Database Develop

[Q] Integrating updates of system apps (and/or downloaded apps) into ROM

Okay. I don't have a lot of knowledge on developing/tinkering on Android, but I think I've figured out how to integrate apps into the ROM (updates of system apps and/or downloaded apps). I used:
A stock cricKet 2.2.1 ROM, rooted (of course) w/Universal Androot
Root Explorer, and
ROM Manager (more on this later)
First thing is first, I did a TI backup; don't want to lose anything
I then opened Root Explorer
Mounted R/W, and
did a search for .apk.
Notice that the only directories the actual .apk files for INSTALLED apps should appear in (outside the SD card) are:
/cache
/data/app
/data/app-private (possibly)
/data/FLEX/app
/system/app
Ignore the following:
/cache
/data/FLEX/app
Now, you may already know this, but the system apps you're looking for are located in the /system/app directory, and downloaded apps (for the updated system apps) are located the /data/app directories that aren't being currently ignored (if you're following my instructions). Based on icon, filename, and common sense, I found which .apk files were the updates of already existing system apps (IE Market, Google Maps, Voice Search, etc.) in the /data/app directory, and the corresponding system app they updated in the /system/app directory. I then:
Copied the filename of the system app I was going to replace (rename copy all)
Moved over to the /data/app directory
Located the corresponding updated app
Renamed it what its corresponding system app was renamed (rename, delete existing name, paste)
Hit the 'move' option
Navigated to the /system/app directory
Deleted original system app (you may want to backup this file beforehand)
Pasted the updated system app
Within 30 seconds or so, you should get a (blah.blah.blah has unexpectedly shut down force close/report) popup. Just hit force close and you should be fine (Google Maps seemed to be a recurring FC). If you try to open the app before rebooting, it will force close on you. When you're finished, open ROM Manager. I know you're thinking 'This app is no good on the ZIO'; so stop. Hit 'Fix Permissions'. The reason for this is that it fixes a few rare force close issues. I don't know the mechanics of it, but it works, so I don't question it. Listen to the notification you'll see and reboot your phone after it finishes fixing the permissions. Now go into settings and manage applications, and you'll see that you can no longer uninstall whatever apps you moved to the /system/app directory.
FYI Renaming .apk files doesn't seem to make a bit of difference either way.
(Forgive my horrible perspective descriptions: I/you)
I haven't tested it yet, but I believe unrooting the device should make any apps moved to the /system/app directory that require root access would become non-functional (right?). The reason this thread is a question is that I'm wondering if i did this correctly, and if so, I want to find out if unrooting and factory resetting my phone would somehow delete the apps in the /system/app directory that weren't included in the stock ROM. (I'm not really willing to do that yet; I still have to download the SDK to my new computer so I can do a NANDROID backup.) Any help answering these from a more experienced developer would be great.

If you want to incorporate apps into a rom, the apps have to be free or you must get consent from the developer to include in your rom
Sent from my Zio using XDA Premium App

Only if it is a Public rom. Even free app developers should be credited in a public rom

Mattix724 said:
If you want to incorporate apps into a rom, the apps have to be free or you must get consent from the developer to include in your rom
Sent from my Zio using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm operating under the assumption that you're using Google developed updates of system apps. I suppose I should have said something to that extent up top.
[UPDATE]
Okay, so I did a NAND and then factory reset my phone. Killed everything not in the /system/app directory. I'm sure you knew that would happen, but I guess I'm posting for the noobs. Easier to find, I guess.

