I have googled but haven't found answer:
With the use of Magisk one can root his device and yet use Android Pay
but what risks for the user to have his money used by a thief in possession of his rooted smartphone?
You can remotely wipe the device via Android Device Manager..
But no chance that my Android Pay is used before I wipe the device?
EMJI79 said:
But no chance that my Android Pay is used before I wipe the device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What if you removed the card that has been setup from Google Wallet Website?
EMJI79 said:
but what risks for the user to have his money used by a thief in possession of his rooted smartphone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The exact same as a thief in possession of an unrooted phone. The Android Pay root prohibition is a precaution against software security breaches, not physical theft of the phone.
kartikb said:
What if you removed the card that has been setup from Google Wallet Website?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't understand you?
I am worrying that the thief or the people who finds my smartphone uses it before I can wipe the phone.
I rather have it impossible to use my android pay.
I was wondering if Google tried to unable android pay on a rooted phone because it would be too easy for someone else to exploit it.
EMJI79 said:
I don't understand you?
I am worrying that the thief or the people who finds my smartphone uses it before I can wipe the phone.
I rather have it impossible to use my android pay.
I was wondering if Google tried to unable android pay on a rooted phone because it would be too easy for someone else to exploit it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A thief that steals you phone will have the same access as one that steals an unrooted phone.
You need to physically secure your device. This is no different that a bad guy getting hold of your credit card.
This is exactly why a password is required to unlock the phone.
A rooted phone may have data compromised by an application if you grant it root.
This is the issue.
I grant permissions mainly to Titanium Backup and AdAway.
My concern was that someone could use my Android Pay by plugging it to its computer and knowing a little bit of computing.
It seems it isn't the case so I think I'll root the next smartphone I am receiving in a few days.
I also use root to install apps for changing build.prop or dpi/font, if I follow what you say, by denying cellular and wifi access to these apps, I should be safe, right?
I do believe that NFC control and internet access are two separate permission,and so does the process​. Since NFC can work without a SIM,and run on it's own piece of hardware,we can assume that NFC and phone's radio signal have almost nothing to do with one another.All of your credit card information would actually be storred on the NFC hardware encrypted rather than your phone's system. Evidently by the fact that banks and phone companies have been offering NFC stick on accessories for unsupported smartphone.The app only act as a terminal to let you control your NFC hardware.
So in short,NFC is much safer than a normal credit card, information stored by NFC can't be access by any level of phone system access.But a rooted phone might allow others to bypass your screen lock and turn on your NFC.
P/s: build.prop can be edited as easily as using a file manager with root access.Or if you're that lazy just find a zip file and flash it.Any build.prop editing app are essentially scam!!
Along with my regular bank account, I use Simple bank. Simple bank is the only card I use in Android Pay.
Their Android app allows you to block and unblock your card instantly. So I'll keep the card blocked all day everyday until I'm about to use it at a terminal/online/ATM to make a purchase. Once it goes through I block it again immediately. If someone gets ahold of my phone when I don't notice, they can try to use Android Pay, but it won't work since I keep it blocked. See? The only real scenario they could get around that is if they steal my phone out of my hands while I'm in line at a store with security cameras, right after I unblock it. In that situation though, I'd just take out my Nexus 5 (main phone is Nexus 6P) and block it on that since I have it installed on both. Any attempted purchases while blocked will be declined. I also like this method because if my card gets skimmed at an ATM / gas station, I'll see declined purchases on the card without actually losing any money. Then I can just report it as stolen / skimmed and have it deactivated and sent a new one.
Here's a link to the bank app if you want to look into it. You apply right from the app and get an account setup (if approved) within a few business days;
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.banksimple
I should also note that they only recently (less than a week) started supporting Android Pay. They use a partner bank to back them. It used to be Bancorp, but they switched to BBVA Compass. You'll need the BBVA backing bank to use AP. Bancorp is not supported. I believe they switched everyone to the new partner bank & all new customers use them as well, but it might be worth it to look into their support site or call them yourself to be sure.
Magisk is not altering system partition
So your apps actually can't be tampered and people can't get info from apps. The main issue in rooted devices people can get the information stored in app's private database and preferences so what actually Magisk is doing moving or helping the banking apps or apps those need to be run to a more safe place that is safe from outside activities.
Related
My phone was stolen yesterday evening. They turned it off which of course locked the pin, but if they remove the pin, how much of my phones data is accessible including saved passwords on accounts?
