Related
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.
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.
This is so annoying,
I have tried everything I could find online,
I removed the SD card to eliminate that as an option related to a corrupt image/ card.
I cleared Gallery the data under manage applications.
With ES file explorer
I deleted the com.cooliris.media folder multiple times
I renamed all dirs to hide them from the Gallery indexing.
Example renamed “DCIM” to ”.DCIM”
I opened and examined the file chunk_0 in
/com.cooliris.media/cache/local-album-cache
I was hoping i could see how far or were it crashed by the last dir it indexed.
After hiding all the dirs. I got it to this.
Data in “chunk_0(this file will grow as dirs are scanned and files are found)” opened in a hex editor.
..US..en............./...........4.......4...........b..intro..video/mp4.......................4.........O.{.....O.u...w..............:.............../
Not sure if this is a hit on what is crashing the gallery?
I'm guessing a factory reset didn't work either?
Have not done that, dont want to reconfigure the phone from scratch.
I always like to know the root of the real issue. seems kind of common.
I never use Gallery. Ever. So I wouldn't have an exact idea why it was going crazy.
Are you rooted and do you have Titanium Backup Free/Pro?
If so, back up the gallery app. Then delete it from the /system.
Restart your phone and restore the Gallery app and make it a system app again.
its rooted and i have Titanium Backup Pro.
i did not know you can delete the gallary.
I did download another gallery like app for now.
but i may give that a try.
Yeah. Wipe the data first then uninstall it.
i made the back up of the gallery, uninstalled it, when i try to recover/install it from the back up the phone stays in an install loop.
I have to reboot the phone.
now i deleted it how do i reinstall it?
I have gallery apk from the backup and the original is still under /system/app/com.cooliris.media.apk
when run the apk i get an error, application not installed.
I tried to use adb with no luck.
F:\~droid\root backup restore files\SuperOneClickv2.1.1-ShortFuse\ADB>adb instal
l gal.apk
993 KB/s (458660 bytes in 0.451s)
pkg: /data/local/tmp/gal.apk
Failure [INSTALL_FAILED_DEXOPT]
any pointers?
Follow the exact steps.
Open Titanium Backup
Wipe Gallery data (From Titanium Backup)
Uninstall Gallery (From Titanium Backup)
Restart phone
Restore App of Gallery (From Titanium Backup)
Restart phone
Try using gallery
I don’t think titanium is an option now.
as it never finishes installing. i let it go all night.
The Gallery has been deleted and i only have the option to restore. My only options are to restore App only or App+Data. both don’t finish.
so i have been reading you can force/push installs. i must be doing something wrong as it seems a restriction is preventing the other install methods,
at this point the only reason i care is i cant view images in 3d.
acem77 said:
I don’t think titanium is an option now.
as it never finishes installing. i let it go all night.
The Gallery has been deleted and i only have the option to restore. My only options are to restore App only or App+Data. both don’t finish.
so i have been reading you can force/push installs. i must be doing something wrong as it seems a restriction is preventing the other install methods,
at this point the only reason i care is i cant view images in 3d.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using adb
adb shell
su
mount -o remount,rw /dev/block/stl9 /system
exit
exit
adb push Gallery.apk /system/app
Reboot the phone.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S II
thanks but the phone does not seem to install it after the reboot.
F:\~droid\root backup restore files\SuperOneClickv2.1.1-ShortFuse\ADB>adb shell
$
$ su
su
# mount -o remount,rw /dev/block/stl9 /system
mount -o remount,rw /dev/block/stl9 /system
# exit
exit
$ exit
exit
F:\~droid\root backup restore files\SuperOneClickv2.1.1-ShortFuse\ADB>adb push g
al.apk /system/app
1321 KB/s (458660 bytes in 0.339s)
maybe it not 100% uninstalled? could have been an issue with how Titanium removed it.
if the os thinks its still there it wont install over it.
crap i created file called "\" now they systems treats it like a dir. i cant delete it
this is how i created it...fat fingered
F:\~droid\root backup restore files\SuperOneClickv2.1.1-ShortFuse\ADB>adb push c
om.cooliris.media.apk /system/app/\
ES file Explorer shows it as a 447.91kb file the same size as the com.cooliris.media.apk file...
if select delete in ES i starts to tally the root dir as if it will delete everything under "system"
I guess it can stay ....