Hi,
I've tried to integrate some apps using Titanium Backup but it stuch at 0% for more than 5mins so I cancelled the process. Is it normal that it was that slow? Does Titanium generate odex files too?
I've tried integrating updates for GoogleMaps, StreetView and Youtube using a recovery mode and ADB on my linux machine.
After the backup system data I've deleted original apk and odex files from /system/app/ and moved newer versions from /data/app/ to /system/app/.
I renamed the files from com.google.android.blah.blah.apk to old names (ie. Maps.apk, etc). I haven't generated the odex files.
Rebooted the phone (HTC Desire, 2.2, Orange UK) and these apps were not available. I couldn't run either GoogleMaps or Youtube. They weren't on the "All apps" list, but still were in the system app manager/uninstaller, but couldn't uninstall them as they were in system obviously.
Tried to clear Dalvik cache but no difference.
Then I've copied them with my user backed apk files (it went to /data/app and installed the newest versions) and all is fine - could launch them as usual.
Now using "adb push" method I copied my old system versions of these apps in the /system/app/ and all if fine. I could updated them to newer versions, but this obviously went to /data/app/, so didn't free the phone memory.
Any idea why integrated apps were not visible in the system?
Perhaps I shall just delete the old system apps and copy the ones from /data/app/ without renaming...
Much appreciate it.
Greg
edit:
All went fine now. Just deleted old files in the /system/app and moved newer version without renaming to from /data/app

use titanium backup and choose integrate updates into rom for the app

I don't want to pay for TB premium. I'm poor.
Sent from my Zio using XDA App

TB integrating not working on some phone (including mine) anyway.

Need help: Attempting to restore DLNA/System Service after Uninstalling

Prior to rooting, I reformatted my phone and afterwards I backed up all system apps and bloatware with Titanium Backup Pro. I then uninstalled all bloatware that I knew was safe to uninstall. No problems whatsoever.
However, just to be on the safe side, I decided that I'm going to restore all uninstalled apps, unroot, reset, reroot, and use Pete's script bloatware remover/renamer.
All bloatware has been reinstalled successfully except for DLNA. Whenever I try to restore DLNA or DLNA System Service 1.0, Titanium Backup simply stays on "Restoring App+Data" forever, unless I reboot the phone. I have tried reinstalling DLNA first then I tried reinstalling DLNA System Service first. To no avail. It just gets stuck on "Restoring App+Data."
Any ideas?

Hmm, strange...same thing is now happening with Flickr Authenticator. Perhaps TI is bugging out now. I just don't get it. Really hope to hear some input soon.

i restore all removed apps with this: www.psouza4.com/Droid3
once U download unzip n place in a subfolder named restore

I had a similar thing happen to me when using Titanium, but with different apps. I'm not sure what causes the bug, nor am I certain about how to fix it. It's part of why people have been recommending that we freeze apps as opposed to backing them up (with Titanium) and then deleting them.
However, you can get the apps back by going into the system dump and copying the necessary files back into /system/app. You can find the system dump here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1164736
Just take the DLNA and DlnaSystemService apks and odex files, place them on your SD card, and then copy them over to /system/app using whichever method you prefer (Root Explorer, ADB, etc). Hope this helps

mrcastillo said:
i restore all removed apps with this: www.psouza4.com/Droid3
once U download unzip n place in a subfolder named restore
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think Psouza's Script can restore apps that are uninstalled. Only if they are renamed or frozen by TI. Please someone chime in and correct me if I'm mistaken.
RandomEncounter said:
I had a similar thing happen to me when using Titanium, but with different apps. I'm not sure what causes the bug, nor am I certain about how to fix it. It's part of why people have been recommending that we freeze apps as opposed to backing them up (with Titanium) and then deleting them.
However, you can get the apps back by going into the system dump and copying the necessary files back into /system/app. You can find the system dump here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1164736
Just take the DLNA and DlnaSystemService apks and odex files, place them on your SD card, and then copy them over to /system/app using whichever method you prefer (Root Explorer, ADB, etc). Hope this helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's fantastic, thank you my friend.

You are wrong.
When I was updating from 5.5.959 to 5.6.890, one of my apps was gone. Deleted. Idk how, but I searched my system for 10 minutes, it was called Fota.apk
I used psouza4s tools (he helped me) and restored the missing app, and then I got to update to 5.6.890
Sent from my DROID3 using xda premium

kshen1 said:
You are wrong.
When I was updating from 5.5.959 to 5.6.890, one of my apps was gone. Deleted. Idk how, but I searched my system for 10 minutes, it was called Fota.apk
I used psouza4s tools (he helped me) and restored the missing app, and then I got to update to 5.6.890
Sent from my DROID3 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wonderful, I'll give that a shot right now then. Thanks man.

