Related
Yep no pay apps on the market not even if I scan a QR code wont let me see it any ideas on how to fix this...?
Google has not opened the Paid apps market to the whole world but only to a limited number of countries. It's annoying, I know.
If you still would like to see and purchase the paid apps, you must root your phone first and then install the application called Market Enabler and it will make some changes to fool Big G that you're from US on Tmobile networks and eventually open up the app store.
Theres still an other option. Find paid apps through other means, purchase through the developer's own site so they give you an .apk installer for manual installation. This method is the only option left if you don't want to root your phone like me.
Regards,
Carty..
any idea how to use this app I found it after a quick google but can't seam to make it work
Loading001 said:
any idea how to use this app I found it after a quick google but can't seam to make it work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Long Press" the provider you want to fake. Make sure you have the latest beta version from the developers googlecode home page.
I'm starting to disable apps, here is my list so far I'll probably add to it once I can use the phone as my DD later in the week.
Settings, Device Tab, Applications, Application Manager, All
3DTourViewer
Amazon
AT&T Family Map
AT&T Hot Spots
AT&T Live
AT&T Locker
AT&T Mail
AT&T Mobile Locate
AT&T Mobile Transfer
AT&T Navigator
Caller Name ID
Device Help
Dictionary
Digital Life
DriveMode
Facebook
Family Utility
Galaxy Apps
Galaxy Apps Widget
Hancom Office 2014
Instagram
Keeper
Lookout
Memo
Messenger
Milk
Milk Video
Mobile TV
myAT&T
OneNote
Pages Manager
S Beam
S Voice
Samsung account
Samsung Billing
Skype
Smart Limits
Smart Remote
Uber
Voice wake-up
YP
With Root, Apps Frozen:
AT&T Software Update
AT&T Remote Support
Music 6.0
My interests 1.0
My Places 1.0
SysScope 1.3.x
Obviously if you use Facebook, Instagram etc you wouldn't disable these but most of this is pure bloat. Why I wish GPE devices were more common...
Let me know if you have other things you disabled and if it had any side effects.
mrRobinson said:
I'm starting to disable apps, here is my list so far I'll probably add to it once I can use the phone as my DD later in the week.
Settings, Device Tab, Applications, Application Manager, All
AT&T Family Map
AT&T Hot Spots
AT&T Live
AT&T Locker
AT&T Mail
AT&T Mobile Locate
AT&T Mobile Transfer
AT&T Navigator
Caller Name ID
Device Help
Dictionary
Facebook
Family Utility
Hancom Office 2014
Instagram
Keeper
Lookout
Messenger
Milk
Milk Video
Mobile TV
myAT&T
OneNote
Pages Manager
S Beam
S Voice
Samsung account
Samsung Billing
Skype
Smart Limits
Uber
YP
Obviously if you use Facebook, Instagram etc you wouldn't disable these but most of this is pure bloat. Why I wish GPE devices were more common...
Let me know if you have other things you disabled and if it had any side effects.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
-Amazon
-digital life
-Google play games
-Google play movies and tv
-Google play music
-Google play newstand
Still testin these out when disabled
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G925A using XDA Free mobile app
rafael707 said:
-Amazon
-digital life
-Google play games
-Google play movies and tv
-Google play music
-Google play newstand
Still testin these out when disabled
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G925A using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The google play stuff I'd hope people understand and are IMO, stock, so I won't put them on my list. Amazon I overlooked cause i actually had on my GPE device but its def not stock. Digital Life I just missed, good catch.
If you are not using the samsung weather widget also disable Weather Daemon it uses a lot of location battery.
What apps won't let u disable.. I've read there are a few.
crea78 said:
What apps won't let u disable.. I've read there are a few.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A LOT! More than there should be certainly. Can not disable built-in EMail and it's 4 sub apps for instance
What is this ant + services?? Nevermind just searched and found
_Infamous_ said:
What is this ant + services?? Nevermind just searched and found
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea and one you can't disable. I've updated OP with more i've disabled with no negative side effects for me.