Can someone remove their SIM and see what access the phone grants them to accounts stored on the phone, like email etc?
To the best of my knowledge if they pull the sim card they will not be able to access any of it, and I doubt they stole the phone to get into your gmail. If someone stole it for themselves and are able to get past the pin, they will likely wipe it asap. If someone stole it to sell...the same.
Still to be on the safe side you should change your password with Google and any other accounts that could access your credit card info.
Sorry your phone was stolen, but your secrets should be safe.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA Premium App
effgee said:
My phone was stolen yesterday evening. They turned it off which of course locked the pin, but if they remove the pin, how much of my phones data is accessible including saved passwords on accounts?
Can someone remove their SIM and see what access the phone grants them to accounts stored on the phone, like email etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure on the I9000 version but i know I can get at all the info with or without a simcard inserted on the Captivate. I would change your passwords ASAP.
Thanks.
I've already gone ahead and changed my gmail password.
Luckily I wiped recently and didn't have many things installed.
I'm terribly depressed about this situation.
My phone, twas a gift.
Thanks for the advice and help.
When I changed SIM in my Galaxy S, phone asked me to re-enter gmail credentials. Unfortunately your data is not encrypted, so the thief can see your SMS, Skype chats and other things (especially if the phone was rooted). Android really sucks in terms of security
There is a tracker and remote wipe built into the security settings of the SGS but it needs to be activated and set up. A little late for you now but maybe for the future or others. BTW it still works even if the sim is changed and you can use the gps (even if switched off) and Google maps to pinpoint it.
my phone was stolen to, well, they did wipe him just before I used my lookout. damn.
but I also advise you to change some passwords.. just incase.
mrsufgi said:
my phone was stolen to, well, they did wipe him just before I used my lookout. damn.
but I also advise you to change some passwords.. just incase.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use lookout as well - luckily haven't really had to use it yet.
There is an app called 'plan b' which you can install over the air from the market on android.Com/market, it allows you to track your phone but if the have cleared of then your most likely out of luck :/ your sd card will be fully accessible... hope you can manage to get it back
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA Premium App
Kops said:
I use lookout as well - luckily haven't really had to use it yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Afaik that can be uninstalled rather easily. Anyways, it's not really stealthy.
If you really want a stealthy track, lock, and wipe solution try Theft Aware from the market (7 days free) or google it, can be used without root (but root offers better features). Cheaper than Lookout too as it's a one-time fee.
If they steal my phone I could simply wipe it (installed on /system so it survives the wipe), lock it, trace it, anything by simple SMS commands. So even if I couldn't get it back at least I can wipe all data.
Won't help the OP sadly but for others this may be useful.
In really sorry for this incident mate
First I assume that you've changed your google & any email password u have over your device.
Next thing, I want u to make a call to your carrier so they block ur device via restricting the imei.
I had this question in my mind so I added a thread previously.
forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=893247
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk
Rycon said:
Afaik that can be uninstalled rather easily. Anyways, it's not really stealthy.
If you really want a stealthy track, lock, and wipe solution try Theft Aware from the market (7 days free) or google it, can be used without root (but root offers better features). Cheaper than Lookout too as it's a one-time fee.
If they steal my phone I could simply wipe it (installed on /system so it survives the wipe), lock it, trace it, anything by simple SMS commands. So even if I couldn't get it back at least I can wipe all data.
Won't help the OP sadly but for others this may be useful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lookout is a free app. Also, it can be run in "hidden" mode, and you can chose to have it run silently, and only be uninstalled via web .
There are so many SW available ..for lost or stolen phone.
The protection / safeguard features offered by them are impressive.
But, I feel that anyone who can deliberately
Hard Reset the phone installed with these SW
can effectively negate or bypass the protection.
Perhaps there are other ways too which I am not aware of.
Unless there is some form of protection to prevent
this.
Can this be done ? Is there a way to fully protect your
phone from any tampering unless a password is entered ?
Thank you.
I guess not, but I remember having WaveSecure installed on my G1 in the system. If the thief would then wipe your phone, the program is still installed on it. A thief would have to completely install a new rom to wipe off the program. That's the best solution you can get right now I guess, but for that you'll have to be rooted. ( https://www.wavesecure.com/blog/post/turning-on-gps-remotely.aspx )
I don't know if this is possible with other programs, but am actually interested. Anyone knows about a free program that can track / wipe / lock stuff up and installed in the android system?
