use more sensitive APPs/features: Netflix, Brave's rewards feature, some payment APPs). When I rooted my Xiaomi MI A3, unlocking the bootloader made the device being marked as untrustworthy, and therefore failing the SafetyNet.
OnePlus allows users to root their phone without voiding the warranty.
What do you mean carrier support? The first time I bought an OP device, they weren't even officially selling in my country.
Are you telling me that your country still sim-locks the devices? Why don't you buy it directly from oneplus.com? I think those are unlocked.
If you're referring to the frequency support, you can Google to check the frequency coverage in your area and compare with the device's supported frequencies.
OP's typically have a good ROM support, try Pixel Experience...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I apologize for my confusing message. I am in the USA. By "carriers" I meant companies like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc. I am currently on Republic Wireless with a Moto G5s Plus (stuck on Android 8 and no more security patches either). RW doesn't allow the N10 5G yet on their network. I have only found a few MVNOs that do (e.g. Mint Mobile). Just about all support phones from Moto and Samsung. So I feel I may be going out on a limb getting a OnePlus phone.
AT&T actually (temporarily) suspended my account for turning the N105G on, with my AT&T SIM in it. Learned the hard way no one answers the phone anymore outside business hours, glad I didn't need to make any calls or do it on Friday at 5:01p. They got fired for that.
TMobile took it happily, no issues with activation, nice 5G signal (we don't have MMw in my city, but uses one of the other bands). Speed varies by location/tower, but have clocked downloads over 380Mbs. Note that Tmobile uses IPV6 and IPV4, so for certain things like VPNs you either have to futz with the APN settings to do IPV4 only, or make sure you have IPV6 functionality on destination sites (when you do, works pretty damn slick, I must say).
The thought of using Verizon makes me want to throw up, so no comments on that one.
Hope that helps.
SomeRandomGuy said:
AT&T actually (temporarily) suspended my account for turning the N105G on, with my AT&T SIM in it. Learned the hard way no one answers the phone anymore outside business hours, glad I didn't need to make any calls or do it on Friday at 5:01p. They got fired for that.
TMobile took it happily, no issues with activation, nice 5G signal (we don't have MMw in my city, but uses one of the other bands). Speed varies by location/tower, but have clocked downloads over 380Mbs. Note that Tmobile uses IPV6 and IPV4, so for certain things like VPNs you either have to futz with the APN settings to do IPV4 only, or make sure you have IPV6 functionality on destination sites (when you do, works pretty damn slick, I must say).
The thought of using Verizon makes me want to throw up, so no comments on that one.
Hope that helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a reason why AT&T is losing customers
stealth49rt said:
I apologize for my confusing message. I am in the USA. By "carriers" I meant companies like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc. I am currently on Republic Wireless with a Moto G5s Plus (stuck on Android 8 and no more security patches either). RW doesn't allow the N10 5G yet on their network. I have only found a few MVNOs that do (e.g. Mint Mobile). Just about all support phones from Moto and Samsung. So I feel I may be going out on a limb getting a OnePlus phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have the ability to mod your phone, I mean install a custom ROM I suggest Pixel experience and Deepest. I've run them both and you have a lot more control over your radio options and network capability. Good luck!
Spidermonkeyj75 said:
If you have the ability to mod your phone, I mean install a custom ROM I suggest Pixel experience and Derpfest I've run them both and you have a lot more control over your radio options and network capability. Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Spidermonkeyj75 said:
So. I did a bunch of complaining about the T-Mobile network lock and the whole waiting game.. Then I found out that I had to wait an additional undetermined amount of days tp get the OEM key from OnePlus.. Grrrrrr... Arrrggg!! Well if any of you have a Nord 10 5G from the USA and it happens to be a carrier phone its gonna take at least 45 days from Carrier to OEM before you can root the thing. Just this morning, and after a long wait with much study on this process, I finally had my climactic victory with my first rooted device with a custom ROM. I am seriously a novice when it comes to these phones. Thank Geebus I have some sort of tech understanding and a ton of patience because I now have a beautifully modded Nord N10 5G that runs like a Pixel 5 with all the bells and whistles. A great deal of thanks goes to you folks for providing me the tools and know how to get thru this. The new PixelExperience_Plus ROM worked like a charm. And my ignorant American ass got it right on the fist try! I can't wait to see what kinds of new things you all will let me chew on in the near future. Cheers!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, i just had to ditch my pixel2 when the screen died and got the nord 10 5g. if rooted plenty of phones before but never had to wait to get an oem key from a vendor. would you mind elaborating on this point before i head into nightmare?