I am still trying to get com.cooliris.media.apk to reinstall. will i see any installing action once i reboot the phone after pushing it?
I dont see any sign of it installing other than it appearing in the apps dir.
how does push really work should the Os install any apk in the app dir if missing?
No you won't. Do you have root explorer?
no,
does ES file Exploer work the same way?
I've never used it. Does ES File Explorer have root permissions?
this is just getting a annoying if the app is under /system/app
more or less thats it right? what would stop it from being seen by the phone...
been messing with the thing for hours.
then its crap i cant restore the gallery backup i made with out titanium get stuck...
The Dark Lestat said:
I've never used it. Does ES File Explorer have root permissions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes i can hit any dir like system, and it can change all attributes.
I have been using it now to move files from my pc over the wifi and network shares.
I can have app.apk on my pc see it on the network with ES, and copy it to /system/app
i put a another version of gallery from another phone i found online in /system/app
after a reboot it showed up. not sure it thats a real sign as i can manual run and install it if i wish.
also this does no good in the long run as you cant view photos in 3d, as they are displayed side by side in this version of gallery.
maybe i need a fresh copy if the lg thrill gallery?
ok i found a ver of gallery from a custom cooked rom posting.
it shows up now,
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1309114&highlight=gallery
but it still crashes like the original one did at the start of all this lol....
atleast i can view my pictures in 3d again.
i dont know what is causing the crash, but what causes it is at the end of scanning all the images. the more picutes i have the longer it takes to crash.
if i have zero images it crash instantly.
I guess my backup of the original gallery is corrupt?
That's what it seems. Do a titanium backup of all your used apps and reflash or factory reset?
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S II
With the intention of helping all those who have difficulties in removing blotwares even with programs like TITANIUM and others..
Here is a small step by step that I did to remove the blotwares..
STEP - 1
You install the app available in the playstore, called System app remover Https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jumobile.manager.systemapp&hl=en_US
1.1)
You need to install the app available in the playstore, called Termux Https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.termux&hl=en_US
1.2)
grants root access to the 2 apps.
STEP - 2
Perform apk removal With the Termux application open,
you enter as root
-> su (enter as root)
You should now allow to modify the directory system
-> mount -o remount, rw -t rfs /dev/stl5 /system
Now you need to get into the "System app remover" application and pick up the APP directory you want to remove.
-> rm -r [DIRECTORY]
Now you need to return the directory system to read only, 'ro', to prevent malicious activities
-> mount -o remount, ro -t rfs /dev/stl5 /system
Restart your phone and you can see that the app is no longer on your device.
NOTE: If you can not go back to read only, after the system reboot you will be able to.
My mobile got much faster and with no crashes after deleting these apps ...
I had difficulty removing blotwares from a rom I downloaded that is available on this link for ZUK Z2 PRO
https://forum.xda-developers.com/zuk-z2-pro/development/miui-8-version-zuk-z2-pro-t3563578
ALERT: As all androis have the same command system, should work for any device, but be careful not to remove applications essential for system operation. It can cause an infinite loop in system reboot.
If you have a rooted phone, you can just download "ES Datei Explorer", grant root access and remove the folders in /system/app , /system/priv-app , /system/preload of the apps you don´t want. After reboot, you´ll just have to remove the icons from your homescreen.
Make a backup by moving the folders somewhere else. You´ll never know when you need one of these "unnecessery" apps.
Tuerkay said:
If you have a rooted phone, you can just download "ES Datei Explorer", grant root access and remove the folders in /system/app , /system/priv-app , /system/preload of the apps you don´t want. After reboot, you´ll just have to remove the icons from your homescreen.
Make a backup by moving the folders somewhere else. You´ll never know when you need one of these "unnecessery" apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well thought, I'm accustomed to using linux, commands are the same, so it was something that I created in a "homemade" way and decided to share. This app actually displays the root directory, so, it's very good and less difficult, but the app remover can be useful for help you to know what file you need remove..
Thanks for adding the information ..
This is the link what app he's talking about
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.estrongs.android.pop
Grants root access and go to directory for remove the file you want.
can anything be done without rooting?
akyiboy007 said:
can anything be done without rooting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This procedure can not do without root, but, have one way you can do without root, i never tested.
This is the link, for Android 4.4, i don't know if works for 5.0 , 6.0 or 7.0, take a look...
https://www.xda-developers.com/how-to-remove-bloatware-from-your-android-device-xda-tv/
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.