Cannot reinstall several apps; Help needed

After rooting, I backed up all apps and bloatware with Titanium Backup Pro, and then uninstalled the bloatware. I want to revert back to my stock state by reinstalling all bloatware, unrooting, reformatting, and rerooting and then using Psouza4's script method instead.
Obviously, I was unaware that I wasn't going to be able to reinstall several of these apps even though they are backed up.
I've been on this for HOURS. I obtained ALL the .apks of the bloatware from the Droid 3 System Dump that was posted here a while back. I moved all the .apks and .odexs of the corresponding apps into system/apps by using Root Explorer.
1.) When I use Root Explorer to try an install an app (DLNA or Flickr Authenticator, for example), it simply says "Application not Installed." It can install other apps such as Kindle and Books, but it cannot install the same ones that Titanium Backup has a problem installing as well So I tried Droid Explorer.
2.) Droid Explorer: Same thing. It can install most apps but not DLNA, Flickr Authenticator, and a handful of others. Crashes whenever I try to. "Droid Explorer has stopped working." So I learned how to use ADB.
3.) ADB: Whenever I try to install the app by "adb install DLNA.apk", it shows the progress and then gives me the error of [INSTALL_FAILED_DEXOPT].
Like the others ADB can install anything else except for the "problem child" list. Here's the list of the ones I cannot find a way to install without an error or a crash --
DLNA 0709.69
DLNASystemService 1.0
GoToMeeting 1.0
Guided Tours 2.3.4
Help Center 2.3.4
IM 3.0.4.6
IM Presence 2.3.4
News 2.3.4
Picasa Authenticator 2.3.4
Social Messaging 2.3.4
Social Messaging Service 2.3.4
Social Networking 2.3.4
Social Sharing 2.3.4
Social Status 2.3.4
Twitter Authenticator 2.3.4
Please help...and thank you in advance.

Forgot to mention; I've tried the method where you long-press the .apk and .odex using Root Explorer and then changing the permissions and then rebooting, but even after a reboot the app does not appear in my drawer.

Solved. Took me forever to figure it out. Thinking I should write a guide on how to do this for all the unfortunate souls who uninstalled apps instead of freezing or using Psouza4's script.

Lyxdeslic said:
Solved. Took me forever to figure it out. Thinking I should write a guide on how to do this for all the unfortunate souls who uninstalled apps instead of freezing or using Psouza4's script.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would you mind sharing your solution? I have the same issue and am leary of trying Psouza's app because my carrier is Bell not Verizon (he's warned be this could cause a boot loop!). So I only tried replacing system apps that I deleted with no success.

Use psouza4 safe bloat remover in the Dev section, it will also recover your missing apps, make backups, symlink them correctly and more.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1238472
-smc

somemadcaaant said:
Use psouza4 safe bloat remover in the Dev section, it will also recover your missing apps, make backups, symlink them correctly and more.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1238472
-smc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just realized his ONE-CLICK method is what allows system/app to be restored if you have the System Dump available. People kept telling me "yea use his script, it'll put everything back to normal." No, it won't. His script can rename all apps on the list from .apk to .bak, but the script itself will NOT restore anything. His ONE-CLICK method, however, will, assuming you have all the system files available.