There is a project called prey which i'm testing. It's free but not (yet) as advanced as some others.
Google on Prey project and it should come up.
Sent from my LG-P990 using XDA App
Escobarretje said:
I guess not, but I remember having WaveSecure installed on my G1 in the system. If the thief would then wipe your phone, the program is still installed on it. A thief would have to completely install a new rom to wipe off the program. That's the best solution you can get right now I guess, but for that you'll have to be rooted. ( https://www.wavesecure.com/blog/post/turning-on-gps-remotely.aspx )
I don't know if this is possible with other programs, but am actually interested. Anyone knows about a free program that can track / wipe / lock stuff up and installed in the android system?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perhaps a solution is to have a Unique ID Key.
Without which the phone cannot be tampered with, rooted, hard reset
or anything be done to it without this Master Key feature.
The Unique ID key should be one off and issued by the manufacturer
for each phone. And this key is required even by the service station
to open the phone. If the phone is sold by the owner then he
can provide the ID key to the buyer with a small test feature
embedded within for the buyer to verify if key is the right one.
This may help in some ways as the thief would then be forced to
return the phone to the owner for some monetary consideration
rather than be stuck with a brick.
Today's smart phones contain a lot of information and data potential
and these could be much more valuable ( to the owner ) than
the phone itself. And many more new capabilities are being
introduced such as e wallet and e credit cards etc.
And it is not convenient always to update/backup the data on to a PC etc.
The data on the SD card is not an issue as it can always
be saved after encryption.
Read recently that in UK a phone is stolen every 12 seconds.
I am sure the figures for stolen phones are high in other countries too.
I am using Theft Aware.
It is NOT overwritten by a hard reset.
It can only be overwritten by installing a new ROM which is a significant additional protection against the average thief.
It does not require an internet connection (remotely controlled by SMS)
It only costs 3€.
It works flawlessly on my Optimus 2X.
I have successfully tested most of the features.
The only disadvantage is that I have to reconfigure it after each ROM update.
luik said:
I am using Theft Aware.
The only disadvantage is that I have to reconfigure it after each ROM update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But it doesn't take long to reconfigure. I agree Theft Aware is excellent on the O2X.
I use Ceberus on mine and androidlost on by backup defy. Ceberus has more features
In case you didn't know, Google has silently implemented FREE tracking for almost all androids. It also allows you to erase the phone if you feel that it's necessary, all you have to do is enable it as a device admin. I realize there have been apps on the market for a long time now that do this (and more) however Google doesn't require you to install or update any apps to use this service and from my brief testing it seems to work amazingly well right off the bat.
Go here and bookmark: https://www.google.com/android/devicemanager
it's about time they did this. i've hated having to install lookout or avast for decent location and remote wipe. now, that is more. further proof why you don't need an AV on your phone.
The only thing missing that I would like to see in future updates would be the ability to remotely lock the device so that a thief would have a harder time fooling around with the phone before you can track it. I've been using Where's My Droid for a long time but it lost the web interface tracking a while ago and that's been a bummer.
Is there any way to uninstall this useless feature? I never use GPS in my phone (because of the horrible reception, also because I am able to navigate without it), and also do not lose it.
Also, I already encrypted my device, so people can't do anything with it when they find it.
Also, whilst I am at it, I really do not like the way google forces their "content" down the wide opened throat of the community. I did not like the way they went with google services framework, and how you can't do jack sh*t without it, and I do not like the updates and "progression" they make.
Soo, any idea on how to get that off my phone?
Cheers!
PS: Everything I wrote is my own opinion, and if yours differs, at least RESPECT mine. If not, I could not care less about yours and do not get upset if I make fun of it. (Just in case some fanboy tries to attack me )
IRKONIK said:
Is there any way to uninstall this useless feature? I never use GPS in my phone (because of the horrible reception, also because I am able to navigate without it), and also do not lose it.
Also, I already encrypted my device, so people can't do anything with it when they find it.
Also, whilst I am at it, I really do not like the way google forces their "content" down the wide opened throat of the community. I did not like the way they went with google services framework, and how you can't do jack sh*t without it, and I do not like the updates and "progression" they make.
Soo, any idea on how to get that off my phone?
Cheers!
PS: Everything I wrote is my own opinion, and if yours differs, at least RESPECT mine. If not, I could not care less about yours and do not get upset if I make fun of it. (Just in case some fanboy tries to attack me )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can disable the google play services in a custom ROM (i think it's built-in to android 4.2.2) but it'll break the YouTube app, and as you said, you're limited without it. as far as like older ROMs go (ICS, GB, etc.), the app isn't built-in and you can uninstall it.