frankygoes said:
Hi, i just had to ditch my pixel2 when the screen died and got the nord 10 5g. if rooted plenty of phones before but never had to wait to get an oem key from a vendor. would you mind elaborating on this point before i head into nightmare?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem, if you have a T-Mobile carrier you will have to jump thru a few hoops to get your network (SIM) unlock , then you have to run a command via ADB to get the unlock code, :But WAIT ! There' s MORE" When that has al come to pass you have to get the unlock token from OnePlus and while in Fastboot Mode , you have to flash the cust-unlock.bin file to unlock the bootloader. Afterwards you can load whatever you want in there. Unfortunately, the Nord N10 5G doesn't get a lot of support or updates which sucks because it's not a bad device on the right platform. I'm looking to try the A/B GSI Flash method since the device is Treble worthy. Good luck! Hope you fare better than I did my first go-around.
thanks for the response. So i got an unlocked phone into which i put my existing SIM card. went into the developer settings and enabled "allow bootloader to be unlocked." you are saying that to now actually unlock the bootloader i need a code from oneplus?
Yep. A big pain in the ass.

A few various questions for current active modders of the V30 ... Aka: "Help, I'm a noob again"

Quick preamble note: This is a long read, but it's because it's been a long time since I touched a V30. So it's hard for me to put a TLDR synopsis at the bottom like I would normally do.
Hey all. It's been a while since Ive been in this part of the cell-iverse and I'm hoping you current V30 users can catch me up , please and thanks!
So a few days ago, one of my old posts in here got a little traction and it made me nostalgic, so I busted out the old v30 and started playing around with it. And if it were still 3 years ago, I could do no wrong to my trusty V30. Brick it? NBD! I can fix it... But a pandemic and few phones later I'm rusty and behind with all things Root / Magisk etc and even having a tough time remembering why I installed X module or disabled Y module and so on.
Maybe you're wondering, why bother messing with your old device? Well I had forgotten how many features Google had blocked between ol Android 8 and 13, and it turns out I really missed some of those and want to mess around with them. But, since updating or installing anything current could mean death for my 30, I'm hoping I can post my current Magisk config here and some kind folks will alert me as to what I should and shouldn't do / update / upgrade.
Specs:
Sprint (not currently connected to any network, and disabled anything I could think of to avoid getting hit by a TMo or Google Update)
LG-LS998
Android 8.0
security patch January 1 2019
build # OPR1.170623.026
SW: LS99827a
If anyone has a suggestion for what I need to disable to be sure it won't shadily get nerfed by Google, please let me know (auto updates/ota updates should be disabled still, but only by whatever standard we were using 3 years ago)
So first biggie is: Can I update Magisk? Currently I'm running 23.0 and its recommending an update to 25.2
Anyone know if this is going to be a compatibility issue?
As it stands, my Magisk Hide ft. seems to be working for everything i had it set up before. But I did install an old copy of an old APK and hide it, and Play is kinda having a fit about it and sending me notifications even after hiding it. (I dont think Im allowed to use the name of the app here, so I guess all I can say is Google has always tried to ban it and it's the same version as before but now they can see its installed somehow)
Ok, so let's talk modules....
Currently only looking at one possible update. That's for the dialer framework for the Google Phone. Now I know Google has opened up availability to their dialer to most phones now, maybe all of them. But I don't know if it's backwards compatible all the way to 8. I also don't know if updating the dialer framework will actually make it work. So any advice there is welcome.
Modules loaded & their status :
Abd & fastboot for Android NDK. Enabled.