UnhappyDroid3User said:
Would you mind sharing your solution? I have the same issue and am leary of trying Psouza's app because my carrier is Bell not Verizon (he's warned be this could cause a boot loop!). So I only tried replacing system apps that I deleted with no success.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1.) Download Root Explorer
2.) You need to get the .apk's and their corresponding .odex's into system/app. If they are on your computer, connect your phone via USB and drag them into a folder on your SD card (I made one called System Dump).
3.) Use Root Explorer to browse to the folder you put all the .apk's and .odex's in, and press the menu button and click "Multi-Select", and select all the apk's and odex's you want to install, then click "Move" or "Copy"
4.) Browse back into the system/app folder and click "Paste." (If it doesn't let you, make sure you have "r/w" clicked at the top right or you won't have permission to make alterations to that folder)
5.) Now find the .apk you want to install that you just pasted. For example, DLNA.apk. Click the file, and press "Install." It should give you a list of the permissions that the app needs. Hit ok/install, and it should say "App was not installed" or "Installation unsuccessful."
6.) Now, press and hold the .apk file you just tried to install. A menu will pop up. Click on "Permissions." Make sure ONLY the following boxes are checked - Owner: Read and Write, Group: Read, Others: Read. Everything else is to remain unchecked. Press "OK"
7.) Now, press and hold the .apk file again, but this time scroll down to "Change Owner." Change both Owner and Group to "0 - root" (it's the top-most option). Click "OK."
8.) Repeat steps 6 and 7 for the apk's corresponding .odex file.
9.) Change back to "r/o" at the top right of Root Explorer and exit.
10.) Reboot your phone.
11.) Once booted, your system file should be installed properly.

Lyxdeslic said:
I just realized his ONE-CLICK method is what allows system/app to be restored if you have the System Dump available. People kept telling me "yea use his script, it'll put everything back to normal." No, it won't. His script can rename all apps on the list from .apk to .bak, but the script itself will NOT restore anything. His ONE-CLICK method, however, will, assuming you have all the system files available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He provides links to Verizon's system files in one of the posts.... so if you're with Verizon you're golden.... not so lucky if you're with Bell Canada like I am.

UnhappyDroid3User said:
He provides links to Verizon's system files in one of the posts.... so if you're with Verizon you're golden.... not so lucky if you're with Bell Canada like I am.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Additionally, the program has several menu items and links in the text that you can use to download these files. But again, only for Verizon users because we have different apps.

UnhappyDroid3User said:
He provides links to Verizon's system files in one of the posts.... so if you're with Verizon you're golden.... not so lucky if you're with Bell Canada like I am.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unhappy, did you try out the steps I wrote out for you? They work like a charm. A bit time consuming, but it gets the job done regardless. Let me know if you need help or if you can't figure it out.

Titanium Backup wont install. Error in application installation /code 504

I was running stock lollipop 5.0.1 on my note 4. I rooted my phone and supersu was installed during the process. I then installed Titanium backup and deleted all unwanted bloatware. Then i decided i wanted to unroot my phone( so i could be able to do normal software updates / and run stock rom with no bloatware). To flash back to stock i flashed N910TUVU1COD6_N910TTMB1COD6_N910TUVU1COD6 via odin. This however reinstalled all system bloatware that i removed with titanium backup. SO THEN, i re- rooted, re-installed titanium backup & re-deleted system bloatware, then went to supersu, and selected UNROOT from the apps options. This closed the app and restarted my phone. When it booted back up i went to the market to reinstall titanium backup i get this messege " Unknown error code during application install:-504"
My phone is currently stock rooted, with supersu installed, awaiting the fix so that i can install titanium backup.
PLEASE HELP; I am trying to install a custom rom, and need my apps backed up via titanium backup!!

piercethompson said:
I was running stock lollipop 5.0.1 on my note 4. I rooted my phone and supersu was installed during the process. I then installed Titanium backup and deleted all unwanted bloatware. Then i decided i wanted to unroot my phone( so i could be able to do normal software updates / and run stock rom with no bloatware). To flash back to stock i flashed N910TUVU1COD6_N910TTMB1COD6_N910TUVU1COD6 via odin. This however reinstalled all system bloatware that i removed with titanium backup. SO THEN, i re- rooted, re-installed titanium backup & re-deleted system bloatware, then went to supersu, and selected UNROOT from the apps options. This closed the app and restarted my phone. When it booted back up i went to the market to reinstall titanium backup i get this messege " Unknown error code during application install:-504"
My phone is currently stock rooted, with supersu installed, awaiting the fix so that i can install titanium backup.
PLEASE HELP; I am trying to install a custom rom, and need my apps backed up via titanium backup!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try clearing data from the play store app and Google play services then redownload ttb. If that doesn't work you could try wiping dalvik and cache in recovery but it'll take 20 minutes for your phone to boot after doing that and your phone will get hot in the process!