NOTE Edge debloater
I can't find the link, but, someone mentioned that the Edge Note debloater WILL work, and does.
Without root you can only hide apps, but, it allows you to hide some that you cannot using the built-in method, like EMAIL, BROWSER, ETC.
dirtyballoonot said:
I can't find the link, but, someone mentioned that the Edge Note debloater WILL work, and does.
Without root you can only hide apps, but, it allows you to hide some that you cannot using the built-in method, like EMAIL, BROWSER, ETC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right, using the UI you can click disable to disable apps. For the ones that you can't disable you can "hide" with adb shell (or that tool).
That tool I think is only windows but i'd imagine it's simply leveraging the "pm" binary on android.
For example if i drop into an adb shell on my edge and run
pm hide com.sec.android.app.sbrowser
Then that samsung browser is now gone.
Just remember which you hide as they won't show up and the only way to bring them back is to run
pm unhide on it.
mrRobinson said:
Right, using the UI you can click disable to disable apps. For the ones that you can't disable you can "hide" with adb shell (or that tool).
That tool I think is only windows but i'd imagine it's simply leveraging the "pm" binary on android.
For example if i drop into an adb shell on my edge and run
pm hide com.sec.android.app.sbrowser
Then that samsung browser is now gone.
Just remember which you hide as they won't show up and the only way to bring them back is to run
pm unhide on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if im correct. When i "disable" an app using the actual phone, this will also keep the app from running (or any of its services) But using the Debloater app and i "hide" them the app can still run (or its services) correct?
krolla03 said:
So if im correct. When i "disable" an app using the actual phone, this will also keep the app from running (or any of its services) But using the Debloater app and i "hide" them the app can still run (or its services) correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct but I thought the debloater would disable at least the ones you didn't need root for.
mrRobinson said:
Correct but I thought the debloater would disable at least the ones you didn't need root for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn i thought i was actually disabling them.
I've disabled Samsung Push Services and Visual Voicemail (I use Google Voice for my VM), and haven't run into any problems.
I am having a problem attempting to download a theme from the Theme Store and when I click on the download link, a white box will pop up and immediately disappear. I didn't disable anything I shouldn't have to make this occur. However, the Samsung apps I disabled are 3D TourViewer, Family Utility, Galaxy Apps/Widget, Smart Limits Anyone else have this problem??
Edit: Looks like Samsung Acct. isn't working for some reason. Under "Accounts" there is a grey circle and when I press on it, nothing happens, but kicks me to the previous screen...
crea78 said:
I am having a problem attempting to download a theme from the Theme Store and when I click on the download link, a white box will pop up and immediately disappear. I didn't disable anything I shouldn't have to make this occur. However, the Samsung apps I disabled are 3D TourViewer, Family Utility, Galaxy Apps/Widget, Smart Limits Anyone else have this problem??
Edit: Looks like Samsung Acct. isn't working for some reason. Under "Accounts" there is a grey circle and when I press on it, nothing happens, but kicks me to the previous screen...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you disabled Samsung Account (it is on OP's list), then it won't work. Go to Disabled, find it, and re-enable if you are using things that require it.
Got it to work by doing a factory reset
So it's been a while with all these apps disabled, my battery life is decent..
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G925A using XDA Free mobile app
The debloater app can actually restore all at once if you mess something up
Now that we have root what would be the best way to remove these apps
Hi,
is there some kind of test app, that request all the app permissions (contacts, phone number, accounts, position etc.)
and then displays it for the user?
So some kind of "test app" (maybe even in play store?)
To see and test what data gets / can get grabbed
Thanks in advance
try LBE security master
kos25k said:
try LBE security master
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think LBE is for restricting specific apps. But i am searching for an app that just "displays the data that is found/fetched"
(Why? To find out if some spoofing worked... )
Idol 4 6055u hidden update last week and File Manager is now like a 'Clean Master' clone with all the clean-your-phone and boost-your-phone notifications spam. And since there's no way to root it the app is not removable.
Anyone had any luck stabbing this one to death?