Seems to be working fine. Or at least not causing an issue. I haven't run any log cats yet though. (Prob should , will do soon)
Anxious V30 v324 / Disabled.
I do remember I loved her mods that she was putting out. And then I remember a bunch of people giving her a hard time and she stopped releasing them which was a shame. But I don't remember why I disabled it so for now it's staying disabled unless someone has some info for me.
App systemizer (terminal emulator) / enabled
Seems to be running fine, but I completely forget how to actually use it and I'm going to have to read up on that again. But if anyone has any notes for me like that it doesn't work anymore please feel free to give me a heads up.
******
Okay well I just realized there's like 19 more of these and this is already so long I don't know if anyone's going to care to read it LOL... So I'm just going to stop here for now and see if this post gets any kind of traction or if anyone has any kind of insight before I take the time of writing out the rest of these. Or at least wait to edit this till I'm on a computer and not just my phone. But a definitely need some info on things like APP OPS, which is no longer working for me, & things like Riru & SUI which I just read up on a little but am not sure will work on OS 8.
But for now any insights anybody has are welcome. Would love to hear from any of you that have been active in the last few years to now.
Personal Throwback Note: I love that all of my wifi scanners actually work now, I can review and diagnose my own network and the apps on my own phone and what their sending and where.. And that I can share files, cast, beam, and just about send anything anywhere I want, like the old days.
It's amazing how badly Google nerfed all of these things since back then.
Are you planning on connecting this to a carrier, or just using it on Wifi or something?
Generally speaking, I would recommend moving to the latest US998 ROM, as it seems to be the most cross-compatible and capable. UNLESS you're going to put it on a carrier, like VZW, in which case you would want the VZW ROM instead, to allow VOLTE/VOWIFI to work. I think other carriers may not be as tricky about these, which is why US998 should work, but I'm not sure myself (I'm a VZW MVNO user).
As for Magisk, the last I heard was that you can update it after you've installed it. In other words, you can't install newer versions via TWRP, but if you install 18.x (whichever it was - I forget, check the WTF thread) then you can let the Android manager update it. Last I think I did was to 22 or something. Basically, give it a try and see what happens - worst case, drop back into TWRP, use the Magisk remover, and then reinstall the old 18.x... it should recover with that.
I'm not sure of modules. I didn't use too many... I found Magisk modules to cause lots of problems, so I stopped using them. That may be why you disabled Anxious' module... because it's out of date now anyway.
I'm curious, what are you "missing" from the newer Android versions? I'm curious... because I don't mind it much. Things have moved. Some things have been "automated"... but that happens with every OS... change is part of the game.
schwinn8 said:
Are you planning on connecting this to a carrier, or just using it on Wifi or something?
Generally speaking, I would recommend moving to the latest US998 ROM, as it seems to be the most cross-compatible and capable. UNLESS you're going to put it on a carrier, like VZW, in which case you would want the VZW ROM instead, to allow VOLTE/VOWIFI to work. I think other carriers may not be as tricky about these, which is why US998 should work, but I'm not sure myself (I'm a VZW MVNO user).
As for Magisk, the last I heard was that you can update it after you've installed it. In other words, you can't install newer versions via TWRP, but if you install 18.x (whichever it was - I forget, check the WTF thread) then you can let the Android manager update it. Last I think I did was to 22 or something. Basically, give it a try and see what happens - worst case, drop back into TWRP, use the Magisk remover, and then reinstall the old 18.x... it should recover with that.
I'm not sure of modules. I didn't use too many... I found Magisk modules to cause lots of problems, so I stopped using them. That may be why you disabled Anxious' module... because it's out of date now anyway.
I'm curious, what are you "missing" from the newer Android versions? I'm curious... because I don't mind it much. Things have moved. Some things have been "automated"... but that happens with every OS... change is part of the game.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the info! This will definitely give me a starting point Tomorrow as I will be attempting to reload my most recent back up and get back up and running. (Yes, I have been smited by the update gods)
I was planning to keep it as a network testing device and not activate on a carrier. But that was a shortlived dream.