I personally find google play services somewhat useful (especially now with the ADM), and i use YouTube occasionally so i need it for that, but we all have our own opinions, as you said, and I'd personally like to keep things civil.
and if you hate the services that much, you can actually reflash the ROM you're using without Gapps. it will be a limited experience, but the Play Services won't be there
IRKONIK said:
Is there any way to uninstall this useless feature? I never use GPS in my phone (because of the horrible reception, also because I am able to navigate without it), and also do not lose it.
Also, I already encrypted my device, so people can't do anything with it when they find it.
Also, whilst I am at it, I really do not like the way google forces their "content" down the wide opened throat of the community. I did not like the way they went with google services framework, and how you can't do jack sh*t without it, and I do not like the updates and "progression" they make.
Soo, any idea on how to get that off my phone?
Cheers!
PS: Everything I wrote is my own opinion, and if yours differs, at least RESPECT mine. If not, I could not care less about yours and do not get upset if I make fun of it. (Just in case some fanboy tries to attack me )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Other than what was already said I don't think there's a way to remove it, but just look at it this way... it doesn't take up any space and won't just activate by itself, so it's really not inconveniencing you in any way. I understand you don't want to be force-fed features that you don't want, and I absolutely respect that, but for many (myself included) this was a long overdue feature that will no doubt help many many users. This kinda stuff comes with the territory of owning a 'connected' device like a smartphone, so if you really want to get off the grid, just go back to a dumb-phone (yes they still exist).
Sorry for the "rant", but these updates cost me money, since I don't have a flatrare on my phone. (And Android OS still uses my data, whilst I have it turned off. Which is strange)
I actually do own "a few" dumb phones, one for calling, one for getting called, one for SMS.
So I am off grid, at least a little bit.
I actually never understood that feature. As I stated above, I am not the kind of person that loses stuff (OK, maybe sometimes my manners ) nor did I ever had something stolen from me. People tried, but never succeeded.
I am looking forward to Replicant, so I can finally shove my middle finger up Googles fat back-ends (of the wafer. Also it is somehow connected to the fat file system. Not what you thought )
Some day.. Soon.
IRKONIK said:
Sorry for the "rant", but these updates cost me money, since I don't have a flatrare on my phone. (And Android OS still uses my data, whilst I have it turned off. Which is strange)
I actually do own "a few" dumb phones, one for calling, one for getting called, one for SMS.
So I am off grid, at least a little bit.
I actually never understood that feature. As I stated above, I am not the kind of person that loses stuff (OK, maybe sometimes my manners ) nor did I ever had something stolen from me. People tried, but never succeeded.
I am looking forward to Replicant, so I can finally shove my middle finger up Googles fat back-ends (of the wafer. Also it is somehow connected to the fat file system. Not what you thought )
Some day.. Soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Replicant is available for the galaxysmtd (international galaxy s). it's not fully functional though, because there aren't a ton of open-source libraries and drivers available. if you want replicant on this phone, you gotta learn how to code, and how to build from source.
supernexus is kinda like replicant except it uses a lot of closed-source libraries that make things work. as i said, just don't flash the google apps package. it's basically a clone of the Nexus firmware, as you get all the AOSP components, nothing more or less. oh and also, very minimal google integration without Gapps
How does it work
So does Android Device Manager track the phone or tablet by the hardware signature or by Google account? I ask because I lost my Nexus 7 last Monday and immediately changed my Google Account password. Now when I try to track the Nexus 7 using Android Device Manager it shows that it has not been used since last Monday.
Capt-Capsaicin said:
So does Android Device Manager track the phone or tablet by the hardware signature or by Google account? I ask because I lost my Nexus 7 last Monday and immediately changed my Google Account password. Now when I try to track the Nexus 7 using Android Device Manager it shows that it has not been used since last Monday.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hardware i reckon, when i used this it let's me choose which device I've used with my Google account. It sees phone as different again when I've flashed a new ROM.
Crawshayi said:
In case you didn't know, Google has silently implemented FREE tracking for almost all androids. It also allows you to erase the phone if you feel that it's necessary, all you have to do is enable it as a device admin. I realize there have been apps on the market for a long time now that do this (and more) however Google doesn't require you to install or update any apps to use this service and from my brief testing it seems to work amazingly well right off the bat.