Sucks right? Mentioned it in a thread I made a few weeks back:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/idol-4s/help/alcatel-phone-t3634870
If possible, uninstalling updates or disabling the app should revert the app to its pre-spam state. If not, disabling the apps and using a less invasive file manager app is an option.
Alternatively a factory reset will return all system apps to their pre-spammy state if I recall correctly. From there, you can just avoid updating that individual app.
macallik said:
Sucks right? Mentioned it in a thread I made a few weeks back:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/idol-4s/help/alcatel-phone-t3634870
If possible, uninstalling updates or disabling the app should revert the app to its pre-spam state. If not, disabling the apps and using a less invasive file manager app is an option.
Alternatively a factory reset will return all system apps to their pre-spammy state if I recall correctly. From there, you can just avoid updating that individual app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately you can't disable the app, even though it appears you can under dev options (tried that, it just updates itself in the background again). Have tried uninstalling (updates) but it updates itself again and the spam reappears. It also places a perma-notification (can't slide off) at the top of the notifications.
BUT: The latest update to File Manager allows you to turn off notifications. Problem solved.
NOTE: You do have to give permissions for storage before you can get into the settings that allow turning off notifications/shortcuts.
This is well-known problem, ads presents in all latest preinstalled Acatel's apps updates: File Manager, Sound Recorder, Weather, Launcher and others. All of them puts notifications with spam-news and in some cases tries to change default homepage of Google Chrome browser. To prevent this need to do the following things:
1. Uninstall all updates of these apps to revert it to stock-state.
2. Deny auto update of these apps in Google Play.
3. Deny auto update of system apps in standart Update application.
DeckerSU said:
This is well-known problem, ads presents in all latest preinstalled Acatel's apps updates: File Manager, Sound Recorder, Weather, Launcher and others. All of them puts notifications with spam-news and in some cases tries to change default homepage of Google Chrome browser. To prevent this need to do the following things:
1. Uninstall all updates of these apps to revert it to stock-state.
2. Deny auto update of these apps in Google Play.
3. Deny auto update of system apps in standart Update application.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, following these steps I think I got them tamed. Not all the apps show up in Google Play but disabling auto-update in 'Updates' (Alcatel's version) should take care of those...
yosemite610 said:
Thanks, following these steps I think I got them tamed. Not all the apps show up in Google Play but disabling auto-update in 'Updates' (Alcatel's version) should take care of those...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Several of Alcatel's Apps updates throught Google Play and other via Updates app. For example, sound recorder updates via Google Play. If it's already updated - just remove updates and Google Play app for Sound Recorder and forbid / deny future updates. In 'Updates' need to forbid updates of system apps too. I already done all of this steps for each preinstalled app which tries to update - all fine. There is no any unwanted push notifications.
Rip ._. I hate this phone so much.
They are pathetic. Updating all apps and adding ads to them.
DeckerSU said:
Several of Alcatel's Apps updates throught Google Play and other via Updates app. For example, sound recorder updates via Google Play. If it's already updated - just remove updates and Google Play app for Sound Recorder and forbid / deny future updates. In 'Updates' need to forbid updates of system apps too. I already done all of this steps for each preinstalled app which tries to update - all fine. There is no any unwanted push notifications.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the tips and detailed info @DeckerSU. I had begun to prepare to unlock, root, and flash a custom ROM due to this adware and push notification nonsense. Up until the recent app updates, I had truly enjoyed the clean, stock android UI experience on my idol3 ... now I can relax again, the aggravation of those push notifications is gone!
DeckerSU said:
This is well-known problem, ads presents in all latest preinstalled Acatel's apps updates: File Manager, Sound Recorder, Weather, Launcher and others. All of them puts notifications with spam-news and in some cases tries to change default homepage of Google Chrome browser. To prevent this need to do the following things:
1. Uninstall all updates of these apps to revert it to stock-state.
2. Deny auto update of these apps in Google Play.
3. Deny auto update of system apps in standart Update application.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you, I hadn't thought of step 3
I signed in just to thank you
edit: just realized this thread is for idol 4s, but it applied to my idol 3..