As for what's missing since the older versions, I can only give vague examples due to my own level of non-expertise in these areas... But the short answer is connections, ports and just overall access and compatibility within the devices itself and with other products. My current device (Samsung s22 ultra) can barely cast to my tv. While my V30 when it was working well, could basically cast or connect to any device in my home. Plus full dlna access. I could also use the old versions of my network apps to see every piece of data coming and going on my network. (This is possible today with apps that do so by acting as a VPN, but back in 2019 it was accessable by any app that could put out a "get" command). And there was more customizable settings for things like GPS (remember when we could choose between 3 different versions of location access?)
I should also say that I prob misspoke by blaming the os versions. After having my V30 nerfed out of root in under 2 hrs of usage, I'm now pretty sure the features I was referring to have been removed with security updates and not full os updates.
I tried, unsuccessfully, to block play services from installing a 550mb "security "update that they claimed was going to ensure my VOLTE would work after January 1st 2022. (Even though my VOLTE was already enabled and working fine as far back as 2019). I took a screenshot that I need to get off the device before re flash. I was trying to pull the update file so I could dig through it, but not install. Things went poorly lol.
But anyway, stay tuned, as I know that was a half ass answer and poor explanation, but when I have some time tomorrow, I'm going to reply here with a full write up on the differences, screenshots, and whatever else I can come up with.
I'm sure this will prob only be interesting to about 4 of us, so this is mostly going to be for my own curiosity and I don't expect to really achieve much, but please feel free to jump in with any questions or comments or point out anything I get wrong, as I'm happy to have company on my tinkering through tech time journey.
I have an S10+ now... and I'm quite happy with it. The key is that I gave up root to be on this... I had root on the V30. I know many complain about losing root, and I get it... I'd certainly prefer to have it. However, fact is, I really don't miss it. Yes, things are different without root, but you can do most things without it. But, that's just my take on it...
Without a carrier, I'd say do US998. I forgot to mention, I would recommend sticking to a non-Pie version of the OS as well. Pie was released on these phones, but it wasn't reliable from what I heard. I never went to it, and stuck with Oreo. The version numbers would be 20-ish for Oreo, and 30-ish for Pie. I did see that the US998 might be a bit better on Pie, but I knew VS996 (VZW ROM) was not great, which is why I stayed off it.
Yes, various things were removed with app updates and Google services updates. For example, call recording is being blocked these days, from what I've been reading. That's partly why I have not updated my S10+ either... it's on Android 11. I still use the same old app I used ages ago on my V30 and it works great, so why bother, you know?
I expect OTA OS updates are gone... and being off a carrier you won't get them anyway. So I don't think you need to worry about that specifically, but app updates will happen, of course... potentially. Just remember that with root you can uninstall the update and push an older version (from APKpure, for example) so I'm not sure I'd worry about that so much?
My V30 is using US998 as its base on Android Pie. US998 runs VoWifi and VoLTE well.
I'm still running Magisk 22.1 on mine. You only really need to update Magisk if you're using a newer Android version. I only run three modules: ACC, Systemless Hosts and Systemless TZData.
On the Google side, disable Play Store and uninstall all Google Play Services updates. Then run Aurora Store as its replacement. That way, Play Store will not auto-update Play Services.
aospray said:
My V30 is using US998 as its base on Android Pie. US998 runs VoWifi and VoLTE well.
I'm still running Magisk 22.1 on mine. You only really need to update Magisk if you're using a newer Android version. I only run three modules: ACC, Systemless Hosts and Systemless TZData.
On the Google side, disable Play Store and uninstall all Google Play Services updates. Then run Aurora Store as its replacement. That way, Play Store will not auto-update Play Services.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm curious what carrier do you use, where you are getting VoWIFI and VoLTE on stock US998 firmware? Originally T-mobile (and their MVNOs) allowed VoWIFI on US998, but with carrier system updates post-Sprint merger that reportedly went away. First with newer SIM cards and then even for those who stubbornly stayed on older SIM cards, by carrier side server changes.