Thank you. I have done that about 3 times with no success. Even unrooted and re rooted. I'm really trying to avoid having to factory reset. And even if do, I don't know if it will fix what this problem is.

Sorry buddy. Start over. Odin to stock + factory reset.
You can then run stock rooted without the bloat.
Or custom rommed up.
We probably aren't getting any important updates soon.

My error 504 Fix - Sprint LG G4
Because I went through hell trying to fix this error while reinstalling Titanium Backup *Root* on my once rooted, then unrooted, then rerooted Sprint LG G4, I will explain what finally worked for me.
First off, the app was installed and working fine and was used to backup my entire phone to the TB cloud. So, when I rerooted my phone and expected to reinstall TB and then go get my stuff, so as to basically restore the phone to the way it was before unrooting, I was pissed that I kept getting that stupid error code. I tried all the suggestions for fixing; delete the cache & data for Google Play Store & Google Services Framework, remove gmail account and reboot, and delete data/data/com.keramidas.TitaniumBackup file. Nothing, by itself, worked. So here's what I did:
1. I downloaded a file managing app for root. I used File Explorer (for root).
2. Using File Explorer, I found the data/data/com.keramidas.TitaniumBackup file and deleted it.
3. I deleted the cache & data for Google Play & Google Services Framework.
4. I removed my Gmail account and rebooted the phone.
5. I opened Google Play Store. At this point the app will ask for your account info and when done, your Gmail account will be back.
6. I located the Titanium Backup *Root* app and installed it. It's important to note that if you have the Pro version of TB, I found you should install the free version 1st, then install the Pro version after that.
Presto! No Error Code 504! I had TB back on my phone, once again!!!
Hope this helps anyone having this same issue. I see no reason why this shouldn't work on any phone, but I can't say for sure.

bertoncot said:
.... . So here's what I did:
1. I downloaded a file managing app for root. I used File Explorer (for root).
2. Using File Explorer, I found the data/data/com.keramidas.TitaniumBackup file and deleted it.
3. I deleted the cache & data for Google Play & Google Services Framework.
4. ...
Etc.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only number 2 and 3 (delete only cache) is needed in my case. Now running well.

nugroho2 said:
Only number 2 and 3 (delete only cache) is needed in my case. Now running well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried but it didn't work
I even tried to install the Titanium.apk directly ( copied from another phone) but I am receiving the error message:
application not installed.
Any help please?
Daniel

That's all that I did. Recently I had that problem once again. And it was fixed... Forgot the steps to get there. But you may try using cleaner apps or SDmaid to get rid of the corpses.

I just had the same problem and step two
2. Using File Explorer, I found the data/data/com.keramidas.TitaniumBackup file and deleted it.
did it for me.

Chris
This worked for me on the first attempt (just deleting the com.kerimidas folder listed above) .....and NOTHING EVER WORKS FOR ME ON THE FIRST TRY!!!
THX!!!

I also had the same problem, did everything not helped.
finally downloaded the titanium .apk file from internet and its now working fine!
---------- Post added at 11:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:57 PM ----------

bertoncot said:
Because I went through hell trying to fix this error while reinstalling Titanium Backup *Root* on my once rooted, then unrooted, then rerooted Sprint LG G4, I will explain what finally worked for me.
First off, the app was installed and working fine and was used to backup my entire phone to the TB cloud. So, when I rerooted my phone and expected to reinstall TB and then go get my stuff, so as to basically restore the phone to the way it was before unrooting, I was pissed that I kept getting that stupid error code. I tried all the suggestions for fixing; delete the cache & data for Google Play Store & Google Services Framework, remove gmail account and reboot, and delete data/data/com.keramidas.TitaniumBackup file. Nothing, by itself, worked. So here's what I did:
1. I downloaded a file managing app for root. I used File Explorer (for root).
2. Using File Explorer, I found the data/data/com.keramidas.TitaniumBackup file and deleted it.
3. I deleted the cache & data for Google Play & Google Services Framework.
4. I removed my Gmail account and rebooted the phone.
5. I opened Google Play Store. At this point the app will ask for your account info and when done, your Gmail account will be back.
6. I located the Titanium Backup *Root* app and installed it. It's important to note that if you have the Pro version of TB, I found you should install the free version 1st, then install the Pro version after that.
Presto! No Error Code 504! I had TB back on my phone, once again!!!
Hope this helps anyone having this same issue. I see no reason why this shouldn't work on any phone, but I can't say for sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. I downloaded a file managing app for root. I used File Explorer (for root).
2. Using File Explorer, I found the data/data/com.keramidas.TitaniumBackup file and deleted it.
Just this step fixed the problem, installed OK. Didnt have to do any of the other things.