Go here and bookmark: https://www.google.com/android/devicemanager
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CM Team Announces CyanogenMod Account For Remote Device Wipe/Tracking, Dual-Release Branches For Better Security
Posted by Ryan Whitwam in News
http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/0...ng-dual-release-branches-for-better-security/
CM guys still finding ways to 1-up google android :silly:
.
Google Wallet on the Nexus 5 uses HCE (host card emulation) which puts the secure element "in the cloud" instead of a physical secure element on the phone. The old way with the secure element on the phone works fine without network connectivity because once provisioned it is exactly like an NFC credit card. On the Nexus 5 if your PIN has timed out and you're not connected to the internet then Wallet won't even let you open it, but if you have a long PIN timeout you can still use Wallet without internet connectivity.
Has anyone tried Google Wallet on the Nexus 5 without network connectivity? I'm wondering if this works because there is no secure element in the phone anymore, and it's emulated by software/cloud. I haven't gotten a chance to visit a store with NFC since I got my N5, just wondering if anyone has tried it.
On another note HCE sounds less secure than a secure element. If software is emulating a card, what's to stop a well written piece of malware from abusing it? Especially on a rooted phone or using some exploit for the app to gain root access on its own?
Basically, it sounds like Secure Element was technically a much better solution than HCE. The carriers and OEMs restricted access to it, but so was Google in their setup. It would have been better if they fixed THAT system. If carriers and OEMs can change the security policy to the Secure Element what's to stop them from disabling HCE?
I'd be interested in the answer to this as well. I used the n5 at CVS the other day and it worked perfectly but my signal was good at the time .
Honestly since the gnex days I've been so paranoid about the hardware secure element becoming bricked that I barely used it on the n4 due to constantly flashing new Roms. I don't even know of the n4 suffered from that problem but I always reset the wallet from within the app before reflashing.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
pedxing said:
I'd be interested in the answer to this as well. I used the n5 at CVS the other day and it worked perfectly but my signal was good at the time .
Honestly since the gnex days I've been so paranoid about the hardware secure element becoming bricked that I barely used it on the n4 due to constantly flashing new Roms. I don't even know of the n4 suffered from that problem but I always reset the wallet from within the app before reflashing.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those secure elements sure are finicky! I don't understand why the brick. Apparently they brick if they think they are being tampered with, but why not just securely erase themselves instead of bricking? That way they can be re-provisioned instead of ruining a part of a $700 phone like what happened in my Note 2. I wasn't even flashing ROMs when it bricked. I was on a custom ROM and it was working great. I hadn't flashed a ROM in months and then one day I opened wallet and it instantly crashed. Kept crashing on start, so I wiped data and re-loaded it. Google Wallet never activated on that phone ever again. Always failed.
So no SE to brick is a nice thing about HCE, but just making the SE not brick-able would've been better. Requiring network connectivity (if it does) is a big fail. And it definitely does require network connectivity to enter the PIN in if it has timed out. I keep it at 15 minutes because I don't want someone stealing my phone and using it to buy ****.
Just tested it and I can confirm it does in fact work without internet connectivity. I put my PIN in to unlock it and then turned airplane mode on and then NFC back on by itself. Put my phone to the reader and the transaction went through. Then I turned on my internet and it downloaded the details. So if you don't mind the lack of security or if you use a passcode on the whole phone then you can set the timeout for wallet to never and not worry about needing internet when you want to use it to pay.
petard said:
Basically, it sounds like Secure Element was technically a much better solution than HCE. The carriers and OEMs restricted access to it, but so was Google in their setup. It would have been better if they fixed THAT system. If carriers and OEMs can change the security policy to the Secure Element what's to stop them from disabling HCE?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Part of the reason is that the Secure Element was such a prissy *****. Flashing a ROM, even a stock ROM, without first uninstalling wallet would immediately "brick" it and render it unusable. It's like your front door key not working if you changed your pants where you put your keys in.
harveydent said:
Part of the reason is that the Secure Element was such a prissy *****. Flashing a ROM, even a stock ROM, without first uninstalling wallet would immediately "brick" it and render it unusable. It's like your front door key not working if you changed your pants where you put your keys in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right, but they could probably make/configure secure elements to ERASE instead of BRICK when they think they're being tampered with.