I didn't realize this is a problem on later phones.. so messed up
Very bad, all those spamming programs on a phone we paid for. They beter come out with a recent
Android update. Its a Shame for the alcatel brand.
DeckerSU said:
This is well-known problem, ads presents in all latest preinstalled Acatel's apps updates: File Manager, Sound Recorder, Weather, Launcher and others. All of them puts notifications with spam-news and in some cases tries to change default homepage of Google Chrome browser. To prevent this need to do the following things:
1. Uninstall all updates of these apps to revert it to stock-state.
2. Deny auto update of these apps in Google Play.
3. Deny auto update of system apps in standart Update application.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the tips! I was starting to think I would have to root the device... Very dissapointing to see this kind of behaviour from Alcatel
Cheers
It may be worse than you think!
It's bad enough for a SYSTEM app to be serving up potentially malicious advertising that could Pwn your device, but it ventures deep into dark waters if that SYSTEM app has the Facebook "Graph" API inside of it that could allow a developer (or in this case your Chinese phone manufacturer) to use your Facebook access token to pillage through your Facebook account and look through your photos, tags, pages visited, URL's, or even create Facebook posts or messages on your behalf!
Sound crazy?
Take a look at the Facebook "Graph" developer site for yourself:
https://developers.facebook.com/docs/graph-api/using-graph-api/
And if someone was familiar with some open source tools that could allow them to look inside an Android app:
https://github.com/iBotPeaches/Apktool
https://github.com/pxb1988/dex2jar
https://github.com/sreenivasmula/JDGUI
http://www.7-zip.org/download.html
That person might look to see if the app has the Facebook Graph API inside of it:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jrdcom.filemanager&hl=en
Any one have a custom rom? Like Lineage or CM or AOSP any other one except the crapy stock rom?
Not good enough!
I no longer trust ANYTHING that is installed on my Alcatel device after the recent adware/spyware "upgrades"!
I installed TWRP and the (unofficial) Lineage ROM until I get a different phone all together.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/id...ficial-lineageos-14-1-idol36045x-5-5-t3615700
I will NEVER purchase another Alcatel device as long as I live and I will advise all my friends and family and anyone else that will listen to avoid Alcatel as well.
I also suggest that anyone with a stock Alcatel device not to use any "widgets" that create shortcuts that may use your access tokens for Facebook and/or Twitter until we know what is going on.
The Facebook Graph API on a native app has a greater access level than a web application and the token(s) don't expire for 60 days and can be extended.
I advise people to avoid logging in to apps or websites with their social media and/or Google credentials and to change your passwords and set up 2 factor authentication and remove any apps associated with your social media accounts.
Wtf
yosemite610 said:
Idol 4 6055u hidden update last week and File Manager is now like a 'Clean Master' clone with all the clean-your-phone and boost-your-phone notifications spam. And since there's no way to root it the app is not removable.
Anyone had any luck stabbing this one to death?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That update is from google play store! Not from alcatel.... Uninstall updates and don't let google play do whatever it wants in your phone!
That update is from google play store! Not from alcatel....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The update may have come the Google Play Store but is every bit Alcatel!
The "boost" function comes from TCL (Alcatel) owned Hawk app's "Super Cleaner" and the antivirus function comes from Hawk's Hi Security app that uses McAfee technology.
http://www.ehawk.com/en/
Can you help me to unlock a sharp phone?
DeckerSU said:
This is well-known problem, ads presents in all latest preinstalled Acatel's apps updates: File Manager, Sound Recorder, Weather, Launcher and others. All of them puts notifications with spam-news and in some cases tries to change default homepage of Google Chrome browser. To prevent this need to do the following things:
1. Uninstall all updates of these apps to revert it to stock-state.
2. Deny auto update of these apps in Google Play.
3. Deny auto update of system apps in standart Update application.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you help me to unlock a sharp phone?
I have the modem.elf file.
Following the advice on this thread, I was able to revert to the old versions of these apps back in October, and my phone stayed usable from then until about 2 weeks ago. Suddenly, the "updates" installed themselves (as part of a "critical system update" that I was notified my phone needed, and now, I don't have the option to uninstall the updates (or rather, it uninstalls to another spammy, bloatware version, not to the factory original).