ChazzMatt said:
I'm curious what carrier do you use, where you are getting VoWIFI and VoLTE on stock US998 firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, I should have mentioned I'm in Canada. Currently on Freedom Mobile. I made a post about this here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...unctional-and-available.3834267/post-87838705. Forgot that the mobile situation in the US is different
Greetings all.
Merry Christmas / Happy Hanukkah, and so on to everyone. Apologies on my delay, my timeline was interrupted by the obligatory holiday errands and what not. Hoping to have some time tomorrow to finally post some screen grabs and a write up over the next day or two.
Have a great weekend everyone!
I hate being the guy that doesn't follow through with his plans/posts, but I definitely overestimated my free time around this time of year (I work in the entertainment industry and in the tech industry simultaneously, so end of year is a bit double down crazy for me) So I still haven't had a chance to boot up my V30 again since that first day I used it and lost root (somehow OTA) in a matter of hours.
But that's said, all of this has created a new interest for me, and it will prob turn into a post elsewhere in the forum down the road, but for now I'll expand on it here since it's mildly related and stemmed from my curiosity about features being lost over time...
I've been noticing, almost daily, that Google is restricting more and more parts of the Android OS. Curious if the rest of you have noticed this as well.
On my current device, an update from this past week, restricted general access to the Android > Data folder.
Now I'm all for better security on our devices, but a change that big out of the blue has major effects on the average user.
My personal example: an app I use for songs and separate app that I use for video, both got firewalled with this change. They can both still operate and save files to their default locations inside the data folder. But now I cannot reach it through a file manager, or the app I was using to sort media on my device. That app now cannot see any media that isn't in the general download, music, video, or documents folders.
But the real problem is neither can my video or audio players.
The newest security does allow the "Data" folders to be accessed when done so through a computer. But what a hassle that is. Especially if you're like me and have always cheaped out and bought the smaller storage option devices. Back when expandle storage worked properly that was an easy fix, and after that and until now its always been fairly easy to push excess files to a cloud drive. But with this new change, making files invisible to file managers, you can literally fill your whole phone with media without realizing it's hidden somewhere and the only way to find what's taking up space now is to connect to a computer, or to open individual apps and check their own defined storage. App by app. Ughh.
I know this complaining is a bit off topic, but TBH I wouldn't even know where to start a post about general annoyances with over zealous security policies. I'm sure some of the devs here will be posting about it in their app threads soon if not already. And I have already seen a couple apps on my device update with half way work arounds to combat these changes. But, if this is the direction things are going, it's only a matter of time before any loophole is closed and that's no longer an option for devs. Personally, I'm planning to root my current device as soon as I have an hour or two, and will prob only be purchasing devices I know can be rooted going forward. I just refuse to wait around while the growing pains associated with this big of a change ripple through each app and developer, and everyone finally sorts out their stuff.
This is just another example of Google cutting off access to parts of the device I paid for and was using, ota, with no choice in the matter.
I know I prob sound like a lunatic, but it's lunacy to me how often and how many of these kind of changes have happened in just the last few months, especially after just starting this thread and airing out similar concerns.
And don't even get me started on the whole "tv play store app policies" vs "regular app store apps policies" and all the changes happening there (they crippled live channels + and I now have to purchase some apps twice to use it on my phone & tv!?!?)
(Btw if anyone, member or mod, has a suggestion on where I can start a thread about this just to discuss it, please let me know. As this issue is spreading and even if it hasn't been noticed by everyone yet, it's sure to affect everyone in some way soon. I.e. apps, particularly, paid apps, that no longer function and essentially won't be able to function. Google just made 1000s of apps worthless, with no recourse for the developers or the users who paid their hard earned money for them).
Interesting side note: I did find a hidden developer menu on my current samsung device that grants access to some of what was taken away from "wif related" apps. I had assumed the functionality was removed altogether but then was surprised to see the OS can still pull up a lot of what was banned from apps. For anyone interested, I'll be making a post on the Samsung forum later and will post an updated link to it here.

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