Either way, HCE for Wallet works offline. It just now requires you to be online to enter your PIN in. Wish they'd change that.
petard said:
Right, but they could probably make/configure secure elements to ERASE instead of BRICK when they think they're being tampered with.
Either way, HCE for Wallet works offline. It just now requires you to be online to enter your PIN in. Wish they'd change that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They probably assume that legitimate implementations are "correct", and interpret anything unusual as a hacking attempt. If you're trying to exploit the SE but it bricks every time you try something, it will be an expensive endeavor. If it can't be reset, you cannot programmatically fuzz the protocol.
$0.02
First, I'm just in shock t here's a phone that can't be rooted. It just blows my mind and really, I'm saddened by it. It totally defeats the original idea behind Android - a device that people can root, voiding their warranty, develop - A lot of Amateur dev'd features have been incorporated into Android as it's grown over the years, and modify. Even the Judicial system said end users have the right to do what they want to their device and void the warranty at their own discretion.
However, even if it does ever actually come out and even if VZW DOES carry it and even if I could afford it, which I doubt, I really like th Z force, from what I've seen and read.
So how are you guys who have always used rooted, mod'd devices living without root??
I guess I can learn to give up most of my root required apps, begrudgingly, but TB?? How could I ever transfer my apps and data (MUST have data transferred too) without root??
What about bloatware? It's like giving up sex for me to give up root. Aaaauuuggghhhhh
HipKat said:
First, I'm just in shock t here's a phone that can't be rooted. It just blows my mind and really, I'm saddened by it. It totally defeats the original idea behind Android - a device that people can root, voiding their warranty, develop - A lot of Amateur dev'd features have been incorporated into Android as it's grown over the years, and modify. Even the Judicial system said end users have the right to do what they want to their device and void the warranty at their own discretion.
However, even if it does ever actually come out and even if VZW DOES carry it and even if I could afford it, which I doubt, I really like th Z force, from what I've seen and read.
So how are you guys who have always used rooted, mod'd devices living without root??
I guess I can learn to give up most of my root required apps, begrudgingly, but TB?? How could I ever transfer my apps and data (MUST have data transferred too) without root??
What about bloatware? It's like giving up sex for me to give up root. Aaaauuuggghhhhh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's several Android devices that cannot be rooted, certainly ones designed for Verizon (Droids)
Sent from my Moto Razr M using Tapatalk
sd_shadow said:
There's several Android devices that cannot be rooted, certainly ones designed for Verizon (Droids)
Sent from my Moto Razr M using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True that, but I'm not interested in those lol
HipKat said:
True that, but I'm not interested in those lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well for me the biggest difference is I used to use Playstation controllers, so I had to switch to a gamesir g3s which is the same size and shape but does not require root. Nothing else I do requires root so Im perfectly fine not having it. I miss mhl far more than root since I used it a lot with a bluetooth keyboard and mouse with chrome remote desktop, but I bought a laptop to eliminate that.
I'm really missing the following apps:
Titanium Backup
Ad Blockers that actually work well (AdAway, MinMinGuard, UnbelovedHosts)
Viper4Android
File Browsers that can access the entire filesystem (allowing me to debloat stock apps, among other things).
I can partially work around the ad blockers thing by spending a few extra bucks to purchase some apps that I don't use often enough to have already warranted a purchase, and using DNS66 for non-secure uses (a less than optimal solution, since I can't trust some random server on the internet which could theoretically hit me with a MITM attack...I turn it off whenever security is a concern).
There really is no good workaround for TiBu, V4A, or root file explorers.
But the benefits are that I can now use Android Pay, and don't need to fight with SnapChat every time I need to log back in.
The negatives far outweigh the benefits, and I don't want to ever buy a non-rootable phone again. GFY Verizon.
sn00gan said:
I'm really missing the following apps:
Titanium Backup
Ad Blockers that actually work well (AdAway, MinMinGuard, UnbelovedHosts)
Viper4Android
File Browsers that can access the entire filesystem (allowing me to debloat stock apps, among other things).
I can partially work around the ad blockers thing by spending a few extra bucks to purchase some apps that I don't use often enough to have already warranted a purchase, and using DNS66 for non-secure uses (a less than optimal solution, since I can't trust some random server on the internet which could theoretically hit me with a MITM attack...I turn it off whenever security is a concern).
There really is no good workaround for TiBu, V4A, or root file explorers.
But the benefits are that I can now use Android Pay, and don't need to fight with SnapChat every time I need to log back in.