Any ideas on what I can do now? Or is it time to throw this phone in the trash, and get one from a company that doesn't do this?
critical system update
Following the advice on this thread, I was able to revert to the old versions of these apps back in October, and my phone stayed usable from then until about 2 weeks ago. Suddenly, the "updates" installed themselves (as part of a "critical system update" that I was notified my phone needed, and now, I don't have the option to uninstall the updates (or rather, it uninstalls to another spammy, bloatware version, not to the factory original).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have got to be kidding me!
Now Alcatel and McAfee are tricking users into installing their adware/spyware through the use of fake "critical update" patches?
I think it is high time to do a complete breakdown/inspection of the app and do a full public disclosure.
It isn't surprising that Alcatel would infect a users phone with adware/spyware but for a so-called "security" company like McAfee to be involved is both frightening and disturbing.
After 2 weeks of attempts to make it work, after several emails sent to the PoliceDeveloper team, here is my conclusion. This product is malicious or doesn't work.
Notice: I do not work for Samsung nor I've ever worked for PoliceDeveloper. I have no interest at all posting this except warning the next users. I'm simply a guy a bit pissed off by Samsung bloatwares.
Maybe my experience could bring some additional answers to a certain post reported on reddit and named: package_disabler_question.
This app is weird for several reasons explained below:
The developer team doesn't support you. The process is well documented nowhere, even in their emails, really absolutely nowhere. Apparently it doesn't work and when you show them the proof that you are dealing with an installation issue, they don't dare to reply, they simply ignore you or reply with an automated template. Truly disrespectful when you trusted them buying the app on the store.
Their website seems to refer to wrong versions only (based from my own experience). From the Google store, versions sometime work, sometime they doesn't. It was mentioned somewhere (app itself or their website) that you have to install a "PDP engine". When it's done, it still doesn't work, you write to the team and at that moment they state by email you don't need to use it anymore. So why is there a PDP engine to install at the very begining?? And the strangest thing is you don't know at all which tool is doing what, because nothing is explained anywhere.
The tool needs an internet connection, but you don't know what is it for? You guess, seeing what happens on your screen, that Knox validate the license. But is it even a genuine popup? I asked to the team what was this connection requirement for. Strange, after this email, silence from the team until the date I'm sharing my experience here.
Now if it was only about some painful installation and comunication with the dev team, I would only rank it with 3 or 4 stars, complimenting them for the great work. But there is much annoying, the tool maybe does not do what it pretends to do. When you achieve to install it and make it work after several emails, you want to disable some packages, they become indeed displayed in a disabled app list within PackageDisabler, good! But when you check the Android built-in task manager, nothing is in the Android disabled app list. I tried to run one of the recently disabled package and the app can't start. So does it do the job or does it make you think it does... I'm not an Android specialits so I simply asked about this to the team, not a single answer.
They state Samsung is trying to block their app. They just explain that maybe in the purpose to work under the radar sending you an apk by email, and of course you have to give Admin permission to that app. So is it even true Samsung is fighting them? And if it was true, why? You will tell me because they want to protect their juicy bloatware apps. Based on my experience, I'm begining to think maybe Samsung simply tries to protect their platform end users from that app...
I asked for a reimbursement. Yes even for 2$, it doesn't work on my Galaxy S9 so help me or give me my money back. No answer from PoliceDeveloper...
So I let you make your own judgement about all of these.
In my opinion, when you buy an app and ask for what the app needs/does, or simply why it seems not to do what the developer claims, you should get your answers. Otherwise there is something sleazy.
Note: Galaxy S9 Duos - Exynos here...
No problems here. I've been using it for some time and the only problem I've ever had was a minor one that was fixed with a new update.
Tel864 said:
No problems here. I've been using it for some time and the only problem I've ever had was a minor one that was fixed with a new update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
May I know which phone you are using?
yecundha said:
May I know which phone you are using?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
S9, US Snapdragon
Been using on my s9 exynos for 2 months now. Perfect!