Is deleting only APK file is enough to remove it completely from the system?

On OxygenOS Stock ROM (4.1.6) there are some apps came pre-installed that I don't use. For example Google Gmail, Hangout also OnePlus's own calculator/clock etc. I want to delete those apps and replace Gmail with Inbox. completely remove Hangout, OPCalculator and OPClock with Google's Calculator and Clock. I have deleted those apps before by manually deleting them from inside /System/App and /System/Priv-app
Now, I'm trying to write my 'own' TWRP flash-able updater script to do such action. But I am kind of confused if only deleting an APK's parent folder is enough to remove the apps completely? For example, if I only delete the folder System/App/(Deskclock) - is that enough or there will be related files remaining somewhere else?
* I know Titanium Backup or other debloat apps can perform similar task, but the main purpose of this question is to know how can this be done manually and properly without leaving un-necessary files in the system.
Thanks.

Deleting the folder of an app in /system/app will remove the app from your phone (as in, not showing up in launchers or the Installed Apps list). However, app data and updates may still be saved in the /data partition. To make sure all of it is removed, first clear data and uninstall all updates to the system apps you with to remove from the Installed Apps list (disable it), then delete the APK either through a root explorer, or a recovery script.

Anova's Origin said:
Deleting the folder of an app in /system/app will remove the app from your phone (as in, not showing up in launchers or the Installed Apps list). However, app data and updates may still be saved in the /data partition. To make sure all of it is removed, first clear data and uninstall all updates to the system apps you with to remove from the Installed Apps list (disable it), then delete the APK either through a root explorer, or a recovery script.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much! Appreciate your replay.

Suggest to use OOS debloater via twrp

Babloo289 said:
Suggest to use OOS debloater via twrp
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you talking about this one? https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-3/themes/aroma-oos-debloater-t3615828

Hi, Just a quick question.. as you mentioned here
Anova's Origin said:
To make sure all of it is removed, first clear data and uninstall all updates to the system apps you with to remove from the Installed Apps list (disable it),
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. I wonder if this is even possible inside TWRP, I mean targeting those unwanted apps, uninstalling updates+ clearing app data/disable them.. Or you are suggesting me to remove them manually from the OOS interface/settings one by one?
2. Also while in TWRP, none of those app (that I will remove) are not functional so what's the points of clearing app data/uninstalling updates? why not simply delete /system/app/(app.apk) and /data/app/(related files.)
Thanks again.

tushxda said:
Hi, Just a quick question.. as you mentioned here
1. I wonder if this is even possible inside TWRP, I mean targeting those unwanted apps, uninstalling updates+ clearing app data/disable them.. Or you are suggesting me to remove them manually from the OOS interface/settings one by one?
2. Also while in TWRP, none of those app (that I will remove) are not functional so what's the points of clearing app data/uninstalling updates? why not simply delete /system/app/(app.apk) and /data/app/(related files.)
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) If you know where the extra data/updates are stored in /data, then you could use a recovery script to delete them. It's kind of one-shot deal though, as unless you open the apps again (after re-flashing a ROM), they won't have any data saved to them the next time you want to delete them.
2) If they aren't functional, they likely won't have much app data to begin with. I would clear the app data from apps like Google Play Music or Movies (if you don't want to use them) before deleting them. Random Engineering Test Tools and unessential services won't have much data stored and can be deleted directly.

i think its just fine bt read other comments too for better understanding.