The negatives far outweigh the benefits, and I don't want to ever buy a non-rootable phone again. GFY Verizon.
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That's what I wanted to hear. Guess I'll have to pass on this one. No Backup, or V4A is not acceptable for me
The only complaint that I have is that some of the pre-installed apps are not able to be uninstalled. theres 4? or so that I can't get rid of
This is my first non-rootable phone and I have mixed feelings about that. As a stock platform, the Z Force is a great phone and does almost all that I could ask for from a pocket computer. I love having stock Android and like having WiFi calling, though it's a pain to switch back and forth: go into airplane mode, then switch WiFi on to make WiFi calls. Of course, you have to remember to turn airplane mode off when you get back into service.
I also miss Titanium Backup and the ability to completely remove apps I have no interest in having on my phone. All things being equal, I find that I can live without root on this phone. Battery life is great, it's fast, and it gets frequent and regular updates.
Really, no root?
So I just as well stay with my old rooted Droid Turbo. I came here thinking its time I look for a newer Motorola phone, that I can root.
What if I buy an unlocked Z Force? Can it be rooted then?
It seems that the regular Moto Z can be rooted according to this thread:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-z/how-to/guide-how-to-root-moto-z-supersu-t3551113
So why can the Force not also be rooted?
Stuck with VZW Malware
I'd like to add to my original list of complaints about not having root.
The topic: AppFlash
Verizon now pushes the AppFlash malware onto every Android device. Without root, it can not be removed properly. I tried to disable the app via Settings, and it "uninstalled" an "update" so now AppFlash doesn't appear in the Apps list, but I still get messages that "AppFlash has crashed" multiple times per day. I work in an area with minimal cell service and no GPS service, and I strongly supect that it's AppFlash that's trying to spy on me, which is causing my phone to be constantly seeking location via GPS and draining my battery. It's only the last month or two that I've noticed it being this bad, and that does seem to correspond with the time that people started reporting the latest wave of AppFlash installations.
Make no bones about it, this is spyware, pushed by Verizon, that tracks your location, calls home to report everything ELSE they've spied on you as well, drains battery rapidly, and can not be removed!
This was the final straw, Verizon. I'm going to move back to iPhone (at least VZW can't crap up iOS too badly, like they can with Android) and then convince my wife to finally fire those VZW bums and switch to T-Mobile or Google Fi.
sn00gan said:
I'd like to add to my original list of complaints about not having root.
The topic: AppFlash
Verizon now pushes the AppFlash malware onto every Android device. Without root, it can not be removed properly. I tried to disable the app via Settings, and it "uninstalled" an "update" so now AppFlash doesn't appear in the Apps list, but I still get messages that "AppFlash has crashed" multiple times per day. I work in an area with minimal cell service and no GPS service, and I strongly supect that it's AppFlash that's trying to spy on me, which is causing my phone to be constantly seeking location via GPS and draining my battery. It's only the last month or two that I've noticed it being this bad, and that does seem to correspond with the time that people started reporting the latest wave of AppFlash installations.
Make no bones about it, this is spyware, pushed by Verizon, that tracks your location, calls home to report everything ELSE they've spied on you as well, drains battery rapidly, and can not be removed!
This was the final straw, Verizon. I'm going to move back to iPhone (at least VZW can't crap up iOS too badly, like they can with Android) and then convince my wife to finally fire those VZW bums and switch to T-Mobile or Google Fi.
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How is the iPhone working out on Fi?
htcSlide said:
How is the iPhone working out on Fi?
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Haha, I know, right? Reading comprehension can be hard.
As I said, my plan was to FIRST move back to an iPhone, THEN switch to T-Mobile OR Google Fi (the implication being, that when changing networks, one must obviously either have or obtain compatible hardware). Unfortunately, in my area only VZW has reliable 4G coverage without dead zones in the places where we need service the most. The wife has put her foot down about switching networks for the time being.
At least my iPhone, while older, still has the most recent version of iOS and is unencumbered by Verizon's malware. It's a reasonable compromise at the moment.
Since Z Force seems to be non-rootable, does it mean that camera2 api support level on the phone cannot be improved?
Or is there any way to enable Camera2 API Without Root on this phone?
also, can someone PLEASE help me on this QUERY...
What is Camera2 API support level on Moto Z FORCE
https://forum.xda-developers.com/z-force/themes/camera2-api-support-level-moto-z-force-t3863829
Its so sad not to have root on a very capable device like the Z force