I actually bought package disabler pro from the play store couple days ago (s9) and it has worked fine. I found it actually helpful on reading details on apps installed. Giving it admin permission does bother me, but its permanent.
elstano2k7 said:
I actually bought package disabler pro from the play store couple days ago (s9) and it has worked fine. I found it actually helpful on reading details on apps installed. Giving it admin permission does bother me, but its permanent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would guess that for it to interact with other apps or system services it would need admin.
Works fine here on exynos s9 after update. Had bought the original app and they gave me a voucher for the new one.
It works for me but it does look hacky. It acts as a device administrator, like what a corporation might give you as a condition of using the LAN. It can not modify or uninstall apps but it can refuse their use. I would have returned my S9+ if not for this app. Samsung ads were constantly popping up even after two days of trying to get rid of them. The phone was unusable until the bloat was disabled.
kevinmcmurtrie said:
It works for me but it does look hacky. It acts as a device administrator, like what a corporation might give you as a condition of using the LAN. It can not modify or uninstall apps but it can refuse their use. I would have returned my S9+ if not for this app. Samsung ads were constantly popping up even after two days of trying to get rid of them. The phone was unusable until the bloat was disabled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's just a UI for the adb uninstall commands, but backs them up so you can restore them, even the uninstall adb commands don't really uninstall them, you need root for that
working just fine for me, responsive developer (email them and give me the serial number from previous apps.), and no malicious problem here. all green
What apps are recommended to uninstall?
I'm checking now and I can hardly believe how much crap came with this phone. No wonder I couldn't get it to work before. Essentially, I disabled anything that was:
- Running in the background or using data even though I don't use it
- Popping up advertisements (all Samsung apps)
- Location spyware like weather apps and dynamic keyguards
- Bixby everything
- No chance of being needed (this will vary greatly by person)
Briefing, Yelp, Knox Enrollment Service, Galaxy Essentials Service, Galaxy Essentials Widget, Samsung Keyboard, Weather, Samsung Internet, Samsung Billing, SystemUIBixby, Samsung+, Secure your stuff, Secure Folder, Sports, Finance, Bixy Vision, Samsung Themes, Samsung Pay Framework, Samsung Cloud, Autofill with Samsung Pass, Samsung Pass, Samsung Experience Service, Keyguard Wallpaper Updator, Gear VR Service, Game Tools, Game Launcher, Find My Mobile, Secure Wi-Fi, Email, SmartThings, BixyVision Framework, Voice wake-up, Samsung voice input, Bixby Service, Bixby Global Action, Bixby Voice Stub, Bixy Voice, Smart Things, com.samsung.android.app.watch.managerstub, Bixby Home, AirCommandManager, Samsung account, KnoxVpnPacProcessor, Google VR Services, Google, Gmail, Facebook App Installer, Facebook Services, Facebook App Manager, Game Optimizing Service, Dictionary, CNN for Edge Panel
To the op: it needs internet for two reasons. To connect with knox servers to allow the app to do what it does, that's Samsung's requirement. And to verify the license for the actual app, to prevent piracy.
And for why it's not working... You didn't really describe what's happening, so we can't help you... But i mean, a lot of people have a great experience with PDP for samsung devices... I can only assume its user error... Maybe you refuse to Grant it permissions, have a device that's restricted with knox by your employer, or you're rooted (or were)...
Pretty good list.
kevinmcmurtrie said:
...Knox Enrollment Service, Samsung Experience Service, Google
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kinda surprised it still worked after partially disabling the service that makes it possible (knox)... No doubt you're getting some extra cpu drain from the errors that's causing, run a log cat, guarantee you've got a lot errors happening.
And for the Samsung Experience Service, you must be using a third party launcher, because that's essentially touchwiz.
As for Google, don't quite see the benefit of disabling that. It's where google assistant is, and hardly does anything at all in the background.
Otherwise, great list.
Tip for everyone, after disabling apps, run a logcat (google "adb log cat" or download the cat log app) and just look for the words "error", "warning", "failed, "doesn't exist", and "found"... The more time you see any of those, more than likely that means more resources wasted because of missing packages. (Services call on other services, and they tend to cause tantrums when they don't get a response)... Probably a good idea to also do it before disabling anything, to establish a baseline.
I disabled the annoying app that kept asking me to sign up for Knox services. I don't think there's any means to disable Knox itself since it's part of the bootloader. There are plenty of errors spewing in logcat but they all appear to be sloppy code rather than any specific problem.
Nova Launcher Prime replaces Samsung Experience.
Google Search is disabled because I'm not using the search bar and it seems to pre-fetch a LOT in the background. I'm not a fan of Google cross-linking everything in inappropriate ways so I'm not using their apps.
MailDroid Pro replaces Email and GMail.
I noticed that Google now spams your phone's GMail account asking you to use Google apps. There's no opt-out, of course.
Nye-uhls said:
To the op: it needs internet for two reasons. To connect with knox servers to allow the app to do what it does, that's Samsung's requirement. And to verify the license for the actual app, to prevent piracy.
And for why it's not working... You didn't really describe what's happening, so we can't help you... But i mean, a lot of people have a great experience with PDP for samsung devices... I can only assume its user error... Maybe you refuse to Grant it permissions, have a device that's restricted with knox by your employer, or you're rooted (or were)...
Pretty good list.
Kinda surprised it still worked after partially disabling the service that makes it possible (knox)... No doubt you're getting some extra cpu drain from the errors that's causing, run a log cat, guarantee you've got a lot errors happening.
And for the Samsung Experience Service, you must be using a third party launcher, because that's essentially touchwiz.
As for Google, don't quite see the benefit of disabling that. It's where google assistant is, and hardly does anything at all in the background.
Otherwise, great list.
Tip for everyone, after disabling apps, run a logcat (google "adb log cat" or download the cat log app) and just look for the words "error", "warning", "failed, "doesn't exist", and "found"... The more time you see any of those, more than likely that means more resources wasted because of missing packages. (Services call on other services, and they tend to cause tantrums when they don't get a response)... Probably a good idea to also do it before disabling anything, to establish a baseline.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any diference with AdHell 3 when disabling the apps? I'm using AdHell (is free), but I'd like to know if the uninstallation performed by PD is deeper.
Shaglok said:
Any diference with AdHell 3 when disabling the apps? I'm using AdHell (is free), but I'd like to know if the uninstallation performed by PD is deeper.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Adhell 3 uses KNOX, Package Disabler Pro uses ADB
*Detection* said:
Adhell 3 uses KNOX, Package Disabler Pro uses ADB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but sorry for the (surely silly) question. The result is the same? I mean, disabling via ADB is like disabling via Knox? Or one method is better than other?
Enviado desde mi SM-G950F mediante Tapatalk
Shaglok said:
Thanks, but sorry for the (surely silly) question. The result is the same? I mean, disabling via ADB is like disabling via Knox? Or one method is better than other?
Enviado desde mi SM-G950F mediante Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Different methods, same result
*Detection* said:
Adhell 3 uses KNOX, Package Disabler Pro uses ADB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Package Disabler pro on samsung devices also uses Knox, it uses adb for non-samsung devices.
kevinmcmurtrie said:
Nova Launcher Prime replaces Samsung Experience.
Google Search is disabled because I'm not using the search bar and it seems to pre-fetch a LOT in the background. I'm not a fan of Google cross-linking everything in inappropriate ways so I'm not using their apps.
MailDroid Pro replaces Email and GMail.
I noticed that Google now spams your phone's GMail account asking you to use Google apps. There's no opt-out, of course.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well right on, you've got your replacement apps. I couldn't do that personally (even before i got hooked on Google Assistant).
And you can turn off a LOT of the pre-fetching, and the cross linking that the Google app and others do, but of course there will always be some (web and app activity in google account. Others in the google app, like contacts, calendar, call logs, sms, etc)
I'd be interested to know how your battery life compares, because while the Google apps can be... Busy... They do their business in pretty light-weight ways.